08/12/2015 River City

You know the code. You don't steal customers from another hairdresser.

Don't blame me, you're the one that got off his face last night.

-What's this?

-It was up on Buster's page.

-Ellie got married in Vegas, to Buster.

-She what?

I didn't know what I was doing.

How could you do this to me?

-I applied for an annulment as soon as I realised.

-Get out.

-Bob, please?

-I said get out.

-I can't believe how much a mess I've made.

-Your man'll come round.

You don't know how stubborn he can be.

-You and Zinnie?

-Stella, please, can we just talk about it?

Gonnae just shut up and go, Stevie.

So if I don't pay you enough attention,

ever-ready Eileen is waiting in the wings.

Message received and understood.

-What's happened, Stella?

-I found a lump.

-Me and my baby...

-Our baby.

We don't need you looking after us, we don't need you full stop.

If this is cancer,

then you're going to have a hell of a fight on your hands.

HE SHOUTS ALONG WITH MUSIC

# I don't want a lot for Christmas

# There is just one thing I need

# I don't care about the presents

# Underneath the Christmas tree... #

MUSIC STOPS

Cannae concentrate with that racket.

Aye, all that good will to all men's enough to give you

the pure dry boak, man.

C'mon, mate. I know what's wrong wi' you.

There's nothing wrong. If anything, it's this motor.

Third time it's come in this week.

No' Ellie then?

Nup. I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm done with women.

Ellie, Stella, Ailsa, Nicki. The list is endless.

I'm fed up with the, "This time it's going to be different."

It never is.

You say that now...

Naw. I'm serious.

You and me, we've been made to look right dunderheads.

Thanks for the reminder.

Every other day, I see Stella around.

Now it's going to be the same with Ellie.

Well, there's a lesson there - it involves doorsteps and...

Well, to hell with them. We don't need them.

We've got each other.

No offence, mate, but you're not who I imagine cuddling up to

on a cold winter's night.

Well, get a hot water bottle and get over it.

Love and romance - it doesn't exist.

But your mates, they're forever.

Eh, bro?

Yo.

HE SIGHS

MUSIC: Driving Home For Christmas by Chris Rea

It's not like Stella to be late.

She knows it's Serge's day off, right?

When she shows up, want you to let her know I've went back to the pub.

-I've got a delivery due.

-Where is she, anyway?

This is pushing it.

I've got better things to do than being worked to the bone in here.

Just let her I was looking for her, will you?

Hi, can I have another two coffees?

-Aye, just take a wee seat.

-Thanks.

A social media account? Are you having a laugh?

At my age, communication is an antidote to loneliness.

Lonely? You? Get up and mind that shop.

I've got to finish this stocktaking.

Last thing I need is you going viral on social media.

That'd be like giving a monkey a machinegun.

Less of your cheek!

Besides, this is the shop computer,

it's not here for your personal entertainment.

Like I haven't seen you playing yon Bejazzled on it.

It's Bejewelled.

That's another reason why I don't want you let loose on the internet.

'Mon, beat it!

-SHE SCREAMS

-Holy Mother!

I near had a heart attack there!

What are you doing behind here?

Sorry. I don't know what I was doing.

Is everything OK?

Aye, it's fine. I just wanted to speak to Scarlett

-but it can wait.

-Scarlett! You're wanted.

Oh, Stella. Everything all right, doll?

Aye, OK.

Ma, do you want to go through the back

and sort out the biscuit delivery we just got.

I thought you were wanting me to mind the shop?

Just want to go, Ma!

And don't touch that computer!

-SOFTLY:

-You want me to get some cover for the shop

so that we can go and talk about this?

You went to the hospital, didn't you?

Darlin', you can tell me. I've been through it.

DOOR OPENS

-Right, Ma.

-Hi.

-How's things?

Ma? Do you want to come and cover the shop for me, please?

-MUTTERING:

-In the back, out the back. Bloomin' ping pong ball.

Do you know what, Scarlett,

I'll just speak to you about it later, it's not important.

Stella, wait!

-See, what you've done now.

-What?

RINGING

HE GROANS

BEEPING AND RINGING

-LAUGHTER

-Yaaas!

Jenny, stop the noise, will you? My head's banging.

Has the post been?

KIDS CHATTER

-Has the post been?

-No.

-Missed.

-Yes! Ha-ha!

It's great having you here.

BOY LAUGHS

Can I have ice cream for breakfast?

No.

Gonnae get you this time.

The kids love having you around.

You mean you love me around to look after the kids.

And for the cooking. And the cleaning.

Come on now. It's got to be better than living cheek by jowl

with Hoddit and Doddit. Much more fun.

You call this fun? Molly's flat was...

Like a lock-in at a church social?

-Ah...

-Oh!

THEY LAUGH

-..peaceful.

-Sorry!

Any chance of getting my clothes?

I was told I needed to see a doctor before going home.

Do you know when they'll be round?

Are those my clothes?

COUGHING AND RETCHING

Oh!

How does this damn thing work?

I would like a cappuccino, please.

And I like it with that leaf shape on the foam.

And sprinkles.

Do you know how to make it?

Of course I do. The machine's playing up.

Right. We need one ordinary latte, one decaf skinny,

a mocha and a caramel macchiato. I'll get their food order.

You'd better give him a hand, son.

He's all fingers and thumbs with that thing.

LOUD HISSING

Look, there must be a fault.

Aw, dear. Broken a nail?

Where the hell is Stella? I shouldn't have to be doing this.

Especially since you're not very good at it.

So... Stella was supposed to be here this morning?

She had an appointment first thing.

She said she'd be back by 10.00.

PHONE RINGS

Robbie. This isn't a good time. You're what?

Ho! Where do you think you're going?

Stella!

What did they say?

I'm fine.

You sure?

Aye, you can relax.

You've not got a sick ex on your conscience.

You telling me the truth?

Sorry, I forgot your default was to lie.

-That's not fair.

-Life isn't fair, Stevie.

Like I said, I'm fine.

You don't look relieved.

What do you expect? I've been up half the night, haven't I?

But it's OK?

I said that, didn't I?

That's brilliant.

I need to get to my work.

Alex'll be glad to see you.

He thought he was going to have to wear your apron to help Patrick out.

You're keen. Hoping for a love letter from your hubby?

That's not even remotely funny.

Nothing interesting. Just a Christmas card for Jenny.

Aren't you going to open any of these?

You can't just ignore them.

-Caitlin, some of them are bills.

-So?

So, they need to be paid!

It's nearly Christmas time. I need my money for stuff for the kids.

But they don't just disappear because you shove them in a drawer!

2016's problem.

Anyway, you're the one that's living here for nothing.

You're not exactly improving my cash flow.

I'm still paying rent at Molly's!

Aye, and living here for hee-haw. Excuse me.

SHE SIGHS

I told you. You can't go.

A pal of mine's in hospital.

Well, then he's being looked after.

Cheers, come back soon!

I'm not paying you to play on your mobile.

Patrick!

About time! I didn't buy this place so I could be a skivvy, you know.

See, this...is not what I do.

Do you appreciate the risk I took - the opportunity I gave you -

making you the manager? You need to get a grip of yourself.

Are you even listening to me?

What?

You might want to go a bit easy on her.

Why?

I'm no gossip. But...she could be ill.

Angus. I think we've cracked it.

Bob.

Hey.

I hope you don't mind me coming to your work.

It was just...

Well, I was hoping we could have a chat?

Chat away.

SHE SIGHS

Maybe we can go for a coffee or something?

I'm busy.

-I'll leave the pair of you.

-No.

What is it you came to say?

We've got a lot of work to get on with.

What's this?

It's my lawyer's letter. About the annulment.

-Buster's not going to fight it.

-So?

So, I thought...you'd see that...

What? That marriage and commitment is meaningless to you? Job done.

No, that I'm serious.

-What about?

-You.

It was a stupid drunken mistake, I'm trying to put it right.

You went across the Atlantic to allegedly dump your boyfriend.

You ended up marrying him. That's a real sign you're serious about me.

I was wasted.

I'll go grab us some coffees.

No! You're staying. Ellie's the one that's leaving.

This doesn't change what you did.

-Bob...

-Good luck being back on the market, Ellie.

Are you all right?

Aye, how?

I was hoping to get away for half an hour.

-Are you gonnae cope?

-Why wouldn't I?

I wouldn't usually ask - it's just I've got a bit of a situation.

Just go. It's fine.

Where's he going?

He's due a break.

Look, I maybe came on a bit strong earlier.

Yeah, well, I was late. I should have let you know.

You shouldn't be doing things like this.

Listen, if you need a rest and you want me to organise it, just say.

I'm not unreasonable.

What's that supposed to mean?

Molly said you might be poorly.

-So, if there's anything I can do...

-Anything you can do?

You can stop gossiping with Molly! What is wrong with you, man?

Excuse me? You're out of order!

You don't talk to me like that, no matter what's wrong with you.

You know what? I'm done with this.

What are you doing?

You can't just leave me!

Stella!

Hey. Wait. I've just been at your flat looking for you.

Why?

I heard from the hospital. I...thought you might want to chat.

What for?

I know the diagnosis, Stella.

Look, if you want to go through your options. Clarify what...

Are you a specialist?

You going to tell me anything I don't know already?

I don't know. How about giving me a try?

-I'm busy.

-No, you're not too busy for this.

Come on.

What kind of pie's that?

This is no ordinary pie. This is a Jandhu pie.

Actually, it's not a pie at all. It's lasagne.

Is that you branching out, aye?

The one thing I have discovered over the years,

is that Annie loves her scran.

And tonight, she's not going to know what hit her.

Lucky Annie.

Well, that is exactly how I want her to feel.

A woman needs to know that she's loved.

Mate, easy on the cheese.

I should have just stayed an alkie. Life was easier that way.

This kind of diagnosis can be difficult to deal with.

Oh, is that right, aye(?)

And you have a hard decision.

Just as well me and Stevie aren't together then, isn't it?

He got out just in time,

instead of being stuck with somebody with no chest and no hair.

-Stella...

-Look, do you know what's really freaking me out?

It's the fact that I might not be able to feed my baby myself.

If I go ahead and have the mastectomy.

You're talking like you're going to go through with this pregnancy.

I know you've been told that the best

odds of survival, in this instance, is to have a termination.

It means your body can bear more aggressive treatment.

Stella.

Look at me.

I need to know that you understand what I'm saying to you.

I know that this is the hardest decision

for any pregnant woman to make. But you have to be realistic.

And there's always a possibility that you could get pregnant again.

Aw, that's all right, then.

As long as I might be able to get pregnant again,

who cares about the wean that's inside me now?

That's not what I said.

Are you honestly telling me that this is what it's come to?

With all the fancy research and fundraising that goes on -

this is it?

That I might have to lose my baby?

Well, the other option is that you go through with the pregnancy,

you have that mastectomy,

and you put off having chemo until after the baby's born.

I'll do that then.

Look, I need to be convinced that you're aware of the risk to

yourself if you do that.

If you put off having chemo then the cancer might spread.

And it could become untreatable.

You'll reduce the possibility of your own survival.

So, if I have this baby, then I might die?

Aye, OK. You've done your job. I get it.

I think you should talk to Stevie about this.

I don't want him to have anything to do with it.

It's a really difficult decision.

-You cannot do it alone.

-But I am alone.

It is what it is.

Where's the fire?

Just been to the doctor? What's the latest?

You're a pure brass neck.

I'm only showing interest.

By shouting your mouth off - to my boss - about my business.

I... Well... If I mentioned something to Alex,

it was out of concern.

Aw, aye. "Concern."

You don't give a toss about me, Molly. You never did.

I was never good enough for you or your family.

And do you know what you are?

A nosy, old witch that takes pleasure in other people's misfortune.

-That's enough.

-You kid on that you're that funny and gallus,

you even pretend that you're caring. But you're not. You're just nasty.

Yeah, to Shieldinch.

Aye. We'll be waiting outside A & E.

Right, cheers.

You could have brought joggers or something with a bit more give.

I grabbed the first thing I could find.

I thought you wanted out of here quick.

I'm not going to get anywhere fast in these, am I?

Oh, ha-ha. They're actually cutting off my circulation.

So, you going to tell me what happened then?

I told you, I spewed then blacked out.

So, what do they think's wrong with you?

Um...they don't know.

And they're letting you out? Is that wise?

Can we just go, please?

Should we not wait to hear what the doctor's got to say?

I was hammered, all right?

The last thing I remember was somebody suggesting tequilas and

then the next thing I'm waking up on a hospital trolley

with a hangover from hell.

I've already had the doctor imply I'm wasting NHS time

so right now, all I want to do is go home, get washed,

and change into some clothes that I can breathe properly in!

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

Hey, I've just come about my rent.

Oh, aye, it's due.

The thing is, I'm not actually living here.

So I can't afford to pay you rent and rent to my sister.

Are you saying that you'd rather live with Caitlin?

No, of course not. What do you think?

She's hell on wheels. But I can't come back here, can I?

Bob can barely look at me.

Surely you'd have more chance of winning him round

-if you were living here?

-Do you think so?

Oh, Molly, I cannae believe I made such a mess of things.

That's better.

Molly, are you all right?

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

If you two are in for your lunch, you'll just need to take pot luck.

I was just saying to Ellie that she can move back in

because it's daft her paying rent and not living here.

Only if that's cool with you.

Aye. Why not.

Brilliant.

It's probably about time we got our own gaff anyway, eh, Angus?

Doesn't exactly impress the ladies

when you say you stay with your gran.

So, as soon as we find somewhere, I'll let you know.

Then you can move back in.

Great. Thanks. I need to go.

I better get back to work.

-What possessed you?

-The lassie's still paying rent.

And I suppose you don't want to miss the cash.

Never mind how I feel about her hanging around the place.

Don't you get on at me!

I've just about had my fill of your exes. Shouting at me.

Humiliating me.

Ellie shouted at you?

Not Ellie.

Who then?

Gran?

Good. Going to give me us a hand with this, will you?

What's wrong with you?

Bob. He hates me.

-I know the feeling.

-Stevie!

You practising for a British Bake Off or something?

-Where's Stella?

-I don't know.

I'm not putting up with this.

I tried to be sympathetic about her health problems,

-but she just walked out in a strop.

-What?

In the mood, I'm in right now, if she doesn't come back,

she's fired. Tell her!

What's that about?

No idea.

Right, 'mon finish this off, will you?

Oh, aye! Who's got you on the warpath?

-I'm looking for Stella.

-How?

-My gran said she had a right go at her at the doctor's.

-What?

You should have seen my gran. She was trembling.

I thought only an earthquake could do that to her.

I'm having it out with Stella.

Wait. Did she say why she kicked off at her?

Who knows? But you know what, Ma?

I'm fed up of letting women take the mick.

Thinking they can get away with hurting folk and

not getting any payback. This time Stella's getting it in the neck.

Wait, wait, Bubba. Just going to leave it.

No, Ma. This is about me an' all.

-I think I know what might have happened.

-What?

Ma, you better tell me,

because when I see Stella, I'm not going to miss and hit the wall.

KNOCKING ON DOOR

But you don't know anything for sure?

I know she had an appointment at the breast clinic today.

She came looking for me, and I could see by her wee face...

I would have gone and seen her but I didn't want to be pushy.

If she's lost it with my ma, she must be in a pure state about it.

It also makes me think that it's bad news.

I need to go and check on her.

Do you want to look after the shop the now?

Tell you what. You go and speak to her.

I'm not the right person, Ma.

There's nobody else. Just go!

All right, hen.

I need to see Dr Jandhu for a few minutes.

-No, I'm sorry, she's busy.

-Come on, surely you can fit me in.

I'm sorry, I can't help.

I'm not asking a favour here, doll! This is important.

-What's going on?

-I need to speak to you.

You will not raise your voice at me.

And I won't tolerate my staff being harassed.

I know, I get it,

you think I'm some lowlife that doesn't deserve the time of day?

I'll deal with this.

Stella?

Stella! I know you're in there.

PHONE RINGS

Stella, are you drinking?

I have made it clear that I cannot break patient-doctor confidentiality.

But you can give me some indication, can't you?

You need to talk to Stella directly.

She'll not talk to me. That's why I came to you.

It's bad, isn't it?

She's got cancer and shutting me out.

Listen, I know I screwed up, all right. I know that.

But if she's sick, she needs to get help.

And I need to be involved. I'm that baby's dad.

Like I said, you need to discuss this with Stella.

-What do you think you're doing?

-You wouldn't answer.

I just wanted a wee bit of time by myself,

-is that all right with you?

-You been drinking, aye?

-Get out.

-What?!

-Get out!

What is it with you and your family, Bob?

What makes you think you've got any right to come up here

and interfere with my life?

What's wrong with you? Get a grip!

My ma sent me because she was worried about you.

-The state of you.

-I'm not drunk, am I?

You think I care? I'm just the messenger.

-Then get away from me, then!

-With pleasure.

Ho. What're you doing here?

More like what're you doing?

-You lied to me this morning.

-Oh, my God, man.

Come on, Stella.

-I love you...

-Don't you dare say that to me!

Don't you dare come to my door talking about me lying

and you caring. You know nothing!

That's enough! Calm down, will you, just calm down!

Stella, chill! You're all right. Stella. It's all right.

I hate you!

I hate myself for ever believing I could trust you.

-You should go, mate.

-Nobody asked you.

What did they say at the hospital?

If she's ill, it's my business. Not yours, all right.

Does she look like she wants you around?

-Just bolt, will you!

-No. You bolt.

MUFFLED GRUNTS

This isn't about you!

-Until you tell me what they said, I'm going nowhere.

-Yeah, you are.

I've got cancer!

I've got cancer, OK?

And I need to choose between saving myself and saving the baby.

You happy?

Stella.

-Get away from me, Stevie!

-No, please listen...

I don't want you anywhere near me, Stevie.

You heard her.

I do love you.

You know that.

And that baby's mine too.

OK, see after what you done to me, you don't get any say in the matter.

Stella, wait!

Bob, you'll need to go after her.

-Me?

-Well, she doesn't want me, does she?

I don't want here on her own. Just go.

KNOCK ON DOOR

I thought I told Gail to keep out nuisance visitors.

Ha!

You are very hot when you're sarcastic.

And you are very annoying when I am trying to work.

Look, unless you have a limb falling off or something red

and itchy you want me to look at, I have to be getting on.

I'm making you something special tonight.

And I wanted to check you're going to be home in time?

Aren't you the model husband(?)

I am trying to be, Annie.

I've got yoga.

After it, then. You'll be hungry.

OK, you think me cooking you a romantic meal is trite.

But I don't know what else to do.

What are you cooking?

Wild mushroom, aubergine and kale lasagne. With a herb salad.

As long as you've got some wine in.

Enough to dull the pain of an evening with me. Yes.

Patrick! Answer your phone.

Stella's done a runner and I'm here by myself.

I'll pay you whatever it takes. Just get back here now, OK?

Ah!

DOOR OPENS

Mmmm, that's one way to get the customers in.

Please don't make yourself decent on my account.

Can I get you something?

Latte and a yum yum.

So you're from Edinburgh, eh? Morningside.

Craiglockhart, actually.

Still Edinburgh though, so I always thought you were a bit,

you know, up yourself - but seeing you getting down and dirty...

Latte, was it?

I couldn't let you run off, on your own. In your condition.

I'm not drunk, if that's what you're thinking. I opened the bottle

-but I poured it down the sink.

-I was just worried.

I'm sorry...about your diagnosis.

When my ma got hers, it turned everything upside down.

-For everybody.

-Well she didn't face losing her baby, did she?

I'm just saying. She's wanting to help you.

-If you'll let her.

-It's funny that, isn't it?

The whole time I was with you she never even liked me.

She's probably relieved we're not together.

-You need to get that seen to.

-I'll live.

It's my fault you got hurt, isn't it?

Aye, it is.

Thanks for looking out for me back there.

I just can't believe him, man, honestly.

I can't believe he had the cheek to come up

and say how that he cares - when him and Zinnie...

Stella! I don't want to hear, all right?!

Now I'll be there for you, through the cancer, course I will,

but I don't want to get into it with you and him.

It's always the same.

Stevie screws up, I pick up the pieces.

Well, I didn't ask you to do that, did I?

No? Well, what about when Stevie couldn't cope with your ma either?

You just don't get it, do you?

You're going on about how awful Stevie is.

What do you want me to do?

He only done to you what you done to me.

-You're still angry with me?

-Tell you what.

I'll come and see you in a few years and you tell me

if you're still upset about what Stevie done to you.

-I never meant to hurt you.

-But you did.

And you're going on to Stevie, about trust, and how he abused it.

Do you not think you done the same to me?

You screwed me up, Stella. I can't trust anybody now.

-And I'm sorry that you're sick, but...

-But I deserve it?

What? No.

That's what you're saying, isn't it?

That this is punishment for what I did to you.

No. That's just stupid, Stella. I shouldn't have said what I did.

No. You're right.

What I did to you was exactly what Stevie did to me.

So now I'm paying for it.

No matter what you've done, nobody deserves to be going

through what you're going through, all right, Stella?

What the...

What happened to you?

Stevie?

Stella went for me.

Stella did this?

Why?

I'll go and get something for those scratches.

I didn't realise what I'd done to her.

It was just one moment. One stupid, drunken moment.

Aye well, we all have 'em.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I had everything I've ever wanted. Stella.

Baby on the way. And what did I do?

I should be there for her right now.

When she needs me the most.

But I'm the last one she wants.

Look, just give her time.

She'll come round.

I doubt it.

There's no danger Bob's going to put in a good word for me.

Bob? What's he got to do with it?

He was there when it all kicked off.

I told him to look after her.

How's that for irony?

Does Stella really need looking after?

Aye, she does.

Well, you can trust Bob.

So they say opposites attract. East meets West.

I don't know whether to kick you or kiss you.

There should be laws against women like that.

Oh!

BREATHILY: Needing more sugar over here, sugar.

I'm off.

Where's Michael Buble gone?

He's...got something to do.

-How are you feeling?

-Uncomfortable. I don't know how you can wear these.

Good threads. I gave you the chance to go home and get changed.

I needed to eat. I just hope nobody sees me in this get up.

Seriously? That's what you're worried about?

Maybe I need to go to a spa or something. Detoxify myself.

Clear my body of alcohol and my mind of Will.

Maybe this is the answer.

"Purifies your body, blah-blah-blah.

"Improves harmony in body and mind."

This is exactly what I'm needing.

Hot yoga? Would an early night and a can of ginger not do the same?

There's a class on tonight. Come on and chum me.

Not even if you paid me.

You want these togs back or what?

I did love you, you know.

You just loved Stevie more.

It was different.

Aye.

Cos he could give you a baby.

I didn't mean that. Not in that way.

Well, what did you mean?

If we'd had a wean...

..do you think we'd still be together?

I shouldn't have asked that.

I understand why you did.

If you hadn't met Stevie...

But I did.

So...

Was it cos I couldn't give you a wean?

Was it cos I couldn't cope with Deek dying?

I mean, I was depressed.

I was pathetic.

That must have been such a turn off for you.

It wasn't that.

Then what was it, then?

Right, OK. Aye.

I was frustrated that we couldn't have a baby.

But I would have got over it.

You just weren't well Bob.

You were grieving.

So were you.

It was different.

Then what happened to us, Stella? What was it?

Stevie.

He gets me. At least I thought he did anyway.

He understand things about me

that I don't even understand about myself.

I'm sorry.

She'd've been better off with Bob, anyway.

Really?

C'mon, compare him to me, who'd you say the safe bet was?

Exactly.

Better man by a long stretch.

So, why didn't things work out between them?

They hit a rough patch. His best pal died.

Stella tried to be there for him

but of course I came along and destroyed all that.

And what about all the others, though?

Bob and Angus are always joking about Bob's failed romances.

What else can he do?

He can't exactly greet himself to sleep every night, can he?

Can't have been that bad.

You don't want to go there, pal.

Poor Bob.

That said though, you and Stella,

everybody knows it takes two to tango.

-You can't put that all on yourself.

-Nae excuse but.

Do you know she hurt Bob so badly for me?

And what did I do in return?

-I've learned that the hard way.

-Aye. You and me both.

Is it me or is it roasting it in here?

You do know it's hot yoga.

You going to be able to cope with this?

Aye, I like it. I'm like a cat.

Oh, you are joking.

Have you done this before?

Once or twice.

No wonder there's unemployment. She's got every job going.

Come on. We'll just go.

But we're here now.

Aw, please.

Has anyone not done hot yoga before?

Do you two want to come up front?

Just watch my moves and copy.

Kneeling on the ground with knees wide apart.

With big toes together, sit back on the heels.

Inhale - lengthen up through the spine.

Come on, Robbie, down on the mat.

Exhale, stretch the arms out in front of you, palms to the ground.

Slowly lower your torso down over your legs.

Shift your weight back into your hips.

-This is stupid.

-Shh.

Commence Sama Vritti Pranayama.

Here, let me help.

Come on Robbie, relax.

Even, steady breathing helps calm the body and focus the mind.

Seriously? With you lying on top of me?

Look, if it's any consolation, I'm just as bad as you.

You let down Stella. I let down Bob.

What happened with you and Bob is nowhere near what me

and Stella are going through.

-No?

-No.

Stevie, how can you even measure something like that?

You love Stella.

And I love Bob.

I did something stupid and so did you.

And now we're both struggling to win them back. End of.

Oh, don't get all superior on me. And act like there's any difference.

Stella's got cancer.

And she's pregnant with our baby.

I think I've got a bit more on my conscience than you.

I got us a couple of fish suppers.

Oh, no, I cannae, man.

Aye, ye can. Come on.

Batter in.

Remember when we used to get fish suppers every Friday?

Aye. And you'd always had a pickle.

HE LAUGHS

I do miss it.

Aye, me too.

It's weird how when you're with somebody you're best pals.

And then when you split up you become strangers.

Aye, I know, and I want us to be pals again.

Look, Bob, what if I make the wrong decision?

You won't.

Whatever you decide is right.

What do I do?

It's not for me to say, is it?

What's the most selfish?

Know what I mean? Choosing my life over my wean's?

Or bringing a baby into this world that might not have a ma?

I've already lost a wean. I cannae do that again.

Whatever I do, it's going to be wrong.

I wish I could help.

You are helping.

I want you to be happy.

Maybe Ellie could do that.

Forgive me?

Aye.

I realise now it wasn't about me.

Well, if you can forgive me, how can you not forgive Ellie?

And you and Stevie?

No. You're a much better person than I am.

There is no me and Stevie.

Aye, there is. Or what was the point of us breaking up?

You and him, you're not over, never will be.

I know.

CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS

I can feel it working. Can you?

Four. Hold the stomach in.

Three!

I need air!

Robbie, remember Sama Vritti Pranayama.

-Will you just get to...

-HE GULPS

You all right, Robbie?

SHE SHRIEKS

-Is she OK?

-I just took her back to the flat.

Thanks.

-You should go see her.

-You saw what happened the last time.

She doesn't want anything to do with me. She made that clear.

-What about you?

-What do you think?

She's having our baby. She's sick. I want to be there for her.

You sure? She's gave you a get out.

-You think I want that?

-I don't know.

Listen, you.

I love her, all right?

She's the one shutting me out.

What? You think I want her to go through this on her own?

What can I do?

Aye. Probably best you just give up then, eh?

I still think you should get checked out at the hospital.

Really, it's unnecessary. I was just being microwaved is all.

It's always the same temperature. I'm always very careful.

I'm sure you are. Everyone else is fine.

-I could drive you there.

-No.

-It's no bother.

-No!

Why are you so against going to the hospital?

I don't appreciate my time being wasted.

If there's something I need to know...

I had a bit too much to drink last night and ended up in A & E.

Because you were drunk?

How much did you have to drink? And don't lie.

A couple of bottles of wine. Shots.

Tequila too.

So this is alcoholic poisoning.

OK. Go home.

Try and get some rest.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Non-alcoholic.

-Is that yours?

-Thanks.

So how's things going at the surgery?

I heard they'd offered you full time there.

-Aye, I bet you did.

-What?

Well, I'm sure AJ's made his feelings on the matter very clear.

No, actually, it was Molly that mentioned it.

Oh, right. Sorry.

Right, well, I hope it works out for you. Have a nice day.

Eileen...

-I'm being a cow.

-Mm-hmm.

I shouldn't have snapped.

Forget it.

No, no, no.

It's not fair, I shouldn't be taking my marital woes out on you.

Seem to be making a habit of it lately.

Are things tricky at home?

Look, I think it's admirable that you're here at all.

I mean, it shows real strength after...

What, my cheating husband moving into his ex-girlfriend's flat?

We were kids.

I know.

So I take it AJ's not happy about you working at the surgery?

Something like that.

It's ridiculous. I mean, I know he's your husband and all that...

No, no, no, it's fine.

You're preaching to the choir here on that one.

I thought he was bigger than that.

He has his moments.

I'm just surprised he's not been chewing your ear off about it.

No.

And if he had, he'd have more than his pies in the oven.

A woman after my own heart.

Listen, if you ever fancy having a good moan about weak men

and strong successful women,

there's a bottle of wine with our names on it over at my pub.

You're on.

-That's me the talk of the steamie.

-Come on, mate, it's not that bad.

Angel's going to love telling everybody

that I've got a drink problem.

Would you trust somebody that might have the shakes

with a pair of scissors next to your head?

What if she's right? What if I have got a drink problem?

That's the hangover talking.

Patrick, as a pal, I need you to be honest.

Do you think I'm an alcoholic?

Alcoholic? No.

A drama queen? A little.

'Where are you?'

Sorry. I had a load of paperwork I had to catch up on.

'Are you avoiding spending time with me?'

Course not.

I'm doing my best here, but you need to give me something back.

'When are you going to be home?'

I don't know. Soon, I hope.

All right, bye.

HE SIGHS

I hope you don't mind...

The door was open.

I need you tell me exactly what they said at the hospital.

I can't have the chemo while I'm pregnant.

The longer that I hang off

the more likely it is that the cancer will spread.

So the doctors...they want you to have a...?

A termination. Aye.

The only thing that was keeping me going was the thought

of having this baby.

Don't you dare.

You need to fight.

I want you to do whatever it takes to cure you of this.

You have to get better.

I'm not going to let you go.

Do you want to lose this baby?

I cannae choose the baby over you.

I won't choose the baby over you.

You don't have to. I do.

I've already lost a baby, Stevie.

I cannae choose to let this one die.

But what about the treatment?

You cannae just give that up.

Not if it's going to save you.

Stella, please. Just...listen to me.

You have to get better.

You've got to try.

What if this baby was the one good thing to come out of the mess

we've made of things?

You've got to fight this.

Please.

Well, it's my decision.

OK.

Maybe I don't have any right to have a say in this because I screwed up.

I know you're strong enough to put yourself through this on your own.

But it'll destroy me if you shut me out.

I want to help you get through what's ahead.

Whatever you decide.

I know it won't make up for what I've done. Nothing will.

Just...please let me try.

Please.

If it's OK with you, then,

I'm going to need to stay here a wee while longer.

OK? I'm made up.

DOORBELL RINGS

Here. Go on. Cheer up. It's nearly Christmas.

Ching!

Ellie...

Could we have a word in private?

All right.

Look, going to Vegas was insanity, I know that.

I should have been here for you and for Angus.

But getting drunk, getting married?

Just proves I'm just as stupid as my sister.

Ho!

I don't deserve you.

You were the best thing that ever happened to me and I wrecked it.

I accept that.

I just hope that we can still be friends and I won't ever...

You had me at insanity.

SHE SIGHS HAPPILY

Doesn't make it any easier, does it?

Well whatever you decide, you can still have the mastectomy.

I don't care, Stella,

what shape you are. I don't.

I just want you to be well.

We wanted this baby, Stevie.

But if...you have the baby

and then you're too sick to look after it...

Wait a wee minute.

You said you wanted to be a part of this.

The wean would have you.

-You can walk out that door right now if you want to...

-No!

I'm part of this.

Whatever I decide?

Whatever you decide.

You know...

there's always a possibility that we could...

You could have another wean.

Even if you didn't want it to be with me,

you need to concentrate on getting better just now.

Yeah, well, if I did get rid of it...

I don't think I'd be able to live with myself.

I cannae do it.

I was kidding myself even considering it.

-You need to be sure.

-Yeah, well, I am.

I'm just...

..really scared.

Come on, Eileen, it's Christmas. It's time for miracles.

Are you saying I need a miracle to get a man?

Someone's viewed your profile. Hello, early-30s entrepreneur.

It's the best we can afford.

It's not magical though, I want it to be magical.

Magic costs money.

Is it so hard for you to believe that

I might just want to spend Christmas with you?

This is the part where I say,

there's no way you're in your thirties.

Maybe you should look at my life and the way it is and change your ways.

I'm your Ghost of Christmas Future, Alex.

How can I look my kids in the eye?

The kids get it, you're the one with no grip on reality.

It's you that can't face a skint Christmas, not them.

No-one wants to break their mum's heart at Christmas.

I do. Does that make me a bad person?

-They look like last night's clothes.

-I stayed over with a friend.

Good of her to put you up. Or him.