Remission Doctors

BIRDSONG

I thought you needed my help with those.

Morning. I got up early and got on with everything.

The caterers will be arriving soon.

How many are you expecting?

Everyone we said, perhaps a few more.

It's a celebration.

And... Well, I never thought we'd get to this day.

I know that's not very nice,

but I did have my moments. I had to stay positive all the way through.

You always have been.

Enough of that. It's all about you today.

Well, I couldn't have got through it without you.

Last word. Last word.

Coffee?

If you really don't need me, I better go over to the Mill,

do a head count.

We'll cope. I might need to pick up some more booze.

They were all med students in a previous life.

SHE LAUGHS

That look straight to you?

Mum? Mum? Mmm?

Oh, look. There's Dr Carter.

Where? Thought so.

That's mean. You made me put my weight on it. It really hurts.

What were you thinking?

Why set yourself up for disappointment?

You're a right little ray of sunshine today(!) He'll be here.

You know how I've always been. It's better to travel in hope.

Great(!) More fortune-cookie philosophy.

Here you go, make yourself useful.

He'll come. You'll see.

He hardly leapt at your invite, did he?

Him or Dr Tyler and he DEFINITELY won't come.

That's what this is all about - Dr Tyler.

Actually, no, I'm fine if he never shows his face.

I mean it. They're all useless.

Men, you can't be with them, you can't poison them

and you can't bury them in the back garden.

What have we talked about?

That attitude will get you nowhere in this business.

Or any other, for that matter.

All I'm saying is I don't think she's sincere.

Based on what, exactly?

Trust me. To her,

the most impressive thing about you is the size of your wallet.

I know her type.

Don't be cynical, Kevin.

Gloria has gold digger written all over her.

Not to mention Howard's warning about not getting involved with patients.

"No. No. It is not man's nature.

"I will not allow it to be more man's nature than woman's to be

"inconstant and forget those they do love, or have loved."

"Surely, if there be constant attachment on each side,

"our hearts must understand each other ere long".

'What can I do for you?'

Karen, I've got a stack of paperwork to get through this

morning, so hold all my calls please. 'That's not a problem.'

Thank you.

There's a turn-up! Everything's all right, isn't it?

You haven't cancelled this afternoon?

As if I'd let you down.

Good cos you had me worried there.

I've booked the whole afternoon off, got me dancing shoes

and the Mamma Mia soundtrack in my bag.

Just stand back and watch you go?

Long as the first dance is with me.

And the rest! I'm not sharing the best-looking guy at the party with anyone.

Is this how you charmed Rob?

That and pickled onions.

Pickled onions? As an aphrodisiac or a booby trap?

I just wanted to do a head count. Do you know who's coming?

Me and Dr Haskey, definite and Jas and Jimmi.

Mandy and Dr Tyler are here but I'm not sure. Can I give you a bell?

I'm so sorry, I'll be two ticks.

Elliot?

Ladies...

..your knight in shining armour is here.

Mr Biglow?

It should be Barry by now. Let's not stand on ceremony.

What can we do for you?

It's a matter of vice versa. I heard the floodgates had opened.

A tsunami has threatened to topple your empire.

There's a leak under the sink if that's what you mean.

And I'm here to sort it. Soon have you back on your feet.

A plumber on top of everything else?

And yet you're still single. Fancy!

First things first, kettle on, then point me at your stopcock.

I thought you died.

How long have you been back?

Last week. I was going to contact your mother and pay my respects.

She moved. Right. I never thought...

Mr Eansworth?

I can't believe it. You look...

Would you like to come through?

Elliot. Elliot...

Dr Haskey's waiting.

But... I just can't believe it. You'll wait, yes?

Sure.

Come this way.

Who was that?

Elliot?

Sorry, medical emergency.

KNOCKS ON DOOR Elliot?

What's wrong? It's not like you.

I'm OK.

You promised me a serious boogie this afternoon.

You can hardly do that from in there, can you?

I just need a minute. That's all.

Who was that? Do you know him?

Bit of a looker, isn't he?

DOOR UNLOCKS

So it's just the repeat prescription? Not brought me

something spectacularly exotic from Down Under to challenge me with?

He's still alive. You've been treating him?

I can't say. Patient confidentiality.

No, of course not, sorry.

Only, when I left six years ago, his cancer was terminal.

And he's still with us. Which is great, isn't it?

I don't know. I mean, yes, but...

Should I have stayed?

He, um, was... We were...

He was the one, was he?

He's never mentioned me?

I've only been here a year.

Nothing?

Why didn't he stay in touch?

Because you asked him not to.

That's what clean break means, doesn't it?

What's he doing back...?

Ask him.

Six years. It's taken its toll.

The surgery, the chemo, the radiotherapy.

You look brilliant. I've watched you get better and stronger

and more confident, and happier,

and now you're going to go out there and talk it through.

No, I can't. Can you check?

I want to get away without him seeing.

Please. This is too much. I need time to think.

Later on - you, me, Mamma Mia, a lot of alcohol and a long talk.

I've used some sealant, so you'll have to leave it until it's set.

Thank you.

How would we have managed without you? You're a life-saver, really.

Only discharging my duty as landlord by proxy.

Well, we're very grateful, thank you.

I don't know what we would have done.

Called a plumber.

I'll just turn your water back on and that's it. Although...

There's nothing else wrong, is there?

I had intended on calling on you this week,

not in an official capacity.

I wondered if you might consider going on some kind of date with me?

Not just to show any appreciation,

this isn't a quid pro quo arrangement.

But I have admired you from a distance for some time, and...

What an unexpected surprise. A nice one, that is.

So is he back for good or is it a flying visit?

For good. The university's given him tenure.

Don't you think it's moving?

Six years apart, and then meeting again

with someone you thought had died?!

Like seeing a ghost.

Certainly a shock. Six years!

The chemo was punishing. A couple of times, they had to rush him

into St Phil's. Touch and go.

Doesn't he deserve some happiness? Wouldn't it be great

if they got back together?

Karen, you big romantic!

Not going to happen.

He's smart enough to know you NEVER go back.

Any coffee on the go?

What do you think, Emma? About what?

Elliot Carver giving love a second chance.

Sailing off into the sunset.

In my experience, when you've had that sort of illness,

you tend to be more cautious.

As for going back to someone, there are bigger considerations.

No, this is a big deal.

I could see it in his eyes.

It's like this. Love has little to do with it.

Her books might seem romantic,

but they read like an instruction manual. You what?

How to find a man and marry him if not for love then security.

I'd take love over money any day of the week.

I bet you nothing is going to happen between Elliot

and the tall, sun-tanned man from Down Under.

Tall and sun-tanned on top of everything else?

That's a bet you would SO lose, Haskey. Is he really good looking?

He makes Brad Pitt look like Quasimodo.

Fiver says you're wrong.

You're on.

Fiver from me that they get back together too.

A tenner from me that it's no.

I think Elliot is wise enough to know that going back would be a mistake.

Karen Hollins, are you going to put your money where your considerable mouth is?

You going to let him get away with that?

Right, fiver on a happy ending. True love prevails.

How about we give things a little bit of a nudge?

I don't think we're suited.

Suited? I'm just the landlord then? The odd-job man?

I think "odd" covers it.

Sigourney! Take no mind.

No. Clearly been getting ideas above my station.

It's not that and I'm sure Sigourney's not said it right.

She's not rejecting you, it's just a matter of not being available.

Someone else got there first?

I'm not a finishing line!

You don't have to soften the blow.

I can't say it's passed my attention,

the way you've been looking at Dr Tyler.

What? No. It's not. Why does everyone keep saying that?!

Because we're not stupid.

At least, let me do one last decent thing, even if

it does seem "odd" of me. Barry...

Let me tell you about your dream man, because clearly

you don't have a clue about what a useless womaniser he is.

He was accused of the murder of one of his ex-girlfriends. Murder?!

They got someone else in the end,

but, for a long time, he was a very credible person of interest.

I've heard enough.

You don't want to know about Dr Wilson, then?

Another conquest. She died saving him

from a fire at the home of his next plaything.

No! She was a respected colleague,

Dr Wilson. Not that he cared about her reputation.

Only one thing he wanted.

I think you should leave.

Bad things happen to the women around Dr Tyler.

I'm telling you out of concern.

No need to thank me.

Still no dressing? I asked you ten minutes ago.

Mum.

At last, everyone'll be arriving soon.

I got held up. Something unexpected...

Well, everything's ready here.

You'll never guess who I saw this morning.

Stuart.

How could you know that?

Karen.

Dr Haskey.

Stuart.

Hello.

Elliot. Mrs Carver, it's nice to see you.

What an incredible surprise! Today of all days as well.

Can I get anyone a drink? Champagne?

Lovely. Why not? It is a celebration.

Mum? Yes, lovely, thanks.

I don't even know what you're celebrating.

Is anyone else from the Mill joining us?

They'll be coming in dribs and drabs.

This is a bolt from the blue. You look very well.

Thank you. So does Elliot.

And how do you know our friends here?

I met Elliot at the Mill.

Just excuse me a moment. He might need a hand.

Elliot isn't budging an inch. That's my boy.

Give it a chance. Did you see her face?

She couldn't have been more surprised

if he'd jumped out of a cake.

Cake? Where?

HE CLEARS THROAT

Where are you?

Nearly finished.

What do you think?

It's OK. You?

Is it worth the hype? Mrs Tembe says it's moving.

All that lost love, found again, isn't it?

I'm guessing that's where Miss Austen is heading. It's a bit obvious.

You never know, she might surprise us.

What with, kung fu nuns?

Captain Wentworth materialising as Jack the Ripper.

You won't find the champagne out here. How are you feeling?

I don't know. Surprised, angry...

Hi. Good to see you. Go straight in.

I could ask him to leave if it's all too much.

There's no need. Really.

Sure? We could just use a moment.

It's OK.

I know it's a shock, seeing me, but seeing you standing here,

after I'd given you up...

We moved on. We decided.

Is that why you never contacted me?

Not even after things changed?

It's been a long haul.

Now, Elliot's five years clear of cancer,

and, as you say, things change.

Five years? That's amazing.

It's what today's about.

I'd better sort those drinks.

It takes an emotional toll.

He's not the same, but he is still with us.

Now, how are your parents?

They must be so pleased you're paying a visit.

No, I'm back for good.

Really?

But that still takes some adjustment.

You can't jump straight back in.

Tragic, the poor woman.

There's this too.

Barry didn't even mention that. She was temping at the Mill.

People do meet at work. Anyway, it was this Harrison man.

What an appalling situation. Can you imagine?

Just as well you don't like him.

Innocent or not, I'm a little bit relieved, to tell you the truth.

And you can't tar them all with the same brush.

This is getting ridiculous.

Who are you calling?

Heston Carter.

Dr Carter? It's Gloria...Newton.

Mrs Newton. How's the ankle?

Not so bad, considering, but we soldier on, us Newton women.

I'm ringing on behalf of Sigourney,

actually. Checking if you'll be coming to the grand opening?

Well... Can I put you down as a yes?

Please convey my thanks, but I don't think I'll be able to attend.

Oh. That's a disappointment.

Busy doctor, in demand, pressures of work. Another time, perhaps?

I think it's inappropriate. You're both patients.

There are certain protocols.

Protocols. Of course.

You are a special person, Gloria, and who knows in other circumstances we, um...?

I fully understand. Just one of those things.

'Bye-bye.'

Sorry.

"Sorry"? Not "I told you so"?

The last e-mail I had from you, it said,

"Please don't ask, it's too painful".

I sent more after that. You never answered.

That was the last! What did it even mean?

I don't remember.

Wait, yes, I do.

You were really sick from the chemo.

Your white cell count didn't rise, you had a terrible infection.

The consultant told me to be prepared.

Don't upset yourself.

I must have sent it after that.

Everything all right, Miriam?

Just a moment...

Shall I be mother?

It's all a bit much for her.

I was really ill, she was coping alone.

It can't have been easy.

I should have stayed.

It would have helped her and you.

We all get it wrong sometimes.

No. You did the right thing, leaving.

Why?

You would have grown to resent Elliot for holding you back.

Never. You had ambitions.

What would it have been like, to have Stuart leave

just when you needed him most?

Not to mention that it was...

What?

How awkward it would have been. The hospital stays,

Stuart at your bedside.

What difference would THAT make?

The prejudice they would have felt. Other patients, staring, pointing.

That's ridiculous.

I was the only one capable of being that clear-sighted.

You believed it was love, but...

What about when Elliot started to get better?

Didn't you want to share the good news? Like now?

All I got was, "Don't ask, it's too painful."

If you could walk away that easily,

you can't have been as strong together as you thought.

But, hang on, was them staying apart what you wanted?

Did you keep them apart deliberately?

EMMA READING: "While the woman you love lives, and lives for you.

"All the privilege I claim for my own sex is that of loving longest,

"when existence or when hope is gone.

"She could not immediately have uttered another sentence.

"Her heart was too full, her breath too much oppressed."

HOWARD READING: "You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.

"Tell me that I am not too late,

"that such precious feelings are gone for ever.

"I offer myself to you again with a heart ever more your own,

"than when you almost broke it..."

And I'm telling you, I got that e-mail two years after I left.

It can't have been two.

I was in remission after 18 months.

Two years.

The other side of the world or not, I was in mourning.

No. By then, I was even thinking about making the trip out there.

Only you persuaded me not to.

Because you weren't up to the journey.

Is that all it was? Is Karen right?

Did you do this deliberately?

Did you deceive me to keep me away?

OK, what if he'd gone all that way and found you'd met someone?

What do you think that would have done?

Positive mental attitude goes a long way to fighting cancer.

So does having someone who loves you.

What does that add to the quality of life?

I gave you that. Proof you didn't need it from someone else.

Motherly love or not, did you deliberately drive a wedge?

Meddling.

I still have my son against all odds.

What wouldn't I have done?

What could have happened if you hadn't interfered?!

I never lied.

You deceived by omission.

There are people out there,

overjoyed that you are still with us and want you to be happy.

Don't keep them waiting.

Hmm, I've done some dodgy things in the name of motherhood, but that...

She is right, though.

You are still here. This is that best-case scenario.

I'm lucky.

What about MY luck?

Can that change?

Sorry. No.

I really don't know why I'm here.

You were invited.

What have we missed?

Fireworks. You're just in time to pay up.

Really? No. Why?

We forgot the mother factor.

CLINKING GLASS

I would like to say thanks to everyone, especially my

MacMillan nurses, St Phil's oncology department, and the team at the Mill.

GPs, consultants and nurses, all come and gone, but the support

has always been the same, and in some cases, it has been out-and-out fun.

Six years ago, I didn't think I had long.

I told someone I loved them enough to let them go because I didn't

want them to put up with what you have to deal with every day.

I'm amazed at how you cope.

Six years of other people making decisions, doing what's best,

protecting me and here we are.

Thankfully. After five years of holding my breath,

it's time to exhale, and seriously get on with living my life.

So drink up, enjoy. It's over too quickly.

APPLAUSE

What's the point of all this life you never thought he'd have,

if he doesn't really live it?

Because he won't live it right.

That's not your choice!

It's too late.

Shut up, you big dope. Go and win him back.

Elliot... Can you stop stacking the odds please?

There's more at stake than a few quid here.

Wait. We're different people.

Having cancer changes everything. You can't go back.

I don't want to. I want to go forward.

My past, my future. It's all the same.

It's only ever been you.

At least say you'll give us a chance.

Six years, Stuart, and you want a decision out of me

after six minutes? I'm sorry...

I lost you once. I won't do it again.

Ever.

That's so...wow...

It's so right.

That's so a pay out from Honest Al. Cha-ching!

Double or quits.

Let's find a pub, with a dart board, me versus you lot?

Once we're established, I can expand,

I can put in an area for a spray-tanning booth.

Way better than a sunbed.

So how is your mother's ankle?

Fine. It's her head giving me grief.

She's got Dr Carter running round inside it,

much good it'll do her. That's true.

He's spoken to you?

He had his doubts, I set him straight.

He's realised better some unhappiness now than a whole load later on.

And who are you to decide that?

Someone who cares about their friends and their colleagues.

Listen, I didn't come here to talk about them.

No? No. I, uh...

I wanted to ask if you'd like to come for dinner with me.

In spite of everything,

I can't help feeling there's something between us. Don't you?

"In spite of everything"?

Yeah, you, me. Let's face it, against all reason,

there's something between us.

So, in spite of everything you don't like, everything that

you think is wrong, wrong with my mother...

I didn't say that. Everything that makes you superior to me in every way.

Whoa...!

Why do I think that saying no to you won't be enough?

What does that even mean?

You know what, no big deal. Your loss.

Turning down someone who got away with murder?

You what? My loss? More like my lucky escape

which is more than some women can say.

I don't know what you've been told.

Enough to know what you're really like.

If you're the type of person who listens to rumour

and gossip then it's my lucky escape, not yours.

How much was the fine? ?100?

So much for our resident bookworm.

I certainly wouldn't make any accusations

until I knew all the facts.

So you'd hire a private detective?

Ten is extremely satisfied. One is extremely dissatisfied.

Two. Kevin Tyler - The Demon Plumber of Letherbridge!

I meant that as a compliment.

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