Original subtitles

Jo-Jo, Sima, breakfast!

Hurry up, you're going to be late. You'll be in trouble.

SHE THINKS: OK, last chance back in the mainstream, Kels, yeah?

Just breathe. You got this red wall.

Wait, what? It's nothing.

Just headphones, bike, headphones, bike.

Yes, well, nothing.

No, it's def feels something, red wall, massive something

but you can't just... Oh, the red wall, just focus.

Noise, just, just calm, just focus. Yeah, you can do this,

you can't do this, you can do whatever you want!

Hey. Good to have you back. Yeah, it's good to be back.

In a bit, yeah? Yeah, see you later.

Oh, taking it easy today, Myles?

I'm waiting for Whitwell. Ms Whitwell, thank you.

I just need to give her my new meds.

It won't be long until I'm fixed and then I'm out of here.

Don't worry about me.

Hmm. But I do worry, Myles, I really do.

Good for you.

SHE KNOCKS

Here is the EHCP for Kelly Jo from the council.

Oh, great. Thanks.

We should get together and talk about how we can implement

the STEM provisions that were mentioned. Yes.

Oh, sorry, it's a mess.

Is that the letter from the mum?

What did Dwayne and Zayne say about that? Er...

You haven't told 'em? Come on, it's their mum.

Yes, I know, but I can't just let her wade in

and play happy families and then just let 'em down.

It's not fair. Ah, so this isn't about you feeling insecure?

No, it's about me making a responsible decision

to keep them safe.

Yeah, and you have a responsibility to show them that letter.

I... No, I've said that I will meet with her next week some time.

Once I've sussed her out, then I'll tell the boys. You'd better.

And finally, just a reminder that I am back teaching some classes

as of this morning,

so Joe and Lindon will be on hand should you need anything.

OK, thank you very much.

Have a good day, everyone.

Will you pass that on to Joe? Uh-huh. Thank you.

Back in the classroom?

I thought the arts weren't considered a high priority.

It's not as simple as that, and you know it. Do I?

I'm hoping that reconnecting with the pupils on a classroom level

will make me a better head.

What beginner's guide to management did you pull that from?

Oh, I'm sorry, Val, I didn't realise

that you were such an expert on leadership.

Oh, I'm not. That's why I stay in my lane.

SHE KNOCKS

Sorry. Oh. I thought I was late.

Well, you are not. You're right on time.

Right, I'll leave you to it.

Take a seat.

Here you are - EHCP.

Have a read.

So, today's trial in mainstream, it's very exciting.

Hey, if it goes well...

..could be back full-time.

Mm-hm. Do you think...

Do you think I'm ready, though? Absolutely.

Why? Don't you?

Yeah. Just...just a bit nervous, I think.

Yeah, it's understandable.

Once you get used to the structures and routines,

you'll have cracked it. You can do it.

I guess it's just, like, staying focused

and not letting my head go.

Oh, and remember, we've got our one-to-one check-in at lunch.

Yeah. I forgot. You did? Yeah.

Yeah? Right, well, write it down.

On your hand. Mm-hm.

Kelly Jo. Yeah.

Seriously, though, if you do get overwhelmed today at any point,

just come and get me. We'll work through it together.

Deal? Yeah, thank you. Yeah. Good.

All right, go on or you'll be late. OK.

I'll see you at lunch, Sir. Off you pop.

Oh, you've done well there, that's good.

What?

Yeah, I did. That was funny. OK. Right. Bye! Bye.

George Yeldon.

No G-man?

Rachel White. Yes, Miss.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

OK, thanks, everyone. Have a great day.

Oi. Oi!

Yeah. I'm buzzing, me. Why?

Fresh start for Dealy.

Dealy, yeah? Yeah. What are you even on, man?

Couple's nickname innit? Yeah.

Now that we're both back in main school.

Yeah, well...

Or what about King Joe? Yeah.

They can still send me back, Dean. No. Yeah.

You can do what you want now. No.

Teachers have to let you off.

Yeah, but it don't work like that, does it?

Well, it should.

Listen, yeah?

Dean.

I want to make today dead special.

I won't let nothing or no-one spoil it for us.

All right.

Bye, Miss. See ya.

Aw, Wendy, you have definitely gone the extra mile.

It's all our begged, borrowed and stolen

from my crafty club, so you don't even have to use your budget.

Thank you. It is appreciated. Year 11s, right off of the deep end.

Nothing you can't handle, though. Yeah.

Well, we're going to kick off

with a mixed media expression of serenity.

Ooh. Hmm. Just hoping that Andrew was right about all of this.

I'm sorry about missing the briefing.

Oh, check you out. Back on the front line.

Yeah, it suits you.

Don't worry, I'll be your eyes and ears today.

You name it, I'm on it.

OK, thank you.

Wendy, Myles is waiting for you. Yeah? Right.

Before I skedaddle, I've left a few bits on your desk.

There's the loco parentis forms for the camping trip

and the engagement report for the word beaters that need signing off,

and the revised budget for next term -

just needs looking over and signing.

Good luck! Thank you.

Morning. Morning, Miss. Ah, morning. Morning.

Come on through. Take a seat, please.

Make sure bags and coats are on the floor.

Chlo's Wishing Foundation.

I can't believe it's actually set up.

Chlo would have loved it. I'm telling you,

she'd have something like this

in the front room if she could. Trustees in place.

Yeah, and we've got our first cause to raise money for.

So, you fancy yourself as a radio DJ on the Waterloo Road airwaves, then?

Not quite. Probably best leaving that to the kids, don't you think?

You'll need to sign in if you're late. I don't... Shola.

What time do you call this?

I'm really sorry, Miss. I missed the bus.

Well, you can't be this late. It's unacceptable.

Won't happen again, I promise.

Well, see that it doesn't, and sort your uniform out.

You look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards.

I didn't mean right now. Get to your lesson.

Honestly!

So, if the friction here is greater than, say,

five newtons, what happens?

It makes it harder for it to move.

Turn to page 43.

Nice of you to show up.

Thought you'd gone into hiding.

Sorry, I was just sorting something at home.

This really isn't good enough.

You've barely answered any questions.

I expect better from you.

Open your book, and get your head down.

I want you to use your instincts, and use colour and texture

to evoke a sense of calm and of tranquillity.

Yeah, Miss, is this like an art class or yoga retreat?

LAUGHTER

Here, imagine you're on a beach,

and this scrappy piece of fabric

is the ocean,

washing all over you.

Give it us a sec. Let me go... Oi.

How long do you reckon until Mad Kelly Mad Jo-Jo blows?

Oi, watch your mouth.

Yo, KJ, heads up. Oi! Just ignore him, Kels.

�10 she'll be back in the BEU before lunch.

What do you reckon mate, huh?

What do you reckon? That's it, watch your mouth!

Er, I am saying get back into your seats.

Easy money.

Sorry, Miss.

I'm just grabbing a glue stick.

It's OK.

Calm. Tranquillity.

So, what is it? We've got to plan a route that's at least ten miles?

Ten miles? I thought this was a camping trip,

not some hike up Everest.

I don't know why I agreed to this.

I only wanted to get out of lessons.

Look, these roads are like faces.

Do you guys just not know how to read a map, then?

They're deffo going to get lost.

No, we're not.

Shola's got it sussed, ain't you, Sho?

I'm sorry, I can't. Course you can.

You're, like, the smartest kid in school. Here you go.

No, no. I meant the camping trip.

I can't come.

We signed up to it ages ago and you were buzzing about it.

Yeah, and I thought I could come, but...I can't. I'm sorry.

Look, if you don't want to be on our team, you can just...

No, no. It's not that. Honest. What is it, then? Nothing.

Well, it's clearly not nothing.

If summat's up, you can talk to us.

Are you not even bothered about the extra merits?

I am, but... Sorry.

Well, you can't have a team of just two.

You and you are losers.

Yeah, shut up. Now we can't go.

Thanks a lot, you made us look like right mugs.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

It's not OK, that.

Making bets about you.

What, don't they know you're disabled? Dean, shut up.

Please. You shouldn't stand for it.

Yeah well, I am, so just leave it. OK?

Listen, yeah? Mm-hm. Meet me at lunch by the side...

I can't do lunch. Meet me at the side bins.

I've got a surprise for you. Come here.

You know that I hate surprises. Well, you're going to love this one.

Just me and you. OK.

It's what I know, obviously.

Well, I can't do lunch.

I've got to check in with Casey, so...

I don't know how long it's going to be for.

Just meet me after, then. I can't...

I'm going to have everything ready.

It's going to be sick.

See ya. See ya. Yes, Flo!

Yes, I know, it's fine.

I'm sorry. ..don't drop each other in it like that, it's not on.

OK, Dad. It won't happen again.

Bye.

What was that all about? Nothing.

OK, this is getting weird now.

Well weird! If summat's going on, you should speak to someone.

What are you being all secretive for? I'm not.

Everything is fine, so why don't you just back off?

Yo, yo, Sho-Sho.

What's occurring? You meditating or summat?

I've not got a date for the next school council meeting,

if that's what you're after. Do you really think

I'm chasing the school council on my break? I am not you.

Why are you on your bill, though, anyway?

Where are your mates at?

What does that mean? Like, they've disappeared, or you've got none?

Look, right, try a sip of this. Perk you right up.

Free sample, on the house. New side hustle?

Nah. My uncle just got a load cheap.

Not for resale.

No. That is rank.

Nah, I think they're decent.

Are you all right, though?

Honestly, because you look like you've not slept for about a week.

Wow. Sorry. Nah, I don't mean it in a bad way.

I think what I'm trying to say is, like, look,

if you want to talk about it, yeah, then we can.

A problem shared is a problem done with or whatever.

Thanks for the life advice, but I'm good.

On that, if it's something about the school council,

yeah, then I'm pretty sure that I can help you out.

I don't want any help. I am fine.

I just wish that everyone would get off my back.

OK.

Talking to trees now, are we?

I think you should just find a genie to solve all your problems.

It's this adoption stuff.

It's taking ages.

Why do you care so much about a piece of paper?

It didn't stop my dad from leaving us, did it?

Adults leave, OK?

You just have to get over it. Not always.

What, you think Mr Casey and Mr Rutherford are forever, do you?

Don't know, but me and Zayne are.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

Us against the world, ain't that right, bro? See you later.

Will having gay dads make you gay, too?

Um, I don't know.

I think girls should just stick to girls,

boys should just stick to boys and then there'd be no arguments.

I reckon I'm going to be gay when I'm older.

Don't think it works like that. Whatever.

And stop. Really good, ladies. It's quite hard, isn't it?

Right, I'd like you all to try the same thing in your own time.

Right, OK, then, copy the rhythm.

OK, wait. Just one, two, three, four. It's not that hard.

What are you chatting about? This ain't maths, Shola.

Can you just do it?

All right, don't get angry with me.

You know, the world's not going to end

just cos you can't bang two sticks together.

You're speeding up. Can you stop it?

I'm doing what you said. One, two, three, four.

I said, can you stop it! Ow.

Shola Aku! What was that about?

He's messing up on purpose to make me look bad.

You could have hurt him!

Does he look like he's hurt? He's laughing. Shola.

You had no reason to lash out.

I'm going to have to give you a detention.

I can't... Why is it just me?

Why can't you get mad at him for once? You attacked him, Shola.

Cos he's making me look stupid, but, oh, no, blame Shola.

"You look like death, Shola. Try harder, Shola."

Well, I do, but it's never enough!

I think we need to step outside for a minute.

SHE DROPS STICKS

Continue with your rhythms, class. Thank you.

Go on, then. Just tell me that I'm a big let-down and disappointment

and that I don't deserve to be here.

Shola, calm down. Deep breaths. Don't touch me!

I hate this school and this stupid, stupid life.

It's all too much.

OK. Shola, do you want to come with me

and we can go somewhere quiet for a bit? Yeah?

Right, let's...

Excuse me, sorry. I'm looking for Joe Casey. Yes, me.

Can I help? We spoke on the phone. I'm Lisa.

Dwayne and Zayne's mum.

What are you... Uh...

OK, erm...

Val, could you take Shola down to the office, please?

And I'll follow you down.

Uh, yeah, follow me. All right.

It's just this way.

In there, if you just want to head through there.

If you just want to wait in there for a second, I'll...

Wendy, could you call Miss Campbell, please?

Just...something's come up I need to deal with urgently. Yes.

She's in class, but I'll try.

Yeah, Jamilah, Miss Chambers,

could you fill Jamilah in with everything

before you head off to class?

It's Lisa.

I know.

Right, Lisa...

Right, why don't we wait in Miss Campbell's office

and you can tell me what's been going on?

Sorry, I, I don't mean to be rude, but what are you doing here?

You said we could talk.

Yeah, next week, maybe.

This is a school, right? You can't just turn up.

I told you when I'm free, you didn't reply.

Right, well, sorry, I... Cut to the chase.

Do they want to speak to me or not?

I can't answer that.

But they read my letter, right?

Yeah. But...

Lisa, the thing is, I...

With all the upheaval that they've had, myself and Mike,

we just think that right now some stability is important.

And that's what you offer, is it?

Well, they've got a safe home with us, yeah.

We've both got steady jobs.

Am I hearing you right?

You think cos you've got yourself on a payroll, you're better than me?

That's not what I said.

I don't know how you dare.

If you've given them such a perfect life,

why are they running away, ending up in hospital?

Tell me that, Mr Foster Dad of the Year.

I need to see them.

This isn't like you at all, Shola.

Is everything OK? Is there...is there something that we should know?

We're here to help, whatever you need.

Are you being bullied?

What about things at home?

Look, if school council is too much of a responsibility...

It's not that. It's just, there's a lot of things going on.

That's all. Yeah.

Look, it's really common to feel stressed at your age,

but that's why it's important to talk about it

before it becomes overwhelming.

Shola, what's that?

Nothing.

You can't help.

No-one can.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

Tell you what, why don't we give you some space, yeah?

You can clear your head.

Does that sound OK?

Just be outside if you need us.

Something definitely isn't right. Hmm. I know.

Let's not jump to any conclusions yet.

Can you give Shola's parents a call, please? Thanks.

What if I take her into pastoral care?

It's a bit more private in there. She might open up a bit more.

Yeah, OK. Let's do that.

Shola, Miss Omar's going to take you down to pastoral care so you can...

Excuse me! What? Can I help you?

Yeah, I've got a one-to-one check-in with Mr Casey.

Oh, right, well, he's a bit tied up at the minute.

Oh, OK, well, when will he be done? Not sure.

Go and have your lunch. I'll get him to come and find you when he's free.

It's fine. Don't matter. Thank you.

SIGHS

They've not heard from you in eight years.

You practically... you practically abandoned them.

And I live with the shame of it every day.

But I'm getting better.

I've been sober for three months and 18 days now.

I want to make amends.

Sorry, sorry. Three months? Three...three months?

No, you're not ready.

To take care of them full-time, not yet. No.

But if I keep following my programme, I could be.

With all due respect, Lisa, this is their lives.

It's not some step in your recovery.

Don't you dare patronise me.

Who picks up the pieces when you relapse again?

Look, I've got myself a two-bed flat.

All I'm asking is that they visit.

Stay over, maybe.

Well, we can't do anything without consulting social services, so...

Then call them.

They'll back me 100%.

I'm their mum, for God's sake.

Can you not see that we are trying our best?

We love those boys to bits.

So do I.

Do you know, Dwayne didn't sleep through for two years,

and Zayne was hungry every hour of every day.

I have the scars.

I'm grateful for all you've done.

But I need us all back together, sooner or later.

Right, you've got ketchup, you've got mayo, brown, tartar.

Best of the canteen there, mate. Yeah. Yo, D. Oi, nah, you're early.

Yeah, Casey bailed on us.

Busy, apparently, so it's fine, innit?

Is this the surprise?

What are you doi... Ahem.

Welcome, Madame, to Restaurant De River.

Yes, Ma'am, here we sell Noel's finest brew.

First one's on the house, like, yeah,

but if you do like the taste, yeah,

do you a bit of a deal, so it's 50p for one, two for a quid.

Dean, I... No? I can't get in trouble today.

I can't do... Chill out, babes. Can you not...

No-one's going to see us round here. Hey, Noel, go and look out, man.

Zayne, is that you?

Who's that?

Not sure. Please, not now.

Let me show you out.

Hey, you.

Right.

150 calories.

I've read a thousand blogs

and they all say little and often is the best way,

and it should mean that you don't want to...binge.

You love a blog.

Now I know what you're dealing with, we've got to face it together.

You're not going to watch me eat, though, are you, like a weirdo?

Oh, 100%.

Every single bite.

Bet you can't wait to stick your nose in, can you?

Me? I'm giving them space. Yeah, yeah.

You're not fooling anyone, you.

I think we've got an audience. Oh.

Let them watch. In fact, let's give them a show.

Cheers, I'll see you later. See ya.

If she finds out about...

She won't. She won't.

You've just got to keep her distracted.

Hi, Mrs Walters!

I love the malted ones with the little cows on 'em.

What's your favourite?

KNOCK AT DOOR

Sorry, can I just borrow Miss Omar, please?

I'll be a second.

How are you getting on?

Yeah, well, she's still not saying, but she's calmed down a bit.

We still can't get hold of the parents. Oh.

Well, given the way she's acting and those bruises,

I think the next step would be to contact social services.

Yeah.

Are you nearly done? I'm starving.

Why won't they cook?

Were they fully defrosted?

How should I know?

They'll be cold in the middle, Dean. Oh, God.

They're bloody cold all over.

Then you need to get the barbecue hotter. How?

Oh, my... Do you know what? I'll do it myself.

Move, man. Move out of my way! Oh. God.

Ah, sick! Thank you. Yes.

Ooh. Shola, man!

I'm sorry, I just...

What? Where you off? I need to go home.

What? I'm trying.

Hey, what's going on?

Don't know, Sir.

Can you smell smoke? Smoke? No, come on. No, no.

I'm pretty sure I can smell smoke. Look, Sir, it's not like...

Hey, what's going on?

It's nothing serious.

It's nothing at all... It's on fire!

Right, stand back. Kelly Jo, leave it.

I saw what happened. It weren't us!

OK. Right, show's over.

Everyone all right?

SHE THINKS: You can't be here, Kels.

You can't be here, you can't be here, you can't be here!

It's gone, it's fine.

Weren't your fault.

It's out.

I can't be here, Dean.

Oi, wait, man. Oi, you're not going anywhere.

You have some explaining to do.

First day in the mainstream, try burning the school down?

Classic Kelly Jo, yeah? You screw up everything, you idiot.

Stupid brain, just stop talking.

Why are they looking at me? It's so loud.

Just shut it up.

Why can't you have fire? Why can't you just... Aah!

You all right?

Kelly Jo? Yeah.

Yeah, I think I need to go back into the BEU, Sir.

I think Myles was right.

What are you talking about? I can't handle it.

I think I'm broken. No, you're not, right?

Let's just go and have a chat.

No, no, you don't understand. There was a fire. What?

Just round the back of the gym.

Kelly Jo, what are you talking about?

Just, just need some space. Sorry.

What? Kelly Jo.

Kelly Jo!

Alhamdulillah, alhamdulillah.

Alhamdulillah.

HE RECITES PRAYER

Thank you for that. It's all right, any time.

A barbecue on school property.

Are you serious?

Right, a week's exclusion starting tomorrow. What?

Yeah, and the rest of today, you're in isolation. A week!

That's well harsh, Sir. The fire was an accident.

Do you have any idea of the damage you could have caused?

Not to mention the danger you put yourself and Kelly Jo in.

At least I was trying to do something nice for her.

What have you done? What's that supposed to mean?

She came to see you for your whatsit...

..but you weren't there. So don't go off on me

when you're the one that ditched her.

Right, I got caught up with stuff. I didn't realise...

Oh, whatever! She's lost her head now.

Guess what I heard.

That you're a massive melt?

Ah, close, but no cigar.

I heard that Mama Jackson's back in town. What are you on about?

Well, apparently, she's been writing little letters to her baby boys.

Now, isn't that just lovely?

You don't know what you're chatting about. Don't I?

Then why were Miss Omar and Mr Casey whispering about it this morning?

Now, I reckon she's heard you're being adopted by two gays

and she's, er, kicking off.

Oh, shut up, Myles.

Or what? Hmm? What are you going to do?

Can't start on the engine now, can we, Dwayney boy, eh?

HE TUTS

See you around, fella.

Anything?

Point of contact's still going to voicemail.

Keep trying.

How's Shola? You got to the bottom of it yet?

No, not quite.

I'd better go and check on her. Yeah, all right.

Izzy and Tonya said they overhead her having a heated conversation

with her dad earlier, but she wouldn't say what it was about.

It could be girls gossiping but...

Yeah.

She got all, um, bruising on her arms.

No, just...you know, we've got to tread carefully.

She's gone.

Oi. Hey, now, yeah, Shola, she's your mate.

Oh, who knows any more?

What's that meant to mean? You fallen out or summat?

Well she's been acting shady recently.

She won't tell us anything. so... Yeah, well, I've just seen her

and she looks upset to me. Is that to do with you two?

Izzy, Tonya. Have you seen Shola? Not since music. Noel has.

When? Where? No, I'm not a grass, me, Miss.

Noel, this is really important.

If you know where she is, you need to tell us right now.

Oh...

She's done a runner.

She said she was going home or summat.

OK, thank you. She in trouble? OK, so we need to call the police,

but let's just keep on trying the parents.

OK, I'm going over there.

No, just let the police handle it, all right? It's protocol.

Are you joking?

No, Val, I'm not.

BOY CONTINUES RECITING PRAYER

Alhamdulillah.

Hey. Hello.

What was that that you were saying?

Oh, I did my zikr.

I do it after every prayer.

What, so you do that loads, yeah?

Five times a day.

I try my best. Jeez.

I didn't realise there was that much to pray about.

Well, family, safety and peace.

Peace! Wish I could get some peace, mate.

Have you tried praying?

Er... no.

No, I've...I've meditated, like, once before, but it's boring.

Me head just goes off into weird places.

Prayer helps me to focus.

Yeah? Do you think that you could teach me one?

If that's not offensive asking, like, sorry, I...

As long as you're not making fun, I can show you a dua.

Yeah. Give me your phone.

Thank you, by the way.

Here's a dua I really like. Mm-hm.

It has a translation as well.

Yeah, that's great. Yeah, thank you.

See ya. Cheers, mate.

PRAYER PLAYS ON PHONE

You're always on that phone, you.

You texting Mr Lover Boy?

Please never say that again.

SHE CHUCKLES

Right, so, I was thinking, what about inviting Kai round some time?

You ready for that yet?

Maybe soon.

As long as you don't go full-on you. Of course not, I'll be dead cas.

We could even ask Paul and Cameron from the salon to come round.

Paul and Cameron?

You've not seen 'em in ages.

Well, yeah, but they're...you know.

Oh, you want to hear their coming out story.

It is so cute, but it's wild.

Oh, I wish you'd had, like, a proper moment,

do you know what I mean? Like, tell the world that y...

What? The... No, no. Stop.

I'm not g...

That's not what this is.

Wh... Hang on. Hang on a minute.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

So, so you're... You're bi, then?

I'm not anything, Mum.

I'm just me.

No labels.

I'm with Kai. That's it.

Hey, I was reading an article online about throuples.

See, this is exactly what I was talking about. OK, sorry. I'm sorry.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS No more questions.

I'll back off...again!

CRYING

HE UNZIPS BAG

I love it. Oh, do you mind?

OK. This time next week. Deal!

Sorry, my mum collared me.

Just got a million and one questions about us. No probs.

Is everything all right?

Yeah, yeah, all good.

What's that look about?

Nothing, I was just worried that you were, um...

Never mind.

I don't just run off to stuff my face every five minutes, you know?

No, I know that.

Forget it.

Sorry. You're trying to help.

I'm just not...not used to sharing so much.

You've got your way of dealing with it.

I get it.

Now, listen.

You don't need to worry.

I've got this under control.

TEACHER: OK, so we know

that the central theme of Twelfth Night is love...

Mum?

Oh, Mum! Wake up. Wake up, Mum. Come on. Wake up.

Oh, thank God.

What happened?

I need the toilet.

Oh, why didn't you call?

The phone wasn't working.

I'm so sorry. I forgot to put it on charge.

This is all my fault.

Is it your back that's hurting?

Do you want me to call the doctors?

I can get your tablets in a minute.

You need to call your dad.

Tell him to come home. No, no, it's fine. I can sort it.

Why aren't you at school?

Has something happened? Shola?

I messed up at school and I kicked off at this lad,

and then the teachers are going to call social services

and they're going to split us all up.

No. No... No, no. It's fine.

I won't let them come here, I promise.

I'm so sorry. Oh. I'm so sorry. It's OK.

Sh. I'm sorry. It's OK. Sh.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Shola, are you in there?

Shola, can you hear me? Shola, c...

Miss Chambers, what are you doing here?

Looking for you.

I'm fine. Well, can I come in?

Please, you can't.

You're not in any trouble.

You need to leave.

LOUD GROAN

Mum, Mum, I know it hurts, but you're going to be all right, OK?

Just get you into bed, yeah? Yeah.

Right, come on.

Ow. Mum, not so tight.

It hurts.

That's it, Mrs Aku.

Let's get you up.

Ah. There you go.

What are you doing in here?

I've been looking everywhere for you.

PRAYER PLAYS THROUGH HEADPHONES

Have I done something wrong?

I've been trying to help.

The fire weren't all my fault, you know.

You did tell us to.

It were meant to be romantic, like.

Just trying to make a nice day for us.

What? Are you going to delete us from your life now?

Dean, I just need you to listen. That's all.

Of course.

I'm all ears.

I'm one big ear.

Eh? Yeah. Hey, I'm not Dean no more.

I'm a ear.

"Ear" for you.

Serious, though.

Just tell me what you need and I'll make it happen.

Well, I'll try.

I just need quiet.

Sweet.

SHE GIGGLES

One piece of quiet coming right up.

SHE SOBS

Thank you.

Well, at least the bruising

was from helping her mum and nothing suspicious.

Are you still with her?

I'm here with her now, yeah. OK. Bye.

I, um...I didn't realise your mum was so unwell.

Well, it's not always like this.

She's got fibromyalgia and chronic back pain.

It flared up.

Today is a bad day.

Are there a lot of bad days?

Sometimes.

Listen, I don't want to talk out of turn,

but this is a lot to deal with,

especially for someone your age.

When Dad's here, it's fine, but he has to work away a lot more now,

and I can't ask him to come back because we need the money.

I can cope. I can.

Most of the time.

I'm not saying you can't, but clearly it's affecting you.

It's just hard to juggle it all. I'm sorry.

You don't have to apologise to me.

Usually, school feels like a break,

but I can't seem to do anything right at the moment.

Please don't tell my mum all this.

It'll break her heart.

I bet she knows as much as anyone that something's got to change.

She does.

She feels proper guilty about it, but it's not her fault.

No, of course not. No-one thinks that. They do.

That's why when Miss Omar mentioned social services,

I panicked and I ran.

But why? They might be able to help.

Mum doesn't want them knowing

cos they think that maybe she can't take care of us

and we'll get put into care.

And what do you want?

I just want her to get better.

I hate seeing her like this, and I don't know what to do.

Look...

..I've spoken to Miss Campbell and Miss Omar

and told them about the situation, so

how about we all sit down together

and try to come up with a plan of action?

You can't do this forever, Shola.

Not on your own.

Are you all right?

Yeah, are you?

Yeah.

I think I'm ready to go back now.

Are you sure? Yeah.

It's all right in here, in't it? Hmm.

Yeah, chill vibes.

Why are you saying chill vibes?

What? You sound like my nan.

What? What are you talking about?

Let me get that.

Thank you.

Kelly Jo.

Oh, no, Casey.

He's already excluded me. I don't want another lecture.

Don't worry about it. Dean, you're meant to be in isolation,

so I don't know what you're doing here.

Where have you been?

Just in there, cooling down.

I'm really sorry again that I missed our meeting today.

I let you down. No, it was fine. I'm over it.

The trial was a stupid idea anyway.

No, it was not a stupid idea.

Today is my fault, I...

Now, listen, yeah?

What she needs is quiet time,

and for you to just, like, understand her and that.

Right.

Right, right, well, come find me at the end of the day

and we can have a chat. Yeah?

Yeah. Come on. Thanks for that. It's all right.

I know it can't have been easy opening up today,

but it's so much better now that we know.

I'm so embarrassed.

There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

Yeah, well, it's not normal, though, is it?

"Oh, what did you do yesterday, Shola?"

"Taught my sister phonics, then I did the washing up,

"and then I gave my mum a bath."

My mates think I'm weird enough as it is.

I think your mates care about you more than you think.

And you're allowed to be a kid.

We can help you be one again.

I'm not a kid, I'm 14.

Legally you are, and we have a duty of care

to make sure that you are safe and looked after.

I am safe, and I can look after everyone, I promise.

Yes, but is it what you really want, Shola?

I don't know.

If Mum wasn't sick, I could hang out with my mates

and be normal, and I can't go into care

cos what would happen to my mum and my sisters?

But what if there was another option, Shola?

We can put you forward for a young carer's assessment.

If you qualified, it'd mean

that you still get to be at home with your mum,

but you'd just get a bit of additional support

to help you manage everything.

Social services! No way.

They are there to help.

No-one wants to split up your family.

Yeah, but Mum will get worried.

Then she won't sleep, then she'll just get worse.

I can speak to her. I'll explain everything to her

and put her mind at ease.

We just want you and your mum to know that we are on your side.

But what if they don't think I'm good enough

to look after her properly?

Zayney Jay, my main man.

How are we?

All right. Why?

Ah, nothing major.

Just seeing how you are with all this mum stuff, that's all. What?

Oh, has Dwayne not told you?

Basically, your mum - she tried sending you letters

but good old Daddy Casey's holding out on you.

Joe wouldn't do that.

Well, I'm just being honest.

Why would I fake-talk about something like that?

Come on. Hey? I'm looking out for you.

I know what it's like to feel left out as well, you know.

My older brothers, they...

..they never told me anything either.

Me and Dwayne aren't like that. Really?

Then how come he's known about this all day

and not said a thing? Tell me.

Exactly.

Right, well, I'd better bounce.

Bring it in.

I'll see you around, big man, yeah?

Yeah? Good lad.

Where are we even going, Sir?

Just...follow me, right?

Right? Ta-dah.

What even is this? Well, only a prototype at this stage

because I want your input,

but this is the beginnings of a sensory room.

Sensory? Sounds filthy, doesn't it?

Dean, shut up. Sorry. It's fine.

Right, this is somewhere that you can come to break away

and get a bit of calm.

Like a prayer room. Yes.

Well, sort of, just for neurodiverse pupils

or, well, anyone who's got additional needs.

Sick.

Wish I was ADHD, man.

What? Not really, I just mean...

Just take a seat.

All right.

I let you down today,

and I want to do everything that I can

to help you with your transition back into mainstream.

So I'm not going back into the BEU?

Well, not unless you want to. No.

No. Didn't think so.

So I've spoken to Miss Campbell

and we're going to find a permanent space like this

that's available to you at all times.

Nah, I don't want no special treatment, like... But... What? No.

No, it's not special treatment, is it? Well, it is.

It's not, Kelly Jo. It's our job, right,

to make sure that you've got access

to the same opportunities as everybody else.

Yeah? Yeah. Right.

Thoughts? Shall we give it another shot?

Yeah, all right. Yeah?

Yeah. Love it. Right, go on. Try it out.

Sick.

Does this mean I'm not excluded as well, Sir?

No, you definitely, definitely are still excluded, Dean,

but I might think about dropping it to three days

if you clean up the mess you made.

Yeah. Yeah? Yeah. Deal? Yeah.

Vigorous. Very vigorous. All right, go on. Take a seat.

This will do you wonders with that kind of power.

Hey, kid. Fancy a kickabout?

All right, what's up?

Is it true about Mum?

I don't know. Why?

Myles said... Oh, listen, that boy is a messer.

You can't believe a word that comes out of his mouth, OK?

But what if he's right? I saw this woman with Joe at lunch.

She was staring at me.

You sure it were not just some teacher or summat?

Should we ask him?

No. But we'll find out. Come on.

Earth to Val.

You do know we've got a dishwasher, don't you?

I can't stop thinking about Shola.

Sometimes we make mistakes.

About earlier...

I shouldn't have gone off like that. No.

No, you really shouldn't.

I'm sorry.

Oh, wow.

Val Chambers, was that an actual apology? Are you feeling OK?

I just didn't think.

I completely misread the situation and went in all guns blazing.

I mean, we were all thinking the same thing.

Must have been a shock when you got there, though.

You could say that.

Val, your heart is in the right place,

but you've just got to trust me more.

I want what is best for all of these kids,

but sometimes that means having to make the tough calls.

PHONE BUZZES

Mum, is everything OK? Do you need something?

I'm fine, love. You don't have to panic every time I call.

I know, but...

The lady from the school just phoned - Miss Omar.

She told me about the young carer's assessment.

We don't have to do it if you don't want.

No, this could be exactly what we need.

I hate being a burden on you.

We'll talk when you get home, OK?

Love you.

Love you too.

Yo! See you've come back.

Look, I didn't mean to grass you up or anything.

I was just worried about you.

Aw, aren't you a softie?

I know, don't tell anyone.

Seriously, though, like,

if you need anything, just give us a shout, yeah?

Also, two-for-one on my energy drinks.

I'm good, thanks.

Well, I think your friends want to speak to you,

so see you around, Sho-Sho. See you.

I'm really sorry about the camping trip, guys.

I did want to go. We're in a team.

You really need to stop apologising.

We didn't want to go anyway.

You gave us a good excuse.

Heard you did a runner.

Had all the teachers cacking their pants!

Everything sorted now, yeah? Well, yeah, but no, not really.

Sort of. It's just, it's complicated.

Complicated? Have you seen our lives?!

Bet it's not as cringe as getting evicted

and the whole school watching you drag your suitcases away.

Yeah, that was pretty tragic.

Whatever it is, we've got your back.

It's my mum.

She's...she's been sick for a while.

Hello. Just wanted to say thank you for everything with Shola.

And I know I should have been here, but...

Hey, honestly, it's fine.

You can't be everywhere all at once, can you? Right.

I'll send over the report when I've finished. OK, thank you.

So, Lisa. How'd it go?

Oh, it wasn't easy.

But...needed to happen, though, didn't it? Yeah.

Think I was selfishly putting it off.

Hmm, I don't want to say I told you so.

Oh, well, you just did! SHE CHUCKLES

No, you were right, you were right.

I can't keep the letter from the boys.

I'm going to give it to them tonight.

Yeah, I think that's a smart decision. Yeah, yeah.

You know, I think talking about it openly

will bring us closer together. I think.

He's finally come to his senses.

All right, see you later. See you.

PHONE PINGS

Oh, for... Got to be joking.

Where did I put it?

No.

OK. Uh...

Boys, right, I can explain.

I was going to give that to you tonight. Yeah, right.

Dwayne, I was trying to protect you.

I didn't want her to come in and hurt you both again.

Was that Mum earlier?

She wasn't supposed to be here, but, yeah.

You talk about honesty and trust, and all this time you've been lying.

I know, I know, and I'm sorry.

Dwayne, it was all the stuff with the adoption.

I was...scared that I was going to lose you both.

You still should have told us. You're right.

You are absolutely right.

Come on, let... We can go home and we'll get some food

and we'll chat about this later properly. No, it's too late.

I've called Mum, we're going to meet her

and there's nothing you can do about it. W...

Dwayne!

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