Episode 16 - The House Always Wins (The Unfinished Part, Part 2) - Part 3

#Al and Ricky crowd Wes at his table, Eliza has gone off somewhere

Alan: Ya’ gotta’ man up buddy, ya’ just gotta’.
Wes: Man up? Man up!? I’m well in touch with my masculinity thank you very much Al.
Ricky: Then why won’t you go for it with Elizabeth?
Wes: …
Alan: Aha! Ya’ see? You need help buddy, an’ I’m here to present to you Plan R.
Wes: Oh not these plans again…

#The Desert Cats sit Tammy down back in their room

Kim: It’s for your own good Tammy, trust us-your fellow felines.
Tammy: (Sigh) Whatever.
Hay-Hay: Alright, here we go again… Erm, Kimmy, sure you wanna’ use this specific test?
Kim: Sure.
Hay-Hay: Alright then… There’s a new faction in town, though they don’t seem that talented. You lose a race to them but only because of their incompetence and inability to let you lap them… What do you do?
Tammy: What are my options?
Hay-Hay: You don’t have any-freelance answer.
Tammy: Fine, I get out the car, walk over to them, impale their face on their windscreen wiper and put their knee in their open door and slam it shut, shattering their entire knee cap forever.
Kim, Hay-Hay and Stace: …
Tammy: What?
Kim: I miss Ali.

#An elderly man is stood in a circle of other people who are sat down, support circle style. He speaks

Ronald: And now I have finally moved on with that part of my life. I’m no longer blaming other people and assaulting them for what happened. It was my responsibility, my fault that I… accidentally… shot my wife. Not once, but twice… and another time after that… I only hope she can forgive me. Thank you.
(Everyone claps)
Sean: Thank you Ronald, I’m pleased to see you’ve come a great way with us since our last meeting. And you’ve only shot her them three times in the last month? That’s a new low record! And that’s terrific news! I wish her yet another speedy recovery.

#Cuts to Ali, sat in the circle, with young Ellie sat shyly by her side

Sean: Now then, Alicia, always a pleasure to see you.
Ali: You too Sean.
Sean: So tell the group how you’ve been getting on this month. Please, take a stand if you wish, we all know you like to be diplomatic.
(Small laughter)
Ali: Hehe, thanks.

#Ali takes the stand

Ali: Well, where do I begin? The racing was over some time ago, so I haven’t been getting any road rage lately. Of course me and the girls are always still together so my aggression comes into play at times. I’ve only kicked two people in the face lately… though one of them was yesterday…
Sean: And why did you do that Alicia?
Ali: It was my friend’s brother’s girlfriend’s brother, and he was calling me soft when I was trying to cool him and my friend’s brother down when they were arguing in front of their niece, who’s here with me today-supporting me. (Smiles at Ellie)
(Ellie smiles back)
Sean: I see. Well two is a dramatic improvement compared to our last meeting, we’re finally in single digits.
Ali: Well yesterday was actually in the stomach instead of the face for once. I have however been grabbing people by the neck more often, I’m afraid to say.

#Charles – an angry middle-aged man is scowling in Ali's direction

(A single sigh from the crowd)
Ali: What was that Charlie?
Sean: I-ignore him Alicia. Charles, wait your turn.
Charlie: What!? I’m sorry but am I the only person here who thinks a bullshit meeting isn’t gonna’ help this woman?
Sean: Now Charles, watch your language-there’s a child with us today.
Ali: Say Charlie, how’s your cousin doing? After you ran her over with that combine harvester? Bet she can’t screw around with her husband’s lawyer anymore with them crippled legs. They must be two dimensional by now, right?
Charlie: What was that!?
Ali: You heard me.
Charlie: You BITCH!

#Charles gets up to charge Ali, Sean stands up also and intervenes

Sean: Woah, calm down now Charles.

#Charlie punches Sean out of the way

Charlie: Fuck you!
Sean: OW!

#A series of scenes – Ali punches Charlie back, who falls onto another person seated, they punch Charlie also. Another person rises up and attacks the person who hit Charlie. All until the only ones left standing are Ali, Ellie and Sean has stood up again. Ronald, however, is still sat perfectly untouched as he was

Sean: … I give up on you all. Go. Now.
Ronald: But we haven’t covered the time my wife accidentally slipped on the chainsaw I left switched on lying on the kitchen floor.
Sean: I SAID GO!

#The group besides Ali and Ellie leave the room with looks of disappointment

Ronald: That reminds me, I wonder if she remembered to go to the shops today… Hoping her leg didn’t come off again overnight.

#Ali attempts to make amends with a black eyed, unhappy Sean

Ali: … I’m sorry Sean.
Sean: Save it, Alicia. I don’t want to hear it anymore.
Ali: I understand…

#Ali hugs Sean out of nowhere

Ali: Thank you for what you’ve taught me though. I might still get hot-headed and violent, but now I no longer do it for no reason. I owe that to you. However you cut it, I’m a changed girl now, and I have no one else to thank but you.

#Ali and Ellie leave the room, high spirited. Sean is left stood lonesome

Sean: Well… At least that counts for something. Now my life’s a success, I can end it. That’s the only reason I made this group to start with-have someone thank me for making an impact on their lives so I can end mine as a savior. I hate this world, but I wanted to make it a tiny bit better of a place before I departed.

#Sean pulls out a small handgun from under his shirt and holds it to his head

Sean: My little secret…

#Ali and Ellie exit out onto the street

Ellie: Really Ali? Your temper’s gone?
Ali: Of course not, I just wanted Sean to feel like a success, so he didn’t feel like he’s been wasting his life all along.
(Gunshot)
Ellie: That was really nice of you Ali.
Ali: Hey, I’m nice to those who deserve it. I’m sure he’ll truly save someone in need in the near future, that man’s going to go far in life, I just know it…

#The Desert Cats still surround Tammy, at their wits' end

Kim: That… (Sigh) Hay-Hay, last desperate measures please.
Hay-Hay: Alrighty… Stace?
Stace: Here you go Tammy, read up!
Tammy: What the hell’s this!? You dorkifyin’ me?
Kim: Just read the damn book.
Tammy: Fine!

#The Desert Cats all turn their backs to Tammy and whisper in a circle

Stace: Once she’s read that, she should be the geeky kitten again?
Kim: Yup, that’s the sole purpose of The Desert Cat Manual, Volume K. K for Kitten.
Hay-Hay: I hope it works, ‘cause if it doesn’t, all we’ll have left to do is make her the fantasy-minded Mikey-clone of Tammy again.

#Tammy left alone, deep into the book

Tammy: Hmmm, so if T is proportional to the inverse square root of K cubed whilst if cross-referenced with Q is three over two times the size of it provided that it is chained to a fourth factor of R making it no more than seven times greater than H, then that means that… T must also be the duplicate representative of D which is universally known as six point zero nine one which if halved is a sixth of the Elite Incline Constant so if that were then divided by six and then put into the quadratic formula as B when K is A and H is C, then that should all cancel out leaving only the solemn value of U which is one! I DID IT! I SOLVED SOLOMON’S THEOREM FOR MASS QUANTUM HARMONIZING IN A QUALITY AUDITED RADIATION CHAMBER!… It was simple, really.

#Miles greets Robbie and Woody outside on the street, as he passes by with the woman he flirted with the day before by his side

Robert: Did what?
Miles: Cleared out the trunk, so Keith can put his stuff in it when we go back home.
Keith: Yes!
Robert: … What did you do with your “spare parts”?
Miles: Gave ‘em to a friend who has a… spares and repairs service, shall we say. He could make more use of the stuff than me. Now, I can finally enjoy my time up here, so I shall see you later.

#Miles and the woman leave, bumping into the Ralph look-a-like

Man: Oh! Sorry, I do apologise for not looking where I was walking.
Miles: It’s cool.

#Miles and the woman depart, Fake Ralph looks on

Man: Yeah, it is.
Miles: So, my dear, where to tonight?

#Ant alone in his room

(Gentle knocking on the door)
Ant: Whoever it is, go away please.
(Gentle knocking again)
Ant: Leave me alone please!

#Ant answers the door – Hannah is there

Hannah: Is everything ok?
Ant: Hannah?… What are you doing here?
Hannah: I finally got off the desk for a few hours. I wanted to see how you were, you were quite upset this morning.
Ant: I’m fine, really. Don’t worry about me.

#Ant goes to close the door, but Hannah puts her arm through the opening to stop him

Hannah: You sure?
Ant: … Is this part of your job description? Taking care of the personal issues of strangers? Especially out of working hours?
Hannah: Well you’re a guest, and I was appointed to be your personal assistant. It’s customary in this hotel, remember? That’s why we’ve had a five moon rating review in Trans-Marvegan Travel Monthly for the sixteenth month in a row. And also, I still can’t shake the feeling I know you from somewhere… I don’t know, I guess I have a soft spot for you.
Ant: …
Hannah: … If you’d prefer, I can just leave you alone. I don’t want to intrude, I know where I’m not wanted… I’m sorry.

#Hannah begins walking away, but Ant steps out of the door and calls out to her

Ant: Wait… Would you… Stay a little while?

#Hannah turns around, nods, and enters the room. They both sit down together

Hannah: (Smiles)
Ant: So… You think you know me, huh?
Hannah: (Nods)
Ant: … Where you from?
Hannah: Well I’m Denlo-Marvegan. Spent most of my time in Denland when I was younger.
Ant: Denland? Whereabouts?
Hannah: All over really… Lystow, Selford, Cramham, Neath…
Ant: Neath? Cramham?
Hannah: Yeah.
Ant: Did you go to Neath Comprehensive school?
Hannah: No.
Ant: Cramham College?
Hannah: No.
Ant: … I’m pretty certain you don’t know me then. They’re the only places I met anyone, and I didn’t exactly stick around in Denland much after that.
Hannah: I feel like I’ve seen you more recently. I’m not sure why, but when I saw you, I…

#Hannah stares quite quizzically at Ant

Ant: What?
Hannah: I felt something… In the back of my mind… In my chest… I’m not sure what it was exactly. A fond memory? A bad memory?… Something.

#Hannah leans in closer

Ant: I really don’t know what you’re gettin’ at.
Hannah: All those things you’ve said yesterday, flattering me, all those nice things…
Ant: … What can I say? I like to charm and flatter. Just spreadin’ a bit of happiness around, keep people content an’ all that.
Hannah: It felt more than that. Do you…

#Hannah kisses Ant softly, then pulls away

Ant: (Closes eyes tight, then opens them again) What just happened?
Hannah: Oh no…

#Hannah runs out of the room in a panic

Hannah: I’m sorry!

#Ant is left bewildered, sat down still

Ant: … Why? Just, why? Why does Alterra play these games?

#Mikey now comforts Chrissie

Chrissie: I thought this was going to be fun but…
(Knock on the door)
Chrissie: Get it for me please, Mikey?

#Mikey answers the door to Tammy

Mikey: No! Nooooooo!
Tammy: Mikey please don’t be scared!
Mikey: Go away! Please, don’t hurt me!
Tammy: Mikey! I-
Mikey: (Eyes start watering) WHY!?

#Tammy force-hugs Mikey into silence and submission

Mikey: … Huh?
Tammy: (Smiles) I’m sorry… for earlier. It wasn’t me, I don’t know what came over me but I… couldn’t stop. Can you ever forgive me?
Mikey: …

#The two young hooligans rejoice

Mikey and Tammy: Yaaaaaaaay!

#Chrissie in the background, envying their happiness and simplicity

Chrissie: I feel so lonely now.

#Tim has somehow joined Robbie and Woody to hang out

Tim: Maybe lonely is good, maybe it is.
Keith: Don’t be like that! It could be worse!
Tim: I’m stuck here with YOU TWO. How could it be worse!?
Robert: Well, there’s always worse company out there…

#Al and Ricky still chatting to themselves

Alan: He has us.
Ricky: Of course he does.
Alan: If he needs help, we’d be there for honest support, wouldn’t we? Joking aside.
Ricky: Sure.
Alan: Like, if he had a real serious problem. Such as…
Ricky: … (Laughs) XS is too big a size.
(Alan and Ricky laugh)
Alan: No, no I’m serious. Like uhm… (Laughs) I’m sorry, I forgot what I was gonna’ say now!

#Close-up of Wes in serious mode

Wes: I don’t know what I want to say Eliza… But when I see you, something inside tells me just how beautiful you are. I think you’re amazing and the last thing I want in this world is to see you hurt. I care about you so much and… (Sigh) I’m crazy about you. Do you feel the same way?

#Camera pans – shows he was looking in a mirror and is not with Eliza

Wes: How difficult is it to say that to her face? Jeez.

#Eliza enters the room in perfect timing

Wes: Eliza!
Eliza: Hi… Were you just talking to yourself?
Wes: No…

#Daryl and Buddy in yet another bar, Daryl staring off away from Buddy

Bystander: Am I talkin’ to myself here!?
Daryl: Of course not! I’m just… Y’know what? We’ve been standin’ around talkin’ for way too long. Time to put somethin’ into action.

#Daryl walks away from Buddy

Bystander: Where are you goin’!?

#Daryl approaches a woman in the crowd from behind

Daryl: Hey there good lookin’. Fancy a dance?

#Woman turns around, looks shocked to see Daryl

Woman: Daryl!? Oh wow… I’ve been looking for you for so long!
Daryl: Cammie!?

#Cammie hugs Daryl tightly

Cammie: Oh Daryl! It’s been too long!

#Cammie pulls back slightly from the hug but keeps hands on Daryl

Daryl: I don’t understand… Where’ve you been all these years?
Cammie: It took a long time, but I pulled through. Though you were nowhere to be found when I went back there to that place…
Daryl: I thought I lost you.
Cammie: You’ll never lose me honey. “‘Til death do us part”, remember?

#Daryl and Cammie kiss. As Daryl pulls back, Cammie is now Deidre

Deidre: Wow! You’re fast to move on aren’t you?
Daryl: Dee!?
Deidre: Yes Daryl. Now where the fuck have you been all these months? You just abandoned me and Ryan, your own son! For what? Does family mean ANYTHING to you or Maxwell!?

#Daryl turns and quickly hurries away, the woman is now back to a random stranger

Daryl: I gotta’ go.
Woman: Hey wait! I didn’t catch your name!

#Daryl blows right by Buddy without stopping

Bystander: Buddy? What’s the-
Daryl: Gotta’ go!

#Fake Ralph watches Daryl leave again, accompanied by another unknown associate

Man: So Daryl… It’s been a while.

#Ant and Leo, quite the pair, walking down a busy central street together

Leo: You’re right, it’s been too long since I had a good drink!
Ant: Same here. Let’s go get pissed.
Leo: Oh, I wanted to go to the casino too, if that’s alright?
Ant: Sure! We can go there first if ya’ like?
Leo: Great! Make more money for booze then!
Ant: Sounds like a plan.

#Tim still with Robbie and Woody

Tim: Sure it’s a plan! I don’t need Billie, right?… Right?
Robert: Sure.
Keith: Totally! You should go to a club! Meet some women!

#Eliza relaxing on the bed, Wes stood beside her

Wes: You have me cracked up as some guy who wants to go out with lots of women.
Eliza: I don’t know, just go out and have some fun!
Wes: What about you?
Eliza: I’ll be fine here. Kieran might still be looking for me out there.
Wes: Then come with me, I’ll protect you.
Eliza: … Wes…
Wes: What?
Eliza: What you said earlier, when he showed up… Were you…
Wes: Was I what?
Eliza: … Nevermind. Enjoy yourself.

#Wes quietly obeys and leaves the room

Wes: Was she trying to get rid of me or something?

#Mikey and Tammy now have Chrissie sat down for a..... 'Hart to Hart'

Chrissie: I hope he doesn’t think I want rid of him.
Mikey: Do you think he does?
Tammy: Do you think he wants rid of you?
Chrissie: I don’t know…

#Chrissie gets up and leaves the room

Mikey: Where are you going?
Chrissie: I don’t want to bring you two down with me. I need my gal pal.

#Brentstone Bureau again. Sammy staring at the gunman at the door - shot

Sammy: I thought I was dead…
Missy: My headache tells me you’re still alive.
Sammy: Who took him out? I owe them my thanks.

#The gang look out the door together in confusion

Voice: That’d be me.

#Costello – the Captain, appears at the door

Sammy: Rico’s brother!?
Costello: No! It’s me you dumbass!
Sammy: Oh… Captain!
Officer: Derrick? What are you doing here?
Costello: Tina said you guys could be looking for a helping hand.
Rico: But… You’re the captain, you have an entire Bureau to command.
Costello: I left a trusted officer in charge during my absence. This could be the biggest case of The Bureau’s history, I’m not losing some of my best officers from this.
Sammy: Wow, Captain, that’s an honour!
Costello: I was referring to Eddie, Rico and Tina actually…
Sammy: WHAT!? Why not me as well!?
Missy: All you do is act like an amateur and drive a crappy car! What makes you think you’re as valuable an asset as the rest of them?
Sammy: …

#Sammy runs out on the group and disappears into the night

Sammy: Stuff The Bureau! I’m quitting!
Costello: Samson…
Rico: Sammy!
Officer: Sam!
Tina: (Sad) Sammy…
Missy: Glad we got rid of that loser.

#The gang all turn and stare down Missy

Missy: … What?
Costello: Are you an officer?
Missy: No.
Costello: Then bugger off!
Rico, Officer and Tina: WOOH!

#Missy also storms out of the hideout

Missy: Screw you all!
Costello: Let’s press on, team.

#Max and Billie binging more BB on the TV

Max: Wanna’ get out the hotel now?
Billie: Sure! We can always catch up on The Brentstone Bureau on NSB Rewind. Where do you have in mind?
Max: You were meant to be my tour guide so it’s up to you.

#Billie stands up and holds her hand out to Max

Billie: Come on then.
Max: Where we goin’?
Billie: You’ll see.
Max: Oh, I’m slightly frightened as to what you’re goin’ to do to me.
Billie: (Laughs) You wish!
Max: (Blushes)

#Daryl barrels through the door

Max: Dad! You took your time… Where’s Buddy?
Daryl: Buddy?
Max: Until we learn his name, I’ve decided to call him Buddy, since we often call him that anyway. Where is he?
Daryl: He’s fine, he’s out clubbin’.
Max: And you?
Daryl: … I need a time out.

#Daryl lies down on the bed without delay and turns away from Max and Billie

Max: Everythin’ ok?
Daryl: Of course kiddo. Go, enjoy yourself.
Max: … Alright. I’ll come back later to talk to you then ‘cause you look awful.
Daryl: Thanks for that. Now go.

#Ant and Leo playing poker in an elegant casino

Leo: Go on, fold! Fold! FOLD! FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD!
Ant: I’ll fold if I bloody well want to!
Dealer: Chaps?
Leo: He’s foldin’.
Ant: I ain’t foldin’.
Leo: Fine then… Three sixes!
Ant: …
Leo: Told ya’ to fold.
Ant: Ahem… Straight.
Leo: What the hell!?
Ant: What a shame buddy, better luck ne-
Dealer: Dealer has a flush.
Leo: (Bursts into laughter)
Ant: Oh come on! That’s just… Damn it.
Dealer: Heh, well you know what they say: “The house always wins.”

#Random man approaches the table

Gambler: It’s true like. Tough luck mate.
Ant: Yep.
Gambler: Mind if I join?
Leo: Not at all, please do.
Gambler: Cheers mate.

#The man sits down next to the boys

Gambler: Never seen ya’ here before.
Ant: You a regular here?
Gambler: I’ve lived here about seven years. In here every Thursday and Saturday night since it’s been open.
Leo: Wow! Wish I could afford the casino that often. What ya’ do for a livin’?
Gambler: I gamble, ‘n’ bet on the greyhounds ‘n’ stuff.
Ant: That’s your career?
Gambler: Yep. Pays for drinks and parties on every other night.
Leo: I think I might consider a career change soon then…
Ant: Hand your resignation form into the Moonstone Office if you are then so I can organise interviews to replace you next week.
Leo: Har-har-har.

#Wes stood alone in a busy, cramped nightclub

Wes: I feel so out of place right now.

#

Woman: Hey there.
Wes: Hi.
Woman: What’s your name then?
Wes: Wesley.
Woman: Wesley, huh?… I like that.
Wes: You do?
Woman: Yeah, it’s a handsome name… Suits you nicely.
Wes: Heh… Thank you.
Woman: You’re polite but you don’t need to be so formal.
Wes: Sorry.
Woman: Not even gonna’ ask me my name?
Wes: Oh, right…
Woman: (Sigh) I get it. You won’t remember in the morning so what’s the point, that’s fine. C’mon then, get up ‘n’ dance with me?
Wes: Oh, no I didn’t mean-

#The woman pulls Wes by the hand and into the dancing crowd

Woman: Just relax. You seem way too tense.
Wes: I’m not used to this.

#Back to the gambling lads

Gambler: Play as long as I have, ya’ get the swing of it.
Ant: Yeah well I’m still young, I have time.
Gambler: How old are ya’ both?
Ant: Twenty two.
Leo: Twenty three.
Gambler: Ah, I’ve a good fifteen, sixteen years on ya’.
Ant: You’re thirty eight?
Gambler: That was some quick maths.
Ant: Handle my own accounts when I write novels. Ya’ need to be good with figures.
Gambler: You write novels?
Ant: I’ve wrote a few, not many. None popular. Haven’t wrote any in a couple years now.
Gambler: I read a few things. What you written?
Ant: Hmmm, somethin’ I’d expect a man like you to read… I wrote an action series called Shooting Up The Moon. It was a reference to the card game Hearts, with Shooting For The Moon.
Gambler: Wait, you’re Antony Willis?
Ant: That’s me.
Gambler: Wow! That’s class man! Then that means…
Ant: … What?

#Max and Billie sat outside by the pier at the edge of town

Billie: Nothing, nothing.
Max: C’mon, what were ya’ gonna’ say?
Billie: Nothing, honestly.
Max: … It’s a really beautiful sight.

#Camera pan to the clear starry sky

Billie: (Contented sigh) It really is…
Max: … The view-
Max and Billie: Isn’t too bad either.
Billie: (Laughs) You’ve definitely spent too much time around Ant.
Max: Was that a euphemism?
Billie: (Giggles) I rest my case.

#Billie nestles into Max

Billie: … Thank you.
Max: For what?
Billie: For this. Being here with me. I’m with Tim all the time and yet, something about now feels different… better in some way than when I’m with him. At least these days.
Max: Well it’s my pleasure. Anythin’ to make ya’ stay in town, y’know?
Billie: Hm…
(Long silence)

#They both move closer to each other again... How many times now?

Max: …
Billie: Max…
(Phone rings)
Max: …
Billie: … I better get that.

#And disrupted. Yet. Again. Billie answers the phone

Billie: Hello?… Chrissie? Are you… Sure, sure, I’ll come over… It’s ok, I’ll be there shortly.

#Billie stands up from the seat

Billie: Chrissie’s having a bit of a breakdown, asked if I’d be there for her.
Max: Oh… Ok, sure. I mean, she needs you right now.
Billie: You really don’t mind?
Max: ‘Course not. I can go see my dad now then, see what was wrong with him.
Billie: Ok… Well, I’ll see you later then…

#Billie walks away, Max calls out and Billie stops and turns to him

Max: Billie?
Billie: I’m sorry Max. I didn’t… I shouldn’t…
Max: … I-It’s fine, really. I…

#Billie turns and walks away hesitantly

Billie: Well, maybe we can just breeze past it, yeah?
Max: … Yeah, yeah of course.
Billie: Great.

#Max sat alone

Max: You mean… It was an accident?… No, it couldn’t’ve been. She looked too sincere, Billie isn’t the type of person to lie or deceive. She looks too sad walkin’ away. So… She likes me?
Alan: D’AWWW!
Max: Damn it Alan! Givin’ me a bloody heart attack! Get outta’ my head!
Alan: Why does everyone get to talk in their heads an’ I’m not welcome!?

#Teddy still behind the bar at The Wildboar, pouring drinks

Teddy: (Mimicking Ricky) Here you go Teddy! ‘Ave another pint on the house! Courtesy of me, an’ my unrivalled generosity for ya’ lookin’ after this place durin’ my absence! If it weren’t for you, someone would come an’ steal all the alcohol! But not now you’re here!… Gee Richard, thank you so much, that’s AWFULLY kind of ya’! (Chuckles)

#The gambling lads again

Gambler: No problem, I’m a big fan of your books.
Ant: You’re the only person in Alterra who is.
Gambler: What about your family? They not proud of ya’?
Ant: I doubt they even know… I haven’t seen them in about five and a half years. I wonder if they remember ever having a son…
Gambler: Ah right. Must’ve left your entire life back there did ya’?
Ant: I brought what mattered to me along.
Leo: An’ some unwanted baggage too from what I understand.
Ant: What’s that meant to mean?
Leo: Chrissie.
Ant: Oh please don’t mention her tonight, the idea was that I’d forget she exists for a few hours.
Gambler: Who?
Ant: My girlfriend, Christine.
Gambler: Christine?
Ant: Yeah. She came with me from Denland.
Gambler: Really?… Whereabouts in Denland you from?
Ant: Neath.
Gambler: Both of you?
Ant: Yep, met her back in high school when we were fifteen an’ sixteen. Erm, she didn’t get on with her mam too well, an’ her dad left a few years beforehand someplace, so I never met ‘im.
Gambler: Oh… What happened?
Ant: Her mam threw ‘im out from what I recall, but no one knew where he went. He apparently liked his drink ‘n’ his drugs… Never had a job, just gambled in the casino all his life like some lowlife… Oh, no offense to you of course.
Gambler: … (Quietly) None taken.
Ant: I didn’t mean… HE was violent, beat up her mam an’ all sorts. HE was bad news. I can see you’re not that kind of bloke.
Gambler: Sure…
Leo: Way to go Ant.
Ant: Listen, buddy, sorry if I-
Gambler: No, no it’s ok. I don’t take offence. Please, tell me more about your girlfriend.
Ant: I’m not sure if she’s still that right now, but sure.
Gambler: You have a picture of her?
Ant: I have one of me ‘n’ her together in my wallet…

#The Gambler looks at a picture of a very happy Ant and Chrissie cuddled together and laughing, dressed smart

Ant: That’s her… That was taken back in September, it was our six year anniversary. My birthday too.
Gambler: She’s… gorgeous.
Ant: Yeah… she’s the best.
Gambler: You must really love each other.
Ant: …
Leo: Ant?
Ant: … I could never love anyone more than her… Ever. But… She could easily love me as much as the next guy who comes along.
Leo: Hey now, Ant, she’s not more important to you than you are to her.
Ant: Isn’t she?
Leo: No! She isn’t! You mean more to her than you or any of us could even realise.

#Ant puts the picture away and pays mind back to the poker game

Ant: … I really doubt that.
Gambler: Obviously I don’t know her, but I’m sure she loves you more than life itself.
Ant: Life sucks though, there’s nothin’ in it to love. So your analogy sadly doesn’t mean much to me.

#Chrissie rants to an undeserving Billie

Chrissie: Life sucks! I hate it, I hate everything!
Billie: I know Chrissie, ssh. You’ll be ok.
Chrissie: I really don’t think so.
Billie: Do you really think Ant could stop loving you? Ever?
Chrissie: Of course. He has Meg, he has The Desert Cats, he has Eliza… Give it a week or two he’s bound to be going out with one of them.

#Gambling lads

Ant: She’s noticed by people now she’s a Desert King… Queen, whatever. Someone would definitely turn up sooner or later, with many less flaws than me. You know how these tales go.

#Chrissie falls against the wall and crumples to the floor, fed up

Chrissie: I guess I’m just not good enough for him anymore. He’s bored, clearly, and now there’s Eliza-with her cuteness that Ant’s a sucker for, and The Desert Cats who are always all over him like a kitten to a saucer of milk, and then there’s Meg-Perfect Meg, with her blonde hair and her shortness and her equally short skirt… Then there’s me…
Billie: Beautiful, smart, lovely and sweet. Ant told me himself once he couldn’t have asked for a better girl than you.
Chrissie: Yeah but… Do men really pay any attention to us really? Or are we ignored until we have a use?
Billie: …

#Tim bursts through the door (why do so few Wastelanders knock?)

Chrissie: Speaking of.
Tim: Billie.
Billie: Tim.
Chrissie: Tim.
Tim: Chrissie.
Billie: Chrissie.
Chrissie: Billie?
Billie: Chrissie?... Tim?
Tim: Billie?
Billie: Tim.
Chrissie: Tim.
Tim: Chrissie?
Chrissie: Chrissie!... Ch-? Huh?
Tim: Look, I’m sorry about yesterday morning Billie. I’ve been worried sick about you.
Billie: I’m trying to cheer Christine up if you don’t mind Timothy.
Tim: Is something wrong? Did I do something?
Billie: No… It’s not what you’ve done, it’s someone else…
Tim: … I see. Well, I’m sorry.
Billie: It’s fine.
Tim: … Ok.

#Tim leaves quietly

Billie: Ever the expert on serious relationship talks as Tim is.
Chrissie: Who’s been doing what?
Billie: Me… But enough about that for now.

#Poker pals

Ant: Let’s change the subject then. Tell us about yourself?
Gambler: I was Denland born myself.
Leo: I wouldn’t have guessed. The vocab is there, but your accent’s phased out quite a lot. Ant’s is still pretty strong.
Ant: And Chrissie’s is a hundred percent unchanged, pure. We’re resilient.
Leo: Thought you wanted to take her off your mind?
Ant: Yeah, well I can’t get her out of my head now.

#Wes dancing with the random woman who picked him out

Alan: Of course you can’t get me outta’ your head! I’m your guide. You remembered the box I gave ya’?
Wes: They didn’t fit.
Alan: You mean you tried? (Laughs) Didn’t think you’d even open ‘em!
Wes: Argh!
Woman: You ok Wesley?
Wes: Yeah… I’m fine.
Alan: Yeah, an’ so is she.
Wes: Shut up!
Woman: So listen, when are ya’ gonna’ make a move on me?
Wes: What?
Woman: (Sigh) Fine, here let me.

#The woman swiftly snogs Wes' face off

Alan: Woohoo! I’ll leave you two alone now then.
Wes: Wait! Help! I don’t know what to do!… Oh NOW you leave when I WANT you here!

#Casino boys

Ant: Of course I wanted her here…
Leo: I raise.
Ant: Call.
Gambler: Call. So what’s the problem now?
Ant: … Time takes its toll doesn’t it?
Gambler: True.
Ant: Not many things are the same as they were when we first stepped foot in that town.
Leo: … Raise.
Ant: Call.
Gambler: Call.
Ant: I’m at my wit’s end over what to do now.
Leo: Gee, ain’t that sayin’ somethin’…
(Ant scowls)
Leo: … Raise…
Ant: …
Gambler: Call.
Ant: … Fold.

#Ant stands up from the table

Leo: Where ya’ goin’!?
Ant: For a drink! Is that alright!?
Gambler: Actually, yeah I’ll fold too. Hey, I’ll come with you.

#Leo left alone with the dealer

Leo: … Just me then.

#Daryl pacing the room, irritably scratching at his head

Daryl: Just me… It’s just me, isn’t it? Cammie, Deidre… (Sigh) CAMMIE? I… What the hell happened back there Daz? Pull yourself together for “sandssake”. Why be such a deluded moron? You’re better than that.

#Max returns to the room

Max: Dad?
Daryl: Kiddo! Where’s Bill?
Max: She’s with Chrissie… Chrissie’s havin’ a tough time.
Daryl: With Ant?
Max: More than likely.
Daryl: Ah…
Max: What’s up with you?

#Buddy talking to the woman Daryl hallucinated to be Cammie/Deidre

Woman: He was so dreamy-he came over, flattered me, danced with me… kissed me, a bit quick but I loved that… then looked scared and ran off.
Buddy: That doesn’t sound like him.
Woman: You know him well?
Buddy: He’s like a brother! Me an’ him, oh, we go way back. WAY back… Like, two months. So, what say you dance with me instead now he’s gone?
Woman: (Laughs)

#The woman walks away from Buddy

Buddy: Dang it! I guess I just don’t have the same charm…

#Max pulls a chair across and sits by Daryl

Daryl: What’s with the chair?
Max: Adult conversation time.
Daryl: Aw man.
Max: Yep, no way to avoid it, KIDDO.
Daryl: (Sigh) Walked right into this’un… Ok, I’ll bite. Go ahead.
Max: What was the matter with you before?

#Daryl takes out a cigarette, lights it, and sits by the window smoking while Max sits in his chair

Daryl: Don’t worry ‘bout me kid, I can handle it.
Max: Dad, talk to me will ya’? All this year you’ve told me nothin’.

#Max stands up and walks right up to Daryl

Max: Well I’m tired of it! I want answers!
Daryl: …
Max: … (Coughs)
Daryl: Don't choke on the smoke, fella.
Max: Never mind that!
Daryl: … Hm. Fine then, I suppose it’s only fair.

#Daryl joins Max and sits down obediently

Daryl: Ask away.
Max: Thank you. Why were you actin’ weird when you came in earlier?
Daryl: I was chatting up this girl in the club…
Max: I don’t want to know anymore.
Daryl: Suit yourself. (Looks smug) I have no problem with that.
Max: … (Reluctantly) Go on.
Daryl: She turned ‘round and… I swear I was hallucinatin’ but… I thought it was your mother.
Max: Jeez! Talk about nightmares, eh?
Daryl: No, it wasn’t Deidre… Not at first at least. I thought it was your actual mother.
Max: How?
Daryl: Do I look like I know!? No! So why ask me that, eh? I’m obviously not gonna’ know the bloody answer if I’m talkin’ about it TO MY SON!… It made no sense. So I ran outta’ there, came here, end of story.
Max: I see…

#Daryl gets up and begins to leave

Daryl: Then you won’t mind if I leave now.
Max: Wait dad! One more thing…

#Max stops him, Daryl pauses

Daryl: Gee, NOW who’s being the over-controllin’ parent?
Max: … Tell me about mom.
Daryl: Your mother? What about her?
Max: Well… What happened to her? Where’d she go?
Daryl: …
Max: If you tell me, I have a story to tell you too.
Daryl: Bribery, huh?… I like it. Alright then…

#Flashback to '78, young Daryl and Cammie driving in the pouring rain

Daryl: You were only a year old at the time, but a high-maintenance little shit you were.
Max: Oh thanks.
Daryl: (Laughs) Well… Me and your mother had been away on a weekend trip, we had the neighbours babysit you in the meantime. It happened on the way back home.
Cammie: This weather… It’s so horrible.
Daryl: It’s only a little rain. I’ve driven in worse.
Cammie: So you keep saying.
Daryl: You’re not scared are ya’?
Cammie: Of course not! I just… don’t like it.
Daryl: You’re scared. Just admit it already.
Cammie: … I’m scared.
Daryl: (Sigh) Alright then. You wanna’ pull over?
Cammie: No, I’m ok. I want to get home, see Max.
Daryl: Make your mind up ‘n’ stick to it.
Cammie: I will!

#Camera zooms out to the car on a dark, lonesome straight road

Daryl: It was quite a long drive and we had class the next day, you remember we were only seventeen ‘n’ eighteen, so we needed to get home that night. Your mother wanted to be home in time so we only took breaks off the road when necessary.

#In-car shot again

Cammie: Honey?
Daryl: Yeah?
Cammie: I love you…
Daryl: … I love you too. Are you feelin’ alright?
Cammie: I’m not sure, something doesn’t feel too good… Something I ate?
Daryl: You had the same as me ‘n’ I’m fine.
Cammie: Just because you’re all big and strong, doesn’t mean I can’t make an ill turn from the same food!
Daryl: And an ill turn it soon became…

#Car coming in the opposite direction, lights blinding Daryl

Daryl: Turn your damn main beam off you utter prick.
Cammie: Look out!
Daryl: Shit!

#Scenes of Daryl's car being driven off the road, down a ditch and rolling over multiple times

Daryl: Strange. As soon as your mother mentioned it, I DID feel a bit funny. Somethin’ we ate? Who’s to say? But then when some complete jerk comes straight for you on a thin road in the pourin’ rain, what can ya’ do? Cooper’s are phenomenal drivers, but we’re only human. I don’t know how long I’d been knocked out for. Probably not long. But when I came to…

#Daryl regains consciousness

Daryl: Agh… Damn it.

#Daryl turns to a badly injured Cammie

Daryl: Cammie? Cammie!? Are you alright!?
Cammie: (Weakly) Yeah…
Daryl: It’s ok, I’ll get help, just hold on!
Cammie: Daryl?
Daryl: Yeah?
Cammie: … I really do love you.
Daryl: Hey, don’t be like this now, ok? I love you too, just relax, but STAY AWAKE, right?
Cammie: Right.
Daryl: (Cracks half a smile) ‘N’ don’t change your mind ‘bout this neither, got it?
Cammie: (Tries to laugh) I’ll try.

#Daryl clambers out of the wreck, climbs the hill back to the now empty roadside – no other car in sight – runs into the darkness

Daryl: We were miles from anywhere… It took a good twenty minute sprint until I realised we were just too far away from anywhere to get any help. I knew it was only me who could do anythin’, before it was too late.

#Daryl returns to the car

Daryl: Of course, when I got back to the car…

#Scans inside the car, Cammie is missing

Daryl: Cammie!? Where are you!?

#Daryl looks around into the abyss surrounding him

Daryl: CAMMIE!? CAMMIE!!!

#Camera zooms out to show more desolate area, as Daryl walks further afield

Daryl: … No… No!

#More zooms

Daryl: Damn it… (Voice starts to break) DAMN IT!!!

#Cut back to present day Max and Daryl in the room

Daryl: I never saw her again after that day… As far as I’m aware, she knew she was going to be dead by the time I got there so she used her strength to get far away so I wouldn’t see. Your grandfather thought otherwise, and decided to go looking for her… THREE YEARS later… And I never saw him again either. I always wondered if he was in The Wasteland… That was why I came back here… Another fuckin’ sixteen years later… What the hell was I thinkin’ I’d find after all this time? That life ended. That Daryl Cooper died. It became a new slate I was startin’ on, ‘n’ I had to do as good as I knew how to forget all that happened, remake myself… Hence you see me normally as the fun-loving and carefree fella I am. Just not today, after that solid reminder of the past… So there you go. Now you know.
Max: … A lot to take in there… (Has a look of deep thought) If that’s true… Then what about Ryan?
Daryl: Ryan?
Max: If mom disappeared when I was one, Ryan wasn’t born then so does that mean…
Daryl: … Ryan’s your half-brother. His mother… was a one night stand I had who came to me ‘n’ said she was pregnant. After Ryan was born, she ran away from the pressure. I turned up at the hospital late to find her already gone and a little Ryan just lying there in the nursery. How she got away from the hospital in her condition I'll never know – probably had help to run. I had to lie about his own mother to him, not that he cared much, having never known her. I can’t even remember her name, but if I saw her again I’d definitely remember. I never forget a face.
Max: Dad…
Daryl: Look, it’s in the past, ok!? Leave it there buried in the sand. I did just that years ago. Shouldn’t have even brought it up.

#Daryl leaves the room, even quicker and angrier than he was going to before

(Door slams angrily)
Daryl: (Out in the corridor, walking away) What the FUCK was I even thinkin’!?
Max: … I’m not even sure what to think anymore.

#Chrissie looking a little more happier

Billie: Why?
Chrissie: It’s all too much for lil’ ol’ me, you know?
Billie: (Smiles) You’re hardly old.
Chrissie: I know, it was just a figure of speech. Ok Billie, what do you think I should do to solve this?
Billie: Well you could surprise him by becoming a Desert Queen… Oh wait, we’ve already done that.
Chrissie: (Giggles) Yeah I know better than to try something like that again.
Billie: Ok, here’s what you do… You said he’s surrounded by girls who you think he could replace you easily with?
Chrissie: Yeah?
Billie: Take that away. Outshine them all.
Chrissie: I’m not really the type to start a beauty contest.
Billie: You don’t have to, you’re already the winner of it, you just need to look right for the victory celebration party.
Chrissie: … You really think so?
Billie: Definitely. Come on, let’s get to work.
Chrissie: What are we going to do?

#Robbie and Woody, out on the town together, talking seriously over some beer

Robert: We’re gonna’ ignore the fact that Miles could be a murderer or a gangster or whatever, and just stay in his good books. Got it?
Keith: I don’t like this, I really don’t like this!

#Cindy visits Teddy... Again. And finds he's still a wreck

Cindy: You should have thought about that before drinking the bar dry. Now look at you!
Teddy: Hey! There ain’t nuthin’ wrong with ME!

#Teddy stands back up again, slips on more bottles, balances himself only long enough to fall over a stool and crash to the ground with it. Cindy picks up the bar phone.

Teddy: Gah! Not again!
Cindy: Richard, when you get this message, might I suggest you leave an extra set of keys to lock the place up in case you leave unexpectedly again? Thanks.

#Kai getting in his car, Miles hanging around nearby, seemingly planned out

Miles: Leavin’ unexpectedly, huh?
Kai: Tried to find Liz. Failed.
Miles: Indeed. Might know where she is if ya’ care to divulge what ya’ want with her.
Kai: You wouldn’t.
Miles: I may.
Kai: No, I mean, you won’t once I say.
Miles: You don’t know.
Kai: …
Miles: Speak up, kid.
Kai: You better get outta’ here.
Miles: Is that meant to be a threat? I don’t think so.
Kai: No, behind you.

#Fake Ralph now watching Miles again from a distance

Kai: I noticed he’s got an interest in ya’. Best split.
Miles: You don’t think I’ve known? He’s been followin’ me all afternoon too. He tries anythin’, he gets it. You too, if you ain’t careful.

#Back to the boys of poker

Gambler: Be careful there pal, don’t overdo it.
Leo: I’m not overdoin’ it! There-full house bitch!
(Long silence)
Ant: … Four of a kind.
Leo: WHAT!? Damn it!
(Ant laughs)
Gambler: Straight flush, kids.
Ant: Ah fu-… (Looks unimpressed)
(Leo smirks, then grows gradually into full laughter)
(Gambler looks smug)
Dealer: Royal flush.
Gambler: WHAT!?
(Ant and Leo laugh)
Gambler: Bullshit!
Dealer: The house always wins.
Leo: Wise words, wise words.

#Ant looks off-camera, looks shocked

Ant: Uh-oh.
Leo: What?

#Chrissie crosses the casino floor, in a full black silk dress – tasteful yet just a BIT revealing in a modest sense

Ant: It’s Chrissie.
Leo: Chrissie?... Holy cow, pig, chicken and duck. That isn't her.
Ant: I had to look twice too but my eyes only lie once.
Gambler: So THAT’S Christine…
Ant: Yeah.
Gambler: …
Ant: What’s the problem pal?

#Chrissie walks up to the poker table the boys are at

Chrissie: (Is a little shaky) Ant…
Ant: Chrissie… You look… nice. Different. I...
Leo: Put your teeth back in and roll the tongue up, will ya'?
Chrissie: … What you up to?
Ant: We’re just playin’ a little poker… Oh, can I introduce you to our new friend?

#Camera pans to the full table – the chair where the gambler was is now vacant

Ant: … Where’d he go?
Leo: Who?… Oh! Where’d he go?
Ant: I just asked YOU!
Leo: (To Dealer) Where’d he go?
Dealer: Honestly sir, I didn’t see either.
Ant: … We never even knew his name…
Leo: He was a mysterious fella though, weren’t he? Cool enough though.
Ant: I guess.

#Gambler returns into shot

Gambler: Sorry, I forgot my keys.

#Chrissie locks awkward eye contact with the gambler

Gambler: … Christine Hart?
Chrissie: … Do I know you?
Gambler: No… You don’t… Erm, Antony was talkin’ about you. A lot. That photo didn't do you justice enough though.
Ant: Well… (Blushes)
Gambler: Well… I better go.

#Gambler hurries away again

Leo: Hey wait buddy! We don’t even know your name!

#Ant and Leo both entranced with Chrissie's looks again

Ant: How did he even know Chrissie’s surname? I never mentioned it, did you Len?
Leo: No!… I don’t THINK I did.
Chrissie: So you were talking about me, hm? (Smiles)
Ant: … Yeah…
Leo: Well I’m gonna’ go… Casually, so you don’t suspect I’m goin’ just to give you two privacy an’ also ‘cause I feel awkward… Aw hell, nevermind.

#Leo hurries off, Chrissie sits down in Leo's now empty seat, leaning close in to Ant

Leo: I'll just be over here, totally not listenin' in!
Ant: …
Chrissie: … I love you, Ant. I love you more than anyone could ever love another person. And that’s never going to change, ever. No matter what happens between us, no matter if you leave me and never return… I’ll always be here, loving you, whether you want me or not. You’ve given me too much in life, so much love and so much thought, I could never love another man, because there’s no other man in Alterra who could love me a fraction of what you have.
Ant: … I love you too… There’s not a single girl that will ever exist who could mean more to me than you do. You make me feel like I’m not alone, and that I have a purpose… However…

#Ant stands up, turning away from Chrissie

Chrissie: Ant?
Ant: … That guy you just saw, made me see. Made me see how crappy some people’s lives get if they let the world get ‘em down. It was like seein’ through the looking glass, only sixteen years in the future, at myself… An’ I didn’t like what I saw, not for a second. I WILL NOT become that guy.
Chrissie: Ant… What are you talking about?
Ant: I’m sayin’ that I NEED to define myself, make a stand, BE somethin’, not just sit around an’ wait for things to get the better of me, like that guy. Or like Len, or Daryl, or Miles, or Kim…
Chrissie: Or me?
Ant: … No. Not you. You have it sorted… But not me, not Billie… Very few of us are fine an’ none of us know it. Don’t you see!?
Chrissie: … I really don’t.
Ant: Of course you don’t. This is somethin’ I gotta’ do, I gotta’ go for what I want, I’m gonna’ be a top novelist, I WILL write again, finally after all this time… I’ll get back at the head of the dust an’ knock Tim off so hard he’ll think he went straight off the top of Mount Marna. I’ll be everythin’ I wanna’ be, I won’t give up. I know now what I have to do.
Chrissie: … Ok? But Ant, what’s that got to do with you and me?
Ant: Don’t you see? What we’re doin’ to each other? It’d only be a matter of time before life gets on top of us… metaphorically speakin’… THEN what? Then we end up like that guy? (Laughs) No! No I won’t be like him! I don’t know who he was an’ frankly I don’t wanna’ know even if he did seem to know you too well… Can’t let any chains hold me back, and Chrissie… You are that chain. There’s no other woman out there like you but I can’t give up on my dreams for you, I’m sorry. This isn’t love, this is a chore, this is a responsibility. I’m not into chores, and I’m not a responsible person.
Chrissie: So what does this mean?
Ant: You already know.

#Ant walks away

Chrissie: Wait Ant, don’t leave.
Ant: Chrissie… You always told me to listen to what you said, and did as you asked. Well just for once, grant me the same courtesy.

#Chrissie is left standing alone. Then suddenly Ant returns, walking past the other way.

Ant: Sorry, entrance and exit are a one way system in this place apparently...

#Leo goes to Chrissie's side, Billie with him

Leo: That was cold of him, man...
Billie: … No luck?

#Ricky on the phone, Al stood with him

Ricky: No, no luck yet.
Alan: Ah.
Ricky: What did Cindy mean by the message she left? I don’t get it… And now I’m not getting through to her phone!
Alan: Do you think losing signal means the snow’s gone? Already?
Ricky: Who knows.

#The woman still trying to coax Wes into something-something

Woman: Who’s gonna’ know, huh? C’mon Wesley, don’t be shy.
Wes: I’m not, honest, I just… Wait a minute!

#BB time! Sammy sat on a river's edge alone

Sammy: (Quietly) One, two, three, four, Missy is a fat old whore. Five, six, seven, eight, her bitchy moods I really hate.

#Missy appears by his side

Sammy: I mean… One, two, three, four… Missy is a… I don’t know. Five, six, seven, eight, actually she’s really great.
Missy: Nice singing Samson. Don’t worry, you were right the first time.
Sammy: Thank you…
Missy: May I join you?
Sammy: Sure, I guess.

#Missy sits beside Sammy

Missy: … We don’t need them.
Sammy: No we don’t.
Missy: … We have each other?
Sammy: (Laughs) No thanks.
Missy: Sammy… C’mon… Please?
Sammy: …
Missy: If there’s anything the last few weeks have taught me… It’s that the way I’ve always been was wrong.
Sammy: Huh?
Missy: I was a bitch, I know. I was materialistic, I know. But I’m smart enough to notice that.
Sammy: (Laughs)
Missy: What!?
Sammy: Smart? After getting involved with Firecracker Finley you think you can EVER be smart?
Missy: Y’know what, stuff you! I’m sick of trying to change for you!
Sammy: What was I thinking, going out with you!?
Missy: What was I thinking, going out with YOU!?
Sammy: You’re a cow!
Missy: Moo! You’re a pussy!
Sammy: Meow! You’re a bitch!
Missy: Woof! You’re an idiotic retard!
Sammy: Yaaaaaaaay! You’re a tart!
Missy: Oh, the pretty pebbles…

#Finley shows up behind them

Finley: Finished quarrelling yet, my friends?
Sammy: Rico’s brother!?
Finley: No, dumbass! It’s ME!
Sammy: … Yeah, Rico’s brother?
Missy: FINLEY!
Sammy: Oh, right!… Oh!… Damn.
Finley: Quite rightly so. No team to back you up this time Samson. The both of you, if you’d be so kind as to follow me.

#Eliza sat in her room, still hiding out alone, watching BB

Eliza: I hope Wes didn’t think I wanted rid of him.

#Wes returns looking full of regret for life

Eliza: Oh, hi.
Wes: Hey.
Alan: That didn’t take long… Sure you did it right with that girl?
Wes: SHUT UP!
Eliza: … What did I say wrong?
Alan: Yeah, ya’ shoulda’ said that in your head, buddy.
Wes: Sorry Eliza, I didn’t mean you.
Eliza: Oh… Ok. Listen, I’m sorry if I came across as bossy earlier, asking you to go out and all.
Wes: Of course not, it’s fine.

#Wes walks into the bathroom

Wes: But I need to shower.
Eliza: Yeah, sure.

#Ant in his room alone, lying on the bed

Ant: Maybe I should take a bath, try to relax.
(Gentle knocking on the door)
Ant: Hannah, please just leave me be for now please, I don’t wanna’ see anyone.

#Door creaks open but nobody comes out

Meg: (Behind door) Ant?
Ant: Meg?
Meg: Wait! Don’t look at me just yet, ok?
Ant: Why?
Meg: Just listen to me.
Ant: Ok. Where’ve you been all day? I’ve been wonderin’ where you were. I’ve needed you.
Meg: Troubles with Chrissie again?
Ant: You could say that.
Meg: Maybe I can help…

#Meg enters the room, dyed her hair the gingeriest of the orange ginge variety

Ant: … Oh my word!
Meg: Oh… Does it look that terrible?
Ant: It… No! No it looks… I mean, YOU look…
Meg: (Smiles warmly)
Ant: … Yep, definitely the hottest ginger in Alterra.
Meg: Really!?
Ant: No doubt about it. So… this was my surprise?
Meg: Yep. Surprised?
Ant: … I dunno what to say. I don’t think you’ve ever looked so gorgeous.
Meg: Well given that you had certain thoughts about me before, I can’t help but wonder what’s goin’ through your mind right now.
Ant: … Oh wow, I didn’t even realise the new clothes.
Meg: What?… Oh yeah, thought it might suit me. What do you think?
Ant: I’m too embarrassed to say it.

#Meg walks closer to the bed and poses for Ant

Meg: Aw go on, tell me. Don’t make me force it outta’ ya’.
Ant: I’m slightly tempted to.
Meg: (Blushes) Well… if you’d like me to…

#Meg climbs onto the bed and onto Ant's lap

Ant: …
Meg: … Hm?
Ant: I…
Meg: He’s gonna’ mention Chrissie, I know he is…
Ant: I’m thinkin’…

#Ant lays his hands on Meg's body

Ant: I’m thinkin’ how much I wanna’ take that skirt off.
Meg: (Blushes harder) Really?
Ant: You bet. We’ve teased long enough for me to finally see what’s underneath.
Meg: (Bites lip)

#Ant and Meg begin making out and undressing, camera fades to an unrelated game of chess, played by Tammy and Mikey

Tammy: CHESS!
Mikey: Awww man!
Tammy: I told you! I’m the champion!
Mikey: (Sigh) Yeah…
Tammy: I need to find a new opponent now! Hmmm… Let’s search!

#Quickly back to Ant and Meg, now fully undressed

Meg: Y’know, I really can’t believe this is happenin’.
Ant: … What do you mean?
Meg: I mean… This is actually happenin’? I’m not dreamin’, am I?
Ant: (Smiles) I don’t think so. This is pretty real.
Meg: (Sounds breath-taken) Oh wow…

#Meg pushes Ant down further

Ant: Takin’ charge now are we?
Meg: It’s just, I’ve wanted this for so long, you have no idea.
Ant: So I’m not the only one who’s been thinkin’ longer than they’ve lead on?
Meg: …
Ant: How long?
Meg: … The very day we met, I’ve wanted you.
Ant: And that’s why you never showed an interest in anyone else?
Meg: Yup. I never wanted another man, I just wanted you. An’ I still want you, so I’m gonna’ have you. Now.
Ant: … Not if I have you first.
Meg: (Giggles) Oh yeah? Well you’re gonna’ have to REALLY be more assertive if that’s what ya’ want.

#Tim has returned to Robbie and Woody, having somehow tracked them down to the same club

Tim: Hey, I’m assertive enough, thanks!
Robert: It was only a suggestion.
Keith: What ya’ do wrong, huh? There’s gotta’ be somethin’!
Tim: She said I didn’t do anything wrong.

#Chrissie and Billie sat at the bar in the casino, Leo playing away at poker in the background

Billie: I told him it was someone else.
Chrissie: It’s ok. It wasn’t your fault. I mean, Max made the move first, right?
Billie: Erm… sure.
Chrissie: …He made the first move... Right?
Billie: I don’t know. We were both… wanting it to happen.
Chrissie: (Sigh) Oh Billie, Billie, Billie… What are you all coming to? First Ant, then Tammy, now you and Max. Everyone’s going weird this weekend, and I don’t like it! Who next?

#Back to BB – Sammy and Missy suspended above the river, not far down from where they were

Missy: You didn’t make us walk far.
Finley: Well I’m frankly bored of you both now. Any tart in a short cut dress is good enough for me in all honesty, you can be replaced by tomorrow. As for the cop, I wanted him dead from the start, so he can go first.
Sammy: Wait!
Finley: Goodbye, my friends.
(Distant horns beeping)
Finley: Huh!?

#An evil Sigfrid appears, heading straight for Finley, Sammy's group all pile almost comically out of it

Finley: Oh shit!

#Finley flees

Finley: No way am I facing you all single-handed. Oh, but I’ll be back! Heed my words you pigs!

#Tina runs up to Sammy first

Tina: Sammy!
Sammy: Rico’s brother!?
Tina: I’m a girl! How can I be his brother!?
Sammy: Oh, sorry… Rico’s SISTER!?
Tina: … Sammy…
Sammy: Oh, it’s you Tina.

#Sammy and Missy are brought back to land

Costello: Glad you’re ok.
Officer: Yeah, I don’t know what we’d do without you.
Missy: Awww, Eddie, that’s really-
Officer: Yeah, I didn’t mean you Melissa, I meant Sammy.
Missy: Grrr.

#Rico steps forward and pats Sammy's shoulder

Rico: C’mon partner, let’s get outta’ here.
Sammy: Oh my word! You’re Rico’s brother aren’t you!? WOW, you look JUST like him!
Rico: …
Tina: Erm, Sammy?… That IS Rico.
Sammy: Oh! So it is… Heheheh, sorry.
Rico: … Let’s just call it a day.

#Eliza watching BB on the bed, Wes leaves the bathroom

Eliza: Feeling better?
Wes: Erm… sure.
Eliza: You seemed quite exhausted when you came in. Bit too much fun?
Wes: You could say that.

#Eliza studies Wes

Eliza: Well I’m glad you’re back.
Wes: … Really?
Eliza: Yeah, I didn’t want you to think I wanted rid of you earlier. I just wanted you to enjoy yourself, not be stuck indoors with yours truly.
Wes: I really don’t want anything more.
Eliza: … There’s something in your eyes that are different.
Wes: You pay attention to my eyes?
Eliza: No… But I don’t like what I’m noticing.
Wes: W-… What are you noticing?
Eliza: Mmm… Surprise. Worry. Fear… Excitement?
Wes: You’re a good reader.
Eliza: I read a lot of books.
Wes: I meant into the whole eye thing.
Eliza: I’m really not, it’s just so obvious. You look like you’re about to crack from something.
Wes: …
Eliza: … (Raises an eyebrow) You look… like something magical happened to you while you were out.
Wes: (Throat locks up)

#Ant and Meg under covers

Meg: This is so…
Ant: Unbelievable. I know.

#Camera pans to the whole room as well, Mikey and Tammy bombard through the door

Mikey: Hello!
Meg: Mikey!
Ant: Oh shit…

#Ant is pushed under the covers and kicked out of the far side of the bed, out of sight from Mikey and Tammy

Mikey: Meg?… Where’s Ant? I thought this was his room?
Meg: No, no it ain’t. It’s mine.
Mikey: (Frowns)
Meg: … No, it actually IS my room. Ant was staying here... At one point. But not now, as ya' can see.
Tammy: You’re… on your own?
Meg: (Slightly squeaky) Yeah… ?
(Long silence)
Ant: (From behind the bed, quietly) Ow…
Mikey: Oh well! Wanna’ play some chess against Tammy?
Meg: I’ll pass, thanks.
Mikey: Awwwwwww ok… Let’s go Tammy!

#Mikey and Tammy leave as quickly as they entered. Camera cuts to Mikey and Tammy in the hallway

Mikey: … Was Meg naked?

#Ant clambers up from the floor, disoriented

Ant: … Thank you for that. When I wanted you to rock my world, I didn’t expect you to throw me to the floor face first.
Meg: I’m sorry baby. I didn’t hurt you did I?
Ant: (Points to lips) Well I hit the floor pretty hard there… Could you kiss it better?

#Meg gives Ant a deliberately small peck on the lips

Meg: Did that help?
Ant: A little bit. Just a little.
Meg: Aww, well come here then.
Ant: Happy to.

#They begin making out more, before Ant stops

Ant: Wait a minute…
Meg: Aaaand here it comes…
Ant: Before we get too carried away… And by that, I mean… Y’know, goin’ all the way.
Meg: Wh-… You really wanna’ go all the way with me?
Ant: That’s what this is isn’t it?
Meg: Yeah but I never would’ve dreamt in a million years that you would say that you wanted to as well.
Ant: (Shrugs) What can I say? I’m glad it’s happenin’ an’ I know it’s what I want.
Meg: (Smiles)
Ant: However… There’s one thing I have to take care of first. Officially. No obscure metaphors.

#Ant gets up

Meg: What?

#Ant leaves the room, still nude

Ant: I’ll be back in no more than ten minutes, I promise.

#Ant hurries back into the room instantly

Ant: Fuck, shit!
Meg: That was fast.
Ant: Don't you ever say those words to me again tonight.
Meg: I'll try, but y'all have to try too. Clothes are over there if ya' don't wanna' go showin' your righteousness off to the poor folk in the building.
Ant: Yeah, yeah, yeah...