04/07/2011 EastEnders

-What's all that?

-I couldn't help but notice your cupboards being a bit bare.

Oh... Well, I could have done that for myself.

Bob-a-job week. I get an extra badge if I help a pensioner.

Jack meant well, you know.

-Is that right?

-Yeah, it's in his DNA to try and fix everything.

It can't be easy for you. Being reminded of him every day. It's no wonder Jack buckled.

I would have probably done the same. Anyway...

Kat...

Kat... Come here.

Come on. Even Houdini couldn't get her out of this one.

-She better not come anywhere near this place, Alfie.

-Oi, oi, oi.

Three more days, Kat, and it'll all be over. OK?

-Julie...

-We're in here.

-I tell you, I'm starved.

-Do you want me to fix you some beans on toast?

-Treats me like a prince, this one.

-We had some good times, didn't we, Bill?

-What're you after, Janine?

I'm not after anything!

-Maybe a few quid to tide me over, get some clothes.

-Sorry...

I haven't got any clothes since that sleazy landlord chucked 'em out.

-You don't have to worry about new clothes.

-Do you mind? We were having a private conversation.

-Who were you on the phone to, hon?

-Er, just someone I used to knock about with.

Listen, I'll have to forget about that food. I've got to pop out.

-So, like, thirty quid. That'll cover it.

-I was just telling Janine,

-she doesn't have to shell out on new clothes.

-See? Diamond, ain't she?

-(That's not the word I'd use.)

Here we go. Knew I had it somewhere. This used to be all the rage.

-Here you go.

-THAT is a crime on fashion.

Oh, my...

-Did somebody die in this?

-Oh, look, a quick squirt and it'll be right as rain.

Hiya. Look what I made for you in Textiles. I've got a matching one.

Put it in your bag for later, yeah?

You'll never believe what Mrs Haywood did today.

-I'm trying to train here, Abi.

-She threatened us with detention.

Can you believe that? I wouldn't mind, but we're s'posed to be going Thorpe Park.

THEY SNIGGER

How about we meet for a drink after I've finished training?

-All right, I'll meet you at the caff.

-No, I was going to go to the Vic for a pint, you know.

We're not old enough.

It's Phil's boozer, we can do what we want. I'll text you

when I've finished and whipped these boys into shape, eh?

It's a bit late for a spring clean, ain't it?

Hadn't realised how much there was to sort out.

Yeah, what for?

Before my court case on Thursday. Silly things like Direct Debits.

Do you keep paying for your mobile phone if you go to prison?

Will you stop talking like that?

Jack, you can't blame me for wanting to get organised...

-You're talking like it's a foregone conclusion.

-Isn't it?

-No. Catherine don't think so.

-Not all stories get a happy ending.

We can try though, can't we?

So you never said how he was.

Tommy.

I didn't want to upset you.

So how was he?

-HE SIGHS

-He's teething.

You know what that's like.

I just wanted to hold him one last time, Ron.

-See, there it is. Right there.

-What?

It's that look.

The pain. I see it in your face every time I look at you.

Then you look harder.

Cos this...

This is nothing to the thought of losing you.

I love you, Ron. That's why I'm going to make sure you walk out that court the way you went in.

WOLF WHISTLE

-It ain't that bad, Janine.

-I feel like I should be walking along with a carer.

I've got it in green if you want it!

I couldn't take another shock to the system. How do you do it?

Day in day out. You know, cleaning muck from the gents and out-of-date pies in the Minute Mart?

This isn't a bad life, compared to some I've known.

-And you know what I've never been short of, Janine?

-Nits?

-No, friends.

In my grubby little world, we look out for each other. My Billy, he really respects me.

-So what if we're not Brad and Angelina?

-You can say that again.

One thing I know is that Billy would never hurt me. Who've you got, Janine?

I almost didn't come.

I had myself convinced... you'd have a lynch mob.

You know what these vigilantes are like.

Suppose you heard about that ridiculous trial?

You dedicate your whole life to the welfare of kids and that's the thanks you get, eh?

Still. Justice prevailed, didn't it?

So, Billy Mitchell.

There's a sight for sore eyes.

So what d'you bring me out here for? Something tells me it wasn't for a trip down memory lane.

-I can't do this.

-You drag me all the way out here just to flounce off like some little girl?

I need you to do something...

I need your help.

There we go. Someone's been tucking into their carbs, haven't they?

-I don't eat carbs! Look at your bingo wings.

-I haven't got bingo wings.

-Right, let's have a look at you.

-What do you think?

-You look a knockout.

-Thank you.

-But what d'you think it says to a Judge?

We're going for sophisticated, but not too frumpy.

Less of the frumpy, thank you.

-Is this down to you?

-What d'you mean?

-It's not a joke, Rox.

-Well, I don't think it is a joke, Jack.

There's you two, picking out dresses like you're going to the races.

-Oi, oi. I'm just trying to do my bit.

-Yeah, well can you try and find some of the fighting spirit?

Cos I ain't having much luck.

Listen, why don't...

Why don't you and Michael come with us to Fargo's?

No, I don't think that's such a good idea, actually.

Why? Is everything all right?

I dunno, Ron. You tell me. You see more of him than I do.

Sorry.

Sorry, Ron, I just...

He's been acting so weird lately.

-Something's not right between us.

-Listen to me, darling, you're absolutely perfect together.

-Really?

-Yes. Everybody says so.

Rox, listen, I was going to give this to Jack, but,

I don't know, I just think it'll upset him.

What is it?

It's a list of things that I want you to do for me, in case I'm not here.

OK, so I'd like you to put fresh flowers on James's grave.

-Every week if you can. And promise me you'll visit Aunt Sal at least once a month.

-Ron...

No, listen. She's not getting any younger and with Auntie Peggy

-not here, she needs someone just to entertain her.

-Stop it!

-Come on Roxy, not you as well.

-Why are you talking like this?

-I'm just...trying to be practical.

Jack's right, isn't he? Where has your fighting spirit gone?

D'you know what? Just forget it.

Ron... Ron, you're supposed to be the strong one, remember?

You know, I wouldn't mind, but it wasn't even my fault.

I got off the train like I always do and there was this old man walking right in front of me.

It would've been rude to overtake him, wouldn't it? Imagine if that'd been my Gramps.

It couldn't have been my Gramps, cos he's been dead four years.

Clipped on the head by the 188.

I said I'd make up the time at lunch, but he said not to bother...

said we could sort it out right there and then in the store cupboard.

I said, "I'm not that kind of girl" and now here I am...

sat on a bench in Walford...

unemployed with a chipped nail and a splitting headache.

-Sorry?

-Have you ever thought about modelling?

Tyra would go mad for those cheek bones.

-I just got your message.

-You got my message, then.

-Come here.

-This is sexual discrimination.

-I tell you what this is. It's sexual discrimination, Pops.

-It's not like I could overtake him?

-Imagine if it'd been your Gramps.

-God rest his soul.

-You're ever such a good listener.

-She doesn't mean to bother you.

She's beautiful though. Classical. Like Molly from The Saturdays.

Julie Perkins, eh? I often wondered what happened to her.

Bit of a troublemaker, as I recall.

No wonder she got herself knocked up.

You going to help me find my boy, or not?

Do you know the trouble I could get into? Giving you classified information...

-I got my reputation to consider.

-You think it was easy for me to call you up?

-Knowing what you did to Julie and her mates.

-That was blown out of all proportion.

-I ought to knock you into the middle of next week.

-You wouldn't hit an old man, would ya?

I'm going to give you ten seconds to get out of here.

-Ten, nine...

-Now hang on, Mitchell, don't get your knickers in a twist. I never said I wouldn't help you.

Got boxes piled up to the ceiling... old records.

-You might be able to find out where he lives?

-Well, if I can't, I know a man who can.

-What's the catch?

-There ain't no catch.

Always liked you, Mitchell.

You got my number.

If you find anything out, you call me.

Hang about. Just a minute...

I'm a pensioner, don't forget.

No, I don't want your money!

-Well, what do you want?

-Pie and a pint'd be nice.

Can't remember the last time I had a bit of home-cooked grub. Ain't you got a local boozer round here?

You have told Perkins you're meeting me, haven't you?

Yeah, course I have.

Right then, what're we waiting for?

Why won't anybody listen to me?

I mean, it's like I'm opening my mouth, but nothing's coming out.

-This is Jack, yeah?

-No. Roxy's just as bad.

-Why can't they understand that I've got to do things my way?

-Course you do.

Look, it's difficult enough for me to function at the best of times. Why're they making it even harder?

-There you go, mate.

-I feel like a prisoner in my own home.

-Don't be so dramatic, darling.

-I saw her this morning looking up at this place like some basket case.

-No, listen...

-Girls, what can I get you?

-A white wine spritzer

-and something strong for Poppy.

-Right.

-What if she tries to take Tommy again?

-You heard the police. She can't come near us.

-Is this Ronnie Branning

-you're talking about?

-Er... Yeah. It's nothing to worry about, girls.

It's only me and Poppy were talking to her before.

-I got a vibe.

-Poppy got a vibe.

-I'm a bit psychic, see.

-It was Poppy who said Blue were going to re-form.

-Jodie said I must have be mistaken,

-what with them pursuing solo careers.

-And it came to her, eating a bowl of soup.

-Cream of tomato.

-Can you get to the point please, girls?

-I'm no psychiatric, but even I could see something was wrong.

What did I tell you?

Excuse me, ladies. Kat, will you stop getting yourself worked up about it.

You heard what them two said.

Listen, don't listen to Dumb and Dumber, OK.

Listen to me, we're a family, right.

Nothing will get in the way of that. Where're you going?

-I want to be with my Tommy.

-Kat...

-What can I get you?

-I'll have a pint, please

and a bottle of the blue stuff for Abi.

Bitter or lager?

Lager.

Pale or dark?

Somewhere in the middle.

Why don't you take a seat, I'll bring 'em over?

I'm going to turn into one of the girls off of Jeremy Kyle.

You'll find another job, Pops.

I'm going to wake up in the morning with my hair in a side pony

wearing a pair of tracksuit bottoms.

-You know what need to do?

-Tell me what I need to do, Jodes.

You need to take him to a tribunal.

Just like Legally Blonde.

Cept you're brunette.

Couple of drinks for the gentleman.

Are you taking the Mick?

We're out of milk so you'll have to make-do with squash.

-I thought you said we'd get served?

-You leave this to me, Abi.

You don't know my name, do you?

Mitchell.

So just give us our drinks and I'll say no more about it.

I could crush up some baby food, but you'll have to give me a minute.

Come on, Abi. I tell you what, you're going to regret the day that you mugged me off in front of my bird.

I'm sorry.

The last thing you probably need is me crying on your shoulder.

-Cheers.

-I like talking to you.

Sometimes it feels like...

Tell me.

Well, sometimes it feels like you're the only person who really understands me.

I really don't know what I'd have done without you.

Well, it's not one sided, though.

I do enjoy your company.

-I was so wrong about you.

-Were you?

You're just a lot more sensitive than I gave you credit for.

-You're not just that cocky little boy around town.

-Thanks, thanks.

I'll take that as a compliment.

Roxy's really lucky to have you.

No she isn't.

-Why would you say that?

-Cos I'm no good for her.

You don't know what it's like. Living inside my head.

What do you mean?

Michael.

Michael, what's wrong?

What the hell do you think you're doing?

Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnie...

You can't pretend you don't feel it. I've seen the way you look at me.

You are my friend. You are my friend. At least I thought you were.

No, no, no, no. Just admit it to yourself. It's me you want.

Why would I want you? Why would I want you? I've got Jack!

No, because you said it yourself. No-one understands you like I do.

-Get away from me.

-Me and you. Me and you. We're the same.

-This was all... Listen to me...

-We're the same.

We are not the same, Michael!

-This whole thing. None of this has been real, has it?

-Let's just go back inside.

No, you have had a plan from the beginning.

You have been convincing me that you're my friend.

And you have been dripping poison in my ear.

you have even been trying to undermine Jack.

He don't need my help.

You say what you want about me, but you stay away from Jack.

It's a sham. It's not a marriage.

It's two people clinging onto the rocks.

Come away with me.

-What?

-Yeah. Yeah, come away with me.

-four hours from now we could be anywhere.

-You're insane.

The whole time... The whole time I was there thinking I needed help.

Listen, I sat up all night writing this for the judge.

"To whom it may concern. I know Ronnie Branning better than anyone.

-"Not only is she a caring, loving friend..."

-Stop it!

-"..but she is a beautiful human being."

-Don't push me away. Not after we've come this far.

-You disgust me, Michael.

The idea of getting close to somebody

as deceitful as you makes me sick to my stomach.

You are just like my father!

And what about you?

What's your story, eh?

The ice queen,

the tragic heroine.

How many dead babies is that now?

I'm losing count.

You should be thankful that I'm even bothered about you.

Cos your damaged goods, girl.

Come on, Veronica...

Don't you ever call me that.

Face facts. Just face facts.

You can't even walk down Bridge Street without people pushing their prams away. Whose baby is it next?

You stay away from me, Michael.

You stay away from me and from my family.

Cos if you don't I will kill you.

I will kill you because, let's face it, I have nothing left to lose.

I ain't doing no more washes this afternoon.

Oh, hello Ronnie.

I'm covering Heather's shift. She come hobbling in here at lunchtime.

She crippled herself, wearing a pair of cheap high heels.

She was carrying her slippers in her hand.

I said, "You ain't wearing them in my launderette, lowering the tone."

So I've sent her off home

to soak her feet in a bucket of cold water...

I can see you ain't interested in Heather's feet.

Sometimes I wonder, Dot.

I wonder what would have happened if me and Roxy

had never got that invitation to go to Phil's wedding.

Would we still be in Ibiza?

-Would I be happy?

-How could you be?

You wouldn't have met Jack.

I mean, we can all daydream, Ronnie.

You know, wish our lives had been different.

I've got a sister, Rose.

I used to look at you and Roxy

and wish we could have been as close.

I don't know who to trust.

Well, you trust the man who's waiting at home for you.

The man who'd fight for you with every breath of his body.

Jack is a good man. He'll be waiting for you.

You can start afresh.

But what if he won't let me go?

Well, he ain't really got a choice, has he.

It's not his decision, it's the court's.

You see, what you've got to do, Ronnie,

you've got to show that you're truly, truly sorry.

And you've got to ask Jesus for forgiveness.

And then what happens?

Then you find peace.

I know I had it this morning because I took it out to buy a new dress. Curved neck.

-Three quarter length sleeves?

-Navy.

-That'll really bring out your eyes.

Don't look now...

You know I'm not one to cast assertions, but she used to wear a tag on her ankle.

You think she's got my purse?

If anyone could do with a full lip maximiser, it's her.

Can I help you? It's only you keep staring at me.

-Right, we don't want any trouble.

-You can keep the lip gloss.

It's just the photo of her Gramps.

-There aren't many photos of him smiling.

-He didn't have a lot to smile about.

So how about we slip the photo and you keep the purse?

-You think I stole your purse?

-It's just, I thought...

It's just that what?

Her hair might not look like it's seen a brush since the '80s

and she might not be the biggest fan of personal hygiene.

But that doesn't make her a thief, does it?

We didn't mean anything by it.

Well, go on then. Haven't you got some sort of a MENSA meeting to attend to, or something?

-You didn't have to do that.

-Yeah, well you said it yourself.

You and Billy are all I've got now.

You have to look after your own, don't you?

It's nice to have a bit of company once in a while.

It's amazing how quickly people forget about you

when you get to my age.

How about I get you a doggy bag for the rest of that pie, eh?

So, you been with Perkins for long?

I should be getting back to work.

Must have come as a surprise.

-Finding out you had a boy.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, you could say that.

-Best thing she could have done. Giving it up.

-Let me help you clear that, eh?

-I mean, it's not as though she had a lot to offer anybody, is it?

Oh, excuse me. I've got to go...

Prostate ain't what it used to be.

There you are. I've been looking for you for ages.

No, not now, Julie, I've got...

to do a bit of business for Phil.

-It's not dodgy is it?

-No. Look, I'll tell you about it tonight, yeah.

-You're so up to something, Billy.

-No, no, I'm not, but Phil's waiting.

That, er, gentleman, friend of yours?

Not exactly, no.

We'll have to do this again sometime.

-You just call me, all right?

-Soon as I find anything.

It's, er...

It's not easy getting on the bus with this knee, you know.

Thirty quid should just about cover the cab fare.

-That's all I've got.

-Much obliged.

You mess me about...

and I'll come looking for you. Do you understand?

Are you avoiding me?

-No.

-No?

No, no, no. I've just been busy...

that's all.

Look, I'm sure I'm probably just being paranoid.

It's just that you and...

You and Ronnie, you've got this special connection.

Come here.

Come here.

Come here.

Ronnie's not a patch on you. She don't even come close.

-I'm a silly cow, right?

-Hm.

-Yeah.

-All right?

-Yeah, I managed to pick this up from the charity shop.

It suits you. Do you want to split a bit of kebab?

I might get an early night, actually.

Whoa, ain't this where you're supposed to be clawing each other's eyes out?

Yeah. We had a little breakthrough. So, how about

I slip on this gorgeous shell suit and get down to a little bit of

happy house.

Janine!

Come on, lads. Time's up.

Haven't you got wives to get home to? Goodnight.

-Thanks a lot. Thanks a lot.

-Cheers, mate.

Thanks darling, goodnight.

Is your mum not here yet?

She's not here yet.

I've been thinking about your tribunal.

I don't want to see your face splashed across all the papers.

I hadn't thought of that.

So how about you come and work with me at the salon?

Tanya's been talking about getting some extra help on reception.

Me and you?

It'll be like a dream come true.

-I don't know what to say, Jodes.

-You don't know what to say, do you?

BOTH SCREAM

Of course, I can't work Wednesdays.

Oh, Tanya will understand.

Who else is going to see to your nan's corns, eh?

SIGHS

This is all I could find. My dad's drunk everything else.

Well, I promised you a drink in the Vic, didn't I?

Shouldn't we be wearing gloves, or something?

I've seen CSI, Jay.

They check for prints.

-What can I get you?

-Oh, just an orange juice.

With vodka, of course.

We, um... We could just say that they left the door open

and we came in to investigate.

Just stop panicking, all right? No-one's going to hear us.

GLASSES SMASH

Nice one, Abi.

Come on.

Oi! Oi!

The door's unlocked.

Don't look at him like that. I locked it myself.

-Admit it, sometimes you get a bit forgetful.

-I'll give you a backhander in a minute.

-All right, calm down, all right.

-I saw the lights on.

-Yeah, we've had a break-in.

-Alfie, check the till.

I wouldn't bother. It's not your money they were after.

-You know who did this?

-I don't want to get involved.

You better start talking.

It's probably something... It's probably nothing.

I just saw Ronnie Branning running through the Square.

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