01x03 - Where Do I Belong?

Episode transcripts for the TV show "The Secret Daughter". Aired: June 2016 to present.*
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"The Secret Daughter" revolves around a part-time country pub singer whose chance meeting with a wealthy city hotelier triggers a series of events that will change her life forever.
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01x03 - Where Do I Belong?

Post by bunniefuu »

This is Billie... Dad's daughter.

We know a doctor who can organise a DNA test just to be 100% sure.

We're leaving tomorrow.

Oh, I don't think we should be too hasty, kid.

I mean, look at this place.

Maybe we could find someone's DNA who matches.

Now you want me to steal DNA?

I'm just saying.

Look what the Rossi's are doing.

Don't come home, alright. Not yet.

They're waiting for you.

Find anything?

Nothing worth 20 grand.

Here's the kit for the DNA test.

If you mess up, don't panic. I have spares.

Can you give this to Dr Holland?

Just let me finish up here. I'll take it over in five.

We're done! It's over! I'm sick of it.

Of everything. Of my lies and yours.

I'm not your sister. I just had to get out of Walperinga.

And I don't want your money.

I was just about to come find you.

Don't worry. I'm leaving.

Not yet you're not.

Well, I think the results speak for themselves.

What does it say?

It says she's a match.

You're one of us.

Song: ♪ Feeling my way through the darkness ♪
♪ Guided by a b*ating heart ♪
♪ I can't tell where the journey will end ♪
♪ But I know where to start ♪
♪ So wake me up when it's all over ♪
♪ When I'm wiser and I'm older ♪
♪ All this time I was finding myself ♪
♪ And I didn't know I was lost ♪
♪ Yeah, I didn't know I was lost ♪
♪ So wake me up when it's all over ♪
♪ When I'm wiser and I'm older ♪
♪ All this time I was finding myself ♪
♪ And I didn't know I was lost ♪

Harriet: What does it say?

Chris: It says she's a match.

Jamie: I thought you'd be happy.

You're one of us.

No, it's wrong.

Billie, I gave a swab too.

That's how they do the familial test.

How many people handled my swab?

Did you give it to him or her?

No...

I didn't touch anything.

...there was no contamination.

There has to be.

It was in a plastic bag.

I took it and locked it in a drawer on front reception.

Then I got it out last night, drove it down to the clinic, where I gave my swab.

And the chances of us not being related, and your DNA still matching mine, is like one in 40 million.

Basically, we're more likely to win the Lotto, so welcome to the Norton family.

(SIGHS)

This is unbelievable.

Billie, look, I know it's an adjustment, but please...

No, this is crazy. It doesn't make any sense.

Look, I just need some space.

(BREATHES DEEPLY)

(HUMMING)

(HUMMING CONTINUES)

(PHONE RINGS)

Hey, Layla.

Have you seen the will?

Great, I've got a long-lost sister and your first thought is money.

My first thought was did my husband lie to me about anything else?

My second was how will this affect his legacy?

Not at all if we just show some compassion.

It takes more than a bleeding heart sometimes, Jamie.

Dad wanted me to wait until after the funeral before reading the will.

So I don't have a right to see it?

Not automatically, no.

As executor, I don't actually have to show you anything.

But she is in it?

Look, Dad was dying and he flew out there to try and find her, so obviously she meant something to him.

So, yes, in other words?

Can we just stop talking about the will for a second and think about Billie?

Let's just throw out the welcome mat, yeah?

Why not?

She's a nice girl. None of this is her fault.

Why didn't Dad?

He had 25 years to put out a welcome mat and never said boo.

Yeah, and I'd say in his final days, he was feeling pretty guilty about that.

Well, maybe because he knew a kid from a one-night stand in the outback would never really belong here.

Well, I'm gonna ask her to stay.

Someone has to be nice around here.

It's not about being nice, Jamie.

It's about what feels right for all of us.

(SIGHS) Sorry. I gotta keep moving.

You get on well with her, don't you?

She's fun. Yeah.

I assume her mother was too.

That's what I said. It's insane. But apparently I'm one of the family.

That's impossible. What about Gus?

Exactly, I even heard him say it, last Anzac Day, when he cleaned up that two-up game.

Yeah, and you said, "I've never seen you so excited."

And he said, "I haven't been, not since I..."

"Not since I made out with your mother at the Paul Young concert."

Paul Young?

You know that song.

(SINGS) ♪ And she's living in the love of the common people ♪
♪ Smiles from the heart of a family man ♪
♪ Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to ♪
♪ Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can ♪
♪ And she can ♪

And that night led to you, right?

Well, that's what he reckons.

I gotta find him. He's gotta tell them, knock some sense into this mob.

Thanks, Layla. I love you.

I gotta go. Love you, love you, love you.

He said you might be here.

Good trackin'.

Bit of a roller-coaster at the moment.

That's one word for it.

It'll take some getting used to.

If there's anything I can do to help...

Thanks, Jamie. I'm fine. I just need to make a call.

(PHONE RINGS)

Dad, it's me. Where are you?

I'm just getting a feed.

How far are you? Can we meet at the hotel?

(SIGHS) Can I have a feed first?

I need you here now.

Just one drink, Bill?

(SIGHS) Now!

A DNA test says I'm Jack Norton's daughter.

You have to come back and tell them I'm your daughter.

I'll meet you at the lobby.

Bad news?

Yeah, look, um... I've got to go.

I'll be back soon... maybe... probably.

Well, you better not be too long.

You know, if we think this through... and make-believe you are their daughter, won't that work for us?

Well, maybe we should just let 'em believe you are their daughter.

No!

Yeah, but think.

Look after both of us, Billie.

Dad, I don't want them to believe a lie and I don't wanna live a lie.

We have to be honest.

Bill...

Yes, yes, yes, yes, absolutely.

But... if we just took a different perspective on this...

Just tell the truth, please.

I know it's not easy, but I know you can do it.

But, Billie, I just don't...

OK, what's so important?

Can we go somewhere private?

No, just tell us.

Alright.

This is my dad Gus.

He will describe exactly when and where he and Mum had the sex that resulted in me.

This can't be possible.

If you want to go and finish some homework or something...

No, I'm good.

DNA doesn't lie, Billie.

Neither does he.

Who, the gentleman who did a runner from the bar?

OK. But I swear, this will be the truth.

You were in the room when I was born, weren't you?

Mmm.

Watching.

Yeah, well, I had one eye closed.

It's a bit... you know, like, when you see her for the first time, it's a bit, you know... (CHUCKLES)

But, yeah, I held you.

Put you on your mum's tummy.

Me and Ruby were so proud.

And nine months before that you were at a Paul Young concert.

That's what you told me.

Yeah.

That's where you met Mum for the first time... at the concert.

Yeah.

And then you drove her down to Bondi Beach afterwards.

Yes, I did. Yes.

We did, yeah. (CHUCKLES)

And that's where you made me, right?

Right?

You want me to be absolutely honest?

Yeah.

Completely honest?

Yes, Dad.

Your mum was two months gone when I met her, Bill.

And you came along seven months later.

She didn't tell me who the father was and I didn't wanna know.

Unless I've missed something, this just confirms that you are our sister.

So, excuse me, I've got some work to do.

Susan: Come on.

I'll be downstairs.

(EXHALES)

(DOOR SHUTS)

♪ And she's living in the love of the common people ♪
♪ Smiles from the heart of a family man ♪
♪ Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to ♪
♪ Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can ♪
♪ And she can ♪

(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYS)

(BILLIE SIGHS)

(ELECTRONIC KEY LOCK BEEPS, DOOR OPENS)

Didn't know whether to knock. I thought you might be asleep.

You think I can sleep?

No.

I suppose not, Bill.

I was always your father, Billie, wasn't I?

I guided you from when you were one minute old, Bill.

You've guided me.

And you've been my daughter in every way... except...

Except actually being your daughter.

Don't you get it?

Can't you see what this means to me?

Yeah. I know.

And I loved you like a father. You know that.

All I know is that every single time you were in trouble...

I helped you 'cause you were my father.

We had a blood bond and I fell for it.

I gave up school, any chance at uni, job after job.

I gave it all up for a lying stranger.

(QUIETLY) Oh, Bill...

Just get out! Stop humbuggin' me! Go!

I got nowhere else to go, Bill.

I'll have to go back to Walperinga.

And you know who's waiting for me there.

I can't dodge him forever.

You'd let him break me legs? Really?

Well, I suppose I brought it upon meself, haven't I?

Sorry, Bill. I'm really sorry.

(DOOR OPENS)

Song: ♪ After a storm... ♪

(DOOR SHUTS)

♪ I want to let go ♪
♪ Of the things that I've done ♪
♪ Welcome ♪
♪ Inch'Allah, Inch'Allah ♪
♪ Enter one ♪
♪ Amazing grace is pouring down ♪
♪ Fear not this light ♪
♪ We are on this light divine... ♪

(SNIFFLES)

♪ So come... ♪

(SNIFFLES)

♪ We move as one... ♪

(WHIMPERS)

♪ Amazing grace is pouring down... ♪

(PHONE DINGS)

♪ Fear not this light ♪
♪ We are on this light divine... ♪

(CHUCKLES) _

♪ Welcome... ♪

(SIGHS)

♪ Enter one ♪

Good evening.

Good evening, sir.

I just wondered whether you might have a room for the night?

Yes, of course.

What were you after, a single or a twin?

A single's fine.

Sure.

But you know what's just happened.

I just went round to the ATM and it's eaten my...

Oh.

...my card, yeah.

Of course, I'll be able to sort it out in the morning with the bank, but just not right now.

I'm sorry, sir, but we do require either payment up-front or a credit card to hold funds here.

Payment up-front?

Yeah, cash for EFTPOS.

OK, yeah.

Oh, what's a room worth here?

Uh... $375.

Well, OK. Maybe another time, eh?

Sure.

(SIGHS) Hey, look, if you... you wanna get rid of me... can you spot me a 50?

(SIGHS)

Thanks.

Safe travels, eh.

(HUMMING)

(HUMMING CONTINUES)

I need to go to...

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Hey.

Hey.

I just wanted to see how you're doing.

I'm still processing, I guess.

Yeah, I bet.

Dad once told me... when you're going through hell, just keep digging through the pain.

I've been thinking about that a bit lately.

That's all.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

(TAPS BOOK)

(HUMMING)

♪ Keep digging through the pain ♪
♪ Mm-mm... ♪

(HUMS)

Mate, you're an absolute legend.

Going out of your way like that, mate, never forget ya.

Thanks very much. All the best.

Housekeeping takes our bins tonight, don't they?

You forget all year and you remember now.

Just trying to be helpful... now it's just the two of us.

Of course.

I miss his hugs.

I love Dad's hugs.

They really made me happy.

Oh...

I miss his hugs too.

We'll just have to make sure we hug each other more often now, won't we?

(PHONE DINGS)

I think we should share a mother-daughter hug at least once...

Gotta see Billie. Soz.

You OK after last night?

Yeah, thanks. I'll cope.

Not sure what'll work.

Anything will do.

Cool. Glad I could help.

Thank you.

Whoa.

What?

That was just like one of Dad's hugs.

Yeah? I guess that shouldn't be a surprise, then.

No.

Our photo's got over a hundred likes.

What photo?

Follow me.

(DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS)

Hey.

Hey.

How did you sleep?

So-so.

A lot to process, yeah?

Do you know how to organise a funeral?

There's so much stuff.

Hey, look, can I just say I think us being siblings is very cool.

I know I was always a bit freaky, but there was that 'something' when we met.

I mean, not like it was a thing.

Oh, god, no, just...

More like, hey, sis.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So are you gonna hang with us for a while?

I'm heading back to Walperinga.

Why?

A job.

Quit. Work for us. I know Vivienne needs a hand in the kitchen.

Look, you need to be in court in a couple of weeks. Why bother going back until after that? Or do you have to go back to fix the problem that you were running away from? Is that it?

What was that problem?
You said what?

I said we'd pay it.

You want me to give her 20 grand to stay?

Well, 'us' really. It's not just your money.

I thought we were gonna give her 25 grand to leave.

No.

Yes.

She's part of the family, Chris.

She's biologically related. There's a subtle difference.

And in the will... there is a provision.

So she is in it?

And she's gonna be at the funeral.

Does she have to be?

Chris, it's her dad too... whether you like it or not.

She's our sister.

I know how much of a head spin this is, but imagine how tough this is on Billie.

We can't just throw her out on her arse.

She needs our help.

You'd help me.

Don't bet on it.

Why are you being such a dickhead about this?

Because we're a well-known family running a family hotel.

(SIGHS)

Image is important.

Dad always said that, right?

Yeah.

So what'll happen if we let an illegitimate half-sister run around the place?

Wouldn't it be worse if we try and cover it up and it backfires?

I'm just trying to look out for us... for this place, because somebody has to.

So am I.

If we try and hide it, and can't, that's what'll hurt our image.

'Family turns away sister', great look.

Get out! Gus isn't your dad?

Nope.

Oh, babe, you must be reeling.

Yeah.

Oh, no wonder he snuck back here.

Tried to sneak back this morning without being noticed.

But that didn't work. I haven't seen him since.

Yeah, well, I'm not talking to him at the moment.

Good.

But I am still trying to get Bruno off his back.

Not that he deserves it.

Hell, no.

You're just way too good to him.

Hey, um, I gotta go. I'll call you back. Love you.

Anytime. Love you too.

OK, who is this thug?

Bruno Rossi.

Get him for us and we'll sort something out.

Thank you, Chris.

I know it's just a loan and I'll pay you back somehow.

Yeah, sure.

(PHONE DIALS)

(PHONE RINGS)

(CLUNK!)

Lloyd: Now, learn some respect, Gus.

Bruno: Hold it!

Woman: What?

It's the ballsy one.

Hey, sweetheart, if you don't have 20 grand in the next 10 seconds, Lloyd's got batting practice with your dad!

You will! Done!

Bullshit.

Yeah, how?

Well, here, look, I've got Jamie. He'll explain everything.

Jamie.

Uh, Mr... Bruno?

Who are you?

If you drop all claims against Gus and Billie Carter, we'll direct debit 20,000 into your bank account now.

What? Debit?

Hello?

Direct debit... over the internet.

What's wrong with cash?

Nothing. This is quicker.

Cash is pretty quick. You got it, I take it.

Bruno, this is Chris.

Who?

Chris, Jamie's brother.

How many guys you got up there, Billie?

Just listen, Bruno.

Look, withdrawing 20,000 in cash takes a few days to organise.

But we can electronically transfer it to you right now... straight into your account.

You do have a bank account, right?

Maybe.

Look, this is no trick, Bruno. Just give me your details, mate, and we can get out of each other's lives.

Hey, hey, just hang on a second.

That buggers up my Centrelink.

We're trying to give you 20 grand.

Bruno, send your account number to Billie and we'll transfer it now.

What about interest?

OK, 21,000, but... no more, OK?

Deal.

Thanks, gentlemen.

And leave Gus alone.

Yeah, yeah, he'll live.

Thanks, Billie!

(GROANS) Ooh.

So... who are these wankers that Billie's hooked up with, Gus?

Hmm?

Obviously got a bob or two.

She hasn't told me nothin'.

But if she does tell you, you'll tell me, right?

Yeah.

Here, I'll help you up, mate.

Listen, why don't you go home?

Yeah.

Why don't you do some digging, yeah?

Yeah.

How about I see you back this arvo, yeah?

Yeah.

Yeah?

Yeah. Thanks, Bruno.

Alright, mate.

Have a good day.

Yeah.

Yeah.

He doesn't like me very much.

It's not you. He's got a lot on his plate at the moment.

(PHONE CHIMES)

Done.

Feel better?

So, you gonna hang out with us now?

Possibly.

Probably.

Well, that's the decision we have to make.

I did actually ask Dad if he wanted to be buried or cremated?

And?

He said, "What do I care? I'll be dead anyway."

Well, that's helpful.

At least we know he didn't mind.

Good. You're here. We can start properly.

So, where are we... Where are we up to?

Oh, there's a feel we should have a private cremation followed by a memorial service when we scatter the ashes.

Please take that off.

What?

I know it's mine and I know where I keep it.

I didn't take anything.

You stuff a dress in your bag one day and then go hunting through my wardrobe the next.

Mum, it was me.

I just asked Harriet if she had anything I could wear.

I had it last week, and then Billie didn't have any spare clothes, so I just loaned her a bagful.

If it's yours, fine, just say so.

Please don't touch anything of mine again.

Jack gave it to me.

When Harriet was born, he... he threw it around me and said, "Something special for the best mum in the world."

So it has... meaning.

Anyway, uh, so, where can we scatter the ashes that won't be too expensive?

We can't do this on money. This is Dad.

This is the last thing we can do for him.

And I want it to be beautiful.

Darling, whatever it is, of course it will be beautiful.

He wouldn't have cared about the money.

He loved us.

He loves his family. That's what would have mattered to him most.

Oh, Harriet...

No! You don't care about him at all.

Harriet...

It's always about money.

(SNIFFLES)

Need another hug?

He must have been a beautiful father.

He liked music, didn't he?

What songs do you think we should have at the memorial?

What do you think?

What sums him up best?

'My Way'?

Eugh, no.

OK. (LAUGHS) Tell me what you really think next time.

'Bright Eyes'?

Yawn.

How about this then?

♪ When all you want to do is rock ♪
♪ But you don't want to bear the shock no more ♪
♪ When it's just sweat that fills your eyes ♪
♪ Belated feelings that you can't deny ♪
♪ When every wolf is at your door ♪
♪ Just like a hundred times before ♪
♪ But you don't want to leave the end ♪
♪ And you were amazing ♪
♪ We did amazing things ♪
♪ And I wouldn't change it ♪
♪ 'Cause we did amazing things ♪

Right, shall we break for ten? Grab some food and drink?

Ahem. Yeah, I'll see Vivienne.

I'll rustle up some drinks.

Thanks.

(DOOR SHUTS)

So how much is this place actually worth?

Could we talk about it later?

It's the major part of Jack's estate, isn't it?

Well, the bulk of it, sure.

Well, what else is there?

What does the will specify?

He didn't want it read until after the funeral.

Well, apparently Billie's in it.

She is?

Sort of. There are some provisions, you might say.

Well, what's a provision? Did he leave her a painting or something?

I mean, the last time we spoke about it, I think I was getting about half and the rest was going to you three.

That's still what it says, isn't it?

Well, some things might have changed.

Jamie, before we make any more decisions, we really need to know what Jack's wishes were.

Alright. I'll call Nick. Get him to come out here. Satisfied?

Vivienne: Shouldn't you all just be honouring his memory?

Well, you'd hope so.

Ironically, when we used to fight before, Dad was always the one who calmed us down.

Now he's the one we're arguing about and we miss him.

Although he hasn't exactly made things easy for us.

You're doing a good job, Chris.

Not many people could have kept things going like you have.

I'm just trying to keep things running smoothly.

I mean, this hotel, our hotel, it's his legacy.

Yeah.

(CLANG!)

(VIVIENNE GASPS)

Are you right?

Yeah, I'm fine. I'm... Sorry.

Um...

Don't touch. It's hot.

Anyway, you... you might be getting a helper.

Who?

Billie.

Our new sister.

The girl that everyone's talking about?

Yes. But just... for the moment.

So she's staying?

Well, might be.

Probably for a while.

And she used to work in a bakery back in the bush somewhere, so it seemed like the obvious place for her.

Well, can she make an olive spelt flour sourdough?

(LAUGHS) Probably not.

Although... she might surprise you. She's not bad at surprises.

She can bloody well sing, that's for sure.

Well. Um...

Ta. Yeah... thanks.

Jamie: OK, everyone's here. Let's get started.

Before Dad d*ed, he made a video will.

What? No, Jack wrote his will. He told me.

Nick?

There was a written will, but this postdates it.

Jack recorded this two weeks before his death.

Two weeks?

You ready?

Hello, everyone.

I hope a couple of you shed a tear when you heard I'd carked it.

Anyway, I'm sorry to put you through this, but there's some past mistakes I need to make up for.

Ready?

I, Jack Norton, residing at The Norton Hotel, being of sound mind, declare this to be my last will and testament.

I revoke all wills and codicils previously made by me and appoint my son, Jamie, my executor.

I can't believe he's really dead.

I bequeath my entire estate to be split equally between my wife, Susan, and each of my surviving offspring.

No. No, no, no, no. Jack told me he wanted me to have half.

It is what Jack wanted.

Including her?

She gets exactly the same as the rest of us?

A part of all this?

Did he discuss this with anyone?

Give any sane reason?

He said he made his original will years ago when he thought you'd take over this place on your own.

But when it became obvious things were working out differently...

What, and he couldn't tell me?

He didn't have the courage to face me and explain it himself?

He didn't want an argument.

Well, he would have got a bloody argument.

Yeah.

But you knew too and you didn't tell us either.

He didn't want me to. This is Dad we're talking about.

(SCOFFS) Yeah, right.

Actually, I can believe that.

Probably do the same thing.

This is too much.

Do you want my share?

I can't really say I've done much for it.

It's an entitlement, Billie. It's not earnt.

Still... if it helps.

Uh... no. Susan...

Look, I know you're hurting, but I would strongly advise against this.

She offered it.

But Jack made it very clear.

And if you do a deal now and one of the others challenges it, or even if she changes her mind later on...

So, what, I'm just supposed to let her have it?

An equal share? She's done nothing for this.

And she's got Harriet eating out of her hand.

If you do the deal now, one day you'll waste a lot of money in court and attract some very bad publicity.

Just... breathe.

Thank you, Billie.

I really appreciate your offer, but it was Jack's legacy and his decision, and we should honour him the way he wanted us to.

I can't deal with any more of this today. Are we done?

Oh, I'll be back in a few minutes. Billie...

Busy afternoon?

Just passing time, Shorty.

Keeping out of trouble, eh?

Ha. Ain't easy these days, I tell ya.

Gotta keep on your toes... like a midget at a urinal.

Champion.

(CLEARS THROAT)

I was just speaking to Billie about her unfortunate brush with the law.

Oh... yes... that.

Under the Crimes Act, if stolen goods are worth more than $150, the maximum penalty is actually... five years' jail.

Of course, that's normally highly unlikely in a summary offence like this.

But the dress she stole was very expensive.

And of greater concern, Billie has a prior conviction... for armed robbery.

Armed robbery?

It was actually a trivial incident, but a conviction is recorded.

Stupid girl.

In the hands of the right person, I'd still be reasonably confident, but... without a strong advocate... it could be rather tricky.

Well... let's make it tricky for her.

It still feels wrong.

Well, in that case, don't think about it.

Just think about hanging out with us.

You like us, right?

Yeah.

In a weird kinda way... you guys have grown on me.

Now the backhanded compliment, how Norton is that?

(SIGHS)

I gotta run.

Got a funeral I've got to take care of.

Need a hand?

No, I'm right. Catch you round, Billie Norton.

Gus!

Hey, Bruno.

Right on time, eh?

Yeah.

What's the news?

Oh... no, no good, mate. Know nothing.

Can't get onto her. Nothing.

You wouldn't be bullshitting me, would you, Gus?

No. She's cut me off, mate. Dunno where she is.

I bet... I better go, mate.

I'll be waiting for you, Gus.

Hey, look, I'm cool with the lecture I'm gonna cop over that dress you nicked.

After that, you and me, bub, no secrets, yeah?

Gotta look out for each other.

(HUMS)

(CONTINUES HUMMING)

♪ Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can ♪
♪ Mmm, and she can ♪
♪ Living on free food tickets ♪
♪ Water in the milk from a hole in the roof ♪
♪ Where the rain came through ♪
♪ What can you do? Mm-mm ♪
♪ Tears from your little sister ♪
♪ Crying 'cause she doesn't have a dress without a patch ♪
♪ For the party to go ♪
♪ But you know she'll get by ♪
♪ 'Cause she's living in the love of the common people ♪
♪ Smiles from the heart of a family man ♪
♪ Daddy's gonna buy you a dream to cling to ♪
♪ Mama's gonna love you just as much as she can ♪
♪ Mm, and she can ♪
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