Amazing Grace (2021) s01e01 Episode Script
Episode 1
1
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(SOARING MUSIC)
(SCREAMS)
I know you said you
wanted to be on your back,
but how about we try all fours?
I hate you!
Remember we talked about
how you'd hate me?
Yeah? Okay, well, we're here now.
Hating me. You can keep hating me.
Just breathe, breathe, breathe.
Breathe out, breathe out.
That's it. Push, push, push!
That's it, that's the head!
That's the head!
(SCREAMS)
Have you got one more push?
I think you do! Come on!
(SCREAMS)
(BABY CRIES DISTANTLY)
(UP-BEAT MUSIC)
(FERRY HORN BLARES)
(SEAGULL CALLS)
Jim, you're not allowed to be in here,
and you're not allowed
to be eating those.
That was the last one!
Jim, what are you doing here?
- That was my biscuit.
- Mature.
Don't you have lives to save?
Yep.
I've been awake for more
hours than I want to count.
Then go home.
Well, I would, but I've
got this other problem.
- Is it your horrible ex-wife?
- Yep.
I hate her. What's the problem?
Well, we bought this house together
but she still lives there,
and we want to sell it.
Oh, that's right. You said
you put up a 'for sale' sign.
But she doesn't get that
when you sell a house,
people come through for inspections,
and if the house doesn't look good,
you don't get a good price.
It's a simple equation.
Oh, well, maybe numbers
aren't her thing.
Okay, let's do an exercise.
If she was standing
in front of you right now,
what would you say to her?
I would say, "Grace, can you
please help us sell the house
so we can get on with our lives?"
Jim, that is a reasonable request.
And I wish I could help you,
but you ate my biscuit.
Look, I'm not asking you
to change the wallpaper.
Just make the place
look less like a bombsite.
Hey, if you want to pay for a stylist
I want you to do what you said you'd do.
- Hey, Laney.
- Jimbo.
It's Laney from
St. Brigid's Birthing Centre.
- Just answer my texts.
- Yes, I'll hold.
If you phrase them right. Who's that?
Waiting for translator services.
Can we get an emergency
biscuit delivery?
That's not my top priority.
Hello.
Hey. I'm the new midwife.
You mean student midwife?
- Yes. Max.
- Grace.
- Hi.
- Hello.
Are you a paramedic?
- Ah, should I be?
- Are you?
Ah, no.
It's just often, not to pigeon-hole,
when we get a student midwife
who is not female,
they're what we call tourists.
They need their midwifery unit
learn how to catch a baby
so they can go off
and do something else.
This work is demanding.
People either love it and stay,
or they get their hours
done and 'see ya'.
And mostly with the men, it's
See ya.
- Mmm.
- Can't promise not to.
Well, we understand each other.
I'll be training you
with the expectation
that you'll be moving on.
- Right.
- I can be strict.
I'm not trying to hurt you.
I'm just trying to teach you.
- Uh-huh. Okay.
- And don't be annoying.
And right now, bring me cream biscuits.
Sure. What does that mean?
What do you think it means?
Like literally cream biscuits?
It's a test.
It's a test and you want to see
how well I can follow instructions.
And right now, you want creamy biscuits.
- Correct.
- Correct.
Creamy biscuits coming up.
Hi. Creamy biscuits.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Hello. I'm Grace.
- Hi.
- Are you Sophia?
- Yeah.
- Okay, great.
I'm one of the midwives here,
and am I right you would
like to have your birth
here instead of Goulburn?
- Yep.
- Okay, great. Take a seat.
So you're moving up to the city, or ?
Ah, no. I don't know.
I'm not too sure yet.
- Got your records with you?
- Yeah.
Ultrasounds, blood tests. Yep.
Have you worked here for a long time?
Ah, the birthing centre
hasn't been here that long.
We're still pretty new.
- Do you have any kids?
- I don't, no.
And this is your first pregnancy?
I'm 17, so
You've never had a baby?
And you are 37 weeks.
- Have you been to birthing classes?
- Yeah.
First babies are always late, though.
Yeah, they often are, but not always.
37 weeks is considered term, so
What is labour like?
It's a really massive experience.
But you're gonna be fine.
Who's going to be
with you for the birth?
I don't know.
- Baby's father?
- No.
- No.
- Mum or Dad?
- My mum's dead.
- Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.
Well
that was my adoptive mother.
My birth mother's still alive.
(SOFT MUSIC)
Oh.
Sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry, I should have called.
- I should have
- No, no, stay.
Stay.
Just give me give me a second, okay?
I'm going to be right back. Okay?
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
(SIGHS)
Laney! Hey, I need you.
I need you.
Okay, but I've only got a second.
There's, um, in there there's
a young, um, girl. Woman.
Um I think if if we go outside.
You and me?
No, the young
- What's wrong?
- Biscuits!
Um, when did you have a daughter?
I was 17. I gave her up.
And she's here now?
- Did you know she was coming?
- No.
God! Why didn't you tell
me you had a daughter?
Hey, look, can you just
have a reaction later?
I'm sorry. Thank you, but I
- Grace, are you ?
- Yes, I'm fine. I'm fine.
I'd just like to have
a cup of tea with her.
You know, find out if
What about your presentation
to the board?
Shit. Oh, shit!
- Um, we'll postpone it.
- No.
You just have to tell them
I have gastro.
Okay, Grace, they're here now.
It's the board. It's our funding.
Shit!
Oh, Sophia!
I thought I'd lost you.
No, I just had to pee. Sorry.
Oh, right.
Look, I know I shouldn't have done this.
I should have gone through
the agency, the proper steps,
not just shown up
like this at your work.
It's not
I have to give a presentation.
It's to the higher-ups.
- I have to give it now.
- It's so fine. Don't
- I'll go.
- No, no, stay.
You should stay so we
can talk and, you know
If that's what you want.
Yeah.
- You'll you'll stay?
- Yeah.
Great.
(UP-BEAT MUSIC)
(SIREN WAILS)
So, uh, as you all know,
we, uh, when we established
St. Brigid's Birthing Centre,
we started this pilot study, and, um
Ooh! Sorry.
And the results, the investment
that you made, is paying off.
So we paired midwives with women
one-on-one for the duration
of their pregnancies.
So for all of the checks,
the ultrasounds, the blood tests
Cost us a fortune, of course.
(CHUCKLING)
Yeah. Yes, well, it did
cost more at first.
But, ah, it works.
Um, so our
Whoops, sorry.
Uh, busy day.
The Our test results show, um
You know what? In the charts,
everything is there.
All of the information.
So if you just turn to that page,
and on the next page there is the, um,
all of the time lines for
the proposed expansion.
It's all there, so, yeah,
if you've got any questions just,
yep, let me know.
Thank you.
Public speaking isn't
isn't really her thing.
Okay, I'll go over
- Grace.
- I know.
- What was that?
- I'm sorry.
- I stuck my neck out for you.
- I know.
(ELEVATOR BELL RINGS)
I'm sorry. I've gotta go.
- So did you grow up in Sydney?
- I did, yes. Yeah.
But I spent a long time away
overseas, in London.
- Backpacking?
- I lived there for a while.
Wow.
So did that all happen
before or after me?
Well, it was after.
I was 17 when I had you.
Yeah.
Things were, um
My life was very different
back then, nothing like it is now.
If you have any questions,
I could try and answer them.
Sorry, there's just a woman
waving at you.
I'm so sorry. Just give me one second.
- I'll be right back, okay?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, Renee. What's wrong?
- My heart's beating really fast.
- Okay, okay.
Something's wrong, I know it.
Alright, well, let's go and have a look.
Max? Suite 2's free.
Could you show Renee to Suite 2, please.
Yeah, of course. Hi. Come on.
Just around here.
- Is she alright?
- Yeah. Yeah.
Please don't go.
Will you wait?
Yep.
Okay.
(ULTRASOUND BEATS)
Okay. All good.
And what about Doug?
Do you want me to give him a call?
No. No.
Max, would you mind seeing
if Laney needs help with anything?
Is everything alright with the baby?
Yeah, all the signs are normal.
Renee, you're in labour.
It's okay to feel stressed.
- I just think something's wrong.
- Nothing's wrong.
You're in great condition.
The baby's fine.
You've been calling quite often
the past couple of weeks.
Is everything okay?
Is it something with Doug?
He's been violent?
(SOBS)
Well, that didn't happen in one day.
Tell me what's been going on.
Are you in danger?
Hey. It's okay.
You're safe. You're safe.
I need you.
- I've got another situation.
- No, please.
I do. It's serious.
I need to pee.
In 2 we've got a woman in crisis.
Define crisis.
Her husband's been hitting her.
(TOILET FLUSHES)
Who is this?
Renee. She's one of mine.
Her husband is the guy with the guitars?
- Doug. Yeah.
- He's been abusive?
Her dynamic with him has always been
- He was a jerk.
- Yeah. She's left him.
If he sets foot in here,
I'm gonna kill him.
She doesn't have anywhere to go.
Her family's not here.
So she's going to need
some extra time here.
Yeah.
- We're gonna figure this out for her.
- Thank you.
And?
Your daughter?
She's 17!
Grace, I need you, please.
- Can it wait two minutes?
- No, it's Ying Yue.
Hey.
- I'll make sure she doesn't leave.
- Thank you.
Hey. Ah, Grace won't be long.
Okay.
Can I get you anything?
Um, my battery's actually
running out of charge.
Can I plug a charger in somewhere?
Sure. There's a power point
just over there.
Thanks.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(PHONE BEEPS)
Ah, it's cheese and a bit of pickle.
Thought maybe you might need some food.
I mean, you don't have to eat it.
I just threw it together.
I quite like it as a
tasty snack sandwich,
but I'm not forcing you to have it.
I'll just pop it here
and if you feel like it, then have it.
Okay.
She'll be here soon.
It's a bit crazy today.
(YING GRUNTS)
Almost there now, that's it.
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
How are we going there?
We've got the baby's head?
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
- All good?
- Good here.
Okay, ready? I'm going
to need you to push, okay?
On the next contraction,
push as hard as you can.
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Ready? Push. Push. Push.
(YING SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
She's worried that she's going to die.
- BOTH: No, no, no, no.
- You're not going to die.
(YING SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Okay, I know it's hard,
but your baby needs
to be born now, okay?
Squeeze my hand.
Breathe with me, just
like we practised, okay?
That's it. Slow down.
- (EXHALES HEAVILY)
- That's it.
Again.
- (EXHALES)
- That's right.
Big breath in.
(INHALES)
- (EXHALES HEAVILY)
- One more.
(INHALES)
(EXHALES)
Okay, on the next one
we're gonna push. Ready?
(BOTH INHALE DEEPLY)
Push, push, push.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Yes, yes, so good!
Yes, yes, keep pushing, keep pushing!
Look, look, look, look!
Yes, look, look! Here's your baby!
A little boy! Here he is!
('YES SIR, I CAN BOOGIE' PLAYS)
Mister ♪
Your eyes are full of hesitation ♪
Sure makes me wonder ♪
If you know what you're looking for ♪
Baby ♪
I want to keep my reputation ♪
I'm a sensation ♪
You try me once, you'll beg for more ♪
Ohhh ♪
Yes, sir, I can boogie ♪
But I need a certain song ♪
(ALL EXCLAIM)
I can boogie, boogie woogie ♪
All night long ♪
Yes, sir, I can boogie ♪
If you stay, you can't go wrong ♪
I can boogie, boogie woogie ♪
All night long ♪
(SIGHS)
(WATER SPLASHES)
(GASPS)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
(WHISPERS) Sorry.
Sorry.
- Your water's broken.
- No.
Ah, yes, your water's broken.
Come with me.
- I just want to go outside.
- Hey, I'm here. I'm here.
- It's okay. You're alright.
- It's fine.
We're experts at broken waters.
Sophia? Hey, look at me. Look at me.
You're going to be okay.
Will you come with me?
You're in the right place. Come on.
I'll take that. Just
keep breathing, okay?
You're going to be fine.
(VELCRO RIPS)
Sophia, who would you like me to call?
No-one.
- Max?
- Hmm?
Can you ?
Yeah.
Is there a reason you don't
want me to contact your dad?
Yeah.
Be really weird if you called him.
I'll just call him when I'm ready.
Sure thing.
Let's scoot you up.
(PHONE RINGS)
- It's her, isn't it?
- Yep. Hey.
Hey, Grace!
Hi, Bonnie.
Um, where are you?
Ah, just got home.
You know the first open
house is Saturday.
Oh, okay.
- Is that what you were calling about?
- Ah, no, it's, um
- My daughter.
- Yeah, what about her?
She's here.
Okay. Okay, but how did
she find you? I don't
I don't know, but it wasn't
through the system.
She just turned up.
- At your work?
- Yeah.
She's going to have a baby.
Oh, Grace.
Makes me think of
Yeah.
(EXHALES HEAVILY) Oh, God,
Jim, my daughter's here.
I don't know what to do.
Sounds like you need to
help her have a baby.
(SNIFFLES) You're really
practical, aren't you?
Be strong, okay?
Thank you.
Alright.
(SIGHS)
Grace.
If you've come to scold me again,
believe me, you don't have to.
What disappointed me
was not that you flaked out
when you went into a room
full of powerful people
to let them know you've
been doing excellent work
- and they should give you more funding
- I know it bombed.
No, no, no, you know
what disappointed me?
- What?
- You went into a room to ask for money
and forgot to ask for money.
- What's going on?
- Nothing.
You've got your furtive face on.
It's a it's a situation.
I'm handling it.
- You don't want me to know.
- No, I don't.
Something is going on,
but you don't want me to know.
Alright.
Good luck.
You're doing so well. I know it hurts.
It's gonna feel better soon,
I promise, okay?
- Should I push?
- No, no, not yet, not yet.
But soon?
It could be soon. It could be hours.
But my waters broke.
Yeah, that's just the beginning.
How much preparation
have you had for giving birth?
Bits.
- Can I just
- You want to stand up?
Yeah.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
Just keep walking.
- Come in.
- What are you, his boss?
He's the new guy.
It's my first day.
(GROANS)
What, this could go on
for a while, yeah?
Yeah, I'm afraid so.
You sure you don't want me
to call anyone?
No, I'm alright.
What about the baby's father?
He has nothing to do with it.
Well, I'm sure your dad
would want to know.
(WHISPERS) No.
Sophia, are you sure?
I think having someone
(SIGHS) God, look, I've
said no more than once.
Is there a problem?
How about I leave you alone for a bit.
Yeah.
If you get the urge to push,
or if you need anything at all, just
Yeah, the button. I know.
Max, why did you come in just now?
- Laney told me to come find you.
- Why?
Ah, she told me to tell you
that you're my supervisor
and you should stop
making me her problem.
What's going on?
That's Renee's husband, Doug.
Sasha!
- Yeah?
- Call the police.
- So what's this guy done?
- He's dangerous.
That's all you need
to know. There he is.
- Okay, I'll go around.
- Hey, Doug!
Hey, it's Grace!
Hey, can I just ask, is the baby awake?
Yes.
Okay, we shouldn't shout.
We don't want to distress her.
All good. We're all good. It's all good.
- She left me.
- I know.
- She didn't want me to see her.
- Yeah, I know, Doug,
but let's think about this, okay?
Now you're going to get
yourself into trouble.
Look, you don't have
a carrier for the baby.
You can't just drive off
with a baby in the backseat.
I think if you stop now,
we can probably figure this out.
- Are the police coming?
- Yeah, they are.
Hey, you don't want to hurt the baby.
No, I want to take my daughter home!
Hey, hey! This is a new
situation for all of us, okay?
None of us wants to be a knob.
I don't want to be a knob.
- Max?
- Definitely not.
No. Doug, you don't want
to be a knob, do you?
I want everything to
go back to normal again.
Right, well, I can't control that,
but, Doug, I can guarantee you,
if you're still holding the baby
when the cops get here,
it's going to be a lot worse than
if you just give her to me now.
She she tried to take
the baby away from me.
Mate, it sucks. It sucks.
But what you're doing now,
it's not the way to get what you want.
Come on, man, you know that.
No, no, no, Max, you're
going to stay there.
You're just going to stay right there.
Hey, Doug, I'd like to come
forward and take the baby.
You cool if I do that?
(SOFTLY) That's it. That's it.
That's it.
Oh, hello, miss.
I'm just going to pass her over
to Max so he can have a hold.
(WHISPERS) Just slowly walk back inside.
(SIGHS)
Do you have any idea
how fragile that new baby is?
You could have seriously hurt her.
And you have hurt Renee.
There are consequences for that, mate.
Now, I could try and shield you
from those consequences,
but I think that you need to feel them.
(BABY CRIES)
(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)
How are you going, mate?
And, Max, when I ask
you to get biscuits,
get them yourself.
Roger that.
(SEAGULLS CALL)
(FERRY HORN BLARES)
GRACE: I've put in some calls.
Doug isn't getting back in here.
Thank you.
You're going to get a visit
from a counsellor,
and I've arranged a place
for you to stay when you leave.
And take this.
- Just take it.
- No, I can't take that.
Just take it.
Renee.
Just for your own sake
and for the sake of the baby,
don't go back to him.
DIANE: Well, I'm sorry,
I just don't buy a word of this.
LANEY: I don't know what
you want from me, Diane.
She's already admitted
something's happened.
- Well, it's not my place to tell you.
- Well, has a woman been injured?
- No!
- A baby or something?
I can tell you that it's private.
- Look
- Don't manhandle me.
- Diane!
- Sorry.
Leave Laney alone.
Then why don't you tell me
what's going on?
Okay, fine, I give up.
You're going to find out
sooner or later, so here it is.
The daughter I gave up
for adoption is here.
She's in this room.
Her name is Sophia.
And she's about to give birth
to a baby of her own.
And, no, I did not want you to know.
Mum, you're not going in there.
Alright.
Alright.
Thank you.
Ready?
That's it. That's it.
Alright.
That's it, nice and slow. No rush.
That's it. Okay.
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
Is it easing up? Feeling better?
(GENTLE MUSIC)
It'll be over soon.
You're doing so well. You're a champion.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
It'll be all over soon, I promise.
That's it.
Okay, take a deep breath.
Big, big, big, big breath.
Hold it. Hold it.
Push, that's it.
You're doing so, so well.
You're a champion, Sophia. Push, push.
(GRUNTS)
Push, push, push.
That's it, that's the head.
We've got the head, Sophia!
You've got this! That's the head.
That's the head.
That's the head. Okay,
take a breath, take a breath.
Breathe, breathe, breathe. That's it.
It's okay. Look at me.
You want to push, okay?
You can do it. Yes, you can.
You can. Ready?
You ready right now, okay?
Big breath. That's it,
big breath, big breath.
Push, push, push, push,
push, push, push, push, push!
Push, push, push, push!
You got it! Nearly there!
That's it. That's it.
That's so good!
People ask me why I
never find a place to stay ♪
Good girl.
Yes, we were born ♪
Born, born to be alive ♪
Yes, we were born, born, born ♪
Born to be alive ♪
Time was on the side ♪
When I was running down the street ♪
It was so fine, fine, fine ♪
A suitcase and an old guitar ♪
And something new to
occupy my mind, mind, mind ♪
Yes, we were born ♪
A girl.
2,970 grams.
6 pounds, 9 ounces in the old money.
Light dusting of hair.
Mother and baby doing well.
I did get permission to take this.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
I know.
Thank you.
(BIRDS CALL)
(UP-BEAT MUSIC)
LANEY: To you.
30-something Grand-nan
Uh-uh! Not Nanna.
Hey. You never told me
you had a daughter.
That is for keeping secrets.
Well, only three people knew.
Oh, you, your mum, your ex.
Jim knew but I didn't.
I was married to him.
Yeah, I get it.
I love you know how much
I love you, right?
(LAUGHS) I love you too.
I'm glad you know now.
So, how about our new student
little handsome-faced midwife?
Pass or fail?
Pass.
So what's his deal?
Married? Single? Gay?
What difference does it make?
I want to know what the options are.
(PHONE CHIMES)
Oh, I have to go.
I'm having sex with the executive.
- He's never gonna leave his wife.
- Oh, I bloody hope not.
I don't want him all to myself.
But he is fun to be in bed with.
Oh, um, I swiped right on a guy for you.
- What?
- Don't be shocked.
I know your phone PIN.
It was before any of that
all your daughter stuff,
- and I forgot about it,
-
so, um, take him or leave him,
but I think that's him.
Laney! No!
This isn't gonna go anywhere.
It's just, you know, a free glass
of wine's a free glass of wine.
You do have a nice smile.
You seem nice.
Can I tell you something,
stranger to stranger?
Sure.
17 years ago, I gave my baby away.
And, you know, I've lived my life.
I got married and I had this life
and it brought me here,
but today my daughter
came to find me.
And she gave birth.
I decided this thing back then
and today, here she is.
And it's it's been
a major day of significance
that I did not expect to have,
and I was not prepared for.
Yeah, so anyway, that was my day.
Wow.
And so you're a grandmother.
(LAUGHS)
Yep. I'm gonna go.
Thank you again for the wine.
I hope you get sex tonight.
You probably will.
There's lots of midwives and nurses
that come here after work,
so you got good odds.
- That sounds so intense.
- Yeah.
My best friend works
for a non-profit in Jordan,
but I know that's nothing like
what you're talking about.
It's all interlinked.
I'd like to hear more about this.
I have plenty of stories.
Hola, Abuelita.
Que paso? Si.
Did you spend time in the Middle East?
Yeah, I did. In Afghanistan and Syria.
- As an aid worker?
- Kind of, yeah.
- What's a kind of aid worker?
- I was a nurse.
For what organisation?
The Australian Army.
- Oh.
- Are you you're going this way?
- Ah, no, not yet.
- Okay.
- See you tomorrow.
- See ya.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(GASPS) No!
Sorry. Sorry, it's me. It's Grace.
You're at St Brigid's. You're okay.
Oh, sorry.
I was just having a dream
where I was trapped under a lift
and it was crushing me.
It's okay. You're safe. I'm here.
Baby?
Yep, yep, she's great.
Thanks.
Oh, God.
Oh, um, they said I could
go when I woke up.
Right.
Will you go home to your dad?
No, not right now.
It's too late to go back
to Goulburn now.
- Well, where will you go?
- Friend of a friend.
She's got a share place
in this suburb called Bexley,
so I'll just, you know, call a taxi.
Sophia, if you want to stay here,
- I can arrange for something
- No, no, no, no, no.
No, it's so fine. It's all good.
It's going to be great.
Thank you, though.
I'm all good.
All good.
(PHONE DIALS)
MAN: Hello?
Sophia, is that you?
(PHONE SLAMS)
(SIGHS)
So your room has a bed, obviously.
There's a bath.
This is just temporary, you know.
- Space to
- Yeah.
This isn't me trying to be your mother.
No. I wouldn't advise that.
- And, I mean, with the baby
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.
She's my responsibility, not yours.
(BABY CRIES)
I think this fits. Yeah.
And I've got some special
bedding for this as well.
Um, the sheets on your bed
are clean, I promise.
I know it doesn't look like it,
but I am actually getting
this place ready to sell.
Why are you selling?
Oh, you know.
Marriage broke up.
End-of-an-era kind of thing.
Do you mind, just for a second?
- Yeah.
- Thanks.
(CRIES)
Oh!
- Ready?
- Yep.
Hey.
Hey, shh.
Come on. Thanks.
Shh, come on.
Come on.
Shh.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
NARRATOR: Grace's entire world
My daughter. She's here.
is in turmoil.
- (BABY CRYING)
- So you're a grandmother.
(LAUGHS)
Now
- all the lives
- I'm her father.
and loves of St. Brigid's
Sophia's dad wants to meet me.
(MOCKINGLY): I'm Grace.
- (BABY CRYING)
- will spiral out of control.
I'm not keeping the baby.
As they all face
This baby's going to another family.
New Drama, Amazing Grace,
next Wednesday.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(SOARING MUSIC)
(SCREAMS)
I know you said you
wanted to be on your back,
but how about we try all fours?
I hate you!
Remember we talked about
how you'd hate me?
Yeah? Okay, well, we're here now.
Hating me. You can keep hating me.
Just breathe, breathe, breathe.
Breathe out, breathe out.
That's it. Push, push, push!
That's it, that's the head!
That's the head!
(SCREAMS)
Have you got one more push?
I think you do! Come on!
(SCREAMS)
(BABY CRIES DISTANTLY)
(UP-BEAT MUSIC)
(FERRY HORN BLARES)
(SEAGULL CALLS)
Jim, you're not allowed to be in here,
and you're not allowed
to be eating those.
That was the last one!
Jim, what are you doing here?
- That was my biscuit.
- Mature.
Don't you have lives to save?
Yep.
I've been awake for more
hours than I want to count.
Then go home.
Well, I would, but I've
got this other problem.
- Is it your horrible ex-wife?
- Yep.
I hate her. What's the problem?
Well, we bought this house together
but she still lives there,
and we want to sell it.
Oh, that's right. You said
you put up a 'for sale' sign.
But she doesn't get that
when you sell a house,
people come through for inspections,
and if the house doesn't look good,
you don't get a good price.
It's a simple equation.
Oh, well, maybe numbers
aren't her thing.
Okay, let's do an exercise.
If she was standing
in front of you right now,
what would you say to her?
I would say, "Grace, can you
please help us sell the house
so we can get on with our lives?"
Jim, that is a reasonable request.
And I wish I could help you,
but you ate my biscuit.
Look, I'm not asking you
to change the wallpaper.
Just make the place
look less like a bombsite.
Hey, if you want to pay for a stylist
I want you to do what you said you'd do.
- Hey, Laney.
- Jimbo.
It's Laney from
St. Brigid's Birthing Centre.
- Just answer my texts.
- Yes, I'll hold.
If you phrase them right. Who's that?
Waiting for translator services.
Can we get an emergency
biscuit delivery?
That's not my top priority.
Hello.
Hey. I'm the new midwife.
You mean student midwife?
- Yes. Max.
- Grace.
- Hi.
- Hello.
Are you a paramedic?
- Ah, should I be?
- Are you?
Ah, no.
It's just often, not to pigeon-hole,
when we get a student midwife
who is not female,
they're what we call tourists.
They need their midwifery unit
learn how to catch a baby
so they can go off
and do something else.
This work is demanding.
People either love it and stay,
or they get their hours
done and 'see ya'.
And mostly with the men, it's
See ya.
- Mmm.
- Can't promise not to.
Well, we understand each other.
I'll be training you
with the expectation
that you'll be moving on.
- Right.
- I can be strict.
I'm not trying to hurt you.
I'm just trying to teach you.
- Uh-huh. Okay.
- And don't be annoying.
And right now, bring me cream biscuits.
Sure. What does that mean?
What do you think it means?
Like literally cream biscuits?
It's a test.
It's a test and you want to see
how well I can follow instructions.
And right now, you want creamy biscuits.
- Correct.
- Correct.
Creamy biscuits coming up.
Hi. Creamy biscuits.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Hello. I'm Grace.
- Hi.
- Are you Sophia?
- Yeah.
- Okay, great.
I'm one of the midwives here,
and am I right you would
like to have your birth
here instead of Goulburn?
- Yep.
- Okay, great. Take a seat.
So you're moving up to the city, or ?
Ah, no. I don't know.
I'm not too sure yet.
- Got your records with you?
- Yeah.
Ultrasounds, blood tests. Yep.
Have you worked here for a long time?
Ah, the birthing centre
hasn't been here that long.
We're still pretty new.
- Do you have any kids?
- I don't, no.
And this is your first pregnancy?
I'm 17, so
You've never had a baby?
And you are 37 weeks.
- Have you been to birthing classes?
- Yeah.
First babies are always late, though.
Yeah, they often are, but not always.
37 weeks is considered term, so
What is labour like?
It's a really massive experience.
But you're gonna be fine.
Who's going to be
with you for the birth?
I don't know.
- Baby's father?
- No.
- No.
- Mum or Dad?
- My mum's dead.
- Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.
Well
that was my adoptive mother.
My birth mother's still alive.
(SOFT MUSIC)
Oh.
Sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry, I should have called.
- I should have
- No, no, stay.
Stay.
Just give me give me a second, okay?
I'm going to be right back. Okay?
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
(SIGHS)
Laney! Hey, I need you.
I need you.
Okay, but I've only got a second.
There's, um, in there there's
a young, um, girl. Woman.
Um I think if if we go outside.
You and me?
No, the young
- What's wrong?
- Biscuits!
Um, when did you have a daughter?
I was 17. I gave her up.
And she's here now?
- Did you know she was coming?
- No.
God! Why didn't you tell
me you had a daughter?
Hey, look, can you just
have a reaction later?
I'm sorry. Thank you, but I
- Grace, are you ?
- Yes, I'm fine. I'm fine.
I'd just like to have
a cup of tea with her.
You know, find out if
What about your presentation
to the board?
Shit. Oh, shit!
- Um, we'll postpone it.
- No.
You just have to tell them
I have gastro.
Okay, Grace, they're here now.
It's the board. It's our funding.
Shit!
Oh, Sophia!
I thought I'd lost you.
No, I just had to pee. Sorry.
Oh, right.
Look, I know I shouldn't have done this.
I should have gone through
the agency, the proper steps,
not just shown up
like this at your work.
It's not
I have to give a presentation.
It's to the higher-ups.
- I have to give it now.
- It's so fine. Don't
- I'll go.
- No, no, stay.
You should stay so we
can talk and, you know
If that's what you want.
Yeah.
- You'll you'll stay?
- Yeah.
Great.
(UP-BEAT MUSIC)
(SIREN WAILS)
So, uh, as you all know,
we, uh, when we established
St. Brigid's Birthing Centre,
we started this pilot study, and, um
Ooh! Sorry.
And the results, the investment
that you made, is paying off.
So we paired midwives with women
one-on-one for the duration
of their pregnancies.
So for all of the checks,
the ultrasounds, the blood tests
Cost us a fortune, of course.
(CHUCKLING)
Yeah. Yes, well, it did
cost more at first.
But, ah, it works.
Um, so our
Whoops, sorry.
Uh, busy day.
The Our test results show, um
You know what? In the charts,
everything is there.
All of the information.
So if you just turn to that page,
and on the next page there is the, um,
all of the time lines for
the proposed expansion.
It's all there, so, yeah,
if you've got any questions just,
yep, let me know.
Thank you.
Public speaking isn't
isn't really her thing.
Okay, I'll go over
- Grace.
- I know.
- What was that?
- I'm sorry.
- I stuck my neck out for you.
- I know.
(ELEVATOR BELL RINGS)
I'm sorry. I've gotta go.
- So did you grow up in Sydney?
- I did, yes. Yeah.
But I spent a long time away
overseas, in London.
- Backpacking?
- I lived there for a while.
Wow.
So did that all happen
before or after me?
Well, it was after.
I was 17 when I had you.
Yeah.
Things were, um
My life was very different
back then, nothing like it is now.
If you have any questions,
I could try and answer them.
Sorry, there's just a woman
waving at you.
I'm so sorry. Just give me one second.
- I'll be right back, okay?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Hey, Renee. What's wrong?
- My heart's beating really fast.
- Okay, okay.
Something's wrong, I know it.
Alright, well, let's go and have a look.
Max? Suite 2's free.
Could you show Renee to Suite 2, please.
Yeah, of course. Hi. Come on.
Just around here.
- Is she alright?
- Yeah. Yeah.
Please don't go.
Will you wait?
Yep.
Okay.
(ULTRASOUND BEATS)
Okay. All good.
And what about Doug?
Do you want me to give him a call?
No. No.
Max, would you mind seeing
if Laney needs help with anything?
Is everything alright with the baby?
Yeah, all the signs are normal.
Renee, you're in labour.
It's okay to feel stressed.
- I just think something's wrong.
- Nothing's wrong.
You're in great condition.
The baby's fine.
You've been calling quite often
the past couple of weeks.
Is everything okay?
Is it something with Doug?
He's been violent?
(SOBS)
Well, that didn't happen in one day.
Tell me what's been going on.
Are you in danger?
Hey. It's okay.
You're safe. You're safe.
I need you.
- I've got another situation.
- No, please.
I do. It's serious.
I need to pee.
In 2 we've got a woman in crisis.
Define crisis.
Her husband's been hitting her.
(TOILET FLUSHES)
Who is this?
Renee. She's one of mine.
Her husband is the guy with the guitars?
- Doug. Yeah.
- He's been abusive?
Her dynamic with him has always been
- He was a jerk.
- Yeah. She's left him.
If he sets foot in here,
I'm gonna kill him.
She doesn't have anywhere to go.
Her family's not here.
So she's going to need
some extra time here.
Yeah.
- We're gonna figure this out for her.
- Thank you.
And?
Your daughter?
She's 17!
Grace, I need you, please.
- Can it wait two minutes?
- No, it's Ying Yue.
Hey.
- I'll make sure she doesn't leave.
- Thank you.
Hey. Ah, Grace won't be long.
Okay.
Can I get you anything?
Um, my battery's actually
running out of charge.
Can I plug a charger in somewhere?
Sure. There's a power point
just over there.
Thanks.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(PHONE BEEPS)
Ah, it's cheese and a bit of pickle.
Thought maybe you might need some food.
I mean, you don't have to eat it.
I just threw it together.
I quite like it as a
tasty snack sandwich,
but I'm not forcing you to have it.
I'll just pop it here
and if you feel like it, then have it.
Okay.
She'll be here soon.
It's a bit crazy today.
(YING GRUNTS)
Almost there now, that's it.
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
How are we going there?
We've got the baby's head?
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
- All good?
- Good here.
Okay, ready? I'm going
to need you to push, okay?
On the next contraction,
push as hard as you can.
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Ready? Push. Push. Push.
(YING SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
She's worried that she's going to die.
- BOTH: No, no, no, no.
- You're not going to die.
(YING SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(INTERPRETER SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Okay, I know it's hard,
but your baby needs
to be born now, okay?
Squeeze my hand.
Breathe with me, just
like we practised, okay?
That's it. Slow down.
- (EXHALES HEAVILY)
- That's it.
Again.
- (EXHALES)
- That's right.
Big breath in.
(INHALES)
- (EXHALES HEAVILY)
- One more.
(INHALES)
(EXHALES)
Okay, on the next one
we're gonna push. Ready?
(BOTH INHALE DEEPLY)
Push, push, push.
Yes, yes, yes, yes.
Yes, yes, so good!
Yes, yes, keep pushing, keep pushing!
Look, look, look, look!
Yes, look, look! Here's your baby!
A little boy! Here he is!
('YES SIR, I CAN BOOGIE' PLAYS)
Mister ♪
Your eyes are full of hesitation ♪
Sure makes me wonder ♪
If you know what you're looking for ♪
Baby ♪
I want to keep my reputation ♪
I'm a sensation ♪
You try me once, you'll beg for more ♪
Ohhh ♪
Yes, sir, I can boogie ♪
But I need a certain song ♪
(ALL EXCLAIM)
I can boogie, boogie woogie ♪
All night long ♪
Yes, sir, I can boogie ♪
If you stay, you can't go wrong ♪
I can boogie, boogie woogie ♪
All night long ♪
(SIGHS)
(WATER SPLASHES)
(GASPS)
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)
(WHISPERS) Sorry.
Sorry.
- Your water's broken.
- No.
Ah, yes, your water's broken.
Come with me.
- I just want to go outside.
- Hey, I'm here. I'm here.
- It's okay. You're alright.
- It's fine.
We're experts at broken waters.
Sophia? Hey, look at me. Look at me.
You're going to be okay.
Will you come with me?
You're in the right place. Come on.
I'll take that. Just
keep breathing, okay?
You're going to be fine.
(VELCRO RIPS)
Sophia, who would you like me to call?
No-one.
- Max?
- Hmm?
Can you ?
Yeah.
Is there a reason you don't
want me to contact your dad?
Yeah.
Be really weird if you called him.
I'll just call him when I'm ready.
Sure thing.
Let's scoot you up.
(PHONE RINGS)
- It's her, isn't it?
- Yep. Hey.
Hey, Grace!
Hi, Bonnie.
Um, where are you?
Ah, just got home.
You know the first open
house is Saturday.
Oh, okay.
- Is that what you were calling about?
- Ah, no, it's, um
- My daughter.
- Yeah, what about her?
She's here.
Okay. Okay, but how did
she find you? I don't
I don't know, but it wasn't
through the system.
She just turned up.
- At your work?
- Yeah.
She's going to have a baby.
Oh, Grace.
Makes me think of
Yeah.
(EXHALES HEAVILY) Oh, God,
Jim, my daughter's here.
I don't know what to do.
Sounds like you need to
help her have a baby.
(SNIFFLES) You're really
practical, aren't you?
Be strong, okay?
Thank you.
Alright.
(SIGHS)
Grace.
If you've come to scold me again,
believe me, you don't have to.
What disappointed me
was not that you flaked out
when you went into a room
full of powerful people
to let them know you've
been doing excellent work
- and they should give you more funding
- I know it bombed.
No, no, no, you know
what disappointed me?
- What?
- You went into a room to ask for money
and forgot to ask for money.
- What's going on?
- Nothing.
You've got your furtive face on.
It's a it's a situation.
I'm handling it.
- You don't want me to know.
- No, I don't.
Something is going on,
but you don't want me to know.
Alright.
Good luck.
You're doing so well. I know it hurts.
It's gonna feel better soon,
I promise, okay?
- Should I push?
- No, no, not yet, not yet.
But soon?
It could be soon. It could be hours.
But my waters broke.
Yeah, that's just the beginning.
How much preparation
have you had for giving birth?
Bits.
- Can I just
- You want to stand up?
Yeah.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
Just keep walking.
- Come in.
- What are you, his boss?
He's the new guy.
It's my first day.
(GROANS)
What, this could go on
for a while, yeah?
Yeah, I'm afraid so.
You sure you don't want me
to call anyone?
No, I'm alright.
What about the baby's father?
He has nothing to do with it.
Well, I'm sure your dad
would want to know.
(WHISPERS) No.
Sophia, are you sure?
I think having someone
(SIGHS) God, look, I've
said no more than once.
Is there a problem?
How about I leave you alone for a bit.
Yeah.
If you get the urge to push,
or if you need anything at all, just
Yeah, the button. I know.
Max, why did you come in just now?
- Laney told me to come find you.
- Why?
Ah, she told me to tell you
that you're my supervisor
and you should stop
making me her problem.
What's going on?
That's Renee's husband, Doug.
Sasha!
- Yeah?
- Call the police.
- So what's this guy done?
- He's dangerous.
That's all you need
to know. There he is.
- Okay, I'll go around.
- Hey, Doug!
Hey, it's Grace!
Hey, can I just ask, is the baby awake?
Yes.
Okay, we shouldn't shout.
We don't want to distress her.
All good. We're all good. It's all good.
- She left me.
- I know.
- She didn't want me to see her.
- Yeah, I know, Doug,
but let's think about this, okay?
Now you're going to get
yourself into trouble.
Look, you don't have
a carrier for the baby.
You can't just drive off
with a baby in the backseat.
I think if you stop now,
we can probably figure this out.
- Are the police coming?
- Yeah, they are.
Hey, you don't want to hurt the baby.
No, I want to take my daughter home!
Hey, hey! This is a new
situation for all of us, okay?
None of us wants to be a knob.
I don't want to be a knob.
- Max?
- Definitely not.
No. Doug, you don't want
to be a knob, do you?
I want everything to
go back to normal again.
Right, well, I can't control that,
but, Doug, I can guarantee you,
if you're still holding the baby
when the cops get here,
it's going to be a lot worse than
if you just give her to me now.
She she tried to take
the baby away from me.
Mate, it sucks. It sucks.
But what you're doing now,
it's not the way to get what you want.
Come on, man, you know that.
No, no, no, Max, you're
going to stay there.
You're just going to stay right there.
Hey, Doug, I'd like to come
forward and take the baby.
You cool if I do that?
(SOFTLY) That's it. That's it.
That's it.
Oh, hello, miss.
I'm just going to pass her over
to Max so he can have a hold.
(WHISPERS) Just slowly walk back inside.
(SIGHS)
Do you have any idea
how fragile that new baby is?
You could have seriously hurt her.
And you have hurt Renee.
There are consequences for that, mate.
Now, I could try and shield you
from those consequences,
but I think that you need to feel them.
(BABY CRIES)
(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)
How are you going, mate?
And, Max, when I ask
you to get biscuits,
get them yourself.
Roger that.
(SEAGULLS CALL)
(FERRY HORN BLARES)
GRACE: I've put in some calls.
Doug isn't getting back in here.
Thank you.
You're going to get a visit
from a counsellor,
and I've arranged a place
for you to stay when you leave.
And take this.
- Just take it.
- No, I can't take that.
Just take it.
Renee.
Just for your own sake
and for the sake of the baby,
don't go back to him.
DIANE: Well, I'm sorry,
I just don't buy a word of this.
LANEY: I don't know what
you want from me, Diane.
She's already admitted
something's happened.
- Well, it's not my place to tell you.
- Well, has a woman been injured?
- No!
- A baby or something?
I can tell you that it's private.
- Look
- Don't manhandle me.
- Diane!
- Sorry.
Leave Laney alone.
Then why don't you tell me
what's going on?
Okay, fine, I give up.
You're going to find out
sooner or later, so here it is.
The daughter I gave up
for adoption is here.
She's in this room.
Her name is Sophia.
And she's about to give birth
to a baby of her own.
And, no, I did not want you to know.
Mum, you're not going in there.
Alright.
Alright.
Thank you.
Ready?
That's it. That's it.
Alright.
That's it, nice and slow. No rush.
That's it. Okay.
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
Is it easing up? Feeling better?
(GENTLE MUSIC)
It'll be over soon.
You're doing so well. You're a champion.
(BREATHES HEAVILY)
It'll be all over soon, I promise.
That's it.
Okay, take a deep breath.
Big, big, big, big breath.
Hold it. Hold it.
Push, that's it.
You're doing so, so well.
You're a champion, Sophia. Push, push.
(GRUNTS)
Push, push, push.
That's it, that's the head.
We've got the head, Sophia!
You've got this! That's the head.
That's the head.
That's the head. Okay,
take a breath, take a breath.
Breathe, breathe, breathe. That's it.
It's okay. Look at me.
You want to push, okay?
You can do it. Yes, you can.
You can. Ready?
You ready right now, okay?
Big breath. That's it,
big breath, big breath.
Push, push, push, push,
push, push, push, push, push!
Push, push, push, push!
You got it! Nearly there!
That's it. That's it.
That's so good!
People ask me why I
never find a place to stay ♪
Good girl.
Yes, we were born ♪
Born, born to be alive ♪
Yes, we were born, born, born ♪
Born to be alive ♪
Time was on the side ♪
When I was running down the street ♪
It was so fine, fine, fine ♪
A suitcase and an old guitar ♪
And something new to
occupy my mind, mind, mind ♪
Yes, we were born ♪
A girl.
2,970 grams.
6 pounds, 9 ounces in the old money.
Light dusting of hair.
Mother and baby doing well.
I did get permission to take this.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
I know.
Thank you.
(BIRDS CALL)
(UP-BEAT MUSIC)
LANEY: To you.
30-something Grand-nan
Uh-uh! Not Nanna.
Hey. You never told me
you had a daughter.
That is for keeping secrets.
Well, only three people knew.
Oh, you, your mum, your ex.
Jim knew but I didn't.
I was married to him.
Yeah, I get it.
I love you know how much
I love you, right?
(LAUGHS) I love you too.
I'm glad you know now.
So, how about our new student
little handsome-faced midwife?
Pass or fail?
Pass.
So what's his deal?
Married? Single? Gay?
What difference does it make?
I want to know what the options are.
(PHONE CHIMES)
Oh, I have to go.
I'm having sex with the executive.
- He's never gonna leave his wife.
- Oh, I bloody hope not.
I don't want him all to myself.
But he is fun to be in bed with.
Oh, um, I swiped right on a guy for you.
- What?
- Don't be shocked.
I know your phone PIN.
It was before any of that
all your daughter stuff,
- and I forgot about it,
-
so, um, take him or leave him,
but I think that's him.
Laney! No!
This isn't gonna go anywhere.
It's just, you know, a free glass
of wine's a free glass of wine.
You do have a nice smile.
You seem nice.
Can I tell you something,
stranger to stranger?
Sure.
17 years ago, I gave my baby away.
And, you know, I've lived my life.
I got married and I had this life
and it brought me here,
but today my daughter
came to find me.
And she gave birth.
I decided this thing back then
and today, here she is.
And it's it's been
a major day of significance
that I did not expect to have,
and I was not prepared for.
Yeah, so anyway, that was my day.
Wow.
And so you're a grandmother.
(LAUGHS)
Yep. I'm gonna go.
Thank you again for the wine.
I hope you get sex tonight.
You probably will.
There's lots of midwives and nurses
that come here after work,
so you got good odds.
- That sounds so intense.
- Yeah.
My best friend works
for a non-profit in Jordan,
but I know that's nothing like
what you're talking about.
It's all interlinked.
I'd like to hear more about this.
I have plenty of stories.
Hola, Abuelita.
Que paso? Si.
Did you spend time in the Middle East?
Yeah, I did. In Afghanistan and Syria.
- As an aid worker?
- Kind of, yeah.
- What's a kind of aid worker?
- I was a nurse.
For what organisation?
The Australian Army.
- Oh.
- Are you you're going this way?
- Ah, no, not yet.
- Okay.
- See you tomorrow.
- See ya.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(GASPS) No!
Sorry. Sorry, it's me. It's Grace.
You're at St Brigid's. You're okay.
Oh, sorry.
I was just having a dream
where I was trapped under a lift
and it was crushing me.
It's okay. You're safe. I'm here.
Baby?
Yep, yep, she's great.
Thanks.
Oh, God.
Oh, um, they said I could
go when I woke up.
Right.
Will you go home to your dad?
No, not right now.
It's too late to go back
to Goulburn now.
- Well, where will you go?
- Friend of a friend.
She's got a share place
in this suburb called Bexley,
so I'll just, you know, call a taxi.
Sophia, if you want to stay here,
- I can arrange for something
- No, no, no, no, no.
No, it's so fine. It's all good.
It's going to be great.
Thank you, though.
I'm all good.
All good.
(PHONE DIALS)
MAN: Hello?
Sophia, is that you?
(PHONE SLAMS)
(SIGHS)
So your room has a bed, obviously.
There's a bath.
This is just temporary, you know.
- Space to
- Yeah.
This isn't me trying to be your mother.
No. I wouldn't advise that.
- And, I mean, with the baby
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.
She's my responsibility, not yours.
(BABY CRIES)
I think this fits. Yeah.
And I've got some special
bedding for this as well.
Um, the sheets on your bed
are clean, I promise.
I know it doesn't look like it,
but I am actually getting
this place ready to sell.
Why are you selling?
Oh, you know.
Marriage broke up.
End-of-an-era kind of thing.
Do you mind, just for a second?
- Yeah.
- Thanks.
(CRIES)
Oh!
- Ready?
- Yep.
Hey.
Hey, shh.
Come on. Thanks.
Shh, come on.
Come on.
Shh.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
NARRATOR: Grace's entire world
My daughter. She's here.
is in turmoil.
- (BABY CRYING)
- So you're a grandmother.
(LAUGHS)
Now
- all the lives
- I'm her father.
and loves of St. Brigid's
Sophia's dad wants to meet me.
(MOCKINGLY): I'm Grace.
- (BABY CRYING)
- will spiral out of control.
I'm not keeping the baby.
As they all face
This baby's going to another family.
New Drama, Amazing Grace,
next Wednesday.