The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Swimmer Doctors

Huh! Come on, mate, I don't have to tell you everything.

AL: Er...yes, you do.

Besides, I don't think this is really up your street. Thank you.

It's a bit too touchy-feely for you.

I don't know about that.

I could easily skive off for a day in some plush hotel.

It would get me away from Hop-Along Pitman.

I'm not bunking off, and it's not that plush.

Oh, right. You're about the mindfulness now, aren't you?

Be mindful of the minibar prices because they will rip you off.

And I'm presuming you've taken your black light with you?

Because you're going to want to check out those stains

-before you settle down for the night.

-Huh! Yeah.

Al, I'm going to have to call you back.

SHE RETCHES

Jimmi, I...I-I was only joking about the stains

SHE COUGHS

-Morning!

-Ah, good morning!

You are going to miss these beautiful spring mornings

if you stay so long in bed!

-All I miss is you.

-Behave!

Hm!

You are not getting ready for work?

Is this to do with Sergeant Hollins?

-The best way to deal with...

-The shifts have changed.

Last-minute thing.

-I thought I could do a few things around here.

-Ah.

Sort out that leaky sink, for a start.

-Oh, my goodness!

-It's only a leak.

No, no, it is not that! Come!

Read!

-Eh!

-THEY CHUCKLE

Right, er...there you go.

Do you feel a bit better?

You should, um...you should keep drinking, just for now.

And maybe we should start with some basics, like, er...what's your name?

Genevieve. Genny. Rickett.

OK, Genny, how did you get here?

-Maid lady left the door open.

-Housekeeping?

So, were you staying here before?

-Is this The Brindley?

-Hm! No.

Then no. No idea how I got here, then.

Right.

-Are you on your own?

-Tapas.

No, I think you should just stick to liquids.

No, we went out for tapas.

Oh, right. Last night?

-Sabotage!

-Sorry, what?

They did this to me, got me like this!

-Who's they?

-Amanda, the other swimmers.

The final is today. We were out for dinner and they got me like this!

Those cheats!

Wh...Where's my stuff?

My kit? My phone? My purse?!

It's not until next month!

Yes, which gives us plenty of time to plan and perfect.

And you are going to help.

Yeah. Well up for a bit of taste-testing.

This is not for you to have a free lunch!

No, we need to think about this very carefully.

What is important. You know, expense, taste, nutrition?

You should make Arctic roll. I love that.

No. I need you to start thinking about menu ideas.

I want to present to the hospital board

a food plan that I truly believe in.

This is our chance to seize the moment!

But, first, I need to get to work.

-Mwah!

-Ah!

-Couldn't resist.

Call it a down payment for fixing the sink.

Right. Well, I will see you this evening.

All right? You up?

Right. Well, get over here, she's gone.

And be discreet!

-(Hey.)

-Five more minutes.

You can stay there as long as you want.

I just wish I got you home sooner.

I'm here now.

-Brought you a cuppa.

-Thanks.

Right, well, I'm off to work.

-You just rest. Put on the telly, whatever you want.

-OK!

If you need anything, just call me, yeah?

-I'll keep my phone on me...

-You don't have to babysit.

It's no problem.

I'm sorry.

I just don't want to be a pain.

It's cool.

When you're back on your feet, you can make it up to me, yeah?

If I ever do get better.

Anyway, your phone's on charge. I'll check in on you later. See you.

-Good morning.

-Hiya!

Er...lovely day.

Yes, yes, it is.

-Well, I'd better get on.

-Only me!

Oh, Mrs Tembe, I love it!

I...love it!

I feel like Jayne Torvill.

-Ooo, I'm so sorry!

-It is not a BMX.

Oh, I never could get the hang of reversing around a corner.

I need wing mirrors!

You need L-plates for that thing.

I nearly got it. There!

-VALERIE RINGS BELL

-Thanks.

Er...it doesn't look as if anyone's handed anything in there.

That was The Brindley. My stuff's not there, I never checked in.

-Do you want to ring your parents?

-Not really.

I could kill her!

Are you sure you didn't lose your stuff? You were pretty out of it.

Because they got me drunk!

I'm favourite to win, you know. County gold.

And that Amanda Connor has had it in for me ever since the semis.

Maybe you should just go back...

Hey. Um...maybe you should just go back over the places you were last night

and see if anyone's handed it in there.

-Can you help me?

-Well, I'm really busy today,

-I'm supposed to be doing a talk...

-I don't know Birmingham at all.

And I haven't got a phone to look anything up.

I can't even remember the place we ate.

Please!

I didn't get a cab or anything, so I'm sure it's just walking distance.

I don't have anyone else here.

I promise you, this isn't my fault.

Pl-e-a-s-e?

Huh.

Thing is, Amanda's finished second to me three years in a row now,

so I can see why she'd be the mastermind behind something like this.

-Does any of this look familiar?

-A bit.

Everyone thinks she's cool, for some reason.

Maybe it's the haircut or something, but I don't see it.

She doesn't take any of this seriously.

Is that what passes for cool - indifference?

Do you remember anything about the name of this place?

I don't know. I don't normally do this sort of thing.

I don't waste time trying to be cool

when I could get on with being good at something instead.

If it's not this place, we're going to have to rethink the whole tapas theory.

-Um...maybe.

-Genny!

-You thief!

-What?!

-That's my bag!

-Yeah, I know.

-You stole it!

-Wait! What?

Oi! Get off me! What's going on?!

BELL RINGS

BELL RINGS

Bet you thought you'd heard the last of the bell ringing.

Yes, well, I had hoped.

Maybe we should give her a proper paper round.

Have you got any post that needs delivering?

I think it is the best for Letherbridge

if we try to confine her here.

KAREN CHUCKLES

Yeah, it'd be chaos before she got to the overpass.

Rob's got enough on his hands as it is,

without somebody trying to blow up our Valerie.

And what is that supposed to mean?

-Nothing.

-No, please, do tell.

Honestly, nothing. Why are you so touchy?

If this is another dig at JJ,

you need to keep your nose out of it!

He's innocent, and Sergeant Hollins was completely wrong to try to question him!

I think you'll find that Rob knows exactly what he's doing

and who he needs to speak to, thank you!

What Sergeant Hollins did

is insult an innocent man!

Just because you're bonking him doesn't mean Rob has to give him,

or anyone else, a free pass!

MRS TEMBE SIGHS

I swear, I came back here to look for you!

I picked that up last night and I wanted to get it back.

-You could've gone to the pool.

-I would've done eventually, this is on the way!

None of us know what happened to you.

-And whose fault was that?

-Not mine!

You got wasted all on your own, I tried to get you to stop!

-That's a lie!

-Look, could you just look inside the bag,

see if your phone and your purse are there?

Because I've really got to get on.

-Who are you, anyway?

-A decent person.

-I'm sure you wouldn't know what they look like.

-Get lost, Genny!

Where's my phone?!

Maybe you should try asking inside, in case you left it in there.

So, you're a swimmer as well, then?

BANGING

Oosh!

You made me jump out of my skin!

Well, you said be discreet.

Yeah, well... Come on in, quick.

-You look a right state.

-Thanks, mate. Cheers.

JJ EXHALES

You can leave her with me, if you want.

I don't know what she's said, but I'm not going to hurt her.

She'd do herself in first, probably.

Ha!

See? Told you I didn't nick it.

Funny, that. For someone claiming to be such a good friend,

how comes your last message to me was, "Go to hell, you stupid cow"?

-That's a bit harsh.

-I don't remember sending that one.

Listen, um...anyway, I've got to go, OK?

I'm really glad you got your stuff back

and I hope everything works out for you.

And if Amanda did set you up, you should probably tell your coach.

Yeah. Yeah!

Wait a second, tell my coach what now?

-Anyway, see you.

-Thank you!

I swear, mate, I had no idea.

Do you think I'd have sold those canisters if I'd have known they'd be anywhere near this?

There's a lot of heat, you know that?

Had them sniffing around me, asking questions.

You kept quiet, though, yeah?

You know I did.

I'm not sure who I'd rather have on my back,

the cops, or...the other fella.

I don't even want to think about it.

Right, turn it on.

Off! Off!

JJ SIGHS

Look, I'm going to have to go out and get some more parts.

Well, I can't be seen out there, mate. Too dangerous.

-Oh, um...I was wondering...

-What?

I'm sure you've smelt me. I need a shower, mate.

No chance.

Open a window or something.

I just need you to sit tight and don't open the door to anyone.

I shouldn't be too long.

If Mr Glenn doesn't stop picking his nose,

I'm going to glue his nostrils together.

EMMA CHUCKLES

OK, who's been at my squash?

And who leaves just this tiny little amount?

Rough day?

Sorry. Just nerves.

Here.

-It'll take more than a biscuit.

-Oh, well, have two.

Thanks.

Is it Karl?

Yeah. He's due back with the army in a few days

and I honestly don't know if he'll be back up on his feet by then.

CFS isn't something you just get over.

And recovery isn't always possible either.

I'm sure he just needs a proper rest in a comfy bed. He'll be fine.

Why are you even following me?

Go fall in a canal or something.

What happened to you last night? Did you see all my messages?

I don't care. Leave me alone.

What were you doing with that old dude?

Who? Jimmi? He's not an old dude.

He's a doctor, and he's very nice.

He picked you up? Don't you think that's weird?

He didn't pick me up, I was in his hotel room.

Not like that!

I woke up at The Crawfordton, out in the corridor.

I thought I was at my hotel and I looked for my room.

I didn't want the maid to see me, so I hid,

and when she left, I slipped in.

But it turned out it was his room.

He's not some creep, OK? He's doing a talk there.

And he's a nice guy and a good doctor,

and he wanted to help me, which is more than any of you managed.

You really think I did this to you?

I don't care any more.

I just want to get ready.

I want to thrash you and take home gold.

..cared for. Patients want to be cared for, not just treated.

Compassion is the key to our industry...

So, what kind of doctor are you?

-Excuse me?

-I'm Amanda, we just met.

Yeah, I know who you are.

So? Are you a doctor-doctor, or some kind of professor, or...

Um...I'm a GP and an FME.

-A what?

-A Forensic Medical Examiner. It's for the police.

Does that mean you solve crimes? Is that why you were helping Genny?

I don't solve crimes, no, but, um...

Is there's something I can do for you?

I know you think I tried to ruin Genny's chances, OK, but I didn't, I swear.

The text was pretty aggressive.

That's because I spent all night trying to stop her from drinking,

and, yeah, I ended up being pretty angry with her.

She just dumped her stuff on us and went off on a bender.

Yeah, OK, one text was angry,

but look how many I'd sent before that.

If you're a doctor, then help.

I don't know what to do.

It's not just one night,

it's pretty much every night I've seen her out,

but last night was really the worst.

I'm worried about her. Please!

Look, I'm sorry, I've got to get ready for this seminar.

If you are worried about her, maybe you should speak to someone who's closer to Genny,

like, er...her parents, or her coach.

Just pop them in the basket. Thank you.

-Anything else?

-No.

Er... Oh! I, er...I just need a quick word with Sister Hanif.

Right, Mrs Tembe, I will get out of your way.

I've got this, actually.

Ooo, OK.

I should have one of those things they have on lorries.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Vehicle reversing!

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Yeah, got it. Nailed it.

Look, I just need to pick your brain about hospital food.

You're not due back at St Phil's, are you?

Oh, no, no. I have been asked to present my ideas

about improving hospital catering.

Oh, yeah! Finally!

Well, good luck with that.

Why, do you think it's going to be difficult?

Well, I've seen lots of schemes and initiatives try and fail, sadly.

Lots of gimmicky ideas. That's not what's needed. Huh!

So, what do YOU think is missing?

Er...missing?

Well, just some thought about who's actually eating the food.

We get all sorts in hospitals.

We get patients, breast-feeding mums, for example,

and, well, I've yet to see someone put some serious effort

into making sure everyone gets what they need, nutrition-wise.

Mm.

Look, could I run some ideas past you later?

Yeah. I could lend a hand, sure.

Right, thank you. Er...thank you!

Oh! Er...

Yep. Ooo!

Gently. Er...no, hang on. Um...

Oh!

Almost. Um...

ANSWERPHONE: All right? JJ here. Leave a message.

Er...hi, it is, er...it is just me.

I have decided to come home for lunch.

I will see you later. Bye.

Oh! Nearly there.

-There we go!

-Yay!

So, er...the talk should take about 20 minutes, um...

and then I'm going to open the floor for questions.

All in all, hopefully, the whole thing should be done by about...

What's she been saying? Why are the police involved?

-Sorry? What?

-He's a police doctor.

-Are you?

-Er...yeah, I am, but...

So if I really did spike your drink and set you up,

we should probably get the law involved.

I mean, that's illegal, right?

-Yes, but...

-It's much more important than some race.

If we're coercing you, bullying,

you should probably get the law on us.

I mean, I stole your bag, right? That's what you said.

Yeah, you did.

-Right, then, Dr Policeman, what should she do?

-Well, no, I...

If I did steal your bag and did get you drunk, that's criminal, right?

I...I'm sorry about this, I just...

I'll catch you inside.

OK.

Right, um...I don't really enforce the law,

but I think you're right, maybe this is a matter for the police.

Cool. Let's give them a ring.

-Wait!

-What?

You're doing it now, you're ganging up on me!

I'm not ganging up on you, I'm just saying...

I don't know that...

that it definitely happened like that.

I was confused. You can't expect me to remember the whole thing!

You saw what I was like!

Please, don't call the police. My parents would...

I'm sorry, OK? I'm sorry!

OK, look, you haven't done anything wrong.

I'm on your side, but I think it's probably best that you're honest,

so, um...what's going on here?

No idea. I can't make any sense of it, maybe you can.

OK, chronic fatigue syndrome. What exactly are you stuck on?

Everything. It's not the Dark Ages, is it?

Yet it doesn't look like anyone can actually agree on what it is.

Right. Well, you have to understand

that medical opinion is often just that - opinion.

CFS, ME, opinions vary wildly.

Often, the only way of achieving a diagnosis

is by ruling out other conditions.

That's just the way it is, I'm afraid.

There's no one cure-all approach.

So, what you're really saying is no-one knows what it is

and you can't tell me what to do about it?

Well, there's some evidence that CFS

in young children responds to CBT,

but not everybody's happy with that.

-I'm not happy with any of it.

-Mm.

I didn't think you'd help if it was all my fault.

People don't really...

They don't help.

That still doesn't explain why you ended up like you did.

I don't know, I just wanted to have a good time.

These things...

I don't get to go out much.

It's a bit of freedom and a chance to meet up with everyone else.

Amanda and all the others, they've all got stuff to talk about.

They do stuff. And I'm on my own.

We're not doing it on purpose, I'm just mates with them.

I know. I just...

I feel more like having fun if I've had a drink

and I'm not thinking about the race,

or the fact no-one ever comes to watch me.

I don't think about how nobody cares.

If I didn't care, why would I spend the whole day chasing after you?

Look, this is the kind of thing you need to really talk about

with people who are close to you, like your parents.

Ha! Father might send me a text message

from whatever business trip he's on, and Mother...

..she doesn't want to slum it in a "frightful public pool"!

She thinks cheering is common.

How about your GP?

It was just a messy night and a bit of a hangover.

It's not something I'll do again.

Do you have any idea how lucky you were last night?

The state you were in, you were very vulnerable.

I know what I'm doing.

No, you don't. I've heard that so many times.

Do you know, the other one that I hear a lot is, er...

"I don't have a problem".

-But I don't have a problem.

-No? OK.

Then tell me what happened from the time you left the restaurant

to when you ended up in my hotel.

-I don't know.

-Doesn't that worry you?

Because it worries me, it worries Amanda.

Think of what could have happened to you in a blacked-out state.

Anyone could have picked you up on the way home, or even in the hotel room.

So, you think I need help?

I don't know, you tell me.

Or better still, tell your friend.

We should get going. I'll call a cab.

OK.

I'm...

..I'm sorry I lied to you and I hope your talk goes well.

Thank you. And it's fine.

Listen, good luck with your race.

Look after yourself, OK?

MESSAGE ALERT

-MRS TEMBE:

-Hi. It is, er...it is just me.

I have decided to come home for lunch. I will see you later. Bye.

Checking up on me?

Heston mentioned that you might be a little upset.

Yeah. I've been mardy all morning, haven't I?

Don't worry about it, we all have our moments.

The whole thing's just so frustrating.

Like you said, if it is CFS, then recovery's not always possible.

So, how do they manage it, then?

Are there drugs that help, or do they just have to suffer?

Heston mentioned CBT for kids with it,

but we don't even know that it is CFS!

I want somebody to say, this is what it is, this is what causes it

and this is what we do about it.

Medicine is never that perfect, I'm afraid.

Doesn't stop me wanting to scream at everyone, though.

-Look, you've read up about it, right?

-Yeah.

So, what's your take on it? I mean, you're the one who's up-close.

Maybe you should listen to your opinions instead of everyone else's.

Maybe that's the problem.

-I'm really sorry I tried to pin it all on you.

-I know.

I feel sorry for that poor doctor, though, the looks he was getting.

-Do you think he really hated us?

-Nah!

It'll be a funny story when he goes back to work. Hi!

Probably a right boring life most of the time.

-I'm the highlight of his day?

-Yeah, I reckon so.

Amanda! Hey!

-I'll see you in there.

-Yeah.

Dr Clay?

HE EXHALES

HE HUMS A TUNE

DOOR OPENS

JJ, mate! Hope you don't mind, but, er...

I've helped myself to, er...

Who the devil are you?!

-Ah...

-Oh!

-TANNOY:

-Would Genevieve Rickett please report to the stewards' desk.

That's Genevieve Rickett,

please report to the stewards' desk immediately.

Come on!

Don't recognise your own name?

I'm not going to win by default.

-You need to be in the pool when I beat you.

-You wish!

And I'm not having you blame it on a hangover either.

It's all right. You look good in silver.

THEY CHUCKLE

THEY GRUNT

He's told me so much about you, and I can see why!

You seem like a really lovely, lovely lady!

It...it really isn't as bad as it looks.

Just...just give us a minute and let me throw my pants on.

Don't you dare move. You are a naked fugitive!

I don't want to get JJ in trouble or anything!

He needed to keep his mouth shut!

And he said that you are a really sweet bird.

I am not sweet and I am certainly not a bird!

Burt! Mate!

I'm going to need you to keep a low profile,

at least until I've had a chance to...

A chance to what?

Explain things to you.

Well, you'd better start talking, or I am going to call the police!

Home-made cheese and pickle.

-Pickle?

-Yeah.

So, how you feeling?

My hands hurt.

My throat, too.

Right, well, let's get this inside you, then.

-Come on, get up.

-No, please.

-Come on.

-No, look, I'm trying!

I know.

Here.

HE SIGHS

-JJ:

-I promise you, I'm not involved.

But your friend is!

And you knew where he was!

You need to understand, the fella that's behind all this,

he's a lot more trouble than the police.

And the police can look after themselves.

I don't need to stick my neck out.

Look, you seem like a smart girl, right...

I've been telling him what a good soul you are.

-You wouldn't throw him to the lions, would you?

-Really?

He'll be gone by six. His cousin's picking him up.

I'm really sorry, I didn't want you involved.

I just needed to have a few hours off the street, that's all.

As soon as our Richie turns up with the van, I'm off.

Away from this whole mess.

Taking it far away from you guys, too.

Hopefully.

I know it's a lot to ask.

It just needs to be our little secret for now.

Absolutely not!

I am, and have always been, a law-abiding citizen!

You wouldn't snitch on him?

Please, don't go to the police.

I will not.

HE EXHALES

But you will.

And if you do not, I can assure you,

it will be the end of me and you.

-I'm useless.

-No, you're not.

I've blown it, haven't I?

-Where have you been?!

-Giving Valerie a lift.

Maybe we should stay here overnight,

or get her to move in with us until she gets better.

(Er...see that woman over there? Don't look.)

How much longer do I have to sit here?!

I'm sorry.