What Would Gus Want? The Dumping Ground

Look at what you did to me!

It's Barber Wednesday! You left without telling me.

I'm so sorry, Gus, but wait...

I couldn't cross the barber's off my list,

so I had an unscheduled 43 minutes.

I'm sorry.

It would have been 60, but I wasted 17 waiting for you!

So I scheduled piano practice...

HE PLAYS FALTERINGLY

Which made me break Beethoven.

-That's awful, I'm so...

-You weren't there to help fix him.

All right, Gus?

It ruined my lunch!

HE GROANS

Gina got cross, cos I wouldn't let her take it off,

cos I wanted you to do it.

Gus!

I've just been to see a couple who want to foster you.

No.

Gus, at least consider it.

-I'm sorry.

-What for?

Whatever's making you try to get rid of me.

I'm not trying to get rid of you!

Your social worker started this when your dad moved.

She should to talk to me about things like that.

Yes. But she wanted to get the right couple.

And I think she has. So I said I'd talk to you, cos I know you better.

You don't know me very well, if you think I'd want to leave.

Why don't you talk to Ronnie and Dawn, and then decide?

I've already decided.

You might change your mind if you met them.

It wouldn't make any difference. I don't want to be fostered.

-You might like them.

-Not enough to be fostered.

-You can't know that until you've met them.

-Yes, I can!

-You OK?

-Mike won't understand that I won't meet the foster parents.

-You're getting fostered?!

-No. Mike and my social worker think I should.

-How come they chose you?

-Cos my dad moved to Germany.

-I'll go, if you don't want them.

-It doesn't work like that.

-I know.

But you could pretend you wanted to meet them.

-And I could meet them instead.

-I won't do it.

-Why not?

-Because the system doesn't work like that.

-Just to help a mate.

-You're not my mate.

Maybe I'm not.

But we're both care kids and you shouldn't waste foster parents!

Would it kill you to do the right thing and help him out?

Tyler! Tyler, are you all right?

What are you going to do?

I can't force him if he doesn't want to. That'd be cruel.

Oh, what, more cruel than keeping a boy like Gus here,

until the system decides he can fend for himself?

-Gus!

-Perfect timing.

-Why?

Because I want to talk to you about fostering.

And I need to talk to you about doing the right thing.

Do you feel you might be doing the wrong thing?

Look, we can take this fostering issue as slowly as you like.

-You're having second thoughts.

-I'm still on my first, which is, "No".

What can I do for you, Faith?

Did you sign the permission slip for my half marathon?

Yes, I have. It's here somewhere. There you go.

-I'll sponsor you when the page is set up.

-Thanks.

You shouldn't miss this opportunity.

I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to Mike.

All right, Gus, she's only trying to help.

-Do you still want to be a forensic scientist?

-Yes.

So, I think that'd be easier to achieve

if you were in a family situation.

Why?

Because you'd know more about living in the real world,

which would help you cope at university.

I don't need foster parents.

You explain to me when I don't understand.

Yeah, but, Gus, I'm...

And how do you know?

I heard him and Mike talking about it.

Who would want someone like Gus?

-That's a bit harsh.

-So you don't think he's weird?

-No more sticking to a Gus timetable.

-I could bathe at 6.30pm.

-I could play piano after breakfast!

-Is he definitely going?

Tyler wants to meet them instead.

-It doesn't work like that.

-That's what I told him.

Um... I'm sorry I shouted at you.

-I've been thinking about what you said.

-And?

-I can't lie to Mike.

-You're not lying.

You want to meet them so they can meet Tyler.

-It'd be a waste of time.

-No, it wouldn't! Tyler's fun,

loads more interesting than Gus.

It doesn't matter. We're in care. There's no happy ending.

Why are you so desperate to get fostered?

Because I've always wondered

what it'd be like to live in a proper family.

If a couple want a boy like you, they might settle for a boy like me.

Come on.

Come on.

Mike. Mike.

Mike!

What's wrong?

I've been thinking.

I was asleep, Gus.

But you're awake now.

Yeah. What can I do for you?

Invite the foster parents. I've decided to meet them.

What was the look you were going for?

One that says, "This boy can be fun, but he can be serious too."

I think you might be missing some of the fun part.

I'm listening.

Well, how about some of these?

There you go.

Look, Tyler, don't get your hopes up.

Remember they've come to see Gus.

You're in a dogs' home looking for a puppy.

You can't get the one you want.

You're bound to buy another, aren't you?

Smile.

Hey, come on you guys, go! They're not here to see you. Mike!

Yep, coming. Hey, hey. Go. Scoot. Go on.

In the other room. Give Gus some privacy. Go! Go!

Gus! We're in here.

-Hello! Nice to see you again. You've met Gina?

-Yes.

And this is Gus. Gus, this is Ronnie.

Hello. Lovely to meet you. This is my partner, Dawn.

Hello. You're early.

Three minutes, thirty seconds. She wouldn't let us wait in the car.

Shall we go through?

-Johnny! Did you see them?

-What are they like?

-Tyler's going to wish he never asked to bring them here.

-Why?

-It's two women. They're gay!

-What's wrong with that?

Everything. They're not proper parents.

-That's a horrible thing to say.

-I agree with him.

-Lily!

-What? I'm not anti-gay. I'm just saying kids need a dad.

That's funny. You managed without one for years!

-I got mine back and I liked it a lot better, thank you.

-See.

Lily agrees and she should know.

Are you a fussy eater?

Do you count not liking fish with bones as fussy?

No.

-Then, no. But I need to tell you...

-Do you take baths or showers?

Baths, at 6.30pm. But I really need to tell you...

-Do you prefer...

-I think Gus has something to say.

-I haven't finished our questions.

-Your questions.

One of us needs to be organised. What is it, Gus?

My answers to your questions don't matter.

-I got you here to meet Tyler, one of the other boys.

-What?

-You don't you want to be fostered?

-No, thank you.

We didn't...

Tea, everyone?

We're leaving.

-I'm really sorry about this.

-Dawn, wait.

-Why? He doesn't want to be fostered.

-Tyler does! Have him instead.

We don't want Tyler. We wanted you.

You don't want us. There's no point in continuing.

You've made such a lovely tea. I'm sorry to waste it.

That's OK.

Um, well...

There. Now only our time has been wasted.

I'll show you...

What happened, Gus? Did you get them here just for Tyler?

I don't want to talk about it!

-Am I meeting them now?

-They've gone.

-Why?

Cos I didn't want to get fostered, and they didn't want to foster you.

-They never even met me!

-You had a lucky escape.

-They were gay!

-Why does that matter?

-It shouldn't be allowed!

-That's disgusting!

-Why? It's not normal!

Some people think I'm not normal.

Are you saying I shouldn't be allowed?!

-Of course not. You're different.

-He's not normal, is he?

-I am!

-Leave it.

-No! You're completely out of order.

I'm not! You wouldn't want two mums, would you?

Course I would! It'd be so cool.

I don't care what he says. Kids need a mum and a dad.

Ah, yes, cos that worked so well for you, didn't it?

Your mum got a lovely new dad and let him do whatever he wanted,

and then stuck you in care.

-It wasn't like that.

-Then why are you here?

-That's enough!

I love it. A bunch of care kids arguing about what's normal.

As if we'd ever know.

Oh. Plan didn't work, then?

They never even met me.

Never mind. It was worth a shot.

It's not fair!

-They didn't come for you in the first place.

-I know!

So what are you so wound up about?

I guess I thought if I had a new mum,

then I'd forget the one who didn't want me.

Johnny's right about living in care. There's no happy ending.

What you on about? You've already got one.

I'd rather live with my Dumping Ground family

than my real family, any day.

Looks like you're stuck with us a bit longer, mate.

So just stay out of her way and stop winding her up.

-She bad mouthed our mum.

-Only cos you went off about gay fostering.

I couldn't care less. Gay or straight.

What matters is having a mum who loves you,

which neither of our straight mums do.

Gus. I want to talk to you about Ronnie and Dawn.

I want to talk to you about being normal.

-Ronnie and Dawn are normal.

-I never said they weren't.

It's just Elektra said I'm not normal.

-I think we should meet them again. Round their house this time?

-No.

When I think about getting fostered, it gives me tummy ache.

That's cos it's a huge decision.

Stop making me think about it, and my tummy ache will go away!

Mike. Mike.

-Mike!

-What's wrong?

Nothing. I've been thinking.

I was asleep, Gus.

But you're awake now, Mike. I've decided I'm normal.

Congratulations.

They wouldn't want someone who wasn't normal. So I must be, mustn't I?

Not if you keep waking me up at 2am.

Are you just saying that, so I'll stop waking you up?

Yes. No! No! Wait.

Have you been thinking about Ronnie and Dawn? Tummy ache?

You know I wouldn't suggest anything that wasn't right for you, Gus.

Do you trust me enough to visit Ronnie and Dawn?

Yes.

-Can I use the computer?

-I've got another ten minutes.

That only gives 15 minutes to plan my visit schedule, before I change.

-Are you going over there?

-Yes. I need to see how long it takes.

-What made you change your mind?

-I trust Mike. And check the traffic.

-Don't let him force you.

-Leave him alone. He's made up his mind.

-Big mistake.

-What did you say?

-I said...

-Not again.

-Gus is making a big mistake.

Stop trying to put him off!

No! We shouldn't be with gay couples.

-That's like saying I shouldn't be here cos I'm black.

-It isn't!

-It's prejudice, Johnny.

-She's right!

Deciding you hate all gay people when you don't know any.

I don't hate gays!

I don't! People are already down on us cos we're in care.

What about when he's living with lesbians!

-You're ignorant, Johnny!

-Leave him alone!

Gus is supposed to be your friend.

-Be happy he's got a family?

-I am, but...

Shut up! I'm so ashamed of you, I wish you weren't my brother.

I've done my Just In Case. We have to leave now, to get there for 11am.

You look posh.

You don't. Do you want to borrow a tie?

I'm not wearing a tie, Gus.

I know. That's why you should borrow one of mine.

-Have you scheduled for going back upstairs to get a tie?

-No.

I think we'd better just leave, then.

-How many toilets have they got?

-At least one.

-What if someone's in there?

-You wait.

-What if I can't?

-Cross your legs.

-What if they offer food I don't like?

-Say, "No, thank you."

Can I use the computer? And what if...

-Gus!

-Mike?

-We're here.

-That was quick.

-Not from where I'm sitting.

-I like your tie.

-Mike wouldn't wear one.

It wouldn't have gone with his outfit. But it works with yours.

-Shall we sit down?

-Good idea.

There's a toilet there. If you're worried about sound, use upstairs.

Well, that's the first question off his list.

-Can we get you a drink?

-Tea, coffee, apple juice, milk, tap water?

Coffee, white, one sugar, please.

We're so happy Gus agreed to come over.

If you helped change his mind, thank you.

You may not thank me when he starts on his questions.

And would I be allowed to play the piano?

As long as I'm not playing it.

-Dawn won't play duets.

-Neither will I. I practise after breakfast.

-And sometimes in the afternoon.

-I practise after work.

Would we have quiche on Fridays?

Gus, I think that's enough questions.

-I still have 43 left.

-We have to get back for lunch.

-Would you like to look around before you go?

-Yes, please.

-Great.

-Do you think that means he's interested?

-We'll see.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Go away.

It's me. Feeling bad?

-What do you think?

-Good.

Now you know how gay people feel

when people mouth off, without knowing anything about it.

Look, if you're going to hit me, get on with it.

Thought I'd feed you up first, make the fight a bit more exciting.

-I'm sorry...

-What, that everyone hates me?

No, that Tee laid in to you like that, although you did ask for it.

Didn't ask for this, did I? Didn't ask to get dumped here.

Nobody wants me. Am I really that bad?

Course you're not. It's just not your turn.

So don't let it get to you, otherwise they'll have won.

Who?

Whoever put you in care.

I love that Virginia creeper.

-So, would you like to live with us?

-My bedroom's not right.

We could fix it so it was.

-How often do you fight?

-Gus!

-We're very happy together.

We're not going to split up, if that's worrying you.

It's not. I like the quiet here.

They're always fighting at Elm Tree House.

-Especially since they found out you're gay.

-Sorry.

He's being honest. We know what people are like.

Do you want to show me what to change in the bedroom?

-Tee! Can I have a word?

-Maybe later.

-Please.

-What?

-It's private.

I don't want to talk right now.

I'm trying to say sorry!

Say it to Gus, for letting him down.

Or Ronnie and Dawn, for insulting them.

Come on, then. Don't drive yourself mad, Gus.

-You don't have to decide straight away.

-I'm not driving myself mad.

I'm trying to decide what to decide.

Hey. You're back! How did it go?

I need lunch.

THEY ALL SPEAK AT ONCE

What was the house like?

-You going to live with them?

-Go, if you liked it.

-What are you going to do?

-You should stay.

You should go.

Guys! Back off. You're not helping!

You're making my head hurt!

So it didn't work out?

Actually, it went really well,

which is probably why he's in a bit of a state.

I'm not talking!

It's Faith. I want to ask you something.

-What?

-Do you really want to be a forensic scientist?

-Yes.

-It's hard work qualifying.

-I know.

You like planning ahead. Did you plan that there are 11 of us,

12, if you count Lily?

What's that got to do with studying forensic science?

12 of us to one Mike and Gina.

That means you get roughly 17% of their focus and encouragement.

But on your own with two foster parents...

-200% focus and encouragement.

-Giving a 200% higher chance of success.

183%, actually, because I'd have got...

Gus! Do you understand what I'm trying to say?

I'm going to be a forensic scientist. So I'll live with Ronnie and Dawn.

Good luck.

Why don't you try it for a weekend?

-I've made up my mind. Faith helped.

-Thanks.

Now I just want to go.

Gus, I wanted to say well done on getting fostered.

I thought you didn't like lesbians.

I was wrong. I really hope this goes well for you.

It's not going to.

How do I pack all this up so I know where it is?

How do I unpack it, when I can't plan where to put it?

-You're being too hard on him.

-I'm not the one who pushed him.

-You're not listening to what he's saying.

-And you are?

-Yes.

If you listened, you'd realise it's not about Gus and gay fostering.

It's about Johnny feeling unwanted.

And you're really not making it any better.

-Me and Lily will bake the cake.

-We should have music.

-Like a proper party.

-You shouldn't throw Gus a party.

Why not? He's leaving.

Don't jump down his throat. He hasn't spoken yet.

You shouldn't throw Gus a party, cos he wouldn't want one.

What would he want?

This time tomorrow, you'll be brushing your teeth

in a new bathroom.

I'm glad you didn't waste Ronnie and Dawn,

but it's going to be weird without you here.

Especially for Mike.

Why aren't you asleep?

Why aren't you?

Cos I need to tell you I'm not leaving.

Gus! Why?

Ronnie and Dawn have each other. You don't have anyone.

What's wrong?

Hay fever.

Tracy used to get that.

-Yeah, maybe I caught it from her.

-You can't catch hay fever.

-Do you miss her?

-Yeah. All the time.

But she had to move on, to make more of her life.

Just like you.

So you think I should leave?

Yeah, I do think you should leave.

It would make the world of difference.

You're very good at explaining things. I'm going to miss that.

Goodnight, for the last time, Michael Milligan.

Goodnight, for the last time, Gus Carmichael.

MUSIC: "Alright" by Supergrass

Nice and gentle!

Here's the plan, so you know where it all goes.

This will really help us get his room right. Thank you.

We got you this. Everyone chipped in.

Thank you. You can go inside now.

-Gus.

-There's too many people to say goodbye to!

All right. Say goodbye and Mike can wave him off. Come on!

-Go on!

-Goodbye, Gus. Good luck.

-Cheers, mate.

-Good luck!

Goodbye, Gus. It's going to be fine.

See you, Gus. It won't be the same without you.

We'll wait in the van.

Come here.

It's all right, Gus. You're going to be fine.

-Am I?

-Of course you are.

And I'm only a phone call away, if you want me.

Yeah?

Right. In you get.

Wait!

"Carers must be able to work with families, and others who are..."

"..important to the child."

We know the rules. We'd never stop you seeing Mike.

See you soon, kid.

I wonder what Gus is having now?

I hope he's had it by now, or he'll be giving them such a hard time.

Do you realise, we no longer have to eat Gus's manky Friday quiche?

Or Tuesday macaroni!

-What if Dawn and Ronnie don't have quiche?

-Oh, gosh!

I gave them one to take home.

What?

I didn't want them to have the Gus experience on the first day!

Gus was the most annoying boy ever.

Won't be the same without him.

No, it won't.

You gave him a brilliant send off. He's lucky to have you as a friend.

And I'm lucky you're my brother.

We made you this.

Thanks, guys. Crazy fools!

Lads, you're all the best.

Thank you so much.

Let's go bowling!

Why do you suddenly want to go bowling?

It's what we do, when we need cheering up.

Come on. Let's go bowling.

Ice creams are on me.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd