What Lies Beneath Doctors

Are you ready? We need to hurry, or I will be late.

What time does registry open? Is it ten o'clock?

It is ten o'clock, but it says here, "Theology enrolment from the 23rd." Next Monday.

And you did not think to check it before now?

I assumed you could register straightaway. Sorry, this is not a good start!

What are you going to do all morning? There is no time to organise anything else.

I could come with you to the campus.

I could even help you with your work.

I am very busy this morning. There is a medical audit to collate.

All the more reason why you need more help!

Oh, come on!

OK, you win. Arguments, yes, but silences, I cannot do.

I'll make a note of that.

Life's too short.

Great. So, let's go back to the bit where I win.

I'll cancel the scan. Happy?

Yep.

Now at least perhaps we can move on with our lives.

Except I don't believe you.

What? You don't trust me?

-Come on, Zara.

-We're about to be parents together, and you can't even...

Are you coming to work or not?

I was hoping to get this audit finished while it was still quiet.

I can do some filing for you.

As I explained, this is a paperless office!

-Oh, here are the doctors.

-Morning.

Good morning, doctor.

Mrs Tembe, I need to move my appointments around this morning,

I've got a conference call at eleven. Half an hour should do the trick.

Could you let the other doctor on duty know, please?

But that is Dr Granger.

-Mmm-hmm.

-I am very busy this morning!

-What she said.

-Thanks for letting me know.

Although this is a medical practice,

sometimes it closely resembles a primary school.

Zumba, that was fun, wasn't it?

And now Zorbing!

Er, I don't think so. Not this afternoon, anyway.

Oh, why not?

Because we can't keep taking time off work, that's why not.

But it's when we're closed, this afternoon.

Well, if you don't want to, I can always cancel.

It's not that I don't want to,

I just that we should schedule these things for after work.

Well, they're only open today, and I thought, you know, carpe diem!

Sorry.

Ah, well, you can understand.

She probably thinks it's a young person's thing.

Mrs Tembe, is everything...

-Oh, no! Look at this!

-Sorry!

-Oh!

-Hi! Erm, Immie left her phone charger.

-Erm, yes.

Akono Mezu, this is Jack Hollins, the son of a colleague.

-He is a student.

-You are studying at the university too?

Ah, now, here is an idea. Maybe Jack could show you around!

Yes!

Ah, I'm sorry, I'm busy.

-Ah, a lecture!

-No.

So what are you doing exactly?

-Well, I've got a meeting at one o'clock.

-It is only 9:40.

-Yeah, I know, but I've got...

-I remember your mother mentioning

that you worked as a guide for visiting students.

Last year.

I am prepared to pay you the going rate.

OK. Let's go.

That's how you spell "futility," isn't it?

Yeah.

It's for my creative writing course.

-Oh, how's that going?

-Oh, really well! Daryl's been very encouraging!

Is he, now?

Yeah, very!

We had to do a short story based on our worst fear and mine is drowning.

So I had this idea. You know how when you drown, you're supposed to see your life flash...?

Well, my character sees this extraordinary life

flashing before her eyes, full of amazing things,

and then she realises it's the life that she should have had, but didn't.

That's great!

I got the idea from us doing the bucket list!

Oh, speaking of which, the Zorbing.

I've been able to move things around so I can come with you after all. I can't wait!

-Really?

-Yeah. I've always wanted to do an extreme sport.

-Extreme?

-Mmm.

I thought it was just rolling down a hill.

Well, like you said in your story, Karen, you only live once.

Maybe next, we could go somewhere, maybe meet some of your friends?

JACK'S PHONE RINGS

Yep? Sarah. Why are you in the bar?

What are you playing at? The meeting's at one!

Look, just stay there, I'll come over. I'll be about ten minutes.

OK.

I'm really sorry, mate, I'm going to have to shoot off.

One of the second years, a mate, is getting herself into a bit of state.

It's a really big day for her.

-You are meeting in the bar?

-Yeah.

-Do you mind if I come too?

-I'm going to be busy.

I promise I won't get in the way. Anyway, it will be an easy way for you to earn your fee.

JACK'S PHONE RINGS

Whatever.

Sarah. No, I said I'm coming over. No, just stay there!

Problem?

-Ah, Jack.

-Professor Hansen.

-How's your dissertation coming?

Good. Er, still mainly researching.

Could be good to see some pages at some point.

Yeah. No, er, definitely.

Hello. I'm Akono Mezu, I'll be starting a course here very soon!

Theology.

Excellent! I'd advise you to stay away from my law students.

Really?

You know what lawyers are like.

Tend to be on the side of the devil, if the price is right.

Still, know thy enemy, eh?

I gather you're coming in with Sarah today.

-Yeah.

-Ah, that's good.

Get the review out of the way and we can all move on.

-Got to say, I'm impressed by the way she's got herself back on the rails.

-Absolutely.

And some of that's down to you.

So give yourself a pat on the back. You've really helped her.

-Thanks.

-See you later.

I thought you had an important conference call at eleven.

Oh, they cancelled.

She just wanted to annoy me by taking away my coffee break.

Still, it's the little things that bring us the most pleasure.

Or that's what Daniel always claims anyway.

She's just got a bee in her bonnet about the scan.

Has to know the sex of the baby. It's all about names.

You've got to find out the gender and be the first to pick the name.

Hello? It's actually quite important to the father.

In fact, do you know what?

I think that the mother and baby thing's a little overdone.

Maybe it is because she is the one who has nine months of discomfort,

followed by an agony the like of which you will never know in your worst nightmare

to give birth to your child.

Stick together, why don't you?

Jack!

And who's this?

-Akono, Sarah.

-Hello.

Right, Akono. Come and have a drink!

-Oh, Akono's not...

-Not what?

I know I'm getting in the way.

You're not.

-Between you and your mentor.

-Mentor?

Jack's my mate! Have a drink.

OK. Maybe an orange juice?

No! Beer!

Sarah? We just bumped into Hansen. He's expecting you at one.

Hmm, can't wait.

What's going on?

You're a bit serious today. Is that because of your friend?

-You've already dropped a year. They won't let you do that again.

-So?

-So sort yourself out.

-Who made you the boss of me?

What's the meeting with you and the professor about?

Nothing.

She's had a few problems.

They were going to chuck her out a few weeks ago.

Today's like her assessment. She's been brilliant for a while now.

She should walk it. So I don't know why she's chosen today to go off on one.

But it's more to check that you're all right with it, really.

Are you?

No, no, I'm fine. But I'm not so sure Julia's so keen.

Hey, don't use me as an excuse. If you don't want to do it, just say so.

Mind you, I must admit, it probably is more of a younger person's sport.

-No, I'm fine.

-I think it sounds fantastic! I love extreme sports!

Have you ever been bungee jumping?

No. Well, apparently, you can get a detached retina, if you're not careful.

Ah, it's great fun!

Actually, my favourite thing I've ever done is white-water rafting in New Zealand.

It was brilliant! Or canyoneering!

There's people drown doing that!

Oh, it's just like skiing. If you hold back, you're in trouble.

No, it's all great fun in my experience,

but you've got to throw yourself in, you can't stand on the side lines.

I, for one, I can't wait!

-Drink this.

-Look at him being masterful! Isn't he?

And you're so dapper in that suit! You should be in charge!

Thank you, how kind!

You've just got to keep it together for Hansen.

One night, me and Jack went out clubbing.

I had to push him home in a wheelie bin! He couldn't stand!

-Sarah.

-He must have been wheelie drunk!

Has something happened? Do you actually want to get kicked out?

-Think about it. Back with Mum and Dad?

-I wouldn't go back to them.

Then get yourself together.

-We'll go to the review and you'll be fine, yeah?

-Oh.

-What?

-Oh, my God, he's coming over.

What are you doing?

-Did I embarrass you?

-No! Of course not.

It's just you looked a bit shocked.

Well, if I do, it's not because of the kiss.

It's just this.

Alcohol before lunch.

Duh it's a student bar!

Back home, less than a third of children will even make it to secondary school,

let alone university.

So to me, students getting drunk in the daytime,

yes, it's a big shock for me to see this.

-Is it?

-Akono.

-Well, yes.

-And that means you can judge me?

-I am not judging. You said I looked shocked. I was just explaining.

I will be very careful not to waste this amazing opportunity.

How dare you say that to me? You don't even know me!

But I am not judging. And I do not need to know you to know what I see.

-Just keep calm and drink your coffee.

-No, I'm off to see Hansen.

You've got an hour to sober up. Drink the coffee.

Tell him he can give my place to someone who deserves it!

Sarah.

Zara, look. Is this about ownership of the baby? Because if it is...

Oh, Miss Lee. Hello. Oh, what a gorgeous baby!

Chelsey, isn't it?

I love that. You know, I've been looking for a girl's name.

Sarah, don't do it. Well, at least let me do the talking. Wait here.

-Sarah. You're early.

-She's come to ask if you can rearrange the review.

Have I?

Really, why? You're here now. Let's talk.

I read your proposal, by the way. Great stuff!

And well done on attendance.

Yeah. I've been so great.

Are you all right?

Yeah, I'm all right. A bit of all right!

Are you drunk?

-No.

-You've come here drunk?

-Why?

-Like I say...

-She didn't mean to.

We've given you plenty of chances. We really have.

But you have to, at the very least, tick the academic boxes.

This review was your chance to persuade me that you were back on track, and you've come here drunk!

What I was going to say was...

-She's really sorry. Come on.

-Just a minute.

Sarah, come and see me tomorrow morning, nine o'clock.

Show up with a plan and a change of attitude,

or you'll fail this unit and your place will be withdrawn.

He thinks he's got the right to call the shots.

Finally, I have finished collating the audit, if you would like to take a look.

Without doing any of the work. It's ridiculous.

I'm the one having the baby.

Dr Carmichael, I thought you would know this better than anyone.

Men have no idea.

Until they see the baby and hold it, it is all just words to them.

-You think?

-Of course. His time will come.

Sleepless nights, nappies.

-True.

-Absolutely. I'm exactly the same.

Maybe it is time I turned the other cheek.

Bye-bye, Keeley-Jo. Lovely name, by the way, Keeley-Jo.

-Just leave me alone!

-What happened?

-Stop telling me what to do!

Sarah, Jack is just trying to help you.

-Anyway, this is my fault. I did not mean to upset you.

-Your fault?

All I was trying to say is university is a fantastic opportunity,

so going into the bar to drink so early...

That's up to me though. Maybe I want to.

Maybe you do not understand what you want.

-What?

-Akono, not now.

Often, our emotions get in the way. Well, an example. Someone who, for whatever reason,

does not believe in themselves and wants to fail by their own hand, because they think

they will fail anyway, and so this way, they disguise it as their will.

But do they really want to fail? No. Of course not.

Akono...

Deep down, they want to succeed, but to do so,

they must realise this low self-esteem and fight it, but that is hard.

Harder than failing. So they choose the easy route out.

Who is he anyway? Why've you brought him with you?

I am here to study theology. Jack is showing me around.

Oh, so you brought him to see the basket case, did you? Thanks, Jack(!)

-No, of course not!

-I thought you were my mate.

Why don't you get your Bible out? Is that what's next?

Sarah, you know I'm on your side.

Just get away from me.

Go away!

You should go. It was obvious she had issues, wasn't it?

Please, Sarah. I'm sorry. This is stupid!

-Stupid?

-He didn't mean it like that.

I'm sorry, I was just trying to help.

Help with what?

From whatever difficulty you might be facing.

-Akono!

-Being raped?

I really think we should wait for Julia.

-She's not going to want to miss this.

-She'll be here.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Julia, where are you? It's half past!

Karen, I was just going to call you. Listen, I've got a flat tyre.

Well, just leave it! Get a taxi!

I can't do that. Anyway, Mrs Tembe's having a look.

I suggest you get the professionals in.

You do not have the right equipment.

Look, Karen, I'm sorry. I'm going to have to call the garage.

Oh, erm, look. Don't leave me here on me own. Please, Julia.

I'm sorry, but I just can't make it. I'm really sorry.

But listen, you just have a great time...

She's not coming. Car trouble.

Really? Oh, er, just us then.

You don't have to talk about this now.

-I should go.

-No, you need to hear this.

-He doesn't.

-Sit.

It was a family friend.

Started when I was 13.

I didn't know how to react. I knew him well.

He was a nice guy.

It was like I couldn't work out what was really happening.

Did you not tell your family?

Oh, yeah. I told my mum, and she did this really weird thing.

It was like I hadn't said anything. She just couldn't deal with it.

But surely you could have said something to somebody else?

About a week after I told my mum, my dad took me for a walk.

Just him, which never happened.

And I knew Mum must have said something,

and that he was going to say something.

He never came out with it.

We just went home and had fish and chips,

which was supposed to be like a treat, and carried on as normal.

And then it stopped for ages. Like, six months.

Then he came round after Christmas...

..and then it carried on again for another year, until he moved away.

Well, I'm happy to go first.

Whoa, look at it go!

-Just as...

-Whoa!

Just as happy to go second.

Don't let me hold you up, Elaine.

Fine.

MUSIC: "Insomnia" by Faithless

You all right?

Yeah, great.

-Is that all right?

-Yep!

ELAINE BREATHES HEAVILY

Good luck.

Wooo!

Whoa! Whoooaaaaaaa!

Aaaaaaaah! Aaaaaaaah!

Stop! Stop! I want to get out!

No, let me out, let me out! Aaaaaaah!

ELAINE HYPERVENTILATES

Aaaaaah!

Aaaaaaaagh! Aaaaaaagh!

Sorry! Sorry!

I'm fine, I'm fine.

-You must tell the university.

-Do you think so?

And then I can carry on with my degree? In law?

Yes.

My dad's a lawyer.

He's not good, really, is he? He's weak.

No, but it's go to university and get a job and earn money,

and that's what we must do, mustn't we?

OK.

Or is it all a bit more complicated?

You're right. A degree's not everything.

Forgive me if it is not my place to say this.

But I know there will be a way you can put this all behind you. Please.

-Don't let this man spoil your whole future.

-Oh, Akono. Bless.

Well, that just got a lot harder. Because guess what? This man?

He died yesterday.

Just got a lot harder?

Yes.

Because every night, I imagine the conversation I'm going to have with him,

where I tell him how he's hurt me and he tells me why.

And we sort it out. Now, even that's gone.

At least you, you know he's gone, and that never...

Yeah, he's gone. And I really miss him.

What does that make me?

At least I know he really wanted me. Which is something, isn't it?

There are people who can help.

It's too late.

We'll go to the campus practice

-and see one of the doctors there.

-I'm not going down there.

They can put you in touch with someone who can really help.

Sarah, you can't deal with this

on your own. Not any more.

I won't let you.

Actually, can I have some space for a bit?

-Really?

-Yeah.

Maybe we could go later.

-OK.

-I'll call you.

OK.

-Maybe we should just give it a miss, eh?

-I think it's for the best.

You know, we're not really cut out for this. I mean, you were right, it's...

It's definitely a young person's thing.

I mean, you've got to be mad to do that!

-I must be mad then.

-What?

-Give Rob and the kids a kiss for me.

Here we go.

Woah! Huh!

Oh, my God! Ooooh! Oooooh!

Aaaaah! Aaaah!

Ha, ha, ha! Waaaaaah!

Waaaaaah!

Ahhhhhh!

-Karen!

-Ha, ha, ha, ha!

-Are you all right?

-Bloody fantastic!

Ha, ha, ha!

-Did you see me?

-I did. I certainly did.

-I did it!

-You were brilliant!

I'm a lioness!

-Karen...

-Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Oh, it was great!

Oh, it was...

SHE BLOWS A RASPBERRY

It was great!

Thank you for your time today. I am sorry, I know I got in your way.

I just hate the thought of her sitting there on her own.

You are a good mate to her. I mean, mentor.

Sarah, hi, it's me. Call me anytime.

-I do hope things will be better for her now.

-Thanks, mate.

Er, you know your way home, right?

Yes. Of course. You know, you have helped me see something today.

See you.

Are you all right? I was hoping to hear about your day.

Did you have a good time with Jack?

I learned something. But not what I hoped for.

-Oh, that boy!

-No, no.

He was good, really.

So, what is the matter?

This, coming here. It feels wrong now.

You know what I think? You are homesick, a little.

You are bound to be. Everything is so different to home.

I thought I had the book of answers.

But I don't even know the questions. Not here, anyway.

-Akono...

-I think I should go.

That is not a decision to take now,

especially at the end of a day like this.

You sleep on it. I am sure you will feel different in the morning.

I see you've got your nose stuck in that again.

What are you actually doing?

None of your business.

I'm looking for the local Neighbourhood Watch liaison

and I'm going to guess that that's you, sir.

Your writing feels a little...

Jackie Collins!

Meets Benny Hill.

-I'm married!

-That's what makes it so exciting.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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