Gold Digger

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of physical abuse, ableism, addiction, and cursing.

Lottie interrupts the principal’s speech about safety, demanding to know who hurt Hayley. The principal and teachers try to de-escalate, but Lottie asserts that Hayley can’t be blamed for starting fights when she doesn’t speak. Ollie adds that the school isn’t meeting Hayley’s needs, despite the funding they’ve received. They’ve failed to provide a personal aide or therapy, both of which are legally required. Ollie declares that Hayley will be attending Florrie’s private school from now on, and they storm out.

In the car, Ollie states that they’re a family. Hayley, in a big moment, speaks in front of him, repeating the word “family.” Later, Lottie expresses her fear to Ollie that if they lose him, it will break Hayley, just as losing their mother did. Ollie promises again to be their stable provider.

Hayley learns to swim at Ollie’s pool, with Florrie, Ollie, and Felix helping. Hayley is changing for the better at her new school, making friends, no longer being bullied, and even talking a bit. Lottie is grateful for these improvements.

When Blake and Claire arrive, Lottie notices Claire’s discomfort and Blake’s tight grip on her.