[amiebeth]

Okay, so, Neighbours is getting way too annoying lately. There are lots of ways I'd love to improve it and I know other people would too. So I decided to write my own soap. (Fun, yes.) I've got characters and storylines and I've written the first episode (though it seems overly long...) Below is the first scene. The idea is though that every suggests what they would like to happen, storylines or characters they want, and all that. And if anyone did want to post your own scenes. I just thought I'd try it and see if it worked....

This isn't really very good. It's kind of stilted and funny-sounding, because it's having to introduce everything. It's also not anything I'm used writing. Anyhow...

Episode One

It is late afternoon, not quite going dark. A car is seen from a distance driving down a busy road, and is slowly zoomed in on until it turns off the road and becomes a close up. There are a mother, father and three children in the car, which is packed with different belongings. The youngest boy is asleep. They are talking heatedly and the voices begin to be heard as the view switches to the car interior.
JANEY: God, this place is so far away from anywhere. How much longer?
ROB: We're nearly there.
SARAH: (Rubbing forehead) And will you shut up complaining, please, Janey, for God's sake.
JANEY: (Bristling) Well, seriously, can you blame me? You just decide to uproot us out of our perfectly lovely home, move away from all my friends and my school, for some job. You never even asked us -
ROB: Janey, please, do not start this again, we've heard your views a thousand times already.
JANEY: But did you ever listen? Noooooooooo -
LYLE: (Quietly) Janey, please...
JANEY: Oh, Lyle, give it a rest, we all know you'll do anything to please anyone...
LYLE: I don't mind moving.
JANEY: Well, I do. Enough for the both of us. It just not -
SARAH: Fair? I don't give a damn if it's fair for you or not, Janey. Any sympathy I may have had has just bloody well evaporated with your incessant whinging. The world - I know this may surprise you - does not revolve around you, there are things I want to do with my life, and this is one of them. You'll settle in just fine here, so get over it. Take a leaf from your brother's book for once.
Janey shoots Lyle a dirty look, and he looks down at his knees. The car turns a corner.
ROB: Right, we're here, I think.
They all look out of the windows. They are driving down a small street with a few shops and Joe's cafe on one side and a large hotel on the other. They turn right into a culdesac that has the entrance to a park on the left and some houses at the bottom.
JANEY: (muttering, audibly enough, to self, looking disgusted) Welcome to suburbia.
SARAH: (Taking a deep breath to ignore her daughter and raising her voice slightly) Ben, wake up, we're here.
Lyle shakes his brother gently, who stirs and looks around.
BEN: We're here?
JANEY: Oh yeah. Yes, this is it.
The car pulls up outside a house with a sold sign in the garden. They all get out; Ben excitedly, Janey frowning and sighing, Lyle calmly. They look around and hear voices coming up behind them. They turn to see two young women, Jen and Anna, walking towards them, and three teenagers in school uniform, Pippa, Tom and Matt, further away.
JEN: Hey, look, new people.
ANNA: Already? They weren't due for like half an hour...
They speed up and reach the family.
ANNA: (Smiling brightly) Hi, I'm Anna Jones. This is my friend Jen Elliott. We live just over there, number 5. (She points to the house directly opposite) You must be the McDarlotts.
SARAH: We are. I'm Sarah. (They shake hands)
ROB: (Leaning over to shake hands) And I'm Rob. This lot are our kids - Janey and Lyle, and Ben, the little tyke.
BEN: Hey.
Rob is smiling and Ben is excited, but Janey is still hostile and Lyle betrays little emotion. Sarah is stony faced and seems irritated. She opens her mouth but Anna speaks first.
ANNA: We're a friendly lot around here. Such a small street, you know? I'm sure you'll fit right in. You'll have to come around for a meal sometime.
Sarah begins to tap her foot impatiently and Janey rolls her eyes.
ROB: That sounds lovely. It'll be nice to get to know the neighbours - we were never really on any great terms with the old ones, and the kids are worried about fitting in.
JEN: Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. It's a good school - I do teaching experience there. There's a boy lives at number three who's about your age (she nods to the twins) and people tend to hang out at the cafe or the park down the bottom. You'll have no trouble making new friends. In fact, here come our favourite three teens now.
They all turn to look at Matt, Pippa and Tom, who have almost reached them.
JEN: (calling) What have you been up to today? Causing mischief in my absence, I'm sure.
PIPPA: (calling back, grinning) Oh, definitely. Can't wait till you're fully instated, Jen!
TOM: Yeah, Miss Ryan just gave us like a 10000 word essay.
MATT: We told her we'd rather have you every day of the week. We got (he looks from side to side and lowers his voice as the reach the group) the look.
Jen claps her hand to her mouth in mock horror and Anna laughs. Ben giggles and Rob and Lyle smile, but both Janey and Sarah are still irritated.
PIPPA: (grinning at the McDarlotts) Are you the family moving into number one, then?
ROB: That we are.
PIPPA: I'm Pippa. I live a bit round the corner, but I've been trying to persuade my dad to buy this house for ages! You'll love it here.
TOM: (nodding at them) Tom. Nice to meet you.
MATT: I'm Matt. I live at number three.
BEN: (excitedly) I'm Ben. Got any brothers and sisters?
They all shake their heads.
MATT: No, sorry!
PIPPA: (mock sighing) Alas, we only have each other. (She puts her arms around Tom and Matt, who are standing either side of her)
They all look expectantly at the twins, waiting for an introduction. Eventually Lyle speaks, quietly.
LYLE: I'm Lyle. (He looks sideways at Janey) This is Janey.
Pippa drops her arms and smiles at Lyle. Tom and Matt exchange looks at the strangeness of the twins.
PIPPA: Nice to meet you. Hope you'll like it here. When are you starting school?
LYLE: Tomorrow.
Janey grimaces.
SARAH: (impatience finally winning over, and addressing Anna) Excuse me, but you are the woman with our key, right?
ANNA: (with a little start) Oh yes. Sorry. (She digs in her pocket) I guess you've had a long journey.
SARAH: Yes, we have.
Anna raises her eyebrows slightly as she pulls out the key. She hands it over.
ANNA: Well, I'll pop round later, make a date for our meal. Just call if you want any help.
ROB: (speaking before Sarah can) Oh that's great, thank you.
Sarah attempts a smile that doesn't really work and spins around to walk up to the house. Janey follows, as does Rob with a nod to the group.
LYLE: See you.
BEN: Bye!
They walk to the house together.
JANEY: This seriously is hell.
Sarah, walking ahead, does not reply, but her expression indicates that she agrees. Back at the road, the others all look at each other.
JEN: Well. They're certainly... something.
MATT: I'll say. Wish the Connollys had never moved... this lot seem a little...
PIPPA: Cold? Impatient? Unfriendly?
The others look at her in surprise.
TOM: (in a teasing voice) Pippa, I have never heard you say such things!
PIPPA: (smiling a little) Doesn't mean I won't like them, or try to anyway. They have just had a long journey, I guess... The boy seemed okay, just a bit shy. And the little kid was sweet.
ANNA: The man - Rob - he was alright. Tried to be friendly.
JEN: God, you two. Always have to look on the bright side!
They all begin to walk towards the centre of the culdesac.
ANNA: And what's wrong with that, I ask? Hey, did you hear that that Sarah's taking over The Riverside? That posh restaurant in town?
TOM: Really?
ANNA: Apparently. Well, I'm going round later whether they like it or not, if only for the gossip!
They all laugh and say their goodbyes as the teens turn towards number three and the women head for number five.
END OF SCENE 1.

This post has been edited by amiebeth: 18 April 2009 - 10:23 AM

[amiebeth]

So Neighbours is over for another year and there's five whole weeks to survive without it... and the finale was rather incredibly disappointing... so I've come back to this, and thought I may as well post some more of it. So here is scene 2 of episode 1:

Kitchen of number 5. Jen and Anna are preparing a meal whilst talking about the new neighbours.
ANNA: Do you think I should take them some food round or something? So they don’t have to bother with it?
JEN: Definitely, no. What is this? That woman seems the type who’d just throw it back in your face anyway. Literally.
ANNA: (laughing) She wasn’t that bad, Jen.
Cassie enters, putting a bag on the table and removing a coat.
CASSIE: Who isn’t?
JEN: New people. Did you not see the car?
CASSIE: Oh yeah. Thought Ken had splashed out or something... Forgot about them. So what are they like?
Jen and Anna exchange looks.
JEN: Well, not a patch on the Connollys, that’s for sure.
Cassie grimaces as Simon walks into the room, also removing a jacket. He is wearing overalls and has some oil on his hands and face.
ANNA: Oh Simon, how many times? Wash before you leave the garage - we’ve got food here!
She stretches out an arm in front of the food protectively. Simon pulls a face.
SIMON: Yeah, yeah, sorry. Off for a shower now anyway. New car in the street - the new lot arrived?
ANNA: Yeah. They’re a right bundle of fun.
SIMON: That bad, huh? The bloke’s my new boss, you know...
ANNA: Really? Well, he seemed alright, anyway. It was the wife who was a - well.
JEN: She’ll get along just great with Sam, I bet. So how was your day, Simon?
SIMON: Er, good. Yeah.
JEN: We’re making pasta. You having some?
SIMON: (beginning to head out of the room, and Jen follows him) Sure. Smells delicious.
JEN: (smiling in a batting-her-eyelashes sort of way) Thanks! So you -
SIMON: Well I’ll just head for that shower. See you in a bit.
He pats Jen on the arm as he walks past. Jen enters the living room and is joined by Anna and Cassie, entering from the kitchen. She collapses onto the sofa.
JEN: Oh God. He is never going to notice me. Never.
CASSIE: (as she and Anna sit down) I think he notices you, Jen. I mean, you live in the same house. (Jen shoots her a not-funny look) Romantically speaking, no, he really isn’t.
ANNA: Simon wouldn’t notice that you like him if you danced naked in front of him with a sign saying “ASK ME OUT, I LOVE YOU”. It’s just not in his nature.
CASSIE: He’s too nice for his own good. Can’t see past the actual words you say.
ANNA: Yeah, there was this one time in high school when FILL IN HERE - (I am no good at things like this!)
JEN: (sighing) Well, I’ve had it. I give up. I’m over him. Totally over him. Gone. (Pause) Well, I’m not. But I will be. It’s time to move on.
CASSIE: If we had a pound for every time you’ve said that...
JEN: No seriously, I mean it this time. Three years. Three years I’ve dropped subtle hints, not so subtle hints, asked him about his day, chatted over coffee, spilled my secrets, spent hours getting ready, touched him on the arm for longer than is correct in polite society - and nothing. Do you know how many guys I have turned down while I’ve been at uni?
ANNA: Yes. You tell us about them all. Generally in a similar style rant to this one.
JEN: (glaring at Anna) This guy Dan on my course asked me out today. He’s real cute... biker guy with a love of literature...
ANNA: So what did you say?
JEN: That I’d have to think about it. And you know, I have thought about it. I’m saying yes. I’ve had it with Simon. It’s over, I tell you, over.
Simon walks in with a towel round his waist and rubbing his hair with another towel.
SIMON: What’s over?
JEN: (staring as she falls back further into the sofa, quietly) Ohhhhhhh...
ANNA: Jen’s got a date. Would you believe?!
JEN: Oh! (She throws a cushion at Anna)
SIMON: Cool. (Jen looks a little annoyed) Anna, I was thinking we should go round and say hey to the new neighbours. As the founding members of this street, you know.
ANNA: Is that not Ken? But sure, I was planning on popping round, to see how they’re getting on. I invited them round for dinner one night.
JEN: And won’t that just be one entertaining evening.
ANNA: (standing up and walking to Simon) They’re just new - I’m sure they’ll settle down here.
SIMON: Okay, one sec, just let me put some clothes on.
Simon leaves the room. Anna and Cassie turn to look at Jen.
JEN: Over. Really. (They continue to look at her) Really. See, I’ll call Dan right now...
She takes out her mobile and gets up, keying a number. We hear her say “Hi Dan” as she enters the kitchen.
CASSIE: It’ll never last.
Simon returns, now dressed in a t-shirt and jeans.
SIMON: You ready?
ANNA: Yeah, let’s go now, then at least we’ve got the “oh, tea’s waiting for us” excuse ready if it’s really terrible...
Simon and Anna walk out.
END OF SCENE 2.

This post has been edited by amiebeth: 18 April 2009 - 10:27 AM

[Sarah G]

I am really enjoying reading this, AmieBeth-great idea setting it out as a soap too!
I like the way you have portrayed the characters and given them all their own personalities.
I can imagine Janey getting involved in some quite lively storylinews if this was a soap on T.V!
Great story

[amiebeth]

I'm glad you like it! I'll post the next scene...

Pippa, Matt and Tom are sitting round Matt’s kitchen table, which is covered with paper and text books. However, they are all laughing hysterically instead of working.
PIPPA: (attempting to stop laughing and calm down, turning to the work in front of her) Oh no no no, we have to do this. The coursework is due on Monday!
TOM: Do you think this is the real reason why you’re not suppose to work together on it...?
MATT: Probably. But I wouldn’t work alone either. Last night, it sat in front of me all night, but I never even touched it. Firefly marathon on SciFi.
PIPPA: (pulling a face) Eugh, how can you watch that rubbish, Matt?!
MATT: (almost anxiously, leaning forward) No, no, it’s good really. You see -
TOM: (holding up his hands) Oh no, please! Come on, let’s do this.
Sighing, they all reach out for different paper and books and look hard at them for a short while, until a key is heard in the door. They all look up as Joe enters.
PIPPA: Hi, Mr Covey. How are you?
JOE: Ah, I’m good thanks, Pippa. And you lot? How was school?
He walks further into the kitchen and begins to make a drink.
MATT: Oh, you know. The usual.
TOM: Your new neighbours have moved in though. Just as we were getting back.
JOE: Oh yes. I wondered if that was their car. So what are they like?
MATT: Well, even Pippa wasn’t fond of them.
JOE: Goodness. Doesn’t bode well, does it?
PIPPA: They were okay really. They were probably just worn out after their journey. The woman and the girl did seem a little... off, though, I guess.
JOE: Hmmm. So there’s kids then?
MATT: Yeah, three. Janey and Lyle, who look around our age, and a little kid called Ben. And the parents are Sarah and Rob.
JOE: Perhaps we should pop round and say hello. Maybe give them a discount for the cafe or something...
The three teens laugh.
MATT: Oh yeah, Dad, everyone’s favourite housewarming gift. Two quid off at the local cafe.
JOE: (frowning but not really annoyed, and turning to look at Matt) So where’s your mum?
MATT: Out back, gardening. Where else?
JOE: (picking up his drink and coming over to the table) What are you lot up to, then?
TOM: Coursework.
PIPPA: History.
JOE: Looks interesting.
PIPPA: But also, very confusing.
JOE: Well, why don’t you ask Jen for some help? You like her at your school, don’t you?
MATT: Yeah, but she’s English, Dad.
JOE: Ah, well. What about Ken? He was maths, I know, but he always did seem to know everything about anything when he taught me.
MATT: (shrugging) Maybe we’ll pop round later.
JOE: Are you two staying for tea?
PIPPA: (smiling sweetly) If you’ll have us, Mr Covey.
JOE: If we didn’t have you, we’d have an awful lot left over...
As Joe walks away from the table, Sam enters from the back garden. She is wearing dirty overalls and is holding a trowel.
JOE: Hi, Sam love. Had a good day?
SAM: Oh yes, been planting some new freesias in the beds.
JOE: Our new neighbours have arrived, apparently. You going to come visit them with us?
SAM: (pulling a face) Oh, I don’t think so. Not if they’re anything like those Connollys...
TOM: Oh, don’t worry, Mrs Covey, they’re not. I’m sure you’ll get along just great. (He smiles brightly)
SAM: (shooting Tom a forced smile) All the same, I don’t think so.
Sam walks into the living room, followed by Joe.
JOE: Come on, love, it’s only polite...
SAM: Oh Joe, I just really don’t want to. What’s the point, really? I see those two kids are round here again. Do they not have homes of their own?
JOE: Oh, leave them be, Sam. I think it’s great they’re such good friends. They’re doing schoolwork anyway.
As he speaks, Pippa, Matt and Tom burst out into laughter again, and Sam and Joe turn to look into the kitchen.
END OF SCENE 3.

[Sarah G]

Great again, its realistic for a soap with the way they are discussing the new family-the bit where Matt jokes about his dad offering the discount for the cafe as a house warming gift was funny!
I am looking forward to scene 4 and how everyone get on with the new family!

[amiebeth]

So this is scene 4. I'm up to episode 3, writing it now - I'm hoping that soon I will be able to write proper stories and stop just introducing stuff! Anyway, 2 more scenes to this episode, after this one. Oh, and I decided to call it "The Crescent".

SCENE 4
Anna and Simon are walking across the street to number one. It is going dark.
SIMON: Remember when my family first moved here?
ANNA: How could I forget? My life has never recovered!
SIMON: (elbowing her humorously) Your mum and dad came round with all you kids and a huge casserole. My mum just stood at the door, gobsmacked!
ANNA: I know, Si, I was there! My God, that was, what, over fifteen years ago now! Can you believe it?
SIMON: (shakes head) And now here we are, still living on the same street though our families have moved away, going over to greet some newcomers ourselves. You know what this is, don’t you, An? (he turns and smiles at her almost teasingly)
ANNA: (quizzically) What?
SIMON: You’ve turned into your mother!
ANNA: (gasps) I haven’t! (She looks horrified and stops walking)
SIMON: You have! All that’s missing is the casserole. And the six kids...
ANNA: But I’m only 25! How did this happen?
SIMON: Ah, Anna, it’s not a bad thing! We all love you for it.
ANNA: Pfft. (Pause) Anyway, you, it’s all very well telling me I’ve become my mother, but what about you?
SIMON: Me? I’m nothing like either of my parents, thank you very much! They’d never be caught dead conversing with the neighbours.
ANNA: (resuming walking) I know. But you suggested coming over here as well. You (she pokes him in the chest) have turned into my mother as well! (begins to laugh almost manically as Simon looks horrified)
SIMON: (as Anna stops laughing) So have you heard from your family lately?
ANNA: Yeah, they rang yesterday. And the day before. There was a rare reprieve on Sunday. They want us to go round this Sunday though.
SIMON: Ooh, yes, your mum’s cooking is delicious.
ANNA: Yeah but they’ll be all “oh Anna, have you not got a man yet”, “Oh Anna, you’re skin and bone”, “Oh Anna, you’re so grown up”. And you know what mum said the other day? She actually told me to be careful of using the waste disposal in the sink because it blocks easily. I mean, I’ve lived in that house longer than they ever did! And we’ve been there four years on our own! I know how to use the waste disposal.
SIMON: We don’t use the waste disposal.
ANNA: (looking at him, in an ‘obviously’ kind of way) Exactly. (Pause) What about you? Spoken to your parents lately?
SIMON: No. Not since... Actually I’m not sure. It’s been a while anyway.
ANNA: Oh Simon, you should keep in touch. They’re not that bad.
SIMON: I know. I just... don’t see the point. We’re never going to be the kind of people who ring each other every Sunday, and they’re definitely not the type of parents to tell me how to use the waste disposal.
ANNA: I know, but all the same. It’s been at least a year since you saw them. More. What’s your sister up to now? She’ll be completing uni, right?
SIMON: Saskia? I don’t know. Yeah, she should be. She’s Jen’s age, isn’t she? Haven’t heard from her in a while.
They have reached the door of number one and Anna knocks as she speaks.
ANNA: That’s because you haven’t called her.
Janey opens the door and looks criticisingly at Simon and Anna.
JANEY: Oh look. It’s the neighbours.
ANNA: Hi, Janey. How are you settling in?
JANEY: I’m not. (she steps back from the door and yells) Dad! It’s the woman with the key and some bloke!
Janey walks away from the door, leaving Simon and Anna on the doorstep, looking at each other. Rob comes out of the living room.
ROB: Oh, I’m so sorry. Come in.
Simon and Anna step inside and Rob closes the door.
ROB: I’m sorry about Janey. She didn’t want to move and, well, teenagers, you know.
ANNA: Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m sure she’ll settle in eventually.
Rob smiles almost disbelievingly.
ANNA: Rob, this is Simon Smith, he lives across the street with me. Simon, Rob McDarlott.
Rob and Simon shake hands and greet each other.
ANNA: Simon says you’ll be working at his garage?
ROB: Oh, you’re a mechanic? Well, it’ll be nice to have a friendly face there. Always worrying starting in a new place as the boss...
SIMON: Oh, no worries. We’re a good bunch. There’s just me and Jeanie, and Barry, who’s been overseeing us since Karl moved on.
ROB: Well, I start on Monday. Got to get things sorted out here first. Anyway, come on in. Would you like a drink?
Rob leads Simon and Anna into the kitchen. Sarah is sitting at the table holding a cup of tea, looking harassed, and Janey is leaning against a counter, looking petulant. They have clearly just been arguing.
ANNA: Oh, well, a coffee if you’re not too busy...
ROB: No, no, we’ve settled in for the night now. Got our essentials out - we’ll get going on the rest tomorrow. (He puts the kettle on to boil)
ANNA: Well, like I said before, you ever need a hand, just call us. We’re always willing to help. Any advice as well, about the area, you know, just ask.
ROB: (with a laugh) We’ll probably be needing a bit of that! We’re city people - not used to an area like this. Have you lived here long?
ANNA: All my life, and Simon since he was eight. My family moved away a few years ago, left me the house. Si rents, with Jen, who you met before, and Cassie, another friend.
ROB: (nodding to acknowledge what Anna has said) What’d you like, Simon? Tea or coffee?
SIMON: Tea, please.
JANEY: So you’ve lived here forever then? Aren’t you just bored out of your mind?
ROB: (reprimanding) Janey.
JANEY: Come on, Dad, you’ve got to admit, it’s dull around here. It’s just... eugh. Why, why did we move?
SARAH: Janey, for God’s sake, don’t start again.
SIMON: It’s not dull, really. It’s different to the city, sure, but there’s still things to do, still, you know, civilisation.
Janey raises a sceptical eyebrow.
SIMON: Like Anna said, I moved here when I was eight. We used to live Hammersmith - could hardly be any more different. I didn’t want to move either. But now it’s just home.
JANEY: (rolling eyes) So what is there to do around here?
ANNA: Just at the top of the street there’s some shops and things, and the hotel has a leisure centre and all sorts. The bus will take you right into town, it’s only half an hour away. There’s the cafe, where I work, and you’ll meet people at school and be able to do things with them. Matt and Pippa and Tom, they’re round here all the time, they’re great kids. And I run a youth club, over at the hotel. Lots of kids from around come. (pause) And there ends my advertisement of Highcliffe...
SARAH: You really like it here.
ANNA: Oh yes. Well, I grew up here.
SARAH: Janey’s grown up in the city. She can’t understand why we want to move so far out. Just imagine if we’d decided to move to Yorkshire.
Rob hands Anna and Simon their drinks, and the three of them sit down, Rob also with a drink, as Simon and Anna smile at Sarah. Lyle walks in and stands by Janey.
ANNA: Hi Lyle.
ROB: Lyle, you remember Anna from before. And this is Simon, he lives across the road as well.
Lyle: Hi.
SARAH: So you say this street is a close one? Popping over, talking... you do that often?
Anna and Simon look at each other.
ANNA: Well, yes. But we’ve known each other a long time - Ken, who lives next door to you, he’s been here for, what, fifty years now. Simon and I have lived here for a long while, grew up together on the street, and the Coveys at number three have been here almost as long. The Connollys, who lived here before you, they were around for a good while, great people, kids. You just get to know each other, you know?
ROB: Not really. Our neighbours were more the ‘call the police if you hammer in your back garden’ and don’t even know your name type. This is all new for us.
ANNA: Well, I’m sure you’ll fit right in. The children will be at school with Matt, you’ll work with Simon... and well, living in such a small community, you can’t help but know each other. (pause) Not that we’re like, you know, busybodies, or anything. No, no, no. You don’t have to share your business with us or anything. We don’t have to do the popping round thing.
ROB: Oh no, this is half of why we moved. Whole new way of life, really. City life, it’s just too busy, too bustling, you never get to know anyone at all.
SARAH: It’s certainly going to be interesting here.
Janey hmpfs. Lyle pulls himself up to sit on the counter.
SARAH: So. (Sarah looks like she is sincerely attempting conversation.) You work in that cafe, you say? I’m in the restaurateur business myself.
ANNA: Oh yes, I heard. You’re taking over The Riverside?
SARAH: (looking slightly taken aback that Anna knew already) Erm, yes. Yes. It seemed such a wonderful opportunity - I’ve only ever co managed in chains before, and then I heard about this... It’s why we moved here.
JANEY: Yeah, and aren’t we all just so glad about that. (She saunters over to the table) So, this school, what’s it like? Is like a sixty kid village hall, or a load of rejects, or what?
Simon and Anna exchange looks.
SIMON: No, it’s just your average high school. About 600 students? I don’t know. A whole mix of people, but according to Anna and Jen, there’s a pretty good bunch. Have you never visited?
JANEY: Oh no, Mum and Dad didn’t think we needed to see our new home or school before they moved us here.
SIMON: Oh. Ah.
ANNA: (jumping in) You won’t have trouble fitting in, I’m sure. How old are you, what year are you in?
JANEY: Fifteen. We’re in year eleven. Being uprooted in the middle of our GCSEs, you know. (She shoots her parents a nasty look as she finishes speaking.)
ANNA: Oh, you’re twins? Janey nods. Ah well, Matt, Pippa and Tom are year eleven too. So you’ll know some people already. They’ll help you settle down. And you’ve got each other. (She smiles over at Lyle, who is sitting quietly on the counter.) That’s something.
JANEY: You’d think so, but mostly, it turns out to be more of a hindrance than a help. (As she speaks, she doesn’t even acknowledge Lyle behind her, and there is no hint of a smile.)
Anna does not know how to reply and Janey sighs and leaves the room without saying goodbye. Anna and Simon look over at Lyle, who stands up, shrugs, and follows his sister.
ROB: I’m sorry about them... Janey can be so rude at times. We try, but... And Lyle, well, he never says anything much. Janey spends half her life insulting him, but he just takes it all in his stride. (He shakes his head exasperatedly.)
SARAH: You run a youth club, yes?
ANNA: Oh, yes. Every Monday and Thursday evening at the hotel and we do activities on weekends, trips sometimes. It’s properly authorised and stuff, you know.
SARAH: And anyone can join? Whenever, no limit or anything?
ANNA: Well, it’s 11-18s only, but you should send Janey and Lyle along. It’ll help them meet new people, integrate.
SIMON: (looking at his watch) You know, we should probably head off, Anna. (To Rob and Sarah) Jen and Cass are cooking pasta.
ROB: (standing up, the others follow suit) It’s been lovely meeting you. Hope we can do this again sometime.
ANNA: Oh, that reminds me, I was inviting you round for a meal. How’s Sunday?
ROB: Sounds great. Would you like us to bring anything?
They all head towards the front door.
ANNA: No, no, just yourselves! About six?
ROB: Perfect. We’ll see you then.
Anna and Simon walk out on to the doorstep as Sarah opens the door.
SIMON: Thanks for the drink.
SARAH and ROB: Bye!
The door shuts and Anna and Simon walk to the road. Silence then:
SIMON: That was interesting.
END OF SCENE 4

This post has been edited by amiebeth: 27 July 2009 - 06:29 PM

[Vixabix]

I'm really enjoying these, it's good hearty stuff!
Looking forward to more of The Crescent!

[amiebeth]

Oh, thank you! Glad you enjoy it! Here's scene 5 then.

SCENE 5
Ken is in his kitchen putting clean dishes away. His television is on; the news is beginning. There is a knock at the door and he goes to open it. Matt, Pippa and Tom are outside, holding their numerous books and sheets. It is dark.
KEN: Ah, so what do you kids want?
PIPPA: Are you busy, Mr Carlton? Only we were wondering if you could help us with some history?
KEN: (sighing and standing away from the door) No, come in, come in.
The three teens smile brightly at him as they walk in and sit down on the sofa. Ken follows them and turns off the TV.
KEN: So what is this then? How can I help?
MATT: It’s history coursework. I know we’re not supposed to have help on it, but we thought if you could just explain it to us...?
KEN: (sighing/grumbling but friendly like) Well, well, when’s it due?
MATT: We have to hand the draft in by Friday.
KEN: Never leave it late, kids, never! Goodness me... Friday... I ask you...
MATT: We’ve been trying, Ken! But it’s confusing like you would not believe!
KEN: Listen, that’s the key, listen. So what’s this about then?
PIPPA: The Vietnam War. Do you know anything about it?
KEN: Know about it? Course I know about. Lived through it, didn’t I? Thank God we didn’t get involved in that one, I tell you...
PIPPA: So you can help us?
KEN: Yes, yes. So what’s the problem, what’s the problem?
PIPPA: Well, could you just, I don’t know, talk us through it? Like, when did it begin, because we can’t find it in our notes...
KEN: Ah, well, that’s the thing, girl, that’s the thing, never declared it did they? Not a real war, people say. Just happened gradually, you know. American army, they just kept sending more and more troops...
The teens look finally comprehending and the doorbell rings while Ken speaks. He gets up, still speaking, to open the door. He opens it as he finishes and is shocked at who he sees. A woman in her early forties but attempting to look younger is on the doorstep with a young boy of eight. They are Ken’s daughter, Julia, and her son, Connor. The teens look around in confusion, wondering who it is.
KEN: Julia...
JULIA: Hey Dad.
The teens look at each other in shock.
KEN: (clearly shocked himself) Julia, what are you... come in, come in. (He smiles down at Connor, but is frowning.)
Julia and Connor enter the house and Ken closes the door. Connor seems uncomfortable and quite suspicious of his surroundings, but Julia seems comfortable.
JULIA: (smiling, looking around) Hasn’t changed a bit.
Julia and Connor see the three teens. Julia smiles at them, Connor doesn’t. They smile back, but are clearly bewildered.
KEN: Um, kids, this is my daughter, Julia, and her, um, son, Connor. Julia, Connor, this is Matt, he lives next door, don’t know if you remember him, you have met. The Coveys. And these two are Pippa and Tom, friends of his. I was just about to help them with some schoolwork.
JULIA: (laughing a little) Ah, Dad, forever the teacher.
Ken seems unsure how to reply. He seems disconcerted by their presence and it is clear they don’t see much of each other. The teens also feel uncomfortable.
MATT: So, um, maybe we should head off. We’ve got a few more days before this is due...
They all hastily gather their things together.
PIPPA: Thank you so much anyway, Mr Carlton. Maybe we could come back tomorrow?
KEN: What? Yes, yes...
TOM+MATT+PIPPA: (mixture of) Thank you, goodbye, see you tomorrow, nice to meet you.
The teens leave. The house is silent.
KEN: What are you doing here, Julia?
JULIA: (tinkling laugh as she pushes Connor gently onto the couch and sits down herself) What, not happy to see me, Dad?
KEN: No, I just... it’s been months since I last heard from you, never mind saw you... And then you just turn up. We have phones, you know.
JULIA: Oh we’ve been travelling, just Con and me. (She smiles at her son, who glares at her. She is unfazed.) Went round Europe – France, Spain, saw some things. You know how it is. Time gets away from you.
KEN: (sitting down) Abroad? You didn’t think to tell me?
JULIA: (shrugs) No. Should I have? It was just a spur of the moment thing. We had fun. (Connor glares at her again, but she doesn’t pay attention.) Anyway, Dad, you’ll never guess what?!
KEN: (still looking annoyed) What?
JULIA: (excitedly) I got married! (She holds out her hand, showing her flashy ring.)
Ken stares at her hand, gobsmacked, whilst Connor scowls.
KEN: You... married? You got married?
JULIA: I know, isn’t it wonderful? His name’s Marcelo... (she looks dreamy). We met in Spain and had such a wonderful time. Got married six weeks later! Connor was best man, weren’t you, Connor?
She gives him a one armed squeeze and he just scowls harder.
KEN: (evidently struggling to form words) So, erm, um, where is he then? This Marcel?
JULIA: (reprovingly) Marcelo, Dad. He’s at the hotel – we’ve got a room there for a couple of nights. Thought we’d pop by on our own first, didn’t we? (Again, Connor doesn’t react when she nudges him happily.)
KEN: Couple of nights? You’re not staying long then? (He looks hopeful.)
JULIA: (for the first time, her smile fades, but only a little) Ah well, that’s the thing, Dad. Marcelo and I, we wanted a bit of a honeymoon, you know, and Connor... well. I don’t think the activities we’ll want to participate in will particularly interest him, if you know what I mean! (Ken looks horrified.) So I was wondering... could you take him? Just for a little while.
KEN: (taken aback) Take him? (Connor is looking directly at Ken but showing no emotion on his face that suggests where he would rather be) For how long?
JULIA: Oh, I don’t know – a couple of weeks. Maybe a month... or two, I don’t know! We just want some alone time, we’re not sure where we’re going to go...
KEN: Julia, for goodness sakes, when are you going to grow up?! You’re forty three! (She looks annoyed that he mentions her age.) You still act like a damn teenager. This isn’t how we raised you, this isn’t how we raised you at all...
JULIA: Hey! I just want to spend some time with my husband, Dad!
KEN: (cutting her off) What about your son? What about me? You never think of anyone but yourself, Julia! You can’t go gallivanting off! You turn up here after I don’t hear from you for months, you barely showed up for your mother’s funeral, you don’t stop to think about whether I can take Connor, but you just want me to!
They are both standing up and looking furious now. It is clear that they argue often. Connor is still sitting on the sofa, looking down.
JULIA: I thought it’d be good for you! Get out a bit, after Mum... it’s been a year, Dad!
As they argue, the camera is zooming in on them, so Connor cannot be seen. Part way through the following bits, the sounds of Connor getting up and opening the door are heard, but he is not seen.
KEN: (eye popping kind of mad) I, what, Julia! No, you didn’t, you didn’t think that, and how do you know how I cope anyway, you don’t even stay in touch with me, I don’t have number for you – your brother had another little girl last month, and I’ll bet you didn’t know a thing about it –
JULIA: I do actually, and that’s why I came to you and not Aaron! Well, that and he’s in America... I called him, I know, and I know from him that you’ve barely left the house this year! You’re grumpy and you’ve shut yourself off and –
KEN: (almost bellowing) My wife just died!
JULIA: I know! But you can’t stay cooped up and moping forever, Dad, I mean, having Connor here could –
As she speaks she gestures down to Connor, only to find that his not there. Both of them stop yelling. They see that the front door is open.
KEN: Where did he go?
JULIA: Oh damn. God, what an idiot... Now we’ll have to go look for him. (She grabs her bag.) Come on then.
KEN: I – (he looks like he wants to argue, but in the end doesn’t). Oh, all right, come on. He can’t have gone far...
They rush out of the house.
END OF SCENE 5.

[Vixabix]

Ooh, where's he gone?!

Sorry I'm just really getting into this soap XD