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Ballykissangel 4.1 alternative script
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s kitchen, early morning.
Assumpta is pouring milk into Fionn’s bowl. She strokes him and
makes him sit before putting the bowl down. Peter walks
in and
Assumpta turns round and smiles. Peter goes over and kisses her.
Peter: Morning.
Assumpta: Morning.
She gives him a big hug.
Peter: You okay?
Assumpta: Yeah, fine. Still
getting used to being able to do
this.
Peter: I know.
There is a knock at the door. Assumpta groans. Peter raises
one
eyebrow and Assumpta goes to the door. It’s the postman.
Postman: Morning Assumpta.
Assumpta: Morning.
She takes the letters from him.
Assumpta: Thanks.
She shuts the door and flicks through the post on the way back to
the kitchen. She separates the post into letters for her and
ones for Peter. She hands one letter to him.
Peter: Thank you.
She stands next to him as she opens one of the letters.
Assumpta: Ah, they’ve got to be
joking.
Peter: What?
Assumpta: Bill from my beer suppliers.
She opens another letter.
Assumpta: Electricity bill.
She throws it onto the table and opens another one.
Assumpta: Tell me your post’s more
interesting than mine.
Peter: Bank statement.
Hardly compulsive reading.
Assumpta reads her final letter and grins, then she turns and
shows it to Peter.
Peter: Who’s this
one from?
Assumpta: The solicitor.
Anything between me and Leo is void.
Officially, I never got married.
Peter: That’s
brilliant!
He hugs her tight, lifting her off the floor. There is complete
relief in Assumpta’s face.
ROLL TITLES
Scene: Int. Day.
The restaurant.
Liam and Donal have been roped into waiting on tables. Shamie
is
teaching them the basics.
Shamie: So, Liam, you
be the customer.
Liam: (Posh
voice) Good evening. I’d like a table for two, please.
Donal looks confused.
Donal: There’s
only one of you.
Liam: We’re
pretending there’s two of me.
Donal: Ah, right.
Certainly sir, come this way.
He leads Liam to a table by grabbing his wrist.
Shamie: You don’t have
to drag him, it’s not like it’s hislast meal.
Donal: Sorry.
Sit.
Donal points to a chair.
Liam: What?
Shamie: Ah, he’s not
a dog, Donal.
Donal: What?
Sorry. Please be seated, sir.
Liam: Thank
you.
Donal talks to the imaginary character in the seat opposite Liam.
Donal: And what
would you like?
Shamie: Donal, there’s
no-one there.
Donal: I know,
but I didn’t want to ignore him.
Shamie sighs.
CUT TO:
Scene: Ext. Day.
Peter and Assumpta’s morning walk. Fionn is bounding around the
field while Peter and Assumpta walk across to the gate, holding
hands.
Assumpta: So. When can we
set a date?
Peter: What for?
Assumpta: Oh, come on, you’re not
going to back out on me now.
The wedding.
Peter seems uncomfortable.
Peter: Oh.
I didn’t think you’d want to do anything about
that for a while.
Assumpta: Why not? Peter,
you’re the reason I did this in the
first place. You’re not going to let me down.
Peter: I’m not!
I wouldn’t. I’d never let you down. I
just thought it was a bit soon after Leo.
Assumpta: I know. I’m sorry,
I just don’t want to delay it. I
have a clear idea of what I want to do and for once
in my life, I’m going to do it.
Peter: Okay.
Assumpta: So.
Peter: Assumpta,
you can’t just set a date here and now.
Assumpta: Why not?
Peter: There’s
a lot to organise.
Assumpta: Such as?
Peter: Well,
who’s going to do it. Where’s it going to be.
Reception. Invitations.
Assumpta: You do still want to
do this don’t you?
Peter stops and holds both her hands.
Peter: I’m not
saying I don’t want to do this. I do. I’m
just saying slow down. I want to make sure it’s
right. I mean when you... didn’t get married the
last time, you weren’t in your own country...
Assumpta: If we get married here, you won’t be in yours.
Peter: I’ve got
nothing in England any more. I want
whatever you want, but I want it to be special.
Assumpta’s avoiding eye contact. Peter puts one finger under her
chin and makes her look at him. He stares her out for a second.
Assumpta nods and forces a smile.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Niamh and Ambrose’s house.
Brian is sitting in Niamh’s kitchen with Niamh running around
making tea for him and warming a meal for Kieran at the same
time.
Niamh: You’re
not getting bored of it already?
Brian: I’m not
saying I’m bored, I just need another
interest.
Niamh: Another
investment, you mean?
Brian: Well...
Niamh can see where the conversation is going.
Niamh: Dad, it’s
my money. Why don’t you let the restaurant
make a profit first and then invest in something
else?
Brian: It’ll
take years to get enough profit to do anything
with. The more business ventures I have going at one
time the more I... you...
Niamh: Stand
to lose?
Brian: The more
profit I have to re-invest.
Niamh puts a cup of tea in front of him and takes Kieran’s food
over to the car seat where he’s lying. Brian takes a sip of the
tea.
Brian: Niamh?
Niamh: Yes Dad?
She has just put the spoon to Kieran’s lips.
Brian: Sugar?
Niamh: Oh, for
heaven’s sake, it’s like having two children.
She gets up again and fetches the sugar bowl, dumps it on the
table, then walks out, taking Kieran with her.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s.
Peter and Assumpta are behind the bar. Siobhan, now fairly
heavily pregnant, is having lunch and discussing the news of the
solicitor’s letter.
Siobhan: When’s the big day then?
Assumpta looks at Peter.
Assumpta: There’s a lot to organise
yet.
Peter: As long
as we make sure it doesn’t clash with the
christening, will you be coming?
Siobhan: Try and keep me
away.
The door opens. It’s Niamh, with Kieran. Kieran is crying.
Niamh passes him over the bar to Peter and puts Kieran’s food on
the bar.
Niamh: Look after
him for a second, would you? Dad’s
driving me crazy and I need to hear myself think.
Peter: Yeah...
Niamh is out of the door.
Peter: Sure.
He looks at Kieran, then at Siobhan.
Peter: D’you want
to get some practice in?
Siobhan: No thanks, I’ll
leave it to an expert.
Peter laughs then starts to feed Kieran. At first he’s
reluctant to take it.
Peter: Ah, go on Kieran. Just do this for Uncle Peter, eh?
He starts making aeroplane noises. Assumpta gives him a sideways
glance, but Kieran takes the food.
Siobhan: Can I book you for
babysitting in advance?
Peter: It’s a
long waiting list.
Siobhan smiles.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Niamh and Ambrose’s.
Niamh flounces back in.
Brian: Where did
you go?
Niamh: Out.
Brian: What’s
so wrong about me wanting to re-invest.
Niamh sighs.
Niamh: It’s not
your money you’re re-investing with, it’s
mine.
Brian: You know
I’ll make it work.
Niamh: Dad, I
don’t even know what it is you’re asking me to
invest in.
Brian: That’s
because I don’t know that myself yet.
Niamh: So why
ask me? Find something you want to do and
I’ll look at it.
Brian: Good girl.
You know it makes sense.
Niamh: I only
said I’d...
Brian is out the door.
Niamh: Look at it.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s.
Assumpta is standing by the bar doing her accounts while Peter
holds Kieran and talks to Siobhan.
Siobhan: I keep thinking I
feel it turning round. Scares me
half to death.
Peter: You nervous
about the birth?
Siobhan: A bit. Don’t
know why. I’ve seen plenty of farm
animals do it perfectly well without any help.
Peter: Is Brendan
going to be there?
Siobhan takes a sip of orange juice.
Siobhan: I don’t think he’s
too keen.
Peter: D’you
want him to be?
Siobhan: I’m not sure.
Peter: He is
the father.
Siobhan: I know.
She hesitates.
Siobhan: Would you talk to
him?
Peter: It’s not
my place to intervene now.
Siobhan looks him straight in the eye.
Siobhan: You were always more of a friend than a priest.
Peter considers it.
Peter: I’ll have
a word.
Siobhan: Thanks.
Peter wanders across to Assumpta, talking to Kieran as he goes.
Peter: How’s it going?
Brian walks in.
Assumpta: Not good.
Brian reaches the bar and looks at what Assumpta’s doing.
Assumpta puts her hand over the books, trying to guard them.
Brian: Driving
you out of business, am I?
Assumpta: You haven’t opened yet.
Brian: I know.
If it’s bad now, just imagine what it’ll be
like when I do.
Assumpta: I’m sure I can handle
the competition.
Brian: Have it
your way.
Assumpta: Oh, I will.
Brian looks to Peter.
Peter: What can I get you?
You can see Brian thinking about something.
Brian: Nothing.
Thanks. I’ll take my Grandson while I’m
here.
Brian walks out with Kieran and Peter just looks confused.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Niamh and Ambrose’s.
Brian opens the door and goes down to the kitchen.
Brian: I found this at the pub.
Niamh takes Kieran and puts him in his car seat.
Niamh: I hadn’t
abandoned him or anything.
Brian: I’ve got
a proposal for that re-investment.
Niamh: That was
quick.
Brian: Fitzgerald’s.
Niamh: What?
Brian: The pub.
We know the business, Assumpta needs a bit
of financial help. Why not?
Niamh: Assumpta
doesn’t know about this, I take it.
Brian: Not exactly.
Niamh: Dad!
Niamh picks up Kieran and walks out for the second time.
Brian: What?
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s.
Niamh walks in and hands Kieran to Peter.
Niamh: D’you mind?
Peter: No, sure.
we’re old mates, aren’t we Kieran?
Niamh walks round to the other side of the bar and approaches
Assumpta.
Niamh: Assumpta,
we need to talk.
Assumpta: Sure. What is it.
Niamh: In the
kitchen?
Assumpta: Okay.
Niamh and Assumpta go into the kitchen and Peter and Kieran just
look at each other.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
The Church.
Father O’Connell has just finished taking confession. He walks
out of the box and goes down towards the sachristy. Right at
the
front, Brendan is sitting in quiet contemplation. Father
O’Connell clears his throat and Brendan turns round.
Fr. OC: Are you alright?
Brendan: Yes. Fine.
Thanks Father... Just got a lot of
things on my mind.
Fr. OC: Anything I
can help with.
Brendan: Not rea...
You know Siobhan’s not got long until the
baby’s born?
Fr. OC: Your baby?
Brendan: Yes. Do you
think I should be at the birth?
Fr. OC: You’re not
Siobhan’s husband, are you?
Brendan: No, Father.
Fr. OC: So what makes
you think you should?
Brendan: I’m sorry?
Fr. OC: Siobhan is
a single woman.
Brendan: With all due respect,
I don’t see what difference
that makes.
Fr. OC: Mr Kearney,
I am a Catholic priest. I don’t know
what you expect. I can’t approve of the
circumstances in which this baby was concieved.
Brendan: I expect some impartial
advice.
Fr. OC: I suppose that’s
what my predecessor gave? I will
always side with the Church, Mr Kearney.
Father O’Connell walks out by the sachristy door. Brendan looks
annoyed.
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s kitchen.
Assumpta is putting the kettle on.
Niamh: My father seems to think you need financial help.
Assumpta looks insulted.
Assumpta: Excuse me?
Niamh: He’s looking
to re-invest some of my money and he
reckons the pub would be the perfect place.
Assumpta: Oh does he now?
Niamh: Is it
true?
Assumpta: My finances are none
of anyone else’s business.
Niamh: Assumpta...
She tries to coax the truth out by staring at Assumpta.
Assumpta: I'd like to stick a couple
of nouths on the end of
the takings, but who wouldn't?
Niamh: You can
handle it?
Assumpta: Yes, Niamh, I can handle
it. Believe me, I’m fine
and even if I did need help, no offence or anything,
but your dad would be the last person I’d turn to.
Niamh: Okay.
Assumpta: Tea?
Niamh: Yeah.
Thanks.
Assumpta starts to pour the tea.
Niamh: How’s it
going with Peter?
Assumpta: It’s going great.
I had a letter from the solicitor.
I can get married as soon as I like.
Niamh: That’s
fantastic. You’ve not named the day yet then?
Assumpta: No, but we’re working
on it.
Niamh goes over and hugs Assumpta.
Niamh: I’m so
happy for you.
Assumpta: Thanks. Maybe you’ll
be able to make it to this
wedding.
Niamh: I wouldn’t
dare miss it.
Peter knocks on the door, then comes in holding Kieran. Niamh
goes over and hugs Peter as well.
Assumpta: Hands off!
Peter: What was
that for?
Niamh: You’re
getting married.
Peter: I know.
That’s generally what being engaged means.
Peter genuinely looks like he doesn’t have a clue what she’s
going on about.
Niamh: Assumpta’s
letter.
Peter: Oh, right.
Niamh: When’s
it going to be then?
Peter: I don’t
know. We’ve got a few things to arrange first.
Peter and Assumpta exchange ‘how many times have we said that
today’ glances.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Eve.
Assumpta and Peter are behind the bar, with Siobhan and Brendan
sitting at the far end. Peter is watching them. Assumpta
is
watching him, watching them.
Assumpta: Would you ever stop spying
on our customers?
Peter: Shh.
Siobhan wanted me to talk to him.
Assumpta: About what?
Peter: Can’t
tell you.
Assumpta: This isn’t confession
any more, Peter.
Peter looks slightly hurt.
Assumpta: Sorry I didn’t mean...
Peter: It’s okay.
She just told me in confidence, that’s
all.
Siobhan leaves to go to the bathroom and Peter sees the
opportunity. He approaches Brendan.
Peter: How is
she?
Brendan: Fine.
Peter: Not long
to go now. Are you planning to be at the
birth?
Brendan: Ah, well...
Peter: Well what?
Brendan: I had a word with
our friendly neighbourhood priest
this afternoon.
Peter: And?
Brendan: He wouldn’t give
me an answer because Siobhan and I
aren’t married.
Peter: What?
Brendan: I know. Told
me that I shouldn’t expect impartial
advice from a Catholic priest.
Peter: So you’re
coming to me instead.
There is a pause.
Brendan: Peter, it was never
meant to happen like this. Me
and Siobhan are just friends.
Peter: It’s still
your baby. I wouldn’t miss it for the
world if I were you.
Brendan: Yeah, but it’s different
for you.
Peter: How?
Brendan: You’re good with
babies.
Peter: You’re
good with kids...
Brendan: I’m good with kids
who can walk, talk and recite
their times tables.
Peter: Anyway,
that’s not the point. Forget about the baby.
Siobhan needs someone there.
Brendan: Peter, it’s a personal
thing for Siobhan. I’m her
friend, but I don’t feel close enough to her to do
that. What do you think?
Peter: I don’t
think it’s me you should be talking to. I
think you should tell her this. Talk to her,
Brendan, that’s all I’m asking.
Brendan nods.
Brendan: Now that lecture’s over, can I have another stout?
Peter smiles.
Peter: Sure.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
The church. Father O’Connell is taking confession. The
voice of
a young person is heard, who turns out to be Con O’Neill.
Fr. OC: How long has
this been going on for?
Con:
A few months. Father Clifford said I should think
about it.
Fr. OC: What did he
mean by that?
Con:
He wanted me to think about what I was doing.
Fr. OC: And did you?
Con:
Yes.
Fr. OC: And?
Con:
I didn’t see anything wrong with it.
Fr. OC: You were being
disobedient to those caring for you.
Con:
It was only extra sandwiches.
Fr. OC: I don’t care
what it was. I want you to stop it
right now. Do you understand?
Con:
That’s not fair, Father!
Fr. OC: It’s what’s
right.
Fr. O’ Connell storms out of the confessional and leaves the
church still in his confessional attire.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s.
The pub is nearly empty and Assumpta is cooking. Fr. O’ Connell
walks into the bar and clears his throat. Assumpta looks up.
Her expression changes to one of contempt.
Assumpta: What do you want?
Fr. OC: I’d like to
speak to your... Mr Clifford, please.
Assumpta walks out of the kitchen and round the end of the bar.
She looks Fr O’ Connell up and down, when she sees what he’s
wearing. She goes to the foot of the stairs and shouts.
Assumpta: Peter!
Peter: Yes?
Assumpta: There’s a man in a frock
to see you.
Peter gives her a slight glare, comes down the stairs and sees Fr
O’ Connell.
Peter: Thanks
Assumpta. Father O’ Connell.
Fr. OC: Mr Clifford,
why did you tell a certain young
parishioner to carry on stealing from his carers?
Peter: Excuse
me?
Fr. OC: I said...
Peter: Yeah,
no, I heard what you said, I just don’t know
why you said it.
Fr. OC: I have just
taken the confession of a young man who
is taking extra lunch because you simply told him to
consider what he was doing. Do you not think that
irresponsible behaviour for a Catholic priest... ex
Catholic priest.
Peter: Father,
I don’t think it’s wrong to advise people to
listen to their conscience. However, I think you’ll
find that telling anyone else about a person’s
private confession is very clearly labelled as ‘not
on’. Now, you tell him anything you like, but if he
doesn’t understand why it’s wrong to do it, that very
much defeats the purpose. Shut the door on your way
out, Father.
Fr. O’ Connell looks like he’s just been put firmly in his place
and he walks out.
CUT TO:
Scene: Ext. Day
Fr. O’ Connell passes Brendan in the street.
Brendan: Afternoon Father.
Fr. O’ Connell says nothing and carries on walking. Ambrose
passes.
Brendan: Afternoon Brendan.
Nice to see you.
Ambrose: Afternoon Brendan.
Brendan turns towards Fitzgerald’s.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Fizgerald’s
Brendan walks in to see Peter in a thoroughly bad mood.
Brendan: Problem.
Peter: Only Father
O’Connell. Telling me how I should have
done my job. I mean what is wrong with advising
people to think for themselves?
Brendan: Nothing. It’s
just that he and Father Mac don’t see
it yet.
Peter says nothing.
Brendan: Just for the record,
I think you were the best friend
anyone in this community’s ever had. Anyway, I can't
stay, I just popped in to see if Siobhan was here.
Peter: You going
to talk to her?
Brendan nods and walks out.
CUT TO:
Scene: Ext. Day.
Siobhan’s house
Brendan approaches the house and rings the doorbell. After a
short pause, Siobhan opens it.
Siobhan: Come on in.
I was just making some tea. D’you want
some?
Brendan: I think we need
to talk.
Siobhan: Sure. What
about?
Brendan follows Siobhan into the kitchen.
Brendan: Peter said you wanted
me at the birth.
Siobhan: Ah, he did talk
to you then?
Brendan: I don’t know.
He always has this habit of making you
think you’re talking to him... anyway...
Siobhan: I want you there
if you want to be there. It is your
baby too.
Brendan: I’m just not sure
how comfortable I am with it.
Siobhan: A hell of a lot
more comfortable than I will be.
Brendan: Sorry.
Siobhan: Just think about
it. Only try and make your mind up
before the event.
Brendan: D’you fancy a pint?
MIX TO:
Scene: Int.
Eve.
Fitzgerald’s
Peter and Assumpta are saying goodbye to Siobhan and Brendan
before shutting the doors. Assumpta closes the door behind her
and leans back against it.
Peter: Long night.
Assumpta: Yep. I’ve still
got the books to finish.
Peter: D’you
want any help.
Assumpta: No, it’s okay.
You can finish up here while I do
that, if you like.
Peter: Yes boss.
Assumpta goes into the kitchen while Peter tidies up the bar.
In the kitchen, Assumpta appears troubled at the books. She
tears a page out of the back of the book and begins to write a
list:
Re-wiring
Plumbing
Water tank
Toilets
He watches her though the open door. She’s looking depressed.
He finishes drying a couple of glasses, then starts folding a tea
towel. He rolls it halfway up one side, then does the same from
the other end, then he folds it in half. Holding the two
opposite ends, he walks into the kitchen. He stands to one side
of Assumpta and pulls the ends of the tea towel. He stops when
it looks like an oven-ready chicken. Assumpta looks up and
smiles.
Assumpta: Another party piece?
Peter: Kinda.
Assumpta: Is that what I’m paying
you to do?
Peter: You’re
not paying me.
Assumpta: I can’t afford to.
Peter: Am I that
expensive?
Assumpta: Ah, now, would I ever
put a price on you?
Peter thinks for a minute.
Peter: Twenty
quid.
Assumpta: What?
Peter: When I
was your slave.
Assumpta: You still are.
Anyway, twenty quid for three hours
was being seriously overpaid... you couldn’t still do
that water into wine thing, could you?
Peter: ‘Fraid
not. Lost that crucial contact now.
Assumpta smiles slightly, then looks back to the books.
Peter: What’s
the matter?
Assumpta: Just figuring out what
needs doing around here.
She hands the list to Peter, who reads it.
Peter: Expensive
stuff.
Assumpta: Yeah. And Brian’s
offered the money.
Peter is surprised.
Peter: That’s
very kind of him.
Assumpta: Niamh’s money, as a business
venture. He’d want some
kind of stake in it.
Peter: You’re
thinking about it?
Assumpta: Ah, this place doesn’t
make enough of a profit on
it’s own to do all that. And the bills just keep
getting bigger. I can’t carry on paying them at this
rate.
Peter sits down.
Peter: Is it that bad?
Assumpta shrugs.
Assumpta: I want to keep this place.
I grew up here. I want
to keep it going and I want to stand on my own two
feet but if that’s what it takes...
Peter: You don’t
want to take money from Brian?
Assumpta: I wouldn’t mind if it
was his money, but it’s not,
it’s Niamh’s. No, actually, I would mind if it was
Brian’s money. I’d have to be forever grateful to
him. He’d always want something from me. This
place’d just be another of his little enterprises.
Peter: What if
it was my money?
Assumpta laughs.
Assumpta: You don’t have any...
Unless your were taking a
percentage of the donations.
Peter: Assumpta!
It’s my Mum’s will.
Assumpta: Peter, I...
Peter: She had
quite a lot of money from my dad, then she
passed it on to me. Then there’s the house.
Assumpta: That’s your money.
Peter: Yeah.
It’s my money and I’ll do what I like with it.
How about if I buy a small share in the pub?
Assumpta: Are you serious?
Peter: Of course
I am. You won’t let me pay you anything
for my room. I love this place. I want to give
something back.
Assumpta considers the offer.
Assumpta: Okay. A very small share in the pub.
They shake hands on the deal and Peter kisses her.
Assumpta: Now can we talk about the wedding?
He looks reluctant.
Assumpta: What’s the matter?
Peter: I don’t
know. I just think...
Assumpta: What?
Peter: Maybe
we should just slow down a bit.
Assumpta looks devastated.
Assumpta: I knew it. You’re
going to back out on me aren’t
you?
Peter: No.
I’m not. I just think we need to get to know
each other.
Assumpta: I think it’s a bit late
for that.
Peter: You said
yourself you hardly know me.
Assumpta: Ah, I was joking.
Peter: But it’s
true. I do love you, but there are loads of
things I still don’t know about you.
Assumpta: Most of them it’s probably
best you don’t.
Peter: Please,
be serious.
Assumpta: I am. I thought
we’d both made the decision to just
go along with whatever we felt.
Peter: That’s
what I’m doing. I love you. I want to marry
you. But you don’t marry someone you don’t really
know.
Assumpta: I married Leo.
There is an uncomfortable silence.
Assumpta: What is there that you
don’t know about me?
Peter: Lots of
things. How did you come to run the pub?
What happened to your family? How come you hate the
clergy so much?
Assumpta: Peter...
Peter cuts her off.
Peter: I need to know where you’re coming from.
Assumpta sighs and gives in.
Assumpta: I’m like you. An
orphan. Mum and Dad split up when
I was young. Father Mac tried to force them to stay
together 'for the sake of the family'. They just
used to argue all the time. I used to sit in my room
and listen to them shouting at each other. One night
they had this huge row in the middle of the pub, in
front of everyone. The next day Father Mac asked me
how it was going, like he’d done me some kind of
favour. He just made life hell for me...
Peter: Which
is why you hate him so much. Fair enough. Why
d’you hate all priests then?
Assumpta: How can I hate all priests
considering what’s gone on
the last few months?
Peter: So why
didn’t you hate me then?
Assumpta: You’re different.
You never forced people to do
anything just because the bible said they should.
You looked after people because they needed looking
after, not because they went to church.
Peter: Okay,
okay, enough of the ego boost! How d’you end
up running the bar?
Assumpta: I went away to University,
then my parents both died
and I inherited the pub from my Mum.
Peter: Pretty
tough to just come and start running a
business on your own.
Assumpta: Especially when the business
is ten years behind the
times.
Peter: Sorry?
Assumpta: I, em, modernised it
a bit. BallyK hasn’t always
been like it is now, you know.
Peter: How did
you feel when your parents...
Assumpta: Same as you do now.
Alone.
Peter takes her hand across the table.
Peter: I’m not
alone.
Assumpta: But then I didn’t have
anyone.
Peter: You had
the whole village. Niamh.
Assumpta laughs.
Peter: What?
Assumpta: Most of the village still
thought I was the obnoxious
kid I was when I was at school. Niamh and I hated
each other...
Peter smiles.
Peter: What?
Assumpta: I thought she was the
spoilt little rich girl, she
thought I was a manipulative schemer.
Peter: Like her
father, you mean?
Assumpta: Something like that.
Peter: So what
changed your minds?
Assumpta: When all the others our
age left the village, we were
the only ones left to relate to each other. Times of
crisis and all that.
There is a pause.
Peter gets up.
Peter: Come on.
We’ll finish this in the morning. You
going to bed now?
Assumpta: Actually I thought I’d
better finish the books.
Peter: Wrong
answer. Try again.
Assumpta: Yes?
Peter: Correct.
Go on. You can finish that in the morning.
Peter and Assumpta turn off the lights, then leave the kitchen.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s.
Peter and Assumpta are serving. It’s not terribly busy, but
Peter is serving Brendan while Assumpta serves a couple of
strangers at the other end of the bar.
Peter: Did you
talk to Siobhan?
Brendan: Yes.
Peter: And?
Brendan: She told me to think
about it. Even if I wanted to
go, I’m a teacher. I can’t just abandon the kids.
Peter: Get someone
else to look after them. Father Mac.
Brendan: They’re all scared
of Father Mac.
Peter: Father
O’Connell?
Brendan: Are you serious?
Peter: Okay,
maybe not.
Peter laughs.
Peter: What about
me.
Brendan: Oh, they like you.
Peter: There
you are then. Problem solved. No excuse now.
Brian walks in.
Brian: Assumpta,
you thought any more about my offer?
Assumpta: I have actually.
But there are other people
interested in investing in this place.
Brian: Oh yeah?!
Like who?
Assumpta: Like Peter.
Peter turns and gives Brian a smile. Brian looks slightly
bemused.
Brian: He doesn’t
have any money.
Assumpta: Oh yes, he does.
He looks shocked. Peter starts walking over to them.
Brian: So what’s
he going to do? Buy you out?
Peter: I’m taking
a share in the pub.
Brian is near-speechless, but it doesn’t take him long to
recover.
Brian: Ah, well.
You do know business is going to be
severely affected once my restaurant opens, don’t
you?
Peter: I don’t
think we need to worry about that, Brian.
Brian: Fine.
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Brian walks out again.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
The restaurant. Brian walks in to find Liam and Donal putting
up
decorations for the opening night.
Brian: Morning lads.
Donal nearly falls of a chair whilst trying to see Brian.
Liam: Morning
Mr Quigley.
Brian: You all
set for tomorrow?
Donal: We thought
we'd do that in the morning.
Brian is confused.
Brian: What?
Donal: Setting
the tables.
Brian gives up.
Brian: Ah, for
heaven's sake, am I going to have to hire
professional waiters as well? Is Shamie around?
Liam: He’s
in the kitchen.
Brian goes round to the kitchen. Shamie, shoulder deep cleaning
a deep fat fryer, looks round.
Shamie: Ah, hello Brian.
Brian: You ready?
Shamie: Sure.
Brian: Good.
Because I want Assumpta Fitzgerald to know
she’s got a battle on her hands.
Shamie: What?
Brian: Oh, nothing.
Just make sure you do a good job.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Day.
Fitzgerald’s. Peter and Assumpta are chatting behind the
bar.
Brendan is sitting at his usual end of the bar.
Assumpta: (whispered) What’s
going on with him and Siobhan?
Peter: I told
you. It’s confidential.
Assumpta: I thought engaged couples
weren’t supposed to have
secrets.
Peter considers this for a moment.
Peter: Siobhan
wants him to be at the birth. I don’t think
he’s that keen.
Assumpta: So? I wouldn’t
let him get away with it.
Peter: It’s difficult
for him. Siobhan used to just be a
friend. Now he’s expected to go and watch her give
birth.
Assumpta: Whose fault’s that?
Siobhan walks in.
Siobhan: Evening. My
usual please, barman.
Peter: Coming
right up.
Siobhan goes over to sit next to Brendan.
Siobhan: Where Padraig tonight?
Brendan: He’s taken Kevin
camping. One last Father - Son
thing before the summer holidays.
Siobhan: Kevin’s going to
London then?
Brendan: Looks that way.
There is a silence.
Siobhan: Did you think any
more about what we talked about?
Brendan: The birth?
Yes.
Siobhan: And?
Brendan: Peter’s going to
look after my class if it comes to
that.
Siobhan: You’ll be there
then?
Brendan: I will. Just
don’t blame me if I pass out.
CUT TO:
Scene: Int. Eve.
Niamh and Ambrose’s house.
Brian is having dinner there.
Niamh: Dad, just
because you offer Assumpta the money... my
money... doesn’t mean she’s just going to take it.
Brian: I know.
Niamh: So why
d’you instantly assume that everyone’s just
going to accept the money you start throwing at them?
Ambrose: Niamh, calm down.
Brian: It was
a good opportunity for her.
Niamh: No, it
was a good opportunity for you. She can see
past you, you know. Anyway, if Peter has the money
and he wants to put it into Fitzgerald’s, it’s
obvious she’d rather take his money than yours.
Brian: I’m just
saying she missed her chance.
FADE TO:
Scene: Ext.
Eve.
The street.
Peter puts Fionn’s lead on him and steps out of the doorway,
followed by Assumpta. He holds his hand out and she takes it.
They walk across the road and over the bridge, where Peter stops.
He and Assumpta lean on the bridge. Fionn waits patiently at
their feet.
Peter: You do
understand, don’t you?
Assumpta: About what?
Peter: The wedding
thing.
Assumpta: You want to be sure you
know what you’re getting
yourself into?
Peter: I want
us both to know what we’re letting ourselves
in for.
Assumpta: Peter, I know all I need
to know about you. You care
about everyone around you. I don’t need to know
anything else.
Peter lowers his head.
Peter: What about
Jenny.
Assumpta: Jenny?
Peter: My friend
from Manchester.
Assumpta: What about her?
Peter: Why d’you
think I was transferred from Manchester?
Assumpta: You... was it the same
with her?
Peter: No.
Not exactly.
He turns to face Assumpta.
Peter: I’m telling
you this ‘cos I think you need to know.
I asked to be transferred because I felt like
something was going to happen between us. I wanted
to get out of there before it got out of hand.
Assumpta: Was that how you felt
about me?
Peter: No.
There is a silence.
Peter: I could
feel it happening but I didn’t want to go.
It felt different. Like I was supposed to stay.
Another silence. Peter turns and looks at her.
Assumpta: Must’ve been a shock when
she turned up.
Peter: Just a
bit. She wanted something to happen.
Assumpta: You didn’t.
Peter: I got
transferred deliberately... to put some
distance between us.
Assumpta: Clear blue water.
Peter: I wouldn’t
call it clear exactly. She didn’t know
where she stood when I left.
A silence.
Peter: She told
me it’d happen again.
Assumpta: Sorry?
Peter: When she
came over to see me. She told me it’d
happen again. She knew there’d be a next time.
Assumpta looks up at him. He gives her a hug and kisses her
forehead. Fionn starts to bark and they walk away from the
bridge.
ROLL CREDITS