In My Skin

Coming-of-age story of 16-year-old Bethan, who we follow as she deals with the comical but painfully real anxieties and insecurities of teenage life, along with the stark reality of a home life that is far removed from what she projects to her friends.

Bethan and Poppy get closer but Bethan's attention is demanded by Lydia and Travis who drag her into the chip shop where Lydia flirts with owner, a middle-aged lothario called Tony. Bethan and her Nana visit Trina in the psychiatric hospital. It's a difficult visit and Nana suggests to Bethan that she come and live with her whilst Trina is in hospital. Later, Bethan is called back to the hospital by someone who tells her that her mum has been killed in a violent altercation but she discovers that this is a hoax and Trina is okay. In her relief she tells Nana she wants to stay in Cardiff where her mum is. She meets Poppy in the park and they have a fantastic time, though Bethan's mood is brought down when she returns home to find her father holding a messy bikers' get-together and the house is being trashed.

Bethan stays home from school to look after Trina, missing an important exam and prompting a home visit from her English teacher. Lydia also misses the exam - she's recovering from her drunken night and the signs are that Tony Chippy had sex with her when she was unconscious. While Bethan is back at school getting tantalisingly close to Poppy, Dilwyn takes Trina to the coast where he attempts to drive his car off a cliff and kill them both. Trina fights her way free and is returned to the hospital where she is readmitted to psychiatric care. Bethan is devastated and things get even worse when Poppy tells her that they need to end their friendship because she's in a serious relationship with a boy. Bethan realises that Poppy has been playing a double game.

Bethan decides to stand against Poppy in the Head Girl election. She's the underdog but gets some surprise support from Lorraine Chapman, one of Poppy's former acolytes. Travis remains loyal and after a big apology from Bethan, Lydia rallies round also. Bethan's campaign speech goes down well with her audience, and on a high she takes Lydia and Travis to Tony Chippy's house where they tell his wife what he did to Lydia. Finally, the results are announced and Bethan is delighted to discover she's beaten Poppy into second place. She's Head Girl! She goes to see Trina in hospital and as they enjoy dancing together, Bethan reels to see Poppy in the room. Bethan's secret is out.