Original subtitles

Mummy!

Mummy!

Lilah, come on!

The number one single, and it was

'This Ain't A Love Song'

and that would've scored you 30 points.

It's not 'I Ain't Gonna Go For It',

it's 'I Ain't Gonna Stand For It' by Stevie Wonder.

Scored you 9.

The Jimmy nail one?

Hey, Ells.

How was it?

What?

The walk?

Yeah, it was alright.

So where'd you get to?

Found a café. Had a coffee.

Oh yeah? Which one?

I dunno.

Right.

Fancy a hot choc?

I'm ok.

Can I go? To my room?

Yeah, go where you want, go where you want.

Well...

You piece of shit.

I'll make you one anyway.

Come on!

Ella.

Ella?

Were you alright in here last night?

Yeah.

You didn't go and sit in that park?

- No. - Really?

No.

Good.

Sorry my shit's all over the place.

Oh, that's alright. I'll- I'll cope.

Ok. Sorry.

Did you bring a hairdryer?

Don't use one.

No, only Terry next door said his Fran's got

a free travel one.

- Good old Fran. - Don't do that.

- Do what? - That. Don't do it.

Be derisive, you know?

I know you're aggrieved.

I'll um...

I'll finish the drinks.

I didn't want to go to his funeral

because he's never shown any interest in me.

We had all those years to get in touch and he never did.

And I know it's not about him, it's about me,

and I didn't go, and I'm alright with it.

But what I did do is come to a meeting, and call people.

Share about it.

TV Presenter:

...and I can't bear it, Tracy and Peter!

It's just dawned on me, this is where we say goodbye to you.

Thank you for coming to play, I'm sorry we're sending you home

without the trophy - - but it's been lovely having you here.

Tracy and Peter!

Well, for the remaining three pairs,

it's now time for round two.

There we are, thank you very much indeed. That brings--

Wake up, my angel!

Wake up! Come on!

Ella! Ella!

What you doing? Get outta there!

Oh shut the fuck up!

Ells?

Ella?

I know you've come in, love.

I'm tired, Dad.

I just...

We'll speak in the morning.

How'd the meeting go?

Good morning.

I got a nice cup of tea here for you.

It's a bit burny-fingers.

So, you could get to that meeting at 10,

you know, try and talk to Fiona.

Let's get straight. Come on, now.

Did you go to the meeting?

Oh fucking hell, Dad, wade straight in!

Did you? Did you see Fiona?

Fuck Fiona!

- Ella! - Yes, I went!

So you go to the meeting at 10.

You know, I think it's very important

that you meet with Fiona.

Could you stop saying "Fiona" every five seconds?

I talked to her for two minutes and I took her number!

I'm not going to get my kids back

if I sit around in cafés with alcoholics!

Do you mean that?

No.

Alright.

Ella?

Hello.

Hi.

Your hands are so small!

You should really be wearing gloves.

Hello.

I'm Neil.

Are you gonna shake my hand?

Oh. Cheese Puffs.

Sorry. Should have wiped.

Too late now.

- I don't... - I don't either.

Do I look like trouble?

You sometimes stay until six.

- What did you say? - Yeah, yeah.

- Five or six. - What?

Well.. you stay until all the mums have gone.

I sat next to you before, but you didn't see me.

And it didn't feel right to talk to you then.

It does now?

It does now.

- I... - I'm not a nut.

- I could walk you home. - What? No!

Actually, yeah, I suppose that would seem

a bit nutty to you-

-offering to walk you home.

Look... I'm not gonna punch you in the head.

What?! Saw it in the news the other day.

This man just punched this woman in the back of the head,

then ran off.

They say there's a one-armed pedo hanging

around here - just a heads up!

You look really sad.

I wanna help.

You're just a kid.

I should go.

I'm almost 14 and I'm taller than you.

I'm 40.

And I can walk home.

Did something bad happen?

You can't...

say that.

Why? No-one's honest or caring.

I mean, people punch people in the back of the head

and squeeze onto a bus like it's a fight to the death.

Well, I care.

You seem nice.

I'm not. See ya.

I hope so.

What's your name?

Ella.

What are you after?

Dunno. Just fancied something.

Well there's some biscuits up there.

I'm not arsed about biscuits.

Hmm.

Why would you bother with biscuits when there's chocolate?

You want some?

What's happened?

What?

Well, you seem different.

No, you do, you seem different.

In a good way.

Have you heard about the one-armed pedo?

I'm really not very comfortable

with paedophile jokes, Ella.

What? Oh, no, Jesus!

Dad, it's not a joke.

What?

Who's that?

Who is it?

Shit!

Let's just pretend we're not here.

I can't. I waved.

Oh, well, if you waved! They can't just turn up! It'll be alright, it'll be alright!

Hello, Joseph. Nice to see you. Come in.

Hello.

She not coming in?

Oh, no, just a quick one.

- Look who's here, Ella! - Jesus, Dad.

- Hey El. - Hey.

Where are the girls?

Oh, it's, er,

- Street Dance Thursdays. - Hmm.

Right.

What do you want?

I'll make us a cup of tea, eh?

No, Dad, you don't have to leave the room.

No, I'll leave you to it.

Bethan not coming in?

She's happy in the car.

I'll get it!

Not happy in the car, then?

- Hi. - Hello, Bethan. Come in.

Thank you.

How you doing?

Yeah, I'm alright.

What is it you want, Joe? Couldn't you have phoned?

It's not to interrogate you, Ella.

It's just.. to see how you are.

Oh!

Is that what it is?

Go on then.

We wanna take the girls to the Lakes for half-term.

- October half-term? - Yeah.

Right, but you said I could have them here

for a couple of days.

Hello, Bethan.

Yes. Sorry. Hello.

Um- I think we probably should have just phoned.

He said you want to take the girls for all of half-term,

but you can't. That's not what we agreed.

- I'll make us a brew. - No, Dad, don't pretend.

- Oh, here it comes. - No, it doesn't "come",

I don't see my children.

Well that's not our fault.

I'm sorry, but it's not.

You know I think, considering,

you've seen them more than enough.

- Do you? - Yes!

You can't just have my kids and pretend I'm not here.

And you can't decide to be a mother when it suits you.

Alright, look, this ain't getting us anywhere.

- No, it isn't. - It's not.

Come on, El, let's all leave it here for now, yeah?

Oh yeah, I mean we were gonna leave anyway, so...

Sure, get that lasagne in.

What?

- Let's go! - No, no, no!

W-what, what are you saying about lasagne?

Why do you have to be so nasty?

Come on! Because I make a good lasagne, actually,

but you just love to try - Ella: What?

I'm actually walking out now.

What do I just love to do?

Yeah, let's go.

Thanks for coming.

Sorry for...

Sorry, Alan.

It really will be alright.

It really won't.

It will take time for them to trust you.

Three pairs!

That's just round two for you.

It's just how it goes.

We'll be losing another pair at the end of this round.

I mean, not to give it away, but that's how it works.

Best of luck to all three pairs.

What's your favourite thing ever?

You can choose anything.

The sea?

Music?

Christmas?

I don't like Christmas.

I hate Christmas!

I can't listen to music now.

I just like Prince.

I like Prince, too.

I'd really like to see the sea.

Never seen the sea? Never been to.. Brighton?

- Margate? - Nope.

I want to go to Scarborough.

- For my birthday. - In Yorkshire?

Jesus, why?

Well, since I was little, really.

Scarborough.

I like sugar.

Yeah.

Me too.

I never met anyone who doesn't like Christmas.

Christmas is for the privileged, isn't it?

I got chocolate coins and a puzzle at Christmas.

What'd you get?

My dad bought me a book.

Books are good.

It's called "Living Sober".

Oh.

I've sort of given up with it.

There's only so much a person can take on.

Right. Yeah.

Why do you stare at all the little girls here?

You do. You stare at all the little girls,

and you look so sad.

Neil, is it?

Do your parents know that you talk to

strange people in the park?

You need to be more careful who you talk to.

My parents aren't like other parents.

They don't really care where I am.

- I bet they do. - No,

not in a bad, dramatic way.

They're just really old and innocent.

You have a nice smile.

You should get it out more.

Listen, Neil,

I'm not a good person.

I don't know why I'm standing here

telling you that, but..

I'm not.

Don't say that. Your ears hear it.

Who are you?

I'm the kid who smells of piss.

- What?! - At school.

There's always a kid that stinks of piss.

And I'm it. Him.

- No. - Yeah.

You don't! Who said that to you?

You are a good person.

You wouldn't say that if you knew me.

I don't care about what you've done.

I have two daughters.

But..

I don't...

I don't live with them any more.

I'm sorry.

Come, Mummy!

I don't miss you, Mummy.

Ella, hi, it's-it's Joe.

I'm sorry about the other night,

we realise it was probably a bit unexpected.

Um-

We've been talking and wondered if you'd like to meet

for a coffee to talk things through.

Um, well, I hope you're ok.

Speak soon. Give me, give me a call when you can.

Or a-or a text.

Okay, bye.

Um, yeah, bye.

My dad's a scientist.

I don't take pictures of myself, or cake.

I'd rather eat cake.

My dad's scared of clouds.

I'm scared of lots of things.

I'm not. We'll all be dead soon.

I mean, pretty soon.

If I'm ever feeling I might be scared about something,

I think to myself:

'Will I care about this on my deathbed?'

and, and the answer's always no.

You're too young to think about deathbeds.

You do not look 40, by the way.

I think I look 50, now.

Yeah. Yeah, actually

you look older up close.

Do you like school?

Mmm. I'm not that good at school.

It means nothing.

The kids who are successful at school disappear in real life.

Yeah! Yeah, my dad was amazing at school,

but...he's shit at life.

I was shit at school and I'm shit at life.

I doubt that.

My dad doesn't actually have a real job.

Oh.

Where does he do his scientist thing, then?

In his head. I mean, he's full of ideas, but

nobody's willing to give him a chance.

I mean, he has a cure for lots of things.

Just.. people don't listen.

No.

They don't.

Did your mum die?

Yeah.

Cancer?

Yes.

I'm sorry.

You think you gave it to her,

- don't you? - What?!

You didn't, Ella.

Can I come to your house?

No! I mean, I don't have one.

Then can I come to where you're living?

Absolutely not. Listen, Neil, I'm sorry

but I shouldn't stay here and talk to you any more.

I wish you were my mum.

You're a nice boy,

but I'm not fit to be anyone's mum.

- That isn't true! - It really is.

Ells, it's 4am, love.

I'll turn it down.

No, that's not what I mean.

It's not what I meant.

You ok?

No, Dad.

I know.

Dad, I met this 14 year-old boy

in the park called Neil.

He's filthy and he doesn't wear a coat.

He's always there and he clearly doesn't have any friends.

- Ella. - No, wait Dad,

I think there's really something wrong.

What are you talking about?

Are you spying on the girls?

This isn't about the girls.

Is anything about the girls?

That's a fucking stinking thing to say!

Alright, I shouldn't have said that. I'm sorry.

I don't want to talk about meetings,

or living sober, or friendly AA Fiona!

Fiona who I made up, by the way!

What?

Yeah!

Jesus.

Jesus.

Hiya.

- Thank you for coming. - Yeah, thank you.

We, we just wanted to say that we've

thought about half-term -

- and we'll go to Brighton instead.

You can have the girls for a couple of days

like we said.

Really?

Thank you.

They want to see you, El.

Thank you.

So how you getting on?

Are you getting to your meetings?

- Ella? - Ella.

Yeah, I'm going to my fucking meetings.

Okay? Is that okay?

El, come on.

Oh, for goodness' sake, Ella.

What?

I really don't understand

why it always spirals so quickly.

Look, we--we have to ask about the meetings.

We're not going to pussy-foot around you.

And stop doing this...

evil step-mum bullshit. It's really unhelpful.

Sure.

- How are your steps? - None of your business.

Oh, Ella, please!

You've got to get your shit together.

We all want that for you.

You don't want that for me.

Yes, we do!

We're here today to change things,

to look forward. For you!

Well, I'm going to my meetings.

Is that ok?

Yeah.

And thank you.

Thank you for letting me have my kids.

For two days.

Dad?

Neil!

- What are you doing here? - Hello, Ella!

I don't think I wanna know how you know where I live.

You'll have to go as soon as my dad gets back.

Why?

Because...

where do I start?

He'll think it's weird?

I mean, nothing's weird when you think about it.

I'm supposed to be behaving better than I feel.

You warm enough in Dad's coat?

I've told you, I don't feel the cold.

Is your brother older or younger?

Two years older.

We're not really bothered about each other,

but him being older allows me to get on with my own thing.

My parents assume he's got an eye on me,

but uh,

I'm self-sufficient.

Why do you sit around in that park?

I don't know. Same as you, maybe.

I used to go there a long time ago with my family.

I like that you're never on your phone.

No-one messages me.

I don't have one.

Don't you parents need to know you're safe?

They're just not that way.

You'll need to get to the sea one day.

You could take me.

What happened with your girls?

What did you like about Prince?

I really love his ruffles and gold trousers.

He did the splits in heels.

So cool.

I try not to refer to him in the past tense.

Gotcha.

He plays loads of instruments,

and he doesn't follow the crowd.

Thanks for the hot chocolate.

Alright, Dad?

Ella, you want a tea?

No thanks, Dad!

You ok?

Well, I'll...

- I'll leave you to it. - Thanks, Dad.

There's old pictures of my family in Scarborough.

There's this picture of two couples holding hands

in tweedy clothes.

And hundreds of fish and chip shops, like actually hundreds.

I don't feel as angry when I'm with you.

That's fantastic.

What's funny?

You have a way of saying things...

differently.

Yeah, I mean,

I think that's why I don't have any friends.

We don't have a bedroom.

I sleep in the front room.

People are generally horrified by that.

I don't find that horrifying.

There's far worse things.

There is.

I don't have a bedroom either.

Huh.

Do you have a cigarette, Ella?

No, I bloody do not!!

Aren't you frozen, Neil?

It worries me that you don't wear a coat.

I'm never cold. You know that.

You're higher!

Woah!

- I'm going to beat you! - No you're not!

- Oh yes I will! - No you won't!

You may be older than me,

but I've been doing this for much longer than you.

The girls!

Did she just scurry off with my kids?

Ella... we saw you,

we saw you, but we hadn't scheduled or, you know,

arranged for you to see the girls

and you looked quite mental on the swings.

Please don't shout. The girls might see you. Shouting.

No, Joseph, the girls are being bundled into a car.

Hi.

Sorry, um- who is this?

I thought you didn't like this

crappy little park any more.

Hey! I like this little park.

He called it crappy, not me.

I like this little park.

Who is this?

- I'm going over to them! - Ella. Ella!

Ella. Ella, stop! Ella!

Ella! Stop!

Fuck.

FUCK! Ella!

Fuck!

Sorry.

No need.

She won't get to the car.

What's wrong with this park?

Since someone burnt down the dinosaur slide,

we've not been back with the girls since.

Except today.

Well, yeah. Yeah. Today.

See?

I liked the burnt dinosaur slide.

I liked how it looked in all the middle of the shiny things.

Looked a bit like Ella.

I was concerned that someone might

burn something else down, you know?

Nah. I reckon they were done.

She's coming back.

Looks a bit like Dora the Explorer with that backpack.

You should be nice to her.

Carassius auratus.

Yeah.. what?

You look like a goldfish doing that with your mouth.

Don't shout, Ella.

Just say it.

You shouldn't have brought them here.

You know I used to, and it's-

It's so close to Dad's.

The girls don't need to see me like this.

Have a good night.

I'll walk you?

Thanks.

I'm alright.

Shall we have some ice cream?

- Yeah! - Yeah?

Yeah. Maybe a mint?

Is there brownie? In ice cream?

Why did we go to the park?

It's not too late.

All she wants to do is be a mum.

I'm sorry, fella, I have absolutely no idea

who you are or what you're talking about.

You have no clue what you're saying.

Who are you?

Why are you here with Ella?

what is the most populated

city in the USA?

Gonna have to hurry you on that.

Hello, Alan.

Give me two minutes.

Okay.

Are you trying to make things worse?

I don't know, Dad.

When are you going to start thinking?

Hello again.

Lovely room.

Thank you.

Here you are.

Thank you.

This is really nice, Alan.

Just start, please.

Teas on knees.

How old did you say you was, young man?

- He's 14. - I'm almost 14.

Oh dear.

Does your mum and dad know you're out?

It's not even late,

and they wouldn't really mind if it was.

They don't really notice things,

and they're not like other people.

And you met in the park?

I mean, you seem to find trouble wherever you look.

I don't know how you do it.

I know.

And you're sitting in parks again?

We love parks.

Right, well, I want you to text your mum and dad,

and tell them you're safe,

and then give them our address.

I've not got a mobile phone,

they've not got a mobile phone.

I can try the landline from your landline if you want, but...

The landline's in the hall. I'll show you.

Um, Please may I finish my soup first?

Yeah. Go on, son, finish your soup.

Ah, that's cold.

It's just ringing and ringing.

They never answer the phone.

Dad'll be writing lists,

and Mum'll be washing pots in the bath.

How long are you gonna live in the girls' room?

Well...

I have to go to these meetings.

And not drink.

I did drink.

A lot.

I'd wake up in the morning panicking.

But I didn't do anything about it.

Sometimes I'd drink in the afternoons.

And I shouted at people.

A lot of people.

Including the girls.

Once you've...

crossed some lines...

Best we don't talk about this now.

But why?

Why did you do that, do you think?

It wasn't just sometimes in the afternoons.

Yeah, but not like, in the mornings.

It was in front of the girls.

Yeah, but not, like, all the time.

It was enough.

Yeah.

Enough.

Don't drink, and you'll get them back.

I don't think I'll ever get them back.

I'll get them more.

And prove to Joseph that

I can be a normal mum.

No-one has a normal mum.

They just look like they do.

My mum was normal.

Wasn't she, Dad?

Yeah.

Anyway...

Joseph and Bethan are better for them right now.

Oh-

Don't you have friends?

People lose patience when you keep fucking up.

Don't swear.

I've said "fuck" before, Alan.

I'm very sorry that all this has happened to you,

that your girls were taken away.

I gave up on them, really.

Well, it sounds like you did that for them.

I'll leave you both to it, then.

Thank you for the soup.

I think we should've took him home.

He wouldn't have let us.

You know, that's-

the most I've heard you speak in a long time.

Yeah.

Ella...

What's to say, Dad?

I think..

you should go to meetings every day

- and put the work in. - Please stop.

Dad, you haven't drunk in twenty years,

and you never went to meetings

and you never did the work.

You thought the girls were better off without me.

I never said that.

I never thought that.

Well, here we are.

We've never been people who talk about things.

Let's not start now, and please don't push me

to go to meetings. I don't even want to get out of bed.

- I've noticed. - Get stuffed!

Ella.

I've been going back to meetings again.

I know I'm a hypocrite.

And you're right. You're right.

We've never talked.

Good for you.

I hate the meetings, Dad.

I feel like an imposter and I'm terrified when I speak.

I don't wanna write lists and drink shit tea.

Everyone feels like that.

No, they're all high-fiving each other!

No, that's what you want to see to stop yourself going.

Ah! Funny!...Nope!!

Everyone feels self-conscious speaking,

and the tea's not shit.

Well, I'm glad you've come to your senses.

I wanna go to bed now.

Your children are alive and healthy.

Yeah?

But they need you.

I'm fucking grieving!

Okay?

I know they're alive but I'm grieving for them,

for the life I threw away!

- Ella, listen to me. - Stop talking!

Ella, come here.

Look at where I'm living, Dad!

I know.

Please just let me go to sleep.

- Come here. - Please, stop!

Please let - please don't touch me!

Ella?

It's three hours.

You change in York.

Then it's a 10 minute walk to the beach.

I don't know-

-do 13 year-olds get trains on their own?

It's my birthday. You can come with me.

You know I can't.

I know you know I can't.

Ella.

I am not giving you my blessing to do this.

What about your parents?

They won't care.

But you'll ask them, though?

Sure.

Cause anything could happen.

Probably it won't.

Well, I'll come to your house and tell them.

No need, if you come with me.

I'm not coming with you, Neil.

Would you like to hear some Scarborough facts,

- interesting and unusual? - I suppose.

The castle is managed and maintained by English Heritage.

This natural fortress was used

by prehistoric settlers. Romans -

- Hello, Alan. - Hello, Neil.

During the Civil War, the castle was under siege

for 12 months.

The castle will be my first stop,

and then Flamingo Bay for a knickerbocker glory.

Ella, can I have a word?

You can read the rest.

Do you know anything about Scarborough, Alan?

There's a theatre. Ella?

Why's he here? He's a young boy.

You can't be friends with a young boy.

Ella?!

What?

I'm here. I'm your dad. I'm here to support you.

- Me. - Right?

You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself.

No, I do feel sorry for myself.

I do. I don't care how that seems.

He obviously doesn't have anyone.

What do you want me to say to him -

"Can you go away, now that you trust me?"

Yes, he trusts you, and that ain't right.

- You're not his mum. - I know.

Why are you always so angry at me?

You know, Mum would've welcomed me here.

She wouldn't have lectured me all the time.

Don't use her.

Don't you dare.

Bethan's here.

- Oh! - Oh good.

Alright, come on Neil.

You want tea?

Oh, no, no, thank you.

I-I can't drink caffeine after midday.

Who-who was that boy?

Is that the boy from the park?

I'm going to a meeting in a minute, Bethan.

Yes, sorry, that's great, Ella.

I...

Sorry, do you mind if I just...

Um, God, I don't know how I'm going to say all of this.

I got it in my head properly and everything.

Just say it.

Okay. Ehm-

I think you need to think about the girls,

and how they are with Joe.

And you think the girls should stay with Joe.

No, no, I didn't say that.

Please don't assume-

Well, you're here without him, so...

Go on.

I know the girls are coming here for half-term,

for a bit, and I just...

Well, I just wanted you to know they're doing really well.

They're sleeping again, and

doing so good in school, and yeah, just,

they're just doing really well.

And you don't want me to mess it all up again.

No.

I don't.

I know you think I'm the bad one in all this.

- That's so funny. - Is it?

I don't think that.

I know who the bad one is.

You know, I think in another world

we'd probably be friends.

Do you?

No?

No.

You want my kids.

I don't, actually.

I don't want them.

I never wanted kids.

I'm sorry, I- I love them, though.

Yep.

You couldn't do it.

I thought they were better with you until I got better.

Oh, sorry.

You off, then, Bethan?

Yeah, uh, who are you?

Oh, he's family. He's, uh... he's helping me

- around the house a bit. - Oh. Oh.

- I'll see you out. - Oh.

Sorry.

- See you later. - Yeah, see you. Bye bye.

Bye.

You ok?

Yeah.

I can help around the house if you'd like.

Look, I don't want you to walk me.

No, I wanna come to your home, talk to your parents.

They're not in.

Well, where are they?

They're at my aunty's drinking weak tea.

- They go there every Sunday. - It's Saturday.

They go there every Saturday, then.

Saturday, Sunday..

What's the difference?

Well where's your brother?

At his fancy girlfriend's.

What's your brother's name?

Jeff.

That isn't the name of a teenage boy.

- Isn't it? - No.

Well, it's Jeffrey.

That also isn't a teenage boy's name.

- Isn't it? - No.

What are your parents called?

- Dorothy and Christopher. - Are you sure?

Well, that's what they've been saying their names are.

- What's the deal? - What's the deal, Neil?

I don't think you should come to see Ella any more.

I know.

Ella, she done lots of bad things.

A lot of people can't forgive her.

I can.

What do you think is going to happen here?

You can't be best friends.

She's not your mother, you've got your own mother.

She can't even be a mother to her own children.

That is an extremely unkind thing to say.

No, I... That's not what I meant.

I know Ella feels like she's a mother when she's around you,

but do you think Joseph and Bethan think

that your friendship is appropriate?

Do you think that they think that she's sane enough

to be around her own children when she's knocking about

with a strange boy in the park?

I don't mean strange, I mean...

stranger strange.

Stranger strange.

Well, you're bright enough to understand

- what I'm talking about. - Bright as a button!

Yes.

You sound a bit blackmaily to me.

No. Not at all.

Well, what about what Bethan just said?

I think...

Bethan rushed to the school when Ella didn't turn up.

She's been there every day.

You see there's more than one side to a story.

Yeah. And I'm on Ella's side.

No-one else is.

And there's a reason why Ella did those things.

I mean, you're her dad.

You know that.

That's what no-one seems to give a shit about, Alan.

That's my side of the story.

So sorry.

Bethan/Waiter:

So it's pasta and pesto?

- Neil, is it? - Yup.

What are you doing?

I live up there.

Okay.

Were you watching us?

Yeah.

Oh.. uh..

Fussy, isn't she?

She's done that food intolerance test.

She's allergic to everything.

Nightmare.

She's probably got orthorexia.

What's that?

It's this thing where people obsess

about eating healthily.

We're all addicted to something these days, aren't we?

How d'you know El?

She's my friend.

Oh, yeah, you're laughing 'cause I'm a kid.

Oh, well, no, I just uh...

I thought I knew all of Ella's friends.

She hasn't got any friends any more.

You're doing that goldfish mouth-thing again. Yes, yes, I'm aware of that.

I kept seeing Ella in the park.

I thought she was one of the mums at first.

She would always watch the kids until everyone left.

I followed her home one time to make sure she was ok.

She cried the whole way back.

I could tell she needed someone to talk to.

You should probably go back in.

Huh?

Oh, yeah.

Where are the girls?

They're with Bethan's sister.

Oh, nice.

That's nice for Bethan's sister.

Can I have one of those, mate?

No.

Go on, then.

They're menthol.

Thank you. Minty fresh.

Hey, wait!

Did you know we were gonna be here?

What?!

What?!

Ells?

Ella?

Ugh!

Oh!

- Oh. - Alan, hi.

Um- is Ella here?

No.

Oh. I'd...

I'd really like to talk to her.

Why?

Um...

She's not here, Bethan.

I- well, I... I'd just like to say sorry for last time.

No, there's no need.

I just keep playing things over in my mind.

Yeah, me too.

It's all such a mess, isn't it?

Yeah.

- Bethan. - Yeah?

Thank you.

For what you do for those kids.

Alright.

Dad?

Dad?!

Bethan came round tonight.

So?

Well, I think she wanted to...

Unbelievable.

You're not the only one who lost them, you know.

No, I'm not doing this.

No, listen to me, listen.

Dad, I was- Alan: Will you fucking listen!

Dad!

I miss them too.

They mean everything to me.

I know.

I took everything away from all of us.

You're a baby, you're such a fucking baby, Ella.

And you're always...

you're always so cold.

I can't do this, Ella.

I can't cope with this, Ella.

I've lost your mum, I've lost the girls,

and now I'm losing you.

And we live in an house, and there...

there's no care for one another, there...

there's no care, you know?

And I just... I wanna get ya and shake ya.

I-I- I wanna fucking shake ya,

and show you what you need to do.

You know, do you remember what you did?

Yes.

Do you remember what you did?

Yes.

They're scared of you, Ella.

Scared. And they don't need to be scared.

You know, you need to show them that they don't

need to be scared, you know.

Fight for them! Get out there and fight for your kids!

You know, because one day your life will be over

and you can't go back and make it better.

And... and I know...

I know I- I haven't been the greatest dad in the world,

but you know what? At least, at least I tried.

Is that what you think?

Tell you what,

don't do it for me, then.

And don't you do it for yourself.

You do it for them kids.

And hopefully they won't fucking end up like you.

I'm so glad you're coming, Ella.

Mummy!

- Mummy! - Come, mummy!

Mummy, it's time to wake up.

We're really angry with you now.

Mummy, it's time to wake up!

Sorry we couldn't get in the castle.

I don't care. I just wanted to see it.

We came all this way.

I really don't care.

So incredible.

Look at these views!

I wanna go there!

We just got here.

It's a massive, glimmering arcade, Ella!

Thought you hated computer games.

I do, but the two pence thingy and the grabby thing...

Yeah?

You've got to see this properly.

Ah, wow. See that?

Thanks for coming, Ella.

I'm sorry you're so sad.

I'm always bloody sad, aren't I?

Sadder sad.

- Happy birthday, Neil. - Thank you.

Do you think we'll have time to go and see York Minister,

when we're done?

Minster. I don't think so.

Should've got a later train.

When I get arrested for kidnapping at least

they'll take into account that I got you home at a decent hour.

I love that people might be thinking you're my mum.

You should adopt me. You should!

You can adopt kids until they're 18.

You do realise the irony in that, don't you?

And you have a mum.

We can't keep meeting up forever, Neil.

I've told my parents we're friends.

They're not bothered.

Well what did they say?

Dad wasn't listening, and Mum said something like

- "That's nice, dear." - Don't believe you.

That's how it happened.

You can meet them when we go back.

We'll have cake in our garden.

And then I'll tell them I'm adopting you.

Is it how you imagined?

Different up North, isn't it?

Yes.

I don't think that's a bad thing.

It's not.

It's a bit more worn-out than I'd imagined.

I know how it feels.

Beautiful, though.

You see the good in everything.

I get my girls tomorrow.

Yeah!

Yeah. But...

Never mind.

Are you ready for your knickerbocker glory?

Well come on!

Oi! Give me that!

I loved smoking.

Where were you?

Why do you have Orville the duck?

I got him with my tickets.

What's the matter with you?

Nothing's the matter.

Did you love the Flamingo Bay?

I did.

It's very bright.

I love flamingos.

I'm tired.

You're crashing from your ice cream.

Curl up and have a snooze?

Ella.

- Made me jump! - Ella.

Thought you were asleep.

Ella.

Yes?

What's in your backpack?

What?

What's in your backpack?

I don't understand.

Yes, you do.

My stuff.

No.

Yes. I-I don't know what you mean.

You do.

Please tell me.

My purse, my phone, and all that.

- No. - Neil.

What else?

Actually, a lot of shit I need to clear out.

Can I look?

No!

No, don't be silly.

Hey, do you wanna go on Space Invader Frenzy,

one more time? Before we leave?

We could go get that fridge magnet.

How did you know?

I don't know how I know things.

- I just do. - It's OK.

I don't think it is.

No, I wasn't gonna drink it.

You get your girls tomorrow!

But.. Fuck it, let's drink it!

No!

What? It's my birthday!

I'm 14!

Bet you drank at 14.

Go on.

Go on.

No!

No?

No!

Come on!

Did you see them? Did you see my girls?

No.

No! No, no!

They were here!

I didn't see them.

But that's not right!

How could they be here?

Why did you walk into the sea?

Don't! No!

Did you call for them or something?

That doesn't make any sense.

You're frozen.

- You're frozen too. - I'm not.

I wasn't trying to hurt myself.

You walked into the sea, in October, in Scarborough.

We need to get you some clothes.

My backpack's gone.

Huh. They didn't take my shoes.

Come on.

Thanks.

My purse was in my bag.

Oh.

Two teas, please.

And, um, do you have any towels?

What for?

We're quite wet.

Right.

Thank you.

She thinks we're mad.

She just thinks we're from London.

Thank you.

I love strong tea.

My Yorkshire roots, probably.

I'm sorry about this.

On your birthday.

I certainly won't forget it.

You're just going to have to tie yourself to the mast.

Really big things happen and life just goes on, doesn't it?

One more tea, please.

I have enough, haven't I?

Yeah.

Very reasonable.

I love your costume.

It's a uniform.

Well, it's lovely.

Hold on a minute, love.

Tell your mum to come through.

Mum?

The lady wants you to go through.

You look nice.

Thanks.

No, really...

Thank you.

No bother.

Who's the other tea for?

Dad!

What the fuck are you doing in Scarborough?

Don't swear.

I went on the beach first.

We just came from there.

Hello.

Hello, Neil.

What are you wearing?

Will you two be alright?

Where are you going?

I've got 80p, I want to go see

if I can get that fridge magnet.

You'll be so cold!

Come on.

Thanks, Alan.

Happy birthday, Neil.

You're coming back, aren't you?

There's a tea there, Alan.

Sit down, Dad.

Well.

You came.

Of course.