#*aish desai

(ROY): This isn’t the time for remorse, kid. I told you when this started that you’d have to do some difficult shit. Instead of sulking, focus on your goal. The end will justify the means.

[ROY’S PHONE RINGS]

(ROY): I need to take this. Afterwards I’ll drop you home.

(AISH): …Okay.

*

(ROY): [Hushed tones] D…How’d it go?

(LENA): I don’t know S…You tell me. 

*

[MAX SLOWLY REGAINS CONSCIOUSNESS]

(MAX): Wh-

(AISH): Max! 

(MAX): [Groggy] Aish? Wh-...What the fuck did you do?

(AISH): I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. This wasn’t supposed to happen! The fire was meant to keep you away but- 

(MAX): Fire? You-

(AISH): [Tearful] You don’t understand! My family was in trouble…my dad’s fucking gambling and I-

[MAX SLOWLY REGAINS CONSCIOUSNESS]

(MAX): Wh-

(AISH): Max! 

(MAX): Aish?...What the fuck did you do?

(AISH): I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. This wasn’t supposed to happen! The fire was meant to keep you away but- 

(MAX): Fire? You-

(AISH): You don’t understand! My family was in trouble…my dad’s fucking gambling and I-

(MAX): [low, fraught] What the fuck has got to do with you trying to kill me?!

(AISH): You weren’t meant to be there! You meant to be at the fucking gala! Or fucking that Scott girl or-[MAX ATTACKS THEM]

(MAX): How much have I fucking done for you?! 

(AISH): [Struggling] I’m sorry! I needed to save my-

(MAX): I got you off the fucking streets, stopped people from beating the shit of out of you again and again and this how you repay me?!

(AISH): [Pushing Max off them] Max stop! I had no choice!

(MAX):  Bullshit! Your family never gave a fuck about you!

(AISH): [Quiet] That’s not true. My dad reached out…he was trying.

(MAX): He used you. Just like you used me. Like you’ve always fucking used me.

(AISH): Is that what you think? …Max, I never asked you to take care of me. You just needed to be my mate. …We’re supposed to be equals, man.

(MAX): [Sniffing] We’re not though, are we? Rats like you always put yourself first in the end. …I think it’s time I did the same.

(Max): …I’m sorry sir but your card’s been declined.

(customer): [irritated, low] shit. try this one please.

[The card machine beeps, the second card has also been declined]

(Max): That one didn’t go through either. 

(Customer): [Raised, embarrassed] Then it’s your machine then! You should give me a free drink for the bloody inconvenience!

(Max): [Unimpressed] Sir please don’t raise your voice at me. Do you have a third card I can try?

(Autumn): [leaning over, mocking] Joe, are you bothering my staff again?

(Joe): N-No it's just my card, it’s not working.

(Autumn): Mmhm, and that’s our fault because?

(joe): It was fine earlier I just-

(Autumn): You just need to reel ya neck in. You only just got off a 6 month ban. I’d hate for the next one to be permanent.

(Joe): [heeding the warning]…Sorry. I’ll call my bank. See what the issue is. [He walks away]

(Autumn): [Facing Max] You good? Don’t let Joe rattle you, he’s harmless. Just gets mouthy from time to time.

(Max): …Yeah I’m fine. I know his type from before.

(Autumn): Alright. Why don't you go and take your break while it’s quiet?

[***]

[Max uses the toilet, their mind begins to wonder while they wash their hands]

[flashback]

(Aish): [Snorting a line] Sure you don’t want some?

(Max): You know I don’t do that shit when I'm working.

(Aish): Relax man, you got like a week left here.

(Max): Yeah and I wanna keep it cute in the process.

(Aish): Booo. It’s not everyday worry about how things look, Max. Imagine if you actually let shit flow for once.

[Bathroom door opens, snapping Max out of it]

[Present day]

[AISH’S LOCK SCREEN]

[MAX - 6 MISSED CALLS]

(MAX): I’m outside the station, how far away are you? I think it’s gonna rain 💔[8:04am]

(MAX): Are you close by? Train’s in 15mins! [8:09am]

(MAX): ?? Answer ur phone pls. [8:14am]

(MAX): Aish what the fuck? Are you okay? [8:19am]

(MAX): I texted Ty and he doesn’t know where u are either! What’s going on? [8:23am]

(MAX): I’m not upset. I just wanna know ur okay. there’s another train at 8:42 if that’s easier? [8:25am]

****

(AISH): H-

(MAX): Where the fuck are you?

(AISH): Shit, *coughing* What time is it?

(MAX): It’s almost 9 you dick. What’s going on?

(AISH): coughing - I’m really sorry Max. I’ve got a really sore throat and a cough. Can the woman do another day?

(MAX): emotional - Fuck sake. You knew how much this meant to me!

(AISH): Max I-

(MAX): I never ask you for shit! And I didn’t ask you for this! You offered! 

(AISH):  I know! …But this isn’t my fault!

(MAX): Bye Aish. [They hang up]

[MAX SCROLLS THROUGH THEIR CONTACTS BEFORE SETTLING ON LENA]

[PRESENT DAY]

[TEXT] (DAISY): Here’s the info. She’s in cunch and she’s got a nokia so the phone signal might be a bit shit. I set her up on gmail though, might be easier to reach her there. My gran’s got a laptop.

[FLASHBACK #1]

(CHRIS): I know it's shit but you gotta be strong Max. I’ll be out of here before you know it.

[PRESENT DAY] [EMAIL]

Hi, I’m Max, Chris’ daughter. Your niece Daisy is a friend of mine and said it would be better to email you. I’d really love to meet and I’m glad to hear that you are too|

[FLASHBACK #2]

(MAX): Did I do something wrong?

(SIMONE): Of course not Max! Your mum is just- She loves you so much. It’s killing her not being able to be with you all the time, and every time we visit it just reminds her of um. Of what she’s lost, you know?

[PRESENT DAY][EMAIL]

Hi, I’m Maxine, but I go by Max. My pronouns are They/Them Hope that’s not too confusing for you! I’m Chris’ daughter. Your niece Daisy kindly gave me your info and said it would be better to email you. I’m glad to hear that you’re up for meeting as it’d be great to hear about my mum from you. Unfortunately, before her passing I hadn’t seen her in quite a long time|

[FLASHBACK #3]

(MAX): [Sobbing loudly]

(SIMONE): [Emotional] I’m so sorry sweetheart. Let it out.

[PRESENT DAY]

(MAX): Let’s hear it then.

(AISH): I got my days mixed up. Sorry.

(MAX): Do you know what? I’m getting so sick of your apologising Aish. I don’t think you know what the word actually means.

(AISH): Allow it man. I know you’re still pissed about the other day but as I said, it’s not fault-

(MAX): That’s your whole problem Aish, it’s never your fault!

(AISH): Why are you shouting bruv? I’m not a child!

(MAX): You’re acting like one though! What the fuck is going on with you? You’ve always been scatty but this is next level.

(AISH): I told you, my head’s been a bit fucked lately. I’m trying my best and the last thing I need is you talking to me like a dickhead for a few minor mistakes.

(MAX): So you’re just not gonna actually tell me then?

(AISH): I shouldn’t have to air my business out to get you to trust me bruv. You don’t tell me shit about your life and I’m supposed to just be cool with that, but now it’s the other way round it’s a big fucking issue.

(MAX): That’s so unfair. You know that-

(AISH): You’re not the only person whose life is hard Max. You have family, I know you’re not speaking to them, but deep down you know that you’ll always have somewhere to go. I can’t go home at all ‘cause my fam disowned me when I chopped my tits off.

(MAX): Aish…I’m sorry. I know we’ve both been through shit. I wasn’t trying to be…selfish. I’m just worried about you.

(AISH): I don’t need you to worry about me Max. You’re always fucking worrying. You need to accept that some things are what they are. [Sighing] I just…I dunno. Maybe we should get some space…You should give my hours here to someone more…reliable.