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ROSIE
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING
Rosie(19)waits at the window for the police to come.
ROSIE (V.O.)
The last few days have been full of excitement. It all started on a morning like any other.
INT. KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Mary (46) is having breakfast with her daughter Rosie.
ROSIE (V.O.)
My mother ate her diet cereal while I got ready to draw.
Mary picks up the plates and puts them in the sink.
ROSIE (V.O.)
My mother had something important to do because she tidied the kitchen many times.
Mary puts a few dirty dishes in the sink while the soapy water threatens to overflow.
ROSIE (V.O.)
It was a day like any other in my household. My mother had just washed the plates while I drew pictures in my notebook.
MARY
You must have your medications now.
She takes a few bottles out of the cabinet and puts them on the table.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I only wanted to get on with my drawing.
Mary gives the medicines to Rosie who seems unresponsive.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Then she spied on the family that had moved next door.
Mary looks between the curtains.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I knew what happened in that house while my mother looked behind the curtains.
INT. NINA’S KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Nina (42) and her daughter Lucy(14)are having their breakfast with the curtains drawn.
Nina looks at the clock on the wall.
NINA
You’ll be late for school.
Lucy has finished buttering a piece of toast and chews it while listening to her Ipod.
NINA
You’ll go deaf listening to that thing all the time.
LUCY
It’s an ipod, mother.
Nina draws the curtains again.
LUCY
Is dad asleep?
NINA
He was in the shower a few minutes ago.
CUT TO
INT. NEXT ROOM- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Michael (49) is at his laptop while the lamp throws a weak light around the room.
Nina appears at the door with the breakfast on a tray and puts it on the table.
MICHAEL
I haven’t made much noise.
NINA
We must be careful.
Michael sips his juice while bringing the plate closer to him.
MICHAEL
I can’t live the rest of my life in the darkness.
NINA
I’ll get a better lamp.
Michael cuts the bacon and mixes it with the egg.
As a ray of light comes through the curtains, Nina shuts them again.
CUT TO
INT. MICHAEL’S BEDROOM- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Michael has his breakfast while looking at his lap
top.
NINA
I remember when we used to go out.
MICHAEL
That was years ago.
The noise of a motorbike in the street interrupts their conversation and Nina looks through the curtains.
NINA
It’s only Rob with his motorbike.
MICHAEL
Is he the one who works in the race track?
Nina nods.
INT. NINA’S KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Rosie sits at the window as the noise of the motorbike goes on and on.
ROSIE (V.O.)
That is our local punk. He likes to play with his motorbike.
EXT. STREET- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Rob makes his motorbike roar as a few faces appear at the windows and he waves to the pretty girl living next door.
ROB
Would you like to go for a spin?
HELEN (BLOND GIRL)
I have to go to college now.
ROB
I’ll take you there.
Helen gets in the back of the motorbike as Rosie looks out of the window.
INT. NINA’S KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
ROSIE (V.O.)
Rob does the same thing day after day.
Rob spots Rosie on the window and gestures with his hands.
He whispers something to Helen and they both laugh.
ROSIE (V.O.)
He’ll be back tonight to make more noise.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING( FLASHBACK)
Eric sits at the table having his breakfast as Mary looks through the curtains.
MARY
A new family has moved next door.
ERIC
What’s so important about them?
MARY
They’re strange.
ROSIE (V.O.)
My mother thinks people are strange if they don’t behave like her.
Mary opens the fridge and finds the bottle of orange juice.
ERIC
Rosie is the only sane person in this house.
He pats Rosie’s head as she looks out of the window.
ERIC
Have you given her the medication?
Mary nods.
MARY
She’s lost in her own world.
ROSIE (V.O.)
My father worries about me.
Mary opens a bottle of gin and pours a bit in her glass.
MARY
I won’t drink more than one glass today.
He finishes eating his eggs and wipes his mouth with a tissue.
ERIC
I must hurry or I’ll be late.
INT. GLADYS’ KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Gladys (38) is busy cooking. She drains water from a saucepan and pours pasta on a plate.
She eats while looking at a few cards on the table. As she does the washing up, she notices Rose in the window.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING( FLASHBACK)
Rosie looks back at Gladys.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Gladys is our nosy neighbour. She wants to know what everyone does around here.
INT. GLADYS’ KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Gladys sings a tune while drying the plates.
She brushes her hair, takes her handbag and leaves the house.
EXT. STREET- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Gladys moves towards Nina’s house, as Rosie sits by her window.
Then she puts a card into the letter box.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING(FLASHBACK)
ROSIE (V.O.)
I wonder what she’s doing now.
EXT. STREET- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
As Gladys moves down the garden path, the door opens.
Nina appears wearing a dressing gown.
GLADYS
Hi. I’m Gladys.
Nina gets the card from the floor and reads it.
GLADYS
I’m inviting you to my birthday party next Sunday.
NINA
Thank you.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
ROSIE (V.O.)
Gladys thinks she’s very important.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING( FLASHBACK)
Eric wears a suit while Mary looks at the house next door.
MARY
They never open the curtains.
ERIC
Who?
MARY
The family next door.
ERIC
They must have their reasons.
ROSIE (V.O.)
My mother’s always checking what the neighbours do.
Eric leaves as Mary brushes her hair.
MARY
I’ll be back soon, Rosie.
She moves towards the door.
MARY
I’ve left your crayons on the table.
CUT TO
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING( FLASHBACK)
Rosie sits by the window as she sees the curtains of the house next door twitching.
She waves and a hand waves back.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I wonder who he is. He must be lonely inside that room and with the curtains drawn.
Rosie looks at the window.
EXT. STREET- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
As Mary moves along the street, she sees Gladys on the other side of the road.
After waiting for the lights to change, Gladys runs along the zebra crossing.
GLADYS
Mary, I want to talk to you.
She gestures to the coffee shop by the corner.
GLADYS
Would you like to have a coffee?
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Rosie looks at them from her window.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Gladys wants to gossip with my mother.
INT. COFFEE SHOP- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Gladys and Mary sit at a table in the coffee shop.
Mary sips her coffee while Gladys checks her notebook.
GLADYS
My birthday is next Sunday,
MARY
Congratulations.
GLADYS
Thank you. I invite you to a party in my house.
MARY
I can’t leave Rosie alone for more than two hours.
GLADYS
You can bring her..
MARY
She doesn’t like crowded places.
GLADYS
Is it because of her illness?
Mary nods.
GLADYS
I worked in a mental hospital a few years ago.
MARY
Rosie is autistic.
GLADYS
I understand.
CUT TO
INT. COFFEE SHOP- MORNING (FLASHBACK)
Mary sips her coffee as Gladys looks at her diary.
GLADYS
What do you think of the new neighbours?
Mary shrugs.
MARY
I have only seen the woman on her way to the shops.
GLADYS
I think they’re weird. They keep their curtains drawn.
MARY
I know.
She sips her coffee.
MARY
I must go now.
Gladys leaves money next to the bill and leads Mary out of the cafeteria.
EXT. STREET-MORNING (FLASHBACK)
GLADYS
Will you come to my party then?
MARY
I’ll see what I can do.
Gladys moves away while Mary heads back home.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING( FLASHBACK)
Irena (26) is sitting at the table with Rosie. She holds a picture in her hands.
IRENA
This is a car.
Rosie concentrates.
ROSIE
K..
IRENA
Car.
Rosie makes noises.
Irena shows her another picture.
IRENA
This is a dog.
Rosie makes an effort again.
ROSIE
Dog.
Mary appears at that moment and claps her hands.
MARY
Yes, Rosie.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I must tell the world what goes on inside my head.
CUT TO
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- AFTERNOON (FLASHBACK)
Mary sits with Irena at the table while Rosie draws.
IRENA
She’s making good progress.
Mary opens the fridge.
MARY
Would you like some juice?
Irena nods. Mary brings three glasses of orange juice to the table.
Irena sips her juice while Mary pours a bit of gin in hers.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Mum takes her medicine again.
IRENA
Rosie needs to go to the day centre.
Mary shakes her head.
MARY
You teach her here.
IRENA
She needs more stimulation.
CUT TO
INT. KITCHEN- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Irena moves towards the door followed by Mary.
IRENA
I’ll come to collect Mary tomorrow morning.
MARY
She won’t like the day centre.
Irena fiddles with her bag.
IRENA
She’s never met anyone her own age.
The women leave the room. As Rosie looks at the picture of the dog on the table.
ROSIE
Dog..
INT. ROOM IN DAY CENTRE- MORNING
Rosie sits at a table full of letters and pictures, while Irena sits by her side.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I have to learn to talk to please my mother.
Irena shows her the picture of a phone.
IRENA
You must dial the number nine three times to phone the emergency services.
She shows Rosie what she has to do, but Rosie doesn’t move.
A young girl, Christine (15) moves towards them. She has red hair tied in a pony tail.
CHRISTINE
Hi.
Rosie remains quiet.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I’ll talk only when I want to.
Irena gestures to the phone.
IRENA
Rosie, can you dial nine, nine, nine?
Rosie lifts her hand and Irena smiles.
IRENA
You can do it.
Christine leads Rosie’s hand to the phone.
CHRISTINE
There.
Irena shakes her head.
IRENA
Rosie has to do it by herself.
Christine moves away.
Irena gives Rosie the receiver.
IRENA
You must ask for the police.
Rose makes a noise.
IRENA
Police.
ROSIE
P..
Christine sits next to Rosie.
CHRISTINE
Police.
ROSIE (V.O.)
She’s starting to annoy me.
ROSIE
Dog.
Christine laughs.
IRENA
You have found a friend, Rosie.
Irena moves to another part of the room as Christine shows Rosie some more pictures.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- MORNING
Rosie sits by the window while waiting for the police.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I’m tired of people teaching me to do tricks.
Rosie lifts her finger towards the window.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I did learn a few things.
She draws on the condensation in the glass.
ROSIE (V.O.)
After I arrived from the day centre, my mother started a fashion parade.
INT. KITCHEN- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rosie draws in her notebook as Mary gets ready for the party.
The television is on in the background.
TV PRESENTER (O.S)
This is the weather forecast...
ROSIE (V.O.)
Mum has forgotten to spy on the neighbours.
Mary moves across the kitchen wearing her new dress.
MARY
What do you think, Rosie?
Rosie draws on her paper.
MARY
I know what you are thinking. It’s too tight around my waist.
Mary leaves the scene as Rosie draws.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Mum thinks she’s fat.
TV PRESENTER
These are the latest news...
CUT TO:
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Mary parades in front of Rosie, wearing another dress as Eric appears at the door.
ERIC
I hope it wasn’t expensive.
He fills a glass with tap water.
ERIC
We can’t leave Rosie alone for more than two hours.
MARY
I know.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Dad has an excuse to come back home early from Gladys party. He has to look after me because I can’t look after myself.
TV PRESENTER (O.S.)
This is a news flash. Police are looking for the fugitives...
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Mary wears a pink frock with matching shoes, and Eric is also ready.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Mum has changed her dress again. She doesn’t know what she wants sometimes.
Eric kisses Rosie’s cheek.
ERIC
I’ll be back soon, honey.
MARY
You’ll be in a bad mood as soon as we get there.
Eric shrugs.
ERIC
I’ll be bored..
ROSIE (V.O.)
He’s right. Gladys will gossip with the guests for most of the time.
TV PRESENTER (O.S.)
They think the men are hiding...
INT. GLADY’S HOUSE- EVENING( FLASHBACK)
Eric and Mary sit on a sofa as some other people sit or stand around them.
Gladys appears by their side with a tray full of drinks.
GLADYS
Our new neighbours should be here soon.
MARY
I want to meet them.
As Mary sips her drink. Rob and Helen sit next to them.
HELEN
Hello Mary. I had to come to this boring party.
MARY
I thought it was only for grown ups.
HELEN
What did you say?
CUT TO:
INT. GLADY’S HOUSE- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Nina arrives alone at the party and she has a small present for Gladys.
GLADYS
I’m glad you could come.
Nina sits next to Mary and Gladys offers her a glass of wine.
NINA
I can’t stay long. My daughter is at home.
GLADYS
You should have brought her here.
She talks to a man standing nearby as Nina sips her drink.
INT. NINA’S HOUSE- EVENING(FLASHBACK)
Lucy watches television as the curtains are drawn.
PRESENTER
Police are looking for the robbers who escaped with two billion pounds two months ago. They think some of them are in Brazil
now...
Nina switches the television off and goes up the stairs.
CUT TO
INT. NINA’S BEDROOM- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Lucy sits by his father, who types something in his computer.
LUCY
Dad, they’re talking about the robbery in the news..
MICHAEL
Don’t worry my angel, everything will be fine.
LUCY
They think you’re in Brazil.
Michael nods.
MICHAEL
That’s right.
Lucy gets up from the chair.
LUCY
I’m going to bed now, dad.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN-EVENING( FLASHBACK)
Rosie pauses drawing on the table and looks at the window.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I wonder if they’re having fun at the party.
She puts all of her drawings together.
ROSIE (V.O.)
I might give them to someone who likes my pictures.
She sits by the window as the curtains of the house next door twitch.
She waves and a hand waves back.
INT. GLADY’S HOUSE- EVENING( FLASHBACK)
Gladys, Eric and Nina sit together on a sofa while Rob talks to Helen.
ROB
That woman is hiding something.
HELEN
Leave her alone.
He looks in his pockets.
ROB
I want to have a join.
HELEN
You can’t do that here.
He whispers something to Helen and they both look at Nina.
Rob takes his drink and sits by her side.
INT. GLADY’S HOUSE- EVENING( FLASHBACK)
ROB
Where are you from?
NINA
I’m from Manchester.
ROB
What about your husband?
Nina shrugs.
NINA
He’s dead.
ROB
I don’t believe you.
Rob drinks a glass of wine as Helen sits by his side.
HELEN
I want to go home.
Rob whispers and she shakes her head.
HELEN
I feel sick.
She holds her mouth and runs out of the room.
Rob whispers and she shakes her head.
HELEN
I feel sick.
She holds her mouth and runs out of the room.
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob and Helen are in the street. She looks pale and holds a handkerchief to her mouth.
HELEN
I Shouldn't have drank so much wine.
Rob kicks a stone around while Helen inhales fresh air.
A man appears out of the shadows, as Rosie looks out of her window a few houses away.
ROB
Mat,I’ve been expecting you.
Mat gives him a small packet.
MATT
I want the money now.
Rob finds his wallet in his pocket and gives him a few notes.
MATT
It’s not enough.
Rob looks at Helen.
ROB
Can you lend me some money?
Helen finds her purse.
HELEN
It’s the last time I do this. It’s your business.
ROB
But you do love me.
As he sees Rosie in the window, he makes rude gestures with his hands.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
ROSIE (V.O.)
He’s buying his medicine as usual.
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob smokes his join as Helen Looks on.
HELEN
I feel sick again.
He rolls a cigarette.
ROB
You need one of these.
Helen vomits on the grass.
HELEN
I don’t want it.
ROB
You must be pregnant.
She goes inside the house.
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Helen drinks a glass of water while Robs smokes a join.
ROB
That woman is strange.
HELEN
Who?
ROB
The one who lives in that house.
HELEN
Everyone is strange for you.
Rob smokes his join for a few moments.
ROB
I think they’re hiding something.
HELEN
That’s not our business.
ROB
I might get a reward for telling the police.
He gestures to Rosie’s shape in the window.
ROB
The retard might do it first.
He laughs.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
ROSIE
There goes the punk and his lady. They think they know everything and everyone in town.
She plays with the paper shapes by her side.
ROSIE
Dog.
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob looks in the dark windows as Helen waits.
HELEN
Stop it. You’ll get in trouble with the police again.
He knocks at the door.
ROB
Don’t worry.
CUT TO
INT. NINA’S HOUSE- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Michael and Lucy are in the upstairs bedroom as Rob knocks at the door.
He looks through a gap in the curtains.
MICHAEL
I’ll have to go before the police comes.
She shuts the bedroom door as Rob bangs on the front door.
NINA
He might get tired.
INT. MARY’S HOUSE- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rosie moves across the room and sits by the phone.
CUT TO
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob pushes the front door.
ROB
It’s locked.
HELEN
She wouldn’t leave it open.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN-EVENING( FLASHBACK)
Rosie dials 999 on the phone.
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
This is the emergency service. What do you want?
Rosie concentrates.
ROSIE
Pppp...
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
I can’t hear you.
ROSIE
Pppo..
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
Now I can’t understand you.
Rosie puts the phone down.
CUT TO
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Matt appears again.
ROB
Someone is hiding in this house.
MATT
The police will get you.
ROB
I’m an informer.
He kicks the door.
CUT TO
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN-EVENING( FLASHBACK)
Rosie picks the receiver and dials 999 again.
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
This is the emergency service.
Rosie concentrates.
ROSIE
Police.
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
What’s your name?
Rosie concentrates.
ROSIE
Rr..
Rosie cries.
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
Are you deaf- mute?
CUT TO
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob is trying to open one of the windows.
HELEN
Stop it!
He kicks the door.
CUT TO
INT. MARY’S HOUSE- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
Can you give me your address. You can take your time.
Rosie concentrates.
ROSIE
Sixty.
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
What’s the name of the street?
Rosie concentrates.
ROSIE
Brixton Hill.
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
What’s the problem?
Rosie moves her mouth.
ROSIE
Rob...
CUT TO
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob tries to open the door with a plank Matt found on the street.
MATT
I’ll be off as soon as I hear the police.
ROB
I’m doing them a favour.
CUT TO
INT. MARY’S HOUSE- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
What’s the problem again?
ROSIE
Rob has drugs.
OPERATOR (VIA TELEPHONE)
The police will be there shortly.
Rosie puts the phone back on the table and sits by the window.
CUT TO
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob forces the door with the plank, as Mary and Eric move down the street.
ERIC
What are you doing?
ROB
Someone is hiding here.
ERIC
Why don’t you phone the police?
ROB
I want to do a citizen’s arrest.
HELEN
He wants the reward.
INT. MARY’S KITCHEN-EVENING( FLASHBACK)
ROSIE (V.O.)
I hope they come quickly.
CUT TO
INT. NINA’S HOME- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Lucy cries as Michael looks through a gap in the curtains. Then he waves his hand.
LUCY
Dad, what are you doing?
MICHAEL
An angel is helping me.
Lucy looks between the curtains.
LUCY
I see a girl sitting by that window.
MICHAEL
It’s an angel as I said before.
CUT TO
EXT. STREET EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rob forces the door as the sound of police cars echo around him.
ROB
Thank god for the presence of the law.
A police car stops in front of Nina’s house and four officers leave the vehicle.
Helen steps back as they approach Rob.
OFFICER
Are you Rob?
ROB
Yes, officer. You’ve come on time.
OFFICER
Someone has complained about you.
Rob shakes his head.
ROB
A fugitive is sheltering in this house, officer.
The policeman checks Rob’s pockets.
OFFICER
I’m arresting you in the name of the law.
INT. MARY’S HOUSE- EVENING (FLASHBACK)
Rosie smiles in the window as the curtains twitch in Nina’s house.
ROSIE (V.O.)
Why did he make fun of the retard?
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