Peter is standing at the kettle, wearing a grey t-shirt and chinos, making coffee. He swings around at the sound of a key turning in the front doors. It is Niamh.

Niamh:  (looking surprised to see him) Father! What are you doing   here? I thought you'd be with...I mean...
Peter:  Assumpta? Well, she and Michael practically ordered me to come back and make sure Fionn was okay.
Niamh:  (smiling) She adores that dog too much.
Peter:  Yeah, the only thing she loves more than out-witting the regulars.
Niamh:  The only thing hmm? Oh, I don't know (lightly)I could probably think of another...
Peter:  (changing the subject) I going back to the hospital in a little while, do you know whether Kathleen has put her flowers out yet?..ah..coffee?
Niamh:  No thanks, I've got to get back to Kieran.
Peter:  (trying to lighten the mood, checks his watch and shakes his head.)Tsk Tsk! 5 minutes already, he'll be missing his Mam!

There is a long pause.

Niamh:  You won't be baptising him, will you?

Peter says nothing, and concentrates very hard on pouring his cup of coffee. Niamh smiles disappointedly. She turns and walks to the door, stopping and turning around before she opens it.

Niamh:  Peter?
Peter:  (he looks up) yeah?
Niamh:  Will you be his Godfather?

Peter looks as if he's going to cry.

Peter:  I'd love to Niamh.

Niamh smiles and closes the door softly behind her. Peter puts his coffee down and sighs.

CUT TO
SCENE:2- DAY(INTERIOR) QUIGLEY'S BLUE TRUCK.
(argumentively)
Liam:  e-e-
Donal:  e-a-...look where you're going!
Liam:  I am!.......e-e-!
Donal:  e-a-!
Liam:  Ah, Donal! Would you get a hold of yourself? "Peking Ducks 'r' us" P-E-E-K-I-N-G, Peking! Don't you know anything?
Donal:  But...frozen peas are spellt with an e-a-.
Liam:  They don't use frozen peas in China...Now, are you set? We'll charge Mrs Mooney £75- to fix the window. Don't let her bully you into charging any less, and I'll...
Donal:  They might do.
Liam:  What?
Donal:  They might use them...

Liam looks thoroughly confused.

Liam:  Donal. Would you run that by me again? My brain can't keep up with that quick-thinking lump inside your head...
Donal:  Peas. If the crop was bad in China...they might have to use frozen peas then...eh?

CUT TO
SCENE:3- DAY (INTERIOR)FITZGERALDS BAR.

Peter is preparing to leave for the hospital. He collects a bunch of newly bought flowers from off the top of the bar, and also a plastic bag with some kind of black garment in it. The front door suddenly opens.

Assumpta: Ah! Would you ever get your hands out of the till?

Peter, surprised, puts down what he's carrying and and goes to her.

Peter:  (fussing)What are you doing here?
Assumpta: Michael drove me home.
Peter:  Come on, sit down. You should be resting.

He takes her by the shoulders and tries to lead her to a chair.

Assumpta: Ah, stop it! I'm fine.
Peter:  No, you're...
Assumpta: Peter...

She cups his face in her hands and looks tenderly into his eyes, speaking softly.

Assumpta: I'm...fine...

He hugs her gently. Doc Ryan comes in and they break apart.

Michael: The hospital said she was fine to go home. Less than 24 hrs. and they'd already had enough of her!
Peter:  You gave everyone one hell of a scare Assumpta.
Assumpta: (Wistfully, but joking)Yes, it WAS one of my better performances, wasn't it? Drama at College paid off then!

Michael smiles at Peter who is still looking worried.

Michael: It must take a special skill to make your heart stop beating Assumpta...well, I'd better be off. I'm late for my rounds and I have to see Father Mac.
Peter:  Oh...well, can you give him this?

Peter goes and picks up the plastic bag with the black garment in it.

Peter:  He'll understand what it is.

Michael sees the way Assumpta has looked at the bag and is now looking intently and rather emotionally at Peter, and we see his face change as something clicks inside his head. He smiles and takes the bag.

Michael: Of course.

He pats Assumpta's arm.

Michael: Take care. Don't even go near the cellar.
Assumpta: Yeah, yeah.
Michael: I understand everythings being repaired this afternoon sometime?

Peter nods in confirmation.

Peter:  The electrician's coming at 3 O'clock.

Michael: I'm serious about that Assumpta. No risks, ok? Stay with her for me will you Peter?

He turns to walk out the door, and whinces as he realises that the long-term innuendo of his request is probably very close to the truth.

CUT TO
SCENE:4 - DAY (INTERIOR) ST JOSEPHS.

A young girl in her late teens wearing jeans and a wooly vest comes in at the back, puts her overnight bag down and walks slowly down the aisle...inspecting the church. She genuflects and crosses herelf, then fishes in her pocket for some change and lights a candle.

CUT TO
SCENE:5 - AFTERNOON (INTERIOR) Parochial House in Cildargan.

Father Mac is closing the door to Michael. He goes back into the living room and takes the black garments out of the bag which the Doctor has passed on from Peter. He sighs. In the bag are Peter's clerical suits and collar.

CUT TO:
SCENE:6 - LATE AFTERNOON(INTERIOR) Fitzgeralds Kitchen. Day

Peter:  (Handing Assumpta a coffee)How're you feeling?
Assumpta: I told you, I'm fine...really...
Peter:  Right...(fake scolding)well you are banned from that cellar madam...indefinitely!

He waggles his index finger at her and gently taps her on the nose with a playful smile. As he turns back to the kettle, she catches his hand and stands up, her face very close to his.

Assumpta: (softly)Peter...what you said to me last night, before I went down to fix the lights?
Peter:  (whispers)yeah
Assumpta: I love you too...I'm IN love with you.

He inhales sharply, tears welling up in his eyes. He goes to kiss her then hesitates. She smiles and softly brushes his lips with hers. He responds and almost instantly the kiss becomes more passionate, their arms encircling each other tightly as the kiss continues to deepen.

FADE TO:
SCENE:7 - NIGHT (Exterior) Fitzgeralds.

There is an official goverment-looking sign on the doors. " With the authority of the Irish National Gardai- This Public House is closed temporarily" A dim light is on in the bar. Power has obviously been restored.

CUT TO:
SCENE:8 - NIGHT (Interior)Fitzgeralds

Peter is on the phone sitting down and Assumpta is standing behind with her arms wrapped around him and her chin on his shoulder.

Peter:  Well, Father I really don't see that there's anything else I could add to what I told you yesterday. Yes I...I realise that...MmHmm...Yep, well just as long a it's possible yeah...Yeah, I know it's up to me but I just thought you'd...yes Father...thankyou...and you. Bye.

He places the phone down.

Peter:  Well, there's a chapter of my life that's finished.
Assumpta: ...and another one about to start...

She kisses him on the cheek.

Assumpta: (Straightening up-More of a statement than a question)He wasn't surprised...was he.

Peter stands up.

Peter:  No.

They look at each other intensely.

Peter:  Ah, listen I'd better...
Assumpta: Peter...

She searches for the appropriate words but can't find them.

Assumpta: You don't have...
Peter:  ...ah, I do have to go...

He stares at the ground then looks at her...

Peter:  The truth?There's no collar to hide behind anymore...I don't trust myself here..with you, not tonight anyway.

They move towards the door and he opens it.

Assumpta: There actually weren't any ulterior motives behind the invitation.

She yawns.

Peter:  (quickly)See?You need to rest.

He leans over and kisses her forehead and keeps his lips there as he says...

Peter:   Goodnight

She nudges him away with her nose.

Assumpta: Go on...off with ya!

CUT TO:
SCENE:8 - NIGHT (Exterior) Fitzgeralds & Street.

Peter walks away from the pub and Assumpta closes the door behind him. He walks across to the police house, knocks on the door and is shortly let in by Ambrose, who is cradling Kieran.

CUT TO:
SCENE:9 - NIGHT (Interior) Fitzgeralds.

Assumpta is on the phone.

Assumpta: (wearily)Listen, it's ok..I'M ok...it's fine     alright?....no...NO!I don't want another argument Leo, don't bother!

She listen for a moment and her tone turns bitterly sarcastic.

Assumpta: Really? Well you didn't seem too concerned when I came up a fortnight ago. Who WAS that girl in your flat? Ha!
Nobody? I wonder whether she knows that's all she is...easy come easy go hey?..ah nothing...I didn't say anything.

She listens again and becomes increasingly upset and angry.

Assumpta: No...NO!Don't you bring him into this! You'll not say a word against Peter, do you hear?

She suddenly seems drained of all energy.

Assumpta: I'm not in the mood for an argument ok? Let's just lea...

She is cut off-Leo has hung up on her.She places the phone down, leans back in the chair and sighs. As she does so, there is a knock on the door and it opens. It is the girl from the church. Her accent is middle class English.

Girl:  Oh! It's open...sorry, I know the sign on the door says "closed", but I saw the light on and...oh, sorry...now not a good time?

Assumpta rises to her feet.

Assumpta: No no it's ok...how can I help?
Girl:  Are you Assumpta?
Assumpta: Ermmmm...
Girl:  See I arrived late this afternoon...I'm looking of my brother.
Assumpta: Oh?
Girl:  My name's Alexandra by the way, well, Alex....Alex Clifford.

Assumpta stares at her.

Assumpta: Did you say "brother"?

CUT TO:
SCENE:9 - NIGHT (Interior) Egan's House.

Niamh, Ambrose and Peter are standing in the kitchen. Peter is holding Kieran.

Peter:  Well the doctors said that she could go home so...
Niamh:  I thought they'd be keeping her for a couple of days at least.
Ambrose: Giving the doctors too much cheek was she?

Peter smiles

Peter:  Anyway...I'd better be off...

He goes to pass Kieran to Niamh and and Kieran starts to whimper. Peter kisses him.

Peter:  Oh hey! Uncle Peter has to go yeah? Here's Mammy....Uh, listen, about the Christening...
Niamh:  Peter, it's ok...we understand.
Ambrose: That's right...Just as long as you're a part of the ceremony we're both happy.
Niamh:  ...and so is Kieran...(to Kieran)aren't you?

Peter and Ambrose walk up the stairs to the front door.

Ambrose: Well, thanks for letting us know Fath..oh sorry, Peter.
Peter:  Look, Ambrose I...
Ambrose: Peter don't look so worried.  You only have one life...you may as well live it happily. People in this town will know
that the decision can't have been taken lightly. They're more understanding than you perhaps give them credit for. They like you, and they'll go on trusting you. You've helped so many people make sense of their lives...

Peter steps out on to the street.

Peter:  So I've been told.

CUT TO
SCENE:10 - NIGHT (Exterior) Street/Fitzgeralds etc.

Peter walks away from the police house and look thoughtfully at Fitzgeralds and sees the light is still on. He is obviously trying to wrestle with his conscience. It seem his conscience loses...he walks towards the pub.

CUT TO
SCENE:11 - NIGHT(Interior) Fitzgeralds.

Assumpta and Alex are talking. Assumpta has obviously been telling her about the accident.

Assumpta: ...but I feel fine, just a bit tired is all.
Alex:  I can't believe they...

The door opens and Peter comes in.

Peter:  Hey...I thought you were going to go to b....

He sees Alex and stops dead in his tracks. Alex sees the look on his face and tries the meek approach.

Alex:  Hiya Pete...

Peter is quite shocked but obviously pleased.

Peter:  What the.....what are doing here?

Alex:  Come to make sure my big brother's behaving himself.

Peter grins and crosses the room in three strides, giving her a hug that lifts her off her feet.

Peter:  Come here you!

As he lowers her to the ground she stays buried against his shoulder and it becomes increasingly obvious that she's crying. Assumpta moves discreetly away.

Peter:  Hey...hey come on, what's the matter bubby?

He kisses the top of her head and rocks her gently.

Peter:  Is it Mum?

Alex lifts her head to look at him.

Alex:  I miss her so much Peter!...I can't stand it at home. It's dreadful...I hate it...
Peter:  Well did you tell Matthew this? Or Rebecca? Or Mike?
Alex:  Mike left five hours after you did to go back home to Newquay. Katie rang and said the kids were ill.
Peter:  Well did you talk to Matt or Becky?
Alex:  As if they'd have the time...
Peter:  ...but they had the time to send you over here?

Alex looks uncomfortable. Peter speaks warningly.

Peter:  Alexandra....
Alex:  (not quite meeting his gaze)I didn't...exactly...tell them I was coming here...

Peter tries to control his temper.

Peter:  Do you mean to tell me that you came all that way, by yourself without so much as a word to...
Alex:  I don't need a baby-sitter!
Peter:  No, obviously not! You need 24 hour surveillance!
Alex:  I'm eighteen years old in two days!
Peter:  Which makes you seventeen and irresponsible. They're probably worried sick about you Alex!
Alex:  (almost to herself)I wouldn't bank on it...
Peter:  I just hope they don't think you've done something silly...although come to think of it...

Alex looks at him in amazement and speak slowly and deliberately.

Alex:  How would you know what they're thinking? They probably haven't even noticed I'm not there!
Peter:  That's just...
Alex:  Just what Peter? Ridiculous? Yeah...it is! Ridiculously disfunctional is the term I'd use personally. You have no idea what it's like at home. Six days ago at Mum's funeral was the first time since your ordination nearly six years ago that we've all been together as a family. You don't know them anymore Peter. They're not the teenage siblings you left when you went into the Seminary and I'm not the four year old I was back then either.

Peter sighs and nods in resignation after this little outburst. He looks at her for a moment, then calls up the stairs.

Peter:  Assumpta? Can I use the phone to ring England?

Alex rolls her eyes and reaches into her bag as Assumpta calls back down.

Assumpta: Of course...

Alex:  (grumpily and rather guiltily) Here...use Matt's mobile.

CUT TO
SCENE:12 - NIGHT (Interior) Brian and Peter's House.

Brian and Father Mac are in the living room. Brian is on the phone. Father Mac is pouring two brandies.

Brian:  Yes, well I had my suspicions and Father Mac's just confirmed them. Mind you, it's not like it wasn't half obvious the way she left here the other night in such a state. I nearly ran her over......Ah Niamh, Assumpta and Peter are grown adults...well I hardly think your views will alter their feelings...yes I know she's your best friend, but just go easy on her ok? She nearly died last night...What do you mean, "why am I being so objective"? I don't want to lose our local pub! Bad for business...

He glances uncomfortably at Father mac a he lies...

Brian:  Ah, look love...someone's-at-the-door-I've-got-to-go-Bye!
Father Mac: Not impressed?
Brian:  Ah, you know...she's seen Assumpta throw away perfectly good fellas before. he doesn't want it to happen this time.
Father Mac: Somehow, I find rather improbable...

Brian nods.

Brian:  Well, I guess I'll have the place to myself, until the new fella arrives....but I should be back home by Saturday...change in the stock exchange you understand. I assume he will be staying here?
Father Mac: It would be appreciated.
Brian:  Ah sure it's no trouble...

The door opens and both men look surprised when Peter enters.

Father Mac: Peter...
Brian:  Good Evening...you ah, here for the night then or...?
Peter:  Ummm, if that's still ok...I'll make arrangements tomorrow.
Brian:  No problem, no problem...

His admiration is obvious...

Brian:  Brandy?
Peter:  Ummm, oh yeah, thanks....

He casts an eye at Father Mac, who, to his surprise, meets his glance with a smile. Brian speaks while he's pouring...

Brian:  There was a young girl here earlier asking for you. We sent her down to Fitzgeralds...did she catch you?
Peter:  Oh, yeah thanks..
Brian:  Friend of yours?
Peter:  Sister...actually...youngest sister, Alex. Assumpta's letting her stay down there. I thought it might be a bit inconvenient up here given the circumstances...
Father Mac: Surprise visit?

Peter looks at him carefully, not quite sure why the older man is being so unusually friendly...

Peter:  Yeah...Well, it'll do them both good really. Assumpta needs someone down there with her at the moment and I need to know that Miss Independance isn't going to take off again, so...

Brian hands him the brandy.

Peter:  Oh, thanks Brian.

Father Mac raises his glass and the other two do so when they see him do it.

Father Mac: To...

He stops short, almost shaking himself...he smiles broadly and Brian and Peter both give him half worried, half amused smiles in return. Brian breaks the silence hurriedly.

Brian:  Cheers.

ROLL CREDITS