Talk Talk Doctors

Karen! Hi! Come in! Come in!

-Here, let me get that for you.

-Thank you.

Oh, wow!

It's nice. It's big!

-How was the course?

-It was brilliant.

They had a massive tray of biscuits

and you could just help yourself, all day!

I think I must've put on a stone!

Are you feeling all right about going back on reception tomorrow?

Yeah. Probably. Think I might have forgotten half of it already.

-I'm sure it'll all come flooding back.

-Yeah, maybe.

Anyway, you just enjoy your day off.

Right, let's show you your room. Come with me.

-Can I pop this on here?

-Yes, of course! Here.

I hope you're ready for a climb.

-It's at the top of the house, I'm afraid.

-Oh, dear.

Right, well. This is it.

If you need more towels, there's some in the airing cupboard.

Otherwise, root around. Make yourself at home.

Is the room OK?

No! Yeah, it's tidy.

Well, you can mess it up when I'm gone.

I'm not going to be doing room inspections.

-Do what you want, make it your own.

-Really?

Well, I do draw the line at black walls and mirrored ceilings.

But, yeah, go for it!

Right, I'd better get going. I'll see you later.

MUSIC ON PHONE: "It's My Life" by Talk Talk

MUSIC PLAYS LOUDER # Don't you forget

# It's my life

# It never ends

# It never ends... #

Oh...

Mum? Mum!

KNOCK AT DOOR

What do you want?

Do you recognise me?

They showed me photos. You're Imogen.

You call me Immie.

Immie?! I don't think so.

Can you please let me in so I can talk to you, Mum?

-Don't call me that!

-OK! All right! I'm sorry!

But, please...

No, I'm not allowed to have anybody round.

-Emma wouldn't mind!

-Mind your fingers!

CAMERA CLICKS

KAREN SIGHS

Saw you wiping your nose on your sleeve.

Yeah, sorry, got a bit of cold.

Suppose you'd better come in then.

-You can call me Karen.

-OK. Karen.

Your hair's nice.

Thanks. So's yours.

-Tea or coffee?

-Tea, please.

Do you want milk or...?

White, no sugar. Same as you.

-I don't suppose...?

-What?

I could stick this in your washer?

-I'm not doing your washing!

-No.

I'd do it. I just need to use your...

No! It's not my place!

And Emma's been kind enough as it is.

She doesn't want every Tom, Dick and Harry taking the mick.

OK.

Oh, can I have a bit more milk?

-Not the same as mine then, is it?

-Sorry! I...

Why don't you go around to your dad's,

if you want your washing doing, and your tea making?

I don't want my dad. I want...

Drink that and go, y'know.

It's been nice seeing you, but I've got stuff to do.

-Like what?

-Like...

I've got to do my room up.

Really?

Can I see it? I'm really good at that.

Decorating and stuff.

I remember seeing your room, at your dad's. It was pretty cool.

Maybe I could help you with yours.

This is how you picture it. As a blank canvas.

You see what space you've got,

imagine what goes where and then find the best fit for everything.

See, I've always fancied covering the whole ceiling in posters.

Y'know, sexy guys from Spandau Ballet. Howard Jones.

Too much detail will make it all crowd in on you.

You want to make the most of the light and the space.

-So, like, just a few posters?

-Or a framed print.

Something that'll last longer than the singles chart.

MUSIC: "Don't You Forget About Me" by Simple Minds

Do you want me to come shopping with you, help you pick out a few pieces?

Erm, I always thought I had good taste,

-but when I think of that living room...

-At home?

No, at your dad's.

It's horrendous! Looks like an old people's home!

It's not that bad!

I suppose it's not exactly cutting-edge.

-I did try and talk you out of those pelmets!

-Did you?

You wouldn't listen! Stubborn as ever!

You can come shopping with me, if you like.

# Rain keeps falling rain keeps falling down, down. #

-Why've you come?

-To help YOU with your shopping.

No, I mean, here, today. What do you want?

Just talk about stuff.

I used to wish you'd keep your nose out of my life,

mind your own business, but now that you never call me any more,

it just feels like no-one gives a...

I just missed you.

Didn't you miss me? Ever?

No.

When I used to go out on the lash, when I lived at home

you always said that you could not get to sleep until I got back safe.

Even if you knew where I was and who I was with,

you still couldn't relax until you heard my key in the lock.

That's sad, isn't it? Sounds like I hadn't got a life of my own.

It was just an instinctive thing.

Apparently not. Come on.

I bet I got all my stuff from here, didn't I?

Every wet Sunday, looking at cushion covers, roller blinds,

scented candles that never got lit.

What did I do, just sit in and sniff them?

-Plump my gazillion cushions?

-It was a nice home! It still is!

Homes don't have to be cool.

We could get a disco ball? Or spotlights!

-You know...

-It's a bedroom, not a nightclub!

It could be both. We could have a theme!

-Towels!

-Nah, Emma's supplying them.

My best one got nicked off the washing line

and the rest are covered in hair dye. Can I get some?

-Get what you want.

-Cool, thanks.

-Why're you thanking me?

-Oh, cos...

Oh, it doesn't matter.

Don't you want them any more?

I don't think I can afford them.

I thought that you were going to...

-We came here for me! For my room!

-Sorry, Mum...

I mean Karen.

We haven't got a single thing for me!

And I don't want any of it, anyway. It's horrible.

I can get my stuff later. Dad can get it for me.

-We'll look for you now.

-Is that how it happened?

I ended up filling my time with candles and cushions?

Because I'd spent everything on you? My money, my time, my energy?

I had nothing left for me? You just took over?!

-I didn't ask to be born!

-Neither did I!

Oh, well, I guess it's all your mum's fault, then, isn't it?

She should be here with me now. Not you.

She should be buying me stuff.

I've got a good idea. I know a place we can get some really cool stuff.

Oh, wow!

-I used to come in here for my art projects.

-I think I'm in heaven!

I used to come in here for him too.

Hi.

Hey.

Not seen you for a while!

Yeah, moved to London. Going to art school.

Cool.

Hi. I'm Karen.

I'm doing up my room and I need some signature pieces.

Like, um...

Like a mirror, a lamp, couple of pictures, maybe a vase.

We're thinking early eighties style.

Very cool.

-It was my idea.

-I think I know what you want.

I've got some nice pieces out round the back.

-Are you flirting with him?

-What's it to you?

He's married!

So am I, technically. We could have a torrid affair!

-You are joking, right?

-Here you go.

Oh! Oh...

See anything you like?

Oh, I'll take the lot! Look at this!

-And there you go.

-Thank you.

Shame you can't help me carry it back to my place.

Oh, I would if I could.

Go on, come and help me move my room.

I bet you've got a good eye.

And the mattress might need a bit of testing.

She's joking, right?

Yeah, course she is. She'll do anything for a discount.

No discounts, sorry, love. But you can keep that keyring.

Really? Thanks.

It'll remind you of me, when you're far away in London.

Doesn't your wife mind you flirting with the customers? Dirty perv!

Come on, let's get this sorted, before Emma gets back.

IMOGEN SIGHS

MUSIC: "Bulletproof" by La Roux

-What do you think?

-It's great, I love it! Thank you.

I couldn't have done it on my own.

There is a reason that I came here today.

It's my boyfriend.

What boyfriend? What's he done?

His name's Olly. He's in the year above me.

-Oh! Is he cheating on you?

-No!

I don't think so. He's just gone cold on me.

I don't know what to do. We've been going out nearly a year.

I mean, are you in love with him?

I thought we were,

but now he just says he's not sure if it's what he wants.

All he keeps saying is,

"I don't know, I don't know." It's driving me mad!

I can't eat or sleep.

I didn't know who else to turn to.

Have you done it with him?

It's not about that.

My mum always told me to save myself, else they'll lose interest,

so normally I would only do snogs and gropes at the most.

Yeah, that's what you always told me.

Except for the snogs and gropes bit.

Anyway, I did it, ages ago. It's really not a big deal now.

See that's what I thought, so the last bloke I copped off with,

we did it on the first date, and you know what?

-He dumped me!

-You what?

Yeah! Never saw him again. So, my mum was right.

It does make a difference!

And I'm thinking if you and Olly had only done gropes...

You're not joking, are you? Seriously? You CHEATED on Dad?

It's not cheating. I'm not going out with him.

YOU'RE MARRIED! You've been married to him for 24 years!

So, maybe it's about time I had some fun!

That's what you call fun, is it?!

Putting yourself about, having one night stands, breaking Dad's heart?

He can see whoever he wants! I don't care!

You have to! You have to care!

You can't just stop!

-It's not my fault!

-What about Jack? Or Granddad?

Were you ever going to give them a moment's thought

-or were you too busy having fun?

-It's none of your business!

-I didn't ask you to come here.

-What about ME?!

YOU MADE ME!

You MUST feel something!

You must FEEL something!

CHILD'S LAUGHTER

(I don't know who you are!)

(I don't love you!)

(I HATE you!)

Coming in here and screaming in MY face!

IMOGEN SOBS

KAREN GASPS

# Burning bridges, shore to shore I break away from something more

# I'm not turned on to love until it's cheap

# Been there done that messed around I'm having fun, don't put me down

# I'll never let you sweep me off my feet

# This time, baby, I'll be

# Bulletproof

# This time, baby, I'll be

# Bulletproof... #

IMOGEN SIGHS

PAN SIZZLES

Karen?

I was hungry. Hope you don't mind.

I was thirsty.

I made you one. You don't have to eat it.

-Omelette. My favourite.

-Yeah.

Probably yours as well, isn't it?

No, actually. I'd rather have a frittata.

Not bad. Better than the one your dad made me.

Dad uses too much salt.

This is just right.

I cried into it.

MOBILE BEEPS

-Erm?

-What?

Aren't you going to get that? Could be Olly.

Not likely. He hasn't replied to me for days.

Can I have a look?

-It's him.

-You what? Olly? Let me see.

-What's he say?

-He said that he's sorry.

He wants to make it up to me. Wants to take me out tonight!

-Say no.

-Why?

Tell him to shove it!

Then, when he keeps asking, maybe in a month or so,

-tell him you'll consider it.

-I'm not going to play games!

He's obviously been thinking about it the whole time,

and realised that we're right for each other!

You've forgotten what my mum said. Men haven't changed that much.

He was happy to keep you dangling until I told him it was all over.

Till you what?

I texted him.

Not as me, as you, don't worry.

I saw his texts, "Oh, don't know what I want, blah, blah,"

so I told him it was over.

Never going to see you again.

You texted him as ME?!

You have NO right!

It worked though, didn't it?

What should I text him back? I'm not going to say no.

Leave it for a bit. Make him sweat.

Seems a bit childish.

-But our omelettes are getting cold.

-Yeah.

And my room's a mess. You're going to have to help me fix that.

And I definitely can't see him tonight. I'm not even in London!

You could be anywhere. With anyone.

You're not going to put your life on hold for the likes of him.

MUSIC: "You've Got The Love" by Candi Staton

I've got this track, too, it's just a bit different.

I love it.

Makes me feel happy and sad and angry, all at the same time.

Mine must be the cover version. Have you heard it?

-I bet it's not as good.

-It is. It's great.

It's just a slightly different take on it.

-That's it.

-What?

-That's me.

Cover Version Karen.

You had the original, back then.

And this is me now. Same tune, a different take on it.

-Do you get that?

-Yeah.

Kind of, but I quite liked the original.

Maybe I won't like your cover version when I hear it.

But maybe it'll grow on me.

And maybe we could be mates.

-I've got enough mates.

-Can never have enough mates.

I'm sorry about the vase.

-Do you fancy a G&T?

-Really?

Yeah, go on. Celebrate my new room. Just one. Or two.

-What d'you think?

-I'm not your mate!

I'll drink with anyone, me.

It's not bad.

MUSIC: "You've Got The Love" by Florence and the Machine

-Do you want to copy it?

-Yeah, please.

-Can I have some of your other tracks as well?

-Whatever you like.

You've got good taste in music, and interior decor.

Just bad taste in men.

I hope that Olly is sitting there, staring at his phone,

like I was for days on end.

I knew HE wouldn't call. But YOU?

I kept HOPING!

I don't know. I can't explain. I'm sorry.

You sound like Olly did!

You should turn him down. You should delete his number.

-Let him go.

-I still love him.

Look, I loved George Michael! Passionately!

To the point of proper screaming! But I got over it.

Now it's Howard Jones, and I'll get over him too.

I've had crushes. I know the difference.

It's not the real thing, though, is it? You're lucky.

You've got uni and London.

I've got to go back to work tomorrow.

And even if I do meet Howard Jones and he falls in love with me...

..he's really old.

If I were you, I'd have as much fun as I could.

And I wouldn't let anyone break my heart.

Not Olly.

Not me.

Sorry, Imogen.

-Can I have another drink?

-YES! Ha-ha!

MUSIC: "Close To Me" by The Cure

Emma could do a lot better with this space.

I should have a word with her. Get her lying down here.

This is what I think's happened with me.

If you live too long in a place, you lose all perspective.

She needs help.

I'm going to text him back.

WHAT? NO!

Yes.

IMOGEN GROANS AND STRETCHES

-I have to.

-Oh...

-I can't just leave it hanging.

But I am going to let him know

that the date's off.

You're right. He's not the one.

And it's not even fun any more.

It's over.

And delete his number?

From that memory and that one?

So you can't have a weak moment when you're drunk.

Or when you sober up...

I never even memorised it.

Right. It's gone, for ever.

Yay! That's my girl!

-I didn't mean it like...

-I know.

I'm not deleting your number though. That's still in here.

Let's change the place around, as a surprise for Emma

when she gets home. In, like, 30 seconds.

-We have got to tidy up.

-Uh-huh.

-And sober up!

It's probably more like five minutes.

We've trashed her house!

Yay!

It's not really trashed! It's just lived in!

She said, "Make myself at home."

You start washing up.

I'll get my wet clothes onto a spin-dry.

You did your washing? When I told you not to!

I over-ruled you. If you're not my mum,

then you'll have to get used to that!

Now, come on, get your rubber gloves on and get washing.

You're not my mum either!

No, I'm just another bossy boots, and I'm older than you, kind of.

So, gloves, liquid, scrubber!

Oh! It hasn't even started yet. Stupid thing!

Oh, can I put it on now and pick it up tomorrow?

No, I'm working tomorrow. It's my first day.

I've got a lot on my plate.

OK, I get it - baby steps.

THEY GIGGLE

-You got everything?

-I think so.

-Got your keyring?

-Aye, aye, captain.

-Are you sober enough to walk?

I'm sure Emma wouldn't mind...

Coming home to find us two trashed on her gin?

Nah, I'll be fine. It's not far.

I'll use all the pedestrian crossings, wait for the green man.

OK, then.

I keep waiting for you to ask me which mate I'm staying with.

-Why? Is it a bloke?

-No, it's not a bloke!

It's just...the old you

would've wanted to know where I was and who I was with.

OK.

-Who's your mate?

-Her name's Frannie.

She lives opposite the park, in her own studio flat.

We did A-levels together,

but she did music and she's taken a few years out to work on it.

She's in a band. I'm going to go and watch them rehearse.

Frannie sounds well cool! Can I come?

We could go out on the lash after.

I don't think that's such a good idea.

-You've got to work tomorrow.

-Oh.

Probably for the best. I think I need baby steps too.

I'll see you when I see you.

Thanks for the room and music and...

Sorry.

Get lost!

IMAGINED CHILD'S LAUGHTER

Immie?

CHILD'S LAUGHTER

MUSIC: "You've Got The Love" by Florence and the Machine

KAREN SOBS

If you haven't gone up a dress size by the time I leave here,

-I have failed.

-Don't say that!

You could have set back her recovery by months! Years maybe!

Dad, her recovery is going really well!

Karen, looking forward to getting back in the hot seat?

We're all looking forward to you getting back in your rightful place.

That can't be right! I wasn't here on Friday!

And I ran out of my cream this morning.