Ackley Bridge (2017) s03e08 Episode Script
Season 3, Episode 8
1 - I got into drama school.
- I am, by all accounts, - "not completely terrible.
" - Nasreen.
Oxford, you're in.
The whole of Ackley Bridge are relying on you to get in.
- I love her, Mum.
- Then who am I to stand in the way? - What do you want? - I've a daughter.
Your daughter.
- Can I meet him? - You know him already, love.
Mr Evershed will be acting headteacher.
This does NOT affect your exams.
- You said you that loved me.
- I never.
I'll sort this.
I will.
I am not letting him down again.
Would we go back if we could? Not a care in the world? No future to worry about? I would, at the drop of a hat.
Every moment, warts and all.
The first time you kissed a boy and you wished it were a girl.
The first time you kissed a girl, and you wished it were a boy.
Racial tensions.
First pubic hair.
Periods and puberty.
Strange facial hair.
Erections and love bites and sex of all kinds! But it's worth it, you say, at the end of the day for a bright, rosy future and your take-home pay.
Right.
I just wanted to talk today because I've We've got to make a decision as to what to do with our Missy, here.
Can't keep her with me forever, can I? We could take her up cemetery bit by bit.
Like in The Great Escape.
They're digging a tunnel, and they put the dirt down their trousers in bags, and then they walk about and let the dirt go down their trouser legs, and then they stamp it in the ground so the Germans don't notice.
No.
Shut up.
You're not doing that.
We should find somewhere that she really liked to be.
You know, somewhere where she where happy.
- The skip up the road? - The sentiment's nice, Razia, but sooner or later that skip will go to landfill.
It's not really an appropriate place.
- Nasreen? - Mm.
You've been quiet.
What do you think? Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Erm, count me in.
Why not? Sorry.
Sorry.
Erm I've been trying to think about the name of the part of the brain that begins with "Th.
" I can't.
- Thalamus? - I need to go and revise this stuff.
She's got enough going on in her brain as it is, eh, na? Here.
- What is it? - A good-luck present.
Did you nick it? No.
God, Nasreen, it's a good luck gonk for your desk, all right? A gonk? Yeah, like they have on University Challenge.
Hello, Nasreen Bibi Paracha, from Ackley Bridge in Yorkshire, reading medicine.
And this is my lucky gonk.
"Oh, thanks, Sam.
How thoughtful of you.
" - Sam - Nah, forget it.
I'm just nervous.
You'd better bring me luck, 'cos I'm gonna need it.
You may now begin.
[TOY SQUEAKS.]
Cory? Cory, It's me.
Miss Carter.
Miss, just go away.
Not until I've spoken to you.
Miss Look.
Look who I've brought to see you.
[BABY GRIZZLES.]
I just want to be on my own, Miss.
Just listen to what I've got to say, please.
I won't be long, I promise.
You have every right to feel like this.
You do.
But I want you back at school, Cory.
Please.
Please don't throw this all away for I know you mean well, an' that I just don't see the point.
It's not as if I were gonna get anywhere anyway.
For a little while there it felt like anything were possible.
I just want to know you've got a plan in place to get that lad back into school and believing in himself again.
We're not just treading water here, Mandy.
It took us all by surprise, you know.
And let's face it, she was a friend of yours as well, and you had no inkling she was a nappy nobler.
A na? No, Sue.
No, I didn't, but then neither did you.
I think the best thing this lad can do for himself is get a proper job, get married, have some kids.
He'll soon forget all about Rosemary West.
Oh! You should have been sacked a long time ago for all this all this inappropriate language, and your casual racism.
I am no racist, I voted remain! I've got a gang of Albanians doing my back patio.
Oh We dropped the ball and one of our kids is suffering because of it.
I didn't think No, Sue, you didn't think.
Unfortunately, none of us did.
But we will get him back into school You YOU will get him back into school, because I'm assigning you with the task of rebuilding that lad's confidence.
And you will do it.
What am I supposed to do?! Your job.
Mr Evershed, I think, given the circumstances Given the circumstances, Sue, I agree with Mandy.
I think you're exactly what that lad needs God help him.
According to this, we still need at least £200 for books.
That's even before my accommodation and equipment list.
We'll just re-mortgage.
No.
I'm not going off to drama school and leaving you two up to your necks in debt.
You know what? I can't do this.
I can't.
I sat in that exam today with every intention of doing well, and I ended up writing a load of rubbish.
You don't know that.
Look, you're tired.
Yeah, I am, I'm tired of of books and revision and exams.
- I just - I'm going to make us some tea.
No, mum.
No, no, no.
Listen, because this is over.
Has she just given up on university? I think maybe she need to be home for a while, that's all.
You know, she's under a lot of pressure.
You're packing it in, just like that? You can't.
I can and I have.
Have you told Sam? She'll be happy that I'm not going to uni.
I won't be going anywhere either if I can't find the money.
Well, we could raise the money.
We could do, like, a crowd funder.
Feels like charity.
That's what it is.
I've got it, that's what you need.
You need to do what Peter Kay did! You know, like, when he did his Buy Me Mum a Bungalow Tour? Well, we could do a Send a Drag to Drama School Tour! We could! Any Pakistanis in the house? It's a given, in it? I mean, at least two families and some cousins in the attic.
[HE CHUCKLES.]
Any English heritage girls on social-care orders and feeling a bit vulnerable in the house? Not in the Pakistani house, obviously.
God forbid.
Don't want to go there, do we? No! Not even if you run out of fags.
Best nip to the shop, which is probably run by a Pakistani too, so don't go there either.
Stay at home, lock your doors.
Order in! I've just been informed that your minibuses are outside waiting to take you home as are the Immigration Enforcement vans, so make sure you get in the right one! - I thank you! - [MIC FEEDS BACK.]
20 quid? We agreed on 100.
That were before they saw the act.
Why didn't they just pay me in bloody rupees and really insult me? Maybe jokes about grooming wasn't right for this audience.
It's black comedy.
The best way to confront issues facing our community is to hit them head on.
Yeah, well, we'll see you at home, son.
I've just gotta face it, it's not gonna happen.
Not this way, anyway.
Right, stop.
Stop.
Look around, what do you see? - Pakistanis? - Yes.
But what they all have in common? Oppressive home lives, conflict of cultures, youth disenfranchisement.
Yeah, all right, smart arse.
Leave the act on the stage.
I don't know.
You're not looking, are you? What do they all have in common? What do your parents have? What does my mum have? Allah? Ambition.
They're all from villages in the middle of nowhere.
They gave up everything they knew were safe.
Coming here would have been a massive leap of faith.
They had nothing, knew nothing, but they didn't care.
What you saying? I'm saying they weren't worried about where they were sleeping.
They'd sleep on the floor.
They just did it.
Sometimes, you just can't be prepared.
- You're going.
- Where? Manchester.
You're gonna do this course.
- I can't, Nas.
- One of us is gonna get what we want.
And I I'm not gonna get the grades, I have blown it, but you haven't, Naveed, and I'm not gonna let you.
Great speech Nas, but I still can't afford it.
You can, because I'm coming with you.
What? I might not be going to Oxford, but I'm definitely not staying here.
We'll both take the leap of faith.
We'll flat share.
I'll work and feed you, and pay most of the rent, and Sam? Have lesbian girlfriend, will travel.
Live together? Last year you were gonna marry me! Go on, don't get emotional.
Hold back the tears! [SHE LAUGHS.]
- God, I am so hungry.
- How did it go? Don't know, don't care.
But the pressure is off and I feel free! You've got to knock the energy drinks on the head, man.
Listen, I'm not gonna go to Oxford.
I'm gonna move to Manchester with Naveed, and I want you to come with me.
And I know that we haven't spoken about any of this, but let's be honest, you're not gonna stay in that dump forever, are you? So, live withus.
Live with me.
Just say yes.
- You just told her the good news? - Yeah.
What do you think about this? Yeah! The more the merrier.
[SHE SQUEALS.]
Exam went well, then? You seemed much happier today, I noticed.
Yeah.
That's because I've decided I'm moving to Manchester - with Naveed.
- What?! He needs a flatmate, and I need to get away.
I've got some, er, last-minute cramming to do before the next exam.
I'll meet you by the gates later.
Don't look at me like that.
When were you going to tell me about this? - I just did.
- Why Manchester? I can't stay at home, Mum! We should talk about this.
You've been through a lot, lately.
Yeah, I know what I've been through.
Nasreen, you were so excited when you came back from Oxford.
You could see the possibilities! Not any more.
[HORN BEEPS.]
Oi, Casanova.
Get in.
What do you want? Nothing you've got to offer, so don't go getting any ideas.
'cos you'd be punchin' above your weight with me, son.
Get in, I'll give you a lift.
So, if you could just pop in, maybe show your face about.
At least then they'll think I've given you a bit of motivation.
I mean, you could just as easily cry into an exam paper as you could a pillow.
Is that all you're buying? You can't live off that, man.
Go on, then.
Come on, guys.
It's the last day of exams.
You can do it.
Revision sessions upstairs.
I've got every faith in you.
Soft drinks are on me afterwards, yeah? Miss, my dad's waiting for you, in the classroom.
Oh, thank you, Zain.
Cory.
Something I need to know about? I've just got to pick the right moment.
One on one.
When she's comfortable, obviously.
Yeah, that's important.
She's, erm She's got to be relaxed.
- Last exam today? - Yeah.
You must be in a good mood, then? - Yeah, I am.
- Good.
Spud's your half-sister.
Your dad had a one-night stand in his old mattress factory with her mam.
[THEY LAUGH.]
This big freak? Her dad could be anyone.
Tell her the truth.
Can we, er, go somewhere a bit quieter? Is that my sister? Yeah.
Yes, she is.
I hate you.
Alya, wait.
Look, I'm sorry.
I've told Mr Younis that your culinary talents are wasted waiting on tables.
- Miss? - So, he's gonna give you a trial.
You're to cook him a three-course meal.
Zain tells me you cook better than his mother.
That stays in this room.
If you prove to be as good as they say, you'll be cooking in the restaurant.
Miss, you know the last time I did this? Well, I messed up and served a takeaway instead.
And did you think it was any good? No.
It had too much cumin in it.
- Right, then.
- Right then, what? Right, then, don't mess up.
That was absolutely delicious.
Yeah.
I am very impressed, Cory.
Well done.
So, do you want the job? Yeah.
Well done.
What do you want? What's your problem? I'm your mother, and you speak to me like I'm bloody nothing, like I've done something wrong.
I know, but I didn't mean it like that.
Didn't sound like that to me.
I'm just trying to help you.
I know.
I know.
But I just feel like this is something I have to do.
I didn't know nothing about this, so what do you want me to do, Nasreen? I want you to try and understand.
So, it is with a degree of reluctance and trepidation that my mother has actually agreed to join us! [THEY CHEER.]
OK.
I said I'll come, let's go.
Get off the car, come on.
I'm not staying out long! All fully equipped.
New cupboards.
You can stock it up with every spice known to Asian woman.
Not that I can cook.
Well, I know we're gonna be living together but I will not be doing the cooking.
Er, we used to have a rota in my student days.
What is it, Mum? All of this.
Why you want to live like this? Is this the life you want? Everyone live on top of each other? I worked hard to get away from this.
It's much more than just this, Mum.
MUSIC: [MAKE YOUR MOVE BY ANTON POWERS AND REDONDO.]
Hey! [INDISTINCT.]
I think there are more lesbians here than in Hebden Bridge.
Yeah, Mum.
Hebden Bridge is just like our weekend retreat.
- I need the loo.
- All right.
Do you want me to come with you? - I not a invalid.
- [THEY LAUGH.]
Do you think she'll be OK? She just wants to know that you'll be happy.
Yeah? Mrs Paracha.
She's gonna be fine, you know.
- I can see that.
- I'll look after her.
I know you will, putter.
I just worry that this is not what she really wants.
She used to want more.
What more could you want than this? It is not like this every day, is it? Is it? I come and bloody live here myself if it is! Sometimes I maybe want too much for you.
You needed this, you know.
Not just the gay thing.
Back home, so many endings for you.
I can see why you think this can make you happy.
Well, this can make me happier, Mum.
Just as long as you're happy for me.
OK.
You enjoy this life, if this is what you want.
You did incredibly well under the circumstances.
If you re-sit next year No.
No, no, no, no.
I'm going to Manchester with Naveed, Miss.
I gave it my best shot but it obviously wasn't meant to be.
So Well? - Didn't get them.
- Oh, mate.
No, after this year, I mean, what do you expect? Come on.
What about you? Err, more than I deserved.
Let's see.
.
,.
Biology B, English C, Psychology C.
Hey! C, C, and a merit in Sports.
What about golden girl, over there? What do you expect? Straight A's.
You coming out tonight to celebrate our results? Yeah.
Yeah, I wouldn't miss it.
There he is, Fifty Shades Of Grease.
Take me, Cory, take me! Ignore 'em.
Erm, we're off to Ackley Nites later if you fancy joining us? Probably not.
All right, then.
So, guys Well, everyone, it's over.
And who'd have thought, given how we started, we'd all be here now, together? 'cos we didn't, did we? And we wouldn't back then.
Back then, when when Neil was actually still sweet, or the last time Jake said something sensible.
Oh, we've all come so far.
Like, sat round this table, together as friends.
I mean, some of us have known each other since babies, haven't we? And now, this is probably the last time that we're all gonna be together.
There hasn't been one day where I haven't laughed with at least one of yous.
Or at one of you.
But what we have had has been amazing.
I'm gonna miss you all so much.
So let's all raise one of these lovely non-alcoholic beverages to us.
ALL: To us.
Your sister would like to have a word with you outside.
- At your convenience.
- For God's sake.
- Thank you for coming to meet me.
- What do you want? You might not like what I have to say but sometimes you need to hear these things.
I've heard enough already.
He were young.
My mam had firm breasts.
He were putty in her hands.
Really? Too much information.
- All right, our Spud.
- All right, our Riz.
Just telling our Alya, not to blame your dad.
Most blokes would've run a mile but he's taken responsibility.
- Stepped up.
- Not financially.
'cos he's skint.
But that's not what this was about.
When I started this quest, I was hoping to meet a man a good man, and I have.
Our dad, for all his faults, is a good man.
Thank you for listening.
[LOUD DANCE MUSIC.]
Hey.
Just think, when we're in Manchester we'll be right by the clubs in town.
Woo.
Can I ask you summat, please? You can slur it me.
Why did you want me back? Why did you wanna come back? You came to me, remember? Did I? Yeah.
You said it was over and then you came back to me.
So why did you take me back? 'cos I love you.
You know that.
Yeah.
Yeah, I do.
Come here.
How many have you had? Cory! Hang on.
Walk you home? Thought you were going out.
Look, sorry I didn't come to see you.
- I were meant to but - Yeah.
Surprised you didn't want to see Cory Wilson get his comeuppance.
No.
Yeah, sure.
Sure you didn't feel a little bit superior when you found out? It wasn't like that.
- She took advantage of you.
- Oh, do me a favour.
Yeah.
It was offered to me on a plate and I took it.
You don't have to put on a front with me.
I enjoyed every single second of it and so did she.
Yeah, and just a few more months and none of this would have mattered.
I'd have been out of school, she'd have left her husband, and we'd have been together.
That were never going to happen.
Yeah, you would say that, wouldn't you? Admit it, Naveed.
You are happy that I am miserable.
I'm just bloody angry for you.
You're my best mate, and I can see you're hurting.
Oh, you see it, can you?! Can you see it, Naveed? Tell me what you can see because I would love to know! Is it a loser? Yeah, is that what you can see? Go on! Answer me! I blew it.
All right? I don't understand why I feel so bad about it.
It felt real.
No, I thought she she How could I be so stupid? And watching you lot tonight, I I felt nothing.
And I am being left behind.
[HE SOBS.]
None of this is your fault.
None of it.
Do you hear me, hey? You're not gonna be left behind.
All right? Is this you being happy? Would you believe me if I said yes? No.
Go on, then.
I'm waiting for your pearls of wisdom.
No.
No wisdom from me.
Not this time.
You've always got something to say.
I can't make you be honest with yourself, putter.
You say you know what's best for you.
I can't tell you that your wrong.
[SHE SOBS QUIETLY.]
Ah! How are you feeling? Bit of a headache but erm I'm sorry.
Sh.
I'm going to the Lidl, get some shopping.
OK, I'll, erm I'll stick some clothes on.
No, no, no.
Stay.
You sleep.
OK.
I don't want to waste your time, but do you remember my daughter? Yes, I You sent her this letter offering her a place, eh.
And you say that she make an exceptional impression on the college.
You know, in her interview and exam.
Yeah, she did indeed but we were And it's very good, you know.
I have a friend, who went to the University of Lahore, and he say that this is a great start.
Yeah, we were very impressed, but the criteria here at Oxford All right, what it is, right, is that she failed her grade to get in this place, but only just.
She got A, A, B.
Yes, we've just been made aware of that.
She get this even after being in a very serious accident.
I thought I was going to lose her.
Her best friend die.
And then, and then she just give up on everything, school, life her future.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
This is stupid.
I don't know what you must think of me.
I'm sorry to be wasting your time, but She didn't make grade, no.
- I just thought - Sorry, Mrs Paracha.
You know, before I come here today If I'm being honest, I didn't want her to come.
I never understood what all her excitement about this place was.
No, I pretend and all that, for her.
But but it were a lie.
And then I watch her going through all that pain since the accident, you know.
And I just wanted to keep her with me at home so I can look at her every day.
And now today, I'm here and I'm walking around and I'm seeing the students, and the big buildings and I'm so proud of my daughter, that she won a place here.
My little girl, she impressed you people.
I think I I know she still want all this.
It's all she ever wanted.
And she deserve it because of everything she been through.
But I can't make you see that.
I can't make you feel the pain and the loss.
But she deserve to be here more than anyone.
Kaneez Paracha.
No, I know it has to be 24 hours, but this is not like her and she's not an experienced driver.
It's all right, officer.
She's just walked in.
- Thank you so much.
- What's bloody happened now? - You disappeared.
- Where have you been? - We've been worried.
- Oh, I knew where I was.
Thought you was only going to Lidl.
- Cuppa tea, Kaneez? - Oh, yeah.
Mum, where've you been? - Oxford.
- Lidl in Oxford? No, Oxford University, Oxford.
- I went to talk about you.
- Why? Because I thought you deserve a chance.
What? Mum.
No, no, no.
You had no right that.
I don't care.
I'm your mother and I will go anywhere, see anybody, and say anything to see you happy.
Us lot, we been through a lot this year.
We lost Missy.
She was an energy that were part of us all.
And I think something go out in all of us when Missy died.
And it make us wonder what's the bloody point? It confuse me.
Made me scared.
So I had to go and do something.
You know, to take control again.
There's no point.
It's too late.
No, love.
They listened to me, and they give me your place back.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, Mum.
Naveed needs me in Manchester, and Sam Shut up thinking about other bloody people.
Why you always looking for excuse? First Missy, now Naveed.
No, this is about you.
And you need to go.
I just seen that place.
And you need to go and start your life again.
Mum? It's OK.
It's OK to go now.
We will still be here for you.
We will.
But you have to take your chance now, Nasreen.
So please stop dithering about and take it, will you? That's incredible! I mean, only your mum could have done this, you know? Getting your place back at Oxford.
I'm so sorry, Naveed.
I have to do this.
I'm gutted, but hey, you're going and that's the most important thing.
Asian ambition, remember.
And look, I'm still going to drama school, I'll sleep in a tent if I have to.
Don't be silly! Mum, Nasreen's going to Oxford after all.
Your mother must be very proud.
She is.
Thank you.
But what about the flat? Oh, I'll sort something out.
You'll never guess what Mrs Paracha did today.
Car-boot sale? They're for you.
I don't think I could carry them off as well as you, Mum.
I won't lie.
I never really wanted any of this for you.
But I was wrong.
Wrong, stupid and stubborn.
It doesn't matter, Mum.
No, it does to you.
So, you go to Manchester and you do your course.
Yet again, you have taken me by surprise, Cory.
Are you absolutely sure this is what you want, Cory, and don't think for a second that I'm not delighted, because, I assure you, I am.
Yes, Miss.
I I'd like to retake Year 13.
And what about you, Mrs Carp? You got him the job after all.
Well, after he passes his A levels, there'll be even better courses he can do.
And even better jobs.
Right, well, I guess we'll see you back here, then.
Thank you, Miss.
Are you getting sentimental in your old age, Sue? [DOOR SLAMS.]
[THEY CHORTLE.]
Yeah, I think we might have a more understanding Sue Carp from now on.
Oh, I hope not.
That would make life really boring.
Well? Start back next term.
[HE LAUGHS.]
Is this where we're supposed to hug it out, mate? Oh, could you be any more cynical? Come here.
Hey, watch the paintwork, will you? Right, are we ready? I want to set off early.
Mum's driving me.
What? But I thought I'd get a chance to explain things to you.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Oh, what now? I called her.
What? Why? I'm leaving and you have a daughter to get to know.
I can't say that I like what you've done.
But she pointed something out to me that I'd forgot about you.
You are a good man.
There's a girl over there, she needs the same love and advice that you gave to me.
She really needs it.
Rows and flows of angel hair And ice cream castles in the air And feather canyons everywhere I've looked at clouds that way But now they only block the sun They rain and snow on everyone So many things I would have done But clouds got in my way I've looked at clouds from both sides now From up and down and still somehow It's cloud's illusions I recall I really don't know clouds at all We can go now, Missy, just like you said.
Same time.
Same place.
Same day.
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels The dizzy dancing way you feel When every fairy tale comes real I've looked at love that way But now it's just another show You leave 'em laughing when you go And if you care, don't let them know Don't give yourself away I've looked at love from both sides now From give and take, and still somehow It's love's illusions I recall I really don't know love .
.
At all.
There you go.
- Thanks.
- You got ticket? Yeah.
Money? I got my card and the cash that you gave me.
- Kebab? - Yeah.
That's it, you got everything.
- Yeah, everything, Mum.
- OK.
[SHE SOBS SOFTLY.]
Khuda hafiz.
Mum?!
- I am, by all accounts, - "not completely terrible.
" - Nasreen.
Oxford, you're in.
The whole of Ackley Bridge are relying on you to get in.
- I love her, Mum.
- Then who am I to stand in the way? - What do you want? - I've a daughter.
Your daughter.
- Can I meet him? - You know him already, love.
Mr Evershed will be acting headteacher.
This does NOT affect your exams.
- You said you that loved me.
- I never.
I'll sort this.
I will.
I am not letting him down again.
Would we go back if we could? Not a care in the world? No future to worry about? I would, at the drop of a hat.
Every moment, warts and all.
The first time you kissed a boy and you wished it were a girl.
The first time you kissed a girl, and you wished it were a boy.
Racial tensions.
First pubic hair.
Periods and puberty.
Strange facial hair.
Erections and love bites and sex of all kinds! But it's worth it, you say, at the end of the day for a bright, rosy future and your take-home pay.
Right.
I just wanted to talk today because I've We've got to make a decision as to what to do with our Missy, here.
Can't keep her with me forever, can I? We could take her up cemetery bit by bit.
Like in The Great Escape.
They're digging a tunnel, and they put the dirt down their trousers in bags, and then they walk about and let the dirt go down their trouser legs, and then they stamp it in the ground so the Germans don't notice.
No.
Shut up.
You're not doing that.
We should find somewhere that she really liked to be.
You know, somewhere where she where happy.
- The skip up the road? - The sentiment's nice, Razia, but sooner or later that skip will go to landfill.
It's not really an appropriate place.
- Nasreen? - Mm.
You've been quiet.
What do you think? Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Erm, count me in.
Why not? Sorry.
Sorry.
Erm I've been trying to think about the name of the part of the brain that begins with "Th.
" I can't.
- Thalamus? - I need to go and revise this stuff.
She's got enough going on in her brain as it is, eh, na? Here.
- What is it? - A good-luck present.
Did you nick it? No.
God, Nasreen, it's a good luck gonk for your desk, all right? A gonk? Yeah, like they have on University Challenge.
Hello, Nasreen Bibi Paracha, from Ackley Bridge in Yorkshire, reading medicine.
And this is my lucky gonk.
"Oh, thanks, Sam.
How thoughtful of you.
" - Sam - Nah, forget it.
I'm just nervous.
You'd better bring me luck, 'cos I'm gonna need it.
You may now begin.
[TOY SQUEAKS.]
Cory? Cory, It's me.
Miss Carter.
Miss, just go away.
Not until I've spoken to you.
Miss Look.
Look who I've brought to see you.
[BABY GRIZZLES.]
I just want to be on my own, Miss.
Just listen to what I've got to say, please.
I won't be long, I promise.
You have every right to feel like this.
You do.
But I want you back at school, Cory.
Please.
Please don't throw this all away for I know you mean well, an' that I just don't see the point.
It's not as if I were gonna get anywhere anyway.
For a little while there it felt like anything were possible.
I just want to know you've got a plan in place to get that lad back into school and believing in himself again.
We're not just treading water here, Mandy.
It took us all by surprise, you know.
And let's face it, she was a friend of yours as well, and you had no inkling she was a nappy nobler.
A na? No, Sue.
No, I didn't, but then neither did you.
I think the best thing this lad can do for himself is get a proper job, get married, have some kids.
He'll soon forget all about Rosemary West.
Oh! You should have been sacked a long time ago for all this all this inappropriate language, and your casual racism.
I am no racist, I voted remain! I've got a gang of Albanians doing my back patio.
Oh We dropped the ball and one of our kids is suffering because of it.
I didn't think No, Sue, you didn't think.
Unfortunately, none of us did.
But we will get him back into school You YOU will get him back into school, because I'm assigning you with the task of rebuilding that lad's confidence.
And you will do it.
What am I supposed to do?! Your job.
Mr Evershed, I think, given the circumstances Given the circumstances, Sue, I agree with Mandy.
I think you're exactly what that lad needs God help him.
According to this, we still need at least £200 for books.
That's even before my accommodation and equipment list.
We'll just re-mortgage.
No.
I'm not going off to drama school and leaving you two up to your necks in debt.
You know what? I can't do this.
I can't.
I sat in that exam today with every intention of doing well, and I ended up writing a load of rubbish.
You don't know that.
Look, you're tired.
Yeah, I am, I'm tired of of books and revision and exams.
- I just - I'm going to make us some tea.
No, mum.
No, no, no.
Listen, because this is over.
Has she just given up on university? I think maybe she need to be home for a while, that's all.
You know, she's under a lot of pressure.
You're packing it in, just like that? You can't.
I can and I have.
Have you told Sam? She'll be happy that I'm not going to uni.
I won't be going anywhere either if I can't find the money.
Well, we could raise the money.
We could do, like, a crowd funder.
Feels like charity.
That's what it is.
I've got it, that's what you need.
You need to do what Peter Kay did! You know, like, when he did his Buy Me Mum a Bungalow Tour? Well, we could do a Send a Drag to Drama School Tour! We could! Any Pakistanis in the house? It's a given, in it? I mean, at least two families and some cousins in the attic.
[HE CHUCKLES.]
Any English heritage girls on social-care orders and feeling a bit vulnerable in the house? Not in the Pakistani house, obviously.
God forbid.
Don't want to go there, do we? No! Not even if you run out of fags.
Best nip to the shop, which is probably run by a Pakistani too, so don't go there either.
Stay at home, lock your doors.
Order in! I've just been informed that your minibuses are outside waiting to take you home as are the Immigration Enforcement vans, so make sure you get in the right one! - I thank you! - [MIC FEEDS BACK.]
20 quid? We agreed on 100.
That were before they saw the act.
Why didn't they just pay me in bloody rupees and really insult me? Maybe jokes about grooming wasn't right for this audience.
It's black comedy.
The best way to confront issues facing our community is to hit them head on.
Yeah, well, we'll see you at home, son.
I've just gotta face it, it's not gonna happen.
Not this way, anyway.
Right, stop.
Stop.
Look around, what do you see? - Pakistanis? - Yes.
But what they all have in common? Oppressive home lives, conflict of cultures, youth disenfranchisement.
Yeah, all right, smart arse.
Leave the act on the stage.
I don't know.
You're not looking, are you? What do they all have in common? What do your parents have? What does my mum have? Allah? Ambition.
They're all from villages in the middle of nowhere.
They gave up everything they knew were safe.
Coming here would have been a massive leap of faith.
They had nothing, knew nothing, but they didn't care.
What you saying? I'm saying they weren't worried about where they were sleeping.
They'd sleep on the floor.
They just did it.
Sometimes, you just can't be prepared.
- You're going.
- Where? Manchester.
You're gonna do this course.
- I can't, Nas.
- One of us is gonna get what we want.
And I I'm not gonna get the grades, I have blown it, but you haven't, Naveed, and I'm not gonna let you.
Great speech Nas, but I still can't afford it.
You can, because I'm coming with you.
What? I might not be going to Oxford, but I'm definitely not staying here.
We'll both take the leap of faith.
We'll flat share.
I'll work and feed you, and pay most of the rent, and Sam? Have lesbian girlfriend, will travel.
Live together? Last year you were gonna marry me! Go on, don't get emotional.
Hold back the tears! [SHE LAUGHS.]
- God, I am so hungry.
- How did it go? Don't know, don't care.
But the pressure is off and I feel free! You've got to knock the energy drinks on the head, man.
Listen, I'm not gonna go to Oxford.
I'm gonna move to Manchester with Naveed, and I want you to come with me.
And I know that we haven't spoken about any of this, but let's be honest, you're not gonna stay in that dump forever, are you? So, live withus.
Live with me.
Just say yes.
- You just told her the good news? - Yeah.
What do you think about this? Yeah! The more the merrier.
[SHE SQUEALS.]
Exam went well, then? You seemed much happier today, I noticed.
Yeah.
That's because I've decided I'm moving to Manchester - with Naveed.
- What?! He needs a flatmate, and I need to get away.
I've got some, er, last-minute cramming to do before the next exam.
I'll meet you by the gates later.
Don't look at me like that.
When were you going to tell me about this? - I just did.
- Why Manchester? I can't stay at home, Mum! We should talk about this.
You've been through a lot, lately.
Yeah, I know what I've been through.
Nasreen, you were so excited when you came back from Oxford.
You could see the possibilities! Not any more.
[HORN BEEPS.]
Oi, Casanova.
Get in.
What do you want? Nothing you've got to offer, so don't go getting any ideas.
'cos you'd be punchin' above your weight with me, son.
Get in, I'll give you a lift.
So, if you could just pop in, maybe show your face about.
At least then they'll think I've given you a bit of motivation.
I mean, you could just as easily cry into an exam paper as you could a pillow.
Is that all you're buying? You can't live off that, man.
Go on, then.
Come on, guys.
It's the last day of exams.
You can do it.
Revision sessions upstairs.
I've got every faith in you.
Soft drinks are on me afterwards, yeah? Miss, my dad's waiting for you, in the classroom.
Oh, thank you, Zain.
Cory.
Something I need to know about? I've just got to pick the right moment.
One on one.
When she's comfortable, obviously.
Yeah, that's important.
She's, erm She's got to be relaxed.
- Last exam today? - Yeah.
You must be in a good mood, then? - Yeah, I am.
- Good.
Spud's your half-sister.
Your dad had a one-night stand in his old mattress factory with her mam.
[THEY LAUGH.]
This big freak? Her dad could be anyone.
Tell her the truth.
Can we, er, go somewhere a bit quieter? Is that my sister? Yeah.
Yes, she is.
I hate you.
Alya, wait.
Look, I'm sorry.
I've told Mr Younis that your culinary talents are wasted waiting on tables.
- Miss? - So, he's gonna give you a trial.
You're to cook him a three-course meal.
Zain tells me you cook better than his mother.
That stays in this room.
If you prove to be as good as they say, you'll be cooking in the restaurant.
Miss, you know the last time I did this? Well, I messed up and served a takeaway instead.
And did you think it was any good? No.
It had too much cumin in it.
- Right, then.
- Right then, what? Right, then, don't mess up.
That was absolutely delicious.
Yeah.
I am very impressed, Cory.
Well done.
So, do you want the job? Yeah.
Well done.
What do you want? What's your problem? I'm your mother, and you speak to me like I'm bloody nothing, like I've done something wrong.
I know, but I didn't mean it like that.
Didn't sound like that to me.
I'm just trying to help you.
I know.
I know.
But I just feel like this is something I have to do.
I didn't know nothing about this, so what do you want me to do, Nasreen? I want you to try and understand.
So, it is with a degree of reluctance and trepidation that my mother has actually agreed to join us! [THEY CHEER.]
OK.
I said I'll come, let's go.
Get off the car, come on.
I'm not staying out long! All fully equipped.
New cupboards.
You can stock it up with every spice known to Asian woman.
Not that I can cook.
Well, I know we're gonna be living together but I will not be doing the cooking.
Er, we used to have a rota in my student days.
What is it, Mum? All of this.
Why you want to live like this? Is this the life you want? Everyone live on top of each other? I worked hard to get away from this.
It's much more than just this, Mum.
MUSIC: [MAKE YOUR MOVE BY ANTON POWERS AND REDONDO.]
Hey! [INDISTINCT.]
I think there are more lesbians here than in Hebden Bridge.
Yeah, Mum.
Hebden Bridge is just like our weekend retreat.
- I need the loo.
- All right.
Do you want me to come with you? - I not a invalid.
- [THEY LAUGH.]
Do you think she'll be OK? She just wants to know that you'll be happy.
Yeah? Mrs Paracha.
She's gonna be fine, you know.
- I can see that.
- I'll look after her.
I know you will, putter.
I just worry that this is not what she really wants.
She used to want more.
What more could you want than this? It is not like this every day, is it? Is it? I come and bloody live here myself if it is! Sometimes I maybe want too much for you.
You needed this, you know.
Not just the gay thing.
Back home, so many endings for you.
I can see why you think this can make you happy.
Well, this can make me happier, Mum.
Just as long as you're happy for me.
OK.
You enjoy this life, if this is what you want.
You did incredibly well under the circumstances.
If you re-sit next year No.
No, no, no, no.
I'm going to Manchester with Naveed, Miss.
I gave it my best shot but it obviously wasn't meant to be.
So Well? - Didn't get them.
- Oh, mate.
No, after this year, I mean, what do you expect? Come on.
What about you? Err, more than I deserved.
Let's see.
.
,.
Biology B, English C, Psychology C.
Hey! C, C, and a merit in Sports.
What about golden girl, over there? What do you expect? Straight A's.
You coming out tonight to celebrate our results? Yeah.
Yeah, I wouldn't miss it.
There he is, Fifty Shades Of Grease.
Take me, Cory, take me! Ignore 'em.
Erm, we're off to Ackley Nites later if you fancy joining us? Probably not.
All right, then.
So, guys Well, everyone, it's over.
And who'd have thought, given how we started, we'd all be here now, together? 'cos we didn't, did we? And we wouldn't back then.
Back then, when when Neil was actually still sweet, or the last time Jake said something sensible.
Oh, we've all come so far.
Like, sat round this table, together as friends.
I mean, some of us have known each other since babies, haven't we? And now, this is probably the last time that we're all gonna be together.
There hasn't been one day where I haven't laughed with at least one of yous.
Or at one of you.
But what we have had has been amazing.
I'm gonna miss you all so much.
So let's all raise one of these lovely non-alcoholic beverages to us.
ALL: To us.
Your sister would like to have a word with you outside.
- At your convenience.
- For God's sake.
- Thank you for coming to meet me.
- What do you want? You might not like what I have to say but sometimes you need to hear these things.
I've heard enough already.
He were young.
My mam had firm breasts.
He were putty in her hands.
Really? Too much information.
- All right, our Spud.
- All right, our Riz.
Just telling our Alya, not to blame your dad.
Most blokes would've run a mile but he's taken responsibility.
- Stepped up.
- Not financially.
'cos he's skint.
But that's not what this was about.
When I started this quest, I was hoping to meet a man a good man, and I have.
Our dad, for all his faults, is a good man.
Thank you for listening.
[LOUD DANCE MUSIC.]
Hey.
Just think, when we're in Manchester we'll be right by the clubs in town.
Woo.
Can I ask you summat, please? You can slur it me.
Why did you want me back? Why did you wanna come back? You came to me, remember? Did I? Yeah.
You said it was over and then you came back to me.
So why did you take me back? 'cos I love you.
You know that.
Yeah.
Yeah, I do.
Come here.
How many have you had? Cory! Hang on.
Walk you home? Thought you were going out.
Look, sorry I didn't come to see you.
- I were meant to but - Yeah.
Surprised you didn't want to see Cory Wilson get his comeuppance.
No.
Yeah, sure.
Sure you didn't feel a little bit superior when you found out? It wasn't like that.
- She took advantage of you.
- Oh, do me a favour.
Yeah.
It was offered to me on a plate and I took it.
You don't have to put on a front with me.
I enjoyed every single second of it and so did she.
Yeah, and just a few more months and none of this would have mattered.
I'd have been out of school, she'd have left her husband, and we'd have been together.
That were never going to happen.
Yeah, you would say that, wouldn't you? Admit it, Naveed.
You are happy that I am miserable.
I'm just bloody angry for you.
You're my best mate, and I can see you're hurting.
Oh, you see it, can you?! Can you see it, Naveed? Tell me what you can see because I would love to know! Is it a loser? Yeah, is that what you can see? Go on! Answer me! I blew it.
All right? I don't understand why I feel so bad about it.
It felt real.
No, I thought she she How could I be so stupid? And watching you lot tonight, I I felt nothing.
And I am being left behind.
[HE SOBS.]
None of this is your fault.
None of it.
Do you hear me, hey? You're not gonna be left behind.
All right? Is this you being happy? Would you believe me if I said yes? No.
Go on, then.
I'm waiting for your pearls of wisdom.
No.
No wisdom from me.
Not this time.
You've always got something to say.
I can't make you be honest with yourself, putter.
You say you know what's best for you.
I can't tell you that your wrong.
[SHE SOBS QUIETLY.]
Ah! How are you feeling? Bit of a headache but erm I'm sorry.
Sh.
I'm going to the Lidl, get some shopping.
OK, I'll, erm I'll stick some clothes on.
No, no, no.
Stay.
You sleep.
OK.
I don't want to waste your time, but do you remember my daughter? Yes, I You sent her this letter offering her a place, eh.
And you say that she make an exceptional impression on the college.
You know, in her interview and exam.
Yeah, she did indeed but we were And it's very good, you know.
I have a friend, who went to the University of Lahore, and he say that this is a great start.
Yeah, we were very impressed, but the criteria here at Oxford All right, what it is, right, is that she failed her grade to get in this place, but only just.
She got A, A, B.
Yes, we've just been made aware of that.
She get this even after being in a very serious accident.
I thought I was going to lose her.
Her best friend die.
And then, and then she just give up on everything, school, life her future.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
This is stupid.
I don't know what you must think of me.
I'm sorry to be wasting your time, but She didn't make grade, no.
- I just thought - Sorry, Mrs Paracha.
You know, before I come here today If I'm being honest, I didn't want her to come.
I never understood what all her excitement about this place was.
No, I pretend and all that, for her.
But but it were a lie.
And then I watch her going through all that pain since the accident, you know.
And I just wanted to keep her with me at home so I can look at her every day.
And now today, I'm here and I'm walking around and I'm seeing the students, and the big buildings and I'm so proud of my daughter, that she won a place here.
My little girl, she impressed you people.
I think I I know she still want all this.
It's all she ever wanted.
And she deserve it because of everything she been through.
But I can't make you see that.
I can't make you feel the pain and the loss.
But she deserve to be here more than anyone.
Kaneez Paracha.
No, I know it has to be 24 hours, but this is not like her and she's not an experienced driver.
It's all right, officer.
She's just walked in.
- Thank you so much.
- What's bloody happened now? - You disappeared.
- Where have you been? - We've been worried.
- Oh, I knew where I was.
Thought you was only going to Lidl.
- Cuppa tea, Kaneez? - Oh, yeah.
Mum, where've you been? - Oxford.
- Lidl in Oxford? No, Oxford University, Oxford.
- I went to talk about you.
- Why? Because I thought you deserve a chance.
What? Mum.
No, no, no.
You had no right that.
I don't care.
I'm your mother and I will go anywhere, see anybody, and say anything to see you happy.
Us lot, we been through a lot this year.
We lost Missy.
She was an energy that were part of us all.
And I think something go out in all of us when Missy died.
And it make us wonder what's the bloody point? It confuse me.
Made me scared.
So I had to go and do something.
You know, to take control again.
There's no point.
It's too late.
No, love.
They listened to me, and they give me your place back.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, Mum.
Naveed needs me in Manchester, and Sam Shut up thinking about other bloody people.
Why you always looking for excuse? First Missy, now Naveed.
No, this is about you.
And you need to go.
I just seen that place.
And you need to go and start your life again.
Mum? It's OK.
It's OK to go now.
We will still be here for you.
We will.
But you have to take your chance now, Nasreen.
So please stop dithering about and take it, will you? That's incredible! I mean, only your mum could have done this, you know? Getting your place back at Oxford.
I'm so sorry, Naveed.
I have to do this.
I'm gutted, but hey, you're going and that's the most important thing.
Asian ambition, remember.
And look, I'm still going to drama school, I'll sleep in a tent if I have to.
Don't be silly! Mum, Nasreen's going to Oxford after all.
Your mother must be very proud.
She is.
Thank you.
But what about the flat? Oh, I'll sort something out.
You'll never guess what Mrs Paracha did today.
Car-boot sale? They're for you.
I don't think I could carry them off as well as you, Mum.
I won't lie.
I never really wanted any of this for you.
But I was wrong.
Wrong, stupid and stubborn.
It doesn't matter, Mum.
No, it does to you.
So, you go to Manchester and you do your course.
Yet again, you have taken me by surprise, Cory.
Are you absolutely sure this is what you want, Cory, and don't think for a second that I'm not delighted, because, I assure you, I am.
Yes, Miss.
I I'd like to retake Year 13.
And what about you, Mrs Carp? You got him the job after all.
Well, after he passes his A levels, there'll be even better courses he can do.
And even better jobs.
Right, well, I guess we'll see you back here, then.
Thank you, Miss.
Are you getting sentimental in your old age, Sue? [DOOR SLAMS.]
[THEY CHORTLE.]
Yeah, I think we might have a more understanding Sue Carp from now on.
Oh, I hope not.
That would make life really boring.
Well? Start back next term.
[HE LAUGHS.]
Is this where we're supposed to hug it out, mate? Oh, could you be any more cynical? Come here.
Hey, watch the paintwork, will you? Right, are we ready? I want to set off early.
Mum's driving me.
What? But I thought I'd get a chance to explain things to you.
[SHE SIGHS.]
Oh, what now? I called her.
What? Why? I'm leaving and you have a daughter to get to know.
I can't say that I like what you've done.
But she pointed something out to me that I'd forgot about you.
You are a good man.
There's a girl over there, she needs the same love and advice that you gave to me.
She really needs it.
Rows and flows of angel hair And ice cream castles in the air And feather canyons everywhere I've looked at clouds that way But now they only block the sun They rain and snow on everyone So many things I would have done But clouds got in my way I've looked at clouds from both sides now From up and down and still somehow It's cloud's illusions I recall I really don't know clouds at all We can go now, Missy, just like you said.
Same time.
Same place.
Same day.
Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels The dizzy dancing way you feel When every fairy tale comes real I've looked at love that way But now it's just another show You leave 'em laughing when you go And if you care, don't let them know Don't give yourself away I've looked at love from both sides now From give and take, and still somehow It's love's illusions I recall I really don't know love .
.
At all.
There you go.
- Thanks.
- You got ticket? Yeah.
Money? I got my card and the cash that you gave me.
- Kebab? - Yeah.
That's it, you got everything.
- Yeah, everything, Mum.
- OK.
[SHE SOBS SOFTLY.]
Khuda hafiz.
Mum?!