Episode 3: STRESS

Synopsis

This episode centres on Travis and Anna, two Year 11 students dealing with the pressures of study, family and friends. Travis’ parents have recently separated and continue to argue – often about Travis. Having difficulty keeping up with his school work, Travis foolishly cheats on a Biology assignment, forges his mother’s signature on the parent notification card and now has to deal with the consequences. In contrast, Anna’s life seems relatively happy and yet for some reason she lies to her father about having already done her homework, then secretly works late into the night.

On the positive side, Travis’ mate Jake has been through a family separation and he’s able to provide valuable support for Travis. There is also a potential relationship with Jessica, who seems to like him. Unfortunately she’s part of the ‘cool group’, who openly disapprove of Travis.

Anna has some support from study-pal Elise but best-friend Ali now spends all her spare time with boyfriend Jake and Anna misses their time together. When Jake lets slip something embarrassing about Anna (which he could only have learnt from Ali), Anna becomes concerned that Ali is sharing private things from their past with her new boyfriend.

For both Travis and Anna the pressures build. Travis has forgotten about an upcoming Maths test. Jake kindly helps him study and Travis feels confident, only to be let down by a disappointing test result. There’s also the embarrassment of driving his mum’s old Volvo, for which he’s ridiculed in front of Jessica and her friends. Anna’s workload continues to weigh heavily. Her mother thinks she has an easy time at school and Anna doesn’t wish to disappoint her. When Anna tries to talk to Ali about her troubles Ali listens but then jumps in the car with Jake and leaves Anna to walk home alone. Finally Anna snaps. Triggered by something insignificant, she lets fly, yells at her mother and storms from the room.

That night there’s an 18th birthday party for Ali’s brother, Sam. Burying her sorrows, Anna drinks to excess and starts flirting with Sam, whom she has secretly fancied for some time. Travis is having a good time until he overhears Jessica telling her friends she thinks Travis is a freak – a lie to keep face with her group but the damage is done. Then a short time later he sees a tipsy Jessica flirting with Jake. Travis curses his friend, grabs a bottle of Vodka and heads outside.

When Anna finds herself alone with Sam, she drags him aside and kisses him – only to immediately feel deeply embarrassed and leave. Travis, now heavily intoxicated and arguing with Jake, staggers to his car. Anna asks for a lift and Travis and Anna drive off.

In the Segmented Version of the video's concluding interviews we learn that Travis crashed the car on the way home but fortunately no-one was hurt. The police arrived and Travis’ and Anna’s parents were called. They were angry, yet relieved both were safe. Anna’s parents felt partly responsible – they had no idea she was under so much pressure. Travis has to pay for the damaged car but the incident has brought support from his parents as they work through a difficult time.

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