(At the start we are introduced to Caroline a 34 year old woman who lives at home with her husband and 2 children)
Caroline-(introducing the play) Hello men and women, boys and girls. I’m about let you in on the most horrific thing that happened to me! It all started when I was 13, would you like me to change the words to more modern words so you understand it better?
Audience: (all together) YEAH
(We see Caroline watching television eating loads of junk food. Her mum (sally) enters)
Sally: (shouting at Caroline) Caroline stop eating all that junk food your dinner will be ready in 15 minutes and you won’t have room for your dinner
Caroline: (shouting back at her mum) Leave me alone your constantly on my back telling me what I can and can’t do.
Sally: (walking into the living room) I’m your mum what do you expect me to do just leave you to go obese and unhealthy
Caroline: Whatever I’m going to my room shout me when dinners done
Sally: You can stay in your room after your dinner if you carry on with your attitude
(10 minutes later)
Caroline: (shouting down the stairs) is dinner done yet?
Sally: (shouting back to her) yes come and get it
Caroline: (walking down the stairs into the kitchen) Mum?
Sally: Yes
Caroline: I’m really sorry for my attitude earlier I don’t know what’s wrong with me I’m just not feeling myself. I’ve just booked an appointment at the doctors for tomorrow at 9:30. Hopefully I will find out why I’m being like this.
Sally: why won’t you talk to me about it and after you’ve told me if there is no way I can deal with it then I will take you
Caroline: no mum it’s too embarrassing for me I just want to go talk to the doctor about it because they’ll know what’s wrong
Sally: okay I won’t force you but you know you can always come and talk to me about anything
Caroline: (walking off into the living room, eating her dinner) im not going school because I will have to leave straight away for the doctors
Sally: Hey Caroline.
Caroline: Yes mum
Sally: I will come with you if you like
Caroline: (starting to cry) Yeah that will be nice, if I do find out any bad news hopefully I won’t but it will be good to have my mum there.
Sally: You won’t be getting any bad news okay now cheer up eat your dinner and we will nip shop after you’ve finished and get you some ice-cream and a film, if you like
Caroline: That’ll be great mum thanks
Sally: I’ll go get changed and get my bag ready
Caroline: okay can you bring me my coat and flats down please?
Sally: which flats?
Caroline: My black flats please
Sally: Okay.
NEW SCENE
(The next day they went to the doctors)
Sally: You go and sit down whilst I sign you in
Caroline: I’ll go and find us a seat, we’re on time anyway so hopefully we won’t be here long
(Sally is whispering information to the receptionist)
Sally: (Whispering to Caroline) Caroline come here
Caroline: Coming.
Sally: The kind man would like to ask you a few questions
Steve (the man behind the counter): Hi I’m Steve and I’m just going to ask you a few quick questions nothing to worry about it’s just what the doctor needs to know.
Caroline: (nodding along with Steve) Yes that’s fine
Steve: Okay so, do you smoke?
Caroline: No
Sally: You better not!!
Caroline: Mum could you just go and sit down I don’t want you butting into every answer?
Sally: Okay, but hurry along though because the quicker were done here the quicker we can go home
Caroline: I will
Steve: Are you pregnant?
Caroline: Nope (with a weird look on her face)
Steve: Sorry I know these questions are weird but we have to ask them
Caroline: no it’s fine it’s just I…
Steve: (cutting in) Oh you don’t have to explain yourself if you say you’re not pregnant then that’s what I will put.
Caroline: Thanks Steve
Steve: Okay next question… Do you drink?
Caroline: No
Steve: Does your family have any medical history?
Caroline: what do you mean by that?
Steve: Well, does any of your family have the same problem as you?
Caroline: (her mood changes) How would I know it’s not a question I would just go round asking!
Steve: I’m sorry I just have to ask these questions
Caroline: (still being rude) whatever, how many more questions are there?
Steve: just one
Caroline: thank god (muttering)
Steve: (getting upset himself but trying not to show it) I’m sorry if I’m upsetting you
Caroline: It’s fine now the last question was?
Steve: Do you have these troubles in a certain period of time?
Caroline: Yeah like once a month for like 4 to 5 days
Steve: (filling out sheet) Okay, thanks now you can go and take a seat and the doctor will be with you shortly.
Caroline: You’re welcome, how long do you think the doctor will be?
Steve: I’m not sure
Caroline: Are they a man or women
Steve: A man if that’s all right
Caroline: (walking off) yes that’s fine
Sally: (waving/shouting to Caroline) OVER HERE
Caroline: Yes mum I can see you
Sally: JUST MAKING SURE
Caroline: You don’t need to shout I’m not that far away from you calm down
Sally: OKAY
Caroline: You’re still doing it
Sally: SORRY
Caroline: MUM JUST SHUT UP
Sally: (winding her up) well you’re doing it now!
Caroline: Don’t mum okay I’m not in the mood
Sally: What’s wrong? Is it that man? What did he say?
Caroline: Give me chance to speak!!
Sally: (standing up) do I have to go over there?
Caroline: (grabbing her arm) Mum sit down
Sally: okay fine but what’s wrong?
Caroline: I don’t know I would tell you if I could I hope the doctor finds out what’s wrong
Sally: Well hopefully they won’t be long
Caroline Yeah, sometime today would be—
Doctor: (cutting in to Caroline) Caroline Richardson please
Caroline: Yes that’s me
Sally: do I have to come in with her?
Doctor: It’s up to Caroline
Caroline: I’ll be fine, you just wait out here
Sally: (opening her book again) okay then but if you need me I’ll be out here waiting
Caroline: thanks, whilst I’m in there could you get me some chocolate and a drink please?
Sally: yes sure I’ll go now
NEW SCENE
Doctor: Come this way
Caroline: (walking in front) will I need any needles or anything?
Doctor: I don’t think so
Caroline: (with a sigh of relief) good because I’m scared of needles
Doctor: Looks like you’re in luck then
Caroline: Yes it does
Doctor: (pointing to the room) the room is to your left
Caroline: Okay
Doctor: I think I will need to run a few tests, is that alright?
Caroline: Yes that’s fine I will do anything to find out what’s wrong with me
Doctor: It’s not very often I hear the younger generation say that
Caroline: Yes mum brought me up to be a brave young lady
Doctor: well she’s done a good job
Caroline: she’ll be pleased to hear that
Doctor: does you’re mum love compliments then?
Caroline: (walking into the room) yes, sometimes she’s very over the top about them
Doctor: (laughing) thought she might
Caroline: (laughing) yeah
Doctor: (closing the door) okay right enough talking about your mum and let’s talk about you
Caroline: sure
Doctor: take a seat were ever you want, except from my chair
Caroline: Obviously
Doctor: Okay let’s get started, explain to me what’s been going on
Caroline: Well it all started about 4 months ago—
Doctor: (cutting in on Caroline) Why didn’t you come sooner
Caroline: I thought it would just go but it hasn’t
Doctor: never leave it too late because sometimes it’s too late to get rid of your problem
Caroline: do you think I will ever get rid of this?
Doctor: well I don’t know because I need to run some tests
Caroline: I hope we can sort it out because it really hurts
Doctor: what do you mean it really hurts?
Caroline: well once a month for 4/5 days my stomach really hurts and I bleed
Doctor: Bleed?
Caroline: Yes
Doctor: do you bleed out of your vagina?
Caroline: Yes how do you know?
Doctor: seen it before but I’ll still have to run some tests
Caroline: when?
Doctor: Right now
Caroline: Is that a bad thing
Doctor: no
Caroline: okay good
Doctor: you’re going to have to lie down on the bed and roll up your top so I can get to your stomach
Caroline: Okay
Doctor: I’m going to put some gel on your stomach it’s going to be cold and try stay as still as you can
Caroline: Okay I’ll try
Doctor: (walking off into the back room) okay, let me just get the equipment
Caroline: (laying on the table, rolling her top up) okay
(Silence in the room for 15 seconds)
Doctor: (walking back into the main room) so I’m just going to set it up and I’ll be ready in as second
Caroline: (making her top neat) okay take as long as you need
Doctor: (looking at Caroline) oh great you’re ready
Caroline: yeah, is this okay
Doctor: yeah that’s fine
Caroline: will I have to lay here for long
Doctor: I don’t think so
Caroline: (looking a little sad) okay
Doctor: what’s wrong?
Caroline: I’m just really scared in case it’s something really bad]
Doctor: I don’t think it will be bad news
Caroline: good
Doctor: Listen you shouldn’t have this much stress at your age
Caroline: School’s pretty stress full too
Doctor: I know how you feel but it’s worth it
Caroline: I hope so
Doctor: It is I promise
Caroline: Good
Doctor: Okay it’s all set up now stay as still as possible
Caroline: I’ll try
Doctor: I don’t think this one is as cold as the other ones because it hasn’t been in the back room for long, they got delivered earlier today
Caroline: well at least we know it’s not gone off and it’s going to work
Doctor: yeah there’s that
Caroline: (with an awkward smile on her face) yeah
Doctor: (squirting the gel on her stomach) is it really cold
Caroline: not really
Doctor: (focusing on the screen) okay Caroline this is the inside of your stomach and as I’m looking I can’t really see what’s wrong
Caroline: so nothing’s wrong?
Doctor: I can’t see anything from this angle, let me try a different angle
Caroline: okay
Doctor: tell me if I hurt you and I’ll stop
Caroline: okay
Doctor: So what you got planned for the weekend?
Caroline: Not much I don’t think but I think me and my mum are going out for a meal
Doctor: Ahh that’s nice
Caroline: yeah I like spending time with her it’s nice
Doctor: Is it just you and your mum at home?
Caroline: yeah my dad left when he found out my mum was pregnant with me and I’ve never seen him since
Doctor: (frowning) Oh well that’s—
Caroline: (cutting into the doctor, laughing) you don’t have to explain yourself it’s not as if you’re my dad
Doctor: (laughing) yeah could you imagine
Caroline: that’ll be so weird
Doctor: you think
Caroline: (trying to top it from being awkward) anyway, have you seen anything wrong
Doctor: Unfortunately yes
Caroline: what?
Doctor: It’s nothing to worry about but I’m just going to have to call in my colleague
Caroline: (her voice going weak) okay
Doctor: I won’t be long, don’t move otherwise the gel will run down you and you don’t want that
Caroline: (her eyes tearing up) yeah that won’t be nice
Doctor: (noticing her eyes welling up) are you going to cry?
Caroline: no I just haven’t blinked in a long time
Doctor: okay I’ll be back shortly
Caroline: okay
Doctor: (walking out, shouting) won’t be long
Caroline: (shouting back) OKAY
Caroline: (sat there crying) what’s wrong with me
Caroline: (hearing the doctor come back) (stopping crying)
(Door opening)
Doctor: Caroline meet my colleague Adam
Caroline: Hello Adam
Adam: Hello Caroline
Doctor: okay Adam so would you be able to have a look at this for me please
Adam: yeah sure
Doctor: okay the machine is over here
Adam: okay
Caroline: (looking worried) not the gel again
Adam: (noticing Caroline’s worried face) don’t look so worried
Caroline: It’s just scary not knowing what’s wrong
Adam: It’s should be fine
Caroline: Hopefully
Adam: Well I’ll have a look now and find out what’s up
Caroline: Thank you
Adam: It’s my job
Caroline: I know but I’m sure you’re busy and you’ve took some time out to have a look at me
Adam: (focusing on the machine) yes I am but the doctor said he needed me so I didn’t really have a choice
Caroline: (frowning) oh okay then
Adam: as I’m looking I can’t exactly tell what it is that’s wrong but not to alarm you but something is wrong…….
Caroline: (her eyes welling up again) what??
Adam: I’m afraid you’re going to have to go to somewhere you might not want too
Caroline: Do I have to?
Adam: Yeah it’s what’s best for you
Caroline: Okay will my mum come with me
Adam: I’m afraid not
Caroline: (fully crying) But, but I need my mum
Adam: yeah I know but once you’re in there you’ll be fine
Caroline: no I need her I’m not going she only has me and my mamma
Adam: you won’t be in there long only a few years
Caroline: Definitely not if I can’t see my mum for years
Adam: If you want to get better you will have to
Caroline: Of course I want to get better but I need my mum
Adam: you will meet new people there and you’ll forget all about your mum
Caroline: (shouting) HOW DARE YOU, I WILL NEVER FORGET ABOUT MY MUM BECAUSE I MET NEW PEOPLE
Adam: I didn’t mean it like that, I’m sorry
Caroline: I’m leaving now I don’t want to be here anymore
Adam: at least take the leaflet and think about it
Caroline: fine but you won’t change my mind
Adam: you never know you might another young girl had the same attitude as you and she’s in there now she’s been there for a while now
Caroline: but I’m not like the other young girls I’m an independent girl, I have my own personality
Adam: Yeah I know but I’m just saying
Caroline: yeah well don’t “just say”
Adam: I’ll just call the other doctor
Caroline: no need like I said I’m going
Adam: please just let the other doctor talk to you
Caroline: no I need my mum
Adam: okay but you might have a phone call in a few days asking if you have changed your mind and the doctor may want to speak to your mum
Caroline: whatever but if we don’t answer don’t bother calling back
Adam: I won’t be me calling so I can’t really promise anything
Caroline: (walking out) I hate you and don’t expect me back
Adam: look Caroline: I’m really sorry if I upset you but you needed to be told
Caroline: (walking off) goodbye Adam, you can shove your offer
NEW SCENE
Sally: you okay?
Caroline: (wiping her eyes) yeah I’m fine I’ll tell you everything at home
Sally: okay, do you want your drink and chocolate?
Caroline: yes please
Sally: here I kept it cold
Caroline: thanks mum I appreciate it
Sally: its fine I just thought you won’t want a warm drink and melted chocolate
Caroline: yeah that wouldn’t be very nice would it?
Sally: no it wouldn’t
Caroline: exactly
Sally: so when you was in the doctor’s room I seen him go get another doctor is everything okay?
Caroline: Not exactly but I will explain everything to you when we get home! Can we talk about something else?
Sally: Yeah sure. Okay right, what would you like for your dinner?
Caroline: Well do you know how you love me?
Sally: yeah
Caroline: then can we have takeaway please?
Sally: I suppose so to cheer you up
Caroline: thank you mum
Sally: your welcome but don’t think every time you’re upset you’ll get takeaway
Caroline: I won’t
Sally: good
Caroline: so what kind of takeaway are we getting?
Sally: you decide
Caroline: thanks can we have…
Sally: let me guess you want to go to the pub with the lake
Caroline: you said it
Sally: well if that’ll shut you up for a bit then that’s okay
Caroline: it will thanks
Sally: you’re very welcome
Caroline: mum?
Sally: yes
Caroline: I’ve been thinking…
Sally: yes
Caroline: can we just eat in instead please?
Sally: if that’s what you want to do then that’s what we will do
Caroline: thanks
Sally: I’m guessing you still want some sort of takeaway though
Caroline: yes please
Sally: do you want me to collect it or do you want it ordering to the house
Caroline: well I had a plan whilst you go to get the food I can make the living room all comfy for us and I’ll set up any film you like if that’s okay with you?
Sally: yeah that’s fine
Caroline: so what film do you want to watch?
Sally: something funny….. A comedy
Caroline: yeah that sounds good something to cheer us up
Sally: cheer US up what do you mean?
Caroline: well like I said mum the news isn’t all that great and I have to make a crucial decision
Sally: well let’s hope you make the right one then ay
Caroline: well you’re involved in this crucial decision so let’s hope we both make the best decision for us both
Sally: by the sound of things this news is something big
Caroline: you can say that
Sally: okay well let’s talk about it at home
Caroline: yeah
(A few minutes later of awkward silence)
Sally: how about we talk about the food to lighten the mood?
Caroline: (with an awkward smile on her face) thought you’d never ask
Sally: when we get home it should be round about 5:30pm so I’ll get cleaned up a bit have a bath and we’ll order the food
Caroline: yeah sounds good
Sally: good then
NEW SCENE
(10 minutes later, they are home and having the chat about the doctors)
Sally: right then what was the whole doctor’s thing about then?
Caroline: well the original doctor checked me over and said everything seems fine but he just needed to check with his colleague, so I was sat there waiting for quite a little bit, then the other doctor came in and checked me over and said there is something wrong but he don’t know what it is and he needs to send me away for a few years and I won’t be able to see you except from when you visit and they will help me but then he was acting really weird—
Sally: (cutting in on Caroline) what do you mean acting weird?
Caroline: well he told me that I will forget all about you because I will meet new people
Sally: (trying to speak but can’t) we…. wha….. He…..no….
Caroline: I’m surprised you didn’t hear me because I was shouting so loudly at him
Sally: I heard someone shouting that sounded like you but I didn’t realise it was you otherwise I would have come in
Caroline: yeah I got really upset about it
Sally: I’m not surprised
Caroline: I told him to shove his offer
Sally: well you sure get your attitude from me
Caroline: what do you think I should do?
Sally: whatever is going to help you get better, and you never know you could get better sooner and come out early
Caroline: possibly but I want to be able to see you every day and see you every night before I sleep
Sally: yes I know love
Caroline: I don’t see why you can’t be there with me the whole time you’ll help me get better
Sally: I’m not a professional sweetie so I can’t, and don’t think I won’t be calling/visiting everyday
Caroline: good but what if I don’t get better and I’m there for the rest of my life and I die along in there
Sally: don’t talk silly Caroline you won’t before you know it you’ll be back out as soon as you’re better and if you ever want to come out I can always discharge you from there
Caroline: you can do that?
Sally: of course I can it’s only like discharging you from hospital
Caroline: (looking and reaching into her bag) he also gave me this
Sally: (taking the leaflet off her) what is it?
Caroline: it’s a leaflet showing you what it’s like
Sally: shall we have a proper look later or do you want to get it out of the way now?
Caroline: (thinking for a few minutes) can we have a look later please?
Sally: yeah sure I’ll put it on the fire and we’ll have a look later
Caroline: so mum?
Sally: yeah
Caroline: IF I go in there where will you go because I don’t want to be on your own?
Sally: I will have to move back in with mamma for a while and we both will visit you
Caroline: I hope IF I do go in I won’t be in there for long
Sally: you don’t have to keep saying IF like that you know you can just say if normally
Caroline: I know but I don’t want it to sound like I’ve made my decision
Sally: I doesn’t it just makes you sound like you’re saying a sentence properly
Caroline: okay then I’ll just say if
Sally: thank you
Caroline: you’re welcome
Sally: why don’t I go order the food whilst you get the living room looking and feeling comfy?
Caroline: yeah okay
Sally: (walks out of the room) use mine and your quilts then it’ll be even more comfy
Caroline: (following her) are we sharing a sofa or are we laying on different ones
Sally: (looking for takeaway leaflet) we can share if you want
Caroline: (walking upstairs) okay shall I get the film whilst I’m up there?
Sally: yeah get on with Kevin Heart in
Caroline: will do
NEW SCENE
Caroline: (walking in her mums bedroom) mum? You in there?
Sally: yeah, won’t be long
Caroline: mum are you okay? Are you crying?
Sally: (wiping her eyes and making it look like she wasn’t crying) no I’m fine
Caroline: mum, I can see you crying!
Sally: it’s just…
Caroline: it’s just what
Sally: I just love you so much and I feel like it’s all my fault you’re having to go through this
Caroline: (sitting on her mums bed) mum none of this is your fault okay
Sally: I feel like it is and I’m really sorry
Caroline: (hugging her mum) listen this isn’t your fault
Sally: (hugging Caroline back) it is
Caroline: (putting her mums face in front of hers) Listen to me IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT
Sally: thank you Caroline, what did I ever do to get such a wonderful daughter like you?
Caroline: I learnt it from the best
Sally: who?
Caroline: you obviously
Sally: I know I just wanted you to say it
Caroline: how did I know?
Sally: because I learnt it from you
Caroline: I’m not going to lie you probably did
(The doorbell rings) BUZZZZZZZZZ, BUZZZZZZZZZ, BUZZZZZZZZZZ
Sally: I’m guessing the food’s here then
Caroline: I’ll get it and you get into your pyjamas
Sally: (getting money out of her purse) okay here’s some money to pay for it
Caroline: (taking the money of her mum) thank you
(The doorbell rings again) BUZZZZZZZ, BUZZZZZZZ, BUZZZZZZZZZZ
Caroline: I’M COMING
NEW SCENE
Caroline: hello
Delivery man: hello did you order from Mario’s?
Caroline: yes, how much do you need?
Delivery man: £20 please
Caroline: here, £20, here you go
Delivery man: thankyou
Caroline: you’re welcome
Delivery man: have a good night and enjoy your pizza
Caroline: thanks, oh and here’s a tip
Delivery man: thank you, enjoy your evening (he turns to leave)
Caroline: you too, bye
Delivery man: Bye
(Door closes)
Sally: (shouting down to Caroline) WAS THAT THE FOOD?
Caroline: (shouting back up to her mum) YES, I GAVE HIM A TIP I HOPE YOU DON’T MIND
Sally: (still shouting) NO IT’S FINE, I’LL BE DOWN IN A MINUTE
Caroline: (also still shouting) OKAY
(Caroline is setting out the food whilst her mum is putting the film on)
(LIGHTS GO DOWN AND NEW SCENE)
Sally: (turning the tele off) so has the film cheered you up?
Caroline: (smirking) yeah it has thanks
Sally: good, right Mrs I think someone needs to go to sleep we’ve got a big day tomorrow
Caroline: but mum I’m not tired yet
Sally: (yawing) but you won’t have an energy for tomorrow
Caroline: (a bit defeated) okay mum
Sally: right anyway goodnight, love you
Caroline: love you too
Sally: goodnight
Caroline: goodnight
NEW SCENE
Sally: good morning, did you have a good sleep?
Caroline: (stretching) yes thank you, what about you?
Sally: yeah it was good thanks, so how long after I went up did it take you to fall asleep?
Caroline: not long, did it take you long to go sleep?
Sally: not that long actually I think I was just so tired I went out like a light
Caroline: yeah I think it took me about 10 minutes to go sleep after you went up
Sally: so not long then
Caroline: nope
Sally: what do you want for your breakfast?
Caroline: what are you having?
Sally: I might just have some toast
Caroline: I will then make it easy
Sally: you can have something different if you want I don’t mind making you something different
Caroline: what cereal do we have?
Sally: Those chocolatey ones I think
Caroline: yeah I’ll have some of them please
Sally: are you sure?
Caroline: yes
Sally: okay then I’ll go make you some now
(Sally goes off stage and shouts through to Caroline)
Caroline: thanks
Sally: it’s okay you stick channel 28 on
Caroline: okay then
(Sally comes back in)
Sally: okay so what on?
Caroline: just the same old stuff
Sally: okay
Caroline: (passing her mum the remote) you can have it I won’t know if you want to turn over or anything
Sally: (passing her the cereal) here you go get that down you, and thanks
Caroline: thanks
Sally: you’re welcome
(After about half an hour of watching tele and eating cereal)
Sally: so have you thought about if you’re going to go the hospital or?
Caroline: I knew you was going to ask me sooner or later
Sally: so… (The phone rings)
Caroline: that’s probably them they said they was going to call
Sally: (answering the phone and walking off) hello can I ask whose calling?
Caroline: (smirks because her mum is being really polite)
Caroline: was it them?
Sally: (Looking sad) yes
Caroline: (Changing her tune) what’s wrong?
Sally: (Starting to cry) well they said you have no choice but to go because the doctor spoke to the mental asylum and they said you have to go along with the other “weird kids”. I went crazy on the phone and they said they’ll be here in about 2 hours to collect you so you have time to get your belongings ready
Caroline: (crying) I don’t want to go
Sally: I’m sorry I tried everything I could but they said you have to go
Caroline: (Still crying) what am I supposed to do without you?
Sally: look, mamma and I are going to be there every day ringing you and visiting you don’t worry
Caroline: yeah I know but I need you
Sally: it’s not going to feel the same I know but it’s got to be done we can’t just run away can we?
Caroline: (calming down) Brilliant idea mum, like you said they’ll be here to get me in 2 hours so we can pack all our things and we can go
Sally: I don’t that’ll work
Caroline: it will if we hurry up, so chop chop, come on mum please
Sally: Caroline listen it’s going to be okay we can’t run away, you’ll be fine in there and you’ll have lots of new friends and you’ll have loads of fun in there!
Caroline: I will have loads of fun here too
Sally: Caroline look it’s not up for debate you HAVE to go, it’s for the best you’ll go in there there’ll be professionals there to look after you and they’ll have loads of things like medicines that I can’t give you, you will be fine in there I promise
Caroline: but mum?
Sally: no buts Caroline, now come on we need to get your belongings and everything you’ll need in there
Caroline: (leaping into her mums arms) please don’t let them take me away
Sally: (hugging Caroline back) you’re going to get better. If it thought you was fine I would have run away with you but I can’t, you need this
Caroline: (crying) I love you so much mum
Sally: (starting to cry) I love you too princess
(After a long hug they both get up and start packing Caroline’s things)
(The doorbell rings)
Door: BUZZZ, BUZZZ, BUZZZ
Sally: I think that’s them
Caroline: (being sarcastic) time flies when you’re having fun right
Sally: (Shouting to the people outside) I’M COMING
Caroline: (muttering) I’m scared
Sally: pardon?
Caroline: oh sorry I was talking away at myself reminding myself I need me toothbrush
Sally: (walking to the door) okay sweetie
(NEW SCENE)
Sally: hello
Officer: Hello, were here to collect Caroline to go to the asylum
Sally: okay one second (shouting up to Caroline) CAROLINE, THEY’RE HERE
Officer: So you’re expecting us then?
Sally: yeah I got a phone call telling me you was coming in 2 hours
Officer: okay then
Sally: sorry, she won’t be long
Officer: no need to apologise it’s fine
Sally: would you like me to go see where she is?
Officer: no it’s fine (trying to lighten up the mood) well at least you haven’t thrown anything at me
Sally: (fake smiling) yeah
Officer: let me guess did she have plans to run away?
Sally: (giving him a weird look) how did you know
Officer: all of the girls have the same thoughts
Sally: okay, would you like to come inside, I’ve just realised I’ve left you outside?
Officer: yes please
Sally: right this way
(They walk into the living room as Caroline comes down the stairs)
Sally: Caroline come in here with me and the officer and we will all have a chat
Officer: (still trying to lighten the mood) I don’t bite
Caroline: (being rude) K
Sally: Caroline pack it in right now!
Officer: no it’s fine I deal with this kind of behaviour every day
Caroline: (to the officer) I’m sorry
Sally: good girl
Officer: thank you for the apology
Caroline: you’re welcome
(They all sit in the living room)
Officer: so I’m guessing you have questions?
Sally: yes, will I be able to see her every day?
Officer: yes
Sally: what happens when she gets there?
Officer: well we have someone waiting to show her around and she’ll be sharing a room with them
Sally: okay, how many times a day will she be eating?
Officer: well she’ll have proper meals 3 times a day, and she can snack during them
Sally: that’s good
Officer: yeah it is, and that’s not the best part
Sally: what is?
Officer: Well, 3 times a year asylum goes on a trip where ever you want
Sally: that sound great, are you listening to this Caroline?
Caroline: yes
Sally: good
Officer: so what do you think?
Sally: I think it sounds good, what about you Caroline?
Caroline: whatever
Sally: right Caroline I know you don’t want to go but it will be better than it sounds
Caroline: he’s probably lying about it all
Sally: I’m sure he’s not
Officer: I’m not
Sally: see
Caroline: don’t believe what he says because he’s probably just trying to act all nice so you let him take me away and then when I get there it’ll be so terrible
Sally: Caroline you better pack it in right now
Officer: look I’m not you should believe me
Caroline: well sorry I don’t
Officer: look I know you don’t want to go but we need to go right about now
Sally: Caroline think you should go if it’s going to help you and you’ll be out as soon as your better and everything will be okay now come on the sooner you get in there the sooner you’ll get out
Caroline: It’s like you want me to go or something
Sally: I do so you get better
Caroline: I can recover at home
Sally: you can’t because like I said I don’t have anything that can heal you the asylum does
Officer: look Caroline I know it’s hard but we really need to get going
Caroline: fine I’m coming it’s not like mum wants me here anyway
Sally: of course I want you here but I want you to get better more
Caroline: I’m going to miss you so much mum
Sally: I’m going to miss you more
Caroline: well hopefully they make me better quickly because I can’t stand a night without you let alone over a year
Officer: it’s going to be okay
Caroline: I know you’ve said it like 4 times now
Officer: sorry but I just want you to know that you’ll be okay
Sally: he’s just supporting you
Caroline: I know I’m sorry
Officer: it’s okay, right come on then Caroline
Caroline: I’m coming
NEW SCENE
(They are in the asylum and Caroline has been showed round by Amber and now they are in the bedroom)
Amber: so I’m guessing the officer lied to you telling you a load of lies
Caroline: yup, I’m guessing he does that to everyone
Amber: you think! He makes up loads of different lies each times he collects someone. I wonder when he will run out of lies
Caroline: probably never
Amber: yeah well I just hate the fact that he lied to my parents faces
Caroline: yeah I know how you feel
Amber: so he lied to your mum and dad too?
Caroline: no just my mum
Amber: so your dad wasn’t there to say goodbye?
Caroline: my dad’s never there because he left when he found out my mum was pregnant with me
Amber: well I’m sure he made a VERY BIG mistake because I’m sure you’re a lovely person
Caroline: you wouldn’t be saying that if you saw me with my best friend
Amber: was it hard saying goodbye to your best friend?
Caroline: well she left quite a while ago and I don’t know where she is but her and her family have moved
Amber: I know how you feel I had to leave my best friend too, she doesn’t know I’m in here because my family have moved house and I’m in here1
Caroline: (awkwardly) it’s all most like you’re my long lost best friend
Amber: well now you bring that up I do have something to tell you
Caroline: (a bit suspicious) what?
Amber: well I am your long lost best friend
Caroline: (shocked) what?!?!
Amber: yeah
Caroline: are you being serious
Amber: yeah I’ve been wanting to get hold of you for ages and tell you where I am
Caroline: I wish you had and I would have told my doctor sooner
Amber: the worst mistake of my life was telling my doctor
Caroline: yeah same but then I wouldn’t have re-united with you
Amber: we need to find a way to get out of here
Caroline: but won’t they notice we’ve gone?
Amber: I need to tell you a secret
Caroline: go on
Amber: right well we have a secret club because there are quite a few of us that are going through the same thing, so I made a club we’ve called our “problem” the thing! A few people go out on the night and start putting up different things that will get us out of here!
Caroline: right so 2 people sneak out and protest a little and eventually it’s going to get us out of here?
Amber: yeah and it’ll be great if you joined and helped us
Caroline: it sounds a bit shady
Amber: its fine we’ve been doing it for years
Caroline: well…
Amber: are you in?
Caroline: oh whatever but we better not get caught
Amber: we won’t we never do!
Caroline: if you’re sure
Amber: I am, oh and I forgot to tell you!
Caroline: tell me what?
Amber: we are doing all these little protests to make one big one
Caroline: how are 2 people going to pull off the biggest protest?
Amber: no that’s when we all sneak out, one by one
Caroline: we’ll definitely get caught on that one surely
Amber: we won’t relax
Caroline: you seem a bit too sure of your self
Amber: I am because if we all work hard enough we can pull it off
Caroline: okay but this is really risky
Amber: I know but do you really want to be suck in here for the rest of your life?
Caroline: oh hell no
Amber: exactly
Caroline: right well I’m going to get some sleep when is this club thing?
Amber: tonight at 2:00 am so make sure you do get a lot of rest
Caroline: so are we going sleep now?
Amber: no after dinner which is….
(Amber is checking the time)
Amber: Now
Caroline: already
Amber: yes because they make us go bed at 7 so dinner is at 6
Caroline: 7 o’clock?
Amber: yeah I know ridiculous
Caroline: yeah I really wish I was just normal like when we was kids
Amber: yeah like when we used to prank my dad in the middle of the night and used to put spiders on his head and he used to scream the house down
Caroline: (laughing) yeah that was so funny can you remember he found one in his sandwich
Amber: yeah he was lucky we only used to use fake ones
Caroline: yeah imagine if we used real ones he’d have a heart attack
Amber: he probably would
Caroline: (smiling) there the good days
Amber: (smiling) yeah
(They both sit there smiling for a few minutes)
Amber: anyway we’re going to be late for dinner and we will get the left overs
Caroline: let’s go then
Amber: yeah we need to run so don’t fall
Caroline: I’ll try
NEW SCENE
(They are in the canteen and it’s noisy)
Amber: I TOLD YOU RUNNING WOULD PAY OFF
Caroline: YEAH BUT THE FOOD DOESN’T LOOK THAT NICE
Amber: WELL IT’S BETTER THAN IT LOOKS AND YOU GET USED TO IT SO GET IT DOWN YOU AND THEN WE CAN GO
Caroline: OKAY BUT IF I DIE BECAUSE THIS FOOD IS HORRIBLE THEN ITS YOUR FAULT
Amber: WELL LETS HOPE YOU DON’T DIE AY
Caroline: YEAH BECAUSE THEN WE DEFINATLEY WONT GET OUT OF HERE
Amber: EXACTLY SO SQUEEZE YOUR NOSE AND THEN SWOLLOW IT
Caroline: THAT’S WHAT I WAS GOING TO DO ANYWAY
Amber: HURRY ABOUT IT THOUGH
Caroline: (Sarcasm) SORRY I DON’T EAT FOOD OUT OF THE BIN EVERYDAY
Amber: STOP BEING SUCH A GIRL ABOUT IT AND HURRY UP
Caroline: 1. I AM A GIRL AND 2. I’M TRYING BUT I’M GOING TO THROW UP LOOKING AT IT
Amber: (mocking Caroline) IAM A GIRL MEMEMEME
Caroline: YOU HAVENT CHANGED ONE BIT HAVE YOU?
Amber: NOPE SAME OLD AMBER
Caroline: WELL I GUESS THAT’S A GOOD THING
Amber: DOESN’T SEEM LIKE YOU’VE CHANGED EITHER
Caroline: IT’S BECAUSE I HAVENT
Amber: GOOD AT LEAST WERE THE SAME PEOPLE AS WE WERE A FEW YEARS AGO
Caroline: YEAH GOOD POINT
Amber: YEAH I KNOW I’VE ALWAYS GOT GOOD POINT BECAUSE I’M AMBER
Caroline: (swallowing the last bite) OKAY, I’M FINISHED WE CAN GO
Amber: GREAT COME ON, OH AND WE HAVE TO RUN BACK
Caroline: FOR GOD SAKE I THOUGHT WE HAD FINISHED RUNNING
Amber: NOPE SORRY, 50% OF THE TIME IN HERE WE’RE RUNNING
Caroline: URGHHHHH
NEW SCENE
Amber: right we need to rest up for later so don’t spend long faffing about
Caroline: (trying to catch her breath) I’m going to sleep now I’m really tired
Amber: you will be later as well if you don’t go sleep now!
Caroline: (just got her breath back) Amber you need to calm down we’ve not long been in the room
Amber: well I just like to be organised and on time with everything
Caroline: I know that but you need to chill out
Amber: sorry
Caroline: it’s okay
Amber: the officer will be round in a minute to check if we’re in here and he’ll lock us in
Caroline: so how will we get out?
Amber: through the vents
Caroline: oh dear so I’ll need to put some old clothes on then?
Amber: yeah like an old tracksuit
Caroline: Okay
Amber: right get in bed and try and sleep as much as you can and we will be ready for tomorrow
Caroline: (getting in bed) so when is the officer going to be here?
Amber: right… about…. Now
Officer: are you two in bed?
Amber and Caroline: yeah
Officer: good and don’t think about trying to escape because the door is locked
Amber and Caroline: we won’t
Officer: good now you little brats if I hear a noise coming from this room then you’ll know about it!
Caroline; oh yeah like what?
Officer: would you like me to show you?
Amber: no we’re both sorry officer we won’t make a sound
Caroline: are we?
Amber: YES
Officer: good now act up like that again and watch what happens
Amber: we won’t sorry
Officer: you better be!
(Officer walks off from the door)
Amber: (whispering) what in God’s name are you playing at?
Caroline: why are you whispering?
Amber: (whispering) would you shut up before he comes back and hurts us
Caroline: (whispering) sorry
Amber: (whispering) you will be if you carry on with your attitude
Caroline: (whispering) right I’m going sleep so goodnight
Amber: (whispering) same
NEW SCENE
(We see them in a dark room with few torches huddling they are all whispering)
Amber: so everyone meet Caroline
Everyone: hi Caroline
Caroline: (being shy) hi
Amber: she’s a new member of the group and I expect you to treat her like you treat me!
Everyone: we will
Amber: good, who’s going out tonight then?
Holly: me
Josie: and me
Amber: what about tomorrow?
Ariona: me and Madison
Madison: yeah
Amber: okay and who’s on look out?
Scarlet and Chloe: Us
Amber: so we’re all sorted for a couple of nights because Caroline and I will be on watch tomorrow
Everyone: Yeah
Amber: any questions?
Josie: is this your long lost best friend?
Amber: (excitedly) yeah
Josie: glad you found her
Amber: thanks, anymore?
Scarlet: how come she’s coming on watch with you no-one does?
Amber: because I haven’t seen her in years so yeah and I’m the leader so I can do what I want!
Scarlet: it’s a bit unfair
Amber: well you’re paired up with your best friend so case closed!!
Scarlet: fine!
Amber: Good, now anymore questions?
Chloe: (to scarlet) what time are we meeting here tomorrow?
Scarlet: I don’t know I’ll ask Amber
Amber: I heard my name!
Scarlet: oh yes that was me I was just saying I’ll ask you what time we need to meet here tomorrow
Amber: who?
Scarlet: me and Chloe
Amber: oh, around 2:30am
Scarlet: thanks
Amber: you’re welcome, anymore?
Everyone: no
Amber: okay good let’s all go back to bed
NEW SCENE
(We see them back in there bedroom, in bed)
Caroline: are you always like that?
Amber: like what?
Caroline: well you was quite grumpy and rude
Amber: was I?
Caroline: yeah
Amber: sorry
Caroline: you don’t need to say sorry to me you need to say it to the other girls
Amber: well they’re rude to me
Caroline: not today, if you want them to stay in your group and not to leave and run their mouth then you need to say sorry!
Amber: how am I supposed to go round to every room and apologise?
Caroline: no all you need to do is when we all meet again then make a group apology
Amber: we’re all meeting again in two days
Caroline: well then apologise then!
Amber: (not completely agreeing to it) fine!
Caroline: on a completely unrelated note, what’s for breakfast?
Amber: cereal
Caroline: oh?
Amber: what’s wrong with cereal?
Caroline: I don’t know I don’t really like it
Amber: I know we practically used to live together!
Caroline: I know, I couldn’t get rid of you
Amber: I know but we had so many amazing memories
Caroline: yeah I have to admit that one
Amber: right I’m going sleep now
Caroline: same here
(They both go sleep around 10 minutes later)
NEW SCENE
(We see Caroline trying to find her mum)
Sally: Aww!
Caroline: what?
Sally: I’ve missed you so much
Caroline: why you lying you know you’ve enjoyed the quiet
Sally: Don’t be ridiculous you know how much I’ve missed you
Caroline: and I’ve missed you too
Sally: when you get out of here, will be the happiest day of my life.
Caroline: yeah mine too
Sally: that makes two of us then
Caroline: yeah, I guess so
Sally: so… you made any new friends in here?
Caroline: yeah, quite a few actually
Sally: really?
Caroline: yeah and guess what?
Sally: what?
Caroline: well can you remember Amber?
Sally: is she the one we could never get rid of?
Caroline: yeah, well she’s in here too
Sally: what’s she in here for?
Caroline: same reason as me so were are trying to find out what it is we have
Sally: have you come up with anything then?
Caroline: I have yeah, but I think it sounds stupid
Sally: tell me and I will tell you if it does or not
Caroline: no, it’s stupid
Sally: (getting annoyed) just tell me
Caroline: well I was thinking we can call it a…
Sally: come on Caroline! Times going to run out
Caroline: well I was thinking of calling it a period
Sally: why period?
Caroline: well because it happens for a certain PERIOD of time
Sally: yeah, that actually makes sense
Caroline: does it sound stupid?
Sally: no not at all
Caroline: Are you sure
BELL RINGS: BUZZZZZZ BUZZZZZ BUZZZZZZ
Sally: well it looks like I’ve got to love you and leave you now
Caroline: Okay love you bye
Sally: love you two
New scene
(End of meeting)
Amber: so I have something to say before everyone starts talking, I’m really sorry for my attitude last time we had a meeting, I know I was hard on you and I’m going to try and calm my attitude down.
Caroline: See it wasn’t that hard was it
Josie: thanks for the apology
Amber: your welcome, now anyone thought of a name for the “problem”
Josie: meee!
Amber: go on!
Josie: well I thought we could call it ‘that time’
Amber: I’m afraid you’ll have to go into more detail about your idea
Josie: well it always happens at a certain time every month so we can call it ‘that time’
Amber: that’s good… anymore
Caroline: well I did have one but…
Amber: share it with us and then we will decide whether we want yours or Josie’s
Holly: when is this meeting ending because I’m really tired?
Amber: not long as soon as we decide on a name then I will dismiss you
Caroline: I was thinking we could call it a ‘period’ because it’s at a certain period of time and the word ‘period’ doesn’t make it sound weird or disgusting
Amber: that’s good I think we have a clear winner
Holly: who?
Amber: Caroline and please tell me if you object.