Scene: 12
Time: 7am3
Place: The House4
Characters: All the family: Irene, Keith, Faith and Imy5
Action: …6
(The lights go up and there is a kitchen table with 4 chairs around it, with a worktop behind. On the worktop is a kettle cups etc. There is music intro playing in the background. Which introduces the scene.)7
(Imy is at the table eating breakfast and reading a book. Her school bag lies on the floor with some books spilling out. Faith rushes in, she is half-dressed for school and still half in her pjs. She rushes about grabbing her bag and shoving stuff in.)8
Faith: Imy, have you seen my bag? I left it on the table last night.9
Imy: Yea it’s on the couch, shock you’re not ready! (She giggles, and carries on reading)10
Faith: Shut up! I slept in, I spent the whole night worrying what today was going t0 be like 11
(She takes out some cereal and aims it at Imy, Imy laughs and throws some back. The two of them start mucking about. Irene enters she is still in her dressing gown and looks tired. She gives a little smile at her daughters laughing then tells them to settle down and not anger their father.)12
Irene: (Giggles) calm down girls, don’t want to annoy your dad on his first day! 13
Are you two ready for school? 14
Imy: yup!15
Faith: erm... yup16
Imy: No she’s not! She didn’t even know where her bag was!17
Faith: Well I do now! 18
Irene: do you need any help? 19
Faith: no I’m okay thanks mum. 20
Irene: Okay, well do you want any breakfast? You look tired; best have some so that it gives you some energy. (She walks over to her daughter and hugs her)21
Don’t worry today will be fine, don’t you worry. 22
Faith: Thanks mum I hope so, I’m just so nervous. I don’t know how Imy can be so calm and not worry.23
Irene: aww don’t be nervous, it will be fine I promise, and as for Imy she isn’t scared of anything! Are you Imy? 24
Imy: YUP! Not scared of anything! Well, except spiders and creepy crawlies but apart from that - nothing!25
Faith: whatever! Erm.. Yeah mum is it okay if I just have some toast and cereal? I’m not that hungry.26
Irene: yeah sure, you finish getting ready and I’ll make some. 27
Faith: Thanks (she exits to go & get ready.)28
Imy: Mum. Are you glad we moved? 29
Irene: yeah course I am, why?30
Imy: aw nothing I just wondered that’s all, 31
Irene: well ideally I would have loved to stay where we were, our own land, and the school was only 2 minutes away, but now you have to catch the bus, and well it’s a lot different to what we are used to, but don’t worry its for the best! And anyway we had no choice! What your dad wants your dad gets! Are you happy darling?32
Imy: haha yeah! Well…kinda I wish that we had stayed there, I miss my friends and all, but I will make new friends yea?33
Irene: Course you will, and you can invite them home and watch DvD’s, how does that sound?34
Imy: Aw ace, thanks mum. That be great35
Keith: (from off stage) Irene…IRENE?36
Irene: yea Keith, what’s wrong?37
Keith: Where’s my shirt?38
Irene: em. Its.its…hanging up in the bathroom.39
Keith: That’s not where I left it, why did you move it?40
Irene: sorry but It.. (She gets cut off by Keith)41
Keith: bloody interfering woman42
Irene: (muttering under her breath) cheek, what the hell do you expect if you leave it lying around, I was only trying to help. Jeez no appreiation in this family43
Imy: (who has been sitting quietly trying to read her book pipes up) I apprciate you mum44
Irene: thanks love!45
(Faith walks in all smartly dressed, and ready for school, she is pleating her hair. She sits down at the table and finishes off her hair. Irene gives her cereal and some toast)46
Faith: mum is there any chocolate spread?47
Irene: no sorry, I need to do a food shop today.48
Faith: aww, what about peanut butter?49
Irene: nope50
Faith: (being a little cheeky) jam? Marmite? …Marmalade?51
Irene: No Faith there isn’t, stop bloody asking.52
Faith: sorry mum was just kidden53
Irene: aw I’m sorry I just have 101 things to do today, and your dad isn’t helping matters.54
Faith: oh it’s okay, 55
(Keith enters trying to tie his tie, he asks Irene for a coffee)56
Faith: (starts eating her toast) mum can I have some more57
Irene: yea course you can! I thought you said you weren’t hungry!58
Keith: Faith not being hungry! That’s a first, she normally eats us out of house and home59
Irene: Keith be quiet, 60
Faith: (at the same time as Irene) Shut up (her face changes and see looks upset)61
Keith: don’t take it personally kiddo, but I think you have had enough, carbs makes you fat anyway.62
Irene: oh give it a rest Keith, she can eat what she wants.63
Keith: You’ll thank me later, also I think you might have stopped growing because you seem to be piling the pounds on, so maybe you should join a sports club or something to keep you fit?64
Irene: Faith don’t listen to him, you’re fine the way you are, and you don’t need to lose weight okay?65
Faith: yea whatever, (she looks really upset, she wipes a tear away)66
Irene: so do you want some more toast? 67
Faith: no thanks,68
Irene: you sure?69
Faith: Yes for Gods sake I’m not hungry, just leave off it mum.70
Irene: Faith I was only asking, 71
Keith: where’s my coffee?72
Irene: oh it’s coming sorry (she starts getting out cups etc) 73
(Keith starts baking away from the table, he turns around suddenly causing Irene to spill coffee all over him)74
Keith: For fucks sake75
Irene: shit, I’m so sorry Keith, I’ll get a cloth76
Keith: stupid bitch I can’t wear this anymore, aruhh fucking family (Keith storms off stage leaving Irene moping the floor)77
Imy: mum?…you ok?78
Irene: yeah hun I’m fine, right you two better start heading off. Sorry I can’t give you guys a lift but with the car being broken and all, I am sorry.79
Faith: its fine. Cya later 80
Imy: bye mum (she hugs her mum and runs out the door)81
Irene: look after your sister, make sure she gets off at the right stop, and take care 82
Faith: yea I will, bye … love you (she exists off stage)83
Irene: (rubs a tear away) love you to, (the phone rings- it’s the taxi for Keith)84
…Hello? Oh hi, yeah hang on he’ll be there in a minute.85
Keith. It’s your taxi. 86
(He comes rushing down the stairs grabs Irene’s toast, and mumbles bye)87
Keith: bye 88
Scene289
Time: 3.1590
Place: School91
Characters: Faith,92
Action:93
Holly: soooo its Faith is it? 94
Faith: (startled) who me?95
Holly: no shit for brains the person behind you96
Faith: yea sorry its Faith97
Yaz: why do you hang out with those losers?98
Faith: What Linzi and Lori? They’re not losers; you just don’t understand them99
Holly: oh I don’t understand them do I? Look basically you’re a freak, and I don’t like freaks ok? So don’t bug me100
Faith: (finds a little courage at sticks up for herself) what’s your problem? I’m new here, and i've done nothing wrong, you don’t even know me and your saying I’m a freak,101
Holly: (sarcastically) Oh I apologise. Please forgive me! Here's the deal; you’re new here, so want to fit in? Right?102
Faith: Yea103
Holly: so hanging out with those freaks is going to get you unwanted attention, whereas being friends with us will get you lots of good attention! Where you can be popular and have boyfriends and school will be a breeze, but hang with them and your life will be hell! So what do ya say Faith!?104
Faith: well er… I duno, 105
Yaz: we are going to the movies tonight wanna come?106
Faith: oh I cant I’m meeting Lori…(Yaz and Holly stare at her) never mind I’m free. 107
Holly: Great! Well we will meet you at 8108
Faith: okay cool, well how about meeting at McDonalds in the mall, I know where that is! Also I can then grab something to eat! I love their Big Macs! 109
Holly: (stares at her nastily) okay well you can eat a fattening greasy big Mac, while us “proper” girls will have a plain salad. You see we like to watch what we eat, boys don’t like fat girls. (Giggles and looks Faith up and down)110
(Yaz laughs cruelly, and walks off with jade who is throwing pens in the air then catching them. Holly takes a step closer to Faith)111
Holly: by the way, a word of advice if you wanna look good and be popular…you should maybe think about doing something with your hair, like dying it and also maybe you should lay off the chocolates Hun, right cya later mwah!112
(She catches up with Yaz and Jade; they look behind at Faith and give a little wave, then walk off together leaving Faith standing by herself)113
Faith: (whispers) bye, (she looks down at her stomach and pats it, she looks upset and hurt then gets angry at herself and hits her stomach)114
Faith: FAT loser.115
Scene: 3116
Time: 4.30pm117
Place: Home118
Characters: Faith+family119
Action:120
(The set for the classroom is striked- and Faith’s bedroom is set up on one side of the stage-meanwhile the side that was in blackout now becomes the kitchen/ living room for the family) (Lights come up, and Irene is on the floor cleaning. Immy comes running on stage with her school bag.)121
Immy: Mum, Mum! Today was ace!122
Irene: aw I’m glad it went okay, did you make friends?123
Immy: yea! Helen and Amy, Helen’s dad owns a restaurant, and Amy has a little puppy!124
Irene: oh that sounds nice, but don’t get any ideas though! I’m not having any dogs in this house! So what’s your teacher like? Is she nice?125
Immy: aw mum, I’d love to have a dog. (Irene gives her a stern look, then laughs)126
Well She is okay I suppose, she isn’t as nice as Miss Adams, she is far to bossy127
Irene: aw don’t worry you’ll get used to her, it’ll be a change, but things will work out, so what did you do in school?128
Immy: well today we all talked a little about ourselves, like how many sisters or brothers blah blah blah! And then we had circle time which was so much fun and then…(she gets cut off by her mum)129
Irene: Circle time…looking confused Immy picks up that she doesn’t know what she is speaking about, she then gets cut off when Immy explains what it is?130
Immy: Circle time is when you sit in a circle and you can only talk if you have the teddybear. 131
Irene: oh really? That’s amazing I should try that at home! Maybe get some peace and quiet then, (she sees the look on Immys face she isn’t impressed with her mums joke) I’m only kidden love, I love your noise.132
Immy: muuummm, 133
Irene: okay okay, I’m sorry! What were you saying? 134
Immy: yea well in circle time we were talking about abuse…(she is innocent to what she is talking about) 135
Irene: Abuse? 136
Immy: yea cos we got onto the subject cos this boy called… Callum I think his name was callum. Anyway his step-dad hits him and he got upset in circle time and so the teacher had to take him outside and talk to him. Then she came back and told us that adults weren’t allowed to hit children but some did and that was wrong, and also that dads shouldn’t hit mums…(she trails off)137
Irene: oh really? (Looking increasingly concerned) 138
Immy: Oh don’t worry mum, I didn’t tell her about dad139
Irene: (looks guilty, she hugs her daughter tightly) look darling, your dad…he just has a temper, but he loves you very much, you know that right?140
Immy: yea I know mum, thanks. (There is a silence)…but its still not right mum141
Irene: yea I know, but I’m mainly to blame though, I seem to anger your dad. Don’t be angry with him.142
Irene: I’m not but mum I just think that…(she gets cut off)143
Immy: Imogen- no more okay look go and do something-useful ok?144
Irene: (looks upset) okay, sorry.145
(Faith walks in; she slings her bag down.)146
Irene: Hi Faith, how was school?147
Faith: em. Good. (She looks confused about whether to tell her mum about the bullying)148
Irene: Aw I’m glad you enjoyed it, I knew you would. So do you know what’s wrong with your sister? As she is being really funny with me.149
Faith: oh no sorry, why what she done now? (Looks slightly hurt that her mum hasn’t noticed that she is upset)150
Irene: oh it doesn’t matter, so who are your new friends then?151
Faith: Linz…I mean Holly, Jaz and Jade.152
Irene: aw that’s nice,153
Faith: yea actually is it okay if I go out tonight?154
Irene: em. Yea that should be ok, but your Dad is making tea tonight and you know what he is like…155
Faith: its cool, I’ll grab something later. But I gotta go change now, catcha later hun! (She skips off, looking slightly happier.)156
Irene: (mutters) HUN? Well school certainly can change the unchangeable!157
(She starts to tidy again, the lights go down. Then Faiths bedroom lights up.)158
……………………………………………………………………………………159
(Faith enters and sits on the chair, then takes her diary out)160
Faith: shock I have nothing nice to wear, nope to pink, nope to “emoish” nope to dorky, I have nothing to wear, 161
(Imy comes in reading an article on abuse in her magazine; she asks Faith a question)162
Imy: Faith?163
Faith: WHAT?164
Imy: oh sorry what’s wrong? You okay?165
Faith: I would be if people just left me alone, haven’t you ever heard of knocking166
Imy: oh sorry, you usually don’t mind167
Faith: well I do now, so what do you want?168
Imy: it doesn’t matter now169
Faith: oh don’t be like that idiot170
Imy: (tearing up) what’s wrong with you? What happened at school to make you change into this nasty person?171
Faith: oh piss off, just leave me alone and stop being so bloody annoying172
(Imy runs out crying, Faith sits on the bed and wipes a tear away, then carries on trying clothes on)173
Faith: (whispering) sorry Immy, right where was I? Oh yea to old. AH! Found something. Finally. (She takes off her clothes leaving her in a vest and her trousers174
She pulls on a tight fitting jumper, but struggles to get it on round her stomach) 175
That’ll have to do, at least they cant see my fat bits. (She picks up her bag)176
……………………………………………………………………………………..177
………………………………………………………………………………………….178
(Later that evening Faith comes home laughing and joking with her mum, she seems much happier than she did before. The table is tidy, and Keith is in the living room reading a paper.)179
Keith: (sarcasticlly) Good Night?180
Faith: yea it was great thanks! (being slightly cheeky)181
Keith: Did you eat anything then? 182
Faith: ( slightly uneasy) er. Yea I did.183
Keith: what did you have? The usual? Big Mac and large chips with a large Chocolate milkshake? 184
Faith: (looks really hurt, but tries not to show it) No. Actaully I had a salad and a diet coke. 185
Keith: well maybe there is hope for her yet. ( smerks at his own joke) So whats that you got there then?186
Faith: what? Oh its nothing, anyway im away to have a shower.187
Keith: Faith, get back here, what is in that bag?188
Faith? Dad its nothing, honest just some face cream. 189
Keith: SHOW ME190
Faith: Dad come on, 191
Keith: do you want to be grounded? 192
( she looks sheepish, and takes out a hair dying kit.)193
Keith: What the hell is this?194
Faith: Its hair dye dad, I hate my hair colour, its so so… boring.195
Keith: Don’t be so stupid, your to young to dye your hair. Persides you will look cheap and tarty. 196
Faith: What! How will I look tarty, you’re the one being stupid dad. Look please can I dye my hair197
Keith: (shouting) absolulty not. Give me the hair dye.198
Faith: ( steps back, her voice shaking) No, 199
Keith: (getting really angry and walking towards her) What did you just say?200
Faith: Dad I want to dye my hair please201
Keith: (yelling at her) GIVE IT TO ME NOW.202
Faith: NO! this isnt fair- you let Immy do what ever she wants, its not like its perminant, it washes in and then washes out.203
Keith: Don’t make me hit you, 204
Faith: oh whatever dad, I don’t give a toss ok, what could you possibly do to me that you havent doen to me before? You know what your ruining our lives with this stupid job, why didn’t you leave and let us stay?205
Kieth: Because we are a family, and im your father206
Faith: Well start acting like one then 207
( he lunges at her and slaps her and grabs the box. Irene comes down stairs and shouts at her husband to be understanding. They then start screaming at each other. Leaving Faith to run up stairs) 208
( The lights fade on the living room and light up Faiths bedroom)209
………………………………………………………………………………………….210
( Faith slams the door and throws her bag down, She sits on the bed crying. Keith and Irene can be heard in the background screaming at each other. She then turns on her cd player and blares the song “Last Resort”. She flips out and starts ripping up magazines, and throwing her cuddly toys across the room. She kicks her bag and then kicks the bed, she slumps to the floor sobbing.)211
Faith: STUPID, STUPID, STUPID, (says this while ripping up magazines etc)212
( She kicks her bag and then the bed. Faith then falls to the floor crying)213
( Keith is behind the door, he yells at Faith to turn it down)214
Keith: Turn the fucken music down and open this door.215
Faith I said open this door NOW. I mean it, if you don’t open this door then I will kick it down. 216
( Faith is really scared, she doesn’t turn the music down as the c.d player is next to the door) 217
Faith: Leave me alone 218
Keith: right that’s it, you asked for it. ( he kicks the door open and marches towards Faith who tries to get away)219
Faith: Dad, no please. Dad Don’t. ( She is crying and pleding with him not to hurt her) 220
Keith: Come Here. ( she tries to run past him but he shuts the door, and hits her to the floor.) 221
( The lights fade)222
Improvised scene, Faith enters and sits down at table, then irene enters)223
Scene: 4224
Time: 4pm225
Place: The house226
Characters: The Family227
Action:228
( The lights come up on the kitchen/living room. Faith and Hope come in through the front door wearing hats, scarves and gloves to show that time has moved on and its near to Christmas. Irene walks in to wearing the same, they are all laughing about how Immy slipped on the ice. They are carrying in shopping bags. Faiths weight has dropped dramaticlly)229
Irene: you silly billy! I did say watch out for the ice, 230
Immy: haha I thought you said what was the price! (She puts the shopping down on the table and starts putting it away)231
Irene: I cant believe how cold its getting. Anyone up for some Hot Chocolate?232
Immy: Yeah! Yum, can I have 4 sugars! And lots of milk233
Irene: yea sure, but don’t make a habit of all those sugars in your hot chocolate its really bad for your teeth. ( Faith is sitting at the table, she is taking out all her books.) Faith sweetie, do you want some hot chocolate?234
Faith: yeah sure, thanks mum. But make sure it’s the Options hot chocolate, and no sugar and no milk. OK?235
Irene: yes okay. (She gets out the hot chocolate, but starts to look puzzled as she then starts looking around the kitchen. She whispers to Immy)236
Irene: ( whispering) Immy, Do you know where the options hot chocolate is? I could have sworn that I put it in the trolly. ( she starts to look through all the bags)237
Immy: (whispering) mum, I put it back!238
( Faith gets up to go to the toilet)239
Faith: be back in a min mum, just got to go to the toilet.240
Irene: ok… ( she then turns her attention to Immy) What do you mean you put it back?241
Immy: Well i think Faith has lost too much weight, and she doesn’t need to lose anymore, so she should have normal hot chocolate not horrible discusting diet stuff. 242
Irene: Aww that is very sweet Immy, but you shouldn’t have done that. She is going to be so angry…( she gets cut off)243
Immy: I know, but the beauty of it is that, you don’t tell her, and I wont tell her. So she will never know. Also if you make it then she wont notice!244
Irene: that is really sneaky Imy. Ok, just this once, but don’t ever do this again okay?245
Immy: okay mum! ( she grins)246
( Faith enters and asks if her hot chocolate is ready)247
Faith: is my hot chocolate ready mum?248
Irene: yeah hang on a sec ( she winks at Immy)249
( The family sit around the table all drinking hot chocolate. Faith takes a sip out of her cup)250
Faith: Mmmm, this hot chocolate is lovely, really sweet. 251
Immy: (lets out a little laugh) same252
Faith: whats funny?253
Immy: nothing, (she glances at her mum, Faith see’s this and is suspicious. She then takes a sip of Immy’s hot chocolate. And is furious with her mum.)254
Faith: Oh my god, I cant believe you mum, you gave me the full fat stuff. Why didn’t you give me options? I hate you.255
Irene: Faith calm down, 256
Faith: don’t tell me to calm down, do you even realsise how many cals I just had. Right well I cant eat tea tonight. 257
Irene: Don’t be stupid- you need to eat.258
Faith: I cant believe you did that mum,259
Irene: look im sorry, please don’t go to the bathroom260
Faith: why would I go to the bathroom?261
Irene: you know fine why sweetie, we just care about you that’s all. 262
Faith: whatever ( she sits down and starts doing her homework, Keith walks in. He is in an ok mood, but Imy has to make matters worse by saying how well she did in a test.)263
(Keith enters)264
Irene: Hi keith, good day?265
Keith: it was okay. How was school girls?266
Immy&Faith: Fine267
Keith: is that all you can say about it?268
Immy: well actually I got 20 out of 20 in my spelling test and 18 out of 20 on my math test! ( she is grinning, Faith looks sick, its obvious that she is annoyed and jelous) 269
Keith: Oh well done Kiddo! That deserves a treat! How about Going to the match this Sat?270
Immy: Aw great thanks dad! 271
Faith: I did well in my Art project, so how come I didn’t get a treat?272
Keith: Art isnt as important as Spelling and Math, when your grades improve then maybe. 273
Faith: that’s not fair im working as hard as I can274
Keith: not hard enough ( he sits next to Immy and hugs her.)275
Faith: I Cant believe this. I hate this family. ( she runs upstairs, taking her bag with her, but her math jotter is still on the table)276
Keith: well you know where the door is277
Faith: ohh fuck off278
Irene: FAITH, WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE, look keith leave it.279
Keith: what?? You going to let her speak to me like that, 280
Irene: just let her cool down, look lets just go to mcdonalds281
Keith: we aren’t going anymore282
Irene: what? Why? That’s not fair on immy, forget about faith. Lets just us 3 go.283
Keith: NO, 284
Irene: immy, im sorry, look why don’t you go do your homework.285
Irene: look keith, we need to speak, im worried about Faith, she has lost a lot of weight.286
Keith: well that’s good isnt it? 287
Irene: yea but not that much. I think she has an eating disorder, its called bulimia.288
Keith: what? Don’t be stupid289
Irene: no really keith, she makes herself sick, she needs help.290
Keith: well its no wonder she has this eating disorder called ….bulimia? living with you.291
Irene: (sreaming at him) HOW DARE YOU. listen to yourself, your always on at her to suck her belly in, or go on a diet or not eat seconds or even to join a gym. You have never been proud of her or even made her feel speacial. Can you see now that its is down to you that she feels so low and feels that she needs to go on a diet in the first place. She looked fine they way she was. If she gets an eating disorder it will be your fault. ( walks close towards him) And mark my words I will blame you, and we will not be sticking around to watch her get worse, we will be out and living back home.292
(Irene walks away from him. Keith shakes his head in disagreement) 293
Irene: WITHOUT YOU294
………………………………………………………………………………………295
(Later that night- Faith and Immy are sitting around the table. Irene is back and forth bringing plates etc. The lights are up full on the table, leaving the other side of the stage in blackout.)296
Immy: Is it okay if I go on Msn later mum?297
Faith: No, its my turn, you were on last298
Immy: no I wasn’t I was on doing homework for em history299
Faith: Don’t lie. Mum that’s not fair I need on to arrange this Sat with Holly.300
Irene: Look please don’t argue im really not in the mood,301
Faith: but mum302
Irene: not now Faith I mean it.303
Immy: cool so that means I can go on304
Irene: Immy, don’t push it, I have a spiltting head ache so please don’t fight. Look Immy you can go on for an 1hr then Faith can be on for the rest of the night ok?305
Immy: uh but mum306
Irene: NO buts307
Faith: thanks mum308
Immy: Fine309
(Keith brings the food to the table, he starts putting it on to the plates delbrityl putting more on Faiths)310
Keith: right who’s hungry311
Immy: Me, im starving dad.312
Irene: not to much for me have a sore stomach313
Keith: fine, Faith?314
Faith: em. Im not really that hungry.315
(he piles it on her plate, then goes off stage to get the sauce.)316
Faith: (panic in her voice) Mum, I cant eat this317
Irene: Please sweetie, you must eat. 318
Faith: But mum its way to much for me. Please. ( she starts to cry)319
Irene: ( looking lost, clearly doesn’t know what to do) Faith please you have to eat it, otherwise you will make yor dad angry.320
Faith: I don’t care, mum im not eating it I cant its to much calories. 321
Immy: Faith come on please, your upseting mum.322
Irene: Immy be quiet. Okay eat some of it then leave the rest, as long as you eat some, and keep it down okay?323
Faith: yea. Thanks mum. 324
(Keith comes in, holding sauce bottles, he puts them down on the table.Faith starts to eat, but very slowly and cutting up evrything into little bits. There is an akward silence. Immy aks for some juice)325
Immy: Mum can I have a drink? 326
Keith: I’ll get it327
Immy:Thanks dad, can I have some more please?328
Faith: (whispers to Immy) Immy please can you have some of mine?329
Immy: (whispers back) no, you eat it.330
Faith: (begins to tear) please 331
Immy: okay fine, give it here. ( Faith scrapes her food onto Immy’s plate. But Keith catches her and starts yelling at her.)332
Keith: what do you think your doing? You are supposed to eat that.333
Faith: yea but dad im not hungry.334
Keith: That’s becsaue you pigged out when you came home from school, you are going to eat this whether or not you like it. ( he piles more on Faiths plate and moves Immy up a seat so he can sit next to Faith)335
Keith: Immy sit next to your mum, Faith EAT IT. 336
Faith: (sobbing) im not hungry337
Keith: Now338
Faith: (starts to eat it but is very relutant.)339
Voice-over: Don’t worry, just eat it to keep him happy, you can get rid of it later. You can make yourself sick and go running to burn off the cals. Just eat it otherwise he will get really angry.340
Keith: oh and just so you know, your not allowed to use the bathroom at all, unless your mother is there.341
Faith: (gasps) what? Why?342
Keith: im not stupid faith, I know what you plan on doing after this. I made this and you will enjoy it, and not waste it. Now eat it. 343
Faith: (panics and tries to get up, Keith stops her and starts force feeding her) I cant344
Keith: right come here, if your going to act like a baby then I will treat you like a baby. ( Sarcasticaly) Open up here comes the choo choo train.345
Faith: No dad, please please ( she tries to struggle, but ends up choking)346
Irene: Keith don’t be so stupid, she is going to choke, leave her alone. KEITH. Stp she is choking, for gods sake stop. ( she runs to her daughters aid and tries to get her husband off her)347
Keith: she needs to learn irene.348
Irene: im calling the police, Keith stop it, ( she pulls her husnabd off Faith, she then pushes irene to the floor where she hits her head. She lies on the floor)349
( Faith coughs and seems to be ok, she is red and upset.)350
Immy: ( really upset and crying) Mum, mum351
Irene: its okay darling, im fine. Faith take your sister to the mall for a hot chocolate. Here is £5, I’ll call you later.352
Faith: but mum…(she gets cut off)353
Irene: GO. ( Faith jumps up crying. She grabs Immy and they put on the jackets and hats etc. They leave, leaving Irene on the floor and Keith in the corner)354
Keith: How dare you undermind me355
Irene: (struggling to get up, clutchling her side and rubbing her head She starts to clear the plates away) Undermind you? She was choking for christs sake.356
Keith: (Turns round, he storms up to irene and grabs her hair. He pushes her into the table, knocking everything off. Plates go everywhere. She tries to stand up but he punches her.) Why do you keep sticking your nose in you stupid bitch, Im fed up with you making me look bad, she needs to be taught a lesson, this is how to get her to eat.357
Irene: no it wont it will only make her hate food even more. ( she staggers to the door) 358
Im not dealing with this anymore, this house your temper. I cant cope, 359
Keith: well you know what you can do. But you never do. Why don’t you do us a favour and fuck off. Your making Faith worse.360
Irene: ( gettig guts from nowhere sticks up to him) Shut up, you have no idea. She wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for you. Your failing to realise that your daughter has a problem and needs help now. ( he takes a swing at her knocking her over, she sits slumped on the floor. Keith throws a spoon at her then storms out muttering something)361
Keith: ( mumbles) That’ll teach you to.362
(He freezes in the living room, the lights fade on him. A spot light is in the kitchen. Irene gets up and starts clearing away the dinner plates and the mess, she is crying. She then goes into a monologue) 363
Irene: (Monologue) 364
(Irene continues to clear away the dishes. Faith and Immy arrive home shivering.)365
Irene
h girls, im so sorry you must be freezing. Come in and sit by the fire. Im so sorry about that, I really am. 366Immy: Mum are you ok?367
Irene: Im fine love, don’t worry.368
Immy: But mum you’ve been crying, is it sore?369
Irene: (alarmed) is what sore?370
Immy: Where dad hit you371
Irene: (upset, she pauses) yes hunny it is sore. 372
Faith: Mum im sorry I..(she gets cut off by her mum)373
Irene: What you sorry for? Faith you did nothing wrong, don’t let him bully you into thinking that every mistake he makes is your fault. Please don’t blame yourself for this.(she goes over to Faith and Hugs her, she then pulls Immy close into her)374
Faith: im going to get dressed for bed, be down in a minute375
Irene: oh ok, do you want a cup of tea?376
Faith: yea please thanks (she exists offstage)377
(Immy looks to see if Faith is upstairs)378
Immy: Mum im really worried about Faith, she is to skinny, her bones stick out as well. She looks ill.379
Irene: I know petal, but there is nothing we can do to show her that she is to thin, she believes that she is fat.380
Immy: but I don’t understand why mum, she isnt fat.381
Irene: I know, but look sweetie your to young to understand, I would love more than anything in th world to wave a magic wand and make things better. But I cant do that and for now we hasve to be as supportive as we can ok?382
Immy: No, that’s not fair mum. She gets away with everything..(she gets cut off)383
Irene: no she doesnt if anything she gets more abuse from your dad, she is really ill and she needs us. 384
Immy: okay. Dad says that she is tearing the family apart and making you ill. 385
Irene: (Outraged) What?, he said that to you?386
Immy: Yes, well no not to me…(she goes quiet)387
Irene: What do you mean?388
Immy: He said it to Faith, when you were making tea.389
Irene: Oh no, poor Faith. 390
Immy: But she is though mum, she is making the arguments worse between you and dad. ( Faith walks onstage, but over hears her name so is quiet)391
She is making me sad mum, does no one care about me? Im here I have to put up with this everyday. She is so selfish that she cant see what she is doing to this family. I hate her mum. 392
(Faith storms into the kitchen)393
Faith: Thanks Immy, I thought I could trust you. Well at least I know the truth now, thanks for lettings me see that this family doesn’t give a shit. 394
Irene: (jumping up) Faith. She didn’t mean it darling395
Immy: Yes I did, she needs to know mum.396
Faith: (tears coming down her cheeks, she steps back from her mum and sister.) Thanks ( she runs upstairs)397
Irene: ( trying to grab her) Faith please. 398
Faith: ( pulling her arm out of her mums grip she screams) LEAVE ME ALONE399
(Faith goes to her room and puts on the cd player blaring out the song LAST RESORT, she starts to exercise, she then grabs her chest and collapses. Irene hears Faith fall and goes to check on her)400
Irene: Faith…open this door. Are you ok? Please answer me, Faith, I mean it open this door now.401
Oh my god, Faith, sweetheart, are you ok? Immy call an ambulance. (blackout)402
Scene:5403
Time: 1am 404
Place: Hospital405
Characters: Faith, and family406
Action:407
Doctor: Hello Mr and Mrs Donavon, im sorry to have kept you waiting. Okay well im afraid the news isn’t as good as we had hoped for. Faith’s heart is extremely weak, and she hasn’t yet re-covered unconsiousness. There is a very good chance that her heart may arrest again and if it does I don’t think there would be much the doctors could do. But we would try our very best to bring her back. 408
Irene: what? No I don’t believe it my little girl is going to pull through she is a survivor. ( the reality hits her and she starts to cry) My little girl…409
Irene: (tearful) is she in any pain?410
Doctor: No, she isnt. 411
Irene: She is a strong girl and im not going to give up on her.412
Doctor: No one is saying that you are going to give up on her, but her chances are very slim, about 20% recovary. (Irene sobs and bites her lip) I am sorry.413
Irene: Can we see her?414
Doctor: You can in a little while, ill be back to tell you of any change. (BLEEP BLEEP) her pager goes off) Im sorry you will have to excuse me. 415
Irene: (turns to look at the doctor) Thank you for being honest with me. 416
Doctor: (gives a weak smile) Its ok. (blackout)417
(Lights come up again everyone has chaged seats, to show passage of time) 418
Irene: Don’t worry Immy, everything will be fine. Just think after this we can all go on a trip, get away for abit, then we can all look after Faith together, and she will get better, and just you wait she will be back to her old happy self.419
(The doctor enters)420
(When the doctor comes in all heads look up, there is a deathly silence.)421
Irene: ( panicing, voice rasied) what’s happening? Is she ok?422
Doctor: Im sorry to have kept you waiting,we thought Faith had stableised but just a minute ago her heart arrested again and I am very sorry to have to tell you this but ( looking sad) We couldn’t get Faith’s heart to start again. We tried very hard, I am so very sorry for your loss.423
Irene: (looking shocked but very confused. She isn’t managing to take it in.) What? No! your joking right. ( it suddenly hits her and she sobs) no, I don’t believe it. Faith, my little darling.424
(Immy is crying hestericlly, keith is shaking his head.)425
Doctor: we did try everything..(she gets cut off by Keith)426
Keith: Bullshit, she would still be here if you had tried had enough427
Irene: Keith leave it. 428
Keith: (takes his anger out on Irene) Shut it, 429
(Irene holds Immy, rocking her back and forth)430
Irene: (tries to reason with him) Keith please for Immy’s sake. Faith is gone. (she cries)431
Keith: Gone? You make it sound like she has gone for a walk she’s fucking dead God’s sake. ( he storms off stage leaving Irene crying holding Immy. The doctor goes over to Irene and comforts her.) 432
Doctor: Im sorry ( she leaves)433
( Irene and Immy hug each other, they are both sobbing) 434
Scene: 6435
Time: 3am436
Place: The house437
Characters: Irene,Immy and Keith438
Action:439
( The lights come up slowly showng the bedroom, both immy and irene are packing Faith’s belongings)440
(Immy exits, leaving Irene packing, she then breaks down when her daughter leaves)441
Immy: (walks really slowly, she perches on the chair and opens the diary)442
(whispering) sorry Faith but I need to know why you did it.(she hugs the bear tightly)443
Tuesday 24th December 444
Okay so well its Christmas Eve and im sitting here thinking I wish I was somewhere else. Mum and Dad keep fighting and Immy is so excited about Christmas nothing can upset her. I wish I was young agaain. Well younger! Anyways well last week I went shopping with Holly. It was such a laugh we would hit grumpy old people with snowballs, I have never laughed so hard in my life! I wish I was happy like that all the time. Anyways well I have no idea what I want for christmas, but im bound to get chocolate and yummy sweets and I bet because im a fat failure I will end up eating them and will then have to make myself sick. Im fed up with that, I know its bad for me but I love having that feeling that I know whatever I eat I can get rid off. Well I have decided my new years resolution is to stop purging. But it is so addictive. Shit here comes dad better go night night, write tomorrow and let you know what I get, love and hugs. 445
(Immy goes quiet then starts to cry, she puts the diary down and continues to hold the bear)446
Immy: Oh im so sorry Faith, im sorry I never understood what you were going through. I didn’t think you felt like that…(she goes quiet and then looks up at the ceiling as if to be looking at Faith in heaven)447
Im sorry.448
Irene: (struggling onstage with several suitcases) Right Immy get your coat we’re leaving in 5 minutes. (Immy sighs)449
(Immy gets up at takes the diary she puts it in her bag but leaves the teddy out. She then goes to the kitchen)450
Immy: I’ll get some snacks mum, (pauses) the journey will be a long one.451
Irene: Thanks (she starts picking up everything and shoving it into a bag) Oh Immy I wish you wouldn’t leave your stuff lying around. (she picks up Faith’s teddy and sits down. She breaks down in tears and cuddles the bear. Immy looks really upset, she walks over to her mum and sits beside her.)452
Immy: Mum it’s going to be okay, (irene doesn’t listen she continues to cry. Immy looks heartbroken) Mum…I’m still here…(she goes quiet)453
Irene: Looks horrified that she has negelcted her daughter and hugs her immediantly they both cry.) I’m so sorry Immy. We can get through this, we just have to stick together. You me and Grandma, things will get better I promise, but I don’t know how long it will take. 454
(they both get up and pick up the suitcases they go to exit but Keith comes in. He is stunned that they are both up, but he see’s their cases and gets angry.)455
Keith: Jeez you scared the shit outta me…(staggers) where you going? Funnytime to go on holiday aint it? 456
Irene: (looks scared of him and backs away. She then takes a deep breath) We’re leaving and we’re going to stay with my mum. 457
Keith: (looks confused) you can’t. You have to ….(gets cut off by Irene)458
Irene: yes we can, I’m sick of this place and you. It’s over. Immy needs a stable enviroment, I don’t want what happened to Faith to happen to her. It’s a horrible lesson that I had to learn, but I will not let Faith’s death go and not deal with the actual reason she became that way in the first place. (She tries to walk past him but he wont let her) 459
Keith: (angry) what? (sofens his voice) That’s not fair Immy is my daughter to. (turns to Immy his voice is all soothing now) Come on darling its daddy! If you stay with me then I can take you to the game and then we can make popcorn, or we can go to the park and feed the ducks! 460
Immy: (slightly angry) I’m not five dad. 461
Keith: look come on kiddo, don’t leave me. (looks sad)462
It can be you and me forever! You love me more, im always saying how proud of you I am (he holds his arms out towards her hoping that she will hug him) 463
Immy: You hardly ever said that to Faith464
Keith: hang on you can’t blame me for her death, it wasn’t my fault465
Immy: (said in a cold tone) Whatever you say dad.466
Keith: Immy come to me, come on467
Immy: (looks uneasy, but goes to her dad. Irene looks heartbroken.Immy kisses her dad on the cheek and whispers…)468
Immy: Bye dad469
Keith: (looks really hurt.) Immy wait no, please. (Immy walks offstage)470
Irene: Bye Keith (turns to leave)471
Keith: what have you said you bitch? You’ve turned her agiant me. (getting really angry)472
Irene: I haven’t said anything Keith. I will call you about the funeral and the arrangments and as for Immy you can see her when she feels up to it but understand this its on my terms and my terms only. If you make a fuss I have a long history of hospital visits for broken ribs, broken fingers and black eyes, you really think a jury will let you have custody of her? Think again. We will do this my way. Got it?473
Keith: (Replies sarcasticly) yeah okay. 474
Irene: Bye Keith ( Irene takes one last look at the kitchen and living room then walks off stage with Faith’ bear in one hand)475
(Keith turns around and kicks ther chair really hard to show his anger. He goes to the kitchen and gets a drink. He goes to get a glass but just drinks out the bottle. He staggers to the living room and slumps down onto the couch)476
Keith: She’ll be back. 477
(Lights fade to blackout while music gets louder and louder)478
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