CHARLENE: You'll end up getting put into a lower
class if you're not careful. The yearly's aren't that far
away.
CYNTHIA: I know.
CHARLENE: Well, are you gonna study?
CYNTHIA: Look, I'll try okay?
CHARLENE: If you want some help or something,
I could study with you -
CYNTHIA: I'll be alright, don't worry about it, okay.
You're not my bloody mother.
CHARLENE: (gets up to put some rubbish in the bin)
Well excuse me for trying to help. You don't have to
be such a bitch about it. (walks off)
CYNTHIA: (notices JO looking at her) What? Do you
want to have a go at me too?
JO: No. I was just gonna say that if you wanted to I
could study with you, I -
CYNTHIA: I'm not stupid, I can study by myself, I don't
need any help.
JO: I know you're not stupid, but you said you
couldn't concentrate and I thought I might be able
to help you get your mind off whatever it is
that's bothering you and onto your study.
CYNTHIA: I don't even know if I want to - if I could be
bothered. I don't even really care that I only
got forty three percent in that test.
JO: Don't you want to do well?
CYNTHIA: I suppose. I don't know...I'm kind of confused
right now...
JO: If you want someone to talk to you can talk to me.
CYNTHIA: Of all people why would I talk to you?
JO: (shrugs) Because I'll listen.
(CYNTHIA pauses to consider and then smiles.
Light change - up on CYNTHIA'S house as JO exits
and CYNTHIA picks up her bag and crosses the
stage.)
SCENE 4:
CYNTHIA'S house. BECKY is watching TV and eating a biscuit
while her MOTHER folds some clothes. The MOTHER has a black
eye.
