"Poisened Products.."

“Poisoned products...”

(It was the year 2000, dark clouds  hovered above Dagenham. It was 4pm, but the skies were dark and grey, the sun was hidden. Jamie raced quickly on his bike, his fingers and feet were numb. He could feel his tear ducts freezing in the cold. Each harsh breath he took produced a mini fog in front of him. He could feel his heart beating in his chest, his cheeks were bright red. He kept on pedalling as fast as his legs could carry him. Two dogs appeared on the side road barking loudly, he swerved his bike away from them, he just about maintained his balance. He guided his bike back onto the pavement on the path leading through the park. He took a quick glance behind him, as he looked to the in he could see some figures in the distance. A group of boys wearing hoodies, they all stood closely together facing Jamie. He couldn’t make out their facial expressions as he was still some distance from them. He began to panic as he got closer, he looked behind him and saw another boy appear in a hoodie bearing down on him on a bike. Jamie continued to cycle faster, as he got closer he could make out some of the faces, he could hear muffled voices and cries as he got closer. The boy behind him called put “Where you going!?” Jamie replied, “The Finish line!” As he got closer he could see the faces of the excited group of boys. They were laughing and cheering.)

Jamie: Haha! I told you I had this!

Max: Whatever man! Next time I’ll beat you!

Jamie: Haha! All talk and no action!

(Max flicked a £1 coin towards Jamie, he caught it in mid air and stowed it away in his pocket.)

Jamie: What are you doing today? We need to get on that homework from Mr. Hicks

Max: Yeah, we should but I’d much rather just copy yours.

Jamie: Haha! You don’t even know that I will get the answers right!

Max: Mate, your always right, I’ve been living off you since primary school all the way up until year 10, next year you can carry me through the GCSE’s!

(They both laughed heartily.)

 
(A group of hooded  boys arrived on the scene. Many of them donned, navy blue jeans, nike air maxes and tracksuits. Ricky was Max’s brother he led from the front. He had a rugged ginger beard and muscular build, despite his rough look all the girls in the area swooned over him. He was respected by all the young kids and the older adults.)

Ricky: Max you let this boy take your money again?

Max: Yeah! But I will beat him soon! Practice makes perfect!

Ricky: What you going to spend your money on fam?

Jamie: Probably get some panda pops or football stickers.

(Ricky laughed and playfully put them both in a headlock.)

Ricky: You youngers give me jokes, one day I will show you about that real wonga init! Ask Max, he knows the deal! Haha

Max: Haha

Ricky: You lot are alright though yeah? Ain’t seen none of those Barking pussyholes?

(Jamie and Max looked at each other awkwardly. They always felt uncomfortable when Ricky made reference to any gang conflict.)

Max: No we have’t just went to school and had a race, off home now.

Ricky: Good! Them pricks can’t come around here, they know what time it is, when I see them it’s on site, no talking!

Jamie: I’m late!

Max: For what?

Jamie: Erm my lessons.

Ricky: Oh, your poxy piano lessons! Is that how you get the girls yeah? You play a tune and the girls come to your house yeah! Pied piper of Dagenham, you rascal!

Jamie: Haha! I wish! I’m off!

(Jamie hopped on his bike and pedalled do the end of the park. He headed to the top of the road, he weaved past some of the pedestrians before parking up his bike. He jogged towards a small grey building. It had the name in block capitals, ‘Young and gifted music Academy’. The room was large with wooden flooring. The room was filled with warmth and peace. Jamie always felt a sense of serenity every time he came to do his lessons. The tapestry and curtains had golden and purple embroidery. Pianos, violins and Chellos were placed around the room. Everybody was seated in a circle. Everybody stared at him as he walked in the room. Victoria was a tall blonde lady with piercing green eyes. She glared at Jamie as he took up a seat, her angry facial expression could not hide her divine beauty.)

Victoria: Your late!

Jamie: Sorry miss, I just-

Victoria: Save it! The national talent awards are in a few weeks and you’re not taking your lessons seriously at all!

Jamie: Sorry miss.

(Victoria turned to face the class.)

Victoria: As I’m sure you’re aware, the national talent awards will be in 2 weeks. It will be at the Royal Albert hall, I trust you all brought your permission slips with you

(She shot a look at Jamie.)

Victoria: After this session I want all the slips in my tray or you won’t come! Let’s begin!

(Everybody played their instruments individually or in sync with others. The atmosphere was majestic, the sounds of Mozart and Beethoven sweetly floated in the room. Victoria surveyed all of them intently, she approached every individual, correcting them where they were going wrong and encouraging them when they were doing something right.)

Victoria: Excellent! Amazing! A few improvements for everybody but so far we are on the right track! But remember somebody has to perform alone for the final act that will give the judges a good idea of who is the strongest academy. We all know what is at stake.

(Jamie’s stomach flipped, he was happy and nervous at the prospect of winning. A trip to Paris and touring with the Academy was so much more than he could have hoped for. He looked over at Lizzy and felt a twinge of nerves again. Lizzy had long dread locks, smooth brown skin and full lips. Whenever Jamie looked at her he got a tingling sensation in his throat. He had fancied her from year 7. She was always nice to him and they got along well, they made a stronger bond since they both joined the academy 2 years before. Every time he spoke to her or caught eye contact with her he felt butterflies.)

Victoria: Jamie!

(Jamie almost jumped out of his skin.)

Victoria: Mozart, play now, by yourself.

(Jamie got up and tentatively walked to the piano. He clicked his fingers and stretched his arms, he began to play effortlessly. The sounds seemed to put everybody in trance. When he finished the whole room broke into cheering and applause. Lizzy embraced him; at that point Jamie felt that he was ready to pass out.)

Victoria: Excellent! I think we have our leader! Now it is time to go! Leave your slips in my tray! And Jamie if you come late again I will lynch you boy!

(They all filtered out of the room, Jamie walked briskly to his bike, Lizzy followed him and tapped his shoulder.)

Lizzy: Where you rushing to?

Jamie: I’m going home, need to finish off the homework or Mr. Hicks will lynch me as well.

Lizzy: Typical Jamie, always doing the right thing, you’re a good boy, I like that, you’re not like the other 

rowdy lot.

Jamie: (Blushes) Thanks Liz.

Lizzy: Do you think we will win?

Jamie: Hopefully, we should be alright, Victoria is wicked.

Lizzy: Yes she is.

(Jamie could not help but stare into Lizzy’s eyes, he was memorized.)

Jamie: Anyway I’m off home! See you later!

End Scene

Scene 2

(It was Saturday morning, the wind blew ferociously through Dagenham. The street lights flickered in the darkness. Foxes and cats rummaged through the rubbish sat outside Jamie’s house. The bin men had evidently forgotten to come and take the rubbish. It seemed that everybody had forgotton about Jamie and his family except the landlord who kept coming daily demanding rent money.)

Dad: Jamie!! Jamie!! Wake up! It’s 8 o clock! Max is downstairs waiting for you!

(Jamie sprang up, he had forgotton that it was his first day at work. Since his Dad got laid off he had been desperate to secure the job, he looked all summer up until November when he had given up. Luckily Max’s Nan worked in the Morrison’s, she managed to secure them two weekend jobs. Jamie washed his face and quickly ironed his shirt. He ran downstairs and hastily shouted out goodbye. He could hear his dad in the distance shout something about not having his breakfast but he didn’t have time. He had to go in hungry or risk being late. The both ran for the bus 5, just making it.)

Jamie: Sorry I forgot man.

Max: It’s alright we still have time, my Nan will look after us, at least we can make some peezzz fammmmm!

Jamie: Haha! What you gonna spend your money on?

Max: First pay cheque is definitely going on the new Fifa or a nike jacket, the one with the suede sleeves. You?

Jamie: I might take Lizzy to that fancy café near Ilford.

Max: What’s fancy about it? Because it has those funny patterns on the chairs? It’s traditional English breakfast, nothing fancy about it mate, even I could make a fry up!

Jamie: Like you can even fry 2 eggs mate! Haha! This is our stop, lets go!

(The day went relatively smoothly. They worked at the hot food section in the morning, in the afternoon they worked in the stockroom organising delivery. Max’s Nan called out ‘That’s my Grandson every chance she got’. Max was not impressed by that.)

Max: Bloody hell, I’ll be happy to work all my shifts back here, at least I’m out of site of the old lady eh.

(He picks up a chocolate bar and eats it behind a crate, out of site of the cameras.)

Jamie: If you carry on like that we will get sacked before long

(Jamie sees some movement in the corner of his eyes. He looks outside the window, a tall Chinese man come out of a car slowly. He taps Max on the shoulder and calls his to watch at the activity. Ricky appears from the corner, he shakes the man’s hand and passes him a package. He looks over his shoulder and the man gives him an envelope. They shake hands and go their separate ways.)

Jamie: That was dodgy, I’m sure tha he-

Max: Shut up man.

Jamie: What? Max you need to talk to him, if you get involved with the wrong people you get-

Max: Listen, it’s none of your business what he does, just drop it.

(They continued the rest of the shift in silence. The tension was strong. When it got to 5 o clock, they both clocked out of their shift. As they walked out they nodded at each other and went their separate ways. Jamie crossed the road to the launderette to go to see Lizzy. Her smile gleamed as he crossed the road. He puffed out his chest as he got closer to her.)

Lizzy: Hey!

Jamie: How was work? Everybody is working now.

Lizzy: Yeah, we have to its hard around here for everybody, it’s not like we are rich.

Jamie: What time do you have to be home?

Lizzy: I have to be in like 7 to look after my sister. Why?

Jamie: Erm, do you want to go chip shop for a bit?

Lizzy: Yeah of course, why not!

End Scene

Scene 3

(Over the few weeks Jamie and Lizzy were spending a lot of time with each other, they done their homework together and rode their bikes together. After every shift she would wait for him outside work. They would hold hands on the street and go and sit in the park. Occasionally having snow fights in the park. Jamie was happy despite the fact he and his family were dirt poor. Lizzy and music had brought new life to him.)

Dad: Jamie! You got a letter!

(In the background ‘My Girl’ by The Temptations is playing in the background through the cassette player. Jamie runs down the stairs and picks up two letters with his name on it on the table.)

Jamie: You alright dad?

Dad: I’m alright fella, still looking for work. I’m going to sign on soon, life is hard right now but we will be ok.

Jamie: It’s not much but here, take this money, maybe we can use it to pay for the heating, it’s getting so cold this season.

(Jamie’s mother saw this, her eyes welled up and she burst into tears. Jamie’s twin brothers jumped on his back laughing and squealing, he tackled them down to the floor and playfully wrestled them on the floor. They laughed out loudly.)

Dad: Haha!

Mum: How many times do I have to remind you no fighting in this house!

(Jamie’s dad kisses her on the cheek. The twins jump on his father’s back. He runs upstairs with his letters and enters his room. He sits on the side of the bed and opens it up. Victoria notifies them of the event the next day. He opens the second letter, it is a newsletter from the school. He lays back on his bed and looks at the picture of his family. He scrolls through his phone and looks at the picture of Lizzy. He makes up his mind there and then that he needs to control and execute his performance the next day. He is the only one who can take his family out of their situation.)

Scene 4

(The following day the bus was rocking, the group were excited that they got a private minibus to take them to Royal Albert hall. Lizzy was sat next to Jamie. When they reached the building they all hurried off the bus. Jamie got up but Lizzy held him back, she waited till everybody got off the bus, she pulls him in close and kisses him softly on the lips. Jamie stares at her in shock.)

Jamie: Wow. What was that for?

Lizzy: I wanted our first kiss to be special, this is a special occasion, I know you will win this for us. Good luck!

(Victoria signalled them angrily to get off the bus. They hurried into the hall. It was extremely busy, there were many academies inside the building. Jamie noticed that many of the academies had come from upper class backgrounds. Most of them stared at his group in disgust. They wore bow ties and smart blazers whilst Jamie wore a pair of ripped boot-cut jeans with a scuffed pair of reebok classics. Some of the children walked past and made snide remarks “Haha look at those poor kids” “are they going to use the bins to play the drums?”. Jamie heard the remarks and remained unmoved. Victoria met the co-ordinator and shook hands with him. He was a short round bellied man with a thick moustache. He wore a 3 piece grey suit, Jamie had never seen a man dressed so smartly.) 

 Rodger: Delightful to see you Victoria! It has been many years!

Victoria: I know, I know, how wonderful to see you all

Rodger: So this is your group. Hmm I've heard so much about this bunch.

 (He grimaced at the state of Jamie's trainers, he turned to smile at Victoria He came over to the group and smiled at them. Jamie was filled with excitement, he had never felt so much joy. The man led them to a room; it was similar to their academy room, filled with instruments with a seating area. They came in and immediately began to rehearse. After an hour Victoria brought them in for a team huddle.)

Victoria: Ok guys, this is it! You’ve been working so hard. Let’s make it count! I don’t care what happens just give your best you’ve all made me proud, it’s been a pleasure working with you all!

(She wipes a tear from her face)

(They head to the back stage and wait for their slot. They watch and listen from behind the curtain. After an hour of listening to other performances, Jamie decides he hasn’t heard anything particularly spectacular. He is convinced victory is for the taking.)

Announcer: Last but not least! Will the young and gifted music academy from Dagenham please come out!

(A small round of applause rang out. They confidently strode onto stage and began performing. It was an effortless display of talent and creativity. Jamie’s solo performance got a huge round of applause. Once they finished they bowed and exited the stage left. Victoria was in tears, she couldn’t even hide how proud she was. They sat on the bench and all held hands, patiently waiting the results, Jamie was beaming.)

Announcer: And the unanimous winner of this year’s competition is the South Kensington music group! They win £10,000 and trip across Europe touring.

(The crowd burst into cheers and a loud round of applause. Meanwhile the backstage where the young and gifted group were was in complete silence and shock. Jamie’s jaw dropped, he was filled with confusion and an unfamiliar feeling of rage. The man with the moustache came into the back and ushered them to leave the building. Victoria was livid, nobody had seen her like this before.)

Victoria: You stupid man! You people are stupid! We were the best! If we were from poxy Chelsea or poxy south Kensington we would have won!

Rodger: Please, leave the building madam, we don’t want to get you escorted out, you tried hard, come back next year, maybe with a little bit more class.

(They left the building, all of them hand their heads down, they were confident of victory but they weren’t so fortunate. Jamie sat by himself and stared outside the window in complete shock and silence. Rage bubbled inside of him, this was his chance to bring change to his family and his community but it was snatched from his hands. The driver called his name out as they pulled up to his estate. He got off the bus and walked slowly in the darkness. He could smell the scent of marijuana in the air as he got closer to his house. He was used to the smell of alcohol, marijuana and other substances. In the corner of his eyes he could see a group of girls laughing out loudly. All of them were clearly drunk stumbling across the road. The boys in the blocks called down and jeered at them. The local crack head crawled out of the back road calling out “Terry! Where are you!? I need some stuff!” A Benz pulled up and a man wound the window down and threw a package at him and peeled off. The Benz screeched loudly as it turned the corner. Jamie stared at it as it left the estate, he looked at the crack head as he gave a toothless smile.  He hugged the package, it was so precious to him, just as the competition was precious to Jamie. He walked into his house, he kicked off his trainers and walked through the living room where his mum and dad sat on the sofa.)

Mum: How was the show Mozart!

Dad: That’s my boy! I know you have it in the bag, you keep making us proud.

Mum: Haha

Jamie: Not so good, we didn’t win maybe next year.

Dad: Oh, never mind next year.

Jamie: Yeah, next year.

(His mother and father looked at each other with a look of dismay. He turned into the corridor and ran up the stairs and slammed the door. He sat in his bed in the darkness. The moonlight streamed through his torn curtains. He was due to get them replaced but his parents could not afford it. He could hear more noise outside, he got up and looked outside. He saw another Benz and BMW pull up on the block. He saw Ricky and a few other boys he had seen around. He could see a few girls sitting in the back seat. Ricky looked like he didn’t have a care in the world.)

End Scene

Scene 4

(The next few weeks that passed Jamie wasn’t himself. He visited Lizzy sparingly. His mind was scrambled, the loss at the competition had rattled him. Even at work he was making many simple errors. His Dad was still not working, neither was his mother. They were deep into debt. Jamie’s contributions were not reducing the burden significantly. He was becoming fed up, Max was the only person who seemed to understand him. They continued to work through the boxes in the afternoon.)

Max: I’m tired man, but I’m just happy I’m getting money.

Jamie: yeah

Max: How’s Lizzy?

Jamie: Don’t know.

Max: Mate, you used to love her a few weeks ago, now you just don’t cre

Jamie: Got other things to think about, forget these girls man.

Max: Yeah, Ricky always says money over bitches, I’ve never understood that phrase.

Jamie: Speaking of Ricky.

(They both strode to the window leading to the back street. As usual Ricky came with a package to deliver to the gentleman. They made the exchange and went their separate ways. Jamie stared at them in silence, he dropped his box of frosties and stormed out of the stock room and went left the shop. Max called out his name through the supermarket. Jamie went through the automatic doors, the rain was beating heavily. He saw Ricky in the car park entering his car. He jogged towards his red BMW and tapped his window.)

Jamie: I want in.

Ricky: What bruv? Oi what you talking about?

Jamie: I’m not stupid alright? I want in! Whatever your doing, I want in!

(Ricky opened his door and stepped out, he was irate, he looked at his brother Max then looked at Jamie.)

Ricky: We don’t talk about what I do in the supermarket car park you twat! Get in the back seat.

(Jamie quickly hopped in with Max. Jamie examined them in this mirror, Max was clearly uncomfortable, Jamie’s face was neutral.)

Jamie: I’m tired of this shit, I want in. Any deal your doing, just tell me the rules and I’ll play along, I’m smart and I’m good with maths. I’ll work for you, Max is your brother he doesn’t need to get involved, he is my best mate. I just want to make some money for my family. We might get evicted if we don’t pay the rent.

Ricky: You always explained the rules of the game to me. Family first and loyalty. If you want in this is how it goes...

End Scene

Scene 5

(A year had passed and Jamie was fully involved in the drug trade. His mum and dad had found work in Dagenham market. They had their own stall, all thanks to Jamie’s contribution. He never disclosed his business and kept it away from his family. He stressed to Ricky he was only doing it to help his family. His mother had her suspicions but she didn’t ask questions as Jamie had taken up more hours at Morison’s. He had also completely forgot about Lizzy, he was simply focused on acquiring money to look after his brothers and his parents. He arrived at Ricky’s flat, he knocked on the door three times, Ricky opened the door and smiled when he saw Jamie. He handed over an envelope to him and nodded his head. He jumped on the bus 5 back to his estate. He looked outside the window and saw kids playing football in the park and riding their bikes. He was overwhelmed by the joy they displayed, pure , innocent fun. Most of them lived in his area. The bus driver made an announcement but Jamie was too engrossed in the feeling of nostalgia. He felt a tap on his shoulder, an elderly women tapped his shoulder. ‘Last stop, bus terminating here darling’. Jamie looked at the bus stop and immediately panicked. He was in Barking,  enemy territory.)

Bus Driver: Boy! You better get off this bus the next one to Dagenham will be here in 5 minutes!

(Jamie walked down the stairs carefully. He looked left and right and hopped off the bus. He put his hood on and looked down at his nike air maxes. But it was too late, one of the barking boys had caught a glimpse of his face before he even got off the bus. A group of boys crossed the road hood up and circled Jamie. It was too late.)

End Scene

Scene 6

(Ricky and his crew were sat in his flat. He was livid. Max sat next to Jamie on the sofa, he had a fat lip and a black eye.)

Ricky: This is war! Them Barking boys are finished! We need to ride out on them, we need to act fast! Any delay will be taken as a sign of weakness. I’m not a prick fam!

Jamie: I don’t think I can do this no more, I just wanted money for my family.

Ricky: It’s not about what you want bruv, don’t be a pussy! It’s deeper than money it’s about respect now! They know you’re affiliated with me and work for me. You can’t back out now!

Max: Ricky, please man, we don’t need to go this far.

Ricky: Shut up!

(He goes into his draw and takes out a tiny packet. He empties out the contents on the table. He takes out a blade from his back pocket and shifts the cocaine on the table. He gets on his knees and begins doing lines. Some of his crew wince as he begins to snort.)

Ricky: OI! Peter, get your strap we are riding out on these pricks, lets go.

Peter: Ight fam. In and out ting, lay one or two out they won’t ever think of responding.

(They all leave the building and enter the cars parked outside. Max and Jamie are close to tears but they hide their faces, Max looks at Ricky’s eyes in the mirror. His eyes are filled with rage and revenge. Within 10 Minutes they slowly creep into the Barking estate. As they creep in the can see a line of boys with their hoods up, it is as if they are prepared for war. Some of the Barking boys held baseball bats and knives. Ricky takes out a knife from his front pocket and exits the car. Peter holds his gun on his hip. Everybody steps out of the car and faces their enemies across them. The moonlight spilled in between the Dagenham boys and Barking boys, the rain continued to beat down mercilessly.)

Barking Boys: What you pricks doing here cuz? Is it on yeah? We rushed that prick today and you want some more?

Dagenham boys: Oi stop talking init, lets do this ting init!

End scene

Scene 7

(The next day the Barking Estate was buzzing. The roads were blocked off, police cars and black vans were parked inside the estate. Various TV organisations had their vehicles just outside. Polices lines and chalk lines covered half of the estate. Sirens were sounded and members of the community stared outside their windows at the drama downstairs.)

BBC News reporter: Another tragic tale of young boys that have lost their lives because of gang rivalry. Jamie Wilson and Max Tummings tragically lost their lives in what was a very violent and bloody shootout in the Barking estate. When will this community civil war stop? Why do these stabbings and shootings continue to happen within the community?)

End