22/06/2013 EastEnders Omnibus

You all right, Lauren?

Hi.

Why are you sitting in the dark?

Just woke up early. Didn't want to wake any of you up.

Do you want a cup of tea?

Abi?

Abi? You've fallen asleep.

What time is it?

It's quarter to eight.

I've got five hours and I know absolutely nothing.

All right, all right.

I've just got to nip out, OK?

But while I'm out there I'm going to get us some treats,

and then I'm going to come back and help you any way I can. OK?

She'll be all right.

Sorry, love?

Lauren. I know you're going to go round to Dad's and check on her.

You're my priority today.

No, it's all right, I've thought about her, too.

What are we like, eh?

I'm all yours today, Al.

We'll go out and do something if you want?

You name it, we'll do it.

Up for that?

Be good to get away from the Square, won't it?

Private detectives?

Er, yeah. Well, it was going to be a surprise, sort of.

Look - Peter Beale gave me this.

-It's from David.

-Yeah.

Well, where'd it come from? And why's it opened?

Well, like I said, Peter Beale gave it to me.

I know, but how did he have the letter?

-Dunno, but the main thing is...

-I know what the main thing is.

It's a letter addressed to me that everyone's got to before me.

Mum, the other letter...

I didn't have time to decide if I wanted to find him. But I do.

We've been through all that, Bianca.

Mum, you know he's scared to come back.

Well, I dunno about that.

If I find him I can tell him that Derek's dead

and there's nothing else to worry about.

Yeah, well, this was sent months ago.

All this says is that he's not coming back.

Let it go, love.

This ain't quite the day out I had in mind, Al.

C'mon, let's go.

I don't get it.

Get what?

This. Whatever it is you're doing.

I don't understand why you care now. What's changed?

What do you mean, what's changed? I'm taking my sister out, ain't I?

I'm not buying it.

All right.

I know, all right, Alice, about...

About you and Michael.

But it's all right, I've sorted it now.

What do you mean you've sorted it?

I took my eye off the ball with you and him, didn't I?

What does it mean?

I just had words with him, all right, Alice? I put him right.

What have you done?

Nothing. Enough. I did enough. Where you going? Alice!

Michael, I haven't forgiven you,

but I just want to check you're not dead in a ditch somewhere.

Is that why he didn't come home last night?

Yeah, and a good thing too, Al.

Did you hit him?

Maybe. Yeah.

You had no right, Joey.

I'm sorry. Alice, I am sorry.

It's all my fault, all this, I know that.

I should've been around more, Al, I know.

I don't want you anywhere near me.

Come on, Alice! He had it coming, you know as well as I do.

Hi. Is my daughter in?

Well, yeah, she is.

Good.

Well, no... She's...

I mean, she's asleep. She's been up all night, and...

Well, she's just dozed off again. I can give her a message.

Right.

No. There's no message, I just wanted to say hi.

You know, let her know I'm around.

I'm at home all day helping Abi out, so if she does ask...

Yeah.

Thanks.

Hear that? Your mum said you could call in on her and Abi.

Yeah. Probably be waiting there with frying pans.

I would be.

Could be your chance to mend a few bridges.

Tell Dad, if Mum tries to talk him round, can you tell him

that I really like it here.

Yeah, course.

But your mum did look worried about you.

It's Abi's birthday at the weekend, maybe I could go round then.

Do something nice for Abi.

How long's that been going on?

It hasn't. Just started.

Do you want me to call a doctor?

What? No. No, I'm fine. It's just cold in here.

It's freezing.

Look, do you mind washing your hands

before you come and touch these dresses, please?

Look. Look at that.

Peter.

All right?

How did you get that letter?

There was a mix up with my dad and Lucy,

just thought I'd give it to you.

And they had it because what...?

Don't know, you'd have to ask one of them.

Kat, look, I won't be a minute.

Dexter, you've got the dentist later.

-Oh, you never said.

-Yeah, I know. I forgot.

Now make sure they're sparkling, cos fillings costs a fortune these days.

Aww, man, I hate going to the dentist.

Jay, Hurry up, man. Let's go, man. We're late.

I'm waiting for my tea, ain't I?

Dex, wait up.

What? Dexter got a plane to catch?

-All right, Abs?

-So...

-Yeah, what's the matter?

-Who's that girl, then?

Oh, that's Lola, she's just a mate.

Abs, you're a genius and you're going to sail through these exams.

What, so you're saying you ain't got no brains now?

That's a good attitude to have(!) Very good, yeah(!)

It's good to see Dexter so settled.

Yeah. We both are.

Be nice if you could find some room for me.

Just a small spot, doesn't have to be big.

Don't hold your breath. Just be happy I'm talking to you, yeah?

I am.

Where did you find it?

Just...around.

Around where?

It was in a box.

Was there anything else in there?

I don't know, I didn't look.

Oh, come off it, Ian, of course you did. Let me see the box.

Bianca, I'm busy, OK?

Do you want me to tell my mum?

Fine.

All right?

You got an appointment?

Didn't know I needed one.

Right, so what was you after?

Tell you what, you give me the once over and tell me what I need.

OK. Well, you definitely need to start moisturising,

and don't even get me started on them cuticles.

Can't help that, workman's hands.

Right. Did you want to make an appointment then?

Actually, I'm here to fix a lamp. Poppy called me this morning.

I know, I'm only winding you up. It's that one.

I'll have to watch you.

You got an appointment?

Pedicure? Or was it a leg wax?

No. I need you.

-Sadly, I'm spoken for, darling.

-Yeah, right, come on. Two minutes.

A bit tense, maybe he needs a massage.

And some manners while he's at it. Stupid boy.

Right, so you say you're Alice's best mate, yeah?

I don't say it, I am it.

Still let her get mixed up with Michael, though, didn't you?

Uh, hang on a minute. I did try and warn her.

It's fine, don't worry. Look, just...

You can make up for it now. I need a favour.

Um, I don't actually have to do anything, Joey.

Just watch her for me? Will you, please? Yeah?

I can't have her going back to him, can I?

I know, but I'm working today. Can't you do something?

I tried.

It's up to you now.

Cheers.

Something to replace your lucky key ring.

Dad, I'm nervous enough as it is, there's no need to rub it in.

Ab, you'll be fine.

Yeah, you're doing great.

Yeah, thanks to Mum.

Right, well, we'd better get on, cos time's running out.

I'm going to pop back after lunch, I'll drive you to the exam.

Are you sure?

Last thing you need is transport worries. Nervous enough, ain't you?

So just stay calm, keep focused, you'll nail it.

How's Lauren getting on?

Yeah.

I mean, she's obviously sorry she ruined Abi's notes.

Well, that's a start, ain't it?

But other than that, she's thriving.

Thriving.

She asked for me?

Nah. She's not really saying that much. Teenagers.

Look after her, won't you?

Yeah, course.

She'll be all right, Tan, she's got me, ain't she?

Dad of the Year.

Dad of the Decade.

See ya.

DOOR CLOSES

All right?

Yeah. You need to get back to the flat.

Why, what's the matter?

It's Lauren.

Nice move that, going to Bianca.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

David's letter. I know you gave it to them.

It wasn't me.

Lucy, I know when you're lying.

It was Peter.

Yeah, as if he'd do something like that.

She came in then, did she? Bianca.

It was nothing.

Which is why you've come home to change your trousers.

I'm not scared of her.

Yeah? Well, you should be, because they're going to want to know

what else you've got of Derek's.

Can you imagine if they found out about the money you took?

Lauren?

Lauren.

Your dad's talking to you.

Sorry.

You all right?

Yeah.

You're shaking.

I'm cold. Think I might be coming down with something.

I'll get you some medicine, yeah?

When I take Abi to her exam.

What, have you seen her?

Yeah.

And?

Yeah, she's good.

She mention me?

No, she's a bit focused on her exam.

She still angry at me, then?

You know what Abi's like, she'll forgive you.

Want some water?

I still want to call a doctor.

Oh, babe, behave yourself, will you?

Just for peace of mind.

Let's see how it goes today, then tomorrow we'll know what's what.

-Max...

-Kirsty, trust me.

Anyway, you've got other things to worry about, ain't you?

I have?

Yeah. We've got to do up the nursery.

Got another scan in a couple of weeks.

Don't worry.

Right, so what I was thinking, is you could answer some telephones,

take some bookings, etc.

Cos, you know, we've got a really hectic day.

Have we?

Yep. And we could do with a receptionist.

Really?

-Yeah. Tell her, Lola.

-Tell her what?

OK, confession time.

Um, I just haven't spent enough time with you recently,

and I thought, wouldn't it be nice if...

Lola, has my brother been in here?

This is a joke. He told me he'd back off.

-Look, he just came in because...

-For what? For a manicure? I doubt it.

OK, OK.

He's worried about you, Alice, as am I, and...

Poppy, why don't you just leave me alone?!

Why don't all of you just back off and leave me alone?!

That was awkward!

You all right, Alice?

Alice!

Alice!

Alice! What're you doing?

Put that back, you don't want to be doing things like that.

Doing what?

He's locked himself in the gym?

One of the trainers just called to say he saw him go in there

and bolt the door behind him.

That's a bit much, ain't it?

It's weird.

Is Michael in?

Good.

You going to say something?

Eh?

Did you see Michael or something? Was that it?

I said to you, I said, "Alice, don't go near him."

No...

I did not see Michael.

OK. All right, well, what was the key ring all about, then?

See?

That's proof. You ain't yourself, are you?

Eh?

You ain't yourself.

Look at me, Al.

Come on.

You need me.

I know it's going to take time, but I'll fix this, I will.

You're too late, Joey.

You're way too late.

What you talking about? Too late? What you talking about?

Don't think he's going to be here.

Michael, you get my calls?

Michael?

Say something, Al.

Please.

I was out wandering one day...

..and I saw this scarf.

I was just staring at it.

Five or ten minutes, just staring.

Then...

I walked home and it was in my pocket.

I don't even know how it got there.

I swear, I don't.

And then I didn't know what to do with it...

..so I hid it.

Alice, there's tons of stuff in that cupboard.

I know.

Oh, Joey...

Hey, all right, all right. Don't worry.

It'll be all right.

Listen, could you lend me a tenner? Only I'm going to go out with Mas

and I don't want him to pay for everything.

No, sorry. All my money's going towards a fund

for a private detective.

B, please, for your own sake, can you just forget about your dad?

I, erm... I found this. I think it's Derek's.

Derek's?

Well, I don't know for sure,

cos I haven't looked through it or nothing.

-But how lucky was that?

-For some people.

Yeah. So, that's it then. We're done.

What's he talking about, done?

Don't know. Go and ask him.

Oi, Ian.

How did you just happen to find that?

It was, uh, in the Emporium.

Whilst we were renovating I moved something and...

it was just there.

You could at least say thank you - would've thought you'd be grateful.

And that's all there was?

Yeah. I'll have it back if you don't want it.

No, all right.

What's in it?

I don't know.

Right. So you've got everything, yeah?

Yeah. I just need more coffee.

That's the problem with afternoon exams,

you're tired before you even get there.

We'll get one on the way.

Right, then. Good luck.

Thanks.

And thank you for this morning, might actually have a chance now.

You'll be fine.

Well done.

She's all right, you know, about Lauren coming back.

Oh. Yeah. Good old Abs.

Yeah, well, you know what she's like,

the font of all knowledge, ain't she?

She seems to think maybe I overreacted,

I was a bit hasty, maybe.

-Thing is, Tan...

-She's probably right, isn't she?

But Lauren didn't give me a chance, so...

Lauren, she don't want to come home.

It's fine now. Everything's calmed down.

She wants to stay put for a bit. With me and Kirsty.

-She said that?

-Yeah.

Right.

Well, she's all yours then, isn't she? If that's what she wants.

Look after her.

She's still my baby.

Yeah.

What?

I'm going to get you an appointment.

I'm not ill.

I was like you once, Lauren.

What, you were cold?

-Lost.

-Well, that's not me.

I didn't know who I was, what I was doing, and worst of all...

..I didn't care.

Anyway, I've got some more ideas about Abi's birthday.

Lauren, I was an addict. I was completely messed up.

I'm going to get her a really good present.

Your dad's not seeing it, or he doesn't want to, but I'm seeing it.

I'm going to invite all her mates round, as well, actually.

One of us needs to tell him, make him understand.

I want to do, like a mix tape, or something, or a CD.

Lauren!

I should write it down.

Are you throwing up?

No.

Maybe... Maybe a bit.

Yeah. And do you feel like everything is just getting too much?

You know, you just can't cope?

Lauren, you've got to be honest with this.

I told lies, over and over.

Well, I'm not like you, am I?!

No! I'm not an addict.

Anyway, what's the problem? Right? Because I am fine.

You're all right now anyway, so just shut up.

Look at me, Lauren.

You need to see someone, you really do.

PHONE RINGS

Hello, you.

I'll need you there.

Sharon's gone away and I've got no-one to open up the R&R.

Thanks, Joey, thanks for nothing.

Hi.

I was just passing, so thought I'd say hi.

Yeah, keep passing.

Erm, your car won't be ready yet.

Still waiting on some parts for it.

That's cool, I'm in no hurry.

Gives me another day to see the sights.

-I made a new friend today. Lola.

-She ain't your friend.

She's all right, got a lot about her.

Are you deaf? I said she ain't your friend.

Look, like I said, keep passing.

-Er, Dex, we've...

-Yes, all right, Mum. I know.

I did warn you.

What the hell, the car's fixed tomorrow.

So I'll climb in and hit the road.

What, just like that?

Why not? I ain't making any headway here.

You all right, Joey?

Ian found this at the Emporium. It's some of your dad's stuff,

and obviously, I thought of you two...

Just keep it. Honestly.

-Oh, right.

-Or bin it. Whatever you want to do...

Hold on.

I'll have it.

It's some photos and bits and pieces, darling.

Is this all there was?

Yeah, I think so.

-Thank you.

-All right, darling.

Thank you so much.

At least one of you is happy.

You reckon, do you?

Look, he wasn't perfect, but he was still your dad.

Look, Joey.

Can I get you a drink?

Maybe a lump of steak for that eye?

He'll have to stay with you for a bit.

-You serious?

-He can't stay with Alice, can he?

Fair point.

Michael, give me your keys. I'll go round yours, grab some stuff.

This better not be an act.

Dad?

It's Bianca.

Oh, sorry...

I thought you was someone else.

Yeah, David Wicks.

You don't know where he is, do you?

It's a long shot, I know. Never mind.

No, my uncle Derek had this number written down, so...

Yeah.

Derek Branning.

Yeah, it is a small world.

Walford, he came to Walford.

What?

You want my address?

You ain't having my address.

Weirdo.

Is that going to stop you stealing now then, yeah?

Started after Dad died, didn't it?

Good old dad, still messing up our lives, even now he's gone.

That's not fair.

What do you mean, that's not fair?

That's all he was ever any good at anyway, weren't it?

You know, you're not doing any better.

Going around hitting Michael like that.

As much as you carry on like you hated him,

you're just the same as him, Joey.

No, I'm not.

Alice, I said no, I'm not, all right? I ain't nothing like him.

Nothing! You know that!

Yeah, well, she's a kid, isn't she? She's having a blow out.

It's what all kids do.

This is more than that.

All right, well, I'll sort her out, won't I?

You don't know how to.

All dads know how to.

Come, on Max, wake up.

I mean, she's shaking all the time, she's throwing up, she gets down.

And she drinks. She drinks and she drinks.

Kirsty, you're panicking, all right? You don't know kids like I do.

But I know an addict when I see one.

What are you talking about? What do you mean? Addict?

I was an addict, Max.

Yeah, different addictions, maybe, but the same symptoms.

I mean, pretending it's something else isn't going to help her.

She ain't an addict, all right? I know she ain't.

You're well off the mark.

You're wrong, Kirsty. All right? I know you are.

# Sexy senorita

# I feel your aura

# That new motor

# Getting my flying saucer

# I'mma make you call me Daddy... #

Here you go, Mum.

-Wow. Did I forget your birthday or something?

-No.

That car'll be done this afternoon,

that means UK's best father will be out of here.

Isn't that enough to put a smile on my face?

-I'll see you later, yeah?

-See you later, babe.

You didn't realise, did you?

Can we just keep this between ourselves?

I don't even want Abi finding out.

-Poor girl, she's been through enough, hasn't she?

-Yeah.

Lauren's upstairs, I can't really talk now. I'm working on something.

-So I'll come and find you later.

-OK.

I'll do us an omelette.

Morning.

Thought you weren't talking to me.

Don't be silly.

So what you going to do with all the stuff you nicked then, eh?

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

See you later.

Where you going?

I'm just going for a walk.

-I'll come with you.

-Um...I'm going to see Michael.

Oh. OK. Tell him I said hi.

Hi? What you talking about "hi," Alice?

He messed you around, he mugged you off. What you talking about?

Look, I know. I need to move on.

Well, do something then.

You let things happen to you then sit about moping, don't you?

Take control for once.

-So, this afternoon, yeah?

-Yeah, say about five?

I'm giving Jay the afternoon off to pick up a part.

Then you'll be back on the road.

He'll definitely like that.

He's a good little mechanic.

Nothing good about it. Try great. Super-great.

Well, he didn't get that big head from me.

See you later then.

Yeah. See you later.

He seems all right.

That's cos you don't know him.

Like I said to you before, neither do you.

Listen, I'm not bothered about that wasteman.

I just want him and this out of here.

Michael, why don't you go and have a shower?

Yeah. Go on. And I'll cook you something.

Don't that prove I'm worried?

You can't let Janine drag you under.

If you want to see Scarlett again,

you've at least got to get out of bed.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

There's a seat here.

So when are you leaving?

Wow. Cut to the chase, huh?

By five, Phil reckons.

Which gives me a few hours to persuade Dexter

I'm not some dirt on his shoe.

How do you rate my chances?

I never dissed you, you know.

I only ever told him good stuff.

He's just giving me what I deserve.

But you can't blame a man for hoping.

Oh, Tanya! Thanks for coming.

We can sit there.

Have a safe journey.

Yeah.

Thanks.

OK. Do you want to talk about it?

To be honest, I could do with the distraction.

Are you sure it's OK to revise at yours again?

It's just that Oscar has the noisiest friend round after school.

Yes, of course it is.

Oh, look at the state some people get their smalls to get in.

No, perhaps you better not.

ABI SIGHS

What's that sigh for?

Abi?

It's Lauren. I think things are really bad.

Oh, dear.

Good morning, Vicar.

Mrs Branning, I need your help.

This is Albert, he's from a small town in Northern France.

Head office want him to see

the real London before he starts his secondment in Malawi.

Oh, that's in Africa, isn't it?

My boss asked me and I'm asking you.

Oh, but, Vicar,

I've got another four washes to do before one o'clock besides this one.

No-one knows the parish better. Thank you!

Looks like you're going to be busy so...

Hold on. Albert. This is my granddaughter, Abigail.

Abi, this is Albert.

Don't discriminate, does it, love?

Makes a fool of you no matter how sensible you are.

I mean, look at Lauren.

No matter how much damage me and Max

and all our rubbish was causing, we just carried on, didn't we.

Cos we "loved each other."

No-one's ever made me feel the way Sam did.

But then, no-one's ever hurt me that badly either.

Does he want to give it another go?

Dunno. Haven't given him a chance to say what he wants.

Then there's Dexter. He hates him.

Yeah?

Well, he's not a kid any more, is he?

You're not like me and Max, you've always put Dexter first.

Maybe it's time you did what you wanted for once - right or wrong.

And ruin everything?

That's love for you.

Now don't show him no drugs, no gangs, no litter and no graffiti.

And certainly don't introduce him to your sister.

Grandma!

Yes, well, we need to make a good impression, don't we?

Albert! No. I'm going to call you Albert.

Albert of Albert Square. You must be heaven-sent.

My granddaughter is going to show you the sights

and answer all your questions, aren't you, Abigail?

-Wonderful.

-Um, yeah, as long as there aren't too many.

It's just that I've got loads of exams...

There's some things more important than books, Abigail.

And I'm sure that Albert will be very grateful, won't you, Albert?

-Yes, of course.

-There y'are. Off you go.

OK, um...so shall we start with the market?

-Yes. OK.

-Yeah?

-Let's go.

There's just loads of stalls and stuff.

Am I getting paid for this?

No. Your reward is a bit of quality time with me.

Bin, please.

I thought this stuff cost a bomb.

I've gone off it, haven't I?

It's your favourite.

Not any more.

-All right. Thanks for coming.

-That's all right. You're welcome.

Not sure how much I can help but I'll give it a go.

Um, there is something else.

Isn't there always?

-It's Ronnie.

-What?

The victim liaison people rang me.

She's done something, I don't know what,

but they're not letting her out yet.

That's good, that's good. One less problem to deal with.

I'll go sort out Captain Misery in there, eh?

Hey. Come on, mush. What's this, a sponsored doss or something?

I've got some goodies for you here, Michael.

Let's see what we've got. I've got some crisps, peanuts,

I've got some toffees - you like toffees - some cream soda,

we'll do an ice cream float, some vanilla thing.

And I've got some movies. What do you fancy? A thriller?

-A horror? A comedy?

-No, no, no! Stop talking.

So you going to let me help you now?

Think we should eat out tonight.

Check you out, you got kids all over the place,

two houses to pay for and still enough cash to eat out.

I'm talking about a bit of pizza, cheesecake,

not a medieval banquet, Lauren.

OK.

Yeah?

Mmm. As long as I get to choose both toppings and we share.

Yeah, of course.

And then there's this thing near the pizza place,

I thought we should pop in on the way back.

I'm not going salsa dancing with you, Dad.

I think it's a social club, sort of get-together thing.

For kids, you know, your age...ones who've got problems with drink.

You want me to go to some sort of support group?

I don't want you to, no. What I want is my daughter back.

I ain't going.

I want to go for a pizza with my little girl,

have a joke and a laugh, Lauren.

I do, I think you need this. Lauren. Lauren, I think you need it!

I need to get beneath the skin, feel its human heart. Abigail?

The real London? Are you sure?

The poverty, the vermin, the underworld.

This is where God belongs, don't you think?

OK, I think you've been reading way too much Oliver Twist.

Oh, Alice? Hiya.

Hi.

She seems troubled.

She's fine! Not everyone's some orphan or pickpocket.

All right, Carol, you ain't seen Lauren, have you?

Yeah. I've just seen her running down there. What's the matter?

I said to Tanya I'd try and sort her out.

-It's not gone too well.

-Do you want me to talk to her?

Would you?

Yeah, yeah, course I will. Leave it to me.

-Can I ask you something?

-Yeah, go on.

Pops wants to spend some time with Lexi, just them two.

Does that make me a bad mum if I leave her for a couple of days?

Are you mad? My mum used to say the only reason she coped with me

was by knowing when to take a break.

You know, she still says that actually.

-So that don't make me a bad mum?

-Nah! Average, I'd say.

-Oi!

-But then I can't talk for Lexi, can I?

Oi. Do you know what, gimme a chip.

-Uh, go get your own.

-Yeah, I will do.

DOOR CLOSES

Right, so you're not taking control then?

-I'm trying!

-Yeah. Yeah, looks like it, Al.

KAT AND ALFIE LAUGH

We the only ones that find it funny?

Evidently.

You think this is a bad day, Alfie? You think I'm having a bad day?

It's my daughter's first birthday on Friday.

I'm not going to see her.

I'm not going to speak to her.

I can't even send her a gift.

And you think I'm going to be mollified by an afternoon of

bad films and even worse food?

Michael, let me tell you if Scarlett's first birthday's

anything like Tommy's first, you're well out of it.

Kat, remember we had to take Tommy for his first booster injection

and he screamed the place down? You've never heard noise like it.

Where you going?

Michael? Michael? Whoa!

Michael, hold on, mate! Michael!

Michael! Michael, come on, mate.

Hey!

-HE POUNDS ON DOOR

-Alice? Alice! Alice?

-Get out.

-Is Alice here? Alice! No, no. Alice!

-Michael? What's wrong?

-Get indoors.

It's Scarlett's birthday, did you book a check-up,

or a hospital appointment?

-ABI:

-Promise me you won't tell Grandma Dot

we didn't go to any galleries or museums.

I can't lie. But I can keep my mouth shut.

-Like you.

-Me?

You are covering your troubles with silence.

What do you call this again?

Sausage roll.

-Roll?

-Mm-hmm.

-My English is very bad.

And I have to speak at the ecumenical dinner tonight.

You'll be fine.

You know lots English words I don't, didn't, like "ecumenical".

It's frustrating. Wanting to be understood and failing.

There's always one person who'll listen.

-LAUGHING:

-He should have more important things to do.

So I shouldn't ask him for help before my speech tonight?

-I told you, you don't need it.

-But you do?

OK, how about you pray for me and I'll pray for you?

-I'd feel less stupid.

-But what am I praying for?

That this sausage roll doesn't get cold.

THEY LAUGH

What's that still doing here?

I thought this was going to be done by the time I finished my break.

-What happened is...

-That part isn't in.

Some goon wrote our order down wrong.

Got there and it's for a different model.

This better be a stupid joke, you know.

I'll tell your dad. I'm going to ring round and see

if we can find the part from somewhere else but if not...

-If not then it's two weeks.

-Two weeks?!

Jay, out.

Oi, oi, oi, I'm not having this.

Look. Sorry, Phil.

You think you're the only kid who didn't have a nice cuddly dad?

Join the club.

I've also got kids that I don't see.

Don't mean I don't think about them or care about them.

There's some things you only get to understand as you get older.

I can't wait.

Like walking in another man's shoes.

Yeah. Not his.

I can't wait to see the mistakes you make as you get older.

Yeah, none of them will be as bad as his.

Listen, why don't you knock off early?

Go and hang out with your mates or something.

Thanks, yeah.

What you done to him? He's worse than ever.

-I tried my best here, all right?

-It's not your fault.

Michael? Scarlett has got an appointment booked tomorrow.

Thank you, Alice.

That's all right.

You are a good person. You always do the right thing.

No. That's not true.

It is.

I've been looking for you.

Went on a bus ride. Change of scenery.

What you doing in here? You been drinking?

I'm skint.

Your dad's in bits, Lauren.

He isn't the only one.

Why don't you come with me, get out of here? Lauren.

-I know...

-No, no.

I just want to say, I'm not angry no more.

I mean, you made your mistakes, I'm probably going to make mine.

So just go about your business, do what you're doing.

Hasn't got anything to do with me.

Sam? Why are you still here?

Hold-up with the car.

Dexter isn't exactly pleased.

I think I need to accept that me and him aren't going to happen

and just be on my way.

But before I go, there are a few things I need you to know.

-Do you want me to get Mum?

-Actually, it's you I've come to see.

I've got something that belongs to you.

They're Nana Pat's. How did you get them?

Do you remember how sad I was when my dad died?

I think it kind of took my mind off it a bit.

I'm so sorry, Tiff.

You nicked them?

Yeah.

Do you think you can maybe forgive me?

Well, you gave them back. So, yeah, suppose so.

Thank you.

And maybe you should pay me a fine of, say, two quid?

-The energy of head on...co-collision...?

-Uh-huh.

I hope you haven't been doing Abi's homework for her?

It must be all Greek to you, all that English.

Some things need no translation.

And Abi has helped me with my speech tonight.

Have I?

How to listen is as important as how to speak

but we need to know the right time for each of them.

Ah, yes, well, my family is very fortunate in me

because I will always listen to them.

Even when it seems that I'm not. HE CHUCKLES

DOORBELL RINGS

That'll be the Rev Mr Stevens, if you could open the door.

You can tell him what a fruitful day you've had.

Did that take your mind off Lauren for a bit?

Yeah, it did. Thank you.

You know, he is right.

There's nothing you can say or do, just wait till she's ready to talk.

Oh, dear.

20 years without a word,

now you're falling over yourself to tell me stuff.

-I think they call that irony.

-Thank you.

For Dexter. He's everything I hoped my son would be.

Glad you approve.

It shows me you two were better off without me.

Nah, no, we weren't.

Why do you think I never had any more kids?

I knew I didn't deserve them.

Same reason why I never got married.

Every woman reminded me of...what I'd left behind.

So why didn't you just come home?

The further I ran, the harder it got to come back.

But I'm here now.

If you're going to have a useless dad,

you might as well have one who does it properly. Never comes back.

Not sure either of us would agree with you on that one, mate.

It's two weeks, can't be that bad.

-All right. Raise 'em up.

-What we drinking to?

Two weeks, innit? 14 days, 14 nights.

Two weeks.

-Two weeks.

-Two weeks.

There's still something there. Just like 20 years ago.

How dare you walk in here and just...

I'm not talking about what's right or wrong.

Or are you saying you don't feel it?

We kissed, Ava.

I know you do.

You think it makes you weak to admit you feel the same?

-I don't.

-Everyone knows how strong you are.

You should be gone.

No hating, no excuses...

..just Sam and Ava.

Like it used to be.

You remember how it used to be?

-Where is everyone then?

-Bianca's taken the kids to the park.

-There you go.

-Thanks.

Must be weird for you, Lauren, having a new stepmum.

This family excels at weird.

Fair point. Do you enjoy drinking, Lauren?

Getting drunk, I mean?

I'm not being rude but can we just not?

All anyone talks about is drink. I'm sick of it.

Drinking or talking about it?

Did my dad ask you to talk to me or what?

CAROL SIGHS

He shouldn't have.

Maybe he thought, after everything I've been through -

still going through - you might listen.

Cos having a few drinks, falling over, having a laugh,

that's one thing, isn't it?

But this, Lauren, you, Billie, that's different.

Billie...what happened to him could happen to anyone,

-he wasn't an alcoholic.

-And you are?

No! No, that's not what I'm saying.

I'm saying it could happen to anyone!

But he wasn't anyone, was he, Lauren? He was your cousin.

My son.

And what I don't understand is after going through all that, seeing me,

Bianca, your dad, go through it all, you carry on drinking...

-It's not the same.

-..more and more. It makes no sense!

I mean, how can you do that?

I don't know. I don't know.

Max. Max! How's Lauren getting on?

Yeah...we're going out for a pizza later.

Lauren! Lauren, come back! I'm just trying to make you understand.

Lauren? Lauren? What's wrong? Where're you going?

Please! There is no point trying to get me to stop. All right?

Do you not think I would if I could? I can't.

All right? I can't stop!

Mum? Mum?

-Mum?

-Hey, babe.

Have you seen Sam? The car's still parked up outside.

Another two weeks they said it's going to be. Two weeks, Mum.

It's like some terrible nightmare that's never going to end.

You know what I'm going to do though, I'm just going to ignore that man

so hard he's going to start to doubt his own existence.

Anyway, Mum, listen, lend me £20?

I'm going out to eat with them lot.

-Yeah, course, babe.

-Thank you.

-Look, just keep it.

-You've been working really hard lately.

-Thank you!

-You all right, yeah?

-Mm-hmm.

-What's wrong?

Oh, just my tooth.

Do you want me to stay with you?

You don't want to stay in with your mum.

That is true. But I just feel so sorry for you

-with all your library books and your knitting and that...

-Get out!

-All right, see you later, yeah?

-See you.

Come on, Morgan, the bread won't toast itself...

What have you done?!

I know. I know! I'm late.

It's all right. Luke's on the stall.

Oh...did Lucy...?

No, I did.

You did such a good job last week, I thought

I'd school you in the art of management so that whenever me

and Denise fancy a weekend away or something, you can take over.

Come on, I'll treat you to breakfast in the caff.

-You all right?

-Yeah.

What's all this then?

What's all what? I'm ironing a shirt.

I'm seeing my daughter, I want to look my best.

You sure they're going to be there?

Yeah, 9.30.

Right. You thought about what you're going to say?

No.

Listen, if you need someone to go with I'll just give Bianca a ring...

No. That's unnecessary, but kind.

Right.

Eggs and bacon sarnie, please. And a cup of tea.

Ava! Ava, wait. I'll be back in a sec.

Are you really going to act like it was some awkward one-night stand?

It was you.

I'm not going to sit in there pretending that we've never met.

But I thought you were worried about Dexter.

I thought he could come in there any minute. Look at us.

Come back in. I got the table set up all nice.

Cup of tea. Sarnie on the way.

Be like a date.

I wish I could.

Like I said, you've got potential - if you keep your cool.

Ice cold, yeah?

-So you're not the plumber then.

-You got to hurry up.

Winston's looking after the stall while I dropped Tommy off.

He'll have to look after it a little bit longer.

What I don't understand, Morgan, is why you didn't turn the tap off.

I pulled the plug out!

We did taps when you were about four, didn't we?

DOORBELL RINGS

Don't give me that look. It won't work.

Come on, he won't be happy.

I can't go anywhere till the plumber gets here, can I?!

Plumber?

Oh, yeah. Come in.

It's like having a paddling pool at home. She loves it really.

Yeah, the sink's blocked.

-Who's this then?

-The plumber.

Is the water off?

Yeah. No thanks to Morgan here.

-He's fit.

-What?

-She said "fit."

-Morgan!

THEY LAUGH

Breakfast?

-Not hungry.

-Oh come on.

You can't turn me down now I'm turning into a domestic goddess.

Michael. Good luck, mate.

Taxi!

Where are your tools?

When you're this good, you don't need tools.

Well, he's got a right to go.

Yeah, I know. But if Janine won't let him see Scarlett here

she's hardly going to let him see her in hospital.

What, do you think he'll kick off?

DOORBELL RINGS

-KAT SIGHS

-You don't know with him.

I think this little man might have been the problem.

He's not mine. I've got no soldiers in my life at the moment.

KAT LAUGHS

-Plumber.

-Oh, sorry, you've already sent someone.

Eh? No, there's only me, love. One-man show.

-Er, can you come in a minute?

-Yeah.

He's in comms. Doesn't need a gun.

Morgan, come here, babe.

If I was in a war zone, I'd want a little bit more than a telephone.

-Morgan, come here now!

-I didn't put it in the sink.

Come here!

Who's that?

He's the plumber. Who are you?

All right. I'm not the plumber. I'm Derek's mate. Carl.

-You called me the other day.

-So why lie?

-It weren't exactly a lie.

-I think you better leave.

It was just a bit of fun. And I did fix the sink.

-There's still a call out charge.

-Yeah, yeah, you'll get it, right.

As soon as we find out if we've got a nutter on our hands here.

I'm just looking for Derek. He owes me dinner.

-Well, he's dead, so good luck.

-Kat!

Well, he is!

What?! When?

We're creating a universe. A little sanctuary at the heart of Walford.

Where bills and stress and work don't exist.

I thought it was just a restaurant.

Peter, that is the difference between us and them.

Hey, Tanya! How's Lauren doing?

-Yeah...she's fine.

-Yeah, course she is.

If there's anything I can do...

Right, come on you. Let's get cracking.

I'm training him up in the family business.

Always knew he was management material.

Hope Lauren's up and about.

Listen, I know that part's going to turn up. I just want it done.

So we can get rid of that chief, innit.

You need to be patient, my child, all right.

We're building something here.

One day we're going to have a fleet of cars stretching to whole new horizons.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-Dex and Jay's Motor Paradise.

-Yeah, Jay and Dex's motor...

-No, no, Dex and Jay.

All right, all right, keep it down, will you?!

I'm not here to start. I thought you might struggle so...

Here's an advance...

We don't need it.

Yeah. We do need it.

You're waiting on the money to sort out the holiday, right?

-So take it.

-We're fine.

-No, we're not.

Did I teach you nothing, eh?

Good. Well...let me know when it's done.

He was one of those characters you think are going to live for ever.

Like he could get hit by a train and just pop back up again.

Like a cartoon.

Pretty nasty cartoon.

So how did you know him?

From round my estate.

He gave me my first driving lesson when I was a boy.

And consequently, my first run in with the police.

The car was nicked.

He always was dodgy.

He always did like hanging around with dodgy characters.

I bet he was a great uncle.

Yeah, he was. I loved having him around, actually.

He lived at Kat's...

Ah, now I know what you mean about him

hanging round with dodgy characters.

THEY LAUGH, KAT SARCASTICALLY

Alice and Joey live there an' all.

How did you come by my number?

I just found it. It was in a box of Derek's.

Alice has got it now, I think.

Right, we really should be getting on.

Let him finish his tea.

Winston's going to kill us.

It's time I headed off.

Would have been nice to see Alice again though.

What, you know her?

She just lives up there. Number 23.

Thanks for the tea. Perfect.

What is wrong with you, saying all that to one of Derek's mates?!

You've changed your tune a bit, haven't you?

Annabel!

Sorry, I don't...

Yeah, I'm...I'm Michael Moon. I'm Scarlett Moon's dad.

She's got a 9.30 appointment here.

Oh. It would be good to see Janine again. Is she here?

-Not yet, no.

-Well, I'll keep an eye out.

DOOR BEEPS

Hello?

You must be Alice. You've got his eyes. But not his chin.

Praise the Lord.

I don't follow.

HE SIGHS

I was a friend of your dad's. I've only just found out, actually.

I'm sorry for your loss.

You knew my dad?

Not only that. I'm kind of your guardian angel.

-Oh, are you now?

-SHE LAUGHS

No, Tan, it just sounds like meddling.

-No, it's more of a...

-Sorry, am I interrupting something?

Course not. Tan just wanted to talk about Lauren.

-Yeah. At least one of us does.

-I just don't think it's a good idea.

-What isn't?

-Tan, she wants to set Lauren up.

What, on a date?

No. No, it's more of a sort of catch up, you know.

-With an old friend.

-That's a good idea. Who with?

Peter Beale. You know, Ian's boy.

She should be keeping her head down not running round after boys.

She needs something, Max. She's struggling.

Yeah? Well, I'm not getting involved, Tan.

You just don't like him.

Well, look, if Tanya thinks he's a nice boy,

and he's interested, then we should go for it.

He hated me at first! On account of my liberal views.

So what changed?

My liberal views!

THEY LAUGH

Over time he got to trust me.

That's why he said, you know,

if anything happened to him to look out for you.

I've got Joey for that.

Yeah, he wasn't quite convinced Joey was up to it. No offence.

That's fair enough. He has changed a bit since then. He's grown up.

That's good to hear.

So Derek lived with you, here?

Yeah. Joey's got his old room now.

He would have liked that.

-Do you mind if I use your bathroom?

-Yeah, sure, it's just upstairs.

You OK?

I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't be in here but I just...

I just wanted to get a sense of him. Do you know what I mean?

Yeah, I do.

It's weird to think if Bianca hadn't found my number in that

little box I would never have known.

Wonder if there's anything else of yours in there?

It's mainly pictures and that. But have a look.

Thanks.

Strange, eh, going through a dead man's possessions.

Makes me feel close to him.

Yeah, it does. Must have been hard for you.

Going through his stuff when he passed away.

Yeah, it was awful at first.

All his clothes still smelt like him.

I don't know, after a while...

There's so much of his stuff dotted about everywhere

-it sort of felt like a treasure hunt.

-Oh, yeah?

Yeah. Like Auntie Carol gave me that box after Ian gave it to her.

Auntie Carol! Yeah...

Dad's sister. Bianca's mum.

-So that would make Ian...

-Oh, no, we're not related.

But Ian had the box?

Yeah, he took over dad's lock-up to set up a restaurant.

And just found it hidden away somewhere.

Alice!

We're in here!

What are you doing here?

Oh, do you two know each other?

Alice was just showing me Derek's old room.

Why?

I better go.

Oh, no, stay. It was nice meeting somebody that knows my dad.

I'll see you again. I promise.

-OK.

-See you.

-Bye.

Isn't he lovely?

There's been no call, no? No cancellation?

-No nothing? Annabel.

-Hey. Is Janine here yet?

No, she isn't. Have you heard anything?

Well, this was for an hour ago. They won't see you now, I'm afraid.

She wouldn't miss this appointment. She came, didn't she?

-You snuck her in!

-You're not allowed to go in there. That's ICU.

-Her appointment isn't even in there!

-I want to see my daughter!

You need to calm down.

She was supposed to be here. I'm supposed to see her.

Did she know that you'd be here?

So that's it then. We can really go?

-The world's our oyster. Ish. Ish.

-No, it is. It is.

We can go and get sunglasses, bikinis.

BOTH: Bikini shopping!

THEY GIGGLE EXCITEDLY

Might treat myself to a new pair of trunks.

-What do you reckon? Dex, what do you reckon?

-What?

New pair of trunks.

Oh come on, Dex. Just think of the cocktails!

I don't like owing him, man.

Mate, will you change the record? He's just paid for the car.

Yeah, innit. Dex? I'll go, I'll go.

Don't lose that.

We won't. We're going away with this.

-Silverware.

-Silverware?

OK. Now pay attention, OK?

Starting from the outside, working your way in,

in the order of the courses.

Knives go on the right-hand side, forks go on the left-hand side.

Serrated edges on the knives, facing in. OK?

Yep. Bit neater.

That's a dessert spoon!

Course. I should have innately known where a dessert spoon goes.

-Where you going?

-I need a break. I do get one, don't I?

Under EU law?

Peter. I was just coming to find you.

Oh, yeah? Everything all right?

Yeah. It's just that you were asking about Lauren earlier...

I was.

Yeah, that was sweet of you.

I only said hello.

No, I know. It's just...

She's been having a really bad time of it lately.

-And she could use some company.

-Company?

Yeah, you know, nothing serious. You know, not a date or anything.

It's just...maybe if you could take her to lunch. You know...

Talk about the old times.

Come on, Peter, you've had enough time, yeah.

-Please. She really needs help.

-I'm sorry, we're really busy.

-Service is in less than an hour.

-Yeah.

-I'll...think about it.

-Please do.

It's just that she was so happy when you used to be around, you know.

I know she never showed it but...

She was still my little girl then.

I don't think Max sees it that way.

Look, let me worry about Max. Please, will you think about it?

-Look, I've really got to get back to work.

-Yes, of course.

She wants me to take Lauren out.

You said no, right?

Oh, come on, the girl's a lost cause.

So were you, once.

You shouldn't be here.

I just want to say something.

Well, make it quick.

You know how I said I'd be gone, as soon as my car was fixed?

Yep.

Well, I'm not. I'm staying.

Cos last night was too amazing not to.

-LOLA:

-Dex! Please!

No, man, he don't even care about us.

He only gave me that money so he could suck up to me.

Yeah, well, I don't business. Money is money, innit.

You get it, you spend it.

I do business. And what do you mean money's money?

It don't matter where it comes from?

Well, not to me, no. You need to think of the holiday.

Dex, please. Come on.

Right, tell her.

Tell her what?

About this Carl coming round.

He was really nice! We spoke about Dad. Said he misses him.

-Oh, that's lovely.

-And?

And what? We spoke about Dad. I don't see what the problem is.

Alice, when was the first time you saw this Carl?

-Today.

-Yeah, same!

Have you forgotten why you told him where she lives?

"Oh, it'd be so nice to see Alice again."

Oh, yeah, he did say that.

Right, thank you. He lied. Why?

I think we should be more careful before we tell him

our life stories, yeah?

Pint, please, love. Lager. Whatever's coldest.

Please, I'm just asking you to have a word with him.

Getting Carol involved backfired, didn't it?

I think this could be worth a shot.

No Tan, all right? I already told you. No.

But he won't do it, cos he's worried about you.

That's good. She needs support.

Not us behind the scenes, pulling all the strings.

I'm running the salon. You're working all the time.

She sits in that flat doing nothing all day. That's not support, is it?

No, Tan, all right? Orange juice, please.

Max? Oh, well, great, thanks.

It's always nice to get a reminder of why we're not together any more.

Listen, the secret to being a good landlord is being a

good drinking companion but without the drinking, all right?

-OK.

-Don't listen to him.

You don't want to be stuck behind a bar your whole life.

Oi, there's nothing wrong with that, OK.

Here we go, you got the tractor here.

Oh, no, have you broke it? You broke it!

I've got to be the Chief Tractor Fixer now, haven't I?

Hello, my little darling!

Michael.

How did it go?

Is it Max Branning?

Yeah. Sorry, I can't place you.

Oh, we haven't met. I'm...I'm after a car.

Oh, right. I'm just meeting the missus for lunch.

-Back open in about an hour.

-Right you are. I'll nip in later.

All right.

Hey, you wouldn't know where I can find a fella called Ian?

Runs a restaurant.

Yeah, that'll be Scarlett's.

-You go out of there, do a left, Turpin Road.

-Thanks.

All right. Listen, make sure you pop by later, yeah.

Yeah, I will. All the best, Max.

-Hiya.

-You all right?

Um...have you got a sec?