"EPISODE 1.18 - Stuff Going On"

Written and produced By Alex Gregg. Copyrighted 2003-04.
Originally Aired March 15th 2004

Night. Exterior Shot of Ashley's house. Cut to the living room. Ashley is sitting on the sofa watching Tv, Rick is sitting on one of the chairs drinking a beer and Diesel, Ashley's German Shepherd is sprawled out asleep on the rug between the sofa and the Tv. Mrs Ross comes down the stairs. 

Mrs Ross:  Well, I'm off then. (reaches the bottom) I'll back at around eleven.

Ashley:  (terns to face her mom) Your going out?

Mrs Ross:  Yes sweetheart, I told you this morning...

Ashley:  Oh... Right. But I thought we could, you know. Do something...

Mrs Ross:  This has already been planned Ashley.

Ashley:  (glances at Rick) But you could cancel, couldn't you?

Mrs Ross:  Ashley--

Rick:  (interrupts) Let your mom go out, it's not like she gets to go often.

Ashley:  Yeah but--

Rick:  (interrupts, to his fiancée) Have a good time, honey.

Mrs Ross:  (smiles) Always do. (to her daughter) See you Ashley. (opens the front door) Okay, bye then. (she walks out and closes it behind her).

Ashley:  Bye...

Rick:  (calls) Bye, honey. Drive carefully.

From the living room Ashley and Rick hear Mrs Ross pull out of the drive way and head down the road. Rick looks over at Ashley, puts down his beer and crosses the room. He goes over to the TV and switches it off.

Ashley:  Uhm, I was watching that...

Rick:  (terns to face Ashley) Not anymore. Your going to your room.

Ashley:  (gets up) What? Why? It's only seven pm.

Rick:  Because I want you out of the way. I've got friends coming over. (Ashley doesn't movie, she just looks at Rick). Ashley, do I have to remind you of the conversation we had a couple of weeks ago? (he takes a few steps closer and then crosses his arms) The one about, you doing what I say, when I say? Now (points to the stairs) *get* up stairs!

Ashley:  I'm not afraid of you, Rick...

From the really pissed off look on his face, its clear that Ashley regretted saying those words the moment they left her mouth.

Rick:  (dangerously) Is that right? (takes a step towards her, she back up) Now, (fiercely) listen to me you little brat! (he pushes her sidewards and she hits the wall with a thud) I don't give a *damn* if your afraid of me or not. (Ashley swallows in fear) What I do give a damn about is your mother. And you making trouble for us. So, I want no more playing up, no more arguing, no more lying, no more tantrums *and* no more trying to get her to stay home. Understand? (she nods) *Understand*?!

Ashley:  (fearfully) Yeah...

Rick:  Good. (takes another a step closer to her, now as close as possible) Because, if she somehow finds out that we've been having these little conversations, I can make your life *so* unpleasant that you might start to show signs of needing help. You know I'd be all to happy to give your mom suggestions on where to send you. Naturally, you realize that the best clinic's are a long, long way from California. And, well, you know your mom would only want the best for you. (he gives her an evil sort of smile).

Ashley stares at him. She can't believe what he's just threatened her with. 

Rick:  So, we've come to an understanding, then?

Ashley:  (almost a whisper) Yes...

Rick:  Good. Now, I think it's time you got up stairs, don't you agree? (Ashley nods) Okay, then (moves so that she can walk past him) Off you go.

Scared, Ashley does as she's told. As she walks past Diesel, she clicks her fingers for him to follow, he does. She heads up the stairs not taking another look at Rick. Cut to Ashley opening her bedroom door, she and Diesel walk in, Ashley closes it behind her and leans on it. Breathing heard, she looks over at Diesel. The camera pans in on the expression that's on her face, fear. She swallows and closes her eyes trying to calm herself down.
 
 

The Credits

Special Guest Stars: Dylan Matthews, Zak Williams
Guest Staring: Mrs Ross, Rick

 
Ashley Voice Over:  Man! What happened last night? That was the biggest threat yet, sending me away... I don't know what do... I mean, I can't tell mom, can I? But, maybe it's just all talk... Maybe he wouldn't dare... 

Shot of the front of Chestaville High. The bell rings. Cut to English class. Dylan and Zak are sitting next to each other in back row, Maria is in front of Dylan, To her left is Ashley and to her right is Ling.

Miss Moran:  (terns to the class) Now, remember. It's assignments in today. So, if anyone tries to leave my class room with out handing theirs in - that person will be looking at a failing grade. (Mrs Moran looks in Maria's direction) Okay, place your papers on my desk on your way out, please.

Maria:  (to Ashley and Ling) Why does she always look at me?!

Ling:  Hmm, I wonder...  

Maria:  Well, this time I'm ready for her. (holds up her assignment). Spent last night doing it in between the commercials of Smallville and Angel... (Ling gives her a scolding look) Hey, you know, you should be happy that I've actually done it. (terns to Ashley) Right Ash?

Ashley:  (in her own word) Huh?

Maria:  My assignment? I've actually done it.

Ashley:  (not really listening) Oh, um... great... that's really... great...

Maria:  Ashley. What's really great?

Ashley:  Uh... (looks at Maria) Sorry, what?

Ling:  Ash, are you okay?

The girl's pack up their stuff and get ready to leave.

Ashley:  (a little too quickly) Yeah! Fine! I'm Fine! We'd better get these in, (holds up her assignment) Right? Don't want a failing grade.

With that she heads towards the teachers desk. Ling and Maria just look at her. The camera pans behind them and over to Dylan and Zak, who are now getting up form their seats also. Assignments in hand.

Dylan:  Well, I have practice at lunch today.

Zak:  Oh, right, yeah, of course. No that's cool. Well, we can play at the courts near the park after school, if you like?

Dylan:  Okay, well, why don't you come hang with us at lunch? I have half an hour before I have to go. Three girl's to one is nice but, how many times does a guy have to here about girly-fide stuff, you know? (Zak laughs) Plus It'll give you the chance to hang with Ashley some more...

The boys make their way down the isle. 

Dylan:  (laughs, embarrassed) What?

Cut back to Ling and Maria. They both put their papers on Miss Moran's desk and then turn to head out of the class room door.

Maria:  Li, she's fine.

Cut to them coming out of the class room and into the hall. Ashley is leaning on the wall next to the door waiting for her friends. 

Ling:  I'm just saying something's up, is all...

Ashley:  Something's up with who?

Ling:  Oh, uh-- 

Maria:  (interrupts) Nobody. Hey, look here comes the guys.

Dylan:  Girls. (points over his shoulder) It's okay if Zak hangs with us, right? 

Ling:  Sure. 

Maria:  (glances at Ashley) Oh Yeah...

Ashley:  (gives her a look, now a little embarrassed) It's cool.

The group heads down the hall towards the Cafeteria.

Cut to the Cafeteria. The group is in the middle of their lunch. Their at one of the tables in the middle of the room. Everyone's chatting except from Ashley who again is in her own world.

Maria:  (to Dylan) So, when's the next game?

Dylan:  This Friday. We're playing away. In Monterey, I think...

Maria:  Oh. So I guess it's out coming to watch, huh?

Dylan:  Yeah, sorry...

Ling:  (puts down her fork) Well, I've gotta go. 

Maria:  Where? 

Ling:  I've go to the newspaper office. (excited) I've got my first assignment as an official member of the team, today!

Zak:  Well, good luck. 

Ling:  (gets up) Okay then. See you guys later.  

Maria/Dylan/Zak:  Bye. 

Ling:  (notices Ashley is distracted) Ash?  

Ashley:  (comes out of it) Huh? Oh! Right, uh, where are you going?

Ling:  Newspaper Office. See you later? 

Ashley:  Oh, right, okay. Sure. Later. 

Ling catches Maria's eye and looks towards Ashley. Maria gets it. Ling takes one last look at the table then leaves. Maria terns to Ashley.

Maria:  Ash, are you okay?

Ashley:  Yeah, I'm fine, why? 

Maria:  Well, you just seem out of it today... that's all...

Ashley:  (glances at the guys, to Maria, a bit harsh) Well, I'm fine. I told you.

Maria:  (puts her hands up in defense) Okay, okay. Just askin'...

Dylan:  (drinks the last of his soda) Well I've gotta go. Practice.

Maria:  (sees an opportunity for Ashley and Zak) Yeah, uhm, you knoiw what? Uh, I could help you with that...

Dylan:  (confused, gets up) With what?

Maria:  (gets up also) You know... uh, stuff. (pulls him away) Bye guys...

They leave. Now it's just Ashley and Zak sitting at the table. There's silence.

Zak:  (starts a conversation) So, uh, Bio after lunch, huh?

Ashley:  (distracted, but answers him) Uh, yeah...

Zak:  So do you think--

Ashley:  (interrupts) Listen, I have to go (gets up) Uh, stuff going on...

Zak:  Oh. Okay. See you in class then?

Ashley:  Sure. (with that she leaves him sitting alone).

Zak:  (sighs) That went well... (leans back on his chair and scoffs at himself).

Ashley Voice Over:  Man, what's wrong with me? I like Zak, I do, but as a *friend* only. Maria's trying to push us both together and well... I'm not interested in having a boyfriend right now. Not with all of this going on with Rick. And, yeah, maybe it's not all Maria, I think Zak does actually like me, but... (sighs) I don't know... I just can't right now...

Cut to later. Fade into Ashley, who is sitting alone at one of the picnic tables in the quad, looking unhappy. Maria and Ling spot her and walk over.

Ling:  Hey. What's up?

Ashley:  (looks up at them) Oh, hey. (Ling sits down).

Maria:  (sits down also) What are you doing here all on your lonesome?

Ashley:  Oh, nothing much. Just lookin' for some quiet.

Maria:  Here?! (looks round the noisily quad area).

Ashley:  Uh huh. (to Ling) So, what's your newspaper assignment?

Ling:  Oh, uh... "the effects of varsity sports can have on our fellow students". Not the exciting piece I was looking for, but spoken like a true journalist - I can put twist on it. (Maria laughs).

Ashley:  Oh, Cool...
 
Ling:  (She and Maria exchange a look) Ash, are you okay?

Maria:  Yeah, you look a little, well... upset. Has something happened?

Ashley:  (sighs, frustrated) Look! I'm *fine*! I keep telling you this!

Ling:  Yeah, but--

Ashley:  (interrupts) If you must know, I haven't been sleeping well lately, okay? That's all. No big deal. (angry) Now can we just drop it, please?! (Maria and Ling look at their hands) Thank you. (just then the bell rings) Come on, we'd better get to class...

She gets up and heads towards the door leading back in to the school building. Ling and Maria fall behind to talk.

Maria:  Okay, maybe you where right. She's not okay.

Ling:  Thank you. So, what are we gonna do? 

Maria:  I dunno. Maybe the both of us are crowding her or something? Maybe she'd talk to just one of us. I mean, I know we're close, the three of us, but she's known you for, like, ever. Maybe she'd talk to you alone?

They walk though the door and head down the hall.

Ling:  I could try... But I know Ashley... If she won't talk about something... (shakes her head) Then there's no point trying again...

Maria:  Well, you can give it another go, can't you?

Cut to Later. Cut to an exterior shot of  of Ling's house. Cut to Ling's bedroom. She and Ashley are laying on her bed doing Algebra homework. Diesel is laying on the flour next to Ashley's school bag.

Ashley:  So, number six. (reads) 6z + 7 = 25. So, what do we do again?

Ling:  Look, it's easy. Here (takes the pen) This means that we're looking for a number, represented here by z, right? (Ashley nods) Which, when we multiply it by 6 and add 7, gives the answer 25. So, what's the answer?

Ashley:  (looks at it for a moment) Ugh! I don't know! God, I can't do this!

Ling:  You can. Look, it's simple, the answer is z = 3 (writes it on her paper). Okay, do you want me to go though it again?

Ashley:  (sighs) no, it's okay...

Ling:  Ash, you can do this, you just... have things on your mind. Right?

Ashley:  (gives her a look) Ling, if this is your way of--

Ling:  Ash, look, I just want you to talk to me, Okay? I'm your friend and I want to help with any problems your having right now.

Ashley:  Ling, the only problem I'm having right now, is trying to get you and Maria to understand that I'm fine. That I don't have any problems. Well, unless you count this algebra stuff. Which your helping me with already. Okay? So, lets get back to it. (smiles and nods) Help me... Okay?

Ling:  (sighs, still unable to get though to her friend) Okay...

Cut to Maria's room, she and Dylan are sitting on her bed making out. After a few moments they brake a part.

Maria:  You know, it's a good thing my dad's working late... Because if he found us, together, in here, I'd be so way beyond dead...

Dylan:  You? You'd be dead? What about me?

Maria laughs and they go back to making out. Maria then brakes apart.

Dylan:  What's up?

Maria:  I just-- No, it's okay. No, wait, its not...

Dylan:  What is it?

Maria:  (sits up) It's just, I'm worried about Ashley...

Dylan:  (sits up also) Yeah, I've noticed she's been kind of out of it lately...

Maria:  Yeah... but she keeps saying she's fine... but I *know* she's lying.

Dylan:  Well, what would she have to lie about?

Maria:  How should I know?! (realizes was harsh) Sorry... It's just I'm--

Dylan:  (finishes the sentence for her) Worried about her? (she nods).

Maria:  (sighs) I mean, okay, so I've only know her since September, but Ling's known her for the last eleven years or so.. and she won't talk to her either... Wait! Maybe you could talk to her?

Dylan:  Oh, Maria, I um, I dunno... I barely know her...

Maria:  Well, Yeah... but, all the more reason too, you know? Maybe me and Ling, maybe we're too close? She might talk to you.

Dylan:  And what if she doesn't?

Maria:  (shrugs) If she doesn't, well, we'll have to think of something else. No harm, no foul, right? Look, all you've got to be is (makes air quotes) the "concerned friend" who's noticed something...

Dylan:  Yeah, but, didn't you guys try that already?

Maria:  As I said, maybe we're too close. Come on, give it a try? Please?

Dylan:  (sighs in defeat) Okay, okay. I've talk to her.

Maria:  (smiles) Thank you!

Fade back to Ling's house. Its now late, her front door opens and Ashley walks out, her school bag over her shoulder followed by Diesel. She terns to face Ling who stands at the door.

Ling:  Okay, see you tomorrow.

Ashley:  Yeah, bye.

Ashley and Diesel walk down the path and cross the lawn. As Ashley gets to the door she glances over at the garage and notices that the car isn't there.

Cut to inside Ashley's living room. The sound of the key turning in the lock can be heard from outside. The door opens and Ashley walks inside. She closes the door and leans on it for a few seconds.

Ashley:  (mutters to herself) Nobody's home...

She then heads up the dark stairs. Cut to upstairs, Ashley opens the door too her room and Diesel walks in. Just as she's about to go in herself Rick comes out of next bedroom and faces her. 

Rick:  Your late.

Ashley:  (terns to face him) Sorry...

Ashley turns to head back into her room but before she can, Rick walks over, reaches for the handle and pulls the door shut with a loud bang.

Rick:  I haven't finished. (Ashley terns back to face him) Where where you?

Ashley:  I told you, next door. Where's mom?

Rick:  Working late. (crosses his arms) So, have you thought about the little conversation we had last night?

Ashley:  Yeah... (Rick gives her a 'go on' kind of look. Ashley swallows) And... and I won't be causing anymore trouble for you and mom.

Rick:  That's good. (takes a step towards her, but as he does, they hear the front door open, he looks towards she stairs then back at Ashley, whispers to her) Because you know what's waiting for you if you put a foot wrong... 

With a smirk he gives her another look and walks down the stairs. Ashley opens her door and goes in. Cut to inside. She closes it,  goes over to her bed and collapses on it, her face berried into her pillow.

Ashley Voice Over:  Well, as you can see things are getting worse at home. Now it looks like Ling and Maria know something's wrong. I really wish I could tell them, but I can't. If I do, I know how they will react, Rick will somehow find out, and things will be ten times worse...

 The Camera shows an over shot of Ashley's room, then fades to black.