19/01/2017 EastEnders

KEY IN LOCK

-Hey.

-Shouldn't you be working?

No, I swapped shifts.

I'm going to go and have a few drinks at Stacey's and then,

-we're going to The Albert.

-What? On a school night?

-Yeah, just fancied a catch up, that's all.

-That's a shame.

I was going to come and chill at The Vic while you were working.

I thought Dad might appreciate the support.

-It's hardly a laugh a minute between you two, is it?

-Was that a dig?

No, just saying.

All right. Well...

..I'll just sit here then and look at some job ads or something.

OK.

I won't be late, OK?

-See you later.

-Ta-ta.

-Is your person wearing a hat?

-No.

-I'm off out.

-Where?

Couple of drinks. Might bump into a few old faces.

-You going to shift that lot?

-Why? I'll be using them later.

I'll sort it.

Your turn, Dad.

Does your person have blonde hair?

Yeah, I think I know who it is. Is it Anita?

-Yes.

-She looks like Mummy.

-Mummy was much prettier.

-Can we play when we see her?

Darling...

we spoke about this, haven't we?

-Auntie Ronnie and Mum, they're gone.

-So why are we going?

To say our own special goodbye.

All right?

I need you both to be very brave.

Just like that film we saw, you know? The Good Dinosaur.

Arlo was brave and strong, wasn't he?

-Amy, darling.

-I'll take them up. Come on, darling. Let's go up.

Everything's going to be all right, I promise you.

Evening.

Thought I'd catch up on a bit of study over a glass.

What are you studying? Grapes and grain?

-Didn't take you long, did it?

-Coming from a man who's ruined his liver.

We've just come from the hospital. Second check up.

Everything went as well as could be expected.

Like she gives a monkey's.

-Phil!

-There's no need for small talk, is there?

Decision's been made. We're all moving on.

Huh. Such a charming fella(!)

As we were then, yeah?

She's asleep.

The Good Dinosaur! What was I thinking?

Daddy Dinosaur drowns in a flash flood.

I've been thinking about the kids.

I know it's not my place,

but I think the funeral will be too much for them.

You agree, don't you?

I just think Ricky's too young.

And deep down, Amy knows her mum's not coming back.

Do they really need to see coffins and mourners?

Surely it's best to remember them how they were.

I can't leave the kids on their own.

We're talking a few hours. Someone would look after them.

No, I can't just brush them off on anyone, can I? They need me.

I just think it's for the best.

-Listen, can I pop out for a bit?

-Yeah, course.

-There we are.

-Thanks.

Are you drinking vodka?

Yeah, a couple won't hurt. My meds are pretty steady, so...

-Cheers.

-Cheers.

Have you seen who's over there? Danny Mitchell.

Yeah, I did say hello.

You'd think he'd want to be with his family.

Maybe he needs a change of scenery and all.

Oh? Marriage lost its shine already, has it?

You and Lee all right?

Can we talk about something else, Stace? I just want to have a laugh.

I see life's been kind to you both. You don't look a day older.

-Ha! You're joking!

-Something wrong with your eyes?

My eyes are working fine. Same again? My shout.

Are you all right? The funeral and everything?

I wouldn't be sitting in a bar getting hammered on my own.

Well, I'm not on my own.

You can't knock a trier, can you? Go on, then, vodka tonic.

-Steady! I ain't carrying you home!

-If she won't, I will.

Kim, I wasn't expecting you.

How are you feeling? Recovering well?

Oh...

bit tired. Usual stuff, you know?

Quiet night in then?

Yeah, thought I'd catch up on a little bit of reading.

-Candles, chocolates...

-Libby bought them for me.

Wine o'clock then?

Kim, I'm tired. I don't have the energy.

You know, I actually came round here to see if you needed anything.

-Don't give me that!

-Clearly, you're all right.

Your baby's out there with strangers,

while you're in here, stuffing your face and knocking back wine!

-Suddenly, everything is clear!

-Do you know what? Leave!

I ain't going nowhere. Not until you stop being selfish and see sense.

Thank you.

Oops.

Dad? Jack's here to see you.

I need you to say a few words at the funeral.

-I know it's what Ron would want.

-That's a lovely thought, Jack.

Just a few meaningful words, it'd be appreciated.

Sorry, I can't.

-Why not?

-It's good of you to ask, but...

-Look, maybe just take some time to think about it.

-I said no.

-Come on. Won't you say something?

-I just can't, all right?

-Anyway, you're going to say it all, ain't you?

-They looked up to you.

You were their favourite cousin.

Why is it so important? I'm going to be there, paying my respects.

It just is, all right?

I'll do it.

Nice one, Ben.

Good to know there's a man in the family.

Jack.

Jack!

Look, leave it with me. I'll talk to him.

Whether it's Ben or Phil, someone will do it, OK?

LAUGHTER

Look. All right...

-do you work in a coffee shop?

-No.

-Cos I like you a LATTE!

-You ain't used that line before, have you?

-No.

-But I reckon I should!

-Don't, you'll get a slap.

I ain't laughed like this in ages.

Where's Stacey? She only nipped to the toilet.

Yeah, she's probably on the phone to Martin.

-Can I ask you something?

-Yeah.

Why are you really here, on your own?

Just passing time till the funeral. Jack and I don't exactly get on.

You should all be pulling together at a time like this.

I know, but I wasn't close to my sisters either.

Well, it's my shout.

You've got amazing eyes.

What are you doing?

I'm married!

I'm sorry.

Big clue.

-Lee, what are you doing here?

-Where's Stace?

-In the toilet.

You never told me you were coming.

I just thought I'd have a drink with my wife.

Thought I'd surprise you. Who are you?

-This is Danny. You know, Ronnie's brother.

-I should be going.

Where's he going? You all right, Lee?

You all right?

Oh!

When are you going to realise the baby's not coming back?

Look, all I want you to...

I am sick to death of talking about this.

How many times can we just keep going round in circles?

Do you think that this was ever easy for me?

I carried so much more than a baby.

Awful feelings, I can't describe,

and then knowing that you was going to come at me like this...

If Mum can get her head around it, why can't you?

-Because as a mum...

-Oh! Sorry! You're wasting your time!

Adoption is the right thing!

For me and for the baby.

And nothing and no-one can change that.

So, please, just respect my decision.

Well, say something.

I don't know who you are any more.

I really don't.

Jack to see you.

Look, sorry to bother you so late. Just need a massive favour.

Ahem.

-Right, I'm going to go home.

-Oh, no. Don't go yet.

-It's all right.

I told Martin it wouldn't be a late one.

I'll see you later.

-Bye, Stace.

-Bye-bye.

It was supposed to be a girls' night.

-So, why was that Danny hanging about then?

-I told you.

Yeah, but why did he just slip off like that?

What was you two talking about?

Why are you making me feel like I've done something wrong?

Cos I saw the way he looked at you.

Do you fancy him?

-Are you being serious?

-Well, something ain't right.

He tried to kiss me, all right?

Did you kiss him back?

No, of course I didn't!

Can't believe you'd even ask me something like that.

Lee!

Sit down, please.

Look, I'm only telling you this because I love you.

I don't want us having secrets.

No, but you must have done something to lead him on.

What, you really think I'm like that?

You do know I ain't the one who cheated?

No, but it's a good way to get back at me though, isn't it?

I'm not doing this, Lee. Not tonight.

-Where are you going?

-I'm going home.

There you go, Phil.

Thanks.

Lou, do me a favour. Go and check Den is sleeping.

I caught him on a game again last night.

What's with the big grin?

Nothing. Nothing.

Phil, what's wrong?

The hospital visit was positive.

Something to cling on to at least.

Is it the baby?

-I saw how you were with Denise.

-I told you. That's done and dusted.

-I'm fine.

-Then, why won't you say a few words at the funeral?

I know Ben offered, but Jack asked you.

-Is it cos of what happened at Peggy's funeral?

-No.

Well, then, I'm lost.

I know how much Ronnie and Rox looked up to you.

-Just get off my case, will you?

-You going to let him talk to

-you like that?

-Stay out of it, Michelle.

You can pack your bags if you don't like it.

Oh, I've had enough of this. I'm off to bed.

Let's hope you're in a better mood in the morning.

Should I stay or, do you...?

She didn't settle down, so I gave her some medicine.

Didn't go well with Denise then?

Look, look, look...

You're going to have to learn to live with this.

And let it go.

Otherwise you could lose your sister.

Matthew lost a shoe today.

Yeah, Glenda took him to the park

and he came back a shoe

and a sock lighter.

How's that happen?

I miss you so much.

I miss you so much, Ron.

And I know you'd say get a grip.

Do you remember when I came to the airport to stop you?

I can't believe this is it.

It wasn't supposed to end like this.

We were supposed to be in the new house.

We were going with our kids, we were starting a new life...

I hope we find each other again.

I love you, Mrs Branning.

Where have you been?

Walking.

Giving you space.

Who are you texting?

Stacey.

To apologise.

Oh, what? What? Do you think it's Danny?

-Do you think I'd run off?

-Maybe. I don't know.

Oh, don't be pathetic, Lee.

I don't know.

It just seems like it's only a matter of time before you leave.

-I've done nothing but stand by you.

-I know, but...

You need to start trusting me, OK?

I do, but nothing I seem to do is ever good enough for you any more.

-You always want better.

-No, that ain't true.

-Like the wedding.

-You got your clever way of asking for stuff.

-What?!

Yeah, you've got this way. Those earrings weren't cheap, you know?

Listen, Lee, you're not making sense anyway, OK?

And I've never asked you for anything, have I?

-No, but I've seen those fancy wedding magazines.

-What?!

-I said to you that I'd marry you in a bin bag!

-And this dump.

Cost us an arm and a leg.

I was quite happy with us living with Mum and Dad, but not you.

Well, I'm sorry if I just thought

that it'd be nice to have our own space.

Are you going to blame me for the robbery now, are you?

You are, aren't you?

Do you think it's fun, running up all these debts?

I do it all for you, all of it.

Now my Dad's absolutely drowning in debt. Everything's falling apart.

Where are you going?

Whit?

I thought you'd gone to bed.

Shouldn't we at least try to get on?

For Sharon's sake?

The sooner you leave, the better.

One sugar in mine.

Not too weak.

Whit! What are you playing at?

Sorry, Mick. I just needed somewhere to go.

You all right?

-Come on, get a grip, will you?

-Whoa, whoa, whoa. What's going on?

-What's the matter?

-Nothing, stay out of it. Come on, Whit.

-You're being stupid.

-No, I ain't being stupid.

Our marriage is a joke.

-You don't trust me and you call me a money grabber.

-You said that, did you?

-No, no. Well, yes, sort of.

-You've been on the lash, ain't you?

-So what!

-Mick, please,

-can I crash here tonight? I just need to get my head straight.

-Whit, come on. Let's just go home.

-Just come home!

-Get off me, Lee! What are you doing? Get off of me!

What's the matter with you? What's the matter with you? Calm down.

Do yourself a favour, go home, sleep it off,

before you do any more damage.

We'll sort it out in the morning.

Whit?

Whit, please?

Don't make me turf you out of here.

Now, get out of the way.

I know you've been to hell and back...

I don't need pity, and least of all yours.

Can't we let the past go?

What are you even doing here anyway?

I mean, Walford ain't your home any more, is it?

Maybe I realised how much I missed my family and friends.

Life's short. You know that, Phil.

Except you've always been out for yourself, ain't you?

Which is why you did a runner all them years ago and why you

never told Grant about Mark.

You'll never let it go, will you?

Think I don't feel scared,

knowing how much he'd hate me if he found out I'd lied?

It still terrifies me, what he'd do if he did, so no, actually, I

ain't out for myself, but I wouldn't expect you to understand that,

-being selfish.

-Why don't you just shut your mouth, eh?

You won't even say a few words at the funeral.

-Could you be any more uncaring?

-You've got no idea what you're talking about!

And the way you shot down Sharon earlier, it's pathetic.

Why are we even stood here, eh? What do you know about anything?

I know what it's like to have regrets.

Let people down.

The funeral will come and go. What if you regret it afterwards?

Come on. If Ben can step up...

Sharon mentioned that he wanted to be your donor last year.

How can your son be so selfless and yet you...?

I told you to shut your mouth, all right? You just don't understand!

This liver was meant for Tony. A good man. OK?

Now, I've done nothing but bad things all my life,

but I'm still here. Now, you tell me, why am I still here

and he ain't, eh?

It's medicinal.

It is.

I swear to you. It's a well-known fact.

I'm trying really hard, Mick.

I know.

I know. Can we...?

Can we not get the divorce lawyers out yet though, because Lee's got

enough problems, I don't want him going all One Republic on us again.

When he was about 14,

he was obsessed with this treacle at school.

Thought she was way out of his league.

Anyway, they went to this little disco, got together.

Broke up about, I don't know,

like, a week later.

And he just kept playing their song,

Apologise, on a loop for weeks.

Drove me and L insane.

So, seriously,

you're going to be all right, ain't you?

I'm the last person who should be up there speaking.

-Ronnie and Rox deserve someone better.

-You know that ain't true.

And don't go shooting your mouth off to Sharon about this either.

Phil, sit down.

-I'm just going to bed.

-I said, sit. I won't let it go till you do.

Feeling guilty won't bring anyone back.

You owe it to Ronnie, Roxy and Tony to make the most of this new

life you've been given.

-You have to tell Sharon how you're feeling.

-No.

I know that woman better than myself. She's worried sick.

Which is why I ain't putting it on her. She's been through enough already, ain't she?

She probably thinks you're acting like this because of the baby.

What if she thinks you regret letting it go after she's

-forgiven you and everything?

-I've already told her that.

-Well, you have to show her as well.

If you won't talk, sort yourself out.

She deserves better than you moping and feeling sorry for yourself.

I can sort of see where he's coming from, I suppose.

I did talk about the wedding a lot.

Yeah, like, and what bride-to-be doesn't drive everyone mad

about her big day. It's just him lashing out, it's what he does.

Yeah, he ain't the first one to say it.

Babe said something to me last week.

She said I was controlling.

You do not listen to one word that

comes out of that twisted old crow's mouth.

I get it.

It's like, when you love someone,

it's natural to want to blame yourself.

I keep thinking, could I have done more, can I do more?

But this is Lee's fault. He's made some bad choices.

Well, I've made plenty of those.

Let's not pretend, Mick.

Not many men would accept my past.

But Lee did.

Made me feel good about myself.

Look at me.

-I just want to...

-Look at me.

You've done nothing wrong.

And especially to Lee.

I mean, like, you've just been unbelievable,

helping with Ollie, helping me run this pub without L.

I don't know what I would have done without you.

So, thank you.

I just remembered.

Spare bedroom ain't made up.

-Oh, I'll take the couch.

-Yeah, as if, yeah.

I'm going to take the couch. It's my pub, it's my rules.

I'll just cop for a pair of L's spare 'jamas.

Lousy cuppa, by the way.

What are you still doing up?

-We were just putting the world to rights, weren't we, Phil?

-Yeah.

I think you're right about the funeral. I should say a few words.

I'll speak to Jack first thing.

-What made you change your mind?

-Night.

-Night, darling.

Things will be different after the funeral. We can start to plan ahead.

Me, you and the family.

MOBILE RINGS

Who's that at this hour?

Wrong number.

-I'm going to finish this and I'll be up.

-OK.

Hello?

I saw your missed call.

Why are you ringing so late?

OK. OK. All right, all right. Calm down.

Yeah, yeah. Course I'll see you.

All right. Yeah, I'll meet you there.

Thanks for tonight, Mick.

And um...

I'm not giving up on Lee.

He's my husband and I do love him.

That boy, he don't deserve you.

On my life, he don't.

Um...

It's going to be all right. OK?

Goodnight, Mick.

Goodnight, babe.