Friends Like These Moving On

Hiya, Kate. Are you all right?

-You OK?

-Hello! How are you?

Hiya.

Oh! Very good! Give me that.

Hello, boys. Oh! What's this?

-It's a robot.

-A robot! That looks good, doesn't it?

-Tom, Nathan, stay here. Come on, Mia.

-Coming!

Just wait here, kids, I'll be one minute.

-Hiya, Dal.

-Hi.

-Oh, go on, I'll have three of those, then, please.

-One of those days, eh?

-Oh! Isn't it always!

CHILDREN ARGUE

There you go. Thanks.

-Ta-ra.

-See ya.

CHILDREN ARGUE

CLOCK CHIMES

SHE SIGHS

Mum? Will you tell Tom and Nathan not to come in my room?

MUFFLED: Mum! They're jumping on my bed!

Mum! Tell them!

MUFFLED SHOUTS

DOORBELL

-Hiya.

-Hiya. So, has he been good?

Yes. Can I tempt you?

Oof! On a school night?

Oh, you can have a little one.

-Night.

-Night.

Night, Nathan. See you tomorrow.

Right, you two, pyjamas on right now!

And, Tom, you're sleeping in your own bed tonight. I mean it!

-Mum, the meter's gone again.

-Oh, great(!)

BIRDSONG

SHE SIGHS

SHE SIGHS

Quick! Tom! Get up, get up!

Come on, quickly!

Will you two just pack it in?!

Sam, I'm sorry I'm late.

Are you fuming with me? I'm a pain, aren't I?

It's just been a nightmare trying to get them out.

Do you feel as horrendous as me? I swear I'm never drinking again.

Sam...I know you're in a rush and I feel terrible for asking, but...

Look, I've really got to go.

OK. Nathan, come on.

Be careful. Cross over. That's right.

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

SHE SIGHS

SHE SIGHS

Hiya, Mark, it's me.

Sorry for calling while you're at work.

Could you give me a ring when you get this message? It's important.

Thanks. Bye.

# It's me, it's me, it's me Oh, Lord

# Standing in the need of prayer

# It's me, it's me, it's me Oh, Lord

# Standing in the need of prayer

# Not my father, not my mother but it's me, oh, Lord

# Standing in the need of prayer... #

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

# Not my sister, not my brother but it's me, oh, Lord

# Standing in the need of prayer

# It's me, it's me, it's me Oh, Lord...#

Hiya. Thanks for calling back.

No, no, no, the kids are fine.

Mark, I'm sorry but, um...

any chance you could get some money to me by teatime?

I'm desperate.

That's brilliant. Thanks.

Wonder where she's come from?

-I'd guess straight from the 1970s.

-Don't be mean.

Mum! Mum! Can Sophie come for tea?

-Who's Sophie?

-The new girl.

-No, Mia, not today.

-Please, Mum!

I said no and I mean no!

Hiya. I'm Sonia, Sophie's mum.

Nice to meet you, Sonia. I'm Danielle, this is Sam.

-Hi, Sam. Nice to meet you.

-Hiya.

This is Kai. He's in Mrs Collinson's class.

Oh, so you're a Woodpecker like Nathan and Tom.

Sophie said Mia's been really kind to her.

Oh, good.

It's never easy starting school halfway through the term.

I should know.

So I really appreciate it.

She's a credit to you.

Ah, isn't that lovely?

Kai, put that down!

What have I warned you about impetigo?

Sorry, Mum.

Can she come for tea, Mum?

Oh, I'm sure Sophie's mum's got other plans.

No, I haven't, as a matter of fact. So long as you don't mind.

-There you go.

-Thank you.

-See ya.

Mm! What's that smell?

Every time I come in here, it smells gorgeous.

These are about as exotic as I get.

Mia's invited another friend for tea.

Honestly, kids that age think you're made of money, don't they?

That's, er...£3.20, please.

I thought I had more than that.

Sorry, Dal, I'm a nuisance, aren't I?

I'll have to put one back.

It's fine. Take 'em.

Just pay me when you've got it.

Cheers. Are you sure?

-Just don't leave the country, eh.

-Chance would be a fine thing.

You OK?

Me?

Yeah. I'm great!

See you, Dal. Thanks. Bye.

Danielle? You've, er...done it again.

Oh! Thanks. I'm a dozy cow, aren't I?

What's wrong?

Nothing. I'll see ya.

But you promised.

So, why didn't you just say that before?

I couldn't cook the kids fish fingers. They had to have butties!

DOORBELL

So, what do you expect us to do?

Well, I've got nobody else to ask and it'll be going dark soon!

Look, I've got to go. Just forget it!

Is this a bad time?

-Oh, I could absolutely kill him!

-Who?

-The kids' dad.

I have never known anyone so selfish and self-centred in my whole life!

I feel ashamed, but I can't even offer you a cup of tea!

The thing is, the leccy went last night,

the gas is about to go any second and I don't get money till Monday.

I spoke to him before and he promised faithfully

that he would drop something off after work,

but, surprise surprise, he didn't turn up. Come through.

So I've just called him now. I had to dial 141 first

because I knew he'd never pick up if he knew it was me.

Sorry, excuse the mess.

Anyway, he answers, and I can tell he's in the pub

because I can hear the noise in the background.

And then he starts crying poverty, telling me his exhaust has just gone

and how much it's going to cost to get fixed.

Like I could give a flying...!

He must think I'm thick. I know for a fact there's a match tomorrow,

which means he's just going to be out on some massive bender.

Our Tom did that playing footie.

I keep meaning to get it fixed.

Nothing in this house works!

SHE SIGHS

So long as he's OK. I'd hate for him to be worrying about his kids

sitting in the dark all weekend with no heating.

I'm sick of people telling me I'm a stupid cow and I should just get the CSA onto him.

They don't know what he's like!

Anyway, why should I have to force him to support his own kids?

I'm so sorry. You must think I'm a complete crank.

I've only known you two minutes and I'm telling you me life story.

This is what he does to me.

When did you split up?

Our Tom was only six months old at the time.

He just couldn't cope.

He used to disappear for days on end.

You wouldn't believe some of the states he used to come home in.

-I just wanted to throttle him.

-I would have done.

It was hard enough trying to cope with two babies on my own.

I didn't need a third.

Here.

Take this.

No. Don't be ridiculous.

You really think I'm going to let you sit in the dark all night?

-I feel terrible.

-There's no need.

Great. Let's go the offy(!)

I swear you'll have it back first thing Monday when Sam pays me.

I look after Nathan for her a couple of days a week.

It's only forty quid, but it's an absolute godsend.

Forty quid? She's got herself a bargain, hasn't she?

No, no, it's not like that. It's just a favour really.

I'm still signing on and everything.

Mum?

Mum? Mum?

Can Sophie have a sleepover?

-No, not tonight.

-But it's Friday!

-Maybe next weekend.

-Please, Mum!

Go on, Mum! Pl-e-e-e-e-ease, Mum!

I said no.

Mum?

Mum!

Mum, we're starving!

ANIMATED CHATTER

I can't wait to see your house. It's going to be sick!

THEY GIGGLE

-This is ours.

-Wow! Holy macaroni cheese!

ANIMATED CHATTER

Excuse the mess. We only moved in last week.

So, what brought you here?

I've never been able to settle in one place.

I'm convinced my real parents must have been travellers or something.

How do you mean?

Oh, I never knew them. I was brought up in care homes.

-Oh, really?

-Yeah.

I won't lie to you, it was horrendous.

Oh! Wasn't all bad.

Do you fancy a glass?

Oh. Well, it's totally out of character but, go on,

I'll have a little one, seeing as it's the weekend.

Mum! Look! They've even got a guinea pig!

Not in the house! Thank you.

-Take them outside.

-OK.

-To new friendships.

-New friendships.

And this is the lounge.

Mm! I love that table!

-Really?

-Oh, yeah. Oh, it's gorgeous!

We can't have anything nice in ours. It just gets wrecked.

I can't believe how immaculate everywhere is.

You put me to absolute shame. Oh, wow!

Oh, look at that chair! Oh!

-Ooo!

-THEY LAUGH

Oh, isn't is dead comfy!

Oh, I feel like I should be having therapy or something.

I could do with it!

-Come and meet Graham.

-Oh, yeah.

Graham? Graham!

-This is Danielle.

-Hiya, Graham.

-Mum!

-What now?

Mum?

What are you doing there?

Er...just a hobby.

Oh, yeah? How come? I mean, how did you get into that?

God, aren't those brushes tiny! You must have such steady hands.

I could never do anything like that. Look at mine.

They've always been like that. Don't be thinking I'm an alky. Oh!

She says with a glass of wine in her hand in the middle of the afternoon!

Oh! This is a lovely room, isn't it?

I've never seen so many books. Do you read a lot?

I've never read a book in me life. Haven't got the concentration.

Oh, well! Um...suppose I should just go and find Sonia,

let you get back to it. It's lovely to meet you.

SHE PLAYS PIANO

-They're all well away.

-Oh!

Oh! Mia's inhaler.

She won't need it, but just to be on the safe side.

She knows what to do.

I've had a lovely time, I really have.

Oh! So have the kids!

They don't know they're born these days, do they?

We didn't have any of this when we were their age.

Sleepovers, trampolines.

My mum and dad were too busy killing each other to even notice us.

Argh! Oh! Oh! Oh, Graham!

You nearly gave me a heart attack!

-Is he always this quiet?

-Yeah.

He's like a little mouse, isn't he?

You don't mind giving Danielle a lift home, do you?

Are you sure, Graham?

I don't want to stop you from painting any of your little munchkins or whatever they are.

I think you're a lovely couple, I really do!

Why can't I find someone like him, eh?

Oh, look, he's gone all red!

Sorry. Am I embarrassing you, Graham? Oh!

He's dead shy, isn't he?

Isn't he dead shy?

-I love shy people!

-Quick, get her home!

THEY LAUGH

It'll be so weird waking up with no kids. I won't know myself!

Make the most of it. Have a nice long lie-in.

SHE SNORES

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

-Hello?

-'Look out the window.

-What?

-'Just do it.'

It's all yours! Our two never use it.

And that's not all. Come down to the front.

What's going on?

-It's yours!

-How do you mean?

I've always hated that table, haven't I, Gray?

-I can't accept that.

-Why not?

Because it's practically brand new! Why don't you just sell it?

Oh, I can't be bothered.

As soon as you mentioned how much you liked it, I made up my mind.

Did I mention how much I liked your widescreen telly, as well(?)

THEY LAUGH

You see what I mean? Isn't she a case!

THEY LAUGH

And she just gave you it for nothing?

Yeah. I couldn't believe it.

Hm. Beware of the middle classes bearing gifts.

-What does that mean?

-Believe me, everything has its price.

ANIMATED CHATTER

-Mia!

-One, two, three!

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

Right. Who wants some birthday cake?

ALL: Me!

Right, then, what did you get for your birthday?

I got... ANIMATED CHATTER

So, have things been busy at work?

That's good.

Is it your own business?

Graham's just a silent partner.

Did I tell you we've got to get rid of the guinea pigs?

Oh, no. How come?

You know that terrible rash Sophie's been getting?

Yeah. Well, no, but go on.

Turns out she's allergic.

Oh, you're joking!

-You don't know anyone who'd be interested, do you?

-Um...sorry.

ALARM CLOCK WAILS

KIDS CHATTER

So long as you put fresh sawdust and hay down every day,

it should only need a proper clean once a week.

SOPHIE: Ow!

What happened?

-She fell.

-My arm!

-Is it broken?

-Can you bend it, Sophie?

She's just had a fright, that's all.

I think we should get her to A&E right now.

She's OK, aren't you?

No disrespect,

but I'd feel happier if it was X-rayed by a professional.

Do you mind if we leave Kai with you?

Believe me, Sonia, if it was broken she'd be absolutely hysterical.

I don't know about you, Danielle, but I'm not prepared to take

any chances when it comes to my children!

Slowly.

PHONE RINGS

Hello?

It's me, Sonia. I thought I should let you know we've just got back.

-Oh, right.

-Yeah. It's been an absolute nightmare.

The first doctor we saw was totally incompetent. I've got a good mind to report him.

Yeah, Graham phoned earlier.

He wasn't even going to do an X-ray to begin with,

said it wasn't necessary.

I couldn't help myself. I said to him, "Would you be saying that

"if it was your child standing there in front of you in agony?"

Anyway, the X-rays came back fine,

but I'd already lost confidence in him by that point,

so I insisted to Graham that we go to the Royal

-for a second opinion.

-Yeah, he told me.

We had to wait ages but it was worth it for the peace of mind.

Both X-rays revealed no sign of any break or fracture.

'Would you be able to take Kai to school in the morning?

'I wouldn't normally send him in the same uniform two days in a row,

'but under the circumstances...'

Yeah, yeah.

Anyway, everything all right with you? Any news?

Um, no, I'm just in bed.

It's half three in the morning.

Oh, right. Do you want me to let you go, then?

Yeah, I'll just see you tomorrow, eh?

'All right. See you.'

Bye.

-Any plans for the weekend, then?

-Plans? Me? Are you being funny?

No, just asking. I bet you could do with a good night out.

Tell me something I don't know!

I can't even remember the last time I went into town.

Do you know the most depressing thing?

I'll be ancient by the time my kids have flown the nest.

Still, I'll be making up for lost time.

I'll be out every weekend, like that.

Can't wait! See you, Dal.

They should be out by now, shouldn't they?

They are very late out today.

-Danielle, are you OK?

-Yeah.

-Hiya, Danielle.

-Oh, hello, Sonia.

-See you later, Danielle.

A little thank you for looking after Kai last night.

Sonia, you didn't have to do that.

It's the least I could do.

I'd be lost without you.

Now, Friday night, Mia and Tom are coming to ours for a sleepover.

I'm going to treat them to a meal out, then I'm going to take them

to that new 3D film that's just come out.

I can't let you do that, it'll cost a fortune.

I'm not taking no for an answer.

You're going to put your feet up and have a night off for a change.

You deserve it.

PHONE RINGS

Hiya, Sonia. Are you OK?

'No, not really. I'm calling from the hospital. It's Mia.'

Why? What's happened?

I'm so sorry about this.

I just didn't want to take any chances.

Tom, you go up to bed, I'll be up in a sec.

I did try her with the inhaler first but it didn't make a blind bit of difference.

Well, she seems OK now.

I just hope they haven't been premature in letting her home.

She still looks very pale to me.

I'm sure she's just tired.

Right, then, we should get to bed, eh?

Yeah.

You know you can call me any time.

-Night.

-Night.

Are you OK?

Mum, there's nothing wrong with me.

I only coughed twice and she phoned an ambulance.

What?

She's weird.

She's a psycho! I knew it from day one. If you've got any sense,

you'll keep that woman at arm's length from now on.

Danielle!

-Easier said than done.

-I'll see you later.

How do you fancy going for breakfast? My treat.

Sorry, Sonia, I can't today.

I just need to go home and get the house straight. Thanks, anyway.

MOBILE RINGS

LAND LINE PHONE RINGS

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

PHONES RING INCESSANTLY

DOOR BELL RINGS

-SONIA:

-Danielle!

Danielle!

Do you know the area?

Oh, it's a lovely location.

Only a two-minute walk from the station.

The garden is quite compact, but you've got...

You've got the benefit of the park being on the doorstep.

-SONIA:

-Sam!

Um...between us, the owners are hoping for a quick sale

so would consider offers below the asking price.

Within reason, of course.

Can I have a word?

Could you just excuse me just one second.

Sonia, what are you doing here?

It's Danielle. I'm going out of my mind with worry.

Why? What's wrong?

I've tried the mobile, the landline, been around to the house,

not a dicky bird.

Did it ever occur to you that she might just want

-a bit of peace and quiet?

-How do you mean?

She's not obliged to answer, you know!

Most people would just take the hint.

-What are you implying?

-I think it's about time you left.

And don't you ever turn up at my work again. Do you hear me?

Sorry about that.

I still can't believe it!

-Where have you been?

-What?

I must have called your mobile about 30 times today.

Uh, yeah, my battery died and I can't find the charger anywhere.

I kept trying the land line as well. It was just ringing out.

I unplugged it while I was doing the ironing.

But I came to the house and there was no answer,

which I thought was a bit odd,

seeing how you told me you would be staying in all day.

-I must have nipped out.

-Where?

Sorry?

-Where did you go?

-I'm off.

And what's got her knickers in a twist?

I went to her work and she was really shirty with me.

She needs to change her attitude, if you ask me.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I've promised Sophie a girly night

on Friday, have a couple of friends round, so...

Sorry, Sonia, we're going away this weekend.

Oh, right.

Where?

Only to my mum's.

I could drop her off there on Saturday morning.

It's not a problem.

Thanks, but we've made plans now.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

How could you let anyone speak to you like that?

We cant all be as shirty as you.

-It's not funny, Danielle.

-But she's been good to me.

I don't want to hurt her feelings, that's all.

Why not? It's obvious she doesn't give a monkey's about yours!

It's the kids I feel sorry for. It's not their fault

their mother's a loon.

Oh, I don't believe it.

Duck down, kids!

OK, the coast is clear.

The crazy woman.

You can't go on like this.

Mm...serial killer.

Oh... I've found the perfect one for you.

46?!

THEY LAUGH

DOOR BELL RINGS

Oh, about time, I'm starving.

Let me go halves.

No, no, you got the wine. Just get the plates out of the oven.

-Sonia!

-Sorry for calling so late.

Thought I'd drop this off while I was passing.

-It's an invite to Kai's birthday party at the cricket club.

-Right.

I've booked a bouncy castle, children's entertainer,

so it should be a good day.

Well, thanks for inviting us.

Sorry to be a nuisance. Do you mind if I spend a penny?

I'm absolutely bursting here.

-Well..

-I think I must have some kind of bladder infection,

because my urine's been quite cloudy for a few days.

Have you got one down here? Is this it?

Oh, no, that's just a...

Hiya, Sonia.

Sam, did you see where I put my purse?

-Morning. Look who it is.

-Sam!

-You all right?

THEY CHATTER

Bye!

-Don't forget the...

-Oh.

All right, coming.

-VOICEMAIL:

-You have no new messages.

Hiya.

-What a nerve...

-Hi.

-What's she trying to prove?

-I don't know. Little Mrs Prim.

WHISPERING

-Are you OK?

-No, I'm not.

Why? What's wrong?

You're not going to believe what Sonia's been telling everyone -

that you're an alcoholic who's been carrying on with Graham.

It's one thing people thinking I'm an alky - I can live with that.

But me and that drip?

Do people really think I'm that desperate?

Where are the guinea pigs?

Probably on a slow simmer at Sonia's.

Don't.

No, she wouldn't. Would she?

I really don't know what she's capable of.

She's dangerous, Danielle.

DOOR SLAMS

What's wrong?

Nothing.

DOOR BELL RINGS

-Danielle Eastman?

-Yeah.

Arlene Willis, Department for Work and Pensions.

We have reason to believe you've been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance

while carrying out undeclared work as a child minder.

-Don't say anything.

-How can I not say anything?

What sort of friend would I be if I didn't say anything?

-She's going to get a piece of my mind.

-Sam, don't! We can't prove it was her.

-Who needs proof?

-Please.

-If that warped little cow really believes

you're the kind of person

to have an affair with someone else's husband,

then she doesn't know you at all.

And I pity anyone who's stupid enough

-to fall for her sick and twisted lies!

-Sam, just leave it.

Fine, but if she comes anywhere near you, she'll have me to deal with.

Sam, don't. I can fight my own battles, you know.

So why don't you?

I love the bones of you, Danielle, I really do.

You see the best in everyone.

You're one of the nicest people I've ever met.

But it drives me mad how you allow people to trample all over you.

And I know it's only because you've been treated like a doormat in the past

and your self-esteem is shot to bits.

But only you can change that.

You've got to start taking control of your life.

Stand up for yourself for once!

MUSIC: "I Am Strong" by Polly Scattergood

# I am strong

# I am not weak

# I'm not in a place

# Where I can talk to you... #

Look, I know you and Sophie are best friends, and that's great.

I'd hate for you to fall out.

But I can't be friends with her mum any more. It's complicated.

You can still be friends at school,

but from now on you're not allowed to go to Sophie's house

or to bring her back here.

So please don't ask me...

It's because she's nuts, isn't it?

Tom, time to come in.

Five more minutes.

Actually, no, not five more minutes. Right now.

Pyjamas on, brush your teeth and straight to your room,

and don't even think about sneaking into my bed tonight, do you hear me?

# I am strong, I am not weak

# I'm not in a place where I can talk to you

# I am not hot, I am not cold

# I am not for sale

# I am sold

# I built this house It took quite long

# Sticks and stones I made it strong

# I locked it up, I gave you a key

# But you didn't come home to me... #

MOBILE RINGS

Mark, before you even start, I'm not interested in your excuses.

If you want to see your kids then I suggest you go

and see a solicitor,

because from now on you either start paying us proper maintenance

or you don't bother at all.

-Oh, and just a fiver on me lecky card please, Dal.

-Sure.

-Mm, what's on the menu today?

-Ondhwa.

What's that? I've never heard of it. Some kind of curry?

Yeah. Anything else?

No, best not. I need to keep a clear head.

I've got an appointment with a careers advisor in the morning.

Oh, yeah?

Hm. I'm thinking of becoming a professional child minder.

Ooh, get you!

Well, I'm doing it anyway. At least if I go legit,

I can start charging the proper rates.

So you're going to be a student, are you?

Well, let's face it, I already drink like one, so I'm practically halfway there.

See you, Dal.

See you.

That really does smell amazing.

I'll cook it for you one night, if you fancy.

Thanks, Dal. See you.

SCHOOL BELL RINGS

Have you been a good boy today? Yeah?

Hey, I've got some nice pizza for our tea. Would you like that?

Look, I feel awful about the other day.

It's fine.

No, it's not. I had no right to say all those things.

Forget it.

Well, for the record, I am sorry.

Well, if you feel that bad, you can always make it up to me

-at the weekend.

-Yeah, anything.

Great! How are you fixed for baby-sitting on Saturday night?

-I've got a date.

-Who with?

Oh, just some tall, dark, handsome prince

-who happens to do a very fine line in fish fingers.

-Mum! Mum!

No!

Can Bella come to tea?

Not tonight, hon.

-But...

-Mia, no!

Danielle, I don't know where these rumours have come from

but I can assure you it wasn't me.

I know you know better than to go listening

to gossip at the school gates.

You're the best friend I've ever had

and I'd feel terrible if we were going to fall out

over something petty like this.

Can we just draw a line through the past few weeks

and make a fresh start?

These are just to say sorry for any misunderstanding.

How about we go back to yours and crack this open?

What do you say?

I'd be lost without you.

-I don't even know how you've got the nerve to approach me.

-What?

I went out of my way to make you feel welcome, to be a good friend.

I trusted you. And this is how you repay me?

-Oh, don't be like that.

-After everything you've said and done,

do you really believe you can just turn up with a load of fancy gifts

and buy your way back into my life?

Well, if that's your attitude, you obviously have got something to hide.

-Oh, really, do you think?

-Yeah.

You were all over Graham like a rash from day one, and don't deny it.

I went through his mobile phone bill

and your number cropped up quite a few times.

Perhaps you'd like to explain why my husband would be calling you

just before midnight?

Possibly because I'd been dumped with your son all night

while you rushed Sophie to the hospital for no apparent reason, you cracked mare!

And Sonia, believe me, I wouldnt touch your gormless husband

with someone else's barge pole, let alone my own.

Now, I don't want you to approach me or my kids ever again.

If you so much as even look at me,

I'll get straight on the phone to the police and have you done

for harassment. So, take your flowers, your champagne, your fancy chocolates

and everything else and...

Just shove them!

Come on.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd