Growing Pains The Dumping Ground

-Now, you've remembered to charge your mobile phones, yeah?

-Yes.

-And, Tee, you've got your bus fares?

-Yes.

Would you stop fussing?

Right. Yeah. Understood.

Oh, one last thing.

Just in case you get hungry.

-Mike.

-You're going for an interview at art collage, Tee.

I don't want you going in there with an empty stomach. Come on.

Look after her, won't you?

Yes, I won't let her out of my sight.

Now can we just go, please?

Ah, look at you.

Hm?

All grown up.

-Bye, Mike.

-Bye.

-Bye.

Can't believe it's so big.

You'll soon find your way around.

You sure you don't mind coming with me?

No, that's what best friends are for.

Besides, you'll be coming with me when I start going to auditions.

Auditions?

Yeah. You know, when I'm snapped up by my big Hollywood agent.

You've got it all worked out, don't you?

Who knows? A few years from now,

you could be doing a painting of me to go in my mansion.

You coming or what?

Everyone looks so cool.

Yeah, and so old.

You can wear whatever you want,

go to lessons whenever you feel like it,

no Mike telling you what to do.

Could all the Arts Foundation applicants gather over here, please?

I guess it's my cue to leave.

-All right. So I'll meet you back here when you're done, OK?

-OK.

Hey, Tee?

Almost forgot.

-Good luck!

-Thank you.

Guess what this is?

A hippo?

The moon.

A big boil.

BOTH: It's Mike.

I'll get some more glue.

Look at this dog.

"I'm Archie.

"My owner left me, so now I'm looking for a new home."

Shouldn't the care home put adverts in the paper for us?

-How do you mean?

-We're looking for homes, aren't we?

What are you doing?

We're making an advert.

To put in the newspaper.

Look.

Who's that's supposed to be?

That's me.

We're going to find new families.

That's stupid.

No, it's not.

You can have a go if you want.

-You're all right.

-She's just scared.

Scared of what?

That no-one will want her.

May-Li said we could have the camera for half an hour.

Why do you need a camera?

Because people are not going want kids drawn in chalk, are they?

Bagsy us first.

Stand there.

What happens if they're like your last foster family?

They won't be.

What if they are?

Then I'll keep looking.

-Say cheese!

-BOTH: Cheese!

On the left, we have our workshops and media centre.

On the right is where we keep our art supplies.

Oils, pastels.

Straight ahead, we have classrooms and lecture theatres.

Basically, everything you guys need to know

will be on this notice board here.

BELL RINGS

Right, we're already far behind, so would you like to follow me, please?

Would you also take a purple brochure

and pass them along, please,

and a college prospectus, timetable and a reading list?

Now, you'll need two pinks,

a purple, and two of the yellows marked A and B.

VENDING MACHINE BEEPS

SHE MUTTERS

Sorry, that was two pinks, a purple and...

You should also find that you have a blue pamphlet,

-which will...

-Oi!

-..contain details of our recreational activities.

I don't think I have a blue one.

Can someone help her, please?

Your name?

Um...

-It's Carmen, but I'm not actually supposed to be here.

-Carmen.

You're walking through sticky mud.

-Sorry?

-Well, don't be sorry.

Just get through it without losing a shoe.

OK.

SQUELCHING

TEXT ALERT PINGS

Thanks for your time.

Tee.

They're ready for you now.

What did she say?

She's probably still in her interview. Can we take this down?

-I bet she's messed it up.

-Why would you say that?

Cos she'll say something stupid. She always does.

-She's cleverer then you.

-Tee'll be just fine.

Do you think we should have a barbecue for when Tee comes back?

-I think that's a great idea.

-Yeah, I'll get started.

No, no, no, no. Not so fast.

My eyebrows have not recovered from the last time.

Yeah, so let Mike do the barbecue

and you guys can get started by cleaning the kitchen.

That's not fair.

There's a rota for a reason. Now, come on.

-Come on, guys.

-Let's go.

-Can we get back to work now?

Wow. I've never seen you this interested in a project before.

-We're making adverts.

-Ooh, that sounds like fun.

Just don't make a mess, please.

-Mine's finished.

-Let me see.

"My name is Harry. I'm ten years old.

"And I get the hiccups if I eat too fast.

"I don't like broccoli or peas, and my favourite animal is a giraffe."

Is there something wrong?

Advertising is all about standing out from the crowd.

How do you mean?

Listen.

"My name is Harry.

"I'm ten years old,

"and I'm an astronaut who's just discovered a brand-new planet.

"And I have magical powers,

"where I can bend spoons with my eyes."

But that's a lie.

How else are you going to find a new family?

It says here you're currently residing at Ashdene Ridge.

That's right.

And how have you found growing up in care?

It's brilliant.

Yeah, Mike, erm...

Well, he's been like a dad to me,

and everybody else.

We're just like one big happy family.

Most of the time, anyway.

So, talk to me about art, Tee.

How does it make you feel?

I'm not sure.

OK.

If I was to tell you that you could never again pick up

a paintbrush or a sketch pad, what would you do?

Do something else, I guess.

That's the wrong answer.

You'd find a bit of floor, a piece of charcoal.

You would never give up.

AUDIENCE OOHS

AUDIENCE AHS

BUZZER SHE SCREAMS

How long have I been a care worker?

I'd say about 30 years now.

And do I enjoy my job?

Well, do I look like a crazy person to you?

But I'll tell you what I really, really hate, shall I?

It's the kids.

All those pesky little kids, all the time,

each with their own problems.

And don't even get me started on the head lice.

LAUGHTER

I take it you based it on someone you know well?

Uh, yeah. Was that wrong?

Not at all. Um, what did you say your name was again?

Erm, it's Carmen.

You don't appear to be on my register.

See, I'm not actually supposed to be here.

I see.

I'm sorry, what was the question?

You told me to walk through sticky mud, right?

Why are you here, Tee?

Here I am.

Because, er...

I don't know.

I can't think straight.

Sorry for wasting your time.

Hey.

-Hey, Tee, slow down.

-I just want to go, OK?

-Why? What's happened?

-I don't want to talk about it, Carms.

I got chased down the corridor by this caretaker.

See, the machine nearly swallowed my pound

and then I ran and hid in this room

and they only went, OK,

they offered me a place on the drama course.

-Are you joking?

-No, I'm being deadly serious.

But you know what this means, don't you?

It means we can be together next year.

-I can't believe you done this.

-Done what?

This was my college and now you've stolen it from me.

Tee, I don't understand.

It always has to be about you, doesn't it?

And I'll tell you why, because you're selfish.

The only person you care about is Carmen.

Tee, that's not true.

Tee, I thought you wanted us to be together!

Yeah, well, it doesn't matter now.

I messed it up.

-Hello?

-Hello.

-Is that the Gazette?

-Yes.

Yeah, I'd like to put an advert in, please.

-Content?

-Content. Yeah. We have one astronaut...

..two princesses,

one who's a vet and one who can fly.

Come on, Floss.

I haven't finished mine yet.

THEY SIGH

Finn, give him yours.

Yeah, hello, and we have an explorer who's also a pirate on Saturdays.

TELEPHONE DIAL TONE

Hello?

I think they hung up.

Oh, well, at least we tried.

What are we going to do now, then?

Stick them in the bin and play outside.

Hold on, people walk down the streets every day.

Don't they?

I can't believe I never thought of this before.

-May-Li.

-Hm?

Oh, Harry, not again.

Come on, let's get you to the bathroom, yeah?

Have you got the posters?

All except Floss.

My glitter's still drying.

We haven't got time to wait.

How many copies?

200 in colour.

If Mike catches you, you're dead.

Then keep a look out.

Are you going to say something, or...?

Tee, I don't know why you're blaming me,

just cos I've finally found something I'm good at.

I didn't mean it like that.

Tee.

You shouldn't have walked out like that.

I'm sorry.

What happened?

I shouldn't have come here.

Tee!

I was about to say it's just as well her artwork

did her talking for her.

What do you mean?

We were going to offer her a place next year.

Such a shame.

Oh, excuse me.

PHOTOCOPIER WHIRS AND GRINDS

PHOTOCOPIER BEEPS

It fell out of my hand.

-You're a liar.

-Take that back.

We just found this.

Why isn't it finished?

Because I didn't want to make a stupid poster in the first place!

That's it. You're out of the game.

You know what? I don't care.

Move.

When we do find families,

don't expect us to say goodbye.

CARMEN PLAYS RANDOM PIANO NOTES

Tee, look, you forgot this.

You'll never guess what. OK, I've spoken to your tutor.

I'm not interested.

'Ah, that's the barbecue sorted.'

All we need now is the guest of honour.

Oh, speak of the devil.

How did the interview go?

Told you she'd mess up.

-KAZ:

-What did you go and say that for?

Well, come on, spill.

Just leave me alone.

Tee?

Don't look at me.

-What do you think you're doing?

-Hiding.

Yeah? That's my bed.

Not for much longer.

Says who?

You're going to college, aren't you?

-Right, get out.

-You can't make me.

I said get out!

You're hurting!

Yeah, well, this is my room and my stuff

and you have no right coming in here.

CHEERS

FIREWORKS EXPLODE

MUSIC: Little Green Bag by George Baker Selection

OK, guys.

You ready?

ALL: Ready.

Let's do this.

Kaz?

Do you think I'm selfish?

Is that a trick question?

No, I know that I was bad in the past

-but I thought that I was better now.

-I suppose.

Then why did Tee say that I was?

I don't know.

Carmen,

not that it matters, but...

I don't think you're selfish.

Ah!

Thanks, Ryan.

In fact, you're probably one of the most generous people I know.

Ah, that's so sweet. Thank you.

(Watch and learn.)

Oh, Carmen, I don't suppose you could do me a favour, could you?

What kind of favour?

Well, it's just me, Tyler and Bailey are in the middle of this game...

-And I'm winning.

-So?

Well, it's my turn to take out the rubbish.

Right.

Yeah. Yeah, sure, I'd happily take the bins out for you.

You know me. Do anything for my friends.

# Tell me now did I get your attention?

# Did you get the answer to your question? #

CAR HORN BLARES

Right, there's one peanut butter and jam sandwich.

I asked for a double decker.

-OK.

-What are you doing?

-Doing what you told me to.

Yeah, he can't wait.

What do you mean "he" can't wait?

Carmen, I've got a French project. Will you help me with it?

You'll have to wait, all right?

The floor could do with a mop as well.

Yeah, I've got one pair of hands.

Don't forget to clean my trainers.

-MIKE:

-Can anyone else smell smoke?

It must be the barbecue.

But I haven't lit it yet.

Come on, who was it, then?

None of us were out here.

Fires don't just start on their own, do they?

Look.

What is it?

It's one of Tee's.

(Oh, no.)

Floss, is that you?

No.

What are you doing up here?

None of your business.

I'm sorry about earlier.

It's not you.

Then what is it?

Why does everything have to change?

How do you mean?

I don't want anyone to leave.

Come here.

Friends are always going to come and go.

That doesn't mean you can't still see them.

OK, look at me, Lily and Carmen. We're still best friends.

I don't want to get any older.

Neither do I.

But do you know what?

You have got plenty of time to have some more fun.

Give Mike a few more grey hairs.

Now, go on, go and find Harry and the twins.

OK?

I wish you weren't going.

Me too.

PHONE RINGS

Hello? Ashdene Ridge.

An astronaut?

I'm sorry, I think you've got the wrong number.

Have you seen Tee?

Erm, not since this morning. Why?

I found her all of her artwork burnt in the garden just now.

Are you looking for Tee?

Yes. Do you know where she is?

Floss?

She's in the attic.

Thank you.

PHONE RINGS

Hello, Ashdene Ridge.

I'm sorry, I don't understand. What do you mean by "princess"?

Ahem!

Not so fast.

Do you know anything about this?

Come on, guys, in the living room. That's right.

You're such a snitch.

Don't be blaming Floss.

Well, if it wasn't for her, you guys could be in a lot more trouble.

You can't go putting personal information out there

for people to see.

I mean, why do you think we monitor what you do

on a computer so carefully, eh?

Hm?

It's to stop you getting into dangerous situations.

We just wanted to find a family.

Yeah, but not like this.

When the time does come...

..let them find you.

Not the other way round.

Does this mean we're grounded?

I'll let you off, just this once.

But one condition.

You guys make friends.

We're sorry for what we said.

It's OK.

So, I guess you're stuck with each other for the time being, eh?

Ah, go on.

FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS

DOOR OPENS

Just had to put a fire out in the garden.

All that hard work.

Doesn't matter now.

So, the interview didn't go very well.

There'll be plenty of other opportunities.

It's not about that.

What's it about?

I'm scared, Mike.

Scared of what?

It'll be time to leave here soon...

..and I don't think I'm ready.

Johnny's gone, and then I'll have no-one.

That's not true.

Isn't it?

Come with me.

There's a box in the bottom of my drawer.

Get it out and have a look and see what's inside it.

It's Tracy.

Yeah, and Lily.

Look, Liam and Frank.

And all of the other kids who've been in my care down the years.

Some of whom have got kids of their own now.

So...

we're not a conventional family,

but that doesn't mean that we're not all here for each other.

You've been in care for most of your life, Tee.

Our duty doesn't end the day that you walk out those doors.

This...

This is the beginning of something...new.

Yeah? There's a whole world out there for you to explore.

And when you get back...

..we'll still be here for you.

OK?

SHE SNIFFS

Thank you.

THEY BOTH SOB

Now...go and freshen yourself up before I embarrass myself even more.

Go on.

Oh.

There is one member of our family

who's particularly concerned about you at the moment.

OK.

-Carmen, listen.

-Listen, Tee.

I'm sorry.

Me, too.

You have nothing to be sorry for.

No, you're right.

Let's face it.

Who really wants to pretend to be a tree for three years?

You're the one that's talented, Tee.

-So are you.

-No, I mean REALLY talented.

Yeah, well... Doesn't really matter now, anyway.

Promise you won't get mad.

Carmen?

It's just that art tutor really wanted to offer you a place.

So, I called up pretending to be you.

And said what?

I accepted on your behalf.

I've messed up again, haven't I?

I can't believe you did that!

THEY LAUGH

Best friends?

Sisters.

Right, well, seeing as we're sisters, come on.

Come on, up you get.

Your trainers.

They used to be blue.

Sorry, I think I cleaned them a little bit too hard.

Jodie, here's your homework. All translated into German.

But I asked for French.

Did you? Oh...

Let's not forget about Ryan's washing.

Ahem.

What have you done?

I think pink suits you.

That's the last time I ask you to help me out.

Me too.

Too easy.

Yes. 'Scuse me!