13/12/2012 EastEnders

Michael, why aren't you picking up?

Can you call me as soon as you get this, please?

Thank you.

-Do you think I'm stupid having this done?

-No!

You've got to be looking your absolute best

in front of that judge today.

Don't matter anyway. They all think I'm stupid already.

Who do?

Phil, the Social,

lawyers, all of them. Do you know what, right?

If I had money I reckon they'd think different of me.

Like, a house and a car and all that stuff.

-Lola!

-What?

-Do you love Lexi?

-'Course!

So that's the only thing that matters.

Well, not that that's going to get her back today, though.

Why not?

She's got mumps.

Is that serious?

Not according to my social worker, no (!)

But whatever happens, I'm not going to see her till at least Christmas.

Well, what does Billy have to say about it all?

Oh, he reckons this is all for the best.

Yeah, reckons when all this is done,

at least I'll see her whenever I want.

Mmm... Assuming Phil DOES get her, of course.

Hang on, whose side are you on?!

No! No, I wasn't saying he WON'T get her.

I'm sure he will get her. I was just being stupid.

THEY LAUGH AWKWARDLY PHONE RINGS

Hello, Booty?

Oh, Poppy, I'm so sorry.

I should've mentioned this to you yesterday,

but I'm not going to be able to come in today.

You're just going to have to manage by yourself.

But, Tan, I'll be all on my own.

You've got Lola, haven't you?

No, she's in court today.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Is she? Oh. Hang on a minute...

No, I'm busy.

Ah, ah, ah! Not come to see you, have I?

-Is he about?

-Popped out.

He'll be back in a minute.

I'll wait, then.

What about Bianca?

Job Centre want to see her about something.

'Well, she'll just have to miss it.'

Just tell her that...

I'll write them a letter if it's a problem. All right, bye.

Derek, you're sitting on the bridesmaid's dresses!

Oh, am I?

Oh, talking of which...

What?

-I thought it'd be nice for my Alice.

-What would?

Well, seeing as Rainie's ducked out,

you know, you've got a vacancy going now, ain't ya?

Oh, right. You're volunteering to order another one,

pick it up, pay for it, get it taken up, are you?

One good turn deserves another, Tan.

-MAX: 'All right, Tan!'

-Yeah.

-'Where are you, babe?'

-In here.

'Got something for you.'

-You all right?

-Yeah.

Oh, look, that's a blinder! Look at that!

Oh, you are kidding?!

-What?

-No. I've got enough going on in here.

-Babe, it's Christmas!

-Get it out.

I am not walking down the aisle with pine needles in me knickers.

I want my white one. Like we always do.

She's getting her scan results back this morning.

Think she's just a bit wound up.

We all are, really.

-And you're going with her, are ya?

-Yeah, 'course.

What?

It's just that...

well, the other people have been on again.

HE SIGHS

Del, just stall 'em or something, will you? Please?

I'll do my best, Max, but I'll make no promises.

Rox, I've left him six messages, so where is he?!

Alfie, you're talking to me, OK? If I knew, I would say.

Just tell him I need to see him now, OK?!

Hope you appreciate what's riding on this.

I can't just keep producing money, can I?

HE SIGHS

All right, Del. I'll see what I can do, yeah?

-Tan!

-Yeah?

Can I have a word, please?

Can one of you two put that on 40 for me, please?

-ABI SIGHS

-Why is it always me?

You still angry at me, then, about last night?

I got enough to be worried about with Mum without worrying about you too.

I'm sorry, OK?

That's the problem, Lauren.

You're always sorry, you never actually DO anything.

I ain't exactly got a choice!

-What's up?

-Do you want to tell 'em?

Your dad's got some big deal in Upminster,

-so he can't take me to the hospital.

-Dad!

Well, I feel bad about it, all right?

Not as bad as I'm going to feel, sitting in the hospital on my own.

-Fine, I'll scrap Upminster, shall I?!

-It's too late now, you've said it!

-You think I've chosen to do this?

-I don't care! Just go!

-Mum!

-What?

I'll come to the hospital with you if you want.

Thank you, darling. I appreciate it.

Good girl. Babe, can I just explain?

It's called, "doing something."

HE BANGS ON WINDOW AND SHOUTS Sharon? We're going to be late!

Sharon?

She's probably still fast asleep.

Did I ask for your opinion?

But then you know what it's like when you got a drug habit.

-You what?

-Yeah.

Happy pills. Addicted.

Still, I thought you'd have known that,

what with you two being so close.

Let's hope the Social don't find out, eh?

You didn't need to shout!

Phil?

Get in the car.

You're going to be all right, yeah? You will be.

I thought you were in court today?

Yeah, I'm just on me way.

You just tell 'em you love that baby. It's all they need to know.

-Right then.

-Don't let him muck you about.

-Good luck.

-Thanks.

-See you.

-See you later, darling.

Lamb to the slaughter.

It's just pain killers, that's all.

What are we talking about? Junior aspirin?

I don't think you're in a position to judge.

Who's your dealer?

I don't have a dealer.

So where you getting 'em from, then?

I had a problem, all right? Now I don't.

-Look at me, Sharon.

-I feel bad enough you even knowing.

You know what's going to happen if this comes out, don't you?

He's a wind up, Phil. He's not a grass.

This is Derek Branning we're talking about!

Wait here.

Where are you going?

Sharon!

Jack!

How could you?

How could I, what?

Derek knows and only one person could've told him.

Look, he found them, all right?

-And you thought it was OK to tell him?

-PHIL BEEPS CAR HORN

I so wanted to trust you.

You're going to court, not a night club!

You look like a Kings Cross hooker!

Well, I thought the judge would like this kind of thing, actually.

What did he say?

Later.

I'm told you do men.

Sorry?

Only my daughter's getting married this Saturday...

Oh, and you'd like to look extra smart, yeah?

Yeah, I was wondering if you could do something about the grey...?

Yeah. No worries.

If you'd like to go upstairs, my assistant can see you now.

Is it going to be expensive?

Well, a wash, rinse, cut and dye is £75.

I've only got 25.

Well, we do a cheap rate for pensioners Thursday afternoon.

So, if you want to come back in...

I'm 56!

Oh!

Well, only four years till you get your bus pass, eh?

Forget the dye bit. I'll just go for a shampoo and cut.

OK. Well, if you want to go upstairs,

my assistant will wash your hair, and I'll be up in about two minutes.

Yeah? Great.

PHONE RINGS

They're disgusting, as usual, but they're going to have to do.

-There you go.

-Thanks, darling.

Oh, yeah!

-You still mad at Dad, then?

-I should be used to it by now, shouldn't I?

What was going on between you and your sister this morning?

Nothing.

No? Thought I could detect a little atmosphere...?

She just loves to moan at me, that's all.

Hmm. Like I used to moan at Rainie.

You know, all my life... Well, since I was your age, anyway,

I've sort of lived with this permanent dread

of getting that phone call telling me that she'd died.

And it never even occurred to me that she might outlive me.

You all right?

Yeah.

Just...

that must be what Abi thinks about me.

Oh! It's too cold.

Well, make your mind up! You said it was too hot before.

So...

What's he like, then? This bloke your daughter's marrying?

Like you're interested.

'Course I ain't interested, am I?

It's all part of the job description of being a hairdresser.

"You must talk cobblers." It's the law.

So, go on then.

My future son-in-law?

-I've never met him.

-What?!

I'm amazed I've been invited at all.

So you won't be giving her away, then?

No. Her step-dad's doing that.

Well, he's paying for it.

Ah.

I won't know anybody there.

Dreading it, if you want to know the truth.

Well, poor you.

Well, that must be horrible.

She's a red head and all.

Who? Your daughter is?

I sometimes wonder if she's really mine.

Not that I'd love her any less, you understand.

Sorry, guys. That was my sister on the phone.

She's changed her mind about something on her Christmas list.

Means I'm going to have to pop out, though.

How long do you think you're going to be?

Well, you can go now, if you want.

I can manage a trim, if Mr Lister don't mind that.

Uh...yeah, fine.

OK... I'll be as quick as I can.

Be sure to listen out for downstairs, though, yeah?

-All right, bye.

-Bye.

She should try having kids.

Sorry?

Christmas lists.

You know, they see all these adverts on telly,

"Can I have this? Can I have that?"

You know what Tiff's new thing is?

This "design your own handbag" kit.

It's over 20 quid!

At least you've still got her.

Tell her you love her every day...

Never take it for granted.

Uh, listen, Bianca...

Yeah?

I...

Doesn't matter.

Pops, I wish you was here.

I mean, they won't tell me anything. I don't know what's going on.

Will you just give me a call when you get this message, please?

All right?

I love you. Bye.

So... When did it start?

With the pain killers and that?

This from the ex-crack addict!

-Have you been talking to Shirley?

-Maybe.

What's it to you?

It just goes to show I know what I'm talking about, don't it?

Look, nobody knows about the pills, except for Jack, Derek and you,

so it's not going to come out. You can stop worrying about it.

I'm not worried about IT, I'm worried about you.

I've sorted it now, anyway.

Saying you've sorted it is one sure sign that you haven't.

-I'm dealing with it, that's all I'm saying.

-I've used that line as well.

Oh, I do love family court!

What's funny?

Well, I've known these lot for donkey's years.

Ain't one of them not having an affair or getting divorced.

So, what's the latest?

Well, I've been trying to cut a deal with the Social's brief,

but he weren't playing ball.

So, I had a sneaky peek at the list, and we are in luck.

Judge is a Mrs Mavis Pritchard.

As wet and soggy a liberal do-gooder as ever ate a bowl of lentils,

and a sucker for a sob story.

So...

we're going to take the radical option,

break the habit of a lifetime, and be honest.

What?!

I know, it sounds all wrong, but trust me.

I'm going to put you on the stand, and you're going to tell the truth.

I appreciate, for a gentleman such as yourself,

that can be rather an elusive concept, but...

give it your best shot, yeah?

How long you been dry?

Seven months.

Well, maybe not that honest.

All right, but I don't want Sharon taking the stand and asking any questions.

I don't want her being put on the spot.

Why not?

Now it's your turn to trust me.

Derek's leaning on me to make Alice a bridesmaid.

And will you?

Your Uncle Derek can be very persuasive when he wants to be.

Why can't the world just be nice, eh?

People are so much nicer when they're nice. I know I am.

Even you are.

SHE LAUGHS INDIGNANTLY

So what stops us, eh?

Well...

the world is unfair, so people just kick against it.

If I was really nice, I'd just go along with it, wouldn't I,

without moaning?

I mean, really, why shouldn't she be a bridesmaid?

I'm as much to blame as anyone...

Mrs Cross?

Come this way.

12,000 miles.

Nah, it's pristine. Honestly, I'm giving it away.

Well, I've got cash flow problems, that's all.

Nah, that's all right. Yeah, thanks a lot.

Well, I'll remind you of this next time you need a favour, yeah?

COMPUTER BEEPS

PHONE KEYPAD BEEPS

PHONE: 'The person you are calling is unavail...'

Trouble is, if I give you this,

I won't have enough for a tip.

Well, that'll teach me to be nice!

Look, you take this, right?

And I'll... I'll pay for the haircut on my credit card.

Oh! Oh, right!

-Put your card in there...

-OK.

and...

..PIN and enter.

Sorry I was so long.

I could not find anything my sister wanted for under 50 quid

and, I'm sorry, but I do not have that sort of money.

How did it go?

There's your card and your receipt. Thanks.

Now, you have the best Christmas you possibly can.

I will do. And I hope the wedding goes all right for you.

Oh...

Thanks.

And listen, about all that court order business...

I think we can forget it.

I'll have a word with the police.

Oh, thanks!

I really appreciate that.

Well, I'll see you around.

-Yeah.

-Bye.

Fiver tip!

What did you do to him?

He is all right, really. I tell you!

I'll go and sweep up.

How would you characterise your relationship

with your own father, Mr Mitchell?

Not good.

Care to elaborate on that?

He was violent....

..alcoholic...

It wasn't a happy household.

When he died, I was glad.

And what effect would you say this had on your own subsequent life?

It screwed me up.

You've had alcohol problems yourself, I understand?

I, er... I go to meetings, yeah.

A day at a time, and all that.

And you've been dry now for how long?

Three years and counting.

My learned friend will probably want to ask

whether a recovering alcoholic is necessarily the best person

to be given responsibility for taking care of a young baby.

I don't want to do to Lexi what my father did to me.

And with the help of Social Services...

..I won't.

Mr Mitchell, you do realise that what you're saying

might have implications?

Your Honour, it's not enough to just give up the booze.

You've got to give up lying as well.

So, I'm not going to pretend to be something that I'm not.

I don't know what's happened between you and Michael,

and I don't want to know, it's fine, but...

Can I just say that if you want to talk,

like, any time, whenever... midnight, I don't care, just...

Please, will you just call me?

HE LAUGHS OK.

You all on your own?

Oh, it's Tracey's day off and, well,

Kat, she's taken Tommy and one of his mates to the park.

Do you want a hand?

No, no, I'm good, thank you, but thanks for asking.

Alfie?

Same again here when you're ready, please.

Even the idea of him bringing up a little baby...

I mean, it's a joke.

-What was you like as a mother, Shirl?

-Lousy.

But on the basis that it takes one to know one,

I wouldn't let him near a stuffed teddy bear, let alone a real, live baby.

Well, that's very noble of you (!)

I'm pleased to see there's no lingering bitterness (!)

Excuse me, Shirley, I need to speak to my brother.

What's up?

Now, you SWORE to me yesterday

you wouldn't say a word about Sharon and the pills.

Oh, I was just having a poke at Mitchell, that's all.

Oh, yeah? Well, Phil's told Sharon, and now I'm swimming in it.

What was all that pony about family loyalty?!

PHONE RINGS

Must be mine.

You could at least change your ring tone.

Hello? Max, yeah...?

Listen, Del, I don't think I'm going to be able to get hold of that money today.

Oh, well, our friends ain't going to like that one little bit.

I've had to miss Tanya's hospital appointment cos of this, so I couldn't care less.

What's the news on that?

I don't know, Del. Her phone's switched off.

Let's keep our fingers crossed, eh?

While I got you here, couple of things about the stag night...

Derek, stuff the stag!

DIALLING TONE

Charming (!)

DOOR SLAMS

Tan?

Oh, hello, Abs.

Have you heard from your mum?

I haven't been able to get through.

And were Mr Mitchell to be granted care of Lexi,

how would you feel?

Miss Pearce...

This is important.

Well, if it brought her back to Walford, then...

..then yeah, of course.

Well, that wasn't the question.

Mr Broome wanted to know how you would FEEL...

..if Lexi were to live with Mr Mitchell specifically.

All right, I suppose.

You suppose?

-No...

-I...I think Your Honour is asking if you trust him, yeah?

That's a yes, is it?

Miss Pearce?

Yes, Your Honour.

Why don't you just tell your sister to get lost?

She's just split up with her fiance. I can't.

All right, where is it?!

-Where's what?

-Like you don't know!

-I've no idea what you're talking about.

-My £20 note.

I had it earlier on. Now it's gone!

Oh, honestly, Mr Lister...

Honestly? You don't know the meaning of the word.

Once a thief, always a thief.

Come on, give it me back before I go to the police.

Uh, is this what you're looking for?

-Where did you get that from?

-It was just there, under my bag.

-Oh.

-"Oh!" "Oh," he says?

Coming in here, making accusations without a scrap of proof!

No wonder your daughter don't want nothing to do with you!

-I'm sorry. I should've thought.

-Yeah, you should've.

-Here, take it.

-You're all right.

No, it's the least I can do. Please.

I can get Tiff's handbag kit!

SHE LAUGHS

The sad fact is...

..Lexi Pearce will be the fourth generation of her family

brought up in care.

That, in itself, is an indictment of a system

which I'm sure Your Honour will concur in saying

is no longer fit for purpose.

I cast no aspersion on the agencies

that have invested the time, effort and money in trying to help,

but something clearly needs to change.

Let's break this cycle of dependence.

Mr Mitchell, as you've heard,

has been brought up in the school of hard knocks.

He's got something to prove here.

You've heard the evidence regarding his strong support network...

of his success in achieving financial security...

You've heard from his own mouth

the level of commitment he is prepared to bring to Lexi's future.

That, along with the support and trust of the child's mother,

gives me every confidence he will succeed in that endeavour.

I beg to move the submission.

Thank you, Mr Broome.

There'll be a short adjournment while I consider my judgement.

All rise.

What did he tell you, eh?

About looking the judge in the eye and answering confidently?!

You might've blown it now for both of us, you realise that, don't you?

Chill your beans, Philip. Now is not the time.

-Oi.

-What?

-SHE GIGGLES

-Who you hiding from?

-Nobody.

-Oh, really?! Is it Alfie, by any chance?

-No.

-What have you done to him?

-Nothing.

-You do know he's looking for you, don't you?

-Yes.

Why is everyone getting on my case?

Why? You can't answer that, can you?

Turn around. Jog on. Go on, bounce!

-SHE LAUGHS

-OK!

First...

The court is satisfied,

on the basis of submissions and evidence of all interested parties,

and given Mr Mitchell's clear desire to play a significant role

in Lexi's future,

that there is no alternative but to continue the Interim Care Order.

Second, we have considered what orders should be made

in the day-to-day care of Lexi

for the duration of these proceedings.

Given the sincere assurance from Mr Mitchell

regarding his full co-operation,

Mr Mitchell is approved

as kinship foster carer for Miss Pearce.

What does that mean?

It means we've won.

Finally, with regard to contact between Lexi and her birth mother,

we make an order that Mr Mitchell

will now arrange and supervise contact three times a week.

What are you doing, Abs?

Sorry. It was...this silly game I used to play when I was little.

If I could count to 100 without blinking,

everything would be all right.

DOOR OPENS

Tan?

What happened to you, babe? Did you not get my message?

Oh, sorry. They make you switch your phone off, don't they?

-I forgot to turn it on.

-You forgot?

Dad. Dad, don't get angry.

She's still clear.

HE SIGHS WITH RELIEF

Yeah. I don't have to go back for another three months, so...

Seemed really optimistic.

Come here.

Happy Christmas!

Now you know why I cost you so much money.

Yeah, yeah. Cos you're a genius, right?

My hands are still damp, I was that nervous.

Honesty is a big risk,

but I had a gut feeling, and I trust my gut.

Talking of which, I am starving.

There's an Italian round the corner, chef's a mate of mine.

Who fancies it? Your treat.

You want to come to the restaurant?

Wouldn't have thought it was her sort of thing, really.

Sitting with a load of grown-ups, talking a load of cobblers.

Better off going home to celebrate with your mates, aren't you?

Am I really only going to see Lexi three times a week?

That's the same as I saw her before!

What are you moaning about? We've won, haven't we?!

Now, here you are.

Get yourself a taxi.

Hey, it's going to be OK.

Sharon! >

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd