03/06/2021

Mia’s having a hard time. After an initial struggle Will manages to chat with her, gently trying to tease out what’s wrong. She finally confesses she didn’t realise heartbreak would hurt so much. Will empathises, describing when it happened to him at Mia’s age. He assures her it gets easier. Mia’s brave, clever and funny. The boy in question doesn’t see any of that, she replies ruefully. Will counsels there’s no easy way, she just needs to let the hurt happen, and remember that the whole family loves her. She loves them too, admits Mia. Tipsy Alice has brought someone back to Willow Cottage. Unsuspecting Calvin is met with an icy reaction from Jennifer, who wastes no time in informing him Alice is not only an alcoholic, but married with a baby. As embarrassed Calvin beats a hasty retreat, Jennifer is left alone with her daughter. What on earth was she thinking? Alice accuses her mother of overreacting. She just wanted some company. Brian suggests that if Alice was feeling lonely she should turn to Chris and Martha, her own family. Alice retorts they’re not her family anymore; she doesn’t need them. She wishes they’d all leave her alone. Her parents plead with Alice to remember she and Chris love each other. But when Brian urges her to remember her marriage vows, it’s a step too far for Alice, and she bites back. He’s a hypocrite. These are the same vows he made, and broke, years before. She’s a selfish liar who drinks too much – so she’s just like him.