Feed the Beast Doctors

Where you been? I was just about to leave.

I had to go to the library.

That Romantics and Victorians essay's due tomorrow

and I've got so much reading,

and I've still to do the bibliography. I can't concentrate.

What do you expect, leaving it to the last minute?

I did mine weeks ago.

You might've reminded me.

I thought you'd done it by now.

It's worth 30% of our continuous assessment.

Only a total slacker would leave it to the day before.

-Slacker? Cheers(!)

-Come on. Didn't mean it like that.

Better hurry, don't want to miss your appointment.

-But I've so much to do!

-Come on, Slacker!

Oh, hey, Mrs Tembe?

Could you give us a hand, it seems to be stuck.

-You just have to...

-Ah! Magic touch.

There you go.

Hope it doesn't freeze on you this afternoon.

-You not in?

-No, me and Rob are meeting our social worker.

We're thinking of fostering.

What a nice thing to do!

-I could never do anything so noble.

-Yeah, you could.

No, I couldn't, I'm far too selfish.

And I do like to keep my house clean and tidy.

-So do we.

-Not to mention the responsibility,

the endless hours of worry.

It's not going to be that bad.

Wondering who they're with, what they're up to.

Oh, and I could not cope with the sleepless nights.

Well, it's not like we haven't done it all before.

Exactly. If anyone can do it, it's you and Rob.

Er, Miss Pitman.

I keep telling you, I'm fine.

Look how much weight you've lost.

I'm not anorexic!

-Denial's totally a part of it. I should know.

-I give up.

She should just listen to what the doctor has to say. Tell her?

It's nothing to do with me, really.

She needs help.

Then, you should see the doctor.

Don't be put off. He comes across as a right grumpy git.

Total teddy bear, really.

OK.

Pippa Walker?

You're coming in?

HE SIGHS

Oh, I don't get it!

-What's up?

-Mrs Andrew's appointment.

It's not here and I know that I put it on here myself.

So stressful when that happens.

Still, you must be good with stress.

Why?

Fostering.

Looking after a child, holding down a difficult job,

keeping a home. Not to mention your marriage.

I can barely look after myself, let alone a problem child.

And what's your diet like?

Quite healthy, really.

I have the odd kebab, after a night out.

-No, you don't.

-I do. Just you're too off your face to notice.

She barely eats, doctor. She's tired

and she exercises all the time.

I have to, I'm in the rowing team.

-In denial, more like.

-I'm not!

Did I mention she's dead irritable?

OK, enough, this is getting us absolutely nowhere.

I'd like to weigh you, so....

..if you could give us a bit of privacy, that would be fantastic.

Your friend is very charming.

Isn't she?

Ah, Dr Reid, just to let you know that Mr Hughes will now be with you

-tomorrow at 4.30?

-OK. Oh, can I give you that?

Erm, I thought he was with me.

No, he asked for Dr Reid especially. Sorry.

Great. So, first, Cam Lewis and now...

Oh, don't be like that.

I'm not. I'm happy someone's looking after him.

And I know he's safe in the flat for now, but...

Look, he knows what you did for him.

-He'll be grateful one day.

-Hmm.

Paul? Hello, I wasn't expecting to see you today.

I'm sorry, I've not made an appointment or anything.

I'm free now, if you fancy a chat?

No, I don't want to interrupt.

Don't be silly. Come on, come through.

This is the bit where you tell me I'm underweight, right?

Er...

Yes, it is, and...

yeah, you are.

-Is there anything you'd like to talk about?

-I really don't.

-You can tell me anything.

-Whatever Sammy says...

I don't have an eating disorder.

It's just not me. I eat, I do.

Look, it's OK.

Have you eaten today?

OK.

How's about we run a few routine tests,

you know, just to rule a few things out?

Do it for me? Indulge me.

I just love all that paperwork(!)

-He's a right little smiler.

-Hmm!

-Has his moments, mind.

Oh, well, don't they all?

This is his little teddy. He chews on his ear when he goes to sleep.

-SHE CHUCKLES

-Oh, sweet!

I've turned into a right baby bore, haven't I?

No, you haven't. He's lovely.

Anyway, how can I help?

Erm...

I've started smoking again.

Oh, OK. Well, don't worry, there are plenty of cessation clinics

that you can go to, if you want to give that a try?

I'll try anything.

I'm just really struggling.

Yeah, well, it's not easy,

but there's a lot more help out there than there used to be.

Right, let's find you your local clinic.

It's just like when I've eaten or if I've had a coffee or something,

that's when I get most tempted.

Yeah, well, that's because caffeinated drinks always make

nicotine taste better.

So it might be worth thinking about giving those up, too.

One vice at a time, eh, doc?

SHE CHUCKLES

Right.

There you go.

Give it a try and if you're still struggling,

then pop back and see me.

Was there something else?

Nope. That's everything, thank you, doc.

Well, you give my best to Rhiannon and Nicholas, won't you?

Course I will.

-Bye.

-Cheers.

As you see, there are 18 different languages.

That is amazing.

It is a wonderful machine.

-So sophisticated and international.

-Of course.

-Sleek and shiny...

-It really is.

-..like George Clooney.

-What?

If he was a computer.

It's a disaster. Oh!

-What has happened?

-Rob's been delayed at court,

which means he can't get back in time to tidy up for me

before the social worker comes.

-I could cover.

-Oh, you're an angel! Mrs Tembe?

Of course, you must go. Go, go!

PHONE RINGS

Hello, Mill Health Centre.

He's nice, that doctor.

He didn't try and bulldoze me.

So, what course are you doing?

English.

The course is fine, but uni's not really been what I thought it'd be.

Everyone bangs on about how easy it is to meet people, but...

Your mate, she seems a bit...determined?

She means well, but she's exhausting.

I thought I'd got away from all that with my mum.

-Not homesick, then?

-You're kidding, right?

Couldn't wait to get out.

But living with Sammy...

-Like a home from home?

-Worse luck.

-Better make sure her

and your mum never get together, then you'd really be in for it.

Mrs Walker? It's Sammy here, Pippa's housemate?

Yes, I'm fine, thank you, but I'm not so sure Pippa is.

I know what it's like to have a drama queen for a mother.

It's always about them and you'll never be able to change that.

-Too right.

-But you can change the way you deal with them.

-But I've tried, I...

-People like that,

they suck you in, wear you down.

Don't let them, cos if you do, it'll ruin you.

I am losing weight

and I'm tired all the time.

Maybe they're right. I don't even know any more.

Just don't let anyone push you around, OK?

This'll just take a sec.

No, no, no, no, no!

You're joking me!

Paul?

Sorry about that.

Are you OK?

Why don't you come inside?

Al?

Can you take a look at this for me?

It's Pippa Walker's.

Right, erm...

Call her, get her to go to A&E, soon as possible.

Pippa, darling!

Mum! What are you doing here?

Did you phone her?

Pip, you need help.

After everything I've told you?

Oh, come on, don't be such a fusspot!

I brought us all a lovely lunch.

I'm not hungry.

I take it Sammy's filled you in on all my issues?

Someone had to do something.

Exactly.

She always did stick her head in the sand about things.

Acknowledging you've got a problem is the first step to solving it.

But I don't. I...

You were always a chubby child.

Carrying a bit of padding round the hips isn't a problem.

It was never just confined to the hips.

I suppose you see this as some way of regaining control

or some such stuff and nonsense?

So insightful, Nancy.

See, eating disorders are never about the food,

they're about control.

-I should know.

-Oh, dear, you poor thing.

That's why I so want to help her, cos I've been there.

You should be grateful to have a friend who cares about you.

Not to mention a brilliant mum.

It's perfectly natural for new parents to struggle.

We're not struggling!

-I never said that.

-I'm sorry, I didn't...

Do you know what? I knew this was going to happen.

Right, they have been watching us like a hawk

and I knew you were on their side.

I knew I shouldn't have come here today!

Paul, sit down!!

Please.

What's going on?

-They're going to know I've been here now, aren't they?

-Who?

Social services. They're going to come and they're going to try

and take him away from me again. This is going to be another

-black mark against us, isn't it?

-No, they won't.

Listen to me.

If everybody who asked for help

had a black mark against them,

that would be all of us,

wouldn't it?

I'm not here to judge you.

I'm here to listen.

You must know that by now.

Giving up a child must be so hard.

-No staples.

-Must be heart-rending.

And then, being thrown into another family.

The shock, the pain.

-I'll use bulldog clips.

-Oh, there's a box.

I just don't know how they're going to cope.

Are you babbling on about Karen and Rob?

Well, fostering is a big thing, isn't it?

Look, what those two are doing, is to be applauded,

to be admired, even,

but it is not to be gossiped about.

Sometimes, I'll just sit and watch him sleep.

When they're peaceful.

He's all safe.

I never thought I'd feel like this.

I can't even remember what it was like before he came along.

Being a parent can be overwhelming.

And I want to be a good one.

You will be.

Not like my dad.

He was rubbish.

He was hardly ever there and he was always drunk, when he was.

I swore I'd never put a kid of mine through that.

You won't.

Look at what you've done for Nicholas already!

Hmm?

You're a good dad.

-Am I?

-Yes.

A parent's supposed to look after their kid.

Supposed to protect them.

When I think about how close we were to losing him, I...

Yes, but you didn't, though.

I've never felt like that.

Helpless.

What if they try and take him off me again, what...

What if I...

What if I lose him again,

I honestly don't think I could bear it.

You won't have to.

Anyone can see how much you love him.

And actually, you're handling things really well.

-Thanks to you.

-No.

Yeah.

If it weren't for you,

I'd have lost him.

Mmm.

Delicious buns, Nancy. Where did you get them?

I don't do shop-bought.

I just knocked out a dozen or so before I came over.

Home-baking?

You don't know how lucky you are!

Pippa was brought up with every advantage.

Not that she appreciates it.

-I'll tell you how I was brought up, shall I?

-Mm?

-I was brought up to think I was just a bit rubbish.

-What?

What did you just say?

Just that....

-..I wish you wouldn't...

-Mm?

Doesn't matter.

Your mum went to all this trouble and you're still not eating?

Sorry.

It's ungrateful of me.

Mmm.

Pippa! Pippa! For goodness' sake, where on Earth are your manners?

MOUTH FULL: Sorry, Mum. Want some?

-What's wrong with you?

-Go on, fill your boots!

Oh! Oh!

Pippa! Pippa! Stop! Pippa! Pippa!

Oh, for goodness' sake.

Oh, er...

You get hold of her?

She's not picking up. Do you think I should go out and look for her?

-Feels like she's dodging us.

-ANSWERPHONE MESSAGE

Like she doesn't want to be found.

Keep trying.

Pippa? It's Ayesha calling from the Campus Surgery again.

I've got your test results here.

If you can give me a call as soon as you get this, please?

I'm ever so sorry about the mess.

It's fine, really.

We just have to make sure your home is suitable and safe.

We're not judging.

My husband should be home any minute. He's in court.

He's not a criminal, he's a policeman.

Not to say that there aren't criminal policemen, cos there are,

but he's just not one of them.

Good.

THEY CHUCKLE

You're a medical receptionist, aren't you?

Yes. Er...for...

seven years.

Where are my manners?! I haven't offered you a cup of...

-Karen?

-Mm?

-Relax.

Your home's really lovely.

Thank you.

-It's warm and welcoming, just like you.

-Ohh!

Why don't we just wait and have tea when your husband gets here?

-Good idea.

-DOOR OPENING

-Hello!

-Oh! That's him now.

We're in here.

Sorry I'm late.

Gina, Rob, Rob, Gina.

-Hi, Gina, nice to meet you.

-Likewise.

-Yeah.

Shall we have that cuppa, then?

-Oh, yes, yes!

-I'll just get changed.

-Oh, no! Yes!

Erm...OK.

THIN, FAST BREATHING

Jack's finishing up his law diploma, in Newcastle.

He's stopping up for a while. Though why he is I don't know.

I mean, I've nothing against the place, cos it's perfectly nice

-and they've a lovely station...

-Never been myself.

Well, why would you? It's freezing flipping cold.

And we don't know how often we'll be going there to visit.

I've been holding my breath, praying that he doesn't meet some

Northern girl and decide to stay up there for good,

cos we'd never be out of our thermals, would we?

Chance'd be a fine thing.

London is much warmer, but it's full of Londoners, innit?

Anyway, so, Immie's getting on really well down there, isn't she?

-Yeah, she's...

-She's working in a really trendy art gallery.

-I forget the area, what did she say it was called?

-Dalston.

Dalston! That's apparently very, very cool.

-Although you can't say cool, because if you say cool, it's not cool.

-No!

Erm, you're not from London, are you?

-No.

-Phew!

I mean, I can't be bothered with the place, cos it's so expensive

and the dirt and the crime and the grime.

You know it takes an hour to get anywhere.

I can't be bothered with it.

Although it is the place to be for art, Immie says.

-That's what she says and she would know.

-Yes.

I... I suppose that you would say that we've been lucky with our kids,

you know, but we don't really believe that

luck had anything to do with it.

We more believe, don't we, that, erm...

that it's a stable environment that's the key to bringing up ...

Yeah. We've not been perfect, but we got there, didn't we?

We did cos we've had our problems, but we've always...

..managed to get through it in the end.

SHE PANTS FEEBLY

Al, quick!

Help me.

Call an ambulance, yeah?

Hiya. It's OK.

Pippa, it's OK.

-It's OK.

-Hello? Ambulance, please.

Would you like another one? We make everything from scratch.

We're normally about healthy eating, aren't we?

Used to do a lot of baking with the kids.

It was our bonding time. Only a couple of times a week

and nothing fancy, like butterfly cakes and such, but...

And always after their homework had finished.

The hedgehog cake, that was pretty spectacular.

Yes, that was Jack's birthday.

-His fourth birthday.

-We've got photos. Yeah...

It all sank in the middle and the prickles melted, didn't they?

Not that I remember...

The kids cried when you brought it out - thought it was roadkill.

I'm a much better baker now, aren't I?

I'm sure you are.

It's not like I've forgotten how do to it, even with everything

that happened, I...

And I can still remember how to look after a child.

Of course. PHONE RINGS

Oh, I'm sorry, I'm going to have to take this.

That's fine, you take it.

I'll make a fresh brew.

-Karen, you've got to relax.

-Yeah, like that's easy.

It's going well.

I'm just worried that she's going to ask me something

-and I can't remember.

-Just be honest.

She knows what's happened. No-one is trying to catch you out.

-I just don't want to mess things up.

-You won't.

If it's OK, I'd like to tell her.

-That's fine, no problem.

-Thanks.

Hey.

So, what's wrong with me?

You've got diabetes. Type one.

Oh.

You've had diabetic ketoacidosis.

It's been coming on for a while.

It can happen when diabetes goes undiagnosed.

Is what why I've been feeling so rubbish?

It explains the tiredness, feeling sick -

all of the symptoms you've been having.

I know it's a lot to take in,

but at least you know what it is now.

Thank you.

I was really starting to think I was losing it.

It was all getting on top of me - Mum and Sammy and...

I tried to get them to back off, really I did, but...

They didn't listen?

You're going to need to make some changes.

Not just for your health, but for your head, too.

I will, I promise.

You've been brilliant.

KNOCKING

It's your life, Pippa.

Is there any indication your memory might become an issue in the future?

Well, I should say no, shouldn't I?

Make you think I'm fine. And I wish that I could.

But the truth is, that I don't know.

Don't worry, I'm sure it'll all come out in your medical.

So, you could still say no, after the medical?

We always have to wait for the test results

before writing up our report.

Are you worried that I won't remember what to do?

The tests are fairly standard.

Or that I'll have a black-out or something while I'm driving,

-or holding a baby...

-The medical's just a formality.

I'm sorry, I can't do it, I'm so sorry...

The doctor says that he can explain Pippa's treatment

-if you want.

-Yes, yes, we know all about it.

Excuse me for breathing.

Oh, you poor darling!

I knew something was wrong,

you would never normally speak to Mummy like that.

Just as well I took you to the surgery.

You look after her so well.

We have to be careful now, though.

I can help you with your diet, download any recipes,

-exercise tips...

-Listen to the pair of you!

It's always about you.

Flipping Mother Of The Year and Miss Former Anorexia 2013?

I'm not the problem. You two are!

-If it hadn't been for me...

-Yeah, yeah, yeah, give it a rest.

Anyone ever told you you've got a voice like Foghorn Leghorn?

-He never shut up, either.

-Is that the thanks you give your friend?

Friends listen. She bullies. Just like you. I've had it with

the pair of you! "Best interests", "for my own good"... Yeah, right.

You just want to feel smug and superior, like her.

I thought you were rude because you were ill, but it's just you.

There must be some other mixed-up kids out there.

Go and mess with their heads.

Knocked speechless, for once.

I think I like you better mute.

Suppose I'm stuck with you.

You've been through a lot, you're bound to feel upset,

-you're sick, darling.

-Yeah, I'm sick.

Sick of you.

Diabetes is a life-changing condition. I think it's best if you

-come back home after you've been discharged from here.

-Get stuffed.

Philippa, it's times like this that a girl really needs her mother.

You're the very last thing I need.

-But I have done everything for you.

-I can look after myself.

I know now what's wrong with me.

It's you, Mum.

Just go home.

Well...

if you need me,

you know where I'll be.

I won't call you.

It's just you now.

Yeah.

Feels good.

I'm, er...

-sorry about that.

-I'll arrange to pop back later.

That would be great, if you don't mind.

She really, really wants this.

We both do.

I'll be in touch, Mr Hollins.

-Thanks. Bye.

-Bye.

Has she gone?

Yeah.

Did she say anything?

No.

It's going to go against us, innit.

You just got a bit upset, that's all.

Yeah, but I've ruined it all.

They're not going to give a kid

to someone who can't remember bringing up their own.

We don't know that.

It's bound to affect our chances.

It was my normal seminar on Moby Dick.

They said they found it so evocative they could smell the sea.

I said, are you sure it isn't Professor Wilson just walking past?!

It's a travesty!

I thought I picked up a hint that someone might be interested in me.

Really?

Is it that obvious?