The headline on the newspaper read

Joan puts her paper down and smokes her cigarette with a smirk

She is done up smartly

Ted enters the room

Joan - Have you seen the headline on the front page of the newspaper?

Ted - Yes terrible isn't it. Poor Marina

Joan - Yes, tragic! I was just reading the article. Of course, I try my best to comfort her at work but it's not easy

Ted - You look very smart today, going somewhere nice?

Joan - Yes, I have a busy day ahead. I am going to the funeral first followed by a wedding

Ted - Is it wise to go? I know Marina doesn't like you much

Joan - I feel I should go

Ted - Then a wedding too!

Joan - Yes, to be precise a double wedding

Ted - Wow what a busy day indeed!

Meg's place

Vera is there with Meg along with two familiar faces - Ann and Erica

Meg is sitting in her dressing gown as Vera opens a bottle of champagne

Vera - Who would like a glass of champagne to get the day going?

Erica - Yes what a marvellous idea

Meg -It's a little early for it isn't it?

Erica - Nonsense, it's never too early for a glass of champagne!

Ann - Yes and today is a day of celebration Meg!

Vera - Oh by the way Meg I meant to say, the prisoners at Wentworth send their best wishes

Meg - That's nice of them

Kath's place.

Kath is getting ready with Cheryl

Kath - I'm so happy to have you as my bridesmaid today

Cheryl - I'm happy to be doing it mate!

Kath - I can't wait to finally be Mrs Fletcher, a fresh start at last

Cheryl - You've got a good man there

Kath - Yes I sure have, Jim's the best

Cheryl -I hope they didn't go too mad last night, you know what men are like and Jim strikes me as the sort of man who likes a drink

Kath - Bob and Greg would have looked after him, they are both pretty sensible

Bobs place

The three men are sat around looking rough

Jim - Mate, what the hell happened last night?

Bob - Don't ask me, Jim, I can't remember a thing about it!

Greg - I hope we didn't do anything too silly!

Marina, Hannah and a small group of people are standing grimly in a churchyard as Joan appears and walks up the path

Marina is furious

Marina - What the hell are you doing here Ferguson?

Joan - Oh I came to pay my respects to poor dear old Clifford

Marina - You came to torment me and no other reason!

Joan - No I feel so sorry for you, It's most rotten after losing Sean and now Clifford too

Joan looks smug

Marina swings for her

Marina - YOU LOUSY COW!

Joan moves out of the way and Hannah restrains Marina

Hannah - Don't Marina, it's not worth it

Hannah looks at Joan

Hannah - Can't you see your presence here is upsetting her?

Joan - Yes and I can't understand why since we are such good friends!

Marina - If you must insist on coming in at least stay at the back and out of my sight!

Joan - Well if you insist!....you know I had to ask myself why anyone would have a python for a pet anyway? That is asking for trouble

Hannah - She sure didn't intend that it would kill her Clifford, she hardly needs you rubbing it in when she is already suffering enough!

Joan - Oh I am sorry!

Meg is in her wedding dress

Ann, Vera and Erica stand and look at her

Erica - You look beautiful, truly beautiful

Meg - Thank you... it's so good to have the three of you here today

Ann - Where is Colleen, I thought she would be here too?

Meg - Colleen left to go travelling again a few weeks ago

Ann -Oh I see, pity. I was hoping to see her again

Erica - so was i. Always good to see old friends

Vera looks at the clock

Vera - We need to make a move soon

At the church, the crowd is leaving as Marina walks out crying with Hannah comforting her

Hannah - It's all over now love

Marina - I will miss him!

Reporters run up the path and thrust recorders in Marina's face

Reporter 1 - MISS DONOVAN...MISS DONOVAN!....CAN WE ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS MOST HORRIBLE ACCIDENT!

Reporter 2 - WHY DID YOU KEEP A PYTHON AS A PET MISS DONOVAN?

Marina - GET OUT OF MY WAY!

Reporter 2 - WHERE IS THE PYTHON NOW? WE HEARD IT WAS TAKEN AWAY BY THE AUTHORITIES?

Reporter 3- DID YOU HAVE ANY IDEA THE PYTHON WOULD KILL HIM?

Hannah is angry

Hannah - Of course, she bloody didn't, what sort of question is that?

Marina is in distress

Marina - Please, just leave me alone! I can't bear to talk about it

Report - Just a few questions Mrs Donovan, please?

Hannah angrily shoves them through the reporters

Hannah - Enough now, this is upsetting her!

Hannah leads Marina to the car just as another car pulls up

Meg gets out laughing and happy and claps eyes on Marina

Meg - Marina, hi...I'm sorry about Clifford

Marina -I hope you have a great day Mrs Morris

Marina gets in the car

Hannah drives them away as Meg watches them go

Ann - Who was that?

Meg - Just someone I know, she lost her fiance a week ago. I doubt seeing me turn up here about to get married did her much good

In the churchyard, there are a sea of familiar faces for the wedding

Doreen, Lynn Warner, Jean Vernon.Monica Ferguson, Wally, Steve Faulkner, Bobbie Mitchell, Marlene Warren, Stan Dobson, Rick Manning, Dennis Cruickshank, Ettie, Julie Egbert, Daphne Graham, Nancy McCormack and Jessie Windom

Ann - Look, Meg, what a turnout

Meg spots Joan further back smoking a cigarette

Meg - Look who else is here

Ann and Erica look shocked

Ann - How could she have the nerve to show her face here today?

Vera - You should ask her to leave

Meg - And what good would that do? It would only cause a scene which I expect is exactly what she wants

They are not the only ones to have spotted Joan, In the churchyard, Bobbie and Marlene are standing together talking and have spotted her too

Bobbie - Look at that bitch over there Marls

Marlene - Yeah!

They both stare at Joan

Stan walks over to join them

Stan -You two girls catching up are you?

Marlene - Yeah Mr Dobson, it's been months since I saw Bob

Bobbie - We can't believe who is over there though

Stan looks at Joan

Stan - Well she has as much right to be here as anyone

Bobbie - Not if she weren't invited and I doubt she was

Marlene - Hey Mr Dobson, is Bobbie still living with you and Edie?

Stan - She sure is and doing us proud. Are you still with Matt?

Marlene - Yeah, we are very happy

Stan - Glad to hear it

Meg is with Jean

Meg - Hello Jean, it has been a long time

Jean - Yes, it's been too long. I wanted to get in touch but I never got around to it. When I heard you were getting married I knew I had to come

Meg - It's good to see you here

Jean - So Greg eh? I always knew you two were meant to be together

Ann is with Wally

Wally - Hello Ann...

Ann (somewhat frosty) - Wally, how are you?

Wally - Oh can't complain. Better than poor Jude anyway, she's back inside

Ann - Yes I heard about that. I must say I was surprised. She was one of the ones I thought could make it

Wally - Listen, Ann, about the way it ended between us...

Ann cuts him off

Ann - Don't Wally, I don't want to talk about it and certainly not right now

Doreen, Lynn and Monica are standing together as Erica walks towards them

Doreen - U-oh girls, here comes old Davo!

Erica arrives

Doreen - G'day Mrs Davidson!

Erica - Hello Doreen, how are you?

Doreen - Oh can't complain ya know

Erica looks at Lynn and Monica

Erica - And how about you two?

Monica - I'm just fine, still being driven round the twist by that mongrel Fred!

Erica - And you Lynn?

Lynn - I'm married to Geoff now, we have two kids and life is good

Erica - Well I'm pleased to hear that

Steve joins them

Steve - Hello Mrs Davidson...Doreen.

Doreen - Hiya spunky, good to see ya again!

Steve - I hope you don't mind if I join you, I felt a bit lonely stood on my own

Erica - Of course not Steve

Dennis is using a walking stick as he approaches Meg

Dennis - Meg...

Meg - Dennis...I see you are making a recovery?

Dennis - Yes I'm getting there, at least I'm walking again

Meg - Good of you to come

Dennis - I still love you, I regret that I lost you

Meg - Yes well no point going over that today, or any day come to that. What we had is finished and I am marrying Greg today

Dennis - I know, I just had to let you know how I felt that's all

Daphne is with Ettie

Daphne - I love weddings Et! I'm so excited!

Ettie - I love them too Daffy dear...I was hoping to see Willie here today?

Daphne - Yeah, so was i. I dunno why she isn't here Et!

Jessie, Nancy and Julie are stood together

Nancy - I was very sorry to hear about Lexie, I know you both must miss her terribly

Julie - Yeah, I bet she would have loved to be here today

Jessie - Damn right she would have!

Julie - It seems so quiet without her

Nancy - Yes, she did rather like to shout a lot didn't she!

Julie - I'm a bit surprised that Kath is getting married to an ex screw aren't you?

Jessie pulls a face of disgust

Jessie - That bitch! I'm not here for her, I'm here for Mrs Morris today

Nancy - I'm here for both, I'm glad Kath has found some happiness

Joan is stood with her cigarette as Rick approaches her

Rick - Hello Joan...

Joan- Mr Manning

Rick - I saw we were both standing alone so I thought I may as well join you if you don't mind?

Joan - Suit yourself

Rick - Don't take this the wrong way Joan but you are the last person I expected to see here today

Joan - Oh I wouldn't miss something like this Mr Manning!

Rick - And why is that? I mean let's face it, we all know you hardly get on with Meg

Joan - Because I know me being here winds her up that's why...if I can spoil her day simply by being here I will do it because it's fun!

Rick shakes his head with disapproval

Rick - You're sick do you know that!

Joan smirks

Joan - So they tell me

Kath and Cheryl have arrived at the church and walk over to join Meg

Kath - Any sign of the men yet?

Meg - No not yet, I'm sure they will be here soon. Listen Kath I feel I should warn you, Ferguson's here

Kath - Why the hell is she here?

Meg - To wind us up of course, why else? That's always why she does it. She even came to Marty's funeral!

Kath glares angrily over at Joan

Kath - She better not do anything to ruin today

Meg - She won't, she's just here to wind us up that's all

Kath glares angrily at Joan

Joan looks over and waves at her with a grin

Bob's car arrives outside the church

Vera - Looks like the men are here

Meg glances over happily

Cheryl turns to talk to Kath and see's that she is angrily marching towards Joan

Cheryl - KATH DON'T CAUSE A SCENE!

Cheryl runs after Kath

Bob, Greg and Jim are with Meg and Vera

Greg - You look beautiful Meg

Meg - Thank you, Greg

Greg - Are you ready for this?

Meg - Yes I am, are you?

Greg - Oh you bet I am!

Jim - Where's Kath?

Meg and Vera look around

Vera - She was here a second ago, wasn't she Meg?

Meg - Yes, she was

Kath is with Joan. Rick is still there too

Joan - You look very pretty today Maxwell, it's amazing what a bit of make-up can do isn't it!

Kath - Just shut up and listen to me Ferguson, if you're planning to cause trouble here today just forget it right now

Joan -- Me cause trouble? I'm simply here to wish you well that's all. It's good that you found someone new after Marty!

Kath - Just keep out of my way, I won't let you ruin this day for Jim and i

Rick - I'll keep an eye on her love, I promise

Kath - Well make sure you do

The vicar is with Meg and Greg

Vicar - We must get started now

Meg - Yes I think we are ready

Vicar - In that case, if everyone would like to make their way inside

Everyone begins to enter the church

GATESLAM

PART 2

Marina is sat looking tearful as there is a knock at her door

Hannah - I'll get that

Hannah goes to the door to find Inspector Thorne at the door

Vicar - So I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride

Kath and Jim kiss happily

Jim - You are Mrs Fletcher at last! How does it feel?

Kath - It feels great!

Thorne is sitting with Marina and Hannah

Thorne - I'm sorry, I know its a difficult time for you but I must ask you some more questions

Hannah - You already grilled her enough, how much more do you need to know?

Thorne - Just a few more questions I assure you

Hannah - Well must it be today? She has just buried him for god sake, she doesn't need all this today

Marina - No it's alright, I can answer a few questions for the inspector

Marina looks at Thorne and forces a smile

Marina - What would you like to know?

Thorne - Why did you decide to buy a python, Miss Donovan, I mean why not a rabbit or a guinea pig or something?

Marina - I don't like cute little fluffy things, the python seemed more exciting

Thorne - Why was it not securely locked up at the time of Mr Sutton's death?

Marina - Because the foolish man and his friends let it out, it was secured when I left here earlier in that evening

Thorne - I see....and I suppose you realise you are supposed to have a special licence to keep snakes?

Marina - Well no I had no idea about that

Thorne - You could be in serious trouble for this....we are trying to work out if there are any charges to lay against you for Mr Suttons death

Marina - Look it was just a horrible, awful accident that's all!

Thorne - I have no doubt it was, but you could still be done for negligence ...then there's your failure to have a proper licence too

Marina - I swear I had no idea about that, it was an honest mistake

Thorne - I'm afraid ignorance is no excuse where the law is concerned, Miss Donovan

Meg and Greg are stood before the vicar

Vicar - If any person here knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage taking place, may they speak now or forever hold their peace

Dennis suddenly jumps out of his seat

Dennis - Please Meg, don't marry him. I still love you, come back to me and give us another go!

Meg looks at Dennis in stunned surprise

Marina and Hannah are alone again

Hannah - I can't believe them, hassling you like this. Don't they think you've suffered enough?

Marina - Maybe I deserve all I get

Hannah - That's rubbish, it was an accident

Marina - Yes, Clifford's death was...but I did buy that snake with the intention of using it to kill two other people. If I hadn't been so hellbent on my revenge I would never have bought the damn thing and Clifford wouldn't be laying in the ground now

Hannah looks stunned

Marina - See? I bet now you don't feel I deserve sympathy anymore

Meg is alone with Dennis in a side room

Meg - I can't believe you're doing this! Trying to ruin my wedding

Dennis - I can't let you marry him, I still love you

Meg - I suggest you leave! I don't want you here after this

Dennis - Meg, please...

Meg - I mean who do you damn well think you are? Coming back into my life like this after all this time and trying to ruin my wedding day?

Dennis - I just had to try and stop you, I thought maybe there might be a chance for us two

Meg - Well there isn't so just forget it. You may as well leave right now before I ask Greg and Jim to throw you out

Dennis looks heartbroken

Dennis - I'm sorry, I truly am....I got it so wrong didn't i

Meg - Yes damn right you did

Dennis - I'll go, I'm so sorry

Dennis leaves sadly

Hannah is angry

Hannah - You really are sick do you know that! I try to defend you, try to be a friend to you and time and again you do these unbelievable things...you're beyond help!

Hannah gets up to leave

Marina - Please don't go, I need a friend today!

Hannah - Find someone else, our friendship is over for good, I want no more to do with you

Marina - Please Han, you don't mean that!

Hannah - I do, after what you just told me I mean it

Marina - But you're the only friend I have, there is no one else

Hannah - Tough!...goodbye Marina!

Hannah storms out

Meg is back with Greg

Meg - I'm so sorry about that

Greg - It wasn't your fault, I'm just glad you didn't decide to choose him

Meg - No chance of that, I sent him away with a flea in his ear

Greg - I'm glad to hear it

Vicar - I'm sorry but we must press on now

Meg - Yes, of course, I'm sorry. Thank you for your patience vicar!

Vicar - Once again I must ask if anyone here knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage taking place?

The church is silent

Vicar - Very well, let's proceed

Meg and Greg smile at each other with excitement

Suddenly Karen appears from the back of the church

Karen - I know a reason...

Everyone looks at her

Meg (angry) - You've come to try and ruin things too have you, tell her to leave Greg