prosperity - stacey's story

prosperity

Written by

Mark O'Halloran

stacey's story

SHOOTING SCRIPT

Directed by Lenny AbrahamsonProduced by Element Pictures

© RTE 2007

INT. STACEY’S BEDROOM. B+B - 07451 1

The bedroom of a B+B in the North Inner City of Dublin. The bedroom is shabby and basic. A small bed, a window, a sink for washing in. There is also a child’s cot. Still sleeping in the bed is STACEY. Stacey is 17. There is the sound of the house waking up. We hear people on the stairs and sounds of children crying. Gradually Stacey wakes. She sits up. She stares for a time at the child’s cot. Stacey has a reserved, quiet persona, almost cold or damaged. Eventually she rises and stands beside the cot. Inside is her three month old daughter LORNA. The child is still sleeping soundly. Stacey watches her a moment.

STACEY(softly)

Baba, baba, baba.

She tucks the child in, gently. She moves to the window. There is a ‘no smoking’ sign on the window. She opens the window and then lights a cigarette. She sits on the window sill and smokes and watches the world go by. We see that she is in the centre of the city. Occasionally she looks back into the room to check on Lorna.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY. B+B - 08042 2

Stacey is coming out of the communal bathroom. She has showered. There are others milling about. A rough looking woman called LINDA is having an argument with another woman. There is a four year old boy watching.

LINDAWhat the fuck are you saying?

WOMANI’m not saying anything Linda.

LINDABetter not be.

WOMANWhy?

LINDACause I’ll sort you.

WOMANYou will?

LINDAI will.

WOMAN(to her four year old kid)

Go on into the room Darren.

STACEY'S STORY Shooting Script. 1.

(CONTINUED)

Stacey avoids engaging with people and returns to her room.

CUT TO:


Stacey picks up her phone from the bedside locker. She presses some of the buttons. The phone is dead.

STACEYJesus.

Stacey goes and sits at the cheap dressing table in her room. She looks at herself in the mirror. She begins to put on her jewellery, large earrings, necklaces and sovereign rings etc. She ties up her hair. Lorna is still sleeping. She looks in at the sleeping baby.

STACEY (cont’d)(softly)

Sleepy.

Stacey sits on the edge of her bed and watches the sleeping infant. There is still noise outside. Eventually there is a knock on the door and a voice from outside. It is VERONICA, the landlady of the B+B.

VERONICA O/SStacey?

STACEYYeah?

VERONICA O/SYou’ve ten minutes love.

STACEYI know.

VERONICA O/STen minutes.

The landlady leaves. Stacey still sits and watches Lorna sleeping.

STACEY(softly)

Baby.

CUT TO:

EXT. STAIRWAY. B+B - 08234 4

Stacey is coming down the stairs. In the hallway below is Veronica.

STACEYVeronica?

STACEY'S STORY Shooting Script. 2.CONTINUED:2 2

(CONTINUED)

VERONICAWhat?

STACEYLorna’s not even awake yet.

VERONICASo?

STACEYSo I was wondering if I could stay on a bit longer. Let her sleep a bit longer.

VERONICASake Stacey. I have to do out all them rooms.

STACEYI know.

VERONICASo?

STACEYIt’s only she’s sleeping.

Beat.

STACEY (cont’d)Don’t even have her bottles done yet.

VERONICAWell you should have her bottles done.

STACEYI know.

VERONICAI’ll give you fifteen minutes.

STACEYThanks.

VERONICABut you have to be gone then.

STACEYYeah.

Stacey goes back up the stairs.

CUT TO:



Stacey is in the bedroom. She boils the small kettle and makes up some bottles of formula. She puts them in the baby bag she has and packs it onto the buggy. She looks into the cot. Lorna is still sleeping. Eventually she leans over and picks up the baby. The baby cries gently.

STACEYSleepy.

Beat. She holds the baby to her.

STACEY (cont’d)Now, now. Baby. Hah? Shh.

She lays the baby on the bed.

STACEY (cont’d)Are you dirty? Are you a dirty, dirty, dirty? Are you?

She sets about changing the baby.

STACEY (cont’d)Only pissy.

Stacey fills the small hand basin in the room with water. She takes Lorna’s clothes off and gently sits her in the water.

STACEY (cont’d)It’s not too hot. Isn’t it? Isn’t it nice? Isn’t it? Yeah.

Stacey sits back down on the corner of the bed. She has Lorna wrapped in a towel. She dries her and dresses her.

STACEY (cont’d)(softly)

All nice.

Stacey has all of Lorna’s clothes on now. She next puts on her outdoor layers and places her in the buggy. She straps her in. Stacey goes to the window again. She sits on the window sill, opens the window and smokes again. Eventually a knock comes on the door.

LANDLADY O/SYou’re taking the piss now Stacey.

STACEYNo. I know.

Stacey readies herself.

CUT TO:


INT. ENTRANCE HALL. B+B - 08516 6

With difficulty Stacey gets the buggy down the stairs. She is carrying the infant while doing this. At the bottom of the stairs she straps Lorna into the buggy. Veronica is by the door talking to Linda.

LINDAI was down there yesterday and nothing. And I’m after being down there now and nothing.

VERONICATo the post office?

LINDAYeah to the poxy post office.

VERONICAWell why don’t you go down to the labour?

LINDABecause I’m not fucken walking around all day. Alright Stacey?

STACEYYeah.

VERONICAShe awake.

STACEYYeah.

LINDAShe’s getting big.

STACEYDo you have a Nokia charger Veronica?

VERONICAI don’t think so.

STACEYI lost me charger.

VERONICAI don’t think I’m Nokia.

LINDAI’m Motorola Stacey love. You’re Motorola as well Veronica are you?

VERONICAI don’t know, I think.


(CONTINUED)

LINDAShow it.

Veronica hands Linda her phone.

LINDA (cont’d)That’s a Sony Veronica. You’re a Sony.

VERONICAYeah Sony I meant.

STACEYThanks.

Stacey moves off.

VERONICAStacey, you can come back in the afternoon.

STACEYYeah. Thanks.

VERONICAAbout three or that. Four.

STACEYYeah.

Stacey leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET. CITY CENTRE - 09057 7

Stacey is walking down a city street. She has her baby bag in the bottom of the buggy. It falls out and spills. Stacey stops and picks up the items. A man approaches. He is in his fifties. He is unkempt and uncared for looking. He is a street drinker. He stands and looks at Stacey. She ignores him. He drinks from a can as he watches her. Stacey becomes uneasy. She finishes collecting the items and replaces the bag on the buggy. She stands and looks at the man.

STACEYWhat?

HOMELESS MANNothing.

STACEYWhy you looking at me then?

HOMELESS MANFree country.

STACEYSake.


(CONTINUED)

Stacey takes off the brakes on the buggy and moves off. The man follows.

HOMELESS MANWhose baby is that?

STACEYWhat?

HOMELESS MANThat your baby is it?

STACEYWhy?

HOMELESS MANCause you’re too young.

Beat.

HOMELESS MAN (cont’d)What do you feed it?

Stacey ignores him.

HOMELESS MAN (cont’d)What do you feed it?

STACEYWhat do think I feed it?

HOMELESS MANI don’t know.

STACEYA fucken bottle.

Stacey tries move away from the man. He continues to follow.

HOMELESS MANUse your own milk?

STACEYFuck off.

HOMELESS MANI’m only asking.

STACEYNone of your business.

HOMELESS MANHealthy.

STACEYDisgusting.

Beat.


(CONTINUED)

HOMELESS MANWhat age are you?

STACEYI’m not talking to you.

HOMELESS MANWhy.

STACEYBecause.

HOMELESS MANYou’re a young thing.

She tries to ignore him.

HOMELESS MAN (cont’d)What? 16?

STACEY17.

HOMELESS MANYou on your own?

STACEYNo.

HOMELESS MANNo fella there?

STACEYI’m not answering you.

HOMELESS MANGone is he.

STACEYNo he’s not.

HOMELESS MANRan a mile I’d say.

STACEYNo he didn’t.

HOMELESS MANWhat then?

Beat.

HOMELESS MAN (cont’d)Where you staying then?

STACEYNowhere.

HOMELESS MANIn a hostel?

STACEY'S STORY Shooting Script. 8.CONTINUED: (2)7 7

(CONTINUED)

STACEYI’m not talking to you.

HOMELESS MANWhere then?

She looks at him.

STACEYMy boyfriend and me have a flat.

The homeless man laughs.

HOMELESS MANWell why walking round this early for?

STACEYJust.

HOMELESS MANJust what?

STACEYCause I want to.

HOMELESS MANCause you want to.

STACEYFuck off.

The homeless man laughs more. Stacey has finished tying Lorna in. She moves off. The homeless man shouts after.

HOMELESS MANLiar.

STACEYFuck off.

She leaves.

CUT TO:


Stacey and the baby are in the city centre.

CUT TO:

INT. MODERN SHOPPING CENTRE. CITY CENTRE - 09409 9

Stacey is in a modern shopping centre. She passes the shops. She looks in the windows.

CUT TO:



Stacey is sitting on a bench in the shopping centre. It is still early. There are not that many people around. She sits passively and watches the world pass. Lorna cries. Stacey picks her up. She jiggles her on her leg.

STACEYBaba, Baba,Baba. Baba, Baba, Baba.

Lorna settles.

STACEY (cont’d)Lorna.

CUT TO:


Stacey is carrying Lorna and pushing the pram. She reaches the entrance to the baby changing facility by the toilets. Stacey pushes the door. It is locked. She looks around. She waits. She eventually knocks.

STACEYHello?

She waits. She walks away a little as if to see if there is anyone around. Eventually she sees KENNY walking towards her. Kenny is a security guard. He is in his mid to late fifties. He reaches the door.

KENNYYou beat me here this morning.

STACEYWhat?

KENNYI’m usually here before you.

Beat. Kenny opens the door. He goes inside. He holds the door for her.

KENNY (cont’d)I have to go in first. For my job. I’m like Hawaii 5 O here. You can stay there by the door there.

Stacey follows in. She stands by the door.

KENNY (cont’d)I have to check the place when I opens it in the morning.

He looks about the room.


(CONTINUED)

KENNY (cont’d)No one anyways.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYYeah. Junkies get in the skylight a bit and then they’re stuck then. The fucken edjits.

Stacey watches him.

KENNY (cont’d)Yeah. There was a dead one there one day there. Dead. The poor fucker. Trying to steal things.

Kenny checks each of the cubicles.

KENNY (cont’d)They’d try steal anything.

He checks the last cubicle.

KENNY (cont’d)Honest to God they’d rob your shitewouldn’t they?

STACEYYeah.

KENNYYeah.

Beat. Kenny watches. Stacey starts to tend to the baby. Kenny nods at her.

KENNY (cont’d)The baby.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYA good baby yeah?

STACEYYeah.

KENNYGood.

Beat.

STACEYShe does hardly cry she does.

KENNYGood.


(CONTINUED)

Kenny watches the baby.

KENNY (cont’d)Right. I better get back before they be looking for me.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYNo rest.

STACEYNo.

KENNYThey’ll all be up there now, the lads, saying where’s the fuck has Kenny got now to and all. All. You know.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Or whatever it is they say in Polish. You know.

Kenny is leaving.

KENNY (cont’d)I’m Kenny by the way. In case you’re wondering who the mad edjitis. Kenny.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYNo. I do sees you in here most days and all. Just, whatever.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYAnd the Baba.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Is it a boy or a girl?

STACEYIt’s a her.

KENNYCourse. You said.

STACEYYeah.


(CONTINUED)

KENNYI’m thick as a plank as well. What she called?

STACEYLorna.

KENNYLorna. That’s nice. And yourself?

STACEYStacey.

KENNYStacey. Right Stacey. Talk to you later Stacey. And don’t mind me and anyways. I’m half cracked. Fully cracked.

He leaves. Stacey continues with her prep of Lorna.

STACEY(softly)

Lorna.

She tends to the child.

CUT TO:


Stacey enters a phone shop in the shopping centre. She looks at the new phones. She approaches the ASSISTANT.

STACEYHave you Nokia chargers?

ASSISTANTWhat phone have you?

Stacey shows her.

ASSISTANT (cont’d)That’s the old charger.

STACEYYeah.

ASSISTANTOver there.

STACEYWhere?

ASSISTANTOn the rack.

STACEYI only want to plug it in.


(CONTINUED)

ASSISTANTYou can’t just plug it in.

STACEYI lost my one.

ASSISTANTWell you can buy one for 15 euros.

Beat.

STACEYFuck you.

Stacey leaves the shop.

CUT TO:


Stacey sits and watches the people pass.

CUT TO:

INT. PAYPHONE. MODERN SHOPPING CENTRE. CITY CENTRE -104214 14

Stacey is on a pay phone. She dials the number. She gets through to the answering machine.

STACEYHello? Sake. Dean you never answer your phone. It’s me. I lost me charger. Will you be there? I’ll be there. Half two.

She hangs up.

END OF PART ONE


Stacey is walking down the street.

CUT TO:

EXT. HSE OFFICES. CITY CENTRE - 105516 16

Stacey is about to enter the HSE offices. She meets a woman on the way out. This is KATHLEEN. Kathleen is in her early thirties. She is hard looking. Stacey passes her by. Kathleen calls her. We see PALA (from PALA’s STORY) enter the HSE office. This is not noticed by Stacey or Kathleen.

KATHLEENAlright Stacey.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYKathleen.

KATHLEENYou in getting your money?

STACEYYeah.

KATHLEENI’m the same.

STACEYBusy?

KATHLEENIt’s not too bad. Is that your babanow?

STACEYYeah.

KATHLEENBig thing. She’s lovely. Hello.

STACEYQuiet.

KATHLEENLike her Ma.

Beat.

KATHLEEN (cont’d)I has to go. I’m seeing Donna later probably. Will I tell her I seen you?

STACEYI don’t know.

KATHLEENThings still bad?

STACEYA bit.

KATHLEENShe’s your sister Stacey.

STACEYYeah.

KATHLEENRight. See you anyways.

STACEYBye.


(CONTINUED)

Stacey enters the building.

CUT TO:

INT. HSE OFFICES. CITY CENTRE - 105817 17

The waiting room of the HSE offices. Stacey is waiting to see her Community Welfare Officer. PALA (from PALA’s story) is sitting opposite her. There are a lot of others waiting also. Mostly WOMEN WITH CHILDREN. There is some tension in the air. Stacey sits. Lorna is in her buggy, happily lying there.

FRANCIS (O.S.)Pala.

Pala rises.

CUT TO:


Stacey is at the top of the queue. The community welfare officer appears. He is in his late thirties. His name is FRANCIS.

FRANCISStacey Connolly?

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISThis way Stacey.

CUT TO:


Stacey is siting at a desk across from Francis. She has Lorna in the buggy beside. Stacey is a little nervous. Francis looks through his notes.

FRANCISLorna seems to be doing well.

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISYour public health nurse is very happy with her.

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISHappy with her progress.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISNo problems?

STACEYNo.

FRANCISGood.

Stacey hands Francis a form. Francis hands her an envelope and gets her to sign a form.

FRANCIS (cont’d)From next week you’ll be able to collect it direct from your local post office. OK?

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISSave you coming in all the time.

STACEYThanks.

Beat.

FRANCISIs there anything else you need at the moment?

STACEYDunno.

FRANCISYou happy in the B+B?

STACEYI hate it.

FRANCISWhy?

STACEYDunno. Poxy walking around all day.

FRANCISWell there aren’t that many alternatives Stacey.

STACEYI know.

FRANCISIn the short term there’s just the Hostel.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYI’m not staying in the poxy hostel either.

FRANCISRight.

STACEYI want a flat.

FRANCISDid you sign on with the corporation housing list?

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISWell you’ll have to wait then.

STACEYHow long?

FRANCISWe don’t administer the housing list Stacey.

STACEYBut you’d know.

FRANCISIt won’t be soon.

Beat.

STACEYI want a flat.

FRANCISI know.

Beat.

FRANCIS (cont’d)Do you think that Lorna’s Dad might want to get a place with you?

STACEYYeah maybe.

FRANCISWell I think your best bet would be to try for private rented accommodation, the three of you together.

STACEYYeah?


(CONTINUED)

FRANCISAnd we’d be able to pay your rent allowance while you still needed it.

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISWould that be a possibility?

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISI think that’s your only chance at the moment Stacey. I don’t think you’d be able to secure rented accommodation on your own and with the housing list you’re talking years.

STACEYYeah.

Beat.

FRANCISYou alright Stacey?

STACEYYeah.

FRANCISOk.

STACEYBye.

Stacey leaves.

CUT TO:

INT. BANK. CITY CENTRE - 113520 20

Stacey is in a queue for the cashier in the bank. She looks out of place. Some of the other customers glance at her. She eventually reaches the top of the line. She hands over the cheque and some ID to the teller.

STACEYCash that please.

The tellers gets the money. Stacey looks around. Eventually she gets her money.

STACEY (cont’d)Thanks.


(CONTINUED)

Stacey exits.

CUT TO:


Stacey is shopping for essentials. She is buying nappies, cream and formula. She weighs different produce against each other to get the cheapest ones. She sees some coloured hair scrunchies. She takes her hair down and then ties it up with the new scrunchie. She takes her time watching herself in the small mirror. She chooses which scrunchie she wants and then makes her way to the checkout. She waits in line and then has her items checked through.

CUT TO:


Stacey is back on the bench. She is tying her hair up. She then arranges her shopping on the bottom of the buggy. She takes out a sandwich. She is about to unwrap it. Kenny approaches.

KENNYYou’re having your sandwich?

STACEYYeah.

KENNYThat’s nice. Yeah.

STACEYYeah.

Beat. Kenny is watching something.

KENNYI have me eye on two edjits over here.

Beat. We see GAVIN and CONOR (from GAVIN’S STORY) on the far side of the shopping centre.

KENNY (cont’d)Watching them.

Beat.

STACEYYou didn’t find a charger in here yesterday Kenny?

KENNYDon’t know. Don’t think so. That’s more the cleaning department now.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYRight.

KENNYWhat phone is it. I have one of the old nokia chargers above.

STACEYThat’s the one I want. Me phone is dead.

KENNYWell let me sort these two first. I take you up to the room then.

Kenny moves off.

CUT TO:

INT. OFFICE. MODERN SHOPPING CENTRE. CITY CENTRE - 120023 23

Stacey is sitting at the table. She has the charger that Kenny has given her. She is plugging in her phone.

KENNYThe luck of God I have the old Nokia now.

Beat.

STACEYWhere will I plug it in?

KENNYHere. I’ll do that.

Kenny plugs in the phone. She watches her phone to see it is charging. She turns her phone on. Kenny watches her. She then stands there awkwardly.

KENNY (cont’d)Sit down. There does be no one in here at lunch times. The other lads do go out and smoke.

STACEYThanks.

KENNYHave your sandwich there now.

STACEYThanks.

KENNYBetter than just sitting out there anyways. That’s what I think anyways.


(CONTINUED)

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Your not that long coming in here are you?

STACEYI dunno.

KENNYA couple of weeks?

STACEYThree weeks.

KENNYYeah. Cause I do have to be watching like. I do have to watch all the people. All coming and going and all. Just.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYNosey fucker like.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYYeah. I love it now I do.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)You have tea?

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Go on have tea. Wet your sandwich for you.

STACEYAlright.

KENNYYeah.

Kenny goes about his tea making.

KENNY (cont’d)Cause I’m only three months in this, doing this, myself. Yeah. In the security game.

STACEYRight.


(CONTINUED)

KENNYYeah. I like it. Good auld crack with the eastern european lads anyways.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYAll six foot fucken whatever. I don’t know what they feed them over there. Big bastards now. Here.

He hands her the tea.

STACEYThanks.

KENNYPut the Irish lads to shame they would.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYYour sugar and milk and all is there. On the table there. Yeah. Big bastards now. And love working they do too.

STACEYYeah?

KENNYAll the hours God sends them and all. Working.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)I’m not like that myself now.

STACEYNo?

KENNYNo. Lazy bastard. Before this like I done, well, I done nothing like. So I like this now. It’s different.

STACEYNice.

KENNYYeah it is nice. Like I was planning on early retirement from the dole. But then I seen this was going. So I thought fuck it you know. I applied like.


(CONTINUED)

Stacey eats her sandwich.

KENNY (cont’d)And I always loved looking at people anyways.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYOnly I get paid for it now.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Are you not at home no more?

STACEYNo.

KENNYYeah. Right.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Cause of the little one there?

STACEYNo. Not really.

KENNYYeah.

STACEYKinda. Me ma and me was killing each other.

KENNYI know, yeah.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Where are you so?

STACEYA B+B.

KENNYIt’s alright?

STACEYYeah.

KENNYSome of them can be nice.

STACEYYeah.


(CONTINUED)

Beat.

STACEY (cont’d)I’m going to get a flat with me boyfriend.

KENNYHe still around?

STACEYYeah.

KENNYAnd he’s good to you?

STACEYYeah.

KENNYGood on him.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYGood man.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Did anyone ever tell you you look like someone?

STACEYNo.

KENNYNo? Well you do. You’re the head of someone now.

STACEYYeah?

KENNYHonest to God. That’s the reason I seen you in the first place.

STACEYRight.

KENNYOtherwise I’d never have seen you.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYYou and the baby.

Beat.


(CONTINUED)

KENNY (cont’d)Just seen you. And you’re the absolute spit now. When I look at you there.

STACEYWho?

KENNYThe spit of me daughter Geena.

Stacey’s phone rings. She leaps to answer it.

Kenny watches her.

STACEY(into phone)

- Hello.

- Fuck it.

- What?

- No, I thought you were Dean.

- Me phone was dead.

- I know. Are you coming in? The park? Yeah.

- On your own?

- Why?

- Lazy bitch.

- Yeah. Yeah. OK.

- Yeah. See you.

She finishes the call. Beat.

STACEY (cont’d)I have to go meet my friend.

KENNYYeah, no, go on. Don’t mind me. Only saying I was.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYThe spit of her.

Beat.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYI think it’s charged enough anyways.

KENNYYeah.

STACEYThanks.

KENNYThanks, yeah.

Stacey goes to the door.

CUT TO:

INT. NEWSAGENT. MODERN SHOPPING CENTRE.CITY CENTRE- 122024 24

Stacey is at the counter.

STACEYFive euro 086.

She is handed the receipt.

CUT TO:


Stacey is on the phone.

STACEY(into phone)

- Hello. Answer your phone. It’s me again. I don’t know if you’re going to be there or not.

- I got me phone charged.

She hangs up.

CUT TO:

INT. CITY PARK - 130026 26

Stacey and Jenny are sitting on a bench in the park.

JENNYBoring here isn’t it?

STACEYYeah.

Beat.


(CONTINUED)

JENNYI like your scrunchie.

STACEYGot it today.

JENNYDid you?

STACEYYeah.

JENNYIt’s nice. Purple is nice.

STACEYYeah. Why didn’t Natasha come in with you?

JENNYJust.

STACEYWhy?

JENNYOn bebo all day she is.

STACEYRight.

JENNYI think Lauren is coming in though.

STACEYWhy is she coming in?

JENNYGetting something. Buying something.

STACEYYou hanging around with her now?

JENNYSometimes.

Jenny looks at the baby.

JENNY (cont’d)Lorna, Lorna, Lorna. Lorna,Lorna, Lorna.

STACEYDon’t have her hyper.

JENNYI’m not. She lovely. You should see Sandra Lundy’s baby.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYWhy?

JENNYHer baby looks like a pig.

STACEYYou can’t say that.

JENNYI swear to God. I can barely look at it Stacey.

Stacey and Jenny laugh.

JENNY (cont’d)Not like Lorna.

She looks at Lorna again. She claps her hands for the baby.

JENNY (cont’d)Clap, clap, clap. Clap, clap, clap.

Beat.

STACEYYou seen Dean around?

JENNYNot much. Not really.

STACEYWhat do you mean?

JENNYHe was around the weekend.

STACEYYeah?

JENNYI seen him there with Leanne Grimes.

Beat. Stacey is not happy.

JENNY (cont’d)He wasn’t doing nothing or nothing. I only seen him with her.

STACEYWhen?

JENNYThursday night. Or Friday night maybe. One of them.

STACEYShe’s a fucken slag.


(CONTINUED)

JENNYShe is.

Beat.

STACEYMe and Dean are going to get a flat.

JENNYWhen?

STACEYDunno.

Beat.

JENNYI seen your Ma the other day as well.

STACEYSo?

JENNYOut of it she was.

Beat.

STACEYI’m going to head away now Jenny.

JENNYYou not going to wait for Lauren?

STACEYNo.

JENNYWhy not?

STACEYI have to meet Dean anyways.

JENNYI’ll call you.

STACEYYeah.

Stacey leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET CORNER. CITY CENTRE - 145027 27

Stacey is waiting. DEAN (from GEORGIE’S STORY) pulls up in his van. He calls out to her.


(CONTINUED)

DEANAre you selling?

She is happy to see him.

STACEYShut up.

CUT TO:

INT. CAFE. CITY CENTRE - 150028 28

Dean and Stacey are in the corner of a city centre cafe. Dean has a plate of chips. Stacey has a coke.

DEANFucken jumped me the bastard.

STACEYWho?

DEANMondie.

STACEYWho’s Mondie?

DEANLittle small prick. Mondie.

STACEYI don’t know Mondie.

DEANWell you won’t recognize him anymore anyways. Punched the head off him I did.

STACEYWhy’d he jump you?

DEANDon’t know.

Beat. Dean eats.

DEAN (cont’d)I’m starving. You want a chip?

STACEYNo.

DEANGood. Don’t want you getting fat.

STACEYFuck off. I’m not fat.


(CONTINUED)

DEANI never said you were.

Beat.

STACEYWhy were you late?

DEANHad to do a run for Mr. Forbes. Collect some foam.

STACEYI didn’t know whether you were coming.

DEANI said I would.

STACEYThat was last Thursday.

Beat.

STACEY (cont’d)Why didn’t you call?

DEANI did call.

STACEYWhen?

DEANWhen your battery thing.

STACEYThat was only yesterday.

DEANBut I fucken called.

STACEYI know.

DEANWhat are you eating me for then?

STACEYI’m not.

Beat.

DEANWish we had some where to go I do.

STACEYYeah.


(CONTINUED)

DEANWhy can’t I go into the B+B with you?

STACEYThey don’t allow it.

DEANWhy?

STACEYThey don’t.

DEANI’m not going to be staying there. Sleeping there.

STACEYI know.

DEANStupid.

Beat.

STACEYHate it there.

DEANYeah?

STACEYYeah.

Beat.

STACEY (cont’d)Poxy it is.

DEANBetter then your Ma’s but.

Beat.

STACEYI wish I had a flat.

DEANYou’re on the list. The waiting list.

STACEYWe could get a place.

DEANA council place?

STACEYNo. I don’t know.


(CONTINUED)

DEANI’m not wasting all me money on a flat.

STACEYWe’d get rent allowance.

DEANI don’t want to. Not yet.

Beat.

DEAN (cont’d)What’s the face for?

STACEYNothing.

Beat.

DEANI wish we could find just somewhere to leave her for an hour.

STACEYYeah.

He touches Stacey’s leg.

DEANI want to be with you.

STACEYI know.

DEANI miss you.

STACEYI know.

Dean kisses Stacey.

DEANI’m never with you anymore.

He kisses her neck. He whispers to her.

DEAN (cont’d)You could leave her at your sisters.

STACEYI don’t think so.

DEANShe wouldn’t mind.

STACEYShe hates me now.


(CONTINUED)

DEANWell you could try.

He kisses her.

DEAN (cont’d)Do you want to?

STACEYYeah.

DEANI have the van.

He kisses her again. He is kissing her neck. He whispers to her.

DEAN (cont’d)We could lie down in the van.

STACEYYeah.

DEANDo you want that?

STACEYYeah.

DEANWell then.

STACEYWhat?

DEANDrop her over to Donna’s.


He kisses her again. They whisper to each other. Stacey is shy and vulnerable.

DEANSay something dirty to me.

STACEYWhat?

DEANSomething sexy.

STACEYFuck off. No.

DEANJust something dirty.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYI fucken, I don’t know what to say like.

DEANSomething.

He kisses her again hard. He touches her.

DEAN (cont’d)Go on.

Small beat. She reacts to his kisses.

STACEYI want your cock inside me.

DEAN(he is joking with her and pulls away as if shocked)

You’re a filthy bitch.

STACEYNo.

DEANSaying that.

STACEYI only said it.

DEANYou’re some dirty.

STACEYOnly cause you were asking me.

DEANGo way.

STACEYFuck off.

She slaps him across the shoulder. They are laughing.

DEANAnd that poor baby listening.

STACEYNo.

Beat.

DEANWill you call round to Donna? Please. Leave the little one there for an hour.

STACEYRight.


(CONTINUED)

DEANDon’t say you’re meeting me.

STACEYNo.

DEANI’ll put some foam down in the back of the van.

Stacey laughs. She looks at the baby.

STACEYI met Jenny earlier.

DEANYeah?

STACEYSaid she seen you with Leanne Grimes on the other day.

DEANSo?

STACEYJust said.

DEANYou got spies on me now?

STACEYNo.

Beat.

STACEY (cont’d)I fucken hate Leanne Grimes.

DEANI have to go back up to Mr. Forbes now.

STACEYRight.

DEANSee you on that corner again at 6 alright?

STACEYYeah.

He leans into her.

DEANI’ll put my cock inside you.

STACEYFuck off.


(CONTINUED)

He gets up.

DEANI’m late.

He throws some money down.

DEAN (cont’d)Pay for that.

STACEYYeah.

DEANIf you’re not there I’ll know she ran you.

STACEYI’ll try anyways. In a while. She’ll be off work in a while.

He kisses her.

STACEY (cont’d)I love you.

DEANYeah.

He leaves. Stacey sits there for a long time. She eats some of the chips left on the plate.

END OF PART TWO


Stacey is pushing the buggy along a crowded street. She is near the Jervis shopping centre. She checks the time on her mobile. In the window of a shop she sees an ad for ice cream. She goes inside.

CUT TO:


Stacey is sitting on a bench in a quiet corner of the shopping centre eating an ice cream. She has the buggy beside her. Kenny arrives.

KENNYStacey and Lorna.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYThere ye are now.


(CONTINUED)

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)You meet your friend?

STACEYYeah.

KENNYThat’s nice.

He hands her the phone charger.

KENNY (cont’d)I meant to give that to you earlier. I have another one of them at home like. I have two of them.

She takes the charger.

STACEYThanks.

KENNYYeah. Seeings as you lost yours.

STACEYThanks.

She puts it at the bottom of the pram.

KENNYLose that one now and you’re fucked.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYNo.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)You know about what I was saying earlier? About my daughter Geenalike. That you looked like her like.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYIt’s just... like Geena is dead... She died.

STACEYSorry.


(CONTINUED)

KENNYYeah. Just you reminded me so much when I seen you. I thought I should tell you that.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYShe just, she got into all sorts you know.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYAnd the next thing she was dead.

STACEYSorry.

KENNYYeah. No. No one there for her I suppose.

Beat.

KENNY (cont’d)Don’t know why I told you that.

They sit there.

KENNY (cont’d)Better get back to it. Take care of yourself now Stacey.

STACEYYeah.

KENNYI’ll be looking out for you anyways.

Stacey is left sitting.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY. B+B - 170531 31

Stacey is entering the hallway of the B+B. Veronica is in the reception area with another woman. This woman is Cathy. She is in her 30’s. She seems upset. She has a cut to her mouth. Stacey passes on the way to the stairs.

CATHYI said nothing to her Veronica.


(CONTINUED)

VERONICAI know.

CATHYI only said that she owed me money is all.

VERONICACathy, I know.

CATHYAnd she does owe me poxy money.

Veronica notices Stacey taking Lorna out of her buggy. She addresses her.

VERONICAWhere are you going Stacey love?

STACEYUp to the room.

VERONICAWell you can’t.

STACEYJust you said this morning.

VERONICAThat was this morning.

STACEYRight.

VERONICAThat was before Linda started destroying the place.

CATHYAnd she has the child terrified as well Veronica.

VERONICAI know.

CATHYAnd that’s fucken unfair that is.

VERONICAI know.

CATHYTerrified.

Stacey is unsure what to do.

VERONICAYou can sit in here if you like, Stacey. Til I’ve the rooms done out.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYThanks.

VERONICABrian is up there now fixing up Cathy’s room. When he’s finished I’ll go up and sort. Sit down.

Stacey sits.

CATHYAlright Stacey love.

STACEYWhat happened your mouth Cathy?

CATHYFucken Linda happened.

STACEYWhat?

CATHYLanded on me she did.

STACEYYeah?

CATHYYeah. And then in then and broke everything in my room.

STACEYRight.

CATHYAnd I only said one thing to her Veronica.

VERONICAI know.

CATHYJust wanted to know when she was going to pay me back is all.

VERONICAYeah.

CATHYAnd I asked her nice. And she rears up on me.

VERONICAI seen her.

CATHYGot me a good slap she did.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYSore.

CATHYAnd she has all my things destroyed inside Stacey. All you know.

STACEYYeah.

CATHYBroke all my picture even. She broke all the little pictures I had. Did you see them Veronica?

VERONICAI did.

CATHYSmashed. Like they were just cheap things but, the frames. Me Ma and that.

VERONICAYeah.

CATHYBut you don’t do that Veronica.

VERONICAI know.

CATHYUnless you’re fucken mad.

STACEYWhere is she now?

VERONICAThey came and lifted her out of it.

STACEYRight.

Beat. Stacey tends to Lorna.

CATHYWell I just hope you’re going to put her out this time Veronica.

VERONICAI can’t just put her out Cathy.

CATHYWell what then?

VERONICAI dunno.


(CONTINUED)

CATHYWell it’s not fucken fair Veronica.

VERONICAI know.

CATHYThis is supposed to be my home.

VERONICAI know.

CATHYAnd I’m here longer and her. I’m here 3 years near.

VERONICAAlright.

CATHYI’m telling you.

Stacey rises. She moves to the door.

VERONICAWhere you going Stacey?

STACEYJust going to get something in town. I forgot something.

Stacey leaves.

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET - 171532 32

Stacey is making the short journey to Donna’s flat.

CUT TO:

EXT. DONNA’S FLAT. CITY CENTRE FLATS - 173033 33

Stacey is at the door to a council flat. She knocks. There is no one there. She knocks again and looks in the window.

Eventually a ten year old boy comes along. This is RYAN (from GEORGIES’s STORY). Some way behind him is his mother DONNA. Donna has one other younger kid with her, a daughter aged seven called JOANNE. Donna has a lot of shopping with her. She hasn’t seen Stacey yet. Ryan shouts back to her.

RYANMa, Stacey’s here! Who’s Baba is that Stacey?

STACEYAlright Ryan.


(CONTINUED)

RYANStacey’s here Ma!

Donna is now at the door.

DONNAI’m not blind Ryan.

STACEYHello.

DONNAWhat are you doing here?

STACEYJust am.

DONNAYeah.

RYANWhose Baby is that Ma?

DONNARyan would you just go inside.

The children go inside. Beat.

DONNA (cont’d)Well?

STACEYCan I come in?

DONNAAre you in trouble?

STACEYNo.

Beat.

Donna goes in. She leaves the door open. Stacey follows with the pram.

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN. DONNA’S FLAT - 173534 34

Stacey and Donna are sitting at the kitchen table, smoking. Ryan is sitting beside her. Joanne is looking at Lorna in her buggy.

RYANWho did you have the baby for Stacey?

STACEYNo one.


(CONTINUED)

RYANBut who but?

DONNAShut up Ryan.

JOANNEWhat’s she called Stacey?

STACEYLorna.

JOANNELorna, Lorna.

DONNAIs she good?

STACEYYeah.

DONNAGot big.

STACEYShe’s a good feeder.

DONNAGood.

STACEYAnd does hardly cry she does.

JOANNEAre you staying with us Stacey?

STACEYNo.

DONNATake her into the bedroom there Joanne.

JOANNEYour bedroom?

DONNAGo on. Ryan go on and play your play station inside.

RYANI want to talk to Stacey.

DONNAJust fuck off and play for a while.

RYANSake.


(CONTINUED)

DONNADon’t sake me.

The kids leave. Donna smokes her cigarette. Stacey sits. Eventually.

STACEYI met Kathleen today at the Health board.

DONNAYeah?

STACEYHer hair was cat.

DONNAHer hair is always cat.

STACEYI know.

Beat.

DONNAYou talked to Ma?

STACEYNo.

DONNANo.

STACEYI don’t want to.

Beat.

DONNAShe’s bad. Drinking all day and all. Mad.

STACEYYeah.

DONNAAnd no one helping. Only me.

Beat.

DONNA (cont’d)Do you want a fag?

STACEYYeah.

Donna gives Stacey a cigarette and takes one for herself. They light them.


(CONTINUED)

STACEY (cont’d)Is Conor OK?

DONNAGrand. Broke his hand there messing with Gavin.

STACEYEdjit.

Beat.

DONNASo where are you?

STACEYIn a B+B on Gardiner street.

DONNAIs it alright?

STACEYPoxy.

DONNADoes anyone call in to you?

STACEYJenny was in today.

DONNAJenny’s good.

STACEYYeah.

DONNAAre you short?

STACEYNo.

DONNARight.

Beat.

DONNA (cont’d)So why are you here?

STACEYJust.

DONNAWhat?

Beat.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYI thought you might mind Lorna for me.

DONNAWhat for?

STACEYFor only an hour.

DONNAWhy?

Beat.

DONNA (cont’d)Cause of him? Is that it?

Beat.

DONNA (cont’d)Is that it?

STACEYWe only wanted to meet for a while. An hour.

DONNAAnd you think I’m going to baby sit for that prick?

STACEYNo.

DONNAExactly. No.

Beat.

DONNA (cont’d)And why can’t you bring Lorna along with you?

STACEYNo reason.

DONNANo.

STACEYOnly we want to be together.

DONNAOh for fuck sake.

STACEYJust to talk and that.

DONNADo I look thick?


(CONTINUED)

STACEYHonest Donna.

Beat. Donna finishes her cigarette.

DONNAI warned you Stacey. I said it.

STACEYI know.

DONNASo why didn’t you listen to me?


DONNAI don’t know. Well you’re rightly fucked now. You know that? You’re fucked. No hope now.

Beat.

STACEYHe’s good with Lorna and all.

DONNAIs he going to help you get a place?

STACEYMaybe.

DONNAMaybe. I warned you Stacey.

STACEYI know.

DONNAWhy couldn’t you have been careful with yourself.

STACEYIt was an accident.

DONNAWell will I tell you what’s going to happen to you now?

STACEYNo.

DONNAYou’ll be left in that B+B for five years. And then if you’re lucky they’ll dump you in some poxy flat and that will be that. Over. Cause you are useless now Stacey.


(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

Useless with a baby. And that prick will be off riding some other edjit. Or hanging off you when he wants his hole. And I fucken warned you.

STACEYI know.

DONNARight. Well I’m done with you now Stacey. I have my own kids to be looking after without looking after yours.

Joanne enters.

DONNA (cont’d)And that’s that. End of.

JOANNEMa Lorna’s sleeping she is.

DONNAGood love.

Beat

STACEYI should wake her.

DONNAWhy?

STACEYShe shouldn’t be sleeping now.

DONNAIf she’s sleeping let her sleep.

Beat.

DONNA (cont’d)Have your tea here. Do you want your tea here?

STACEYYeah.

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM. DONNA’S FLAT - 205035 35

They have eaten. Stacey is sitting on the couch. Ryan is beside her, as is Joanne. The kids are in their pyjamas. Donna is on the armchair.

RYANI’m doing karate now Stacey. Amn’tI mam?


DONNA (cont'd)

(CONTINUED)

DONNAHoping someone will knock some sense into him.

RYANThursday’s in the Matt Talbot. Show you.

Ryan proceeds to give a karate demo. He is half demented. Donna and Joanne laugh.

DONNAHe’s mad he is. I must have dropped you on your head I’d say.

RYANKarate chop.

Stacey smiles. There is the sound of a small cry from Lorna in the next room.

STACEYThat’s her now.

JOANNEThe little cry Ma.

DONNAYeah.

STACEYThat’s not like her sometimes. Sometimes she wakes and she just lies there.

DONNAYeah?

STACEYI’ll go. Get me coat.

CUT TO:

EXT. DONNA’S FLAT. CITY CENTRE FLATS - 205536 36

Stacey is at Donna’s door. She is ready to go. Donna is with her. Ryan hangs out the door.

RYANBye Stacey.

DONNAGo on in Ryan.

STACEYBye.

Ryan goes in.


(CONTINUED)

DONNAIs she warm enough?

STACEYThere’s two blankets.

DONNADo you need any more?

STACEYNo.

Stacey moves off.

DONNAI’ll help you when I can Stace. I won’t see you short. But I have me own kids. I don’t need two more.

STACEYI know.

Stacey walks away. As she is walking away from Donna’s flat we hear a woman’s voice shouting.

TINA (O.S.)You’re a fucken pig Georgie. You pig.

GEORGIE (from GEORGIE’S STORY) passes close by. He has some blood on his face. Stacey continues to walk. We follow her.

CUT TO:

INT. OFF LICENCE. CITY CENTRE - 213037 37

Stacey is in a city centre off licence. She takes three cans of lager from the fridge. She brings them to the counter. She hands them over to the man serving.

STACEYJust them.

The man looks at her.

OFF LICENCE MANHave you any ID?

STACEYNo.

OFF LICENCE MANDate of birth.

Small beat.

STACEY31st March 1987.


(CONTINUED)

The man looks at her.

OFF LICENCE MANYou’re not a very good liar.

She stares at him.

OFF LICENCE MAN (cont’d)Go on. Three thirty.

She hands him the money.

CUT TO:

EXT. BENCH BY THE CANAL - 215038 38

Stacey is sitting by the canal. It is dark. She is holding Lorna, settling her. She place Lorna back in the buggy. From the back of the buggy she takes a can of beer. She open and drinks it. Her phone rings. She looks at it but doesn’t answer.

She sits.

Eventually she notices a child’s book in the base of Lorna’s buggy. She takes out the child’s book and begins to read it.

CUT TO :

EXT. BENCH BY THE CANAL - 222039 39

It is night. Stacey is sitting on a bench by the canal. She is drinking a can and reading a child’s book. We hear a sound close by. Stacey doesn’t lift her eyes to look. A voice addresses her.

GEORGIE (O.S.)There no one there?

Stacey looks up. We see that Georgie is standing at the end of the bench. He has some blood on his face.

STACEYWhat?

GEORGIENo one sitting there?

STACEYNo.

GEORGIEYou mind?

STACEYNo.


(CONTINUED)

GEORGIEThanks.

Georgie sits. Beat. He watches her a little.

GEORGIENow.

STACEYYeah.

Beat.

GEORGIENice here now.

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIENot too cold isn’t it?

STACEYNo.

GEORGIEYeah.

Beat.

GEORGIEI think I know you.

STACEYYeah?

GEORGIEYeah. You’re Donna’s sister aren’t you?

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEYeah. I know Donna, like. Around.

STACEYRight.

GEORGIEWhat’s your name?

STACEYStacey.

GEORGIERight. Stacey.

Beat. Stacey takes a drink of her can. Georgie watches her.


(CONTINUED)

GEORGIEYou’re drinking your cans?

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEThat’s nice.

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIENice and relaxing.

Beat. Georgie can see the bag of cans by her feet. Eventually.

GEORGIECan I ask you something terrible?

STACEYWhat?

GEORGIEYou can tell me now to go and go fuck off now if...

STACEYWhat?

Small beat.

GEORGIECan I borrow a can off you?

Small beat. Stacey reaches into her bag.

GEORGIEYou’re sure now?

STACEYHere.

She holds out a can to Georgie.

GEORGIECause if it’s not alright, that’s alright.

STACEYIt’s grand.

Georgie takes the can.

GEORGIEThanks. It’s not for, you know, not nothing. I’m just thirsty is all.


(CONTINUED)

STACEYRight.

Georgie opens can and takes a deep drink. Beat.

GEORGIEYeah.

Stacey watches him.

STACEYWere you fighting?

GEORGIENo, no this, ignore this. My face.

STACEYWhat happened?

GEORGIEJust fucken stupid.

STACEYWhat?

GEORGIEI’m stupid I am. No. I was just standing up there now. Standing up and I walked straight into this thing.

STACEYRight.

GEORGIEStraight, just, bang.

STACEYInto what?

GEORGIEInto a thing, into a fucken...into a door. Isn’t that stupid?

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEDoes it look bad?

STACEYNo.

GEORGIEGood.

STACEYA bit bloody.


(CONTINUED)

GEORGIEBloody edjit.

Stacey laughs. Beat.

GEORGIEAre you in with Donna now?

STACEYNo.

GEORGIENo. Out on your own?

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEYeah. With your little thing there. With your little baby.

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEThat’s nice.

Beat.

GEORGIEIs it a good baby?

STACEYShe is.

GEORGIEShe.

STACEYYeah. Always sleeping always and near never crying.

GEORGIEGood.

STACEYNever sick for me.

GEORGIEThat’s good that is.

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEMakes it easier.

STACEYYeah.


(CONTINUED)

GEORGIECause when my son, when he got born now, he came out bawling. Didn’t stop for about six months.

STACEYRight.

GEORGIENearly went insane we did. Yeah. Insane.

Beat.

GEORGIEAnd is the man there? The fella. Your fella?

STACEYSometimes.

GEORGIERight. And you manage?

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEYeah. Good.

Beat.

STACEYHe’s good sometimes he is. But just sometimes then...

GEORGIEYeah.

STACEYDon’t hear from him.

GEORGIERight.

Beat.

GEORGIE (cont’d)And you’re happy with her yourself?

STACEYMostly.

Beat.

STACEY (cont’d)Sometimes, I just.

GEORGIEWhat?


(CONTINUED)


GEORGIEWhat?

STACEYI just wish that I wasn’t a Ma.

GEORGIERight.

STACEYNo. Only sometimes.

GEORGIEI know.

STACEYNot. You know.

Beat. Georgie finishes his can. He sits for a while. Then he stands unsteadily.

GEORGIEBetter go.

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEClean my face up.

STACEYRight.

GEORGIENight.

STACEYNight.

GEORGIEBe good now.

STACEYYeah.

GEORGIEAnd thanks for the can Stacey.

Georgie leaves. Stacey sits there.

END OF STACEY’S STORY


prosperity - stacey's story

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