Viva Carmen Tracy Beaker Returns

Can I help you?

Hello, I've arranged to see my daughter.

I'm Helen, Carmen's mum.

Have a seat, I'll just go and get the boss.

It's been a while, maybe I should come back another day.

I reckon Carmen would rather that you stay,

since you are already here.

Let us know when it's sorted. Thanks. Bye.

Hiya. Carmen's mum's here.

Shall I let her in?

What? She said she arranged it.

That was Carmen's social worker saying that it hasn't been approved.

Helen.

You can't be here. This is not working.

Hello, sweetheart.

-No!

-Carmen!

ALL SPEAK AT ONCE

We've been here before, Helen.

This is just an acknowledgement of your request.

-The visit has to be agreed by the social worker.

-I know.

-I'm sorry. I should have waited.

-Yes.

You should.

Mike.

Things are different now.

I've got my priorities right and I'm here to show Carmen I've changed.

I mean it this time.

I know I've been a terrible mum and...

I've made some mistakes, some horrible mistakes, but...

I'm past all that now and I want to try and make it right.

-She deserves it.

-Look, we'll go through the proper

procedures and if social services say yes then I'll talk to Carmen.

It's up to her whether she wants to see you or not.

How long till you go back to Spain?

As long as it takes for me to see my daughter.

I'm sorry if I mislead you.

Would you give this to Carmen for me?

Right, I'll show you out.

Thanks.

I am so sorry, I should have read the letter that she had.

When she said she was Carmen's mum I just, I don't know, I just thought.

You thought how great it would have been

if your mum had turned up like that. I'm sorry.

I understand. Let me sort the situation out, will you?

-She's gone.

-Don't know why she came.

Don't want her here. I hate her.

What?

-Doesn't matter.

-Tell me.

Well, don't hate me, but...

your mum's still alive.

And you don't want to see her when...

I'd give anything to see my mum.

But she's, you know...

Your mum probably didn't lock you in the house on your own

for a week and then go on holiday.

Poor Carmen.

Poor Carmen?

Hasn't seen her mum in what, well not since we've been here.

Then screams her head off and runs away, how dumb is that?

No way her mum's going to come back now.

Who cares, they're just parents.

You don't know what's gone on.

She's probably got reasons why she doesn't want to see her mum.

What happens if she's like your dad?

-He is not our dad.

-She's still your mum though, isn't she?

I don't see her fighting to get you back.

Liam.

You take that back.

Huh! Make me.

-Liam! You started it.

-I don't care! Get off!

Get off! I told you. Liam!

Liam, get off!

Hey! Stop it!

-Come here.

-Ow!

Pity about you. I don't know what's got into you two, eh?

You can both go up to your rooms

and sit and think about your ridiculous behaviour.

I mean, really. And I'm docking both of you £10 from your allowance

and giving it to charity.

No, that's not fair cos he started it.

Well, you know what,

you should have thought of that before you started brawling.

We were all right until she met Lee.

Mum said she loved him.

That I'd understand when I got older.

Was he mean to you?

He didn't like sharing mum.

So they started leaving me on my own when they went out.

Said that it was best not to make a fuss.

Hi.

I told your mum I'd give you this.

D'you want me to bin it instead? I'm really sorry about what happened.

I thought she'd been given permission. And, well,

I guess I thought you'd be happy to see her.

She promised she'd come back.

She never did.

Until now.

Sounds like my mum,

she used to do the same.

-Does it hurt?

-It's throbbing a bit.

Can't believe you went for Liam like that.

I just lost it. When he started talking about Mum.

He was kind of right.

What are you moving out the way for?

You're kicking it too hard.

-I'm not kicking it hard. It's your turn in goal, get back in.

-No.

What do you want me to do, roll it at you?

Stop shouting!

I'm sorry. I just get wound up.

Why is that?

Johnny thinks parents are the answer to everybody's problems.

So...

You still don't get it, do you?

-You've got a family.

-One granddad.

-Yeah, one granddad more than me.

I've been in care homes all my life. This is it for me.

I just wish everybody would stop talking about stupid families.

I'll go in.

Anyone seen Carmen?

Hmm?

Thanks for your help(!)

We are going to have to do something for them,

the atmosphere is terrible.

-Cinema?

-I reckon it's worse than that.

-Bowling, then.

-That's a good idea.

-Won't work.

-How do you know what we're talking about?

Kids only get taken bowling if you're trying

to distract them from something. It won't work, they're on to you.

We've been working here a while, we ought to know what we're doing.

I'll give you that.

You don't mind if I stay here,

just that I've got laundry to do.

That's fine.

When the bowling doesn't work out, let me know, I've got a better plan.

Could you gather everybody up, I need to find Carmen.

Her mum's visit has been approved.

Do you mind if I join you?

Listen, you don't have to make a decision straight away.

But the social worker said it's OK for your mum to visit.

-Only if you want her to.

-No.

Carmen, I know she let you down badly last time,

but she seems to be making a genuine effort now.

So, have a think.

Whatever you decide, we'll back you 100 per cent.

Hmm?

In the meantime, we are going bowling.

That will cheer you up, eh?

Or you can stay with Tracy?

So who's ready to go out and have some fun?

Come on, guys, let's hear it. Cheer up, you miserable lot.

Come on, come on. Off you go.

You enjoy yourself, go on.

Yeah, that's not going to work.

Come on, let's have fun.

Mike says my mum's allowed to visit.

-If I say yes...

-I know, I heard.

-What should I say?

-Say no.

-Why?

Cos any mum who leaves their daughter in a house

on their own for a week to go on holiday

doesn't deserve a second chance.

Lily told me.

It wasn't that bad. She left food and DVDs.

Still doesn't make it right.

But what if she's changed? Maybe she's nicer now.

What if I say no and she is different?

Then I'll never find out.

You're right. Even when I knew my mum wouldn't show up,

I still agreed to the visits.

-Why?

-Cos that way I couldn't blame myself for not seeing her.

If she showed up, great. If she didn't...

It was her loss, wasn't it?

-Don't ever talk to me again.

-Like I was going to.

Can you two stop arguing?

That's enough. Everybody upstairs to bed.

-What did I do?

-You threw a drink at at Toby when he didn't...

Did I even ask you?

Would you all shut up now?!

SHE GROANS

Went well, then?

-Mike...

-Yeah?

-I'm going to say yes to my mum's visit.

-Are you sure?

-I'm sure.

OK.

Everyone's in a bad mood.

Thank you, Gus. We know that.

It's cos of Carmen's mum, two fights, Sapphire and Toby arguing.

-Yes, thank you very much, Gus.

-Great, hey.

That was so much fun, let's do it all again at lunchtime?

-Told you a treat wouldn't work.

-All right, Tracy.

Tell us, what's your solution?

If you want to distract them,

you don't need a treat, you need a disaster.

Well, what kind of disaster?

Ah, you leave that to me.

My tummy's fluttering.

You should have eaten something, then.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH I can't, I feel sick.

What's going on?

-TV's gone off.

-I'm in the middle of a game.

Is someone having a laugh?

All right, calm down, everybody. We'll sort this out.

There's obviously been a power cut. So we need to go round the house,

and unplug everything.

Because if we have a power surge, we don't want anything to get broken.

-Off you go, go on.

-Come on.

-And be careful as you're going along.

-Tracy, a word.

I'm just going to call the electricity people.

It's only for a couple of hours.

I don't know about this.

What do you think?

Well, when I was a kid I used to enjoy power cuts.

You know, we had to light candles and tell stories.

You can switch the power on

whenever you like and say it got fixed.

In the meantime, they're distracted.

Good. We'll turn it on later this afternoon. What's the time?

-9:40.

-Helen's late.

-How you doing?

-She's not coming.

She's only a bit late. Maybe she got held up, yeah?

I knew this was a waste of time. KNOCK AT DOOR

How do I look?

You look lovely, Carmen.

I am so sorry. Road works everywhere and the taxi just...

-You must've thought I wasn't coming.

-It's OK, Mum.

It's not. It's really not.

But I am going to make it up to you.

You'll see.

-Hi, Mike.

-Hi.

-Um...

-Tracy.

-Tracy.

Well, sweetie, I have a taxi waiting for us outside to take us into town.

-Are you ready?

-I'll get my stuff.

Don't forget your shopping list.

-Lilly!

-Glad to see you're well prepared.

-I hope it's a long list.

-Right, have fun.

And you.

-We've switched everything off.

-Now there's nothing to do.

What are you talking about? There's loads to do.

We have to empty the freezer, we have to prepare the garden.

-Come on!

-What for?

For a barbecue. Come on!

Yeah!

MUSIC: "Walking On Sunshine" by Katrina & The Waves

# I used to think maybe you loved me

# Now, baby, I'm sure

# And I just can't wait till the day when you knock on my door

# Now every time I go for the mail box, gotta hold myself down... #

MOBILE RINGS

# Cos I just can't wait till you write me

# You're comin' around

# I'm walking on sunshine, woah-oh!

# I'm walking on sunshine, woah-oh!

# I'm walking on sunshine, woah-oh!

# And don't it feel good?

# Hey! All right, now.

# And don't it feel good?

# Hey! Yeah!

# And don't it feel good? #

I know none of this can make up for what I've done.

-That's OK, Mum.

-It's not.

I never, ever should have left you alone for a week.

I can't believe the terrible way I treated you.

I'm your mother.

How could I do that to you?

Cos you were in love, remember?

I'll never forgive myself.

MOBILE RINGS

You should answer it. It might be someone important.

It can't be important enough to interrupt my day with my daughter.

It's Lee.

Don't worry, darling.

-We broke up.

-Oh.

-Sorry.

-Don't be.

When you fall in love, you...

really fall.

Wasn't that stupid of me?

I'm fine, it's just...

I've been so lonely since he went.

Don't worry, you'll find someone loads better.

I hope you're right.

Of course I am. You're so pretty, you're bound to find someone else.

-I wish I could stay with you.

-You can!

I can't, sweetie.

I have just had the best idea.

Come with me to Spain!

You know I would have taken you with me if I could.

But Lee said it wouldn't work and...

-Well, he's gone now, so you can come.

-So, like, for a holiday?

No, silly.

To live!

-Helen, you really should discuss this with Mike first.

-But...

Of course. You're right.

16, 17, 18,

19, 20, 21...

-Wow, Spain, that's amazing...

-Aw! >

Isn't it?

-I don't know.

-They were having a nice time till Helen mentioned Spain.

Well, it's a good job you brought them back.

We looked round the house, this is what I found.

-Why do you need torches and candles?

-Because the electricity company

-are not coming until tomorrow morning. Thank you.

-Really?

I thought they said they'd have men in the area later on today.

No, tomorrow morning. Yeah.

Good job, boys.

-Why don't you go and check the shed?

-THEY GRUMBLE

Look, Gina, they're going to get suspicious.

Why would they?

I mean, just look how things have changed, yeah?

Girls.

Can I have a word?

Sweetheart!

Carmen, your mum and I have talked with social services.

Now, it'll take some time to set it up,

but if it's what you want, they can get things moving so you

can spend a short trial period living with your mum in Spain.

-See how it goes.

-Now, I know this is a really big deal for you.

So I'm going to give you some space to think about it. OK?

I've had a really great day with you, sweetie.

And I hope it's the first of many.

But...if you decide you want to stay here,

then I'll support you. And I'll still be your mum, whatever happens.

OK?

-Bye, Mum.

-Bye, darling.

See you.

Hey, I'm just going to turn the electricity on for a bit.

I want to check my e-mails.

Why not leave it till morning? Why take the risk?

There could be something urgent.

-Are you sure they're all asleep?

-Promise you. Dead to the world.

My go.

What are you doing up?

Couldn't sleep.

Thinking about Spain?

-I'm not going.

-How come?

-I'm happy here.

I reckon you'd be pretty happy in Spain too.

It's a long way away, and what if I don't make friends there?

What if I don't fit in at the school?

-What if I don't like the food?

-That's just cos you scared.

-Just don't think about that, think about what you want.

-Liam's right.

Yeah, because this is about

whether you want to live with your mum or not.

Thanks, guys.

CLOCK BEEPS

Power must be back on.

Don't look at my cards.

(Lily, Lily.)

I've decided,

I'm going to Spain.

-Where's mine?

-Frank's just gone.

That's weird.

I hope it was worth the risk.

Yes. No urgent e-mails.

I'll rest easy in my bed tonight.

Boys, I think we've been had.

You won't regret it, darling, I promise.

Oh, we are going to have so much fun together!

I'm going to miss you, Carmen.

You don't have to. You can come and visit.

Oh, she can come for Christmas.

Why not? You will love Christmas in Spain.

We go to the beach.

-I'm going to Spain!

-Me too!

That's right. Elm Tree House.

Very urgent. Yes!

Who are you talking to, Gus?

The electricity men.

I found this old phone, and it works.

Gina Conway. She works here.

He wants to talk to you.

Hello?

Er, yes, well, we have had sort of a...

power cut.

Yes, I understand you don't expect to hear it from a child.

No, no-one has been messing around with the electricity.

I-Investigation team?

No, I don't think that anyone should get fined.

What?

Yes, someone will be here when the team arrive.

Why didn't you bring a torch, Mike?

It was broad daylight and I wasn't carrying one.

CLANKING

Is the fuse box on this wall?

Which wall? I can't even see you.

Is this it?

Cancel the investigation team, I think we found the problem.

-LAUGHTER

-I was...

-acting.

-Right. Busted.

Before you form a lynch mob, it wasn't our idea.

-It was...

-Tracy?

I've got to get going, or I'll miss my flight.

Cheer up, at least we've got all the paperwork done

and we'll be together again soon, for good this time.

CHILDREN PROTESTING

-Con-artist.

-Tracy!

All right. Easy, guys. I only suggested doing it for a few hours.

-It was these two that turned it into a 24-hour special.

-Oh!

MOBILE RINGS

-Is that Lee again?

-Yes. And do you know what? I'm going to tell him

that you're moving in, and I don't ever want to see him again.

-Is there somewhere I can take this?

-Mmm-hmm. Just through there.

-Thanks.

I thought you had to go. You don't need to answer it, hang up.

It'll only take a second, sweetie.

He is going to be so jealous when I tell him what we've done.

Mum, please.

Lee?

Yes. I'm not interested.

Wonderful news, darling.

Lee and I are going to give it another go.

Oh, no, don't look like that.

He's already agreed that you can come and live with us.

Not straight away, of course.

The flat really isn't big enough for three, but we're going

to find somewhere bigger, and when we are settled in, you can join us.

So that's really good news, isn't it?

Well, don't be sulky, sweetie.

This time yesterday you didn't even know you were coming.

Helen, you need to leave now.

-I'm saying goodbye to my daughter.

-Go away.

-You heard her.

I know how this must look...

but I'm doing my best.

You don't know how hard it's been for me,

while you've been here, enjoying yourself.

-Helen, please.

-Right.

Well, I can see she's in good hands.

It's nice to meet you all.

You know what, she doesn't get off that lightly.

Ooh, no, no, no, no, I'm not missing this.

Stay.

Have you got any idea what it's like

to be on the rotten end of your selfish little games?

Selfish, me?

Your behaviour stinks, and so do you for putting Carmen through this.

Have you ever thought about anyone else?

I've not been having an easy time of it lately.

You again? Listen to yourself, it's all about you.

What about your daughter?

You dumped her to live in Spain with your boyfriend,

and when went it didn't work out, you wanted your daughter back.

Unbelievably, she gave you a chance,

and what did you do? Dumped her again.

Well, I'm glad that you dumped her,

because let me tell you, Carmen deserves better, way better.

You're right, Tracy, you're so right.

I don't want to hear it, and I bet Carmen doesn't either,

so do us all a favour, and shove off back to Spain. Adios!

THEY CHEER

Come on, let's go home.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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