He rolled the pills around on his palm thoughtfully. Was life really that bad?
He had no job. He was sure he had lost Kirsty and no doubt Rhys would be pressing assault charges. He would end up behind bars. With no one. Everyone hated him. He raised his hand to his mouth and squeezed his eyes shut, tipping the pills in, straining his face as he swallowed them without water.
HOSPITAL
Shelley and Jade sit at Rhys' bedside. He has been awake for about half an hour and Dr Wilson has confirmed that there was no permanent damage, although he would have to be kept in for a couple of days to be monitored. Shelley's immense relief was obvious although Kirsty weighed heavy on her mind. It was more than likely that she was with Kane and now she knew what Kane was capable she was frantic with worry.
Rhys, on the other hand, exchanged nervous glances with Jade, figuring out that Shelley had no idea about the incident with Kirsty. Rhys remained uncharacteristically quiet as Shelley gently broke the news to him that Kirsty had run off again and it was more than likely that she was with Kane. Rhys couldn't help but feel responsible - why should Kirsty stick around after what he had done? More than anything he wanted to get out of the hospital bed and pull his family back together. Apologise to Kirsty and protect her from Kane.
Shelley gently squeezes her husband's hand and bends down, kissing him on the forehead.
"Don't worry about Kirsty - the police will find her... and they can keep Kane away from her now"
"How did you work that out?"
Rhys was agitated, his mind preoccupied. Shelley tried to ignore his bluntness, putting it down to the masses of painkillers the doctors had pumped into him.
"He assaulted you - the police are outside waiting for a statement. He's a wanted man"
Rhys smiles faintly, trying to appear relieved. What could he tell the police? That he'd hit his own daughter? He couldn't say that in front of Shelley. Lie? But he knew he would be found out sooner or later. When Kane and Kirsty reappeared. But what if that didn't happen? Rhys couldn't bear to think about all the possibilities. He couldn't win.
"I can't face them tonight Shell... maybe in the morning... my head's banging"
"It's best that they speak to you tonight - the sooner they're out looking for Kane the sooner we get Kirsty home"
"I said I'll speak to them in the morning!"
Rhys' temper was getting the better of him. He hated himself for what he had done to Kirsty. He hated Kane more. Kane was to blame for everything.
Shelley looks at her husband, taken aback and rests her hand on his shoulder, smiling faintly.
"Right... I'll tell the police to come back in the morning... I should probably get back as well - see how Dani's doing"
BEACH
Late evening
A man walks his dog along the beach, casually strolling in the direction of the wharf, his eyes fixated on the ground in thought. He runs his hand through the dark stubble on his chin and fiddles nervously with the collar of his leather jacket. The dog runs around aimlessly, before sprinting towards the wharf. A series of barks from the dog eventually catches his masters attention. His dog has found something and as he walks closer his eyes adjust to the darkness and he makes out the shape of a body.
At first, his assumption was that this man was homeless, using the shelter of the wharf to get some sleep. He turned, whistling his dog away from the slumped figure. The dog failed to respond to his masters summon, forcing the man to walk closer. It soon became apparent that something was amiss. He had assumed the man was asleep but upon closer inspection he wasn't moving. Wasn't breathing. Rushing to the mans aid he fumbled for a pulse and found a weak one. He pulled a phone from his pocket and dialled for an ambulance.
PARK
Kirsty sits on the bench, her arms wrapped round her legs, trying to preserve the warmth. She has been sat there for hours just thinking. She didn't have a clue what she was going to do. Underneath she wished that Kane would just appear to make things better again. He would know what to do. He would take care of her.
A group of youths stumbled passed, obviously drunk. She could feel their gazes burning into her cheeks. They were laughing. Pointing. Kirsty avoided looking at them and tried to shut out their jeers.
She could feel herself shaking. She couldn't help it. Only a couple of nights ago she was blissfully happy. What had happened to her life? If Kane was there he would have knocked the guys out. He would defend her, whatever the cost. He had proved that. But he wasn't there and she couldn't defend herself if the guys tried anything. She gazed at the ground, tears welling in her eyes, as they passed.
HOSPITAL
Morning
Kane's eyes opened gradually, finding it hard to adjust to the brightness around him. His vision was blurred and his head was throbbing. He blinked, trying to restore his clear vision. He was staring directly at the pale ceiling, the fluorescent white lights stinging his eyes. He attempted to sit up but he was too weak. Slowly his memory was returning. All the nightmares of the previous day. He could only assume someone had found him before it was too late. Was it really a good thing? He could hear all the familiar sounds of the hospital around him. Last time he had been in there was after the Mirigini went down. But when he had been younger he had been in regularly. Severe injuries caused by 'falling down the stairs', 'walking into a door' or just 'a fight'. The doctors obviously didn't believe it any more than anyone else. Kane just kept quiet when the doctors questioned him about his injuries, terrified of upsetting his father once more.
Kane tried to sit up in bed. No one was paying him any attention. He was all alone. He didn't know what he expected. Maybe he had thought Kirsty would be there for him, despite what he had done to Rhys. But she would be at home now. Safe with her family. She wouldn't need him.
PARK
Kirsty awakens, becoming aware of the pain where pieces of branch stuck into her body. She had resorted to sleeping in a clump of bushes. She had intended sleeping on the bench, only she felt too exposed. Too vulnerable. Her stomach felt empty, her heart emptier still. She was all too aware of the lump in her throat. All night she had wished Kane was there, by her side. She remembered what they had said on their first night at the orchard - it didn't matter where they were, as long as they were together.
She dug her $20 from her pocket. It would last her a couple of days if she was lucky.
HOSPITAL
Kane sits alone on his bed. His head is clearer now but the pain of being alone is still there. He knew he should be used to it. He had been alone last time he was in hospital. His only visitor was Kirsty. A nurse approached.
"Feeling better?"
He looks up at her cheery face but can't bring himself to respond.
"So... what's your name?"
She sounded so patronising. Like the nurses who had cared for him when he was a child. He looks up at her stonily.
"Ka..."
He paused, coughing hoarsely. Did he want to be found?
"Kyle... Kyle Watson"
He needed time to sort himself out before he faced anyone.
She seemed to believe him.
"Would you like anyone contacted?"
Kirsty? His aunt? Kane shakes his head numbly.
PHONE BOOTH
Late Morning
Kirsty slots a coin into the phone and dials Kane's mobile number. In Kane's car, his phone rings to itself. Her heart sinks. Was he trying to avoid her?
CARAVAN PARK
Dani awakens with a jump, sweat glistening on her face. Confronting Kane again had stirred up all those old feelings of fear and insecurity. Every time she managed to get to sleep she had been awoken again by nightmares. She had gone to bed early the previous night to avoid talking to Shelley and Jade when they returned from the hospital. She had faked sleep when Brodie came in. Had Brodie known about Kirsty and Kane? Brodie had left early for school with Jade.
Footsteps ascend the stairs and Shelley knocks on the bedroom door. Dani doesn't reply and instead squeezes her eyes closed.
"I'm just going to the hospital Dan... will you be alright?"
Why did they always have to ask that? Ever since the rape they had wrapped her in cotton wool. Tried not to let her get hurt. All she wanted was for everyone to be straight with her. She didn't reply to her mother and the door opened slowly. Shelley looked in and assumed Dani was still asleep. She looked at her daughter sympathetically. She wanted a chance to talk to her but it was as if Dani wanted to shut them out. The door clicked shut again and Dani's eyes opened, tears forming. It was as if she didn't know her family any more.
HOSPITAL
Late afternoon
Shelley walks towards Rhys. He has now been moved into a ward. Rhys forces a smile as his wife draws nearer. She bends down and kisses him on the forehead.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Hmmm..."
Rhys nods. He didn't want to lie and say he was fine, because that wasn't true. He hadn't been able. There had been too many things playing on his mind. The police had called in during the morning. He told them he couldn't remember how it had all happened. They had been sympathetic, assuring him that he would probably regain his memory. In the meantime they would be on the lookout for Kane and Kirsty.
Shelley sits down on her husband's bedside and takes his hand.
"Dr Carlingford told me about the police visit. Apparently it's common after an attack - particularly when you've had a head injury. But he's confident you'll get your memory back so there's nothing to worry about..."
Rhys remained expressionless as his wife spoke.
"They want to talk to Jade as well - they called at the caravan park... I told them to come back this evening"
Rhys frowns. What would Jade tell them? Would she lie? Could she? If tshe did the web of lies would be thicker. A web of lies that would one day be unravelled. If she didn't lie then the family would hate him. He was sure of it.
BACK STREET
Early evening
Kirsty walks slowly along, staring at the ground. Her search for a job had been fruitless. Her appearance in dirty, crumpled clothes had done her no favours and despite lying that she was 16 it seemed everyone wanted to employ workers with experience.
"So we meet again"
Kirsty spins around to face a guy, about 20 years old. His dark eyes gleam threateningly as he examines her, the moonlight glistening over his bleached hair.
She vaguely recognises the voice. One of the guys from last night. She looks at him in fear, unsure of what to do or say, her feet locked to the ground. There is no one else around despite it not being late. A moment of stony silence follows. Kirsty can feel her heart thumping as the guy smirks at her and takes a step forwards.
He had no job. He was sure he had lost Kirsty and no doubt Rhys would be pressing assault charges. He would end up behind bars. With no one. Everyone hated him. He raised his hand to his mouth and squeezed his eyes shut, tipping the pills in, straining his face as he swallowed them without water.
HOSPITAL
Shelley and Jade sit at Rhys' bedside. He has been awake for about half an hour and Dr Wilson has confirmed that there was no permanent damage, although he would have to be kept in for a couple of days to be monitored. Shelley's immense relief was obvious although Kirsty weighed heavy on her mind. It was more than likely that she was with Kane and now she knew what Kane was capable she was frantic with worry.
Rhys, on the other hand, exchanged nervous glances with Jade, figuring out that Shelley had no idea about the incident with Kirsty. Rhys remained uncharacteristically quiet as Shelley gently broke the news to him that Kirsty had run off again and it was more than likely that she was with Kane. Rhys couldn't help but feel responsible - why should Kirsty stick around after what he had done? More than anything he wanted to get out of the hospital bed and pull his family back together. Apologise to Kirsty and protect her from Kane.
Shelley gently squeezes her husband's hand and bends down, kissing him on the forehead.
"Don't worry about Kirsty - the police will find her... and they can keep Kane away from her now"
"How did you work that out?"
Rhys was agitated, his mind preoccupied. Shelley tried to ignore his bluntness, putting it down to the masses of painkillers the doctors had pumped into him.
"He assaulted you - the police are outside waiting for a statement. He's a wanted man"
Rhys smiles faintly, trying to appear relieved. What could he tell the police? That he'd hit his own daughter? He couldn't say that in front of Shelley. Lie? But he knew he would be found out sooner or later. When Kane and Kirsty reappeared. But what if that didn't happen? Rhys couldn't bear to think about all the possibilities. He couldn't win.
"I can't face them tonight Shell... maybe in the morning... my head's banging"
"It's best that they speak to you tonight - the sooner they're out looking for Kane the sooner we get Kirsty home"
"I said I'll speak to them in the morning!"
Rhys' temper was getting the better of him. He hated himself for what he had done to Kirsty. He hated Kane more. Kane was to blame for everything.
Shelley looks at her husband, taken aback and rests her hand on his shoulder, smiling faintly.
"Right... I'll tell the police to come back in the morning... I should probably get back as well - see how Dani's doing"
BEACH
Late evening
A man walks his dog along the beach, casually strolling in the direction of the wharf, his eyes fixated on the ground in thought. He runs his hand through the dark stubble on his chin and fiddles nervously with the collar of his leather jacket. The dog runs around aimlessly, before sprinting towards the wharf. A series of barks from the dog eventually catches his masters attention. His dog has found something and as he walks closer his eyes adjust to the darkness and he makes out the shape of a body.
At first, his assumption was that this man was homeless, using the shelter of the wharf to get some sleep. He turned, whistling his dog away from the slumped figure. The dog failed to respond to his masters summon, forcing the man to walk closer. It soon became apparent that something was amiss. He had assumed the man was asleep but upon closer inspection he wasn't moving. Wasn't breathing. Rushing to the mans aid he fumbled for a pulse and found a weak one. He pulled a phone from his pocket and dialled for an ambulance.
PARK
Kirsty sits on the bench, her arms wrapped round her legs, trying to preserve the warmth. She has been sat there for hours just thinking. She didn't have a clue what she was going to do. Underneath she wished that Kane would just appear to make things better again. He would know what to do. He would take care of her.
A group of youths stumbled passed, obviously drunk. She could feel their gazes burning into her cheeks. They were laughing. Pointing. Kirsty avoided looking at them and tried to shut out their jeers.
She could feel herself shaking. She couldn't help it. Only a couple of nights ago she was blissfully happy. What had happened to her life? If Kane was there he would have knocked the guys out. He would defend her, whatever the cost. He had proved that. But he wasn't there and she couldn't defend herself if the guys tried anything. She gazed at the ground, tears welling in her eyes, as they passed.
HOSPITAL
Morning
Kane's eyes opened gradually, finding it hard to adjust to the brightness around him. His vision was blurred and his head was throbbing. He blinked, trying to restore his clear vision. He was staring directly at the pale ceiling, the fluorescent white lights stinging his eyes. He attempted to sit up but he was too weak. Slowly his memory was returning. All the nightmares of the previous day. He could only assume someone had found him before it was too late. Was it really a good thing? He could hear all the familiar sounds of the hospital around him. Last time he had been in there was after the Mirigini went down. But when he had been younger he had been in regularly. Severe injuries caused by 'falling down the stairs', 'walking into a door' or just 'a fight'. The doctors obviously didn't believe it any more than anyone else. Kane just kept quiet when the doctors questioned him about his injuries, terrified of upsetting his father once more.
Kane tried to sit up in bed. No one was paying him any attention. He was all alone. He didn't know what he expected. Maybe he had thought Kirsty would be there for him, despite what he had done to Rhys. But she would be at home now. Safe with her family. She wouldn't need him.
PARK
Kirsty awakens, becoming aware of the pain where pieces of branch stuck into her body. She had resorted to sleeping in a clump of bushes. She had intended sleeping on the bench, only she felt too exposed. Too vulnerable. Her stomach felt empty, her heart emptier still. She was all too aware of the lump in her throat. All night she had wished Kane was there, by her side. She remembered what they had said on their first night at the orchard - it didn't matter where they were, as long as they were together.
She dug her $20 from her pocket. It would last her a couple of days if she was lucky.
HOSPITAL
Kane sits alone on his bed. His head is clearer now but the pain of being alone is still there. He knew he should be used to it. He had been alone last time he was in hospital. His only visitor was Kirsty. A nurse approached.
"Feeling better?"
He looks up at her cheery face but can't bring himself to respond.
"So... what's your name?"
She sounded so patronising. Like the nurses who had cared for him when he was a child. He looks up at her stonily.
"Ka..."
He paused, coughing hoarsely. Did he want to be found?
"Kyle... Kyle Watson"
He needed time to sort himself out before he faced anyone.
She seemed to believe him.
"Would you like anyone contacted?"
Kirsty? His aunt? Kane shakes his head numbly.
PHONE BOOTH
Late Morning
Kirsty slots a coin into the phone and dials Kane's mobile number. In Kane's car, his phone rings to itself. Her heart sinks. Was he trying to avoid her?
CARAVAN PARK
Dani awakens with a jump, sweat glistening on her face. Confronting Kane again had stirred up all those old feelings of fear and insecurity. Every time she managed to get to sleep she had been awoken again by nightmares. She had gone to bed early the previous night to avoid talking to Shelley and Jade when they returned from the hospital. She had faked sleep when Brodie came in. Had Brodie known about Kirsty and Kane? Brodie had left early for school with Jade.
Footsteps ascend the stairs and Shelley knocks on the bedroom door. Dani doesn't reply and instead squeezes her eyes closed.
"I'm just going to the hospital Dan... will you be alright?"
Why did they always have to ask that? Ever since the rape they had wrapped her in cotton wool. Tried not to let her get hurt. All she wanted was for everyone to be straight with her. She didn't reply to her mother and the door opened slowly. Shelley looked in and assumed Dani was still asleep. She looked at her daughter sympathetically. She wanted a chance to talk to her but it was as if Dani wanted to shut them out. The door clicked shut again and Dani's eyes opened, tears forming. It was as if she didn't know her family any more.
HOSPITAL
Late afternoon
Shelley walks towards Rhys. He has now been moved into a ward. Rhys forces a smile as his wife draws nearer. She bends down and kisses him on the forehead.
"Are you feeling better?"
"Hmmm..."
Rhys nods. He didn't want to lie and say he was fine, because that wasn't true. He hadn't been able. There had been too many things playing on his mind. The police had called in during the morning. He told them he couldn't remember how it had all happened. They had been sympathetic, assuring him that he would probably regain his memory. In the meantime they would be on the lookout for Kane and Kirsty.
Shelley sits down on her husband's bedside and takes his hand.
"Dr Carlingford told me about the police visit. Apparently it's common after an attack - particularly when you've had a head injury. But he's confident you'll get your memory back so there's nothing to worry about..."
Rhys remained expressionless as his wife spoke.
"They want to talk to Jade as well - they called at the caravan park... I told them to come back this evening"
Rhys frowns. What would Jade tell them? Would she lie? Could she? If tshe did the web of lies would be thicker. A web of lies that would one day be unravelled. If she didn't lie then the family would hate him. He was sure of it.
BACK STREET
Early evening
Kirsty walks slowly along, staring at the ground. Her search for a job had been fruitless. Her appearance in dirty, crumpled clothes had done her no favours and despite lying that she was 16 it seemed everyone wanted to employ workers with experience.
"So we meet again"
Kirsty spins around to face a guy, about 20 years old. His dark eyes gleam threateningly as he examines her, the moonlight glistening over his bleached hair.
She vaguely recognises the voice. One of the guys from last night. She looks at him in fear, unsure of what to do or say, her feet locked to the ground. There is no one else around despite it not being late. A moment of stony silence follows. Kirsty can feel her heart thumping as the guy smirks at her and takes a step forwards.