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Ula, hi!
Nicole, yay. Sit down. Um, what's the news with you?
Uh, with me? Absolutely nothing and it's about to drive me insane.
Um, can we get a flat white, yes?
Uh, please. And please tell me you're not looking for work.
Babies are expensive.
Though it makes more sense for Tom to be the one out working, doesn't it?
Is everything okay at Tom's?
You have to stop asking questions, because I can't tell you anything. You'll nark.
Ula, what's going on?
He spent all my money.
Well, he'll have to pay it back. Maxwell will put the fear of God into him.
It's too late now. He's gone.
Gone where?
Some girl's place.
He gave me a few days to move out. It's all turned out so horrible.
Oh, you poor thing.
He just used me for what he could get - again.
Well, I know two people who can't wait to help - your parents.
- They'll just say 'I told you so'. Especially her. - You do need support, Ula.
What I need is to manage until my next benefit comes through - like, there might be some waitressing here.
Reality check, sweetie - would you hire you right now?
I have to do something.
Swallow your pride and go home. It's the best option, honestly.
- I can't. - Okay.
Well, how about this - I have a friend who works in a nursing home and they sometimes need people on reception. I can give her a call.
Really?
Well, at least you'd be sitting sown. There's no guarantee, but it might be what you're looking for.
Fingers crossed. It's the only way I can keep my independence.
If you're fun, come in.
Only me.
How'd you go at the nursing home?
Uh, your friend Bronwyn, she was nice, but basically she said I'm too pregnant - health and safety, blah, blah, blah.
Oh well, it was worth a try. What's our next plan?
Uh, can I borrow $20? I need bus fare and stuff for a job hunting.
Okay, well, Auntie Nicole hat's going now for a bit.
Most employers will probably say the same thing as you've just been told.
Maternity leave waiting to happen?
Little bit unfair, seeing you wanna work, but yeah.
And trudging all around the city knocking on doors - that's more tiring than waitressing.
So you won't lend me the money?
Well, I don't mind that, but you need to start getting more realistic.
- What does that mean? - What's your plan?
You just gonna stay at Tom's until he turns back up and kicks you out?
Hopefully I'll have a job and some money by then.
Well, even if you started working somewhere today, you won't have your paycheck until at least next week.
Is he gonna stay away that long?
I don't know.
My advice - friend hat on now…
What?
You need to put baby first and go home to Maxwell.
Ah, just the woman we want to see.
That's me. Hey, Ula. Good to see you.
Hey.
I need a favor.
Shoot.
Ula's flatting situation has turned to custard.
Oh, sorry to hear that.
Yeah, she's out of money and stuck for somewhere to stay until her benefit pays out again.
I was thinking maybe she could stay in the sleep-out - temporarily, of course.
Well, um, sure.
Thank you. Uh, thank you so much. I kinda got ripped off - well, I definitely did.
Think TK will mind?
TK won't mind. Maxwell and Vasa might.
Oh, that doesn't matter. They don't get a say.
Maybe they should.
Eh?
Oh, come on, Ula. They're worried sick about you... all day - every day.
That's just them trying to control me.
Looks to me like they're only trying to love you.
It's true, you know.
I can't go back.
Why not? You're still talking to Maxwell, right? So obviously you don't hate him.
You don't understand.
We get a lot of young solo mums through ED - some even younger than you - and some of these girls, man,
they have no one and nobody gives a rat's about them. Ula, it's heartbreaking.
What's that got to do with me?
You, girlie, have all the love and support in the world right on your doorstep. You're just too proud to accept it.
That kinda makes you a bit of a spoiled brat from where I'm sitting.
I'm not spoiled.
But your pride is in the way.
Think about your mum and dad, okay? They're hurting.
Okay, they're not perfect, but who has perfect parents? I know I don't.
They are trying, though.
Yeah sure, you can stay in the sleep out for a bit, but then what?
Your bubba needs stability, a place to call home. Just talk to them, okay?
Good to go?
Do you really, really think I should do this?
I really, really think you should. So does Roimata.
Yeah, I got that. But it's gonna be the same, isn't it? Everything I wanted to get away from.
Well, you'll have a chance to get away later. Right now you need home comforts, not dodgy flat mates like Tom.
I'm never gonna see him again, am I?
Well, never say never. Boys like Tom pop up like toadstools.
Maxwell's, here I come.
Let me get you some money for a cab.
Hi, Ula speaking.
Really?
Yes, of course I'm still interested. When do you want me?
Choice. Thank you so much.
Smells like teen spirit.
I got a job.
Wow. Where?
Sugar. It's only a trial at this stage, but if I prove myself, I'm sure I'll get full-time hours.
What about school?
Oh, I can think about that later.
I'm sure I'll get free lunch as well there, so I don't have to starve till my next benefit.
Maxwell won't let you starve.
Um, you don't get it, do you?
I don't have to go back there now - as long as I can stay here till my money comes through?
But it's not just about the money, is it? It's the family support you need.
I'll be all right on my own. This proves it.