Friday 10th May 2013: Kirsty contemplates suicide [Episode Two of Two]
Written by Sharon Marshall | Official rating: 7.09 million
As the rain clears away, Kirsty sits on the roof of the hospital, clutching her mobile phone in her hand. She sobs as she realises that the lie she invented to save her marriage has signaled the end of the union. Kirsty wipes the tears away from her eyes, dialing Max's number as she does so, although she is not surprised when she reaches his voicemail. Kirsty take a sharp intake of breath before she speaks:
''Max, it's me. I'm on the roof of the hospital and honestly, I don't know what I'm about to do. Some people leave a note, but that's not my style - but you'd know that better than anyone. Whatever happens now, you need to know that I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone. I always used to tell you that my old friends used to tell me that I'd never settle down, but I always told them I'd find a man. The right man. And that was you. The best stories always have an ending, but I've known since I was a little girl that I'd never get my happy ending. That has been saved for you because you are a good man and if these are the last words I'll ever speak to you, I want to make sure that you'll get closure from them. I'm sorry, Max. I love you.''
Outside the hospital, Max leans against the wall, watching as people pass by him. Max reaches into his pocket for his phone, soon finding that Kirsty has left him a voicemail. At first Max ignores it, his hatred towards Kirsty consuming the love that he still feels for her. Wanting to listen to the message in private, Max walks round the corner of the hospital and pushes the phone to his hear, his eyes widening as he listens to Kirsty's words. In the time that Max has listened to the message, Tanya has arrived at the hospital and she is quick to pressure Max into telling her the cause of the look of complete trepidation that is plastered over his face. Max makes an attempt to speak through the newly formed lump in his throat, but he cannot find the words to explain to Tanya. As a few more seconds pass, Max walks past Tanya briskly - only stopping when she grabs his arm. ''She's on the roof Tan'!'' Max cries.
Back on the Square, the power and electricity come back on - although Dexter wishes that they stayed off as he is desperate for nobody to find him following his kiss with Jay. With no other place to run, Dexter makes his way into the launderette, having found the door open. As he steps inside, he finds Michael sat on the bench with his head in his hands - clearly contemplating his situation with Janine. Dexter does not question how Michael gained entry, instead asking Michael if he would mind if Dexter sat beside him. Michael shakes his head, signaling Dexter to take a seat next to him. A short silence ensues, before Michael makes it entirely clear that despite them both seeking solace, Dexter has no place in his business.
Now that the rain has cleared, Janine leaves Scarlett with Alice as she heads over to Heather's old flat, as she has heard from Alice that some of the flats nearby have experienced severe water damage from the rain. As she heads inside Heather's old flat, passer by Shirley calls out to Janine - asking her if she has found a new tenant for the flat. However, Shirley does not get the expected response when Janine informs her that she has found a new tenant - and they are moving into the flat next week! With Janine's words ringing in her ears, Shirley realises that she is yet to move on from the tragic events of last year.
Jay sits in the B&B, still stunned by what happened with Dexter. Feeling isolated and confused, Jay turns to Patrick - who tells him that Dexter may have just misread the signals with Jay, also reminding him that it is not uncommon for people of that age to 'experiment' with their sexuality. Jay asks Patrick whether he should tell Abi what happened, insisting that he and Abi never have secrets. Patrick advises Jay against telling Abi, especially given the recent trauma that the Branning family have faced. Jay understands that this is probably for the best, although his anguish in regards to his relationship with Abi, as well as his confusion as to how he allowed the kiss with Dexter to happen, is clear.
Kirsty walks towards the edge of the roof, her steps cautious and slow - almost as if she was trying to make the pain of what she is about to do disappear. Just as she nears the edge of the roof, she hears Max call out to her and she turns around, to find him stood at the other side of the roof. Max pleads with her to come back to safety, but Kirsty asks Max for an honest answer to her question - whether or not there is any hope for their marriage. Max considers her question for a moment, before telling Kirsty that their marriage is over. Kirsty tells Max that she's not sure whether she can live without him, but Max soon uses the content of the voicemail she left him in order to persuade her otherwise. ''You said that you'd always known you wouldn't get a happy ending, and if you jump, you won't. This is your choice Kirsty, you've got the whole life ahead of you. Tanya can tell you - I'm not worth wasting your life on. In my eyes, it doesn't end here, it doesn't end tonight. Make something of your life Kirsty.'' With Max's words now fresh in her mind, a fragile Kirsty walks towards him - finding herself falling into his arms as he kisses the top of her head.
Kirsty Branning | Kierston Wareing
Max Branning | Jake Wood
Tanya Cross | Jo Joyner
Jay Brown | Jamie Borthwick
Dexter Hartman | Khali Best
Michael Moon | Steve John Shepherd
Patrick Trueman | Rudolph Walker
Janine Butcher | Charlie Brooks
Shirley Carter | Linda Henry
Alice Branning | Jasmyn Banks
