0.00

Scott gets up and does his paper round. He is the world’s most lax paperboy. It is his fifteenth birthday.

1.00

The Penneys’ kitchen – Scott, Emma, Sally, Jeff and Lara are breakfasting and Scott is opening his birthday cards. The conversation explores the value of £10, Scott’s dissatisfaction with the cash yield from his birthday cards, his liking for designer labelled clothes and the merits of having a career rather than just a job. Emma is upset by a letter for her which she hides.

2.53

Scott opens a present from his father – a mobile phone. He’s delighted but Jeff and Sally are dismayed – how will he pay for the calls? Scott can’t understand their concern as it’s pay-as-you-go and there’s £40 credit on it. Emma can’t see why he needs it as he sees his girlfriend every day but Scott wants it because everyone’s got one. Jeff makes it clear that he and Sally wont pay once the credit is used up. Emma suggests Scott could work in the café to earn more money. He scorns the pay and the image of that sort of work. Scott phones Katie on his mobile and Sally and Jeff consider its pros and cons.

5.02

Emma opens the hidden letter in her room – a credit card statement for £155 and £18.50 overdue. She looks at another store card statement for an even greater amount – her debts are more than she thought.

5.52

Jeff can’t start their C reg. car. Scott heads off for school and Emma gets into the car. Jeff wants a new car but Sally thinks they should get this one fixed. Jeff says they can pay for it over 5 years but Sally knows her father would strongly disapprove. Emma asks Jeff to be let off paying this month’s keep.

7.07

Katie and Maureen are in the café. Maureen does not approve of Scott having a mobile. She doesn’t like his father who she thinks puts flash presents before spending time with his son. Scott arrives late forgetting he could have phoned Katie on his mobile. He’s embarrassed by his Grandma’s kiss and suspicious that Katie hasn’t bought him a present. When he thanks Maureen for his birthday money she tells him that his grandfather Pete thinks she only gave him £5 – Pete is very careful with money. Scott’s mobile rings – it’s Jeff just checking he’s OK. Scott thinks this very strange.

9.34

Jeff and a colleague are ringing their sons from the fire station and enjoying the joke. In the café Scott is quizzing Katie about his present. Maureen and Katie sing ‘happy birthday’ when Maureen brings in two toasties, one with candles on. Scott goes over the top with his gratitude.

11.00

Emma comes into the living room where Sally is reading Thomas Hardy. She’s tired and has a headache. They talk about Sally giving up the chance to go to college. Sally is clear about where she feels her duty lies and her concern for Emma shows. Emma lies to her about a new top she’s wearing and wont reveal what’s worrying her.

12.55

Scott goes out on his afternoon round without enthusiasm. Sally and Emma talk about Emma’s student loan, which she’s worried about paying back. Sally thinks a degree is really worth having.

13.52

Scott takes a call from Katie on his mobile. They joke about the paper round and the local paper. Scott lobs the paper over the fence of one house as it has a small letterbox. Scott and Katie agree to go to the cinema then Scott runs off as an irate house owner comes out waving his wet newspaper.

14.57

Sally, Emma and Lara arrive at the café where Maureen is reading the paper. Emma goes off to start work. Sally and Maureen discuss Emma’s low spirits, assuming they are caused by stress over college work.

Maureen can’t see the point of having a degree. Sally dials Scott on his mobile.

15.32

Scott’s mobile rings – he’s beginning to think it’s impinging too much on his life. He’s not impressed with his mother’s dotty phone conversation. When she asks him to go to the chemist he rings off in disgust.

16.15

In the café Sally and Maureen are in stitches. When Maureen encourages Emma to ring Scott she says it’s a waste of money and carries on working. Sally and Maureen talk about the evening. Emma is babysitting as she can’t afford to go out. Sally unknowingly offers to knock something off her keep. Maureen asks to see Emma later – she has an idea for helping her out with her money problems.

17.13

Back at the house everyone is getting ready to go to the pictures except Emma.

17.41

Emma goes into her bedroom and finds Sally trying on some of her clothes. Emma lies that they’re all seconds or swaps. Sally leaves and Emma sighs with relief that her mother still has not found out about her finances.

18.20

In the living room Maureen suggests to Jeff that one of Pete’s mates will sort out the car for him. She doesn’t agree with Jeff that it’s ready for scrap. Scott is dismayed his parents are going to the same film as he and Katie – it will cramp his style. Jeff won’t give him a lift as he wants a drink and plans to take a taxi. Sally decides they’ll take the bus. Jeff suggests Scott rings Katie on his mobile to change their plans; he now thinks mobiles are really good.

20.05

Emma is in her room at her computer, not writing her essay but playing Patience. Maureen brings her a drink. Maureen starts to chat and Emma lists the things that she dislikes about having to live at home while she’s at college. She’s not sure about having a degree. Maureen points out there are other opportunities but Emma knows how much it means to Sally and Pete. Emma finally admits that it’s being in debt that’s getting her down. She’s ready to confess but Marueen is busy blaming the people who make credit available. She says that Pete and she might be able to help Emma out but won’t give details. She leaves and Emma returns to her essay.

22.10

Scott is late meeting Katie to go to the cinema. He tried to phone her but she hadn’t charged her mobile. She gives him his present, which he’s really pleased about.

22.56

The following morning, Scott gets up for his paper round. When he arrives at the shop a customer is complaining to the owner. He turns to reveal himself as the angry owner of the house with the small letterbox. Is Scott’s number up?