SARAH MCKAY DROP-IN CENTRE
FLYNN and NOAH are there.
NOAH
What was all that about?
FLYNN
I believe I’ve just been blackmailed.
NOAH
You’re kidding.
FLYNN
A thousand dollars. She’ll get Justin to change his story. I didn’t think he was that kind of kid. Not with that history. She put him up to the whole thing.
NOAH
What are you going to do?
FLYNN
I don’t know. I can honestly say I’ve never been in a situation like this one before.
NOAH
Well, you’re going to call the cops, right. That will put you in the clear.
FLYNN
Yeah, yeah, I know, but it will get Justin into a lot more trouble.
NOAH
Flynn, this is your career that’s on the line. This is your job. You can’t let this guy off, however it is that’s behind this get away with it.
FLYNN
Yeah, I’m not saying I’m going to. I just, there’s got to be another way, you know, other than getting the police involved.
SUMMER BAY HOUSE
KIRSTY shows SHELLEY two t-shirts.
KIRSTY
Mum, what do you think I should wear to work tomorrow. This or this?
SHELLEY
Eh, are you sure either of those are appropriate?
KIRSTY
I knew I should have asked someone else.
JOSH knocks on the door.
JOSH
Hey.
KIRSTY
Hey Josh.
JOSH
I’ve just come to pay my rent.
SHELLEY
Ah, perfect timing.
KIRSTY
Yes, perfect timing. You can help me decide what to wear for my first day at work tomorrow.
SHELLEY
I’ll just get your receipt.
JOSH
Work, hey?
KIRSTY
Yes. As of today, I’m officially a working girl.
JOSH
Ah, so you got the job at the hairdressing salon.
KIRSTY
I start tomorrow man. I cannot wait.
JOSH
Excellent.
KIRSTY
So, what do you think? This or this?
JOSH
That one looks pretty good.
DANI walks in.
JOSH
Hey.
SHELLEY
There you go.
JOSH
Thank you.
DANI
Oh, what are you doing tonight?
JOSH
Oh, I think I’m going to get an earlier night. Alf really does get his monies worth out of you.
DANI
OK.
JOSH
I will catch you tomorrow though.
DANI
Sure.
JOSH
Oh, good luck with the job though.
KIRSTY
Oh, thanks and thanks for helping me decide. Bye. See you.
JOSH walks out.
DANI
What was that?
KIRSTY
What?
DANI
You’re flirting with my boyfriend.
KIRSTY
Boyfriend. You guys aren’t even going out yet.
DANI
Yes we are, sort of.
KIRSTY
Dani, he hasn’t even kissed you yet. Better hurry or someone else might snap him up.
DANI
Yeah, dream on Kirsty. Like he’s ever going to go for you.
KIRSTY walks out.
THE BEACHSIDE DINER
CHARLOTTE, JUDE and FLYNN sit at a table.
CHARLOTTE
They’re inspecting the hospital. They want to talk to me about what happened.
FLYNN
Aw, it’s good to get it underway so quickly.
CHARLOTTE
Yeah, I know, but I was kind of hoping I could stay anonymous, Admin is going to flip when they work out I called Work Force.
JUDE
Well, I’m sure they would have figured it out. You’ve been making a bit of noise lately.
CHARLOTTE
That’s true.
JUDE
Hey, but, you know, it’s nothing you’re not entitled to.
CHARLOTTE
Want to try telling the hospital that.
JUDE
Aw, if it makes you feel any better we’ve been discussing unfair dismissal laws this week. The hospital won’t have a leg to stand on.
CHARLOTTE
As long as you’re prepared to stand up and say that in a court of law.
JUDE
For you Charlie, anything.
FLYNN
So what have you learned blackmail and perverting the course of justice.
JUDE
I know it carries a pretty hefty jail term.
FLYNN
How hefty?
JUDE
I don’t, like two years. Why is there something you’re not telling us mate?
FLYNN
No, no. Just interested.
SUMMER BAY HOUSE
BRODIE and DANI are in the kitchen.
BRODIE
I can’t believe Kirsty said that to you.
DANI
I know, but what if she’s right. I mean, isn’t it weird he hasn’t kissed me yet?
BRODIE
No. Of course not.
DANI
So then why hasn’t it happened? It’s not like he hasn’t had a chance.
BRODIE
Dan, I think you’re worrying about nothing. He’s probably just taking it slowly, you know. I think that’s great.
DANI
Well if it doesn’t soon.
BRODIE
What?
DANI
Then.
BRODIE
You might have to make the first move.
DANI
Yeah, exactly.
NICK, JADE and SEB are sitting at the table. KIRSTY walks over.
KIRSTY
Suck in, I never have to do maths homework ever again.
JADE
Kirsty, we’re trying to work here.
KIRSTY
Well can you just hurry up. I want to go to the diner.
SHELLEY walks in.
SHELLEY
Have you figured out what you’re wearing tomorrow?
KIRSTY
Mostly. I’ll just figure out the rest in the morning.
SHELLEY
Well, don’t leave it to the last minute and end up in a panic.
KIRSTY
OK, mum. I can organise myself.
SHELLEY
Yeah, I’m just trying to help.
SEB
I’ve had it. I’ve had about as much as I can do in one night.
KIRSTY
Good. Can we go now?
NICK
You shouting?
KIRSTY
In your dreams.
SHELLEY
Don’t be too late. You’ve got a big day ahead of you.
KIRSTY
Like I’m going to be able to sleep anyway.
The next morning SHELLEY and KIRSTY are there.
KIRSTY
I can’t believe you didn’t wake me up.
SHELLEY
I thought you said you could organise yourself.
KIRSTY
Yes, mum. Rub it into don’t you.
JADE and BRODIE are looking through some clothes.
JADE
OK, what about these?
KIRSTY
No, Jade, those don’t go.
BRODIE
How about this one?
KIRSTY
No.
SHELLEY
That’s why I told you to sort it out last night.
KIRSTY
Yes mum. I get your message. It doesn’t help. I can’t believe that I’m going to be late for my first day at work.
DANI walks in.
DANI
You can wear this if you want to?
KIRSTY
You are an absolute champ.
DANI
Can you not spill anything on them please.
NOAH and SEB walk in.
SEB
Hey. Just want to see good luck.
KIRSTY
Thanks. I can’t talk.
KIRSTY walks out.
NOAH
Hey, have you seen Flynn? He wasn’t in his van.
SHELLEY
Ah, not this morning, no.
NOAH
Oh, Mrs Peters dropped this in for him last night, for the talks he gave to the scouts.
SHELLEY
Aw, that was nice of her. I can pass it on to her if you look. Is there something else?
NOAH
Yeah, kind of. What do you reckon you should do if you know someone who’s making a really big mistake, but they won’t listen to you?
SHELLEY
Ah, a bit hard to tell without knowing the details. Can you be a bit more specific?
NOAH
I can’t, it’s sort of confidential.
SHELLEY
All right then. I guess if you feel really strongly about it then you just have to follow your instincts.
THE WHARF
JOSH and ALF walk along carrying fishing gear.
ALF
Got to pick the first lot up at The Sands and get them back there before midday. Then you can scrub the boat before the afternoon people.
JOSH
Are we going to have time? You’re not frightened of a bit of hard yakker are you?
MRS BELL waits. FLYNN walks up to her.
FLYNN
Before you ask, I haven’t brought the money.
MRS BELL
Well, why not? Didn’t I say?
FLYNN
Yes you did. Have you even thought about what can happen to you and Justin if you go through with this. You do realise this is a jailable offence.
MRS BELL
Yeah, well only if you talk and you’re not going to, are you, because I can make things very difficult for you if you do.
FLYNN
If this is about needing money, there are ways.
MRS BELL
What would you know about needing money? There is no other money.
FLYNN
Just let me talk.
MRS BELL
No, I want my money and I want it today.
SUMMER BAY HOUSE
JADE walks down the stairs. KIRSTY is at the mirror.
KIRSTY
Do you think this looks OK?
JADE
Yeah, you look great. Here, let me do it. I can’t believe you’re actually going to work.
KIRSTY
Neither can I be.
JADE
It’s going to be so weird at school. I mean, we’ve always done stuff together.
KIRSTY
I know. Now I’m finally getting a life. Aw, sorry, no. You know what I mean.
SHELLEY walks through.
SHELLEY
So, are you ready?
KIRSTY
Yes, but I’ve got major butterflies going on here.
JADE
Aw, good luck.
SHELLEY
Come on. Let’s go.
KIRSTY and SHELLEY walk out.
SUMMER BAY HIGH
DANI and BRODIE are standing at their lockers.
BRODIE
So, what’s the plans Dan?
DANI
That’s for me to know.
BRODIE
Aw, come on.
DANI
OK, I’m going to use my charms till he can’t miss me.
BRODIE
Aw, I thought you were going to make the first move.
DANI
I am. I’m going to make him kiss me.
BRODIE
And to think, this is the same girl who spent the last two months running away from the guy.
DANI
That was different. That was the catch me if you can stage. Next time I need a boyfriend I’m going to come to you.
DANI and BRODIE walk away. JADE walks in, up to SEB and NICK.
JADE
What are you doing at Kirsty’s locker?
NICK
Aw, it’s mine now. I thought I’d get in before dork face Julius took it.
JADE
You could have at least waited a day.
NICK
I thought you’d be happy. We’re right next door to each other now.
KICK walks over.
KICK
Hey guys. All ready for the Peloponnesian war?
SEB
Can’t wait.
KICK
That’s what I like to hear. See you in there.
KICK walks away.
NICK
Can’t wait.
SEB
Get out. As if I meant it like that.
JADE
Kirsty will be at work now.
SEB
I wonder how she’s doing?
THE SALON
SHELLEY and KIRSTY walk along outside.
SHELLEY
Aw, is this it?
KIRSTY
Yeah, I’ll see you later.
SHELLEY
Aw, I’ll come in with you. I wouldn’t mind meeting your boss.
KIRSTY
Mum, this isn’t my first day at kindie.
SHELLEY
Yeah, I know. I just want to see where you’ll be working. That’s not a crime, is it?
SHELLEY and KIRSTY walk in. NICKI is there.
NICKI
Kirsty, welcome aboard.
KIRSTY
Thank you.
NICKI
How are you feeling?
KIRSTY
Great. Can’t wait to rip in to it.
NICKI
Terrific. You’ll get the hang of it in no time.
SHELLEY
Hi, I’m Shelley, Kirsty’s mum.
KIRSTY
Mum, this is my boss, Nicki.
SHELLEY
Nice to meet you. I can pick you up if you like, seeing as it’s your first day. What time will Kirsty be finished?
NICKI
We usually finish around five, quarter past five.
KIRSTY
It’s OK mum. I’ll get the bus.
SHELLEY
All right then. Have a great day.
KIRSTY
Yes I will.
SHELLEY
Can’t wait to get rid of me just like her first day at school.
NICKI
We’ll take good care of her.
SHELLEY
Bye.
SHELLEY walks at out.
NICKI
OK, then. I’ll just show you around the place and we’ll get you down to work.
A ROAD
MRS BELL walks along the road. NOAH runs up to her.
NOAH
Mrs Bell.
MRS BELL
Yes.
NOAH
I’m Noah. I work with Flynn at the drop-in centre.
MRS BELL
Yes, I know. What do you want?
NOAH
I was just hoping we could have a chat.
MRS BELL
Look, I don’t really have time. I have to be somewhere.
NOAH
Look, you don’t have to blackmail him.
MRS BELL
I don’t know what you’re talking about that.
NOAH
If you go ahead with this, you’re going to ruin Flynn’s career, you know that?
MRS BELL
Look, just get out of my way or I’m going to call the cops.
NOAH
Mrs Bell, Flynn was the only person who gave a damm about Justin. Everyone else thought he was a lost cause, but Flynn went out of his way to help him and this is how you repay him.
MRS BELL
He should never have touched my son.
NOAH
Yeah, I know he shouldn’t have. He just grabbed his arm. That’s all. What you’re doing isn’t fair.
MRS BELL
Look, you don’t know anything, now get out of my way.
MRS BELL walks away.
NOAH
I know one thing, you’re not going to get your money, so why waste your time.
THE SALON
KIRSTY and NICKI are there.
NICKI
Have you thought about going short?
KIRSTY
No, not really.
NICKI
I think it would suit you. We could shape in here around the face, a nice side swept fringe.
KIRSTY
I don’t know Nicki. I kind of like it long.
NICKI
That won’t last. After you’ve been here a while, you’ll have a new look every week. You definitely have to lose the middle part. We can jazz it up with some colour, just while you’re getting used to the idea. Have a look at this. I think the red blonde force would look great. A bit more sophisticated too.
KIRSTY
Yeah.
A customer walks in.
NICKI
Mrs Richards, hi. Come through. Your usual cut and blow dry today. Kirsty, can you Mrs Richards a cup of tea. A white with one, and I’ll need the rollers from the trolley too.
KIRSTY
Right, sure.
SUMMER BAY HIGH
KICK is teaching a class that includes JADE, SEB and NICK. NICK is almost falling asleep.
KICK
So the Athenians told the other cities not to send any more ships or men, but just to send cold hard cash and that they would build the ships themselves to defend the whole country against the Persians. Now this was very tricky on the part of the Athenians because they built themselves a massive navy which they then used against the other cities to force them to keep sending more money even after the threat of the Persian attack had faded.
KICK picks up the book and slams it on NICK’S desk.
KICK
OK, people, I get the picture. Even my consummate presenting skills are not keeping you interested. Am I right, Seb?
SEB
Huh. Ah, no Sir.
KICK
Fair enough. Looks like we need a new plan of attack. OK, how about this. For the rest of the class you lot can ask the questions, I’ll try and answer them and we’ll see if that makes it more interesting. Any takers. Seb.
SEB
What was the war actually about?
KICK
The simple answer is greed. The Athenians wanted to keep lining their pockets more and more until, finally, the other cities couldn’t take it any more and rebelled. It’s a bit like what would happen if Nick sends the puppy that you gave him for Christmas on to you because you refused to buy him a shake.
NICK
But he never gave me a puppy.
SEB
Next question, Nick.
NICK
When’s the bell going?
The bell rings.
KICK
There’s your answer. OK, people. We’ll pick it up after lunch.
NICK
I’m going to die if I have to sit through another one of those classes.
KICK
Bye bye.
DANI and BRODIE walk along together.
DANI
I might be back late, so can you cover for me.
BRODIE
Alright, but I every single detail. All the details.
DANI
All right, bye.
BRODIE
All right.
DANI
Bye.
THE WHARF
JOSH is on the boat. DANI climbs aboard.
DANI
Hey.
JOSH
Hi. What are you doing here?
DANI
I thought you might be hungry. It’s not a gourmet picnic, but we can pretend it’s a gourmet picnic.
JOSH
Dani, it looks great. I’d love to, but Alf wants me to everything finished in here and we’re going out again in hour.
DANI
Josh, you have to eat and I’m not going to eat this all by myself. Please, come on, please.
JOSH
You’re going to get me in so much trouble.
DANI
It’s going to be so worth it.
THE BEACHSIDE DINER
CHARLOTTE and JUDE sit at a table.
CHARLOTTE
They went through the whole hospital, you know, they checked all the equipment. They interviewed all the other staff.
JUDE
And it was all in line with the Work Practices Act.
CHARLOTTE
If you mean, did they find any problems, I don’t know, but I heard they were a few red faces up in Admin.
FLYNN walks in.
JUDE
Hey again mate.
FLYNN
Hey, hi.
FLYNN walks over to MRS BELL.
JUDE
There’s something definitely going on there.
MRS BELL
About time. Where’s the money?
FLYNN
Before I give this to you, understand I have given it to you freely, out of my own choice.
MRS BELL
What are you talking about?
FLYNN
I’m saying there’s no blackmail or distortion here. This is a gift from me to you.
MRS BELL
There’s only four hundred here. Where’s the rest?
FLYNN
I’m afraid that’s all I had in my account. This is also for you. This is a rent assistance form and a single parent benefits. I found out some benefits that you’re entitled to you might not have known about. It should mean you get an extra couple of hundred bucks a week.
MRS BELL
Why are you doing this?
FLYNN
Obviously you need the money more than I do. I’m happy to help. I’ve filled it all out. All you need to do is fill in personal details and then sign here.
MRS BELL
I can’t do this, sorry.
FLYNN
No, no, no.
MRS BELL
I don’t know why I did this.
FLYNN
It’s OK.
MRS BELL
Oh, no it’s not. I’ll get Justin to tell the police he made the whole thing up.
FLYNN
No, no. You don’t do that. That could get you and him into some very serious trouble. Now if the police don’t get any more evidence they might just be willing to let is slide, OK.
MRS BELL
Thank you.
MRS BELL walks out.
SUMMER BAY HIGH
KICK is teaching a class including NICK, JADE and SEB.
KICK
It took the help of the Persians for the Spartans to win the war. By then Greece was pretty much destroyed.
SEB
What’s this got to do with today?
KICK
Well, it’s not just about the fall of ancient Greece, it’s about war and peace and the issues that were raised two thousand wars are just as relevant to modern wars now. I mean, take what’s happening in Afghanistan. We all know about the propaganda both bin Laden and Bush have used to incite their people to war. They weren’t the first. Cleon, the ruler of Athens, was well known for manipulating the emotions of his people and just like now, there were people who spoke out then against what their leaders were doing. Now how’s heard of the play Lysistrata?
NICK
Liz is what?
KICK
Lysistrata Nick. It’s the most frequently performed play ever written.
NICK
And what’s that got to do with anything?
KICK
I’m going to show you. Seb, go the drama room. Find me any costumes which you think might relate to modern ancient Greece. The rest of you, I want you to get up, push your chairs and tables to the edge of the room. Come on.
JADE
What do you think he’s doing?
NICK
I know, but he’s totally lost it.
SARAH MCKAY DROP-IN CENTRE
FLYNN is on the phone.
FLYNN
So if we get the paperwork in by tomorrow she should be getting the money by, yeah, mid next week.
Em, yeah, that’s great.
I’ll put together an emergency package for her that will see her over till then.
Yeah, thank you very much.
FLYNN puts the phone down. NOAH walks in.
FLYNN
OK, that’s Mrs Bell taken care off. She should be getting the money by mid next week.
NOAH
You’re not going to give her the money are you?
FLYNN
No, no, not my money, social securities. She should get a little bit of financial assistance. She could have saved us a lot of hassle if she just came and asked for help in the first place.
NOAH
Yeah, but what about the hassle she’s called you. I mean, what she’s going to do about that.
FLYNN
I told her to forget about it mate. I think she’s dealing with about enough. Then if the police find out she tried to blackmail me. You have to be pretty desperate to blackmail a youth counsellor how much do you think we earn? A thousand bucks out of my account. Blood from a stone mate.
NOAH
Well she said something about this earlier.
FLYNN
Eh.
There is a knock. Two policemen walk in.
FLYNN
Can I help you?
POLICEMAN
Flynn Saunders.
FLYNN
That’s me.
POLICEMAN
I’d like to ask you a couple of questions regarding blackmail allegations.
FLYNN
Who’s made allegations?
NOAH
Flynn, I did.
FLYNN
Right.
THE BEACHSIDE DINER
COLLEEN and ALF are in the kitchen.
ALF
Are you all right here Colleen? I’ve got to get back down to wharf to see how young Josh is going with that clean up?
COLLEEN
Of course I’ll be right here. I have run the diner by myself before, you know. I am capable.
ALF
Yeah, yeah. Look, I know you’re capable. I just wanted to make sure you’re OK, that’s all? Have you seen Leah today?
COLLEEN
This morning. She’s putting on a brave face, but you can see her little heart is breaking.
ALF
Yeah, it can’t be easy for her poor kid. She had a bit of a cry on my shoulder the other day. You just don’t know what to say.
COLLEEN
And poor Vincent Junior. Growing up without seeing his father.
ALF
Well, that’s what Vinnie. We’ve got respect his wishes. That’s the least we can do for him.
COLLEEN
I know, I know.
ALF
Anyway, I better get going I suppose. I’ll have my mobile on if you run into any strife.
THE WHARF
DANI and JOSH are on the Blaxland.
DANI
There’s some more chicken if you want some more.
JOSH
If I have any more chicken I’m going to sink this boat. What time is it anyway?
DANI
Aw, would you stop looking at your watch. You’ve got plenty of time.
JOSH
Thanks for the lunch.
DANI
You’re very welcome.
JOSH
I wish we could lie here all afternoon.
DANI
Not going fishing then.
JOSH
You’re the most amazing girl, you know?
DANI and JOSH go to kiss. ALF walks up to the boat.
ALF
What the?
JOSH head buts DANI.
DANI
Ahl.
ALF
What the flamin hell is going on here? I’m trying to run a business, you know, not a flamin holiday camp. Lunch is half an hour.
JOSH
Yeah, I must have lost track of time.
ALF
Yeah, you better get your bum into gear. We’ve got people to pick up.
JOSH
How’s your head?
DANI
It will grow back.
JOSH
I better get back. I’ll catch you later.
DANI
See you later.
SUMMER BAY HIGH
KICK and his class, which includes NICK, SEB and JADE are sitting on the floor.
KICK
OK, the people of Greece had been fighting for twenty seven years and they were sick of it. OK, they were sick of the war, sick of the suffering and this play demonstrates just how far they were prepared to go to end it.
NICK
Let me get this straight. This is about woman not sleeping with their husbands until they stopped fighting.
KICK
Exactly. It’s the original, make love, not war.
NICK
I can dig it.
KICK
Now, to do this properly I need all the girls on one side of the room and all the boys on the other.
NICK
No way.
JADE
See you Nick.
KICK
Look’s like you’ve just scored the lead part of Lysistrata Jade and Nick, you’re the magistrate. Seb you can lead the chorus of old men.
SEB
What?
KICK
There’s always part of Cleonise.
SEB
No, I’ll stick with the fellas, thanks.
THE SALON
KIRSTY is sweeping up. NICKI is doing the hair of a customer.
NICKI
Kirsty, I need some assistance over here.
KIRSTY
All right, coming.
NICKI
How are you going with the foils?
KIRSTY
Aw, I was just finishing sweeping the floor.
NICKI
You’re going to have to move a bit quicker. Mrs Tabbs will be here for her colour any minute.
KIRSTY
Sorry.
NICKI
Sarah could do with a fresh cup of tea too when you get the chance.
KIRSTY
Ah, yep, I’ll just grab that now.
KIRSTY takes the cup and walks away.
NICKI
First day today.
SUMMER BAY HIGH
KICK is teaching a class containing SEB, NICK and JADE.
JADE
What? Wretched man. Why? It’s a far heavier burden on us.
KICK
Come on again. Say it like you mean it Jade. You’re a desperate woman.
JADE
What? Wretched man. Why? It’s a far heavier burden on us. We bear the sons who go and fight far away from Athens.
NICK
Enough said. Do not recall sad and sorry memories.
JADE
Instead of enjoying the pleasures of love and making the most of our youth and beauty, we are left to languish far from our husbands who are all off with the army, but say no more about selves, what afflicts me is to see our girls growing old in lonely grief.
KICK
Yes, well done. Hey, that’s excellent.
SARAH MCKAY DROP-IN CENTRE
FLYNN, NOAH and the two policemen are there.
FLYNN
Come on mate. She was desperate, you know. Just looking out for her kids.
POLICEMAN
But she admitted to fabricating the assault story to obtain money.
FLYNN
Yeah, but she never actually went through with it. Can we let this go?
POLICEMAN
Extorting money is a serious offence.
FLYNN
Yeah, I’m aware of that.
POLICEMAN
I’m afraid it’s out of my hands. Thanks for your help. We’ll be in touch.
The policemen walk out.
NOAH
I thought I was helping.
FLYNN
No, no, no, no. You, you didn’t think mate. I had this situation under control.
NOAH
You could have lost your job.
FLYNN
That is nothing compared to what Mrs Bell’s about to go through. You know, we’re talking about a jail sentence mate. She’s good two kids. This stuff breaks up families. Why didn’t you just trust me enough to stay our of this.
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