As I Am by Belle Wallace

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EXT. STELLA'S OFFICE BUILDING, - DAY. We are introduced to the story world with an exterior of Stella's office (Volks & Spencer a solicitors) which is nestled on a suburban high street.

INT. STELLA’S WORK DESK, WORK

– DAY.

STELLA is sitting at her desk writing an email. MAX a colleague from her work sneaks up behind her and places his hands over her eyes.

MAX Guess Who. STELLA MAX...

STELLA giggles at this in a flirty manor then catches a glimpse of a family photo on her desk (of her, her husband Paul and their kids Abby & Jack). STELLA suddenly shakes off her flirty demeanor and with a clearing of her throat, she begins talking business with MAX. How are you getting on with Mrs Sullivan's will then?

MAX It's funny you should say, She just rang this morning saying that she's decided to leave all of her money to a cat sanctuary.

STELLA Doesn't she have children?

MAX Yeah, i know, but what can you do?

STELLA Poor kids.

MAX True, but what family's perfect right?

MAX smiles and begins to walk away leaving STELLA glancing at him for a second, then back to the photo on her desk.

EXT. WORK’S CAR PARK – NIGHT. STELLA has finished work for the day, she is about to head home when she realises that one of her wheels is flat on her bicycle.

STELLA

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Oh for fuck sake. luckily for STELLA, MAX is leaving work at the same time and on his departure notices STELLA gesticulating at her bicycle. MAX pulls along side her and winds down his window.

MAX You alright there? Need any help?

STELLA No it's fine, I've got a flat is all.

MAX pop's his boot and opens his car door to get out as he says his next line.

MAX We'll pop it in the back and I'll give you a lift.

STELLA Thanks but no, it's fine, don't worry, I'll just get the bus.

STELLA isn't sure whether accepting a lift is the right thing to do. She attempts to put him off by changing her destination plans entirely.

I'm, actually, going to,.. pick up my kids from my friends house so, really i wouldn't want to put you out.

MAX however isn't phased by this whatsoever, now holding the bicycle by the open car boot, he places it inside.

MAX Nonsense, There we go.

MAX closes the boot and opens the passenger door.

MAX Come on STELLA, your chariot awaits.

STELLA eases herself into the passenger seat, MAX shuts her door, STELLA then checks her make-up and hair in the sun-visor mirror. MAX then enters the drivers side and starts the car.

MAX Where to my lady?

STELLA Um, do you know Roundhouse Gardens? If you just turn left at the traffic lights I'll direct

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you from there.

MAX Yeah, i think i know, OK you strapped in?

STELLA Yeah,.. Thank you for this, honestly, it.. means a lot.

MAX and STELLA pull out of the car pack and into the road.

EXT. TRISH’S HOUSE – NIGHT. STELLA and MAX arrive at TRISH’S house. STELLA walks up to the door leaving MAX in the car overlooking the doorstep of the house. STELLA knocks on the door to be greeted by TRISH, STELLA'S best friend and also the mother or ABBY & JACK’S best friends SERENA & BILLY. TRISH is surprised to see STELLA. TRISH Oh hello, i thought JACK & ABB'S were making their own way home tonight?

STELLA Yeah, sorry, change of plans.

TRISH shout's back into the house.

TRISH ABBY, JACK your mum's here... So my darling, hows things? Wanna come in for a quick drink or?

STELLA turns to look at MAX in the car, TRISH smiles at STELLA and waves to MAX in the car, who waves back.

STELLA I can't,a friend from work kindly offered to drive us home so i can't keep him waiting.

TRISH Ah, well i can see why it was an offer you couldn't refuse, he's more than welcome to join us.

TRISH tilts her head, blatantly checking him out.

STELLA No honestly it's fine, I'm sure he's got places to be.

ABBY (STELLA'S daughter) comes hurrying out of the house.

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ABBY Thanks for having me TRISH. TRISH No problem ABB'S, you know your welcome here anytime lovely.

ABBY smiles at TRISH then turns to STELLA who was lost glancing back over to MAX in the car. ABBY snaps her out of her gaze.

ABBY Well hi Mum, been watching the news again? worried we were going to get kidnapped on the way home or something?

STELLA Don't be silly, a friend of mine very kindly offered us a lift so i thought we may as well..

At this point JACK comes walking out the house. He turns to look at his mum and greets her with a grunt.

JACK Cheers TRISH. At this point MAX steps out of the car, looks towards everyone and smiles. STELLA immediately leans in toward TRISH to kiss her cheek in hope of hurrying their chat along.

STELLA Thanks TRISH, I owe you one, we'll have to do cocktails later this week or something?

TRISH Yeah, of course, there's clearly a lot to catch up on.

STELLA raises her eyebrows at TRISH and then looks at the kids who are already making their way down the steps of the house. STELLA walks down the steps toward the car.

Trish gestures a phone sign to STELLA and closes the door behind her. Seconds before they reach the car JACK leans in to talk to his mum.

JACK Wow, our own personal driver, I'm touched really.

JACK laughs to himself.

ABBY

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No JACK, it's mum's friend from work, he's kindly giving us a lift home isn't he mum?

STELLA Yes ABBY. JACK nudges ABBY who nudges him back. MAX who has heard most of their conversation laughs and steps forward to introduce himself.

MAX Hi, you alright?, I'm your mum's friend from work, MAX,.. her tire was flat so I'm giving her a lift and we thought we'd give you one to if that's cool?

ABBY stands next to her mum smiling up at MAX, clearly impressed by him, she lifts her hand to gesture a wave.

JACK on the other hand is more impressed with MAX'S car, he stands staring at it in awe.

JACK Sick car mate.

MAX Yeah? Cheers man.

MAX opens the door to let JACK and ABBY in. STELLA smiles and walks over to the other side of the car.

MAX Buckle up.

They drive off down the road.

EXT. STELLA & PAULS HOUSE, DRIVE WAY – NIGHT. PAUL, STELLA'S husband is home early from work; he is outside putting the bins out. He is wearing a novelty apron with a naked woman on it. MAX drives up the driveway with STELLA, ABBY & JACK. They all get out of the car except MAX who waves to PAUL over the steering wheel. STELLA cringes at the sight of PAUL sporting the novelty apron. As ABBY and JACK get out of the car, PAUL approaches them.

PAUL Alright guys?

JACK What are you wearing dad, you like look a right idiot?

ABBY I think it kinda suits him.

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PAUL Have your laugh guys, very funny.

Both ABBY and JACK walk into the house, JACK signals a thumbs up at MAX, MAX returns one back over the steering wheel. PAUL approaches the car, he makes the awkward mistake of misjudging who MAX is. He roams in his pocket looking for some change to pay him in cab fare.

How much do i owe you mate?, I'm going to have to run inside and get my wallet.

STELLA looks embarrassed by this. Before she can introduce them both, MAX laugh's at PAULS mistake and introduces himself.

MAX No it's fine, I'm a mate of your wife's, from work, MAX..

MAX searches PAUL'S face for a sign of recognition. ,it's just a favor, her tire was flat see.

PAUL Oh right i see, nice to meet you, I'm PAUL.., pop the boot then and I'll get the bike.

MAX looks back toward the boot of the car. He gets out to open it. Paul is obviously still embarrassed by his misunderstanding, he looks down at his apron and blushes.

PAUL then looks toward STELLA who is gathering her belongings. PAUL pokes his head through the window quickly as MAX is opening the boot.

PAUL Didn't think of asking me then?

STELLA shrugs it off and get's out of the car.

PAUL walks over to the back of the boot with grabs the other end of the bike, there is an of war moment between them. MAX gives in and take it indoors but not before commenting on

MAX and awkward tug lets PAUL his apron.

MAX PAUL, nice napron.

PAUL Oh thanks... it's much appreciated by the way, you giving them all a lift home.

PAUL smiles at MAX and walks toward the house with the

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bike. STELLA walks over to MAX to thank him.

STELLA Thanks MAX, i owe you one.

MAX My pleasure, just wanted to do something nice, been a little awkward between us since..

STELLA I know, uh, after the Christmas party i felt, so embarrassed.

MAX No need to feel embarrassed, don't even worry about it, it will be our little secret,.. their a great couple of kids you have there.

STELLA Thanks...look, their probably wondering where I've got to, better get dinner ready. Drive safe.

MAX starts the engine of his car and smiles at STELLA. He begins to reverse out of the driveway. STELLA begins walking back to the house, she then turns and stops in her tracks to watch him go. STELLA waits and watches until he has disappeared from sight. Once he has gone she walks back towards the house, she suddenly notices that PAUL has been observing their conversation, he gives her a cold look and walks out of sight. STELLA gulps and walks in, she closes the door behind her.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, KITCHEN – NIGHT. STELLA walks in the kitchen to see PAUL cooking.

PAUL tries to busy himself with the dinner preparations.

STELLA goes to pour herself a glass of wine.

PAUL Parting is such sweet sorrow isn't it STELLA. STELLA Oh PAUL, please.. we were just, talking shop.

PAUL A lot of shop to be talked, clearly.

STELLA PAUL, come on, stop being silly.

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PAUL grumbles to himself while chopping vegetables vigorously. STELLA tries to alleviate the pressure from the situation by applauding PAUL'S efforts, she does this by walking over to PAUL and squeezing his arm affectionately.

STELLA I almost thought you'd forgotten where the oven was.

PAUL takes a deep breath to calm himself.

PAUL I thought I'd do something nice for you and the kids,.. I've had some good news you see.

STELLA Oh yeah? What news exactly?

PAUL Well, lately.... I've been feeling like there's a great, like there's been a great big wall between us, and i hope that the new role I've been offered can change that.

I dunno.., i feel quite stupid trying to explain myself quite frankly STELLA. STELLA You've obviously been doing some thinking, for the both of us by the sounds of it. I don't know what to say...

STELLA tries to indulge her husbands efforts to communicate properly with her.

STELLA What new role is this then?

PAUL I've been offered the opportunity to work from home, it means allowing clients to come to the house and deal with business here rather than having to travel 90 minutes each way every day and miss out on so much at home. Ill finally be able to actually use the oven STELLA, and spend more time with JACK and ABBY, and of course you..

STELLA quickly forgets her efforts of communicating with him properly.

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STELLA Oh great, well thanks for discussing this with me.

PAUL I am, right now. STELLA, what would you rather? I carry on working from my office and have to commute for hours at a time or I'm here, with my family? Lately I've felt like i don't even know the in's and out's of our kids lives. I mean JACK for instance, i didn't even know he liked AC/DC, how cool is that? And ABBY, shes discovered boy's, i need to be there to scare them away, and to embarrass JACK with my air guitar impressions! And there's you STELLA, i need to be there for you, when you have a flat tire, i need to be there to pick you up,... rather than Mark in his flash Jag. STELLA It's MAX..

PAUL For fuck sake STELLA, your missing the point.

STELLA apologises half heartedly, in hope of calming PAUL down.

STELLA I'm sorry PAUL, i understand, really i do.

PAUL Do you though STELLA? It doesn't sound that way. I'm trying here, to save our marriage.

STELLA Well your going about it the wrong way aren't you?

PAUL Your the one on the defense STELLA, jumping down my throat every time i try to put our problems into perspective. On paper it's been nearly 20 years, but with our relationship STELLA, me and you, only 10 years have been good. I don't feel like i know you anymore, and i know now,

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that you don't know me. So much has changed....

PAUL'S tone dramatically changes. look, there's something we need to discuss,... this isn't about work now, it's about me.

STELLA What do you mean about you?

What's going on? What have you done?

PAUL I haven't done anything, it's complicated.....I. As PAUL begins to try and muster the words, ABBY enters the kitchen. Both PAUL and STELLA try to act as if nothing has happened in hope of not worrying their daughter.

PAUL Flabby!

ABBY Alright wrinkles? What's for dinner?

PAUL What else but my famous Pasta Bake.

ABBY Hmmm, not bad. You haven't burnt it yet so it's a start at least.

PAUL Don't be cheeky you, go and tell JACK that dinner will be ready in five so to get his butt down here.

ABBY walks over to hug her dad. PAUL ruffles ABBY'S hair as they embrace one another. ABBY laughs.

ABBY Mum... tell him to stop.

ABBY then looks over to her mum/STELLA who is lost in thought. STELLA obviously wasn't paying attention to what ABBY had said. STELLA strokes her finger around the rim of her glass.

ABBY Mum?

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STELLA snaps out of her daze.

STELLA Yeah?

PAUL Go on ABB'S run and get your brother.

INT. STELLA'S WORK, STAFF ROOM - DAY. STELLA is in the staff room eating lunch, MAX walks in.

STELLA Oh, hi MAX Hi Stella, how are you?

STELLA Yeah good thanks, you?

MAX Fine really, other than Mrs Sullivan who has been on my case all morning, she now want's to split her will, right down the middle, you'll never guess where the other half is going.

STELLA She's decided to share it with her children?

MAX Nope,...she's just got back from a holiday in the Dominican,...and she claims to have met the one.

STELLA Oh no, i hope it's not a scam MAX He's 25, what else could it be.

STELLA No,... can't she see he's a gold digger?.

MAX Exactly, and you find a polite way to try and explain that to the old bag.

STELLA get's up and walks over to the fridge to get a drink, as she roams the shelves for her refreshment, MAX comes up behind her to access the fridge at the same

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time. There is a charged moment between them.

STELLA "Max...what are you doing?"

MAX "Stella I..I can't help myself around you, honestly."

There moment is swiftly interrupted by STELLA'S phone ringing. In a fluster she walks to her bag and answers her phone, it's PAUL. MAX sits down and eats the sandwich he retrieved from the fridge.

STELLA Hello?

PAUL Hi Stella, i just wondered if you were free tonight, i thought we could go for a meal or?

STELLA Shit, sorry, i already made plans with TRISH to have cocktails after work,I could try and cancel?

PAUL No, don't, it's fine, we'll talk tomorrow. Have a good night, oh and before you go, do the kid's need dinner cooked for them or..?

STELLA Nope, i think their taking advantage of TRISH and I going out, their popping over her's for a movie night .

PAUL Right, well I'll enjoy the house alone then, no problem, see you later on.

STELLA Yes, see you later.

STELLA sits back down beside MAX who has nearly finished his lunch.

STELLA Look, i thought we had an understanding, nothing can happen, even if we'd want it to.

MAX It's fine Stella, no need to

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explain, if that's the way you feel i won't do it again.

MAX stands up to exit the room.

Back to the grindstone with me.

MAX exits the room.

STELLA Max? MAX walks out of the staffroom back towards his desk.

STELLA carries on her lunch break alone.

INT. COCKTAIL BAR - NIGHT. That night STELLA and TRISH are sat in a cocktail bar sipping martinis.

TRISH Are you OK babe? You seem a bit quiet?

STELLA Sorry,....There's just so many things going through my head, i wouldn't even know where to begin.

TRISH Well I'm all ears if you want to talk.

STELLA Thanks, that means a lot......It's just marriage, men, it's all so fucking hard you know.

TRISH Well your preaching to the converted here. I know exactly how you feel, you don't need to tell me that. If it was up to me, men would just be a disposable bit of fun, you take them, you use them, you throw them away, never mind all this happily ever after bullshit.

TRISH senses that STELLA is lost in thought, she tries to reassure her.

TRISH But that's just my opinion.

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STELLA I dunno, i quite like the thought of happily ever after, as sad as that may sound.

TRISH Look Stella, as much as i slate men, Paul is a decent father, and a good provider. As long as he's faithful that's as decent a marriage as most people are going to get.

STELLA That's so sad though, surely there's more to marriage. When you and Joe were still together didn't you..ever, want something more?

TRISH What like fantasize of bigger and better things? No pun intended of course.

STELLA Well yes. I mean, if me and Paul were good, if we could find a way to re-spark that flame then maybe I'd stop thinking this way.

Paul's just not the same man i married, he's different now.

TRISH Trust me, i know that feeling, when me and Joe got together i thought he was the most selfless and kind person i knew, then he just turned out to be plain selfish. Some people Stell just become completely different with time, they end up becoming someone entirely opposite to who you thought they were.

The scene slowly fades out, the pair continue to gossip and drink late into the night.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM. - NIGHT. PAUL is in their bedroom. We see him open the wardrobe and rummage through STELLA'S clothes. He spools through the rail until he picks one dress in particular and places it on the bed. He then picks out a pair of shoes and places them at the end of the bed. He then walks over to STELLA'S dresser, and looks through her make-up bag and jewellery box. With great care he places a necklace on top of the dress and stands looking at it, he then

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sits beside it stroking out the creases in the fabric.

PAUL is clearly upset.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT. STELLA sneaks into her and PAUL'S bedroom, she is clearly drunk. She takes off her shoes and sits on the edge of the bed. She then lye's down on the bed beside PAUL, she is still dressed. PAUL is fast asleep.

STELLA If only marriage was a walk in the park hey?

PAUL still asleep snores and grunts and turns over.

STELLA closes her eyes and falls asleep beside him, still on top of the covers.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY. STELLA awakens with a hangover, she turns over to find PAUL nowhere in sight, on his pillow however is a note from him, the note reads; 'Morning STELLA, hope your heads not feeling to sore today, I've gone out for the day but will be back this evening, the kids have gone out shopping with BILLY and SERENA, PAUL X.'STELLA sits upright and stretches, she gets out of bed then sits back down to find her head is to sore to stand.

STELLA Urghh, my head.

Suddenly the doorbell rings. STELLA hurriedly wraps herself in her dressing gown, covering the dress from the night before. She walks out of her bedroom door to go downstairs and answer it.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY. The doorbell rings a second time, STELLA quickens her pace.

STELLA Coming,...JACK if that's you forgetting your key's again...

STELLA opens the door to find MAX standing on her doorstep. She is mortified at him seeing her in such a state.

MAX Oh, sorry, did i get you out of bed?

STELLA No..well yeah, but it's fine.

MAX

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A big night out was it?

STELLA Sort of.

MAX Look, I'm sorry I've popped by unannounced like this, i had my car cleaned this morning and they found a book in the back, i assume it belongs to ABBY? STELLA, holding on to her dressing gown tightly, looks at the book that MAX is holding; 'Wuthering Heights', she smiles as she acknowledges that it belongs to her.'

STELLA Thank you, that's very sweet of you for returning it to me.

MAX That's no problem, i was heading this way so i thought i may as well have popped it by, i hope PAUL or the kids don't mind me just calling by like this.

STELLA Oh, not at all, their not here anyway so.

MAX Ah i see, well I'll leave you to it then, unless...

STELLA Unless what?

MAX Sorry i, i was just going to ask if you wanted to go for a coffee but your not dressed or anything so..

STELLA Right, yeah, no, i couldn't go out like this..but, you can.., do you want to pop in for a quick cup?

MAX Yeah, if you wouldn't mind,.. I'd like that a lot.

STELLA opens the door wide to let MAX in. She then closes the door behind them.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY.

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STELLA opens the door even wider to allow MAX to enter.

STELLA On second thought I'm an awful mess, do you mind if i quickly pop upstairs and put on something more appropriate?

MAX You look fine to me, honestly you do, and it's your house, do as you will, you want to be comfortable after all.

STELLA If your sure, it won't take me a sec.

MAX NO please, it's fine, you don't have to worry around me, were friends right.

STELLA yep, friends.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, KITCHEN – DAY. STELLA and MAX walk into the kitchen, STELLA turns on the kettle and get's out two mugs. MAX sits down at the kitchen table.

STELLA It's Milk and two sugars right?

MAX Yeah, shows how much coffee we drink at work really doesn't it?

The kettle has boiled, STELLA begins making their coffee's. As she finishes she turns to look at MAX who is touching his face nervously and looking down at the floor.

STELLA MAX, are you alright?

STELLA puts both coffee's down on the table.

MAX I'm usually great with words but look at me, I'm a mess.

STELLA What are you talking about?

MAX I was lying, when i said..that i

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wanted to forget about us, and the kiss, it did mean something, it does mean something. Oh fuck, listen to me, making a fool out of myself.

STELLA MAX? MAX No STELLA, i mean it, if i don't tell you how i really feel then how will i know that i tried?

STELLA I thought i made it clear that this can't happen, i thought you understood.

MAX I understand why it can't happen but that doesn't mean i don't want it to, i don't think you want me to leave it either, we have something Stell, you can't deny that.

STELLA Look Max, it's really sweet of you coming over and proclaiming your feelings like this, it is, it's just, well, there's just to much at stake, it's to easy to kiss you and escape everything, to let go off all my responsibilities but i can't, i have family to think about.

MAX stands up and walks over to STELLA, inches away from her face. He looks into her eyes then places a hand round her waist.

STELLA Max.. you can't just do this.

MAX leans in and kisses STELLA. STELLA is lost in the kiss for a moment.

STELLA Max, we can't, it's not right.

MAX places his hand on her cheek and strokes it. STELLA then leans in and kisses him. MAX then picks her up and puts her on the table, knocking over both coffee's and the book that MAX returned which also falls to the floor.

STELLA pulls back and quickly jumps off the table.

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STELLA Oh shit..let me get a cloth.

MAX I'm so sorry, look at the mess I've made, let me help.

STELLA No it's fine, i can handle it.

STELLA hurries to the sink to get a cloth. She walks back over and wipes up the spilled coffee and tends to the book that fell along with the cups. She wipes the cover and opens it to inspect the pages, she reads the inscription that lays on the first page; 'To my darling STELLA, let's challenge Bronte and write a happy ending together, anythings possible with you, all my love PAUL x'. By the time STELLA has finished reading the inscription her eyes are glossed with tears.

MAX I'm sorry, was that book worth something? Give me the name and I'll buy you a new one.

Tears begin to stream down STELLA'S face.

STELLA It can't be replaced. It's a silly sentimental thing, don't worry about it, it's old, it's stupid.

MAX I'm so sorry, I had no idea, i guess my, our passion got the better of me.

STELLA Look it's fine, honestly, i just think you should go now please.

MAX But Stella I, don't you feel the same? You clearly do or you wouldn't have kissed me like that.

STELLA Just because it felt good doesn't make it right. I'm sorry Max, it's probably best that you go now.

STELLA get's up of the floor and walks out the kitchen towards the hallway. MAX follows her.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY.

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STELLA stands at the front door with the door wide open.

MAX walks out of it and stands on the doorstep.

STELLA I'm sorry for messing you around, I'm just..

MAX interrupts STELLA. MAX It's fine, i shouldn't have just turned up like this and pounced on you like that, i understand, I'll leave you be, well as much as i can seeing we work together,.. i just wanted to make it clear to you how i feel, so now you know.

STELLA I do.

MAX smiles at STELLA and then turns and walks away, STELLA closes the door behind her and sinks to the floor crying.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - NIGHT. STELLA is sat curled up on the sofa watching TV. On the table is a glass of wine poured for her and PAUL. She is waiting for him to return. The house phone suddenly rings, STELLA answers it, it's ABBY. STELLA Hello darling, how are you?

ABBY Fine thanks mum.

STELLA How was your day? Buy anything nice?

ABBY Yeah it was really good thank you, got a few tops and a bit of make-up and me and SERENA went and watched a film after.

STELLA Oh yeah? Sounds like you had a lot of fun!

ABBY Mummmmmm.

STELLA Yes ABBY?

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ABBY Pretty please, please please can i stay here tonight? TRISH said it's ok.

STELLA Hmmm, have you done all of your homework?

ABBY "Yes." STELLA And I'm guessing JACK is there to?

ABBY Yeah, he's upstairs with BILLY playing PlayStation, he asked me to ask you if he can stay to?

He's far to lazy to come downstairs.

STELLA I know he is, the lazy toe rag, ok, you can both stay, as long as your home in the morning, no later than 10 ABBY, OK? ABBY Yes Mum, promise, OK, love you forever.

STELLA OK well have fun and be good for Trish, bye.

STELLA get's off the phone, she sinks back into the sofa and sips her glass of wine. She then looks at her watch and lets out a sigh. She get's up of the sofa taking her glass of wine with her leaving PAUL'S on the table. She heads upstairs.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, BATHROOM - NIGHT. STELLA is in the bath, she sips a glass of wine and hums to the music coming from her bathroom radio. She is unaware that PAUL has arrived home and is now stood in the doorway smiling at her while she sings to herself.

PAUL Still as good as ever, the voice of an angel.

STELLA Paul you startled me, hi.

PAUL

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Sorry I called for you up the stairs and figured you weren't in till i saw this pretty picture.

How are you?

STELLA I'm not feeling so hungover anymore if that's what you mean?

PAUL I can see that, the glass of Shiraz says it all.

STELLA I poured you a glass too, it's downstairs in the sitting room.

PAUL Really well thank you? I thought it was for the other male companion you had round...

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY. FLASHBACK, STELLA remembers the passionate kiss her and MAX shared earlier on their kitchen table.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, BATHROOM - NIGHT. PAUL laughs to himself. He then notices that STELLA is lost in thought.

PAUL I'm only joking STELLA, look at your face, with an expression like that maybe i should be worried.

STELLA Yeah, of course. I knew that.

STELLA tires to shrug off the joke by changing the subject.

So how's your day been then?

Where have you been?

PAUL Good, yeah, I've just been shopping is all..

INT. DEPARTMENT STORE, LINGERIE SECTION - DAY. PAUL is purchasing underwear and a bottle of Chanel perfume he looks slightly nervous and uncomfortable.

CASHIER

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For a special lady? She's very lucky indeed.

PAUL Yes.., a special lady.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, BATHROOM - NIGHT. PAUL seems almost lost in thought for a second. He then snaps out of it.

PAUL Actually, I'm just going to take my shopping through to the bedroom, can we carry on this conversation in a minute? I'll be back in a few.

PAUL exists the room STELLA is left alone into the bubbles and suddenly storms back

leaving STELLA relaxing in the bath. for a few minutes as she sinks back sips her glass of wine again. PAUL in.

PAUL The kids have been utterly stupid. Abby has just rang saying that JACK is completely out of it drunk and needs a lift home. Abby doesn't sound to sober herself.

STELLA What? I spoke to Abby only an hour or so ago and she sounded fine, they said they were having a movie night. I'll quickly get out of the bath and get changed.

PAUL No it's fine, just try and enjoy your bath and I'll bring them back as quick as i can, it's better that i get there sooner than later.

STELLA If your sure? OK, well make sure Jack drinks some water and...are you sure you've got this covered?

PAUL Stell it's fine. I won't be long OK. PAUL rushes out of the room and walks out of the house.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT.

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STELLA walks into the bedroom in her bath robe. She sits on the edge of the bed drying the ends of her hair with a towel. She then picks up her handbag and pulls out her mobile phone, she dials TRISH'S number. Then suddenly in the corner of her eye she notices a bag hidden in the back of their wardrobe through a crack in the door. She puts down her phone and walks over to the wardrobe to inspect. There nestled behind boxes of shoes sits a Victoria Secret lingerie bag. She pulls it out and kneels on the floor to open it. She sneaks a peek and inside are a set of lacy french knickers and bra, and also a bottle of Chanel perfume. STELLA smiles to herself. Suddenly she hears the front door open, it's PAUL with JACK and ABBY. STELLA hurriedly places the bag back in it's place and rushes to greet them.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - NIGHT. ABBY drunkenly walks past STELLA and toward her bedroom.

STELLA Come back here young lady. This is all your fault, your meant to be the mature one.

PAUL walks through the hallway propping up JACK as he walks towards the stairs.

PAUL Leave it Stella, she's to pissed to function, let her go to bed and sleep it off then we can talk to her in the morning and trust me, her hangover will be enough of a punishment.

STELLA walks over to the other side of JACK and helps PAUL walk him upstairs to bed.

PAUL Let's get you to bed hey big man?

JACK grunts.

JACK I feel sick...

STELLA I bet you do you silly boy, a good nights sleep will help that.

STELLA, PAUL, and JACK walk towards JACK'S bedroom.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, JACK'S ROOM - NIGHT. JACK is fast asleep, so is ABBY. Both PAUL and STELLA stand at the end of JACK'S bed watching him sleep.

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PAUL Well, that was an experience.

STELLA Tell me about it, I'm glad he's OK now. What a silly boy getting that drunk, i honestly don't think i ever got that wasted at his age.

PAUL Ha, you most certainly did, don't you remember college? And being peer pressured into drinking liters of White Lightening, oh the good old days.

STELLA HA, I guess your right, you forget these things. It's crazy how time flies right?

PAUL It most certainly is.

Both STELLA and PAUL exit JACK'S bedroom, closing his door behind him. They walk towards their bedroom.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT. STELLA and PAUL are undressing for bed.

PAUL I'm completely exhausted.

STELLA May have something to do with having to carry a 10 stone boy.

PAUL Your probably right. It was a lot easier when they were kid's that was for sure. No drinking, no answering back, god, i miss it.

STELLA I do too, so much has changed now it's ridiculous. Abby was so sweet and innocent and Jack well, he used to speak rather than grunt.

PAUL Ha, I know what you mean, all he seems to do nowadays is moan or groan.

PAUL and STELLA at this point are both in their pajamas,

26

they are stood either side of the bed facing one another.

Look Stella, I'm almost glad tonight happened, not for the sake of the kids feeling like crap, but just because it's given us a chance to properly talk, i don't remember the last time we really and truly communicated.

STELLA I know.

PAUL I do still love you, you know that right?

STELLA I..., I love you too.

At this point both STELLA and PAUL are on their bed, both kneeling facing one another. They passionately embrace.

In the script, this is the first time in a long time that STELLA and PAUL have attempted to sleep together. They embrace some more while undressing one another.

At this point STELLA is on top of PAUL, they embrace again, however with PAUL'S top now off. STELLA kisses his chest for a moment then sits up right all of a sudden, her expression quickly changes from happy to sad in seconds.

PAUL Are you OK? What's wrong?

STELLA You..you smell different, like, like a woman.

By this point STELLA has climbed off PAUL and is sat at the side of their bed. PAUL now has the covers around him, he is clearly self conscious.

PAUL Really? I tried some testers today? Perhaps i sprayed a woman's perfume by accident.

STELLA How can you do that by accident?

It's quite clear how male and female perfumes differ don't you think?

PAUL Well..obviously not.

27

STELLA Paul if your not going to be honest with me, how are we meant to try and make this work?

STELLA walks over to her cupboard and puts on her pajamas's. She then gets into her side of the bed and turns her back to PAUL. PAUL Stella please, it's not what it looks like, i honestly made a mistake i.

STELLA Fine..,I'm sure you did.

PAUL What's that supposed to mean?

STELLA Well I don't know Paul, you tell me, put two and two together and try and guess what's going through my head right now.

PAUL Stella, don't be silly, you trust me don't you? Why would i cheat on you?

STELLA I don't know, we haven't had sex for god knows how long and...we don't even really talk anymore, i feel sometimes like I'm living with a stranger.

PAUL How can you say such a thing, i try, i honestly do, i want this to work.

STELLA Look, I'm tired and i want to sleep, besides if we turn this into a proper argument we'll wake the kids, go to sleep we'll talk about this in the morning.

PAUL But i want to talk now, i want to get you back on my side, you have to believe me.

STELLA Night Paul.

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STELLA turns off her bedside light and closes her eyes, PAUL turns his back to her and turns off his light as well.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY. STELLA wakes up to find PAUL nowhere in sight. She sits up right and gets out of bed to go downstairs for breakfast, on her way out she notices that the cupboard is open and the Victoria secret bag is no longer where it was before. She opens the door even wider and rummages past boxes and looks of the shelf etc, it's gone.

STELLA I fucking knew it. Just breath, breath.

STELLA begins packing, she grabs a hold all and fills it to the brim, she then runs out of her room towards JACK'S. INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, JACK'S ROOM - DAY. STELLA walks into JACK'S ROOM, she opens his blinds and then stands beside his bed.

STELLA JACK, wake up, i need you to get dressed and pack a bag, come on, chop chop.

JACK Mummmm...my head, what are you doing?

STELLA Come on JACK, I'm not going to be argued with, especially after your irresponsible behavior last night. Up, now!

JACK OK, OK, I'm getting up. Where are we going?

STELLA Were going to TRISH'S, she needs some help around the house so i figured..please JACK, hurry up.

I'll see you downstairs in 15, wake your sister up and tell her to pack to.

JACK What about Dad? What's he doing?

STELLA

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What about him? Now Hurry up.

STELLA walks out of JACK'S room and closes the door. She then walks back towards her room.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY. STELLA is standing in the hallway waiting for ABBY and JACK. She quickly looks in the mirror above the hallway dresser and wipes the tears from beneath her eyes, she then puts on some lipstick. STELLA then pulls out a note from her pocket addressed to PAUL, she places it by the mirror.

STELLA ABBY, JACK, hurry up please, I'm not going to ask you again.

ABBY & JACK both appear at the top of the stairs and walk down with their stuff to meet their mother.

ABBY Coming, coming, chill mum.

STELLA Don't push me ABBY, let's go.

JACK, hurry up please.

JACK Alright alright, I'm ready.

STELLA opens the door for ABBY and JACK to walk out of, STELLA checks her face once more, straightens the envelope and closes the front door behind them.

INT. PAUL'S CAR, DRIVEWAY - DAY. PAUL arrives at the house minutes after STELLA and the kids have left in a taxi. He pulls up into the driveway.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY. He walks into the house, flowers in hand, with a sorry note attached. He call's STELLA'S name, no reply, he calls for the kids too. Walking through the hallway he notices a note on the dresser. He takes it and opens the envelope; there on the paper lay words that clearly shock PAUL to his core, 'You could have just been honest with me, how could you do this to me and the kids. First the perfume, then the gifts i found in the cupboard. Seriously classy of you.

Respect our space and give me some time to think, don't bother contacting the kids, they don't know what's really going on and it's best they don't for the time being, STELLA. PAUL is devastated, as bad as it looks, STELLA has got

30

the wrong idea entirely. PAUL tries to call STELLA to explain, her phone goes to answer phone.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - DAY. STELLA and TRISH sit drinking coffee and discussing the events of the last few days.

STELLA So yeah, it just all added up, i woke up this morning with this overwhelming feeling, i just knew he's been cheating on me, the perfume, the underwear..

TRISH Look, are you a hundred percent sure about this, this is a big decision to make, especially without talking to him properly, maybe he's being honest with you?

STELLA Sorry? Who's friend are you?

TRISH Well, I've know you and Paul for years, but as much as i want to support you, he just doesn't seem the cheating kind. Look i know i give men a bad rap but you have to talk to him.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE , HALLWAY - DAY. SERENA and ABBY are listening in to both of their mother's talking. They whisper to one another.

ABBY She's such a liar, why couldn't she just tell us the truth before we left the house. How old does she think we are.

SERENA She sounds pretty upset Abbs, she obviously thought it was best to bring you all over here.

ABBY Thinking that Dad's a cheater though? He couldn't kill a fly let alone cheat.

SERENA Don't worry, I'm sure they'll be fine in the end.

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ABBY I've gotta talk to Jack about this, he deserves to know, come on.

SERENA puts her arm around ABBY, they head upstairs.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - DAY. STELLA I just need some space for a few days, i need to gather my thoughts and get away from that house, me and kids aren't going to be a burden are we?

TRISH NO, not at all, your welcome here as long as you'd like. I just want you to be sure is all.

STELLA I appreciate it, i do, but for the time being i think it's the right decision, it's for a few days at least, until I've calmed down.

TRISH Look, i don't want to sound like I'm jumping the gun, and I'm here to support you if it is the case, but, this doesn't have anything to do with..that hunk from work does it?

STELLA What? Max? God know...I, he's, he's just a friend.

TRISH If your sure. I know what an Adonis like that can do to a woman, trust me.

STELLA Well it hasn't, he hasn't, i can assure you.

STELLA swallows hard.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE, BILLY'S ROOM - DAY. BILLY and JACK sit playing PlayStation, there's a knock at the door, it's ABBY and SERENA. BILLY goes to answer it.

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BILLY What? Your interrupting our game.

SERENA Yeah i can see that, PlayStation is so important.

ABBY Look, can we just come in, i need to speak to JACK. BILLY opens the door and let's the girls in. JACK continues to play PlayStation, he hasn't even taken noticed that SERENA and ABBY are now in the room.

ABBY JACK, can you pause that a second?

JACK continues to play as he answers his sister.

JACK Why should I? ABBY Jack please, it's serious.

JACK grunts and pauses the game, he swivels round on his chair.

JACK What's so serious then that you had to interrupt our game?

SERENA JACK, don't be a dick.

BILLY Shut up SERENA. SERENA Piss off BILLY. ABBY Look JACK, me and SERENA just heard mum and TRISH talking.

JACK Yeah, and?

ABBY They were talking about Dad, and how he's been cheating on mum, i think she's left him.

JACK What are you talking about? They

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were fine last night.

ABBY Sure cause you can remember that can't you. Look whatever, it doesn't matter how they were last night, what matters is that our parents may have broken up.

BILLY Shit,.. sorry guys.

ABBY starts crying. SERENA comforts her.

JACK Please Abb's, don't cry, we don't no all the facts do we? We know what mum's like, she's a right drama queen, just try and chill.

ABBY She just sounded so upset, I'm just worried, Serena's told me how hard it is not having their dad around.

BILLY Way to go gossiping SERENA, can't keep your mouth closed for one minute can you.

SERENA Shut up BILLY, i was just saying that i know what it's like, and that i understand what she's about to go through.

BILLY look I'm sorry Abby but it's their decision at the end of the day, there's nothing much you can do about it.

JACK ABBY, don't worry, it's going to be fine, they just both obviously need their space or something, let's leave them to it.

ABBY OK, if your sure.

JACK swivels back round on his chair, ABBY and SERENA walk out of the room, SERENA then firmly closes the door behind them.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY.

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It's been a couple of day's since they all came over to TRISH'S. ABBY, JACK, STELLA, SERENA, BILLY and TRISH all sit around the kitchen table eating breakfast. STELLA senses that ABBY hasn't been her perky self for the last few days, she tries to make her feel better.

STELLA Abby? Is everything OK? ABBY Don't talk to me like a child mum, i know what's going on, me and Serena heard you both talking.

STELLA Me and your father?

ABBY No, you and Trish, you were saying that Dad has been..cheating on you, is that true?

JACK Abby? what did i say? Shut it.

ABBY Leave it Jack, we can't ignore this forever, we deserve the truth as well you know.

TRISH Don't speak to your Mum like that Abby, she's really upset.

ABBY So am i, he's my dad to. All i want to know is what's going on exactly, i tried to ring Dad but he's not answering, what have you said?

STELLA I haven't said anything,..he just, we just, we had an argument, and i thought it best to have some space, i told him just to leave us be for the time being.

ABBY How could you? He's done nothing to us, me and JACK, surely that should be our decision.

STELLA I'm your mother ABBY, what i says

35

goes.

ABBY He's our father, were half him too.

ABBY runs out crying, SERENA follows her. STELLA looks distraught, TRISH comforts her.

TRISH Boys can you go upstairs as well please.

JACK Yeah sure,..Mum, if you need me.

STELLA Thanks JACK. I should go and speak to her.

Both JACK and BILLY walk out and leave STELLA and TRISH alone in the kitchen.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE , HALLWAY - DAY. ABBY sits at the bottom of the stairs crying, SERENA sits next to her rubbing her back. STELLA walks out of the kitchen to the hallway to see ABBY. STELLA Serena, do you mind giving us a minute?

SERENA No it's fine, go ahead, I'll be upstairs Abby if you need me.

ABBY Thanks.

SERENA walks upstairs leaving STELLA and ABBY alone together in the hallway. STELLA walks over and sits beside ABBY on the stairs.

STELLA Abby, i don't want to fight with you, the last thing i want is to see you upset, please just try and be strong for now, we will get through this.

ABBY How am I expected to be strong when i feel like I'm stuck on the outside alone? Jack's not acting that fussed about this and I feel like I'm the only one trying to figure out a way to sort this,

36

but there isn't one is there?

You've told us nothing and your treating me like a child, i deserve better.

STELLA Abby babe, it's going to be fine, me and your father are just spending a few days apart as we had a fight, and for the time being it's best that were here.

ABBY It's already been a few days, I'm not stupid. I want to see Dad, and i want to try and make things right don't you?

STELLA Of course I do.

ABBY I just need to be left alone for a bit, please just give me some space mum.

ABBY stands up and turns to walk upstairs.

STELLA Abby? Come back?

ABBY No mum, leave it.

ABBY disappears at the top of the stairs.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY. STELLA walks back into the kitchen and sits down beside Trish.

STELLA Look what I've gone and done, my daughter hates me..

TRISH It's going to be fine Stella, right now She's just really upset, and i gather she just misses her dad. I know when me and Joe broke up, Serena and Billy managed to not talk to me for a week and it wasn't even my fault.

STELLA Have i done the right thing?

37

TRISH I think you have to go with your gut instinct sometimes, when this happened to me, i stayed in the house with the kids and JOE, they saw all the arguments between us, they heard everything, it was awful.., your only trying to look out for them. But when it comes down to it Stella, you need to talk to him, you need to sort this out, even if you decide to break up for good.

STELLA Your probably right. But, I'm not sure if i can just yet.... I was going to ask you and i know this is a lot to ask but, i need some stuff from the house and i wondered if...maybe you could? If you can't just say no and it's fine.

TRISH Of course i will, don't worry about it.

TRISH hugs STELLA. INT. TRISH'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - NIGHT. STELLA and TRISH are sat in the sitting room watching TV, ABBY comes in to talk to STELLA. As TRISH see's ABBY, she get's up and leaves them to it. She's about to head over to PAUL and STELLA'S house.

TRISH I'll leave you both to it then, I'm popping out for a bit.

TRISH looks at STELLA and smiles.

STELLA Thanks.

TRISH exits the room. STELLA turns to see ABBY and smiles at her. ABBY walks to the sofa and sits down next to her mum. She pulls the blanket over both of them.

STELLA ABBY, look, I'm so sorry..

ABBY Mum, no, don't be, i jumped to conclusions, i just wanted to say that I'm so sorry for upsetting you like that this morning, it's

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so obvious now that Dad is in the wrong, I've tried to ring him and he hasn't answered, he's obviously completely avoiding me.

STELLA Don't say that ABBY, I didn't take you away in hope that you'd talk ill of your father, he's a great Dad, and he does love you, i know he does..he's just, were just, going through some things.

ABBY Then why won't he answer his phone?

STELLA I think he just needs some thinking space babe, that's all, just give him some time and everything will eventually work itself out.

ABBY and STELLA embrace one another, ABBY cries into her mother's arms, all the while JACK has been listening in, he walks in, and sits down beside them, ABBY picks up her end of the blanket and puts it over him, they all hug one another.

EXT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, DRIVEWAY - NIGHT. TRISH walks up the driveway and approaches the front door. She rings the doorbell. After a few seconds PAUL answers. PAUL is clearly half cut.

PAUL Trish? What are you doing here?

TRISH Hi Paul, nice to see you too, Stella's sent me to grab a few things if that's OK? PAUL Right? Well i guess you'll have to come in then.

PAUL closes the door behind them.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - NIGHT. PAUL Look Trish, seeing your here, do you mind if we have a bit of a chat?

TRISH

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No that's fine.

PAUL walks toward the sitting room and TRISH follows.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - NIGHT. PAUL fills an empty wine glass that sits on the table.

PAUL Take a seat, I wont be a sec.

TRISH sits down and looks about the house, it's clearly a bit of a state. PAUL walks out the room to fetch another glass. He then comes back with another in hand.

PAUL Here have a glass.

TRISH Thanks.

PAUL fills TRISH'S glass for her.

TRISH So, how have you been?

PAUL Super, no, bloody awful, i gather Stella and the kids are at yours?

TRISH Yeah, look Paul, i feel kind of bad, cause as much as i care for Stella, I've also known you for many years to, and well, I'm sorry if you feel like I'm taking sides or.

PAUL I just don't understand, Stella seems to think I've been cheating on her, she didn't even let me explain, she just packed her bags and took the kids. I know what she's like so i thought it best just to leave her to it for a few days, she'll come back eventually right?

TRISH I told her not to be rash with her decision, i said what a great father you are and how lucky she is to have you.

PAUL She obviously doesn't feel that way does she. It just seems like

40

she was using it as an excuse to leave me, I've felt like she hasn't been in this relationship properly for a while now. I tried and waited for her to recognise that but she just couldn't. But maybe she'll come around, i hope she will, i still love her you know.

TRISH Of course you do, you've been together for nearly twenty years.

Look Paul,.. i know Stella's my friend too but i think there is something you should know, i think, in fact, i know, she's seeing some one else.

PAUL What? Who? TRISH He's this guy from her work.

PAUL That Max guy? I knew something was up. Wait till I get hold of him. I can't believe this, she's made me out to be the bad guy when really it's her, what do the kids think? I have to go over there and speak to them.

TRISH I think it's best you leave her for the time being, perhaps she'll realise what she has with you before it's too late, but one things for sure you don't need to get the kids involved, i know how badly my break up with Joe effected Serena and Billy. You'll see them soon enough, your a good father, everything will be alright in the end. Look, Paul, I know if i had a man like you in my life i wouldn't take him for granted, perhaps Stella will see things the same way eventually.

PAUL'S eyes are glazed over with tears. TRISH leans forward to comfort him.

PAUL Thanks Trish, i appreciate this.

TRISH

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It's fine. There's no need to thank me, I'm just trying to help a good friend.

TRISH and PAUL sit hugging on the sofa. By this point PAUL is crying. TRISH soothes and comforts him by rubbing his back. She then runs her hands through his hair and kisses him on the cheek. PAUL then looks at TRISH, for a moment they share a glance. TRISH leans in to kiss him and ends up pecking the side of his mouth.

PAUL Trish, what are you doing?

TRISH I'm sorry Paul, i thought there was something between us, for a moment at least. I mean, what about that BBQ you had last year, you were so charming with me.

PAUL I was being nice to my wife's best friend, you were so lonely and sad looking, i wanted to make you feel better. There was no thought in my mind other than that. I think it's best that you go.

TRISH Paul don't be like this, I'm just trying to help.

PAUL Help? by sticking your tongue down my throat? This only makes things more complicated. Just please leave.

TRISH But what about the stuff? I promised Stella, Paul come on.

PAUL It's her house too, she can come and get the stuff when she's ready.

PAUL stands up and walks out the sitting room door toward the hallway. TRISH trails after him.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - NIGHT. PAUL opens the door and stands beside it.

TRISH Paul, can we please keep this

42

between us?

PAUL I think that's best don't you think?

TRISH walks out the door and stands on the doorstep looking in.

PAUL I can see why you two are best friends now, your both the same.

PAUL slams the door behind him.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE , HALLWAY - NIGHT. TRISH arrives back at home from seeing PAUL. STELLA comes hurrying out of the sitting room to greet her.

STELLA So how did it go?

TRISH I didn't get your stuff if that's what you mean.

STELLA Why? What happened?

TRISH He, I.., he chucked me out before i got the chance, he was in a really bad way.

STELLA What? How dare he? I'm so sorry Trish.

TRISH As soon as i started to ask questions, you know to find out the facts for you he just flipped and forced me out.

STELLA How could he? I'm going over there right now. How dare he be so rude to a friend who's only trying to help?

TRISH Stella, don't, he's quite drunk and trust me it would only cause trouble.

STELLA I don't care, I'm going. Tell the

43

kids I'll see them later.

STELLA grabs her keys and coat and walks out the door closing it firmly behind her.

EXT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, DRIVEWAY - NIGHT. STELLA storms up their driveway and up towards the house.

She puts her keys in the door and enters, closing it firmly behind her.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - NIGHT. STELLA walks into the house and closes the door behind her.

STELLA Paul?

STELLA walks further into the house, and look's around.

She suspects that PAUL is out as he hasn't answered her.

Paul? are you there?

STELLA walk's even further into the house, as she approaches the top of the stairs toward their bedroom she hears footsteps coming from their bedroom.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, MASTER BEDROOM - DAY. STELLA opens the door to see her husband dressed in her clothes sat at the end of their bed crying, he is looking through photo's. STELLA is completely dumbstruck.

STELLA Paul? what are you doing? Is that my dress? What the hell is going on?

PAUL turn's to look at her tears streaming down his face causing his mascara to run.

PAUL Stella I, I. What are you doing here?

STELLA I'm sorry, is it just me that is imagining your wearing my clothes and make-up? Is this some kind of sick joke?

PAUL I was upset, I, Trish came over and told me about you and him, that sleaze from your office, i, I.. find dressing up can help soothe situations like this.

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STELLA Soothe situations like this? Are you joking? I can't believe this, i was actually starting to feel bad for leaving so sudden, until Trish told me that you chucked her out, and now i see that you have some sort of sick fetish, who are you? And what the hell have you done with my husband?

PAUL Your husband? You don't give a shit about me, you left remember.

And your so called friend, she came on to me if you can believe, the stupid idiot tried to kiss me, how fucked up is she?

STELLA Oh yeah, cause i believe that, from the drunk man in my dress with mascara down his face?

PAUL What do you expect? You've broken my heart!

STELLA I don't know, speak to a friend, or speak to a therapist even, not dress up in your wife's clothes to try and solve a situation. I can't do this Paul, i obviously made the right decision. Your more fucked up than i thought.

PAUL Surely this is better than cheating? You didn't even let me explain, i went in the morning to get flowers for you and to talk and you'd gone. And then i find out that your the hypercritical one, your the one who's cheating for god's sake.

STELLA I wasn't cheating, I'm not cheating, if you really want to know it was one kiss, that's all!

PAUL Well that's worse than wearing a dress and make-up don't you think? Just leave Stella, go on, walk away, your so god damn good at it.

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STELLA Is this what you want hey?

STELLA walks across the room and opens the wardrobe to get a bag. she then exits the room and walks toward JACK'S. INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, JACK'S ROOM - NIGHT. STELLA starts taking belongings from JACK'S draws and stuffing them in her bag. PAUL enters the room, now dressed in a dressing gown.

PAUL So this is it then? Your going to punish me by taking away my kids?

STELLA I can't even fathom how an earth i could ever explain this to them. Right now i think you need some help.

STELLA then exits the room and walks into ABBY'S. PAUL follows her.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, ABBY'S ROOM -NIGHT. STELLA takes a few items from ABBY'S draws and stuffs them in the bag.

PAUL I think they could handle it. As long as they have love they'll be fine. what will really fuck them up is you playing with their heads, making me out to be a cheater. I'd do anything for those kids, and i would for you, i still would, i obviously am messed up.

STELLA I feel like i don't no you whatsoever! I initially thought you were cheating, now, now i wish that was always the case.

PAUL How can you say that? As long as I'm faithful and honest, that's all you've ever asked for, now I'm being honest STELLA, and i was, and always have been faithful.

STELLA attempts to barge past PAUL who is still standing in front of the door blocking her exit.

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STELLA Just let me go.

PAUL Fine, if that's what you want go ahead, but you won't stop me seeing my kids.

STELLA barges past him and down the stairs leaving PAUL standing at the top of the stairs watching her walk away.

You hear the front door slam behind her.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE HALLWAY - NIGHT. STELLA arrives back at TRISH'S house. She lets herself in with the spare keys. TRISH hurries out of the sitting room to greet her.

TRISH How was it? Is everything OK? STELLA Not really. I don't particularly want to talk about it to be honest.

TRISH I told you he was a mess though didn't I? STELLA Yep, you sure did.

TRISH What did he say?

STELLA Nothing much, except, he did come out with one cracker in particular, apparently you tried to kiss him.

TRISH See, there he goes making up lie's. No wonder he got away with cheating for so long, he's a master manipulator.

STELLA See that's the thing, as much as I'm glad I've left him, i don't think he was cheating....

TRISH'S face drops, she knows that STELLA knows the truth.

Look, I'm going to bed, it's been a long day. By the way me and the

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kids are going to get out of your hair tomorrow, i think it's best don't you? Frankly i don't know who to trust anymore.

TRISH Um, what do you mean by that?

Stella?

STELLA Look, leave it, don't worry about us, we'll be fine, we'll be gone by the morning.

TRISH Stella I? STELLA Save it Trish!

STELLA walks up the stairs to the guest room and closes the door behind her. TRISH stands watching her, then walks into the sitting room and closes the door behind her.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE, SPARE ROOM - DAY. While STELLA is packing she stumbles across her copy of 'WUTHERING HEIGHTS' on her bedside, ABBY must have put it there. She sits and looks at it and strokes the cover, she re-opens it , and there inside is sitting on top of the inscription is a picture of her, PAUL, ABBY and JACK, the same photo that sits on her desk at work. She looks at it, her eyes welling up, she slams it shut and puts it in her bag with the rest of her belongings. She then pulls out her phone and rings MAX. STELLA Hello, Max?...it's me Stella.

MAX Stella, Hi. STELLA Look, i know this call may seem out of the blue, and not only that but very hypercritical of me, but..I'm in a bit of a predicament and need your help.

MAX What's wrong? Are you OK? STELLA Well I'd rather talk about it in person to be honest, but first i need to ask you a favor, and trust me if we had anywhere else

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to go there crash days? it.

i wouldn't bother you. Is any way me and my kids can at your place for a few I'd, we'd really appreciate MAX

Oh, I see, well, yes, i don't see why that would be to much of a problem.

STELLA Oh thank you thank you thank you, i won't forget this.

MAX Stella honestly I'm glad you called, I'm more than happy to help...now, do you need picking up?

STELLA That would be great.

MAX Right well,.. your at your friend TRISH'S right?

STELLA Friends? Yeah!, Roundhouse Gardens, and Max, it's only for a few days i promise.

MAX You take as long as you need, I'm here for you, I'm here for you all.

STELLA puts down the phone and smiles.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE; SITTING ROOM - DAY. ABBY and JACK are sat in the sitting room watching TV, STELLA walks in the from the spare room to speak to her kids.

STELLA JACK can you turn that down a second?

JACK Mum..it's not even loud.

STELLA Please kids, i have something i need to talk to you about.

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ABBY Go on JACK, turn it down.

JACK turns down the TV, both ABBY and JACK turn to look at their mum who is standing by the door, STELLA comes over and sits in between them.

STELLA Look kids, i know you guys have been through a lot lately and i appreciate you both being so supportive of me and well behaved. But there's just one thing.

ABBY What is it? Can we go back home?

STELLA Not exactly.

ABBY Then what then?

STELLA Well, i think it's best we move on somewhere else for a bit, Trish has dedicated more than enough time and space to us and, well, i don't think it's best that we go back home yet.

JACK Why? STELLA You know why young man, me and your father aren't talking at the moment and well, a friend of mine has offered his place for us to stay, just for a few days.

ABBY But Mum, can't we go back to Dad's and you stay away at your friends? It's not us that want to be away from Dad, we miss him, don't we Jack?

JACK Well yeah.

STELLA I understand why you want to go home and trust me if it was as easy as that we'd all go back there now, but..i am your mother,

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and i think i know best, now please just oblige and trust me in a few more days we can reevaluate the plan, does that sound good?

ABBY I said I'd support you so i guess it'll have to do, but I'm not happy about it.

JACK Me neither.

STELLA Look please guys, for me? I'll make sure you can both see your Dad next week at the latest.

ABBY and JACK can clearly see how emotional their mother is, they agree to go with her.

ABBY OK then.

JACK What she said.

STELLA Right now upstairs with you to pack your things.

INT. TRISH'S HOUSE; HALLWAY - DAY. STELLA stands in the hallway with her bags. TRISH walks out of the sitting room to speak to her. The kids are still upstairs packing.

TRISH Stella, I'm... I'm, just, in a really difficult messed up place, if i could turn back time i honestly would.

STELLA Trish save it, your meant to be my friend. After all the lies and deceit I've incurred over the last few weeks i would have expected you above most to be there for me. I honestly don't know who to trust anymore.

TRISH What and you think staying with your new boy toy from work is the right idea do you? I think your making a mistake.

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STELLA A mistake, that's rich coming from you. You know what, right now he's the only person that i can trust. Abby, Jack, hurry up please, he's going to be here any minute.

TRISH Just, think about it, Paul isn't so bad, if i had a guy like that, i wouldn't let him go.

STELLA I can see that, but your not me are you, even though clearly you wish you were.

There is a knock at the door. TRISH walks to the door and opens it.

TRISH Hi, your here for Stella and the kids i presume? Good luck.

TRISH walks away and back into the sitting room, she closes the door behind her. MAX looks at STELLA. MAX What's that supposed to mean?

STELLA Ignore her.

MAX I can see why you want to go somewhere else now.

STELLA smiles at MAX and turns to shout up the stairs.

STELLA Abby, Jack, come on please.

Suddenly ABBY and JACK appear at the top of the stairs.

ABBY Sorry Mum, we were saying bye.

MAX is clearly nervous on seeing the kids. As JACK reaches the bottom step, MAX crosses the hall to try and defuse the situation by shaking his hand; MAX You alright mate?

JACK swiftly removes his hand from MAX'S grip.

JACK

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Yeah.

MAX then reaches to shake ABBY'S hand, she dosen't reach out hers to shake back, instead she walks past him and opens the door.

ABBY Can we go?

STELLA Abby?

MAX Stella it's fine.

MAX opens the door wide for STELLA and JACK to walk out.

They close the door firmly behind them.

EXT. TRISH'S HOUSE; FRONT DOOR STEPS - DAY. ABBY and JACK rush ahead down the stairs. STELLA and MAX walk side by side down the steps.

STELLA Thanks for this MAX, i won't forget it.

MAX smiles at STELLA then addresses the kids as he continues to walk down the steps.

MAX Look guys, staying at my house is going to be fun i promise, i have all of the essentials that can make anyone's stay complete, an xbox, a flat screen TV...

They reach the end of the steps. MAX looks over at JACK while listing these things.

You like X box right mate?

JACK Yeah, it's pretty good.

MAX opens the passenger car door to STELLA. Both ABBY and JACK let themselves in the back.

INT. MAX'S CAR - DAY. STELLA buckles her seat belt. MAX turns to look at the kids.

MAX All strapped in yeah?

ABBY Yep.

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MAX Let's rock 'n' roll then shall we?

They drive off down the street.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - DAY. MAX opens the door to his open plan bachelor apartment.

STELLA is surprised at what a cliche' his apartment is, with fur rugs, leather sofa's and even a bar inside.

MAX Well guy's this is it, what do you think?

STELLA Wow..um, it's, very bachelor Esq. MAX Well, that's what i am so i may as well fit the mold.

STELLA is clearly quite bewildered, so is ABBY by the looks of things. JACK on the other hand is clearly impressed.

JACK This is cool.

STELLA I knew you'd like it JACK. ABBY Are the fur rugs real?

MAX Um, yeah, they are.

Anyway..anyone want a drink?

STELLA Coffee?

STELLA wonders what she's gotten herself in too. JACK is right at home, he walks over to a leather bean bag and plonks himself down on it. ABBY sits on the corner of the leather sofa, clearly uncomfortable, STELLA sits down next to her while MAX fetches STELLA a coffee. STELLA slips back into the sofa, feet in the air, MAX notices this.

MAX They tend to do that, sorry. Here you go.

MAX hands STELLA her coffee and sits beside her. They all look very awkward, imagine the worst family photo ever, JACK on the other hand is in his element.

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MAX Well guys Mi casa es su casa as they say in Mexico.

ABBY Sorry what?

STELLA He said his house is yours silly.

Thanks Max, we appreciate it.

JACK What language is that?

MAX Spanish.

JACK Aren't you English?

MAX Yeah, doesn't matter, forget it.

MAX laughs to himself.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE; SITTING ROOM - NIGHT. ABBY and JACK are asleep in the spare room, STELLA sits with MAX in the sitting room, they both sit with a night cap in hand talking.

STELLA I can't believe how early they went to bed tonight. JACK hasn't gone to bed earlier than mid-night in years.

MAX It's been a long few days i guess, and to be fair i remember being a Teenager and spending most of my time in bed.., so anyway, how are you doing Stell OK?.

STELLA As good as i can be, i mean, having such supportive people around me helps, like you, you've been great.

MAX I don't know what it is about you, when your in trouble i just have this overwhelming feeling that i have to look after you, i sound like a girl right?

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STELLA No..it's sweet, i care about you too.

MAX And..i know that this is probably no time to express again how strongly i feel for you Stella, but your in my mind all the time.

STELLA Really? Well thanks..

MAX My pleasure.

STELLA and MAX get closer on the sofa, they look into each others eyes, they are about to kiss when, JACK walks out of the spare room.

JACK I..I just wanted a glass of water.

MAX jumps up off the sofa and walks over to the cupboard to get JACK a glass, he turns on the tap, fills the glass and hands it to JACK. MAX Here you go.

JACK Thanks..right Mum, back to bed for me.

STELLA Get some sleep.

JACK walks back into the spare room which overlooks the sitting room, he closes the door behind him.

MAX Well that was close.

STELLA It was indeed,..look, i think I'm gonna get some sleep.

MAX Right yeah, sure, no worries, um I've only got my bed so..how about I have the sofa and your welcome to mine?

STELLA I couldn't let you do that..are your sure?

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MAX Yeah go ahead, their fresh sheets and all.

STELLA Only if your sure?

MAX I am.

STELLA Well thanks Max, sleep well yeah?

MAX watches STELLA as she gets up and walks away towards his bedroom. He sighs and smiles.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, MAX'S BEDROOM, NIGHT. It's been a few hours since STELLA retired herself to MAX'S bedroom. She is still wide awake in bed. STELLA notices the door open slightly. She sits upright.

STELLA Jack, is that you?

At this point MAX has pushed the door open completely to reveal himself, he closes the door behind him.

MAX No, sorry, it's me, I, I saw the light on and thought that maybe you couldn't sleep and..well i can't either.

STELLA Oh right, um, well no, my minds racing to be honest. If you want, you can have your bed back, I'll sleep..

MAX interrupts STELLA before she can finish.

MAX No, not at all, you want some company for a bit? Then I'll leave you to it?

STELLA Yes actually, that would be nice.

MAX smiles at STELLA and walks over to the bed and sits down on top of the covers.

MAX So? STELLA So?

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MAX How are you? It's seems like you've had a ruff few weeks.

STELLA You could say that again. It's been a nightmare, me and Paul just don't seem to work anymore, then i, i took some time out and stayed with Trish, then she basically went behind my back and tried it on with him.

MAX I can't believe that, how could she?

STELLA My thoughts exactly. I just really needed a friend and i guess she just, she's always been quite selfish.

MAX Well then why would you want a friend like that?

STELLA I'm not sure, i guess she made me feel better when,..

MAX When what?

STELLA Look there's more to me and Paul separating than you'd think, he, how do i put this? I, when i went over the other night to get some stuff, i found him in my clothes.

MAX What do you mean in your clothes?

STELLA In one of my dresses with my make-up on, he was, he is, obviously some sort of cross dresser.

MAX Are you kidding me? No wonder you wanted to keep the kids away.

What a freak.

STELLA I just,......

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STELLA'S eyes well up with tears, MAX leans in close to hug her, he rubs her back as she cries. MAX then looks at STELLA, STELLA is lost in MAX'S eyes. She leans in and kisses him. MAX pulls away.

MAX Are you sure about this?

STELLA I,...I am.

STELLA can't stop herself, all her inhibitions go out the window, she climbs on top of him, they kiss passionately and undress one another. After making love they fall asleep in each others arms. STELLA for the first time in a long time falls asleep with a smile on her face.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, MAX'S BEDROOM, DAY. STELLA and MAX are still asleep, neither of them have realised that they forgot to set an alarm. Early that morning ABBY enters MAX'S bedroom, she expects to find her mother in bed alone but is gobsmacked to see them naked in bed together.

ABBY Mum..what are you doing?

STELLA and MAX awake to see ABBY standing at the end of their bed.

STELLA ABBY, I, I'm, I'm so sorry baby.

MAX Sorry ABBY, we honestly didn't want you to have to see this, fuck!

ABBY I knew it, you two obviously have never been friends have you? Your together!

STELLA It's not like that, we were, i mean, are friends, we just, i was upset and MAX was, please ABBY, just get out for a minute, just give us some space, i need to get dressed.

ABBY runs out crying. MAX and STELLA are left alone in the room together feeling guilty.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - DAY. STELLA now dressed and ready to speak to ABBY and JACK,

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walks into the sitting room. JACK and ABBY are about to walk out the door, they have obviously rushed getting ready for school to avoid confrontation.

STELLA Stop right there, both of you.

ABBY No, come on JACK, were leaving.

JACK and ABBY make their way out the front door. The door slams behind them.

MAX She needs to be taught respect Stella, i know have been hard for her your her mother at the day.

some that must to see but end of the

STELLA I kind of deserve it, I'm a hypocrite obviously.

MAX You've had such a ruff time, don't be so hard on yourself.

STELLA Yeah but thinking about it, so have they, they miss their Dad obviously.

Both MAX and STELLA grab their stuff and continue talking as they walk out of the door to work.

EXT. ABBY & JACKS SCHOOL, PLAYGROUND - DAY. It's lunchtime at school. ABBY is in the playground talking to SERENA. ABBY So yeah i just walked in to talk to Mum this morning and there they were, butt naked in bed.

SERENA Are you kidding me? How horrible for you.

ABBY I know, i haven't seen my parents naked in bed let alone her and that smug sod. Her and my Dad have been apart for not time at all and she just jumps into bed with another guy.

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SERENA I can't think of anything worse honestly. The thought of my mum in bed with some man gives me the creeps.

ABBY More than anything this situation just makes me think of Dad and how me and Jack should go and see him, i'm fed up of listening to my mums orders, she honestly treats me like a kid.

SERENA Abby, your sixteen, your old enough to make your own decisions.

ABBY Too right.

JACK and BILLY are spotted by SERENA in the distance.

SERENA Billy, Jack, over here.

JACK and BILLY head over towards the girls.

BILLY What's up?

ABBY Jack, what do you reckon about heading back home tonight? I think it's time we go and see Dad don't you?

JACK What about Mum? Won't she kick off?

ABBY Forget her, she always calls the shots, I'm fed up, we deserve to see him.

JACK If your sure? Shouldn't we just tell her where were going?

ABBY No, she doesn't need to know, she's probably to busy with that Max bloke to notice anyway, lets just head there after school alright?

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JACK Fine, meet you at the school gates.

EXT. ABBY & JACKS SCHOOL, SCHOOL GATES - DAY. ABBY and JACK walk out of the school gates together and down the lane to catch a bus back home. Minutes after they've left STELLA and MAX arrive to pick them up from school. SERENA and BILLY walk out the gates as MAX and STELLA approach them.

STELLA Serena, Billy, Hi, you seen Abby and Jack?

SERENA Um...they.

BILLY They went to the cinema.

SERENA Billy, that's the most shitty excuse i've ever heard.

BILLY Well i had to say something.

STELLA What's going on?

SERENA They may have gone back to the house.

STELLA To see Paul?

MAX Shall we drive there and pick them up?

STELLA I think that's best don't you?

MAX Come on then.

STELLA See you later both of you.

STELLA and MAX hurry off to the car.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, DRIVEWAY - DAY. ABBY and JACK approach the house. They stand at the door.

ABBY knocks.

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JACK Is it stupid that I'm a little nervous about seeing him?

Suddenly the door opens, PAUL stands in the doorway looking a little worse for ware, he's wearing old tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt.

PAUL Abby, Jack, what are you doing here?

ABBY It's nice to see you too Dad. PAUL I didn't mean it like that, come here.

PAUL opens his arms to both of them. They walk toward him and hug him.

PAUL How you both been? Come in.

PAUL opens the door wide to let them in.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY. PAUL closes the door behind them and walks toward the kitchen, both ABBY and JACK follow.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY. PAUL walks over to the kitchen surface and turns the kettle on.

PAUL So guys what can i get you? Tea, coffee? A juice?

ABBY Tea please.

JACK Yeah and me.

PAUL So guys, what's new?

ABBY Too much, that's what seems to be the problem.

PAUL Oh yeah? Your mother been dragging you about the place has she?

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JACK You could say that.

ABBY Daaadd?

PAUL Abbbby?

ABBY Why haven't you tried to get in touch? We've missed you.

PAUL And I've missed you too, so much, but you know what your mothers like, once she has something in her head, she goes with it, there's no stopping her.

ABBY What? She told you not to call?

PAUL Not exactly, well...

Suddenly You can hear STELLA'S voice calling from the hallway. JACK and ABBY rush to the doorway to see what's going on. PAUL follows slowly behind.

INT STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY. STELLA and MAX are walking up the hallway toward the kitchen.

STELLA Max, i told you it was best that you stayed in the car.

MAX I want to be here to support you and the kids, you don't know what he's capable of.

STELLA He's a cross-dresser, not a pedophile.

STELLA Abby? Jack? Are you here?

PAUL suddenly appears at the end of the hallway and walks toward them.

MAX Well well, here comes the bride.

STELLA

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Shut it Max, honestly.

PAUL Yeah, listen to your girlfriend, shut it. Who do you think you are storming into my house like this.

MAX I'm here on Stella's behalf, and the kids.

ABBY and JACK appear at the end of the hallway next to PAUL. ABBY We didn't ask you to come did we?

STELLA Abby don't speak to him like that.

PAUL She's my daughter, she can speak to him however i see fit.

STELLA She's my daughter as well and both her and Jack are coming with me.

JACK No were not, were staying here with Dad. STELLA Paul, what have you said to them?

PAUL Nothing, they can make their own minds up you know.

ABBY Yeah Mum, just go, leave us here, we've had enough of you dragging us about the place.

STELLA But Abby please. It's best that you come with me. Your father isnt in the right place at the moment, it's best that we give him some space and time.

PAUL What are you talking about Stella? So i like to dress differently to most men, I'm not dying.

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MAX Most men? Nearly everyman i know.

Just let them come with us, your a sick perve, trust me Stella if you leave them with him, he'll, he'll corrupt them.

STELLA Max honestly, leave it, please, this isn't your place to talk.

MAX Don't you think the kids deserve to know?

ABBY Know what Dad? STELLA Max please?

MAX Why else did we come over here to get the kids unless you thought there was a problem?

ABBY What are you talking about?

MAX Your Dad, he's a fucking trannie, a messed up sick pervert.

JACK Shut it Max. STELLA Please kids just come with me, trust me I'll explain everything when we get back to Max's.

ABBY Explain now, what does he mean trannie?

PAUL Recently I've started to occasionally wear woman's clothes.

JACK What do you mean? So Max is right, your a trannie?

PAUL Well yeah, i guess you could say that, it's not all the time though, it's just something i do

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to make myself feel better at times.

STELLA Paul that's enough, they don't need to know every detail.

PAUL They asked didn't they?

STELLA Please, Abby, Jack, just come with me.

ABBY Is this a joke Dad? PAUL No, it's not, and for the first time I'm glad that everyone knows, just go with your mother, go on, leave me be. This is part of who i am now, please just leave me alone and I'll speak to you when I'm ready.

At this point both JACK and ABBY are crying, so is STELLA. ABBY Dad please?

PAUL No Abby, go on, all off you.

STELLA puts her arms out for ABBY and JACK, they walk toward her.

PAUL Just get out.

STELLA, ABBY and JACK all walk out the house crying. PAUL closes the door behind them. He sinks to his knees sobbing.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE; SITTING ROOM - NIGHT STELLA, JACK, ABBY and MAX all arrive back at MAX'S house. ABBY storms in to the spare room and shouts for JACK to follow her.

ABBY Come on Jack.

JACK walks into the spare room and slams the door behind him.

MAX

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You couldn't slam it a little harder could you?

STELLA Max? Leave it? After what they've been through you could be a little kinder couldn't you?

MAX Sorry Stell, there just acting like brats, surely they can just realise what a mess their father is and forget about him.

STELLA I don't think it's as easy as that do you? What's gotten in to you? You've been lovely up until now?

MAX Well to be honest this has all become so much more of a mess than i had expected, it's hard me for you know.

STELLA Don't you think it's hard for me Max? MAX But i could make it easier for you, i could look after you and give you a home here, a life here, with me, wouldn't you like that?

STELLA I don't know anymore. I'm just not sure. Look, I'm going to speak to the kids, can we talk about this later?

MAX Fine, go ahead.

STELLA walks into the spare room and closes the door behind her.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, SPARE ROOM, NIGHT. ABBY and JACK are sat on the bed, ABBY is crying, JACK is rubbing her back to comfort her. STELLA walks in and sits on the edge of the bed.

STELLA Kid's look, I'm so sorry everything has worked out this

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way, it's a complete mess, all i wanted was to keep you both safe and look at you, your in pieces.

ABBY looks up and wipes a tear from her cheek.

ABBY Why couldn't you just tell us?

STELLA Didn't you see how you all reacted back there?

ABBY That's cause were shocked, not cause we wouldn't understand, of course we would eventually.

JACK He's our Dad Mum. STELLA I'm lost for words, what can i say, i didn't think you'd be able to handle it like this obviously.

All along I've treated you both like children when it seems like you can deal with a lot more than me. I'm such a bad mother.

STELLA begins to well up.

STELLA Guys, please try and understand, I was trying to work out the best way to explain, the more time went by the worse the thought of telling you became. Please try and forgive me.

JACK To be honest Mum, I'm finding it hard to look at you right now.

STELLA Do you want me to give you some space?

ABBY If you wouldn't mind.

STELLA Fine, but please just try and think of a way to accept my wrong doings, i love you both so much.

If you need me you no where I am.

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STELLA gets up off the bed and closes the door behind her.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, MAX'S BEDROOM, NIGHT. STELLA is sat on the bed. MAX walks in and sits on the end of the bed.

MAX So how did it go?

STELLA How do you think?

MAX Stella why are you being so defensive with me?

STELLA Maybe because the conversation i just had with my kids could have gone a lot better if it wasn't for you.

MAX What's that supposed to mean?

It's not my fault your ex is a deranged perve.

STELLA There you go again? You couldn't just mind your own business, you just jumped right in slating Paul at every chance you had, it could have been revealed to the kids in such a better manured way.

MAX What's your problem? Why are you protecting him all of a sudden?

STELLA I'm not, I'm just, he may have his problems, but he's always been a good Dad. Now I've been made out to be the bad parent, no wait, i am!

MAX You are not a bad parent, you just care, someone should show that perve what's for, he needs to know that he has to back off for good.

STELLA No, i don't want that, don't you dare lay a finger on him. He

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doesn't deserve any of this.

MAX What are you talking about? Look at you your still fucking defending him, you can't deny it this time. You still love him don't you, your sick.

STELLA I'm sick? Your the one who want's to beat someone up for something they can't control.

MAX You left him for the same reason STELLA. STELLA No I, it's completely different, i was trying to protect the children, i had their best interest at heart.

MAX Stella if you want this to work you've got some serious thinking to do, you need to decide what you want, your heads all over the place. Just get some sleep and I'll see you in the morning.

STELLA Where are you going?

MAX Out, i need some space to think.

MAX walks out the door and closes it behind him.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, SPARE ROOM - DAY. STELLA walks into the spare room the next morning to speak to JACK and ABBY. There nowhere to be seen, the bed is made. She closes the door and hurries toward the sitting room.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - DAY. STELLA hurries into the sitting room to search the house for JACK and ABBY. There still no where to be seen. MAX however is passed out on the sofa in the same clothes as last night. STELLA rushes over to wake him up.

STELLA Max? Wake up.

MAX

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What? I'm sleeping.

STELLA Jack and Abby have gone. They were really upset with me last night, I'm worried.

MAX Yeah i know, i saw them leave early this morning.

STELLA And you didn't think of telling me?

MAX I was half asleep, give me a break.

STELLA I won't, this is serious, you obviously just don't care do you.

MAX Stella I'm with you, in a relationship with you, not your children.

STELLA My kids are me, and i am my kids, we come as a package deal Max, if you can't accept them then i don't know what I'm even doing here.

MAX After everything I've done for you Stella, and you just throw it back in my face, how dare you?

STELLA I can't do this anymore Max. MAX Do what?

STELLA This isn't working out the way i thought it would, look at us, I've stayed with you for only a few days and all we've pretty much done is argue, it's just not worth it.

MAX Well we had no chance of happiness did we really, you came here with all your emotional

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baggage and dumped it all over me.

STELLA What did i ever see in you huh?

You and your fucking faux fur and your shitty leather sofa that you can't even sit on. Their just like you really, great on the outside but once you look up close their shit! I'm leaving.

MAX Fine, just go then.

STELLA walks off to MAX'S room.

INT. MAX'S HOUSE BEDROOM - DAY. STELLA quickly packs all of her belongings into her bag then rushes out the door past MAX. INT. MAX'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - DAY. STELLA comes walks past MAX and towards the door.

MAX Go on then, run along to the Adams Family.

STELLA I'm already leaving.

STELLA reaches the door and opens it.

MAX I hope you enjoy your husbands vagina.

STELLA slams the door closed behind her.

EXT. BOOKSHOP, ROUNDHOUSE GARDENS. - DAY. STELLA heads back to her and PAUL'S house, she knows that the kids must be there. On her way she comes across a bookshop, she decides to have a browse. As she looks at the books, she notices in the corner of her eye the same limited edition copy of 'WUTHERING HEIGHT'S' that PAUL bought her years before. She opens the book, hoping it's not the same copy, to her relief it isn't, however there is a quote that is written on the first page 'In the end it will all be OK, if it's not OK, it's not the end'.

STELLA is taken by the quote, she takes the book up to the counter and purchases it.

CASHIER Hello, that's a very good choice you've made.

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STELLA Yes, I think so.

STELLA purchases the book then leaves the bookshop.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, DRIVEWAY - DAY. STELLA arrives at the front of her house with the book in hand. She reaches the front door and opens it. She walks into the house and closes the door behind her.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, HALLWAY - DAY. STELLA walks down the hallway, she can hear laughing.

INT. STELLA & PAUL'S HOUSE, SITTING ROOM - DAY. As STELLA approaches the sitting room she see's PAUL, JACK and ABBY sat on the sofa watching a film, they are all laughing. Stella looks at them and smiles, tears roll down her face. She drops her bag to the floor. Paul looks up to see Stella crying in the doorway, the kids look toward their mother. STELLA walks over and hands PAUL the book.

STELLA Open it.

PAUL opens the book and reads the quote on the first page, he then closes the book and smiles at STELLA. He reaches out a hand, STELLA then takes his hand and sits in between PAUL and the children.

THE END.