The Open Road Doctors

MUSIC: Things Can Only Get Better by D:Ream

Sorry, can we stop? Just...just for a bit.

SHE BREATHES HARD

-Again?!

-Yeah.

Same thing? GULP!

Ooh!

Ooh.

BOTH: Shouldn't you be at...?

-No.

-I've got annual leave.

Mrs Tembe says you've got to use it or lose it, so...

So, have you got plans for your day off?

Oh, yeah! Loads!

No, nothing. You?

Breakfast, obviously.

Yeah. I should get me some of that.

And then, it's just a whole day of nothing. Hm!

I quite like having a whole day to myself, just me.

Yeah, me, too.

Can we go?

In a minute.

I'm sorry.

Hey. It's not your fault.

Dad, there's a health centre just around the corner.

I don't need a doctor!

-You sure?

-It's not going to help, is it?

I just need a few moments and then we can get going again.

HE SIGHS Some road trip.

I'm sorry, all right?!

If you saw a doctor, he could give you something stronger.

There is nothing they can do!

I just have to get through this and then we can get going again.

We can't drive if you're sick all the time!

Where is this place?

It's called The Mill.

Mm.

MRS TEMBE HUMS "ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL"

Ah! Bills, bills and more bills!

-Morning.

-Ah! Good morning, Dr Reid!

What's she been smoking?

Mrs Tembe doesn't smoke. That wouldn't really be appropriate.

Not with her being the manager of a health centre.

Well, something's pressed her happy button.

I don't think we should speculate on the private lives of our colleagues.

You are no fun any more, Valerie.

Information-sharing is a key skill set

for any halfway-decent receptionist, isn't that right, Dr Reid?

-Well, you would know, Karen.

-Yes.

It is your duty to share.

I don't know anything.

Valerie...?

SHE SIGHS

Well...

-..there is a man.

-Ooh!

-Morning, everyone.

-Morning, Daniel.

Can we do something about the caravan?

It's taking up half the car park.

Ooooooooooooooo!

So...it's just me and you. What do you think?

Unfortunately, Karen, I don't think it's any of our business.

-Washing up? You must be bored.

-No!

Yeah. Huh! A bit.

-So, how's your day off?

-So-so.

Yeah.

So, er...you heard anything from Tyler?

-Why would you ask that?

-Sorry!

No, I haven't heard anything from Tyler.

Well, is that good?

-Yeah!

-Good!

-Moving on.

-Absolutely.

Bruised, but positive.

-Yeah, something like that.

-Hm.

-What about you?

-Yeah, all good. All positivity.

That's what I learnt yesterday...eventually.

-You've got to stay positive.

-You've got to try.

Completely. Whatever's out there, whatever life brings,

I'm ready. Ready to grasp it with both...hands.

Ohhhhhh!

Mr Merton?

What's the motorhome still doing here? It's taking up three spaces.

Is there an outside tap?

Or we could thread the hose through the window into the gents' toilet.

-What do you think?

-There's a tap around the back.

-It's a bit stiff, but you'll probably be OK.

-Cheers, Val!

They're not camping. That van thing is their home.

-What, they live in it full-time?

-Starting a new adventure.

Going where the road takes them. Nothing to tie them down!

-Sounds awful.

-Actually, they've registered as temporary patients.

You're seeing Mrs Shawcross this afternoon.

Come through, Mr Merton.

Are you sure you don't mind?

I was going to have yesterday's chilli and now you're buying me lunch. What's to mind?

-Um...it was the day before.

-What?

The chilli. It was left over from Tuesday.

-And...?

-Well, I just thought, you know, if you're not doing anything

or you haven't got anyone better to have lunch with...

Sid, just shut up about it. Shall we order?

BANG ON WINDOW

-I think someone's...

-AYESHA CHUCKLES

-Who's she?

-It's Tia.

She's a total babe. We did nursing college together.

You'll like her, just trust me, brace yourself.

-Tia!

-Ayesha! So long!

I thought it was you! I'm, like, mad woman waving through the window!

-How are you doing?

-Oh, you know me, always busy, always naughty.

And talking of naughtiness...

-Um...Sid, this is Tia, Tia, this is Sid!

-Nice to meet you.

Right, well, um...I think I'll, er...leave you two to it, then.

-Where's he going?

-Well, I just thought you two could catch up.

I mean, I've got that chilli in the fridge.

Oh, no, no, no. You stay, cutie pie.

-Er...I'm not sure if...

-I think you should stay.

OK.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in. Mrs Shawcross.

-Actually...

-Oh. I thought I was seeing your wife.

-You are.

I mean, er...she's the one that's ill.

-Where is she?

-In the van.

Sorry about the van, by the way.

We'll be on our way just as soon as we've, er...

-I gather it's your home.

-Yeah, the journey of a lifetime.

Finn, my son, wasn't really fitting in at school.

A bit of bullying, you know.

So I thought, why not?

Sold Mum's house, bought that little motorhome and hit the road.

That was on Monday.

Oh. So, your journey of a lifetime has lasted three days?

Hm. Turns out Jess gets travel sick.

Right. There's plenty of stuff you can find over the counter.

We've tried all that.

Tablets, patches, homeopathy, acupressure bands.

Every respectable medicine

and every quack remedy under the sun, we've tried it.

OK. Well, perhaps I should see her.

You couldn't come out, could you?

Er...I have other patients.

Easiest house call ever. We're just...

Yeah, I know where you are.

She's a bit queasy still.

And, er...dizzy.

At least that's what she says.

You think it's psychosomatic?

I think you should see her.

Just in case.

You're not together, are you?

No. We just live in the same house.

Housemates? With benefits?

-T!

-I would.

We work together.

-Doctor!

-Oh, yeah, a junior doctor.

Junior doctors grow up to be senior doctors.

Yeah, well, this one's got a lot of growing up to do.

He's cute. Is he available?

I don't know. Let's ask him, shall we?

Sid, are you available?

Er... Um... Um...

Excuse me, we're ready to order. Huh!

Mind out the way, let the doctor in.

-Hi, there.

-She's not very well.

OK. Well, I'll go in and see her.

-Mrs Shawcross? Dr Granger. Can I come in?

-Yeah.

We'll be outside if you need us.

Let's have a look.

Do you think I should go and speak to him?

I don't know if that's professional, or not professional.

I think he needs someone to talk to.

Oh, er...sorry. Er...Sister Hanif...?

I, er...

Well, I was just thinking what a lovely day...it is.

See, that's not normal, even for Mrs Tembe.

-Well...

-Ruhma, what's going on?

I have absolutely no idea.

It's a man, there's a man involved.

Oh!

And...?

I'm probably wrong...

And it's not for me to say.

Flaming 'eck! What's the matter with everybody?!

-Heston would tell us.

-Heston's in Tuscany.

THEY GROAN

KAREN LAUGHS

You're back on the team!

No, no, no. I am simply displaying concern for a colleague's welfare.

Oh, well, that's good because everyone else is being really boring.

So, how do you feel right now?

Stupid. I feel stupid!

-I'm wasting your time.

-No, not at all.

I gather you get travel sick.

It's just this van.

It's really high up off the ground and it makes me dizzy.

It's different.

I'll be fine once I get used to it.

-Yeah. And you've never had this before?

-No.

-It's just this trip.

-Stressful?

Only because of this.

-And nothing else is worrying you?

-Like what?

Well, uprooting your family can be stressful,

taking your child out of school. These are some big decisions.

Finn is fine. I'm fine.

It's killing Mark.

Me being sick all the time.

He tries to convince himself this is all about Finn.

Getting him out of school,

freeing him from the shackles of mainstream education.

When I met Mark, he was living at his mum's.

And he painted.

It was beautiful.

He was beautiful.

Not sure I understand.

He needs that freedom again.

We were constraining him, me and Finn.

It's not good. Not good for his mental health.

-He needs this trip.

-The open road.

-Exactly.

And what does he get? Me retching in one lay-by after another!

Mrs Shawcross...

Um...you should go. I'm not ill!

I'm not at all.

OK. All right. Take a seat. That's it.

Take some deep breaths.

-I'm sorry.

-It's all right.

I'll do a proper examination, OK?

-Hello.

-Hello.

Look, you can tell me to mind my own business if you want,

but I was just in there,

looking out of the window, admiring the view,

when you came and sat down and starting drawing.

-It's private.

-I know, I know.

That's why you can tell me to mind my own business.

Can I see?

Ooh!

Oh! It's very, er...very powerful.

Oh! Now, I like this one.

That's Switzerland. That's where we're going.

I've always wanted to go to Switzerland.

I'm not supposed to know, it's a secret.

What is?

She's dying.

They don't know that I know.

It's meant to be our big adventure.

We're going to see all sorts of places together before we get there.

It's what she wants.

-Like a bucket list?

-I don't know.

But she's too sick.

We can't go anywhere because it hurts too much.

Yep, I think you've got an infection of the inner ear.

That would explain the ringing, the headaches, the nausea.

And, of course, it's affecting your sense of balance.

It's not travel sickness?

No, it's most likely brought on by the infection.

So, there is actually something wrong with me?

Nothing serious, and I can prescribe something to help prevent the sickness.

-We've tried everything.

-Well, it's most likely viral,

so antibiotics are no good. It should clear up by itself.

If I were you, I'd find somewhere to park up for a week or two

and then you should be on your way. Where are you off to?

France and Switzerland. Mark's got a friend out there.

And then maybe Italy and across to Greece.

Ah! OK. Well, I can recommend Crete.

I'll put it on the list.

That's me, and I've sent myself a text from you, so now I've got you.

-And let's go into your calendar...

-No, no, no, no, I can do that.

That's you and me at 8:00 at The Foxglove.

-Nice phone.

-Thanks.

-All sorted for tonight?

-Er... Um...

Sid's going to get me very drunk on some very expensive champagne.

And who knows where we'll end up?

You might need earplugs.

No, no, no, it's just a drink. Do you want to join us, or...?

I've got plans.

Labyrinthitis, apparently.

It's an infection of the inner ear.

So, it's...it's not...?

-Not what?

-Nothing.

You never really wanted this.

I thought... Well, I wondered if...

You thought I was making this up?

I thought it might be psychosomatic maybe.

-What did the doctor say?

-It's nothing.

-Well, actually...

-An infection.

I can't travel for a while.

-What?

-But you have to!

-You can't travel?

-Just for a couple of weeks.

We can park up somewhere.

Does it hurt?

No. No, I'm fine.

Yeah.

Maybe a bit of rest, eh?

What about Switzerland?

-We'll see.

-Everything's going to be fine.

TEXT ALERT

Is it Tia?

-Show me!

-It's private.

She's my friend...

Yeah, and now she's my friend too, all right? So it's private.

-What does she say?

-Nothing.

-Yeah, right(!)

She's very...forward, isn't she?

-Is she sexting you?!

-No!

Well, not really. But she has got a forceful personality.

Yeah, and a very dirty mind!

Mm.

-Sid, do you need help?

-No!

Do you want me to write your sex talk for you?

I can do my own...stuff, actually.

Thank you very much.

I can't do it with you watching me, can I?

-I'll do it later.

-Spoilsport!

TEXT ALERT

Are you playing hard to get?

It might not be her this time.

So...?

-What did you say?

-Nothing!

Just, you know, "looking forward to seeing you tonight,"

-sort of thing

-Good!

Good!

Like you said this morning,

it's all about getting back out there and staying positive.

Excuse me.

HE COUGHS

Erm, excuse me.

Oi! What do you think you're playing at?!

-I've missed that big gob of yours!

-Karl!

I'm so glad you came back.

-Doctor?

-You still here? It's Finn, isn't it?

Yeah, we've got a flat tyre.

-Oh, right.

-We're not going anywhere. Well, not yet.

So, you can go and see my mum again. Do it properly this time.

-OK, what do you think I got wrong?

-She needs medicine. Analgesics.

-I've looked it up.

-She's not in pain, Finn.

-She's being brave!

-OK.

She needs painkillers, or she won't be able to go anywhere!

You're useless!

-Poor boy.

-How do you mean?

-He's being so brave.

-About what?

Well, I don't like to discuss patients' confidential medical records in public...

It's just me, Valerie. You can tell me.

Especially if it's in the best interests of the patient.

Finn?

-Was this you?

-We're not leaving. Not until the doctor helps her.

We're leaving as soon as I've got this tyre pumped up.

You've got some explaining to do. Finn!

Whoa, Finn.

-What's the knife for?

-What's going on?

-What are you doing?!

-Give it back!

-Give it back!

No! I think there's a few misunderstandings that need

-cleared up, OK?

-Finn?

Based on my experiences,

I think it's best if you're completely honest about cancer.

-Cancer?

-What cancer?

-I know, all right?! I've known for ages!

-Finn!

Why didn't you call me?

It's a surprise...

When Eesh said her "baby brother"

-I always imagined you'd be like...

-Not so much.

-Sid, Karl. Karl, Sid. Sid's a mate. He lives here.

-All right?

-Yeah.

-Heard a lot about you.

-So, what are you doing here?

-Well, erm...

-How's Abbie?

-Yeah, great. She's great.

-She sends her love.

-Lance-Corporal Lee!

Lance-Corporal looks like he's about to drop.

-Maybe he can use our spare room...

-No, I'm OK.

Why aren't you in Germany? How long are you here?

-Actually, you know what, I could really do with some shut-eye.

-Oh.

-OK.

-Where's that spare room?

-I'll show you.

KARL LAUGHS

TEXT ALERT

BANGING ON DOOR

The keys are inside.

-Finn, can you open the door for us?

-He's very upset.

He's trying to be brave, but...

Valerie, I think it would be better if you went back inside, to reception.

Quite right. It's probably chaos in there without me.

-Look, this is a stupid question, because I just examined you, but do you have cancer?

-No.

-And your trip, your destination. Why Switzerland, exactly?

-The Alps.

And the lakes.

I've got a mate in Zurich. We haven't even decided if we're

definitely going yet.

He's a smart kid, he's got an active imagination.

-What's the real purpose for the trip?

-It's all for him!

That school was... Some of the boys were really cruel.

'Did you talk to Finn about it?'

'Well, sort of. You wanted this.'

-No!

-It was, Mark!

It was all your idea.

I thought you changed your mind.

-I thought you wanted this.

-I do. Honestly, I do.

-But...

-Finn, I think it's time you told your parents what you

think this is all about.

-Cancer?

-I thought you were dying.

-Where did that come from?

He's put two and two together, he's taken your illness

and the sudden road trip, and he's come up with...

Euthanasia.

There's a clinic in Switzerland...

She's like a new woman.

-It's a new wig.

-It is! How come I didn't notice that?

Well, then there's definitely something going on.

If Valerie is being all professional, and Ruhma won't tell..

Maybe we should mind our own business and go back to work.

No, don't give up! We'll just ask her.

Could I have an appointment for Mrs Jackson in

a fortnight's time please?

-Yes, of course, you can.

-Oh, I am so sorry, Dr Reid.

No, no, no, my fault.

Erm, Karen and I were just saying how lovely your hair's looking.

Oh, thank you!

-And also...

-Also we were saying how we hadn't had a chance for a proper chat, not for ages.

Oh, no, that is true.

And it's good to talk, isn't it, you know?

Share what's going on in our lives.

-Especially the good things, any big changes.

-I completely agree.

Even the things that we sometimes might think are a bit...

Private.

Indeed.

So, I was thinking a drink after work. Three of us.

Just to catch up.

Well, I am afraid...

DOOR OPENS

Cheers for that.

Well, I'm afraid I am hoping to meet up with someone very special

this evening.

I knew it.

THEY GIGGLE

Talk to him, don't let his mind fill in the gaps.

-You're definitely not ill?

-Not that kind of ill.

And the motorhome?

All this...?

We thought... I thought it would help,

with school and stuff.

We were running away?

Running free.

-And Switzerland?

-Well, yes, if you want.

-Is it nice?

-Lots of fresh air and mountains.

-How about Greece? Do you like moussaka?

We can talk about it. Decide together.

-Yeah.

-Can we go back home?

If that's what we decide.

We can't go anywhere for a couple of weeks, anyway.

-Er...

-Don't worry, we'll find somewhere else to park.

-Good.

-Is there a campsite nearby?

Er... Yes, there's Horleywood Haven, but don't go anywhere near that!

But there's Maybrook Road, a couple of miles from here.

-Can you manage that?

-Yeah.

-That all right with you?

Oh! Fast asleep already.

He looked knackered.

TEXT ALERT

It's from Tia. "Did I do something wrong?"

-I bailed.

-What? Why?!

-Well, I thought you might need someone to talk to...

-I'm fine.

And we have a house guest now, so it would be rude to

-just go out.

-What's rude is dumping my mate before you've even been out with her.

I know. I'm sorry. It was never going to... I wasn't feeling it.

That's pathetic! What happened to grabbing the future with both hands?

I am! I mean, I will.

OK, look, I know she's your mate, and she is stunning.

It's just... Can you honestly imagine spending half an hour with her without going...

-..slightly up the wall?

-Not if I'm sober.

-Exactly.

Anyway, it doesn't have to be today, does it? There's no rush.

-I can grab my future when I'm ready for it, yeah?

-OK.

I was wondering whether perhaps you'd be free for dinner tonight.

There is something, a subject,

that I would very much value your opinion.

Yeah, of course.

Shak and Alia will be delighted to have the house to themselves.

-Right, so shall we say seven o'clock at my house?

-Yeah, I look forward to it.

Excellent. Thank you.

Yes!

-You think you can come here and tell me...

-Dad!

-This is my business.

-And its losing money, am I right?

-Listen to your son.

-Get out!

-I'm Emma, it's very nice to meet you.

-I've heard a lot about you

-Me, too, about you.

If they won't take care of him, I will!

You're in a police station, you've been charged with assault.

So maybe just cut back on the threatening behaviour.

Look, just get off my case, will you?