Bittersweet Doctors

I could've walked quicker.

Walk home then, I'll race you.

That would mean you coming out of second gear.

Maybe we ought to both start walking more,

-you could do with the exercise.

-Here we go again!

Middle age spread, that's what it is, and it's a devil to shift,

it's not puppy fat.

If you're not careful, you'll end up like an old bloater like your cousin Julie.

She even managed to snap her gastric band.

-Any idea when Jas'll be back?

-Not yet.

But that does need to be discussed with several other matters,

so I thought we'd hold a partners' meeting at say 15:45?

Oh, I can't make it until 15:46.

That's quite acceptable.

I must say, Howard, I was very impressed with your quick thinking last week.

Yeah, he got the wrong man.

Nevertheless, it was highly commendable, and very brave.

Yes, well, when a young woman's life's at risk,

you don't think of yourself.

I would.

Momentarily, of course.

Oh, of course.

< The nurse will see you shortly.

I said, the nurse will see you shortly, Mr Barker.

The nurse...

She said the nurse will see you shortly.

-You can sit down, love.

-Thank you.

Noreen Fullerton. 1:40, Dr Carter.

-OK, would you like...

-Now, before I forget,

is my haemorrhoid cream down on my next repeat prescription?

-Only my piles have been playing up like there's no tomorrow.

-Mother!

Yep. The cream's down, and Dr Carter will see you now.

-What do you think you're doing? I want you to come in with me.

-You're only having your jab.

That's not the point! At my age you don't know what he's going to find.

Oh! Oh, lovely.

-OK, just hold that for me. Thank you.

-Do I get a lollipop?

Right! Anything else I can help you with you, Ms Fullerton?

No, other than the usual, I'm fine, but I'm worried about Anita, here.

-Why's that?

-It's her weight.

-Mother!

Oh, it's no use being blinkered.

She's been piling on the pounds like there's no tomorrow.

-Well, I...

-Is that why you got me to come in with you,

so you could show me up?

Well you can't go on like this, you'll pop!

-Ms Fullerton...

-For all you know, you could have diabetes,

or a thyroid problem.

If I sat back and did nothing, what kind of mother would that make me?

I'm worried about you.

I could arrange an appointment with a nurse to discuss a diet plan.

You see, even he thinks you're overweight.

-No, I'm not saying that.

-And no,

she's not going to be fobbed off on a nurse.

That's why I made a double appointment with you.

My mother thinks of everything.

Noreen, I can't force your daughter to see me.

That weight is bad for her health.

I'll wait for you in reception. Thank you, Dr Carter.

Well, we can have a chat if you like.

It'll stop her nagging.

I've never been a skinny ribs, but I've never been this big.

Any aches and pains?

But I think I might be going through the change.

Why's that?

My moods have been a bit up and down, and my periods have stopped.

When did that start?

About six or seven months ago.

I'm 43, so I knew I was getting to an age

when it could happen, and Mum went through an early change.

It's just one of those things you have to accept.

Do you mind if I examine you?

No, of course not.

Here.

I could've come over to your parents'.

I had to get out. I mean, they've been great, but...

But they won't leave you alone?

How are you feeling?

OK.

Bit wobbly.

You getting much sleep?

Things will get easier.

Will they?

All the way here in the car, I kept thinking someone was following me.

They weren't.

But...

it's that constant looking over your shoulder...

It just wears you down.

Yeah, that's fine.

I was thinking of joining a gym,

but I'd be too embarrassed to come out of the changing room.

I could buy an exercise bike, or go walking. I like walking.

Anita, you're pregnant.

Which is why you've put on the weight,

and, from what you tell me, I'd say about six months.

I need to arrange a scan and you should talk to one of the midwives.

Pregnant?

Yes.

I can't be.

There's no doubt, I'm afraid.

I've not been in a relationship.

Well, these things happen.

Not to me, they don't.

You can't have examined me properly.

You'll have to do more tests.

There's no doubt, I'm afraid.

I can't be pregnant!

Dr Carter...

..I'm a virgin.

I keep thinking, why me?

What was it about me?

You'll never know, so there's no point thinking about it.

Everything that he's put me through.

If you keep reliving what's happened, then he's won.

Won what?

Control. Control over you.

Look, he wanted to get inside there and play games, and he has.

Do you think he's...

-still, do you think...

-Just stop.

I want you to move back in with me, permanently.

-No.

-Why not?

I don't need you to look after me.

Who says I've got time to look after you?

I just want you to help pay half my bills!

No, you don't.

I'm not giving up my independence, Kevin.

-I don't need you to protect me.

-OK, OK, just don't burn your bra.

Listen. I...I want to see Al.

-Jas!

-I need to talk to him.

-Who's the father?

-There isn't one.

You must've realised something was wrong when your periods stopped.

-I did, but...

-Anita thought.

This is my fault, I should've told her about the birds and the bees.

Don't be silly, Mother, I know what you have to do to have a baby.

Don't you just.

I'll ask you again - who's the father?

I've never had sex so I can't be pregnant!

Oh, where did you get that from then? The pixies?

You've misdiagnosed me, you should be struck off for this.

Anita, I know you're finding it hard to accept.

Would it help if you listened to the baby's heart?

SHE GROANS

You can take that as a "no"!

Are we going to stand here like lemons, or should we sit down?

Thank you for meeting us.

Sure.

How's the ankle?

Oh, yeah, it's all right.

What about you? How are you?

Yeah, I'm fine.

-So, who are you spying on now?

-Kevin.

It's a job site.

Time to move on.

Sounds to me like she doesn't want her mother to know she's had sex.

-She's 43.

-She's 43 and she hasn't had sex?

-She says not.

I've had patients before who say they can't be pregnant,

but never one who insists she's a virgin.

-Mental health problems?

-Well, no history.

Maybe she's got an aversion to be being pregnant,

or she didn't like the sex part.

-Or she was so drunk she doesn't remember?

-She doesn't drink.

Well, as soon as the bump starts to show, it'll soon jog her memory.

There's already a bump - she's six months.

It could be somebody that her mother doesn't approve of.

One thing's for sure though, can't be a pregnant virgin.

-Is she on any medication?

-No.

-Local?

-Brampton area.

What's her name?

Anita Warronson. Why?

Just wondering.

What are you doing that for?

It's already been confirmed by the doctor.

He's wrong.

The proof's in the pudding, my girl.

If I'd had sex, I'd own up! Why wouldn't I?

For one, it'd get you off my back.

I've heard you on the phone to Auntie Flo.

We were only teasing.

Yeah, it's at my expense. And it hurts, Mother.

SHE LAUGHS WITH DELIGHT

See! I told you! I knew it was negative.

I knew it would be negative.

Negative.

I came because I wanted to thank you...

for finding him.

Well, like minds.

And I was wrong.

You're not like him at all.

Kev, can you get us a drink?

Waitress can get 'em.

Fine.

How are you really feeling?

Don't worry about me, let's just think about you, eh?

I'm the one getting all the sympathy, but you're the one he tied up and doused in petrol.

You know, if you hadn't stopped me, I'd have pulled that trigger.

No, no. You were traumatised.

I would've gone through with it.

That is nonsense, Jas.

If you'd have wanted to kill him, you wouldn't have listened to me.

You stopped yourself because you knew it was wrong.

You're a good person, Jas.

Negative, Doctor, see?

Negative. You would think with your years of experience...

Anita, Anita. Tests at this late stage are meaningless.

You could be in labour and it would still be negative.

Come through to my consulting room.

-Sorry to be such a nuisance.

-You're not.

It can't be a baby.

Right.

I'm not losing my marbles, I don't think it's an alien or anything.

Anita, sometimes we do things we'd rather forget.

There's nothing to forget, nothing's happened!

You have to accept that intercourse has taken place.

My last boyfriend was four years ago,

and the furthest he ever got was a kiss and cuddle.

I wanted a husband and a family more than anything.

Well, life rarely goes in the direction one hopes.

When my periods stopped, I thought, that's it Anita, your time's up.

It was like a slap in the face...

accepting that I'll never have children.

Then this.

But how?

Excellent. Friday.

I'll confirm by email. Yes, I'll ask the lads at work.

Thank you. Goodbye.

KNOCK AT DOOR

I really think Zara ought to be here.

Oh, it's all very informal, just an update. Have you seen...

Sorry I'm late. Tricky patient.

There you go. There's a copy for Zara.

Latest figures. All good news.

Music to my ears.

Patient numbers and practice earnings are up.

All thanks to you running a tight ship.

A better period of staff stability has helped.

Not today, we're four doctors down.

Point taken. Zara and Kevin will be back tomorrow.

Any news on Jas and Al?

Jas will be staying at her parents', and I'm sure

we all agree that she can have as much time off as she needs.

-Definitely.

-As far as Al is concerned, he will be back at the end of the week.

It won't be easy.

Realistically, will we really expect them to work together?

He had a crush and took it too far,

but he's not responsible for what happened to Jas.

He was a victim as well.

I'll monitor the situation. Only time will tell.

What are you doing?

Right, which hand?

Wa-hey!

Oh. Where's that gone?

-Have you not got anything better to do?

-Well, hang on!

This could be the winning trick at the talent contest.

What's that when it's at home?

My mother's come up with the idea of a talent contest to raise

some money for the youth club.

Have you got any hidden talents?

Not that I'd tell you about.

Have you got something behind your...

Hey!

Oh! Is it your birthday?

Feels a bit squidgy, but with a hard centre.

Give it here.

Ah, Jimmi, just the man. You like keeping fit.

The Letherbridge Fitness Corps are looking for members

to swell their ranks - fancy joining me on Friday?

-What, like running and climbing and scrambling under nets, that kind of thing?

-Yes.

-No!

I don't suppose you fancy it?

No, I didn't think so.

Yeah, yeah, go on, put my name down.

Really? Good man! Why don't you text Kevin?

The more the merrier.

How do you deal with a patient who's pregnant who says she's never had sex?

It could be that someone has had sex with her without her knowledge or without her consent.

You asked me for Anita's name, and where she lived.

Why was that?

Yeah I....I wanted to check against a list at the station.

What for?

You said she lived in the Brampton area so I needed to find out

if she'd ever had medication delivered by the Brampton Road

pharmacy, but it turns out there were no Warronsons on the list.

Anita may not use the pharmacy, but her mother,

Noreen Fullerton, certainly does.

Jimmi?

I'd like to ask you a few questions, if I may.

Oh, hello. Dr Carter!

Hello. Thank you.

Fire away.

Can you think back to the time before your periods stopped?

My diary. She doesn't keep one. It might help jog your memory.

Did you have any visitors?

Oh, only mum's hairdresser.

Oh, no, you put her off, don't you remember?

I wasn't feeling well. I was in bed for a good two weeks, some kind of virus.

Dr Carmichael came out to see me.

Did she prescribe anything?

Antibiotics for my chest infection.

And how did you get the prescription?

Well, the pharmacy had them dropped off, like they do it with all my medication.

Well, you seem more interested in what happened to my mother.

Were you here when the medication was delivered?

Bob, the delivery man, his car had broken down,

so I offered him a cup of tea.

Did he stay long?

I can't remember.

Do you remember him leaving?

It's about time you told us what this is about.

I think he may have taken advantage of you.

-You need to talk to the police.

-Why?

Stop beating about the bush and tell her straight.

I'm sorry, Anita,

I think you may have been raped.

Thanks again for everything.

I...I want you to know that I don't have a problem working with you again.

Yeah, me neither. As long as you keep your distance.

I think it might be just time to find another job.

Well, they're not that easy to come by at the moment.

We're both professionals,

I'm sure we can overcome what's happened. I know we can.

Well, we'll see.

Bye.

Look after that ankle, yeah?

Robert Bosman has been charged with the rape of several women

and is due in court shortly,

and the police fear that other women may also be his victims.

Surely the women must've known!

Unfortunately not.

He used a powerful date rape drug and he was only caught when

one of the husbands of one of the victims came home early from work.

The filthy... If I could get my hands on him, I'd...

Raped? I can't remember anything.

Nothing. I can't remember!

I'm so sorry.

She wants an abortion.

I'm afraid that's impossible at this late stage of the pregnancy.

Well, then, it'll have to be adopted.

As soon as it's born, she wants it taken away.

Stop it, Mother, stop it!

You'll need to make a statement to the police.

And you may want to do some DNA tests when the baby's born.

I can contact the police for you now, if you like?

-Counselling is...

-I'd like to be left alone now, please.

-Well, I...

-That goes for you too, Mother.

I'm not leaving you alone.

For once, just once, Mum, please...please just leave me alone.

You need to get some proper sleep.

It's all right, I feel better now.

I suppose I'd better go.

Give me a call when you get home.

'Don't talk to any strangers on the way!'

Just do as you're told.

Bye.

OK, bye.

-Do you want me to walk you to your car?

-No. Um...

Kevin, I can't stay at my parents' forever,

and I can't go back to that house.

So... I do feel safe at yours.

Can I change my mind, and stay, please?

Course you can.

Come here.

Can I have the bigger bedroom?

No, you can't!

And no nicking my socks

or drinking my milk, and the end of the toilet roll goes in the bin,

and it's your turn to cook and I don't want pasta...

Thanks.

I hope Dr Carter didn't think me rude, sending him off like that.

Oh, he understands, love. He said ring him anytime.

Police should be here soon.

I thought we might go on a nice holiday.

Well, not now, obviously, but...

when you've when you've had that, and it's all over and done with.

It's not a "that" or a "thing" or an "it".

It's a baby.

DOORBELL RINGS

Anita's through there, just...just go on through.

HE SIGHS

Yeah?

Well, the... the lady officer was very nice.

They both were. Very helpful.

Anita, I don't know what to say.

I better get some work done. I've got those accounts for Mr Green.

How can you work at a time like this?

Life goes on.

At least he's been caught.

Most women in my shoes have been through far worse.

You're carrying the baby of a rapist. How much worse can it get?

I'll phone Dr Carter in the morning

-and see what needs to done about the adoption.

-No.

Well, you can do it, then.

I'm not ringing him.

Anita, don't even think about it.

Would it be so awful?

Yes, it would.

The baby's innocent.

What are you going to do, stand up in court and say,

"Oh yes, Your Honour, that man raped me, but I'm keeping his child."

I mean, what will they think?

Quite frankly, I don't care. I'm not the one on trial.

Oh, Anita.

Every time you saw this baby, it would remind you of him.

How can you live like that?

I look like my dad.

That's different. And what about the man who did this to you?

I mean, what if he decides he wants to see his baby?

I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

This baby will bring you nothing but trouble.

This baby's done nothing wrong. We're both victims.

I was four years old when Dad walked out.

You hated him for being a liar and a cheat,

you even went back to using your maiden name,

but you never blamed me for what my dad did.

Why would I? it wasn't your fault.

This afternoon I felt the baby move.

I felt it earlier in the week, but I thought it was wind.

I can just about get through what happened.

I'm grateful I don't remember it.

But I know I'd never get over giving my baby away.

Sounds like you've made your mind up.

Maybe I have...

..but I can't do this on my own.

When have I ever done that?

If you want to keep this baby, then it'll be my grandchild.

And I won't love it any less than I've loved you.

ANITA SOBS

KNOCK AT THE DOOR

I thought everybody had gone home.

Have you, um, got a leave form?

Ta.

-Have you got a pen?

-No!

No, no, no, I haven't got one. Do it at home.

And could you pass on the message that I'm not to be disturbed,

please, I've got some very important work to do.

Erm...sure.

LOCK CLICKS

Pow!

Good night so far?

It's just got better!

This is Mr Cummins. Jade'll look after you, won't you, love?

Selling yourself to those perverts. Like you're a piece of meat.

Well, what else have I got to sell, eh?

You just behave yourself, all right?

And what if I don't?

It'll end in tears, cos this is Letherbridge,

not Afghanistan.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd