DALE VIEW COTTAGE – MORNING
Caitlin is sitting in the living room, torn over what to do about Emma, when she hears Ross moving about, she grabs her stuff, she races out the door, closing it quietly, just as he comes downstairs, Ross reaches the bottom of the stairs and sees Caitlin through the frosted glass, he opens the door and shouts after her, but she ignores him, Ross looks on, puzzled
Fifteen Minutes Later
Caitlin is walking in the outskirts of the village when Rhona drives past; she winds the window down to speak to her
RHONA: Hey, what are you doing randomly wandering?
Caitlin walks over to the car
CAITLIN: Oh, just thinking, got a bit of a problem, not really sure what to do about it
RHONA: Get in
CAITLIN: Aren't you working?
RHONA: Perks of being your own boss
Caitlin walks round to the passenger side and gets in
RHONA: This problem, it's not a 9 month kind of problem is it?
CAITLIN: No
RHONA: But it's Ross related right?
CAITLIN: It's Barton related
RHONA: What, as in Ross's done something and you don't know if you should tell the Barton's?
CAITLIN: If you discovered something that was interesting to some, but not all members of a family, would you just tell the interested party, or everyone? I'm thinking honesty everywhere is probably best, but I don't know
RHONA: Well I don't know what you're talking about, is it something that can affect them or not affect them?
CAITLIN: It doesn't necessarily have to affect them, but I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be keeping my mouth shut either
RHONA: Well if you want to share, it won't go any further
Caitlin thinks for a few seconds
CAITLIN: I think I've inadvertently stumbled across Ross's mother
Rhona looks shocked
RHONA: Where?
CAITLIN: I turned up for work yesterday and she's one of the agency nurses
RHONA: How do you know she's his mother?
CAITLIN: Chatting at lunch, mentioned children, that my boyfriend was called Ross, she said she had a son called Ross, plus two other sons she hasn't seen for years, and when I asked her what the other two were called she said Pete and Finn and that her husband was called James. Is it just me cause I don't think that can be coincidence, can it?
RHONA: It's possible, but highly unlikely. I take it you haven't said anything to Ross?
CAITLIN: No, I'm trying not to talk to him, he touched me last night and I just had to get away cause I felt so bad knowing this thing and not knowing if I should say anything, then I just bolted out the house this morning before he even came downstairs, I mean I can't carry on like that can I? Finn was the only one ever interested in knowing her, maybe I should just tell him and he can choose what to do
RHONA: Maybe it's best to be honest with the whole family so they can deal with it together and decide what's best for all of them, but maybe you should see if she's worth telling them about first, see what she's been up to all the years she's been away from them. I mean if she was that interested in her family, why did she leave them in the first place? I'd be weary before causing trouble with the family; they might not thank you for it
CAITLIN: No but I just don't know if I can sit on it, I feel like I'm lying to people already and I only met the woman yesterday. I don't think I can be around Ross knowing I know his mother and he doesn't and then when he does find out he'll probably go mad that I never said anything anyway
RHONA: Stay back at Laurel's then so you at least don't have to see him all the time
CAITLIN: Oh yeah, great, she's barely even spoken to me for the last few months so it's going from one extreme to the other, move to avoid him and bend over backwards to get her to speak to me, I don't know which is worse
RHONA: Well you could come and stay with us, but I think it might look a bit weird
CAITLIN: Maybe I should just say I'm going on a training course or something and stay with a mate till I know what to do
RHONA: Yeah, that's a good idea, when are you working next?
CAITLIN: Tomorrow afternoon
RHONA: Why don't you just say you've got a night shift tonight and go then?
CAITLIN: Yeah, guess I could, I'll need to take Milana though, that could be awkward
RHONA: Why don't you just leave her at Aaron's?
CAITLIN: She sees more of Aaron than she does me; it's not really fair is it?
RHONA: I doubt she'll think anything of it
CAITLIN: No, but I will, oh I don't know, I'll think about it
RHONA: Do you want a lift back?
CAITLIN: If you're sure it's not a problem then yeah that'd be great
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Caitlin is sorting hers and Milana's overnight cases in the living room when Finn and Ross enter the house
FINN: What's all this? You leaving us?
CAITLIN: Yup
ROSS: What are you doing?
CAITLIN: Packing, what does it look like?
ROSS: Why?
CAITLIN: Going on a training course
ROSS: Why didn't you say before?
CAITLIN: I only found out today
Milana comes in from upstairs with her teddy bear; she walks over to the couch and puts on the TV
CAITLIN: Milana, where's your case honey?
MILANA: It's upstairs. I told you mummy I don't want to go
CAITLIN: Milana please don't start cause I'm not in the mood
MILANA: It's not fair, I want to stay here
CAITLIN: Well you can't
MILANA: Why not? Ross, can I stay with you?
Ross looks surprised; Finn leaves the room and goes upstairs
CAITLIN: No you can't
MILANA: It's up to Ross, not up to you
CAITLIN: It is up to me cause you're my child and I'm your mother not Ross
MILANA: I'm not coming
Milana runs out the door and upstairs
CAITLIN: I don't believe this
Caitlin walks towards the door, Ross blocks her way, she frowns at him, annoyed
CAITLIN: What you doing?
ROSS: Well if you're gonna leave me I think I deserve to know why
CAITLIN: What? I'm not leaving you, I told you, I'm going on a course
ROSS: Why would you take Milana on a course?
CAITLIN: Well I can't just leave her
ROSS: Why not?
CAITLIN: Cause she's my child, so she either comes with me or stays with her dad and I don't wanna leave her with him all the time cause it's not fair on either of them
ROSS: Well she doesn't wanna go by the sound of it and I can look after her
CAITLIN: No you can't, it's not fair to expect you to, why would you want to? She's not even yours
ROSS: So, she's yours, you're my girlfriend, she likes me, we get on, it's no problem
CAITLIN: Well what would you do about work?
ROSS: Same as you, go to work and put her in playgroup
CAITLIN: I just don't think it's a good idea
ROSS: Don't you trust me or summit?
Caitlin laughs slightly
CAITLIN: I don't even think I trust Aaron so it's not personal. No, I just think I'd be taking advantage palming her off on someone else
ROSS: You need to go on this course, clearly, she doesn't wanna go, you can't exactly leave her on her own, so you don't have too many options really
CAITLIN: Well there's always Laurel, mind you that probably isn't the best idea
ROSS: Wow, you really don't wanna leave her with me do you?
CAITLIN: It's not that I don't, I just think she'll drive you crazy
ROSS: Well it's not like I'd be totally alone
Caitlin thinks for a few seconds
CAITLIN: Well if you're sure? You do know she'll have you dressing up in high heels and make-up right?
ROSS: Well I'm not doing that, but I'm sure we'll have fun
Caitlin smiles at Ross
CAITLIN: Ok, well thanks
Caitlin kisses Ross on the lips, they smile at each other
CAITLIN: Well guess we should tell her then
Ross moves out the way of the door, Caitlin opens it and shouts upstairs
CAITLIN: Milana, will you come down here please? I've got something to tell you
Caitlin goes back into the kitchen where Ross is leaning against the worktop
ROSS: Got time for a cup of tea, or anything else before you go?
Ross, smiling flirtatiously, leans over to kiss Caitlin, she flinches
CAITLIN: No, I don't have time for that, but a tea would be good
Caitlin smiles and walks over to close her suitcase, Ross stands against the worktop with his arms folded, he stares over at her with a suspicious look as Milana comes running in
MILANA: I'm back
CAITLIN: Yes, we can see that. Right, how would you like to stay with Ross while I'm away?
Milana jumps round in a circle
MILANA: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY
Caitlin and Ross smile at each other
ROSS: I think she might be happy. I don't blame her, but, I mean who wouldn't want to stay with someone who looked like this?
CAITLIN: Oh, shut up you big headed idiot
MILANA: Ross hasn't got a big head mummy; it's bigger than mine, but not too big
CAITLIN: Yeah, I didn't mean it like that poppet
Milana looks up at Ross
MILANA: We can play games and bake and play with my play dough and my wendy house and my dolls, we'll have sooooooooooooooo much fun you'll wonder what you did without me
Caitlin laughs
CAITLIN: I told you you won't get any peace. Anyway, I better get going
Milana runs over to Caitlin, she picks her up
MILANA: Mummy, will you bring me back a present?
CAITLIN: I'll think about it
MILANA: And Ross too?
CAITLIN: We'll see. Now, what have you got to do while I'm away?
MILANA: Eat, drink, sleep, wash, brush my teeth and tidy my toys
CAITLIN: Yes, very good, but what else have you got to do?
Milana shrugs
CAITLIN: You've got to be good for Ross
MILANA: Oh yeah, I will cause I don't like cross Ross
Milana laughs as Ross looks on, smiling, he approaches
ROSS: Do you want a lift?
CAITLIN: No, I'll just get the bus, I so wish I had my own car back, do you think it'll be finished soon?
ROSS: Dunno, I'll see what I can do
Caitlin puts Milana down, picks up her phone, bag and case and starts moving towards the door
ROSS: Eh, excuse me; do we not get a kiss and I thought you wanted a cup of tea?
CAITLIN: Nah, I don't really have time, I'm expected at a certain time. Are you not walking me to the bus stop?
Ross and Milana smile, Milana puts her hand out for Ross to take it, they walk towards the door
VILLAGE
Caitlin, Milana and Ross walk to the bus stop together, they wait about 5 minutes, Vanessa comes past as they wait
VANESSA: Going anywhere nice?
CAITLIN: Just a course, nothing special
Vanessa smiles and continues passing
VANESSA: Well enjoy, see you later
ROSS: So am I getting this goodbye kiss or what?
CAITLIN: Not in public or in front of children no (laughs)
Ross smiles, moving towards Caitlin, he wraps his arms around her waist, shoving her back into a corner of the empty shelter
Caitlin looks at Ross, her eyes melting into his
CAITLIN: Ross
ROSS: What?
Ross puts his head to the left of Caitlin's, kissing her neck, she fights the urge to enjoy it, guilt overwhelming her, but his hot breath on her neck is too much to resist, she closes her eyes
CAITLIN: (Whispers) Stop it
ROSS: You gonna miss me?
CAITLIN: Of course
ROSS: Well prove it then
Ross kisses Caitlin; she wraps her arms around his neck
MILANA: MUMMY, THE BUS IS HERE
Caitlin tries to pull away from Ross, but he keeps his arms firmly wrapped around her waist
CAITLIN: Ross, I'll miss the bus
ROSS: So, I'll give you a lift
CAITLIN: No, I'm going now; I'll show you how much I missed you when I'm back
Caitlin pushes Ross off her, kissing him quickly
Caitlin scoops Milana up, cuddling her
CAITLIN: Ok gorgeous, be good for Ross
MILANA: I'll miss you mummy
CAITLIN: Me too
Caitlin and Milana rub their noses together, smiling before Caitlin puts her back on the ground, she picks up her case before looking at Ross
CAITLIN: I'll call you later
Caitlin steps on the bus and sits down, Milana starts waving as the driver moves off, Caitlin blows kisses to Milana and Ross
Milana looks up at Ross
MILANA: Can we get an ice cream?
ROSS: What, so you can spill it on the floor again?
Milana laughs
MILANA: I won't, I promise
ROSS: Come on then
Ross takes Milana's hand as they walk towards the café
MILANA: Will you miss mummy as much as me?
ROSS: Probably
MILANA: What are we going to do while she's away?
ROSS: The same as we do when she's here
MAIN STREET CAFÉ
Ross and Milana enter the café, as they're walking up to the counter Milana spots Chas and James
MILANA: NANA
Milana rushes over to Chas, kissing her on the lips and jumping up on her knee
CHAS: Hey, where's mummy?
MILANA: Mummy's had to go away, Ross is looking after me
Chas looks horrified
CHAS: WHAT?
MILANA: Yeah, I don't know what I'm going to do, he's a terrible cook, he can only do beans on toast and scrambled eggs, that will be so boring
ROSS: I could just let you starve you know
MILALNA: You're not allowed
JAMES: Well you can always come and eat in the pub
MILANA: Can I Nana? I love Marlon's food
CHAS: Well I suppose so, can't let you go hungry can we?
ROSS: Great
Chas smiles at Milana before looking up at Ross
CHAS: You're not getting fed, only her. Where's Caitlin gone this time?
ROSS: Charming. She's gone on some course or something, last minute, so that's me on pizza and cold showers for at least a week
Milana looks at Ross, confused
MILANA: Why do you want to have cold showers?
Ross, Chas and James all look at each other, smiling
ROSS: Eh, never mind, I thought you wanted ice cream?
Milana gets off Chas's knee and goes over to the counter
CHAS: A week's a long time to leave your kid
ROSS: Well it's better than permanently I guess
CHAS: Is that some sort of sly dig?
ROSS: No, I was talking about mine, but if the cap fits
JAMES: Ross
ROSS: What, it's not like I'm saying anything that isn't true is it dad?
Ross walks over to the counter and stands next to Milana, James and Chas shake their heads
CHAS: I can't believe she's leaving her with him for a week
JAMES: Yeah, that is m son you're talking about you know
CHAS: Oh come on James, he's hardly a saint is he?
JAMES: No, neither's Aaron, so they've both got something in common
CHAS: Cheers, thanks for that
Chas gets up, looking miffed at James as she goes over to the counter, she bends down to Milana
CHAS: Hey, how would you like to come and stay with me and your dad till your mum gets back?
MILANA: No, it's ok, I'm staying with Ross
Chas looks up at Ross, annoyed, he smirks at her, she stands up
CHAS: Right, well just make sure you look after her properly
ROSS: Yeah, I'll fill a bath and drown her later if you like
Chas glares at Ross
ROSS: Joke, in case it wasn't obvious
MILANA: Do you want an ice cream Nana? I'll buy you one
Chas looks down at Milana
CHAS: No, no thanks love, they give me headaches, amongst other things
Bob approaches the counter with two ice cream cones
BOB: There you go
Ross hands Bob change
Milana toddles over to the couch to sit with James
JAMES: That looks delicious
MILANA: Do you like ice cream?
JAMES: Sometimes, it's nice in the summer
MILANA: I love it all the time; I could have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Do you want one? I will treat you to one
Ross comes up behind
ROSS: Eh, why is everyone getting offered Ice cream and I didn't?
MILANA: Cause you handed the money over before I could get my purse out
ROSS: You're a little chancer you are
MILANA: I don't know what that means, but I do like Nana and James more than you
ROSS: Oh well, that's it then, the next lot of ice creams are definitely on you
Milana laughs at Ross
MILANA: I want to buy everyone in the world an ice cream
JAMES: Wow, that'll be very expensive
MILANA: Not if I won the lottery
JAMES: Oh yeah, well that's different
CHAS: Right, we better get going, see you later cheeky
Chas kisses Milana on the forehead, she looks over at Ross
CHAS: Be good for Milana
Ross smirks, shaking his head at Chas
Chas and James leave the café
Milana shakes her head
MILANA: I don't think Nana likes you
ROSS: It's alright, not sure I like her
MILANA: That's mean
ROSS: Eat your ice cream you
Ross sits next to Milana
HOTTEN GENERAL HOSPITAL – EVENING
Caitlin is sitting in the staffroom waiting for her workmate, a senior staff nurse walks in, she goes over to the fridge, taking out a bottle of water, she drinks from it
CAITLIN: Hi, em, do you know if Emma Barton is in today?
STAFF NURSE: No, she was only here yesterday; don't think she's coming back
Caitlin looks stunned
CAITLIN: You're joking?
STAFF NURSE: No, why?
CAITLIN: Oh, she left something in here yesterday; I just wanted to give it to her
STAFF NURSE: Take it to lost property, they'll forward it on
CAITLIN: Yeah, right, ta
Caitlin realises she will have to get hold of Emma's address from her file, she thinks what she can do next
STAFF NURSE: Better get back to it anyway, half your luck having the day off
Caitlin smiles as the staff nurse leaves the room, Caitlin's friend Harper enters
HARPER: Hey, you been waiting long?
CAITLIN: No, not really, and you'll never guess what, that nurse reckons Emma was a fly by night, so god knows how I'll get hold of her now
HARPER: Sneak a look at her file, her address is bound to be there
CAITLIN: Yeah, I thought of that, I'll just have to I guess
Harper sits next to Caitlin
HARPER: Are you sure this is a good idea?
CAITLIN: No, but I'll need to find out one way or another if she is who I think she is and decide what to tell her family, maybe she'll want contact, I know Finn will, but don't think the rest of them are so keen, Ross never mentions her so I don't know how he feels
HARPER: Guess you just have to see her again first and decide from there
Caitlin sighs
CAITLIN: I hate this, keeping people in the dark and lying
HARPER: You might be protecting them from a fate worse than death
CAITLIN: Hmmm, we'll see
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Milana is sitting on the floor in her pyjamas and dressing gown, she's playing with a pack of cards as Ross sits at the table reading a paper and Finn is reading a magazine
MILANA: Ross, do you want to play snap with me?
Ross looks over
ROSS: Not really
MILANA: It's really silly trying to play with myself
ROSS: You're always playing with yourself
Finn stares at Ross
FINN: You might wanna rephrase that bro
Ross looks at Finn
ROSS: It's not like she knows what I mean
MILANA: You're talking about lady gardens
Ross and Finn look at her shocked, although both find her humorous
FINN: Eh, where did you learn that?
MILANA: I overheard Nana talking about it before
ROSS: Chas, there's a shock
Finn smiles
FINN: Well I might go and grab a quick shower and change and head to the pub
ROSS: Lucky for some
MILANA: Do you want to go to the pub too?
ROSS: Well I can't so it doesn't matter
MILANA: Yeah you can, I can go and see Daddy and you can drink beer
Ross looks at Finn, smiling
ROSS: She's a smart one isn't she?
FINN: Yeah, you can definitely tell she's not yours
Finn laughs
ROSS: Do you know what, I think we will
Ross's phone rings, he pulls it out of his jeans pocket, he looks at the screen
ROSS: It's your Mum; I'll tell her you've been very bad
MILANA: But I haven't
Ross answers his phone
ROSS: (into phone) Hey
UNKNOWN FLAT BEDROOM - EVENING
CAITLIN: (into phone) Hey, how's it going?
CONTINUOUSLY SWITCHES BETWEEN LOCATIONS
ROSS: Terrible, you know this daughter of yours has been talking about lady gardens
Caitlin looks confused
CAITLIN: What?
ROSS: She heard it from grandmother know it all
CAITLIN: Oh that's actually quite funny, good old Chas
ROSS: So are you living it up in some swanky room then?
CAITLIN: You are joking right?
ROSS: Well I'm gonna be really lonely so spare a thought
CAITLIN: Sure you'll survive
ROSS: What you wearing? I'm wearing…
CAITLIN: WE ARE NOT DOING PHONE SEX
ROSS: Why not? We've not done it before
CAITLIN: Especially not in front of my 4 year old child
ROSS: I can go upstairs
CAITLIN: Go and get your dirty books and sites out if you want a thrill
ROSS: Nah, I leave the porn sites to you
Ross laughs
MILANA: What's porn?
Ross grits his teeth, closing his eyes
CAITLIN: Did she just ask you what porn is?
ROSS: Yup
CAITLIN: Yeah, well make sure you tell her anything but the truth will you?
ROSS: I'm not an idiot
CAITLIN: No you just do a really good impression of one
ROSS: Did you just phone to insult me?
CAITLIN: No, I phoned to check my daughter's Ross's survival instinct
ROSS: Ha-ha, do you wanna talk to her?
CAITLIN: Go on then
Ross walks over to Milana
ROSS: You better bring me back a really expensive present
CAITLIN: I'll just thank you in kind, it's free
ROSS: I might start charging due to starvation service
CAITLIN: Oh shut up, you're not the only guy in the world going without sex
ROSS: No, but likely this village. Here she is
Ross hands the phone to Milana
ROSS: Don't be long; I wanna get to the pub
MILANA: Hi mummy, I miss you, I can't talk for long, I'm going to the pub
CAITLIN: Oh, is Ross taking you for a pint is he?
Milana laughs
MILANA: Don't be silly mummy, I'm going to see daddy and Ross is going to have a pint
CAITLIN: Oh I see. What did you have for dinner?
MILANA: Scrambled eggs and toast
CAITLIN: No that's breakfast sweetie
MILANA: No I had that for dinner tonight, tomorrow night Ross says I'm having a Pot Noodle
CAITLIN: Put the phone on loudspeaker a minute
Milana presses the loudspeaker button
ROSS: You finished? You pressed the wrong button, that's loudspeaker
CAITLIN: Yeah, I told her to put it on; your culinary skills know no bounds, a Pot Noodle, seriously?
ROSS: I was joking
Ross shakes his head at Milana, mouthing the words not joking
CAITLIN: Why don't you just take her to the pub? They'll give her free meals on account of being the landlady's granddaughter
MILANA: Nana asked me to go and stay with her and daddy, but I told her I wanted to stay with Ross so that he doesn't get lonely
ROSS: See, your daughter's more thoughtful than you
CAITLIN: Ha-ha, dunno where she gets that from. Anyway I better go, I'll speak to you later, Milana, be good for Ross, and Ross, be good for Milana
ROSS and MILANA: BYYYYE
CAITLIN: Bye
Caitlin looks thoughtful as she hangs up, having located Emma's address, she plans to go and see her tomorrow
THE WOOLPACK – EVENING
Ross walks in carrying Milana; Aaron is sitting at the bar as Chas serves
CHAS: Great example, taking her to a pub
MILANA: I've come to see daddy Nana
ROSS: What she said
AARON: Why have you got my daughter and I haven't?
MILANA: I didn't want Ross to be on his own while mummy's away. There's no need to fight over me, I want to be with everyone
ROSS: Yeah, I'm the one on starvation rations and cold showers
MILANA: I still don't know why you want to have cold showers, that's stupid
Chas and Aaron look at each other in disgust
CHAS: Milana, are you sure you don't want to stay here sweetheart?
MILANA: Nah, Ross is fun; I'm having a Pot Noodle for dinner tomorrow
Chas throws her arms up in despair
Ross smiles sarcastically
ROSS: Pint thanks
AARON: Just bar him mum
ROSS: What, for giving a kid Pot Noodle, how's that a barring offence from a pub?
CHAS: Cause she's my granddaughter
ROSS: And?
Chas slams the pint on the bar in front of Ross
MILANA: Do you want to play cards with me daddy?
AARON: Maybe tomorrow, I'm a bit tired tonight
MILANA: Awww, it's not fair, no-one wants to play with me
ROSS: Oh, I'll play with you when we get back
Chas and Aaron both stare at him, annoyed
ROSS: Or tomorrow, you'll be going to bed when we get back
Ross sips his pint
Half an hour later
DALE VIEW COTTAGE - EVENING
Milana and Ross are sitting on the living room floor at the coffee table playing cards
MILANA: I'm bored now, do you know any interesting games
ROSS: Poker
MILANA: Can you teach me it?
ROSS: You're too young
MILANA: Please?
Ross shuffles the cards and starts to deal the hands for poker when Finn enters
FINN: ROSS, POKER, SHE'S 4 YEARS OLD
ROSS: She wanted to play
FINN: Caitlin must be mad leaving her with you
MILANA: Everyone says that, I think he's funny
Ross throws his hands either side of him, smiling at Ross
FINN: She should be in bed Ross, it's 9 o'clock
MILANA: I've been up much later than this before
ROSS: Yeah, he's right, you should be in bed, come on
MILANA: Do I have to have a bath first?
ROSS: Since it's late you can have one tomorrow instead
MILANA: I'll go and get my story book
Milana runs out the door to go upstairs
FINN: You're a really bad influence you are
ROSS: Well if you're that bothered you look after her then
Finn tuts at Ross
Milana comes in with her story book, she climbs up on the couch, Ross sits beside her, he puts the TV on
FINN: See you in a bit
Finn leaves and goes upstairs
MILANA: I want you to read this one to me
ROSS: Oh ok madam
MILANA: Can you do funny voices?
ROSS: Why, what's wrong with my own?
Milana laughs
Ross looks at the story
Twenty minutes later
Finn returns to the living room, he finds it amusing seeing Milana sitting on Ross's knees and them both asleep, he pulls out his phone and takes a photo, he sends it to Caitlin