Happy Families

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. CAMPBELLS HOUSE – MORNING

Lee and Tina are at the kitchen table eating breakfast. Luke is making a cup of tea – he has a slightly angered look on his face.

Tina: We heard mum yesterday…sick all over the front lawn…

Luke: And? What do you want me to say about it!?

Tina: I’m worried about her dad and it’s all your fault!

Luke: Look, I want to put what happened in the past and move on, I’m sorry for what I did, but we all need to move on and forgive and forget…

Tina: You may be able to do that but we can’t!

Luke: Well why am I here now then eh?! If mum didn’t want me no more, she’d have chucked me out on the streets! So really, she has forgiven me….

Tina: Well she made a mistake…she’s in drunken states most nights of the week because of the affair you had behind her back! And you’ve hardly shown that your sorry!

Luke: I’ve told her that I’m sorry! But, well you know what mum’s like…she’s difficult…

Lee: It’s down to you dad to sort mum out! We are really worried about her…her constant drinking is going to take its toll on her, I just know it!

Luke: Look don’t worry, I’ll get everything under control…mum’s just going through a rough patch at the moment that’s all…she’ll get over my affair, it’s just going to take some time that’s all!

Tina: And you shutting the front door on her yesterday whilst she was sick was you keeping things under control was it?!

Luke: She was off her head Tina! Just trust me…mum will be ok…

Luke starts drinking his cup of tea. Lee and Tina continue to eat their breakfast.

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. WEATHERBYS HOUSE – DAY

Alicia is in the kitchen. Christina walks in through the back door.

Alicia: Alright, good day at college?

Christina: Not too bad…phone got taken off me though as I was texting Sean!

Alicia: Oh Chris! You know you can’t let your personal life interfere with your college work! These studies are important…you do want to try and get into university next year don’t you?!

Christina: I’m not so sure now mum…I keep changing my mind every 2 minutes…university does have its advantages, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just the money and the depressing thought that I will most likely get into debt!

Alicia: Well you still have time to decide yet…

Christina: Yeah and mum, you don’t mind Sean coming round for dinner tonight do you?

Alicia: Well love…you did make it all a bit short notice didn’t you?!

Christina: Yeah sorry…it’s just well I desperately want you to meet him…partly so you can stop judging him and dad can stop labelling him as a “bad ‘un!�

Alicia: I am not judging him love, not when I haven’t even met him yet!

Christina: But dad disapproves of him doesn’t he?! You might as well admit that!

Alicia: Well, I wouldn’t say disapprove is the right word…more that he’s got a few doubts that’s all…

Christina: Well, as long as he doesn’t kick off when Sean comes round for dinner…that’s all I ask…

Alicia: He won’t Chris, he promised he would give Sean a fair chance…

Christina: I just don’t want to have déjÃ* vu that’s all! Remember what happened when Jake came round for dinner?!

Alicia: Yes of course I remember, that event is hardly going to slip my memory is it?! It was particularly eventful!

Christina: (horrified) He punched Jake in the face!

Alicia: Yes I know, it was uncalled for but he was angry! He was cheating on you Christina!

Christina: That’s not a good reason!

Alicia: Just relax ok?! Everything is going to be fine, I’m going to put a turkey in the oven and cook a roast dinner for all of us…

Christina: Thanks mum. (smiles)

Alicia: I want to make this dinner special…I think it’s a nice way to introduce your new boyfriend to the family…I just hope he’s a decent man!

Christina: He is mum! I just have a good feeling about this one!

Christina leaves the kitchen, excited as she waits for Sean’s arrival. Alicia looks on, hoping Christina isn’t setting herself up for a fall.

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. WEATHERBYS HOUSE - DAY

Christina heads up to her bedroom, where Sam has just come out of the bathroom.

Christina: Haven’t broken another one of my DVDs today I hope?!

Sam: Nah I moved onto your CD collection! (laughs)

Christina: You better not have!

Sam: Jeez, chill! I was only having a laugh! I didn’t expect you to get my joke though as I bet your too busy quaking in your boots over that boyfriend of yours coming round for dinner tonight!

Christina: How did I know you were going to bring my new boyfriend into this?! You’re so predictable Samuel!

Sam: Sorry…but I am right aren’t I?! Your afraid that dad will kick off again like last time?!

Christina: Just get stuffed!

Christina goes into her bedroom and slams the door. Sam has a grin on his face, amused at teasing his sister.

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. WEATHERBYS HOUSE – EVENING

The Weatherbys are sitting in the living room as a family, awaiting Sean’s arrival. Christina is all dolled up, determined to impress her boyfriend. Jack looks at her, disgusted.

Jack: Did you really have to dress up like that for tonight!? (at Christina)

Christina: What’s the problem?

Jack: It’s just a bit revealing…that’s all…

Christina: Fine! If you don’t like it, I’ll get changed into something else!

Alicia: Eh, now come on! I thought there were going to be no arguments tonight!

The family fall silent, then Sam makes an outburst.

Sam: Are you sure this boyfriend of yours hasn’t stood you up?

Alicia: Sam, shut it will you!?

Sam: What!? I’m just being realistic! Look at the time, wasn’t he meant to be here at 6?! It’s nearly half past now!

Alicia: You’re not being realistic, your just trying to rub Christina’s nose in it! Now enough!

Sam: Ok…sorry…

The doorbell rings. Christina gets up from the sofa, excited.

Christina: Ooo! I think this is him!

Christina leaves the living room to head to the front door. The rest of the family look on, hoping the dinner will be successful.

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. CAMPBELLS HOUSE - MORNING

Luke enters the bedroom where we see Tanya lying in bed, her eyes half open. Luke angrily opens the curtains where the sunlight is streaming in.

Tanya: Jesus Luke! Why did you do that for?!

Luke: You have to face the world sometime Tan…not be stuffed up in this bedroom all day nursing your latest hangover!

Tanya: Any breakfast going?

Luke: I’m late for work so I was about to be leaving…

Tanya: Put some toast in the toaster before you go babe…

Luke: Don’t “babe� me! The kids are out of their mind with worry with you and your drinking!

Tanya: And did you explain to them how it’s all your fault?! You drove me to it Luke! You drove me to it!

Luke: You drove yourself too it! You have to stop this Tan, you have to stop treating me like your slave and start treating me like a husband again!

Tanya: Why should I?! You cheated on me! Do you know how that made me feel?! It made me feel unwanted, useless…thinking I couldn’t offer what my husband really wants!

Luke: It’s not like that at all Tan, I’m sorry about the affair…but I made up my mind in the end and decided I wanted you…you’re my wife after all and I love you!

Tanya: Not good enough Luke!

Luke: What can I do eh?! What can I do to make it up to you?!

Tanya: To be honest, I really don’t know… you hurt me so much Luke and the drinking helps the hurt go away…

Luke: Just please stop the drinking at least! You’re worrying the kids! If you carry on like this, you’ll drink yourself into an early grave!

Tanya: I can’t promise you that, every time I think of your betrayal, it just makes me turn to the bottle!

Luke: Oh stop being so melodramatic!

Tanya: I’m not being melodramatic! I’m being serious! I don’t think you realise how much you hurt me Luke!

Luke: I’m off to work!

Luke storms out of the bedroom.

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. WEATHERBYS HOUSE - EVENING

Christina opens the front door where we see Sean. A hunky man with a smart black shirt on, with some of his top buttons undone, showing some of his body and smart trousers. He has his hair spiked up, with a bag in his hand and he looks into Christina’s eyes and kisses her.

Sean: Well, well, you’re looking gorgeous tonight babe!

Christina: You don’t look too bad yourself!

Sean: And I have a surprise for you…

Sean takes his hand from behind his back and reveals some flowers.

Christina: Oh Sean, you shouldn’t have!

Sean: I also bought some presents for your family too…you know, just to win them over…

Christina: Sean, really! You shouldn’t have! They’ll like you…just stop worrying!

Sean: I hope they like me…I really hope they do!

Christina: Come into the living room, I’ll introduce you to them all!

Christina takes Sean to the living room. Sean tries to keep a cool face on him.

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. WEATHERBYS HOUSE – EVENING

Christina enters the living room with Sean at her side. The family look at Sean, intrigued.

Christina: Mum, dad, Sam….this is Sean…

Sean: (uncomfortable) Hi…it’s good to meet you…

Alicia: Very good to meet you too!

Sean: I really hope to make the right impression on all of you…I’m serious about Christina…

Jack: How can you be when you’ve only known her for 2 minutes?

Sean: I treat all the women I go out with, with respect Mr Weatherby…

Christina: Oh Sean, call him Jack! You aren’t in the classroom now!

Jack: She’s right, please call me Jack…

There’s an uneasy pause.

Sean: I’ve bought presents for all of you…I know it may sound silly, but just call it some introductory presents…

Sean starts digging in the bag.

Jack: I didn’t know you were Santa Clause! In fact, I didn’t think it was Christmas!

Alicia: Jack, please…

Sam: As they say, gifts can’t buy you friendship…

Christina: Just ignore him Sean! Leave the bag down there…we’ll see the gifts later!

Alicia: Right well Sean, you can sit down here whilst I check up on the food in the kitchen…

Alicia gestures for Sean to sit down. Alicia gets up and leaves the living area. There is an awkward silence.

Christina: Do you fancy coming upstairs Sean? (flirty)

Jack: Hang on a second! You two aren’t going anywhere! I thought the whole purpose of this dinner was to get to know your boyfriend, Christina!

Christina: Well strike up some conversation with him then!

Jack: Ok then…what line of work are you in Sean?

Sean: Oh I’m not really in any work at the moment…I…err…

Sam: (interrupts) Well that’s a problem solved already…you can become a Santa Clause! You did a wonderful job getting us presents and delivering them here!

Christina: (angry) Sam!

Sam: I’m being serious…they pay good money apparently…it’s ideal as Christmas would be soon!

Sean: Thanks….I’ll bear it in mind…

Sean smiles at Jack and Sam nervously.

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. PAT'S CAFE - EVENING

The phone rings. Pat is busy cleaning the cafe and hears it ringing.

Pat: (to self) Fine! I'll get it then shall I?!

Pat goes to the phone and picks it up.

Pat: Hello?....Hello? Have you got the wrong number or something?

The caller hangs up. Pat puts the phone down, and walks back into the cafe to continue cleaning.

[Xx-Vicky-xX]

Tanya is bugging me somewhat, i agree Luke shouldn't have cheated but get over it

[DaVeyWaVey]

INT. PAT'S CAFE - EVENING

Pat, Dave and Felicity are in the upstairs flat above the cafe, watching television. The phone rings.

Pat: Jesus! Not again!

Pat gets up and goes to the phone and answers it.

Pat: Hello?....hello?...is there anybody there? Have you got the wrong number?!

The caller hangs up. Pat puts the phone down angrily. Felicity comes into the hallway.

Felicity: Who was that?

Pat: I don't know...i think they got the wrong number...

Felicity: Didn't you recieve a call like that earlier?

Pat: Yeah i did, but i'm sure it's nothing...