Matter of Chance Doctors

Morning.

Better get moving.

# The cows on the bus go moo-moo-moo all day long... #

There you go.

So where shall we go today?

What about a trip on a spaceship to Mars? No?

OK. What about a ride in the van to Liz's?

More like it, eh?

DOORBELL RINGS

Eat your cereal, Daddy will be back in a minute.

Alex?

Hi. How have you been?

Just passing?

I've come straight from the airport. Couldn't wait to see you.

How long has it been? Two years?

Maria...

Can I see her?

Tea or coffee?

Whatever you're having.

Look, Mand, I'm as gobsmacked as you are, yeah.

You said you were straight.

I am.

Maybe being bi runs in the family.

Lois, this is a really big deal for me.

But it doesn't have to be.

It's the first time I've slept with anyone since Freya.

And it just happens to be her sister!

You think this is about Freya?

-I don't know!

-Neither do I, if I'm honest.

What if we were just comforting each other?

What's so terrible about that?

Where do we go from here?

I can't see how something so lovely can possibly be bad.

I haven't even had my shower yet! Can we talk again?

Yeah. Of course. Get ready. I'll do this.

She's beautiful.

Always was. Bigger now. More hair.

Slightly less vulnerable than when you walked out.

Paul, I deserve everything you throw at me.

Yeah, well, we shouldn't be doing it in front of Maria.

I bet Mummy would like to meet Winklefoot.

Winklefoot?

Hmm. She made that up herself.

On the table in front of you.

Wow, she's well-loved.

I think old is the word you're looking for.

Out of milk, I'm afraid.

No worries. I've been drinking Turkish.

Of course you have.

-Anyway, the dig's closed down.

-Really?

We've applied for another grant. I'm not hopeful, though.

Had enough there, honeybee? You've done really well there.

We've found lots of really interesting artefacts,

but nothing sexy, you know?

And, anyway, the Turkish authorities want to build housing on the site.

So, you're at a loose end?

That's not it.

Hardly a day has gone by when I haven't thought about us.

How I messed up.

-Easy to say.

-Well, this isn't.

I've never stopped loving you. I want to try again.

You swan in here without even a phone call and expect me

-to fall at your feet?

-Of course not.

It might surprise you to know I have a life.

Not as fascinating as yours, obviously!

-Can't we at least talk about it?

-No, Alex, we can't. I'm due at work.

Later, then? I'll look after Maria.

No chance! There we go, come on!

Oh, you're kidding me?!

HE SIGHS

ENGINE STOPS

Maria!

Hello, my darling!

Hello, Winklefoot!

-What's up?

-Some joker's nicked all my tools.

Oh, Paul! Have you called the police?

Yup. Interpol are probably onto it right now.

Let me help you out.

-We can go to the garden centre...

-No, I'll manage.

Have you got anything I could use in that shed of yours?

I'm not sure. It's all shrouded in cobwebs.

If I'm not out in half an hour, get help.

Will do.

Come on. Let's see what we can find, eh?

Hiya!

Yeah, you look nice.

I've made an effort.

I've just got my old fishing gear on.

I've brought you some wellies. Your wellies.

I don't need them. I've got my boots on.

So where are we going?

Let's just see, shall we?

Me and you had more than one location

-where we used to enjoy our favourite hobby.

-Did we?

Yeah, we did. But I'm not going to tell you which one.

-It's a surprise.

-Ooh!

Maria's having a nap. We've been playing hide and seek.

I bet she told you off for finding her too quickly?

No, I'm wise to that one. What on earth...?

Did you know that secateurs were first used

in the early 19th century?

And these are the original pair?

Almost definitely.

Listen, I've got a proposition.

Yeah?

I know you've been having some money problems recently.

Why don't you and Maria move in here?

I don't mean...

No, of course!

SHE LAUGHS

Let me start again.

This house is far too big for me.

There's enough room for you and Maria to have your own

private apartment - rent free -

until you get yourself back on your feet.

Liz, I couldn't...

But it makes such good sense and would take the pressure off you.

I love having Maria around.

No, you don't understand.

Thing is, Alex turned up on my doorstep this morning.

Oh.

That does complicate matters.

That's an understatement. I'm all over the place.

And here's me adding to your confusion.

No, you haven't. It was a lovely offer - kind, generous...

I'm sounding like a prat now!

No, you don't.

I'd better go and check on Maria.

OK. Thank you. Really.

HE SCREAMS, GROANS

KNOCK ON DOOR

There's that patient I wanted you to look at.

I'm off out on a visit. I'll catch you later.

Is this the one that's three months pregnant?

What's the problem?

Lester Doncaster, 73. Hold the front page!

Sorry! It's the wrong one. I'll get it to you later.

How did it go with Lois?

You have asked her to move out?

Yes, but I changed my mind.

How come?

Because it's not right.

You've got to stop living in the past.

I'm sick of this. I can't just forget about Freya.

You think I can. Look, Mandy, I get it, I really do.

-Freya was a one-off.

-I'm never going to have that again.

Not with her sister hanging around.

Me and Lois are helping each other.

It feels good to have someone around who understands.

I understand. If you need to talk about Freya...

Look, Kevin, thank you for your concern, but everything's fine.

Can we just drop it, please!

I think it would be advisable to go to A&E.

-That's what I told him.

-I haven't got time to sit around hospital.

-Paul?

-Chris!

Hey, man! How's it going?

Whoa!

-It's not as bad as it looks.

-Let me see.

He cut himself with some very rusty secateurs.

Who's this?

That's Maria, my little girl.

Hiya! Listen, I'm going to take Daddy through to my room

and make his hand better. OK?

Will you tell Dr Tyler to come through when he's free?

-Certainly. Please take a seat.

-Thank you.

Let's go and sit over here.

Keep them closed. Just a little bit further.

DUCKS QUACK

Right. OK, open your eyes.

Takes your breath away, doesn't it?

Oh, yeah!

You've always loved this place.

A haven of peace, you said,

no sound except the rustling of the leaves, the swish of the rod,

the whirring of the reel.

-I think it's coming back to me.

-Is it?

Fantastic, or what!

Yeah, what exactly can you remember?

You know, sitting here on the bank, casting on.

-In. Casting in.

-That's what I said.

-Yeah.

Anyway, I think we'd better get on.

So, you're a dad!

Yup. She's Alex's.

She never really wanted kids. I did.

I persuaded her to go ahead with the pregnancy.

It was a disaster.

To cut a long and painful story short, archaeology won out

and she left for Turkey.

Ah, I'm sorry.

Can I just lift your sleeve?

But now she's back and wants a fresh start.

I'm completely floored.

I've spent the last two years hating her,

why didn't I just tell her to get lost?

What does your cougar missus think about it all?

Who?

Are you sure these are my wellies?

They seem ever so big.

Yeah. It just leaves enough room for your fisherman's socks.

Fisherman's socks?

Knitted by the fair hands of Auntie Ag.

-Bang on for keeping your feet warm.

-Where are they, then?

I've gone and left them at home. Sorry about that.

I know what a stickler you are for the right gear.

What are you doing?

I'm just about to bait the line. Can you pass me that box?

SHE SHRIEKS

Come here! It's all right. It's OK. It's just maggots.

Liz is always there when I need her, you know?

She's kind, generous, good fun. She's been like a mother to Maria.

I can't believe you thought we were an item.

It's obvious she cares about you.

We care about each other, but as friends.

That's as far as it goes.

And, anyway, I'm definitely not her type.

Oh, I dunno. You've got the rustic charm thing going on.

Don't push your luck, Reid!

-HIGH-PITCHED VOICE:

-I haven't got any shoes!

Your granddaughter is so very well-behaved.

Actually, she's not my granddaughter.

You obviously have a very special bond.

Erm, thank you.

Hey!

There we are. I told you Daddy would be fine.

A little birdie has told me that you have been very brave.

She most certainly has.

Listen, it's been really good to see you.

-You know where I am.

-Definitely. Thanks, Chris.

Let's go home and I shall find us some treats.

To be honest, I wondered if you'd look after Maria for a while.

I know it's a cheek...

No. Not at all. Of course. You know I love having her.

Problem?

Nah, you're all right, mate.

Actually, how did Mandy seem to you today?

She seems all right. A little narky earlier on, maybe.

Did you ask her why?

No. Should I have done?

She's got Freya's sister, Lois, staying with her.

When someone dies, families get together to share memories.

It's part of the grieving process. Look, Kev, I didn't even know Freya.

But from where I'm standing,

I don't know what you're getting stressed out about.

I dunno...

I thought you'd done another runner.

Ah, I haven't finished yet. I wasn't expecting you so early.

What have you done?

Nothing much. Chris Reid fixed it up for me.

Chris? Wow! There's a blast from the past.

Oh, poor you!

Alex, I came here to have a conversation.

Don't you like the room?

That's not the point.

OK, let's sit down.

So...?

OK, do you have any idea what sharing my life means?

I'm not talking about a big, romantic reunion.

This is about practicalities.

For a start, I'm behind with the rent.

That's all going to change.

You've unpacked your magic wand, have you?

Better than that. I've got an interview.

An interview? For what?

Curator of Antiquities at the museum. It's as good as mine.

So you actually have a plan?

Paul, I didn't just come here on a whim. Please believe me.

I would, if it wasn't your tendency to walk away when things get rough!

Ouch!

I thought it was your destiny to go to Turkey

and uncover some ancient kingdom or other?

Maybe you think that's a better gift to humanity

than being a good mother to one little girl?

No, I was terrified of the responsibility.

I still am.

What makes you think you can hack it now?

Because I've grown up. I understand what I lost.

You've no idea how much I missed you and Maria.

Paul, look at me.

This time, I'm back for good.

Any plans for your afternoon off, Nurse Reid?

Not really.

I'll swing by the gym, pump a bit of iron, get the biceps in shape.

I approve of exercise.

You are lucky, the Good Lord has given you a fit young body.

Whoa, Mrs T!

I mean fit in the sporting sense.

It is not a good idea to be pumping all that iron.

Unless you want to end up looking like that...what is his name...?

Oh! Conan the Terminator.

HE LAUGHS

Your friend's little girl left that behind.

I'll go and drop it round.

Give me and Paul a chance to catch up properly.

Well, I enjoyed it anyway.

Don't worry, you haven't lost your touch.

-But sex is one thing...

-What's the other?

I'm serious, Alex. This isn't the reality.

We're parents!

You don't trust me, do you?

Can you blame me?

-I don't want to see my little girl messed up.

-Our little girl.

Paul, we've got to try and put the past behind us.

For Maria's sake. Today has to be day one for her.

You really mean that?

Yes, yes, yes! How many times?

Careful, you'll tangle it in the trees!

Hey, you're talking to a woman who netted a pike.

Yes, I-I-I know, I know that, but this is a different kind of angling.

This is for smaller fish.

Why am I wasting my time on tiddlers?

That's a good question.

Why don't you let me demonstrate, remind you of the technique?

Go on, then.

Do you know what? I've got an idea.

I think I would learn a lot more from here.

Jeremy, that's fantastic news! I can't believe we've pulled it off.

No, come in.

Sorry, a friend of mine's just arrived.

I'll call you back later.

-Chris, how lovely to see you!

-Yeah, you too.

We've been baking little cakes.

Maria put the cherries on all by herself.

Lovely.

We were going to have them after lunch.

But, anyway, shall I pack them up for you to take away

or shall we save them for tomorrow?

Perhaps you won't be coming back tomorrow.

To be honest, I haven't got that far.

This is a very big decision, Paul.

Don't you think you need a little bit more time?

For what? I either take her back or I don't.

Maria is at an age where she will pick up on any conflict.

Life is conflict.

Yes, but it doesn't have to include being abandoned.

Liz, I appreciate your advice but I do know what I'm doing.

The question is, does Alex?

Yes, I think she does.

OK, so I'm following my heart. Is that such a bad thing?

That depends on whether your feelings are reciprocated.

I'll go get her ready.

Not caught anything, then?

No. I just don't have your skill.

Are you not bored?

Shall we swap? I could do with a sarnie.

-No, thanks.

-Aw, go on!

There's nothing like watching a top angler netting a fish.

That moment of tension as the silver body emerges

and glints in the sunlight...

You're smirking!

No. That's a smile of contentment.

It's a smirk!

Hey!

That smirk...I've seen that before. That's your wind-up face!

-You remember!

-Get off!

Don't be like that!

You're taking advantage of a sick woman!

How can I do that, you won't let me anywhere near you?

I mean, you're lying about me liking fishing.

Ah. Yeah, well...

-It was worth a try, wasn't it?

-Yeah?

-I knew all along!

-No, you didn't!

Yes, I did! You think that I'd be caught dead here?

It's the middle of nowhere!

Give us a kiss!

SHE LAUGHS

In your dreams! And it's cold.

I've got another flask of coffee in the car.

If I knew we were going to be celebrating,

-I'd have bought champagne.

-Isn't it a bit soon for that?

Surely you need to discuss it with Paul first?

What's there to discuss?

Whether he thinks it's a good idea.

There's only one way to find out.

Paul, we've got another two years' funding on the Turkey dig!

Look who I found.

Come here.

Do you want to go and show me your toys?

MUSIC PLAYS

Are you trying to get me drunk?

No. It's just a little drop of rum.

I'm going to miss you this weekend.

Why?

-I've got a course.

-How long?

Back on Monday.

I suppose I'll survive.

We can go out again, if you like.

If you're lucky.

-It's different this time.

-Really?

There's a research assistant post with your name on it.

-Do I have a say in this at all?

-You need to think about it?

Paul, this is a fantastic opportunity!

-Granted. But where will we live?

-On the campsite.

We're taking Maria to live in a tent?

Kids love camping!

Where will she go to school?

I haven't sorted the details yet.

-Alex, you said you were committed to being a family.

-I am!

So take the job in the museum. Please.

You surely don't expect me to abandon the dig!

So you've made your choice - again.

Paul, I want you.

But not Maria?

If I'm wrong about that, please, please, set me straight!

It was just the heat of the moment.

What? When you forgot you had a daughter?

I have a choice to make, then, don't I?

I'm sorry, Alex.

MUSIC: "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" by Billie Holiday

Sorry. I'm sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry!

MUSIC STOPS

I've put my foot in it again, haven't I?

Thanks. What is this?

-Oh.

-SHE LAUGHS

It's been a while since I've seen this.

Fancy a game?

Only if you fancy getting slaughtered.

All right, bring it on. Bring it on.

Right, do you fancy a beer?

No, Maria'll want a story before bed.

I wouldn't want Daddy's beery breath to be an abiding memory.

I wouldn't worry about that.

Grab a tea towel. Welcome to my world!

I'm really sorry, mate.

I'm an idiot. I took my eye off the ball.

You had the opportunity to get your family back together.

It's not your fault it didn't work out.

Love is supposed to be the answer to everything.

Nobody warns you it's the start of your problems.

Especially if you fall for the wrong person.

I'm such an idiot.

There you go again.

No, really, I am. I need a big favour.

How are you with The Hungry Caterpillar?

You forgot the cakes.

They'll keep.

Paul, I can barely look at you.

Blimey! Am I that bad?

I let my feelings slip today and now nothing will be the same between us.

Probably not.

When I asked you to move in, it wasn't with any ulterior motive.

I know.

It's ridiculous. I'm old enough to be your mother!

I know that, too.

Wrong answer.

How about "You don't look it"?

Listen...

I'm the one who made a fool of myself today.

You were right and I should have listened to you.

I should have bitten your hand off when you asked me

-and Maria to move in.

-You mean...?

And if I was any sort of a catch,

I could afford to take you out to dinner.

-Dinner?

-Yeah.

And it's Wilson for the reds, going for goal...

That's what you think!

Brilliantly tackled by Marquez for the blues.

-Hey!

-Own goal. 4-3 to the reds.

-You tilted the table!

-You're a sore loser!

-I'm disallowing it.

-You're not allowed to disallow.

There are rules, you know. Cheaters never prosper.

Ooh, get you!

LAUGHTER

-You spun the rod. Stop the game!

-No.

-Stop the game! That's outrageous!

-I know! Come here.

You're not allowed that. Stop it. Stop the game!

THEY LAUGH

Come here.

HE GASPS Mum, Mum!

Who is it?!

It's your dad.

I've been like this for years.

Tommy, we don't want this to be fatal.

Life's fatal.

Don't you ever come near her ever again.

But Mum doesn't want to know. And he's really ill!

-Just out there on his own.

-I know.