Episode 13
SCENE 1
(Jay and Amber are lying on their bed with baby Bray sleeping peacefully in between them. She has her head on his shoulder and he looks way better than he did the last few days.)
Jay: This might sound really selfish, but I couldn't be happier right now. I know we still have to find the Harpies, but I'm just glad you're back here with me.
(Amber smiles at him and kisses him gently on the lips.)
Amber: It doesn't sound so bad, it's actually quite reasonable and I'm happy, too. You have no idea how much I missed all of you. Heck, I thought, I'd never see you again.
Jay: We should celebrate our reunion.
Amber: That would be nice, but another party would be really insensitive and we have other things to do.
Jay (smirks): I wasn't thinking the whole tribe. Just you and me... and maybe little Bray.
Amber: I'd like that.
Jay: I'll figure something out.
Amber: Good, because I think I have to take over the leading here again. Although I have to say, Lex did a good job this time.
Jay: Then let us get some rest.
(She scoops up her son and puts him gently in his cot so as not to wake him. They both quietly change out of their clothes and get into bed, hugging each other tightly.)
SCENE 2
(Yara is running along the roof of the main house of the warehouses and finds the roof rail, she always climbs up on. Quickly she climbs down a little until she can safely jump and runs to find Bray or Noel. She finally finds both of them sitting outside sharing a meal.)
Noel: Come on, Bray, you know Crow. She's a fierce lady, she'll be alright.
Bray: I know she's strong and knows how to survive, but it's been a week now and nobody has heard from them.
Noel: You can't do anything though. I believe the Harpies and Mallrats are doing everything they can, so we just have to help out with everything else.
(Yara finally reaches them and stops in front of them panting.)
Noel: Yara? Did something happen?
(She nods while still grasping for air. Immediately the two men are on their feet waiting impatiently for the younger girl to spill the beans.)
Yara: Was...on the r-...roof. I saw a... sign. It said help.
Bray: What? Where?
(She just points.)
Noel: You're not supposed to climb the roofs, it's dangerous.
Bray: Doesn't matter now. Where did you see it, Yara? Show me!
(She tugs at both their hands and they run off again.)
SCENE 3
(In the long corridor in the hospital KC and Sammy are both approaching Gel's door from the two opposite directions. They both stop in front of the door.)
Sammy: What are you doing here?
(He looks KC up and down, clearly not happy with him being there.)
KC (shrugs): I thought, I'd see how she was doing. Dylan told me, she was asking for me.
Sammy: Asking for you? Why?
KC: That's what I want to know.
Sammy: He must have lied.
(KC just rolls his eyes and knocks softly on the door. When there's no reply he cracks the door open a little and the light from the corridor falls on her bed, where Gel and Darryl are sleeping. A huge grin appears on KC's face as he closes the door again.)
KC: I think you're right. Gel's sleeping now, maybe we can look after her tomorrow and let her rest now.
Sammy: I'll fetch her breakfast.
KC: Really? Can I get something, too?
Sammy: No! You're not sick.
KC (smirks): So when I'm sick, you'll bring me breakfast? Great, I'll remember that.
(He walks off.)
SCENE 4
(Salene and Trudy are making breakfast and then putting plates down in front of Dylan, Chester and Brady and sit. They start eating.)
Chester: Now that Amber is back, is everything going to be fine?
Salene: Of course everything will be fine, but we still need to find our friends. The Harpies.
Brady (giggles): Girls with feathers in the hair.
Trudy (smiles): Yes, them.
Chester: Why wouldn't they be with Amber?
Dylan: Yea, they all got taken together.
Salene: We don't know. Didn't we talk about this yesterday?
Chester: Yes, but I want to know.
(Salene rolls her eyes and just ignores his question.)
Trudy: I just want to remind you that even though Amber is back, you still have to do your chores.
(Both boys groan and Brady squeals in delight.)
Trudy: You're on for lunch. I take it you can figure out how to make some simple sandwiches? (turns to Brady) And you, young lady, you promise me you'll be nice to Ryan.
Brady: I promises.
Salene: Ryan?
Trudy: Yes, he takes her and Bray Jr. out into the park and watches them, while Amber get settled in and I get things done. With Brady around and babysitting Bray, I've let a lot of other things slip.
Salene: I'm just surprised that Ryan volunteered to do it.
Trudy: Why? He was always so good with the kids. Someday he'll be a terrific father.
Salene (mumbles): Yea, someday...
(She finishes her meal in silence and leaves. The brothers look after her in surprise.)
Dylan: What's wrong?
Chester: Maybe she doesn't like kids.
Trudy (laughs): Trust me, that's not it. Sal is great with kids.
Brady: Why is Sal no mummy?
Trudy: Because she has no baby daddy, sweetheart.
Brady: Brady has no daddy.
(The brothers laugh at this and sit back to see Trudy explain this.)
Trudy: Ah, yes that's true. (smiles uncertain) The difference is that you had a daddy once. He's just not with us any more.
Brady: Where he go?
Trudy: To heaven. He's watching over us, especially you.
Brady (huffs): I need no watching.
(All three older Mallrats laugh at that and Chester ruffles her hair.)
Chester: Of course you do. You're little.
Brady: Am not!
Chester: Are so!
(Brady lets out a frustrated scream and starts to run after Chester who's halfway out the café already. Dylan slowly gets up and follows his brother.)
Dylan: I'll better watch out he's not teasing her too much.
Trudy: When you catch her, just bring her to Ryan, okay?
Dylan: Sure.
(The boy follows and Trudy sits back sighing but with a smile on her face. For a moment her eyes turn up to the ceiling.)
SCENE 5
(Ruby is leaning against the wall of the corridor next to one of the doors. From inside some shuffling can be heard and as the door opens a sleepy Slade emerges. He looks surprised when he sees Ruby standing there waiting for him.)
Slade: Ruby?
Ruby: I need to talk to you.
Slade: Really? Uh... sure come on in.
(He motions for her to get in and closes the door behind her. The room is very empty and messy so both of them sit down on his bed. A few seconds they look at each other in silence until Ruby punches him hard in the shoulder.)
Slade: Ou! What was that for?!
Ruby: You sleeping with that Harpies girl.
Slade: How is that your business and how do you even know?
(Ruby stares at him angrily.)
Ruby: Ebony told me. It's my business, because it should have been me, Slade. You should have been with me.
(He looks clearly taken aback now.)
Slade (quietly): Ruby... I-I didn't know. We were over.
Ruby: You were over it, I could clearly see that, but I wasn't. I am still not over it.
Slade: I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you. About Dove though... I couldn't go to you, Ruby. You're my friend and I respect you too much to make you my rebound girl.
Ruby (snaps): Oh really, Slade? Don't give me that crap! If you respected me so much, you wouldn't have lied to me about having a lethal brain disease or about seeing Ebony.
Slade: That was wrong, I know. I didn't want to hurt you, but now I know that I just made it worse. Please believe me when I say that I miss you. As a friend.
(She is clearly upset and angry, but doesn't leave. She stares at him for a while until she sighs and buries her head in her hands.)
Ruby: I miss you, too. It's really lonely around here. I miss Liberty and the saloon.
Slade: Yea, me too. The Mallrats are great, but we've been with them for over a month and I still feel like an outcast.
Ruby: Happens when you date the outcast of the tribe.
Slade: That's over now anyway.
Ruby: Look, I don't want to fight with you any more, but I don't know if we can be friends. We've never really been friends, just...
Slade: I know, but I consider you my friend, Rubs. Maybe we can just try it.
(She gets up and walks to the door. When she looks at him, there is a small smile on her lips but sadness in her eyes.)
Ruby: We can try, but I won't promise anything. You're still the person, who hurt me more than anything.
Slade: I'm sorry. I'm also sorry we couldn't be together.
Ruby: Don't say that. It's a lie and I hate being lied to. It doesn't matter any more, all affection I once held for you is gone now. Starting fresh is a good idea, if... if I can forgive you.
(She leaves.)
SCENE 6
(A small group is making their way to the abandoned part of the city. Yara and Bray lead the group while Noel and two other guys follow them.)
Noel: Could you slow down a bit? I don't want us to run straight into a trap.
Bray: No, we already waited the whole night, because you didn't want to go in the dark. This could be Crow needing help.
(Noel just rolls his eyes and follows them. After a short while they stop in front of a high apartment building.)
Yara: Is this it?
Bray: Must be. Do you remember which floor it was on?
Yara: I counted to ten windows.
Bray: Tenth floor it is.
(The group easily enters the building and starts running up the stairs. Things and litter is laying on the stairs, but there's a passageway in the middle where someone already had walked up. Following this path they quickly got to the tenth floor.)
Bray: Okay listen. We don't know which apartment they are in, so I say we start on the right side and try it. Noel and I are going to run down the door and you keep watch, understand?
(The group mumbles quietly and Noel and Bray start knocking down the first door. After the noise subsides they hear knocking and shouts. Yara quickly runs along the corridor and listens at the doors until she stops in front of one.)
Yara. Guys, it's here! They're here.
(They run over to where she is standing.)
Noel (shouts): Keep your distance! We're going to knock the door down.
(He and Bray then start running into the door at the same time until a crack is heard and the door swings open. Four girls stare at them and then Hummy squeals in delight as she hugs Noel and Crow flings herself at Bray. Robin just looks up at Vulture with a smirk.)
Robin: That sheet wouldn't work, huh? Told you it would do some good.
Vulture: This time I don't mind being wrong.
(Crow and Bray share a long kiss.)
Bray: I'm so glad, you're okay. You had me worried.
Crow: I told you I shouldn't go to the stupid party.
Bray: Yea, but you had to.
Crow: And I'm pretty sure I didn't have any fun. I don't remember.
(Bray shoots her a worried look and then looks at Hummy.)
Hummy: That is normal. She got a light concussion, but I watched her and she should be fine.
Noel: Okay, let's get you to the warehouses for now and then you can go home to Kestrel.
(The warehouse tribe and the Harpies leave. Camera zooms in on Bray and we see pictures of the blackmail note from season 3 and Amber and Trudy getting back to the mall shaken up. He looks confused, but doesn't say anything as he puts his arm around Crow and follows the others.)
SCENE 7
(Amber sits in the café working on a new roster as KC walks in and fetches himself a bowl of cereal and sits down across from her.)
Amber (smiles): Morning.
KC: You look happy.
Amber: You'd be happy after sitting in an old freezer for a couple of days.
KC (shrugs): I sat in a cage with the Guardian for weeks. I think that's a tie.
Amber: Sorry, I forgot about that.
KC: It's okay. I wish I could forget about that, too.
(She studies him for a moment while he eats and has to laugh as he suddenly starts speaking again with his mouth full.)
KC: I forgot... (chews and swallows) I was at the warehouses with Sparrow after you got kidnapped. I also saw Bray there.
(Amber suddenly looks defensive.)
Amber: What about him?
KC: He remembered me vacantly form the mines and we talked about the future so I brought up Junior. Turns out he didn't know about him, Ebony told him it was yours and Jay's son. So he said, he wanted to come by when everything settled down and they had found Crow.
(She just stares at him with the mouth hanging open. Her fingers turn the pen over and over, while KC just unaffectedly eats his cereal.)
Amber: I really don't know what to say or to feel.
KC: Well, I can't tell you that. I'm no good when it comes to all those feelings. You could be mad at Ebony for starters. That's easy since we're always mad at her anyway.
(Slowly a grin forms on her face until she full out laughs and he just smirks.)
Amber (jokingly): Good advice, KC.
KC: I'm a genius, you know.
Amber: Of course you are. No, but seriously thank you for clearing this up with Bray. I always wanted him to know his son.
KC: Just me not being able to keep my big mouth shut. I don't want any thanks for that.
(He then points at the half finished roster in front of her.)
KC: Oh and while you're at that, don't put me down for cleaning the bathroom. That's just nasty.
Amber: Everyone has to do their share.
KC: So that's where you draw the line of your thankfulness.
(He winks at her as he gets up and puts his bowl in the sink, while Amber just shakes her head smiling and goes back to her work.)
SCENE 8
(Ram walks along the corridor and stops in an open door way. It's Jack's and Ellie's room, but only Jack is there working on his computer. At the sound of Ram he turns around, raising an eyebrow at the visitor.)
Ram: I was looking for Ellie.
Jack: She's with Alice. What do you need her for?
Ram: Just wanted to see the article she wrote about me. (winks) Maybe give her special thanks for the work.
(Jack's face flushes red and with a quick movement he grabs Ram at the collar of his shirt and pushes him against the wall.)
Jack: You keep your distance, Ram! If you ever touch Ellie, I'm going to hurt you... bad.
Ram (chuckles): Jackieboy, how are you going to do that? A fight between the two of us would maybe be funny but also very embarrassing.
Jack: You joke around all you want, but you get away from Ellie. Your work on the Amulet is done, I take over now.
Ram: Maybe Blondie and I are friends now, she didn't seem to mind my company.
Jack: I don't care. Be her friend, if you can actually do that, but anything out of line and you have to deal with me.
(He now slowly lets go of Ram, who just sidesteps Jack and sits down on the bed.)
Ram: I have to disappoint you, but you're not really intimidating, Jack. Probably because I know you're too much of a good guy.
Jack: Better than being a maniac like you.
Ram: Ouch. (laughs) Okay seriously now, Blondie is yours, I was just messing with you since you get jealous so easily. You should work on that, girls don't dig that. And I actually don't want to be on your bad side.
(Jack raises an eyebrow at him, clearly he doesn't believe him.)
Ram: Don't flatter yourself, Jackie. Well, actually a little maybe. You're just the only one in your tribe, who is smart.
Jack: Don't you like being the genius?
Ram: Of course I do, who doesn't? Well, you'll get it eventually.
(He grins at Jack then leaves, but the other boy just looks after him with a knowing smile.)
Jack: I already do.
SCENE 9
(The four Harpies and Noel and Bray sit in a circle outside the warehouses in the sun. Each of the girls has a meal and a drink in front of them and they all look much better. Bray has put an arm protectively around Crow's shoulders, but doesn't seem to be listening to the conversation.)
Vulture: We don't know who did it, but when I find out, they're going to pay!
Crow: Yes, they are. Kestrel should be down with that.
Noel: And how are you going to find out?
Robin: We could just wait at the apartment until one of them shows up with food. Then we get them to spill the beans.
Vulture: What if someone's already been there? They won't hang out there to get caught.
Noel: Why don't you get home and relieve Kestrel and the others and we scout out the building? Our numbers have grown a lot lately.
Hummy (quietly): I just want to get home. I know you guys need me around here, but right now I just want to see the woods again.
Noel: Don't worry about it, Hummy. We've survived the past week without you around, we can manage. You should be with your tribe. Right, Bray?
(Bray snaps out of his thought by the mention of his name, but looks at them all confused.)
Bray: What?
Noel: I just told Hummy, we don't need her around and that she should spend some time with her tribe.
Bray: Oh yea, we talked about that. After Maria died we had two more deaths, but all the others are doing fine and all the new people who joined us lately are helping out great. They are slowly learning to live with their disabilities. You did a wonderful job, Hummy, take some time.
(Hummy turns red and smiles shyly at the two men, but she doesn't have to reply as Robin jumps to her feet.)
Robin: I don't know about you guys, but I really want to go home now.
(Bray turns to Crow.)
Bray: Are you going, too?
(She gives him a quick kiss and smiles at him.)
Crow: I have to. No, not right, I want to. Kestrel must have been worried and I really want to see her now. I'll be back with you soon, though.
(The Harpies are quickly ready to leave and say their goodbyes.)
SCENE 10
(Gel is lying in her bed and slowly her eyes flutter open. She winces as she turns around, but a small smile appears on her face, as she watches Darryl sleep next to her. As she struggles to sit up, she lets out a sharp cry and doubles over. From the sound awoken Darryl looks at her worriedly.)
Darryl: Babe, what's up?
Gel (cries): I don't know. It hurts!
(Having had her arms underneath the blanket, she brings up her right hand which is slick with red blood. Horror is seen in both their faces.)
Gel: Get Trudy!
(It takes a second to sink in, but as Gel starts to cry uncontrollably, Darryl jumps out of bed and runs to get Trudy. It doesn't take him long to return. Trudy rushes to her side, while Darryl stands in front of the bed very pale. Gel looks at him sharply with tears in her eyes.)
Gel: Go, Darryl!
Darryl: But...
Gel: Get out!
Trudy. Darryl, just leave.
(He looks as if he's going to say something but then leaves and closes the door behind him. When he's gone Trudy pushes back the blanket and we see Gel's thighs were covered in blood.)
Gel: What is happening?
Trudy: You know, don't you? That's why you asked for me.
(Gel cries even more and doubles over in pain once again. Trudy takes her hand an squeezes it.)
Gel: I didn't know, Trudy. It was just once.
Trudy: The foetus probably didn't take well to the punches. I'm sorry, Gel.
Gel: It hurts so bad. When does it stop?!
Trudy: You have to try to relax. The cramps will go away in a while. Take deep breaths and try to relax. I'll get Sammy guard your door so nobody gets in and take care of the rest, okay?
Gel: Y-yes.
(Trudy hurries out of the room while Gel lets out a muffled scream, as she turns her head into her pillow in the last moment and then just lies and sobs.)
SCENE 11
(A very pale looking Lottie is running along the corridor until she comes to Ruby's room, without knocking she barges in and the blonde young woman looks up at the girl.)
Ruby (surprised): Lottie?
(She quickly closes the door behind her and walks over to Ruby, who's lying on the bed reading a book.)
Lottie: I'm going to die, Ruby!
Ruby: What?!
Lottie: I'm bleeding. When people bleed, they die.
(Ruby puts away her book and looks the girl over.)
Ruby: Where are you bleeding, Lottie? Does it hurt? What happened?
Lottie: Nothing happened. I just went to the toilet and... I was bleeding.
Ruby: You mean...
Lottie: Down there.
(Ruby lets out little laugh of relief and walks over to her drawer. When she turns around she has a pack of sanitary napkins in her hand.)
Ruby: You're not going to die, Lottie. That is normal.
Lottie: Normal?
Ruby: Yes, sweetie, it means, you're becoming a woman. (hands her the sanitary napkins) Here, you put them in your underwear and you're safe. Go do that and I explain to you when you come back.
(Lottie looks at the box with curiosity then leaves for the bathroom. Ruby looks after her with a smile and a look of disbelief.)
SCENE 12
(Out in the park Ryan is sitting in the sand box with Brady and Bray Jr. While Brady is baking sand cakes and offering them to Ryan, Bray constantly tries to put sand in his mouth so Ryan has to watch him carefully. Laughing he again hinders the little boy at eating the sand.)
Ryan: No, that's not for eating. You'll get sick.
Brady: He's a baby, he doesn't know yet.
Ryan: That's right, we should still tell him, though.
Brady: He doesn't understand.
Ryan: Just because he doesn't talk, doesn't mean, he doesn't understand us, Brady.
Brady: Bray talks. He says dada all the time.
Ryan (smiles): Soon he'll talk properly and he can tell you everything.
Brady: No, I want to tell Bray stories.
Ryan: Like?
Brady: Cinderella. mummy always tells me before bed time. It's my favourite.
Ryan: Do you know the one about Rapunzel, too?
(The little girl fiercely shakes her head. She then offers him another 'cake' which he pretends to eat.)
Brady: Tell me! (pauses) Please?
Ryan: Okay, there once was a beautiful and brave prince...
(The camera pans around to show Salene standing behind a tree watching the three of them.)
SCENE 13
(The four previously captured Harpies are already making their way through the woods. All four of them seem much happier and healthier as they leave the city behind. Robin and Hummy skip through the woods and jump over roots, even Vulture manages a small smile. Soon they reach their camp and shouts are heard as the girls rush to them. Everyone gets hugged and asked questions. Crow looks around and spots Kestrel slowly getting down the ladder to her tree house. Crow quickly makes her way to her and as her friend sets foot on the ground she already pulls her into a hug.)
Kestrel: You're back!
Crow: Safe and sound.
Kestrel: I was so worried about you guys. How is this even happening?
Crow: Well, it's a really long story, but Bray and Noel busted us out.
Kestrel: Let's sit down and you tell me the whole thing. No, the whole tribe should hear it.
(She smiles a huge smile as she sits down by the camp fire and all the tribe gathers around them. As Crow starts talking with some adding comments from Robin, Hummy and Vulture, Kestrel's eyes drift out of focus a few times.)
SCENE 14
(Trudy rushes to Gel's room with a bowl of hot water and some towels. Sammy looks at her concerned, but doesn't say something as he just steps aside and lets her in. Inside Gel is still in bed with her messy clothes, but she just cries quietly and the pain seems to have gone away. Trudy sets down the stuff she was carrying and sits down next to Gel.)
Trudy: Gel, how are you now? Does it still hurt?
Gel (weakly): A little.
Trudy: How about we get you cleaned up and changed? You'll feel better.
(Gel sits up an looks at the older girl with wide eyes and trembling lips.)
Gel: I didn't know, Trudy. How could I not know, I was pregnant?
Trudy: It's only been a week, Gel, you don't feel anything.
(She looks worriedly at the blood on the sheets, which seems to be too much for an ordinary miscarriage.)
Trudy: You have to get up now and change into something else and I'll take care of the bed, Honey.
(Gently but firmly she drags Gel out of bed and starts cleaning the bed, while we hear Gel change and wash herself. The camera then pans around to show her sitting on the floor hugging her knees tightly. The water in the bowl is now red.)
Gel: Think, I would've been a mother. That poor child.
Trudy: Don't say that. You would have figured it out and Darryl would've helped you.
(At the mention of the name Gel snaps out of her stupor and looks furiously at Trudy.)
Gel: Don't tell him!
Trudy: He's worried, Gel.
Gel (shouts): NOT A WORD!
Trudy: Fine, that's your call anyway. I still think you should tell him. This can be really difficult.
Gel: Why? It was only a week old, right? Nothing but a bunch of cells, not even a real person.
Trudy: Please just promise me you go out and eat something soon. I'll come and check on you in a few hours.
Gel: Whatever.
(Trudy walks to the door with the messy sheets, as she turns around Gel sits in front of her mirror doing her hair and make-up. Trudy leaves with a worried look.)
SCENE 15
(Meanwhile Darryl sits in the café anxiously moving a cup of coffee from one hand to the other. KC walks into the café and spots his friend. A wide grin appears on his face as he takes a seat across from him.)
KC: Hey Loverboy.
(Darryl looks up confused.)
Darryl: What?
KC: I saw you. You slept at Gel's tonight.
Darryl: How do you know?
KC: Dylan said, I should check on her, but when I got there you two were cuddling so I didn't want to disturb. So I take it you did hook up after the party.
Darryl (uneasy): Yes, we finally sorted it out yesterday. It's just...
KC: Already trouble in paradise?
Darryl: I don't know. I have no idea what's going on and Trudy won't tell me. She woke up this morning screaming in pain and bleeding and then she told me to get out.
KC: Is she alright?
Darryl: Trudy says she's a bit shaken up but fine. I just haven't seen her since then.
KC: Maybe she needs some time. I mean it must all be a big shock. First she got beaten up pretty badly and now she wakes up to pain and blood.
Darryl: Probably. I wouldn't know what to say anyway.
(KC chuckles at that and shrugs, as he has no idea either.)
SCENE 16
(On the lonely side of the warehouses Bray stands with his back to the wall of one of the houses his head hanging low.)
FLASHBACKS
(Bray and a very pregnant Trudy arrive at the mall. Bray brings Zoot into the mall to see his daughter. Salene and Bray kiss at the party. Trudy tries to kill herself. Zoots funeral. Tai-San joining the Mallrats. The foundation of the Mallrats. Lex and Zandras wedding. Amber kissing Sasha. Amber crying over letting Sasha go. Bray and Amber kissing. Amber giving him her ring and Bray giving her the 'keys to his heart'. Bray being held prisoner and being hit on by Ebony. Bray and Ebony coming to aid the Mallrats with the bus and they make their way for Eagle Mountain.)
(Bray lets out a groan and rubs his temples.)
Bray: Mallrats.
FLASHBACK
(A very pregnant Amber and Bray are banned from the city. Lex leads them away from it and wishes them luck. Amber and Bray are now in the barn and the baby is coming.)
Bray: I'm a father.
(The camera pans around to show Mouse lurking at the edge of the building, he's leaning against. She has clearly heard him say Mallrats and inches closer now. Bray looks up and spots her. A small smile plays around the corners of his mouth.)
Bray: You're Mouse, right?
(The young girl nods.)
Bray: What are you doing around here? Don't you have some friends waiting?
(Mouse shakes her head and comes to stand next to him. She takes his right hand and draws the pentagram on the back of it with her finger. Only after she has done it a few times, Bray realizes what she's doing. Surprised he looks down at her.)
Mouse (whispers): Mallrats.
Bray: Do you know them?
Mouse (nods): But you weren't there.
Bray: No... I've been away for a long time.
Mouse: I heard of you. You're Bray, Amber's Bray.
Bray: I guess I am. They're in this city, you know. Would you like to join them again?
(Her face lights up as she wraps both her hands about the one she's still holding.)
Mouse: Will Salene be there?
Bray: I don't know. You know I had some memory loss. It all came back today when we saved the girls. Actually I have to go see the Mallrats soon.
Mouse: Because of the baby?
Bray: Yes.
Mouse: Can I come?
Bray (smiles): Of course, they'd love to see you, don't you think.
Mouse (laughs): I guess.
Bray: Okay, but I have to talk to Noel about something first.
(The pair walks back to the main area while sill holding hands.)
SCENE 17
(In Jay and Amber's bedroom he has put up candles and strewn rose petals on the floor and the bed. On the bedside table are two glasses and a bottle of champagne and Jay wears black pants and a white shirt. He looks at the room with satisfaction as the door opens and Amber pops her head in. Jay smiles at her and leads her inside, while she looks at it in surprise.)
Amber: Jay, wow... This is amazing.
Jay: This is all for you, Amber.
Amber: You are so great.
(She wraps her arms around him and kisses him, when they part he walks over to the bed side table and fills the glasses. As he turns his back to her, the smile fades from Amber's face and she looks worried.)
Jay: Bray is with Ryan so we have the whole day to ourselves. Just you and me.
(He turns around with a big smile and hands her one of the glasses. As they clink glasses he puts a hand on her hips.)
Jay: To us.
Amber: To us.
(They sit down on the bed and sip at their glasses)
Jay: I want to tell you something.
(A flicker of surprise and also fear crosses her face, but he doesn't seem to notice.)
Jay: Being with you has taught me a lot about myself, Amber, and I'm grateful to you and to fate that you're here sitting next to me now. You and Bray are my family now, something I haven't had since Ved has been gone.
Amber (quietly): Jay...
Jay: No, I'm not done yet. While you've been gone I was thinking. You're the most important thing in my life right now and I don't ever want to lose you. Why don't we make it official? Be a real family?
(Her eyes widen in shock and now there's also uncertainty on Jay's face.)
Amber: Jay, are you saying what I think you're saying?
(Jay takes the glass from her and puts them both back on the table, then he goes down on one knee and takes Amber's hands in his own.)
Jay: Amber, will you marry me?
(For a long while nobody says anything and they just stare at each other. Then slowly Amber pulls her hands out of his grip and tears form in her eyes.)
Amber: I... I don't know what to say. I love you, Jay, but... I can't marry you.
(A shadow washes over Jay's face as he gets up and paces, then turns and looks at her truly hurt.)
Jay: Why not? We love each other, I love Bray and he needs a father and his true father doesn't seem to want him.
Amber: But he does. It was a misunderstanding, Bray'll come by and meet his son.
Jay: Is that it then? Bray?
Amber: No! (pauses) Yes, I don't know.
(The tears fall form her eyes and wet her cheeks. Jay starts pacing again, now truly angry.)
Jay: You just told me you love me, Amber, and you promised not to leave me, remember? He has a girlfriend for crying out loud!
Amber: I know all of that and I do, I do love you. This is all so confusing right now. Bray has always had a place in my heart, I just didn't think he'd ever be around again to claim it.
Jay: He's not claiming anything. He has a girlfriend.
Amber (irritated): I know that. Listen, I'm not breaking up with you, I just don't want to make such a big decision while feeling so confused. Also I don't really believe in marriage. To be true to myself, I can't marry you.
Jay (furiously): So you're just stringing me along, because you don't want to be alone in the end? If things don't work out you're just using me as a baby daddy?
(Amber gets up now, still crying but also angry now.)
Amber: Bray Jr has a father and I don't string you along. I just want to give us a chance, but you're making it really hard for me.
Jay (snort): Oh, I'm making it hard for you? Excuse me that this relationship isn't all about you. You know, I'm in this, too. I have feelings, too.
(Amber cries even harder now and sinks back on the bed.)
Amber (sobs): I never wanted to hurt you, I'm so sorry.
(The anger also subsides in Jay as he sees the woman he loves crying. He sighs and sits down next to you.)
Jay: I know a sinking ship, when I see one and it would only be stupid to go down with it.
Amber: You just proposed to me and now you...
Jay: That was my last attempt to make this work, Amber. We've been fighting ever since we found out Bray might be alive. I was insecure about your feelings for me and I pressured you, making myself miserable. If you would've said yes now I would've known your feelings are real, but you didn't and the only reason for turning my proposal down was Bray. I'm not going to kid myself any more, Amber.
Amber: But I love you!
Jay: And I love you, but I can't share you.
(He leans over and kisses her gently, before he turns for the door. He stops and turns around to look at her.)
Jay: I'll be getting my stuff later and move into one of the spare rooms.
(As he closes the door behind himself, she downs the two glasses of champagne and curls up in a ball crying.)
SCENE 18
(Back at the Harpies camp the girls have told their story and many girls have gone back to their work leaving only Kestrel, Dove, Sparrow, Vulture, Crow and Robin.)
Vulture: Bray and Noel decided it would be best to have some people in the building and jump them when they come to give us food and find out who is behind all this.
Kestrel: Sounds good to me. There really is no other way and I want these people to pay.
Vulture (smirks): I want to go back, make them pay myself.
(Kestrel ponders the request for a second, then smiles.)
Kestrel: I understand, give the guys a hand.
Sparrow: You're leaving now?
Vulture: Yes, we don't know when it's time to strike, sis.
Sparrow: But you just got back and... Can I come?
Vulture: You? You're no fighter, you're a scout.
Sparrow: Well, I don't care, I want to come with you.
(Dove chuckles and even Kestrel smirks a little, Sparrow eyes them suspiciously.)
Sparrow: What's so funny about me wanting to be with my sister?
Kestrel: Nothing.
Dove: Your sister or KC?
Vulture: What? My sister got herself a boyfriend?
Sparrow: NO! We're just friends.
Vulture: Aww, I wouldn't want to keep lovers apart. I'll take you to the Mallrats and then meet up with Noel and Bray myself.
(Kestrel looks at Crow, who's been silent until now.)
Kestrel: Don't you want to go with them?
Crow: No, at least for today I'll stay with you.
Kestrel: You don't have to.
Crow: But I want to, stupid.
(She laughs and nudges her best friend. Kestrel smiles, but her eyes wander out of focus and roll back into her head. She's about to fall from the tree stump she's sitting on, but regains consciousness and plays the whole thing of for laughs. Sparrow and Dove exchange an alarmed look. Vulture and Sparrow get ready for the way back to the city. As they say their farewells, Sparrow drags Crow to the side and speaks to her in a low voice.)
Sparrow: Something is up with Kestrel. She's been playing it down and says it's just a headache, but it's not. Ever since we got attacked, she's been a little weird. Keep an eye on her and maybe talk to Hummy.
Crow (concerned): Was she okay?
Sparrow: She got hit, but she was conscious. She never took a break though.
Crow: I'll see what I can do.
Sparrow: Out of all of us, she'll listen to you.
(She pats Crow's shoulder and runs after her older sister. Crow now watches Kestrel concerned.)
SCENE 19
(Dark clouds are gathering on the horizon and Ryan turns his head worriedly. He picks up Bray Jr and holds his hand out for Brady to take.)
Ryan: Come on, Sweetie, I think we should go inside. This looks like rain.
Brady: No, I wanna stay.
Ryan: But you'll get wet.
Brady: I don't care, inside mummy just sends me to bed.
Ryan (smiles): But you're with me today and I just remembered another story I want to tell you.
(Brady stands up and brushes the dirt off her yellow dress. She pops her head to the side and looks up at Ryan expectantly.)
Brady: What story?
(Bray gurgles in Ryan's arms. Thunder is heard from far away and he impatiently holds his hand out to Brady. From behind him Salene appears, who has been watching him with the kids the whole time. She puts a hand on Brady's shoulder.)
Salene: Now don't tease uncle Ryan, Brady. He's right, it's going to rain soon and you'll get sick out here.
Brady: Okay.
(She takes Ryan's hand and the four of them make their way inside.)
Ryan: Thanks, Sal, but I didn't need your help.
Salene: Oh, I know. You've always been great with the kids. (quietly) You would've been a great father.
(Ryan's head snaps around at the last sentence. In both their eyes there is hurt.)
Salene: I'm sorry, I didn't want to bring that back up. Actually I just snapped when Trudy told me you were watching the kids. For one that was always my job and then I was just... jealous, I guess. Of course I have no claim to you any more, but it's hard to adjust to.
Ryan: Sal, I don't want to talk about this. You shut the idea down now stick with it. Don't come running to me, because you're lonely. I'm sorry this sounds harsh, but in order for us to be friends, you have to stop bringing the past up.
(They walk in silence and enter the hospital.)
SCENE 20
(Trudy walks to the Gel's room with a plate of food and a glass of water. She knocks, but gets no answer, so she just opens the door. The room is dark, but Gel still sits in front of her mirror brushing her hair and by the looks of it she has done that for a while now. Trudy puts down the plate on the desk in front of her and takes the brush form her.)
Gel: Hey, give it back.
Trudy: No, you need to get out.
Gel: I don't want to.
Trudy: Darryl's been asking about you.
Gel: I don't care.
Trudy: Gel, I understand this has all been a lot to take in.
Gel: Oh yea? How? Have you slept with someone while being drunk, gotten pregnant then gotten beaten up by a crazy lady and lost that child? I don't think so.
Trudy: No, but I've been through some rough stuff, too. I think we all have here. Losing a child can be difficult.
Gel: Come on, I didn't want that thing anyway.
(Angrily she turns around and looks at Trudy with tears glistening in her eyes.)
Gel: I'd be a horrible mother, we all know that. You all think I'm just a stupid bimbo. If Darryl hadn't come I'd probably be dead by now and you wouldn't care.
(Tears spill from her eyes now and Trudy pulls her in for a hug. At first Gel struggles against it, but then gives up.)
Trudy: Now you listen to me, young lady. It's true, we've all had our opinions of you, but that doesn't mean we don't care for you. There have been fights since Jack brought you to the mall, but you're one of us now. In fact we actually had a girl not unlike you in the tribe before. Zandra loved pretty things and make overs like you and she was a dear friend to us all.
Gel (muffled): Where's she now?
Trudy (sadly): Zandra died a few years ago, but you remind me a lot of her.
(The girls remain like this for a while until Gel struggles to get free again.)
Gel: Trudy, thanks, but... I'm kind of hungry.
(Laughing Trudy lets go of the younger girl and pushes the plate in front of her.)
Trudy: Dig in.
(She gets up to leave, but Gel quickly grabs her hand.)
Gel: Would you stay? Tell me more about Zandra, she sounds like an interesting person.
(Smiling Trudy sits down on the bed and watches Gel eat, while she tells her stories about Zandra.)
SCENE 21
(Alice and Ellie are sitting in the control room keeping an eye on the cameras and Alice is braiding her sisters hair.)
Ellie: This is just like old times. All my favourite people at one place.
Alice: Don't go mushy on me, sis.
Ellie: Why not? I'm happy.
Alice: Any particular reason? Something to do with a certain geek?
(Ellie turns around surprised.)
Ellie: Jack? No, why?
Alice (shrugs): I was just thinking. You two were going steady for a while now.
Ellie (sighs): True, but we had our ups and downs. I think we both enjoy how it is right now, just easy and peaceful.
Alice: That's great. I'm really happy for you.
Ellie: What about you, Alice? Anyone to your liking?
Alice: Since Ned? No, I could definitely use an upgrade from that.
Ellie: Don't worry, we're going to find you a man. A real one.
(Ellie winks at her and turns around again, so Alice can go back to braid her hair and she can keep an eye on the cameras.)
SCENE 22
(Outside rain is pouring down on Sparrow and Vulture who are running to the hospital. In the entrance hall they shake the water from their faces and have a look around. Lex, KC and Ebony are coming out of the café at the sound of footsteps. Surprise is seen on all of their faces.)
Ebony: Vulture?
(Vulture turns around and nods at them.)
Vulture: In the flesh.
Lex: But... weren't you...
Vulture: Kidnapped? Yea. This morning we got busted out, but I have to get going and sort some stuff out. Sparrow can tell you the whole story.
(She turns to leave, but stops and turns around.)
Vulture: What about Amber?
Ebony: She got back yesterday.
Vulture (frowns): How?
Lex: Someone from the Consilium found her.
KC: I guess his name was Kaelem.
Vulture: Kaelem?
(Both hers and Sparrow's face darken at the mention of the name. Vulture spins around and heads out into the terrible weather and the Mallrats look after her astonished that somebody would voluntarily go out. KC then walks over to Sparrow.)
KC: So what are you here for?
Sparrow: Why? Can't I come here to visit my good friend Lex?
(She winks at Lex who just rolls his eyes and walks back into the café followed by Ebony.)
KC: Oh when did that friendship start up?
Sparrow: Just now. Didn't you see the way he was eyeing me. There are positive vibes there.
KC: You're so weird.
(He shakes his head at her, but can't stop smiling.)
Sparrow (shrugs): I've heard that before.
(She walks over to sit on the bench in the entrance hall, but KC shakes his head and motions for her to follow him. As they walk, Sparrow nudges him.)
Sparrow: You know why I'm here, don't you?
KC: Do I?
Sparrow: I told you.
KC: Told me what?
(She rolls her eyes at him and he smirks at her.)
Sparrow: That I'd be coming by just for you.
KC: Why do you think we're going to my room now? There are cameras in the entrance hall and in this corridor.
Sparrow (raises an eyebrow): Big Brother is watching you, or what?
KC: Nope, I guess at this moment it should be Ellie.
(They reach his room and he holds the door open for her just to close it behind her. She looks at him with a mocking smile.)
Sparrow: Quite the gentleman, huh?
KC: Nope.
(He grabs her wrist, pulls her into his arms and gives her a kiss that she happily returns. When they part they're both flushed.)
Sparrow: Well, that's not how I imagined this to go, but I won't complain.
KC: What did you expect?
Sparrow: Oh you know a little more of our playful banter although both of us know what we want and then, because you're stupid and won't get the hint, I'd do this...
(With a quick movement she pushes him against the door and bites his lower lip, before actually kissing him.)
SCENE 23
(Just as Jay is walking out of the room he shared with Amber with all his belongings in his hands, Ebony walks past and stops in her tracks.)
Ebony: What's this? Trouble in paradise.
Jay (sighs): Ebony, come to gloat?
Ebony: So I'm right?
Jay: We broke up. I'll be moving to your end of the corridor now. If you meant that, yes, you're right.
Ebony: Well, it was just a matter of time, wasn't it?
Jay: What's that supposed to mean?
Ebony: Nothing, nothing. Just let me ask, who is it this time? Ruby? Salene? Or back to Trudy again? Face it, Jay, you just can't stay with a girl. You get bored to easily.
(He shoots her an angry look and walks past her, but Ebony just follows him and keeps on talking.)
Ebony: Oh... or did she dump you? Because Bray is back in the picture. You're very alike though, but I guess that wasn't enough. Not when you're used to the real deal.
Jay (sharply): Ebony! Shut up, I don't want to hear it.
Ebony: The truth hurts, eh?
Jay: I just have enough of you soaking up misery like a sponge. As I remember it your honeymoon was cut short, too.
Ebony: Well, that was different. I dumped Slade.
Jay (laughs): Am I supposed to be surprised now? You're always the one getting scared of commitment and walking away. Like you did with me.
Ebony: So you committed fully to Amber and fell on your stupid face, what's so brave about that?
Jay: Actually I dumped her.
(They know get to the empty room which once has been an office room. Jay sighs as he realized, he has to get a bed from the clinic or has to sleep on the floor tonight. He puts his belonging on the floor next to the door and starts to sort things out, while Ebony stays in the doorway and watches him.)
Ebony: Why?
Jay: Well, as much as I hate to say it, but you were right.
Ebony (grins): Another girl?
Jay: No, about the Bray thing.
Ebony: And I'm not surprised about that. They've always been all over each other. Nothing could keep them apart and trust me... I tried.
(Jay turns around and looks at her long.)
Jay: Is that why you lied? To keep them apart?
Ebony (shrugs): Even if I did, it didn't work out, did it?
Jay: Guess not.
SCENE 25
(In the old apartment building Noel, Vulture and two other big guys crouch in the shadows near the stairs. Vulture turns to them with a finger at her lips as they hear footsteps coming up the stairs. Noel holds up a hand to hold them back and as a figure dressed in black with a hood over their face appears, he gives the command to attack and the four people run the figure over. Vulture lands a heavy blow to the face and knocks the hood off only to stare at Liam in disdain, who stares back very surprised.)