26/05/2013 EastEnders Omnibus

BABY GRIZZLES

Couldn't sleep?

Just got a lot on at the Arches, that's all.

Yeah, I can see.

You know, you were right, what you said.

It doesn't matter where she lives, you're still going to be her granddad.

Everything's going to be exactly the same.

Just a bit quieter, that's all...

With him in the house? I don't think so.

Denny, if you're awake, can you come and get your breakfast, please?

Lexi's going to be just round the corner, and we'll all still be here.

So nothing's going to change, babe, not really.

See you in a bit.

DOOR SLAMS

Sharon.

Here.

Ta.

Do you want me to have a word?

No breakfast, no going out on his new bike?

Yeah, that'd be great.

-You all right?

-Freezing out here, ain't it?

Got your message - messages. What's so urgent?

I need you to call in on this lot. And these.

I saw cleaning vehicles outside both of them over the weekend,

so please can you make sure they've got our cards

and that they know there is an introductory discount.

And what about the office?

It'll take ten minutes.

-In a Batmobile, maybe.

-BABY CRIES

Hang on! I thought you were getting her settled.

-Yeah, just forgot my phone.

-You're kidding me!

-I'll be two minutes.

-Make that one.

Useless.

-Are you still here?

-DOOR SLAMS

Janine, she's your nanny. Not your lackey.

I don't treat her like a lackey.

Look, I ain't got any choice, I have to put up with you.

Alice doesn't.

BABY CRIES

You don't really want to lose her, do you?

Later.

BABY CONTINUES TO CRY

Thanks, cheers.

-Oh, hello.

-Hey.

You all right?

Can I get a coffee to go, please?

So... Jack's back?

-Oh. Is he?

-You haven't seen him?

-No. Have you?

-No.

I probably got it wrong, I thought I saw him in the flat.

Maybe Max just went round to move the post for him or something.

-Maybe.

-I'll catch you later, yeah?

-Yeah, see you.

-Come on, move it!

-Yes, all right!

Joe! Joey, you couldn't give us a hand with this mate, could you?

-Right, come on then, come on.

-Thanks, Ty.

-Cheers, brother.

Oi, Luce, don't think you're getting away with it - come on!

-Don't think you're getting away neither.

-Thanks, girls.

-You all right?

-Yeah. Why shouldn't I be?

Ready, yeah? Come on, three, two, one...go.

CHEERING

APPLAUSE

ENGINE STARTS

HORN TOOTS

All right, Abs?

What you doing today?

Lauren, I've...

I mean, after revision.

I was going to see a film...

Maybe we could both go together?

Yeah. Yeah, that'd be really nice.

Just me and you. Yeah?

Yeah. OK. Bye.

See you later.

-I promise I'll bring 'em back.

-Thank you.

Can I have a coffee, please? Take out.

Hey. I'll get that.

Quick as you can, yeah. And I'm paying for it.

-Dexter...

-Hold on, you talking to me?

-Yeah.

-Are you actually talking to me?

-Dexter, please.

-Dexter. Calm down.

Why don't you sling your hook? You're not wanted round here.

You've got to stand up to her. She's a textbook tyrant.

When you do, you'll find out - just like the rest, they collapse.

Or I could just save myself all this grief completely.

I'm not sure I understand that.

It's not just the way she speaks to me, she never leaves me alone.

Minute I leave that place, she's on the phone.

-Good.

-What's good? That I'm being run ragged?

-No. That she's beginning to rely on you.

-Dump on me, more like.

And the more she does, the more you can get her to do what you want.

What YOU want, you mean.

Oh, like that, is it?

I don't understand this tone. I thought we were doing this for Scarlett.

You and me, both in it together, that's what this is all about. Isn't it?

Yeah, sorry.

It's all right.

Best get back to it though, yeah.

And remember...

-Stand up to bullies.

-Yeah.

So he's still here, yeah, Mum?

-Is he?

-Yeah. He just came up to me in the cafe. Tried to buy me this!

Did you not know he was coming back? Or is this another thing you didn't want to tell me?

-I thought it was for the best.

-What, me looking an idiot in front of everyone?

How was I going to feel when I found out who he was?

-I wanted to kill him.

-You weren't supposed to find out.

-And everything I don't know isn't going to hurt me?

-That's right.

Look, at least give me some credit for being honest.

About what, Mum? Not telling the truth?

-Yes.

-Look, is there anything else going on between you two?

-Like what?

-Unfinished business? You know what I mean!

-Yeah.

Me waving goodbye to him. For good.

DOOR OPENS

All right? Seen who's back?

Saw him as I was coming past the Vic his morning.

-Who?

-That chancer who came in last week with the cut-price booze.

Reckons he's got an even better deal for us this week.

Asked if he could speak to one of the bosses. So?

Do you want to see him?

Hello? Sharon, do you want to see him or not?

Yeah. Yeah, tell him to come in about four. Yeah?

Don't blame me if he's a timewaster, will ya?

Lot of them about.

What are you doing, Sam?

Why are you still here and why are you hassling Dexter?

This place needed a bit more work.

And I'm not hassling him,

-I was just trying to...

-Don't you understand that we don't want to know?

And we don't care.

I don't want to leave without at least trying to make things better.

And in the meantime? All the damage you're going to cause?

How can I? You just told me. You don't care.

I can't do it, Ava. I can't just go with things like this.

Well?

I left some cards. Like you said.

And?

Did anyone say anything? Or show any interest?

One bloke said thanks.

Janine, you asked me to leave some cards.

You didn't ask me to give it the hard sell.

Blimey, there's no pleasing some people, is there, no matter what you do.

Actually, I've been thinking about what you said earlier.

About me imposing on people.

Maybe you're right.

So I've decided a little show of appreciation might be in order.

Yeah. That's good.

-So I'll need you to babysit.

-Do what?

I've asked Alice to lunch.

Hi!

No, you haven't...asked me. Pretty much told me.

Well, I'm sure Janine can ask, Alice. Can't you, Janine?

-Well...

-Nicely?

Alice, would you like to come for lunch with me?

Yeah.

Here she is.

Jack?

-Sharon.

-I heard you were back.

Yeah, I had a leak, had to get a plumber in.

Maybe I should have called you.

Why, did you think I'd see you and faint?

No, course not.

It's just - I know it's awkward.

And that's how you feel, is it? Awkward?

Well, yeah.

Well, I don't. So let's get this over with, shall we?

What happened, happened.

It wasn't pleasant but we can't exactly change it now, can we?

And I wouldn't really want to change it.

-I'm with Phil now.

-Yeah, I called Max, he said you were staying there.

No. I'm WITH Phil. Started out as a mates thing,

a place for me and Denny to crash. Then things just developed.

I see.

So you sorted out what you wanted to sort out before you went away.

And now I've done the same. Oh...

Your keys, I believe.

So, as you can see,

there's no need for any awkwardness or unpleasantness. OK?

-No, of course.

-Good.

Don't know what's wrong with me today.

Thought I forgot my phone an' all.

-New line?

-What?

-Childminding.

No, it's an old one. The oldest one of 'em all.

-Dogsbody.

-You want to do what I'm doing, babe.

-What, poke my nose in where it ain't wanted?

No. Become your own boss. Answerable to nobody.

The boss of nothing. Employer of no-one. Yeah, sounds great.

I'm actually turning punters away at the B&B right now.

Environmental Health paid you another visit, have they?

Always in the market for more punters, Billy, so...

You work in offices, offices have office workers... Pass it on, yeah?

Thanks.

What, for a pipe? You having a laugh?

It's OK. I've already heard it from Sharon.

You and her. Happy ever after.

I'll leave you to it.

Couldn't have put it better myself.

-So, if you could leave a few at the bar?

-So what's in it for us?

Well, what do you have in mind?

You scratch our backs, you know...

Excuse me, my mass...mass...massage woman has very delicate hands.

Maybe you could put a good word in for us with their clients -

nice relaxing meal after a little rub-down?

What, like, I scratch your back, you scratch mine?

-Sounds good to me.

-Yeah. Sounds good to me.

-See you later.

-See you later.

Wine?

I'm all right with just water.

-You don't like wine?

-I do like wine.

-Good.

White, please, for both of us.

I'm looking after Scarlett later.

-Oh, yeah.

-Before dropping her back to you.

Yes. Water, please, for both of us.

Well, I have got us a selection of starters.

Yeah, I think I'm just going to have a main.

Alice, this is my way of thanking you.

-For everything you're doing with Scarlett.

-You don't have to thank me, I enjoy it.

-She's an angel.

-Unlike her mum?

That is the part where you're supposed to say,

"No, no, no, of course not," by the way.

So?

-Why didn't you tell me?

-Tell you what?

About Jack. Thought you might have mentioned the fact your husband-to-be was back on the manor.

Ex-husband-to-be. So what?

He was going to come back sooner or later, weren't he?

-Sharon, if there's something I need to know...

-Like what?

Like why you went to see him, for starters.

I didn't go to see him, I just ran across him, on the Square.

Well, according to him you really laid it on the line about me and you, how he ought to stay away.

Yeah. Because I wanted to get everything straight. Right from the start.

I'm with you. End of story.

What about Dennis? Does he know he's back?

He'll be fine.

He's got what he's always wanted,

a family, a proper family.

Like I've got the bloke I want, too.

I just think it's a bit odd.

You not saying anything.

CHATTER

Kim? Kim, been thinking.

Easy, Billy. Don't want to injure yourself.

No, no, we could help each other out, couldn't we?

Must be really hard running that B&B.

All that washing sheets and cleaning?

Why would you want to do that, eh?

When you've got a cleaning firm, right on your doorstep?

Think about it, yeah?

Thank you.

So did Michael give you a pep talk?

How do you mean?

You...you just seem different since you came back.

Sorry.

He just told me I should stand up for myself a bit more.

Not just walk away at the first sign of trouble.

-Walk away?

-Be a bit more like you, I suppose.

Yeah, I can't imagine Michael holding me up as any sort of a role model.

He must have once.

That was a really, really long time ago.

Still, maybe his luck's changing, eh?

-Hmm?

-There's him and Kat now, isn't there?

I don't think so.

Maybe I was wrong.

Do you hope so?

Do you actually like any of this?

Yeah.

OK. I probably should've told you from the start. I like plain food.

I'm not too keen, either.

CHATTER, GLASSES CLINK

THEY LAUGH

PHONE RINGS

Sharon - you've had your say. Can I have mine?

Not sure what else there is to say, but go on.

Yes, I dreaded coming back. Yes, I didn't know if I should.

I really didn't want to hurt you any more than I have.

Difficult to imagine.

I could have bottled it, could've got Max to sort out that leak,

but now I'm here, I just want to say to you I'm really happy for you.

And I hope Phil makes you happy, too.

I really hope something good can come from this at least.

-Can you fix it?

-No.

You can. Come on.

PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

-Janine, how much longer are you going to be?

Billy, you were the one that told me to do all this in the first place.

What are you doing, putting on a lunch or a flaming banquet?

Oh, a banquet. Definitely a banquet.

BABY GRIZZLES

-Bacon bap banquet, baby.

-Ooh, yum.

So....

You know what you were saying about walking out, first sign of trouble?

-Yeah.

-Were you really going to quit on me?

Wouldn't just be you, would it? It'd be Scarlett as well. And I'd hate that.

Don't let her mother know. She'd have you over a barrel.

What, that cow? Not saying a word.

Hey. Done what I can for now, OK?

Here, Tan - who's that?

Saw him with Ava earlier.

-Dexter's dad.

-Her ex?

-Yeah. Mum was just telling me.

-Dexter's in a right state apparently.

-He won't be here long.

Not if he's got any sense.

OK. Maybe - maybe - you've got yourself a deal.

So, here's what's going to happen.

Right. I'm going to see you in the Vic later.

And you're going to buy me a drink, you're going to tell me

how much you'll charge and I'm going to have a laugh.

Then I'm going to tell you how much I'm going to pay.

-I can't do later on.

-What?

Oh, no more child-minding stuff, Billy! Oh, come on, get a grip.

I was starting to be impressed by you.

No, I'm...

What?

-Seeing someone...

-You got a date?

No. Well...sort of.

What sort of a date is a "sort of" date?

Beginning to wonder myself, as it happens.

-Cheers, Trace.

-Lets you off the hook, don't it?

-What?

-Me and Phil.

Now you don't need to feel guilty any more.

Now you can think, that's OK, it was probably for the best anyway.

-That wasn't why I said all that.

-Doesn't matter what I did, or what pain I caused,

it was all right in the end, so what does it matter?

Where's this coming from, eh? I meant what I said.

Like you always do.

You been there all this time?

Yeah. Janine treated me to lunch.

Did she?

To say thank you. For helping her.

-Getting on famously, I see?

-Spoke about you for some of it, actually.

-Did you?

All bad, I hope?

See, this is good. This is good. We can use this.

Next time you see her, you tell her you want to take Scarlett to the park.

What?

Tell her you want to take Scarlett to the park. Fresh air, stuff like that.

I'll meet you there.

I don't want to start lying to her.

-Don't you?

-It's like you said, she's starting to like me.

Course she is. You're a very likeable person.

So. The park? Yeah?

She must be interested, Bill.

-Maybe.

-Why would she invite you over if she wasn't?

Why'd she blank me last time if she was?

Is it cos of this ex who's suddenly turned up?

I mean, if someone don't want to know, fair enough.

But if they do want to know, and then they don't...

Tell you the truth, it's doing my head in a bit.

-More than a bit.

-OK, a lot.

Wasn't talking about you.

It's the same with me and Ray.

I mean, some days, it's like honey. The next...

I know he's got a lot on his plate, you know, with Sasha, the ex, the accident,

but the thing is, I never know which one it's going to be.

I don't know if he's coming on to me

or if he's just being nice.

Maybe it's time to stop being messed about.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe we should both just go for it.

You, Ray. Me, Ava.

That way, if it's on, great.

-If it ain't...

-At least we know.

Deal?

Deal.

Can't see any.

Double check.

No. Definitely no bubbles.

So the patch is holding, yeah?

Yeah.

Make a grease monkey out of you yet, won't we, eh? Well done.

Where you been, eh?

The bloke with the cut-price booze?

Oh, I had to pick up Lexi, Phil's getting Denny.

Where've you been the rest of the day? We've barely seen you?

-I've been busy.

-The phone's been ringing.

-I've had things to do. Now back off, Joey!

Been looking for you all over.

Sorry, I had to...see someone.

Oh, yeah?

But listen, I know a really good place we can go, me and you,

after we go and...

watch the film.

Only we're not going anywhere, are we?

Because Lauren is hammered again.

What? Abs! Abi?

Mmm. Something smells righteous in here though, Mum.

Say that again for me, babe. I need all the reassurance I can get right now.

So what, you cooking something special, yeah?

Yep. Don't mind getting yourself some chips later, do you?

For who?

Someone special? DOORBELL RINGS

See for yourself.

BABY CRIES

I was...

Your mum invited me round.

Yeah?

Well, go straight through, then.

Right.

-An hour.

-Half an hour.

It doesn't go dark for ages.

You ain't had your tea yet, have ya?

I had a big meal in school.

Chips, beans, fish and a pie.

Oh, went for the healthy option, did you?

-And carrots.

-Oh, carrots, eh?

Seven o'clock. Meet you out here. You can check on me any time you want.

All right, seven. Not five past, not ten past.

Seven.

Here, let me take it. See ya later.

Sharon?

Sharon?

PILLS RATTLE

Give them to Granddad, darling. Come on.

Come here.

Hey. You all right? Come on.

Sharon!

Sharon?

-SHARON!

-What?

Has Lexi taken any?

-Phil?

-The pills, has Lexi taken any pills?

-What?!

-The bottle was in her hand!

-Oh, God!

-Well, has she?

-Hang on.

Cos if she has, we need to get her help straightaway.

-Just give me a minute.

-We need to get her down the hospital and get her checked over!

-Hang on, hang on!

-Has she, Sharon? Has she?

-No, I don't think so.

-You don't THINK so?

You can't think, you've got to be sure, we can't take a chance!

Has she, Sharon?

I took two and there's ten left.

I know there was enough for another five days, at least.

Come on, Sharon, has she!

-No, no. No, they're all here.

-You're sure?

-Yes.

-100%?

-Yeah, I'm positive.

Phil, she couldn't have got into the bottle, the lid was on!

What are they, Sharon? What are they?

They're... They're painkillers.

I had a splitting headache...

I can't believe it, they've never had this effect on me before.

Phil, I'm so sorry. I can't believe it.

Well, look, no harm's done, so let's just get Lexi settled, yeah?

and I'll clean up and put some tea on.

Phil?

Phil, where are you going?

FRONT DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING

I brought some wine.

Oh. I've already opened some. Got red and white - just in case.

Great minds, eh?

And just so there are no more interruptions...

-Actually, I was going to ask you about that...

-This is going off.

Your ex is back, yeah?

And if anyone knocks on that door, you answer it

and you tell 'em I'm not in.

To anyone?

To anyone.

-Right. Red or white?

-Red, please.

Nice offer. No?

Thanks, by the way.

A punter from the Vic came over earlier.

It was like I said, you scratch my back...

Going anywhere nice?

Just got back.

Sasha's mum had a doctor's appointment.

Oh. So not that nice then.

Not nice news either.

-She's going to be off for at least three months.

-What?

So you've got the next three months dashing from here to Sasha's?

Yeah, looks like it.

Fighting all those people on the tube,

grabbing food whenever you can?

I'm really glad we had this conversation, I feel a lot better(!)

Look, if you fancy it, I've got a casserole back at the B&B.

Like you said, you scratch my back.

Hm?

Max?

-Max?

-WOMAN LAUGHING

Oi!

Max!

-I thought I heard something.

-Yeah. It was great timing.

Yeah. Glad to see you back.

It ain't a problem, is it?

No, course not.

-After Thursday you're going to be looking after her full-time, with a bit of luck.

-Yeah.

So, what is it? You just thought you'd give me a bit of practice first, yeah?

Yeah. Why not?

So nothing's gone wrong?

-What makes you say that?

-Dunno, you don't just usually march round here and dump Lexi on me like this.

I ain't dumping her, am I?

I'm just seeing if her mum wants to spend the evening with her, you know, that's all.

I'll be back for her later.

Right. So she's been fed? And do you know when she needs changing?

-Look, you're her mum, can't you work it out?

-I was just asking, weren't I?

You up for this or not?

Yes! I'm fine. Go.

See ya.

We're fine.

Come here.

Good girl.

-All right, Abs?

-Are you busy?

I thought you was out with Lauren?

What's the matter?

We'll still catch it, won't we? That film?

-Well, yeah, course, but...

-Please, Jay, I don't want to explain myself,

I just want to go see a stupid film with my boyfriend. Is that OK?

Yeah. All right. I'll get cleaned up.

Hope you're hungry, son, cos I'm off.

So. What's been happening?

Apart from Sharon and Phil. I've heard about that.

Yeah?

Yeah, well, none of my business.

I'm pleased they've worked it out - not the only ones either.

I mean, look at you two, eh?

-Got a scan next week.

-Congratulations.

Cheers. Dot's convinced it's a boy, by the way.

So you going to find out?

Or you going to leave it to be a surprise?

Erm...I think I'll leave you two to it.

-Feeling a bit tired.

-It's all right, babe, I'll walk you back if you want?

No, no, no, you take care of Kirsty, I'll lock up, if you want.

No. You talk to your brother.

You sorted the flat out?

Yeah, plumber's all done.

So, what's your plans?

Don't really have any.

Nothing to stay round here for, is there?

-Well, stay in touch.

-Yeah, course.

PHONE RINGS

All right?

-Who was that?

-Call centre. Been hassling me all day.

SIREN BLARES

Joe said could I go to their house for a sleepover tonight?

You can have another half an hour, but no sleepover. OK?

I'll do all the washing-up and make my bed!

Half an hour.

What are you looking at?

-'Lo? What's the problem?'

-There ain't one.

'So what are you calling me for?

'I'm at Ava's. Meal. Date. Remember?'

-Yes, yes, yes, I know, but Lexi's here.

-'What?'

Phil just dropped her off.

-'Why?'

-Dunno, maybe him and Sharon have some plans to get...

Oh, come on, you get my drift.

'Yeah, I had one or two myself, as it happens.'

Pops!

Lo, everything is all right, ain't it?

'Cos if there's a problem, I'll come straight home.'

No. I've got Lexi. Everything's fine.

See you later, yeah?

But, just in case, don't wait up.

Did I hear a phone?

Yeah, yeah, sorry, Lola. I know you said no interruptions, but...

-Kids are different.

-Yeah.

-You're really close, you two, aren't you?

-Well, getting there.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's lovely.

Amount of time you two spend together, you must really get on.

Just making up for lost time, I suppose.

I never saw her growing up, did I? Missed out on so much.

Pair of us have got a lot of catching up to do.

Yeah, I get the picture.

Sorry, you just sounded a bit like my ex there, for a minute.

DOOR CLOSING

Phil?

Denny?

Where's Lexi?

Look, if you've taken her to a doctor, there's no need.

I've checked and I've double-checked,

she hasn't taken any of the pills, I swear.

Oh, for heaven's sake, I'd be the first to say if she had. Phil?

Lexi's at Lola's.

Why have you taken her there?

Look, I just nodded off, I told you, I've had a really busy day.

You weren't asleep, you was out of it.

Well, I get like that sometimes, when I'm really tired.

You know, now and again, I just, I just spark out, always have.

-Painkillers.

-What?

That's what you said, them pills, they're painkillers for headaches.

I don't know what I was saying,

I'd just woken up and you were yelling in my face.

Anyway, it doesn't matter what I said now, does it? Not really.

All that matters is that Lexi's fine and everything's good, yeah?

And I've learnt my lesson, Phil, I swear I have.

You know, next time I'm feeling a bit low

I'll make sure that whatever I take, I take on a full stomach.

You see, that's another thing,

I've been so busy all day I've hardly had time to eat.

This is what you was on before?

What?

These pills. I take it they ain't exactly prescription drugs?

Why would you say that?

The bottle, for starters. There ain't a label on it.

What's with all the questions?

I'm sorry, Phil, but I feel like I'm getting the third degree and I don't like it -

I told you, I'd just woken up.

I don't know what I said, it just came out wrong, probably.

And I don't like you being spark out on the sofa when you're supposed to be looking after my grand-daughter.

And I don't like my grand-daughter crawling around when there's stuff like this lying around.

So, I'm going to ask you again, Sharon.

Is this the stuff that you was on before?

-That was quick.

-I had to be.

We've got about five minutes to get to the tube, all right? PHONE RINGING

If this is my sister...

You all right, Lola?

Well, well...

..the bad penny.

-Yeah, it's nice to see you too.

-Flying visit?

-Come on, Michael...

"Come on, Michael," what? "Come on, Michael," what? Where you been?

-We've got a business to run, here.

-Yes, I know, all right? I'm back now.

For how long? Until the next problem hoves into view

and you do another runner?

I might put a bet down on you actually.

I'll get good odds, I reckon.

How long will he last this time?

One day? Two days?

Ten minutes, the way today's panning out.

Do yourself a favour, Jack. Make it five.

You can't just come back in here, pick up the pieces, eh?

You said goodbye to everybody.

We did the same.

Phil's just dropped her off. Ain't that great?

And that's what you phoned us about?

-Yeah.

-To tell us Lexi was here?

Yes.

Well, now you've got her and we've seen her,

can we go to our film, please?

DOORBELL RINGS

-Are you sure everything's OK?

-Of course.

So what's going on, you left a message?

Oh, great! We're all here. Basically, I've got Lexi.

I've just been so excited, I've had no-one to tell!

Ain't even been to the toilet yet.

I just didn't want to leave Lexi on her own.

Lola, you're not on your own. We're here.

No, we're not, WE are going to our film.

I have heard it's rubbish though.

I went to see a doctor. When I was in America.

He told me about them, he...

He said they relaxed you,

made it easier to cope with things and...

he was right.

So, he, er...

..he sends them over, does he?

-What?

-You phone him up, say you've run out and you want some more

and he says, "Yeah, of course?"

No...

So?

I met this bloke down the club and he said he could get me some.

Look, it was just after Jack. You saw what I was like -

I had Denny crying all the time, I thought I was going off my head.

So you've got a dealer?

NO...

No, he's just someone who takes the same sort of stuff now and again.

Whatever he's got left over he knocks it out to anyone who asks for it?

No, he's not a dealer and these ain't drugs, not really.

No. I mean...what's cigarettes? What's booze?

-Exactly.

-Some stuff you get from over a counter, or from behind a bar,

other stuff you get other ways. Right?

I used to say that...

when I was on the gear.

So, how is it?

This is really good, I'm impressed. So is that okra?

I dunno.

Didn't you make this?

Ray, it's edible. Course I didn't, it's Patrick's.

-And does Patrick know we're eating his grub?

-He can make some more.

Kim!

I must admit though, this is much needed. Thank you.

-It's really thoughtful.

-It's OK.

Suppose food is not the only thing you're not getting much of recently.

What do you mean?

You know, all the dashing around -

don't suppose that flat of yours has seen much polish?

But, you know, if you do fancy some home comforts -

one of our rooms is going begging.

Freshly cleaned, it's all nice and warm...

..or there's the launderette.

-You staying here all night?

-What's it to you?

I don't need to.

Not if I've got something better to do.

Well, I'm going for a little walk. Come along, if you want?

Yeah?

OK. Yeah. I will.

This baby stuff's nothing, man.

All you gotta do is sit back, watch a bit of TV...

-Stick a bottle in it's gob every now and again.

-Change one, two nappies.

Yeah. Nothing to worry about, really, eh?

So, why are you then?

Come on, Lola, this isn't like you.

-Nothing, just something Phil said, that's all.

-What?

This could be it couldn't it, eh? After Thursday. ME, a full-time Mum.

That's what you want, isn't it?

Course it is, but it don't stop me being scared, does it?

Look at her, she is tiny and who's she got to look after her, eh? Me.

And Billy.

Come on, you can't rely on him. I mean, look at tonight.

-He's got his own life now, ain't he?

-Phil'll still be around, won't he?

-Yeah, and he's got his own life too.

-Look, we're here.

Yeah, I know you are.

Not the same as doing it properly though, is it?

What do you mean?

You know - mum, dad, family, all that stuff.

No, she's right.

No kid can get through that - growing up without a dad.

Oh, wait, I did, and look how I turned out.

-Exactly. Look how you turned out.

-Oi!

Nah, he's got a point, to be fair.

I mean, a kid needs a mum and a dad, otherwise, "Hello, Psycho."

Thank Goodness I had it normal - mum, dad, brother, sister -

we're all perfect, no wonder my family turned out so well(!)

LEXI MOANING

Go on.

Do you know what? I think you guys are actually right.

It's going to be a doddle.

And all this baby lark, is also going to be a doddle!

Why now, eh?

-What?

-I mean, it's over between you and Jack, right?

-Yes.

-Yeah, you're history?

-Yeah, course we are...

So it's just a coincidence, is it?

-He turns up then all of a sudden...

-No, no, it just knocked me for a bit.

It's not like I'm still thinking about him or nothing,

it just rocked me, him turning up out of the blue like that, you know?

So, how bad is this?

-What?

-What's "now and again" mean?

-Once a week, once a month, once a day? What?

-No. Course not.

-Well, what then?

-I don't know.

You know what it ain't, you just said so, so why don't you know what it is?

Have you been taking these before, when you've been looking after Lexi?

No.

No, never, I swear, this is the first time...with Lexi, anyway.

Yeah, I've taken them, but never when she's been in the house.

I can't believe you'd think that Phil. What do you take me for?

That's what I'm trying to find out, Sharon.

OK...so does this answer your question?

The question you're really asking. Do I need 'em?

Well, come on, let's go and flush 'em away, yeah?

Yeah.

Yeah, I did that before.

I threw a whole load of stuff away, just to prove that I could.

Do you know why?

Because all the time I had a load more waiting for me.

This is nice.

You feeling better?

-I was feeling OK before, thank you.

-Didn't look like it, Lauren.

Looked like you were getting in a right state.

Oh, careful, Joey. Actually sounds like you care.

Course I care.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

No, Lauren, Lauren. I didn't mean like that.

We're here now. You might as well go home.

Is that it?

"Come out with me, Lauren.

"Why don't you come out on a little walk with me, Lauren,"

and you just take me home!

Is this the way you show girls a good time is it, Joey? You freak!

-Lauren?

-Oi! I'm talking to you!

Lauren?

-Come here.

-Leave me alone.

Lauren, come here? Lauren, wait! What's wrong?

Oi, oi, what's the matter?

LAUREN SOBS

Shh, shh.

It's all right, I can take it from here.

-Come on, darling. Let's get you home. Come on.

-Come on.

-See you then.

-All right, see ya.

-Bye.

-See you, bye.

So which mate is it?

-What?

-The sleepover?

-Oh, Joe.

OK. I'll bring your stuff over in a bit, yeah?

-Yes! Joe, Joe, wait up! Sleepover!

-Brilliant!

So I said, "If you want to go to football,

"I'll take you to the Orient," and then he tells me that's too far!

Listen, Ava, I'm sorry. You know, talking about me and Lola like that.

-It's all right. Doesn't matter.

-Everyone's different, ain't they?

I mean...some kids and parents, they get together and it's good...

some do and it ain't so good.

You know what's best for your family

and I weren't trying to tell you that you don't.

Just...he's no good. Never has been, never will be.

Anyway, what are we talking about him for?

I just wish he'd get the message and go -

we're over, we were done and dusted years ago.

Just the thought of him now makes my skin crawl.

This the bloke who was done and dusted years ago?

Open this, shall I?

KNOCKING ON A WINDOW

Now this beats trekking back to a cold flat -

dirty dishes in the sink, laundry all over the place.

-The room's been let.

-What? What you talking about?

I didn't know, Patrick must have done it when I was out.

How can you waft flipping paradise underneath my nose,

then just take it away from me?

Well, the food was good, innit?

Oh, hang on...

That's tomorrow. Tomorrow night.

Sorry. Well, looks like you're in luck after all, innit?

That's a shame.

What, you really wanted to go back to that cold flat?

Well, maybe it might have made the perfect excuse.

Excuse?

Well, THAT room might been gone...

What, and mine ain't?

Good job I ain't got far to stagger home, eh?

Ava, look, there's no need to rush any of this.

-Are you blanking me now?

-No, I'm just saying...

we can take things slowly.

-Life's for living.

-Yeah.

Yeah, it is.

I just...

..can't help it, I keep getting the strangest feeling, that's all.

What?

It's like...

you're looking at me and you're talking to me...

..but all the time you're... you're thinking about someone else.

You were the one person that I thought I knew in the whole world

but I don't know you, do I, Sharon?

I don't know what you're talking about, I haven't suddenly turned into someone else.

I'm just going through a rough patch. I've got a health problem...

You can't even say it, can you? You can't say it!

-"I'm an addict".

-I'm not an...

-You can't do without them.

Course I can.

And what would've happened if that social worker had come back with me?

-Well, why would she?

-I dunno.

To check on something, to change a time or have one last look at Lexi.

What chance would Lola have had then, eh?

Or any of us have, of having anything to do with Lexi again

when the family, the people that are supposed to be looking after her,

are putting her at risk like that?

Look, from now on, from this minute, this is all in the past.

-I promise you.

-Only cos I found you like that.

that's the only reason you're saying what you're saying now.

-It's not true.

-And what?

If I hadn't have found you, you would have come round and what,

said to yourself, "I gotta knock this on the head"? No. Nah.

I ain't doing it, Sharon.

-I lived with a junkie once...

-I'm not a junkie!

A junkie who told himself, who told everyone else, that he wasn't a junkie.

Well, when I got clean, when I sorted myself out,

I promised myself I'd never... I'd never live like that again.

So what are you saying?

Who is it? Eh?

Who is it, Sharon, that I've been looking at these last few weeks?

Not you. Just someone you've wanted me to see.

Come on, Phil.

Come on, this is me, me and you.

I mean, look what we've been through

but we've always got through it, haven't we?

And you know, as well as I know, that it's cos you love me

and I love you, and it doesn't matter what happens in the end

because this is it, it always will be.

I want you out.

I ain't living like that again, I just ain't.

I ain't having you round my family

and I'm not risking losing Lexi because of you.

-You can't be serious.

-And I'm NOT... I'm not living with a liar.

Come on, you don't mean that, I know you...

you're not thinking straight. PLEASE, please, come on!

I want you out. Just get out.

-Phil, please, listen to me!

-I want you out!

I'll pack your things and send them on.

Phil, where am I going to go?

Phil, please!

Phil?

Nightmares again?

Yeah. It's the same one.

We've got Lexi back and I go to give her her feed

and I look and I look, but she ain't there.

And I'm running and I'm crying. She's not there. She's gone.

Then I wake up and I'm actually crying.

And do you know the worst bit?

I actually wish I was in my dream right now and not awake.

Pops, I want her back so bad, it hurts.

I just want her back.

Come here.

It hurts so much.

All right, darling, all right.

There's a good girl. Aren't you, eh?

Yes, you are. Yes, you are.

There you go, darling. You work so hard.

I'm so proud of you.

Mum...

Do you even remember getting home last night?

Yeah, course I do.

Do you?

Do you remember me helping you up the stairs?

Holding your hair while you were sick on the bathroom floor and in your bed?

Yeah. Sorry.

Having to get you undressed like you were five years old? Do you?

Right, you can sort that lot out.

Go on, then. Abi is trying to study here, all right?

She doesn't need all these distractions.

OK. I'm sorry. I am.

What am I meant to do with her, eh?

Why are you asking me?

Kirsty!

KNOCK AT DOOR

Kirsty!

What?

You're supposed to be meeting the drayman. That is the drayman.

Sorry, there you go. Cheers.

Do you take that folic stuff?

What?

Folic acid?

My doctor keeps banging on about it,

and now Alfie keeps banging on about it.

Do you know, I actually think Alfie was pretending to be asleep

when I came to bed last night.

PHONE RINGS

Mind you, it's not exactly sexy, is it?

"Come on, darlin', let's have some calendar-based hanky-panky."

Maybe he finds you repulsive. Maybe that's the problem.

OK, I'm going to put that down to hormones.

Extensions, where you going?

Morning sickness.

Yeah, it's hormones. Definitely hormones.

Ouch!

Don't worry, everything'll be fine.

Yeah, course it's going to be fine.

You're going to go into that courtroom today

and everything will be fine.

I wish everyone would just stop saying that.

Sorry, I'm just... I'm just scared.

I know you are.

Look, it's just one more day, Lola.

Just one more day that you've got to be brave.

And you have. You have been so brave, you really have.

Look, I've...

I've had him since I was little, and he's lucky, I swear.

All right, I know it sounds weird, but whether I've been worrying

about exams or something, he's been there. So...

DOOR OPENS

Shall we?

It's just one more day, Lola...

Yeah.

How's Lauren?

She's sleeping.

She was out of it last night, wasn't she?

Yeah, well, she's a teenager, isn't she, you know?

I was always on the lash when I was her age.

What?

Well, being away for a while and seeing her again,

she didn't look good.

I mean, she's been through a lot, hasn't she?

You know, with you and Max.

The cancer, and everything. She's...

-She's what? What is she?

-She's sensitive.

She's carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Jack, it's just teenage stuff, you know?

She's just letting off a bit of steam.

What?

You think I should have a word with her?

No shouting, all right? No threats.

Just listen to her.

Let's get this over with.

Ain't we going to wait for Sharon?

She can't make it.

-What?

-Why not?

She's busy.

She's busy? Busy doing what?

Phil, I said busy doing what?

Well, it don't matter. I'm going, and that's all we need.

-Something's gone wrong, innit?

-Everything'll be all right.

No, I knew something was going to go wrong. Where is she?

Don't bother. Don't bother.

We're supposed to show she's got family she can rely on. We need her.

-Sharon!

-She ain't here.

What?

Let's just go. Come on, darling.

It's in the community centre. Sing-a-long-arise...something...

Sing-a-long-arise-and-shine, yeah.

Sounds absolutely horrendous. And I'd rather you than me.

Look, can you please make sure she doesn't go near any other babies?

And I don't really want her sitting on the floor.

I swear that place is riddled with E. coli.

Here, anyone who can sit through an hour-and-a-half

of inane singing torture deserves a treat.

-No, honestly, you don't have to do that.

-I know I don't.

Take it.

Have fun.

Thank you.

Bye-bye!

Janine...for you.

It's an invite. For tea tonight.

He can read, Morgan.

We're going to have starters. And ice cream.

Ooh, and ice cream? Wow.

We've been told not to burp at the table.

And to pretend we're actually interested

when you talk about jobs and money and stuff.

Can you come?

Let me consult my busy social calendar. Yes, I'd be delighted.

He said yes!

No burping at the table, apparently.

That's just the kids. Eight o'clock?

Eight o'clock.

See ya.

See ya.

# I can feel it coming in the air tonight... #

Hi.

-Hello. All right?

-We can't be too long, OK?

She won't find out, will she? No, she's way too dumb.

Oh, it's so nice to see you, darling. How are you?

Daddy's really missed you.

You all right, darlin'?

Darlin'.

Yeah?

Has something happened?

We're worried about you.

Me? I'm fine.

You were so out of it last night, it was horrible to see.

Look, I know things can get a bit much sometimes, can't they?

Especially all this stuff with Joey.

But I hate seeing you in a state like that.

You're a bright girl, Lauren, all right? You're really talented.

We don't want that to go to waste, do we?

We're just worried about you.

Well, don't be.

Don't be worried.

I've just broken up with the boy that I thought I was in love with.

I'm just a bit sad, that's all.

I'll be fine, honestly.

I'm just going to get back to the work and just focus on that.

I'm starting my project again.

It's only a paragraph but it's a start, ain't it?

You know Hannah from college?

Well, I'm going to meet up with her, get all the notes that I've missed.

I'm really going to try.

I promise you. I am, I'm going to try.

So you don't need to be worried about me.

Excuse me, please, sir.

Thank you.

They're running behind. Shouldn't be too long, though. How are you doing?

Feeling positive?

No, I just want to get it over with.

Everything's going to be OK.

Where's Sharon?

She, er, she ain't coming.

You are kidding.

Yeah, yeah, Dave, cos I'd kid about a thing like that, wouldn't I?

This isn't good, Philip. This really isn't good.

Morning. Everything OK?

Yes, fine. See you in there.

Keep him in check this time, will you?

Phil, she's still got time. Call her. Get her here...

It won't do any good. She ain't coming, so forget it.

You want a bet?

What did I miss?

You all right?

Thought you'd be at work.

Kirsty?

Babe, what is it?

What's happened?

Nothing. It's nothing.

Babe, what is it?

Do you love me?

What are you talking about? Where's this come from?

-Do you love me?

-You know I love you.

What are you talking about? You know I do.

And you'll love me whatever?

Babe, what have you done?

What have I done?

No. It's not you.

You're great. You're perfect.

I want to be happy, Max.

Babe, you're scaring me now, all right?

-Just tell me, will you, please?

-Forget it.

-Babe, just tell me, all right?

Kirsty, I ain't going to leave you till you tell me.

Whatever it is, we'll deal with it, all right?

You and me. We'll sort it out.

PHONE RINGS

It's Adam.

What, Carl's brother?

He keeps doing this. He keeps calling.

Carl's getting out of prison.

I don't like it, Max.

I'm scared.

What we're looking for is for the court

to grant a supervision order rather than a care order.

If we get that, we're home free.

And then Lexi can come with us straightaway?

Yeah, it's a possibility.

Go in there with your head held high and your shoulders back,

and look that judge straight in the eye, yeah?

Prove to them that you deserve to have Lexi back.

Phil!

You are not setting foot in there.

-You need me.

-You're a mess, Sharon.

Look, I'm on top of things. I am. I'm sorting things out.

Please, Phil, let me do this for you.

Let me do it for Lola and Lexi and Billy,

and I swear I will never bother you again.

And how many have you had, eh?

Do you think I'm that stupid?

One? Two? A couple more for good luck, eh?

No. I'm fine.

You're a junkie, Sharon.

I'm not.

Just go. Go!

Come on, go! Just go!

Phil! Phil, keep it down, will you?

Well, you tell them what's going on, yeah?

And then they can decide whether you stay or not.

Well, go on, then, tell them.

She's popping pills. And not just the headache type, either.

I don't have a problem.

She even talks like a junkie, so you can see why she can't stay.

No, she doesn't take them any more. She's better now, ain't you?

Come on, Phil, she has to come in.

-If she don't, how's it going to look?

-Let's go in, yeah?

What do you mean, she's better now?

-Nothing, Phil. She don't mean nothing.

-No, no, what do you mean?

It was just once, all right, Phil?

Sharon was looking after Lexi and she... Well, she...

She what?

She was out of it.

I'm sorry, Phil, I didn't know what to say.

You told me it was just once.

Look, let's go in, OK?

It's not Lola's fault. I told her I'd sorted it.

And you, you didn't think to say anything, did you?

-We thought it was best.

-Best? Best for who, Billy, eh?!

Not here, please.

And you, you let Lexi stay with her?

Yeah, but...

You left your baby in her hands?

Phil, what choice did she have?

What kind of person does that make you, eh?

Don't say that.

What kind of mother does that make you, eh?

This ain't about Lola. This is about me and you.

Look, do what you like, call me all the names under the sun,

but don't ruin her life because you hate me. It's not fair.

'Kirsty? It's Adam. I'm going to keep calling you till you answer.

'Carl's out in a few weeks. He wants to see you.

'Ring me back.'

Carl won't stop until he finds me.

He ain't got an address for you. He don't know where you are.

He knows people. He can find me.

So what, are you scared of him?

You would be, too, if you met him.

Nah, I had Derek for a brother. I could deal with geezers like that.

He's worse than Derek. Ten times worse than Derek.

I don't want to go back to who I was when I was with him.

Babe, you're nothing like that now.

You got me and the baby.

I'm going to protect you, all right?

Whatever it takes.

He ain't going to get near to you. I ain't going to let him.

I'll never, ever let him hurt you or the baby.

OK?

ENGINE REVS

Billy, get out of the way!

Billy, get out of the way, will you?

If you don't get out of the way, right...

I've followed you all my life, Phil.

I've gone everywhere you've gone. I've been to hell and back with you.

And I ain't ever asked any questions. Not once.

-Just always done what you wanted me to.

-Listen to me...

No, you listen to me, Phil. You're listening to me now, OK?

Lola is 16 years old. She's still a baby.

But she's my baby,

and I will do whatever I have to do to protect her.

I'd die for her.

I would.

I'd kill for her.

Now, the only reason why we kept things quiet about Sharon

was because we knew what you'd be like, right?

It weren't meant to be malicious, it weren't meant to get your back up.

We was just desperate.

This is the thing, Phil, and you ain't going to like this...

..but Lexi ain't yours.

She ain't Ben. And she ain't going to make up for your mistakes.

You've messed Lola around enough.

She loves that little girl so much, it's killing her not being with her.

So you go back in there and you stand up and you tell them that.

You say whatever it is you have to say to get them two back together.

Because I've followed you, Phil...

all my life...

..and I ain't never asked for anything.

Well, I'm asking you now.

Give me my family back.

Sorry, Your Honour.

Is there any possibility we can have a bit more time?

We're already half an hour late.

I just need five minutes.

I think we can proceed, given that Mr Mitchell has an advocate here

on his behalf, who I presume is fully prepared.

Of course, Your Honour.

Yes, Your Honour.

So if we can all turn to the first document.

It's all over, isn't it?

-You all right?

-You all right?

Yep.

Serviettes, eh?

Yeah, I know, three packs for a fiver.

Candles. Coming home at lunch time and laying the table?

Yeah, just thought it'd save some time.

Thought you said this weren't a big deal.

It's not a big deal.

Look at you, polishing your cutlery. This is such a big deal.

I just want it to be a nice evening.

Are you in love with him?

Oh, I'm not going to answer that.

Are you sure this ain't moving a bit too fast.

Oh, from the queen who moves too fast.

You were all for me jumping into bed with him.

Oh, no, I wasn't. It was only a joke.

Yes, you were.

Was I? Well, I'm just worried you'll get hurt, that's all.

Masood is kind and decent. He's faithful.

He has been married to the one woman for most of his life.

She was a right cow.

So he's on the rebound, then.

When are men of my age not on the rebound?

You know, we've all got baggage.

Some of us have got storage units of the stuff.

It's dinner, you know? That's all it is. Trust me.

Three for a fiver? You were ripped off.

PHONE RINGS

Michael, she was expecting us back ages ago.

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful little girl.

She was so beautiful, in fact, that an evil, jealous queen

spirited her away and locked her in a turret where she couldn't escape.

Then one day, her dreams came true...

..because a great fiery dragon came...

..full of vengeance, and he burnt that castle down.

Yeah.

Mr Mitchell and yourself have had interim care of Lexi.

That's right, yeah.

I understand Lexi has been making excellent progress under your care.

Yeah, she's doing brilliantly.

But that's down to Lola, too.

Lola has been having regular supervised visits with Lexi.

Yeah, yeah.

Most days now, for a couple of hours at a time.

And sometimes overnight, too.

And you feel she's ready to take on

a more permanent role in Lexi's life?

Absolutely. I've got no doubt about it.

Mr Mitchell, Your Honour.

Please, have a seat.

Mr Mitchell, perhaps you could clarify a few things for us.

Mrs Rickman feels that Lola has proven herself

to be a capable mother to Lexi.

Is that something you'd agree with?

LOLA MOUTHS

Mr Mitchell?

I couldn't think of anyone who could do a better job.

LOLA MOUTHS

Janine, I'm really sorry, I just got carried away talking to the mums.

My phone was on silent so I only just got your messages.

But we sang every song, didn't we?

Twinkle, Twinkle. Wheels On The Bus. Lavender's Blue, Dilly Dilly.

And she sat on my lap the whole time and she didn't go on the floor.