2 (AIRY ELECTRONIC MUSIC)
(LAUGHS)
GUS: Oi!
Are you checking on me?
Nah.
Don't believe you.
(CHUCKLES) Stop looking at me.
You know Coach is leaving?
So?
What, you don't give a fuck?
Should I?
People leave.
It's what they do.
(DRILL WHIRRS)
OPHELIA: That's really going in now.
MAN: Yeah, you have to be very precise.
(OPHELIA LAUGHS)
MAN: Once you lube it up...
(OPHELIA LAUGHS) Oh, OK!
MAN: I mean, you might want to think about getting an intercom.
-OPHELIA: Oh, really? -Yeah, single-access entry.
-You can't be too careful. -(GLASS CLINKS)
Oh, here she is!
Hello, darling!
Now, I was thinking how about you and I have a cheeky mimosa?
Hmm? No?
OK, how about we go and get our nails done, on me?
Mm, no.
You love getting your nails done!
-Yeah, I'm fine. -Oh, Katie-Cakes!
Don't be all grumpy.
I didn't. I'm not doing anything.
-Who's this? Your sister? -(OPHELIA LAUGHS)
OK, are you done?
-Uh, yeah. It'll be 550. -OK. OK.
-There you go. -Thanks.
If you need anything, give me a call.
Alright, thank you.
Look, he's not a bad guy, Jed.
It's fine, Mum.
-Did something happen? -No, he just kind of...
(KNOCK AT DOOR)
-(DOOR OPENS) -TRISTAN: Where is she?
OPHELIA: Oh, you shouldn't have come.
TRISTAN: Yeah, no, I know I shouldn't have.
I wouldn't have if you weren't being so fucking mysterious.
What happened?
Look, she got home, someone was here and she just...
She got a bit of a fright.
Yeah, 'someone' being Mum's boyfriend.
Oh.
Did he take anything?
OPHELIA: What, like, your precious paintings?
TRISTAN: Well, I think it's a fair enough question. Sorry.
(LIGHT ELECTRONIC MUSIC)
What happened?
-George, what happened? -Brendan blocked me.
-Let me in! -No!
I will literally crawl under this door.
GEORGE: Oh, my God, no, Priya. Gross.
I thought it was just a study break.
No. It's a break-break. A break-up, Priya.
He's blocked me on everything
and I went to his house this morning
and his mum said that he doesn't want to see me
and I shouldn't have any contact with him.
And I just found out that he's doing his exams at Marrickville
so I will actually never see him again.
Oh, I cannot believe he'd do that to you.
He said I was being dramatic.
-You're not dramatic. -BOTH: He's dramatic!
MAE: George?
-Um... -Fuck.
George is having a moment, miss.
MAE: So, it's not an emergency?
Um, rude!
Brendan just broke up with him and basically ghosted him
and pretty much put into question
whether or not he loved him or not.
-Priya! -George, please come out.
No. You wouldn't get it.
I was with a guy for four years and he cut me off.
GEORGE: OK. And?
The only guy I'd ever introduced to my family,
he stopped answering my calls.
I'd park near his house hoping he'd come out.
Every day, I tried to talk to him, but nothing.
So, I got dressed up, went to his family new year's lunch
because that's what we always did -
new year's lunch at his, dinner at mine -
and it was obvious they weren't expecting me
and he did nothing to stop it being awkward.
And then I realised, "What a psycho!"
I mean, who breaks up with someone like that
after four years?
The cops who dropped me home were really nice about it,
but my parents still love him and think we're getting married.
And now it's my little sister's wedding
and I told them I'd have a plus one,
but I actually don't and I have to go on my own.
Um, no offence, miss, but that's really desperate.
Alright, get out.
Go eat something. Sit in the sun.
(TOILET FLUSHES)
(CUBICLE DOOR OPENS)
(WATER RUNS)
MAYA: Hey. You OK?
BOWIE: "My heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains
"My sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk
"Or emptied some dull opiate to the drains
"One minute past, and Lethe-wards had sunk."
PRIYA: Um, sir, what is Lethe?
BOWIE: Lethe? OK, it's, like, the idea of oblivion.
GEORGE: He's getting high.
BOWIE: He is, George. On what?
Nightingales. Sounds like fun, TBH.
BOWIE: OK, yeah.
Um, why would someone want to
completely dull all their senses?
MAYA: To escape pain?
BOWIE: Yes, Maya.
So, the Lethe was a river in Greek mythology in hell
and if you drank from this river,
instantly all memory from your previous life erased.
(WHISPERS) I just don't know what I'm supposed to say.
BOWIE: Um, alright, everyone,
just keep reading and I'll be back in a second.
Gus, Gus, what's up, mate?
-Fuck off, sir, man! -Mate, mate, I can help.
-What's going on? -You don't know shit!
You alright?
I didn't understand why you'd want a fresh start,
but it doesn't matter how much work you put in.
Sometimes it just blows up in your face,
so, you know, if you can get a fresh start,
if you can make a difference there, then I get it.
Yeah. Thanks.
Appreciate it.
-MAE: Hey! -Hi.
Uh, how do you feel about weddings?
Um...
Oh, I'm out.
Uh, in the main,
I feel concerned for the leading participants, to be honest.
What?
Well, they all start out so hopeful, don't they?
Right, 'cause my little sister's getting married...
Oh, right.
..and I was just wondering if maybe you wanna...
..be my wingman.
-Right. -Free booze.
-I stopped drinking. -Right! Yes, I knew that.
Sorry. Um... My family think I'm this mad spinster aunt.
Well, look, if they can't see how awesome you are,
then that's their loss.
Hey, you might pick up a desperate bridesmaid.
(LAUGHS)
I'm kidding.
That wasn't meant to sound like...
Yeah, look, if you want me to be there because you want me there,
then of course I'll be there, but I don't wanna go as a joke.
(PIGEON COOS)
(GRUNTS)
(MUFFLED YELLS ECHO)
(MOODY ELECTRONIC MUSIC)
TRISTAN: Hi!
-I wanna show you something. -What are you still doing here?
I was really worried about you. How are you?
Come out the back. Come out the back. Yeah!
Yeah, no, I'm really fucking great.
Here, come and have a look.
Ah!
I'm not six anymore.
But it's giant white marshmallows.
Timeless classic!
Come on!
The trick is actually to cook them.
You cook the outer layers until they're nice and toasty
and then the inside is like a molten core.
-Uh-huh. -Yeah. It's a science.
He was really out of it.
I think he was on ice.
(WHISPERS) What the fuck?
All I could think of was, like,
"Where is Mum?"
You know, I was fucking terrified.
I was just, like, I didn't know what he was gonna do.
He was fucking manic.
And I was just, like, trapped.
Why didn't you say any of this before?
Because you guys make such a big deal out of everything.
It kind of is a big deal.
No, 'cause Gus came and sorted him out
and just took him to some kind of hospital.
Gus? Who's Gus?
Dad, I was scared.
Jesus Christ.
I can't believe that your mum honestly would...
Don't.
Can we talk about something else?
What are you doing for your major work?
Oh, I was thinking I'd shoot a dog.
I'm trying to help you.
Don't you realise how lucky you are that I can help you?
How is making me kill something helping me?
-Art is about destruction. -Oh, fuck off!
OK, look, I was going through a bit of a weird time
and, I mean, it's not like
that I was threatening your life or anything.
Do you honestly think that what happened last night
is worse than what you've put me and Mum through?
He's a rando and you're my dad!
Aww.
Just as I start liking someone,
my mum has to fuck it up.
I don't even blame her
'cause she's so messed up from my dad's bullshit.
It's, like... They are mortifying.
If it wasn't so awful, it'd just be embarrassing.
And I know that we're in the sixth mass extinction
and there are people with, like, real issues,
but this is my life.
Do I sound like a dick?
Yeah, but your family are fully fucked.
(LAUGHS)
Yeah.
You didn't tell me about Gus.
I don't know.
I guess it was really new
and I didn't want to jinx it.
I know.
I'm sorry.
No, really, I know.
Who?
You know Kris from work?
No. I messed it up.
-(SIGHS) -What?
-I'm actually the worst. -So, you do like girls?
I don't know.
How do you know if you even like someone?
Oh, I should not be your oracle on that topic.
Well...
How did you know you liked Gus?
Um, I guess when I'm with him,
I'm nervous, but I'm also not nervous, if that makes sense.
When you see Kris, do you get nervous?
Anyway, I messed it up.
Only families can really mess things up.
I don't...
True.
Also, I'm really personally offended
that you didn't ask me to design your tattoo.
(SNORTS) Oh, my God. You can do one.
-Really? -Really.
Are you just saying that?
No, like, seriously, you can do one.
It has to be good, though.
-Oh, it will be magnificent. -OK, great.
Oh, my God. Oh, my God, I'm so excited.
Wonderful.
-(BOTH LAUGH) -Cool.
We just have to get through another year
and then things will change.
You mean for the better, right?
(BOTH HALF-LAUGH)
Hopefully.
Surely, right?
-Surely. -(LAUGHS)
MO: Mum, say it. Say it.
(LAUGHS)
Well, what...what are you doing?
Why would you do it like that?
Obviously you cut through the calyx, between the segments.
-It's an orange. -Not across it like that.
-Mum, that's insane. -That's insane.
This way, you don't get the pith layer around each segment,
ruining the taste.
ADELA: It's ridiculous.
That's exactly how your father does it.
Oh, I guess he taught me something, then.
You are so much like him when he was young and handsome.
Mum!
Why did you get married?
(SIGHS)
Because he was really hot.
Oh, my God, Mum. No, I don't wanna hear that.
Come on! How do you think you got here?
-No! -Immaculate conception?
-Oh, my God. -I had sex with your dad, MoMo!
-More than once! -Nup! I don't wanna hear it!
-(DOOR CLOSES) -(LAUGHS)
(PHONE RINGING TONE)
MOSES: Mo, how are you, mate?
Hiya, Dad. Yeah, good.
How's school?
Yeah, good, yeah.
We won football this week,
so if Tempe lose against Marrickville,
then we'll make the semis and...
Yeah? Well, that's great news.
So, you gonna come see us soon?
Yeah, um, I'm not sure
that's gonna be possible, though, you know?
Are you ever coming?
It's a bit tricky here, you know, with the business,
my parents.
You know, I've got obligations.
What about here?
Well, it's not easy, Mo.
I mean, the world's more complicated than you think.
My best friend died in front of me
and you still didn't come back then.
Look, I gotta go again. Sorry, mate.
I'll call you back, hey?
(DOOR OPENS)
Oh. Is she OK?
Hey, um...
What?
It doesn't matter.
(MAYA WHISPERS) OK.
'Night, Maya.
'Night.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS SOFTLY)
(COMPUTER BEEPS)
OK, what's going on? You have a different aura.
No, I don't.
Have you been drinking apple cider vinegar?
No. I'm going to see my dad.
-He's actually coming? -No, I'm going there.
Wow.
That's really not like you.
Thanks.
No, it's awesome.
-You think? -Mm.
I booked a ticket last night.
He made you buy your own ticket?
He doesn't know that I'm coming.
Wait, what?
Why, then?
You know, I just wanna check out where I'm from.
-You're from Glebe. -(SCOFFS SOFTLY)
OK, no, I know. I get it.
That's actually really awesome. When?
-My birthday. -Your birthday?
In a week?
For how long?
Dunno. Couple of months.
A couple of months?!
But I just started liking you.
Pri, seriously?
I've been right here this whole time.
Oh.
(PHONE CAMERA CLICKS)
(GIGGLES)
(MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY)
-Mm, that's good. -Oh, my God.
(CHUCKLES)
Hey, are you OK?
Yeah.
Are you sure?
Yeah.
'Cause if you have any problems,
tell me and I'll help solve them.
I'm here for you. Please.
I don't have any problems, Pri.
Seriously?
Do you want me to have problems or something?
No, I just want to help.
I mean, Kate won't spill about Gus.
You don't need anything.
-I can't help Mo... -Oh, Priya, no.
Ew. Don't want to hear about you and Mo. Please firewall me.
No, it's not about that. It's about the Lebanon thing.
What Lebanon thing?
What do you mean, what...
Priya, what Lebanon thing?
-I didn't... I don't... -What are you talking about?
That's not what I...
You can't just say that and then not tell me what you mean.
-I didn't say anything. -Priya, what Lebanon thing?
(GASPS, LAUGHS)
-How was work? -Uh... It was not great.
-Are you OK? -Yeah.
-I need my passport. -What? Why?
Uh, I don't know. For school.
They said we need to bring it in.
They've asked you to bring in your passports to school?
What's going on?
Fine.
I'm gonna go see Dad.
(HALF-LAUGHS)
Excuse me?
You are absolutely not going to Beirut on your...
-Yes, I am. -No, you're not!
-I can do what I want! -No, you can't!
It's dangerous, Mo!
And you...you have school and you have exams coming up!
-I already paid for the ticket! -Yeah, well, get a refund!
It's a non-refundable ticket.
What, is this with all your savings?
You spent all your savings on this?
How can you be so fuckin' stupid?!
I'm not fuckin' stupid, Mum! What the fuck?!
Does Dad even want you there?
ADELA: Maya...
No, for real. How do you know that Dad even wants you there?
-Fuck you, Maya. -ADELA: Mo!
-Fine. -ADELA: Fine what?
-Fine what?! -I won't go.
I won't go!
(SIGHS)
How are you?
I've blocked him back, so fine.
(CLEARS THROAT)
I'm supposed to go through this form with you. Is that OK?
Um, do you sleep eight hours a night,
less than eight hours a night, more than eight hours a night
or less than six hours a night?
Eight hours.
In the last seven days, have you felt depressed
never, sometimes...
No, no, no. No, no, no. I'll...I'll do it.
Um, all the time, all the time,
most of the time, yes, no.
Anything on here about stalking your ex like a psycho?
(SNORTS) George!
Once? Three to four times? Once is OK?
George...
I feel sad.
Why?
It was just so sudden, you know?
He just left me...
..and we didn't even get to talk.
Did I ever tell you my coming-out story?
OK.
I was really messy
and I took, like, three pills.
We went to a party.
And I pashed Tully.
Like, really went for it,
and he was cool with it.
But it wasn't his vibe, you know?
But after that, he actually got me and Brendan together.
He knew Brendan liked me. Only human.
Sounds like he was a good friend.
He was.
He just let you be who you were, you know?
He could see the best version of yourself,
even when you couldn't.
(STUDENTS SHOUT NEARBY)
-Hey! -BOWIE: Hi.
Um, I... Can I catch you later?
OK.
My nan makes these.
Thanks, Nan.
You know I'm trying to be good, right?
Yeah. Do you wanna...
Do you think it's worth it?
What do you mean?
Like, can I change?
Can I be different?
It's a good question.
It's really difficult to get out of a bad situation.
A lot of people can't, but you, you're really smart, mate.
You're a bit of a challenge, but you're tough.
I reckon you can.
I have every confidence
that you will be really good.
You've just gotta...
Not do dumb shit?
-Pretty much. -(LAUGHS)
So, things really can be different?
Yeah.
By the way, sorry.
I appreciate that.
I actually made it, not my nan.
-I'm very touched, mate. -Good.
(BOWIE LAUGHS)
Oh...
(VOICES SHOUT IN DISTANCE)
OPHELIA: Why are you even here?!
TRISTAN: Because your histrionics
suck everything into it like a vortex!
OPHELIA: Well, I learned from the fucking best...
GUS: Everything good?
OPHELIA: ..because you are a master of histrionics!
-Do you want me to go? -TRISTAN: Stupid slut!
No.
OPHELIA: Don't you dare call me that!
What happened?
Just the same.
You know how sometimes you think things could be different?
I feel so stupid
because I sometimes think things will actually be better.
I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
Some things just go wrong. It's the way it is.
No, but what if we could change that?
What if we can make it different?
How would it be different?
I mean, you make me feel awesome
because you're awesome.
See?
But feelings don't change things.
You saw what happened. It's a mess.
So, that's it, then.
SONG: ♪ Love me
♪ Love me
♪ Love me... ♪
(MOODY MUSIC)
♪ 'Cause I want it
♪ Love me
♪ 'Cause I want it
♪ Love me
♪ No more. ♪