The first film gives an insight into Gemma’s life at home and the impact that her parents drinking has upon her. Gemma and Joe are in the school play together, and after becoming friends, she talks to him about her problems at home. She tells him that her parents drink too much alcohol and this leads to a lot of arguments.
Gemma is seen in the role of the carer having to look after her little brother. Joe thinks that Gemma may be exaggerating the chaotic home life, but one day when Gemma is late, he knocks on the door and looks inside. He sees how untidy the house is with dirty washing littering the hallway.
On the night of the school play Joe and Gemma perform really well and are excitedly taking the final bow when Gemma’s Mum staggers into the school hall. She is drunk and embarrasses everyone present by shouting loudly and staggering to the front of the hall. Gemma, acting with great dignity, takes her Mum’s hand and leads her out of the hall.
The incident, along with Joe’s continued friendship and support, prompts Gemma to seek help for herself by making an appointment with a member of staff. The story ends with Gemma knocking on the drugs worker’s door.