Destiny Doctors

Excuse me, is this place free?

Yeah, of course. Thank you.

Oh, cool.

Your books.

Thank you.

Especially that one. You're into the early goldsmiths, yeah?

I am interested in local history generally.

I know a lot about my birthplace, Botswana,

but very little about my adoptive home.

It is time to put that right.

Are you here for the lecture?

"The Lock-makers of Wolverhampton".

I am. Richard Wright is totally awesome.

In that case, I will come. Thank you.

It is very refreshing to see a young person studying in the library.

Got no choice, if I want to be a history teacher.

I was referring to the books, rather than the internet.

It is very unusual.

I've always loved books, ever since I was little.

I even like the way they smell, especially when they're old.

Does that sound daft? Not at all.

It's ten to.

I want to get a seat at the front.

I'm Destiny, by the way.

Mrs Tembe.

I'll probably see you in there.

I'm just saying, we have to look at all the options.

There aren't any.

We can't send Joe to Pineborough,

unless you want him to end up with an ASBO.

What about Heathdean?

I told you, it's C of E.

Lesser of the two evils, surely?

Do you seriously want your son to end up a Bible basher?

Holy Joe. Does have a ring to it.

I'm glad you find it amusing,

because living in the wrong catchment area isn't my fault.

If you recall, I had absolutely no say in the purchase of our house.

Which I couldn't admit to Kirsty - I would seem even more pathetic.

Please don't drag all that up. It's pointless.

I quite agree. So we're back to square one.

We'll have to go private.

Absolutely not.

So what are we going to do, then?

Welcome, everyone, to "Lock-makers of Wolverhampton".

Excuse me, please. Thank you.

I'm Richard Wright, as you've probably gleaned,

and I hope to share with you my fascination

for these extraordinary early craftsmen

who...

who, erm...

whose trade...er...

Anyway, my research has focused mainly on the 18th century.

GROANS

Ohh, are you all right?

Zip it?

Oh, I get it, you can't talk.

Tell me what you need. Give me a sign.

Thumb... Oh, I get it! Thumb, sounds like dumb?

Two thumbs. Let me think.

Files.

Files sounds like...piles?

Writing in files.

Paperwork!

Praying? You are...

Wait a minute, I've got it.

You're saying please let me do my paperwork?

Are you sure you don't need to see a doctor yourself?

Oh, sorry, almost forgot.

You've got a patient care meeting at two o'clock.

You're very kind. Thank you so much.

Very enjoyable, thank you.

Well, that was most informative.

Time for a cup of tea.

What?

Tea. Perhaps you would like to join me?

Oh, sorry - no, thanks. I've...got to get back to school.

Well, I will walk with you, then.

No, it's OK. Listen, maybe I'll see you here again.

Take care, yeah?

Well...you take care, Destiny.

I thought you were going.

On second thoughts, I think I will stay in the library

just for a little longer.

Right.

Bye.

I'd like to go and take a look at Heathdean.

Daniel, it's an under-resourced state school. Who says?

You're making an assumption, and so am I. And we shouldn't.

Right. OK, let's do it. This very afternoon. Today?

Not chickening out, are you? No. It was my idea.

I'm so going to enjoy watching you struggle to evade the inquisition.

It shouldn't be hard. A person can be moral without going to church.

SHE SNORTS

OK!

Right. OK.

This'll do.

No self-respecting historian would be seen dead in Romantic Fiction.

Destiny, why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?

I didn't want to be a burden to you.

Say something!

I'm lost for words. How could you even think that?

I was going to have the baby adopted, but now...

CLATTER

Mrs Tembe?

Destiny! Are you all right?

Yeah. I was just have a catch-up with my Uncle Richard.

Your uncle.

Well, I was just browsing the library

and carelessly dropped my book.

How kind. Thank you.

You obviously have a broad taste, Mrs Tembe.

Are you interested in True Crime?

No, not at all.

True Crime section it is, then. We might get some privacy there.

Good afternoon.

KNOCK AT DOOR Yeah?

Mrs Traynor's running late.

So I've booked her in for tomorrow instead. Ah, OK. Cheers.

You know that character in Stars Wars,

who's almost human but is really hairy and makes animal noises?

Chewbacca? Yes.

What about him?

That's what Al's like today.

Right, well, no change there, then.

Only he seems to not be able to speak.

He's probably just throwing a wobbler.

I'd steer clear of him if I were you.

Al? Al? Are you all right?

HE MOANS

Can't you speak? Go away.

What? Go away.

Aww, is our Wookiee throwing a wobbly? Yeah.

It looks like he may have gone to the dark side. I'm in pain.

Pain? Would that be in the a...?

THEY LAUGH

Why CAN'T I live with you?

On what basis?

As my niece? Oh, yeah, your parents would love that.

Like I care.

You are 15 years old. There'd be no end of trouble.

You mean, for you? For both of us.

Well, maybe you've got some making up to do.

That's a bit below the belt.

You just don't want the responsibility.

It's not that at all.

Come here!

Let's talk about it at my place.

I know this looks strange, but I have a very good cause.

Oh, my goodness! Excuse me.

Hello, Miss Pitman?

I need you to check the patient records

and see if we have a patient registered

under the Christian name of Destiny?

Looks nice.

We haven't even got inside yet.

I find your relentless optimism irritating.

And I find your relentless pessimism tedious.

Here we go.

Mr and Mrs Granger-Carmichael?

No. Yes, that's right. Hello.

Hi, I'm Lorraine. Welcome to Heathdean. Come in.

She seems nice.

A head-teacher called Lorraine?

I am so not impressed.

Howard did say two o'clock, right?

Well, we could start without him.

Right, the first item on today's agenda

is the importance of time management.

Now then, gentlemen,

what do we see as the important factors in patient care?

That is a very good question, Howard.

I think communication is paramount.

A fine answer, Dr Tyler.

Now, are we referring to the communications

between practitioners and patients?

Yes, I am, but between staff as well. In fact,

I know this is a subject very close to Dr Haskey's heart as well.

Really? Dr Haskey, would you care to elaborate?

See? Why speak, when a mere look can convey so much?

MUMBLES Ow!

Whoa, are you all right there, big guy?

Whatever it is, I don't think they're helping much.

There you are, mate.

The water's cold! What are you giving me cold water for?

BOTH: Toothache!

Can I... Can I help you?

I... I am Mrs Tembe from the Mill Health Centre.

I was a little concerned about your daughter, Destiny, but...

Why? Is she ill?

No, not at all. She's very well.

Please, just tell me.

She is perfectly fine.

I was probably being a little hasty.

Hang on, hang on! Let me be the judge of that.

Something's bugging you or you wouldn't be here.

I saw Destiny leaving the library with a Dr Richard Wright.

Get in. Quick!

Perhaps it would be wise to call the police and let them deal with it.

If he thinks he's got any rights...

He walked out on Destiny when she was just a baby.

He is her father? No.

No, I am. I've got the adoption papers to prove it.

Are you getting in, or what?

Mr Skelton, I do not think it is appropriate for me to get involved.

It's abduction, you're a witness. Please.

Please! I need your help.

It's like walking into Oz.

You know in the film, where it's black and white

and then she opens the door and... That's what I think.

Twin souls, obviously. Excuse me? Oh, nothing.

These are on the theme of Africa.

Mrs Martinez is very keen that the children are aware

of what's going on in the world.

Mrs Martinez?

The head teacher.

So who are you?

I'm a teaching assistant.

Mrs Martinez would have loved to have met you today,

but it was a little short notice.

Oh, yeah, that's perfectly understandable.

(QUIETLY) It's not as if our son's future is of any great significance.

Lorraine, it would be lovely if we could see some information

on SATs, Ofsted reports, that kind of thing. No problem.

I'll grab some stuff from the office, if you'll excuse me. Of course, thank you.

Mr Skelton, I do not wish to be the cause of any discord.

Eh?

When I met Dr Wright I thought he was... Well, never mind that now.

But could I just say that in my experience

no good ever came of fighting.

Better to discuss differences in a calm and reasonable way.

Wise words.

Reasonable is my middle name.

Oh, no.

Where's my daughter? Destiny!

Oh, no!

Bob, let's talk about this in a civilised manner.

There's nothing civilised about snatching my daughter.

I haven't! Mrs Tembe!

Destiny, I am so sorry.

This unfortunate confrontation is all my fault.

I misinterpreted your conversation with Dr Wright in the car park.

You were in the car park as well?

Miss Marple has nothing on you.

I assumed he was the baby's father. Gross!

That's what comes of lurid fiction.

This lady is an upstanding member of the community,

who is here as a witness.

Dad, I came here because I wanted to.

If you spent more time listening, instead of laying down the law...

I don't need parenting tips from you, thank you very much.

Now come on, we're going.

No!

This is very impressive.

Isn't it? Last year was the best yet.

Number five in the country. Though we do usually make the top ten.

Hear that, Zara? What's going on in here?

Maths.

They look very happy about it.

Different story when I was at school. Oh, I know!

I was frightened to open my mouth at mine!

Would you mind putting me in the direction of the Ladies, please?

Yes. That way and to the left. Thanks.

How about IT provision?

Come on, I'll show you.

It's like Uncle Richard says. You don't listen.

So, I'm listening now.

Come on, Dest, we shouldn't have secrets.

Yeah, right. What? I want to move in here. OK?

Destiny, we haven't really discussed that. You see?

He didn't want you when you were a baby and he doesn't want you now.

You don't want MY baby.

Is that true? None of your business.

Yes, it is. He or she will be my flesh and blood.

Don't pull that card!

You were quick enough to hand her over when she was small.

When I met her mother she was struggling by on benefits.

So was I! This has nothing to do with me. I should...

First you tried to persuade me to have an abortion.

Now you want it adopted.

That was your decision.

You would be relieved if I lost it, wouldn't you?

Don't say that.

I only ever wanted what was best for you.

No, this is about you! What's best for you.

I heard you last night, Dad.

You said living with this baby would be a life sentence.

All your plans up in smoke.

And you talk to me about commitment!

Say that again!

Perhaps you're not Superdad after all.

Destiny!

Dest?

CHILDREN SING

Little boy! Stop!

Do you need help?

I don't think so, thank you.

My name's Zara. What's yours? Ben.

What's wrong? Why did you run out of your class?

Because I want to go to the toilet. Sorry!

I was quick, wasn't I? I washed my hands and everything.

Excellent. Do you like the singing?

Yes. It's lovely.

I'm in the choir and I sing solo.

Do you? That's wonderful.

I used to want to play the trumpet,

but Mr Dane said I wouldn't be able to sing at the same time.

Well, that would be difficult.

And, anyway, it hurts your lips. That's why I'm learning guitar.

It hurts my fingers, but I don't mind that so much.

I'm hoping that my little boy might come to this school.

His name's Joe. My best friend's called Joe.

I suppose I'd better go back in. Yes, of course.

She's running away from you. Butt out!

A typical response from an ignorant, bull-headed control freak.

She is an intelligent young woman.

No wonder she can't talk to you. Oh, my goodness!

Dad! Stop it! Stop him!

You should be ashamed of yourselves!

Destiny and I will go for a walk

until you two hooligans learn to behave in a civilised manner.

Come.

How's it going?

Fine.

It would be if you went to the dentist.

Don't need to.

These won't cure a toothache.

Dentists are money-gwabbing cwooks.

Ah, he's fwightened. Diddums.

IMITATES CHICKEN

Leave.

I was stupid. I didn't think this could happen to me.

I had plans, right? University, teaching...

Everything was so settled.

Sometimes life sets us on a path we were not expecting.

Do you have children, Mrs Tembe?

I am afraid not.

You probably think it's wasted on me.

Not if you want your baby as badly as I think you do.

It's a boy. I asked the nurse.

I've thought of a name and everything.

But I wonder if he'd be better off with a proper family.

My parents don't want him.

And I might not be a very good mum.

Why would you say that?

Because sometimes studying feels more important.

Teaching is all I've ever wanted to do.

Many young women face this conflict.

It does not make you a bad mother.

I didn't know Uncle Richard was my dad until I was ten.

I don't want that for us.

I don't want to be turning up with presents on birthdays

and feeling awkward. That's even if they'd let me!

Destiny, you are a remarkable young woman.

Am I? Absolutely.

But at this stage of your life, you are going to need

the support of your family.

So...

you are going to have to tell them exactly what you want.

BELL RINGS

Can I give you a push on the swing?

That would be lovely, but I'm supposed to be a responsible adult.

Does "responsible" mean the same thing as "boring"?

Are you calling me boring?

No, I think you'd really like to go on the swing.

(WHISPERS) Well spotted!

I can hang upside down on this. Watch!

Ben, your mum's waiting.

Can I just do this first?

On your way, chatterbox!

Bye, Zara.

Bye, Ben.

Are you all right?

Yes. I just needed some fresh air.

Well, I hope you've both enjoyed your visit?

You couldn't have been more helpful, Lorraine. Thank you.

Yes, thank you. We'll definitely be in touch.

Brilliant! I'll tell Mrs Martinez. Bye for now.

Ben was such a lovely boy! He's so happy here.

Do you know, they play proper musical instruments?

How was the IT equipment?

State of the art. Zara...

We were so right to come here.

We?

OK, OK, you. But it's settled.

I want Joe at this school. End of discussion.

Hey. Are you coming home?

No, Dad. Not till we've sorted this out.

Your mum was upset last night

because she thought she was going to miss out on a grandchild.

I was trying to talk her round,

because I thought that was what you wanted.

I've changed my mind.

Dest, I've watched you play school since you were tiny.

It's always been in you to teach.

Yeah, but now it's complicated.

And I suppose Clever Dick's got all the answers?

He knows how it feels to give up a child.

You were gutted, right?

I was 17 and resentful because I couldn't go to university.

Things weren't working out with your mother.

I wasn't any sort of father to you.

You chose university.

I like to think I gave you the chance of a better life.

Hey, I did that.

This is hopeless!

Please.

Destiny has something that she wants to say.

I want to keep the baby AND go to university.

He's leaving early.

To see the money-gwabbing cwook?

Just an early night.

There's no point in that. You won't sleep.

Come on, I'll have a look if you like. No way!

Al, you could have an abscess

or an infection that spreads to other teeth.

You'll be all gummy!

Fancy liquidised pizza, do you?

Look, I just don't want you ending up a single mum with no prospects.

Dr Wright. She won't, if she comes to live with me.

And Mr Skelton. But who's going to look after Brunel while I go to uni?

Brunel?

Please, help yourselves to sugar. You're not being realistic.

Your GCSEs will go out the window

and it'll take you so long to get back on track.

Not necessarily. I'll help her with her studies.

She's not staying here. End of.

Gentlemen, please, let's put an end to this rivalry

for the sake of your daughter.

MY daughter. For heaven's sake!

Dad, I'm not expecting it to be easy.

But I need your help if I'm going to have this baby and get my degree.

Mr Skelton. Do you really want to lose your daughter?

Of course not.

Dr Wright, do you want a screaming child in your home?

Well...no.

Well, then.

Look, me and your mum will help you look after the baby.

Of course we will. Why wouldn't we?

But come home!

There you go! Thanks, Dad! Thanks, Uncle Richard!

Whoa. He's not part of the bargain.

Why? He can come to the house.

And what do I do then?

Suddenly he's hijacking my relationship with my grandson? No.

Dad! Uncle Richard could never take your place, not in a million years.

It's your family, Bob.

I'll respect that.

Well, I'll have to run it past Jackie.

Brunel Skelton, eh?

Bit of a ring to it.

No, really, I will take a taxi.

No, you won't. I'll drop you off. No problem.

Don't be long, love.

Your mam will be home soon and we've a lot to talk about.

Sometimes good things happen at a bad time.

Was I a good thing?

Yes! I just had some growing up to do.

You'll be fine, though.

With your help.

On one condition.

Now you're a bit older, you can start calling me Richard.

Yeah. I suppose "Uncle Richard" is a bit naff.

Dr Wright, I never did get the chance to say

how much I enjoyed your lecture.

You are obviously a man of great scholarship.

But was it worth giving up my family?

You cannot spend your time regretting the past.

It slips away so quickly, and before you know it...

Well, now you have the chance to make amends

and support your daughter.

This will be a brand-new start, for both of you.

Thank you, Mrs Tembe.

I can just see Joe in one of those sweet little blue uniforms.

Do you think he's going to turn out to be musical?

He plays the xylophone already.

Zara, Lorraine told me the school is over-subscribed.

What does that mean, anyway?

It means that they can pick and choose.

For heaven's sake, we're doctors.

Good point. But they give priority to parents who are churchgoers.

Which church are they affiliated to?

St Bernadette's.

Why?

You assured me this app was foolproof.

You don't want a reply to that, do you?

If I don't nail this essay

I won't stand a chance of winning the bursary.

Goodbye, California.

What do you think? Are you going to give me a hint?

Our new self check-in machine.

If he wants to get wired on pep pills

and write essays all night like a loser, that's his business.

It's not your problem. You don't know anything about me.