03x12 - Episode 12

[bunniefuu]

You think I'm stupid enough to fall for
your crap again? I just want to be friends.

He's a different kid, since you took him under your
wing. There's so many different techniques now.

No need for anyone to struggle.

I want to speak to the real Bolton.

Well, this is him! No, it's not! It's what everyone
thinks you are and what you want them to think.

I'm sorry... I'm being too forward.

No, no, no...

Not at all. It's just
I really need to be getting back.

Yeah, no.

The girls, they're expecting me.

It's her, all right.
I never forget a face.

And by the look on hers
when she saw mine, neither does she.

Hey.

Good morning.

Darren, um...

Thank you.

You've got to stop bringing
me gifts. Don't you like 'em?

Yeah, yeah,
they're lovely, it's just...

I'm only doing what I get paid for.

Darren, go on,
you don't want to be late.

They were 18 quid, them, Miss.

Hey! Go on.

No, er... look, I can't thank you enough.
All the help you've given him with his mocks.

It's a pleasure.

He's a nice lad. Yeah, he is.

Listen... let me buy you dinner
to say a proper thanks. Oh...

You don't have to do that.
No, I want to.

What do you think of that curry house
over by the bus station? You like it?

Yeah...

Yeah, it's lovely in there, but...

Honestly, Darren, I can't.

By the time I get home
from work, I'm knackered.

The weekend, then?

Sorry, I've got plans.

OK.

I'll see you around.

Yeah, see you. Thank you.

See you later. How do you think
Miss Mason's going to react?

I had hoped to keep my powder dry, but if you've
gotta play dirty, you've gotta play dirty.

If she tells you
to sling your hook?

We'll get the contract.

Don't you worry.

Alison, what are you saying?

Either I can have him at the weekend or I can't. I
don't want him for an hour here and an hour there.

Yeah, well, forget it, then.

That suits me.
Oh, can you believe it?

I mean, one minute she's all,
"Yeah, come round, stay for supper,"

and then it's, "No, no, that's inconvenient
for me, I'm not changing my plans."

Good morning, Eddie.
In the dog house?

That obvious, is it?
It's all your fault, you know.

Oh, thanks. You could fit on the back
of a stamp what I know about marriage,

but it seems to me that you two
are still blaming each other.

I know I may have handled it badly in the past,
but she can't seem to get beyond that point.

You know, she acts like the first three years of
Michael's life were a prison sentence for her.

I'm really sorry, Eddie, I've got so
much to do. No, no, no, so have I.

Can we talk about it later?
Course we can. OK.

Stuart Hordley would
like a quick word. Who?

Hi, Stuart Hordley.

Er, hi... have you got an
appointment? No, sorry, I, um...

Look, I just need a couple
of minutes of your time. Why?

The proposed new training centre?

I put in a bid for it,
Hordley Construction?

Oh... OK, right,
five minutes, Mr Hordley.

Please, call me Stuart,
it's company policy. OK.

Look, I really appreciate you
giving me this time.

I know your job's probably like mine, spinning plates,
eyes in the back of your head. Something like that.

I'll give you the same disclaimer as the others.
I have no influence over the outcome of the bids.

I can help you with information,
but the rest is up to you.

Yeah. My bid was rejected.
I found out yesterday.

Apparently I was way over budget.

Oh, um... well,
that's a shame but...

Look, I'll just get to the point,
shall I?

I want you to do everything you
possibly can to have my bid reinstated.

Um... Even if I wanted to,
I can't do that.

I'm only here...

Involved in an advisory capacity. Yes. I do
know how things work around here, Rachel.

You need to talk to the committee.
I can't help you.

Yes, you can...

and you will.

You remember Tess Doyle, don't you?

My secretary.

She came to your school production.

She saw your picture
in the newspaper,

"Waterloo Road gets new super-head."

She didn't recognise the name.

Well, of course she wouldn't,
but she's very good with faces.

You know what, I think "Rachel" suits
you. Tess didn't think it would work,

but now that I've
seen you in the flesh,

I'd say it was a pretty good choice.

Have a good day, then.

Good morning.

Morning. Darren Briggs's dad
bringing you flowers again?

Well, you know, it's nice that there's men
still out there who know how to impress a woman.

So he impresses you, then?

Well, they must have cost a fortune.

Course, I'm not after
you for your money. What?

You and her?

Thanks for telling us.

No, you've got the wrong...
There's nothing to tell! Yeah, right.

Mika!

Well, at least I'm not the only one
you're stringing along.

Davina, it's not that easy.

The girls, they... MOBILE CHIMES

It's tough for 'em, I don't
know what to do half the time.

What, only half the time?

Are you all right?

Yeah. Actually, I'm fine.

So, this is what's going to happen.

Your stock is very high at the LEA.
They value your opinion.

You're gonna pick up the phone...
You're taking a big risk.

One phone call
and you're done for blackmail.

That's what we entrepreneurs
do, Rachel. We take risks.

It's my company's future
against yours.

A rap on the knuckles for me or humiliation
and the end of a glittering career for you.

You wouldn't want to throw away
everything you've worked so hard for.

I want you off the premises.

Of course. You need time to consider,
only don't take too long.

Oh, and you can keep that. There's
plenty more where that came from.

Don't expect to see
or speak to me again.

A few more of these to post off,
some time today, Bridget, thanks.

Eddie Lawson, my deputy. Mr Hordley.

Stuart, please.

Nice to meet you, Stuart.

Stuart's bidding for
the building work. He was leaving.

I was getting a feel for the place.
Good for you.

I'm impressed by the key skills
curriculum. You co-ordinate it?

It runs itself, really,
but it's coming along.

I don't suppose I could sit in on a lesson? It'd
help to see things from a client's point of view.

I don't think that's appropriate.

I've got my "Lessons For Life"
meeting now. He can sit in.

I thought you were going.
Not straight away.

That'll be great. Oh, I think you'll find it
interesting, and it kicks off any second now so...

I still feel a bit weird about
not putting them in for exams.

Yeah, I didn't buy into this
at first at all, but look at this.

Zero out of 25, 3%,
misspelling your own name.

We've only got a few months left to make sure
they don't leave here with absolutely nothing.

Look at this. "It doesn't matter how
long it would take, coz - C-O-Z -"

"you can't get from A to B no more.
Somebody's built a house in the way."

Let's have a look at that.

Well, it's decent
draughtsmanship at least.

Yeah, but would you give him a job?

Maybe. It's hard to tell
from a few pieces of paper.

I prefer to get the measure
of a person from an interview.

Yeah, but that's the problem with
these kids, ever getting them interviews.

They can't even fill in a CV.

Doesn't mean they're thick. You're preaching to
the converted. School never much interested me,

but in my day there was no shame
in a building apprenticeship.

Jasmine and I are planning
mock interviews this afternoon,

just to give the kids
a taste of the outside world.

It would be more real if somebody
like you was there doing it. Yeah!

Well, you're probably
up to the ears, but... No.

No, I'm very flattered
that you asked me, actually.

Yeah, I'd like to do that.

Excellent.

Pol-Police.

Hello, I, um...

I...

[ It's good to get a feel
for the building.

Yeah, absolutely. Hang on a sec.

Grantly, you're not free
next lesson, are you?

You mean, do I have a "non-contact"?

Yes, I do. But I shall
be using my "non-contact" to...

prepare, plan.

Grantly,
will you show Stuart around?

No, I don't want to take away
from his free time.

I mean, time away
from the kids is vital.

No, I'd be delighted to give you a tour as
long as our censorious senior management

aren't afraid of me
telling it as it is.

Mr Hordley, you're still with us.
Eddie asked me to stick around for a bit.

He's agreed to help with our
mock interviews this afternoon.

Well, that's great. Aren't
we taking too much of your time up?

Not a problem.
I'm happy to do it.

Can I have a quick word with you?

Sure.

I think, um... you should
make your apologies and go.

You get a budget of three
million a year, 60-odd staff.

It's quite a responsibility.

I have the same problem.

I need that job.

So get on the phone to your friend
and get my bid reinstated,

otherwise this lot get to find out
who you really are.

Don't worry, I'm not
going to hassle you.

I'll try harder to avoid eye contact next
time we're walking down the corridor.

Well... that's probably for the best.

I'm sorry.

I should've come clean
to Chlo and Mika about me and you.

What?

So, there is a me and you?

I hope so, yeah.
You see? There you go again!

Not exactly a man with
a life plan, are you, Tom?

But... I've tried a couple of times, but the Brett
Aspinall situation don't exactly make it easy, does it?

Look, that was a stupid mistake
that I made ages ago. No, I don't...

If you want to use that as an excuse for not
being able to make up your mind, well then, fine.

No, I didn't mean...

All right, say I'm a bookie and I give you odds
of 2-1 on Wayne Rooney scoring the first...

All right, just wait here.

Sorry, sorry to interrupt, um...
Stuart Hordley, has he said anything?

About? Um... about the contract,
the bid... me, us, anything?

No. He knows his stuff, though, got to
give him that. And he wants this big time.

PHONE BEEPS Eddie, I might need
to ask your advice about something.

Ha! Listen to this!

"Soz - soz[!] - about this morning."
What?

I'm not texting her back.

Who? Alison. She probably wants me to send
her a reassuring message because she's...

Eddie, where did Hordley go?

Grantly's giving him the tour, and
then he might pop in to Jasmine's class.

Thank you.

BELL RINGS

Don't forget, your assignment's
due tomorrow. It's so boring!

You all right?

I've got fan mail.

Ah... nice. Yeah, listen to this.

"Nothing heavy,
two friends over a candlelit dinner.

"You bring the glamour, I'll bring
the credit card." Oh... poor guy.

So you won't be
"bringing the glamour"?

Well, he's brought me flowers
a few times and...

I admit, I've been enjoying the attention, but
I have totally gave him the wrong impression.

What, that you like him
better than Mr Tom Clarkson? No.

Even if I wanted to, I couldn't.

His son's one of my
special needs students,

and I'm not going
to overstep that line.

No. A girl's gotta do
what a girl's gotta do.

Nice to feel wanted though, eh?

Hi, Darren, it's Davina, um...

Look, I'm really sorry, but I won't be
able to go out to dinner with you tonight.

Um...

the thing is,
I'm already seeing someone else.

Sorry, I should've made
that clearer. OK, bye.

OK, you can go in now. Get your
notebooks out. We're working on CVs today.

Done. I've told him I'm seeing
someone else, so that should be it.

MOBILE CHIMES

Maybe not.

"Hi, gorgeous,
changed your mind yet?"

"I'm here waiting when you do."

He's so over the top!

Pass me the sick bucket, please.
I'd better spell it out.

Right, that should have done it.
I'll see you later.

Yeah, see you.

Right...

And here endeth the grand tour.

Thank you, your input's
been invaluable.

You'd be a shoo-in if I was making
the decision. Yes, but you're not.

My deputy's on his way,
so make your excuses and leave.

We have a call to make.
I haven't forgotten.

I'll be in contact. Now go. I've
promised those kids an interview.

Oh, you're a man of your word,
of course.

We may have differences, but that's
no reason not to deliver for the kids.

No need to be bitter.
Who's bitter? No-one.

Actually, Stuart was just about...

I have a proposition to make. Yeah?

We need a junior to help us, a couple
of hours a week after school.

I could, if you like,
make these interviews real.

That would be fantastic.

Unless, of course, Miss Mason
has any philosophical objections.

Not the done thing, is it, Amanda?
Sorry, Rachel.

Well, it's the done thing for me.
We'd be very grateful, Mr Hordley.

I can't think of a better way to show the kids what
a difference this school would make in their lives.

In the competitive world of job
hunting, first impressions count,

so we're up against it.

I want all of you to write down ten
things that you like about yourselves.

I thought CVs were about
qualifications. That's just part of it.

You know, some jobs
don't ask for certificates.

Do ASBOs count, Miss?

Well, Bolton, is that something
you like about yourself?

It's the only certificate
any of us have got.

I've got me cycling proficiency.
Woo!

Well, you all might be laughing,

but at least Paul's got something to write down
in his hobbies and interests column. Cycling.

I want you to think of your CVs as advertising
posters. Its job is to get you an interview.

No way I'm sucking up
to some loser at an interview.

You don't need to worry
about that just now.

You see, we'll get to the interviews
when you all have stunning CVs.

Right. OK,
we'll start with you, Michaela.

What do you like about yourself?

Oh, come on, everybody's got
something that they like about themselves.

All right, the rest of us,
what do we like about Michaela?

Oh, come on, guys!

Nice arse, Miss.
There you go, Michaela, attractive.

You could write down,
"Popular with classmates".

Can I have a quick word please,
Miss Koreshi? Sure, go ahead.

You're going to need this stuff
a lot sooner than you think,

because you've got an interview
this afternoon.

Not another one of them lame drama games Mr
Wilding gets us to play. No, this is no game.

What, with a job at the end?

Yes, with a job at the end.
Mr Hordley? Thank you, Mr Lawson.

Hey. My name is Stuart Hordley.

My firm might be doing
some work around the school,

and we are looking for an office junior a
few hours a week. sl*ve labour? Count me out.

Oi!

It's two hours after school, four
nights a week, and the pay's good.

Now, we're not forcing anyone into this, but
if you are interested, put your name down here.

Lunchtime, we'll be
giving everyone dummy runs.

Jasmine, send them down to the
meeting room. I'll let Matt know.

OK. Thank you.

Ssshhh, there is no need
for protracted debate.

It really is very simple.

Read the next poem in silence,

and then answer the questions
on page 43.

Is everybody able to comprehend that?

Problem, Darren?

I don't get what any
of this means, Sir.

Miss Shackleton,
give Darren a hand, please.

Will you be all right?

OK...

Do you like the poem?

I don't get it.

How can it be a poem
when it doesn't rhyme?

What was the first thing that came
into your mind when you read it?

That was it. It doesn't rhyme.

That's good.

So it's not what you expected.

What do you think the poet's saying
about the people he's written about?

Well... they're different?

He's comparing the men in the truck
to the two people in the car.

That is excellent.

And the theme?

Er...

Inequality?

Do you know what? I think you're
ready to answer those questions.

Thanks, Miss.

Miss... Do you like my dad?

I do, yeah.

He's dead nice.

You get on with those.

Do you like him, then?

Darren, work.

He likes you.

BELL RINGS

Quietly!

Are you sure? I mean Tom's always
going on about being open-minded.

He wouldn't keep
something like this from us.

I'm telling you, she was looking at him like she
wanted to rip his clothes off there and then.

CHLO SIGHS

Would it be so bad
if he saw somebody else?

Someone else, no,
but Davina Shagathon?

Not that again.
Give Tom a break, Mika.

I'm trying to protect him.

She's not interested in him.

She's after something,
I'm telling you.

Excuse me.

Can I help you?

I want a word with Miss Shackleton.
About what?

Well, she supports my son
with his dyslexia.

Oh, um... it's Mr Briggs...
Darren, year ten. Uh-huh.

If there's a problem with a class,
you should speak to his teacher.

Well, it's not really about
any class in particular.

Well, maybe I could help.
I'm Mr Clarkson, head of Pastoral.

It's a bit awkward, because my lad Darren,
he's got emotional problems and Dav...

Miss Shackleton, she's made
a connection with him, so...

She's here now. Darren.

I was just hoping
we could have a word.

Oh, I'm sorry,
but now's not a good time.

I'm due to do
some paired readings so...

Oh, right, I'm just a bit worried
about Darren, because...

Well, he phoned me earlier
and he just sounded quite anxious.

Right. OK, well, let's see
if we can find a free room.

My room's free.

Oh, thanks. Do you want me to sit in?

No, thanks. We'll be all right.

So do you think something's
happened with Darren?

No, nothing in particular.
It's just...

Well, when he got in touch before, he just... He sounded
funny. I just wondered if you'd noticed anything.

No, nothing unusual.

I've just been with him now.
He seemed fine.

Oh, seems weird...

Come in.

Hello.

Paul, you can't walk in like that.

Let's do it again, and this time shoulders
back, show us a bit of confidence.

Go on.

What do you like to do
in your spare time?

Hang around Spar with me mates.

Well, you can't say that, can you?

Think of something that
might impress an employer.

Is there anything
that you'd like to do?

Go out with Robert Kazinsky.

Sean Slater,
the barman from EastEnders.

Let's start with where you're from
and what school you're at.

Er... Sorry.

My name's Dom, I'm from, er...

I'm from Waterloo Road, er...

I'm in year...

Sorry, I can't do this.

Oh, my God. It's like
It'll Be Alright On The Night.

How far apart are you trying to get your legs?
You're not looking to get off with a sixth former!

Pretend you're going
to see a sick relative.

Yeah, me nan died last year!

Hm.

Bolton... we're over here.

Look at us.

A sick relative?

Who knows how many of your pupils we could be
taking on? How long have you known Tess Doyle?

Just make the call,
and I'll be out of your hair.

If they reconsider,
what if you don't get the contract?

There's nothing I can do.
That won't happen.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Stuart, lunch before you face them?

Yeah, that'd be great. Let's hope
these kids don't end up eating me alive.

There's an idea. Hiya. Hiya.

Could I just have a quick word,
please? Candice, what is it, yeah?

It's about these lessons for thingy
you've got our Bolton in. Lessons For Life.

I spoke to you about that earlier.

I was washing lettuces for 200 kids
who're going to leave it on the side.

I might've misheard a detail or two.

OK, we've created a group
focusing on key skills and practical...

Yeah, yeah, I know all that.

It's the job bit I missed.

Oh, that's a new development. Candidates
are being interviewed this afternoon.

Oh, thanks, thanks for putting our
Bolton forward. He's dead excited.

He keeps going on about being able
to chip in for food.

It's only a few hours a week,
and I don't know how much they pay.

Don't get your hopes up.
It might not happen.

It's gonna make a man of him.

It's the chance we've been
waiting for. Thanks.

Well, as far as I can see,
things are going well for Darren.

He got a good set of results
in his mocks.

Yeah, could you just keep your eye out and
let me know if you notice anything untoward?

Yeah. Yeah, of course.
While I'm here...

I might as well be up front with you.

I'm not a big one
for text conversations.

I like to look people
in the eye when I talk to them.

So, er... this guy
you're going out with.

Serious?

Look... I'm sorry if I gave
you the wrong impression...

Darren didn't say
that... you had a boyfriend.

Well, there's no
reason why he would.

Well, who is he, then?

I, um... I don't think
that's any of your business.

No, er... no.

I'm sorry, but I've got
a class to get to, so...

Er... I didn't mean to pry.

Sorry.

Forget it.

What a cow.

Dad!

Who does she think she is?

Dad, will you just calm down?

If she thinks she can lead me on and then just drop me
when she wants, well, she's got another think coming.

Thinks she's too good
to have dinner with me.

Have you seen her with a boyfriend?

Dad, you shouldn't be here.

Well, I'm not taking this from her.

Who's this Clarkson, fella?

Have you seen him sniffing around?
No.

A pound to a penny it's him.

She's a slapper. She's not a slapper!
She's the best teacher I've ever had.

She gave me a hug today
cos she were that proud of me.

She what?

She gave you a hug?

She put her hands on you?
When was this?

Er... Mr Budgen's class.
It wasn't a hug...

Did she?

She put her hands on you?

Yeah, but she was just being nice.

Nice?!

She plays trick or treat with me
and she's all over my son?

Right. Uhhh!

Rachel, I just need you to sign
these three letters, OK? Just here.

Can I leave the rest till later?

You're the boss.

I need to talk to you now.
You need to make an appointment.

Is there something I can do for you?

You can sort out that tr*mp you've
got working with my son. Sorry, you are?

I'm Darren Briggs's dad.
OK, Mr Briggs, come in.

So, who's your complaint about?

Perverts like her shouldn't
be allowed near kids.

Right, take a seat.

It's... Shackleton, Davina Shackleton.

Can you tell me what Miss Shackleton
has done to offend you?

I thought she was a bit low cut,
high rise on parents' evening.

I can cope with a bit of flirting, but not
when she's all over my 14-year-old son.

Now... I want her sacked,

today,

right now.

If you can explain
exactly what happened, Mr Briggs?

Well, she's... touched him up.

You're suggesting that Miss Shackleton
touched your son inappropriately?

Yeah.

That's exactly what I'm saying.

That's a very serious accusation.

OK. Well, let me explain the formal
procedures I've got to take.

You will be required to write
a formal statement...

Oh, typical! Yeah, go on,
you hide behind your procedures.

Do one, losers, I've got the job.

Back to class, Dom.
Next up, Bolton Smilie.

Oh, Bolton!

OK, if Bolton doesn't show...

Never let it be said that Smilies
can't dress up for an occasion!

Woo!

Where'd you nick that get up,
Bolton? Mr Hordley's ready for you.

Good luck!

Eddie, have you seen Davina?

No. Why, is there a problem?

It's fine, I just need to speak
to her. Do you know what?

I don't think this is a good idea.

What? The interviews?
Well, him handing out jobs.

It's so obvious he's
trying to buy our influence.

We're nothing to do with
the tendering process.

We can't stop it now,
look at their little faces!

Are you OK? I'm fine.

Yeah, and you're right.

So, Bolton,

can you explain why you want to work in
the construction and development industry?

Real, innit. Real?

Stuff you do.

Building and that.

I've always loved making things
and painting and design,

but I got kicked out
of art and design because...

That don't matter, but...

I love that stuff,
design and that.

And, well, look at you.
I want to be like you when I'm old.

What do you mean, like me? Bet you never had
to loan a suit off your mum's mate's husband.

No.

But you are aware this is just
a clerical job I'm offering?

There won't be any painting
and design involved. Yeah, I get it.

But it'll be all around me. Yeah.

Yeah, it will.

So, is there anything you want
to ask me about the job?

Is there ever a chance of overtime?

Mika. Mika!

It's not like a spot, you know.

It's not going to go away
if you ignore it.

Davina Shackleton?

I can understand how you might see my relationship
with another woman as a betrayal of your mum.

This is about her. Davina.

What is it that men can't resist?
Even... Brett?

Mika, you can't let yourself feel
bitter about Davina and Brett.

It was a long time ago.

It wasn't even the reason
why you split up.

No, but she's a flirt
and you could do better.

Why her?

I'm not always gonna be
comfortable with your boyfriends.

You'll probably never bring home
anybody that measures up.

But that's where the trust comes in.

I trust you to make the right decisions, and
you have to trust me to let me see who I want.

OK?

I've made a total mess of this whole
situation. Hey, don't go blaming yourself.

But I should've just made it clearer from
the start that I wasn't interested in him.

Even for young Darren's sake.

You know, he really wanted me
to go out with his dad.

Well, kids forget
things pretty quickly.

What is it with me with men?

Yeah, it must be terrible. They
can't help falling in love with you!

Oh, stop it.

You know...

I'm thinking, if I can mess up
this much as a teaching assistant,

then what chance have
I got as a teacher?

You're worrying about it, so chances
are you're going to be pretty good.

Look, why don't you just tell Tom that
you fancy him rotten and be done with it?

Put us all out of our misery, please!

I'm not sure that's a good idea.

Maybe I'm being a bit sensitive,

but I think Tom's using the girls as
an excuse to keep me at arm's length.

You know, you've really got to talk
to him about how you're feeling.

Davina. Can I see you
in my office now, please?

I, um...

I thought it was only pupils
who got nervous.

You know,
when the head sent for them.

Look, can you just talk me through what happened
between you and Darren Briggs in the English lesson?

Nothing happened.

Well, his father claims...

Apparently Darren told his father
that you touched him.

What d'you mean, touched?
You know what I mean.

Touched him inappropriately.

What? No. No way.

No, that is a complete lie.
I wouldn't...

Look, I think um... Darren Briggs's
dad is just annoyed with me.

Annoyed? Why?
Well, because he likes me, and...

And he's been asking me out,
and he's bought me flowers and...

I've texted him a couple of times,
but I've told him I'm not interested.

And so, he's obviously not
good with rejection.

I don't... So you're telling me this is all about
some fling that you had with one of the parents?

No, no! I never went near him.

But you've been receiving texts
from him and he's given you flowers.

Look, there is nothing
going on between us.

Whatever has happened,
it has blown up in our faces,

because he's accusing you
of sexually assaulting his son.

And if he goes ahead with this it will mean police
involvement, it's going to mean suspension...

Davina, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

But you must understand,
I have got to follow this up.

He hasn't made a formal complaint yet,
but I'm warning you, just prepare yourself.

Look, Rachel...

I'm not lying to you about this.

So what, so what now,
it's my word against his, is it?

No... We'll deal with it.

You can't let this guy
ruin your career.

BELL RINGS

Well, I thought
you all did really well.

But I've decided to offer
the post... to Bolton.

Oh, no way, man! I don't believe it!

Oh, that is wicked, man.

Good choice, man. Good choice!

Congratulations. Well, done Bolton.

Really well done.

Can we go now, Sir?
Of course you can.

Amazing how putting faith in someone can make a
difference. Oh, yeah. A noble thing you've done.

You have a phone call to make.

Well, I'm not going to make it.

Eddie tells me you've put
a lot of work in with that lad.

I'm impressed. It'd be a shame
to see it go to waste.

With kids like Bolton, it's about building
his confidence with training and support.

What are you saying?

It'd take me a about week to undo the
good work that you and Mr Lawson have done.

Darren, did you tell
your dad that I...

Miss, Miss, I never told
my dad anything.

I just said you'd given me
a hug for doing well on my poem.

It's all my fault.
I shouldn't have said anything.

He got it all wrong.

How are you getting home?

I don't wanna go home.

He'll go mad when he finds out
it was a mistake.

Come on.

I'll give you a lift.

Miss, seeing you'll...

Darren, your dad thinks I've done a terrible
thing, and we need to talk to him about it.

It's down to me that you're in this situation,
and I'm going to help get you out of it.

We've both got things
we need to say to your dad.

Come on.

Davina...

Hey.

I'm making everybody's favourite
spag bol tonight, if you fancy joining us?

Have you got permission?

The more time you spend with the
girls, the better chance we have...

Tom, you need to talk to the girls.

Then we'll see about us.

Where are you off to now?

I'm taking Darren home.

To see his dad?

Yes, actually.

Oh, forget it.

Why don't you come afterwards?
Just leave it, Tom.

Lovers' tiff?

Good.

He belongs with Mum.
Mika, Mum's dead.

Like I'm ever gonna forget that!

I hope she knows what she's doing.

Davina?

She's getting too close to that
Darren lad. Like she did with Brett?

No, not like that.

Isn't that the kid whose dad's
been buying her flowers? Yes.

Maybe it's daddy she's trying to get
her claws into. Cut it out, Mika.

Well, she hasn't exactly played
hard to get in the past, has she?

Look, his plans for this place.
They're exactly what I might want.

Well, at least let him have
the chance to set out his bid, and...

If he doesn't match up,
then fine, get rid of him.

Oh, come on, George. What building
ever comes in on budget?

Well, at least he's not trying
to disguise his costs.

Thank you, George.
You'll have your reward in heaven.

Yes, I know.

Yes, I'll see you later. You too.

See how easy that was?

Goodbye.

Well, it's nice to finally meet you, after
hearing so much about you from Tess.

Good old Bolton, eh?

You did a good job with him.

Well, his car's here,
so he must be home.

It's OK. I'll be fine from here.

No, I'll come in.

Make sure everything's all right.

All right.

Just wait in there.
I'll check up on him.

Will you tell him
I'd like to say hello?

Yeah. Dad?

Dad, Miss Shackleton's here.

Dad.

Where is she? The front room.

Darren, you could have texted me.

Dad, about Miss Shackleton
giving me a hug.

Uh-huh? It was nothing.

Yeah, I know, son. I know.

It was just me, that's all, just
jumping to the wrong conclusions.

But don't worry. I'll sort it.

Davina.

What can I say?

I am so sorry.

You really think
I'd do something like that?

No! No, listen.

No he got upset, and I just got
the wrong end of the stick.

Well, it happens.

If you want it to, yeah.

Look, he did say that you'd put your arms round him.
I was only doing what any other dad'd do. Right.

I made a mistake.

I'm sorry. OK.

Listen, now you're here, take a seat.

No. I'll get you a tea, coffee...
Darren? No, it's fine. I'm going.

No, no, come on, you've got to have a brew.
Darren, there's a good lad. Get Miss Shackleton...

OK, I'll have a coffee. Thanks.

Hey, listen to this!

"I'm going to London next weekend.
Can you look after Michael, please?"

Can you believe it? It's like
I'm a supply nanny or something.

Well, at least you two
are communicating now.

You all right? Yep, fine.

You seem a bit off today.

No, no, I'm all right.

I just...

I don't want us getting too friendly
with any of these contractors.

Mr Hordley?
He's going to be good for us.

He's a businessman. He thinks in money. I feel
compromised giving him the run of the place.

Yeah, all right.

I'm serious. I don't want the school
associated with any corruption.

Corruption?
We don't know this guy from Adam.

We say, "Thank you for what
you've done today", and leave it.

I don't want him on the
premises again. KNOCK

Go on.

These are for you, Miss. Thank
you very much, Bolton, but why?

Because you got him the job. I didn't
get him the job, he got it himself!

See you tomorrow, Miss.

Why would he give Bolton the job?

His indefinable spark?

The suit?

Look, even if you're not sure about
Stuart, look how chuffed he's made Bolton.

He's perfect for
this school, Rachel.

He's a good lad.
He's really coming on.

Top set at English, eh?
Yeah, he's very bright.

I am sorry for what I said and that.

I'll make sure Miss Mason knows
that you didn't do anything.

It's OK. Just forget about it.

No harm done, eh?

Well, she put up more of a fight
than expected. But she cracked.

I told you. I don't believe it.

Hasn't changed so much after all.

She's all there with the corporate stuff,
she's a very driven lady, our "Amanda".

Yup, she did the trick. Confirmation
that put you back in the running.

Well, now there's just one
more little favour to ask for.

Right.

Well, thanks for the coffee.

Look, er...

Are we going to be going
out on this date,

or what?

Darren, I told you.

I'm in a relationship.

Would that be with Tom Clarkson?

Yeah.

Yeah, it is, actually.

Please, please don't go.

No, look, I can make you happy!

Look, I earn way more than some English teacher.
I can give you everything that you want.

Anything, it's yours! Darren...

Just one simple date,
that's all I'm after.

Please, just let me leave.

Give me the key!

I just want one chance.

Please, that's all.

Open the door and let me leave, now!

Look, don't go.

Please don't make a fool of me.

I couldn't stand being
made a fool of again.

Open the door and let me out,

or I'm calling the police.
I mean it...

I just want you to listen to me!

There we go.

Now then, that wasn't
so difficult, was it?

OK, I'm sorry.

Look, I just want two minutes...

of your precious time.

Dad, stop!

Miss, will you just stay
a little bit longer?

It's OK. It's OK.

Two minutes.

But we keep things nice and calm.

I mean it.

Otherwise I'm phoning the police.
Darren, go and do your homework.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Can I come in?

Go away.

Come on, Mika.

I hate it when we fall out.

I don't want her
to make a fool of you.

I can look after myself.

Is that why you're terrified she's going
to dump you for Darren Briggs's dad?

There's more to this
than me and Davina.

It just feels like everyone I trusted
is taking turns to let me down.

Y'know, what Chlo and Brett did was terrible,
but you can't let it do this to you.

I never want to see Brett again.

I don't believe that.

And I've seen how Brett's
trying to make his peace with you.

I don't know what to do.

Is Brett online?

Then why don't you message him,
or whatever it is you do?

And I'll give Davina a call.

That's Darren's mum.

She was a great mum.

MOBILE RINGS

I just want to explain.

I never meant to freak you out.

It was just a mate.

I don't know.

It's just been such a long time
since I tried to woo a woman,

I think I've forgotten how to do it.

Then, um...

maybe you should take
a step back, you know?

Let things happen naturally.

You what? What are you saying?

You'd have come running if I'd sat
back and waited? You're just a tease!

That's what you are, you're a tease!

Do I frighten you?

You know, um... you're a good catch
for the right woman, but...

Well, you can't make someone
feel the same way about you. You...

I mean...

She's out there, you know.
You just need to wait for her.

You women...

You're all the same, aren't you?
All... You're all users.

And you... You don't know anything,

you stupid cow.

Dad, stop it! You've got
to stop being a victim...

Victim? Dad. Victim? Please...

So easy for you to say!

You don't know what it's like
to be humiliated. Dad, please...

Oh, I do. Oh, yeah?

GLASS SMASHES

I'm sorry.

It's stuck.

You have to twist and turn
at the same time.

Thanks for everything,
for today and that.

Good job I take after my mum.

You'll be all right.

I'll see you tomorrow, OK?

DOORBELL RINGS

Is Mika there?

Not sure it's a good time, Brett.

She messaged me,
asked me to come over.

In that case...
She's in her bedroom.

Decided you couldn't resist
my cooking?

Are you OK?

Come in, you look terrible.

Do you know what, I could do
with some fresh air.

OK. Of course.
Just give me a second.

I'm going out. I won't be long.

What's up?

So, where are we going?

Thought we could go for a pizza.

Oh... and I'm paying.

Well, strictly speaking, if we're just
going as mates, then it should be 50-50.

I can't believe he did that!

He's a nutter!

Well, it's over. He's not going to
get within a mile of you, believe me.

I don't want you to go
anywhere near him.

He just needs help.

It's all right.

Whatever way you want
to handle it, all right?

Thanks. Come on.

I think Mika's buried
the hatchet with Brett.

Maybe she'll give us
a bit of space now, eh?

You know what? I don't want that.

"Sort the girls out and then we can
get on with us," you said.

Tom...

You know, the way
I've been treating you,

and the way I've been expecting
you to be with me, it's just wrong.

Where's this coming from?

Well, there's a queue for your time.

I haven't earned the right
to be at the front of it.

Are you ending it?

Why don't we just take things slow?

Ah, Miss Mason.

Well, thanks to you
I'm officially back in the running.

So, it's all worked out for you.

We've really got nothing
more to say to each other.

I admire your spirit.

Your word is your bond.

But you and I haven't quite finished.

Now I am back in the running, I need
you to make sure that I win that contract.

You can do that for me, can't you?

Amanda?

Just remember, this is
your first step to work.

It'll be as good or
as bad as you make it.

Know me? You don't know
nothing about me!

I worked at Waterloo Road,
cleaning up after your sort.

No staying power,
no commitment, no respect. Just...

Just what? Keep going, Janice.

I thought we were supposed
to be doing the friends thing?

You're a successful head teacher
rescuing a school.

Threaten to walk.
They'll do anything.

Well, um...

That's been building up
for quite some time.

You're threatening to walk,
over which set of builders we employ?

I don't understand. What is it
about this particular bid, Miss Mason?