The Strays

I'm sick of it, sis. I can't breathe here.

What is up with you? Cheryl, calm down.

No!

No, they... they look at you like you're worthless!

They make you stand there and wait,

like you're some sort of reprobate or something.

Like you're shit on the sole of their shoe!

Who makes you wait? You're not making any sense.

Is this... one of your dips?

The housing office!

I was down there earlier asking for help with the rent.

You've got a job!

You and Michael need to stop living fancy off those credit cards.

I won Saleswoman of the Year three times in a row!

I shouldn't be where I am now!

Carl! Go check on your sister.

I want more.

Is it wrong to want more?

We all want more, Cheryl.

But we're dealt the cards we're dealt.

You've... just... gotta... make the most of things.

Now, what time you popping round later?

Yeah. Yeah, you're right.

"The most of things."

Just having a low day.

Bit of a dip.

I'll see you at five, yeah?

Hello. Your call cannot be taken at the moment,

so please leave your message after the tone.

Hello. Your call cannot be taken at the moment,

so please leave your message after the tone.

Cheryl, where are you?

Answer the goddamn phone.

Wonderful morning, isn't it?

Oh.

- Wonderful morning. - Wonderful morning, isn't it?

Wonderful morning, isn't it?

Isn't it just?

And you're looking just divine, as usual.

Charmer.

You coming to my charity gala this Friday? We're opening up the doors.

Ooh! Exciting!

Disability. In the Gambia.

- Sounds splendid. - Shall I put you down for 500?

- Pounds? - Yes, unless...

Oh... no, of course. 550 even. Happy to help.

So kind.

Well, can't we add more? We want a full house.

I work in insurance, hon, not hospitality.

This is important, Ian.

These things carry weight in the community.

I've been working towards this for so long.

Okay.

Okay, I'll get it done.

And don't forget the langoustines.

Hello, Neve!

- How's she getting on? - Oh, she's a treat.

A right little worker bee.

Isn't she just? What's happened to your hair, darling?

It's a style.

Right.

Trends are always changing, aren't they?

They are indeed.

Will you be wanting anything for your event?

Mary's been telling me all about it. A signed choir?

Oh, yes. The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar. The journey of a dead man's soul.

Sounds marvelous.

I'll pick up some expensive shampoo later and run you a nice bath.

A little pamper party.

When you came here, you didn't even know what a village fête was.

Now look at you. Throwing your very own gala!

- Well, you must've inspired me. - I'd like to think so.

We're all so proud.

You're a real example of fortitude, Neve.

I understand the impulse to want to give back.

It's not just giving back.

It's bringing it all together, my time here.

A graduation of sorts.

And an opportunity to show off the new kitchen.

Well, that too, obviously.

But, Neve, really, come on, there's nothing to prove here.

- You're practically one of us. - "Practically"?

You know what I mean.

And you are drop-dead gorgeous. You haven't aged a bit.

It's actually quite infuriating.

- I'm getting it. - I'm so sorry.

Thank you very much. Excuse me. Gotta go to the loo.

Without the service. Thank you.

Need help with anything in there, sweetheart?

I'm fine.

You wouldn't believe what happened to me today.

In the car.

- Anyone seen my poster? - What poster? Ian.

The Lil Wayne one? In the gym?

- Your mum's telling a story. - It's just disappeared, then?

So, yes, I'd just had tea with Amanda, and I...

- No phones at the table, Mary. - Sorry.

So I'm driving along, when I see someone dodgy from out of town,

and...

...you wouldn't believe

straight into the back of Sonia's car. Near tore off her entire bumper.

- Send her over. - You'll sort it?

- Course. - Thank you, darling.

- Cute. - Gross.

We just hired a girl from out of town.

Oh, really? What girl?

A lovely young Black girl.

Mm. Black?

- Well, we're Black. - Yeah.

What was her name? This girl?

Abigail. She's quite charming indeed.

Hm.

Your hidden skills.

Told you before. It was a side job for a bit when I was 15.

Down in Catford?

- Up in Fulham. - Was it?

"Was it?" indeed.

Do you think Sebastian's okay?

Why wouldn't he be?

Are we giving him enough space to, I dunno...

- What? - Express himself.

Sebastian has everything he needs.

Speaking of which, I just pre-ordered him the new Xbox for his birthday.

What's wrong with the one he has?

Oh, Neve.

You don't have to cover it up.

I know I don't have to.

I used to love the way you had it before.

Well, thanks for letting your feelings be known.

Come on, you know what I mean.

It's just maintenance, that's all.

Let's go to sleep, shall we?

I'll be in in a mo.

Sebas, have you been drawing on the mirrors?

What? No, of course not.

Be safe!

Morning, Miss Williams.

Castle Combe School has, yet again,

outperformed other private schools across the country.

And, for the fifth year in a row,

our deputy head and theology course leader, Mrs. Williams,

has outdone us all with the most A-stars this senior year.

Even if she still hasn't given in her references.

Well, I'd accept another medal, but I'm currently out of wall space.

Off to class now.

No loitering in the corridor.

Now!

Come on, girls! This isn't a photo shoot.

Off to class immediately.

Quickly!

Sebas. Sebastian!

- What? - "What?"

- Shouldn't you be in class? - Yeah, I'm on my way.

Well, then. Instead of talking to strangers.

"Strangers"?

Have you got your phone on you?

Maybe.

Keep it on. In case I need to get hold of you.

Thank you.

And now into sound.

That's it. Very nice.

Who gave you that?

- Where is he? - Who?

"Who?" This is the game you wanna play with me?

I bought them.

Don't treat me like a fool! I can suspend you, young man.

Don't forget, I am your mother and the headmistress.

- Deputy. - Inside. Now.

We'll finish this later.

- Where's your brother? - It's Tuesday.

- Yes? - Basketball?

Basketball, yes. Of course. Basketball.

Mum! Look out!

- It's here. - What?

- Emily's house. - Oh.

- Are you all right? - Yes, yes, I'm fine. I'm fine.

- I'll see you later. - Jessie's dropping you back?

Yes, Mum. Yes. Love you. Bye.

Love you. Bye.

Hey! How are you?

Hello, my darling. Sorry we're late.

No worries.

Barry's busy...

Place is looking gorgeous.

Wow, the spices. Really, so yummy.

I don't know how you do it, Neve.

Barry's always complaining about my boiled chicken.

- Is he? - You have to teach me.

You'll have to teach me one of your secret concoctions.

- We could make a night of it. - We could.

Shall we?

He's a freethinker.

He's talking about things

that the mainstream media are scared to touch.

He's hitting a nerve.

"White flight." That's how he phrased it on the podcast.

- What is it? - Can we talk about something else?

It's when white people flee urban areas for the suburbs.

- Why are they fleeing? - Because they're uncultured.

It has nothing to do with culture.