11/04/2017 River City

When the blast went off, it was my kids I was thinking about.

-You need to stay with me until you're well enough.

-Welcome home.

You're a two-faced, spoiled cow.

It's Dad. He's super grumpy and he won't let me do anything for him.

Please will you come and look after my daddy?

I just wanted to let you all know that my dad died earlier today.

I haven't had a drink in months.

You don't care, for us, yourself. Never have done.

I won't have Ruby watching her stagger about here every

night of the week. The first sniff of a drink, she's gone.

You can call me whatever you like.

Lush, alkie, booze hound.

It's been 12 weeks and four days since my last drink.

But before the drinking got out of control, I could burn up a room.

I was fit and funny and sexy... only no-one remembers that.

That woman's gone now. And I need tomorrow to be a great day.

A new start and a new job.

You all go on about one day at a time.

And that's what I've been doing, trying,

but I need tomorrow to be a good day.

Because if it's not, well, I don't want to even think what I'll do.

POP MUSIC PLAYS

FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS

Nan - what are you doing?

I am dancing with my gorgeous grandwean.

You're all wet.

No, Ruby - I am on fire!

Right, I better get a shift on.

OK.

Erm, where you off to?

Job interview.

Aw, Nan! That's brilliant!

I'm sure to be a shoo-in for it. Ha!

Sure to be a shoo-in,

that sounds really weird when you say it out loud.

Tell your mum and your Auntie Ellie I'm away to the medical

centre for the interview.

Nurse McLean is back in town.

Right, wish me luck.

Good luck, Nan.

I feel sick.

STUTTER BEGINS TO COME BACK: I'm so...nervous.

Oh, no. What if I can't...?

Oh, Bob, I can't even speak! It's a waste of...

time.

-You need to calm down. Deep breaths.

-I can't breathe!

You'll be fine.

It's not going to...work, Bob.

-You'll be great!

-Stop it.

Look, you're amazing. They'd be mad not to take you on.

-Bob, I...

-Just give yourself a chance.

Aw, love's wee dream.

Good luck - not that you'll need it, but. Right?

Money.

That's what you asked for.

-I know.

-So what's the problem?

Wow, 18 years old!

Who would have thought somebody so young and attractive as

me would have a daughter so old?

Feels like only a week ago you had me running around as Catwoman

while you were Batgirl.

Batman.

Yeah, time flies when you're shipped off to Hogwarts.

Mine now, Frankie.

-Right, well, I hope you kept the receipt for it.

-Shut up!

Hey! Language.

I made it for you at school.

D'ye like it?

No. I love it.

-(You're the best.

-(And you're the best of the best.)

Hey, let's have a party!

No, I told you, no.

Please!

No. It's tacky.

It's your 18th.

Come on, I promise, it won't be anything too OTT,

just a few nibbles, and some disco lights...

No offence, but dancing round a bowl of onion rings with you and

Auntie Annie sounds like social Kryptonite.

Hey! Well, you clearly haven't seen my dance moves.

I can vouch for your mother, she definitely has some dance moves.

Come on. There'll be cocktails.

And we can invite a few of your school friends.

We can text Jules.

No. It's a dumb idea.

I know. Why don't we have a father and daughter day?

You serious?

Yeah, course I am.

We could go to the cinema? Or the pub.

We should go to the pub.

Frankie, your dad can barely manage the bathroom...

He's right here. He can speak for himself.

I was thinking more of a... indoorsy-type day?

Oh.

We could lie on the couch.

Binge-watch a box set.

Order your favourite takeaway.

Eat our body weight in chocolate.

Yay!

Stay in all day? Great.

Frankie, we're trying.

That's good of you. Trying.

Well, I'll let Annie know that you're up.

She's doing her best. We both are.

Well, you've missed my last three birthdays.

So there's really no point in trying to make this one memorable, is there?

Frankie. Frankie, get back in here.

DOOR SLAMS

-SHE SIGHS

-Women!

I'll get back to you at the end of the day, all right?

Maggie, can you just give me two minutes, please?

Aye, nae worries. I hope you've no' set the bar too high now, wee yin.

She was asking me questions and I was just sat there looking like...

Kermit the frog? That's a shame. You'll get used to it.

Give it a few years,

you'll be in and out of these interviews like gallus Alice.

Last of the morning - Maggie.

Keep the best till last, eh?

That's what I always do with the strawberry creams.

Good luck.

Who needs luck when you've got the face and hands of the Angel Gabriel?

Where's Alasdair got to?

I thought we could maybe go for a wee drink at lunchtime today for the...

On a weekday? Away with yourself.

I just thought it might be nice to mark...

How's Hinge and Bracket getting on today?

Any more of your cheek, Murdoch, and I'll have you across my knee.

Oh, there's a disturbing thought for this time in the morning.

By the way, Amber was looking for you, did you see her?

Unless she was levitating outside our kitchen window whilst we

were eating our boiled eggs, it's highly unlikely.

What Molly is trying to say is, no, I haven't seen her.

But you can tell her I'll be in the shop all day.

All right.

Unless you change your mind and we could have that drink?

Unless you get a shift on,

we're not going to get anything done.

You've interviewed well.

Thanks.

-Only...

-Only what?

You were struck off the register.

I was told after five years I could apply for restoration.

Yeah, well, you'll be assigned a new case officer and then your

case will be heard in front of the restoration panel.

I've been there before.

Strangers that barely know me playing judge, jury and executioner.

They'll ask you what you've been doing since you've been struck off.

Great.

And how do you feel about the incidents that led to your

name being removed from the list?

Absolutely fabulous.

And can you be sure that something similar won't happen again?

Spit it out, Doctor, what are you really talking about here?

Well, you have to demonstrate your commitment to sobriety, long-term.

I was, no, I AM a brilliant nurse.

No, I know, and I can see that from your files,

-but you were struck off for being under the influence of...

-NO. I was struck off for being caught.

All these years working, in and out of surgeries, and hospitals,

and I'd watch you doctors coming in absolutely reeking of drink.

That's not true.

What about you, Doctor?

You're in that Tall Ship every other night knocking back the vino.

Have you taken a breathalyser to see if you're "competent"?

-Are you implying that I'm...?

-No, no, I'm just saying.

It only takes one mistake, turning up for work when you

should've really phoned in sick, and then everything is taken away.

Have you got weans, Doctor?

Yes.

Well, then you should know how hard it was for

me to get my qualifications.

I was poring over textbooks for years,

with one of my kids at my chest, taking double shifts and

overtime, unpaid, so that the bosses would like me,

nursing strangers rather than my own two, and then one night, one stupid

night, I have one drink too many - and everything's just written off.

That's not true, is it, Maggie? It was more than just one night.

So am I getting this job or not?

That's what I thought.

You might as well put that in the bin.

-Maggie! Please.

-Aw, just save your breath!

Oh, look out, Nurse Jackie's on the warpath.

Doctor, fetch the laughing gas.

What's that supposed to mean?

It was a joke.

-You calling me a joke?

-No! I was...

Because the only clown I see around here is standing in front of me.

Maggie! I was trying to...

You keep your paws to yourself, Peter Galloway.

Maggie. Don't get your engine all fired up, not in your condition.

And what condition is that?

You don't want to be getting all het up,

might make you want to have a D-R-I-N-K.

The only thing I want right now is a J-O-B. You understand?

So, unless you have any idea of how or where I get one,

I would move out my way.

Amber Cabs!

I could speak to Lenny. Put in a good word.

They're always looking for drivers, you being a woman might help,

you know?

And what about a woman with two drink-driving convictions?

Do you think he'd go for that?

No. Didn't think so.

Caitlin. You better get yourself down here, right now.

That's nice.

Bin.

But it's still got the tag on it!

You could spit peas through it. Cheap tat.

But that's what we sell - second-hand tat.

How dare you!

This is a quality establishment, I won't have you speaking about it

as though it was some kind of stupid wee junk shop.

And how dare you?

I wouldn't be seen in a stupid wee junk shop.

Might I suggest a few sips of tea to help calm you lovely ladies?

And might I suggest keeping your snout in your own back yard?

Oh, the menopause is really taking its toll this morning, isn't it?

There's no milk in that.

No, we've run out. I meant to get some.

But you didn't. Never mind, I'll go and get it.

It's gorgeous!

It must've cost you a fortune.

Yeah, it'll be cheesy beenos for the rest of the year now.

-It's lovely.

-And it's just my taste. You know me so well.

Right, are you ready?

Ready for what?

For a day of fun with the birthday girl.

Go on. Go and get ready.

Day of fun?

Yeah. Well, I've managed to negotiate three tours of Syria.

I think I can manage an all-day breakfast down the Oyster.

Do you think that's a good idea, Greig?

No offence, Annie, but I don't think you're the right person to be

giving out parental advice.

Thanks for that, it was actually medical advice I was giving you.

OK, look, if we're going to go out and have

a fun day, I need some time to get Katie ready.

No, I just thought it'd be me and Frankie.

Oh.

It's just, I think I need this.

I've missed out on too much.

A little bit of father and daughter time will...

Push Lorna further out the picture. Yeah, it will.

That's not what's going on here.

Have you not seen the way she looks at me?

She hates me.

Look, she doesn't hate you.

She's a teenager. She hates everyone.

She's just not happy at the minute, and she listens to me.

Yeah, when you're there.

I think we both know why there's no party - because there's nobody to invite.

Let me just take her out, talk to her and find out what's up with her.

Fine. But you better have her back for tea-time

because I've got Robbie coming over for a cocktail masterclass.

You're not the only one with surprises up your sleeve.

DOORBELL RINGS

We expecting anyone?

See, if you keep scowling like that you're going to end up needing Botox.

OK. One Alex Murdoch, ready for duty.

Duty? What's going on?

Right, we ready? See you later.

-You couldn't help yourself, could you?

-Go easy on her.

This is me going easy.

I'm surprised you're willing to lose your licence, serving her this early in the day.

Sorry, what's this all about?

I think my lassies have just come over to congratulate

me on my new job.

Your what?

-You're working here?

-No.

I'm a new art installation - Woman With A Bottle of Furniture Polish.

What do you think?

I thought you were cutting back on staff.

To keep my job I had to jump over obstacles like I was on The Krypton Factor.

You're getting off the point a bit, Caitlin.

You couldnae be a cleaner!

You should've seen the state of her skirting boards before I moved into that house!

What's that supposed to mean?

I'll just let you get on with it, shall I?

What happened with the surgery?

Appears that second chances don't apply to the medical profession.

Mum, are you sure you're ready for this? Working in a pub?

Ellie, if I wanted a drink, I could get it like that.

Here's no different from anywhere else.

No. No way.

She's got a point, Caitlin.

Lassies, this is not up for discussion.

Now, if you don't mind, I have a lavvie that's not seen

the remarkable shine effect of the McLean Elbow Grease System.

-Mummy?

-What?

I'm really proud of you. We both are.

-Eh, Caitlin?

-So long as she doesn't start tipping her mouth under the optics, aye.

I'm delighted.

What? I'm just being honest.

Heaven forbid that you try and be supportive.

You can't help yourself, can you? All she wants is our support.

No, Ellie. All she wants is a drink.

Well, it's safe to say we've helped her there.

I'm wasting my time here.

Where you going?

To bury my head in some books. You can look after her for a change.

DOOR OPENS

Oh, you shouldn't have bothered, hen.

But for future reference, I prefer white roses.

They're for Liz.

It's not her birthday, is it?

Ladies of our age don't have birthdays, Alasdair.

We have anniversaries of our 40th birthday. No - it's not her...

Can you take them for her?

Oh, no.

I just wanted to let her know I was thinking of her.

What is it?

It's been a year - since we buried Malcolm.

You'd have thought you would have remembered that, Alasdair.

-I'll be sure to get them to her.

-Thanks.

What are you doing?

Putting these in water.

Mind you, they'd last longer if we had some lemonade to add to the vase.

Never mind that, Monty Don, we have other things to be getting on with.

Like what?

I could get used to this.

Well, if it's going to become a regular thing, you better start cutting back on the pies, mate.

Aye, all right.

Give us a smile?

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

Enjoy.

BAD FRENCH ACCENT: Maydam and maysure - your teeble aweets.

AJ, you sound like the meercat advert.

That ees what I'm ehming fur.

Did you do all this?

It's only once that you turn 18, eh?

Cheers, AJ.

# Happy birthday to you

# Happy birthday to you... #

Blow out your candle.

If this is too much for you, you just need to say.

It's all right, I've got my minder with me.

CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS

Sit down.

-Do you want anything?

-No.

Coffee? Tea? Me?

Oh, no, are you at it again?

-What?

-Have you taken your medication?

Course I have.

Well, what are you doing, then?

It's my turn.

Sorry.

Hey, hey. What's the matter?

I don't know. I feel stupid.

Aw, darlin'.

Gonnae take that off? You look like Mrs Doubtfire.

And the gloves.

Anything else?

No.

Come here.

You were right. She was in the pub.

I shouldn't have phoned you.

But when I saw her going in, I didn't know what to do.

She's not drunk, it's worse.

Worse?

She's working there.

Well, how's that worse? Surely, it's a good sign.

No, Pete. Getting a job in a pub.

She's surrounding herself with temptation.

She'll slip up one day and drink that place dry.

Make a clown of herself.

-She might not.

-She will, you know she will. She cannae help herself.

Look, Maggie and me are not exactly bosom buddies.

But even I can see she's trying to sort her life out.

You're not getting this. I've seen this before.

She'll say she's fine,

she's got her new job, and she'll think she's coping all right.

And then it'll get too much for her. And the worst part is the hope.

The hope that she's actually all right, it kills me.

Because no matter how much I want everything to be all right,

I know she's going to hit that bottle again.

How many chances have you given me?

Too many.

Do you not think that maybe she deserves the same?

What's Ellie saying to all this?

The usual. "Gie ma maw a chance."

-I've told her she can deal with it for a change.

-Good.

She tells lies for her.

She doesn't mean to.

Aye, she does. But I don't blame her.

I used to do the same myself.

But I'm finished with that.

I mean, one foot wrong, one drink,

I'm putting her out. I mean it.

You hosting a Come Dine With Me or something?

Wee lunch with Ellie to celebrate my new job at the Tall Ship.

Oh, here, I've got the very thing.

Cut-doon price. Ten quid. And it's none of your rubbish, neither.

Nothing says celebration like a wee bottle of bubbles.

Och, I'm not even sure if Ellie likes that stuff.

Are you kidding me? If it's fizzing, you're winning.

It's a wee bit early in the day for it.

Early for what? Enjoying yourself with your lassies?

See, if my Kelly-Marie was here, I'd be flipping that closed sign,

we'd be rattling through a crate of that right now.

Aye, you never appreciate how long you've got your weans around you, do you?

Aye. I missed the bones of mine when I was in Spain.

All the more reason to spoil them rotten the now, eh?

What do you say? Cheeky wee bottle?

-Maybe another time.

-Suit yourself.

Right... Oh.

So, she looks down at me, with this exam paper in her hand,

which was a total joke to begin with, and she says to me,

"Francesca. Do you know what this is?"

That's scarily good.

I know. "Francesca, do you know what this is?"

And I say, "Your hand?"

And she says, "No, Francesca, this is your future.

"And do you know what your future looks like?"

And I say, "Sweaty and covered in liver spots?"

Exactly. Thank you. It is funny.

No, that is funny.

Yet Mum threw a total whitey when they phoned her up to tell her.

Yeah, but she's your mum, she worries about you.

No, she worries how she looks.

Frankie, that's not the way...

-I've been trying to phone you all morning.

-Why?

You made it perfectly clear that - what was the phrase? -

you don't want to be within a hundred feet of

me else you'll rip your nails down my face.

I never chose to be your lab partner but if we're both to pass I

need you to send me your results.

There. Sent. Bye.

Why didn't you send it last night when you were supposed to?

Because I was busy. Like I am now.

Bye.

So, anyway, I was standing there like a...

Why did you just do that?

Do what?

Speak to her like that.

You sit here with me and you're funny, you're smart...

..you're a kind girl, Frankie.

Why don't you let people like Jules see who you really are?

Or your mum, for that matter?

-I do.

-No, you don't.

Maybe... you're the only one I like.

I'm being serious, Frankie. I just don't get what the issue is.

Right, what's next?

We could phone a taxi - go into town, there's that new film on at

the Imax.

Yeah, well, look, I'm not quite so sure that town is a good idea.

It's just your mum and Ellie, they've got me on such

a short leash as it is.

Anyway, I don't know about you, but I think it is time

that you had your first alcoholic drink.

What do you reckon?

I reckon it's not my first.

I reckon you shouldn't let your mother hear you say that.

I know what I want to do.

All right, slow down, come on...

Something, something...

DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES

Is that you, Ellie?

Just me, Nan, need to get my travelcard.

Stay for lunch with your Auntie Ellie and I.

What is it?

I've always been a dab hand at a la carte.

I think I'll just go to the chippie.

Oh, you cheeky!

Nan, something's spilled all over...

Uch, it's all right, I'll get it!

Uch, you put the bottle in the wrong way.

I... I come here occasionally...

I find it a spot that helps me to contemplate.

It's a good spot to die of hypothermia.

I'm not in the mood today, Molly.

You've had me and Alasdair worried sick.

Out for a pint of milk, never to return.

Mind you, my Brian was the same, of course, he was always at the pub.

You're like ice.

I don't care.

But you should care. Malcolm would.

You remembered?

Of course I dinnae.

If I remembered every time Tom, Dick or Harry passed away,

I'd never have my funeral frock off.

Aye, but he wasn't just any old Tom, Dick or Harry.

I know!

Come on. Let's get you...

Listen, I said I wasn't in the mood to work today.

Work? Who said anything about going back to work?

No, you're all right, thanks.

I'm not eating an ice lolly in this weather.

I like it. Do you remember when we went to Skye?

How could I forget?

It was as cold as a brass monkey's...

You and me sat on the beach and ate...

Ice lollies. Yeah, I remember.

Mum complaining it was too cold. As always.

She sat in the teashop, left us to it.

That's not exactly how it was, Frankie.

You wanted to go and play down on the sand.

She couldn't manage with the pram so she let us go down instead.

What about when we visited Gran in Ballymena? All she did was whinge.

She was just out of hospital with your sister.

She'd just had a C section.

She was in a lot of pain.

-Frankie, you seem to be painting your mother as some sort of...

-Do you love her?

Course I do.

Why?

Frankie, what's this all about?

I'm just trying to figure out why you keep leaving.

I didn't leave, I was fighting for my...

Your country, right. Not for us, though, eh, Dad?

Oh, I don't blame you, don't worry.

I can hardly bear to be in the same house as her, either.

-Frankie, have a seat. Come on...

-Come on, time for my birthday drink.

Hold up.

I'm not blowing my own trumpet, but Delia would kill to cook with me.

It's nice.

Don't patronise me, Ellie.

If you don't like it, I'd rather you be honest and say.

I do. It's fine.

Fine?

It's lovely. Delicious.

Told you.

So... How was your first day?

Good, actually.

Suzie wants me to go back over after lunch,

and have a wee chat about my trial.

I'm telling you, you will not get a cleaner toilet than...

What is it, wee yin?

Nothing.

Mum, we've never spoken about what happened in Spain.

What about it?

When you were working in the pub.

We both agreed that we wouldn't mention that wee blip.

It was more than a blip, Mum, eh? You know that.

This was supposed to be my fresh start. No judgment. Your words.

Or was that just all rubbish,

said to make me give up my life over there?

No, of course not.

You've always looked out for me. And I'm thankful for it.

-You know that, don't you?

-Uh-huh.

You do believe I can quit the drink, don't you?

Aye, course I do.

Good girl.

Right. I better get over before Rula Lenska takes an Annie Laurie.

Coming through.

Oh, easy.

Ooh. You want to watch where you're going?

-Sorry.

-Slow down, Frankie.

Does it not bother you?

-What?

-Them, all staring.

Since when have we been bothered by a wee bit of attention?

It happens to Katie all the time and now you.

Yeah. And do you hear her complaining about it?

No, but I hate it.

Anyway, I can tell what they're saying.

What?

They taught me how to lip-read in the Army.

-Shut up.

-They did.

See the big fella over there at the bar, he's saying,

"What's such a hot buck of a man doing with such a sour-faced Sue?"

Do you want this drink or not?

I'll go.

No, no. No, I've waited 18 years to buy my girl a drink.

This one's on me. What do you fancy?

Gin and fresh orange.

Gin? That never ends well.

Sorry.

Ellie, will you do us a wee favour - go to the bar and get us

a couple of drinks?

-Get us a gin and orange and a pint, please?

-I'm in a hurry.

-And anyway, you shouldn't be drinking on your medication.

-It's only one pint.

It's one pint too many.

Please.

OK. But you didn't get it from me.

It'll be our little secret.

There's been a lot of those today.

I thought we were going for a drink?

We are.

So, why are we here, then?

Because I wanted you to see something.

It was Alasdair's idea. Declare it a national holiday.

Malcolm Memorial Day.

Aw, he would love that.

Aye. It felt right.

Malcolm always did like a wee swally in the Ship.

Where's my mum?

She's in the cellar.

Listen, she can't work here.

-Why not?

-It's the wrong place, she's not right for it.

I see what's going on here.

You're ashamed that she's a cleaner.

No, no, it's not that.

Of course it is, and quite frankly the condescension is

stomach churning.

Your mother is a very...

She's an alcoholic.

And I think she's drinking again.

And you think she'd do that by choosing to work in a pub?

How can she ever be expected to improve when you are all

planning for her to fail?

Because she's done it before! In Spain.

Working in a pub.

Oh.

She used to send me messages, you know.

"Two weeks and not a drop, aren't I doing well, wee yin?"

Eight weeks. 15. 26. 31 weeks. Same message.

And then, I get the call, at Christmas.

When I got to the hospital out there...

I could tell just by looking at her.

All those texts - lies. She hadn't stopped.

She'd just got better at hiding it.

The doctors reckoned she was half a bottle away from drinking herself to death.

Caitlin never mentioned this.

I never told Caitlin.

She has the right to know.

I've had this two or three times to deal with.

Caitlin's been dealing with this her whole life.

You can't expect Maggie to sit in the house all day doing nothing.

Boredom's what drives people to drink.

Inactivity. With a job, she has purpose.

No. She's got access.

I'll keep an eye on her, Ellie.

It won't be enough. Look, I could smell drink in the house today.

You should try trusting her. I do.

To Malcolm.

-Malcolm.

-Malcolm.

Oh, ho, ho, ho. That'll put hairs on your chest.

Are you all right, Dad?

Aye, I'm all right.

What?

Nothing, it's just... I never really thought about the...you know.

What?

The toilet.

Oh. Right. Do you want me to go and get Ellie?

No, no, I'll be fine, we'll finish these and then we'll head on, yeah?

Are you sure you're all right, drinking that? A full pint?

Glad you find it funny.

TEXT ALERT

What's up?

It's Jules! She's at the close.

Well, if she wants a fight, she can have one.

What? Frankie...hold on a second. Frankie!

Frankie!

-Excuse me, mate? Will you give us a wee hand, please?

-Aye, no problem.

Take that.

Go on, yep, yep.

Cheers.

-That's you.

-Yep.

Come on, then, boss. Put me out my misery.

Same time tomorrow?

Same time tomorrow.

You know, I don't care what the rest of them around here say about

you, as far as I'm concerned, you are a diamond of a doll.

What do they say? Oh, never mind. And here.

What's that for?

-For today. Go buy yourself something nice with it.

-Aw, thanks.

-Right, come on, then.

-That e-mail was blank.

I won't do your work for you, Frankie.

Are you still going on about this boring science test?

-You said you would.

-You said we were mates and look how that worked out.

Because you slept with Drew!

I did you a favour!

No, Frankie, you filmed it.

It was the only way I knew you'd believe me.

Drew was using you and you were too doe-eyed and loved up to see it.

-Don't you care about failing?

-No, not really.

We can't all be Little Miss Perfect with top grades.

Guess you're going to have to tell Mumsy and Dadsy that

you're a let-down like the rest of us.

It's nice to see so many people have turned up for Malcolm, eh?

And for Liz.

Cash up front?

The auld witch wouldn't sub me last week when I asked.

I better go, right.

You should try and get on the boss's good side.

And not calling her a witch might be a good start, too.

Maggie. A word, please.

-I was just going to...

-Now.

You don't know anything about me or my family.

Perfect? There's nothing perfect about my life.

You think you've got it hard because Mummy and you don't see eye to eye?

Big deal! At least you've got a mum and a dad.

Aw. Do you need a little tissue there, Jules?

You have no idea what it's like for me.

-You and Drew were the only two things I thought I could count on.

-That was stupid of you, wasn't it?

You ruin everything, Frankie. Me and Drew. Me and you.

Your dad came home for Christmas and what did you do?

Push him away, and look how that turned out.

-He's like that because of you.

-Hoi, you two.

Thanks, mate. Quit it, I said that is enough!

See, if I could, I would bang the pair of your thick skulls together.

Francesca Louise, as God is my witness, I would have dragged you up

them stairs by the scruff of your neck and straight into your room.

But lucky for you, I can't. Well, can I?

Can I?

I won't beat about the bush, there was a presentation bottle of malt

whisky given to me by the brewers, as a thank you, worth almost £200.

Oh, I saw it. It's on the living room table.

The box is there, but the bottle has gone.

So, you thought you'd ask Shieldinch's resident drunk

if she'd half-inched it?

I'm only trying to ascertain...

Ascertain?

Listen to the Queen of Sheba.

Mouth filled up with the Oxford Dictionary.

Yet not an ounce of sense in her heid. Are you calling me...?

She might be a drunk but my mother's no thief.

That's for sure.

Then you won't mind my searching your bag?

You're not searching nothing. I...

Search away. She's nothing to hide.

Nothing indeed.

I didn't put that there!

Aye, right.

I swear.

Save it.

You've got this wrong.

I doubt it.

Frankie - have you done the work for the assessment?

Dad, I don't see how this is...

A simple yes or no, please?

Yes.

Right, well, then, e-mail it to her.

Now!

Is that it sent?

Why do you keep playing these stupid games, Frankie?

And as for you, you're just as bad as each other.

Sorry. I was upset.

Fortunately for you, I'm a very forgiving man. It's in my nature.

I can't help it.

I accept your apology, but you're going to do me a favour.

-OK?

-OK.

Good. Tonight, our house at seven o'clock,

-we're having a few people round for some birthday cocktails.

-Wha...?

As far as I can see it, Frankie could do with a friend

and so could you.

Now go on, get out of my sight until tonight.

You...

Not a word, Frankie, please. Not a word.

Someone put that bottle in my bag.

No, Mum. You've been found out.

And now you're chucked out.

All these dramatics over one bottle of whisky that I didn't even take!

Well, fine. I'll go.

I know where I'm not wanted.

Did you ever think for one minute why I do drink, Caitlin?

Have you ever given it any thought, what drove me to it?

Please don't do this, big yin.

I need you.

I cannae do this on my own.

We'll get through this. You can't deny that you haven't missed me.

You moving to Spain was the best thing that ever happened to

this family.

I told myself you were dead.

Drank yourself to oblivion.

Cos that way I could sleep easier at night.

Well, you'll not have to pretend any more, will you?

Alex is on his way.

Dad? Dad?

Will you speak to me? Please?

I just wanted to go for a quiet drink, that was all - but you

couldn't do it, could you? You had to create all this carnage.

All you had to do was send that stuff to Jules but you

-deliberately didn't, just to wind her up.

-Dad, it's...

-It's just what?

It's fun. It's a laugh.

It's not fun. It's vindictive, Frankie.

I thought me and your mother brought you up to be better than that.

She didn't bring me up at all.

She shipped me off to boarding school in the middle of nowhere and forgot about me.

Have you any idea how expensive boarding school is?

You got it paid for you! I was like a freebie.

A work perk. Yay. No Frankie cluttering up the house.

I chose to stay in the Army for you, to give you a head start,

-to give you the opportunities that I never had.

-Yeah.

And she was only too quick to pack my case and shove

me out the door while she ran off skipping, law books in hand.

Your mother's an intelligent woman,

you just want her to throw it all down the drain?

She was happy to for Katie.

Frankie, that was different. She had her qualifications by then.

I just thought that it would be easier - not easier,

that it would be better for us all if you went to boarding school.

It was your idea?

We were practically babies ourselves.

I didn't want us to mess you up.

Well, that didn't happen, did it?

Frankie, me and your mother, we love you.

Yeah, you just don't like me.

That's not true.

Look, I was forever running away and hope that your mother would

clear up the mess that I left behind.

Maybe we're not that different after all?

Like father like daughter.

Let's just try and see if we can get through this, yeah?

Come here.

Now, if Alex doesn't hurry up,

I'm going to be flooding this close soon.

Suzie! Suzie, please, please.

I know how it looks.

But I swear on my lassies' life I didn't take that bottle.

So, how did it end up in your bag?

Someone put it there. I don't know.

You can do better than that.

I know how it sounds, but I didn't...

Margaret. You need help!

I don't need help. I need a chance.

I need someone to believe me!

Yes, well, I'm afraid you've already had that from me.

All right there, Maggie May?

Aye, I'm fine.

I'm just checking to see if the mascara's actually waterproof.

What do you think, Sherlock?

A fight with Caitlin?

Do you think I'm going to really jump you for your out-of-date booze?

It's not out of...

Typical.

Do you want a wee cup of tea, Maggie?

One cup. I might just stretch to a wee chocolate biscuit.

Fine.

Just don't give me any of that herbal crap.

OK.

You all right?

Aye... No...

Do you think it's OK to do a bad thing even if it's for

the right reasons?

Why? Have you been cooking meth over at number 13?

Look, if you're doing something that you know is bad then there's

never a right reason for it.

Unless you mean that time me and Pete slashed Alex's tyres.

Cos that was a good thing for a good reason.

What've I done?

Well, I'll not know unless you tell me.

I didn't think it through. I just - I'm sure if I just...

AJ, what if you're the one that's done the bad thing?

How'd you make it better?

Say sorry.

Or, in my case, say nothing and hope that Alex doesn't find out.

Better get back to work, eh?

No, I need to go.

-Can it not wait?

-I can't. I need to sort something.

Sorry.

My mate says it's a shame you hadn't fastened up your zip,

wee man.

You were always a daft sod.

Do you want a refill?

No, I'm fine.

So, are you going to the meetings, then?

That's my business.

See, in the hospital, I liked all that. The talking.

Hospital? Don't you mean the loonie bin?

This is nice, isn't it?

What? Tea? Aye, who'd have thunk it?

No. Us. Not fighting.

You know, Caitlin said she would rather I was dead.

I'll have a word with her.

And I put in a good word for you at Amber Cabs, desk job.

Stop being nice tae me, Pete. You'll get me going again.

You've got a lot going for you, Maggie.

You're still a fine-looking woman.

Oh. Oh, now I see what this is all about.

You get me round here playing at the pal.

And all the time you're playing me.

No. You've got it wrong.

Paws off.

Maggie. Don't be like that.

You've got the wrong end of the stick.

Aye, right! Course you're going to fire in.

I've got a pulse.

No... Maggie! No, Maggie.

I'm not... I'm not gonnae fire into you. I'm not!

DOOR SLAMS

I can't believe how many people have shown up.

He was a very well-liked man, Liz.

-And you're a good friend, Molly.

-I know.

-There's one behind the bar for you, Liz. God rest him.

-Thank you, dear.

Suzie, where's my mum?

Stealing I can cope with, almost understand, but the lying.

No.

The whisky, you found it, didn't you, in her bag?

How did you know it was in her bag?

Ellie, what have you done?

You and Caitlin were pretending everything was OK,

and it wasn't, so I... I...

What did you do?

Oh, you idiot!

I was only trying to help.

And anyway, you know the truth now so, no damage done, eh?

I saw her only ten minutes ago out in the street with a suitcase.

Oh!

Thanks very much, darling. You call back now.

-STUTTERING:

-Bottle of vodka, please?

-What size?

-The big one. A litre.

-Anything else? Champagne's still going cheap.

-No.

All right.

That's 16.50, doll.

Thanking you.

50 change, darling. Thanks.

-Where's Mum?

-Out.

Out where?

I told you, first sign she was back on the booze, out.

What is it?

It wasn't her, it was me.

I thought Suzie would just sack her and she'd find a job somewhere else.

So she never stole?

-Why would you do that?

-Well, somebody had to do something!

Dry your eyes. Move. Now! Come on!

Scarlett, have you seen my mum?

She was here, I don't know, about 20 minutes ago.

What'd she buy?

Well, she didn't buy the champagne anyway. It was a pure bargain.

-Thank God.

-She bought a bottle of voddy, but.

-Thanks.

-Mum...

-Come on!

What's the point?

If you start greeting, I'm going to slap you. Move!

Have you seen my ma?

Aye. She didn't look happy.

Pete, come on, we need to find her.

Think, is there anywhere she would go?

If she needed a drink she'd...

She's got the drink, all she needs now is a place to drink it!

-Maybe it's not a drink she's needing.

-Of course it is.

Open your eyes, you might find her.

Wait, Pete...

I've been sober for 12 weeks and five days.

And, today...

..today...

I needed this.

I've had this bottle for the last half-hour.

I haven't drank it...yet.

But I know if I do, for a few minutes I'll feel happy.

But it'll not last.

I'm 54 years old and I'm sad and pathetic...

..and I'm a terrible mother and I'm...

I'm lonely.

And I'm a failure...

at everything.

Except today.

With this I managed to...

Well, I didn't drink this, and I could've, but I didn't.

So, today, there was something I didn't fail at.

'And that's a start...

'..because if I can manage to get through today...

'..and still not drink...

'..then maybe I'll get through another day sober.

'Maybe I'll get to 12 weeks and six days.

'And then...

'Well, wouldn't it be something...

'..if I didn't have to count any more?'

'And I really think that this time I can do it.

'For my lassies, you know?

'Because I need to do right by them.'

Come on.

Mum, I put that whisky in your bag. I'm really sorry.

-I didn't mean it.

-It's OK.

I didn't want it happening again.

I'm sorry.

Don't go jumping to conclusions.

You don't know anything about this girl.

I know what I saw, Alex.

I run a nightclub, not a refuge.

If I interfere, do you know the grief that could bring us?

It would be a big loss of income to me if you're going to be a killjoy.

It would appear I am a single woman again.

Have a celebration. Invite some fellow divorcees.

Taking you back, that's my sister's biggest mistake.

What's going on?

I heard her, she was, like, really in his face.

What have you been saying to Greig behind my back?