Episode 5 32 Brinkburn Street

Will you sign the house over to me? I need to get a loan for IVF.

I asked you not to.

Well, you don't need to worry about it any more because he said no.

-Francis?

-Most people call me Frank.

I'm sorry, Frank...

I split up from my boyfriend. I just want to go home.

Stay away from my daughter.

You remember Mrs Barratt?

I thought we could ask her to take Violet in before she starts to show.

Poppy!

-You should come to America with me.

-I've got children.

Then you should all come with me.

'Oh, I heard a shocking thing this morning.'

Police found a dead body in the canal.

That belter of a wife of yours,

bet she wouldn't say no to being with a real man for a change.

You should never have threatened her, Billy.

What am I going to do with you, hey?

My name is Frank and this is my family home, 32 Brinkburn Street.

It's 1931, the year before I was born,

when the world was a very different place to what it is today.

This is the story of my family, then and now.

I was worried about you. When you didn't come back for your tea, I thought...

There's nothing to worry about.

There was someone following me, but I managed to get rid of them.

The same people who killed your friend?

Listen, this time tomorrow I'll be on that ship to America and this'll be all over.

Then in a couple of weeks we'll be together always.

You'll be sick of me by Christmas.

I still can't believe you said yeah.

DOOR OPENS

So you don't forget about me when you're with all those American girls. I know it's nothing...

I'll look after it for you.

One less thing for you to pack.

Go.

Have a good run?

Yeah, cleared a few cobwebs.

-You didn't sleep at all, did you?

-Well, a bit.

What do you think? Not really.

Me neither, well not much, anyway.

But you know what?

At least we know she's all right.

-What, one text?!

-Well, it's better than nothing.

Nick, I know that you're thinking this is the end of the world,

but it could be a lot worse. We know where Poppy is, we know she's safe.

Safely in that boy's bed.

I know it's hard for you, love, but...

-You think it's my fault.

-I never said that.

-You're probably right.

-Look, she's putting you through this to prove a point, but she will come home.

Till then, you and I've got to cope the best we can.

-She rung?

-No.

-Oh.

Well, chin up, Nick. Who'd be a parent, eh?

In a way it's a pity you're going.

Your being here keeps him on his toes at least.

Back to his bone idle self the minute you walk out the door.

Talking of bone idle, that Billy Lamb's place

hasn't been open for a while. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?

I've told you, I'm not friends with that man.

We just went for a few drinks, that's all.

-Well, I'd better finish packing.

-You'll be keeping that wireless, I take it?

Thought I might leave it as a present for the family.

Oh, actually, I'll leave this too.

-Very kind.

-New York'll be very nice.

Yeah, it'll be wonderful.

Can I take a photo? Please! Please!

I don't see why not.

Stand next to Mam.

Smile!

Frank?

-Sorry.

-Who the devil are you?

What's the point? We don't even know his address.

No, but we do know where he studies.

Someone might know him.

Come on, it's something.

So this is the young whippersnapper your father's been hunting down.

Well, don't fret. His bark's worse than his bite.

-I hope.

-Yeah, he'd better not go off on one.

I wouldn't bet on it. Oh. If I were you, I'd do a runner, mate.

I don't believe it. You, in.

You, disappear, now!

-No, just stay there!

-Move it!

No, because if he goes, I go with him.

Don't push it, young lady.

-All right, Nick, come on.

-All right what?

I've been sitting in there for days worrying myself sick and he just swans in here, standing there...

He? He? He has a name, you know.

-I told you he'd be like this, I knew it.

-Look, just get in.

-You, you are so close, young man!

-Stop threatening him! Stop it!

-Threatening him? I'm going to kill him.

-Stop it!

Do you have any idea what you put us through?

-You are such a selfish little girl.

-How am I selfish?

-You went behind my back.

-Just stop it, please.

-Do you realise how much trouble you're in? How old she is?

-I do, yeah. Which is why I haven't...

-How old are you again?

-Right, stop it, Nick, come on.

-No, I want to hear him say it. How old are you?

-Stop it! Stop it now!

Listen to yourselves, having a slanging match in the back yard.

You, you call yourself a family?

Well, I won't put up with it, do you hear? Not in my house, not ever.

You either start acting like human beings or you get out.

What the hell was that, Nick? Do you really think that's...

-What are you doing?

-Something I should have done a long time ago.

What, you're leaving us? Running away?

It's not like anyone needs me here.

Everyone just ignores everything I say or do.

You don't listen to me, Poppy doesn't listen to me...

-So you think you're just going to leave us both, do you?

-I'm sure you'll be fine without me.

Listen to yourself, Nick. This isn't the answer.

Do you need me, Ellie?

What?

Really?

Do you need me?

You're not leaving me. You're not leaving me.

-You're not leaving.

-I...

You've got to stop beating yourself up, all right?

Poppy doesn't want a perfect dad and I don't want a perfect husband.

We just want you, love.

Why would anyone want me?

I made you some sandwiches for the journey.

Three whole weeks without you. I don't know how I'm going to cope.

You'll be busy finding us somewhere to live.

I'll write as soon as I get settled. I'm going to look after you, Gracie.

I'm going to give you and the kids the best life I possibly can.

-Will you meet me in the park before I go? Half ten?

-Course I will.

Oh, sorry. I thought you'd gone.

That's all right. I suppose you can't wait to get your old room back, eh?

Can't all go to America, can we? Don't forget these.

Thanks.

Well, that'll be me off then.

Look after yourselves, yeah?

And all the best.

I mean, look at me - a self-made man(!)

A business practically bankrupt, debts up to my eyeballs,

daughter that can't stand the sight of me...

That's not true. She came back.

Probably because she ran out of money.

No, because she wanted to see you. Because she loves you.

I just never feel good enough.

Well, start to, all right?

I was thinking. Waiting for this baby,

I know it's been a pressure on everybody.

So I was thinking that maybe, you know, we should both of us,

maybe we should take a bit of time...

..and think about what we have got.

I do need you, I do.

And Poppy needs you too.

And if or when... we have a baby of our own,

he or she will love you just as much as we do.

But we're not much of a family if you keep packing a bag every time things get rough, are we?

Who knows what's going to happen, eh?

But whatever, I do need you with me.

We do this together, Nick.

-You seem a bit preoccupied today, Joy.

-Do I?

I'm just feeling a little sick, that's all.

-Where are your reading glasses?

-Homesick?

All that I'm saying is, maybe it's time you saw your family again.

-I told you it's not that easy, Frank.

-Why?

Because you're not supposed to be here in the first place?

Dr Mitchell told me. I know, Joy.

-You know what?

-Why didn't you tell me?

I know you're here illegally.

Right.

Is it true?

No...

Yes... Sort of.

And the right answer is?

I came here on a two-year visa. I worked as a nurse,

and then when my visa ran out I'd already met someone

and I couldn't stand the thought of leaving.

-So I stayed.

-Why?

-You're a clever woman.

-I know it was stupid.

Not just the visa. I mean, why stay for a weasel like Dr Mitchell?

You know about that too?

Yeah. I saw you the other day in the hallway.

He's married, Joy.

I know, but I didn't know when we first got together.

And you can't just turn off your feelings.

No luck or love ever came from an affair.

As soon as you knew he was with someone you should have left well alone.

-What do you think you're doing?

-Nana's cold.

I'll go.

HE COUGHS

Can I have a moment alone with Poppy, please?

I shouldn't have had a go like that. I'm sorry.

Do you want to say it like you mean it?

-I do mean it, Pops.

-Right, so you're not just saying it because Ellie told you to?

The thing is... The thing is, Poppy,

I just worry. There's such a big age gap between the two of you.

-There's three years and two months.

-That's a lot at your age.

-What, so you think he's using me?

-You're underage, Poppy.

-So that's a yes then.

I know you think this is some great big love affair...

How could it be? Oh no, he couldn't possibly just want me for me.

I know you're on the pill, Poppy.

I know that you're...

-Active.

-Active!

-I'm serious.

-Yes, Dad, and so are we!

You know, for the record, we haven't even actually had sex yet.

And it was Mikey's idea for us not to.

I'm not saying that it's going to last forever.

No, actually I am.

-Yeah, it will. Do you know why? Because I love him.

-You love him.

No, I do. And we'd still be together now if he hadn't brought me back here.

Well, it shows he has some sense, I suppose.

Dad, why would I go out with anyone who doesn't have sense?

OK, all right.

I'll give him a chance, OK?

-I may have been a bit over the top.

-A bit?

Don't push it, young lady.

-I don't know what to do.

-Do what you should have done months ago. Go home, back to your family.

Train to be the doctor you want to be.

I can't. My ticket expired and it's not like I can afford another one.

No, but, er, but I can.

-You're not serious?

-I'm upset that you haven't been totally honest with me, but I want to help.

You know, Joy, I've only known you a short time but you've certainly lived up to your name.

I can't take that.

You can and you will.

Call it a bonus. For your family.

I don't know what to say.

Well, say you'll take me into town.

I've got to go to the bank anyway, I've got another little surprise up my sleeve.

He's a mean soul, your husband.

If he put three pieces of coal on that fire, it'd be three more than he wanted to.

-I'll bank it up before I go.

-Go where?

I'm just nipping to the Co-op. We need some eggs.

-Oh, I'll come too.

-No, I want you to stay and look after Nora.

Oh, we'll both come.

It's raining.

It's not raining.

It's cloudy and cold. Stay put, please.

Oh, well, please yourself.

SHE COUGHS

SHE SCREAMS

Who?

Who is it?

Walter!

Billy Lamb.

You'll let me freeze to death up here.

Sorry, Mam, the door was a bit stiff. I'll bring it up in a minute.

Actually, Mam, would you mind nipping to the Co-op for me after all?

I'll look after Nora.

Well, make your bloomin' mind up.

FOOTSTEPS LEAVE

You'll hang for this.

I mean, even if the police don't lynch you,

Billy Lamb's cronies will.

I got into such a mess, Gracie.

A mess? A mess?!

Is that what you call this?

Billy Lamb's body is lying in our cellar.

What was going on between you and him?

He was never away from the door.

So?

I owed him some money.

It started off as nothing, just a few bob here and there,

-but I just kept getting in deeper and deeper.

-Gambling?

-I knew it.

-I know I should have told you,

but how do you admit that someone's got control over you?

He just wanted more and more.

Started making me do jobs for him.

A few days ago on a job,

I ran, left him.

-The police came.

-That's why he was looking for you.

He was mad.

Made me sign the house over to him.

He threatened you and Violet.

So you killed him?

What kind of man would I be if I'd stood back and watched him destroy my family?

You.

The girls.

This house.

They mean everything to me.

I wasn't going to let him take that.

-Walter...

-Don't worry.

I'm going to hand myself in.

-I don't want any of this coming back on you and the girls.

-It's not that.

I won't leave you with much,

but you'll have the house.

I'll make this right.

I don't want you to hand yourself in.

We'll think of something.

DOOR OPENS

Oh, I see. You send me out to do some shopping so you can have a nice drink.

Sit down, Mam.

Please.

So can Mikey stay the night? In separate rooms, of course.

Hear that strange scraping sound? It's the sound of luck being pushed.

-All right.

-Thanks, Mr Milliner.

-Nick, please.

Oh! Peace has broke out.

Right, me and Joy are just nipping out for a bit.

So don't do anything I wouldn't do.

I won't be long.

What have you done?

You have to believe me. I did it for the right reasons.

Well, I wish my Harold was here,

because I'm scared.

I'm scared too.

But now's not the time to fall apart.

Come on, where's that tough old bird I'm used to?

I'm going to sort this.

I've got everything but the candlesticks. It's too risky.

Make sure you're not seen.

Take this for the plaster.

Thanks.

Oh, hello?

Yeah, is that Fairfield Lodge?

No, I was just calling to make a general enquiry, really.

Hey, hey.

For a horrible moment there, I thought you weren't going to come.

Hey, no frowns on that beautiful face.

It's not going to be long now. We're going to be together, and we're going to be free.

I'm sorry.

What?

What is it, the kids?

You know I'll really look after them. I'm going to work hard and I'm going to...

Listen to me.

Listen to me. I love you.

I love you.

I know this is big step, but you know it's the right one, don't you?

-Sweetheart, if you don't tell me what it is, I'm not going to get on the ship.

-He's killed someone.

Walter, he killed Billy Lamb.

He did it to protect the house, to protect us. I don't know what to do.

-I'll sort this.

-You know you can't stay!

-They'll find you.

-I don't care.

I'm not leaving him, Francis.

Walter, my family, they need me here.

I have to stay here.

There's no man alive that needs you more than I do.

I can't live my life without you, Gracie.

I'm not going to lose you now.

Don't you love me?

You know I do. But what difference does love make now?

It means everything!

In a minute, you're going to walk away from me, and it's going to kill me.

But I can't leave my family.

There's three tickets in here for America.

They're valid for a month, OK?

If you don't use them, you can sell the tickets.

I think you're going to be needing this.

You're so beautiful.

Please don't make this worse.

One flight home, Dr Joy.

Thank you so much, Frank. I can't believe I'm going to see everyone again.

Will you be in trouble?

Here, I mean, you know, with the visa and that.

Oh, no. They don't have a problem with you leaving the country.

You should come and visit.

-The weather would do you good, and I'll tell everyone about the wonderful Frank Ogilvie.

-You do that.

I can't thank you enough, Frank.

You can thank me by not selling yourself short ever again.

I promise. I won't.

-You said you'd look after the kids for me.

-You don't even have to ask.

No. But there is something I do need to ask you.

DOOR OPENS

Joy. You really should start making appointments, you know.

Is there something I can help you with?

Shame on you.

You're spineless.

You lied to me. You lied to your family.

You're pathetic.

-Oh, hello, Dad. No Joy?

-No, she had to go home.

-Oh. Nothing serious, I hope?

-No, she's fine.

-Where are all the crisps?

-There aren't any.

I go away for two days, and you've stopped shopping for me?

-Shoot me.

-Dad, can we have some money?

-No.

Well, me and Mikey need to get some paint.

-What do you need paint for?

-To cover that wallpaper, it's well creepy.

-Have you asked Frank?

-Frank. Please can I paint it, please?

-Course you can.

-Or, even better, can I have the attic as a little flat?

I thought that made you scared.

Sorry. God, it's years since anybody slept up there.

We used to have loads of lodgers, but nobody ever settled.

-That's because it's skanky.

-Go on, then.

Ellie, do you want to help me pick the colours?

-Yeah, course I will.

-OK.

Dad?

Tester pots!

Thanks. Come on.

-See you all later.

-See you, Michael. Nice to see you.

See you.

There's something I've got to tell you.

Here.

Well, it won't open itself.

You're kidding me.

I learned a long time ago never to kid, especially when it comes to money matters.

Dad!

Give over.

Frank! Are you sure about this?

Well, I mean, it's got noisy pipes, creaking floorboards and, yeah,

I'll admit, dodgy wallpaper.

And maybe it has seen better days, but let's face it, we all have.

What made you change your mind?

Well, there's always been a strong family at the heart of this house,

and I know there still will be.

I mean, it's not the coming together, it's the staying together that counts.

I can't believe it.

-Oh, Dad, we're going to look after you so well.

-I haven't told you the best bit.

I'm going into a nursing home.

I'm going for a viewing on Monday.

No, you're not. No way. You're not going anywhere.

My mind's made up.

All done.

Had a job getting the plaster.

Had to borrow half the tools off Ronnie Fox.

Elizabeth.

I am sorry for all this.

When Gracie married you,

I told her she was making the biggest mistake of her life.

I thought you were spineless.

That's why I wouldn't let you have the house. I knew you'd gamble it away.

But...maybe I have underestimated you.

DOOR CLOSES

Maybe you're not so spineless after all.

"Take down this book And slowly read

"And dream of the soft look your eyes had once

"And of their shadows deep."

"How many loved your moments of glad grace

"And loved your beauty with love false or true?"

"But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you

"And loved the sorrows of your changing face.

"And bending down beside the glowing bars

"Murmur, a little sadly How love fled

"And paced upon the mountains overhead

"And hid his face amid a crowd of stars."

Yeah, most of this can go to charity.

What?

I feel mercenary, it's like we're pushing you out of your own home.

Give your tongue a rest, it's what I want.

-It's my choice.

-I know it is, but...

It's a chance for you, Ellie, to be a family, remortgage,

use the money for IVF, whatever you want.

I want you to stay, Dad.

How can we live here without you, eh?

-You talk about being a family - you're part of the team too.

-I'm on the bench now.

Too ill to stay here, darling.

I'm not going to get any better.

Dad!

If I didn't love you so much, I'd shake you.

So you agree I'm right.

OK.

There's one condition, then, right?

I'm not having you go just anywhere.

We find the best place, and we use money from the house to pay for it.

You drive a hard bargain.

Come on. This stuff won't sort itself out.

Give us that.

Are you sure it's OK for me to come back in here?

Before Blackpool, I mean?

-Sit down.

-What is it?

America?

But why are you giving me this?

This is your choice, Violet.

Whatever you want, I'll stand by you.

But if you go to Blackpool, make no mistake, you're going there to hide.

And the shame of this baby will follow both of you through your lives.

But if you go to New York, you'll step off that boat your own woman.

It's your chance to escape that shame.

No snide comments, no spiteful stares.

You've got to be brave, Vi.

I'll always be with you.

Always.

But I won't know anybody.

You will.

I've kept your secret, Vi.

Now you have to keep mine.

-So who's Sid?

-I don't know.

I wasn't even born then. Must be from your mother's side of the family.

No, but that's at your house. It's like I'm looking at you.

Grandma Gracie looks like she knows him very well.

Can I keep this, Dad?

Yeah, you can have anything you like from me, love. Anything.

'Why can't we, though?'

Too messy a job.

What is there to mess up?

I reckon it's probably structural.

Actually, it's not. The load bearing wall's on the other side.

Oh, come on, Dad. It'll make the room look miles cooler.

-Cooler?

-Oh, please?

I think I'll need a bigger hammer.

It's ready.

I'll get some sheets.

-Where are we going?

-Don't open your eyes, just keep them closed.

OK, open them.

You look ridiculous!

-Step back, young man.

-Hang on. You know what?

Dad's got to see this, hasn't he? I've got to get Dad, just wait one minute.

What are you doing?

Go and play out the front.

You want me to go up there? You must be kidding.

It's like climbing Mount Everest.

Well, I won't miss them stairs.

Blimey, it's Action Man.

-Told you it would be worth it, didn't I?

-OK.

Here we go.

One more should do it, I think.

Right you are.

No one talks about this. Ever.

There's something in there.

Oh, my...

Dad?

Dad!

DISTANT SIREN

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