Postcard Doctors

MUSIC PLAYS ON RADIO

-Sure you don't want some, love? Looks like a good one.

-No, ta.

More for me.

-Something's come up, love. I've got to go to the depot.

-Bye.

Hello. I did not hear anyone come in.

Sorry about that. Lovely flowers.

It is for a wedding. The florists have done a wonderful job.

Although I would have preferred if they had not left

muddy footprints and detritus all through the church.

-Do you mind if I...?

-Of course not. Take as long as you need.

-Thanks.

DOORBELL RINGS

-Rebecca...

-Sorry I'm late, Mum. Do you know how many magazines

-there are about wedding dresses?

-A lot?

-More than that.

There's websites, and catalogues...

Did you forget I was coming?

No, of course not.

I thought Karen was exaggerating.

No. It's all sorted now.

I had a word with Mandy, she's giving Lois her marching orders.

-Sounds like that's the best thing for both of them.

-Exactly.

-Morning.

-Morning. Hey, Mand, how did it go?

-Er, yeah, fine.

-Mandy?

-Sorry, better get on.

All sorted, then?

Do you like the sleeves?

-I think you'd look lovely in anything, sweetheart.

-Mum...

Listen, I've an old school friend who is a caterer.

-Why don't I pop out and have a chat?

-I'll come too.

Or we could split up, divide resources.

Actually, Stuart wants to help with the food.

Best crack on, so...

Who sends a postcard of a church?

-Why does it have a Letherbridge postmark?

-Oh...

You know the Post Office!

Al, have you seen a film called Dying 2 Kill?

Of course I have. Who hasn't?

Oh, sorry.

Rob's taking me to see a film on my afternoon off, Dying 2 Kill You Too.

Right. You let him choose. Good.

So, what happens in the first one?

It's a plane crash, daring do.

It's like Die Hard meets the Bourne Identity.

But with the panache of an Almodovar.

-Have you seen the Towering Inferno?

-Yes!

It's nothing like that.

It's about this cop who loses his wife, his job and his memory.

Then he has to rescue all these hostages, but he can't remember why.

-Sounds complicated. Maybe choose another one?

-You'll be fine.

With those kind of films, the plot isn't really the thing.

-What's the thing?

-That would be spoiling it, wouldn't it?

-Excuse me.

-Hello.

-You appear to have finished your business.

Ah. Busted.

The church will be closed to the public in 20 minutes.

People need to set up for the wedding, including musicians.

-Sounds lovely.

-There is still a lot to do.

-I won't be any bother.

-That is not the point.

People come here to talk to God. And if you're not going to do that...

-Isn't a church supposed to be a place of sanctuary?

-Er...

I'm joking. I completely understand.

It's a special day.

Thank you. Any other day, it would not be an issue.

The thing is, I'm meeting someone.

Oh, is she from the church?

Not exactly.

I'm here to meet the love of my life.

What about this one? Didn't you say you liked that one?

I don't know. Maybe we could look online.

Becky, I've a doctor's appointment.

-You should have said.

-It slipped my mind.

But you stay here until I come back.

-Why don't I drive you?

-No need.

-It's quite far. I think it might rain.

-I want to walk, OK?!

Mum, what's going on? Are you ill?

-I'm fine.

-So why are you going to a doctor?

It's just a check-up. Better safe than sorry.

You were never very good at lying.

What sort of thing is that to say to your mother?

Who's Sheila? Why have I never heard of her?

I don't know. She's a friend.

This one's got a Letherbridge postmark too.

-It's not what you think.

-What?

I know what you're thinking. That's what people say when they're...

But I am definitely not doing that.

Mum, are you having an affair?

You were teenagers?

Pretty much. Like Romeo and Juliet.

Except, instead of Montague and Capulet,

-we were Catholic and Protestant.

-I see.

We used to meet in a church, so our parents wouldn't find out.

-Except her dad did, and he went ballistic.

-What happened?

He took her to live here in England.

We wrote for a while.

-Postcards, with secret messages.

-Oh.

But the distance was hard.

We got older and met other people. She got married.

-I am sorry.

-So did I.

-Are you still married?

-She died.

Oh, I am sorry to hear that.

Then last year, I thought, "Why don't I try and find Cat?"

And there she was, on the internet.

-Still married?

-Divorced.

-Oh! So now you do not have to hide any more.

Why are you meeting in church?

Because that's where we used to meet.

I thought it was romantic, but maybe it's silly.

No, it is nice.

I wish you luck.

In my experience, happiness can happen at any age.

Whether you are a teenager, or...

Oh, my goodness, look at the time!

I'm sorry, that's my fault.

No, I was interested in your story.

I just need to pop into work to get some polish. The polish here

-is of inferior quality.

-I'll go.

No... No. Why don't you stay until I come back?

You can keep an eye on the flowers for me.

I won't let them out of my sight.

Do you write to him?

Mum! How long has this been going on?

It's complicated.

-Is it someone I know?

-No.

-Who, then?

-I can't tell you.

So I do know him. Otherwise, it wouldn't matter.

-I'll find out for myself.

-No, don't!

I'll finish it. Just don't ask me who.

I'll go now and I'll tell him that it's over.

-You're not going anywhere. I don't trust you.

-Don't say that.

What do you expect? I don't even know you any more.

Anything you want, I'll do. Just don't tell your dad.

I understand...

-Mrs Tembe, I didn't know you were in today.

-No, please.

I've just come to pick up a few items for the church.

Do not let me interrupt.

The thing is, Kevin, I've been there myself.

You've been out with your dead ex's sister?

No, we're all attracted to a type.

And at times in our lives, we find ourselves dating people

who bear more than a passing resemblance to a former partner.

This is different. Did you see Lois when she came in?

Just because it's a problem for you

-doesn't mean it's a problem for Mandy.

-May I interrupt?

-Please do.

In many cultures and religions,

it is positively encouraged

for the younger son to take on the widow of the older son.

-That's just messed up.

-Why?

Marrying your brother's wife is like marrying your sister.

There are many complexities to love and human relationships, Dr Tyler.

Some of which you are probably a little too young to appreciate.

On occasions, we find ourselves attracted to

the most unexpected people.

So, who are we to judge others?

-Wise words, Mrs Tembe.

-Thank you, Dr Carter.

You...

-Becky? What a surprise!

-Don't give me that. I know everything.

You might as well go, because Mum's not coming.

What? I don't know what...

-You're a liar!

-I'm not lying.

-Please, this is a church!

Creeping around behind everyone's backs.

-Get a kick out of that, did you?

-Can I ask you to lower your voices?

Do you not think you are over-reacting?

-They are both adults.

-What is she talking about? Is she in on this?

I am not in on anything.

-I have only just met this gentleman, and...

-He's married,

and sleeping with his best mate's wife. You should be ashamed!

You have been using the church for your own sinful liaison?!

I invited you to my wedding.

And to think I believed your story! Romeo and Juliet?

I do not think so. More like...

Well, I cannot think of an appropriate play at the moment,

but you really should be ashamed of yourself!

Do you mind?

I have guests arriving here...

I will give you your space,

but I must ask you to keep your voices down.

I never meant to hurt anyone, least of all you.

-What does that mean?

-I've loved your mother since she was 19.

But she was with Tony, so nothing happened.

How very noble of you!

We didn't want to hurt anyone. For 30 years, we've done the right thing.

But now, you and your brother are old enough to understand.

How dare you?! How dare you pretend to care about how I feel?!

Well, of course I care!

Both of you, you need to go outside.

There's no "of course" about it. You're a snake, a home-wrecker!

You need to leave now or I will have to call the police.

-You don't know what you're saying.

-I do. You're scum of the worst kind.

-The worst kind of scum, to betray my dad like that.

-He's not your dad!

I am.

Karen, you're not still worrying about that film, are you?

Don't be daft.

The only thing you need to know is that the main character is a ghost.

-Oh?

-It was the twist at the end of the first film.

He found out he was dead all along.

-So the title is like this clever pun - Dying 2 Kill.

-Ugh.

Films are much more complicated now, aren't they?

-I can draw you a diagram, if you like.

-No, it's doing my head in.

-Let's just change the subject.

-No, don't stop on account of me.

If you two have got something to say about me and Lois,

-then I want to hear it.

-We're not talking about you.

You expect me to believe that?

-No.

-I'm telling Karen... You know the film Dying 2 Kill?

I'm telling Karen about it.

Sorry.

-Mrs Philips.

-Hello.

It happened when your mum and dad were engaged.

Back then, he was working on the rigs and was away for weeks at a time.

So he asked me to check on your mum and see that she was OK.

-So you took advantage of her?

-She missed him. I missed him too.

It was only for a few weeks, but I loved her from the off.

I was ready to tell Tony, but Cat put a stop to it.

She said she'd made Tony a promise and she wouldn't go back on it.

Even when she found out she was pregnant.

She thought Tony would make a better dad.

There hasn't been a day of my life

when I didn't wish she'd chosen me instead.

You don't know how hard it's been, watching you grow,

not being able to say anything.

You won't get me feeling sorry for you.

I can't listen to any more of this.

I don't know what your game is, but you stay away from me and my family.

-Don't!

-Becky, please...

You're a sick man, and a liar,

-and I don't believe a word of it! I know who my dad is.

-Becky...

I'm sorry.

Let's go down the front.

-No. It's too close. I'll get a stiff neck.

-Oh, old man!

I'm not old. I'm experienced.

Experienced at being old.

Yeah. Whatever.

Are you sure you've got enough?!

It's a long film.

The amount that lot cost, you could make your own film.

-If you're skint, you should have said.

-Skint, why would I be skint?

I don't know.

Maybe you've got a gambling habit, or you're into expensive...hats.

Expensive hats?

-I don't know what you experienced blokes are into.

-Yeah.

You'd prefer somebody young and hunky, like Chris.

-Chris?

-You had your hands all over him yesterday afternoon.

Don't be daft. He was poorly.

-Anyway, I'm here now, aren't I?

-Hmm.

I'm supposed to be getting married.

Do you know how it feels to find out

-your own parents' marriage is based on a lie?

-It wasn't a lie.

I stayed with your dad because I loved him, and I had made a promise.

But I love Frank too.

And there was a whole other world out there I could have had.

Do you know how selfish that sounds?

You could look on it as an opportunity.

Don't you want to get to know your real dad?

I know who my dad is and not you, or him,

will make me change my mind.

Maybe you could make a little space for him in your life.

I'm not asking you to choose...

Well, I am. It's him or me.

-Sweetheart...

-Look, I mean it.

Never see Frank again, or I don't want you in my life.

-No wedding, nothing.

-You can't make me do that.

-He is your dad.

-No, he isn't.

And unless you choose, you're not my mum.

Becky, I won't let you bully me!

Fine...

..have it your own way!

What happened?

She made me choose.

I chose you.

-Excuse me. Can we just...?

-Sorry. Sorry.

-This one? Is this OK?

-Yeah.

-Right, is that better?

-Yeah, much better.

There was something about where we were sitting, with the speakers,

-the sound was funny, didn't you think?

-Yeah. Not your neck, then?

No, of course not, old man!

What's happened to my popcorn?

You know where it's gone. Everyone's wearing it!

-Are you being funny?

-You tell me!

Erm, I'd give you six out of ten. No, six and a half.

Yeah, I can live with that.

-It should start in a minute.

-Ooh, better open my Bombay mix.

-Do you want me to open it for you?

-No, it's fine.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

-Ooh!

-Ooh!

Sorry. Sorry.

I'm so sorry.

It's fine. It saves time passing it around.

Any regrets?

Just that we didn't do it sooner.

That's my girl!

First time we've done that in public.

When will you tell Claire?

Tonight...

Oh, she's got an evening class.

-So, ring her.

-I can't do it on the phone.

-No, I'll go and see her.

-Grand.

Can you believe this is finally happening?

A new life...

at our age.

We're not that old.

SHE LAUGHS

Do you remember when we were going to run away to Blackpool?

You were going to work on the pier.

And you were going to be a singer in the clubs.

THEY LAUGH

Imagine what a disaster that would have been!

Is that what you want, to go to Blackpool?

Why not? There's nothing keeping us here.

-Ooh, sorry!

-Easy.

-Sorry.

-I'm sorry I didn't get to meet Lois yesterday.

-Not you, as well!

-What?

-Everyone keeps making polite comments,

and I know they're all talking about me behind my back.

-You know what, Chris? I don't care what anyone else thinks.

-Good.

-Eh?

-It's no-one else's business but yours.

I just wanted to say, good on you.

I'm glad you've found someone. You deserve to be happy.

-Thanks. I really needed to hear that.

-Watch the ribs.

-Sorry.

Are you sure about this?

Aren't you?

I've never wanted something so much in my life.

But what about Becky?

You've seen one wedding, you've seen them all. She'll come round.

What if she doesn't?

-Stop it. I chose you.

-I know.

All these years, I've seen the way you looked at me.

-I wasn't...

-It's OK. I know how hard it must have been

-and I'm sorry, Frank, but I'll make it up to you.

-You don't owe me.

I know, but I can make it right.

Is this what you want?

This is what I want.

-You're a bad liar, Cat.

-What are you talking about?

Telling Becky has changed things.

She hates me now, but that will only get worse

if I take you away from her.

And what about grandkids, are you willing to give that up?

I love you, Frank.

I love you too...

..but we missed our moment, sweetheart.

-Don't say that.

-I'll take Claire away.

-I've been thinking of opening a depot in Warrington.

-No.

It's for the best. Tony need never know.

-I won't let you do this.

-You can't stop me.

It's my turn to do the right thing.

What about me? I can't go back.

Yes, you can. Nothing really happened, Cat.

Not for a long time.

-Who's she?

-We don't know yet.

-Was she in the first film?

-No. No, no.

-What's she doing?!

-MOANING

We're about to find out.

Is she killing him?

..Oh.

-Ooh, that's a bit forward!

-Yeah. You'd think she was cold.

-And him. She's not the one he was with...

-No, no.

-She's another one.

-He's a popular guy.

GUNSHOTS

So...is he a ghost?

-What?

-Al said that at the end of the other film, the first film,

you find out that the hero's a ghost.

What were you talking to Al about it for?

I didn't want the film to go over my head. He was helping me.

I think he's been messing you about.

Really? I'm going to kill him.

Uh...

SHE GIGGLES

I can see why you wanted to sit on the front row!

Sorry... Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.

Well, I'm not complaining.

-Karen...

-Mmm.

Get a room!

-Mint humbug?

-Yeah. Ha-ha!

Ooh...

Ow!

Mr Shannon, you are still here?

Where is...?

She's gone.

Perhaps it is for the best.

It doesn't feel like it. It feels like the worst.

I'm probably an idiot for letting her go again.

So why did you?

My daughter. I can handle Becky hating me,

but she and Cat were close.

Cat would never survive without Becky.

-She is a most impressive young woman.

-She is.

Now what?

You still have a wife that loves you.

-She deserves better.

-Perhaps.

Perhaps you can be better for her.

-Do you think so?

-Only you can answer that question.

Now, I have 80 wedding guests

and a photographer who are going to come out in a moment,

and they're going to want to take some photographs.

I'm sorry for all the trouble.

I was in there for a few minutes.

They seem like a nice...

nice couple.

I hope they can make each other happy.

I hope it all goes well for them...

I hope... I wish...

Anyway, I can't stand around talking all day.

Some of us have homes to go to.

Good luck.

-You've been avoiding me.

-I'm avoiding everyone.

Come on, Mand. Last night, you were ready to dump Lois. What's happened?

Nothing's happened. I'm just tired of everyone

telling me who I can and can't see.

It's because we care about you.

You've got a funny way of showing it.

-Lois makes me happy.

-Yeah, of course she does.

She's your Freya substitute. She's Freya light.

-What did you say?

-You heard me.

Do you have any idea how insensitive that sounds?

I don't care. I've tried being sensitive, it doesn't work.

Sorry, I must have missed that bit!

You're deluding yourself.

I'm sorry if that sounds harsh...

Actually, I'm not, you need to hear this. It's...bloody weird.

Oh, back off, Kevin.

-No. What you're doing is wrong, it's messed up.

-How dare you?

If you don't see that, you're not the person I thought you were.

Who are you to tell me what's right?!

What about crazy Lauren?

What about that tattoo you have on your backside of my ex?

Maybe you should worry about yourself!

Maybe you should get help, instead of sticking your nose in

-other people's business!

-Mandy...

-No, Kevin, I'm done listening!

You think this is a dirty weekend?

-No.

-Look at him. He's gorge, yeah?

But these brooding loner types,

it just gets messy.

Is today completely lost on you?

Of what, Mum? A man in bed, desperate to die!

You're the one banging on about us having a perfect marriage!

Why would I come here with another man? You tell me!