The hallway at the Slaters, Mo is on the phone
Mo: Yeah, that is what I'm saying, your Dad left just yesterday. Him and Kat had a barney or something... Look, I don't know do I? ... She's a wreck love, she needs you here... Yeah, I know you sent a blinking card but it just ain't enough. You have to be here, give her a cuddle... No, I haven't called 'em. I called you, because that's who she needs... If this is money troubles I'll sub you, mind it is only a sub, I'll expect every penny back...Good girl, when can you get here? ... Alright see you then, love you.
Mo puts down the phone and goes into the living room, Jean is sat down, she has clearly heard every word of the conversation.
Jean: Who was that you were on the phone to then?
Mo: Never you mind.
Jean looks hurt.
Mo: Look Jean, you'll see soon enough, I just don't want to tell you and then you go blabbing to Kat. She can't get her hopes up.
In the Vic, Kat is sat on the sofa, on the phone. She puts it down without speaking to anyone. She clearly hasn't got an answer at the other end. Alfie comes in quietly, he rubs Kat's shoulder, then sits down next to her.
Alfie: Who was that darling?
Kat: (as if only just realising Alfie was in the room) Oh, it was no-one. There was no reply.
Alfie: Oh well, maybe try again later?
Kat: Yeah maybe.
Kat gets up and leaves the room. Alfie looks over his shoulder to check that she has gone. He picks the phone up out of its cradle and looks through recently dialled numbers. He looks confusedly at the last number and presses redial.
The phone rings and someone picks up at the other end. He talks cautiously.
Alfie: Hello?
Alfie: Alright darling. It's Alfie. How are you?
Alfie: Yeah, not too bad darling all things considered.
Alfie: No, no she's not doing too well. I'm sure she'd love to talk to you though. Do you want me to go get her? She's only in the kitchen I think.
Alfie: Oh alright, but she'd love to talk to you. She rang just a minute ago.
Alfie: No don't be scared darling. She'll be fine.
Alfie: Oh alright then, maybe call again soon to talk to Kat?
Charlie, at Lynne's. His mobile rings, he looks at the screen puzzled.
Lynne: Who's that Dad?
Charlie: Dunno love, I think it's a foreign number.
Lynne: Oh don't answer it Dad, it'll be one of those scams. They'll want your credit card details and everything.
Charlie: No, I will answer it; you never know, I don't understand these phones.
Charlie (on the phone): Hello? ... Oh, I can't tell you how good it is to hear your voice love.
Lynne mouths a name to Charlie as a question. Charlie nods. Lynne leaves the room.
Lynne: Say hi from me.
Charlie: Lynne says hi... Yeah I'm with Lynne for now love, it's for the best... You're coming back? ...That's the best news I've heard in a long time... Have you told Kat? ... Oh Zoe, she always wants to see you... No darling, go see her. She needs to feel like a mother...Alright love, well don't forget to come and see your old Dad while you're back in Blighty.
END OF PART ONE