Synopsis: Nigel ventures outside to a concerned neighborhood; Ricky and Bianca share an evening together; Peggy is now officially in charge of the Vic and is determined to make it cheery; Sharon tells Michelle about Grant's proposal; Grant and Nigel muse about love; David is bummed about Bianca and has a rare, late-night chat with Sharon about life in Walford, being adopted, and about Grant and her.

CHELLE = MICHELLE = CHELLE
NIGE = NIGEL = NIGE
TIFF = TIFFANY = TIFF

In Cockney English slang, the "loo" is the bathroom; "ta" means thank you; "Cheers" also means thank you, is sometimes a good-bye (and is sometimes a toast). the "telly" is the TV; giving someone a "wind-up" is like "pulling someone's leg"--a practical joke; a "punter" is a customer; "bleeding" is a swear word; and "on me tod" means alone.

Approx. 25 scenes.

17 (plus) characters: NIGEL, BIG RON, WINSTON, TRACEY, SHARON, GRANT, MAXINE, MICHELLE, BLOSSOM, RICKY, BIANCA, PEGGY, CINDY, DAVID, TIFFANY, VICKY, STEVE, and several GUYS and YOUNG WOMEN with very few lines each (credits name YORKY, ASH, and STEPH). Cast list (cast.htm 3K)

Notes:

• The ring Grant offered her wasn't tacky, in my humble opinion. Big, yes, but not tacky.

• This is the day after the previous episode.

• Pat and Janine are away on holiday with Roy.

Transcribed via VCR tape and microcassette tape.

RON
[comes up, putting hand on N's shoulder] Did you get the flowers..

NIGEL
Yeah, I did. Thanks a lot, Ron. Cheers.

WINSTON
[goes up to him] {How d'ya make ??} If there's anything, yeah?

NIGEL
Yeah, thanks. O' course. Ta.
[goes to TRACEY's flower stall]
Hi, Tracey..

TRACEY
Nigel. How are you today?

NIGEL
Oh, well, I, here, needed a bit of fresh air, I was, feelin' a bit cooped up..
[serious, urgent, nearly teary] Um.. A wreath.. Uh, I wanted a wreath made up..

TRACEY
[it's upsetting] Oh.. um--

NIGEL
I think, I'd understand if you didn't want to do it, but..

TRACEY
Course I'll do it. What would you like?

NIGEL
Uh, I don't know, really, uh.. I haven't had uh.. Something nice.. you know, something really nice..

TRACEY
Leave it to me.. [nodding]

NIGEL
All right, how much {do} I pay you--

TRACEY
[difficult for her, too] Nige. No.

NIGEL
[with difficulty] It's because of you that, that me an' Debs met. And I'll always be grateful for that. All right? Thanks. [pays her as he quickly leaves]

SHARON
Only you could phone this early.

GRANT
Well, I've been up since five waitin' to call you. Huh. Couldn't stand it any longer. I need, an answer. Huh. Well, you've had all night.

SHARON
I told you, I need a few more days. Let me get everything clear in me head.
It's gotta work this time.. Look.. I'll meet you Thursday night. I'll give you my answer then, okay?

It's only a couple o' days.
'Kay. [hangs up]

MAXINE
I thought you might be hungry.

NIGEL
Uhhhh, just a bit o' toast'll do me.

MAXINE
You were gone quite a while..

NIGEL
Yeah, I popped into the video shop. Just sat in there for a bit.
Watchin' Debbie's favourite film. Well, half of it..
Where's Clare?

MAXINE
I said I'll bring her breakfast in bed.

NIGEL
Oh is she hungry, then?

MAXINE
Mmm, a little. Hmm. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't given up smoking, I could do with one right now.
I uh, I forgot to ask. Did you get a hold o' Liam.

NIGEL
[sitting] No, I haven't, I haven't tried yet..

MAXINE
You'll have to tell him. He has a right to know. What is it. {Is it} Clare? Oo, we'll have to find out what he wants to dooo. He is her father..

NIGEL
Look, could--could we maybe, talk about this another time?

MAXINE
[nicely] I know it's hard.. but putting it off won't make it go away, Nigel.

NIGEL
You don't think he'd try an' take her, do you?

MAXINE
[breathes in] Liam's odd.. You never know with him..

NIGEL
I mean, we haven't heard from him in ages, he.. He never, tries to see her, he, doesn't phone or write to her..

MAXINE
Personally, I think he'll stay away..

NIGEL
Do you?

MAXINE
[anxious] Probably got his life just the way he wants it. Who knows.. there might not be any room for Clare..

CHELLE
Uh, have you seen Vicky's school bag?

SHARON
Uh, the last time I saw, it was in the loo.

CHELLE
[leaving] Loo? What's it doin' there?
[loudly calling] Sweetheart! It's in the toilet!
[bitterly, from the kitchen] I bet she hid it there just so we could be late.

[about tea] Oh. It's cold.

SHARON
[calling] It's been there a while.

CHELLE
Well, what time were you up.

SHARON
About six.

CHELLE
[surprised, coming to living room] Six?

SHARON
Yeah, I couldn't sleep.

CHELLE
Oh. Right, I really gotta be goin'. [calling] Come on, sweetheart!
[remarking] God, every morning it's the same.
[friendly, while gathering papers for work] You all right.

SHARON
[quiet] Yeah.

CHELLE
Sure?

SHARON
Yeah, I'm just feelin' a bit sluggish.

CHELLE
Nothing's happened?

SHARON
No.

CHELLE
You, would tell me if there was anything wrong, wouldn't ya.

SHARON
Course I would.

CHELLE
[smiling] All right then. See ya later.
[leaving, nice to VICKY] Come on.

RICKY
{I'll have} five {ham} rolls to take out, please.

BLOSSOM
Five?

RICKY
Yeah, David's useless when it comes to doin' the shopping.

BLOSSOM
Seems like you both need lookin' after.

RICKY
Oh--well, he does, that's for sure.

BIANCA
[coming in, smiling] Oh.

RICKY
Oh, hey.

BIANCA
Hi.

RICKY
Um, still on for tonight?

BIANCA
Yeah, uh, we'll meet around your house, yeah?

RICKY
Mine.

BIANCA
Yeah, you don't mind, do ya?

RICKY
No, no, not at all, uh. It's a bit messy, though.

[They can't keep their eyes off of each other. (She's a little distracted about BLOSSOM, though.)]

BIANCA
Well, I don't mind.

RICKY
{Like,} we'll, say about six?

BIANCA
[smiling] Yeah, that sounds good to me.

RICKY
All right, then--try an'--better get back to work.

BIANCA
All right.

RICKY
[starts leaving, to BLOSSOM] Cheers.

BIANCA
Lost a bit o' weight, did ya?

RICKY
[friendly] Starvation does that to ya. [leaves]

[BIANCA looks at BLOSSOM, who's been watching.]

BLOSSOM
[nonchalant, pointing to nose] Don't worry. Secret's safe with me.

BIANCA
Hm.

PEGGY
[unfriendly] Oh, Sharon.

SHARON
Peggy?

PEGGY
I was just comin' around to see you.

SHARON
You were?

PEGGY
I just got back from the licensing session.

SHARON
[pause, remembering] Oh, right.

PEGGY
Since you couldn't be bothered to turn up, I thought you might just like to know: the transfer's complete.

SHARON
[pause] It went okay, then?

PEGGY
Why shouldn't it?

SHARON
I was just asking.

PEGGY
Well, if you'd been there, you'd know, wouldn't you?
[gets smug] But then I don't suppose it's your business, now. Come to think of it, nothing around here is your business anymore. It's in my name, now, Sharon. The days of the Watts are over. And don't you ever forget that.

GRANT
Morning mum.

PEGGY
Ahhh. Morning. How's my little lad, then.

GRANT
Eh?

PEGGY
[victoriously getting a drink] We have the result, Grant. The transfer's been finalized. The license is ours. Cheers. [lifts her glass to him]

GRANT
So, there were no hitches, then?

PEGGY
[just had some of her drink] Mmm. Went as smooth as anything. Not joinin' me?

GRANT
Uh--it's a bit early for me.

PEGGY
Oh, suit yourself. I saw Sharon a minute ago.

GRANT
Yeah?

PEGGY
I told her there was nothing left for her now.

GRANT
[pause] What you.. didn't have a go at her or anything, did you..

PEGGY
Does it matter?

GRANT
No. I just don't want you wasting your breath, that's all.

PEGGY
Oh! Don't worry about it, she's history. It's just me an' you, Grant, from now on. The Real Mrs. Mitchell an' Son, Limited. [finishes rest of drink]

CINDY
[tense] Yes.

DAVID
[warm, smiling, masterfully nice] Chips.

CINDY
Open or wrapped.

DAVID
Surprise me.

[CINDY is putting together his order, uptight.]

DAVID
Where's the boy {blunder,} then.

CINDY
Out the back. Counting fish.

DAVID
[quiet] Mmm! Well I'll have to make sure I'm on my best behaviour, then, won't I?

CINDY
I doubt you'd know what that was.

DAVID
[keeps it quiet] Well, that makes two of us, d'n't it?

CINDY
Salt an' vinegar?

DAVID
Well, since you put it so nicely.. how can I resist.

CINDY
I doubt you ever can.

DAVID
You're in form, i'n't ya.

[CINDY is clearly uptight, refusing to engage in this.]

DAVID
I could watch you wrap chips all day, do you know that.

CINDY
Yeah, well you should play games with someone younger. [done with his order]

DAVID
[puzzled] Younger?

CINDY
Yeah. Little girls. They're easier to impress.

DAVID
[pause] Can't say I know any..

CINDY
[disdainful] That's not what I've heard.

DAVID
People been sayin' something?

CINDY
Who knows?

DAVID
[doubtful pause] How much do I owe you.

CINDY
Well wait an' see.
Oh, an' don't forget. We do children's portions. Just in case you want to take her out for dinner.

GRANT
Mum.

PEGGY
What is it?

GRANT
I, uh fancy takin' the night off. I think I should go around an' check on Nige.

PEGGY
Ohhh, that'll leave me a bit short-handed. Tiffany's off tonight.

GRANT
Yeah, well it is quite important.

PEGGY
Oh. Well. I'm sure I'll manage.

GRANT
Sometimes you have to, runnin' a boozer couldn't always be a bed o' roses.

PEGGY
[amused] Lucky I've got you, then.
[serious, grateful] You know, I'd never taken this on if you weren't gonna be involved--not at my age.
[quiet] Tsk. Imagine. Me an' my son in business together.. Your dad would o' been sooo proud to see you lookin' after me..

GRANT
Yeah, an', I--I think I might nip out for a bit.

PEGGY
By the way: we're holding our first quiz night next week.

GRANT
[dread, it's tiring] You what.

PEGGY
Yeah, I've sent away for one of those packs they give out. I don't suppose you want to be Question Master.

GRANT
Uhhh--I'd rather not, if it's all the same.

PEGGY
Suit yourself. But I need a bit of help from you--you know--settin' it all up.

GRANT
Yeah. O'course.
I'll see you later.

PEGGY
Ta da, love.

VICKY
Sharon. {Hello.} [goes to her]

SHARON
Hello, Vicky. How are you, mmm. [kisses hello]

MICHELLE
[routine] Straight upstairs an' change for me, sweetheart. Will you hang it up.

[VICKY heads upstairs.]

MICHELLE
What a day I have had. Nothing but complaints. What about you, anything, exciting happen. [sitting]

SHARON
Well, I bumped into Peggy this morning.

MICHELLE
{Oh, that must o' been a} thrill for you.

SHARON
[wry] Hm.
[stoic] The Vic's all theirs now..

MICHELLE
[sits] Oh.. I'm sorry..

SHARON
No. I guess it's the price you pay..

MICHELLE
You all right..

SHARON
[partly brave front] Yeah. Like I said before, I can live with it. Just about. Only a pub.

MICHELLE
{I wouldn't} say that..

SHARON
Well it is, when all's said an' done, it's just another lousy east end pub.

MICHELLE
[arms crossed] I don't believe for a minute that's how you really feel..

SHARON
Well it is.. Didn't think it would be, but it is.. Ooo, it's just been one old battle-ground there, Chelle. World Wars Three, Four, an' Five took place there.

MICHELLE
Yeah, but, there were some good times, too..

SHARON
Do you fancy a coffee?

MICHELLE
Love one, yeah..
You must be feelin' a bit {bored} at times, yeah?

SHARON
[filling kettle with water] Ohhh. I'll survive. As usual..

MICHELLE
Have you seen Nigel today?

SHARON
No..

MICHELLE
Oh. Poor Nigel.. I hate to think what Clare must be goin' through.. I know it's little comfort, but.. I mean, Vicky's doin' all right with one parent.. Maybe they'll get through this..

SHARON
Hey--you've done better than all right--a lot better than I could o' done.

MICHELLE
Rubbish!

SHARON
I mean it!
I hate to think what would of happened if me an' Grant had had kids.

MICHELLE
[distaste] Mm. And how is Grant.

SHARON
Same as ever..

MICHELLE
[absently] Mm. That bad, eh?

PEGGY
[giving change] Thank you, love.

PUNTER
Thanks a lot.

PEGGY
[spotting GRANT] Where did you disappear to?

GRANT
[calm] I just went out.

PEGGY
Anywhere nice?

GRANT
[amused] Does it matter?

PEGGY
[amused] Well, I hope she cheered you up.

[DAVID's just come in. He's pretty sober--hard day.]

PEGGY
What can I get you, love?

DAVID
Oh, give us the usual, please, Peggy.

PEGGY
Hard day?

DAVID
Yeah, {I could crash now.}

PEGGY
Well, ya come to the right place then.

DAVID
Have I?

PEGGY
Ho-ho! Yes indeed! Let me tell you: things are gonna change around here. This is gonna be the cheeriest pub in the east end. [has his drink]

DAVID
[mumbling, paying] Ohh, congratulations. {Here ??}

PEGGY
Oh, I thought at least someone would be happy about it.

GRANT
It's just come at a Bad Time, that's all, mum.

PEGGY
Here. What do you think o' Quiz Nights?

DAVID
Not a lot..

PEGGY
Oh. Why do I bother?

GRANT
[getting up] Right. I'm off--over at Nige's.

DAVID
Listen: give him my best, will ya?

GRANT
Yeah, I will do..

PEGGY
Do you think I'll be able to cope in here on me own..

GRANT
Uh, like I said, mum, sometimes.. you have to. [leaves]

MICHELLE
To the Vic.

SHARON
If you don't mind, I'm not really in the mood right now..

MICHELLE
Sorry, it should be alcohol, really, shouldn't it.

SHARON
[absently gets up] No, it's not that so much..

MICHELLE
Something else?

SHARON
[slowly pacing] No, I just feel a bit restless, I.. can't seem to relax..

MICHELLE
What's happened..

SHARON
Nothing..

MICHELLE
Uh, it's Grant, i'n't it..

SHARON
No.

MICHELLE
Well, you're seein' him again, something must have happened.

SHARON
[pause] Maybe..

MICHELLE
Come on, Sharon, you can tell me..

SHARON
[sits, holds CHELLE's hand] Well..
He's asked me to marry him..

MICHELLE
[taking this in] What..

SHARON
[proud] {That's it--} he begged me..

MICHELLE
[relishing] Oh my god! You've done it! You've pulled it off, I don't believe it--Sharon--why didn't you tell me?!

SHARON
Well, it's only just sinkin' in--

MICHELLE
So what did you say--I mean--how could you keep a straight face?

SHARON
[awkward] Well, I--I didn't give him an answer straight away..

MICHELLE
What..

SHARON
I--I said I needed time to think it over, you know--

MICHELLE
Why?

SHARON
Well, he caught me off guard..

MICHELLE
So you--so--I mean--you been plannin' for this.

SHARON
Yeah, well I didn't think it'd happen this quickly--

MICHELLE
Well, what's the problem, Sharon? Why make him wait?
You're--You're not falling--Tell me you're not falling for him again, Sharon--

SHARON
No, no, of course I'm not--

MICHELLE
Look, Sharon, loo--this is what you've been waitin' for, this is why you came back in the first place, don't lose sight o' that..

Did he get you a ring..

SHARON
[subdued] Yeah..

MICHELLE
I hope he spent his life savings on it.

SHARON
[concerned, firm] Look, Grant'll get what he's due.. You just leave that to me.. [firm but smiles nicely]

BIANCA
All right?

RICKY
[good mood, friendly] All right? Just gettin' changed.

BIANCA
All right.

[They come inside the kitchen. The ironing board's out. (Wall clock says 6:10)]

BIANCA
Oh, it's not as bad as you said.

RICKY
{Okay.} No thanks to David. Gonna be with you in a sec. Oh. Tsk. Didn't bring the iron around, did ya.

BIANCA
Oh--sorry, I thought you were joking.

RICKY
[aplomb] That's all right. Just go as I am.

BIANCA
David not in, then?

RICKY
No, he's gone {out} to the pub. Probably be out all night.

BIANCA
[pause, nonchalant] Well, we don't have to go out, we can stay in, if you want.

RICKY
Yeah! If you like.

BIANCA
{A bit of curry tonight, yeah?}

RICKY
Yeah.

BIANCA
Perhaps we'll go an' see the film another night, eh?

RICKY
All right, then--yeah--if that's what you fancy. I've got a menu somewhere.
[looking for it] They deliver to your home now. An' they bring wine 'round. Fizzy stuff. [has found the menu]

BIANCA
[nice, a little nervous] Oh, sounds good to me.

RICKY
[at phone] {Does it?} What'd'you fancy: a, red or white?

BIANCA
{I'd like,} white. Thanks.

CHELLE
{I think} I need this more than you.

SHARON
Fine, really.

CHELLE
{Oh.} You look it..

SHARON
Oh, it's just draining, that's all. It's like {runnin' miles} twenty-four hours a day. Sayin' one thing, thinkin' another..

CHELLE
[starts pouring wine] Well, it's nearly over, you just hang in there.

SHARON
I'll need a year to recover after this..

CHELLE
You've got the rest of your life to recover. An' think how much better it's gonna be without 'im around..

SHARON
Without bein' given a {second chance.}

CHELLE
Absolutely. Here you go. To the rest of your life.

SHARON
The rest of my life.

(They clink glasses and drink.)

CHELLE
Nnnd--what'd the ring look like.

SHARON
Don't know, wasn't really looking.

CHELLE
I bet it was so tacky.

SHARON
Oh--like I said, I didn't really see.

CHELLE
I can't believe the arrogance of the man. I mean, did he honestly believe that you'd wanna marry him again? What has he got between his ears.

SHARON
Yeah, well, I didn't really--

CHELLE
He's got a half a pound o' shrapnel lodged in there--

SHARON
Well, look. Uh.. let's forget it for now, eh? I, I don't wanna waste my time on 'im.

CHELLE
I can't wait to see him suffer.. I just can't wait..

[SHARON fakes a smile for her.]

BIANCA
So nice havin' the place to ourselves. {Wouldn't} get any peace an' quiet over ours.

RICKY
Hm. David's out quite a lot, lately.. Gives me time to think..

BIANCA
Wha' about.

RICKY
You..

[DAVID can be heard coming in the door.]

BIANCA
[disappointed] Ohhh, I thought you said he'd be out.

RICKY
[dread] Oh, I can't believe it..

DAVID
[standing in doorway] What's all this?

RICKY
[pause] Dinner..

DAVID
[stern] Yeah, I can see that. What's it doin' all over the floor.

BIANCA
Well we're not finished yet..

DAVID
I'm gonna make a coffee. Anyone want one?

RICKY
[same time as B] --No--

BIANCA
No thanks, got wine.

[DAVID leaves for the kitchen, but then stops to eavesdrop, just out of sight.]

RICKY
[bitterly disappointed] Uh. I can't believe it: the one night he comes home early.

BIANCA
[quiet] {Don't say anything. He might hear you.}

DAVID
[comes back in] Sorry. There's a film on I wanna see..
[turns on telly--an action show--he sits on chair] Don't mind, do you?

GUY
Two teas.

STEVE
Yeah. [getting it]
[notices OTHER GUY has cards] Uh--what--what's all this?

OTHER GUY
[looks over] I just thought we'd have a few games o' cards.

STEVE
For money?

GUY
Naturally.

STEVE
Yeah?

OTHER GUY
Honestly.

[STEVE drops it--can't really do much about it. The YOUNG WOMEN idly turn their hilarity on STEVE.]

TIFFANY
[calls over] So. When's the last time that you {lived it up, Steven?}

TWO YOUNG WOMEN
[dramatically] Yeeess. [laugh]

STEVE
[doubtful] Why..? [bringing teas to GUYS, now both at table]

TIFFANY
Well, I just thought we could um.. come back an' tell you what a great time we'd all had.

YOUNG WOMEN
Yeah! Woo-ooo!

STEVE
Ohhh.. Thanks but no thanks..

[YOUNG WOMEN all groan in mock disappointment.]

TIFFANY
Oh, touching.. {Are those burgers gettin' you down.}

[YOUNG WOMEN are all yelping, "Wooo!" and laugh.]

STEVE
Who are you kidding? I love it here.

TIFFANY
{Why not} come out with us!

[YOUNG WOMEN variously: "Yeah, come on." "Come on!" "Come oooon." Apparently it's not all a wind-up.]

STEVE
I can't, Darren's not working tonight..

TIFFANY
There's no such word as "can't." Come on.

(TIFF's BUDDIES are saying stuff like, "oh, you twooo." "I told ya.")

STEVE
I've got a business to run..

("Oh!" "Told ya.")

TIFFANY
[to YOUNG WOMEN] Shut up. Shut up.
[alluring to STEVE] Do this for me..

(BUDDIES: "Yeah." "Oo.")

STEVE
[pause, doubtfully considering] I'm sorry.. I can't. It looks like it's a girls only night to me.

(A chorus of "Oh!"s.)

STEVE
Besides, uh, I need the money.

TIFFANY
What for?

STEVE
This an' that..

TIFFANY
Oh..
[saunters up, smiling] I think I know what you need.

(BUDDIES do a chorus of "Woooo!"s.)

STEVE
Yeah.. so do I.. startin' to forget what it's like..

[YOUNG WOMEN laugh.]

TIFFANY
[quiet] I meant a holiday..

(TIFF's BUDDIES resume talking amongst themselves.)

STEVE
Well, I don't wanna go anywhere on me tod, do I?

TIFFANY
Why don't you go an' see Deller an' Binnie? {They sa'they're havin' a right crack.}

STEVE
Uh.. I think they're happy doin' their own thing.. Nice thought, though.

TIFFANY
Okay. Suit yourself. [turns to shout behind her] Come on, girls, {come on let's go!}

[YOUNG WOMEN all get up, shouting, "Yey!" celebrating the night.]

TIFFANY
[to STEVE] Bye.

DAVID
[tense] What, you two been seein' each other..

BIANCA
Does it matter..

DAVID
Just like to know what's goin' on, that's all..

RICKY
Listen, what we do has got nothing to do with you..

DAVID
I'm her father.

BIANCA
Oh. When it suits you, yeah.

DAVID
That's not true!

BIANCA
We're not doin' anything wrong.

DAVID
Never said you were..

RICKY
Mm, you don't look too happy about it..

DAVID
W--I'm tryin' to watch this--do you mind?

RICKY
Well, watch it then, we're not stoppin' ya.

[Everyone absently watches telly, then DAVID looks at how comfortable they are with each other.]

MICHELLE
You're off out?

SHARON
Yeah, I fancied a wander.

MICHELLE
You're not meetin' Grant, are ya?

SHARON
[wry] No. One proposal's enough.

MICHELLE
[doubting] A bit late for a stroll.

SHARON
Oh, I just want to have a look around. Not gonna have much chance in the future.. Don't worry.. I know what I'm doing.. [strolls out]

DAVID
[shouting] Oh, for god's sake! I'm tryin' to watch this! Do you mind?! I can't hear a word!

[No answer, BIANCA's reluctantly toning it down a little, but also finds DAVID sort of amusing.]

DAVID
Ohh. I'm goin' out. [leaving]

BIANCA
Uhhh, I thought you had already been.

DAVID
Well, I'm goin' out again. It's obvious you two wanna be alone together.

RICKY
[relaxed] Well, what time will you be back.

DAVID
What's that to you?

RICKY
[good-natured smiling] Well, because I worry about ya.

DAVID
[testy] Be careful, Ricky. [leaving]

[BIANCA giggles.]

RICKY
[amused, calls] Do you want me to leave a light on for ya?

[The door slams shut after a couple tries slamming it.]

RICKY
[giggling] I reckon he's your dad, d'you know that?

BIANCA
{Well, he'd better be. Surprised if} he doesn't get a hold of another one before {??}

RICKY
Oh, {it's something he got out of bed} or something.

BIANCA
Yeah, I know.

RICKY
[sigh (they've become a little anxious alone)] It's really, really rubbish without you, you know.

BIANCA
[pause] Has it..

RICKY
I thought about you a lot..

BIANCA
Oh yeah..

RICKY
Every time I've seen you, I, just.. wanted to grab you all the time.

[BIANCA's amused, gentle. He's serious, sad, relaxed and a little amused at himself.]

RICKY
You know what I mean?

BIANCA
Why didn't you, then..

RICKY
[wry] Just thought you might knock me or something..

BIANCA
[nice] Well, why don't you try it now, then.. [looks at him]

RICKY
W--{that means you might fight} back?

BIANCA
[good-natured] I'll do it {right if you're b?? the front.}

[They kiss big.]

GRANT
So, did you manage to get a hold of Liam?

NIGE
No, I didn't. He seems to have moved on..

GRANT
That's one problem solved..

NIGE
Yeah, I hope so..

GRANT
Well, you done your bit..
[glances at watch] Wonder how Mum's gettin' on without me..

NIGE
She'll {leave around to turnin' up.}

GRANT
Mm.. She wasn't very happy when I left.

NIGE
She'll forgive you.. She always did..

GRANT
Yeah.. Maybe that's been one of my problems.. I always thought I could get away with anything..

NIGE
So what you gonna do..

GRANT
What about..

NIGE
Sharon..

GRANT
How'd you mean..

NIGE
Yesterday you looked like a couple again..

GRANT
We did..

NIGE
Yeah.. You looked, like you did a few years ago.. Is something happening..

GRANT
[breathes in, gets up] To tell you the truth, Nige, I'm as much in the dark as anyone else. [sighs]

NIGE
Do you want something to happen..

GRANT
[has got a fresh beer from other side of room] I don't know.. I just get the feelin' we're, [pops beer tab open] fated to be together..

NIGE
[subdued, struck] Wouldn't surprise me..

GRANT
[ruefully sighs] Imagine havin' me as your life-long soulmate..

NIGE
I doubt I'll find another Debbie..

GRANT
[pause] Would you even look..

NIGE
No.. No, I can't see it, mate.
[very quiet, looking at air] I don't mind, though.. I won't be alone..
See, I.. I still have Debbie.. in a way.. that's all I need..

GRANT
That's all anyone needs, mate.. One woman.. The right woman..

NIGE
Maybe it's true.. Maybe we are fated to be with someone.. whether they're here or not..

DAVID
[mellow] Hi Steve.

STEVE
All right, Dave.

DAVID
How you doin'.

STEVE
Yeah, all right.

DAVID
{Why don't ya} give us a tea, please, mate.

[A scruffy, young GUY comes up to SHARON, inches from her face.]

GUY
[blankly] On your own?

SHARON
Sorry?

GUY
You won't be if you came back with me.

SHARON
[absently] Life's full o' regrets.

GUY
[leans right near her face] Take a gamble on me? It's probably the best {off'} you'll have all night.

DAVID
How 'bout I make you an offer, pal?

GUY
[sits up] Oh yeah?

DAVID
Yeah.

[The GUY pauses and leaves.]

DAVID
[muttering] Yaww.
[quiet, to SHARON] You all right.

SHARON
I suppose so..

STEVE
Tea's up.

DAVID
[gets it] Cheers, mate.
You want anything, Sharon?

SHARON
Oh.. another coffee..

DAVID
[friendly] Scratch the tea, mate, make it two coffees instead.

STEVE
[wry] Ah, that's my profit gone down for tonight, huh..

DAVID
Mind if I join you or uh, are you waitin' for someone..

SHARON
No.. Be my guest..

[SHARON's very distracted, halfway doesn't mind if he's there or not. He's mellow, nice, and tired tonight.]

SHARON
You don't fancy the Vic?

DAVID
Nah, not tonight. You?

SHARON
Well, it's not really my scene anymore..

DAVID
Oh. Where is your scene, then..

SHARON
Don't know.. Got any suggestions.

DAVID
Might have.
Then again, it's not been my day today, so I think I better keep me ideas to meself.

STEVE
[passing coffees over counter] Here we go. Two of the best coffees in London.

DAVID
Smashing. Cheers, ta.

STEVE
All right.
Uh, I don't suppose uh, either of you have been to uh, Spain.

SHARON
A few times.

STEVE
And?

SHARON
You'd like it, Steve.

DAVID
I went to Spain once. For a fortnight. Come back three months later. And that was under protest.

STEVE
[encouraged] Right, cheers. [goes back to sink area]

DAVID
[whisper] {Never} really, but why tell him otherwise.

SHARON
[amused] Oh.

DAVID
[wistful] Wish I was in Spain, now, though..

SHARON
Why d'you say that? Albert Square not good enough for you?

DAVID
It's just been one o' those days, Sharon..

SHARON
So what happened..

DAVID
Oh, the same old stuff, really, you know.. Things gettin' out of hand all the time.. If this place hadn't o' been open, I think I'd just carried on walking..

SHARON
Yeah..

DAVID
I sat over on the bench for a while. But that didn't seem to do the trick, so I.. thought I'd go for a walk.

SHARON
[dry] Surprised I didn't bump into you..

DAVID
Why, where was you going?

SHARON
[regretful smile] Who knows.

DAVID
I reckon I could o' left the square. Forever, tonight..

SHARON
Really?

DAVID
Yeah.
Just gone off.
An' never come Back.

SHARON
Well, I thought you liked it, you seemed settled enough.

DAVID
I don't know if I belong here, though.. I've tried so hard to put down roots, but.. ground keeps shiftin'.. It's like tryin' to farm in a, bleedin' earthquake sometimes.

SHARON
Albert Square's got a lot to answer for..

GRANT
[annoyed] Is Sharon still up.

CHELLE
What d'you wanna know for?

GRANT
Look, is she still up.

CHELLE
I guess so.

GRANT
I wanna talk to her.

CHELLE
[dismissive] Sorry I can't help you. [shutting door, he blocks it]

GRANT
Don't wanna cause any trouble. I just need to talk to Sharon.

CHELLE
Well, you can't.

GRANT
I can.

CHELLE
Not tonight.

GRANT
I think that's for me an' Sharon to decide, don't you?

CHELLE
She's not in.

GRANT
What.

CHELLE
She's gone out.

GRANT
Where?

CHELLE
How would I know?

GRANT
She can't have gone out.

CHELLE
Well, she has.

GRANT
But it's late.

CHELLE
Yeah, she's a big girl now. [shuts door]

SHARON
You know, I've just realized that everything I've ever had here has been on hire.. Just rented.. My mum an' dad are gone.. the Vic's gone, Grant.. even Roly.. all of them've gone.. An' I paid for them all--boy, did I pay..
Let me tell you, David, the longer you stay, the more the price keeps goin' up.

DAVID
[staring at air] Should o' carried on walking, then..

SHARON
Probably never even meant to be here in the first place. Sometimes think how different it might o' been.. I could o' been adopted by someone else an' had a whole different life..

DAVID
You're adopted?

SHARON
Told you everything was just on hire..

DAVID
[nervous, interested] Do you, do you know who your, you know, your real, parents are..

SHARON
Well, I know who my mum is, but.. it didn't really work out when I went to see her..

DAVID
Wha'bout your dad, did you ever find out about him..

SHARON
No. No, I decided not to, not with the way my luck goes.

[GRANT comes in. He's cold from the rain. STEVE comes over. GRANT sees SHARON and just stands there looking at her in disappointment--quiet and ominous.]

GRANT
{Popped to} your place.

STEVE
Uh, what can I get ya.

GRANT
[ignores him, to SHARON] Been lookin' for you all over.

SHARON
[apprehensive] Why?

GRANT
'Cause I didn't know where you were.

SHARON
Sorry, but what's it to you..

GRANT
[long pause] Look, I been at Nige's. {We've had a hard night..} Sorry. [breathes in]
[to STEVE] Cup o' coffee to take out, please.

STEVE
Coming right up.

[DAVID's still seated between them, has been eyeballing left and right, at a loss about the weird atmosphere.]

GRANT
[subdued] Forget it. [leaves]

DAVID
[pause, quiet, careful, to SHARON] You okay.

SHARON
[embarrassed] I, I think I'm gonna go. [getting her bag]

DAVID
Where.

SHARON
I don't know, somewhere.

DAVID
Well, look, let me walk with you, in case he's hangin' around outside..

SHARON
[pauses, reconsiders] Maybe I'll stay put for a bit..

DAVID
Two more coffees, please, Steve..

STEVE
Sure.

DAVID
[whisper] Is that what you've had to put up with, love.. [breathing out] God.. What are you doin'?

SHARON
[slightly vulnerable] I don't know..

DAVID
You can't have wanted it..

SHARON
There were good times..

DAVID
Yeah, but nothing's worth that sort of fear, Sharon..

SHARON
I loved him.. I'd suffered anything for him.

DAVID
[half to himself] Seems like that's all love ever leads to.. Suffering..

RICKY
[quiet, kisses her neck] I love you.

DAVID
Where are you goin' now?

SHARON
Michelle's.

DAVID
I'll walk with ya. Just to be on the safe side.

SHARON
[long pause] Do you reckon you'll stay here?

DAVID
Who knows.

SHARON
Mm. You've at least got family.

DAVID
Yeah, well, right now, they don't mean too much to me.

SHARON
You think I'm crazy for puttin' up with Grant, don't you..
Sometimes you have to. Just so as you can get to the point of no return.

DAVID
[long pause] You should o' jumped ship a long time before you did.

SHARON
I couldn't. Really I couldn't. I didn't have it in me then. For a long time I thought I wasn't strong enough.

(They're in the gardens by the gate toward Michelle's house. They stop.)

DAVID
An' are you now?

SHARON
[pause] What do you think..

DAVID
Present or the Past: they're the only places for Grant.. Trust me. It's time you got out, Sharon.

SHARON
You didn't answer me..

DAVID
[pause, honest] Yeah. I do think you're strong enough.

[A car's driving past.]

SHARON
If you don't mind, I'm gonna get off now.

DAVID
[calm, good-natured] Yeah, I better {shoot} meself.

SHARON
Thanks for the chat.

DAVID
Maybe we'll do it again sometime.

SHARON
[pause, with sad regard] I'd like to, but.. Somehow I don't think we will. Good night. [strolls away]

DAVID
[strolling away, sad regard, too] Sleep well.

SHARON
I reckon I will. [walks away with pride growing and pace quickening!]

-boom- -boom- -boom-boom-

Last Updated: 5 Feb 2000