Primetime - At Water's Edge

This programme contains some strong language

MUSIC: "Chocolate" by Snow Patrol

# This could be the very minute

# I'm aware I'm alive

# All these places feel like home

# With a name I'd never chosen

# I can make my first steps

# As a child of 25... # PHONE RINGS

# This is the straw, final straw... #

-Hello?

-'Mrs Roberts?'

-Yes, speaking.

-'It's Mrs Matthews.

'We've had a late cancellation. Does 2.30 on Monday suit?'

That's great. Thank you.

Yes!

Jack?

Jack?

God! Jack?

Jack?!

No! No, God!

Gotcha! SHE GASPS

Surprise!

Happy birthday, Beth! Come on, give us a smile!

Happy birthday, darling! The look on your face.

I can't believe you!

-Marty, get in and get a close-up.

-Take it away, Marty.

Turn it off!

You're sick.

Aye. Sick, but lovable.

MEAT SIZZLES

Turn them over - you're going to cremate them!

-What - do you want to do it?

-Yeah!

-Get out of it!

I've told you before - never touch another man's barbecue. Go on. Away you go.

-Happy birthday!

-Aww!

-Hope you like it.

Oh!

SHE GASPS

Aww, that's gorgeous.

Well, have you forgiven me yet?

What - for nearly giving me a heart attack?

No. I can't believe you actually broke the window.

It's all part of the gag. It's the tiny detail that makes all the difference.

-Here. Not your best look.

-Put it away.

-Make yourself useful and get some more wine.

-Yeah, yeah!

-That's gorgeous! Thank you, darling.

-You're welcome.

Grab a few bowls there.

Oh, that looks lovely!

Shop-bought, I'm afraid. I didn't have time - bloody kids.

You OK?

I want to give the IVF another go.

I haven't spoken to Jack.

But I've made an appointment.

-OK.

-What do you think?

I think that's between you and Jack.

-I'm running out of time, Shauna.

-Hello, ladies.

-What are you two up to?

-Dessert.

-Need a hand?

-No, I've got it.

-You OK?

-Yeah, fine. Still reeling from earlier.

Oh, well. At least you'll not forget it, eh?

DOORBELL RINGS

-Hey, gorgeous.

-Ben! Oh!

-No-one told me you were coming.

-You didn't think I'd forget your birthday, did you?

Sorry I'm late. I got stuck in Frankfurt Airport for hours.

How come you look so good for someone who's just off a plane?

-How come you look so good for someone your age?

-Watch it!

Oh, come on in!

-Look who's here!

-Champagne anyone?

THEY CHEER

Good to see you, man. Have you not got tired of making money yet?

-Someone's got to do it.

-How long are you home for?

-I don't know. A couple of weeks, maybe.

-Good to see you. Nice suit.

-Some overpriced New York designer?

-I don't even remember!

-You look stunning.

-Oh, it's good to see you.

-PHONE BLEEPS

-She's too good for you, Marty.

I keep telling him that.

Let's open this while it's still chilled.

MARTY: Good man.

-To the birthday girl.

-ALL: To the birthday girl!

CORK POPS LOUDLY, THEY CHEER

-MARTY:

-A few years ago, I'd have hit the deck.

-Cheers!

-Happy birthday!

JACK: # Nellie the elephant packed her trunk

# And said goodbye to the circus... #

Hurry up, Monkey Boy.

No, no, no. No, I'm not Monkey Boy.

-No?

-No. No, cos tonight, Matthew, I am going to be...

..Elephant Man! THEY CHUCKLE

Come here, Dumbo.

Fancy playing with my trunk?

You're such a romantic.

Can't believe you didn't tell me about Ben.

-That's why they call it a surprise.

-I've got a surprise for you, too.

Oh? Does that mean I have to get naked, does it?

We have an appointment on Monday at an IVF clinic.

What are you talking about?

There was a last-minute cancellation.

How come you didn't tell me earlier?

Only found out this morning, and with the party and everything...

We can't go back to the NHS.

It's a private clinic.

We can get a loan.

It's not about the money, Beth.

I've been thinking about it for a while.

It's just... Three times, love.

What makes you think it's suddenly going to start to work now?

It might, Jack.

It's worth a try.

I'm working a double shift tonight, so I'll not be in till after ten.

-I'm sure we can afford it.

-Afford what?

Look, it's good what we've got. You know, you and me.

I just don't want you getting like that again, that's all.

You know how hard it was.

It's not the same. I feel much stronger now.

At least come to the appointment.

Yep. OK.

-See you.

-See you.

-Did you talk to Jack?

-Yes.

-And?

-I'm wearing him down slowly.

If he's anything like his brother,

he'll agree to anything after a pizza and a pint.

What kept you? We're going to be late!

I know. I'm sorry, love. The traffic was mental.

Er... Before that I had a number of treatments,

including fertility injections.

Five or six IUI cycles, and then, finally, IVF.

And what about lifestyle?

-Do you smoke?

-No, neither of us do.

-No.

-I try to look after myself. I run every day.

-Good.

So, er, what's the difference between private and NHS?

The tests and treatments are much the same -

cycle blood work, FSH, semen analysis.

But we also do provide additional testings and treatments,

but that will incur additional costs.

That should be OK.

Yeah, yeah.

I see your last attempt was seven years ago.

I'm curious - why now?

Er...

it feels right.

I just wanted to try one more time.

What about you, Mr Roberts?

Yeah.

We've always wanted to have a baby.

Have you both thought this through?

The whole process can put a considerable strain on a relationship.

Yeah. I'm sure we'll be fine.

I see you were on anti-depressants for some time.

Yes, er, but I haven't been on medication over two years. I'm fine.

THEY CHATTER

'North Star Taxis.'

Hi, Shirley. It's Beth again.

Jack's still not answering his phone. Have you heard from him?

'No, not since he left at six.'

OK, thanks.

'This is Jack. I can't answer my...'

DOORBELL RINGS

-'What happened?'

-He was in an accident on the dual carriageway.

What did the doctors say?

I haven't spoken to anyone - I only just got here.

-He'll be all right, Beth.

-Come down, Shauna, please.

I'm coming now. I'll be there as soon as I can.

Marty!

If you want to speak to him, you'll have to come in then.

OK?

Excuse me. I'm looking for my husband. Jack Roberts.

Beth.

-I'm so worried about him, Shauna.

-How is he?

-They won't let me in.

-I'm sure he'll be OK.

MONITOR BEEPS STEADILY

DOOR OPENS

Is he going to be OK? I'm his wife.

It's just a concussion. He should be fine.

We need to keep an eye on him for a while.

You can speak to him for a few minutes, if you want.

Marty. Marty!

Are you OK?

How are you feeling?

-Are you in pain?

-I'm all right.

-Can I get you anything?

-No.

-Water?

Jack.

You scared the hell out of us.

I'm sorry, Beth. I'm really sorry.

It wasn't your fault. The other fella blindsided you.

-The cop says he was legless.

-What about the girl and her mother?

How are they?

The wee girl's fine, he said.

And the mum?

She didn't survive.

You've done nothing wrong, love.

I need to speak to Beth.

-What's going on, Jack?

-I'm sorry, Beth.

You've nothing to be sorry for. It was an accident.

I should have told you.

I wanted to...

-Told me what?

-KNOCK AT DOOR

Can we have a minute, please?

DOOR CLOSES

It happened years ago.

You're scaring me, Jack.

The woman in the car. Her name was Hannah.

DOOR OPENS

-Can you give us some privacy, please?

-Daddy!

-They won't tell me where mummy is.

-It's OK, love. Ssh!

Your daddy's here.

I'm really sorry.

Beth, wait!

Beth!

Beth?

What's going on? Who's the kid?

MOBILE RINGS

LANDLINE PHONE RINGS

JACK: 'We're too busy to talk to you, so leave a message if you really have to.'

-SHAUNA:

-'Beth, it's me.

'I can't believe this. I'm worried about you.

'Call me.

'Please.'

RADIO: 'It's eight o'clock on Thursday 6th October. You're listening to Good Morning Ulster.

'A quick word on the traffic and travel.'

-I said no.

-I just need a tenner!

-What for?

I told Dad. Deborah's mum's taking us bowling after school.

No, not on a weeknight. What about your homework?

-I'll do it later, when I get back.

-No. And take that make-up off.

You're not going to school like that.

-I'll just get it off Dad.

-I said no.

Yeah, and you're not my mum!

SHE SOBS

It's OK. It's OK.

-How could I not have known, Shauna?

-It's not your fault.

-None of us knew.

-All this time.

It's like I don't know my own husband.

Look, there's... There's something I need to tell you.

I can't believe he had the nerve but he asked Marty. And I'm not happy about it, but...

What are you talking about?

He's asked us to look after her, while he's in hospital.

-Jesus, Shauna!

-She had nowhere else to go.

PHONE RINGS

KNOCK AT DOOR

Beth, sorry.

You should have said no.

I had no choice.

Jack's here.

What are you doing here?

-Well, you're not answering your phone.

-What do you want?

-I need to talk to you.

-Here?

-Well, I can't get into my own house.

-And you won't, either.

The police need my insurance details.

You're unbelievable!

I'm sor...

I'm sorry, Beth. But will you at least let me try and explain?

What, that you fucked someone else and you have a daughter?

I got that much.

DOORBELL RINGS

CAR ENGINE STARTS

'You have one message.

'This is a message for Mr and Mrs Roberts. It's Mrs Matthews at the clinic.

'Just to confirm your next appointment for...'

'Message deleted.'

I'd forgotten how beautiful this place is.

-It hasn't changed a bit.

-Thanks for coming.

I still can't believe what's happened.

Yeah. You think you know someone.

I gave half my life to a total stranger.

All I wanted was a family.

There's more to life than having kids.

Here - I bought you something.

I thought we could drown your sorrows like we used to.

Straight from the bottle.

Oh!

-Mm! Did it always taste this bad?

-Yeah.

What am I going to do, Ben?

THEY CHATTER

-Did you tell anyone?

-Of course I didn't.

-I've seen people looking at me.

-Well, they're not blind - you haven't been yourself.

You have to tell people some time.

-They care about you.

-Yeah(!)

We all do.

Would you not just talk to Jack?

Try...working through this.

I can't even look at him after what he's done.

And what about your Marty?

What about Marty?

What makes you think he won't run off with someone else?

He's done it before!

This isn't about me and Marty.

I'm on your side, Beth.

But until you're willing to start talking about all this, nothing's going to change.

DOORBELL RINGS

-Hope you're hungry.

-Wow!

-SHE GIGGLES

-Come on in.

There's enough here for ten people.

JACK: 'The heart was put back where it came from...'

..and the chair wasn't so empty any more.

But the bottle was.

No, Daddy, leave it on!

OK, OK, OK, OK. Ssh!

-Mummy always left the light on.

-All right.

Can I have one more story?

Please?

Course you can.

Sammy The Spider?

Sammy the spider and all his friends decided to go for a walk.

FOOTBALL PLAYS ON TV

Ref!

Cheers!

I'm sorry about all this.

It's turned to be a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be.

Welcome to the real world.

It's such a mess.

Aye, and it's not going to clean itself up.

What else was I going to do?

I was just trying to protect Beth.

I'm not talking about that. That's all done.

-There's Chloe to think about now.

-I know.

It's not good for her, stuck in a spare room.

She needs a home.

Come on!

-THEY CHUCKLE

-That was good.

-I'm going to have to run 10K in the morning.

-I'll join you.

-It's all right, I've got it.

-OK.

It must be nice being able to go wherever you like, when you like.

-I wish I'd done more travelling when I had the chance.

-Yeah.

What happened to your going to India to find yourself?

Oh, things change.

I found myself in Bangor.

-Always thought you were very brave.

-What do you mean?

You know, leaving. Starting a new life.

It's never too late.

-Why was there never a Mrs Ben Patterson?

-Never met the right woman.

Don't you miss having someone to talk to last thing at night?

I'm sorry. I thought, er...

No, it's OK.

I thought it was over between you and Jack.

It's not that simple.

No, I understand. I shouldn't have.

I should go.

Yeah.

Of course.

Yes, I understand your frustration

but the contract should have been with you a week ago.

Of course. I'll make sure they're sent out this afternoon.

Yes.

Yes. Thank you. Bye.

SHE SIGHS

It's me.

Did you love her?

No.

No, I didn't even know her. It...

It was just...one night.

Where did you meet her?

Can we not do this, Beth, please?

I've hurt you enough already.

Davy's stag do.

She was at the bar.

What age was she?

Beth.

Was she younger than me?

Why does it matter?

She was 24.

Oh...!

-How long were you together?

-I've told you -

it was just a one-night stand.

Then what was she doing in your car?

She was asking me for money, for Chloe.

Beth, I'm sorry.

Really, I am. You got to believe me.

What were you going to do when she got older?

When she invited you to her wedding?

When she had kids?

I love you, Beth.

I always will.

SHE LAUGHS FAINTLY

What the hell does that even mean now?

How can I trust you again?

Give me another chance.

Lucy?

It's nice here.

I run here every day.

Helps me think.

I hate running.

How's school?

Yeah, all right.

What about boys? Any hot ones?

No.

Shauna worries about you, you know. She cares.

I know.

My mum promised me

she'd take me to Spain with her and Gavin when they go at half term.

-And now she won't?

-It's all Gavin's fault.

He says they can't afford it.

He's such a dick!

The people who love you still hurt you sometimes.

Some of them are worth it.

The hard part is figuring out which ones.

You must want to kill Uncle Jack.

She's really nice, you know - Chloe.

I know he was wrong, but... you would like her.

Hi.

Hi.

Any chance of a coffee?

I'll stick the kettle on.

Er...

Right, now it's your go.

All right? So that's what we're going for, there. Roger the rabbit.

He said you two were talking.

Yeah.

It's a start.

-How many are you giving me?

-Three.

-What, on each side?

-Yeah.

Hi.

Chloe, do you want to come watch some TV?

This came.

Thanks.

You're good with her.

Aye, she's not a bad kid.

She'll need to talk about what happened, when she's ready.

And she needs consistency,

somewhere that feels like home.

I know.

I need to know you've told me everything.

I have.

You've got to believe me - there's no more surprises.

What is it you're saying?

I need to be able to trust you.

Rabbit's honour.

SHE LAUGHS

I'm not promising anything.

DOORBELL RINGS

Hiya.

You remember Beth.

Hello.

Do you want to come in and see your room?

Come on.

You did all this?

Do you like it?

Well, what do you think, Chlo'?

This is for you.

What do you say?

What's the matter, Chloe?

I already have Muttley.

Eat up, love.

Don't you like it?

I'm not hungry.

Oh, come on, Chloe. Eat your dinner.

I can make you something else if you like.

WITH MOUTH FULL: Chloe!

DOOR SLAMS

It's OK.

Chloe.

She OK?

Yeah, She's asleep.

Sorry about earlier.

She's upset, that's all.

She was the same with Shauna.

She'll be OK once she gets to know you.

Night.

Night.

BETH'S FOOTSTEPS ASCEND STAIRS

CHLOE CRIES LOUDLY

CRYING CONTINUES

Hey.

Honey.

What's wrong? Did you have a bad dream?

Mmm? It's OK - it's away now.

-SOBBING:

-I want my mummy.

I know.

I miss her so much.

Hey, you.

Hey, hey. Come here. Give me a...

Sh-sh-sh...

Hey, hey, calm down. Sh.

Come on, come on. Sh-sh-sh...

It's all right. It's all right.

I'm here. I'm here now.

Come on, come on. Shh.

Sh-sh-sh.

HE KISSES HER

She'll be fine.

It's all right now your daddy's here, huh?

HE KISSES HER

That's a girl. That's a girl. Sh-sh-sh...

It's tough.

I just don't know if I can do it.

It just takes time.

Sure, Chloe didn't say a word to me for three days.

We're away. See you later.

-Don't be late - we've got to go to your mum's for dinner.

-No bothers.

-< Come on, Dad!

-If we can carry all the fish...

THEY LAUGH

How about we have dinner here, next week?

All of us.

If you want.

BETH SIGHS

OK.

-Hiya.

-Good run?

Yeah.

It's just, er, some of Chloe's stuff. Is it OK?

I had to go and collect it. Her house has been rented out.

I mean, if you want I can get Marty to look after it for a while.

No, it's all right.

OK, well, shall we leave it outside for now?

Where is Chloe?

She's at Shauna's and Marty's.

Well, I wanted us to have a bit of time together - just us.

Yeah.

Oh.

SHE COUGHS

-Oh.

-It was supposed to be mild. I'm sorry - I followed the recipe.

Oh.

What spices did you use?

It said to use two large chillies

but I couldn't find any of those so I used the wee red ones instead.

How many?

Two packets.

But they were really tiny.

WITH MOUTH FULL: It's terrible.

-I'll order us a Chinese, yeah?

-Please do.

THEY LAUGH

I really want this to work.

Whatever it takes.

GENTLE MUSIC PLAYS

Tell me,

what was she like - Hannah?

-You sure you want to talk about this?

-I'm OK.

There must have been something about her.

I didn't really get to know her.

She seemed like she was a good mum, you know?

Does Chloe look like her?

Yeah.

They have the same eyes.

DOORBELL RINGS

I'll go.

Hi.

-(WHISPERING)

-She's out for the count.

-Did you have a nice night?

-It was OK.

I'll see you Monday.

Thanks for dinner.

You're welcome.

Least the Chinese was nice, eh? SHE LAUGHS

Maybe we can do it again sometime.

You can come upstairs if you want.

As long as you're OK with it.

I'm getting a bit old for camping.

It doesn't mean...

I know.

Night-night, love.

-BOTH:

-The buns.

Ooh.

What do you think?

Not bad for a first go?

Maybe they'll look better if we put some icing on them.

CAR ALARM BEEPS

It's mostly cocktail bars. That's where everybody hangs out.

-Yeah, but can you get a pint of the black stuff?

-Hey!

Look what the wind blew in.

-Hi, Chloe.

-Hiya.

You'll never guess - he's off jet-setting again.

-Yeah, I've got a plane to catch in four hours. Heading back to New York.

-Oh, That's a shame.

-You'll miss dinner at Shauna's tomorrow night.

-Next time.

I'm sorry we didn't get to spend more time together.

-Do you know when you'll be back next?

-I'll try and get back for Christmas.

Well, listen, I've got to go. Some of us have got real jobs to do.

-I'll not be back late.

-Mm-hm.

-And you, be a good girl for Beth, all right?

-OK.

-See you later.

So how's it been?

It's difficult.

Everything's different now.

And this is what you want?

We're good together, Jack and me.

We've been through a lot.

Maybe you deserve more.

Chloe's a sweet kid.

She needs us.

I wasn't brave leaving here, Beth.

I wanted to go.

I wanted to do more.

I'm glad you're happy, Ben.

Yeah.

-See you at Christmas?

-Of course.

Take care.

You too.

-Keep in touch...

-Yeah, I will.

Chloe?

Do you fancy some dinner?

Chloe?

Chloe?

Shit!

Chloe?

Are you OK?

You scared me.

Are you looking for something?

My book.

Can I see?

Mummy made it for me.

This is when I was in my mummy's tummy.

And that's me when I was just born.

That's my first baby shoe.

It's so tiny.

Ah.

Mummy took this one. We were at the beach,

but I don't remember it - I was only two.

Oh. Look who it is.

I was three when I got Muttley.

And this is me and my mummy on my last birthday.

She's very pretty.

Like you.

There's some pages missing.

I'm sure they'll turn up.

-Can I keep it in my room?

-Course you can.

MOBILE RINGS

Aye...

Yeah, yeah.

Hey, you two!

Aye, I picked them up on eBay.

-Some fella was flogging all his kit.

-Result.

I'm heading out on Saturday afternoon, if you're up for it?

Right, this is ready. Marty, will you clear that stuff off the table?

Yeah, in a minute.

Marty. Dinner's ready.

Bloody fishing!

-Lucy, will you set the table?

-Yeah, sure.

Thanks, love.

-You two seem to be getting on better.

-Yeah.

Seems to be redirecting all her hatred towards her stepdad.

-He sounds like a total dick.

-Oh!

-Chloe seems on good form.

-Yeah.

It's good for her to be around other kids.

Oh. Here. Take these over.

What's that you're drawing, Chloe?

That's me and my daddy.

-And who's that?

-That's Beth.

It must be nice having your own room.

I liked my old room at Mummy and Daddy's house better.

So Tim picks up the mackerel

and bangs it off the side of the pier...

Oh, come on, Marty - we're trying to eat.

I'm not trying to be gross.

I'm just trying to say that he's fearless.

This dinner's lovely, Shauna.

-That sauce is great. It's got a right old kick to it.

-Thanks.

And pass down the wine - stop hogging it.

'I need to know you've told me everything.'

'You've got to believe me - there's no more surprises.'

'I liked my old room at Mummy and Daddy's house better.'

You're up early.

I've made a list of all the bills.

You'll sort them from now on.

Yeah, OK.

I've done all of Chloe's washing. And the window cleaner comes the first of every month.

Just leave a tenner under the black bin.

What's going on, Beth?

Do you really have to ask?

I'm leaving.

But things are going really well - things are working out...

-You can't leave us.

-I'm not -

I'm leaving you.

I don't understand.

All the lying.

I told you the truth.

No, you didn't, Jack.

You told me you hardly knew her.

You were off playing happy families on Christmas Day when you said you were working late.

-Look, Beth...

-I sat at Shauna's, while you were with her, and you made me feel guilty for complaining.

All you ever wanted for us was to have a family.

-We can be a family.

-No, Jack.

She's your child.

She can be yours, too...

I know, but not like this.

Beth, wait!

I'll do whatever it takes. We'll try the IVF.

You don't get it, do you? I would have stayed for the truth.

I used to think I'd give up everything to have a child, but I won't.

-I love you, Beth.

-Well, maybe you do,

but I'm not going to waste my life looking back,

-second-guessing everything.

-Beth!

Stop, please!

Please. Just think about Chloe.

She's a wonderful child,

but she doesn't need our mess.

Don't lie to her, Jack.

She needs to be able to trust you.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd