** APRIL 4TH - 1985 **

*** CANLEY SHOPPING MALL - 12:00 PM ***

Sally and Polly are walking around the rapidly emptying mall. They are going on a shopping spree. Sally stops to admire the clothes in a shop window.

Sally Martella:

I'd love a skirt like that! Shame it's fifty pounds.

Polly Page:

Yeah, it'd look heaps good on you. But you already have that cool skirt to go with that neat blue top you have at home.

Sally Martella:

I guess. But have you seen the shop assistant in there? It's worth spending fifty pounds just to get a look at him.

Polly wanders across to the next shop in the mall. She rummages around in a basket outside the shop.

Polly Page:

Wow, come check this out!

Sally Martella:

What is it?

Sally walks over to join her friend. She is intrigued.

Polly Page:

Isn't this just the cutest?

Polly holds up a bright pink bib. It is covered in little teddy bears.

Sally Martella:

A little bib for your baby. So cute!

Polly sighs and places the bib back on the shelf.

Polly Page:

Mum says her parents are gonna buy all that stuff for her.

Sally Martella:

So you've definitely decided to get rid of her?

Polly replies sharply.

Polly Page:

No. She's going to a Mum and a Dad who want a baby.

Sally Martella:

That's what I meant. Well if you're giving your baby away then why are we looking at this baby stuff? I wanna go back and check out that cute store assistant again.

Sally wanders back to the clothing shop. Polly rolls her eyes and follows her friend.

Sally Martella:

Look at his bum. In those jeans! I'd kill to get my hands around that.

Sally is peering through the window at the shop assistant with her mouth open. Polly looks rather bored.

Polly Page:

He's way too old for you.

Sally Martella:

I don't care, I got a thing for older men. I wonder if he's single?

Polly Page:

Who cares? What is it with you and guys?

Sally Martella:

I love 'em. Twenty or thirty at a time would suit me fine. I had seven in the same bed once.

Polly Page:

That's pafetic!

Sally Martella:

You wouldn't understand. I mean, the only guy you've ever been with was a member of your own family!

Sally stops, realising that she has said too much. Polly looks crushed. She chews on her bottom lip.

Sally Martella:

I'm sorry, Polly. I didn't mean�

Polly frowns.

Polly Page:

Yes you did!

Sally Martella:

I'm really sorry Poll. Forget I said anything.

Polly Page:

No you're not sorry, you're as bad as all the others.

Sally Martella:

I know what it's like. But I got over it and look at me now. It just came out, I'm sorry. I should think before I speak.

Polly turns and storms off in a huff. However, she only manages to walk a few paces before she stops and grabs her stomach. Polly sinks to the ground, her face screwed up in agonising pain. Sally rushes over.

Sally Martella:

Are you okay, Polly?

Polly looks up at her friend.

Polly Page:

I� I don't feel very� Oh my god!

Sally Martella:

It's not the baby is it?

Polly winces and she suddenly finds herself lying in a puddle of fluid.

Sally Martella:

Just wait there. I'll get help.

Polly Page:

What the�? Don't leave me Sal!

Sally Martella:

Look, it's okay. Just let me ring for a doctor or an ambulance or a midwife or someone. I'll be back in a minute.

Polly is terrified. She clutches at her friend's arm.

Sally Martella:

Just wait there!

Polly Page:

Sally, do something! Help� Help me!

Sally looks around helplessly.

Sally Martella:

Help, someone! Call an ambulance!

Jenny rushes out of a nearby store after hearing the commotion. She surveys the scene and gingerly walks towards the two girls.

Nurse Delaney:

I'm a nurse. Can I help?

Sally takes an instant dislike to the strange girl.

Sally Martella:

You sure? You look more like a Uni student!

Nurse Delaney:

I've just started nursing but I do know basic first aid. What's wrong?

Sally Martella:

It's pretty damn obvious, innit? She's having a baby.

Jenny is stunned by this news.

Nurse Delaney:

I beg your pardon? She looks about ten years old!

Polly is sobbing. Her voice is hoarse and she is very confused.

Sally Martella:

Well that great big lump ain't exactly a result of eating too much chocolate, is it? Are you gonna help me or just stand there gawking like a goldfish?

Jenny notices the trickling of amniotic fluid and realises that they are not pulling her leg.

Nurse Delaney:

Okay. So what's your name love?

Polly Page:

Polly. Polly Page.

Jenny looks across at Sally disdainfully.

Nurse Delaney:

And yours?

Sally Martella:

Sally. Just hurry up and do something, nursey.

Nurse Delaney:

Look, will you calm down? Now, I want you to find a phone and call an ambulance. I'll stay here with her. Are you okay to do that?

Sally Martella:

Sure. Just look after Polly.

Sally runs off to call an ambulance. Polly notices the dark haired woman properly for the first time.

Polly Page:

Who are you? And what are you doing?

Nurse Delaney:

My name's Jenny. Don't worry, I'm a nurse-in-training. Do you feel any pain?

Polly shakes her head slowly.

Polly Page:

It just feels all wet and weird. I wasn't supposed to have the baby for three more weeks.

Nurse Delaney:

Well sometimes things like this happen. Just try to relax.

Polly suddenly bursts into tears.

Nurse Delaney:

What's wrong now?

Polly Page:

You gotta call my Mum. Please, call my Mum!

Nurse Delaney:

Sure, we can do that from the hospital. Just stay still.

Polly Page:

But� But� I can't have the baby yet! Do something to stop it!

Nurse Delaney:

I can't put a cork in it, love. You'll just have to grin and bear it.

Polly looks very miserable and scared.

Nurse Delaney:

How did it happen?

Polly shrugs and turns away from Jenny.

Nurse Delaney:

What's the matter?

Polly Page:

Nuffink.

Nurse Delaney:

Look, it's your own fault you're in this condition so the least you can do is give me a bit of co-operation!

Polly looks at Jenny angrily.

Polly Page:

It is not my fault! What would you know anyway!

Nurse Delaney:

I know that I've got a pregnant girl giving birth in the middle of a shopping mall and she's making my life a hell of a lot harder than it should be. I don't have to help you, you know.

Polly Page:

Well how do you fink I feel?

Nurse Delaney:

Like a silly little girl who has been playing around with the boys and who got herself pregnant in the process, I'd imagine!

Polly Page:

Look, leave me alone will ya?

Nurse Delaney:

I can't. Believe me, I wish I could just leave you here but it wouldn't look good on my record. So I'm here to stay. Whether we like it or not.

Polly sighs and rests her small head in her hands.

Polly Page:

Am I really gonna have the baby now?

Jenny snaps back.

Nurse Delaney:

No, you're gonna give birth to a bowling ball, you silly kid. Of course you're going to have the baby. Just stay relaxed and try not to push or anything. We don't want the baby arriving here, of all places.

Polly Page:

Don't worry. I won't do nuffink.

Polly sits down very cautiously, looking nervously at her quivering stomach. Sally comes running back.

Sally Martella:

I've called the ambulance.

Sally is out of breath.

Nurse Delaney:

Oh, you managed to do that did you? I'm surprised.

Sally ignores the nurse.

Sally Martella:

They should be here in a couple of minutes. How are you Polly?

Polly shrugs.

Polly Page:

I'm fine. Things couldn't be better.

Polly winces as her body convulses.

Nurse Delaney:

Yeah, she's being about as helpful as an old man with piles.

Sally Martella:

Hey, lighten up nursey. That girl's in pain.

Nurse Delaney:

She shouldn't be outside like this, at her age. Especially considering her condition.

Sally Martella:

The baby's not due for three more weeks. Besides, it's none of your business! Just do your job and help her.

Nurse Delaney:

Well, there's not much I can do. The ambulance will be here soon and they will know how to help her. They'll probably take her to hospital.

Sally Martella:

I wish they'd bloody hurry up!

Nurse Delaney:

Look, will the pair of you just calm down? This isn't a big deal. It happens all the time.

Sally Martella:

It looks like a pretty big deal to me. Giving birth in a shopping mall!

Polly groans as her contractions begin again. Jenny turns to face the child.

Nurse Delaney:

Are you all right? What's the matter?

Polly Page:

I feel strange.

Nurse Delaney:

Strange? How? Are you having contractions?

Polly Page:

What's that?

Jenny rolls her eyes.

Nurse Delaney:

Are you in pain?

Polly Page:

A little bit. What does that mean? Is it bad?

Nurse Delaney:

Don't worry about it, it's normal. We just have to wait until the ambulance comes then we'll get you to hospital.

Sally Martella:

If the ambulance ever comes. What's keeping them?

Polly cries out in pain. Jenny sighs.

Nurse Delaney:

Pain?

Polly grits her teeth and nods.

Nurse Delaney:

It's okay, just make sure that you breathe slowly. Don't get too worked up.

Sally Martella:

How can she help getting worked up? She's giving birth for pity's sake!

Polly Page:

Please... Leave it Sal...

Polly leans back and clenches her facial muscles tightly as she struggles to cope with the strange sensations that are racking her body. Sally walks down towards the street, looking for any sign of the ambulance. After a few more minutes, the ambulance finally pulls up outside the mall and the Paramedics, Ben and Trudie, head for the front entrance.

Sally Martella:

At bloody last! It must be go-slow day.

Paramedic #1:

You the girl who called in?

Sally Martella:

Yeah, I am. You sure took your time.

Harry ignores Sally's comments.

Paramedic #1:

What's the situation?

Sally Martella:

Err� She's giving birth. Can't you see that?

Sally leads Harry into the mall and they make their way towards Polly. Harry pushes through the crowd of people that have gathered to watch, attracted by Polly's wailing. His partner, Trudie, is close behind. Polly is sitting in the middle of all this commotion clutching her stomach in pain. Harry does a double take when he sees that the pregnant woman is in fact a pregnant kid. He bends down next to Jenny and whispers into her ear.

Paramedic #1:

What's going on? Are you her mother?

Jenny scoffs, somewhat offended by the suggestion.

Nurse Delaney:

No. I was in that shop when I heard yelling. I came outside and I noticed that she had collapsed. I'm a trainee nurse down at Saint Hugh's.

Paramedic #1:

Right.

Harry turns to the young girl and begins to speak in a gentle voice.

Paramedic #1:

What's your name, sweetie?

Polly Page:

Polly.

Polly is in a great deal of pain.

Polly Page:

Can you stop the pain please?

Harry quickly checks Polly's pulse and blood pressure. Trudie wheels a stretcher through the crowd.

Paramedic #1:

How old are you Polly?

Polly Page:

Twelve.

Paramedic #1:

Right, well my name's Harry and the lady over there is Trudie. Now, what seems to be the matter?

Polly Page:

I'm hurting. Down there.

Polly points a shaking finger to her lower abdomen.

Paramedic #1:

It's okay, we'll sort everything out. But what happened? Did you fall over? Or did the pain just start naturally? How long have you been in pain?

Polly looks up helplessly, unsure of what to say. Harry smiles at her calmly.

Paramedic #1:

How did you get onto the ground?

Polly Page:

I felt strange so I walked over there to sit down and all this water stuff started dripping from between my legs.

Paramedic #1:

And did the pain start straightaway?

Polly Page:

No, it just started then. Is it bad? Am I going to be okay?

Paramedic #1:

It's all right, don't get yourself into a state. Can you slide over onto the stretcher here? Then we'll take you to hospital.

Polly slowly slides across onto the stretcher.

Polly Page:

Please tell me, will my baby be all right?

Paramedic #1:

We'll make sure she's okay.

Polly Page:

Fank you.

Polly lies back in the stretcher as Harry turns back to Jenny.

Paramedic #1:

Thank you for your help. It's much appreciated. Can I get your name, for the report?

Nurse Delaney:

Jennifer. Jennifer Delaney.

Paramedic #1:

Right, thanks.

Jenny nods crisply and walks away.

Polly Page:

Are you taking me to hospital?

Paramedic #1:

We sure will. Now Polly, this is Trudie. She'll look after you.

Polly Page:

Hello Trudie.

Polly nods at the cheerful blonde-haired female Paramedic.

Paramedic #2:

Hi Polly. Has the pain stopped?

Polly Page:

No. Should it have?

Paramedic #2:

No, it's okay. Perfectly normal.

Trudie reaches across and takes Polly's hand. She squeezes it reassuringly.

Polly Page:

Am I gonna be okay, Twudie? Really okay?

Paramedic #2:

It'll be all right. Don't worry. We've seen this hundreds of times before.

Trudie and Harry begin to wheel Polly out towards the ambulance. Sally trails along behind. Harry takes the driver's seat and Sally sits next to him, as Trudie gets Polly settled into the back of the ambulance.

Paramedic #2:

Now Polly, when is the baby due?

Polly Page:

In a few weeks time.

Paramedic #2:

Two, three weeks? More?

Polly Page:

Three weeks I fink.

Polly grimaces with pain.

Paramedic #2:

It's okay. You knew this was going to hurt. Now, I'm going to put this mask on your face. It'll help you breathe better, okay?

Trudie slips the oxygen mask over Polly's nose and mouth. Polly hesitates for a moment then breathes deeply into the mask.

Polly Page:

I feel a bit better. The pain's not as bad now.

Paramedic #2:

That's good to know. How long have you had it for?

Polly Page:

About eight months.

Trudie chuckles.

Paramedic #2:

I meant the pain, sweetie.

Polly Page:

Just a few minutes. Will it come back?

Paramedic #2:

Yes, Polly. I'm afraid it will.

Polly Page:

Is this for real? Am I really giving birth?

Trudie flashes Polly a grin as the ambulance starts up.

Paramedic #2:

It sure looks that way.

Harry turns briefly to check on the girl in the back as he pulls out of the shopping centre.

Paramedic #1:

Everything all right?

Paramedic #2:

Yeah, there's nothing serious. No complications that I can see so no need to hurry.

Polly Page:

I'm fine thanks, Harry.

Harry turns his attention back to the road. He is smiling.

Paramedic #1:

So your little friend's really twelve years old?

Sally Martella:

Yeah. So what?

The Paramedic shrugs.

Paramedic #1:

Nothing. I'm not judging or anything but I think twelve is a bit young to be having a kid, ain't it? My twelve year old daughter's still into horses and pigtails.

Sally is not in the mood for polite chit-chat.

Sally Martella:

Well she's been through a hell of a lot. She didn't choose to be pregnant, you know.

Paramedic #1:

None of them do, it just happens. But she's the youngest I've ever seen. Fifteen's the age when you have to watch them like a hawk.

Sally Martella:

She didn't have any choice in the matter and she doesn't agree with abortion so what's she supposed to do? Men!

Paramedic #1:

Hey, I'm not criticising her. If she thinks she can handle a pregnancy at that age then good for her. I'm just a bit surprised, that's all. I mean, she looks like such an innocent little thing.

Sally Martella:

Yeah, I think that was the attraction for the father too. You'd probably get along well with him.

Paramedic #1:

Bit of a bastard was he?

Sally Martella:

You could say that.

Sally looks out the window as the streets go past. Harry remains curious.

Paramedic #1:

He must have done something right, to win a cute girl like her over in the first place. A wonder he wasn't sent down for it though. I mean, her Mum can't have been too impressed.

Sally just keeps staring out the window. She doesn't say anything.

Paramedic #1:

I mean, what did she say when she found out?

Sally Martella:

It's none of your business but she wasn't particularly happy about it. I think she wanted to have the baby aborted. Which was probably the best thing that Polly could have done in the circumstances.

Paramedic #1:

I didn't mean to pry, you know. I just� Well I was worried for her. She doesn't exactly seem prepared for the whole pregnancy thing.

Sally Martella:

She isn't. She's still a kid.

Harry nods.

Paramedic #1:

You're not kidding.

Sally returns her gaze to the window.

Paramedic #1:

If that was my kid, I'd be causing some serious injuries to the guy responsible. What did her Dad do when he found out?

Sally snorts.

Sally Martella:

Her Dad? He ran out on her when she was still in nappies.

Paramedic #1:

Well what about her stepdad? Did he clobber the father?

Sally Martella:

You mean before or after he was arrested for child abuse and rape?

Sally is getting angry. Harry looks concerned.

Paramedic #1:

What do you mean?

Sally Martella:

The father's the stepfather, you nosy prat! Happy?

Harry looks stunned. The ambulance swerves around a corner.

Paramedic #1:

You mean her stepdad got her pregnant?

Sally Martella:

Yes. Was that enough to satisfy your curiosity? Got some juicy gossip for the lads now have ya?

Sally is getting seriously wound up. Harry sighs.

Paramedic #1:

Look, I didn't mean it like that. I was just concerned for your little friend, that's all. I'm sorry, I'm just a naturally nosy person.

Sally Martella:

I'll bet.

Harry falls silent as the ambulance pulls into the hospital carpark. In the back, Polly screams out as pain sweeps through her body.

Polly Page:

Please can you do somefink, Trudie? This is killing me!.

Paramedic #2:

We have to wait until we get inside and speak with the doctor. Just stay calm and concentrate and the pain should go away.

Polly Page:

But it hurts. It hurts!

Polly is sobbing pathetically.

Polly Page:

Can't you just get her out of me? I mean, do an operation or somefink?

Paramedic #2:

I'm afraid it's not that easy. You're being very brave but just hang on for a few more minutes, yeah?

Polly whimpers and closes her eyes.

Polly Page:

I'll try.

Trudie opens the back of the ambulance and hops out. A medical team is already standing by. Harry helps Trudie to unload the stretcher with Polly in it. Sally follows the stretcher and the crowd of medical workers into the hospital. Doctor Samantha Geoghan approaches the stretcher.

Doctor Geoghan:

What do we have here?

Paramedic #1:

Twelve years old and stage one labour, doc.

Samantha raises her eyebrow but takes it in her stride.

Doctor Geoghan:

Do we know how many weeks?

Paramedic #1:

About thirty-seven. Contractions are eight minutes apart and her membranes ruptured with about a one and a half inch dilation.

Polly moans in pain as the stretcher bumps along the corridor.

Doctor Geoghan:

Get her through to Bay Three. Someone organise to contact the family.

Paramedic #1:

She's got a mate around here somewhere. She'll know who to get in touch with.

Ben swivels his head around and nods at Sally.

Sally Martella:

I rang and told her Mum when I phoned you guys. She's on her way down now.

Doctor Geoghan:

Well, I would appreciate it if you could take a seat over there and let one of the nurses know when she arrives? Thanks.

Sally nods and sits on one of the flimsy plastic chairs.

Doctor Geoghan:

Okay, through here.

Ben wheels Polly into the maternity area.

*** OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL - 1:45 PM ***

Anne drives somewhat frantically into the hospital car park. She parks the car, grabs Ian and they start running towards the front entrance of the hospital.

Ian Page:

Is it true, Mummy? Is Polly gonna have the baby? Is she, Mummy? Is she?

Ian is even more excited than usual. He is carrying a plastic mini-machine gun and he happily fires it at regular intervals, making a very loud gravelly sound with each push of the trigger.

Anne Page:

Yes Ian, from what I hear she's giving birth right now. Hopefully it will all be over soon.

Ian Page:

Can I see her do it, Mummy? Can I see them rip the baby out out her tummy?

Anne looks taken aback by Ian's enthusiasm.

Anne Page:

Sure love. If you like.

Ian Page:

Yippee! It'll be just like watching 'Invasion of the Mutant Babies'!

Ian skips along beside Anne, aiming his gun at harmless passers-by. They quickly make their way up to the maternity ward and are walking in the general direction of Polly's room when they bump into a nurse.

Anne Page:

Hello. Can you please tell me where my little girl is?

Nurse Williams pauses as she sizes Anne up.

Nurse Williams:

Sure, what's her name?

Anne Page:

Polly Page. She's a tall blonde girl with a bit of a lisp. Twelve years old.

Nurse Williams checks a list at the nurses station then walks back to Anne and Ian.

Nurse Williams:

Room eight. There's a nurse with her now but the doctor will be along shortly.

Anne Page:

Thank you.

Anne grabs Ian by the hand before he can point his gun at the nurse and starts dragging him towards the room.

Ian Page:

What's the rush, Mummy? Why are we running?

Anne Page:

You'll see, Ian. We don't want to be late!

Anne keeps checking room numbers until she finds the room. She opens the door and steps inside. Polly looks up as Anne blinks at the sudden brightness of the sunlit room.

Anne Page:

Polly!

Polly Page:

Mummy!

Anne rushes over to the bed and clasps Polly to her bosom.

Anne Page:

What happened, love? What triggered this off so soon?

Polly sobs as she hugs her mother tightly.

Polly Page:

Mummy, we were out shopping and it just all happened. I felt really funny and the ambulance came and� And everything.

Anne turns to face the nurse sitting at the end of Polly's bed.

Anne Page:

Is she all right?

Nurse Sarah Lawson nods and gets to her feet.

Nurse Lawson:

Can I talk with you outside?

Anne Page:

Sure. Will you be okay in here, Polly?

Polly grabs Anne's arm and speaks in a pleading tone of voice.

Polly Page:

Do you have to go? Please don't go Mummy!

Anne gently pulls Polly's hand from her shoulder.

Anne Page:

I'll only be a minute, love. I'll be just outside the door so you can always call me if you need anything.

Polly's eyes well up with tears as her mother heads out of the room.

Anne Page:

What is it, Nurse?

Nurse Lawson:

I just thought I should bring you up to speed with your daughter's current condition. There are some legal issues with regards to her age, so I'll need to get a full history of her pregnancy and its causes from you.

Anne nods, not really taking it all in.

Nurse Lawson:

Medically, everything seems to be running smoothly. Her contractions are about six minutes apart and her foetal vitals are good. The doctor will be along shortly but for the moment I would really appreciate it if you could head over to that desk with me and sign some forms. I'll get another nurse to go back in with your daughter if you like?

Anne Page:

She should be okay, Ian's in there. How is she coping with giving birth this soon?

Anne follows the nurse over to the desk and begins to read through and sign the small mountain of forms.

Nurse Lawson:

Well she's coping very well, considering.

Anne raises her eyebrow.

Anne Page:

Considering?

Nurse Lawson:

Well, as you know, she's only twelve years old. Given her rather limited pre-natal education she's doing surprisingly well. We weren't able to give her any medication straight away because we weren't aware of any allergies that she might have, but that will be sorted out as soon as you've filled in that blue form there.

Anne Page:

That's nice to know.

Anne returns her attention to the pile of forms.

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