The Time of Our Lives (2013) s01e07 Episode Script
Episode 7
You should have told me you weren't gonna pick up Georgie today.
I didn't think it mattered.
I was worried.
Do you get that? See you, darl.
Have a good day.
You must think I'm a fool.
No.
I reckon Joel's the fool.
We still want to see you and Carmody.
I mean, you're part of our family and I hope you feel the same way.
You are not telling me when I can see my son.
He's not going with you.
Can I borrow some money? I just I forgot my lunch and I wanted to go to the canteen.
Do you usually make your own lunch? Yeah, for me and my little brother.
You must be busy.
Every time I thought about counselling a student, I just panicked.
Go and get the principal.
No, no, no! I'll lose my job! I have to go on sick leave so You wanted to get rid of me and you did it.
I'm all in favour of organics but we go through so much milk and the organic's way more expensive.
Dad says regular milk gives him man boobs.
'Cause of the hormones.
Yeah, right.
Anyway, I got four litres of each so it should be OK.
Jack saw it.
He reckons it rules.
Oh, yeah, we start buying DVDs, we're gonna run out of cash in, like, five minutes.
It's just one.
Look, Georgie, I just want to say hello to somebody.
Finish unpacking, I'll be back in a minute.
OK.
And then another one.
Oh, and then another one.
Jesse.
Hi.
Hi, Miss.
Fancy seeing you here.
Yeah, just picking up a few things.
Hi.
This is my brother, Ryan.
Hi, Ryan.
I'm Ms Flynn.
I work at the school.
Pleased to meet you.
Your parents are lucky having such helpful sons.
Yeah, I guess.
Hey, Bernadette! Finished.
Looks like we're all set to go.
I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow, Jesse.
Yeah, bye, Miss.
Mate, we're hunters.
Gatherers.
Hey, my darling girls.
Poo face! I told you I was doing the shopping.
Mum, Frances called me Poo face.
Well, that's not very nice, is it? Yeah, we went to the market on the way home.
I needed a new beanie.
But instead you bought an entire dead cow.
Put it there.
Mum'll be here in a sec.
I have to go pack.
No worries.
Hi, you've called the Tivollis.
Don't leave a message! Luce, it's Maryanne.
We need to talk about pick-up tonight.
I know I said I'd come by at six but I'm under a lot of pressure to take an extra shift at work.
So I thought, if it's convenient, maybe It's not.
.
.
I could pick up Georgie Bloody Maryanne.
.
.
tomorrow instead and she could come back to you midweek? I rushed her home because I thought she was getting picked up.
I know, I know.
What's going on? Anyway, can give me a call back Nothing.
I was just about to grab the phone.
Maryanne? Sorry, I was outside.
Your mum was just suggesting that maybe we change the pick-up times.
Maybe you go around there tomorrow instead of tonight.
I've already packed my stuff.
Yeah, OK, fine.
We'll see you then.
Yeah.
Georgie.
Hey, where're you going? It's nearly dinnertime.
I've got to unpack, don't I? Ah, pack schmack.
Eat now.
Do all that later.
Forget it.
I'm not even hungry.
Hey.
Hey.
What's happening in the wonderful world of Chai Li? Oh, you know, work, work, then there's always work.
So a fair bit of work? You could say that.
What if I told you that your all-time favourite comic is performing at my club this week.
Woody Allen is my all-time favourite comic.
All-time favourite discounting those who married their own children.
I think I need more clues.
Ah, indie bad girl, improv queen, does a routine about the gay Santa? I love Chelsea Farmer! I'm aware of that.
I thought she was only doing shows in Sydney.
Well, she was.
But I hit her with a humorous tweet, a bit of witty online repartee ensued and I booked her.
I'm impressed.
I'm impressive.
Wanna come down early? Meet her before the show? I could pick you up, go for some early dinner.
I'd like that.
A lot.
Hey, welcome back.
Thanks.
How was the break? You feeling all set to go? Ah, yep, it was a break so, you know, it was good, I guess, if you like that kind of thing.
Well, I'm really glad you're here.
Believe me, I have missed you.
Yeah.
Hey, um, I've just been looking at my schedule and you've got me down to see Eleni Pappas.
Like I said, I've been so busy, I took the liberty of kicking a couple of students over to you.
I hope you don't mind Oh, no, no.
It's just, Eleni Pappas is doing counselling now? Yeah, how about that? That's weird.
She'd have to be the most stable girl in Year 12, if not the school.
Yeah, well, you know, she came in here last week and we had a chat about some stuff.
To be honest, I suspect she just likes talking about her new boyfriend.
But she did put her name down and It'd be pretty hard for me to make a mess of it? That's not what I intended.
It's fine.
Whatever.
Kristin, sorry, can you just excuse me for a second? Yep.
Morning, Jesse.
Hey, Miss.
It was nice meeting your brother yesterday.
He seems like a good kid.
He's alright, for a doofus.
So, what's news? How's everything at home? You know, it's just the usual.
I gotta go now, Miss.
Right.
You know, Jesse, I'm a counsellor.
That means I get paid to listen so if ever you want to talk It's sort of lame, Miss, doing counselling.
No offence.
Fair enough.
Just keep it in mind, OK? Hi, Miss.
Same as last time.
All I get is fuzz.
What, this is the emergency? The Pies are about to play the Dogs and my TV's on the blink.
Yeah, it's an emergency.
Dad, I've told you this.
You want to watch cable, you've got to get the TV on the right channel.
Don't use this remote.
Use this one.
OK.
I remember when you had a dial on the front, you just turned the bloody thing, end of story.
Mmm.
Hey, what's up with Mum? She looks like someone's died on her.
Yeah, well, we had young Carmody around here yesterday.
Yeah.
And he was talking about your new girlfriend.
Well, he had to meet her eventually.
Yeah, well, the poor little bugger seemed confused by the whole thing.
What, so that is what Mum is pissed off about? I introduced my son to my new partner? Partner? That's right, Dad.
Partner.
And her name is Alice.
Listen, son, it's your mother I'm thinking about Mum's fine.
She's terrified.
She thinks that Caroline is going to take the little boy away.
Yeah, well that's not going to happen 'cause I'm his father.
Caroline's his mother and the way you've treated her, I wouldn't blame her if she shot through.
So this is the real reason you got me over here, is it? To give me a lecture on my personal life? Look, it is your personal life, son.
And you can stuff it up if you like.
But me and your mother, we're the ones left with the mess.
I'm sorting things out with Caroline, alright? Hi! Hey.
How'd you go with Eleni? Um, yep, you were right.
I heard all about the boyfriend.
You know, Kristin, I really didn't mean to patronise you.
I just thought there's no harm in easing your way back in.
Yeah.
Well, apparently, he's a hottie, the boyfriend.
So I hear.
Alright, well, I'll see you tomorrow.
OK.
Bye.
G'day, Miss.
Jesse.
What are you doing here? Just been over to visit a mate.
Lives up over there.
Oh.
Where is he now? He wasn't home.
Are you OK? Do you want me to call someone for you? Your mum? Your dad? They'll be at work.
Where's Ryan? Ah, at his mate's place.
You know, right now I've got a massive amount of leftovers in my fridge and there's a real danger they're going to be wasted.
How would you like to help me out with that? Go easy.
If you choke, I'll never live it down.
It's good.
So this friend of yours, the one who lives down the road, does he go to Martin Street? No, he's just someone I know from way back.
Oh, OK.
'Cause I must admit, when I saw you outside, I thought maybe you'd come over for a chat.
I spoke to your home room teacher.
She said you've been missing a lot of school lately.
It's just been a bit full-on at home, you know.
Dad's flat out at work.
Mmm.
And what about Mum? What's going on? I've heard that stupid baby CD 50,000 times.
I'm sick of it! Come on, Georgie, you know the rules.
It was Tully's turn to choose the car music.
Fine, whatever, I don't even care.
Georgie, hi.
Hi.
What? I have no idea.
I would say hormones.
But that never ends well, does it? Luce, this is Jesse.
He's a student from Martin Street.
Oh, hi, Jesse from Martin Street.
Pleased to meet you, Mr Flynn.
Ah, it's actually not Oh, sorry.
At last, a man who appreciates gourmet meats! This is a Gibson.
Like Jimmy Page plays.
You know Jimmy Page? My dad says he's the greatest.
Hi, you've called Tom Reid.
Leave me a message and I'll get back to you when I can.
Hi, Mr Reid, it's Bernadette Flynn.
I work at your son Jesse's school.
Everything's fine.
I just wanted to let you know that Jesse's here at my house in case you were worried.
Could you please give me a call as soon as you get this message? Thank you.
Oh, yeah.
My dad reckons Sticky Fingers but I I prefer Exile.
Your dad sounds like a man of taste and sophistication.
Is your mum into music too? Oh, not so much.
Still, she must be pleased you're so interested in it.
So how about this one? Yeah, it's a bootleg.
Wow! Love that dress.
Really? I kinda splurged.
You should do it more often.
It's silly but I'm really excited about tonight.
That's not silly at all.
That's a good thing.
Ah, the man himself.
Hey, how's it going? Hey, Chai Li.
Listen, small change of plans here.
You want me to head to yours or? No.
See, sorry about this but I went out for a quick drink with Chelsea and it's turned into a long drink.
Very long.
OK.
Upshot is, I was thinking maybe we could just meet at the club instead.
Hmm, sure.
I'll see you there.
Alright, thanks.
Hey, Chelsea's looking forward to meeting you.
Dinner cancelled? No big deal.
I'll just get a falafel on the way.
Well, there's plenty of leftovers if you want to eat in.
Thanks, but I'm kind of barbecued out.
Don't wait up.
Oh, hi! Hi, Bernadette.
She's just getting her bag.
Right.
Let's go.
Georgie, I think your dad wanted to say goodbye.
Georgie! It's fine.
Let her go.
I'll see you Wednesday, then.
OK.
Tully, where's Daddy? Don't know.
And where's Jesse? If you want me to find it, you really need to be more specific.
What colour is it? A pretty colour.
Has Jesse gone? I thought he was still in the lounge room.
Jesse! I'm a line crosser from way back.
I remember when I was seven or eight years old, my father saying to me, 'Chelsea, you didn't just cross the line.
You cooked it, you ate it, you crapped it out behind you.
It's over there now.
' He had such a way with words, my father.
But crossing the line is not always a bad thing, I don't think.
I've never understood why so many people are so obsessed with doing the right thing, with fitting in.
I mean, there's no art to that, no achievement.
So I don't like hearing people say, 'I don't want to rock the boat'.
Because rocking the boat is the most fun in the world! I especially don't like hearing women say it because I'm just like, 'Listen, they won't let us sail the boat.
Why the hell can't we rock it?' I mean, really.
Sometimes I let my upbringing get the better of me, though.
Occasionally, I try to do the right thing.
I mean, as a young woman, I was carefree and took risks.
Now, I keep the doors locked when I have sex in the car.
I spike my own drinks.
Not bad, eh? Mm, totally brilliant.
Yep, she is a bit.
Have already started sagging and won't be on show for much longer.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, you've been beautiful.
Yeah! Whoo! Want a drink? Yeah.
Mmm, no.
Well, alright.
Well, I'm just glad you're home safely.
No, it's fine, Jesse.
Just next time, you tell me when you're leaving, OK? OK, bye.
He's already home, safe and sound.
There you go.
Catastrophe averted.
He wouldn't put his dad on.
He said he was asleep.
Maybe he was asleep.
Hmm, something's wrong.
I can smell it.
Even if there is, there's only so much you can do.
You know, bringing him home and feeding him I didn't bring him home.
We've got our own family to worry about, yeah? No way.
That is one part of the body that I refuse to have burning hot wax applied.
What about you, Herb? Are you a Brazilian man? Oh, I think presentation's important.
Yeah? Hmm.
Well, I think it's what's on the inside that counts.
I don't know whether they're putting something in my drinks but I am loving this wine.
Another? Yeah.
I might pass.
So just now, were you playing footsies? No.
You were! Maybe slightly.
I can't believe I've been sitting here chatting while footsies were occurring.
It was all below the knee.
Is is this why you blew me off for dinner? Because you two were? What can I say? W-We just hit it off in a big way.
You know what? I think I might leave you guys to it.
No, no, stay.
She Chelsea loves you.
I have a morbid fear of getting probed by a stray toe.
Maybe it's best if I get myself out of the line of fire.
Sorry Hi.
Hi.
Um, thanks for coming.
I appreciate it.
Like to sit? No, I'm fine.
OK.
Um, I called you because I've had some ideas about the way forward.
The way forward.
Mm-hm.
Look, I know I haven't handled this very well so far.
I know you're upset.
I understand that and I I don't blame you.
That's big of you.
Look, Caroline this isn't just about us.
There are other people involved.
I know there's some ONE else involved.
Pretty much everyone else knew before I did but Anyway, I do know now.
OK, OK.
See, this is what I'm talking about, you know.
This sort of sniping.
It is really counter-productive.
Just get on with it and tell me what you want.
Well, I am trying to.
Look I want to see Carmody.
And I want to control when my parents see Carmody.
Now we need to come to a formal agreement to arrange that.
I've been speaking to my lawyer and she suggests mediation.
So you want to wheel out the lawyers? I want a neutral third party involved to help us work out some ground rules.
Ground rules - like when you're married to someone you don't stick your dick in anyone else.
Stuff like that? I am just trying to be practical.
Well, you can stick your practicality and your independent mediator up your bum, Matt.
Hi, Miss.
Jesse, what are you doing here? I just I told Ryan about Luce's guitars and he said he wanted to see them.
If that's OK.
You wait here.
There's nobody home, Miss.
I promise, they'll be at work.
Fine, then I'll leave a note.
I told you, Miss, Dad's working.
Then we'll hang around till he gets back.
He could be pretty late, eh? Boys, you need to tell me the truth now.
Dad's in Gippsland.
Shut up.
Jesse, this is serious.
I want to help you but I can't if you don't tell me what's going on.
He's a site manager in Bairnsdale.
Five days on, five days off.
What about Mum? She left, last year.
Dad says she's never coming back.
And when your dad's in Bairnsdale, you two just look after yourselves? Well, he leaves us heaps of money and stuff.
But sometimes we run out.
Was that why you came to my place? 'Cause you've run out of money? This morning Ryan stuffed up big-time.
Locked us out of the house.
I didn't want to call Dad because I know that if he had to drive all the way back from Bairnsdale then he'd lose his job.
Are we in trouble? No.
You're not in trouble.
We'll work something out.
They'll be fine here for tonight but tomorrow, can you? Yep, yep.
That'd be ideal.
OK, bye.
So? Their dad's driving home first thing in the morning.
He didn't sound too happy.
Well, he's not the only one.
What do you mean? Well, I'm not exactly rapt about having two strange boys sleeping in my daughter's bedroom.
It's just one night.
I don't know the first thing about those boys.
Well, I'll take responsibility for them.
Hello? Are you Bernadette Flynn? That's right.
I'm Tom Reid, Jesse's dad.
It's good to meet you.
Hey, do you need We're right, thanks.
Where are my boys? They're in class.
Thanks for that - stepping in last night.
It won't happen again.
Tom, you do understand that you can't leave children alone unattended.
I wouldn't call Jesse a child.
He's very responsible.
He's 15 and Ryan's only 11.
Look, I don't have a choice.
My wife walked out last year and if I quit my job, I'll be on the dole which would only make things worse.
You could get someone to look after them when you're at work, a family member I'm from Perth.
I don't have a lot of family support over here.
What about your wife's family? My ex-wife? Her mum's over in Preston, a 90-minute drive in traffic.
And anyway, the old woman hates my guts.
I understand it's tough but you are going to have to make a change, otherwise No, look, it's alright.
I hear what you're saying.
I'll make some phone calls.
If you need any help, organising something You leave it with me.
I'll work something out, I guarantee it.
And thank you again for stepping in.
Stepping in last night? They stayed with me.
What? Did you notify anyone? No.
Oh, OK.
Just be careful.
Are we having another barbie? There's a lot of very mature meat out there and I've been given the job of helping to make it disappear.
Hmm? How did things end up the other night with Chelsea? Good.
Hey, Chai Li.
I love your brothers.
Do I detect some negativity here? About what? Chelsea? Of course not.
I've got to pick up Georgie.
You're on.
Great guy.
Cute, funny and he cooks.
What more could you ask for? World peace? You're funny too.
She's funny.
You gotta come out with us again.
Bar crawl, tomorrow night.
That sounds great.
Sounds like a date, then.
Got a pint glass in the cupboard, if that'd make it easier.
You right? She doesn't want to talk to me.
And I I miss my son.
Look, you you can't rush this stuff.
You know, I remember when me and Maryanne broke up Whose side are you on? My situation is nothing like yours.
Look, maybe not, but I can tell you it gets better.
It just does.
You know, the reason I don't want to talk about this is that I don't want to hear your relentless optimism.
So can you just drop the Pollyanna routine? You know, you're right.
Our positions ARE different 'cause I didn't go out and screw someone else while I'm still married to the mother of my child.
Prick.
Yeah, listen, I'm on my way, OK? Well, maybe you shouldn't bother.
Hey? Georgie's refusing to pack her things.
Says she wants to stay with me.
What? I-I thought you were working tonight? Luce, I'm not talking about tonight.
She says she doesn't want to go back to your place at all.
Did you Did you put her up to this, Maryanne? Sorry? I've spent the last hour explaining to her why that can't happen.
I'm as against it as you are.
So what's it about, then? I have no idea.
She won't tell me.
Fine.
I'm going to be around there in 15 minutes.
Tell Georgie to be ready to go, alright? Luce, I think you So? She's in her bedroom.
Is she ready? I passed your message on but I don't think it went over so well.
What are you doing? Get your bag and get in the car.
Why do you always treat me like a baby? Maybe because you act like a baby, Georgie.
I hate you.
Fine, you hate me.
Is your bag packed or not? I already told Mum I'm not going.
Georgina, look, I've spoken to your mother about this and we're in total agreement, OK? I don't care, I'm staying.
Well, I've got news for you.
That's not your decision to make.
Now pack your bag.
I'm staying.
We can discuss all this when we get home.
But right now, I need you to pack your bag.
What is wrong with you? I mean, why are you doing this? Explain it to me.
I don't wanna talk about it.
Just get ready and get in the car now! Georgina, come here when I'm talking to you.
Georgina! Ow! What the hell's going on? Georgie, I'm sorry, darling Just go, Luce.
Go.
We'll talk about this later.
Hey! Luce.
What's wrong? Where's Georgie? Luce.
What's happened? Nothing.
Where's Georgie? She, um, she's staying with her mum.
Oh.
Is she OK? Yeah, she's fine.
Well, you don't look fine I'm tired, that's all, OK? I'm just going to have a shower and get an early night.
I'm going for a drink with Herb and the wondrous Chelsea so I really need to find a date.
Ooh.
Why? Because I'm sick of being a single in a couple-y world.
And finding a rent-a-date will help that how exactly? I know.
Dragging some loser along will only make it worse, won't it? What I really need is an A-lister.
Hey, that's an idea.
Sleep well? Yeah, good.
I slept well too, thanks for asking.
Maryanne, hi.
How is she? She's locked herself in her room again but other than that Can I talk to her? I don't think she'll come to the phone, Luce.
She's still really upset and I don't blame her.
OK.
I understand.
Anyway, I said she could take the day off school.
I assume you're OK with that.
Sure.
Sure.
Could you, um, could you please pass on my love to her? Yeah.
Georgie? That was your dad.
He sent his love.
Hey.
Hey, Miss.
How did things turn out with your dad? All OK? All good.
Dad's hidden a key in the backyard under a brick so if we ever get locked out again, we'll be fine.
No need to worry, eh? Tom.
Bernadette.
Sorry to take you by surprise.
I've been calling, leaving messages.
I've had a few issues with my phone.
OK.
Is there a problem? Same problem as last time we talked.
Well, I did what I said.
I've been looking into options.
And? And I'm still looking.
You mentioned your mother-in-law.
I don't want my kids living with someone who's going to spend all her time slagging me off.
Tom, if those boys are left alone again, I won't have a choice.
I'll be obliged to report it to the DHS.
You do have a choice.
You can just pretend this whole thing never happened and we'll be fine.
I can't do that.
I'm going back to work next week because if I don't, I'll lose my job.
You leave me and my children alone, OK? Well, look, there's no dilemma here.
You have to report it.
And what will that achieve? Break the family up, drag the boys away from a father that they love No, but Jesse and Ryan's safety has to be your first concern.
Jesse took me into his confidence.
He trusted me.
I don't want to betray that trust.
But what's happened is that you've started mothering Jesse and that's stopping you from doing the right thing.
Do you want me to call DHS? Uh, I'll deal with it, OK? I took the afternoon off.
Wanna go get a beer? It's 1:30 in the afternoon.
Anyway, I'm just about to pick the kids up from kinder.
We could pick them up together.
Do you think Mum and Dad had problems? Nah.
Well, I don't know, maybe.
I always saw them as a 100% united front.
Yeah, same here, 100%.
But I don't know, what if there were cracks we just didn't notice? Yeah, but they wouldn't have told us.
I mean, back then, the discipline was firmer.
Now it's as if the kids are always in charge.
You know, it's not when Georgie gives me lip.
I couldn't care less about that.
But the hard part is when she won't talk at all.
You know, shuts me out.
What are you on about? I grabbed her arm.
I twisted it.
I hurt her.
You know, not bad but by the time I got home I was so disgusted with myself, I couldn't even tell Bernadette.
Well, the longer you leave it, the harder it gets.
I know that one.
Daddy, Daddy, can we go to the swings? We want to go on the swings.
You go? Do you want a push, do you? Again! Higher! Whoa.
There you go.
Come on, put your back into it.
Higher, Dad, higher.
OK, what do you reckon I should do? Oh, so you want to hear from Pollyanna now? OK, Polly, I wanna hear.
Go on, I respect your opinion.
Well, mate, it was like I was trying to tell you last night.
Higher, Dad, higher.
You're anxious so you're trying to bring in lawyers or something.
You know, you're trying to problem solve.
Great, darl.
So what do you say, I should do nothing? No, just tread lightly.
Let Caroline cool down a bit.
You know, she'll come round in her own time.
You know, sometimes when you try and control absolutely everything, that's when it blows up in your face.
Mate, you should put that line on a fridge magnet.
Where do you think I got it from? Hey, guys, good to see you.
Garrick.
The problem is, people think they get to know you.
Hey, Herb.
Hey.
Oh! You know Garrick, right? Yeah, yeah.
How are you? How you going, mate? And, Garrick, this is Chelsea Farmer.
I already know Chelsea.
Not biblically I hope.
You comics all look the same.
I tend to forget.
Now that is something I would definitely never forget.
Well, two of my favourite comics together.
Just like a double bill.
She's in her bedroom.
Georgie? I I should never have laid a hand on you and I'm ashamed that I did.
And if you want to live with your mum, well maybe we can do that.
But, you know, we should talk about it.
And your mum too.
You know, 'cause you're a child and we're your parents.
But I, you know, I do want to hear what you have to say about it.
And I'm I'm sorry I didn't listen sooner.
OK.
I'm gonna go now.
How's the arm? It's fine.
No big deal.
No, it is a big deal.
I'd never do anything to hurt you.
Hope you can forgive me.
Dad, I'm not even angry with you.
It's all my fault, anyway.
This is not your fault.
It is.
I was only trying to make things better for you and Mum and I only made it worse.
Make what better? The way you and Mum hate each other.
Sweetheart, I do not hate your mother.
Dad, you roll your eyes every time Mum rings.
You sigh when her name's mentioned.
That's not true.
You made fun of her on the answering machine.
I see it all the time.
So is is this why you want to live with your mum? It's only 'cause of me that you have to see her.
The drop-offs and all that.
I figured if you didn't have to do that, you would both be happier.
I'll still come and see you on weekends.
Sweetheart, it's not up to you to have to make life easier for the grown-ups.
We're supposed to make life easier for you.
Come here.
OK, here's a good one.
A priest and a rabbi walk into a bar Oh, Jesus, is this guy an idiot? Come on, Chelsea, religious humour.
You know it kills.
I'd love to hear it.
Read my lips.
I don't like corny jokes.
I hurt men who tell corny jokes.
OK, no more jokes.
No more jokes.
Mind you, I've got a couple of tongue twisters you might like.
Well, on that highly edifying note, I'm going to the ladies'.
Yeah, I might just hop the bar here, Herbal, and uh, pour myself a couple of drinks.
Uh, no, it's not actually my bar.
Yep, nup, help yourself.
Garrick! Garrick Graham.
Isn't he great? When he was making those fart sounds under his arm, that was just gold.
24 carat.
So? So, I was really looking forward to tonight, you know? Spending some quality time with two people that I like and respect and in walks Garrick.
What, you're the only one who's allowed to have a celebrity date? Not at all.
But I do find myself wondering why you'd call him up tonight.
Seeing as you didn't have any negative feelings about Chelsea.
I don't know.
Maybe I just felt like a third wheel.
Well, you weren't.
Chelsea, she's really nice.
And you two are great together.
Where are they, anyway? I don't know.
I think they're rooting in the disabled dunnies.
Oh, my God, are you sure? Well, either that or he's giving her a particularly satisfying foot massage.
I have to say that's highly unlikely.
You would.
Wow.
Awkward.
You OK? I mean, I'm sorry about Chelsea.
Forget it.
Let's have a drink.
You wanna go somewhere else? Sadly, I'm closing up tonight so I have to wait till they finish.
Something about Garrick tells me he'll be quick.
Well, it's a complex situation.
My impression is they're a very tight-knit family, particularly Jesse and his father.
Hi, I'm sorry to interrupt.
I'm Kristin Glaros, the other counsellor here.
Look, um, I've known the boys for longer than Bernadette and I wanted to let you know that she's the only one that's really been able to communicate with Jesse.
Well, it's a great plus for a kid like Jess to have someone they can talk to.
Yeah.
I mean, she's really reached out to him, so much so she even had the boys stay at her home overnight.
Obviously, you ran that by your Principal.
Anyway, I'll leave you to it.
Bye.
I didn't, actually, because it was a semi-crisis situation.
The boys had locked themselves out of the house Well, that is an issue for you and Helen.
But obviously, she will need to be told.
Of course.
Well, the father's waiting outside.
Let's see if we can get this sorted.
What's the decision? As you know, Tom, we've contacted your mother-in-law but she's only agreed to take Ryan.
Surprise, surprise! Which does leave us with a problem.
You know, Jesse is still four months short of his 16th birthday.
I already told you, I can't quit my job.
We understand that, Tom, but it still doesn't change the fact that we need to find a suitable residential arrangement for Jesse.
You're going to put him in bloody foster care? Dump him on a stranger? We feel that Jesse's well settled here.
His networks are local and moving him away could be highly disruptive.
You're telling me.
On the positive side, he's a very mature 15-year-old and could look after himself, given appropriate support.
Meaning what? Well, we'd need to know there was someone he could call on if he needed help.
Someone who could make regular visits, say, every second day.
Jesus, I already told you, I don't have anyone.
I could do it.
If you're happy with that, Tom.
OK.
Thank you.
How'd it go? I don't know what game you're playing, Kristin, but What's wrong? My God.
Unless there was a problem, I'd only go there every second day, just to check up.
You know, these things end up bigger.
They always end up bigger.
I don't agree.
Jesse's a good kid.
He's honest and reliable.
It's not about that.
It's about us.
Your parents did something similar.
They took Herb in.
And that is what I'm worried about.
I know how much energy goes into it.
Look, I'm already struggling to keep up, to do the right thing by our kids.
I don't see why we need to add to the load.
I'm sorry, Luce, but it's my time and my decision.
There is no 'my time' when you've got children.
It's all our time.
Well, I've already said yes.
Then why did you bother asking me? Thanks for bringing my phone.
You got a picture there? No, your mother's been mucking around with it.
Sure.
What's this for? It's for the game.
Are you staying? Oh, I thought I might.
Cheers.
Been a while since we've watched a game together.
Yep.
It should be a good one.
It's the first time we've had our talls fit and firing.
Who does Alice barrack for? Swans.
Ah, well, can't be helped.
Hey, Jesse.
Did your dad tell you? Looks like you'll be able to stay at your place after all.
I'll be coming round every other day just to check up on you and help you out with dinner and stuff.
Jesse You dobbed my dad in, alright, this whole thing is your fault.
I know it's hard.
They're going to split us up, me and Ryan.
I'm sorry about that.
We're all trying our best to make this work as well as we can.
Piss off.
I went on a date.
Who with? This guy I met at Luce's club.
He's 25.
We welcome to the microphone, Mr Wise Crack.
Morning! Been good, Herb? Hey! Welcome to radio, my friend! Oh, settle down, mate.
You know, Herb, why don't you go to your own home for a change? He worked all the time.
I didn't think it mattered.
I was worried.
Do you get that? See you, darl.
Have a good day.
You must think I'm a fool.
No.
I reckon Joel's the fool.
We still want to see you and Carmody.
I mean, you're part of our family and I hope you feel the same way.
You are not telling me when I can see my son.
He's not going with you.
Can I borrow some money? I just I forgot my lunch and I wanted to go to the canteen.
Do you usually make your own lunch? Yeah, for me and my little brother.
You must be busy.
Every time I thought about counselling a student, I just panicked.
Go and get the principal.
No, no, no! I'll lose my job! I have to go on sick leave so You wanted to get rid of me and you did it.
I'm all in favour of organics but we go through so much milk and the organic's way more expensive.
Dad says regular milk gives him man boobs.
'Cause of the hormones.
Yeah, right.
Anyway, I got four litres of each so it should be OK.
Jack saw it.
He reckons it rules.
Oh, yeah, we start buying DVDs, we're gonna run out of cash in, like, five minutes.
It's just one.
Look, Georgie, I just want to say hello to somebody.
Finish unpacking, I'll be back in a minute.
OK.
And then another one.
Oh, and then another one.
Jesse.
Hi.
Hi, Miss.
Fancy seeing you here.
Yeah, just picking up a few things.
Hi.
This is my brother, Ryan.
Hi, Ryan.
I'm Ms Flynn.
I work at the school.
Pleased to meet you.
Your parents are lucky having such helpful sons.
Yeah, I guess.
Hey, Bernadette! Finished.
Looks like we're all set to go.
I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow, Jesse.
Yeah, bye, Miss.
Mate, we're hunters.
Gatherers.
Hey, my darling girls.
Poo face! I told you I was doing the shopping.
Mum, Frances called me Poo face.
Well, that's not very nice, is it? Yeah, we went to the market on the way home.
I needed a new beanie.
But instead you bought an entire dead cow.
Put it there.
Mum'll be here in a sec.
I have to go pack.
No worries.
Hi, you've called the Tivollis.
Don't leave a message! Luce, it's Maryanne.
We need to talk about pick-up tonight.
I know I said I'd come by at six but I'm under a lot of pressure to take an extra shift at work.
So I thought, if it's convenient, maybe It's not.
.
.
I could pick up Georgie Bloody Maryanne.
.
.
tomorrow instead and she could come back to you midweek? I rushed her home because I thought she was getting picked up.
I know, I know.
What's going on? Anyway, can give me a call back Nothing.
I was just about to grab the phone.
Maryanne? Sorry, I was outside.
Your mum was just suggesting that maybe we change the pick-up times.
Maybe you go around there tomorrow instead of tonight.
I've already packed my stuff.
Yeah, OK, fine.
We'll see you then.
Yeah.
Georgie.
Hey, where're you going? It's nearly dinnertime.
I've got to unpack, don't I? Ah, pack schmack.
Eat now.
Do all that later.
Forget it.
I'm not even hungry.
Hey.
Hey.
What's happening in the wonderful world of Chai Li? Oh, you know, work, work, then there's always work.
So a fair bit of work? You could say that.
What if I told you that your all-time favourite comic is performing at my club this week.
Woody Allen is my all-time favourite comic.
All-time favourite discounting those who married their own children.
I think I need more clues.
Ah, indie bad girl, improv queen, does a routine about the gay Santa? I love Chelsea Farmer! I'm aware of that.
I thought she was only doing shows in Sydney.
Well, she was.
But I hit her with a humorous tweet, a bit of witty online repartee ensued and I booked her.
I'm impressed.
I'm impressive.
Wanna come down early? Meet her before the show? I could pick you up, go for some early dinner.
I'd like that.
A lot.
Hey, welcome back.
Thanks.
How was the break? You feeling all set to go? Ah, yep, it was a break so, you know, it was good, I guess, if you like that kind of thing.
Well, I'm really glad you're here.
Believe me, I have missed you.
Yeah.
Hey, um, I've just been looking at my schedule and you've got me down to see Eleni Pappas.
Like I said, I've been so busy, I took the liberty of kicking a couple of students over to you.
I hope you don't mind Oh, no, no.
It's just, Eleni Pappas is doing counselling now? Yeah, how about that? That's weird.
She'd have to be the most stable girl in Year 12, if not the school.
Yeah, well, you know, she came in here last week and we had a chat about some stuff.
To be honest, I suspect she just likes talking about her new boyfriend.
But she did put her name down and It'd be pretty hard for me to make a mess of it? That's not what I intended.
It's fine.
Whatever.
Kristin, sorry, can you just excuse me for a second? Yep.
Morning, Jesse.
Hey, Miss.
It was nice meeting your brother yesterday.
He seems like a good kid.
He's alright, for a doofus.
So, what's news? How's everything at home? You know, it's just the usual.
I gotta go now, Miss.
Right.
You know, Jesse, I'm a counsellor.
That means I get paid to listen so if ever you want to talk It's sort of lame, Miss, doing counselling.
No offence.
Fair enough.
Just keep it in mind, OK? Hi, Miss.
Same as last time.
All I get is fuzz.
What, this is the emergency? The Pies are about to play the Dogs and my TV's on the blink.
Yeah, it's an emergency.
Dad, I've told you this.
You want to watch cable, you've got to get the TV on the right channel.
Don't use this remote.
Use this one.
OK.
I remember when you had a dial on the front, you just turned the bloody thing, end of story.
Mmm.
Hey, what's up with Mum? She looks like someone's died on her.
Yeah, well, we had young Carmody around here yesterday.
Yeah.
And he was talking about your new girlfriend.
Well, he had to meet her eventually.
Yeah, well, the poor little bugger seemed confused by the whole thing.
What, so that is what Mum is pissed off about? I introduced my son to my new partner? Partner? That's right, Dad.
Partner.
And her name is Alice.
Listen, son, it's your mother I'm thinking about Mum's fine.
She's terrified.
She thinks that Caroline is going to take the little boy away.
Yeah, well that's not going to happen 'cause I'm his father.
Caroline's his mother and the way you've treated her, I wouldn't blame her if she shot through.
So this is the real reason you got me over here, is it? To give me a lecture on my personal life? Look, it is your personal life, son.
And you can stuff it up if you like.
But me and your mother, we're the ones left with the mess.
I'm sorting things out with Caroline, alright? Hi! Hey.
How'd you go with Eleni? Um, yep, you were right.
I heard all about the boyfriend.
You know, Kristin, I really didn't mean to patronise you.
I just thought there's no harm in easing your way back in.
Yeah.
Well, apparently, he's a hottie, the boyfriend.
So I hear.
Alright, well, I'll see you tomorrow.
OK.
Bye.
G'day, Miss.
Jesse.
What are you doing here? Just been over to visit a mate.
Lives up over there.
Oh.
Where is he now? He wasn't home.
Are you OK? Do you want me to call someone for you? Your mum? Your dad? They'll be at work.
Where's Ryan? Ah, at his mate's place.
You know, right now I've got a massive amount of leftovers in my fridge and there's a real danger they're going to be wasted.
How would you like to help me out with that? Go easy.
If you choke, I'll never live it down.
It's good.
So this friend of yours, the one who lives down the road, does he go to Martin Street? No, he's just someone I know from way back.
Oh, OK.
'Cause I must admit, when I saw you outside, I thought maybe you'd come over for a chat.
I spoke to your home room teacher.
She said you've been missing a lot of school lately.
It's just been a bit full-on at home, you know.
Dad's flat out at work.
Mmm.
And what about Mum? What's going on? I've heard that stupid baby CD 50,000 times.
I'm sick of it! Come on, Georgie, you know the rules.
It was Tully's turn to choose the car music.
Fine, whatever, I don't even care.
Georgie, hi.
Hi.
What? I have no idea.
I would say hormones.
But that never ends well, does it? Luce, this is Jesse.
He's a student from Martin Street.
Oh, hi, Jesse from Martin Street.
Pleased to meet you, Mr Flynn.
Ah, it's actually not Oh, sorry.
At last, a man who appreciates gourmet meats! This is a Gibson.
Like Jimmy Page plays.
You know Jimmy Page? My dad says he's the greatest.
Hi, you've called Tom Reid.
Leave me a message and I'll get back to you when I can.
Hi, Mr Reid, it's Bernadette Flynn.
I work at your son Jesse's school.
Everything's fine.
I just wanted to let you know that Jesse's here at my house in case you were worried.
Could you please give me a call as soon as you get this message? Thank you.
Oh, yeah.
My dad reckons Sticky Fingers but I I prefer Exile.
Your dad sounds like a man of taste and sophistication.
Is your mum into music too? Oh, not so much.
Still, she must be pleased you're so interested in it.
So how about this one? Yeah, it's a bootleg.
Wow! Love that dress.
Really? I kinda splurged.
You should do it more often.
It's silly but I'm really excited about tonight.
That's not silly at all.
That's a good thing.
Ah, the man himself.
Hey, how's it going? Hey, Chai Li.
Listen, small change of plans here.
You want me to head to yours or? No.
See, sorry about this but I went out for a quick drink with Chelsea and it's turned into a long drink.
Very long.
OK.
Upshot is, I was thinking maybe we could just meet at the club instead.
Hmm, sure.
I'll see you there.
Alright, thanks.
Hey, Chelsea's looking forward to meeting you.
Dinner cancelled? No big deal.
I'll just get a falafel on the way.
Well, there's plenty of leftovers if you want to eat in.
Thanks, but I'm kind of barbecued out.
Don't wait up.
Oh, hi! Hi, Bernadette.
She's just getting her bag.
Right.
Let's go.
Georgie, I think your dad wanted to say goodbye.
Georgie! It's fine.
Let her go.
I'll see you Wednesday, then.
OK.
Tully, where's Daddy? Don't know.
And where's Jesse? If you want me to find it, you really need to be more specific.
What colour is it? A pretty colour.
Has Jesse gone? I thought he was still in the lounge room.
Jesse! I'm a line crosser from way back.
I remember when I was seven or eight years old, my father saying to me, 'Chelsea, you didn't just cross the line.
You cooked it, you ate it, you crapped it out behind you.
It's over there now.
' He had such a way with words, my father.
But crossing the line is not always a bad thing, I don't think.
I've never understood why so many people are so obsessed with doing the right thing, with fitting in.
I mean, there's no art to that, no achievement.
So I don't like hearing people say, 'I don't want to rock the boat'.
Because rocking the boat is the most fun in the world! I especially don't like hearing women say it because I'm just like, 'Listen, they won't let us sail the boat.
Why the hell can't we rock it?' I mean, really.
Sometimes I let my upbringing get the better of me, though.
Occasionally, I try to do the right thing.
I mean, as a young woman, I was carefree and took risks.
Now, I keep the doors locked when I have sex in the car.
I spike my own drinks.
Not bad, eh? Mm, totally brilliant.
Yep, she is a bit.
Have already started sagging and won't be on show for much longer.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, you've been beautiful.
Yeah! Whoo! Want a drink? Yeah.
Mmm, no.
Well, alright.
Well, I'm just glad you're home safely.
No, it's fine, Jesse.
Just next time, you tell me when you're leaving, OK? OK, bye.
He's already home, safe and sound.
There you go.
Catastrophe averted.
He wouldn't put his dad on.
He said he was asleep.
Maybe he was asleep.
Hmm, something's wrong.
I can smell it.
Even if there is, there's only so much you can do.
You know, bringing him home and feeding him I didn't bring him home.
We've got our own family to worry about, yeah? No way.
That is one part of the body that I refuse to have burning hot wax applied.
What about you, Herb? Are you a Brazilian man? Oh, I think presentation's important.
Yeah? Hmm.
Well, I think it's what's on the inside that counts.
I don't know whether they're putting something in my drinks but I am loving this wine.
Another? Yeah.
I might pass.
So just now, were you playing footsies? No.
You were! Maybe slightly.
I can't believe I've been sitting here chatting while footsies were occurring.
It was all below the knee.
Is is this why you blew me off for dinner? Because you two were? What can I say? W-We just hit it off in a big way.
You know what? I think I might leave you guys to it.
No, no, stay.
She Chelsea loves you.
I have a morbid fear of getting probed by a stray toe.
Maybe it's best if I get myself out of the line of fire.
Sorry Hi.
Hi.
Um, thanks for coming.
I appreciate it.
Like to sit? No, I'm fine.
OK.
Um, I called you because I've had some ideas about the way forward.
The way forward.
Mm-hm.
Look, I know I haven't handled this very well so far.
I know you're upset.
I understand that and I I don't blame you.
That's big of you.
Look, Caroline this isn't just about us.
There are other people involved.
I know there's some ONE else involved.
Pretty much everyone else knew before I did but Anyway, I do know now.
OK, OK.
See, this is what I'm talking about, you know.
This sort of sniping.
It is really counter-productive.
Just get on with it and tell me what you want.
Well, I am trying to.
Look I want to see Carmody.
And I want to control when my parents see Carmody.
Now we need to come to a formal agreement to arrange that.
I've been speaking to my lawyer and she suggests mediation.
So you want to wheel out the lawyers? I want a neutral third party involved to help us work out some ground rules.
Ground rules - like when you're married to someone you don't stick your dick in anyone else.
Stuff like that? I am just trying to be practical.
Well, you can stick your practicality and your independent mediator up your bum, Matt.
Hi, Miss.
Jesse, what are you doing here? I just I told Ryan about Luce's guitars and he said he wanted to see them.
If that's OK.
You wait here.
There's nobody home, Miss.
I promise, they'll be at work.
Fine, then I'll leave a note.
I told you, Miss, Dad's working.
Then we'll hang around till he gets back.
He could be pretty late, eh? Boys, you need to tell me the truth now.
Dad's in Gippsland.
Shut up.
Jesse, this is serious.
I want to help you but I can't if you don't tell me what's going on.
He's a site manager in Bairnsdale.
Five days on, five days off.
What about Mum? She left, last year.
Dad says she's never coming back.
And when your dad's in Bairnsdale, you two just look after yourselves? Well, he leaves us heaps of money and stuff.
But sometimes we run out.
Was that why you came to my place? 'Cause you've run out of money? This morning Ryan stuffed up big-time.
Locked us out of the house.
I didn't want to call Dad because I know that if he had to drive all the way back from Bairnsdale then he'd lose his job.
Are we in trouble? No.
You're not in trouble.
We'll work something out.
They'll be fine here for tonight but tomorrow, can you? Yep, yep.
That'd be ideal.
OK, bye.
So? Their dad's driving home first thing in the morning.
He didn't sound too happy.
Well, he's not the only one.
What do you mean? Well, I'm not exactly rapt about having two strange boys sleeping in my daughter's bedroom.
It's just one night.
I don't know the first thing about those boys.
Well, I'll take responsibility for them.
Hello? Are you Bernadette Flynn? That's right.
I'm Tom Reid, Jesse's dad.
It's good to meet you.
Hey, do you need We're right, thanks.
Where are my boys? They're in class.
Thanks for that - stepping in last night.
It won't happen again.
Tom, you do understand that you can't leave children alone unattended.
I wouldn't call Jesse a child.
He's very responsible.
He's 15 and Ryan's only 11.
Look, I don't have a choice.
My wife walked out last year and if I quit my job, I'll be on the dole which would only make things worse.
You could get someone to look after them when you're at work, a family member I'm from Perth.
I don't have a lot of family support over here.
What about your wife's family? My ex-wife? Her mum's over in Preston, a 90-minute drive in traffic.
And anyway, the old woman hates my guts.
I understand it's tough but you are going to have to make a change, otherwise No, look, it's alright.
I hear what you're saying.
I'll make some phone calls.
If you need any help, organising something You leave it with me.
I'll work something out, I guarantee it.
And thank you again for stepping in.
Stepping in last night? They stayed with me.
What? Did you notify anyone? No.
Oh, OK.
Just be careful.
Are we having another barbie? There's a lot of very mature meat out there and I've been given the job of helping to make it disappear.
Hmm? How did things end up the other night with Chelsea? Good.
Hey, Chai Li.
I love your brothers.
Do I detect some negativity here? About what? Chelsea? Of course not.
I've got to pick up Georgie.
You're on.
Great guy.
Cute, funny and he cooks.
What more could you ask for? World peace? You're funny too.
She's funny.
You gotta come out with us again.
Bar crawl, tomorrow night.
That sounds great.
Sounds like a date, then.
Got a pint glass in the cupboard, if that'd make it easier.
You right? She doesn't want to talk to me.
And I I miss my son.
Look, you you can't rush this stuff.
You know, I remember when me and Maryanne broke up Whose side are you on? My situation is nothing like yours.
Look, maybe not, but I can tell you it gets better.
It just does.
You know, the reason I don't want to talk about this is that I don't want to hear your relentless optimism.
So can you just drop the Pollyanna routine? You know, you're right.
Our positions ARE different 'cause I didn't go out and screw someone else while I'm still married to the mother of my child.
Prick.
Yeah, listen, I'm on my way, OK? Well, maybe you shouldn't bother.
Hey? Georgie's refusing to pack her things.
Says she wants to stay with me.
What? I-I thought you were working tonight? Luce, I'm not talking about tonight.
She says she doesn't want to go back to your place at all.
Did you Did you put her up to this, Maryanne? Sorry? I've spent the last hour explaining to her why that can't happen.
I'm as against it as you are.
So what's it about, then? I have no idea.
She won't tell me.
Fine.
I'm going to be around there in 15 minutes.
Tell Georgie to be ready to go, alright? Luce, I think you So? She's in her bedroom.
Is she ready? I passed your message on but I don't think it went over so well.
What are you doing? Get your bag and get in the car.
Why do you always treat me like a baby? Maybe because you act like a baby, Georgie.
I hate you.
Fine, you hate me.
Is your bag packed or not? I already told Mum I'm not going.
Georgina, look, I've spoken to your mother about this and we're in total agreement, OK? I don't care, I'm staying.
Well, I've got news for you.
That's not your decision to make.
Now pack your bag.
I'm staying.
We can discuss all this when we get home.
But right now, I need you to pack your bag.
What is wrong with you? I mean, why are you doing this? Explain it to me.
I don't wanna talk about it.
Just get ready and get in the car now! Georgina, come here when I'm talking to you.
Georgina! Ow! What the hell's going on? Georgie, I'm sorry, darling Just go, Luce.
Go.
We'll talk about this later.
Hey! Luce.
What's wrong? Where's Georgie? Luce.
What's happened? Nothing.
Where's Georgie? She, um, she's staying with her mum.
Oh.
Is she OK? Yeah, she's fine.
Well, you don't look fine I'm tired, that's all, OK? I'm just going to have a shower and get an early night.
I'm going for a drink with Herb and the wondrous Chelsea so I really need to find a date.
Ooh.
Why? Because I'm sick of being a single in a couple-y world.
And finding a rent-a-date will help that how exactly? I know.
Dragging some loser along will only make it worse, won't it? What I really need is an A-lister.
Hey, that's an idea.
Sleep well? Yeah, good.
I slept well too, thanks for asking.
Maryanne, hi.
How is she? She's locked herself in her room again but other than that Can I talk to her? I don't think she'll come to the phone, Luce.
She's still really upset and I don't blame her.
OK.
I understand.
Anyway, I said she could take the day off school.
I assume you're OK with that.
Sure.
Sure.
Could you, um, could you please pass on my love to her? Yeah.
Georgie? That was your dad.
He sent his love.
Hey.
Hey, Miss.
How did things turn out with your dad? All OK? All good.
Dad's hidden a key in the backyard under a brick so if we ever get locked out again, we'll be fine.
No need to worry, eh? Tom.
Bernadette.
Sorry to take you by surprise.
I've been calling, leaving messages.
I've had a few issues with my phone.
OK.
Is there a problem? Same problem as last time we talked.
Well, I did what I said.
I've been looking into options.
And? And I'm still looking.
You mentioned your mother-in-law.
I don't want my kids living with someone who's going to spend all her time slagging me off.
Tom, if those boys are left alone again, I won't have a choice.
I'll be obliged to report it to the DHS.
You do have a choice.
You can just pretend this whole thing never happened and we'll be fine.
I can't do that.
I'm going back to work next week because if I don't, I'll lose my job.
You leave me and my children alone, OK? Well, look, there's no dilemma here.
You have to report it.
And what will that achieve? Break the family up, drag the boys away from a father that they love No, but Jesse and Ryan's safety has to be your first concern.
Jesse took me into his confidence.
He trusted me.
I don't want to betray that trust.
But what's happened is that you've started mothering Jesse and that's stopping you from doing the right thing.
Do you want me to call DHS? Uh, I'll deal with it, OK? I took the afternoon off.
Wanna go get a beer? It's 1:30 in the afternoon.
Anyway, I'm just about to pick the kids up from kinder.
We could pick them up together.
Do you think Mum and Dad had problems? Nah.
Well, I don't know, maybe.
I always saw them as a 100% united front.
Yeah, same here, 100%.
But I don't know, what if there were cracks we just didn't notice? Yeah, but they wouldn't have told us.
I mean, back then, the discipline was firmer.
Now it's as if the kids are always in charge.
You know, it's not when Georgie gives me lip.
I couldn't care less about that.
But the hard part is when she won't talk at all.
You know, shuts me out.
What are you on about? I grabbed her arm.
I twisted it.
I hurt her.
You know, not bad but by the time I got home I was so disgusted with myself, I couldn't even tell Bernadette.
Well, the longer you leave it, the harder it gets.
I know that one.
Daddy, Daddy, can we go to the swings? We want to go on the swings.
You go? Do you want a push, do you? Again! Higher! Whoa.
There you go.
Come on, put your back into it.
Higher, Dad, higher.
OK, what do you reckon I should do? Oh, so you want to hear from Pollyanna now? OK, Polly, I wanna hear.
Go on, I respect your opinion.
Well, mate, it was like I was trying to tell you last night.
Higher, Dad, higher.
You're anxious so you're trying to bring in lawyers or something.
You know, you're trying to problem solve.
Great, darl.
So what do you say, I should do nothing? No, just tread lightly.
Let Caroline cool down a bit.
You know, she'll come round in her own time.
You know, sometimes when you try and control absolutely everything, that's when it blows up in your face.
Mate, you should put that line on a fridge magnet.
Where do you think I got it from? Hey, guys, good to see you.
Garrick.
The problem is, people think they get to know you.
Hey, Herb.
Hey.
Oh! You know Garrick, right? Yeah, yeah.
How are you? How you going, mate? And, Garrick, this is Chelsea Farmer.
I already know Chelsea.
Not biblically I hope.
You comics all look the same.
I tend to forget.
Now that is something I would definitely never forget.
Well, two of my favourite comics together.
Just like a double bill.
She's in her bedroom.
Georgie? I I should never have laid a hand on you and I'm ashamed that I did.
And if you want to live with your mum, well maybe we can do that.
But, you know, we should talk about it.
And your mum too.
You know, 'cause you're a child and we're your parents.
But I, you know, I do want to hear what you have to say about it.
And I'm I'm sorry I didn't listen sooner.
OK.
I'm gonna go now.
How's the arm? It's fine.
No big deal.
No, it is a big deal.
I'd never do anything to hurt you.
Hope you can forgive me.
Dad, I'm not even angry with you.
It's all my fault, anyway.
This is not your fault.
It is.
I was only trying to make things better for you and Mum and I only made it worse.
Make what better? The way you and Mum hate each other.
Sweetheart, I do not hate your mother.
Dad, you roll your eyes every time Mum rings.
You sigh when her name's mentioned.
That's not true.
You made fun of her on the answering machine.
I see it all the time.
So is is this why you want to live with your mum? It's only 'cause of me that you have to see her.
The drop-offs and all that.
I figured if you didn't have to do that, you would both be happier.
I'll still come and see you on weekends.
Sweetheart, it's not up to you to have to make life easier for the grown-ups.
We're supposed to make life easier for you.
Come here.
OK, here's a good one.
A priest and a rabbi walk into a bar Oh, Jesus, is this guy an idiot? Come on, Chelsea, religious humour.
You know it kills.
I'd love to hear it.
Read my lips.
I don't like corny jokes.
I hurt men who tell corny jokes.
OK, no more jokes.
No more jokes.
Mind you, I've got a couple of tongue twisters you might like.
Well, on that highly edifying note, I'm going to the ladies'.
Yeah, I might just hop the bar here, Herbal, and uh, pour myself a couple of drinks.
Uh, no, it's not actually my bar.
Yep, nup, help yourself.
Garrick! Garrick Graham.
Isn't he great? When he was making those fart sounds under his arm, that was just gold.
24 carat.
So? So, I was really looking forward to tonight, you know? Spending some quality time with two people that I like and respect and in walks Garrick.
What, you're the only one who's allowed to have a celebrity date? Not at all.
But I do find myself wondering why you'd call him up tonight.
Seeing as you didn't have any negative feelings about Chelsea.
I don't know.
Maybe I just felt like a third wheel.
Well, you weren't.
Chelsea, she's really nice.
And you two are great together.
Where are they, anyway? I don't know.
I think they're rooting in the disabled dunnies.
Oh, my God, are you sure? Well, either that or he's giving her a particularly satisfying foot massage.
I have to say that's highly unlikely.
You would.
Wow.
Awkward.
You OK? I mean, I'm sorry about Chelsea.
Forget it.
Let's have a drink.
You wanna go somewhere else? Sadly, I'm closing up tonight so I have to wait till they finish.
Something about Garrick tells me he'll be quick.
Well, it's a complex situation.
My impression is they're a very tight-knit family, particularly Jesse and his father.
Hi, I'm sorry to interrupt.
I'm Kristin Glaros, the other counsellor here.
Look, um, I've known the boys for longer than Bernadette and I wanted to let you know that she's the only one that's really been able to communicate with Jesse.
Well, it's a great plus for a kid like Jess to have someone they can talk to.
Yeah.
I mean, she's really reached out to him, so much so she even had the boys stay at her home overnight.
Obviously, you ran that by your Principal.
Anyway, I'll leave you to it.
Bye.
I didn't, actually, because it was a semi-crisis situation.
The boys had locked themselves out of the house Well, that is an issue for you and Helen.
But obviously, she will need to be told.
Of course.
Well, the father's waiting outside.
Let's see if we can get this sorted.
What's the decision? As you know, Tom, we've contacted your mother-in-law but she's only agreed to take Ryan.
Surprise, surprise! Which does leave us with a problem.
You know, Jesse is still four months short of his 16th birthday.
I already told you, I can't quit my job.
We understand that, Tom, but it still doesn't change the fact that we need to find a suitable residential arrangement for Jesse.
You're going to put him in bloody foster care? Dump him on a stranger? We feel that Jesse's well settled here.
His networks are local and moving him away could be highly disruptive.
You're telling me.
On the positive side, he's a very mature 15-year-old and could look after himself, given appropriate support.
Meaning what? Well, we'd need to know there was someone he could call on if he needed help.
Someone who could make regular visits, say, every second day.
Jesus, I already told you, I don't have anyone.
I could do it.
If you're happy with that, Tom.
OK.
Thank you.
How'd it go? I don't know what game you're playing, Kristin, but What's wrong? My God.
Unless there was a problem, I'd only go there every second day, just to check up.
You know, these things end up bigger.
They always end up bigger.
I don't agree.
Jesse's a good kid.
He's honest and reliable.
It's not about that.
It's about us.
Your parents did something similar.
They took Herb in.
And that is what I'm worried about.
I know how much energy goes into it.
Look, I'm already struggling to keep up, to do the right thing by our kids.
I don't see why we need to add to the load.
I'm sorry, Luce, but it's my time and my decision.
There is no 'my time' when you've got children.
It's all our time.
Well, I've already said yes.
Then why did you bother asking me? Thanks for bringing my phone.
You got a picture there? No, your mother's been mucking around with it.
Sure.
What's this for? It's for the game.
Are you staying? Oh, I thought I might.
Cheers.
Been a while since we've watched a game together.
Yep.
It should be a good one.
It's the first time we've had our talls fit and firing.
Who does Alice barrack for? Swans.
Ah, well, can't be helped.
Hey, Jesse.
Did your dad tell you? Looks like you'll be able to stay at your place after all.
I'll be coming round every other day just to check up on you and help you out with dinner and stuff.
Jesse You dobbed my dad in, alright, this whole thing is your fault.
I know it's hard.
They're going to split us up, me and Ryan.
I'm sorry about that.
We're all trying our best to make this work as well as we can.
Piss off.
I went on a date.
Who with? This guy I met at Luce's club.
He's 25.
We welcome to the microphone, Mr Wise Crack.
Morning! Been good, Herb? Hey! Welcome to radio, my friend! Oh, settle down, mate.
You know, Herb, why don't you go to your own home for a change? He worked all the time.