SMITHY COTTAGE - EVENING
Caitlin and Milana are at the door of the cottage, Caitlin looks upset, she knocks on the door, Rhona answers
RHONA: Hey, what's up?
CAITLIN: The honesty thing didn't exactly pay off, he's thrown me out
Rhona looks sympathetic, she gestures them inside
Caitlin and Milana enter the kitchen
RHONA: Hey Milana, why don't you go through there and see what Leo's up to hey?
Milana runs through to the living room
CAITLIN: I would stay at the pub, but I could do without the hassle with Aaron and Chas and I don't think Laurel would have us considering she barely speaks to me since finding out about me and Ross in the first place, she'll only think she's been proved right anyway
RHONA: It's fine, sit down, I'll stick the kettle on
Rhona stands at the worktop as Caitlin sits at the table
RHONA: So what did he say then?
CAITLIN: Just that he wasn't happy I went behind his back without saying anything, felt betrayed
RHONA: You were only doing what you thought was best, he obviously can't see that
CAITLIN: I just didn't want them to be hurt, I mean if I'd just blurted it out to her that she was their mother and brought her back I think it'd just be the same reaction. Finn was the only kind of happy one, sceptical but happy, James, Pete and Ross flipped and said I should keep my nose out of their family business, James said I have no clue what's gone on in the past and I shouldn't meddle and stir things up
RHONA: Oh they'll all come round; they just need time to cool off
Paddy enters from the living room
PADDY: What's happening, everything ok?
RHONA: Barton drama, I've said they can stay
PADDY: Is there ever anything else with that lot?
Paddy laughs as Caitlin and Rhona stare at him, bemused
PADDY: Sorry. Yeah, well Leo's loving his new little playmate anyway so he'll be thrilled
Rhona and Caitlin smile
Three Days Later
THE VILLAGE – MORNING
Caitlin comes out of David's, she's surprised as she notices Ross mucking about and laughing with Melissa at the garage and looks on jealously
THE CAFÉ - AFTERNOON
Caitlin enters the café, almost crashing into Ross and Finn as they are leaving with their coffees, Ross goes past her, she sighs, looking on at him, Finn stays to speak to her
FINN: Hey, don't worry about him
CAITLIN: Well at least one Barton will talk to me, I should be grateful I guess
Caitlin throws Finn a false smile
FINN: He'll come round eventually
CAITLIN: Yeah, so will Christmas
FINN: I'm working on him
CAITLIN: Yeah, so's Melissa
FINN: Nothing's going on
CAITLIN: It's not what it looked like at the garage before, I saw them mucking around. He's not interested in sorting things out; he can't even be civil enough to exchange the time of day with me
FINN: It's half past twelve
Caitlin smiles
CAITLIN: Ha-ha
Finn notices James enter, he brushes past
FINN: Not saying hello dad? It's bad enough Ross isn't talking to her
James looks round at Caitlin
JAMES: Yeah well she should've thought about that shouldn't she?
CAITLIN: Anyone would think I committed adultery or murder, I only found his mother, the rest was always up to him
JAMES: Yes but you forced her back into their lives because you interfered
Caitlin shakes her head and walks out
THE VILLAGE - AFTERNOON
Caitlin and Milana head into the shop when Milana see's Ross outside the garage fixing a car and starts running over to him
CAITLIN: Milana, where you going?
MILANA: I'M GOING TO GIVE ROSS MY PICTURE MUMMY
THE GARAGE – AFTERNOON
Ross looks surprised to see Milana as she stands breathlessly looking at him
MILANA: Hi, I brought you a picture
Milana hands Ross the picture, he looks over at Caitlin as she stands with her arms folded waiting for Milana, Milana looks up at him
MILANA: Will you come for dinner tonight, please?
Ross bends down to Milana
ROSS: I can't, I'm busy tonight
MILANA: Please, I'm making dessert
Ross awkwardly smiles as Caitlin comes closer
MILANA: Just because you fell out with mummy doesn't mean I can't still be your friend and friends spend time together, and if mummy says sorry then you and her can be friends again
Ross smiles
ROSS: It's not that simple
MILANA: It is if we all love each other
ROSS: I might be able to come for a little while
MILANA: YAY. See you later, have a nice day at work
Milana takes Caitlin's hand and they walk quickly down the gravel, Caitlin looks back at Ross, Ross looks angrily at her
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Finn is sitting watching TV as Ross comes in
FINN: Hey, what we having for dinner tonight?
ROSS: You're on your own, Milana asked me to come round so I'm eating there as if I need it
FINN: Yeah well you can't take it out on a kid just cause you're angry at her mother
Ross grabs a can of beer from the fridge and goes over to sit next to Finn on the couch
ROSS: Yeah well if I didn't know any better I'd swear Caitlin manipulated Milana into talking to me and giving me pictures
FINN: God knows why, but the kid actually likes you so I doubt Caitlin had anything to do with it
ROSS: Yeah well you're a lot more gullible than me little bro
FINN: When are you going?
ROSS: I'm stringing out this beer for at least an hour, maybe two
Finn gets up from the couch; he grabs the beer out of Ross's hand as Ross looks at him, stunned
FINN: Get up those stairs, get showered, get changed and get over there
ROSS: What the hell's got into you?
FINN: You, you're so pig headed, if you don't go, I'll move out and I won't talk to you anymore. I mean you must be completely bonkers, she's the best thing that's ever happened to you and you're just going to throw it all away like it's garbage. All she did was stumble on our mother, I was looking for her, if I'd found her first would you stop talking to me?
ROSS: Probably, I feel like doing it now. I think I better move, you look like you're about to have coronary
Ross gets up from the couch and heads upstairs
SMITHY COTTAGE – EVENING
Milana is setting the table when Caitlin enters from upstairs
MILANA: Wow, you look really nice, really pretty mummy
CAITLIN: Oh thank you sweetie, do I not always?
MILANA: Yeah, but I love that top, it's my favourite and I love you with straight hair
Milana spots Ross coming through the window
MILANA: I'll be back in a minute mummy
Milana leaves the kitchen and runs upstairs
CAITLIN: Where are you going?
MILANA: TOILET
Ross knocks at the door; Caitlin looks round, trying not to be nervous, she goes to open the door
CAITLIN: Hey
ROSS: Hey
Caitlin smiles at Ross
ROSS: We eating outside or what?
CAITLIN: Oh yeah, sorry, come in
Caitlin moves out the way of the door, Ross goes past into the kitchen
CAITLIN: Nice day?
ROSS: Went to the Ritz for afternoon tea
Caitlin looks awkward
ROSS: Next time you wanna send your kid to blackmail me, don't
CAITLIN: I didn't send her, she wanted to see you
ROSS: Yeah right
CAITLIN: Just cause you don't like me doesn't mean she's stopped liking you, so you don't have to take it out on her
ROSS: Why don't you just keep her off my back? It's not like she's even my kid
CAITLIN: Why, would you care more if she was?
Milana runs in from upstairs, she runs over to Ross
MILANA: Ross, I'm really happy you came
Milana puts her arms up to Ross
MILANA: Hug?
Ross looks at Caitlin, she looks away, unhappy as he picks Milana up
ROSS: I swear you're getting heavier you know, you got bricks under that dress?
Milana laughs
MILANA: Don't be silly and you haven't seen me for AGES of course I am heavier
Caitlin smiles
MILANA: Do you want a drink? Got some beer
ROSS: You're not old enough to drink beer
Milana cups her hand around Ross's ear and whispers
MILANA: I always drink it when mummy's not looking
Milana laughs
ROSS: Hey, now I know why you're always staggering around
Ross smiles
Caitlin goes over to the fridge and takes out a can of beer and a bottle of wine, she hands Ross the can, he puts Milana on the floor, she pulls out a chair
MILANA: You can sit here
ROSS: Yes boss
Ross sits down at the table, Milana pulls out the chair next to him
CAITLIN: Hey, why do you get to sit there?
MILANA: Cause he's my guest
CAITLIN: Oh ok, what am I just the chef?
ROSS: What are we having?
MILANA: It's a surprise but I think you'll like it
ROSS: What's this dessert you've made then?
MILANA: IT'S A SURPRISE
CAITLIN: Well it's ready, are you gonna come and get it out the oven?
Milana goes round the table to the cooker
CAITLIN: Here put on your little oven mitts
Caitlin opens the door and helps Milana take the tray out of the oven and put it on the worktop, Caitlin puts the food on the plates and hands Milana Ross's plate
CAITLIN: Go and give Ross his then
Milana takes the plate and goes over and puts it in front of Ross
ROSS: A smiley faced pizza
MILANA: We made them at nursery today, we were allowed to make any for any friends and family we wanted. You can take a picture of it on your phone if you want so you remember what it looks like and then put it on Facebook to show everyone how talented I am
Ross smiles and takes out his phone, he takes a photo of the pizza, Milana grabs his phone and hands it to Caitlin
MILANA: Mummy, take a picture of me, Ross and the pizza?
CAITLIN: Eh, what's the magic word?
MILANA: Please
CAITLIN: Hmmm, that's better. Ok, are you ready?
Milana sits on Ross's knee and Caitlin takes the photo
MILANA: Your knee's comfortable, you should play Santa cause I'd know it was your knee when I sat on it
Ross and Caitlin both smile
CAITLIN: Why, has he got a special knee?
MILANA: Show us the photo mummy please?
Caitlin hands Ross the phone, he shows Milana the photo
MILANA: That's a good one, why don't you use it as your wallpaper or your screensaver?
ROSS: Hmmm, maybe. Are you gonna get off my knee so I can eat this pizza?
Milana moves off Ross and goes to sit on her own chair
MILANA: You can show Finn when you get home
ROSS: Is he not getting one?
MILANA: I only thought of you, mum, dad and nana
ROSS: Awww, well thanks, it looks really colourful
CAITLIN: Better eat them before they go cold, here's some chips to go with
Caitlin puts a basket of chips in the middle of the table before sitting down with her pizza, they all start eating
MILANA: I only like the vegetables on the pizza
Ross and Caitlin smile
CAITLIN: Eh well you can just eat it all please cause you won't taste the bits you don't like when you're eating it all together
MILANA: I'm going to be a vegetation
Ross and Caitlin frown at each other and start laughing
ROSS: Eh, I think you might mean vegetarian honey
Milana laughs
MILANA: Oh yeah, I'm silly. What did you both do today?
ROSS: Well you know I was working
CAITLIN: Oh, I thought you went for tea at the Ritz?
Caitlin smiles sarcastically at Ross, he stares at her
MILANA: What's the Ritz?
CAITLIN: It's a really posh hotel in London
Milana looks amazed
MILANA: WOW, you'd have to be really rich to go there, you're not rich Ross, how did you manage to go there?
ROSS: It was a joke honey, if I went to London I wouldn't have made it back to have dinner with you would I?
MILANA: They wouldn't do these at the Ritz
Ross and Caitlin smile at Milana
MILANA: Mummy, can Isabella get a drink please?
Caitlin and Ross look confused
CAITLIN: Who's Isabella?
MILANA: My friend, she's sitting there
Milana points to the empty chair
CAITLIN: Oh ok, well she can have a glass of water
Ross's phone beeps, Caitlin looks at him as he checks it
CAITLIN: Not keeping you from anything are we?
Ross puts his eyes up
ROSS: Nope
MILANA: Do you like the pizza?
ROSS: Yeah, it's yummy. I'll just nip to the toilet though
MILANA: I'll come with you so I can show you my room
Ross and Milana go upstairs, Caitlin looks annoyed cause of Ross's lack of interest, she stares at his phone on the table, she grabs it, going into his inbox to look at his texts, she notices Melissa's name at the top and opens the thread, she reads her last text
'See you in the pub at 7.30pm? M x'
Caitlin looks disappointed as she places the phone back on the table
Upstairs, Milana is showing Ross her room; she goes over to the dressing table and picks up her brush
MILANA: Do you wanna brush my hair again?
ROSS: Not really. Shouldn't we get downstairs? I want this dessert you promised me
Ross sits down on the edge of the bed
MILANA: In a sec
Caitlin creeps upstairs, she stands outside Milana's room
Milana sits at the dressing table fiddling with her brush and her jewellery box
MILANA: Don't you like mummy anymore?
ROSS: Course
MILANA: Well can't you stop being angry with her then and forgive her?
ROSS: It's not that simple
MILANA: Why not? If you love each other then everything is simple, just say sorry to each other and be friends again, I loved us all living together, you, mummy, me and Finn, it was fun
ROSS: Well nothing stays the same, things change
MILANA: But I don't want them to and it's silly
ROSS: Well it's not up to you
MILANA: You shouldn't be so mean
Ross looks annoyed
ROSS: I thought we were going downstairs Mrs?
Caitlin knocks gently on the door
CAITLIN: Hey did you two get lost up here? Don't you want dessert?
Caitlin walks over to the dresser
Milana puts her head down and mumbles
MILANA: I'm not hungry anymore
Caitlin bends down, copying what Milana said in a mocking fashion as she picks her up
CAITLIN: Come on grumpy bum, you never say no to dessert
Milana wraps her arms round Caitlin's neck, resting her head on her shoulder
MILANA: That was before Ross upset me
ROSS: I didn't upset you, you upset yourself
Caitlin lifts her eyes to look at Ross
CAITLIN: Well don't worry sweetie, he'll be going soon, wouldn't wanna keep you from your hot date
Caitlin walks out the room with Milana, Ross follows, they go downstairs back into the kitchen, Caitlin puts Milana on the floor, she goes into the living room
ROSS: How do you know about that?
CAITLIN: Your phone's practically melting with heat
ROSS: What and you just had to look at it?
Caitlin turns, upset, she questions Ross
CAITLIN: So what, are you gonna go out with her now to punish me?
ROSS: No, I'm going for a drink with someone who hasn't gone behind my back and kept stuff from me
CAITLIN: Oh why don't you just get off your high horse and talk to me about it instead of carrying on with this hurt, wounded boy act?
Ross looks angrily at Caitlin, she leans against the worktop putting her hands either side
CAITLIN: I met your mum by complete accident, it wasn't a calculated decision, she was at my workplace, it's not like I went out of my way and broke my neck to meet her
ROSS: No, but everything you did after that was calculated, you didn't come rushing home telling me you met her, you deliberately decided not to tell me then engineered a pack of lies so you could go and play detective
CAITLIN: To protect you, I didn't want you to be hurt, I still don't, I wanted to see if she was worth it, I didn't see the point in telling everyone till I figured it out myself
ROSS: But it wasn't up to you to decide if my mother fits whatever idea you've got, you had no right to keep something that huge from me and then go behind my back making decisions about my future
CAITLIN: She'd already left; I was just trying to work out if she was worth bringing back. Nothing I did was meant to hurt you. Besides, I didn't know how you'd react if I did tell you
ROSS: You should've told me so I could make my own choice, it wasn't up to you to make choices for me and I don't need it
Caitlin moves towards Ross, she looks at him before taking his hand
CAITLIN: I'm sorry; I thought I was doing the right thing
Ross puts his head down
CAITLIN: Please don't go out with her; stay here with me so we can sort things out?
Caitlin tries to kiss Ross but he moves his head away
ROSS: You can't fix it like that
CAITLIN: Well tell me what I can do then?
Ross pulls his hand from Caitlin's and moves past her
ROSS: I have to go
Ross picks up his phone as he goes towards the door, Milana stands in the living room doorway
MILANA: I thought you were staying for dessert Ross?
ROSS: I can't tonight, save me some, I'll see you later
Ross leaves, slamming the door behind him, Caitlin looks deflated
THE GARAGE – MORNING
Caitlin and Milana are heading into David's shop when she spots Ross and Melissa at the steps next to Dale Head Cottage, she looks up at Caitlin
MILANA: Can I go and give Ross his dessert from last night?
Caitlin looks over at them, annoyed, she looks back at Milana
CAITLIN: Go on then, don't be long, I'll wait for you in the shop
Milana runs up towards Ross, Melissa looks out the corner of her eye
MELISSA: Don't look now, irritating ex's child incoming
Ross laughs
Milana stops in front of Ross, she is breathless
MILANA: Hey
ROSS: Hey, did you not see enough of me last night?
MILANA: Well not really cause you left early and you left without having dessert, so I brought it to give you today
Milana takes her bag off her back and puts it on the ground as Ross and Melissa look at each other, Milana pulls a tub out and hands it to Ross
MILANA: Here you go
Ross takes the tub
ROSS: You know you're always giving me cakes, I'm sure you're trying to fatten me up, that's why you said you wanted me to be Santa last night
MILANA: Well look inside then
Ross pulls the lid off
ROSS: Chocolate gateau, hmmmm, I'll have that in a bit, I'm starving
Milana looks curiously at Melissa, she folds her arms
MILANA: It's just for you, no-one else; you're only allowed to share things with mummy
Ross frowns as Milana continues to stare at Melissa
MILANA: Don't you like my mummy?
Melissa looks at Milana then Ross, taken aback
MELISSA: Of course I do, why do you say that?
MILANA: Cause you just called her irritating
Melissa looks awkward before trying to cover her tracks
MELISSA: No I didn't, I wasn't talking about someone else
MILANA: No you weren't, you said "irriating ex's child is incoming"
Milana stares at Melissa angrily
MELISSA: Yeah, right, well I've gotta go now, I'll see you later
Melissa walks down the gravel; she looks back at Ross with a surprised look on her face as she takes out her phone
Milana looks round at her
MILANA: SEE YOU AT NURSERY MELISSA
Ross's phone beeps; he takes it from his pocket and reads the text
'That girl's got a demon stare, wonder where she gets that from?Haha x'
Ross smiles, Milana grabs his phone
ROSS: Oi
MILANA: Huh, I'll teach her a lesson at nursery
Milana picks up her bag; she quickly kisses Ross on the cheek, leaving his phone on top of the dessert box before taking off
MILANA: BYYYYYYYE ROSS, ENJOY THE CAKE
Ross looks on, shaking his head
DAVID'S SHOP – MORNING
Milana rushes in to the shop, Caitlin is handing Alicia money
CAITLIN: Hey, did you give him it?
MILANA: Yeah, he said he was starving, I told him it's just for him so he won't give any to Melissa. I don't think she likes you mummy
CAITLIN: Well I don't think I'll lose any sleep over it, but why, what did she say?
MILANA: She said "don't look now, the irritating ex's child is incoming"
Caitlin and Alicia look at each other in surprise
CAITLIN: Oh did she?
ALICIA: What a cheek. You know she's been hanging around the garage a lot in pulling outfits right?
CAITLIN: Yeah he's been meeting her for drinks in the pub
ALICIA: Don't be letting her away with that
CAITLIN: Oh no worries, I'll show her up so much in that nursery they'll sack her
Caitlin and Alicia smile at each other as Aaron enters the shop; he looks at them, frowning
AARON: Oh yeah, what are you two plotting then?
MILANA: It's a secret daddy, but nursery's going to be fun today
Milana smiles at Aaron
CAITLIN: Yeah, you can take her to nursery, I've gotta go to work, but I'll pick her up later, see ya's later
Caitlin leaves as Aaron looks at Alicia, Alicia and Milana both look up at him
ALICIA AND MILANA: Ross
Aaron shakes his head
THE VILLAGE – AFTERNOON
Caitlin and Rhona are walking towards the village hall to collect Milana and Leo
RHONA: I take it your meal with Ross didn't go to plan last night then?
CAITLIN: You could say that, he ran out cause he had a hot date
RHONA: Melissa right?
CAITLIN: Yeah. Do you know she slagged off my kid this morning? Well she's gonna get it as soon as I get in there
RHONA: Be careful, you might push Ross further towards her
CAITLIN: Do you know what? I'm starting to think I don't even care anymore
Caitlin and Rhona enter the hall, they notice Melissa pulling something out of Milana's hand, Caitlin angrily rushes over, she pulls Melissa's arm
CAITLIN: What do you think you're doing? You know, is it not enough that you're trying to steal my boyfriend without stealing my child's toys as well?
MELISSA: It's not hers; she's taken it from Amile
Caitlin shakes her head
CAITLIN: No she didn't, I think I know my own daughter's toys, I did buy them
MELISSA: Well I'm surprised you even know you see that little of her
CAITLIN: You spiteful little bitch, what am I being too "irritating" for you?
RHONA: Why don't we just leave this here?
Caitlin glares at Melissa
CAITLIN: Yeah you're right; she's not even worth it
Caitlin grabs Milana's hand and they head towards the door as Melissa looks on glaring, she taunts Caitlin
MELISSA: HUH, I'M NOT WORTH IT, THAT'S A JOKE, ROSS CLEARLY THINKS YOU'RE NOT WORTH IT, I DON'T HAVE TO STEAL HIM, HE COMES RUNNING
Caitlin stops, she furiously looks on towards the door, she storms towards it. They wait for Rhona and Leo to catch them up
Melissa looks smugly at Rhona as he picks Leo up and walks towards Melissa
RHONA: You didn't have to wind her up like that
MELISSA: She asked for it
Rhona shakes her head and leaves, she and Caitlin stand outside the door, Caitlin is visibly upset by the altercation
CAITLIN: Can you believe the nerve of her?
RHONA: You shouldn't let her wind you up, it's what she wants
Caitlin and Rhona walk up the road with the children
CAITLIN: Oh I can't help it; she's so in your face
RHONA: Come on, let's go to the café, I'll buy you a nice fattening cake to get over it
Caitlin smiles at Rhona
MILANA: Will you buy me one too please Rhona?
Caitlin and Rhona look at each other, Rhona looks at Milana
RHONA: Oh I'm sure I can stretch to it
MILANA: YAAAAAAAAAAY
THE WOOLPACK – EVENING
Caitlin walks in with one of her nursing colleagues; they go over to the bar where Diane is standing
CAITLIN: White wine spritzer please Diane
DIANE: That's not your usual tipple is it?
CAITLIN: Fancy trying something different
Caitlin smiles at Diane
SAMARA: Vodka and lemonade please
DIANE: Coming up
Ten minutes later
Caitlin and Samara are enjoying their drinks when Ross enters with Melissa
SAMARA: Don't look now but that girl who's just come in with Ross is looking at you
CAITLIN: Yeah that's her I had the argument with at the nursery, she's been trying to get her claws into him since he chucked me out
Melissa goes over to the bar where Caitlin is standing as Ross sits at a table
MELISSA: You know I got suspended cause of you being on my back?
Caitlin looks round at Melissa sarcastically
CAITLIN: Oh, well that'll give you plenty more time to lie flat on it with other people's boyfriends then
Melissa slaps Caitlin across the face and pulls her hair as everyone looks on, Chas and Diane shout at them to stop as Ross and Cain wade in to pull them apart, crying, Caitlin rushes out of the pub, Ross follows, grabbing her arm as she heads towards Smithy Cottage, she yanks it out of his grasp
CAITLIN: OH GET OFF ME ROSS
Caitlin looks at Ross angrily, tears still in her eyes
CAITLIN: Why do you keep shoving her in my face?
ROSS: I don't know, maybe cause she didn't go behind my back
CAITLIN: Why don't you try giving me a chance to make it right?
ROSS: You can't make it right, nothing you do will change what you did
CAITLIN: The way you go on about it anyone would think I was a mass murderer, I only met you mother to try and see if she was worth telling you about, most people would think that was considerate
ROSS: Well if you can go behind my back about that, what else could you go behind my back about?
CAITLIN: Oh that's rich coming from you
ROSS: I haven't slept with her, if you were wondering
Caitlin looks surprised
Finn approaches from the bus stop with Emma, unbeknown to Ross
FINN: Hey, what's going on?
Ross looks past Caitlin as she turns her head to look; she's shocked to see Emma standing with Finn, Ross frowns
ROSS: Nothing. I thought you were gay, who's your mate?
Ross looks Emma up and down as Caitlin turns back to look at him; she shakes her head in disgust
CAITLIN: She's your mother
Caitlin looks annoyed at Ross before walking past Finn and Emma towards Smithy, as Ross looks on stunned, Samara comes out the pub and goes after Caitlin
SMITHY COTTAGE – EVENING
Caitlin and Samara walk into the house
SAMARA: What did he say? Who was that woman standing with Finn?
CAITLIN: Apparently he hasn't slept with Melissa and that was his mother
SAMARA: Wow, she's quite pretty; she looks quite young to be their mother. You must be happy that he hasn't slept with Melissa, must mean he's really into you, if he wasn't, well you know what guys are like
CAITLIN: Yeah well just because he hasn't doesn't mean he won't and he's obviously angry enough with me to want to hang out with her
Rhona stands in the living room doorway
CAITLIN: Oh I don't know, I think I need to get away for a while, I can't stand it round here at the moment
RHONA: Oh thanks very much
Caitlin smiles
CAITLIN: Oh you know, I think I could just do with a change of scene, I think I'll go and see my brother and then mum and dad for a bit, the way I feel right now, maybe for good
Caitlin walks out and heads upstairs, Rhona and Samara look at each other, surprised
THE CAFÉ – MORNING
Ross approaches the counter as Rhona is paying, she glares at him
RHONA: Well I hope you're happy
Ross frowns
ROSS: If you're on about Caitlin I'm sorting it today
RHONA: Well good luck with that one, she's gone
Ross looks surprised
ROSS: What, where?
RHONA: She had enough of the way you were treating her and left to see her family
ROSS: But she's coming back right?
Rhona shrugs
RHONA: Not if she's got any sense no, but then the father of her child lives here so I'd say there's a fairly good chance, she suggested that she wouldn't be coming back though
Rhona grabs a paper bag containing a cake from the counter and storms away leaving Ross dumbfounded
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Finn lets Emma in for dinner as Ross mopes on the couch, they look at Ross, Emma looks at Finn
FINN: Oh don't ask
Emma cautiously approaches the couch, she hands Ross a pack of beer as Finn fiddles in the kitchen
EMMA: That'll put a smile on your face, what's up?
Emma sits on the couch next to Ross, he shrugs
EMMA: I think I can probably guess, Caitlin right? She's a very pretty girl isn't she?
ROSS: Yeah well she's a very pretty girl who's left the country
EMMA: She's coming back though isn't she?
ROSS: I don't know, she's gone to see her family
EMMA: Well I'm sure she'll be back
ROSS: I miss her
FINN: My god she hasn't even been gone a day, miss her, miss winding her up with that Melissa more like
ROSS: I told her I haven't slept with Melissa
FINN: No, you just like winding her up letting her think you have, you've wound her up so much you drove her out the village
ROSS: Oh would you just shut up Finn? I don't need you pecking my head
FINN: I'll message her later, she likes me, she'll tell me what she's up to
Ross's face lights up
ROSS: Hey, that's a good idea, I knew you weren't the best little bro for nothing
FINN: Thanks, that's the nicest thing you've probably ever said
The door opens and Pete enters, when he see's Emma he is stunned and looks at Finn
PETE: You've gotta be kidding me, is this what you invited me here for?
FINN: Well yeah, obviously
PETE: Forget it, I'm going, I don't know what the hell you're thinking dragging her back into our lives, we were fine without her and we will always be fine without her, you've no idea what she's like
ROSS: YEAH SO WHY DON'T YOU TELL US PETE INSTEAD OF GOING ON WITH YOURSELF ALL THE TIME?
EMMA: Maybe I should just go
PETE: Yeah go and don't come back
Ross gets up from the couch, he storms towards Pete, grabbing him and throwing him against the door
ROSS: What is your problem?
PETE: Believe me you don't wanna know
ROSS: I don't think you've got anything; you just like the sound of your own voice
PETE: No, I'm not you
FINN: Come on guys, this was meant to be a nice evening, to get to know our mum, don't spoil it
PETE: I already know her Finn and it's all bad
FINN: Oh why don't you just get out Pete?
Finn and Ross glare at Pete, Pete shoves Ross off him and storms out the door, slamming it behind him
Ross looks at Emma
ROSS: So what's his problem?
EMMA: This was a bad idea, I'm just gonna go
Emma grabs her bag from the couch and quickly leaves as Ross and Finn look at each other intrigued
One month later
OUTSIDE SMITHY COTTAGE – AFTERNOON
Caitlin and Milana get out of a tour bus as Ross and Dan look on, on their way into the café
DAN: Who the hell are that lot?
Ross shrugs
ROSS: No idea mate, but I'm gonna find out
CAITLIN: You can stay at the B & B, I have to move into Laurel's for the moment cause Rhona's mum's staying and Laurel and Marlon are away so I won't have to put up with Laurel's attitude, we'll just go in and pack up the rest of our stuff and head over
DOUGAL: Sweet, well we'll go and get sorted too and I'll see you in the pub later, can't wait to see it you've said such nice things about it
THE WOOLPACK – EVENING
Caitlin and Dougal are sitting together at a table when Ross, Finn and Moira enter, Ross looks over, intrigued, Finn approaches as Ross and Moira go to the bar
FINN: Hey, glad you're back, do you mind if we join you?
CAITLIN: Hey, no, it's fine, sit down, Finn, this is Dougal, Dougal, this is Finn
Finn and Dougal shake hands as Ross and Moira approach the table
MOIRA: Hey, how are you?
CAITLIN: Fine
MOIRA: You must be, you're bringing back attractive men
Caitlin smiles looking at Dougal
CAITLIN: There's one vote for you
DOUGAL: Yeah, you single? Quite like the older woman
Moira smiles and sits down next to Caitlin
MOIRA: I'm Moira, and he's Ross
DOUGAL: Nice to meet you
Ross sits down in-between Finn and Moira and across from Caitlin
MOIRA: So how do you two know each other?
DOUGAL: Well my brother was married to her sister up until he died
MOIRA: Oh, when did pass away?
CAITLIN: Must be 2002, they were married for a year and a half, had a son and then he had an accident on a horse when they were visiting his parents farm
DOUGAL: Yeah it was awful at the time, everyone was devastated, mum was stuck in Thailand coming back from Scotland and never even made the funeral
FINN: That's awful
CAITLIN: Yeah, he was a great bloke Drew was
MOIRA: So did you two grow up together?
DOUGAL: Nah, my family lived in Oakey, my brother moved down to Melbourne when I was a kid, that's where he met her sister, we visited a few times
Dougal laughs
DOUGAL: Do you remember that time we were leaving, I didn't wanna go so when I gave you a hug I super-glued our hands together?
Caitlin shakes her head
CAITLIN: How could I forget? The oldies went nuts and we had to do everything together until we got separated
DOUGAL: Yeah, we had to eat together, sleep together and go to the dunny together; the only thing we missed out on was the shower together
Ross looks at Dougal, frowning, Caitlin notices out the corner of her eye, she smiles
CAITLIN: Shut up, it wasn't funny
DOUGAL: Yes it was, it was so funny, your dad kept hearing creeks in the night wondering what we were doing and he was all for coming and sleeping with us till you said "it's bad enough sharing a bed with him without you as well, I'll be on the floor", your mum took him away and then when we got up in the morning I said that we broke the bed, the look on his face was classic
Moira notices that Ross looks jealous
CAITLIN: It was embarrassing and if I recall I wasn't that friendly, I said "if you so much as touch me I'll kill you"
Dougal laughs, Ross rolls his eyes
DOUGAL: Yeah, your dad was so serious most of the time; it was a right hoot winding him up
CAITLIN: Yeah he's still pretty easily wound up
FINN: He's not the only one
Finn sips his drink
DOUGAL: Yeah he was a tight arse as well from what I remember
CAITLIN: He still is and he keeps every receipt for his tax returns
DOUGAL: Do you remember that time we went riding and when we got back to the hotel rooms, the maid came round and when she was standing at the door you were busy saying you were saddle sore and she thought you meant we'd been at it all day?
Caitlin laughs
CAITLIN: Everything we did was embarrassing, but we still managed to have a laugh
DOUGAL: We had some good laughs
Ross gets up
ROSS: I'm getting another drink
Caitlin looks at Ross
DOUGAL: He doesn't look very happy
FINN: Don't worry it's not you, he generally looks like that
DOUGAL: I've got another story
MOIRA: You two have been up to a lot
Moira laughs
Ross comes back to the table and sits down with his pint
ROSS: What's the joke?
Moira and Finn look at each other and smile
FINN: Nothing, just your face
Moira looks at Dougal
MOIRA: So how long you sticking around for?
Dougal looks flirtatiously at Caitlin
DOUGAL: As long as it takes to convince her to go out with me and then she can come touring with us
Dougal winks at Caitlin, she smiles, shaking her head
MOIRA: So go on then, what's this other story?
DOUGAL: Oh yeah, I wasn't there this time but I was told all about it. She had her cousin Ellie staying and Ellie used to sneak out to clubs and pretend she was in bed, and when she caught her one night she persuaded her to go out, so they went out and got busted at the club my brother was bouncing at, your parents were furious. See, she's not as innocent as she looks. I heard about your mate who was training with a photographer, she was getting a hard time and he was really nasty to this old guy with Alzheimer's and she deleted all the photos from the camera, then when he was rude to her you grabbed it, took it outside and through it in the pond, the guy was absolutely livid cause it was A$4,000 and you turned round and said to him "if you're worried about your camera, go in and get it" and you pushed him in, it sounded hilarious, I'm only sorry I wasn't there
MOIRA: Wow and we thought you were a sweet, innocent girl
Ross glares at Dougal, seething. Making sure no-one is looking he deliberately knocks his pint over the table, it goes all over Dougal, everyone gets up from the table except Ross
MOIRA: Oh Ross, why don't you watch what you're doing you idiot?
Dougal looks angrily at Ross
DOUGAL: Yeah you took the words right out of my mouth
Ross looks pleased with himself as he stares at Dougal
ROSS: Sorry, clumsy me
DOUGAL: I better go the toilet and get cleaned up
Dougal goes towards the toilet doors as Caitlin looks angrily at Ross, she points her finger at him
CAITLIN: You did that on purpose
Ross smiles at Caitlin
ROSS: Sorry, I must've got bored with the nostalgic trip down your memory lane
CAITLIN: You know what? You're pathetic, why don't you just get over yourself?
Caitlin grabs her jacket and bag and heads towards the door, Finn and Moira both look unimpressed as they shake their heads at Ross
ROSS: Come on then, take me off to the gallows for my terrible crime
MOIRA: Jealousy's a curse Ross
ROSS: Oh I'm not jealous; I just couldn't stand that stuck up git going on with himself anymore
MOIRA: You know if you're not careful you'll lose her for good
ROSS: I don't want her
FINN: Yeah right Ross
MOIRA: You're not kidding anyone; I saw your face when he said he wanted to go out with her, that's why you spilt the drink
ROSS: Yeah yeah, whatever
Ross gets up and goes over to the bar
ROSS: Need another pint now, hey, maybe I should get Dougal to pay for it, throw in a bag of nuts while he's at it
Finn and Moira despair
THE CAFÉ – MORNING
Caitlin is sitting with Aaron and Dougal when Ross walks in, he goes up to the counter
CAITLIN: I'll be back in a sec
DOUGAL: Caitlin just leave it, it's not worth it
Caitlin walks up to Ross, she lowers her voice as she speaks to Ross
CAITLIN: That was a childish stunt you pulled last night
Ross shrugs
ROSS: It was spilt beer Caitlin; he'll stick his clothes in the wash and get over it
CAITLIN: What is your problem? You don't even know him
ROSS: Neither do you, you haven't seen him for years
Caitlin stares at Ross, intrigued
ROSS: He fancies you
CAITLIN: Yeah and Melissa fancies you, but I didn't throw a drink on her
ROSS: No you just practically lost her her job
CAITLIN: Well I've done every kid in the nursery a favour then haven't I?
Ross picks up his takeaway coffee and starts walking away, Caitlin looks on at him
CAITLIN: Yeah that's it, walk away; it's what you always do best
Caitlin goes back to sit with Aaron and Dougal as Ross looks on annoyed
THE VILLAGE – AFTERNOON
Caitlin and Milana are watching Dougal on his roller skates near Smithy Cottage as he tries to teach Caitlin
DOUGAL: See, it's easy, come on, you try?
Dougal puts out his hand to Caitlin, she looks reluctant
CAITLIN: I don't know, I went ice skating once, didn't get on very well then, landed on my backside a lot
MILANA: Go on mummy, it looks fun
Caitlin looks down at Milana
CAITLIN: Yeah that's so you can laugh at me and take photos of me falling over
Milana laughs as Dougal grabs Caitlin's hand; he guides her around on the skates
CAITLIN: Don't let go whatever you do
Caitlin screams, Ross is on his way to the garage, it grabs his attention, Dougal lets Caitlin skate on her own, when she goes to look at the photos Milana's taken, he sneaks up behind her and tickles her under her arms, she gets a fright and she laughs hysterically as she slides on the skates almost falling on her bum, Milana laughs and takes a photo as Ross looks on jealously
DALE VIEW COTTAGE – EVENING
Ross is narked as he channel flicks the TV, he reaches over to get his laptop, he logs on to Facebook and goes on to Caitlin's profile, he looks at the photos she's uploaded from her attempt at skating, eaten up with jealousy he clicks on Dougal's page, he clicks on the profile picture of him and Caitlin, he stares at it admiring Caitlin's smile and beauty. Ross looks thoughtful, he curiously decides to research Dougal, he looks at his posts on his page and looks at his friends list before opening google and typing in his name, nothing comes up in relation to Dougal so he decides to type Australia after his name, he looks surprised when links to newspaper articles appear, one reads "LOCAL BAND ARRESTED FOR SUSPECTED DRUG USE AND POSSESSION", the other reads "LOCAL MUSICIAN ARRESTED FOR SUSPECTED RAPE OF YOUNG LOCAL WOMAN", Ross looks stunned as he reads through the articles
Finn enters from upstairs
FINN: Hey, I'm meeting mum for a drink, do you wanna come?
ROSS: Look at this
Ross lifts the laptop round so Finn can see the articles; Finn comes closer to the screen
FINN: No way, is that about Dougal?
Ross smiles, pleased with himself
ROSS: Looks like it
FINN: Are you gonna tell Caitlin?
ROSS: Well I think I should don't you? I mean someone like that shouldn't be around kids should they?
Ross looks smugly at Finn
FINN: Well there's no need to be so smug about it, she'll probably be really angry
ROSS: I know. I knew there was something about that guy; it's great to have the upper hand over losers like him
FINN: Huh, and what are you in comparison, a saint?
ROSS: Hey, at least she knows what I am, she knows where she is with me, she's got no clue who she's got under her roof with him, maybe I should just let her find out for herself, teach her a lesson
FINN: It might not even be true anyway, the papers do tend to exaggerate you know, he seems alright to me
ROSS: Everyone seems alright to you, besides, everyone seems fine on the surface, scratch a bit deeper and that's when you uncover hidden gems like these
FINN: Yeah, well you're partly the reason he's here, don't forget that, are you coming for a drink or not?
ROSS: Not, got a big fish in a small pond to take out haven't I?
TALL TREES COTTAGE – EVENING
Caitlin is sitting watching TV when there's a knock at the door, she gets up to answer it, she comes back into the living room, Ross follows behind
CAITLIN: I hope you're here to apologise and if you are you'll have to come back cause Dougal's not here
Caitlin turns to look at Ross, he smiles knowingly at her
ROSS: Yeah right, you must be joking, no I've just come to show you this; I don't think you'll be begging so much for an apology once you've read these
Ross hands Caitlin the articles on Dougal, she frowns at them and looks up at Ross
CAITLIN: What is this?
ROSS: Look at the headlines, read them
Caitlin looks up at Ross
CAITLIN: Where did you get this stuff?
ROSS: Online
Caitlin sniggers
CAITLIN: What, you googled Dougal?
Ross shakes his head
ROSS: He's not the person you think he is
CAITLIN: I don't get this, why would you google him Ross?
ROSS: Because I don't like him and I don't trust him
CAITLIN: Oh ok, that's code for, he fancies you and I don't want him anywhere near you, because I don't know where you're getting all this from, you've hardly spoken two words to him so how can you have any idea what he's like?
ROSS: I know his type, there's something that just doesn't add up and it looks like I've found it
CAITLIN: Normal people don't randomly google other people Ross, you're scared and you're jealous that I'm gonna start seeing him that's why you're doing all this isn't it?
ROSS: Think what you want but you've got a kid in the house, I thought you might wanna look out for her
Caitlin moves closer to Ross, she throws the print outs at him
CAITLIN: You know what? You had me Ross, and you threw me away like I was some piece or rubbish just cause you thought I betrayed, that's fine if that's the way you want it, but what I do now is nothing to do with you, so take your print outs and yourself and get out. It's so typical of you, someone takes your favourite toy and you decide you want it back, well I'm not some toy that you can just decide you want to start playing with again whenever you feel like it just cause your nose is put out of joint and at least he knows that he wants me, you don't have a clue what you want, you just enjoy screwing with people's feelings and their heads
Ross leaves the print outs on the couch
ROSS: Don't say I didn't warn you
Ross leaves as Caitlin seethes at him
One week later
TALL TREES COTTAGE - MORNING
Caitlin is standing in the living room in her nurse's uniform, packing her handbag ready for work when Dougal comes downstairs, clutching his back
CAITLIN: Hey, I've gotta head to work soon, will you be ok?
DOUGAL: Yeah, I've got some mates coming round later, is that ok?
CAITLIN: Yeah, you still ok to pick up Milana from nursery though?
DOUGAL: Yeah course, what time again?
Caitlin leans on the staircase
CAITLIN: Half past Two. What else you got on today? I don't like leaving you on your own cause you don't know anyone or anywhere
DOUGAL: Awww, aren't you sweet? I'm sure I can find my way to the pub for a bit
CAITLIN: Oh it's alright for some isn't it leisurely lad? Well don't drink too much, babysitting duties remember
DOUGAL: Lemonade, promise
Caitlin smiles, picking up her bag and heading to the door
CAITLIN: Right, well I'll see you later then, don't do anything I wouldn't do
DOUGAL: Well I don't think there's much you wouldn't do, so that leaves me a lot of scope doesn't it?
CAITLIN: Hey, I'm a really good girl
DOUGAL: Just have to see if I can turn you bad then
CAITLIN: Yeah, you've met Ross right? I'm as corrupted as I wanna be thanks
Caitlin smiles and waves as she disappears out the door
THE WOOLPACK – LATE MORNING
Dougal enters the pub and looks around as he approaches the bar, he smirks when he see's Ross, Finn and Emma sitting at a booth
EMMA: Right, who wants another drink then?
ROSS: Me, I'll get them
Emma gets up from the table
EMMA: No I'll get them you stay there
Emma goes up to the bar as Dougal walks past with a pint in his hand, he approaches Ross and Finn, he puts the pint on the table, Ross looks at him, frowning
ROSS: What's that?
DOUGAL: Fairly sure it's a pint, just to show there's no hard feelings
Ross gives out a small laugh
ROSS: Sorry, I don't except drinks from losers, druggies or rapists, and I've got one coming anyway
Dougal looks round at Emma as she stands at the bar
DOUGAL: No idea what you're waffling on about, but yeah it doesn't take you long to move on does it? First that Melissa chick and now this bit at the bar
Ross shakes his head at Dougal as Finn laughs
ROSS: You really are stupid aren't you? She's my mother you prat
DOUGAL: Wow, she's fit, as fit as Caitlin is
Ross looks at Dougal, disgusted
DOUGAL: You know she won't have a bar of me cause of you right?
ROSS: Reckon she just knows a loser when she see's one
Emma comes back to the table with a tray of drinks
DOUGAL: The only loser I see around here is you mate, enjoy the pint
Dougal goes back to the bar as Ross angrily glares with his arms folded
ROSS: I'm gonna do him
EMMA: You're gonna stay away from him, leave them to it, be the better person
ROSS: I don't even know why she's hanging out with a cocky git like him
Finn looks at Ross as he goes to sip his pint
FINN: Why not? She hung out with a cocky git like you
Finn smiles at Ross as he looks at him surprised
ROSS: Whose side are you on?
Finn burps
FINN: Caitlin's, no actually, Milana's cause they so totally love you and you're just letting them slip through your fingers cause of some false pride thing, acting like she kicked you in the nuts, one little mistake she made, a mistake that brought our mum back so she never even did anything wrong, so stop being an idiot Ross before it's too late, and now I've got that off my chest I'm going to the toilet
Finn gets up and goes towards the toilets, Ross looks embarrassed as Emma looks on
TALL TREES COTTAGE - AFTERNOON
Dougal and a crowd of his mates are sitting around the living room listening to loud music, drinking and smoking fags and drugs, Milana comes downstairs, she looks at them wondering what they are doing, she goes over to Dougal
MILANA: I'm hungry
Dougal looks at Milana
DOUGAL: I'm busy, just go and play and I'll get you something later
Milana looks unimpressed, she walks away into the kitchen, she looks around bored, spotting Dougal's back pack on the table she goes over and looks in the zip sections for something to eat, she pulls out a little bag of pills, she opens them, thinking they are sweets, she eats three, she puts the bag in her trouser pocket and goes back to the kitchen door, she looks at Dougal and his friends before turning and walking towards the back door, she sneaks out of the cottage without Dougal noticing
OUTSIDE TALL TREES COTTAGE
Milana walks up into the village to go to the pub, as she gets near the pub she spots Ross, Finn and James sitting at a picnic bench outside the pub, she goes towards them, sneaking up behind Ross without him noticing, she puts her hands over his eyes as Finn and James smile
FINN: You'll never guess who it is
ROSS: Eh, Jennifer Aniston
FINN: You wish
ROSS: No actually I don't, she's overrated, she's not that hot. It could be a minion, or a princess
Milana puts her head round the side of Ross and uncovers his eyes
MILANA: Yay, you got it right, I'm a princess, helllllo
Milana kisses Ross on the cheek
Ross smiles at Milana as he picks up his pint and sips it
ROSS: What you doing here rat bag, where's your mum?
MILANA: She's at work
Milana sits down beside Ross
FINN: Who's looking after you then? Won't they be worried where you are?
MILANA: Dougal, but I don't think he'll notice, he's busy with his friends
Finn, James and Ross frown
Ross speaks as he puts his pint to his lips
ROSS: Huh, friends, I didn't think he had any
MILANA: I'm surprised he has too, he doesn't seem very nice sometimes, I told him I was hungry and he told me to go and play and he'd make me something later, so I stole his sweets out of his bag and then I came here
Ross, Finn and James look at each other smiling
JAMES: You don't look like a thief
MILANA: I'm not a thief, I don't think he'll mind, I did tell him I was hungry, anyway I wish I hadn't now
FINN: Awww, I'll go and get you some crisps
Milana puts her chin on the table, she rubs her eyes
ROSS: So what are Dougal and his mates doing then?
MILANA: Just sitting around listening to music and drinking and stuff
ROSS: And they say I'm not a responsible adult
MILANA: I don't feel very well
JAMES: Too many sweets?
Finn returns with the crisps and sits back down
Milana is violently sick on the ground, Ross, James and Finn look on, Ross and James look at each other and smile as they nod their heads
ROSS AND JAMES: Too many sweets
Finn looks at the ground
FINN: Eh no, I don't think so, there's pill fragments on the ground
Ross and James look on the ground, Ross puts his hand on Milana's back
ROSS: Milana honey, where did you put the rest of the sweets you ate, did you eat them all?
MILANA: No, they're in my trouser pocket
James feels Milana's forehead as Ross puts his hand in her pocket pulling out a small bag
FINN: Wooooh ok, definitely not sweets
JAMES: She's all clammy
Milana coughs
Ross looks angrily at the bag
ROSS: What kind of scumbag leaves these lying around for a kid to get hold of?
FINN: Says the former drug seller
JAMES: Ok she needs to go to hospital and someone should get Aaron and Caitlin
FINN: Will I call an ambulance?
Milana starts crying
JAMES: No we'll take her, it'll be quicker, we'll take your car Ross
ROSS: I've been drinking
JAMES: I'll drive
ROSS: How many did you eat honey?
MILANA: Three
Ross and James look at each other in shock, Ross picks Milana up and he and James rush over to his car, Ross throws the keys to James, Finn looks on
FINN: What will I do?
James looks back
JAMES: Find Aaron, Chas, Laurel, anyone
James gets in the drivers seat as Ross gets in the back, he sits Milana on his lap, she continuously cries as she cuddles into Ross
MILANA: My tummy really hurts
ROSS: It's ok honey, you just ate something really bad but we're going to the hospital and they'll give you some special medicine to fix it
MILANA: Will I see mummy?
ROSS: Yeah
As they drive along Milana becomes quiet, she falls unconscious, Ross panics as he tries to get her to wake up
ROSS: Dad, she's unconscious
JAMES: As long as she's still breathing that's all that matters, phone the hospital and tell them we're on our way, see if they give you any advice
Ross pulls out his phone and dials Hotten General's number
ROSS: Hi, we're on our way in with a kid who's taken drugs, they're unconscious, what should we do?
NURSE: Keep them on their side in case they're sick and just get here as soon as possible. What gender are they, how old are they and what have they taken?
ROSS: She's female, she's 4 and I think it's ecstasy, her mother's a nurse in the hospital, Caitlin Kennedy
NURSE: Ok, we'll get prepared for you coming in; can you give me an ETA?
ROSS: I don't know, 10-15 minutes
NURSE: Ok, we'll make sure her mother's told, see you when you get here
The nurse puts the phone down and shouts Samara
NURSE: Nurse Stevens have you seen nurse Kennedy?
SAMARA: I think she's down in triage, why?
NURSE: Her daughter's being brought in, you better locate her
Samara looks shocked
SAMARA: What, why, what's happened?
NURSE: I think you better just locate her
Samara rushes off down the corridor, she goes through a maze of corridors before she reaches the sign saying triage, she looks around for Caitlin but can't see her, she approaches another nurse
SAMARA: Hey have you seen Nurse Kennedy?
NURSE: Yeah, she was here, but she was asked to go to cubicles
SAMARA: Ok thanks
Samara rushes off back round the maze of corridors until she reaches cubicles, she see's Caitlin with a patient and rushes over
SAMARA: Hey, you need to get up to the wards, actually no you probably need to go to A and E
Caitlin frowns at Samara, she smiles, confused
CAITLIN: What, why?
SAMARA: Milana's being brought in
Caitlin looks amused
CAITLIN: What for?
SAMARA: I don't have any details, nurse Franks didn't say anything, just told she was being taken in and to come and get you
Caitlin shrugs as she stitches a patients head
CAITLIN: Oh she's probably fallen over and cut herself and wants to see me or something, hey it's my break after this, do you fancy going to the canteen for a coffee?
SAMARA: Yeah why not? My shift's finished anyway
CAITLIN: Ok, I'll just be finished here and we can go
THE VILLAGE – AFTERNOON
Finn is wandering around the village looking for Aaron, he goes up to the garage, he see's Cain coming out from inside with a cup of tea
FINN: Cain, have you seen Aaron?
CAIN: He's out on a job, why, what do you want him for? If you want to get up to anything with him I don't wanna know about it
FINN: No he needs to get to the hospital now
CAIN: Well I've always known he needs his head read, but not while he's dealing with garage customers no
FINN: Milana's been taken in, she got hold of drugs and thought they were sweets
Cain looks shocked
CAIN: Ok, don't worry I'll get him there, you go and get Chas and everyone and let them know
Finn runs off down the gravel, Cain pulls out his phone as he goes towards his car, he phones Aaron as he jumps in his car
HOTTEN GENERAL – AFTERNOON
Caitlin and Samara are sitting in the canteen, Caitlin looks bored as she stretches
CAITLIN: I'm so fed up, I'm living back at my cousin's place, she hates me cause I started sleeping with her carjacker, so guess I'm lucky she's not there to say 'I told you so' right now and I've got my sister's dead husband's brother staying with me and he's making it really obvious he wants us to get up close and personal, talk about rocks and hard places
Samara looks at Caitlin, her hands wrapped around her mug
SAMARA: Oh I don't know; if he's just as gorgeous or even more gorgeous than Ross I'd say jump him
Caitlin looks curiously at Samara, smiling
CAITLIN: Didn't know you fancied Ross, have you always fancied Ross?
SAMARA: Are you kidding? Everyone fancies him, he's so cute, but he knows it and it kinda puts you off, still wouldn't kick him outta bed though, you're a lucky cow
Samara smiles and winks at Caitlin
CAITLIN: Oh well he's free for you to give him a crack now
Caitlin sips her coffee
SAMARA: No I wouldn't do that, you can't do that to a mate, he's yours and even if you have split it'd still be weird going there knowing that
CAITLIN: Oh well I am honoured
Samara smiles at Caitlin
An HCA approaches Caitlin
HCA: You're wanted in emergency
CAITLIN: Thanks
Caitlin smiles
CAITLIN: Guess it'll be Milana
Caitlin and Samara finish their coffees and leave the table
SAMARA: I'll come up with you, hot Ross might be there
Caitlin laughs
CAITLIN: Doubt it, she's with Dougal
SAMARA: Well I'll see if I can score a date with him then ha-ha
Samara puts on her body cross bag as they head towards the lift
SAMARA: So come on, you thinking about getting it on with Dougal?
Caitlin laughs
CAITLIN: Shut up, no I haven't stopped loving Ross just cause he's decided to be a an immature idiot
Samara laughs
SAMARA: What do you mean decided to be? It's genetic, they're genetically programmed to be immature idiots, their only good function is their body so just take what you can get and if I was you I would lock Ross up in a tower and never stop having your wicked way with him ha-ha
CAITLIN: Dirty minded cow, stop thinking about Ross
Samara giggles
SAMARA: If you don't get it back on with him I'll just have to, can't let him get lonely
CAITLIN: Trust me, with Ross, that's never gonna happen
The lift door opens; Caitlin and Samara go towards the desk
CAITLIN: Is Milana here?
NURSE: You're needed in resus
CAITLIN: Ok
Caitlin looks at Samara, intrigued, they head over to the doors to resus, Caitlin opens the doors and is horrified to see a team of people around Milana, she rushes over, Samara looks on, equally horrified
CAITLIN: Oh my god, what the hell's happened?
ROSS: She swallowed Dougal's ecstasy
CAITLIN: What, what ecstasy? Where is he, what are you doing here?
ROSS: He was too busy living it up with his mates to even feed her, she came to the pub, we were sitting outside and she got sick
Caitlin becomes upset and panicky
CAITLIN: How long's she been unconscious?
A female doctor stands in the way of Caitlin as she moves slightly from the bed
DOCTOR: We need to work on her, you need to give us some space and you're still recovering from your flu bug, you don't want to be getting sick again, that won't help Milana, just calm down, go to the family room and we'll keep you updated
CAITLIN: Are you joking? I need to be here, I need to help
DOCTOR: You know the rules, no treating family members
Samara goes round; she puts her hands on Caitlin's shoulders
SAMARA: Hey come on, let them help her, they'll let you know what's happening as soon as they know
CAITLIN: No I have to stay
DOCTOR: Take her away please nurse MacGuire
Samara frowns at the doctor as she takes Caitlin's arm
SAMARA: It's Stevens actually, nurse Stevens, not MacGuire
Caitlin moves Samara's arm off her
CAITLIN: NO I HAVE TO STAY, SHE'S MY CHILD
JAMES: Well maybe you should've thought about that before you left her with a druggie
Caitlin frowns at James as she sniffs, wiping her nose with her hand
DOCTOR: Oh very hygienic nurse Kennedy, will someone get her out of here please?
CAITLIN: Dougal's not a druggie, I'd have known, I'd never leave her with anyone I didn't trust
ROSS: You haven't seen him for years, how do you know what he's like, what he's into? Did you even read the articles I gave you?
CAITLIN: He's not into that, no way and I threw your stupid articles in the bin
The Doctor points next door
DOCTOR: Go through there; you can see her from the window
Samara puts her arm around Caitlin and takes her to the room next door, Ross and James follow, they stand watching through the blinds as the doctors work on Milana, tears stream down Caitlin's face
CAITLIN: How many did she take?
ROSS: She told me three, I told them
Caitlin looks at Ross
CAITLIN: Thanks for taking her in, you don't have to stay, you know, if you have to get back
ROSS: Yeah well I should get back to the garage, I'll come back later
Ross and James go to leave as Aaron comes rushing in, he approaches Caitlin at the window
AARON: What's happening?
CAITLIN: She swallowed some ecstasy Dougal had apparently
Ross is standing in the doorway as James goes to the toilet
ROSS: Aaron
Aaron looks round at Ross, Ross beckons him, Aaron walks over to him
ROSS: We dealing with him or what?
Aaron looks round at Caitlin for a few seconds and then back at Ross
AARON: Yeah, we're dealing with him
ROSS: Right, come on then, what we waiting for?
Ross and Aaron quickly leave, Cain is waiting in the corridor, they walk past him, he follows
CAIN: What's happening?
ROSS: We're going visiting if you want to join us, the more, the better
CAIN: Visiting who?
AARON: Dougal, apparently he left ecstasy lying around for my daughter to swallow
Cain looks surprised
CAIN: Are you joking?
ROSS: I knew he was a prize prat, but he takes first prize now
Ross, Aaron and Cain exit the hospital; they head to Ross's car
CAIN: Hang on, what about my car?
ROSS: Get my dad to drive it back, he's in the toilets
Cain gets his phone out to text James
TALL TREES COTTAGE – EVENING
Dougal and his mates are all sitting spaced out, Aaron, Cain and Ross come through the front door, they look disgusted at what they see as they look at each other shaking their heads. Aaron goes over to the chair where Dougal is sitting, he pulls him up by his jacket, Dougal opens his eyes in surprise, Aaron shoves him back against the wall
DOUGAL: What the hell are you doing?
AARON: My daughter's lying in a hospital bed cause of you
DOUGAL: I dunno what you're on about
ROSS: No you wouldn't you junked up waste of space cause if you'd been watching her like you were supposed to be it wouldn't have happened
AARON: She swallowed your ecstasy you muppet
Aaron throws Dougal on the floor, he tries to crawl away, Ross kicks him in the ribs
DOUGAL: I DON'T HAVE ANY ECSTASY
CAIN: No you and this lot got high on Smarties obviously
Chas appears in the doorway, taking them all by surprise
CHAS: What the hell are you lot doing?
CAIN: Do you spy on people or what? You're always sneaking up and coming out of nowhere
Dougal scrambles to his feet
CHAS: Good job I did by the looks of it. I came to get some stuff for Milalna and Caitlin, look just get this lot out of here will you? We don't need anymore problems
Chas pushes past and goes upstairs, Cain goes over to the couch and starts pulling the guys up and throwing them towards the door
CAIN: Party's over losers, now get out
The guys fall through the doorway
ROSS: What we doing with pretty boy here?
Chas shouts down the stairs
CHAS: You're gonna leave him to the police, I called them ages ago
ROSS: Shame, still I can still give him a present before he goes
Ross takes everyone by surprise when he punches Dougal in the face, he falls to the floor, the police enter
POLICEMAN: What happened to him?
ROSS: He had an accident
POLICEMAN: Oh yeah, well if he has another accident while you're around, you'll be joining this lot down the station
Ross sarcastically replies
ROSS: Yes officer
Aaron, Cain and Ross all leave as Dougal lies in agony
HOTTEN GENERAL – EVENING
Caitlin is sitting alone at Milana's bedside as she lies hooked up to machines, Samara enters with coffees
SAMARA: Hey, have they said anything more?
Samara pulls a chair over and sits next to Caitlin
CAITLIN: They can't do a brain scan until she wakes up, what if she doesn't wake up?
Caitlin looks at Samara, tears streaming down her face
SAMARA: Of course she'll wake up, here, drink this, you'll need the energy
Caitlin takes the coffee cup from Samara as Aaron enters
SAMARA: I'll leave you to it, text me any news ok?
Caitlin nods as Samara gets up from the chair, she smiles at Aaron and offers him her coffee
SAMARA: Here, you can have this
Aaron smiles, taking the cup
AARON: Cheers
Samara goes towards the door
SAMARA: See you later
Aaron sits down on the seat next to Caitlin
CAITLIN: Where's Dougal?
Aaron sips his coffee
AARON: Me and Ross killed him
Caitlin looks at Aaron, unimpressed
AARON: We saw him being carted off by the cops so I'd say he's in a cell by now with any luck
CAITLIN: You do know that I know idea that he was doing that right?
AARON: Yeah, well you'd think we'd both have seen something, after Holly 'n' all
CAITLLIN: Guess that doesn't make us drug experts. I can't believe I left her with him
AARON: Well you didn't know, you thought you could trust him, you did trust him
Caitlin bursts out crying as she looks at Aaron
CAITLIN: What if she's not ok? What if she dies?
Aaron puts his arm around Caitlin, pulling her into him
AARON: She's not gonna die
CAITLIN: You don't know that
AARON: Yeah I do, cause she's brilliant and she's ours
Caitlin laughs through tears and cuddles Aaron
Two hours later
Aaron and Caitlin are asleep, both with their heads on Milana's bed, Milana stirs and opens her eyes, she looks down and see's Aaron and Caitlin, she puts her hand on Caitlin's hair and pushes her head, Caitlin sleepily looks up, she looks relieved when she see's Milana has woken up, getting up from the chair, she leans over her, stroking her hair
CAITLLIN: Hey sweetie, how you feeling?
MILANA: I ate something really bad mummy
CAITLIN: I know
Caitlin shakes Aaron; he gets a surprise and looks round to see Milana has woken up
AARON: Hey you, you've been asleep for ages, were you off in Disneyland again?
MILANA: I've got something to tell you
Caitlin looks worried; she pushes the button above the bed
CAITLIN: What is it honey, do you feel sick?
A nurse and a doctor come in
MILANA: No, I'm going to be the dentist's best little girl, I'm never going to eat sweets again
Aaron and Caitlin smile as the nurse and the doctor check Milana
DOCTOR: Can you wait outside while we do some checks please?
CAITLIN: We'll be just outside sweetie, you be good for the doctor
Aaron and Caitlin go towards the door and go out into the corridor; they look at each other, relieved
AARON: See, I told you she'd be fine
CAITLIN: They still need to do more tests; she's not out of the woods yet
AARON: She'll come through them with flying colours. I'm just gonna ring mum
Aaron walks down the corridor and through the doors, Caitlin looks through the window at Milana, Milana waves at her, she smiles and waves back
THE WOOLPACK – AFTERNOON
Caitlin enters the pub, she looks towards the bar for Chas, James, Moira and Ross are sitting at a table nearby
MOIRA: Hey, how's Milana doing?
Caitlin goes over to the table
CAITLIN: Hey, she woke up in the middle of the night, they've done all the tests now and she's gonna be fine
They all smile in relief
MOIRA: That's great news
CAITLIN: Yeah and they practically chucked us out telling us to go home and sleep. Is Chas here do you know? Pretty sure Milana left the favourite teddy and doll here, just came to check
MOIRA: I haven't seen her, just Diane; do you want to join us for a drink while you wait?
CAITLIN: Nah, I've gotta get back to get sorted for going back to the hospital later
Moira, James and Ross look surprised when they see Dougal enter the pub
ROSS: You've gotta be kidding me
Caitlin looks round, shocked, she goes over to the bar where Dougal pulls up a stool
CAITLIN: What the hell are you doing here?
Dougal lifts his head from the bar
DOUGAL: Awww please don't start, my head's banging
Caitlin looks stunned
CAITLIN: Is that all you have to say to me?
DOUGAL: Look, I'm sorry about everything, but I've just spent the night in a cell
Caitlin flips and starts attacking Dougal, smacking him round the head
CAITLIN: WELL MY DAUGHTER'S JUST SPENT THE NIGHT IN A HOSPITAL BED CAUSE OF YOU SO I THINK SHE WINS HANDS DOWN
Ross, James and Moira rush over, Ross pulls Caitlin off Dougal as James pushes him towards the toilet doors, Caitlin storms out the door and up the village towards Tall Trees, Ross follows
TALL TREES COTTAGE – AFTERNOON
Caitlin enters the cottage and goes upstairs, she pulls out an overnight bag from under her bed, Ross walks inside and goes upstairs to Caitlin's room, he looks round the door, Caitlin looks round
CAITLIN: Why am I such an idiot? Why didn't I see it?
ROSS: No you're not; he didn't want you to see it that's why
Caitlin goes over to the window as her eyes fill up with tears
CAITLIN: No, I'm a nurse, I should've seen something. They might as well give me a certificate as the world's worst mother
ROSS: You're an ace mum, it wasn't down to you, it was him
Caitlin turns and smiles at Ross
CAITLIN: I'm surprised you're being so nice to me, considering you were so against him
Ross smiles back
ROSS: I'm like you, got a naturally suspicious nature, it's just yours was a bit misted up. Either that or it takes a prat to know a prat I guess
CAITLIN: Oh, so you admit that you're a prat then?
ROSS: Only on the quiet
Caitlin and Ross smile at each other
ROSS: I can't stay long; Dan's invited me to his party
Caitlin moves closer to Ross
CAITLIN: I can't believe she could've died
ROSS: She was never gonna die, cause she's stubborn like her mum
Caitlin smiles
CAITLIN: Guess it's a good job the stubborn streak runs in the family then. Thank you for getting her to the hospital, if she hadn't decided to leave the house she might not even be here now cause I doubt Dougal and his lousy mates would've noticed
ROSS: Well I couldn't just leave her there could I?
Ross and Caitlin stare at each other intensely as sexual chemistry lingers between them, she slowly leans towards his lips, closing her eyes, she kisses him, they look at each other again before kissing more intently, they start to take each other's clothes off as Ross pushes her back against the dresser, everything on top of it clatters to the floor as they have sex
A little while later
Ross and Caitlin are lying in bed together, both resting their eyes, Caitlin smiles
CAITLIN: Well this wasn't exactly how I expected my afternoon to end up
ROSS: Me neither
Caitlin turns on her side to look at Ross, opening her eyes and smiling at him
CAITLIN: I've really missed this
Ross turns his head to look at her, he smiles back, he turns his head back, closing his eyes again, Caitlin puts her head on his shoulder, she clasps her hand in his
CAITLIN: We could just stay here all day
ROSS: Hmmm, but I've still gotta go to Dan's
Caitlin laughs slightly
CAITLIN: Not that I wanna sound big headed or anything, but I like to think I'm a more appealing option than Dan
ROSS: Hmmm
Ross rolls on top of Caitlin
ROSS: Free scran and booze vs. an afternoon in the sack
Caitlin folds her bottom lip in as she smiles, lightly hitting Ross's arm
ROSS: Well you're definitely better to look at than Dan anyway
CAITLIN: Are you trying to sign your own death warrant?
Ross smiles, kissing Caitlin, she puts her hands on the back of his head, he moves down to her neck, she closes her eyes as they have sex again
A little while later
Ross is sitting at the side of the bed getting dressed as Caitlin sleeps, he takes his phone from the bedside table and looks at his messages, Caitlin wakes and turns round
CAITLIN: Awww, don't go
Ross looks round at her, he smiles
ROSS: Nah, I have to
Caitlin sits up in the bed, using the duvet to cover herself
CAITLIN: Can I come with you, to Dan's?
Ross scratches his eyebrow
ROSS: I thought you were going back to the hospital?
CAITLIN: I am but I don't have to rush, Chas and Aaron'll stay there till I go back
Ross looks awkward
ROSS: Well you haven't been invited have you?
Caitlin shrugs
CAITLIN: Pretty sure he wouldn't mind if I came with you as your plus one
Caitlin smiles as Ross looks more awkward, his phone beeps, Caitlin looks at the phone and then at Ross, she suddenly realises that Ross is going to the party with Melissa
CAITLIN: You've got already got the plus one sorted, Melissa right?
Ross puts his eyes down
ROSS: Eh, yeah
Caitlin puts her eyes down, disappointed, she rubs her ear in awkwardness
CAITLIN: Well em, do you wanna come back later, I can make us some dinner?
Ross gets up from the bed
ROSS: I've got plans later
Caitlin puts her eyes down again as she struggles to hide her jealousy
CAITLIN: K
ROSS: Well I'll see you later yeah?
CAITLIN: Yup, see'ya
Ross walks out the bedroom door; Caitlin sighs and looks frustrated as she flings herself back in the bed
One hour later
Caitlin drives away from Tall Trees, Rhona stops her as she is driving out of the village, she winds the window down
RHONA: Hey, when's Milana coming home?
CAITLIN: Not sure, tomorrow hopefully
Caitlin smiles, but becomes distracted as she looks over at Dan's, who's party has spilt out into the garden, she see's Ross and Melissa, Ross is giving Melissa a piggy back over to the shop as she has no shoes on, Caitlin looks on jealously as Rhona turns round to look, she turns back to look at Caitlin
RHONA: Uh oh, another Ross shaped problem
Caitlin looks up at Rhona
CAITLIN: Get in
Rhona goes round the front of the car to the passenger side and gets in
RHONA: What's he done now, I mean apart from being the hero of the hour?
CAITLIN: Oh I thanked him for that. He's just spent half the afternoon in my bed, now he's over there with that riding on his back
Rhona bursts out laughing, Caitlin looks at her
RHONA: Sorry, couldn't resist the metaphor. That must be a good sign, he must be ready or nearly ready to forgive and forget
CAITLIN: Oh yeah, expect he couldn't give me the brush off quick enough the minute he put his clothes back on. He had sex with me – twice and now look at him
RHONA: An afternoon of delight was had by all then?
Caitlin sniggers
CAITLIN: Well it's the first time I've done it on a dresser I'll say that
RHONA: WOW, ok, TMI much?
Caitlin laughs
CAITLIN: Sorry
Caitlin smiles at Rhona
CAITLIN: I'm sooooo jealous Rhona, I HATE seeing him with her, I just want him to be with me again properly
Rhona smiles sympathetically
RHONA: Coffee and cake, again?
CAITLIN: Yeah, anywhere but here though
Caitlin drives away from the village
The following day
HOTTEN GENERAL HOSPITAL – AFTERNOON
Caitlin, Aaron and Chas are sitting with Milana as she plays with her doll and reads her book, Caitlin's face lights up when Ross walks in the door
ROSS: Hey
MILANA: Ross, I've got something for you
Ross goes over to the side of the bed
ROSS: I've got something for you as well
Ross pulls out a bag of sweets and hands them to Milana
MILANA: I don't eat sweets anymore; I'm going to please the dentist
Ross feigns a surprised look
ROSS: Oh well, I'll just have to have them instead then
Milana grabs them away from Ross
MILANA: No, I'll keep them and share them with Isabella
Ross and Caitlin smile at each other
CHAS: Who's Isabella? Oh yeah, the imaginary friend
Milana looks annoyed at Chas
MILANA: She's not imaginary, she's sitting on the seat over there, she wants a cake and a drink
CHAS: Oh does she? Well I guess it's a good job I'm on my way to the canteen then isn't it?
Milana smiles at Chas
MILANA: Have you come to take me home Ross?
ROSS: No silly, I'm just here to see you
Melissa puts head round the door; she spots Ross and comes in
MELISSA: God it's a nightmare parking here
Aaron rolls his eyes as Caitlin looks at Melissa in surprise before looking up at Ross
MELISSA: Hey munchkin, how are you?
Melissa smiles at Milana
MILANA: What are you doing here?
AARON: Hey, don't be rude please
Caitlin feels awkward and upset
CAITLIN: I'll be back in a sec, just gonna nip to the loo
Caitlin rushes to the door; Ross looks on and goes after her
ROSS: Caitlin, wait up
Caitlin looks round; she looks disappointingly at Ross as he approaches
CAITLIN: What is she doing here Ross?
ROSS: She just gave me a lift, Dad's borrowed my car
CAITLIN: Oh what, and you couldn't ask anyone else, it had to be her?
ROSS: She offered
CAITLIN: Do you even care how it makes me feel seeing you with her?
ROSS: It was just a lift
CAITLIN: You go from hardly speaking to me, to researching Dougal, to saving my daughter, to sleeping with me and then back to hanging out with her again, you don't make sense to me; do you actually even make sense to yourself? You can't ping pong between the two of us, I'm sick to death of it all, why can't you just be honest about what you want instead of messing people around? I love you so much that my heart hurts every time I see you with her, I fancy you like crazy, I miss you, I miss us, I feel so alone although I'm surrounded by people and I've said I'm sorry a thousand times, but if you don't want us to be together anymore then just officially dump me and we can both move on cause right now I don't know weather I'm coming or going, so when you've got something to say to me, you know where I'm currently living, ok?
Caitlin quickly walks away from Ross, down the corridor and out the doors, leaving him looking stunned