Home and Away Script

[Laurie's top Fan]

Hi

I'm finally back!

Hope you enjoy this fic once again!

PART 1

(Tasha is with Irene.)

Tasha: Irene, what is it you’ve got against Josie? Is it because she’s my Mum’s cousin?

Irene: Tasha, love, I’m sure Josie is a great woman....but I worry about you.

Tasha: There’s no need.

(Later that day, Tasha is with Josie.)

Josie: Ever ridden a horse Tash’?

Tasha: Once or twice when I was little, I don’t remember much. How about you?

Josie: Yes. I started riding when I was about 10. I rode up until I was about 16, after that there wasn’t the time.

Tasha: Did Mum go with you?

Josie: Sometimes, Angie didn’t mind riding whereas I lived and breathed for it!

Tasha: Sounds like you had fun together.

Josie: We did. Tash’?

Tasha: Yes?

Josie: I’m going to see a friend next week, she breeds Horses. How would you like to come riding with me?

Tasha: I’d have to clear it with Irene but yes, I’d love to.

Josie: Great.

(Next day.)

(Irene and Tasha are at home.)

Irene: Good day, Tasha?

Tasha: It was okay...Irene; there was something I wanted to ask you.

Irene: Well then, fire away.

Tasha: Josie’s visiting a friend who breeds Horses. She wants me to go and ride with her, is it okay?

Irene: Well............

Tasha: Josie’s a good rider; she knows what she’s doing.

(Pause.)

Irene: Alright.

Tasha: Thanks Irene, you’re the best!

(Tasha kisses Irene’s cheek then goes upstairs to change.)

(1 week later.)

(Josie pulls into a driveway.)

Josie: Here we are.

(As Josie and Tasha get out of the car as a woman walks over to them. She’s roughly 40, slim, with long wavy chestnut hair tied loosely in a ponytail. The woman is dressed in a pair of short green trousers and a yellow t – shirt.)

Josie: Hey Rita.

Rita: Josie!

(Josie and Rita hug.)

Rita: How are you?

Josie: I’m well thanks and I’m still living in Summer Bay. Are you in good health?

Rita: Not bad at all. How long is it since I last saw you?

Josie: I was still living in the “City”, so, a couple of months I think. Anyway Rita, I’d like you to meet Tasha. (looks at Tasha) Tash’, this is Rita.

(Rita and Tasha shake hands.)

Rita: Lovely to meet you Tasha, Josie’s told me so much about you.

Tasha: And you.

Rita: Right let’s get everything sorted.

(At the Diner. Alf notices Irene’s mind is elsewhere.)

Alf: What’s wrong Irene?

Irene: Nothing much, just the usual.

Alf: Still worried about Tasha?

Irene: She’s off riding with Josie.

Alf: Tasha’s a sensible girl.

Irene: I know....it’s just I don’t trust Josie.

Alf: I’m sure she’s fine.

(Elsewhere. Josie and Tasha are still out riding.)

Josie: So, what do you think?

Tasha: It’s great. I love it.

Josie: I thought you would.

(Josie canters on ahead a little...suddenly something spooks Star.)

Josie: Easy, Star.

(Josie gently pulls on the reins to stop the horse......but it’s too late.

Star whinnies in fear as Josie falls to the ground, unconscious.)

[Laurie's top Fan]

PART 2

(Tasha sees Josie.)

Tasha: Josie!

(Tasha pulls carefully on the reins and stops her Horse, dismounts and runs over to where Josie is laying.)

Tasha: Josie? Josie? (looks around her.) Oh God, what am I going to do? (looks back down at Josie.) I’ll be back, you’ll be okay.

(Tasha quickly gets back on her Horse and canters away, trying to find her way back to Rita’s.)

(Later.)

(Rita hears the clattering of hooves in the yard.)

Rita: What the !? (sees Tasha.) Strewth!

(Rita goes out to Tasha.)

Rita, (concerned): What’s wrong? Where’s Josie?

Tasha, (breathlessly): She’s been in an accident. Star bolted. Josie’s unconscious, I think she’s been injured. I’m so sorry Rita.

Rita: Calm down, you’ve got nothing to be sorry about. Thank goodness Josie was wearing the safety gear. Do you know where she fell?

Tasha: I’m not sure...I think we were coming up to Kookaburra Point.

Rita: Uh – huh. I’ll be back in a sec.

(Rita signals one of the groom to take the horse to the stable.)

(A few minutes later.)

Rita: Tasha, I think you should stay here, hun. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Tasha: Okay. Can I use your phone? I need to call Irene and tell her what’s happened.

Rita: Sure. (sees how worried and shaken Tasha is.) Sit tight. Josie will be alright.

(Rita puts her arm around Tasha’s shoulders, then leaves.)

(Tasha goes into the house and takes off her riding hat and shakes her hair loose, then sits down by the ‘phone, picks it up and dials Irene’s number. As the dialling tone rings Tasha wipes tears from her eyes and cheeks. Irene answers.)

Irene: Hello?

Tasha: Hi Irene. It’s Tasha.

Irene: What’s the matter, doll? You sound upset.

Tasha: Josie’s been in an accident.

(A few days later. Tasha is back in the Bay.)

Tasha: Irene is it alright if visit Josie in hospital later on?

Irene: Okay. (Though it’s clear it isn’t.)

(That afternoon. Tasha is at the hospital.)

Tasha: Excuse me, I’m looking for Josie Russell, she was brought in 3 days ago. I’m her cousin’s daughter.

Receptionist: I see. She is in Side Room 4. You go down the corridor and it’s the 2nd on the left.

Tasha: Thanks.

(Tasha walks down the corridor to Josie’s room and gently taps on the door.)

Josie: Come in.

(Tasha goes in and closes the door.)

Josie, (looks up from her magazine, she has a cut on her head that’s been stitched.): Tasha!

Tasha: Hi.

(Josie and Tasha hug.)

Tasha: These are for you.

(Tasha hands Josie a bunch of flowers.)

Josie: Oh Sweetie. They’re beautiful, thank you.

(Josie kisses Tasha’s cheek.)

Tasha, (sits down in a chair beside Josie’s bed.): How are you.

Josie: A bit sore but okay.

Tasha: That’s good. I was so worried; I thought you had broken your neck.

Josie: Well, everything’s alright now.

Tasha: How long will you have to wear the cast?

Josie: About 6 weeks but I’ll be able to get about carefully on crutches. Though I have to say I don’t think it’s quite the right fashion accessory!

(Josie and Tasha laugh.)

Josie: Tasha?

Tasha: Yeah?

Josie: Do you think you would go riding again?

Tasha: Maybe, when you’re able to as well. Why do you ask?

Josie: I wanted to say I’m sorry. Your first time riding in years and this happens..and I said I was a good rider. Believe me Tasha, I wouldn’t lie to you.

Tasha: I know that.

Josie: I don’t want you to be frightened off by my accident. I’ve fallen off six or seven times over the years but you just pick yourself up and dust yourself off and get straight back on again. (looks at her cast) Well, most of the time anyway! Did Rita find Star?

Tasha: Yes she did. His knees were grazed and was a bit shaken but he’s going to be fine.

Josie: Thank goodness. (pause.) The doctor says I should be home by Friday.

Tasha: That’s great news!

[Lady Stardust]

Why is Irene suspicious still? Dis she plan the fall in order to get into people's good books?