Keep Us Together Doctors

I think there's someone in there.

They don't open till nine.

Maybe we should've waited in the car.

Do you want to wait in the car?

I feel better here.

We could go and get a coffee.

No, I don't want to be late. We'll just wait.

I'm so nervous, I could be sick.

Do you want a hug or something?

Yeah, go on then.

Thanks.

What a weekend! The neighbours had a pre-Christmas bash.

I only went round for one and then suddenly it was Sunday.

Oh, my head...

Sorry Heston. Good morning. Nice weekend?

Yes, thank you. Quiet. But nice.

When do you want to discuss matters of the heart?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Isn't there some briefing or other?

Ah, yes, Excellence in COPD.

We could do it at lunch, if you like?

Doctor Carter, how romantic.

That would be lovely. It's a date.

PHONE RINGS

Good morning, Mill Health Centre, how may I... Ange!

Don't worry, I'm all set.

I'm just getting some inspirational pieces together so...

Oh... But it was your idea, I've paid for it now.

Don't worry, I'll get somebody else to go with me.

Bye.

Kevin! How are you today?

Fine.

Would I be right in thinking you're on paperwork this afternoon?

-Mmm.

-How do you fancy doing some more creative paperwork instead?

-Decoupage!

-What's that?

It's the art of decorating stuff with bits of paper.

We're making Christmas cards. It's going to be brilliant.

And for you, it's free. My mate let me down.

Please?

Sorry, I've got to get on.

Are you OK?

Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Enjoy your...whatsit.

Decoupage.

From what I can see, Tanya,

there's no reason why you shouldn't conceive naturally.

Oh. That's wonderful. Thank you, Doctor Carter.

And, Craig, I wouldn't be unduly alarmed,

but your sperm count is borderline.

Oh.

Oh. That's not so good.

Chris, I'm sure your mum would love

a Christmas card specially made by her only son.

She'll just scribble a shopping list on the back of it

-or use it as a coaster.

-Make her a coaster.

You can make loads of things with decoupage.

I was sent to the headmaster's office when I was a kid

for smashing up my papier mache penguin.

I've vowed never to go near craft activities ever since.

I didn't have you down as the violent type.

With people, I'm fine.

Give me some glue and some stupid little scraps of paper...

Trust me, it would not be pretty.

Mind out, I shall go on my own then.

-I wouldn't mind coming.

-Very funny.

What is it a class or something?

You are not interested in decoupage. Running? Cars? Yes.

-Decoupage?

-Why not?

It's this afternoon, you're probably busy.

Nope. Count me in.

-SHE LAUGHS

-You won't regret it.

Have a look at those, then we can go and get our hands dirty.

Not that dirty. Not dirty at all.

It's going to be great, Jimmi.

So it's just not going to happen for us two, together.

It's too low.

It's low. It's not necessarily too low.

There are all sorts of options we can discuss now, if you like.

That won't be necessary, thanks.

Unless you want to stay and talk to him?

Not now.

There are no guarantees,

I don't want you leaving feeling completely bleak.

There are all sorts of possibilities.

Thanks for your help. We'll get back to you, some time.

At least let me give you some leaflets.

-(Sorry.)

-Forget about it.

MOBILE RINGS

Nadia, hi. I'm at work.

'Hi, I know. I'm sorry.

-'I was going to leave a message.'

-Go on.

It's good news.

Zarif wants to meet you for lunch, if you're free?

-'Your brother.'

-Half-brother.

'You said you wanted to meet him.'

Sorry, can we take things more slowly?

-VOICE IN BACKGROUND

-'Hold on a sec.'

THEY SPEAK IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE

Is that him now?

How are you fixed for today?

Sorry. Can I call you back? I've got a patient.

What's happened? Is everything all right?

You forgot these.

Cheers.

Are you sure you don't want a follow-up appointment?

-We'll leave it for now, thanks.

-Heston?

Esther?

Somebody told me you'd given it all up to become a humble GP.

I didn't believe them.

What about you what brings you here?

My friend lives in Letherbridge.

So do I, mostly. I'm freelance.

The odd lecture here, a little research project there.

I've read your articles. No need to be humble.

Come and find us when you've finished.

We should catch up properly over lunch. Today?!

I'll meet you here about two-ish?

Ah, today could be...tricky.

Are we early?

The WI were meant to be coming but their bus broke down.

The tutor's gone to see if she can drum up any extra support.

I'm so sorry, Jimmi. We could just sneak off.

No, we're here now. Might as well give it a go.

Anyway, we'll have the pick of the materials. Oh.

-No, I wanted that one.

-You snooze, you lose!

Might as well get my train.

Doesn't look like I'm needed here any more.

We could share a cab. The station's on my way.

Do you want to go and get your bags?

-On your way where?

-I'm meeting Heston.

Today? Don't you think I could do with some support?

I won't be long.

So you'd rather be with anyone else instead of spending time here with me?

-Heston's not just anyone.

-Have you slept with him?

No, of course I haven't. He's gay, for a start.

So are you, but it's never stopped you shopping around.

That was before I met you, Tanya.

When will you believe me on that?

When you start telling people I'm your wife,

not just your friend.

Darling.

That's what you get for marrying an old duffer like me.

I'm set in my ways.

But I will get there, I promise.

Why don't you start now? Call him and cancel.

It's only lunch. I'm not doing much good moping around here.

-Moping?

-That's not what I meant.

I might do more good talking to Heston.

Just go if you're going.

Nice to see you've made an effort for me, Heston.

Would you mind terribly if we postponed?

Why. Have you had a better offer?

Heston Carter, you fast mover. Who is she?

An old acquaintance. It's just lunch.

No, I was just lunch.

And you've tossed me aside like a used sterile wipe.

I think I deserve to have the full details.

Professor Esther Carnegie. We knew each other years ago.

Nothing like that, we were dedicated to our careers,

it was purely platonic.

-Was as in, might not be now?

-She's wearing a wedding ring.

-So you were checking her out then?

-I was just a bit surprised.

I thought she'd end up on her own.

Not that there's anything wrong with her.

It's just she's a bit like me.

A wedding ring doesn't necessarily mean she's unavailable.

I would never dream of doing anything...

Oh, Heston, go and have lunch.

And make sure you tell me everything when you get back.

I like being freelance,

but there comes a time when you have to settle down.

How does your husband feel about that?

My husband?

I'm sorry, did he die?

No, no, no, no, no, she's very much alive.

She?

My wife. Tanya.

-My patient, Tanya?

-We got married in the summer.

Congratulations. I never knew that you...

No, well, things were different in those days.

As you well know. How about you?

-Is there a man in your life?

-A man?

-Aren't you...?

-What?

Oh God. I'm sorry, Heston.

It's just, you were so flamboyant. The cravats.

Shall we start again? I'm Esther and I'm gay.

How long has it taken me to say that out loud?

I'm Heston and I'm straight. Most definitely.

Eccentricities and sartorial elegance notwithstanding.

So, is there a woman in your life?

Just me and my work. No change there.

You never wanted a family or kids?

Well, I was married. She had a child, Stephen.

I brought him up as my own, then they left and that was that.

-You never hear from him?

-Maybe a card at Christmas.

That's a real shame.

You would make a wonderful father.

It's a bit late for that now.

I don't know, Heston.

It's not too late for me and Tanya.

If we can find the right man to help us.

Everything all right?

Fine, thank you. Just taking a moment, for inspiration.

You haven't seen my Christmas tree, have you?

No.

What's behind your back?

You're not trying to sabotage me, are you?

How dare you, Jimmi Clay?

You don't think I'm capable of making the best card

without doing somebody else down?

HE LAUGHS

Tanya was my student.

And it really was her driving it all from the start.

If it was down to me, I'd still be travelling the world,

staying in hotels, and sleeping in the beds of strange women.

-It doesn't sound too bad.

-It's not.

Until you get home to your own big empty bed

and you realise that's it, all you've got to show.

Sometimes, Heston, you've just got to go for it,

throw caution to the wind.

Not if it involves bringing a child into the world.

This isn't a spur of the moment thing.

Tanya's always wanted a baby.

We've talked it through, we thought we had a plan.

Her friend from school was willing to do the duties,

but as you know, it wasn't to be.

Not with Craig.

I'd love to help. But this is too much.

Don't answer now. Take your time, Heston.

Please think about it.

MOBILE RINGS

Kevin, hi. Is everything all right?

'Yeah, fine. Look, I've done some juggling,'

and I think I can meet up with both of you later,

'if that's still OK?'

Later's good for us. Thank you, Kevin.

HE SPEAKS IN HIS OWN LANGUAGE

Zarif's really pleased too.

Doesn't sound it.

You'll understand when you meet him.

I can't wait. See you soon.

HESTON SIGHS

What's holding you back?

Knowing there's a child out there that I don't know

would make me more lonely, not less.

So you'd want more involvement?

More like it was with Stephen?

Well, I haven't thought about it.

It could only be a good thing.

The more people who care for our child...

Our child?

There was me thinking I was going on a date.

So...if I'd been a few years younger,

I could have taken you home to bed anyway and had your baby.

How would you have felt about that?

It wouldn't have been the end of the world, would it?

Heston...

..this could be your second chance.

Maybe we should get the tutor to adjudicate.

I don't think that's going to be necessary.

I think it's going to be perfectly clear who the winner is.

OK.

On three, then.

One...two...

-three... Draw!

-Decoupage!

Ah!

Your cruel tricks were in vain. Bow down to the master.

I thought you said you hadn't done it before.

I haven't. I wasn't bad at art in school, though.

Which school? The flippin' Royal Academy?

I haven't done anything like this since I was a kid.

I only came because of this book I'm reading.

It says I need to try more things. It's not easy.

I'm sorry, Jimmi.

I'm not really up for going out on the pull with all the lads.

I'm not up to much at all, really.

I thought I'd try small, you know. Bit of decoupage.

It's really good.

Keep it if you want. Give it to Immie.

I don't have anyone to give it to.

Thank you, Heston.

Best not tell Tanya just yet.

I'm back!

Told you I wouldn't be long.

Do you know, you would really like Heston.

Away from work, I mean. He's...

funny, he's intelligent, in pretty good nick.

And he's not gay.

You really are unbelievable.

What?

Have you been sitting here all this time?

-Don't touch me.

-Oh.

-Just...don't.

You wouldn't really do it, though, would you?

It's not that different to how it was with Stephen. It'll be less messy.

And I'll have a pre-defined role in his life.

-His?

-Or hers.

Yes, but...this is a whole new person,

who you would be responsible for for the rest of your life.

Well, they'll be the primary parents and I'll chip in as and when.

I know some people can stand back like that,

but from what I know about you, Heston...

Well, there are risks that have to be considered.

Yes, but why would you disrupt your peaceful life with a baby?

I feel I'm ready to give something back.

Well, then, do some charity work in Africa, or run a marathon.

Both of those are a hell of a lot easier than bringing up a child.

I only said I'll think about it.

As long as they haven't rushed out to buy the bootees.

Don't go getting their hopes up.

Esther has promised not to tell... er...

-Have you just forgotten her wife's name?

-Tanya! Tanya.

Her name is Tanya.

Don't even think about it until you know them better.

I should have known you couldn't handle this like a grown-up.

-Can't we just talk about...?

-That's what I wanted to do!

But you'd always rather go off running after the first person you see.

Oh, another bloke, of course - just to really twist the knife.

I know you're upset, but seriously - me and Heston?!

I saw you kissing him!

Oh, I can explain that.

Oh, you can always explain. And I always fall for it.

Well, never again.

DOOR SLAMS

ESTHER SIGHS

Why don't you come and stay at ours at Christmas?

Ah, that's really kind of you, Karen, but...

Rob won't mind. The more the merrier.

-Immie will be there, and Jack, and Auntie Ag...

-I can't

Oh, come on, I insist.

I just won't be happy with the thought of you sat at home,

alone with your book.

Ah, yeah, no, um... I'm going to my sister's in Liverpool,

so I probably won't get time to read my book with her

and the kids pestering me.

OK. Well, why don't you give her...

..the card?

And you can sign up for the full decoupage course next year.

Ah! No, I don't think so.

It was fun, but there's got to be more to life, eh?

-I'll see you tomorrow.

-Yeah.

UNLOCKS CAR

Heston!

Sorry, Jimmi, I'm in a bit of hurry.

Just wanted to give you this.

Thank you.

Kevin, hi. Sorry.

Hi. I was just coming to find you.

-No parking spaces anywhere. Zarif's gone to find one.

-Right.

I'm so glad you came.

Yeah, me too. I've saved us a table.

..Any consideration for anyone else? >

I mean, do you care?! >

Do you even care?! >

Do you want this baby? >

Sometimes I get the sense you really couldn't be bothered at all! >

Oh, that's it, go on, run! >

Esther.

Heston.

You never think about what I might... >

I was just going out to the pub. Would you care to join me?

Is Tanya all right?

She'll be fine. This is quite normal.

Is it?

You don't have to tell me about paperwork.

I work in insurance.

Yeah, I've been meaning to ask you, actually -

so do I get a family discount or what?

Only if I get to bore you to death all about my aches and pains.

Is something up with you?

I'm fine. I was kidding.

Oh, you're a real sweetie, you know that?

Zarif!

Zarif, this is...

Well, you know who this is.

Kevin. Hi. Pleased to meet you.

Sit down, the pair of you.

What do you want to drink?

No, no, it's all right, I'll get it. What do you want?

I don't want anything.

OK. Cool.

Zarif's a bit tired. He's on nights at the moment.

Oh. What is it you do?

I manage a warehouse.

That's interesting. I'm a doctor.

Good for you. No kids, though, right?

No way. I've got plenty of time for that.

My kids are my life.

Shame your dad didn't feel the same way.

Zarif, why don't you go and get Kevin another coffee? And cake.

I think we all need cake.

It did take me a while to settle down.

But I'm not nearly as bad as she imagines me to be.

Since we've been married, I have been entirely faithful.

And as for the idea of running off with a man,

even one as good as you, Heston...

It's not just me imagining things. She did go out with men before.

She didn't even come out properly till a few years ago.

I've explained that. Things were different then.

You should trust me!

I do. I try to. And then you do something like this.

She didn't do anything, Tanya, I can assure you.

-She went straight off with you instead of staying here when I needed her.

-I did it for you.

Can I tell her?

I asked him if he would consider stepping into Craig's shoes.

Really, Dr Carter? A doctor for a dad.

Are you going to?

Thanks, Zarif.

Yeah, thanks.

I was just being a proud auntie, showing off my niece and nephew.

-They're very cute.

-Thank you.

Your wife's pretty cute too.

It's a compliment, Zarif.

He's well aware she's way out of his league.

So how did you two meet?

Through the family.

Oh, right.

We're very happy together.

I never wanted to waste my time with meaningless relationships.

If only our dad had been there to help pick me a wife.

Hey, maybe I'd have got first dibs on your missus, being the oldest.

-Now you really are out of order.

-He's kidding, Zarif.

But you'd think our dad would be against arranged marriages after what happened.

You know, him having to give up my mum for someone he didn't know.

This is a waste of time! He's not going to do it.

-What do you mean? Do what?

-Nothing. Just...

just be part of our family.

What's going on?

Even if I did want a child, It would have to be a happy home.

-We are happy.

-Really?

We would be.

-We've talked about this so much.

-Well, maybe that's the problem.

Are you talking about what you both want?

Yeah, well, that's when the arguments start.

That's why we concentrate on this.

It makes her happy.

I don't.

-You do, Esther. Don't say that.

-You have to be happy.

A child won't fix your problems.

Hmm. Maybe we've both got to grow up a bit.

I've always wanted to be a mum. As soon as I met the right person.

The chances are you will be a mum. You've got plenty of time.

She doesn't.

Well, maybe, I'm not the right person. Too old.

You don't have to be young, but you do have to be ready.

How long do you think that will take?

How long will it take you to trust me?

Maybe it's a good job we couldn't go ahead with Craig.

Oh, Craig. I should call him.

-I wasn't very nice, was I?

-You've been under a lot of pressure.

But when the time comes, the right man will be there.

I'll be here if you need me, but...

just to talk.

It's a shame.

The world would be a better place with more Hestons in it.

But you always were a one-off.

Take care, Esther.

You too.

-We just wanted to get to know you.

-No, he didn't. There's more to this.

Yes, there is. There's no time, Nadia. He needs to know.

My dad's dying.

-What's wrong with him?

-He's in hospital with an infection.

-His immune system is so weak.

-Is it hereditary?

-Is that why...?

-No, no, it's not that. It's...

It needn't be terminal.

Our dad needs a bone marrow transplant and neither of us are a match.

Right, so you didn't want to get to know me at all.

-It's not like that, Kevin.

-You just wanted a donor - a piece of meat.

-That's exactly how it is, isn't it?

-No!

No. I'll admit it's what made me come looking for you,

but it's more than that now.

-Now that we're getting to know each other, it could just be the start.

-No, it can't.

Why do I care if he dies?

It makes no difference to me.

Don't contact me again.

Kevin, please, don't. Kevin...

-Where are we going?

-To a safe house, out in the sticks.

Do I take it last night didn't go well?

Can we talk about something else?

Tell me a bit about this group of yours.

They wanted to kill innocent people just to make a point.

-You don't have to bottle it up, you know.

-Yeah, whatever.

Gina Williams, ex-major with the Witton Regiment.

You have been keeping a low profile, haven't you?

-If you want to...um...

-What?

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