Magnolia Close. Episode 22. Trial and Tribulation.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you.”

The Ames family gathered around to sing good wishes to its youngest member, Celine.

“Here you go, kiddo,” said Brooke to her sister. “Got you a little present.”

Celine unwrapped the package. “What is it?”

“It’s a pencil case. Full of pens and stuff. Mum and Dad got me the same thing when I started at secondary school.”

“Thanks.”

“And we’ve got you this.” Martha nudged Dennis forward to hand over their gift.

“A mobile phone!” Celine shrieked with delight. “Cool! I am so going to need this at Hope.”

“Now then – we’ve got your number so we can always find out where you are,” said Dennis, “and ‘Mum and Dad’ are already programmed in on speed-dial so you can always get us.”

“Wait till my mates see this,” said Celine. She started pressing buttons and within seconds had the little device playing tunes.

Martha spoke in a hushed voice to Dennis. “Let’s just hope we can afford it.”

Brooke’s present lay forgotten on the sofa. Celine was already trying to call a friend. “You’d better let me have your number,” Brooke said.

Dennis, his voice also lowered, said to Martha: “We’ll know better after my court case this afternoon.”

“Now what are you spying on?” said Walter to Gladys.

“Just the Ames girls, both going off to school together. It doesn’t seem five minutes since they were born.”

“The older one looks a bit sulky.”

“You know what kids are like at that age. Remember how ours were.”

“Oh I remember alright,” said Walter, looking at Gladys carefully. “You know, if we are going to have a big do for our anniversary, we ought to start inviting them. The whole family, don’t you think?”

Gladys turned to Walter. Her expression was vaguely troubled. “Walter?”

“Yes?”

“I thought you’d asked them already.”

He hesitated. “I wasn’t sure what you wanted to do.”

“I want them all here, of course. You’d better get on with it. I don’t want them missing our diamond jubilee.”

Walter looked at his wife for a second, then gave her a warm hug.

Robert Farrah had barely got into the staff-room at Hope Academy, desperately in search of a coffee, before his colleague, Natalie, grabbed his arm. “Good timing –  you’ve got a phone call.”

He took the phone, half-wondering whether it would be a nagging parent, a local journalist about the court case against Dennis Ames that afternoon, or just his fiancée, Nasreen, checking something with him. It wasn’t any of them.

“Robert Farrah.”

“Bob? It’s Mark. How you doing, mate?”

“Mark? Gosh – I haven’t heard from you in ages.”

“Heard about you planning to get hitched. Wondered if I could talk you out of it over a drink. Or several. Andy’s with me as well, so we thought we might hook up. Are you free tonight?”

“Andy too? Blimey! I’m not missing that. Where and when?”

“Where’s easiest for you?”

“There’s a pleasant local we could go to. The Stormy Petrel.”

“What about the old ball-and-chain?”

“She doesn’t drink, Mark. She’s a Muslim. And we’re not married yet.”

“Will she let you out for the evening?”

“No problem. I think she’ll be glad to get rid of me for a while.”

“Wow – romance isn’t dead. Eight o’clock suit you?”

“Just wish me luck in court this afternoon.”

“Eh?”

“I’ll tell you all about it when I see you.”

“How did your modelling with Dad go?” Maxwell had bumped into Brooke in the school corridor and it was the first time he’d seen her in a few days.

“Shh! It’s secret,” said Brooke. “If you play your cards right, I might let you see.”

“I’d like that. We haven’t got together since… you know, results day.”

“At least that bit of the day was nice.”

“Yeah. No problem. Wish things had worked out better for you.”

Brooke smiled. “Thanks. It’s nice to have somebody show me some interest.”

“Like I said, no problem.”

The magistrates court was a drab building of Sixties brutalist architecture. Inside, the court itself was blandly austere. Dennis Ames stood in the dock, with his wife, Martha, looking on apprehensively, and Brooke. She had insisted on being allowed off school to give moral support, as she claimed, but partly she was just curious what might be said about Robert Farrah. He was also there along with his fiancée, Nasreen Siddiqi. Buster Keaton had popped in as well to see what his neighbours had been up to.

 “You have pleaded guilty to the one charge of assault,” said the head magistrate. “Have you anything to say before we pass sentence?”

“If that’s allowed, sir. I regret my actions and I assure you it is not my usual character. However, the reason for my behaviour towards Mr Farrah is because I had heard a rumour about what he got up to with girls at his previous school. Interfering with them. I have two daughters at Hope Academy. One is only twelve and has just started there.”

“Is there any substance to these allegations, these rumours?”

“I don’t know, sir,” said Dennis turning to stare at Robert Farrah.

The magistrates conferred in whispers, occasionally glancing at Dennis and, at one point, at Robert. For his part, Robert fidgeted uncomfortably. Brooke was also staring at him, while Martha watched Brooke. Could there be any truth in all this?

“The courts take a dim view of anyone taking the law into their own hands,” the head magistrate was speaking. “Especially when this results in violence. Such allegations are a matter for the police.” He turned again to his colleagues.

“See what trouble you’ve got your father into,” Martha whispered to Brooke.

“Why does nobody believe what I say?” Brooke hissed, infuriated.

“It’s up to the police. Your father might lose his job because of this. Then what are we going to do?”

“Silence in the court!” the magistrate snapped.

“Here it comes,” Martha mouthed.

“The sentence is as follows.”

END OF EPISODE 22.

Magnolia Close. Episode 21. Showing The Money

Robert Farrah had a free period in his timetable and, instead of the bustle of the staff-room, he found an empty classroom to do some marking. He had just sat down when there was a knock at the door.
“Yes?”
Brooke Ames entered. “Can I see you for a moment, sir?”
“What about?”
“I’ve got this homework about MacBeth and, but I just don’t get it.”
“Listen, Brooke, I’m not your English teacher. Why don’t you go and see her?”
“You promised that I would pass my re-sits.”
“I’ll help where I can, yes.”
“So start helping. Otherwise, you might find being a teacher isn’t as much… fun as before. And if my kid sister starts hearing rumours about you again…”

“So what happens now, Dr Fry?” said Walter.
“We run some blood tests on Gladys just to check the obvious, Mr Ashton. You promise me you don’t have a sherry in the afternoon, do you, Gladys?”
Gladys glared at Dr Fry but didn’t answer.
“What else?”
“I can send her for some screening tests. They’re like intelligence tests, and need expert interpretation.”
“What will they do?”
“They will show that Gladys is still as sharp as a button, hopefully.”
“What if she’s not? The other day, she kept on insisting I wasn’t her husband.”
“Do you mind,” said Gladys, icily, “not speaking about me as if I’m not in the room? Of course you’re my husband, you old crank. You’re just no George Clooney, that’s all. Not sharp indeed!”

Sammy slid his way on to a bar stool in The Stormy Petrel and started hunting for change for a drink.
“Another afternoon off?” said Douglas.
“Finished early,” said Sammy.
“At least you’ve got a proper job. Anyway, allow me. I owe you one.”
“What for?”
“For your suggestion to Maddy the other day. If she can get a few quid modelling for Benson Fairhurst, we’d all benefit.”
“Would we? Did she?”
“Only some practice poses. But she asked him about doing something a bit, more, you know, racy. Do you know anyone else who might do a bit of modelling. Some cute receptionist at Merlin Court? For a finder’s fee. Cash is always handy.”
“I don’t know about that. But we get all sorts of business visitors – there was a chap the other week – somebody who might want to buy ‘em.”
“There you go.”

“Hey, Max!”
“Hey, Brooke. How’s it going?”
“Oh, you know. Hey, is it true your Dad’s looking for models?”
“Good grief! How did you hear about that?”
“Sammy was blathering about it down the shop. Must have been one of his more sober moments.”
“It was only Maddy Weston. She was just helping Dad out get some practice. He’s a bit of a dinosaur with technical stuff. What’s it to you?”
“I thought there might be a few quid in it. I’m going to need all the cash I can get when I go to Uni.”
“If you get into Uni.”
“Shut your gob! Anyway – do you think he would be interested?”
“I can ask, I suppose.”
“Do.”

“Good night out?” said Jade.
“OK, thanks. We went to a movie then had a meal,” said Tricia.
“You don’t sound too enthusiastic.”
“No, no – it was fine.”
“But he’s not exactly swept you off your feet.”
“Give him time.”
“But keep looking, eh?”
“Are you still looking?”
“Course! I think I know more what I’m looking for.”
“Lucky old you.”

Martha was laying out the tea things as Brooke got home.
“You’re late – where’ve you been?”
“Just getting some help with homework.”
“She’s been seeing that creep Farrah,” Celine piped up. “Creepy, creepy Farrah,” she started to sing.
“I’ll batter you if you don’t belt up.”
“Is this true?” said Martha. “He’s not your subject teacher, is he?”
“He ain’t. But sometimes you need a bit extra for the modules as the proper teachers get, what d’you call it? – tunnel vision about you when they’ve seen you all year. Don’t give you a fair chance.”
“Well, don’t let your Dad hear about it. He’s got enough on his mind as it is.”
“What have I got on your mind?” said Dennis, entering the lounge.
“Your court case next week, for a start,” said Martha. “I do hope they’ll be understanding and realise it’s not like you – you just lost your temper.”
“I know. And I might lose my job, too. I’ve been thinking about that. If the worst happens, how do you feel about me trying to set up my own business? You know, house-hold repairs, that sort of thing?”
“Gosh!” Martha was surprised. “Do you really think it might be that bad? I mean, being your own boss might be good some day, but with things the way they are now?”
“It might be either that or look for another job, which could be just as hard. This might be just the right time. Hey,” he turned to Brooke, “where are you off to?”
“I’ve just realised how late it is. I’ve got to see someone.”
“What about your tea? And who’re you seeing?”
“I’ll get it later. It’s more help with homework. I’m determined to pass with flying colours.” Before her parents could argue, Brooke was out of the door.
“Bet she’s off to see creep Farrah again,” Celine muttered.

“Did Max tell you what I want?” said Brooke, as Benson Fairhust shut the door of number 22.
“Not exactly. Something about money.”
“People will pay a lot of money for the right sort of pictures, won’t they?”
“What sort of pictures are you talking?”
“What do you think? And I promise you, I’ll be a good model. Money for you too. You just tell me what you want.”
“Right now I want you to go home before Ashleigh gets in.”
As Benson led Brooke to the door, he said, “But if you can come here tomorrow around half-three, we could give it a try.”
“Remember,” said Brooke, “it’s all for money.”
“I’ll remember.”

END OF EPISODE 21. 

Magnolia Close. Episode 20. This Year’s Model.

Sammy shuffled up to the bar of The Stormy Petrel and ordered another scotch off Maddy.

"Are you sure?" she said. "You look like you’ve had enough already."

"It’s just a night-cap," he sighed, none too clearly.

"I don’t know how you can afford it. Working at Merlin Court must pay better than here."

"I don’t have any family to keep, do I?" He stared off into the distance. "Not any more."

"All the same," she interrupted him before he got started on his life story, "I wish I had money to spare."

"A pretty girl like you? With a face like that you should always be able to find work."

Douglas, who had been sitting a little distance away watching his partner deal with customers, now spoke up. "Hey, Sammy. Maybe it’s time you did go home. Stop bothering the staff."

Sammy turned, unsure who had spoken, until he saw Douglas’s face. "I’m sorry, Doug. I didn’t mean to make a nuisance of myself." He slung back the scotch in a single gulp. "I’ll be going then," he said and set off.

When he had gone, Douglas said to Maddy. "He might have a point though, don’t you think?"

"In what way?"

"You’re a good looking woman. You’re wasted here."

"What I’m wasted by is having someone like you as a partner."

Foster put down the information sheet from the surgery that he had been reading and turned to his wife, Daisy. "So what happens now?"

"You’ve read the leaflet. Luther has to go for more tests. Then, if it’s confirmed…"

"If it’s confirmed, it says here, they can treat him."

"But our child – on drugs for the rest of his life!" She was close to tears."

"It’s not the same as a drug." Foster was trying as rapidly as he could to catch up with the situation. "It’s just something his body should produce normally but it’s stopped working properly." He could see she wasn’t convinced. "It says something like fifty million people around the world are on insulin for diabetes."

"Fifty million?"

"Something like that – I can’t remember exactly. But as long as he gets his daily dose he will be absolutely fine. When does he go back for more tests?"

"Now I want you on your best behaviour when Jonathan turns up," said Tricia to Jade. "You start telling him fibs and – and you’re out of here!"

"But it was all a mistake. You wouldn’t throw your house-mate just for a misunderstanding?"

"Do you have any idea how long I have been looking for a boyfriend? Finally I meet someone nice and you have to go and tell him I’m not interested!"

"I’m sure it was a mistake," said Jade. "You wouldn’t make your best friend homeless just for a date?"

"I’d make my best friend homeless just for a snog!" Tricia exclaimed, so dramatically, she then couldn’t help starting to laugh at herself. Jade started laughing also. "Me too," she said with a grin.

"Anyway," Tricia was still laughing, "who says you’re my best friend?"

Slightly more serious, Jade said, "I promise unless you find somebody else. Unless somebody better comes along. Even then, you and I will be best friends."

Maddy arrived at Number 22, Magnolia Close, with daughter Bethany in her arms. Benson Fairhurst opened the door.

"Here’s our little model-to-be," Maddy cooed over Bethany. "I hope you can make her as pretty in a picture as she already is."

"I’m sure I can do something," said Benson. "Come in."

Benson led Maddy into the living room which had its curtain drawn, but was amply lit by two umbrella floodlights. He had improvised a backcloth of vague pastel-colours with a small chair in front. "I hope she won’t get camera-shy. Some children hate having their picture taken and cry all the way through."

"I’m sure she won’t do that. You’ll get a smile out of her." Maddy picked up a small teddy-bear that Benson had obviously got ready as a prop.

Next door, at Number 21, the door-bell rang and Tricia answered.

"Jonathan!" she exclaimed and dared give him a peck on the cheek. "It’s lovely to see you again. Come in."

She led Jonathan into the lounge. "This is my house-mate, Jade. I gather you and her have already had a bit of a chat on the phone."

Jonathan looked rather awkward. "I’m sorry about what happened. I must have misheard you or something. These mobile phones, eh?" He attempted a grin.

"Can you just hang on a moment while I finish getting ready?" said Tricia. "Don’t go trying to steal him now, will you, Jade."

"That could have gone better," said Benson with a sigh. "I’d forgotten how children can be. Camera’s cleverer than me too. At least with digital, you don’t have to spend any money on film."

"I’m sorry Bethany’s played up. I think she needs a nap."

"As I say, don’t worry."

"I wish she had been a better model." Maddy paused while Benson shut down the lights. "I was just wondering…"

"Yes?"

"Could I model for you? I could pay you off instead."

"What sort of modelling?"

"Whatever’s best. Do you think I’m attractive?"

"Of course you are, dear. Do you mean some kind of glamour modelling?"

"Oh! That sounds a bit daring."

"No, no – anything you wish. A model is a model."

Maddy hesitated some more. "If it’s digital, no-one else will see them, will they?"

"I remember you now," said Jonathan. "You were with Tricia the night we met."

"That’s right," said Jade. "She got to you first."

"What do you mean?"

"I thought you were quite nice. I think that was why I was surprised when you phoned and asked for Tricia."

"Why?"

"She’s a bit of an ‘older model,’ don’t you think?" Jade got up from the sofa and pushed a piece of paper into Jonathan’s hand. "If you fancy something with a few less miles on the clock, here’s my mobile number."

End Of Episode 20

Magnolia Close, Episode 19. Down At The Surgery.

Walter Ashton entered Greenfields Surgery to find an unfamiliar face behind the reception counter – or at least a face he had not been introduced to close-up.

"Good morning, my dear, you’re new around here, aren’t you?"

"That’s right," said Jade.

"Aren’t you Tricia’s new house-mate? Isn’t she in this week?"

"She is later – I’m on the early session today and she was still in the land of nod when I left this morning. Is it something I can deal with?"

"No, you’ll do, I suppose. I want Dr Fry to give my wife, Gladys, a check-up."

"Do you need an urgent appointment?"

"No, no – just a check-up. And one myself while I’m here. Would that be alright?"

"I’m sure it would but I’ll have a word with Dr Fry just in case."

At that moment, the sign that indicated the next patient was due buzzed and Daisy Woods got up from the waiting area and led a rather sullen Luther in to see the doctor.

****

Benson Fairhust did not make a habit of drinking at lunchtime but he was in a buoyant mood. He was, frankly, overwhelmed by Ashleigh’s generosity in getting him a new camera and he was dying to try in out, Meanwhile, he just felt like celebrating.

"Pint of bitter when you’re ready, Maddy." Maddy Weston served Benson his pint, and saw he was fiddling with the new gadget.

"So you got a camera, after all?" she said.

Benson stiffened – he hadn’t meant to show the prized object off, especially to the partner of Douglas Gormley, who had had his own method for supplying merchandise that had very nearly got Benson in trouble with the police in the form of Detective Constable Liam "Buster" Keaton.

"Yes, I er…" Benson hesitated. "I decided business demanded I keep up with the times.

"Look," said Maddy, "I’m sorry what Douglas did – the mess he nearly got you in. But he was caught out too. He was just trying to make the best of what seemed like a bit of luck. We’re both short of money – Bethany costs a fortune and she’s only two. Goodness knows what it will be like when she gets older."

"Your Douglas ought to think of getting a proper job. I don’t suppose, if you’re short of cash, you’d be interested in having some portraits of your little girl?"

"Gosh, I’d love to," said Maddy, sincerely. "I just don’t think family budget would run to it. You out looking for business, I take it?"

Benson noticed the heartfelt tone in her voice, and softened. "I know Douglas didn’t mean anything by it. He was just trying to do me a favour. Tell you what – I haven’t got any customers at the moment – how about I come and take some pictures of Bethany anyway – for practice’s sake. She could be my model and I could learn how this new-fangled thing works. And it would show there’s no hard feelings."

"Really? You’d do that? That would be lovely."

"Just don’t let my Ashleigh find out! She still isn’t keen on Douglas and she’d have my guts for garters if she knew."

"It will be our little secret. Oh, I would so love some pictures of Bethany. She’s so cute. Thanks so much."

"Our little secret," Benson said.

****

At Greenfields, Jade was just getting ready to go off duty when Tricia arrived.

"I was beginning to think you weren’t coming in today," Jade said. "You were out ever so late last night."

"That’s because I had a date," Tricia said with asperity. "No thanks to you."

"To me? I don’t know what you mean."

"So you didn’t tell Jonathan that I’d left a message saying I didn’t want to see him?"

"Who’s Jonathan?"

"Don’t give me that – you don’t even sound like you’re telling the truth."

"Oh – er – is Jonathan that guy you met the other week when we went out? What’s… what’s he like?"

"As if you are ever going to find out. What were you thinking?"

"I’m sorry, Trish, but I think somebody’s got their wires crossed here. There was some stranger phoned you up but he clearly didn’t know you that well and I didn’t want to give out private information. I just said I didn’t think you were interested in seeing someone. You don’t know what creeps and weirdos – "

"I specifically told you that if someone called Jonathan rang, I wanted to meet up with him again."

"Is that what he told you? That I said you weren’t available?"

"Precisely," Tricia almost hissed the word.

"He must have got hold of the wrong end of the stick, this Jonathan chap. Look – who are you going to trust? – a comparative stranger or the person you share a house with. I’m your friend. I’d never do anything to upset you."

Tricia took a breath and paused. "This isn’t the right place to discuss it. But I want a word with you when I get home."

"Trish, I – " But Tricia was already dealing with someone at the reception desk. "Damn," said Jade to herself. "Let’s see how long this Jonathan lasts when I’ve dealt with him."

****

Daisy called in at her husband’s shop, Paws For Thought.

"What are you doing here at this time of day?" said Foster.

"I just thought you’d like to know what’s wrong with our son, seeing as you haven’t been taking much of an interest."

"Do my a favour, lady, I’m as concerned as you – I just didn’t notice the way a mother does. So what is the news?"

Suddenly Daisy began to cry.

"Daisy – what is it? What’s wrong with Luther?"

Daisy couldn’t stop sobbing. She handed Foster a leaflet she had got from the surgery. "This is what the doctor thinks it might be."

Foster looked at the leaflet. "But this is not possible."

"The doctor’s going to do further tests. But he’s pretty sure already. This is what’s wrong with our son. And it will affect him for life!"

End Of Episode 19.