Family Doctors

Ugh!

HE SNIFFS

Ugh... Hah!

A grown man crying. HE CHUCKLES

DOOR SLAMS

Alec?

DOOR SLAMS UPSTAIRS

MUSIC PLAYS ON RADIO

# Don't believe me, just watch

# Don't believe me, just watch. #

# Cos the players gonna play play, play, play, play

# And the haters gonna hate hate, hate, hate, hate... #

THEY CHUCKLE

# Baby, I'm just gonna shake shake, shake, shake, shake

# Shake it off, I shake it off

# Heart-breakers gonna break break, break, break, break

# And fakers gonna fake fake, fake, fake, fake

# Baby, I'm just gonna shake shake, shake... #

THEY LAUGH

# Shake it off, I shake it off

# I never miss a beat... #

Oh, dear!

# I'm lightning on my feet

# And that's what they don't see mm-hm

# That's what they don't see mm-hm

-# I'm dancing on my own

-Dancing on my own

# Making moves up as I go... #

LOUD MUSIC PLAYS

Alec?

Go away!

What's wrong, what's happened?

What?

Turn that thing down!

HE SWITCHES MUSIC OFF

You didn't come home last night - where were you?

None of your business.

Hey, I'm responsible!

All I ask is that you let me know if you're staying at a friend's,

-or you're going out late.

-Is that it?

-Dinner's nearly ready.

I don't want it yet.

-We told Jane we'd be at her meeting, remember?

-Oh, I'm not going!

You know I hate letting people down.

What about me?

Hey, when have I ever let you down?

Get out of my way.

What's got into you?

-Move!

-Not until you tell me...

Argh!

Don't you walk away from me!

Fine then, I'm calling the police!

FRONT DOOR SLAMS

Hmm, smells amazing.

Yeah, almost good enough to eat.

Dig in.

You didn't have to do this, you know. We could have got a takeaway.

It's our first night in together, I wanted it to be special.

Er, are you two going to...?

Because I'm not planning on playing gooseberry around here.

Ignore her.

Mm, it's, um...sweet.

Special Vere family chilli. It's tasty, but mild.

Right.

I'm not a big fan of spicy food, so...

Really?

SHE COUGHS

-Is...Is it OK?

-Yeah, er, yeah.

-It's delicious.

My mouth's burning up!

You could have warned me!

Well, we didn't want to be rude!

Rude?! I'm literally dying here.

It is a bit hot.

Drink. I need a drink!

Ugh.

Oh, dear...

Ooh, it's like a million needles sticking in my tongue.

EMMA LAUGHS

I don't know how this happened! I mean, I'm normally so careful.

Honestly, last time I had Mexican, I was in the bathroom for days,

-I couldn't get off the toilet.

-Mmm. Great housemate(!)

I've lost my appetite suddenly.

I had vomit on my shoes before 8:30,

and I've dodged a punch by lunch.

Hold up everyone, we've got a poet in the nick. Try not to panic.

You won't be laughing when Jack Caister's solicitor turns up.

Ah, he's a bit of a hunk from what I remember.

Well, I'll leave him in your capable hands,

while I have a night in front of the telly.

That as far as your imagination stretches, "Poet Hollins"?

No, cold beer and Belgian choccies.

Hmm, you're getting closer. Jimmi?

Um... I'd take the beer.

Spoken like a true medical professional.

Seriously though, old man,

you're practically at the pipe and slippers stage.

You're just jealous because you've got a whole night shift

stretching in front of you. PHONE RINGS

Hi, love. No, I'm on my way now.

Tonight?

No - no, I hadn't forgotten.

Does it have to be tonight? Can't it be some other time?

I've had a pig of a day.

No, no, that's fine, that's fine. See you, bye.

-Cosy night off the cards then, is it?

-Don't! Ta-ra.

This our suspected assault?

How old are you, sunshine?

17.

OK, book him in.

-OK. Full name, please?

-Alec Casey.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Um, eyes this way, please.

Um, I should probably take a look at that.

Right, tin of tomatoes going in, OK?

Agreed.

Needs a good stir.

Come on, are you a man or a muppet? Give it here.

-Well?

-Mm-mm.

OK, maybe some lemon or some lime? Maybe sugar's better.

Just do it, whatever!

Oh, Sid, a few drops of lemon juice isn't going to do anything, is it?

Well... Oh...!

SHE GASPS

No, still hotter than Zac Efron in the buff.

-LAUGHING:

-Zac Efron?!

-Too right.

Look, I've got some leftovers in the fridge.

Why don't I make us something nice?

No, it's my mess, I'll sort it out.

It's fine, really.

Looks nasty.

Yeah. Hit a wall.

Tough night?

Hellish.

Chicken nuggets?

Goujons.

Whatever. Why?

Because you both like them.

You said this stuff clogs up your arteries

and gives you heart attacks.

Yeah - in excessive amounts.

And then you went on about diabetes.

Look, as an occasional treat, they're fine.

Mum, what do you want?

Wha...? Is it a crime just to have a nice meal

and spend the evening together?

I'm going to ask you some questions

and the answers you give will form your witness statement, OK?

Shall we start?

Can you tell me what led up to the assault?

Just a stupid argument.

About what?

Nothing in particular.

Right.

He seemed... He seemed upset.

Tell me more.

Had something happened?

No. Well...

I don't know.

But you must have some idea?

You're his foster carer. You have a duty of care.

He's 17. You get grunts at that age, yeah? Not conversation.

Well, something must have provoked the attack.

You've been Alec's foster carer for how long now?

Three months.

And how would you describe your relationship?

Few ups and down, but he's OK.

He's a good kid!

A kid who punched you?

So, how's school?

It's fine.

Did you finish your science homework?

-I'll do it tonight.

-Right.

-Er, revision?

-Same as yesterday.

-Right.

You know, me and Heston, we've been getting on really well recently.

-Really?

-What, you don't think so?

I don't know, Mum, it's your thing.

You know I've always believed

in being really open and honest with you guys...

-Can we have ice cream for pudding?

-Yeah.

-Great.

For the benefit of the tape,

in the absence of Alec's regular social worker, Jane Fairweather,

I'm here with James Becker, the on-call social worker.

OK.

Can you tell me what happened tonight, Alec?

No comment.

Your foster carer Mick said you seemed upset?

Not really.

Well, you don't just punch someone for no reason.

If something caused you to lash out...

Look, I can't help if you won't speak to me.

I don't want your help.

Alec, you look in pain, are you injured?

It's nothing.

For the tape, I'm stopping the interview

so that Alec can see the FME.

Leave it, will you?!

I need to ensure you're fit to carry on.

This is going to be a complete waste of time.

-We're not even going to be in the running.

-Why?

Who are you trying to kid? Have a look.

We're too old, for one.

Hello! Hi. I'm Karen and this is Rob, my husband, a little bit shy.

Sorry! Sorry, we're a bit late. Hi!

Hello, I'm Jane Fairweather and this is my colleague, Joanne.

Hi, Jane.

Right, so the purpose of this evening

is to see whether you want to pursue foster caring -

and to help you decide,

I've invited along one of my most experienced carers

-and his foster child to speak to us.

-Oh, great.

Good, yeah. Hopefully you've had a chance to meet

and say hello to each other, make friends? Yes?

OK, shall we go on through, then?

Oh, sorry! Bit eager.

Would you just lift your shirt for me?

What if I say no?

Look, you're obviously in some pain, so just let me do my job. Please.

What do you need those for?

Hmm. That looks sore.

It looks pretty recent. How did you get this?

ALEC INHALES SHARPLY

Look, if there's anything that you want to tell me in confidence...?

You done?

Yep.

So, what I'm trying to say is, my relationship with Heston

has progressed and we're ready to move to the next stage.

La, la, la, la...

-Alia, I'm trying to talk to you.

-..la, la, la, la,

la, la, la, la, la...

Look, are we moving in with Heston, or not?

Well, we've discussed it.

We're not going to make any sort of decision without

talking to you first, you know, see how you...

Mum, it's fine.

Really?

We saw this coming a mile off.

We had a chat about him. Heston's nice -

and he can help me with my science coursework.

Shak?

Anything so you can cut us some slack.

What is that supposed to mean?

Come on, Mum.

You've been way more chilled out since you've been with him.

Are you saying that I was uptight?

Heston's loaded. His house is well nice.

Yeah, this place is OK.

My bedroom's tiny!

And the walk to school will be much quicker.

You two have really thought about this, haven't you?

It'd be easy to have friends round.

Plus, he's got this super hub. His Wi-Fi's loads better.

And you really like him.

How recent?

Mmm...I couldn't really say with any degree of confidence.

You know, Mick's knuckles were bleeding before.

Yeah, he told me he hit a wall.

And you believe him?

Come on, Jimmi. We've got a foster carer who calls the police

and then can't explain what happened.

There could be any number of reasons.

A kid who supposedly lashes out without provocation?

Let's not jump to conclusions.

Next you're going to be telling me that Mick "doesn't seem the type"!

OK, why don't we start by going round the group

and introducing ourselves.

Maybe you could say a little bit

about why you're interested in fostering.

Come on, someone must be brave enough to take the plunge.

Great. Thank you.

Hi, I'm Karen, as I said before.

Rob and I have got two grown-up children.

Rob's a wonderful husband.

That's the first I've heard of it!

And I hope that if you ask the kids,

they would say we've done a pretty good job.

Probably not when they were teenagers!

So, I'm a medical receptionist

and I come into contact with a lot of people

-and I hope that I make a difference.

-I'm sure you do.

Well, obviously not like the doctors and nurses

cos they do an incredible job -

but it got me thinking, "There are so many needy kids out there

"and if Rob and I could help just one of them..."

What happened in the house Alec?

No comment.

Do you know how Mick hurt his hand?

-No comment.

-Tell me how you got the bruise?

No comment.

You realise that even if you refuse to talk to us,

social services will carry out their own extensive investigation.

-What?!

-To determine if Mick is able to continue as a foster carer.

How do you mean? What about me?

Well, we'll liaise with Jane Fairweather

-and sort out a respite carer for you.

-No!

Look, I realise this is upsetting.

You don't understand!

Sit down.

Leave me alone!

CHAIR LEGS SCRAPE

OK, nice deep breaths, OK? Just breathe in slowly for me.

Out. In again, slowly.

Out.

Is it getting better?

Wouldn't it help, if you told them what happened?

Help? Who's it going to help?

Look, I understand you've got some loyalty towards Mick.

He never laid a finger on me.

-Right.

-Listen to me, it wasn't Mick. He didn't hit me.

OK, so who did?

Someone else.

Well, then you should tell the police.

If you still want to go ahead after tonight,

the next stage is a home visit,

where we carry out something called a Fostering Initial Interview.

It lasts a couple of hours,

and it's really just a chance for us to learn a bit more about you

as a potential carer.

Of course, that's just the beginning of the process.

The beginning?

Yeah, we'll also be looking into key relationships in your life -

so, how you were parented,

we'll speak to your children if you have them,

and we'll also talk to any significant ex-partners.

Wow, warts and all.

SHE LAUGHS Exactly.

We'll look at your employment records and finances,

and then there's the medical.

Initially, you'll just go and see your GP,

they'll look over your medical records

and see if there's anything

that they think needs to be further looked into

or needs input from other medical professionals.

It is a big process, you know, it's pretty in-depth

but if you're completely honest with us, you'll be absolutely fine.

OK, why don't we take a short break

and I'll go and see if I can find out

why our speakers have been delayed?

You should go home. There's nothing you can do tonight.

-And Alec?

-Well, we've spoken to him and he's confirmed that the bruises

were nothing to do with the incident.

Did he say who did it?

Not yet, but social services will look into it further.

So...he's not coming home?

They'll be in touch, let you know what's happening.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Jane, hi.

I'm sorry, we're not going to be able to make the meeting tonight.

No, I...

I-I can't explain now.

I'm really, really sorry.

Alec!

You OK?

It's such a mess.

We were supposed to be giving this talk tonight,

to people who wanted to become foster carers.

It's almost funny, when you think about it.

Well, they must respect you a lot to ask you to talk.

How long have you been doing it?

Nigh on ten years.

I think you should go.

No. No, not after tonight.

Where's the meeting?

Town Hall.

But I haven't got my car. I didn't even have time to grab my wallet.

Well, I'm going home, so I could give you a lift there.

Come on.

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Hello.

Just going to the loo.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

-Well, you're here now.

-Jimmi?

I just gave Mick a lift.

He's one of the speakers tonight.

Ah, well, you're just in time, because they were about to wrap up.

It's this way. Come on.

Well, it's been really lovely to meet you all.

Thank you so much for coming.

Mick! I thought you couldn't come?

Long story.

Oh, OK. Well, everyone, this is Mick,

one of my experienced foster carers

and, erm...you are?

Jimmi Clay, just a friend.

OK. Well, Mick, if you're sure you're OK,

do you want to tell the group a bit about why you got into fostering?

I brought my two sons up the last few years on my own after...

after my had wife died.

It was tough.

You'd have thought that I'd had enough

but when they left, the place felt empty.

I'd this...hole in my life.

I started taking in kids, did OK for a while.

Thought I was sending them out into the world a bit more secure,

you know, better people.

But tonight I let someone down.

I failed him, the lad in my care.

I'm a grown man - I should have been able to deal with it

but instead I called the police.

Mick...

The boy's been through a really tough time.

You know, it's no wonder he gets it wrong sometimes,

lashes out at the wrong person.

But do you know what? He's a good kid.

He needed my help.

It's not your fault I hit you.

-Alec?

-I couldn't say before.

Last night I went to see Dad.

I tried talking to him but he was out of it, like he always is.

Barely even recognised us.

You should have told me.

I said I wasn't there for anything,

didn't want money, nothing like that.

But he wasn't getting it.

He lost it.

When I got to yours, I just had to lash out at someone.

OK, let's take this somewhere else. Come on, let's go.

Excuse us.

-Thanks for this.

-You're welcome.

KETCHUP SPURTS

What?

Nothing.

Right, well - eat, drink and be merry.

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

Mmm. How are you settling in?

Yeah, great. No complaints at all.

You don't find it odd, living with two women?

No. Why would I?

Well, I don't know...

It's just, well, there are differences, I suppose.

Yeah, I suppose.

What she's trying to say is, don't leave the toilet seat up.

Oh. Yeah, I'll try and remember.

Actually, while we're on the subject -

all those pants and bras on the radiator...

I mean, it does make me feel just a little bit uncomfortable.

Of course, I'll move them.

Would you mind making some space in the bathroom for me?

Just a little space on the cabinet will be fine.

I have to say, I've never met anyone with as many bottles as you.

Er, pipe down, Little Miss Secret Trump In The Living Room.

I do not!

-Ladies.

-She ain't no lady!

-Yeah, and neither is she.

THEY LAUGH

Speaking of which, I will miss our girlie pamper sessions.

I'm not stopping you.

Yes, and if Jimmi Clay can don a face pack and a dressing gown.

Exactly. And you seem to have forgotten my killer massages.

-Mmm. I'll look forward to those.

-Oh, yes.

I should've handled it. It's not like it was any surprise.

Alec's father is an alcoholic.

That's no excuse.

He pretty much kept it together, then...Mum died.

And he couldn't handle it?

He'd be fine for a while and then he'd start again.

I'd come back from school to find the door bolted.

He wouldn't let us in.

How long would he leave you outside?

All night sometimes.

So why did you go there?

Was it something I did?

I'm going to be 18 soon. I won't have anywhere.

Sorry, why is that?

I thought you can't stay past then.

No, there's potentially money available for foster children

to remain with their carers beyond 18 if they want to.

I thought I'd have nowhere.

Shouldn't someone have told Alec that?

Yes, they should - and it's no excuse,

but there's lots of things we should be doing,

there just isn't the time or the resources.

And the money, it isn't some catch-all, you know?

It depends on Mick and his circumstances.

But you'd take me back?

You know I'd love to.

He's the only person who's ever bothered about me -

where I've been, even stupid stuff like making my tea.

-Even when I've hurt you in the past...

-Alec...

They should know what you've had to put up with.

Mick, you're supposed to keep a log, inform us of any incidents.

I think he was just trying to protect him.

Yeah. I knew he was having a hard time.

Please. I want to start again, like we were.

I'm afraid it's not that simple.

There are things you could do though, I mean, you could try.

I can't make any promises.

I just want to come back!

All right, look, I'll make some phone calls,

I'll speak to my head of department and we'll decide what's best.

It's likely you're going to have to go somewhere else temporarily.

It's all gone quiet.

Karen, leave them be.

A big lad like that, hitting his carer.

-We don't know all the circumstances.

-No, but...

You look awful.

-Thanks.

-What's happened?

Er, it's hopeful.

After what he did?

Karen, that was good news. Come on.

Do you need a lift?

No. Thanks, you've done enough.

Sure you're going to be OK?

I've got to get back and clean up.

I was in the middle of making dinner, chopping onions.

Crying once in a day at my age is OK

but twice - bang out of order.

MUSIC: Turning Tables by Adele

# Turning tables

# Turning tables

# Next time I'll be braver

# I'll be my own saviour

# When the thunder calls for me

# Next time I'll be braver

# I'll be my own saviour

# Standing on my own two feet. #

Well, that certainly highlighted the challenges.

Do you know, I had this image in my head

of little girls like Scarlett and Mia -

not a great big strapping lad like Alec.

They still need help, probably more.

-Damaged kids.

-I did tell you that.

Does the idea of living with a violent, soon-to-be-man,

not scare you?

-In some ways.

-It should be about making them feel cared for.

-But this lad, I mean...

-He's more challenging, yeah.

Go to give him a hug and you end up in hospital!

That's a bit harsh.

Aren't you inspired by the way this has turned out?

I don't think I can go through with this.

And I want to know more.

Good morning, Miss Pitman.

So, how is everything?

No, no, no, this is Rob, he's my husband.

He just wants to have a word with you.

-I've only come about my feet.

-I know.

-She won't go into hospital.

-Why not?

Because she's absolutely terrified someone's going to take the baby

as soon as it's born.

And how do you know where his boss lives?

Because I saw his camper van.

Tell me you didn't go inside?