#*ep 12

(estate agent): So what are we thinking?

(cleo): It’s nice! isn’t it max?

(max): Maybe. What's the rent again?

(estate agent): £1395 per month.

(max): And there’s no parking right?

(estate agent): There’s not. But there’s timed free parking on the roads nearby and the flat itself does have top of the range white goods and a brand new dishwasher. so it’s not a bad trade off. 

(max): …I see.

(estate agent): Why don’t I give you a moment to think? I'll head downstairs and we can reconvene in ten.

(cleo): That'd be great. Thank you. 

[The estate agent leaves]

(cleo): What’s the problem?

(max): I'm just not sure. it’s too…white. and the no parking thing’s shit too.

(cleo): Babe, it's modern! your last place barely had central heating! plus, you don’t even drive!

(max): Okay one: it had character, and two: I know I don’t right now but…I want to learn!

(cleo): Max be serious. this place has great transport links, it’s almost double the size of your old place and on a selfish note, it’d put us back in the same city again. …is it a money thing? ‘cause i'm happy to help you out until you’re back on your feet.

(max): No! i’ve still got the money rita gave me…and I have a job now anyways.

(cleo): Sorry? where?

(max): [Sighing, quiet] I got my old job back at the dollhouse.

(cleo): Seriously?

(max): Cleo-

(cleo): Max you know I love you but sometimes I just do not get you. you were only meant to be a bartender for a few months and then suddenly you’re a manager, which like fine, okay- at least you’re being a boss bitch but now it’s gone, which must be awful I know but instead of trying to move forward you’ve gone bloody backwards! What was the point of working your arse off in uni if you’re just not even gonna try?

(max): Oh for fuck- look, cleo i’ve got enough shit to deal with without you judging me on top of it. just because my life doesn’t look like you think it should, it doesn’t mean i'm not trying to do what’s fucking best for me. 

(cleo): Max I-

(max): -Maybe if i didn’t have to keep burying people I care about then I could stop for a while and properly get my shit together but for now-

(cleo): -Oh babe. i’m not trying to fight with you. i’m sorry. it’s just- I think you deserve the world and that you shouldn’t have to settle for shitty jobs or…too white flats with no parking for your future car. 

(max): …I know.

(Terry): As long as it doesn't set fire to me own doorstep, I’m ‘appy for our alliance to continue. 

(Lena): Understood…Your support will not go unrewarded.

(Terry): Of course.

(Aaron): [opening the door] So you’re the new boss eh?

(Terry): [perturbed] Aaron you’re-

(Aaron): [Sitting down] Late I know, but someone’s gotta get their ‘ands dirty while you’re in ‘ere playing politician.

(Terry): [To Lena] -You’ll have to excuse my brother, he likes to run his mouth now and then. He’s harmless really.

(Aaron): Nah I’m not. But I’m sure you know all about that, don’t you Lena?

(Lena): [Eyeing Aaron] Hmm.  Well as long as he does what I pay him for, we won’t have a problem. [Standing up] And with that, I’ll take my leave. Take care Terry. I’ll be in touch. [She exits]

(Terry): [Once Lena’s left, To Aaron] You are such a dick’ead.

(Amara): [Low, sudden] Roll down your sleeves.

(Lena): Huh?

(Amara): Don’t argue. Your name is on this building and your clothes should reflect that.

(Lena): Okay, Mami I’m not trying to-

(Amara): [Hushed] Si esto no funciona, nos quedamos sin opciones, Lena. He pasado meses manteniendo a raya a estos cerdos pero no durarán mucho más. (If this doesn't work, we're out of options, Lena. I've spent months keeping these pigs at bay but they won't last much longer.)

(Lena): Entiendo eso mami, pero ¿qué quieres exactamente de mí? […I understand that mum, but what exactly do you wa-]

(Receptionist): –Ah, Mrs Scott…and Miss Scott! So good to see you both. Please follow me.

[***]

(Amara): [Upon arrival] It’s good to see you all. 

(Robert): There’s no need for pleasantries Amara, the sooner we can get things in order, the better.

(Amara): It’s not a crime to show civility Robert, but since you’re in a mood, I’ll be frank: I understand there’s been some turbulence of late. I know that the Scott group isn’t living up to its potential. If you continue to trust in me, I’d like to change that.

(Gregory): –I’m sorry Amara, but if I may? I believe I speak for all of us when I say that turbulence is putting it lightly. Shareholders have been pulling out left and right, there’s talk of delisting it from the exchange and while I know you’ve experienced some…personal tragedy, I can’t help but wonder if your continued involvement would do more harm than good.

(Amara): Excuse me?

(Robert): It’s not personal of course. You know I’ve supported you..and your family from the beginning, but the writing’s on the wall. The Scott group has done great work in the past and we believe it can again…We’re just not sure if you’re the person to lead us.

(Amara): [Icy] …I see. So when’s the vote?

[The board members all uncomfortable share looks]

(Linda): [Quiet, sheepish] It’s in 4 weeks. 

(Amara): Okay. Well in the interest of candor I’ll say this: When my husband and I started this company, it was with the hope of taking property to the next level, and providing housing in communities that needed it most. I know lines have blurred. I know that Winston made…errors in judgement, but the reason you all sit in this room is because of me. Most companies that have dealt with such difficulties would be non-existent. It’s a testament to my passion and intelligence that after everything this heart and soul of this company remains.

(Pravesh): Amara please-

(cont.) for a time she’d been a gun for hire. the work was tedious but it blessed her with independence more importantly, forced her away from familial dysfunction. the early days of the scott’s exile from san myshuno had been brutal and sticking around would have made it far worse.

(Max): Hey. Did I wake you?

(Lena): Nah, I was gonna go for a run. Why are you up so early?

(Max): Ugh…I can’t sleep. Danielle's bed is way too soft.

(Lena): Poor baby. 

(Max): It’s fine, I can nap on the sofa when Simone’s gone to work. How was the drive last night?

(Lena): Okay, and decent. Traffic was alright for once. 

(Max): Good…do you know if your brother’s still there?

(Lena): I don’t. But it’s not like he’d be anywhere else.

(Max): Fair... How long are you staying again?

(Lena): I'm driving back tomorrow. Why, you missing me already?

(Max): Not if you’re gonna be a freak about it.

(Lena): You’re such a brat.

(Max): [feigned ignorance] I don’t know what you mean.

(Lena): See, if you were being good, I could’ve helped you get back to sleep.

(Max): …I'm being good now.

(Lena): Oh really? [a thud sounds from outside the door] for fuck sake. 

(Max): Huh?

(Lena): Sorry baby but I’ve gotta go. You’re still looking at flats later, right? Let me know how that goes, okay?

(Max): Yeah, okay b- [the call ends]

[***]

[Lena pulls open the door]

(Lena): Can I fucking help you?

(Lourdes): Don’t be like that. I just got here and mami said-

(Lena): [mocking] ‘Mami said’-oh fuck off, Lourdes.

(Lourdes): Lena, you can’t keep ignoring me. It's been weeks!

(Lena): Why don’t you go and bother Luis since your head lives up his arse these days. 

[Late Night - The Dollhouse]

(Lena - Text): Sorry I missed you baby. Just finished work. Falling asleep already so I’ll ft you tomorrow. Miss that pretty face xx 

—

(Vanessa): Don’t walk away from me, bitch!

(Emel): [Entering] You’re delusional V. Leave me the fuck alone.

(Vanessa): Just tell me the truth then! Are you fucking her or not?

(Emel): I told you, no! Now get your hand out of my face or else.

(Vanessa): [low] You know what Emel? Fuck you. [SHE LAUNCHES HERSELF AT EMEL, WHO FALLS BACK INTO MAX]

(Max): Woah what the fuck?!

(Emel): Ow!

(Vanessa): [To Max] Move! I’m not done with this sket. [SHE GOES AGAIN, BUT MAX STOPS IT, HOLDING HER BACK] [Struggling] Get off!

(Max): [Firm] No. And if keep trying to get past me you will fucking regret it. [To Emel] Are you alright?

[VANESSA KISSES HER TEETH THEN SLOWLY BACKS OFF]

(Emel): No! I think she broke my fucking ankle!

(Vanessa): Good.

(Max): Give it a fucking rest Vanessa. Make yourself useful and go and get Jacqui.

[Late night - The Royal Willow Hospital]

(Hannah): [On the phone] I won’t be much longer. Feng’s saying goodnight to his wife then I’m bringing him to you to sign the contract.

[In a hospital bed lies the comatose Lily Feng, her husband Victor sits beside her, sullen]

(Victor): I’m sorry my love. I feel I have failed you in our darkest hours. But I promise, when all is said and done - we will both see the sun again.

(Lena): …What the fuck was that?

(Amara): [disapproving] Lena.

(Lena): …Sorry.

(Amara): Justo lo que esperaba, pero si te lo dijera, no lo entenderías. Necesitas ver la cara de lo que nos espera. | It was just what I expected, but if I only told you, you wouldn't understand. You need to see the face of what awaits us.

(Lena): ¿Y… ahora qué? | So…what now?

(Amara): We keep working. Ambos sabemos hasta dónde llega esto. Pasaremos las próximas cuatro semanas confirmando a nuestros aliados y evaluando nuestras amenazas. Los Feng lo han dejado todo hecho un desastre. No somos los únicos que queremos estar en la cima de la torre, pero que me aspen si pasamos un segundo más abajo. | We both know how far this goes. We’ll spend the next four weeks confirming our allies and assessing our threats. The Fengs have left things in shambles. We are not the only ones who wish to sit atop the tower, but I’ll be damned if we spend another second at the bottom of the pile.