Getting to Know You The Dumping Ground

Come on, mum.

What time is your curfew?

Er, four o'clock.

I knew we should never have stopped for those fudge sundaes.

-Oh, I hate this bit.

-Oh, me too.

-Same time next week?

-Not necessarily.

-What does that mean?

-Let's talk to Mike first.

What for?

Come with me and you'll find out. Come on!

I've been making really good process with my treatment.

That's wonderful news.

In fact, I have a letter from my doctor.

He's sending a copy to children's services.

He thinks I'm ready to have Tyler full-time again.

That's if he'll have me.

Tyler?

It's a big decision. You don't have to decide anything today.

Yes!

I'm going home!

Steady, steady. Settle.

It's not as simple as signing a few forms but you know that, don't you?

Of course.

Tyler's been out of your care for a very long time.

You've both been through a lot during that time.

But it's what we both want.

And we will do everything we can to help you.

So, I can really go home?

That depends on your social worker

and the independent reviewing officer.

Well, what does that mean?

That means that if they're both in agreement, then...

..I don't see why not.

Tyler. Tyler!

I'm going home! I'm going home!

-JODIE:

-Yeah, nice one, Tyler.

No, I'm being serious.

Me and Mike were talking about it and he said it's OK.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, please.

-Is this true?

-Well, if that's what Tyler wants,

then we're not going to stand in his way.

What about us?

Well, you'll still see me loads.

Yeah, but it's not the same, is it?

Jody?

-KAZIMA:

-Congratulations.

I thought they'd be pleased for him.

Yeah, they are. It's just...

Most of the kids here would give their right arm to be going home.

Yeah, just give them a bit of time to get used to the idea.

I'm not dreaming or something?

I always said I'd come back for you.

Did you know your nose is four times stronger than mine?

So, what can you smell?

No, come back.

Mischief.

Oi, come on, give it back.

Give that back!

Sorry, he could smell it from down the road.

You'll have to pay for that.

-How much?

-50p.

DOG WHINES

I'm Kara. I just moved here.

And you are?

-ECHOING:

-Are you all right?

DOG BARKS

That's 50p you owe me!

Thought you'd already gone.

Don't be like that.

Why didn't you just say?

Because we'd only just decided.

You know I miss my mum.

Yeah.

And what if she gets sick again?

She won't.

-You still coming paintballing with us?

-Course I am.

We're going to smash Finn and Bailey's team.

So, we all right, then?

Only if you promise to come back and see us loads.

Of course, I will.

Best friends for ever?

Yeah.

-Hey, come in, come in.

-Thank you.

So, this is my new flat.

-Lovely.

-Two double bedrooms.

Hey, Mike, look! A dishwasher.

Beats doing the washing up for me.

It's lovely, but I'm not the one you have to impress.

Have you seen the TV? It's, like, twice the size of ours.

-That's going to make all the difference.

-And Mum's got a job.

I'm a book-keeper at the local building firm.

Fantastic. I spoke to Tyler's social worker this morning and he can see

him at two o'clock this afternoon.

Yes!

Remember, this is just the first step in a long process.

We understand that.

You shouldn't be too long at your social workers,

so we'll meet you at the paintballing afterwards. Yeah?

All right, bye.

OK, bye-bye.

See you, guys.

You're not even living here yet.

I will be soon, though.

So, how have your friends been?

They're excited for me.

They didn't seem like that yesterday.

It was just a surprise.

That's all.

Anyway, let's not worry about them now.

This is our time.

And we've got your birthday to look forward to.

You know what I found the other day?

Ta-da!

So, what do you say?

Yeah.

Do you live around here?

Yeah, I live over there at Ashdene Ridge.

I don't suppose you know a boy with glasses, do you?

Wears a brown anorak.

It depends.

On what?

It'll cost you.

I'm doing this for charity.

I'm in care.

I'm a charity.

Five cupcakes and I'll introduce you.

Four.

Deal.

What time's your meeting with the social worker?

Two o'clock.

Then you better get moving.

I never stopped thinking about you, you know?

Not even for a second.

And we're going to make up for all that lost time,

starting with your new bedroom.

What you going to do?

I'm going to turn it into something really special.

I can help, if you like.

No, don't worry. It's going to be my little project.

OK.

Oh.

I almost forgot.

That's better.

Tyler?

Welcome home.

-You want a game?

-No, thanks.

Mo, I need to talk to you.

Not now, Floss.

Are you all right?

I don't think I'm very well.

What's wrong?

There's this new girl.

She's got a stall selling cupcakes.

I tried to talk to her, but I couldn't speak properly.

My palms got really sweaty and

my heart was beating really fast.

Do you think I'm ill?

No.

You're in love.

What can I do to stop it?

You can't. It's just something that happens.

I should talk to Carmen.

Yeah? What for?

Well, she's a girl.

She knows about stuff like this.

I'm a girl, aren't I?

Yeah, you don't count.

Suit yourself!

You need to do something to impress her.

Well, I can make a light bulb

out of a jam jar and some copper wire.

Hmm.

Listen, chicks don't dig science geeks.

Minibus is waiting outside.

-Yeah, what about Tyler?

-He said he'd meet us there.

Hey, are you sure you don't want to come paintballing?

I've got something to do.

Such as?

Be cool.

I need my payment upfront.

-Why?

-Cos it's got to be harder than I thought.

Well, did you speak to him?

I'm working on it.

How's it, sister?

Why's he dressed like that?

Cos he's a boy and he's weird.

Just been catching a few waves.

We're nowhere near the sea.

I was practising in the bath.

Why have you got the ball?

Oh, it's a volleyball. I'm semipro.

You couldn't catch a cold!

Oh? Too scared to take me on, are you?

Now look what you've done!

I'm so sorry.

Everything's ruined!

What about my cupcakes?

Deal's off!

Urgh!

MIKE: Right. Take your shoes off if you've got paint on them, please.

I can't believe you got Joseph twice.

It was a lucky shot.

What happened to you?

My meeting went on for ages.

So, why didn't you text me?

My phone ran out of charge.

-All he cares about is getting back with his mum.

-That's not true!

You must have been thrashing us off. Losers, ha-ha!

You were meant to be on my team.

-I'm sorry.

-We could have won if we had you.

Hey, how was the meeting with the social worker?

Yeah, really good. I need to go and speak to my mum.

You're going to have to wait until your contact meeting, all right?

-But...

-But nothing.

-You have chores to do.

-Here.

-I'll do them.

-No.

You know what the rules are around here, Tyler.

Everybody's got to carry their weight.

EVIL TITTER

Jenny?

-She's playing with us.

-I wasn't talking to you.

Well, if you're bored, go and hang out with your mum.

THEY ALL LAUGH

Did I tell you about my new room?

Well, it's got to have a giant plasma TV.

A console, sofa and one of those reclining chairs.

You're so lucky.

And it's and you have one of those sound systems with

a speaker on every single wall.

Oh, and of course, it's going to be black,

cos that's my favourite colour.

Do you want to come and see it?

Erm...

SCREAM FROM OTHER ROOM

What happened?!

I slipped on the wet floor. Why didn't you dry it properly?

-I was just about to.

-Nice one, Tyler.

-Can someone help me up?

-BAILEY:

-Look, you've caused enough trouble, yeah?

-This wasn't my fault.

Look, if you weren't showing off about your new room,

-none of this would have happened.

-Know what? You're just jealous.

-Tyler.

-Of you? Come on, man.

At least I've got a home to go to.

-MIKE:

-For crying out loud!

He started it!

And I'm finishing it.

I did what you said. I tried to impress Kara,

but I just messed everything up.

You took advice from him?

Shut up, yeah?

What did I tell you about showing some sensitivity?

Mo, are you going to listen to me or not?

Hey, this is boy stuff.

Fine!

Don't blame me when you mess it up again.

See? Girls like a bad boy.

What, like you?

They don't go in for all these hearts and flowers and stuff.

I've got to be nasty to her?

Nice guys finish last.

But I like her!

Who is it that you remember after seeing a film?

The baddie. No-one's interested in some loser in a cape.

What are you doing back here?

-I hate them all!

-What's happened now?

It's not my fault I didn't dry the stupid floor.

What are you doing cleaning floors?

Well, Mike always makes us do chores.

Well, the sooner I get you out of that place the better.

They've kept you away from me long enough.

Actually, you're just in time.

-I've just finished your bedroom. Come on.

-Amazing.

I've told everyone about it.

So, what do you think?

It's going to have a giant plasma TV and console, sofa,

and one of those reclining chairs.

Oh, and of course, it's going to be black,

cos that's my favourite colour.

It's a T-Rex.

They were your favourite.

BABY CRYING

KNOCK

I'll get it.

-Is Tyler in?

-He's busy, I'm afraid.

It's all right, Mum.

What are you doing here?

I've come to get you before Mike realises you've gone.

Let's see your new room then.

Another time.

It'll only take a minute.

Anyway, I want to go on your flippy chair.

You shouldn't have come here. Things are different now.

Different how?

-Your mum doesn't like us, does she?

-I never said that.

-You're still our friend.

-Yeah, I know.

So, are you coming back with me or not?

I'll see you over there.

MUSIC: Ch-Check It Out by Beastie Boys

# All you Trekkies and TV addicts

# Don't mean to diss, don't mean to bring static... #

-That's £3 you owe me.

-I owe you nuttin'.

You ruined my cupcakes.

I did you a favour. They tasted like rubber.

Why are you being like this?

I'm just chilling with my homies, innit.

You're on your own.

What's with those stupid flowers in your hair?

You look like a scarecrow.

Kara.

Hey.

You OK?

Yeah, he's lovesick.

-SINGING:

-Mo and Kara sitting in a tree,

K-I-S-S-I-N-G.

Stop, guys!

Hey, where's Tyler?

He's not hungry.

Mmm, sounds serious.

It's his birthday tomorrow.

-BAILEY:

-Yeah, so...

Well, I thought we could throw him a party.

Why would he want a party if he's having so much fun with his mum?

-Ryan.

-Well, he's always going on about it.

That's because he's so excited.

-BAILEY:

-Don't ask me for any help.

-Or me.

But he's still our friend.

So, is no-one going to help?

Stuff the lot of you.

Jody, I'll help.

-Me, too.

-Why don't you put everybody's name down on the list?

And I'm expecting a group effort.

Right, lads?

Whose is this?

Don't forget I'm throwing you a birthday party tomorrow.

Gotcha.

I want you back here by four, all right?

Can Jody come?

I was hoping it would just be the two of us.

All those birthdays I missed.

I want to make sure this one's extra special.

Are you still moping?

That's what happens if you listen to boys.

But, if you still want Kara as your girlfriend, I can help you.

-How?

-It will cost you £2.

She's waiting in the kitchen.

What am I doing here?

I told you, you're baking a cake.

Kara, can I get you to fill out your name and address, please?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. You are not allowed in here.

I just want a drink.

Er, there you go.

You know, it might be better if you just stay in your room.

Just for a little bit.

Go on.

This is a bad idea.

Trust me, I know what I'm doing.

Kara's making Tyler a birthday cake.

And you're helping.

I don't know how to bake a cake.

Then learn.

-What are you doing?

-Nothing.

Look, I know it's my birthday, but I don't want a fuss.

Can you just shut the door on your way out?

So, what do you like to bake?

Um, I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

What we need to do now is add a bit more water

until it's all mixed together in a paste.

Whoa, whoa, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.

It's like science.

Pass me that tray.

How?

Well, it's basically a mixture of chemical reactions.

You get the ingredients and mix them together.

Then use energy to apply hot or cold.

I've never thought about it like that.

Well, everything comes down to science.

So...

..what do we do next?

We wait.

We need help blowing up balloons.

I just hope it will be ready on time.

Where's the cake?

It's not done yet.

You're not going to impress anyone with that squidgy mess.

It's harder than it looks!

Let me do it, let me do it.

ALARM BEEPING

Everyone wait here!

Mo, get the alarm.

Ow!

Oh!

What happened?

The temperature's too high.

-How did that happen?

-I might have turned up a little bit.

-Why?

-Well, you were worried it wouldn't be done in time.

Mo!

I give up!

Some people just can't be helped.

Listen, I'm sure we can do something to salvage it.

You know, chop the burnt bit off, put a bit of icing on.

You know, no-one's going to notice the difference.

-Where are you going?

-To my mum's.

-You can't.

-Why not?

Because...

-Because?

-Erm...

Because Mike's got something he wants to show you.

CHEERS AND APPLAUSE

Surprise!

# Happy birthday to you

# Happy birthday to you

# Happy birthday dear Tyler

# Happy birthday to you! #

-MIKE:

-Yeah! All right, everybody,

Listen up. I think we all owe a big thanks to Kara and Mo!

CHEERS

There you go, an extra big slice for the birthday boy.

Eat up, then.

I'm just going to pop to the loo.

PARTY NOISE

Oh, just in time!

Come and blow out your candles.

I thought there was just going to be two of us.

It's only a few of the neighbours. Well, come on then. Take a big puff.

Happy birthday.

Yay!

Happy birthday. How old are you?

-13.

-13, wow!

I'll cut you an extra big slice.

You're a teenager!

There we go.

Let me just get that candle out the way.

Can you get a napkin for me?

Tyler? Napkin?

There we go.

Do you know how long it took to organise this?

I'm sorry.

I stuck up for you in front of everyone.

Best friends forever, that's what you said.

You can't even be bothered to turn up to your own birthday party.

Hi! You took your time.

Yeah, sorry.

Right. I think it's time for some presents, don't you?

Go on, open it.

What are you doing?

It's time for a new start.

But they're my friends.

You've got me now.

I don't know you.

Well...

..not really.

-I'm your family.

-So are they!

They're the ones that laughed at my jokes,

lived through my crazy schemes, helped me sleep at night.

Now, you want me just to pretend like they don't exist!

Are you having a bad day, too?

It can't be any worse than mine.

My mum hates me.

My friends hate me, too.

I'm sure they don't.

I should have just been honest.

With everyone.

Right from the start.

It's not always that easy, is it?

What if they don't like what they see?

Well, then, that's their problem.

We can't change who we are just because people want us to.

Where are you going?

It's time Kara met Mo.

What are you going to do?

I just want my mum to be happy.

Well, how can she be happy if you're not?

-MIKE:

-He'll not be long.

Here he is.

Come on, Tyler. Come on in.

This has just been my home for as long as I can remember.

And I'd never want to take that away from you.

I just didn't want to share you, that's all.

I've missed out on so much of your life, Tyler.

-But that's not your fault.

-I should have been there for you.

You were poorly. You had to take care of yourself.

Do you know what I've learnt today?

What's that?

I can't turn back the clock, no matter how hard I try.

You're not the same little boy in the photograph.

I've got the same hair.

You've grown into a young man

and I have Mike and May-Li to thank for that.

So, how about I get to know your family first?

Yeah, I'd like that.

Perhaps we could try and organise some weekend visits with your mum?

Oh, that would be great.

And no more dinosaurs.

I think you've got a visitor.

I think I owe you an apology.

I had no idea you were throwing Tyler a party.

It's not over yet.

You can come, too, if you like.

MUSIC AND CHATTER

Welcome to the party.

Hey, you took you time. Is everything OK?

Yeah, but you're stuck with me for a while now.

Hey, I didn't really want you to go.

-Can I talk to you?

-Yeah, sure.

Don't blow it.

Some money for the cakes.

Thanks.

Look, I'm a geek. I like ions, molecules and atoms.

I know the periodic table off by heart.

I can't play football and I can't see without my glasses on.

I don't listen to trendy music and I can't play the guitar.

But I do know the chemical symbol for potassium.

It's K.

For Kara.

Awww!

-JODY:

-Go, Mo.

Go on, then, spin her around.

You OK, Floss?

I feel sick.

Oh, oh, oh. Go, go, go, go!

Go, go, go, go, go!

Hey, look what I found!

Twister!

Do you want to play?

Only if Mum can, too.

Bags being on your team!