Episode 4.12

The Final Frontier

Produced by Chris Clough

Directed by Simon Massey

Written by Robert Jones

Transcribed by Margaret Pattison

 

SCENE: Countryside.

The clouds are moving across the sky. A big rock stands in the foreground, like a stela.

 

SCENE: Brian's house.

Brian and Fr Mac exit the house. Brian, wearing a hat, is holding a glass full of beer. He points at the patio.

 

Brian: ?? the ants all come up out of the ground, did you ever notice that?

 

CUT TO: Patio.

The ground is crawling with black ants.

 

Fr Mac, surprised: No!

 

Brian: Hundreds of them!

 

CUT TO: Fr Mac and Brian.

 

Brian: And always on one particular day.

 

Fr Mac looks thoughtful. Brian looks down at the ants again.

 

CUT TO: Ants.

 

SCENE: Sky.

The clouds are moving.

 

SCENE: Sean's house.

Sean is up on a ladder, painting a number on the side of the house (1844). The house is white with blue trim. He hears some birds and looks across at a tree.

 

CUT TO: Tree.

A flock of birds rises up out of the tree, squawking.

 

SCENE: Street.

A battered station wagon drives along a country road. It is loaded down with plastic-covered crates on the roof, and an Irish flag flaps on the antenna. The driver is listening to opera.

 

SCENE: Sky.

The clouds are moving. They are getting darker.

 

SCENE: Eamonn's farm.

Trixie is jumping around, chasing her tail in circles. Eamonn is herding a flock of sheep.

 

Eamonn: Trixie! Will you look after these sheep!

 

Trixie barks.

 

Danny opens the gate leading into the barn.

 

Danny: In you go. Come on.

 

Eamonn: What have you been thinking?

 

Danny looks at Trixie: Beautiful.

 

Eamonn, worried, looking at Trixie: I don't like the look of that at all.

 

Trixie continues to spin around and bark.

 

ROLL TITLES

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Ambrose enters from the kitchen, looking put out.

 

Ambrose: Niamh! Are you thinking of talking to me any time soon?

 

Niamh: I'm talking to you now!

 

Ambrose: You're speaking, I'm speaking, we're not talking to each other.

 

Niamh looks away, sighs, rolls her eyes.

 

Niamh: Ambrose.

 

Ambrose: There, that's what I mean, right there, the very thought of talking to me makes your heart sink.

 

Niamh stares at Ambrose: It doesn't.

 

Ambrose insists: I can see it in your face!

 

Niamh: It's just not the moment.

 

Ambrose: Not the moment.

 

Niamh glances out toward the bar: Will you cover the bar for me?

 

Ambrose: Well where are you going?

 

Niamh, short-tempered: Nowhere!

She goes to the door and opens it: Nowhere!

She goes out and slams the door.

 

Ambrose takes a deep breath and watches the door.

 

SCENE: Sean's kitchen.

Sean removes a paper from the fax machine and reads it.

 

Sean, pleased: Brilliant.

He smiles.

 

Emma enters.

 

Sean: Afternoon.

 

Emma, sleepily: What time is it?

 

Sean: It's gone midday. Oh, I've put your sign up. Come and have a look.

He walks past Emma. She follows him.

 

Sean: Good news.

 

CUT TO: Outside.

Sean and Emma exit the building. The ladder is still there. The number on the side of the house now reads, "AD 1844".

 

Sean: ?? says she can't see any problem me running my end of the business from here.

 

Emma: Great!

 

They both stop at the fence, turn around, and look at the number Sean painted. Sean folds his arms. Emma places her hands on her hips.

 

Sean, hopefully: So. What do you think?

 

Emma whines: What have you done to it?

 

Sean, clueless: What.

 

Emma whines: Well I said I was going to do it.

 

Sean points out reasonably: But I've done it for you.

 

Emma complains: The wrong colour.

 

Sean sputters: But-- It-- It matches!

He reaches into his back pocket and hands Emma an envelope: Oh by the way. This came for you.

 

Emma looks at the envelope, excitedly: From St. Martin's.

She eagerly opens the envelope and reads: We're pleased to be able to offer you a place at our foundation--

 

She grins broadly. Sean laughs and hugs her.

 

Sean: I knew you'd get it! Oh, good news all round.

 

The wind suddenly starts to blow hard. Sean and Emma look around.

 

SCENE: BallyK street.

The station wagon drives into town and parks directly in front of the pub. The opera music is still going. The driver turns off the engine. The music stops. Liam and Donal are sitting on one of the blue benches. The driver gets out and closes the door. It is Uncle Minto.

 

Minto: Donal!

 

Donal smiles with a sinking heart. Liam drains his beer can. He is also holding a moon pie.

 

Minto: The very lad!

 

Donal: Uncle Minto.

 

Minto: You'll be starting a war in your stomach if you put them two items in there together.

 

Donal looks at the can and pie in his own hands.

 

Minto, indignantly: Does your wife not provide you with a proper luncheon?

 

Liam, with his mouth full: Luncheon? This is breakfast.

 

Donal: I'm not married.

 

Minto: Still.

Minto leans in to peer at Liam. Liam moves a few inches back.

 

Minto: How tall are you?

 

SCENE: Eamonn's farm.

Trixie is lying under the workbench in the barn, whining.

 

Eamonn coaxes: Come on Trixie.

He slowly approaches: Trixie. What's wrong?

 

Trixie gets up suddenly and runs out.

 

Eamonn: Come back!

 

Trixie barks like crazy. Eamonn watches with an open mouth.

 

SCENE: Brian's garden.

Brian and Fr Mac are sitting at the table in the garden. Brian's drink is half-finished on the table in front of him. All is quiet.

 

Brian, quietly: I think there's something between Niamh and Sean Dillon.

 

Fr Mac looks at him: What kind of something?

 

Brian stares off into the distance, murmurs: I don't know. Just a feeling I have.

 

Fr Mac admits: Well he is a dark horse. That's always appealing. The outsider has great allure.

 

Brian looks at Fr Mac.

 

Fr Mac, carefully: Especially one...who inspires strong feelings in others.

 

Brian: You're saying it's my fault for disliking him.

 

Fr Mac, lightly: Oh not at all. After all it wasn't you who started the feud, was it?

 

Brian mutters: Certainly not.

He looks off into the distance again.

 

Fr Mac: Even if it is you, who's perpetuating it.

 

Brian looks at Fr Mac again. Fr Mac looks up at the sky.

 

Fr Mac, conversationally: We'll have rain later.

 

SCENE: Field.

Niamh is walking across a field. She is wearing blue jeans and a blue tailored shirt and looks pretty jaunty. She stops and looks around. She sees sheep. She continues walking.

 

SCENE: Another field.

This one is slightly misty. There is a low stone wall across it. Minto's station wagon is parked next to the wall.

 

Minto: I'm looking for someone to babysit this wagon for a wee while.

 

Donal: You going away, Uncle Minto?

 

Minto: It's my belief that I am.

 

Donal: Where?

 

Minto: Destination unknown.

 

Liam: Where'd you get the name: Minto.

 

Minto: Uncle Minto.

 

Minto, Liam, and Donal are looking at a large piece of paper spread across the hood of the car.

 

Liam, grudgingly: Uncle Minto.

 

Minto reaches into his pocket and pulls out a notebook.

 

Minto: Do you know how many times I've been asked that question in the last three years, Liam?

He consults the notebook.

 

Liam: No.

 

Minto: Seventy one times.

He puts the notebook down on the hood of the car and writes something.

CUT TO: Notebook.

The left-hand page reads:

 

1996/1997/1998

UNCLE MINTO QUESTION

Then there is an array numbered 1 to 10 on the horizontal and vertical axes. There are x's in every box in the first six columns and Minto has just filled in the second box in the seventh column.

 

The right-hand page has some differential equations.

 

CUT TO: Minto, Liam, and Donal.

Minto snaps the notebook shut and puts it back in his pocket.

 

Minto: Seventy-two times. Whose land is this?

 

Donal looks over Minto's shoulder at the large piece of paper (must be a map): That'd be Sean Dillon's.

 

Minto nods and folds up the map: You can make the introductions then.

He walks around the front of the car. Donal looks dejected.

 

SCENE: Sean's house.

Sean is up on the ladder again, painting the number some more. Niamh approaches on the ground and watches him. She clears her throat. Sean turns around and sees her.

 

Sean, pleasantly surprised: Niamh!

 

Niamh smiles: Hi.

 

Sean: Hello!

 

Niamh gestures over her shoulder with her thumb: I was just passing.

 

Sean descends the ladder. He looks amused.

 

Sean: Is that right?

 

Niamh: I was!

 

Sean puts the paintbrush down on the paint can and wipes his hands off on a cloth.

 

Sean: On your way to where?

 

Niamh: This is how you greet visitors is it?

 

Sean, innocently: Just wondering where you were on your way to.

 

He walks into the house. Niamh follows him. She stops and glances back out the way she came.

 

Niamh: Somewhere further along that road there.

 

CUT TO: Sean's kitchen.

Sean enters, still wiping off his hands on the cloth. Niamh follows him.

 

Niamh: Somewhere where they'd say, come in, sit down, cup of tea, not give you the third degree.

 

Niamh stops just in front of Sean and looks around. They are practically touching.

 

Niamh: This place is gorgeous.

 

Sean, modestly: Thanks. Well, come in, sit down, cup of tea.

 

He turns and walks over to the stove.

 

Niamh: No thank you.

 

Sean, surprised: Why not?

 

Niamh shrugs, pouts: You're too late now. Were too rude earlier.

 

Sean thinks fast: Well...how about, come outside, have a cup of coffee?

 

Niamh smiles: You have paint on your eyebrow.

 

Sean: Oh. I know.

He wipes at his eyebrow with his index finger.

 

Niamh: Wrong one.

 

Sean wipes at the other eyebrow with his thumb.

 

Niamh, nonchalantly: Why wouldn't I be passing anyway.

 

Sean: No reason.

 

Niamh smiles gleefully: You missed it!

She reaches up and wipes Sean's eyebrow with her own thumb.

 

Sean, hopefully: Maybe you just wanted to see me?

 

Niamh smiles: Don't flatter yourself.

 

Uncle Minto enters through the open door.

 

Minto: Mr Dillon? Mrs Dillon.

 

Niamh is startled and puts her hand down quickly. Liam and Donal enter behind Uncle Minto.

 

Minto: I've come to see about the loan of a field for a day.

 

Donal: This is Uncle Minto Sean.

 

Minto nods pleasantly.

 

Sean, taken aback: Hello. A...a field.

 

Liam and Donal look at each other.

 

Sean: No problem.

 

Minto: Of course I'd have to see if it's any good first.

 

Sean looks carefully at Niamh. Niamh looks down and breathes deeply.

 

SCENE: Field.

It is stormy and windy. Emma and Eamonn are walking across the field. Eamonn is carrying a long post.

 

Eamonn, impressed: Art college is it?

 

Emma nods, pleased.

 

Eamonn: Painting pictures!

 

Emma, proudly: I'm going to specialize in design.

 

Eamonn: Smart girl.

 

Emma: Do you think Danny'll--

 

Eamonn: Eh, he's away to Cilldargan for dog medicine. Trixie might have worms.

 

Emma: Do you think he'll be upset about me going away?

 

Eamonn: Well--

 

Danny bounds up to them out of nowhere.

 

Danny: How are yous?

 

Eamonn and Emma look at Danny, surprised to see him. Danny hands Eamonn two small boxes, which must contain the worming pills. He takes the post from Eamonn.

 

Danny: Well? Did you get in?

 

Emma nods, smiles hopefully, unsure of Danny's reaction.

 

Danny, excited: Ya did? Oh, nice one!

 

He drops the post and hugs Emma. Eamonn examines the boxes.

 

Danny: Ha haaa, see that? Uncle? Not just beautiful, talented too.

 

Eamonn, indignantly: Haven't I always said so?

 

Emma smiles. Danny leaves his arm around her shoulders. Eamonn looks at the boxes.

 

Eamonn: I wish that dog would come home.

 

They hear a low rumbling sound. They look around. The sky looks very dark and threatening.

 

Eamonn: I don't like the look of them clouds.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Ambrose is scrubbing the floor with a mop. Kieran is sitting at the bar. Orla enters.

 

Orla, somewhat surprised: Hey, hi Ambrose.

 

Ambrose, grimly: Orla.

 

Orla sees Kieran and smiles at him: Hey Kieran.

 

She walks over to him and takes away whatever he is playing with.

 

Orla: What have ya got? Come here. Come here to me.

 

She picks him up from the bar stool and carries him over to Ambrose.

 

Orla: Ambrose, you take care of Kieran will you? I'll take care of that.

 

Ambrose leans the mop against the bar and takes Kieran from Orla.

 

Ambrose: Ah so.

 

He walks a few steps away. Orla picks up the mop and starts on the floor.

 

Orla: So where's Niamh?

 

Ambrose looks around: Oh. Nowhere.

He walks away: Nowhere.

 

SCENE: Woods.

Niamh and Sean are walking through the bright, sunny woods.

 

Niamh: I'm a terrible one for what ifs these days.

 

Sean: What if what?

 

Niamh: Just what if. You get one life and there's so many different ways you could live it. Just lately I'm thinking about that a lot. Maybe it's because I'm getting so, established now. Y'know, I'm married, I have a child. I run the pub. Sometimes you stop and think, how did I get here?

 

Sean: And how it might have been different.

 

Niamh: Exactly.

 

Sean: Well go on then.

 

They stop walking.

 

Niamh: What?

 

Sean: How might it have been different?

 

Niamh: Hundreds of ways.

 

Sean: What about the big ones?

 

He sits down on a log.

 

Niamh: Big ones.

 

She sits down next to him.

 

Sean: Well, yeah, you might have moved away. Gone to the States and become aaaaa, rocket scientist.

 

Niamh: Or a country and western singer?

 

Sean chuckles: Or, I don't know, I'm sure you had other boyfriends.

 

Niamh shrugs noncommittally.

 

Sean: You might have married someone different.

 

Niamh teases: Might have married you.

 

Sean points out: If I hadn't moved away.

 

Niamh: Then I would have been Mrs Dillon.

 

Sean: And maybe we'd be sitting right here, right now and...

 

Niamh: Talking about what if things had been different.

 

Sean chuckles. Silence falls on the conversation. Their smiles fade. Niamh looks at the water. A rumbling noise is heard. The water is full of ripples. It starts to rain. It is still totally sunny.

 

Niamh, regretfully: Oh.

 

Sean: Come on.

He stands up. She gets up and follows him.

 

CUT TO: Sky.

Dark clouds are rolling in. Thunder is heard.

 

SCENE: Countryside.

The rain is falling in sheets.

 

CUT TO: Field.

Uncle Minto, Liam and Donal are standing in the pouring rain. They are soaked through. Donal is holding a measuring stick that is taller than he is. Donal is holding a red flag. Uncle Minto is looking through a surveyor's instrument set up on a tripod.

 

Donal shouts: Why don't we wait till the rain lets up Uncle Minto!

 

Minto shouts: What?

 

Donal shouts: Why don't we wait till it stops raining!

 

Minto: Do you want that car or don't ya?

He looks through the instrument again.

 

Liam shouts at Donal: So is he your uncle or isn't he!

 

Donal shrugs: Everybody always called him Uncle Minto.

 

Liam shouts: What, everybody in the family or everybody in the neighborhood.

 

Donal: Most of the neighborhood was family!

 

Minto shouts: Read it out from there!

 

Liam counts off the measuring stick and shouts: Five ??

 

Uncle Minto writes something in his notebook.

 

Minto, pleased, shouts: Perfect! The place is perfect!

He picks up his surveying instrument.

 

Minto: Come on! Before we get wet!

 

Liam retracts the measuring stick. Donal yanks the flag out of the ground.

 

SCENE: Bridge.

Sean and Niamh are standing under a bridge. It is pouring rain.

 

Sean: Irish summers.

 

Niamh: Don't tell me the English ones are any better.

 

Niamh looks anxiously at the sky. She sneaks a glance at Sean, who is also looking at the sky. She wants to say something, and gathers up her courage.

 

Niamh: I'm embarrassed about blurting out all my troubles to you the other day, I shouldn't have done that.

 

Sean: It's okay.

 

Niamh: You said Ambrose was a lucky man to be married to me. You said a lot of nice things about me.

 

Sean: You're a nice person.

 

Niamh: I wondered after whether you meant them.

 

Sean: I meant them.

 

Niamh: I mean...did you say it...to cheer me up cause I needed cheering up, or because...

 

Sean: Or because.

 

Niamh: Oh.

 

Sean, carefully: Have I disappointed you?

 

Niamh turns nasty: You have a very high opinion of yourself Sean Dillon, do you know that?

She climbs out from underneath the bridge and starts up the river bank.

 

Sean: Niamh!

 

Niamh: Bordering on conceited!

 

Sean: Niamh! Niamh where are you go--

 

Niamh disappears out of the frame. Sean decides to follow her after a few seconds.

 

Sean: Niamh wait a minute!

 

SCENE: BallyK.

It is very stormy. The clouds are low and black. The rain is heavy. There are dead leaves all over the street. A couple of figures are dashing for shelter. Siobhan is one of them. She runs around from the driver's side to the passenger side of her car, which is parked in front of Hendley's. Kathleen is running around, bringing in her goods from outside. Siobhan takes Aisling, wrapped in a blanket, out of the car. The rain plasters her hair to her face within seconds. She runs across the street to Fitzgerald's.

 

CUT TO: Fitzgerald's.

Siobhan enters. Brendan looks calmly up from the end of the bar, where he is reading a newspaper. Liam, Donal and Uncle Minto have apparently also just entered, as they are just taking seats at the bar.

 

Siobhan: Oh! It's cats and dogs out there.

 

Brendan: You all right?

 

Siobhan, breathless: Yeah.

 

Uncle Minto places a large suitcase on the bar top. Orla reaches under the bar and pulls out a bottle and a glass, which she sets down in front of Siobhan. Then she turns her attention to Uncle Minto, who smiles at her.

 

Minto: Now then. Two pints of whatever noxious potion these two will have, and a pint of stout and black currant please.

 

He opens the lid of his suitcase right into Orla's face. Orla blinks.

 

Orla: Black currant?

 

Uncle Minto closes the suitcase.

 

Minto: First the stout.

He holds his hands parallel to each other to indicate how far Orla should fill the glass.

Minto: Then the black currant.

He draws an imaginary line in the air.

Minto: And then the top off.

He pulls an imaginary tap and raises his other hand to indicate the stout rising to the top.

 

Orla, dazed: Right.

She goes away to fill the order.

 

Uncle Minto stares at Brendan. He turns to Donal.

 

Minto, in a low voice, looking at Brendan but talking to Donal: Who's that grand looking fella with the fine physique?

 

Donal frowns: That's Brendan Kearney.

 

Minto, in a louder voice: You there, Brendan Kearney, stand up.

 

Siobhan is standing next to Brendan, looking like a wet rat. She is still clutching Aisling wrapped up in her pink blanket and has not removed her jacket. Both she and Brendan raise their eyebrows and look at each other, then back at Uncle Minto. Uncle Minto grins and nods, as if to say, "Go on". Brendan stands with an amused expression.

 

Minto: What's your poison?

 

Brendan: A pint.

 

Minto: And what would you say to the thrill of a lifetime.

 

Brendan, with a wink and a nod: I'd say I'll have the pint first.

 

Orla places a drink next to Uncle Minto's suitcase.

 

Minto: Give that man a pint.

 

Brendan and Siobhan exchange a puzzled look. Brendan resumes his seat. Uncle Minto looks at Brendan a little longer, then leans over to Donal.

 

Minto: Think he's too tall you know.

 

Uncle Minto opens his suitcase and looks inside it.

 

CUT TO: Sky.

It looks to be getting toward evening. The clouds are gray but not as thick. It is very windy. It is not raining.

 

SCENE: Countryside.

It is raining. Niamh is walking rapidly along a road. Sean is following her in his truck. Lightning flashes in the distance. Sean pulls up alongside Niamh and opens his window.

 

Sean: Let me give you a lift.

 

Niamh, without looking at him: There's no need.

 

Sean: You're soaking.

 

Niamh: I'm enjoying the walk!

 

Lightning flashes again. Sean drives a little ways ahead of Niamh, stops the truck and gets out. He runs around to confront her.

 

Sean: Niamh! I said something I shouldn't've. Something I didn't mean to say.

 

Niamh can't look at Sean. She looks very uncomfortable.

 

Niamh: Let's not talk about it.

 

Sean: Come on, at least let me give you a lift back to town, it's two and a half miles.

 

Niamh turns her back to Sean and walks to the passenger's side. She stops and faces Sean.

 

Niamh: I don't want you to talk to me.

 

Sean nods: I won't.

 

Niamh opens the door and gets in. Sean closes it for her then walks around to the driver's side. Niamh buckles up.

 

Lightning flashes again. The truck starts up and drives away. Lightning flashes again.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

It is pouring rain outside.

 

CUT TO: Inside.

Minto: How tall are you, my dear?

 

Orla, unsure: Uh...five foot nine?

 

Minto: Perfect! Pour yourself a drink so!

 

Orla smiles.

 

Minto: And I'll be requiring a room for the night.

 

Ambrose: We don't do rooms.

 

Orla looks at Ambrose. Her smile fades.

 

Minto: I'll be staying with you then Donal. It's the one night only.

 

Uncle Minto opens a battered little book and starts to look at it. The pub door flies open. No one is there. Outside, it is very windy and rainy. Through the open door, we can see Sean's truck speed across the bridge into town. Everyone looks out the door. The truck stops exactly so that it is framed in the door.

 

CUT TO: Truck.

Niamh is having a hard time getting the door unlocked. Sean helpfully leans across her and tugs at the button.

 

CUT TO: Ambrose.

Ambrose is watching the truck. He frowns and blinks.

 

CUT TO: Doorway.

Through the front windshield of the truck, Sean's shape is visible leaning across Niamh. It's supposed to look like he's kissing her.

 

CUT TO: Ambrose.

Ambrose looks troubled.

 

CUT TO: Truck.

Sean has finally gotten that lock opened. Niamh opens the door and gets out. She closes the door and walks to the pub.

 

CUT TO: Inside.

We can hear the truck roaring away. Niamh enters the pub without so much as looking at anyone. She is soaked to the skin, as if she'd been swimming in her clothes. Everyone watches her walk toward the stairs.

Brendan complains: Ambrose! What are you doing?

 

Ambrose looks at Brendan with incomprehension.

 

Brendan: Close the door!

 

Siobhan is still sitting next to Brendan in her wet jacket, clutching the pink blanket bundle. Ambrose looks around nervously and closes the door. Liam and Donal studiously avoid looking at Ambrose until he passes behind them, then they both turn their heads and watch him leave.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

Sean's truck pulls up in front of his house. It is still raining. Sean parks the truck, then dashes through the gate and into the house. As he enters the house, something (possibly a roof shingle) falls down and knocks over the paint can which Sean had left outside earlier. Sean turns around and looks at the spilled paint. There is blue paint all over the flagstones.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Upstairs. Ambrose is standing in the hall, leaning on the closed bathroom door, talking to Niamh.

 

Ambrose demands: What were you doing with Sean Dillon!

 

Niamh, spitefully: Talking!

 

Ambrose, frustrated: You won't talk to your husband, but you'll go talk to a--

 

Niamh flings open the door. She is wearing a bathrobe and her hair is dry.

 

Niamh, agitated: To a what? To a what, Ambrose?

 

Ambrose: What were you talking about?

 

Niamh shouts: Me! Niamh Egan, the woman you're very lucky to be married to!

 

Ambrose, upset: He said that!

 

Niamh looks away and tries to breathe calmly.

 

Ambrose demands: What cause did he have to say that?

 

Niamh, quickly and quietly: I think he thought I asked him.

 

Ambrose, deeply hurt: What are you doing talking to strangers about us? What does it matter what they think, when your husband loves you, and your child?

 

Niamh looks at Ambrose, full of sarcasm: Oh you always love me. Rain or shine, rich or poor, good or bad, right or wrong, no matter what I do, you love me!

 

She pushes past him and goes quickly down the hall.

 

Ambrose yells after her: Those were my vows!

 

Niamh wheels around and takes a couple of steps closer to Ambrose.

 

Niamh, full of anger: Yeah, and you're just obeying them! You never change! You never move on! You never look at me and think that I might move on!

 

She stomps into the bedroom. Ambrose stands there, shocked.

 

SCENE: Field.

It is very windy and rainy. Emma, Eamonn and Danny are making their way through a field.

 

Emma shouts: Trixie! Trixie, here girl!

 

Eamonn shouts: Trixie!

 

Emma shouts: Here girl!

 

Eamonn shouts: Trixie!

 

Eamonn looks worried.

Eamonn: It'll be getting dark soon.

 

Danny: You know, she'll come back when she's hungry.

 

Eamonn and Danny shout: Trixie!

Emma shouts simultaneously: Here girl!

 

Danny shouts: Trixie!

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Uncle Minto unrolls a map. It shows Ireland, with lines, X's, A's, circles and arrows. He holds up the map so that the other patrons can see it.

 

Minto: Ladies and gentlemen.

 

Siobhan takes a sip of her drink. Brendan is holding the bundle in the blanket now.

 

Minto: If I might have your attention.

 

Brian enters from outside. Everyone turns to see who it is.

 

Brian: Ugh! That's filthy weather.

 

Minto, indignantly: I'd be glad of some hush, I'm trying to address these people.

 

Brian eyes Uncle Minto from head to toe.

 

Brian: You're not addressing anybody in my pub without my say-so!

 

Minto, respectfully: Point taken.

 

Brian, to Orla, demands: Where's Niamh?

 

Orla nods her head toward the stairs: Upstairs.

She adds ominously: With Ambrose.

 

Brian looks at the stairs for a few seconds, then removes his hat and goes over to Brendan's end of the bar.

 

Brian: Right.

 

Minto: Now if we're all quite ready, I'll start again.

He goes and stands before the door. He holds up his map again. Brian disappears into the kitchen.

 

Minto: Ladies and gentlemen--

 

The door behind him opens, bumping into him. He shoves it closed with his rear.

 

Minto: Has anyone heard of Ufos?

 

Donal: I think that was just a gust of wind, Uncle Minto.

 

Uncle Minto processes that comment, then nods and continues. He indicates his map. Brendan and Siobhan exchange a smile.

 

Minto: The lines you see on this map are the flight paths. The crosses are sightings, and the circles are confirmed landings. Where I have put the letter A, that is an abduction.

 

Liam snorts and takes a sip of beer. Donal turns to him as if to say he should be quiet.

 

Minto continues undeterred: Not one of those abducted was under six foot in stature. They're loathe to take a short heart. I myself am six foot two. Well. One and a half.

 

Siobhan smiles at Uncle Minto. Brendan laughs quietly to himself.

 

Minto: So you'll probably follow my line of reasoning--

 

Orla: Your flight path's one of the lay lines.

 

Minto: You, my girl, are on the chief. I only wish these two (he looks at Donal and Liam) had your affinity for the subject.

 

Liam looks skeptical. Donal looks confused.

 

Orla leans forward slightly, looks very interested: Tell me this: Have you ever seen any aliens yourself?

 

Uncle Minto walks up to the bar, still clutching his map.

 

Minto: Glimpses...glimpses! But with your help, and with the help of my two friends here (he points at Liam and Donal) I shall be climbing aboard the mother ship in the field in front of Sean Dillon's house.

 

Brian returns from the kitchen.

 

Liam: Where we were working today.

 

Minto: The very spot.

 

Brian looks skeptical. He pours himself a whiskey.

 

Brian: If I knew you were coming out with all this rubbish, I'd never have given you the floor.

 

Minto: You cannot silence the truth, sir! Nor halt the inevitable march of progress.

 

Brian rolls his eyes. Siobhan and Orla exchange an anxious look. Everyone looks at the hotel entrance.

 

CUT TO: Hotel entrance.

Ambrose goes out. He is not wearing a jacket. He closes the door firmly behind him.

 

CUT TO: BallyK street.

Ambrose walks through the lashing rain. He gets into his patrol car. He revs the engine a couple of times and drives off.

 

SCENE: Countryside.

It is getting dark. The clouds are low. It is windy but not raining.

 

CUT TO: Tree.

The wind is whipping around the tree branches.

 

CUT TO: Branch.

One of the branches is bent and about to break off.

 

SCENE: Field.

It is dark. It is raining and windy. Emma, Eamonn and Danny are walking across the field.

 

Emma: ?? turn round now! (?)

 

Eamonn: Get yourself home, Emma! You're not fit for this!

 

Danny: Me and Eamonn'll go on.

 

Emma is only too happy to oblige: See ya!

 

Emma runs off in the direction they were coming from. Eamonn and Danny continue on.

 

Eamonn shouts: Trixie!

 

Danny shouts: Trixie!

 

Eamonn: Where could she have got to?

 

SCENE: Sean's house.

Sean is stoking the fire in the fireplace. Someone bangs at the door. Thunder sounds. Sean looks at the door and tries to see out the window. He stands up. Lightning flashes. Sean makes his way slowly to the door and opens it. Ambrose is standing there, wet through and through. Lightning flashes behind him. He looks eerie.

 

Sean: Ambrose, come in!

 

Ambrose, his face underlit: You come out here.

 

CUT TO: Outside.

Ambrose walks away from the house. Thunder crashes. Lightning flashes.

 

Sean, from the doorway: I've been soaked once already!

 

Ambrose turns around at the gate and yells: Get out here!

 

Sean approaches slowly.

 

Ambrose shouts: What right have you to tell my wife I'm lucky to have her!

 

Sean shouts: Ambrose, let's go inside!

 

Ambrose insists: Answer me! What right have you?

 

Sean: No right at all! She was feeling low and I--

 

Ambrose: Yeah right! I've seen you, getting your oar in! Confiding! Sympathising! Were you with her the other day, too?

 

Sean hesitates, frowns: What day?

 

Ambrose shouts: You were, weren't you!

 

Sean: What day are we talking about?

 

Ambrose shouts: You met her, didn't you?

 

Sean: Look, we bumped into each other in Cilldargan, if that's what you mean--

 

Ambrose, incredulous: Bumped into each other!

 

Sean: Think what you like, Ambrose. There's nothing between us.

 

Ambrose shouts: Us! Who is us! Us is me and Niamh!

 

Sean: All we did was talk! Maybe that was wrong--

 

Ambrose: Maybe that was wrong! Maybe that WAS wrong! Maybe breaking up families is wrong!

 

A flash of light and a shower of sparks appear at the corner of the roof. The lights in the house go off. Sean is distracted, Ambrose is not.

 

Ambrose: Maybe getting between a man and his wife is wrong! Maybe YOU are WRONG!

 

Ambrose breathes heavily. Sean is silent. Ambrose walks very, very slowly away and gets into his car. Lightning flashes again. Sean stands there in the rain. He finally turns and takes a step toward the house, still watching Ambrose. The house is completely dark.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Brian and Orla are standing behind the bar. Liam and Donal are sitting at the bar. Uncle Minto is standing next to them. Uncle Minto hands Orla a yellow thing (possibly a cloth) across the bar.

 

Minto: There you are my dear.

 

Orla: Thank you sir.

She puts her arm around Brian: Are you sure you won't join the crew, Brian? Could get to shake hands with E.T.

 

Uncle Minto hands Donal a yellow thing, too. Niamh comes down the stairs. Brian glances at her, then returns his attention to the taps. Orla and Donal unfold the yellow things. They are vests, like streets and sanitation workers wear for higher visibility.

 

Brian: This town has had enough unwanted visitations.

 

Niamh looks troubled. She goes into the kitchen.

 

CUT TO: Brendan and Siobhan.

They are still sitting at the end of the bar. Brendan is holding the blanket bundle.

 

CUT TO: Niamh.

It is unclear where she is. She is looking out a window. The shadow of the rain streaming down the window is reflected on her face.

 

SCENE: Shed.

The wind is rattling the windows. Sean adjusts a lantern. There is another one already lit on the workbench. The wind blows the shed door open. He picks both lanterns up. The wind blows the door nearly shut. He struggles to open the door against the wind, then runs to the house, leaving the door flapping in the wind.

 

CUT TO: Outside.

It is completely dark, rainy and windy. Someone with one light is running toward someone with two lights. The one light is Emma with a flashlight. The two lights is Sean with his lanterns. They both run toward the house.

 

Emma shouts: Dad!

 

Sean shouts: Emma! Where have you been?

 

Emma shouts: Looking for Trixie!

 

Sean shouts: What!

 

Emma shouts: Trixie, Eamonn's dog, she's gone missing!

 

Sean shouts: Well what do you want me to do about it, let's get inside!

 

They run through the gate and into the house.

 

CUT TO: Inside.

The door opens. Sean, Emma, and a bunch of leaves blow in. Sean hangs up one of the lanterns. Emma closes the door. She tries the switch by the door.

 

Emma whines: What happened to the lights!

 

Sean: The fuse.

 

Emma whines: Are you going to fix it?

 

Sean, irritated: Well that's what I'm trying to do!

 

Emma takes the lantern that Sean had hung up and takes it upstairs with her.

 

Emma complains: You picked a great day to paint my sign!

 

Sean takes the other lantern with him into the kitchen.

 

Sean: Emma, ?? you've got something cheerful to say, will you just SHUT UP!

 

CUT TO: Upstairs.

Emma shouts down the stairs: I'm glad I'm leaving!

 

CUT TO: Downstairs.

Sean shouts up the stairs: I'M glad you're leaving!

 

CUT TO: Upstairs.

Lightning flashes.

Emma shouts down the stairs: Well not as glad as I am!

 

She stalks down the hall to her room. She opens the door just as a tree falls into the room.

 

CUT TO: Downstairs.

Sean looks anxious. Glass shatters all around him as the tree falls on the house.

 

Sean, panicked, shouts: Emma!

He dashes to the stairs. The door flaps open in the wind. Windows continue to shatter.

 

Emma, from upstairs, screams, scared: Dad!

 

CUT TO: Upstairs.

The tree is in the house.

 

Emma screams: Help! Dad!

 

Sean climbs over tree branches to get through the hall.

 

Sean: Emma!

 

Emma: Dad! Help!

 

Sean: Emma!

 

CUT TO: Emma's room.

The room is full of tree.

 

Sean makes his way over to Emma, who is huddled on her bed. He grabs her shoulders.

 

Emma, desperately: What's happening?

 

Sean: Are you hurt?

 

Emma: What's happening?

 

Sean shakes Emma and insists: Are you hurt!

 

Emma: No, I don't think so.

 

Emma cries. Sean hugs her.

 

SCENE: Egan's living room.

Ambrose is sitting in an armchair, looking out the window at the storm. He is still soaking wet. Lightning and thunder crash. Niamh walks by the open door, sees Ambrose, and stops. Ambrose looks up and sees her, sits up expectantly. Niamh enters the room apprehensively.

 

Niamh: Are you going to tell me what happened?

 

Ambrose: I went up to Dillon's.

 

Niamh breathes heavily but doesn't say anything.

 

Ambrose: I needed to know what the hell was going on.

 

Niamh swallows.

 

Ambrose: He told me...nothing happened between you.

 

Niamh looks anxious.

 

Ambrose: Why did you lie to me Niamh?

 

Lightning flashes, thunder crashes. Both Niamh and Ambrose glance at the window, then back at each other.

 

Ambrose: The other day, when I asked you who you'd been with in Cilldargan, you told me no one.

 

Niamh looks anxious.

 

Ambrose looks down briefly, then back at Niamh.

Ambrose: Only it's me that's no one, isn't it. Not him.

 

Niamh has no answer. She turns and leaves. Thunder and lightning. Ambrose sits there and stares at nothing.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

A large tree has fallen on the house. It is still raining hard. Sean and Emma walk away from the house. They stop a short distance away and look at the house. Emma leans her head on Sean's shoulder and cries. Sean looks sad. They stand there in the rain, watching the house.

 

SCENE: Sunrise.

The sky is red. The clouds are blowing away. The sun rises.

 

CUT TO: Countryside.

It is very foggy.

 

CUT TO: BallyK.

The street is littered with debris from the storm. Kegs are scattered in the street, a bench is turned over.

 

SCENE: Brian's place.

Brian is sweeping leaves away from his entryway. He looks at the ground and stops sweeping.

Brian: Ahh, picked the wrong day, didn't you.

 

CUT TO: Ground.

There are no ants there.

 

CUT TO: Brian.

He continues sweeping.

 

SCENE: Eamonn's place.

Eamonn is standing in the doorway of his house, looking around the yard. He hears something and steps out into the yard.

 

Eamonn: Trixie.

 

He walks across the yard.

 

Eamonn: Trixie.

 

He picks up an overturned wagon. A sheep is behind it.

 

Eamonn: Aloysius, will you get away under there!

 

Danny appears in the doorway, eating something.

 

Danny: Is she back?

 

Eamonn shakes his head dejectedly and walks back to the house. Danny puts his arm around him as they both go back inside.

 

SCENE: BallyK.

Uncle Minto opens the rear hatch of his station wagon. It is stuffed with junk. He is parked right in front of Hendley's, and Kathleen is there sweeping up.

 

Minto: Ah yes, heh heh, the wrath of mother nature.

 

Kathleen: Indeed.

Minto: Well then, she's in slightly better spirits today, for another thing. Ach! More paper.

 

Uncle Minto bends over and rummages in the car. Kathleen looks at him curiously. Uncle Minto puts something into his pocket. He comes back out of the car with a roll of paper.

 

Minto: I don't suppose you sell wallpaper do you?

 

Kathleen: I don't, but I could order you some.

 

Minto considers briefly, then decides: Nah, I've probably got enough, it's just that I like to be on the safe side.

 

Kathleen: What are you papering?

 

Minto: Oh, it's not for decorating purposes, Miss Hendley. It's for tonight.

 

Kathleen, showing polite interest: For the ufos!

 

Minto, proudly: That's it.

 

Kathleen: At the Dillon place?

 

Minto nods: Fingers crossed.

He holds up his hand with his fingers crossed.

 

Kathleen: And you went up there yesterday weren't you?

 

Minto: Ah yes, just, setting out the groundwork.

 

Kathleen, schemingly: And Niamh Egan was there.

 

Minto leans forward, confidentially: It was very embarrassing. I took her for Mrs Dillon.

 

Kathleen: Easily done.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

The shed is a wreck. Emma looks disgusted.

 

Sean, dejectedly: Don't know what you're looking so down about. Can't wait to get away anyway.

 

Emma looks disgustedly at Sean and stalks away toward the house. Sean buries his head in his hand. Eamonn approaches and stands next to Sean. Sean turns and looks at him.

Sean: Well?

 

Eamonn: Did you ever think it could be a sign?

 

Sean: Thank you for your thoughts Eamonn.

 

Eamonn shuffles away.

 

Sean calls after him: You know Eamonn...

 

Eamonn stops and turns back to Sean. Sean walks toward Eamonn.

 

Sean, as if he has had an epiphany: You're absolutely right. It's all been an almighty cock-up. An almighty cock-up from start to finish.

 

Eamonn: I never--

 

Sean: And you knew all along, didn't you. You, more than anyone else. You! You could see the mistakes I was making!

 

Sean walks past Eamonn, picks up a chair that is inexplicably lying on the ground. Eamonn hurries to catch up to him.

 

Sean: Piling one fiasco on top of another. Never admitting defeat! Oh no.

He throws the chair on a junk pile: It was all...all pointless.

He throws a lighting fixture onto the pile.

 

Eamonn, weakly: Well I-- I wasn't--

 

Sean picks up a shelf and carries it to the junk pile.

 

Sean: I should have listened, but I didn't. You know why? Cause I'm stupid.

He throws the shelf onto the pile and walks back for more.

 

Sean shouts: I'm stubborn!

He picks up a board and carries it to the pile: And I'll tell you what else I am. I'm wrong. All wrong.

He tosses the board onto the pile.

 

Eamonn: You're not wrong, Sean!

 

Sean picks up a drawer and tosses it onto the pile.

 

Sean: How much did you give me for those fields? Go on, how much?

 

Eamonn: Penny piece the per. (??)

 

Sean picks up a table and carries it to the pile.

 

Sean: And how many fields do I have?

 

Eamonn: Twenty-one.

 

Sean tosses the table onto the pile.

 

Sean: So that makes, how much.

 

Eamonn: Ten pence ha'penny.

Sean grabs Eamonn's hand and shakes it.

 

Sean: Done, done. And what are we saying for the house? A fiver? Well, it does have a tree lying on it.

He picks up something small and tosses it onto the pile.

 

Eamonn walks slowly away, holding out the hand that Sean shook.

 

SCENE: Hendley's.

Kathleen is sweeping off the front steps. Niamh comes out of the shop, carrying a small box. She hurries down the steps, trying to avoid Kathleen.

 

Kathleen: How are things with you today, Niamh?

 

Niamh: Fine, and you?

 

Kathleen, friendly: You didn't catch a cold yesterday...after that awful downpour?

She turns a completely innocent face to Niamh.

 

Niamh stops and stares at Kathleen, stunned.

 

Niamh: No.

 

Kathleen: You have to be so careful, don't you? Especially when you've children to look after.

 

Niamh: I left the money on the counter.

She looks around as if trying to find something.

 

Kathleen: It's in everywhere. That's ?? away. (??)

 

Niamh walks carefully toward Fitzgerald's. Kathleen continues sweeping, but also continues watching Niamh.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

Sean is cleaning up the yard. Orla is following him.

Orla, amused: Oh dear.

 

Sean, ironically: Oh dear.

 

Orla: Were you insured?

 

Sean: The very next thing on my to-do list.

 

Orla, sympathetically: Oh, dear.

 

Sean, matter-of-factly: Oh dear.

He picks up a shelving unit and starts dragging it across the yard.

 

Orla: Act of God and all of that?

 

Sean: So Eamonn tells me.

 

Orla: You know, aren't you going to need some help with all of this?

 

Sean: Help?

 

Orla: Well you can't do it on your own.

 

Sean: I think I've...used up my quota of good will in Ballykissangel.

 

Orla: Why do you say that?

 

Sean: Oh, a subtle note of condemnation I've detected recently in some of the conversations I've been having.

 

Orla: Do you mean Niamh?

 

Sean: Niamh? No.

 

Orla: She's been in a funny mood.

 

Sean: A lot of it about.

 

Orla: Hang on, let me help you.

 

Sean sets the shelves down. Orla picks up one side, Sean picks up the other side.

 

Sean: Thank you.

 

They carry the shelves together.

 

Orla: I can't stay long though, I've gotta get back to work in a while.

 

Sean: No problem.

 

They heave the shelves onto the considerable pile of junk on the grass. Orla grunts. They walk away.

 

Orla: You had the place lovely.

 

Sean: Well, file it under grand schemes that bit the dust.

 

Orla: What you going to do now?

 

Sean: Something I should have done a long time ago. Pack up and leave. I'm going home.

 

Orla: I thought this was your home.

 

Sean: So did I.

 

Orla: Sean?

 

They stop.

 

Orla: I'll be sorry to see you go.

 

Sean, sincerely: Thanks.

 

Orla nods. Sean walks away.

 

SCENE: Uncle Minto's car.

Uncle Minto dumps a bunch of cans and boxes of food out of a plastic bag into his suitcase, which is in the rear of the car. He makes chicken sounds. He stuffs a four-pack of toilet paper into the suitcase. Orla, Brian, Liam and Donal are huddled in conference nearby.

 

Orla: You should have seen the place.

 

Liam: That bad, huh?

 

Orla: Ach, it looks like an earthquake has hit it. He'll aim to clean it up with his bare hands. And he's thinking of packing up and moving on.

 

Uncle Minto loudly closes the rear of his car.

 

Minto: Sorry lads. Needed a few last minute supplies.

He smiles.

 

The other four stare at him silently, almost hostilely.

 

Minto: You'll be glad to hear that, meteorologically, we are going.

 

Brian: Psychologically, you've been gone a good while already.

 

Minto: You sir, are a skeptic. And I respect that. But when I'm walking up that ramp this evening...I expect to see you eating a man-sized portion of humble pie.

He turns and walks to his car.

 

Brian looks annoyed.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

Sean is carrying an armload of textiles to the pile. He starts tossing them on, piece by piece. Emma stands there watching him.

 

Emma: I'm sorry about what I said last night.

 

Sean: Yeah well I'm sorry about what I said this morning.

 

Emma, plaintively: I'm not really glad I'm going.

 

Sean sighs: Well I'm leaving myself anyway.

 

Emma complains: No reason to just give up!

 

Sean: I'm not giving up Emma, I'm seeing sense.

 

Emma hangs her jaw open, incredulously: Mean we've come this far, you can't just go.

 

Sean sighs: I should never have come back.

He walks past Emma, hanging his head.

 

Emma stands there and watches him.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

The bar is empty. Niamh sits at the end of the bar, doing some paperwork. Siobhan enters.

 

Siobhan: How are you Niamh.

 

Niamh, coldly: Fine.

 

Siobhan closes the door and walks over to Niamh.

 

Siobhan: Um...I was just passing and...Is everything all right Niamh?

 

Niamh looks at Siobhan, hesitates, and looks back down at her work.

 

Niamh: Yeah.

 

Siobhan: It's just that...well, everything isn't all right, is it. Look. I know you miss Assumpta. And, we're not friends like you two were friends but...if you want somebody to talk to.

 

Niamh, sincerely: Thanks Siobhan. I appreciate it. But I just don't think I even...I don't know if there's any point in me talking my head--

 

Siobhan interrupts: Are you talking to Ambrose?

 

Niamh looks down.

 

Siobhan: He's a good man you know Niamh.

 

Niamh looks at Siobhan.

 

Niamh: I know that Siobhan.

 

SCENE: Field.

Uncle Minto, Liam and Donal are unrolling long sheets of paper on the ground. Uncle Minto is making sounds like a French horn.

 

Minto: The moment of truth is fast approaching Donal.

 

Donal looks up at the sky.

 

Donal: They'll know what it is they're after, won't they? I mean, I'm not much under six foot meself.

 

Minto, self-assuredly: They'll know.

 

Donal: You'll say something, will you? For God's sake there could be a mix-up.

Donal points from himself to Uncle Minto and back.

 

Minto: Think of the technology, Donal. Bringing that craft from the farthest reaches of the universe. They'll not come all this way to confuse me with a whippersnapper who breakfasts on ?? pies and fizzy pop.

 

Uncle Minto unrolls some more paper and walks away making French horn sounds again.

 

Liam: You're ?? your uncle's predictions ?? Donal.

 

Donal unrolls some more paper, too.

 

Donal: He's a man who's been right before.

 

Liam: Yeah how so?

 

Donal: Was him that said we wouldn't qualify for France 98.

 

Uncle Minto puts the end of his paper on the ground, stands up and looks around.

Minto: There now.

 

CUT TO: Long shot.

The paper makes a cross on the field.

 

Minto: They should line up on that all right.

 

SCENE: Sean's house.

Sean climbs in the window over a tree branch. He is carrying a plastic water jug.

 

Sean: Very good of you to come and try to talk me round Father. But actually, since I've never been to that church of yours...watch yourself now, it's a bit of a jungle in here.

 

Sean holds a branch back while Aiden climbs in.

 

Sean: Think you're going to change my mind you're on a hiding to nothing.

 

Sean puts the water jug down on a table.

 

Aiden: Well I can see how things over the last few days could give you the impression that life here is an uphill struggle.

 

Sean: You're telling me.

 

Sean walks over to a drawer, opens it, and takes out a little blue bottle with a valve.

 

Aiden: I'm not saying it's never a good idea to act on your first impulse but...sometimes it's a better idea to allow yourself a few days...of reflection.

 

Sean picks up the water jug and unscrews the lid.

 

Sean: Reflection's all very well in a monastery Aiden. But not in the real world.

 

Sean busies himself with the equipment on the table. We can't see what he's doing.

 

Aiden: Life in there is all sweetness and light is that what you think?

 

Sean sighs: Forget I said it.

 

Aiden, half insulted, half accusatory: You think I'm not qualified to comment on what real men do.

 

Sean sighs harder: I know you mean well.

 

Aiden, sarcastically: God save us from the well meaning.

 

Sean rolls his eyes, gives in: What then?

 

Aiden: Stop and think. You're a resourceful man. Draw up a plan of action. See how things look a week from now.

 

Sean demands: What difference is a week gonna make?

 

They hear the sound of some machinery from outside. Both look out the window.

 

Sean: Excuse me.

 

He pushes slowly past Aiden.

 

CUT TO: Outside.

Sean climbs out the window. Liam and Donal are at work on the tree with power tools.

 

Liam yells over the sound of the power tools: You'll be needing this out of the way first yeah!

 

Sean can't believe his eyes. Donal starts up his chainsaw.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

A red truck drives across the field. A bulldozer is there, too. Lots of townspeople converge on the house. Donal and Liam are manning a two-man saw. Brendan is wielding an axe. Siobhan and Orla are throwing furniture around. Everyone is lending a hand. Sean's jaw hangs open. A horse drags a log away. Sean stares as if in a trance.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Niamh is staring at the wall. Brian enters through the hotel entrance. Niamh turns toward him. He walks toward her at the bar.

 

Brian: Where are they all?

 

Niamh: Up at Sean's.

 

Brian: Doing what?

 

Niamh: Helping.

 

Brian: Helping him pack his bags?

 

Brian takes off his hat and drops it onto the bar.

 

Brian: Was a time when a grudge was good for five generations. Now you're lucky if it sees out the week.

 

He takes some money out of his pocket and drops it on the bar. Niamh pours Brian a whiskey and puts it on the bar in front of him.

 

Niamh: That's good isn't it?

 

Brian pours some water from a stone pitcher on the bar into his drink.

 

Brian: Good if you're a family of stone-hearted thieves.

 

Niamh: Sean's not a thief.

 

Brian doesn't look up: No?

 

Niamh: No.

 

Brian looks at Niamh.

 

Brian: Not been taking something that doesn't belong to him?

 

Niamh: No.

 

They stare at each other. After a long moment, Brian takes a sip of his drink.

 

Brian sighs: Well. What does any of us know.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

Sean is heaving cut logs onto a pile. Eamonn is carrying a huge coffee pot. Kathleen is carrying a big tray of sandwiches or cakes. Siobhan passes Kathleen and casts a glance at the tray.

 

Siobhan: Hi Kathleen, they're gorgeous.

 

Brendan crosses the other way and comments to Eamonn.

 

Brendan: One more for the pump. (??)

 

Kathleen: I'll save one for you Siobhan.

 

Eamonn, to Brendan: You'll be drinking lots of tea! (??)

To Sean: I won't be taking any fields off you Sean.

 

Eamonn walks away. Sean sits down on a log, his jaw hanging open. Danny comes running up with Trixie on the lead.

 

Danny: Uncle, she was home.

 

Eamonn kneels down and hugs the dog.

 

Eamonn, ecstatically: Trixie! Hah! It'll all be all right now! Isn't that right Trixie. Hah hah!

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's kitchen.

Ambrose is sitting at the table. Niamh is serving tea. The mood is sombre. Niamh is moving very slowly and deliberately. She sets a chair down next to Ambrose. They stare at each other. Ambrose looks hurt. Niamh looks nervous. She swallows.

 

Niamh: When he first came to Ballykay, I thought I saw a look in his eye...nothing was ever said...it could have been nothing for all I knew.

 

Niamh's eyes tear up.

 

Niamh: But it was flattering to me. In a kind-- In a kind of a background sort of a way. That didn't matter much. Just a little bit of something for me to think about now and again. Something between me, and myself.

 

Niamh looks down and pauses. She calms down. She looks back at Ambrose.

 

Niamh: And then when I saw him in Cilldargan...I thought there could have been something more. I didn't think I wanted that. But it was there. And it niggled at me till I wasn't sure.

 

Ambrose has been staring expressionless at Niamh this whole time. Now he swallows, moves his mouth silently a couple of times, then asks: And now?

 

Niamh: I don't know Ambrose. I'm sorry.

 

Niamh looks away. Ambrose looks away.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

Everyone is there. The bonfire ignites. Everyone cheers. Irish music starts up. (According to the credits, the musicians were Mick Flynn and the Ceili Bandits.) A man starts to clog dance on a board set up in the yard. Everyone is tapping and swaying to the music. Sean wanders around, looking happy.

 

SCENE: Fitzgerald's.

Ambrose is behind the bar, which is empty. He is staring off into space. His wedding band is prominently visible. Niamh comes down the stairs, carrying Kieran. They are wearing their coats. She goes out through the hotel entrance without a word to Ambrose. He watches them go.

 

SCENE: Sean's place.

It is dusk. Everyone is gathered around behind Uncle Minto, who is checking his pocket watch.

 

Minto: Thirteen seconds.

 

CUT TO: Watch.

It is very nearly nine o'clock.

 

Minto: Ten, nine,

 

CUT TO: Crowd.

Kathleen, Father Mac and Father Aiden are looking anxiously at the sky.

 

Minto: Eight,

 

CUT TO: Uncle Minto.

 

Minto and crowd: Seven, six,

 

CUT TO: Watch.

 

Crowd: Five,

 

CUT TO: Liam.

 

Crowd: Four,

 

CUT TO: Watch.

 

Crowd: Three, two,

 

CUT TO: Uncle Minto.

 

Crowd: One, zero!

 

Uncle Minto ducks and holds his suitcase up to shield himself.

 

CUT TO: Crowd.

Everyone looks around expectantly.

 

CUT TO: Sky.

The sky is dark.

 

CUT TO: Uncle Minto.

He lowers his suitcase and looks around.

 

CUT TO: Crowd.

The only sound is the crackling of the bonfire. Suddenly, fireworks go off behind everyone. They all turn. A loud cheer goes up. Uncle Minto looks very angry. Brian walks up to him.

 

Brian: Anyone got a nail for the Catherine wheel?

 

The crowd laughs.

 

Minto, incensed: You are a barbarian.

 

The laughter dies down. Brian walks past Uncle Minto. Uncle Minto follows Brian, who ignores him.

 

Minto: You'd have seen something here, to blow your closed parochial little minds wide open.

 

Uncle Minto stops and yells after Brian: Instead, you have to indulge your brainless, banal, bourgeois fun and games! Bah.

 

Uncle Minto stalks away to the paper cross on the ground. Donal is about to follow him, but Liam puts a hand on Donal's shoulder to stop him. Liam and Donal join the others.

 

CUT TO: Bonfire.

The crowd gathers around Brian in front of the bonfire. Sean elbows his way to the front.

 

Brian: Well, I came here tonight to say something about letting bygones be bygones. But looking around me, I can see I join the concensus a bit late.

 

Sean: I appreciate it Brian, I-- I uh...I'm speechless!

He looks around and smiles: All this...

 

Brian: Well whether or not there's anyone looking down on us from high, let me say this to you. Welcome back to Ballykay.

 

He holds out a flask to Sean. The crowd claps and yells "Yay!" Sean takes a swig. There are whistles and calls of "Whoo!" Father Mac joins Brian and Sean.

 

Fr Mac: Any more where that came from Brian.

 

Brian chuckles: Plenty more Father, plenty more.

Brian pours some of the drink into a glass which Fr Mac is holding at the ready. Fr Mac looks appreciative.

 

Brian: Right! Music!

 

The crowd cheers and claps. The music starts up again. People dance the reel. Niamh is there, too. She catches sight of Sean. He sees her, too. Neither of them is smiling. She walks over to him and stands in front of him. Sean looks around self-consciously. Finally he smiles slightly.

 

Sean: Dance?

 

Niamh smiles, too. They dance. Everyone is happy.

 

CUT TO: Bonfire.

From through the flames, we can see Ambrose approach. The happy Irish dance music fades out and melancholy violin music starts up. Ambrose sees Niamh dancing happily with Sean. He looks around a little, then turns and leaves.

 

CUT TO: Moon.

The moon is silver and full. Wisps of cloud pass before it.

 

CUT TO: Uncle Minto.

He is off by himself, the bonfire is visible in the background. He is mumbling discontentedly to himself.

 

Minto: Morons. Cretins.

 

He stops, looks up at the sky, and his jaw drops.

 

CUT TO: Sky.

To the left of the moon, above the clouds, a shooting star is visible.

 

CUT TO: Uncle Minto.

He stares, slack-jawed.

 

CUT TO: Sky.

The shooting star rises and slowly disappears.

 

ROLL CREDITS.