DALE VIEW COTTAGE – MORNING
Milana is sitting at the table eating her breakfast and drawing a picture, Ross sits across from her reading the paper
MILANA: Can we go to the park when I'm finished?
ROSS: No, I've got to go to work and you've got to go to nursery
MILANA: I don't want to go today
ROSS: Why not?
MILANA: There's a girl there, she's nasty to me
ROSS: How is she nasty?
MILANA: She spilt paint all over my painting and she nips and kicks me sometimes
ROSS: How long she been doing that?
MILANA: A little while. Her mum told her she mustn't play with me cause my daddy likes boys and my mummy goes out with a criminal
Ross rolls his eyes, shaking his head
ROSS: Have you told your mum?
Milana shakes her head
MILANA: I thought she might be cross
ROSS: She won't be cross with you though
MILANA: I think we should both have the day off and do fun stuff, what do you think?
ROSS: I think I won't get paid
MILANA: I can give you some of my pocket money
ROSS: Oh, this invisible pocket money that no-one ever sees?
Milana laughs
ROSS: No, we're going to nursery so I can see this girl and her mum
MILANA: I want to go on my bike
ROSS: You don't need your bike, it's only down the road. Hurry up and finish that and go and brush your teeth so we can get going
Milana looks huffy
ROSS: You'll look really ugly if you leave your face like that. We'll go to the park later, you can take your bike then
Milana looks happy and eats the rest of her breakfast
UNKNOWN LOCATION – MORNING
Caitlin sits in her colleague's car, staring across at a house, watching for Emma's movements, thinking how she's going to deal with the whole situation, trying to decide if she should knock on the door and confront Emma
VILLAGE HALL – MORNING
Ross takes Milana inside the hall for nursery, they stand at the side, Milana, clutching her doll, pulls on Ross's jacket and points over to a woman
MILANA: That's the lady who said the stuff about mummy and daddy
ROSS: Is it? Come on then
Ross takes Milana's hand and walks slowly towards the woman, as they stand next to her, one of the nursery staff approaches
NURSERY ASSISTANT: Hello Milana
MILANA: Hello
NURSERY ASSISTANT: Who's your friend?
The Nursery Assistant, smiles as she eyes up Ross
Ross looks round at the lady Milana pointed to
ROSS: I'm the criminal boyfriend
The woman looks awkwardly at Ross
The Nursery Assistant laughs
NURSERY ASSISTANT: Aren't you a bit young for a boyfriend Milana?
MILANA: Don't be silly, he's my mummy's boyfriend
WOMAN: Yes well, I better be going
The woman moves away towards the door, Ross catches her up, he grabs her arm
ROSS: Hey, not so fast
WOMAN: What do you think you're doing? Let go
ROSS: I hear you've been spreading poison about people you don't actually know
WOMAN: It can't be poison if it's the truth can it?
ROSS: Well I've got truth poison of my own to drip in that case, your daughter's a bully, she's been hassling Milana, but I'm guessing that you already knew that and she's been doing it on your say so, I wouldn't be wrong on that would I?
The woman looks embarrassed
WOMAN: Yeah, welll no-one wants gays and crims around do they?
ROSS: No-one wants a stirring bitch around either, I can just see you in your little witches coven. What are you hoping to do, drive Milana out of the nursery? If you don't like it, take your daughter to another nursery
The woman gives Ross a dirty look
WOMAN: Why should I? She was here first
ROSS: Just make sure your brat stays away from Milana, or I'll make sure she's not allowed back in here, got it?
Ross looks menacingly at the Woman, as the Nursery Assistant looks on, Ross leaves
UNKNOWN LOCATION – AFTERNOON
Caitlin is still sitting in the car, she is eating a sandwich, she thinks about going to knock on the door of the house as she has noticed a car parked outside which she assumes is Emma's, her phone rings, she looks at the screen, she see's Aaron on the caller ID, she decides to ignore it, she spots a man approach Emma's door, she looks on intrigued, her phone rings again, she notices it's Ross, she feels guilty but decides to answer, she presses to answer and puts it on loudspeaker
CAITLIN: Hey, how's it going, how's munchkin?
ROSS: She's fine, well kind of, she's being bullied at nursery by some other kid whose mother is the anti-christ, either that or she works for God, doesn't want her daughter hanging out with a kid whose dad's gay and whose mother goes out with a crim
Caitlin looks confused as she stares out the car window
CAITLIN: What?
ROSS: Yeah, she's had her daughter hassling Milana, so I had a word
CAITLIN: Awww, aren't you sweet?
ROSS: Ah well I do best, you can thank me in kind when you come back
CAITLIN: Yeah, I'll bring you back a present. Was it Marina you had words with?
ROSS: I didn't get her name
CAITLIN: It probably was, she was all nicey nicey when Milana first started going there, now she's just a cow. Hey, shouldn't you be at work?
ROSS: I am, I'm on a convenience break ha-ha
CAITLIN: Awww, couldn't you wait till lunch time to call me? Debbie will probably conveniently sack you, you realise?
ROSS: Well I could've waited, but I thought you might be desperate for that phone sex you refused last night, pretty sure I can talk you round to it
Caitlin is distracted slightly
CAITLIN: Well I'm sitting in a car eating right now so it probably isn't the most convenient time for that, so maybe the bathroom is the best place for you, but I'm really glad you're missing me so much
ROSS: Are you sure this course thing lasts a week?
CAITLIN: Eh, well we might finish up early, I don't know yet. So's Milana driving you crazy yet?
ROSS: Not really, Chas and Aaron are, they don't get why you left her with me and not them
CAITLIN: Spat their dummies out did they? Oh just tell them I didn't have time if they feel offended
Caitlin sees the man who entered Emma's house leaving
CAITLIN: Anyway, I have to go, you should get back to work you skiver
ROSS: Oh yeah and what are you doing then? You're skiving as much as me
CAITLIN: Legitimate lunch break if you don't mind. I'll call you later, bye
Caitlin hangs up and throws her phone on the dashboard
THE VILLAGE – AFTERNOON
Ross walks back up to the garage after talking to Caitlin on the phone, he is on his own at the garage
The Nursery Assistant from the Nursery approaches the garage, she has changed out of her uniform and is wearing light jeans, a low cut purple top and her auburn hair is flowing around her shoulders
NURSERY ASSISTANT: Hey
Ross stares at her
NURSERY ASSISTANT: We met earlier, I work at the nursery
Ross walks towards her, holding a spanner
ROSS: Yeah I remember, I don't think it was that official though, Milana forgot the intros
NURSERY ASSISTANT: Yeah, she told me you work here, I'm Melissa
Melissa puts her hand out to Ross, he shakes it
ROSS: I'm Ross
MELISSA: Yeah, Milana told me your name
ROSS: Sounds like you had quite a chat
MELISSA: All good, honest. I was wondering if you might be able to have a look at my car? Heap of junk keeps conking on me
ROSS: Yeah well we are a garage so I guess the clue's in the title
MELISSA: Maybe I can buy you lunch? It is lunch time. Or a drink when you finish?
Ross looks slightly taken aback
ROSS: I haven't even done anything yet, but yeah, I'm actually starving
MELISSA: You don't look like you are
Melissa looks Ross up and down, smiling at him
Ross looks slightly awkward
ROSS: Right, well I'll just lock up and we can go
MELISSA: Cool, well I'll just wait over there at those steps then
UNKNOWN LOCATION – AFTERNOON
Caitlin plucks up the courage, gets out the car and makes her way towards Emma's door, she knocks on it, a few seconds pass before Emma opens it and is surprised to see Caitlin standing there, clearly recognising her from the hospital, she smiles
EMMA: Oh, hi'ya, what are you doing here? How did you find out where I lived?
CAITLIN: Looked at the HR files
EMMA: Well I would've given you my address the other day if you'd stuck around long enough, you didn't need to go to any special trouble to find me
CAITLIN: I think I did. Can I come in?
Emma looks surprised, but gestures her inside anyway
THE VILLAGE – AFTERNOON
Ross approaches the steps where Melissa is sitting, he stands beside the steps, his hands in his jacket pockets
ROSS: Hey, so where do you wanna eat then?
MELISSA: Why don't we eat at yours? Milana says you make a mean scrambled egg
ROSS: I thought you said you were buying me lunch?
MELISSA: Yeah, but it's not like I won't see you again is it? Got plenty time to buy you lunch and a pint
Melissa smiles flirtatiously at Ross, he looks confused
ROSS: You do know I'm spoken for right?
MELISSA: Yeah, Milana said Caitlin's away though, that's a shame, for you I mean
ROSS: Pretty sure I'll survive
MELISSA: Yeah, but it's a shame for you to be left to your own devices, I felt sorry for you when Milana said, figured I couldn't leave a nice looking lad like you on his own
ROSS: Right
Ross looks at Melissa, suspiciously
ROSS: You know what, this probably isn't a good idea, someone at the garage will look at your car, bring it in sometime
Ross walks away from Melissa, she looks on at him, confused, before following him, grabbing his arm and getting in front of him
MELISSA: Hey, I wasn't coming on to you if that's what you're thinking, I'm just trying to be friendly cause I don't know many people round here and I get a bit lonely
ROSS: Yeah, seemed pretty much like you were to me
MELISSA: Sorry, I just get a bit over enthusiastic sometimes, I didn't mean anything by it I swear
Ross smiles a little
ROSS: We can go to the pub, you can buy me some chocolate cake
Ross continues walking, Melissa follows, walking beside him
MELISSA: If you insist
ROSS: I need a sugar hit after the morning I've had
Ross and Melissa smile at each other
ROSS: So, Milana's been praising my scrambled eggs then has she?
EMMA'S HOUSE
Emma comes in to the living area from the inter-connected kitchen with a tray of tea and biscuits as Caitlin sits on the couch. Emma puts the tray down on the coffee table, she pours the tea into the mugs and sits down on a chair opposite Caitlin
CAITLIN: I might as well just get straight to the point. I pretty much figured out who you were as soon as you told me about your family, I'm pretty sure my boyfriend Ross is your son and him and his family all live in my village
Emma looks stunned
EMMA: Are you sure it's them?
CAITLIN: Pretty sure there's not gonna be too many guys called James, Pete, Ross and Finn with the surname Barton living around here who have relatives called John and Moira and an absent mother called Emma, so yeah, I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that they are your family
EMMA: Right, so have you told them you met me, have you mentioned me?
CAITLIN: No, I thought I'd better check first before potentially turning their lives upside down you know, I mean I wouldn't want any of them dropping dead at the shock of seeing you after what is it, 22 years? So what's your story then, why have you been missing from your family for that many years?
EMMA: It's complicated
CAITLIN: Isn't it always? It's ok, you've got plenty of time, Ross thinks I'm on a course for work and I've taken leave I'm owed to come and find you to see if you're worth the time of day, so you better start explaining if you want me to tell them you actually still exist
EMMA: Who's looking after your little girl, her dad?
CAITLIN: No, she wanted to stay with Ross so she is. Is this what you're gonna do, deflect answering any of my questions by asking your own?
Emma becomes slightly emotional
EMMA: You don't have any children with Ross do you? I bet he'd make a good dad, how is he, has he been keeping ok?
CAITLIN: No we don't have any kids and it depends what you mean by ok, as in functioning perfectly well without a mother, I'm not really sure because he isn't exactly the most stable guy, so I'd probably say he's quite self destructive, health wise he's great, job wise, it's a sketchy area but we'll go with mechanic and I'm probably biased as his girlfriend but I'll go as far as to say he's really fit as well
Caitlin takes a breath and smiles at Emma
EMMA: That's great, that's really great, you're obviously really good for him, keeping him on the straight and narrow
CAITLIN: Well it doesn't always work, but I like to think we make a good team
EMMA: It's good to know the things that happened didn't affect him too much
CAITLIN: Well I wouldn't say that, but I guess he's not an axe murderer or a rapist, well not that I know of anyway, so it could be worse
Emma smiles slightly
EMMA: So, are you going to tell them about me?
CAITLIN: Well I wanted to know what you were like before I think about that, so why did you leave, where have you been all these years, what have you been doing?
EMMA: I really don't want to cause any trouble, talk to James about why I left. I've just been trying to live a normal life since I left, just working, looking after my mum and dad, that's it really
CAITLIN: Why do I need to ask James, why can't you tell me? Do you actually want to see your sons again?
EMMA: James wouldn't be happy if I said anything so it'd be better coming from him and I'd give anything in the world to see them again
CAITLIN: How do I know you're worth the bother? You left James to bring them up on his own
EMMA: It's better if James explains, I don't think it's my place to dredge up the past
CAITLIN: Fine, right, well, I better be off then, give me your number and I'll be in touch
Emma takes a bit of paper and a pen from a table next to the chair and writes her number on it, she hands it to Caitlin and Caitlin leaves, Emma's deflated
THE WOOLPACK – AFTERNOON
Ross and Melissa are sitting at a table, Rhona looks on curiously from the bar
ROSS: Well it was nice to get a decent meal this week
MELISSA: Guess it's all the better when someone else's paying right?
ROSS: Too right
Ross and Melissa smile at each other
MELISSA: Although, if your mechanic skills are rubbish, I expect a payback
ROSS: I'll have you know I'm probably the best mechanic for miles
MELISSA: Big headed much?
ROSS: Stating a fact
MELISSA: Hmmm, probably the cutest mechanic for miles as well
ROSS: Yup, it's a hard life
Melissa shakes her head as Ross sips his pint
ROSS: So how long have you worked at the nursery then? Don't remember seeing you before, although I don't exactly go there much
MELISSA: About 3 months, no, I'm pretty sure I'd remember if I'd seen you before, the only fit guys I've seen round here are Aaron and his mate Adam
Ross laughs
ROSS: Yeah, and you're wasting your time with both of them, Aaron's gay and Adam's a loser
Rhona approaches the table with her arms crossed
RHONA: Lovely way to describe your brother
Ross and Melissa look up at Rhona, Ross frowns at her
ROSS: Half brother. What do you want?
Ross sips his pint
RHONA: Heard from Caitlin, you do remember Caitlin, right? Your girlfriend
Rhona looks at Melissa
RHONA: He is taken, you know, just in case he forgot to mention it
Melissa looks surprised
MELISSA: Yeah I know, I know Caitlin, I work at the nursery
RHONA: Yes I know who you are. So, have you heard from her?
Ross looks annoyed
ROSS: Sorry, why are you interested?
RHONA: Just wondering when she's getting back that's all
ROSS: Yeah, well we call, do you want me to tell her you're missing her or something?
RHONA: Hmmm funny guy, just tell her to give me a text next time you speak
Rhona returns to the bar area as Ross and Melissa look stunned
MELISSA: Wow, she's high maintenance isn't she?
ROSS: I don't think there's a woman in this village who isn't high maintenance, I think her mate Laurel takes first prize there though
Ross sips his pint again
MELISSA: Oh yeah, she's Arthur's mum, the feather-brained one with blonde hair
Ross chokes on his pint as he laughs
ROSS: You definitely summed her up right
MELISSA: Isn't she some sort of relation of Caitlin's?
ROSS: Don't remind me, I try and forget that most days, it's an inconvenience
MELISSA: Why? She's not that bad
ROSS: We have a history
Melissa laughs
MELISSA: You have a history with a vicar's ex wife?
ROSS: Please, not that kind of history, credit me with some taste, I don't see how any guy could be mithered with her, whining, simpering woman with an irritating voice to go along with it all
MELISSA: Careful, you sound almost passionate
Ross looks disgusted
ROSS: You know I don't have to drink this pint, you could easily wear it. What's up with you anyway? You've hardly touched your meal
MELISSA: I'm on a diet
ROSS: What kind of diet? Clearly not a 'see food and eat it' diet
MELISSA: Just a health boost
ROSS: Why are women always on diets? There's nothing wrong with you, you're perfectly fine, it's insane
MELISSA: See I don't want to be perfectly fine, I want to be perfect
ROSS: You seem pretty perfect to me
Melissa smiles at Ross
MELISSA: Do you always say such nice things to girls?
ROSS: Only when I want something
MELISSA: And what do you want?
ROSS: Another pint if you're buying?
Ross smiles at Melissa
MELISSA: Cheek, you haven't even look at my car yet
ROSS: No and if you keep buying me food and drink I probably won't either
MELISSA: Are you not going back to work this afternoon? Probably not the best idea to go wreaking of booze
Ross lifts up Melissa's glass, he stares at it, frowning
ROSS: Ooooh, should I have had a lime cordial instead?
MELISSA: It's soda water and lime actually
ROSS: Oh god, Caitlin always drinks that, no wonder I can never get her drunk
MELISSA: Not much of a party animal then?
ROSS: No she is I was only joking, she just doesn't do it as much as she used to with work and a kid, drinks at home usually, we don't go out much, which is fine in some ways cause it's not exactly far to get home depending on your mood
Ross smirks slightly
MELISSA: Awww, well maybe we should go out sometime?
ROSS: Hmmm, well maybe you can buy me some more drinks after I've looked at your car
MELISSA: Maybe we should go somewhere where Big Brother isn't watching
Melissa looks out the corner of her eye at Rhona
ROSS: They gossip about everything round here, don't worry about it
MELISSA: I've not really been out round here before, maybe you could take me to a few of the hot spots
ROSS: Well I'll think about it
MELISSA: Oh is that what that noise is, your brain ticking?
Melissa laughs and sips her drink
ROSS: Hey, don't be nasty, I still have to look at the car remember. I bet you're a lightweight on a night out anyway, most girls are
MELISSA: Sounds like a challenge, you're on
Melissa picks up Ross's phone
ROSS: Hey, what you doing?
MELISSA: Well you'll need my number, so we can organise it
ROSS: What's wrong with face to face organisation?
MELISSA: Just in case I don't see you face to face
Aaron enters the pub, he notices Ross and Melissa as he walks over and stands next to Rhona
AARON: Isn't she the girl from the nursery?
RHONA: Yup
AARON: What's she doing with him?
RHONA: What's anyone doing with him?
Aaron sniggers
AARON: Good point
RHONA: I don't know, but I'm guessing Caitlin wouldn't be too happy about it
AARON: No, well, maybe I'll accidently phone and accidently let it slip
Aaron smiles deviously at Rhona
RHONA: Have you heard when she's getting back anyway?
AARON: No, don't think she knows, give or take a week she says, hopefully it'll be less cause I don't like him looking after my daughter
RHONA: Why is he anyway?
AARON: Cause she wanted to stay with him apparently, sometimes I think she thinks he's more fun than me
RHONA: Well she might have a point
Aaron looks at Rhona, annoyed
RHONA: Oh I'm joking, she lives with him so she just likes him that's all
AARON: Yeah, more fool her
RHONA: Anyway, I better get back, although I'm enjoying the intriguing entertainment. See'ya later
Rhona gets up from the bar stool and walks towards the entrance, she bumps into Cain as she opens the door, he comes in, spotting Ross he approaches the table
CAIN: You do know you only get an hour for lunch don't you?
ROSS: It hasn't been an hour yet has it?
CAIN: It's ten past two Ross, this is fix cars time, not chat up time
Cain frowns at Melissa
CAIN: You do know he's got a bird don't you?
MELISSA: You're the second person to keep me informed of the fact
CAIN: Thinking of trading her in are you? I mean, she's got to be a younger model
MELISSA: Oh thanks, I'll take that as a compliment, I think, are all the guys round here as charming as you two?
ROSS: Most of them are idiots. Don't you have kids to get back to you?
MELISSA: Anyone would think you were trying to get rid of me. No, I'm on an extended break today cause I had a quick one yesterday, don't have to be back till half past
CAIN: Well he doesn't have time to walk you up like the gentleman he isn't cause he's got to get back to work
Cain pulls Ross up off the chair by his hoody top
ROSS: Alright, give me a sec
Ross sips the rest of his pint, Cain pulls it down and puts it on the table
CAIN: Late and drunk, do you want your wages docked?
ROSS: I'm not drunk. I'll see you later
MELISSA: Bye, don't work too hard
CAIN: Oh don't worry, he won't, he doesn't know what it is, he just turns up and sticks his head under a car and sleeps, that's why we end up doing all the work
AARON: Oi, my daughter's staying with me tonight
ROSS: Fine, I could do with a night off anyway
Cain pushes Ross out the door as Aaron looks round at Melissa
AARON: You wanna do yourself a favour love and stay away from him
MELISSA: God, we were only having lunch, not getting married, isn't your ex going out with him anyway?
AARON: Yeah I've warned her 'n' all, pointless, she's still with him
Melissa gets up and goes over to the bar area to pay, she leaves money on the bar
MELISSA: Yeah, well I have to admit I can see the attraction and let's face it, you can hardly be jealous, right?
Melissa walks out, Aaron shakes his head
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Milana is standing at the table getting her overnight bag ready for going to Aaron's, Ross is helping her
ROSS: I thought you had stuff for when you stayed over at your dad's, do you really need to pack all this?
MILANA: Nana buys stuff that I don't really like, she doesn't really know what I like and I think she's a bit cheap, I'd rather take my own
Ross sticks his lips out and squints his eyes
ROSS: That's a pretty accurate description of your nana actually
MILANA: I just have to go and get my tablet now
ROSS: Do you know, I'd hate to see you pack for a holiday, you'd take everything you've got with you
MILANA: Don't be silly, I wouldn't be allowed on the plane with everything I've got, there wouldn't be enough room for other people
ROSS: Yeah, I think you're right
Milana runs upstairs as the key turns in the front door, Caitlin comes in, Ross looks surprised
ROSS: Wow, ok, well that was the shortest week in history
Ross goes over to Caitlin as she takes her coat off, he kisses her before giving her a cuddle, she looks uneasy
CAITLIN: Hey
ROSS: Hey, so why you back, what happened?
CAITLIN: Trainer got sick. Where's Milana?
Ross walks over to the couch and sits down
ROSS: She's up there packing the entire house up to go and stay the night at Aaron's
Caitlin frowns, confused, she goes over to sit next to Ross
CAITLIN: What?
ROSS: She reckons Chas buys cheap rubbish and she has to take her own stuff, she's taking her tablet as well now, do you know I'd hate to see her if she was emigrating
Caitlin smiles
CAITLIN: So is he coming to get her then? Awww, I've only just got back, do you know I never see that child, she'll be wondering if I'm actually her mother
ROSS: Do you know, he didn't actually say, he just sort of demanded that he was going to have her tonight. Well at least we get to be alone anyway
Ross leans over and kisses Caitlin, they talk through kissing
ROSS: I really missed you
CAITLIN: I really missed you too
Caitlin wraps her arms round Ross's neck, Milana re-enters the room a few seconds later
MILANA: I got my tablet
Ross breaks away from Caitlin
ROSS: Perfect timing as always
CAITLIN: Well she is going to her dad's, so you'll get me all to yourself then
Milana looks up and sees Caitlin sitting on the couch, she is open mouthed
MILANA: MUMMMMY
Milana runs over to the couch with her tablet and jumps in between Ross and Caitlin, she jumps on Caitlin, cuddling her
MILANA: It doesn't feel like you've been gone for a whole week mummy
CAITLIN: Well that's cause I haven't silly
Milana leans back, with her arms still round Caitlin
MILANA: Did you come back early cause you missed me and Ross?
Caitlin smiles over at Ross
CAITLIN: Eh yeah, I came back early cause I missed you and Ross
MILANA: Well it's good that you have mummy cause there's been lots of trouble here
Caitlin and Ross frown and look at each other
CAITLIN: Have you been spilling ice cream everywhere again?
MILANA: No, Ross has been getting lots and lots of stick from daddy and nana, I think he needs protecting
Ross and Caitlin look surprised and laugh, Ross puts his right hand up
ROSS: Hey, hi-5 kiddo
Milana hi-5's Ross before climbing down from the couch
MILANA: I'm going to get a drink
Milana runs over to the kitchen
ROSS: I so love that kid
CAITLIN: What, cause she's on your side?
ROSS: She see's it how it is and says it how it is
CAITLIN: Hmmm, go and make yourself useful and make me a cup of tea
Caitlin slaps Ross's thigh
ROSS: Do I look like a slave?
CAITLIN: Guys are all slaves to women, well known fact
ROSS: Well when she's gone I expect some slavery of my own
Ross goes to kiss Caitlin, she pushes him away and gets up from the couch
CAITLIN: Better go and drop her off I guess, why don't you order us a takeaway or something? Just not pizza, anything but pizza
Ross looks surprised, Caitlin goes past Ross, he trips her up as she does so, she falls on top of him
CAITLIN: ROSS
ROSS: What?
Ross kisses Caitlin, pushing her back on the couch, she pushes him off
ROSS: Awww, spoil sport
CAITLIN: You did think you were waiting a whole week so I'm sure you can still wait
Ross looks deflated as Caitlin gets up and goes over to the table and looks in Milana's bag, she spots a couple of empty packets of pombear crisps, she picks up a packet and leans over the back of the couch
CAITLIN: Hey, have you been eating her crisps again?
ROSS: Yeah, they're too nice for kids
CAITLIN: Well don't, you child food thief
ROSS: Why not?
CAITLIN: Cause I have to buy more, unless you want to that is?
ROSS: I'd buy them for myself not for her
Caitlin throws the packet at Ross's face
ROSS: No need for violence
Ross laughs, Caitlin goes back to the table
CAITLIN: Hey, have you got everything missy? Not that you need all this, it's ridiculous Milana
MILANA: No it isn't, I don't like any of the stuff nana has for me at the pub
CAITLIN: Yeah, well you've got a point there, but why are you taking all these toys? You've got toys at the pub
MILANA: I need them
Caitlin rolls her eyes
CAITLIN: Oh god, well you're carrying this bag over to the pub, hurry up, let's go
Milana puts her drink down on the worktop and goes over to the table, she lifts up a piece of paper from under her bag, she goes over to Ross and hands him it
MILANA: I drew you another picture
ROSS: Oh very nice, am I in it? Do I still look like Bart Simpson?
MILANA: No you look more like Marge now
Ross rolls his eyes, Caitlin smiles
CAITLIN: Well come on then if you're going
Milana gives Ross a kiss and a cuddle
MILANA: Goodnight, thank you for looking after me while mummy's been away
Ross looks over at Caitlin, they smile at each other
CAITLIN: Awww, do you know I think you fancy Ross you little madam
MILANA: He's cute, but he's too old for me
Milana cups her hand round Ross's ear and whispers
MILANA: Don't tell mummy what I asked you, it's embarrassing and she might be annoyed with me
ROSS: Don't worry I won't
CAITLIN: What's this, are you two keeping secrets now?
MILANA: What happens in the vault stays in the vault and there's a secret code
Caitlin points to the door
CAITLIN: Move your little butt out that door before I crack your heads never mind your secret code
Milana goes to the table, picks up her bag and runs out the door
MILANA: BYYYYYEEEE
Caitlin picks up Milana's tablet which she left lying on the couch
CAITLIN: See you in a bit
Caitlin leaves the house
THE VILLAGE – EVENING
Milana is walking over to the pub with Caitlin as Rhona walks down the road, she spots Caitlin and approaches
RHONA: Hey, I didn't know you were back
CAITLIN: No, well things happened a lot quicker than I expected
Milana frowns
MILANA: What things? I thought you went on a course
CAITLIN: Yeah I did sweetie, the trainer got sick
Caitlin and Rhona look knowingly at each other
CAITLIN: Hey, why don't you go over to the pub while I talk to Rhona
Milana bends down and gives Milana a kiss and a cuddle
CAITLIN: Tell your dad I said hi and I'll see him later, here's your tablet
MILANA: Night mummy, night Rhona
CAITLIN AND RHONA: Night
They watch as Milana scuttles her way over to the pub
RHONA: Hey, so what happened, did you find her?
CAITLIN: Yeah, she wants me to tell them so they can decide if they want to see her or not, she wants to see them
RHONA: Did she say why she left, why she's been missing for so many years?
CAITLIN: She told me to ask James, didn't think it should come from her
RHONA: Sounds mysterious
CAITLIN: Yup, I don't like the sound of it
Unbeknown to Caitlin and Rhona, Ross is watching curiously out the window of Dale View whilst he is on the phone
RHONA: What you gonna do now?
CAITLIN: I was thinking of just getting them all together and telling them, what do you think?
RHONA: Yeah I guess it's fair to keep them all in the loop not just Ross, give them all a chance to make a choice. Where are you gonna get them together?
CAITLIN: See I don't know, I'm thinking Butlers cause Moira should probably know as well, but then I don't know
RHONA: It's not really much to do with her is it? But yeah, Butlers seems ok, James and Pete work up there anyway so best place for them I guess
CAITLIN: I don't know if I should do it tomorrow and get out the way or hold of for a few days
RHONA: Probably best to do it tomorrow, if you leave it it'll get harder and harder then you might never do it
CAITLIN: Yeah, you're probably right, I'm so nervous of telling them though, maybe I should just tell Ross and he can tell them
RHONA: But that just gives Ross all the cards to play with and that's not fair to the rest of them
CAITLIN: Yeah, you're right, tomorrow it is. Can't say I'm looking forward to being around him till I've done it though
RHONA: Good luck, let me know how it goes, anyway, I'm off to meet Paddy in the pub, promised to buy me a drink, aren't I lucky? Night
Rhona goes over to the pub as Caitlin stands thinking before heading back to Dale View
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Caitlin walks in the front door, slamming it, she grabs her case, taking it into the living room, she puts it on the table, opens it and starts removing clothes and putting them in the washing basket
Ross is leaning against the kitchen worktop, he looks at Caitlin, confused
ROSS: Seriously, we've got the place to ourselves and you're gonna do your washing? Anyone would think you were trying to avoid me
CAITLIN: Well it needs done
Ross moves over to Caitlin, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck, feeling uncomfortable, she un-wraps his arms from her
Caitlin's mood darkens
CAITLIN: Ross I need to do this and have a shower
ROSS: It's only washing, it can wait and you smell fine to me
Ross kisses Caitlin's left cheek, working his way down to her neck again
CAITLIN: I'm not, I'm going for a shower if I'm not unpacking
Caitlin pushes past Ross towards the door, he turns and pulls her hand to stop her
CAITLIN: Ross
Caitlin tries to pull her hand away from Ross's grip, but he pulls her closer to him, his forehead touching her's
Ross whispers
ROSS: I missed you, really not feeling the love here
CAITLIN: I'm tired, I just feel like crashing
ROSS: Pretty sure I can wake you up
Ross kisses Caitlin's neck, guilt overwhelms her as she tells herself it's wrong to sleep with him while she hides the truth about Emma from him, but she can't resist as he kisses her passionately on the lips, pushing her back towards the door, round to the stairs, he grabs her hand and they rush upstairs, they begin frantically undressing each other as they reach the bedroom, Ross pushes Caitlin on to the bed, as he kisses her neck, her eyes open as thoughts of Emma increase her guilt, but she pushes them aside unable to resist Ross, she wraps her arms around his neck, they kiss again
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Ross and Caitlin are in bed, Ross is resting his head on Caitlin's shoulder, his eyes closed, as she lightly moves her fingers over his left arm as he drapes it over her, he sighs as he opens his eyes, he looks at her, she turns her head, lightly smiling at him
ROSS: I'm starving
CAITLIN: I thought you ordered takeaway?
ROSS: I did, it takes ages to come
CAITLIN: Oh ok, so you thought you'd work up an appetite while you waited?
Ross smiles
ROSS: (Flirtatiously) Well I had to do something to pass the time
CAITLIN: Sarcastically) Don't feel used at all
Ross laughs
ROSS: Could say the same
Caitlin turns to face Ross
CAITLIN: So how did you really get on with Milana?
ROSS: Fine, she's cute
CAITLIN: So you didn't have any problems then?
ROSS: Just the thing at the nursery
Caitlin squints her eyes at Ross
CAITLIN: What was she whispering about before?
Ross laughs
ROSS: Oh it was just about something she asked, I said I wouldn't tell you
CAITLIN: Yeah, but you're gonna tell me right?
ROSS: What, you want me to break promises to children?
CAITLIN: Well you're not Santa so yeah
ROSS: How do you know I'm not Santa?
CAITLIN: Nah, you're not packaged enough, now tell me
Caitlin tickles Ross, he wriggles, laughing
ROSS: OK OK
Caitlin stops tickling Ross
ROSS: She asked me where babies come from
Caitlin bursts out laughing
CAITLIN: And what did you say, not the truth I hope?
ROSS: Course not, what do you take me for? Told her they come from flowers
Caitlin laughs
CAITLIN: Flowers
ROSS: What? I didn't know what to say, I don't usually get asked that
CAITLIN: Thank god for that, but I'm sorry I missed it, bet it was hilarious
ROSS: Not really, and if you were here she'd probably have asked you instead so I would've been off the hook
CAITLIN: Ah, but she might've asked you just to see what you'd say
ROSS: Well I'll tell her the truth next time, see what you do about that
CAITLIN: Hmmm, where do babies come from Ross?
ROSS: Well I've got an advantage here cause I can give a demonstration
Ross rolls on top of Caitlin, kissing her
CAITLIN: Wow, sex ed has changed since I was in school
ROSS: Yeah, they do a practical now, so shut up, you're disrupting my lesson
Ross kisses Caitlin again, she wraps her arms around his neck
CAITLIN: Sorry Mr. Barton, are you gonna give me detention?
ROSS: Yup and the punishment will be severe
Ross and Caitlin both laugh as kiss again, they break apart as they are interrupted by a knock at the front door
ROSS: Do you reckon everyone has some sort of sixth sense of when we're alone?
CAITLIN: Well I doubt the takeaway delivery guy has
ROSS: Oh yeah
Ross gets out of bed, he quickly gets dressed as Caitlin laughs at him, he dashes downstairs and opens the front door, he grabs the takeaway from the delivery guy and takes money out of his jeans pocket, but doesn't have enough and goes into the kitchen, putting the takeaway bag down on the worktop, he see's Caitlin's bag, he scrambles in it for her purse, Caitlin makes her way downstairs in a dressing gown, she smiles at the delivery guy, yawning as she walks into the kitchen, she see's Ross going through her bag, she frowns
CAITLIN: What you doing?
ROSS: I didn't have enough cash, what the hell have you got in here, where's your purse?
Caitlin walks over as Ross continues to rummage, he stops suddenly, having stumbled on a pregnancy test, he looks at Caitlin, she looks at him, annoyed, she puts her hand in and takes out her purse, she hands Ross a ten pound note as he continues to stare at her, he returns to the door paying the guy, he closes it, he re-enters the kitchen, walking over to the worktop, staring at Caitlin again
ROSS: Why didn't you tell me?
CAITLIN: Well I didn't think there was much point unless I had something to tell, I was late, so I bought it to rule it out, it was a double test, I've taken one, left it in there, forgot about it, it was a false alarm, no big deal, ok?
Caitlin shrugs, Ross breathes a sigh of relief
CAITLIN: You weren't meant to see it, but hey, sorry you're so horrified at the prospect of me being the mother of your kids
Caitlin grabs the takeaway bag from the worktop, moving past Ross to the cutlery drawer
CAITLIN: Are we having this food or what?
ROSS: Sorry, I didn't mean to sound…
CAITLIN: I don't wanna talk about it anymore ok, can we just eat please?
Ross looks awkward
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – MORNING
Caitlin is sitting at the worktop with a mug of coffee, she has her thumb between her teeth, distracted as she contemplates the prospect of telling the Barton's about Emma, Ross enters from upstairs
ROSS: Hey
Caitlin looks round
Ross takes a mug from the holder and puts the kettle on, he leans against the worktop
ROSS: Do you wanna go to the café for breakfast?
Caitlin shakes her head
ROSS: You still annoyed with me? You've hardly spoken to me since the test thing last night
Caitlin shrugs, finishing her coffee, she gets up off the chair, picking up her bag and keys
ROSS: You going to work?
CAITLIN: Nope, seeing Aaron and Milana
Caitlin goes past Ross into the hall, his eyes follow her
ROSS: Do you wanna do something today?
Caitlin turns away from the door to face Ross
CAITLIN: Actually I need to talk to you, all of you, so I'm going up to the farm at 11
ROSS: Why?
CAITLIN: Well you'll find out then
Ross pulls Caitlin away from the door
ROSS: Ok cloak and dagger, can I get a kiss?
Caitlin moves her head back, turning to the side, she looks down, Ross speaks as he kisses her head through her hair
ROSS: I didn't mean to upset you, sorry
Caitlin looks up
CAITLIN: Yeah ok
ROSS: Kiss?
Caitlin sighs, she moves her head towards Ross, kissing him briefly on the lips
CAITLIN: I have to go, see you later
Caitlin walks out the door leaving Ross curious
WOOLPACK LIVING ROOM – MORNING
Caitlin walks in to the living room/kitchen as Aaron is making Milana's breakfast
AARON: Oh hello, you look familiar, just a sec
Aaron sarcastically puts his finger to his chin and a thinking face on
AARON: Oh yeah, you're the mother of my child who keeps doing disappearing acts and leaving her with you're dodgy boyfriend
Caitlin smiles sarcastically at Aaron
CAITLIN: You should be a comedian and it's about the same as leaving her with her dodgy father, you and Ross are more similar than you realise
AARON: Please do not compare me to that complete LOSER
CAITLIN: Hmmm, well it takes one to know one
AARON: Yeah well you'll have him to thank next time you speak to your dad, they had a skype chat and she told him that he de-flowered you
Caitlin spits out laughter
CAITLIN: Oh ok, yeah that's embarrassing, he said she asked him about babies, he did his best
Aaron shakes his head
AARON: Do you want a coffee?
CAITLIN: No thanks, I just popped in to see if you could keep her a bit longer cause I've got a few things to do?
AARON: Oh as if I haven't got my own stuff to do
CAITLIN: YOU KNOW WHAT SHE IS YOURS, SHE'S WITH ME MOST OF THE TIME SO I DON'T THINK I'M ASKING A LOT BUT IF YOU DON'T WANNA DO IT I'LL FIND SOMEONE ELSE
AARON: With you all the time, that's a matter of opinion. Ok fine, try not to take all day getting a blow dry or whatever it is you're doing
CAITLIN: Potentially ruining a family
Aaron frowns, confused
AARON: What?
Caitlin takes out her phone, she composes a text saying "I need to see you all at the farm house at 11am", she sends it to James, Pete and Finn
CAITLIN: Oh nothing, I'll see you later
Caitlin rushes out the door
AARON: DON'T EVEN WAIT TO SAY MORNING TO HER THEN
Aaron throws his arms out to the side in dismay
BUTLERS FARM/BARTON KITCHEN – MORNING
Ross and Finn are sitting around the kitchen table eating biscuits as James and Pete enter
JAMES: What's all this about then? Where is Caitlin?
FINN: Bathroom and I reckon it's definitely something to do with Ross
ROSS: Oh cheers for that favourite little bro
Caitlin enters from upstairs
PETE: Go on then, what's he done now?
Caitlin squints her eyes
CAITLIN: Ross? Nothing
JAMES: Then why are we here love?
FINN: You're not pregnant are you? That'd just be weird
Ross looks up at Finn
ROSS: Don't even joke about that, seriously
PETE: Yup cause you and kids would just be a lethal combination
ROSS: Well at least I'd be lumbered with my own
Ross smiles sarcastically at Pete, Pete glares back
FINN: He's actually pretty good with Milana, you'd be surprised
James smiles
JAMES: No, no I've seen it and you're right
Ross looks at Caitlin
ROSS: Is this cause Milana asked me where babies come from, cause you know it wasn't really my fault?
CAITLIN: No, It's not about Milana either…
Ross turns to the others
ROSS: It was so funny, she asked me, I didn't know what to say right, so I told her they come from flowers, and I guess that's true in a kind of way…
They all look round at Caitlin
CAITLIN: Yeah, that was a really good one, do you know what she did with that little bit of Ross education?
FINN: Wasn't listening I hope
James, Pete and Finn all laugh
CAITLIN: Oh no, she was definitely listening, cause after that she told my dad over skype that you de-flowered me, so thanks for that
James, Pete, Finn and Ross all burst into hysterics, Caitlin laughs slightly
ROSS: (Still laughing) Well that ship sailed a long time ago
CAITLIN: Charming, what do you think I am? It's not funny
JAMES: (Still laughing) No, you're right, it's not, trust Ross to corrupt the mind of a 4 year old
FINN: Could've been worse, he could've told her the truth
ROSS: Thanks, least someone's on my side
PETE: Well I'm glad I didn't miss that bit of entertainment, but what are we doing here exactly cause I need to go into town
JAMES: You're getting married?
PETE: No dad, she can't be that insane
FINN: You are pregnant and just haven't told him?
Caitlin looks awkward
Caitlin snaps
CAITLIN: No it's got nothing to do with me and Ross
Everyone looks at her surprised
CAITLIN: I've got some news for you that I'm not sure you're gonna like
They look at Caitlin, puzzled
PETE: Well if it's not Ross then who is it about?
CAITLIN: It's about all of you
They look at her, intrigued
FINN: Well if you want to marry all of us, forget it, 1. I'm gay and 2. It's illegal
PETE: Shut up Finn
CAITLIN: I went to work a day last week
JAMES: Well that's big news, I think we all did
Caitlin looks at Ross
CAITLIN: It was the day I told you we had the bank nurses and agency staff in remember?
ROSS: Kind of
CAITLIN: Well I met someone there
PETE: A guy, she's gonna leave him
CAITLIN: Why would I need to talk to his whole family if I was dumping him? I'd just dump him, will you just shut up so I can tell you please?
It was one of the nurses, we got chatting in the morning when I started, that was when I arrived late, you gave me a lift
Ross smirks
ROSS: Yeah I remember that and I remember why we were late
Finn looks horrified
FINN: Yeah, so do I remember, it was horrifying
CAITLIN: Yeah, well anyway, I saw her again later in the staff room when I took my lunch break, we were chatting about different things, families included
JAMES: Oh no, if this is going where I think it's going then don't bother
ROSS: What you on about?
PETE: She's talking about our mum, aren't you?
Caitlin folds her lips inwards
CAITLIN: Yeah, yeah I am
FINN: Well how would she even know who she was?
JAMES: Yeah actually, that is a point, how can you be sure?
CAITLIN: Cause I got a text from Ross, said he was my boyfriend, she asked to see a picture, then we got talking about families and kids, I mentioned Milana, she said she hasn't seen her family for years
PETE: Yeah, so how did you know it was her?
CAITLIN: Well I didn't think it was too much of a coincidence when I was standing at the sink clearing up and she says she's got three sons, Pete, Ross and Finn, a husband called James and she'd told me earlier she was called Emma
Finn clasps his hands over his face in shock
JAMES: And what did you say?
CAITLIN: Nothing, I was too shocked, I told her I had to go and I left
FINN: I can't believe this, is she still at the hospital, did you get her number or anything?
ROSS: Hang on a sec Finn, so, you've known about this for about a week and you haven't said anything, you went away on some training course and you still never said anything?
Caitlin puts her head down, awkwardly, she looks back up and takes a breath
CAITLIN: Yeah, about that…
ROSS: There wasn't any training course was there? You just went away to avoid me and then you come back and decide to tell everyone
CAITLIN: No, I went looking for her, I got her address from the hospital files and decided to check her out
JAMES: Real sleuth you've got here Ross
FINN: Does she want to meet us?
CAITLIN: Well she kind of wanted to know if you wanted to meet her
FINN: What, all of us?
CAITLIN: Well yeah
JAMES: Not happening
Pete glares at Caitlin
PETE: Dead right. You have no idea what she is like
JAMES: You've no idea the damage she caused
Caitlin looks at Ross
CAITLIN: You haven't said much
Ross stands up, looking angry, he storms out
CAITLIN: ROSS, COME BACK
James, Pete and Finn glare at Caitlin as they also leave to after Ross, she's left standing alone
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – AFTERNOON
Ross, Finn, Pete and James are spaced out around the living room
JAMES: I can't believe she's done this, she had no right
PETE: In fairness she doesn't know the family history
JAMES: Exactly, all the more reason to keep your nose out
FINN: In fairness, none of us know the family history apart from you dad
PETE: I'm old enough to remember stuff
Pete and James glance at each other, Finn looks at Ross
FINN: What do you think?
ROSS: I'm annoyed
JAMES: Shall we all go to the pub for a pint, my treat?
They all get up from their various positions as the key turns in the door and Caitlin walks in, they all stare at her
CAITLIN: I was only trying to help
The others leave as Ross stands by the window
FINN: See you in a bit
They all glare at Caitlin as they walk past to go out the door, closing it behind them, Caitlin walks a bit closer to where Ross is standing
CAITLIN: Look, I know you're angry…
ROSS: You had hundreds of chances to tell me
CAITLIN: I know, but I thought it was better to tell all of you as a family
ROSS: What gives you the right to decide that? It's my family
Caitlin becomes emotional
CAITLIN: I'm sorry
ROSS: Do you remember when we got together and you said you had two rules? You said "don't lie and don't cheat and we'll be fine", do you remember that? So what, did those two rules just apply to me and not you?
CAITLIN: I didn't lie
ROSS: NO YOU JUST CHOSE NOT TO TELL ME, LIKE THERE'S A DIFFERENCE
Ross storms past Caitlin
CAITLIN: Where you going now?
Ross turns as he stands at the living room door
ROSS: Not going anywhere, but you are, this is my house and I don't want you in it
Caitlin looks surprised, she becomes more emotional
CAITLIN: What?
Ross walks towards Caitlin, he grabs her hand roughly, forcefully dragging her towards the door
CAITLIN: Ow, you're hurting me
ROSS: Do I need to spell it out? Go upstairs, pack your stuff and get out
CAITLIN: Please, we haven't even talked properly
ROSS: What kind of a bitch are you? You even slept with me while you were lying
Caitlin puts her hands over her face as she cries
ROSS: Do you know what, forget the stuff, I'll pack it, just get out now
Ross grabs Caitlin, he opens the front door and throws her on the steps, as she pleads with him, he slams the door shut, she sits on the steps, crying hysterically, Chas and Diane look on as they clear the picnic benches at the Woolpack