Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, 09:48

“Girls Like Us” by The Julie Ruin plays over aesthetically pleasing, morning shots of Brighton.

After a while, it cut to a shot of SANDY’s house.

INT. KITCHEN, SANDY’S HOUSE

SANDY’s cooking eggs on the stove as BRIANNA sits on the counter, ESTHER watches a kettle boil, and LIZ sits at the already set dining table.

The song continues, on the radio, as the girls hang out in mildly comfortable silence, BRIANNA bopping along to the song.

LIZ
So, Sandy, is your mum just… never here?

SANDY
No, she is, she just… She’s really busy with her lawyer job, it takes her all over the UK. She comes home whenever she can, though.

BRIANNA picks three eggs from the box beside SANDY, who’s too busy talking to LIZ to notice. BRIANNA smiles at ESTHER, who muffles her laughter.

LIZ
That’s nice. You’re alone a lot, you can just… do whatever you want.

She pauses, thinking.

LIZ
Uh, anyway, what about your dad?

BRIANNA starts to juggle the eggs.

SANDY
Left when-- What are you doing?

BRIANNA
Having fun!

BRIANNA drops one of the eggs onto the floor, and the girls all burst out laughing.

SANDY
Brianna! You’re gonna have to clean that up!

BRIANNA
It is better to lived and loved than to have… I don’t know how the rest of it goes.

She jumps down from the counter and gets a bit of kitchen roll, cleaning up the egg.

LIZ
You were saying, Sandy?

SANDY
My dad left. When I was seven. He lives in… London, I think. I really don’t know. We don’t talk much and I don't remember much about him. But he was a dick, according to my mum, so it’s all good.

RORI walks in, looking stiff and confused.

ESTHER, LIZ, BRIANNA and SANDY
Hi!/Hey!

They all smile at her.

RORI
Hi.

There’s an awkward pause.

ESTHER
So! Breakfast!

SANDY
Yeah, Esther made fancy eggs.

ESTHER
They’re just scrambled.

SANDY
Fancily .

They laugh together, as BRIANNA laughs like “I know what’s up”, and the radio switches off.

LIZ
So let’s eat!

She pats the chair next to her, and RORI sits down, still looking disturbed. The other girls sit with them, ESTHER placing the big plate of eggs in the centre of the table.

ESTHER
Everyone, dig in.

Everyone, except RORI, takes some eggs and puts them on their plate.

BRIANNA
Could you pass the…?

LIZ
Oh, yeah.

LIZ passes her the salt, and they smile slightly at each other, as ESTHER passes around a carton of orange juice.

LIZ
I’m gonna get milk instead.

She gets up and gets it, as SANDY holds the juice out to RORI.

SANDY
Do you want some?

RORI shakes her head.

LIZ sits back down and puts some eggs on RORI’s plate.

LIZ
There!

The girls, bar RORI, all chat quietly as they add salt and sauce and such to their eggs, having a fun time. RORI, however, is clearly not having a fun time.

LIZ
Do you want some salt, Rori?

RORI doesn’t answer.

LIZ puts the salt down and sighs, nervously tapping the table. SANDY looks at RORI, worried.

RORI
[quietly] I don’t remember anything from yesterday.

SANDY
Don’t worry, nothing bad happened.

BRIANNA
Yeah. Blackouts are God’s way of telling you you had a good time, Rori. And not to worry about anything, as well.

She smiles, but ESTHER gives her a look like “stop”.

LIZ
Nothing happened, Rori. You just came to Sophie’s party and passed out, so we took you back here and you just fell asleep.

RORI nods, still unconvinced.

BRIANNA
Come on, girl, what person with self respect hasn’t blacked out at least once?

She smiles. SANDY shakes her head at her and BRIANNA nods, stuffing her mouth with egg.

There’s a pause.

RORI
Thanks guys. I mean it. You all came together to help me, it’s just… Thanks.

LIZ
Well, we’re all in a club together, right? You don’t have to thank us, it’s what we do. Help each other.

There’s a pause.

LIZ
And… I wanted to say sorry. To all of you. For being so… I don’t know, awful. Yeah. I was awful. And I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt any of you. And… I hope you want me in the club again.

BRIANNA
Of course! You’re our leader.

They smile at each other.

BRIANNA
Besides, no one else wants to do the budget or the posters.

They all laugh a little, even RORI.

ESTHER
But, while the club is pretty important, we all have to remember that, uh, our health is more important. You have to… look after yourself.

RORI
I’m just not hungry, Esther!

ESTHER
It’s not that.

RORI
Oh… Um, what is it, then?

There’s a pause. ESTHER looks at SANDY like “help me”. The pause continues.

SANDY
Rori… Do you have an STI?

RORI nods, before putting her head in her hands.

ESTHER
Are you sure?

RORI
Yeah.

ESTHER
How sure?

RORI
Definite. I looked the symptoms up on the NHS website and I have them all. Even the signs and times and shit.

There’s a long pause as all of the girls exchange looks.

BRIANNA
Well shit.

RORI nods.

LIZ
Looks like we’re going on another trip to Nurse Stenberg, huh?

She laughs nervously, but no one else does.

There’s a pause.

Everyone, except RORI, resumes eating.

Chapter Text

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3RD, 13:38

INT. HALLWAY, BACA

ESTHER and SANDY are walking down the hallway together, SANDY with her phone out.

SANDY
You’re right, this really slaps.

ESTHER
What are you on about?

SANDY
Carly Rae! Your crush!

ESTHER
[laughing] That’s between us.

SANDY
Check this out.

She shows her phone to ESTHER, and a short video of Carly Rae Jepsen getting a sword plays. They both laugh.

ESTHER
Yeah, I love that video.

SANDY
She’s an icon.

WREN [O.S.]
Hi!

They turn around to see WREN and JORDAN standing behind them, WREN smiling widely and JORDAN still emotionless, both of them wearing Santa hats.

WREN
The art club would like to cordially invite you to the turning on of the Brighton Christmas lights on Friday evening!

She hands them both hand painted fliers.

ESTHER
I don’t really do Christmas.

WREN
You’re kidding! Everyone love Christmas!

ESTHER
I’m Jewish. I literally don’t.

WREN
Oh. Um… The whole school will be there, it’s just… a fun little thing? We made the decorations.

SANDY looks at ESTHER, hopeful. ESTHER nods.

SANDY
We’ll be there!

WREN
Awesome!

They stand awkwardly staring at each other for a long moment, before JORDAN pulls WREN away.

SANDY shows ESTHER her flier, smiling.

SANDY
These are so pretty!

ESTHER
Yeah, they are. So… Would you like to--

LIZ
Hey!

LIZ and RORI jog up to them, both of them also holding fliers.

LIZ
Do you guys think you’re gonna go?

ESTHER
That’s what I was just asking Sandy.

SANDY
Uh, yeah! I think it could be a fun, friendship club activity.

LIZ
Yeah!

JAMES and his friends walk past, RORI hiding behind LIZ slightly.

JAMES
One sec, guys.

He walks up to the girls, and ESTHER and SANDY exchange a look of “oh shit”, as LIZ crosses her arms, pushing RORI behind her.

LIZ
Hi Jason.

JAMES
It’s… James. Um, could I speak to Rori?

LIZ
No.

RORI
Yes. He can.

She stands in front of LIZ.

RORI
What is it?

JAMES
I just… I really wanted to say sorry. For acting like a dick. I just… I didn’t mean to ignore you, I didn’t think I was ignoring you. I thought we were just doing a one time thing and… You’re pretty enough. You’re more than pretty enough. And anyone who says anything else - including me - is a total dick. You’re really cool, Rori. I genuinely think so. So… I’m sorry. Genuinely.

RORI
[shook] I… You’re forgiven.

JAMES smiles, and RORI smiles back.

RORI
I… Have to go talk to Brianna about… Class.

She runs off.

SANDY and ESTHER share another “what the fuck” look, as JAMES stands there, staring after her.

JAMES
Hi Liz.

LIZ
It’s Elizabeth.

JAMES
Okay. That’s a really nice name.

LIZ
I know.

There’s a long, awkward pause, as JAMES stares at LIZ, who glares at him. ESTHER and SANDY watch, enjoying the drama.

LIZ
What are you looking at?

JAMES
You’re just… You’re really beautiful.

LIZ scoffs and walks off.

JAMES nods at SANDY and ESTHER, and runs back to his friends.

ESTHER
Well, that was fucking weird.

SANDY
[laughing] Yeah, it was.

They continue to walk, turning a corner.

ESTHER
So, about the light switch on thing…

SANDY
Yeah?

ESTHER
Would you… like to go?

SANDY
Yeah, I said I did.

ESTHER
Oh, yeah… Sorry…

They turn another corner and bump into JAKE.

JAKE
Hi…

SANDY
Hi.

JAKE
Um… We should, uh, we should talk.

SANDY
Okay. Now?

JAKE
No, I have class. Um… Are you free tomorrow?

SANDY
No.

JAKE
Oh. Uh, Thursday?

SANDY
Yeah, that’s good.

JAKE
I’ll text you.

SANDY
Cool.

He nods, and walks on.

ESTHER
What’s up with him?

SANDY
He’s totally in love with me, or something.

ESTHER
Another person? Damn, Sandy, you’re irresistible.

SANDY
[flustered] I… Thanks.

ESTHER smiles, and they both walk on.

Chapter Text

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH, 11:26

“New Rules” by Dua Lipa plays over shots of the school, before settling on the door of the nurse’s office.

INT. NURSE’S OFFICE, BACA

The GIRL SQUAD walk in and sit down, as NURSE STENBERG smiles at them.

NURSE STENBERG
Hello, hello, hello! Lovely to see you all again! Oh, and you have a new friend! Nice to meet you!

BRIANNA smiles sarcastically.

NURSE STENBERG
So… What’s up?

There’s a long pause as they all exchange looks.

LIZ
Rori has chlamydia.

NURSE STENBERG
Oh! That went fast! So…

There’s a pause.

NURSE STENBERG
What do you expect me to say? Congratulations?

RORI looks at her, extremely worried.

NURSE STENBERG
Hey, hey. You’re just sick, you just have a little infection. It’ll go away if you give it the right medicine. Just like the flu, or rabies. Well, maybe not rabies, you can die from that.

There’s a long pause.

ESTHER
So what does she do?

BRIANNA
You just take this antibiotic, it’s no big deal.

RORI
Huh?

The girls, except SANDY, all look at BRIANNA with confusion.

BRIANNA
I had it before, it’s not a big deal.

LIZ
Yes it is!

RORI
You didn’t think to tell us?!

BRIANNA
No? I don’t have to give you my medical history.

ESTHER
Fair enough.

LIZ
No. It’s just… This is different.

NURSE STENBERG
No. It’s not. Now, how do you know you have chlamydia, Rori?

RORI
I Googled symptoms, they all match. Except… I’ve been feeling sick a lot more lately, and my belly keep swelling, but I can’t be pregnant.

NURSE STENBERG
We should test, just in case.

RORI
[yells] No! I know I’m not!

There’s a pause.

NURSE STENBERG
Okay, okay. You shouldn’t be in denial about these things, you’re not too young to worry. The world’s youngest mother was 5 years and 7 months old, did you know that?

ESTHER
That’s inhumane.

NURSE STENBERG shrugs.

NURSE STENBERG
Well, let’s focus on our patient. How many people have you had sex with?

RORI
Just the one, just the once.

NURSE STENBERG
Good, good. You’ll give him a good telling off, I hope.

RORI
He already apologised.

LIZ
Not for this!

RORI
Tomayto, tomahto.

NURSE STENBERG
Okay… Well, I suggest you go to your Doctor, talk to them about this, get your antibiotic, and then get all better!

RORI
But… What if my mum finds out? She’d kill me.

NURSE STENBERG
Just say you have a stomach bug. Speaking of, you mentioned your stomach. Let’s talk about that.

RORI
Oh, that was just a chlamydia thing, I don’t think we--

NURSE STENBERG
We should talk about it, just in case you could have any other issues. Come here, let me feel your stomach.

RORI
What?

NURSE STENBERG
It’s only a little touch, it doesn’t hurt.

RORI gets up and walks over to NURSE STENBERG, who pokes her stomach.

NURSE STENBERG
Does this hurt?

RORI
[wincing] Yeah.

NURSE STENBERG
Okay.

There’s a pause as they feel her stomach a bit more, the girls watching in the background in confusion.

NURSE STENBERG
How’s your diet?

RORI
Good, yeah, good…

NURSE STENBERG
Hmm… What did you eat today?

RORI
Well, it’s pretty early, so a Diet Coke and a bit of gum.

NURSE STENBERG stops feeling her stomach and nods.

NURSE STENBERG
Yeah… Sit back down, there.

RORI sits back down.

NURSE STENBERG
So, you don’t have a baby in there. [pause] Yay!

They laugh awkwardly, but no one else does. They stop.

NURSE STENBERG
But you most likely have a lot of air in your intestines. That happens when all you eat is gum and Diet Coke, it produces a lot of air inside you. Do you fart a lot?

BRIANNA laughs loudly, but covers it up, as RORI laughs and SANDY giggles a little.

RORI
No! No!

NURSE STENBERG
Well, you should. You have so much air inside of you, it’s pushing against your intestines, giving you a stomach ache, and you have to get it out somehow, so the worst thing that can happen is a colostomy. You know what that is, right?

LIZ/EVERYONE ELSE
Of course./No.

NURSE STENBERG
It’s a shit bag on your stomach.

LIZ
Are you serious? She doesn’t--

NURSE STENBERG
I’m kidding. It was a joke. But my point is, you can’t live on Diet Coke and gum for the rest of your life, especially at your age.

They pull out a diagram of the human stomach.

NURSE STENBERG
Now, if we look here--

INT. RECEPTION

The GIRL SQUAD walk out, all of them looking relieved.

ESTHER
You’re gonna be okay, Rori!

BRIANNA
Yeah! Plus, everyone get chlamydia at some point, it’s a rite of passage.

ESTHER, SANDY and BRIANNA walk out the door, but LIZ holds RORI back. SANDY stops and turns around, moving forward to peak through the door window to see them.

She stands behind the door, hidden, opening it a little to eavesdrop.

LIZ
Rori… I can see what you’re doing.

RORI laughs nervously.

RORI
What are you talking about?

LIZ
You have to stop, okay?

RORI
Lizzie, you don’t know what you’re talking about. You wouldn’t understand, okay?

LIZ
Yes, I would.

RORI
It’s just a little diet and a little more exercise! I’m just getting healthy!

LIZ
It’s not a “little diet”, you’re… ruining yourself.

RORI
You’re one to talk! You can have as much junk as you want and still be thin. I can’t. So I have to be healthy.

LIZ
You’re not healthy. You need help.

RORI
No, I don’t! I… I’m just working on being prettier.

LIZ touches RORI’s arm.

LIZ
Aurora, you are the prettiest girl I know.

There’s a pause as RORI looks down.

RORI
But, like... Not pretty enough.

SANDY gasps quietly, and RORI begins to walk towards the door. SANDY runs on and RORI walks through the door, leaving LIZ alone in the reception. She sighs, and follows them through the door.

Chapter Text

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 15:47

EXT. BEACH

SANDY and JAKE, both wrapped in coats and holding to go cups, walk towards a wall facing the sea and sit down on it.

SANDY
Jake… I want you to be completely honest with me right now, okay?

JAKE
Oh, we’re going straight into this, okay.

SANDY
Jake. If you’re lying, I’ll… I don’t know what I’ll do, but I won’t be happy, okay? This is serious.

JAKE
Okay. I’m serious.

SANDY
Good. Okay, um… Let me just get my thoughts together…

She thinks for a moment as he sips his coffee.

SANDY
When we were at the caravan, back in October, I asked if you knew anything about Sophie and Bryan texting, remember?

JAKE nods.

SANDY
You said no. Was that true, or…?

JAKE
I mean… I knew he texted her because of her brother, he told me that. He’s the one who hooks me up with my stuff, you know?

SANDY
You smoke too?! [groans] Never mind, that’s… You knew they weren’t talking about school or whatever?

JAKE
Well… They were talking about school too, so… It wasn’t a lie. But Bryan was losing his shit over getting weed for the caravan, he sold all of his stash, so he tried to talk to her brother. He wasn’t answering, I think his phone got smashed or something, so he texted Sophie instead.

SANDY
Whoa, whoa, whoa. You guys smoked weed at the caravan? Like, actual weed?!

JAKE
Shit, look… That’s why Rory came, ‘cause Bryan couldn’t get any, so… We didn’t want to say anything because it would make you…

SANDY
Mad. Yeah. I know.

JAKE starts laughing to himself and SANDY looks at him with a furrowed brow.

JAKE
No offence, Sandy, but it’s pretty funny you didn’t notice, we were all totally baked.

SANDY
Ha, hilarious, using illegal substances.

JAKE
Come on, let’s not--

SANDY
Get serious? Too bad. We already are.

There’s a short pause.

SANDY
What about, um, the other time? When I thought I heard Sophie on the phone?

JAKE
Oh, yeah.

SANDY
I asked you about it. Did… Did you know anything about that ?

JAKE
Nah.

SANDY looks at him condescendingly.

JAKE
I’m being serious! But, I imagine he was just trying to talk to her brother, you know? Get some weed to sell? But I promised Bryan I wouldn’t say anything about smoking or selling to you. So I kept my promise to him.

SANDY
You told me to talk to Sophie. That doesn’t even make sense! Why?

JAKE
It was… I was just talking out of my arse. Making some bullshit up, plain and simple. I should’ve given better advice, but… I should’ve said that it was nothing, that he really loved you, like, so much.

SANDY
Yeah. It would’ve been really cool if you told me this earlier, you know.

JAKE
[very sarcastic] Yeah, it would’ve been really cool if you stayed in that relationship, you were so happy there.

There’s a long pause.

SANDY
If you wanted to fuck things up between me and Bryan, why didn’t you just tell me to tell him that me and Esther kissed?

JAKE
Because… If you told Bryan, he would’ve thought it was hot and forgiven you, or some shit.

SANDY
Jake, are you aware how fucking crazy that sounds?

JAKE
Sandy. You’re not into guys. I was just trying to help you!

SANDY
You don’t get to put labels on me! You don’t get to make me leave when I don’t want to! It’s my life! God, it’s like I don’t know you anymore.

JAKE
You’re one to talk. You’re acting all… different.

SANDY
No. I’m just not letting you walk all over me.

JAKE
Sandy, I never wanted to hurt you. I know how dumb that sounds, but… I never, ever wanted to make you feel bad. I just… I saw how Bryan was treating you. Being an asshole, throwing you around, and just-- What was I meant to do? Just sit around and let it happen? He’s a good friend to us lads, Sandy, but he’s a terrible boyfriend. I just wanted to help you.

SANDY
Yeah, well…

JAKE sighs.

JAKE
It just happened. And I hate that it did, so… I’m sorry. I’m genuinely, really sorry, Sandy. I just wanted to get you out of a place where you weren’t happy.

SANDY
Why? Just because you have a crush on me?

JAKE
Because…

He trails off for a second.

JAKE
Because I know how it feels, okay? You know my parents aren’t exactly doing great, you know? Dad’s almost dead, Mum’s having another one of her weird episodes. I know what it feels like to be unhappy in a place where you’re meant to be happy, and you don’t know how to leave, because you don’t think you can. And no one thinks it’s as bad as it is, but it is. I just… I wanted to help.

There’s a pause.

SANDY
Jake… Are you okay?

JAKE smiles.

JAKE
I’m always okay. I just… Thanks.

There’s a long pause, as they both drink, and “Tonight I’m Getting Over You” by Carly Rae Jepsen starts to play.

SANDY
Well, at least now I know how Sophie felt.

JAKE
Karma’s a bitch.

She laughs a little, and JAKE joins in.

They take a synchronised sip.

EXT. SEASIDE STREET

SANDY and JAKE throw their cups in the bin, and hug.

They wave at each other, as JAKE goes left and SANDY goes RIGHT

EXT. STREET

SANDY walks down the street, and sees BRYAN and ANNY standing at the end of the road, holding a bunch of shopping bags. She stops and watches them for a bit, before pulling her phone out from her pocket and dialling a number.

BRYAN pulls his phone out of his pocket and answers it, the song fading out.

BRYAN
Hello?

SANDY
Hey.

BRYAN
Oh. Hey.

SANDY
Um… You said you didn’t know who I was. Well, I know now. And I want to talk to you about it.

BRYAN
I’m sort of busy.

SANDY
What are you doing?

BRYAN
Just Christmas shit.

SANDY
Okay… Are you free tomorrow afternoon?

BRYAN
I’m going to the light switch on thing.

SANDY
Before that. Half 4?

BRYAN
Okay.

SANDY
Okay.

BRYAN
Okay. Bye.

He hangs up, and the song fades back in. SANDY rolling her eyes as BRYAN shoves his sister.

She walks on for a bit, her head held high.

Chapter Text

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 16:30

EXT. FOOTBALL PITCH

SANDY leans against one of the goal posts as BRYAN walks up to her, looking confused.

SANDY
Hi.

BRYAN
Hey… Why are we meeting here? In the freezing cold?

SANDY
I have my first game of the season tomorrow. I thought maybe we could practise a bit. I have with the girls, but they go pretty easy on me, because of… you know, the term I’ve had.

BRYAN
Yeah… Can’t we just go inside?

SANDY
No. We’re doing this now. Okay?

BRYAN nods hesitantly.

It cuts to a shot of BRYAN dribbling the ball down the field, before SANDY kicks the ball out from under him, sliding on the muddy grass, making them both laugh.

It cuts back to both of them standing by the goal posts.

SANDY
Do you remember the first time we got together?

BRYAN
[laughing] Yeah. How could I forget?

SANDY
You got me alone at some randomer’s party, in some closet or something, and you kissed me.

BRYAN
Yeah. It was nice, we both really enjoyed it.

SANDY
No. You enjoyed it. I just… went along with it.

It cuts to a shot of BRYAN standing in the goal as SANDY kicks the ball towards him. It hits the crossbar and he laughs, as she kicks the ground.

It cuts back to them leaning against the goalposts.

SANDY
I didn’t do it because I thought it was cool. I did it because I thought I had to. Because I had no other choice. It’s what every girl should want, so why didn’t I? I just had to suck it up and go on with it.

BRYAN
What? Really?

SANDY
And you saying I did it because I thought it was cool? It made me pretty fucking angry. Because I gave up everything to be with you, because you convinced me I had to. That I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I ditched my best friends. I stopped doing the one thing I loved. So you telling me I do what others think is cool? That I have no opinion? That isn’t fair. Because you took my opinion away from me the moment you kissed me. And yeah, I made the choice, but… It was a fucking stupid choice.

There’s a shot of BRYAN and SANDY passing the ball to each other, before cutting back to where we were.

BRYAN
A fucking stupid choice?

SANDY
A fucking stupid choice. I felt like shit all of the time. Every little thing you did hurt me. And I was so paranoid about you and Sophie, about losing you, because… because I didn’t want anyone to have a reason to think I didn’t like boys. And I thought if you and I could do… something like that to Sophie, you and Sophie could do something like that to me. And I would deserve it. Do you understand?

BRYAN
Yeah, yeah… Shit, I never knew.

SANDY
Yeah. You tend to pay yourself more attention that anyone else. And I use to pay more attention to you than anyone else. I became constantly insecure and desperate for you to love me. I became so obsessed with loving you that I forgot how to love myself. But it shouldn’t be like that.

BRYAN
No, it… It shouldn’t…

SANDY
Bryan. What we had… It wasn’t healthy. For either of us. You were controlling, manipulative, you… you had sex with me when I didn’t want you to. You forced me to do things I didn’t want to do, you made racist and sexist jokes and passed it off as satire or whatever, you… You’re the worst person I’ve ever met. And I’m never going to love you, I never have.

BRYAN
Sandy, there’s no need to--

SANDY
Yes. There is. This is going to be the last time I speak with you, ever, so I have to say this. You hurt me in every possible way. You’re a bad person. And… You have to change yourself, if you want to keep living. You have to become a better person. And so do I. So, I suggest you try to unlearn all of the shit you’ve got stuck in you. But until then, don’t come near me. Actually, never come near me again.

BRYAN
Sandy, we can still be friends, right?

SANDY
No. No! I don’t have to be friends with you! I hate you! You don’t get to define me anymore. I… I am not some submissive little… fuckrag for you to use whenever you want. I am a person. I am a woman, a black woman, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Actually, everything’s right about that. And I don’t have to have you, or any stupid man in my life, because… I’m a lesbian. I am a lesbian. I have always been, and always will be, a lesbian.

BRYAN
But… What we had, that couldn’t have been fake…

SANDY
What did we have, Bryan? You belittling me, insulting me, making me quit the football team? Ruining my life?

BRYAN
I love you, Sandy. I still do. I really meant when I said I can’t live without you.

SANDY chuckles to herself as “Shake It Out” by Florence and The Machine begins to play.

SANDY
Then die.

It cuts to a shot of SANDY kicking the ball into the net, clean past BRYAN.

It then cut to BRYAN standing alone at the goalpost, silently crying, as SANDY walks away in slow motion, smiling widely.

Chapter Text

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7TH, 19:01

EXT. ESTHER’S HOUSE

SANDY walks up to ESTHER’s door and knocks on it, still smiling.

ESTHER opens the door, dressed in a brightly coloured jumper with a Menorah on it.

SANDY
Hi! I love your jumper! Happy Hanukkah, by the way. I read that it was this week, so…

ESTHER
Thanks, that’s really nice of you. I’m just going to be telling everyone downtown all about it.

SANDY
Give them the education they deserve.

They both laugh a little.

ESTHER
Yeah… Shall we?

SANDY
Yeah!

ESTHER
[calls into the house] Mum, I’m going out now!

MS MONTNER [O.S.]
Bye, dear!

ESTHER steps out and closes the door behind her.

SANDY
Your mum sounds nice.

ESTHER
Yeah, she is.

They start to walk away from the house and down the street.

SANDY
So, I talked to Bryan today.

ESTHER
Oh?

SANDY
Yeah. I told him he was a toxic dick, and that he can fuck off. And… I told him that I’m a lesbian. I’m a lesbian.

She starts to laugh loudly, spinning around as she walks.

SANDY
[singing] I’m a lesbian, I’m a lesbian, I’m a lesbian!

ESTHER laughs, and pulls SANDY away from the road as a car drives past.

ESTHER
Careful there. Don’t want you to get run over before Pride Month.

SANDY
Yeah. I just… I feel so much more free! I feel like myself again, you know? Like… I can do anything!

ESTHER
Yeah! Speaking of you doing things, I got tickets for the match tomorrow. For me and the girls.

SANDY
That’s so sweet! Thank you!

EXT. DIFFERENT STREET

They continue walking.

ESTHER
Hey, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

SANDY
Hey… Esther?

ESTHER
Yeah?

SANDY
Could I… ask you something?

ESTHER
Of course, what?

SANDY
Do you… Um… Shit, this is really hard. Do… Do you want this to be a… date?

ESTHER stops in her tracks and looks at SANDY, who stops too.

SANDY
Shit, are you, like, offended?

ESTHER
Sandra Joan Neuman, I’ve been waiting for you to ask that since September.

SANDY laughs, blushing.

SANDY
Seriously?

ESTHER
Yeah! Sandy. Why are you nervous? We literally kissed before.

SANDY
But… That was so… confusing. I don’t want it to be confusing.

ESTHER
Then it won’t be. We’re just two girls, on a nice date to see fancy, expensive lights, when the money could easily be going to help people in crisis, but… You know.

She laughs.

SANDY
You’re so smart. And kind. And shit.

ESTHER
Wow, I’m shit, thanks.

SANDY
[laughing] Just accept my love.

ESTHER
Okay. I have. Thank you.

There’s a pause. SANDY’s phone buzzes.

SANDY
My mum, texting me.

ESTHER
Oh, how is she?

SANDY
Good. I… I sent her a coming out text, and this is the response. I’m… I’m too scared to read it.

ESTHER
Let me. Is that okay?

SANDY nods and ESTHER takes her phone from her pocket.

ESTHER
“Sandy, of course I still love you. Why would this change anything? You’re my daughter. And honestly, I never liked Bryan.”

SANDY chuckles.

ESTHER
“I’m so glad you were able to tell me. I… I’m so proud of you. I know you’ve been having a rough time, and just know that I will always love you. And I will love whichever young lady you bring home with you. As soon as I get home, I will hug you, just warning you now. Have a nice evening, I love you. Mum.”

ESTHER hands SANDY back her phone as SANDY wipes away happy tears.

SANDY
I’m just gonna tell her I love her too, because… I’m just really happy right now.

ESTHER laughs and holds SANDY’s other hand as SANDY texts with her free hand.

EXT. TOWN CENTRE

There’s a hug Christmas tree covered in lights in the middle of the courtyard. There are unlit lights hung up from every shop window and lamppost. The streets are covered with people of all ages. “Here Comes Santa Claus” is playing in the background.

SANDY and ESTHER walk around, holding hands, talking and laughing together.

ESTHER buys SANDY a Santa hat and puts it on her head.

ESTHER
You look beautiful!

SANDY
Thank you, Mrs Claus!

They laugh, as there’s a squeal behind them. RORI, BRIANNA and LIZ run up to them.

RORI
[grinning widely] Hey girls! We were looking for you!

BRIANNA
Yeah! How are you?

SANDY
Great, brilliant.

ESTHER raises her eyebrows at SANDY, who nods.

ESTHER
We’re just on a date.

LIZ gasps, as RORI smiles and BRIANNA cheers.

BRIANNA
I fucking knew it! I told you both, didn’t I?

RORI
Yeah! That’s really great, you two!

LIZ
Mm hmm! Lovely! But it won’t interfere with club activities, right?

ESTHER
Of course, I’m a professional.

They all laugh, as the song changes to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey.

LIZ
Why are we laughing? Nothing’s really funny.

BRIANNA
It’s the Christmas atmosphere! Oh shit! This is such a good song!

BRIANNA starts to sing along loudly, RORI laughing and joining in.

LIZ
Jesus Christ…

ESTHER joins in as well, shimmying her shoulders, SANDY also singing along. LIZ sighs and sings too.

They dance around together, spinning around and having a jolly time, laughing.

People around them stare at them strangely, but they’re having too much fun to notice.

RORY laughs as he watches them.

RORY
This is worse than the time Nick tried to do a strip tease.

SOPHIE, TARA and the football girls turn to him.

SOPHIE
Shut the fuck up, dickhead.

The girls all laugh at him, as he nervously laughs, walking away.

SANDY smiles at SOPHIE, who smiles back, shimmying a little.

The girls continues to dance for a bit more, before JAKE taps SANDY’s shoulder.

JAKE
Can I talk to you?

SANDY
Yeah, sure.

She turns to ESTHER, who’s watching her.

SANDY
I’ll be back in a sec, okay?

ESTHER nods, smiling.

EXT. ALLEY BETWEEN SHOPS

It’s dark in the alley as “Santa Baby” by Michael Bublé plays faintly in the background.

SANDY
What is it?

JAKE
Bryan told me. About… what you told him.

SANDY
That I’m a lesbian. You already knew. Why are you… surprised?

JAKE
It’s just… hearing it out loud is a lot different than thinking it, you know? And… I was wondering if you could help me with something.

SANDY
I don’t know. I just… I might need some time to forgive you. But I’ll try. Okay?

JAKE
Okay. So… I… I never liked you. Shit, I meant… You’re still my friend, I love being your friend, but I never liked you… romantically. I… I…

There’s a pause.

SANDY
Oh. You… You liked Bryan?

JAKE
No! No, I didn’t! Why would you even-- Why would you think that? But, um, he was really a dick about you being a… you know, so I… Yeah…

SANDY
Yeah. So… Why are you telling me this?

JAKE
I just… I wanted to talk to someone about it.

SANDY
Why me?

JAKE
No one else would understand.

SANDY
What do you mean? Because you--

JAKE
No! I’m-- I don’t-- Just forget it, okay? It was just a stupid idea I had, it’s nothing, just forget--

SANDY
Jake. It’s okay.

JAKE laughs defensively.

JAKE
Yeah, it’s okay because it’s nothing.

JAKE looks down.

SANDY
I meant because you and I both don’t like Bryan that much, you know.

JAKE nods.

JAKE
Okay just… Please don’t tell anyone about this. I don’t know… I don’t even know what I’m doing here, okay?

SANDY
I won’t. And I’m here for you, Jake. Even if I still think you’re a dick.

JAKE nervously laughs.

JAKE
Um… That was it, so…

SANDY
Yeah…

JAKE
Um, I might come to your club someday. It actually seems… pretty cool.

SANDY smiles.

SANDY
Because it is. It’s really cool.

They walk out of the alley way together, as the song completely fades away.

EXT. TOWN CENTRE

SANDY, ESTHER, BRIANNA, RORI and LIZ are all standing together, in a large group, as a man dressed as Santa stands on stage, his hand above a button.

CROWD
Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One!

The Christmas lights all go on at once, and the crowd gasps - the girls all looking starstruck - as “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”  starts to play.

RORI and BRIANNA pair up together and start to waltz around a little, laughing together, LIZ laughing with them.

SANDY looks across the courtyard at SOPHIE and the team, who are all laughing together.

She looks at BRYAN, who eats popcorn dejectedly.

She looks at JAKE, who’s staring into the crowd, at a group of teenagers filming something on a video camera.

ESTHER taps SANDY’s shoulder and holds her hand out to her. She takes it, and they begin to waltz, taking it serious.

It goes slow motion, as the song fades out, “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko fading in.

SANDY and ESTHER dance in slow motion together, smiling at each other lovingly.

As the song reaches the chorus, SANDY leans in and kisses her, not caring about what people think, as BRIANNA and RORI applaud for them, the clapping not heard.

The kiss ends and SANDY and ESTHER press their foreheads together, giggling.

The camera pans across to LIZ, who’s not watching them, but instead is watching JAMES kiss JORDAN, looking fascinated by them.

She looks directly into the camera.

CUT TO END CREDITS AS THE SONG CONTINUES

CUT TO BLACK