The Good Daughter Doctors

DOORBELL RINGS

Who is it?

It's Melanie, Mum. Open the door.

What have I told you about leaving the keys in the lock?

What if there was an emergency and I couldn't get in?

Sorry, must have forgotten.

-Had a good night?

-So-so.

-Good.

I'll get your porridge on.

Let me do your cushion. Forward...

and back.

Tammy? Hi, it's Mummy. Daddy'll pick you up from school.

There's risotto in the fridge, you just need to warm it up.

Well, you're more than welcome to cook dinner yourself.

No, I didn't think so.

-Caitlin's mum will take you and I'll pick you up, OK?

-(Send them my love.)

Granny sends her love. Have you got everything else you need?

Have a good day, bye.

I'll get your porridge!

So...

So?

I was just wondering when you were thinking of taking me on that night out?

-Oh, you weren't joking?

-Do I look like I'm joking?

No. You look quite serious.

I need a bit of advance notice so I can get enough sleep in preparation.

You're quite something, Lauren.

You'd better believe it.

Look, this is all very flattering, but you do know that I am no longer on the market, so to speak?

Doctor Carmichael and I...

Caught you.

Don't mind me.

I was just telling Lauren about us.

Mmm. Sounds like a fascinating conversation. I'll leave you to it.

Just leave the bowl on the side, I'll wash it at lunchtime.

-I can manage.

-There's a parcel for Number 22.

You will remember, won't you?

-I've not completely lost the plot.

-I know you haven't. I didn't mean it like that.

Well, don't talk to me like a child, then. I don't forget everything.

I can still remember chasing you around this room in a nappy.

I found your glasses in the fridge, Mum.

Oh.

Look, just to be on the safe side. OK?

Do you want me to bring your insulin down so you don't forget?

No. I won't forget. I'll take it in a minute.

I'm only trying to help.

I'll see you later. I'll pick up some soup for lunch.

Bye. Melanie!

Sorry.

-Thank you.

-Love you.

-Where did this lot come from?

-That's not even half of them. You're late.

Sorry, Jack had my travel card. I couldn't wake him.

Well, you'll just have to work through lunch, then, won't you?

How we going to shift this lot?

Oh, I don't know, sure there's some real men round here who want to show us their muscles.

Don't waste your breath asking Dr Granger though.

-What?

-Nothing.

DOORBELL RINGS

Coming!

Who is it?

It's Melanie!

Hi, Mum. How was your night?

So-so. I woke up thinking your father was in the bed again.

You still miss him, Mum.

It takes time. Why don't you go and sit yourself down, I'll make us a nice cup of tea.

TV CHATTER

Porridge is on.

Lean forwards a sec.

Fantastic. Comfy?

Where were we?

"As Mr Pickwick contemplated..."

KNOCK AT DOOR Come in.

Erm, I know what you're thinking.

I bet you don't.

But I wasn't, erm, leading her on.

Nope, that wasn't it.

I swear it was nothing to do with me. The girl is like a juggernaut.

And, OK, temporarily, I got caught in the headlights

and it was a mistake. I'm sorry.

OK.

It won't happen again, Zara.

I want you to know that I take my responsibilities...

Like I said - OK.

Bit more...that should do it.

-Oh, you forgot those.

-We just watered those.

-Don't be ridiculous, look, they're dry as a bone.

-OK, You're the boss.

Hang on, greenfly!

How did you spot them? They're tiny!

Aphids and I go back a long way. We're old adversaries.

Go on, drown the little blighters. Make them suffer.

-Mum, you're an outrage!

-Well...

-Shall we see how your father's veggie patch is doing?

-Yeah.

It's going to be nice.

Mmm.

Mum, why did Dad insist on only growing marrows?

I was the only kid at school who had to eat marrow for dinner three times a week. I mean, who eats marrows?

-Urgh, I hate them!

-Me too.

What?! You mean all those years...

-I probably shouldn't have said that, should I?

-Oh...

Don't worry, I've got a plan! Let's hide the marrows!

He never counts them.

-Pop them in the wheelbarrow, we'll hide them in the greenhouse.

-OK.

He never looks there.

That way, when he gets home this evening, he's none the wiser.

Mum?

MUM LAUGHS

Power to the people! And goodbye marrow gratin!

Perhaps we should leave one for verisimilitude.

-Go on, fetch the wheelbarrow!

-OK.

-Whatever you do, don't tell your father.

-No fear.

It'll be our little secret!

SHE LAUGHS

-Oh, oh!

-Mum!

Mum, are you all right?

I'm all right.

We should probably go inside. It's probably time for your lie down.

Come on.

There we go. I'll get you a glass of water.

Have you taken your insulin yet?

I've booked a table. Shall I pick you up at one?

I am still really behind. Can we do it another day?

Sure. Want me to pick you up a sandwich instead?

That would be great.

OK.

Coming! Who is it?

It's Julia.

Hi, Geraldine!

How can I help you?

It's Julia. From Number 22.

-Hello!

-You've got my Harry Potter Lego set!

-I beg your pardon?

-My parcel.

Oh, there's no parcel here, dear, was I expecting one?

No, I was. Are you sure?

Because the postman left a card to say he left it with you.

MUFFLED: Are you all right?

MUFFLED: Yes, of course I am. Just woken up, that's all.

Come in, we'll have a look.

You see, they usually leave parcels for the street with me because I'm at home all the time.

-That way, people don't have to go to the depot.

-Yes. I know.

How are your grandchildren?

Isn't the youngest just about to start school?

That's right.

Oh, they are a ray of sunshine.

MUFFLED: I was just putting together a parcel for my youngest one.

-They're in America, aren't they?

-Canada.

You must miss them.

Yeah, I do.

You see, they usually leave parcels with me because they know I'm at home...

it saves people going to the depot.

Ooh. There it is.

Ohhh...

Steady, steady. Are you OK?

I'm fine. Just a bit...

I'll be all right in a minute.

Let's get you sat down for a second. There we go.

All right? How's that?

Geraldine, are you on any medication at the moment?

PHONE RINGS

Heston, it's Julia.

-I'm not talking to you.

-What?!

-It's your day off. Whatever it is can wait,

-now put your phone down.

-This is important, Heston, all right?

I'm with a neighbour of mine and she's one of your patients,

Geraldine...Crofte.

Anyway, she's very confused and disorientated. Could you have a look at her notes for me, please?

Saw her last week. Alzheimer's.

-Oh.

-Early onset. Very sad. Lost her husband and never quite recovered.

As of two years ago, diabetic.

See if she's taken her insulin and forgotten to eat.

If she has, give her something sugary, then a starchy sandwich.

She can take her blood sugar levels in about 15 minutes.

OK, thanks, Heston.

-If that doesn't work, bring her in.

-Yeah, speak to you later.

Oh! Hello.

You must be Melanie.

Kevin, there are some test results for you here. They say they're urgent.

-Finally!

-There's your travel card. Now stop phoning me.

-You owe me two quid for the bus.

-"Oh, thanks, Jack.

"Thanks for coming all this way because I'm sure you've got nothing better to do with your life."

-You made me late.

-Well, well, well!

Could it be that our knight in shining armour has finally arrived?

-Eh?

-Sorry, I'm Lauren. We met before, I don't know if you remember me?

-Yeah, course.

-Cos I CERTAINLY remember you.

Lauren, you said something about some results?

-Immie and I were just saying how difficult it is to find a real man around here, weren't we?

-Were we?

And then you stroll in here, all surly and James Dean-like!

-I know you're probably too busy, Immie told me..

-No!

No, I was going to...go for a run.

So you can help me?

-Yeah, sure.

-Of course, I'll have to find a way to pay you back.

Maybe we could go for a drink later, we can come up with your reward.

Sure we can come up with something.

-Kevin, can I help you?

-Results?

Oh, here.

So. About my little problem.

These boxes, I've got to take them all into the back room and they're just too heavy for me.

OK.

All of them?

I noticed you've got some little signs up around the place

reminding her of things, and I just wondered whether it would be a good idea to have some

-to remind her to eat after she had her insulin?

-Uh-huh.

I can help you do it, if you like?

No, no, it's fine. I'll... I'll do it tomorrow.

I've got to go in a minute. Erm, dentist.

In that case, I'll stay with her till she stabilises because she shouldn't be left alone.

Er, no, really, you don't have to. It's fine.

It's OK, I've got the day off.

Are you all right?

Yeah! Just worried about her, that's all.

Melanie, honestly, don't be. You're doing a fantastic job.

Your mum told me she feels very blessed to have you.

Said she couldn't have a better daughter than you.

-I'll just give her this.

-Yeah.

Courtesy of the health food shop.

There's enough folic acid in there to feed an entire antenatal class.

Oh! Delicious.

Mind if I join you?

Actually, I was going to work through today. I'm really snowed,

-so if you don't mind...

-Sure.

You're sure you're feeling better?

-You're feeling fine now, aren't you? I

-do feel a bit better.

Sweet tea, eh?

Right, I shall leave you both to your day.

It's lovely to see you again, Geraldine.

I'm just round the corner,

so if you need anything, and I mean anything... FRONT DOOR OPENS

-I'll send the nurse round...

-Hi, Mum, it's Melanie! I've brought lunch...

What the hell is she doing here?!

She's playing you.

Shut up.

Wake up and smell the skinny latte, duh-brain.

-She's up to something, it's obvious.

-Listen, just because your love life's a mess

doesn't mean you have to interfere with mine.

When I want my sad sister's advice, I'll ask for it. In the meantime, keep your nose out.

-Get out.

-Let me explain...

I don't want you to explain, Sam, I want you to leave. Now.

I was just looking after her.

She wouldn't need looking after if it wasn't for you. I can't believe you've wormed your way back in here!

-I missed her.

-Has she been asking you for money?

-No.

-No! Mum.

-Don't you come near her!

You leave her alone. You've done enough damage as it is.

-I'll see myself out.

-No, stay, please.

You can't stop me talking to her! She's my mother.

For your information, Sam, she has Alzheimer's now,

brought on by you, no doubt. She probably doesn't even remember what you've done. Shall we remind her?

Remind her how you injected her and dad's nest egg in your filthy junkie veins?

-Stop it!

-Shall we? Mum, do you remember when Sam used to live here.

-Stop it! You're upsetting her.

-I'm upsetting her?! That's rich coming from you!

-The prostitute is taking the moral high ground.

-I'm not a prostitute.

-You had sex for money to buy drugs, what's the difference?

-Please!

Once.

D'you know what? You're right.

I am a just a useless junkie.

There's no point talking to you, is there, Mel?

I'm sorry, Mum, I'll leave you alone.

And don't you come back either!

Hey, it's OK.

This is all my fault.

-No, it's not.

-I was so relieved to have her back.

-I didn't care what she'd done.

-Of course you didn't.

I was just glad she wasn't dead in some backstreet.

Oh, sweetie!

Have you any idea what you've put Mum through?

-Ladies...

-I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad Dad's dead, because if he saw you here...

Enough, please! I don't know what's going on between you two,

but I do know your mother is in the front room sobbing her heart out.

So I suggest that you go in there and deal with it in a civilised way.

Mum?

-She's not there.

-Where is she?

Mum, are you upstairs?

-Mum?

-Where has she gone?

-Mum? Where are you?

-Is she out the front?

I'll have a look.

-What have you done?

-What?

-This is your fault.

You've only been back five minutes and already she's disappeared!

-It's not my fault!

-It's you that's upset her!

If anything happens to her, I swear to you, I will never forgive you!

Stop it! Just stop it!

This isn't helping to find her.

Just calm down and think...

Where might she have gone?

Mum! There you are! Are you OK?

Stay with her!

-She's shaking!

-She needs glucagon.

-What?

-Geraldine!

-Are you all right? Has she taken her insulin?

-I don't know.

-Why is she shaking?

-Mum, come on!

-Come on!

-Out of the way!

Get her arm out. That's it.

OK, ready, Mum?

-OK?

-There you go, Mum.

-All right!

-She'll be OK in a few minutes but we need to get her inside now.

Mmm. Mm.

-I left my salad dressing in your...

-Don't!

-What is that?

-Get out.

-What is that?

-I said get out.

-What in the name of...

-OK. OK.

Don't laugh!

-You have to promise me you won't laugh.

-OK, I promise.

I don't know what's happening to me. Well, I do know. It's these cravings.

They're massive and bizarre and I can't think about anything else.

OK, look, this is a perfectly normal part of the pregnancy process.

Stop being so reasonable! Daniel!

-So you didn't get round to eating the rabbit food sandwich, then?

-Oh, no...

I ate that, too.

Someone's going to get fat!

You promised me you wouldn't laugh, you are a pig!

This is your fault too, you know.

All right, I'll be serious.

Look, I'm here to support you all the way. We're in this together.

-Oh, we are, are we?

-Mm-hmm. 100%.

Then eat it.

What?

If we're in this together...

..you eat it.

Cold?!

Cold.

OK.

Wait.

Erm...

OK.

Delicious.

Liar!

Question for you. What have you and I got in common with half the Aston Villa team?

Go on, surprise me.

We are all going to the celebrity launch of Birmingham's most exclusive nightclub.

-Tonight.

-Nitrogen?

-Oh, you've heard of it?

Course I've heard of it! How have YOU got tickets?

-Do you want to know?

-Yeah.

-Good, cos I'm not telling! Taxi is at six.

-Hang on a minute!

What makes you think I want to go out with you?!

Because you fancy me.

What ever gave you that idea?

Why else would you flirt with every man in sight except me?

It's obvious I fancy you - I've got two eyes and a pulse.

So let's stop playing games, let's go out and let's get it on.

You've pulled. Pick you up at six.

Thought you'd never ask.

Oh, and er, we're probably going to get papped, so you might want to...

What's going on, Sam?

-It's not the first time I've visited Mum.

-Clearly.

What Mel said about me is true. But when I heard Mum had got Alzheimer's,

I thought I could visit without her remembering what I'd done.

She called me Melanie and I said nothing.

She's believed I'm Melanie ever since. I missed her.

-You need to be honest with her. She's confused enough as it is.

-She's coming round!

How did you know what to give her?

Because Sam's been visiting me for months.

-All done.

-My hero.

-So, what time d'you knock off?

-Eh?

-Well, we need to talk about that reward, don't we?

I...guess we do.

Tell you what. I'll go home, freshen up

-and pick you up at six.

-Oh...

Six it is, then.

I hardly have time to see my own children any more.

And now she waltzes back in here and you tell me you've been playing happy families for months!

I knew it would upset you.

Of course I'm upset. After everything I've done!

I've never asked you for anything, yet she can spend all your money

and my children's inheritance and we welcome her back with open arms!

Melanie, everything I have is yours.

But I thought I'd lost Sam and now I've got her back.

I prayed to God every day Sam was away to bring her back

and now that He has, I can't just turn my back on her.

Melanie, I know you're upset,

but please try and listen to what your mum is saying to you.

-If it was one of your kids...

-My children would never take drugs.

You knew it was me all along.

Of course I knew it was you.

I'm not that far gone that I wouldn't recognise my own daughter.

Why do you think I left clean needles in the bathroom?

Oh, this just gets better! Am I going mad? Julia, please, help me out here!

Geraldine, I'm sorry, if you really want to help Sam, letting her take drugs here is not the answer.

Melanie, you are a wonderful, dutiful daughter and I don't know where I'd be without you,

but please understand, Sam is my daughter too,

and if it were you in her position, I'd do exactly the same.

That's a nice sentiment, Mum, but she's not Sam, she's a junkie.

We've been here before. You can't trust her.

-I'm going to go.

-Don't go.

-Mum, it's for the best, you're ill...

-Stop telling me I'm ill!

I might forget the odd thing, but I'm not so ill that I don't know the difference between right and wrong.

-I know it seems harsh, but until she's clean...

-No!

-Don't upset her, I'm going.

-You've got to kick her out!

-Kick who out?

-Sam!

Is she here?

Oh, for goodness' sake.

There you are! Good, I wondered when you were coming.

Pop the kettle on, I want to know if Mr Pickwick gets out of prison.

Melanie, surely you can see how much it means to your mum to have Sam back?

You're stretched, you've got your own family to care for.

And clearly, you're more than capable of looking after your mum,

but she cannot have somebody looking after her who gets high all the time.

You have got to get professional help if you want to be back in her life.

I'm going to. I want to.

Mild sense of deja vu.

How about if Sam comes to see your mum,

maybe once or twice a week?

Just on a trial basis. Take the pressure off you.

Please, Mel, I'm so sorry.

I know I've messed up.

Please give me another chance.

Please.

Please, Melanie.

"Mr Tom Roker, the gentleman who had accompanied Mr Pickwick into the prison,

"turned sharp round to the right and, when he go to the bottom of the little flight of steps..."

-Where is my bag?

-Only four more days till the weekend. Woo-hoo!

I think Imogen's already gone, love.

I'm not here for Imogen.

Anybody seen Lauren?

-Six o'clock.

-Here I am.

You wanted me, Dr Granger?

Just some repeat prescriptions, which I can give...

Wow. You look amazing.

-I know.

-The Icon's not going to know what's hit it.

-The Icon?

Yeah, I thought we could start there.

Cos I get my staff discount on top of my student discount.

Let me see...

sipping champagne at Birmingham's most exclusive nightclub

or a discount glass of cheap Chardonnay at the Icon? Ooh, what's a girl to do?

What?

Sorry, I've had another offer.

Don't just stand there.

-Have fun.

-Oh, we will.

-Ouch.

-That has got to hurt.

-I've got to go.

-Yeah, me too.

I'll walk you to your car, Jim.

Night, love.

I'm telling you, there is absolutely nothing that that girl won't do.

You're a schoolboy after his first conquest!

I train every day. I have a healthy diet.

I don't drink, smoke or do drugs...

You have high blood pressure and are seriously underweight.

I hope you'll finish that! Kids in the third world are starving.

Yeah, I know.

I want to have you on this desk, right now.

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