GIRL DISRUPTED SCRIPT - agents to represent please.

GIRL DISRUPTED SCRIPT

INT. HALLWAY - EARLY EVENING

We follow a woman, SHAZIA, (Asian, mid forties), as she enters the hallway of a house in a village in Somerset in 2018. Over her shoulder, we see SIMON , (White, early fifties), following.

SHAZIA stops and stares in horror at something we cannot see.

SIMON runs forward and grabs the hanging corpse of their daughter (ZUBIYA, seventeen), by the feet.

ZUBIYA (V.O.)

At seventeen I was going mad. I didn’t

ask for it. But it just happened.

INT. EARLY EVENING

The quiet village is populated by the usual suspects of geriatric retirees and one odd family; SHAZIA, (Asian, mid forties) and SIMON, (White, early fifties) and ZUBIYA (Asian, seventeen) and ERUM (Asian, fourteen).

There is a stark contrast between their house interiors and the countryside location. SHAZIA dresses in a loose kaftan while SIMON is a clean cut Middle England type.

The light of the upstairs bedroom is on and a ZUBIYA

is up against the window (with open curtains) wildly gesturing and then stopping and staring out.

SUPER: GIRL DISRUPTED

2.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Shazia stands by the kitchen sink washing a pot, while

her ex husband ALI (forties, Asian) talking through her speaker phone. We can hear a TV playing in the next room.

SHAZIA

The only people I do spend money on

are the kids.

ALI (Sniggers)

SHAZIA (pause and sigh)

Really. Can

ALI (interrupting)

At least try and send the kids to the mosque. Just go down to Bristol mosque and go through the ladies side. Make sure the kids have the right clothes on. Just ask the Molvi what classes they do and then start taking them down.

SHAZIA I’ll try. Right now I work tomorrow so bye.

SHAZIA wipes her brow and carries

NEXT DAY

EXT. SCHOOL - MORNING

We hear the school bell ring out.

Asian) walk towards the main door

Is frantically texting. ERUM looks at her sister.

ERUM

You need to tie your hair back and

just chill. Yeah?

have to prep for on with the work.

ZUBIYA and ERUM (fourteen, with other teens. ZUBIYA

3.

ZUBIYA

Oh my God, there he is. I know he

wants me. He was online all night, it could be that he’s turned on my cam remotely thinking I don’t even know. L.O.L.

ERUM

You on crack. He seriously doesn’t

give a fuck. He’s got bare girls.

ZUBIYA

So, that just means they are chasing

him not that he is actually talking to any of them.

ERUM

O. M. G. You are seriously next level

cringe.

A school friend runs up to ERUM and hugs her.

EMILY Hey Bae. Missed you.

ERUM

What time is Mum picking us up.

Dunno. ZUBIYA shrugs.

ZUBIYA

ERUM pauses and then rolls her eyes. Her and her friend run off giggling.

INT. COLLEGE CLASSROOM - MORNING

SHAZIA is carrying a few files and has a big bag with her; weighted down she walks along the college hallway and into the classroom.

The eyes of the standing college boys follow her all the way.

BOY 1 (in Somali)

Look at her ass.

4.

BOY 2

Searches his phone and turns on a

song..All the milkshake brings all the boys to the yard - damn right.... (Peels of laughter)

SHAZIA

How old are you guys. Can you stop

behaving like five year olds and pack it in.

Savage.

BOY 2

BOY 1 Miss miss Shak got by a child. He’s a

SHAZIA Will you stop it.

BOY 1 Stop what miss.

fucked last night peado Miss.

SHAZIA

Can we just concentrate on the task at

hand and behave like adults. (Pauses) Right today we need to look at the life cycle of a product. So ice breaker. Lets shoot up some names - What comes to mind in the context of business when I say product life cycle.

She switches on the over head projector as she is talking and pulls the classroom blinds down. They start looking at a business diagram on the whiteboard.

INT. HALLWAY SCHOOL - AFTERNOON

The hallway is full the students. As the school bell goes off ADAM (seventeen, WHITE), a good looking boy runs up to ZUBIYA while his friends hang back and watch from a safe distance.

ADAM

Zubiya.

Hi Adam. You OK?

ZUBIYA

5.

ADAM

Yeh yeh. Listen I just wanted to say

that do you fancy coming to the gym with me.

ZUBIYA YES! You sure.

ADAM

Course I am. Laters yeh.

ADAM runs back to his mates and then high fives them. ZUBIYA looks on.

ADAM Dreaming.

They all fall about laughing.

EXT. SITE - LATE AFTERNOON

Simon is closing a measuring device at the side of a road. Wiping sweat from his brows he feel the sun bearing down on him.

SIMON

Shall we try and pack up lads the Mrs

is cooking a curry tonight.

MAN

Isn’t that every night?

SIMON

No it isn’t. We do eat other things

too. Pull the ropes up and turn the two generators on at least that will keep the drill going for another four hours...

MAN

So what have you had this week then?

SIMON

Spaghetti Bolognese last night. We had

fish and chips on Friday and tonight its curry.

6.

MAN

Fare enough. I’m off to watch city

play tonight. Save me some of that curry..

INT. CLASSROOM - LATE AFTERNOON

ZUBIYAS mobile rings as she leaves class. Knocking her bag out in the hurry. Shes looks at her phone.

Dad.

ZUBIYA

ALI

Sallam. How’s school, did you get the

English grade back?

ZUBIYA

Oh my God Dad the teacher said I could

get onto the UK Youth Parliament. I googled it. Its amazing like that is a route to politics Sadiq Khan and most of the Labour party started when they were my age. What do you think?

ALI

That is the best thing for you Zubi,

you know the London Mayor is a Muslim. You should stick to your plans doing Law. What’s your sister upto?

ZUBIYA I don’t know.

ALI

I spoke to Mum, she needs to take you

guys to the mosque.

ZUBIYA

Dad don’t want to go to mosque.

ALI

Stop talking rubbish. Go to mosque and

learn.

ZUBIYA

Well, remember that other Paki girl

in. Her parents are like areally religious. You know the ones; they have that curry house. The Bengalis

7.

Yeah.

ALI

ZUBIYA

She goes to mosque and she hates it.

Now shes turned lesbo and eats sausages in school canteen. Her parents don't even know. She has a girl friend in Canada. She found her on line. Can you believe it?

ALI

Well that's her thing you just go with

your mum and you'll understand. Not everyone is like that girl.

ZUBIYA

OK.

Take care. I’ll call tomorrow.

Bye.

INT. BEDROOM - EVENING

ZUBIYA is in her room with the curtains open to the darkness outside.

She dances in her room with the music on low. She has her pyjamas on. Her hair is all over the place and she has a

full face of makeup.

ERUM is in the next room, in her bedroom, lying on her carpet taking nude shots of herself and smiling.

INT. LOUNGE - EVENING

Shazia is sitting at her laptop on the floor with a Bollywood film in the background typing away.

ALI ZUBIYA

8.

ERUM SHAZIA ERUM

SHAZIA

Have you finished the work on fire

fly.

ZUBIYA (shouting down the stairs)

No she hasn’t!

ERUM

Mum! What the fuck, I’ve been upstairs

for the whole time!

SHAZIA Show me first baba.

ERUM For fucks sake.

SHAZIA Will you stop swearing.

Mum

What?

Can I go out?

Sorry.

ERUM

SHAZIA

Ok, you can go but I will be seriously

angry if I find out you haven’t done the work.

ERUM Love you.

SHAZIA Love you princess.

ZUBIYA runs down the stairs.

ZUBIYA

You always let her do anything. It’s

bloody ridiculous.

SHAZIA

Excuse me. Can you get on with your

work.

9.

Mum!

ZUBIYA

SHAZIA

Can you just concentrate on what you

have to do and stop being so mean to your sister.

ZUBIYA

Dad called and said you were supposed

to take us to the mosque.

SHAZIA

Well yes we did discuss it but right

now I don’t think it’s the right path for you guys.

ZUBIYA mutters under her breath and goes back to her room.

EXT. ON THE PAVEMENT - EVENING

ERUM (into phone)

I’m here, pick me up quickly, Don’t want Mum to come.

INT. LOUNGE - NIGHT

The lounge is clean and minimalist; well decorated and

up to date. We see some Indian embroidered cushions on the sofa and some incense sticks burning. There is also an India rug on the floor.

Time passes and Shazia returns to typing on her laptop while the TV plays in the background with (Channel Four News) the latest faux pas of Trump.

Zubiya stomps upstairs.

ZUBIYA (into phone)

I’m so sick Dad. Mum always favouring Erum. You have no idea what she’s up to. I know shes slept with a boy.

10.

And Jo said he saw her taking drugs too - she’s only fourteen.

EXT. PARK - EVENING

Erum sits on the low wall taking a drag on a cigarette while a young white lad touches his crotch and stands between her legs with a smirk.

Some grime music plays out from her phone.

There are other kids there too but no one takes any notice. They start kissing.

The boy opens his fly and ERUMS hand goes to is crotch. It gets late.

BOY

You’re peng you know that.

ERUM

BOY ERUM

Shutup. Seriously.

Shutup.

NEXT DAY

INT. HOUSE - MORNING

ALI (into phone)

Give you mother the phone.

ZUBIYA (into phone)

OK.

Zubiya runs down the stairs and hands her mum the phone.

ALI (into phone)

Have you completely lost your mind.

11.

SHAZIA (into phone)

Listen I’ve got people coming soon, I don’t have time for this. What’s the problem.

ALI (into phone)

Zubiya just told me Erums been smoking and seeing some boy. What the hell is going on. You really need to set some boundaries.

SHAZIA (into phone)

I’ll handle it.

ALI (into phone)

You spoil her rotten, I know you’re not going to do anything.

SHAZIA (into phone)

Listen Zubiya is talking rubbish she doesn’t know what she’s on about.

ALI (into phone)

You have been a ridiculous influence on the girls. All your bullshit ideas.

SHAZIA (into phone)

What do you mean. I have done my bloody best, It’s not been easy.

ALI (into phone)

All self inflicted. You haven’t even taught them nimaz.

SHAZIA (into phone)

Oh my God, I have, they just don't understand. When we went to Paki I even got a molvi for them.

ALI (into phone)

It’s got to be consistent.

SIMON listens to the loud conversation and snatches the phone off SHAZIA.

12.

SIMON (into phone)

Listen mate I’m not being rude but you really need to show Shazia some respect. She’s at work, she’s picking and dropping the girls. When was the last time you actually came over to see them. I mean sorry mate but really.

ALI (into phone)

Could you give her the phone its about our girls and it doesn’t seem like she is controlling Erum very well. Is she?

Disgusted SIMON hand the phone back to SHAZIA. And she carries on with the conversation with a lower voice while SIMON goes into the other room.

INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON.

BOY 1

Yo Zubiya. Adam Bains fancies you.

BOY 2

Why don’t you check your locker.

ZUBIYA

What? My locker’s got a padlock on it.

ZUBIYA stops short of her locker and see’s it been broken into. She slowly opens it and sees photos of Adam with pen marks on it saying I love Adam. The boys keel over laughing again. She starts crying and runs off.

INT. SCHOOL OFFICE - AFTERNOON

ZUBIYA

But Miss how did they even know I like

Adam. Who would do such a thing. Who? I don’t understand. (crying hysterically)

13.

MISS HOPWOOD

Zubiya, boys can be very cruel; I

know. But you have told a lot of people including me. Do you remember?

ZUBIYA That wasn’t Adam Miss.

MISS HOPWOOD Well who was?

ZUBIYA

I told you; it was Tom.

MISS HOPWOOD

Well I know whats happened is horrid.

Rest assured we will be dealing with it Zubiya. I’ll need to call your Mum.

ZUBIYA

Why does this happen to me all the

time?

ZUBIIYA starts crying hysterically and gets louder.

MISS HOPWOOD

You’d feel better if your mother was

here. Hmm?

ZUBIYA

No! She’ll say it was my fault. She

doesn’t understand. You don’t know.

MISS HOPWOOD

As said that will be looked at but

honestly don’t you think you’ll feel better if Mum takes you home.

Zubiya rubs her face and looks down.

INT. KITCHEN - AFTERNOON

The cordless phone rings on the light wood kitchen table. We can see a large country garden through the sliding patio doors.

Hello

SHAZIA

14.

MISS HOPWOOD Hello Mrs Rashid

SHAZIA It’s Ms Khan

MISS HOPWOOD

Oh I do apologize. It’s the Wedmore

Academy here. It’s about Zubiya. Nothing to be alarmed about but we have an issue and Zubiya is quite upset I think she would benefit from her mother being here. Would that be possible.

Sure.

SHAZIA

MISS HOPWOOD

Nothing to worry about. We can talk

when you’re here. Is that OK?

SHAZIA Yes, I’ll leave now.

INT. EMILYS BEDROOM - EVENING

ERUM

Bae proper scating out.

EMILY

Seriously? (sings) I want your bootee

girlfriend.

ERUM

Fuck off. Is my vag clean (she pulls

her pants down)

EMILY

Looks fine. Put that Victoria Secret

on. did you sot the room out?

ERUM

Yep. Shall I put this on, with this?

She holds up a small top and some jeans.

EMILY

Put that with it underneath.

She points at a contrasting bra on the floor and picks it up.

15.

INT. COMMUNITY HALL - DAY

It is ALI’S wedding day. He is getting married to a more traditional yet British Asian woman. He is happy with this arranged marriage. RASHIDA (Asian, late forties) dressed in an Asian bridal red outfit slowly walks towards the stage set and waiting ALI.

He looks up and smiles at her.

People whisper in the background and food is being served to the guests on the round tables, young Asian boys are serving the meals in paper plates.

ZUBIYA and ERUM look around uneasily.

ZUBIYA

Can’t believe Dads getting married

again?

ERUM

You reckon this was what Mum and Dads

wedding was like.

ZUBIYA Probably more posh.

ERUM

Hmm

Ali walks over to the girls.

ALI

Girl’s come and say Salaam to your new

Mum.

Zubiya and Erum go up to the stage. Ali gets them

16.

to sit down on the sofa with the bride.

RASHIDA

I have a present for you.

She gestures to her cousin to pass a nearby plastic bag.

ERUM

What?

RASHIDA pulls out two head scarves and hands them to Erum and Zubiya. She glances at Ali. He approves.

INT. COLLEGE CLASSROOM - DAY

SHAZIA (Into phone)

Shall we go out tonight, the girls are away so may as well.

Looking out through the industrial window.

SIMON (Into phone)

Fancy going down the Woody for a meal and we can invite the Claires?

SHAZIA (Into phone)

Why not. God knows what state the girls are going to be in when they get home.

EXT. SCHOOL - DAY

ERUM

Bae so glad to be back. Really do not

like the woman.

EMILY Who's the woman

ERUM

My step mum. Dad wants us to call her

Mum. I would never call her mum. My mum is my mum. Know what I mean Em.

17.

Yeh.

EMILY

ERUM

Would you call a step mum Mum.

EMILY O.M.G never ever ever.

NEXT DAY - INT. COLLEGE - DAY

Shazia’s phone pings with a message. “Your daughter is the biggest scank ever”. With it there is a nude of ERUM. She slumps on her seat.

SHAZIA What the hell.

INT. LOUNGE - EVENING

We see that Ali is sitting in front of the TV and on the sofa eating a curry with his hand while Rashida stands in the open plan kitchen cooking. There are differences between his

house and Shazia’s house. Ali’s house has many religious texts on the wall and a prayer mat laid out.

INT. LOUNGE - EVENING

SHAZIA dials a number while ERUM sits, loudly crying and screaming on the stairs. ZUBIYA sits with her sister holding her hand.

SHAZIA (into phone)

Detective, I need this to be taken very seriously. She is only fourteen and she has been coerced into having sex with a older boy - so that classes him as a pedophile, I definitely would like to press charges without a douth.

18.

SIMON (mouthing)

You need to calm down

SHAZIA frantically gestures to SIMON to sit down and be quiet.

DETECTIVE

(into phone)

Madam these things need to be investigated we have to go to his house and get his version and possibly seize the phone and laptop.

SHAZIA (into phone)

Well he would obviously deny it. But I know he has taken these photos or at least shared them with people and he has had non consensual sex with a minor! I need you to know that I am an educated woman and a lecturer and will not repeat will not take this lying down and want swift action.

DETECTIVE

(into phone)

My apologies for coming across otherwise. We will indeed get started and we will keep you posted. By no means do we take such reports lightly.

SHAZIA puts the phone down and starts crying as SIMON comes to hug her. They sit quietly for a moment. Erum walks in from the stairs with tears stains on her face.

ERUM

Mum I didn’t do anything.

SHAZIA I can’t believe you thing I ask you not

go and do it.

betrayed. The one to do. You fucking

What?

ERUM

SHAZIA

SEX! I have let you guys do whatever

you want, even against your fathers wishes. No rules, no Paki stuff and this is what you do.

19.

I asked you only one thing, do not have sex before seventeen. For fucks sake what is wrong with you. Do you even care about me. Care about yourself. I am so fucking sick of this shot,. I just want to fucking kill myself. Why why don’t you just fucking know me. Fucking disgusting. Fucking disgusting, What the fuck have you fucking done. Do yo want to fucking explain this shit to me.

SAHZIA gets up and starts hitting ERUM. ZUBIYA and SIMON intervene. ERUM is hysterical. ZUBIYA is screaming too. It’s loud and messy.

NEXT DAY

EXT. SCHOOL - DAY

ERUM opens the text and shows EMILY at school “Your Mum is the biggest bitch on the planet. She better watch her back”

Fuck.

EMILY

ERUM Crazy innit?

EMILY

What do you reckon’s gonna happen.

No idea.

ERUM

EMILY

O.M.G Keiren is probably going proper

skits. Ask your Mum if I can stay at yours.Don’t want to stay at mine. My mum is a bitch.

ERUM

Yeah.

Messages start pinging on ERUMS phone.

“You are so fucked” “Snake”

20.

“We are going to fuck you up” ERUM starts crying.

NEXT DAY

INT. SUPERSTORE AISLE - DAY

ALI (into phone)

It’s me.

SHAZIA (into phone)

You OK? What’s up. Congratulations by the way.

ALI (into phone)

Hmm, thanks. So you gonna tell me whats going on?

SHAZIA (into phone)

I’ll handle it but seriously you need to be about more.

ALI (into phone)

Why don’t you just give them to me. You know that’s the better option. You can’t handle it.

SHAZIA (into phone)

I’d never do that. Listen, just leave it I’ll handle it.

ALI (into phone)

You realize Zubiya called me she was upset. Are you going to tell me what’s going on.

SHAZIA (into phone)

21.

Just leave it. I’m dealing with stuff. Listen speak soon OK.

NEXT DAY

INT. OFFICE - DAY

SIMON is with the construction workers in his office. They are having tea.

They laugh.

SIMON

I mean she really went for her. I

personally don’t understand. These days the youngsters are different aren’t they.

MAN 1

Course they are. My boy had sex. I

think he was probably fourteen too.

SIMON

With social media these days. You just

can’t keep the kids away from it. You can shout and scream all you like but at the end of the day ..

MAN 1

They do what they want to do.

SIMON

That’s what I said. But she’s hell

bent on taking this lad to court. God Knows.

MAN 1

You know what women are like. Let her

just get on with it. You just need to be supportive..

SIMON And pay the bills.

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

Posters of Justin Beiber adorn the wall, a very messy bedroom. It looks dirty too.

22.

ZUBIYA looks at her phone while lying on her bed and plays with her already messy hair. She sees a message on the screen:

“Your sister is a whore. And you are a desperate whore.”

ZUBIYA reaches for a felt tip and starts drawing on her upper leg.

EXT. PAVEMENT - DAY

ZUBIYA walks along the pavement towards and country track leading to a water reservoir and an adjoining skate park. She is frantic. You see that both her legs are now covered in felt tip patterns.

She starts to talk to herself, mouthing words.

Boys in the skate park look at her and nudge each other and laugh.

She starts to walk towards them.

ZUBIYA Do any of you fancy you so do, everyone

BOY 1 What the fuck

ZUBIYA And I can see it in

at me.

me? Cause I know tells me and..

the way you look

23.

BOY 2 Seriously weird

ZUBIYA

Come on then are we gonna go to yours.

Have some fun.

BOY 1

We’re just chilling. Will you please..

BOY 2

Fuck off.

Come on. Stop playing hard to get.

BOY 1 Are you mad.

ZUBIYA

Don’t call me that. Just come.

ZUBIYA walks towards their car

BOY 1 Oh my God. Come on

BOY 2 What the hell.

BOY 1 Just f off.

and tries to get in guys.

ZUBIYA

ZUBIYA stops and starts walking towards the reservoir BOY 1 races after her and shoves her in. The boys then rush to the car and speed off. ZUBIYA shouts.

Wait! INT. LOUNGE - EVENING

ZUBIYA

SHAZIA

It’s hard for you, I know

SIMON

You and the girls mean everything to

me. I know I’m not their Dad but to me they're are my daughters too. We’re a family.

24.

I know.

SHAZIA

EXT. PATHWAY - EVENING

ZUBIYA is walking on the pathway drenched and still talking to herself.

INT. LOUNGE - EVENING

SIMON

So the burning question is will you

marry me?

SIMON bends down on one knee and fumbles for a ring and pulls it out.

SHAZIA No way! Seriously?

SIMON Seriously.

SHAZIA Let me think. Yes!

INT. KITCHEN/ DINNING ROOM - MORNING

ERUM and ZUBIYA comes in looking very sheepish and quiet. Pouring cornflakes for themselves. They look at each other. SIMON comes in very matter of fact and starts making a coffee. ZUBIYA walks in.

SIMON Want a coffee love?

SHAZIA

Yes please. Have you told the kids?

SIMON

No. Do you want to now?

25.

SHAZIA

No time like the present. Guys you

know we are getting married SHAZIA turns to the girls.

ERUM

We always knew you would

SHAZIA

Well its going to be sooner rather

then later.

Safe.

ERUM

ZUBIYA

That's really great Mum. Are you

happy?

SHAZIA

Course I am. But listen guys lets just

get though the investigation thing OK.

ERUM

So what are you going to wear Mum

SHAZIA

Probably some Paki bridal thing

ERUM

What the red thing. Really Mum?

Yeah.

ZUBIYA

SHAZIA

Actually, I was thinking of doing

something fusion.

ERUM

What’s that? Stop using words I don’t

understand Mum.

ZUBIYA You’re so thick.

Mum!

ERUM

SHAZIA

Like an ivory colored dress thing, one

that has Paki embroidery on it.

26.

Nice.

ZUBIYA

INT. KITCHEN/ DINNING ROOM - AFTERNOON

The dinning room has a few pots bubbling away on the range. Coriander is half cut on the side and some open spice bottles are open too.

The background has a British Asian station playing. Rashida is wearing jeans and a top with a hijab on. Ali walks in. He is also in jeans and a T - shirt.

RASHIDA

That woman is disgusting. You know

that don’t you?

ALI

She just doesn’t understand.

RASHIDA

Not understand what - to be a good

Muslim? It’s a joke.

ALI

She doesn’t know the meaning. Now she

tells me Erum has had some trouble with some boy and there’s a police investigation.

RASHIDA

What the hell. What do you mean?

ALI

Some boy was coercing Erum.

RASHIDA

I don’t know. Tansnia told me she’d

seen her on instagram with her boobs out.

ALI

Shazia’s bullshit is effecting the

children.

27.

RASHIDA

Living with that gora. Fucking Kafir.

And now look at Erum.

ALI

Apparently he’s proposed. Zubiya told

me they’re gonna get married.

RASHIDA

What! Is SIMON converting.

ALI

Why would he convert when she doesn’t

give a damn in the first place.

RASHIDA

Seriously, my parents would have shot

me had I carried on the way she does. Are you going to sort it?

ALI

Let her get back from school and I’ll

call her.

INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON.

ZUBIYA is lying in bed, clearly sick. Her back is

towards the wall and she is making shapes with her finger against the blank wall. She turns over to reach for a tissue box and knocks it over. She reaches under her bed to get it and then looks under her bed and starts gesturing talking to an imaginary person under the bed.

INT. CORRIDOR - AFTERNOON

The doorbell rings. SIMON Opens the door to the detective.

DETECTIVE 1

Afternoon. I’m DCI Mark Pritchard and

this is DCI Imran Hashimi. We were wondering if we could have a word.

Afternoon.

DETECTIVE 2

28.

turned

SIMON Sure. Come in, come in.

SIMON leads them to the kitchen and dinning room table.

SHAZIA

Pritchard

Yes. Pritichard.

gestures towards the

..

Hi.

Shazia this is DCI Mark

DETECTIVE 2 And I am DCI Imran Hashimi.

SHAZIA

Hi

All of them sit around the table.

DETECTIVE 1

So we wanted to discuss our initial

findings with you. These are the electronic forensics of the boy involved and these are the print outs of the conversations. All four thousand of them.

SHAZIA

Conversation between my daughter and

this older boy.

Yes.

DETECTIVE 2

SIMON DETECIVE 1 SIMON

DETECTIVE 1

And what we have found. I am sorry to

say that on examination of the conversations.

DETECTIVE 2 I have read them too.

DETECTIVE 1

It seems that it is your daughter that

is doing the coercing not the young lad. Who is seventeen not nineteen.

29.

SHAZIA

And that makes it OK does it. Him

being seventeen.

DETECTIVE 2 No we are not saying that.

DETECTIVE 1

But what we are saying is that it is

your daughter who is initiating the sexual slanted conversations not him.

DETECTIVE 1

And it would be our advice to not go

ahead with pursuing charges.

SIMON

Can I have a look at the printouts?

Yes sure.

DETECTIVE 2

SHAZIA

So it was ERUMS fault.

DETECTIVE 2

We are not saying it was anyone’s

fault we are saying that a drawn out charge may not be beneficial.

SHAZIA

I understand. Its just been a bit of a

shock. She’s only fourteen.

DETECTIVE 1

Totally understand what you’re going

through I’ve got three myself. All teenagers. So we shall leave you to it.

DETECTIVE 2

If you have any questions don't hesitate to call.

SHAZIA SIMON follows them out the door.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

ZUBIYA still with her cold is in her bedroom laying on the

Yes.

30.

floor shredding the front of her jeans with loud music on. She then puts them on and looks at her reflection in the mirror. She then makes wild gestures and dances round dipping to the ground and laughing.

CUT TO:

ZUBIYAS PHONE

“You are a fucking loony and all the boys think you’re spastic” “Harry wants to fuck you cause he thinks you're fit as fuck”

INT. ERUMS ROOM - NIGHT

Shazia and Simon walk in and Erum is lying on her bed with her phone in her hand. Shazia hands her a national express coach ticket. Erum looks at it wide eyed.

SHAZIA

I’ve had enough. You guys are both

going to Dads for a couple of weeks.

ERUM What. Why?

SHAZIA

It’s all been too much for me.

SIMON The detective came.

SHAZIA

(shouting) And they told me it was you

who had been doing most of the coercing.

ERUM The what?

SHAZIA

The begging for sex. It’s fucking

disgusting. I bloody hate you. God knows what the hell Zubiya is up to too.

31.

NEXT DAY

INT. SCHOOL OFFICE - DAY

ZUBIYA is in the office crying hysterically, her jeans are shredded and she has worn them to school. The school counsellor and MISS HOPWOOD are trying to comfort ZUBIYA and talk to her. ZUBIYA is tearing tissue paper in her hand.

INT. COLLEGE CORRIRDOR - DAY

SHAZIA (into phone)

She’s had a hypermanic episode, a bloody breakdown. (pause) I don’t give a shit I’m

sending them down. You need to take it

up with the crisis team there. I am honestly drowning with all this shit. All I’m asking for is abit of help and you need to step up.

CUT TO:

A RUSH OF IMAGES AND VOICES SHOWING THE PROGRESSION OF ONE WEEK. ----------------------------------------------------------------

RASHIDA

How many times have I told you to wear

the loose shalwar kameez. And put your hijab on.

ERUM

I told her to do that twice.

Fuck off. Pardon!

ZUBIYA RASHIDA

32.

----------------------

ZUBIYA is talking to a counsellor. ----------------------

RASHIDA folds a sari on her bed, scowling.

RASHIDA

Your mother has taught you nothing.

Its a joke.

ERUM

Well neither has yours. Have you heard

hwo rude you are?

RASHIDA

Excuse me. I wasn’t the one that

opened her legs at age fourteen. Ridiculous.

----------------------

ZUBIYA (into phone) Crying,

Mum we can’t stand it here she’s a cow and Dad doesn’t say anything.

SHAZIA (into phone)

You need to speak to Dad while you’re

there. What’s she doing. ------------------------

ZUBIYA is sitting in a hospital waiting lounge with ALI. ------------------------

ZUBIYA is talking to a counsellor and the counsellor is talking to her too.

------------------------

33.

INT. BEDROOOM - NIGHT

SIMON

I was reading up on Olanzapene. Seems

its quite hard core. Adults with Psychosis take it. That’s bloody serious.

SHAZIA I am so so tired.

SIMON

I know hun but with kids that’s it

these days.

SHAZIA

Who the fuck has these issues.

Everyone.

SIMON

SHAZIA

God knows what people in the village

think of us. One kids a slut the other one is crazy.

SIMON

Crazy and slutty - kinda rhymes.

(Simon tries to lighten the mood). They cuddle each other. INT. LOUNGE

RASHIDA

Can you call Erum and Zubiya down,

they are seriously doing my head in.

ALI

Arre baba ab kya hua.

RASHIDA

Zubiya is walking around with her hair

all over the place. Do you know how much hair I’ve actually hoovered up. Like a dog. Then Erum is constantly on her phone. God knows who shes talking to.

ALI

Acha call them down. GUYS!

Zubiya and Erum clomp down the stairs, they know that to be called down like this means they’ve done something wrong so

34.

they are unhappy.

ZUBIYA Why are you shouting.

RASHIDA We were calling you.

ERUM Well there's no need

RASHIDA We weren’t. Ali.

to shout.

ALI

Listen girls we need to get some

sanity into this house and this situation.

ZUBIYA So you’re saying I’m

it?

RASHIDA What are you talking

ERUM Zubiya thinks you’re

crazy.

not sane. Is that

about? calling her

RASHIDA

Show some bloody respect.

ALI

Hang on, hang on. What are you guys on

about. Can we just come back to the issue at hand. Right Rashida what were you saying before we called them.

RASHIDA

I was saying that I cannot have this

level of disarray in the house. Zubiya can you please tie your hair up or get it cut.

ZUBIYA

I’m not fucking cutting my hair.

ALI Don’t swear.

ZUBIYA

Sorry, I’ll tie my hair up.

35.

RASHIDA

Fine. Erum, I can’t have you on the

phone night and day after all that has happened can you at least try and pray one nimaz with me a day.

ERUM

Yeah, no problem. Here you can have my

phone if you like.

RASHIDA I don’t want it.

Fine.

ERUM

ALI

Basically, what Rashida is trying to

say is Zubiya you have been prescribed your medication. You need to have at the right time and tie your hair back. And can both of you try and pray some nimaz. Can we at least try?

OK.

ZUBIYA

INT. PLANE - EVENING

ZUBIYA and ERUM get on the plane and sit down on their allotted seats. ZUBIYA get her headphones out and starts playing loud music through it. They both settle in to the flight. ERUMS phone flashes a message.

“Can’t wait.”

ERUM types.

“Me too (emoji)”

ERUM pulls an old magazine out of the Easyjet flight pocket.

NEXT DAY - INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING

Everything looks calm as MISS HOPWOOD is handing out exam

36.

37. papers to the students ZUBIYA is one of them.

INT. COLLEGE CLASSROOM - DAY

SHAZIA is standing up in front of her class and teaching. She seems light and focus. For once the students seem quiet.

INT. SCHOOL CORRIDOR - DAY

EMILY

You reckon you’ll be able to get out.

                         ERUM
                         EMILY
                         ERUM

EMILY

Why don’t I just pick you.

When? Tonight. Fuck knows.

How?

ERUM

EMILY

The lads. I’ll get them to park far

away. I’ll tell your mum that my mum is taking us back. To mine.

ERUM She’ll check.

EMILY

What do you mean check.

ERUM

Out the door. She’ll say well where’s

your mum I want to speak to her. You know what she’s like.

EMILY What the hell.

I know.

ERUM

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

ZUBIYA is lying on her bed and reaches for the bedside table and her mediation. She takes two table out and swallows it with out water and just stares at the ceiling.

INT. LOUNGE WINDOW - NIGHT

ERUM climbs out the window and jumps down onto the grass and Falls on her bottom. She stands up and dusts the grass off. She looks up at the window to see that all the lights are off. Looking down at her phone she walks away.

INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT

ALI

ZUBIYA is too clever to let this get

her down. You often find that with super intelligent kids.

RASHIDA

A she’s not a kid anymore and B she

know nothing about the religion. What pillars of Islam has she followed or does she follow. In her day to day life I mean.

ALI

Hmm true. I get sick of it too. But

that crazy cow is raising the girls. You know I try.

RASHIDA

Ya Allah! I am not blaming you. I’m

blaming that Kafir you married.

Hmm.

ALI

RASHIDA

Did you read that thing on the news

with that grooming stuff. Imi’s lot were involved apparently.

No way.

ALI

38.

Apparently.

RASHIDA

ALI I’ll call.

RASHIDA

Call them tomorrow it’s family time

now.

RASHIDA comes close to ALI.

ALI

Hmm

The doorbell rings. ALI goes to answer it. While RASHIDA puts on her dressing gown and comes down the stairs. Its her cousin and another relative (ZAKI, Thirties, Asian).

COUSIN

Ali Bhai, sorry to disturb you at this

time but Zaki and me wanted to tell you about what Qudsiya showed us.

ZAKI

Tell them the truth na.

COUSIN

Well I caught her with this.

The Cousin turns her mobile to Rashida and Ali. On it; it has a full frontal nudes of Erum. The family look embarrassed.

COUSIN

Apparently some boy was sent it by

another boy.

RASHIDA

Ya Allah. Ya Allah. What are we going

to do with these girls. Why the hell can’t you control them. God knows how many know. I feel like throttling them.

Ali is silent and sits down. His head in his hands he looks bereft. Rashida walks over and runs her hand over his hair. The relatives bid a subdued goodbye and leave. The house is quite.

39.

Then Ali burst into sobs.

INT. LOUNGE NEXT DAY

ALI decides to go and see his daughters and SHAZIA and give them a piece of his mind. He is very angry. They are all (except ZUBIYA) sat in the lounge.

ERUM

I can’t explain. Yes, I made a

mistake. But we’ve dealt with it.

ALI

You have made a hash of raising these

girls. It’s a fucking mess. You only send them to me when its dire.

SHAZIA I’m their mother.

ALI Then act like it.

SHAZIA

I haven’t? Is that what you’re saying?

Its me who's been picking and dropping them. Its Simon who's been forking out the money when they need anything. You think your child maintenance bullshit actually covers everything.

ALI

I pay a fair amount. And sorry if its

that much of an issue you know I’d have them. Just give them to me.

ERUM

Guys I am in the room you know.

Ali gets up and turns around and slaps Erum on the

slap is very hard and Erum stumbles back with her hand on her face. Shazia rushes towards her and hugs her tight. Ali gets up close and shouts in ERUMS ear.

40.

face. The

ALI

You cannot behave like this. Do you

think this is OK?

Erum gives a muffled reply while Shazia is burying her face in her bosom.

ERUM

ZUBIYA is standing on the landing hearing everything shes slumps to the floor and leans her head against the bannister and tears roll down her face.

It now becomes quiet downstairs and Erum then opens the door and starts walking up the stairs quietly.

INT. LOUNGE - SAME DAY

ALI

How could you not tell me the extent

of things.

SHAZIA

Cause I know you couldn’t hack it.

ALI You’re so so wrong.

SHAZIA

And this isn’t an example of your

handling skills?

ALI

And is this an example of your

parenting skills?

Sorry.

INT. CORRIDOR - SAME DAY

Just stop.

SHAZIA

ALI

So what is going on?

41.

SHAZIA

Its been hard. The girls are hard

work. Erum started going out, at first it was Mum can I just go to the park. I mean fuck we live in a village this isn’t the urban sprawl so I thought OK.

ALI

What and it became a habit.

SHAXIA

Yep, she was out nearly every day

after school. I checked her work on firefly and she was handing it in so I though fair play just leave her to it. Even Simon said and he’s much more though on them then I am.

ALI Then what?

SHAZIA

I think Erum got weird after she

starting hanging out with Emily

Emily?

ALI

SHAZIA

Just this girl at school. Her parents

are divorced

ALI So are we.

SHAZIA

No but her mothers a real low life.

Shes always out; just leaves the kid. Neglected child. So I think Erum looked at her freedom and thought I want some of that. She started challenging me. It was a bloody night mare.

ALI And Zubi?

SHAZIA

Some stuff happened at school about

boys teasing her

Why?

ALI

42.

SHAZIA

Cause you know how she is.

How?

Weird.

But she’s very clever.

ALI SHAZIA ALI

SHAZIA

I know. The teachers just called me in

when all that shit happened with the jeans but to be honest she seems fine after the Olanzapene.

ALI

You realize that medication is like a

hammer to the head. Its serious shit.

SHAZIA

Well at least she seems more level.

ALI And Erum.

SHAZIA

Well there are a few things I found

out and basically I got the police involved.

ALI

What? Why didn't you tell me?

SHAZIA I was handling it.

ALI

Is this what you call handling?

SHAZIA

They carried out an investigation and

they found out that Erum was being naughty. It wasn’t the boys fault.

ALI

You always just do what ever you want.

You’ve never listened to me. You think this move to the countryside has been good?

43.

SHAZIA

Well it would have been far worse in

London.

They are both silent and look out the window.

ALI

You need to just give me the girls,

that’s the best way.

SHAZIA

You know I won’t. Why do you always

talk about that.

ALI

You’ve really fucked things up. You

never taught them a thing. Nimaz, roza anything.

SHAZIA

So its a religious thing.

ALI

No it’s about giving them a family.

Some moral code to at least try and meet. You think you living with a gora and all this shit has helped.

And you?

SHAZIA

ALI

What about me. I tried my fucking

best.

SHAZIA

Giving the bare minimum and barely

seeing them is not your fucking best.

ALI

What’s the point. You just won’t

listen.

They are both quiet now and Ali’s phone starts to flash. It is Rashida. Ali bids goodbye and leaves. The house is quiet now and Shazia returns to the kitchen.

44.

We see time lapse and the scene turns to a sunny holiday

Zubiya and Erum are in the back of the car while Simon is driving and Shazia is in the passenger seat. Erum sticks her head out the window and smiles into the sun. Zubiya looks dark and quiet. She is itching multiple small razor cuts on her arm. She has been self harming.

K Mum!

Bye

Simon and Shazia leave the house with empty supermarket bags. They are calm and happy. Out for a day of food shopping.

INT. HALLWAY - EARLY EVENING - SAME DAY

SHAZIA

MY BABY. WHY. WHY WHY DID YOU DO THIS.

INT. HALLWAY - DAY

Bye Zubi. See you later.

SHAZIA ZUBIYA SIMON

Shazia is wailing and screaming loudly. Simon runs

stairs. The ambulance and police cars screech to a

outside. In the distance we can see the commotion.

In is early evening in the village and we see Erum

distance walking home. Oblivious about what she will see and what has happened.

ZUBIYA (V.O.)

I can’t say I wanted to go like that

but I just couldn’t take life anymore. Sorry. I’m really sorry Mum.

45.

up the halt

in the

END OF SHOW.

46.