Foster Page #3

Oh, don't say that.

Well, why not? It's the truth!

The company he started 50 years ago

has taken me just two years

to burn to the ground!

I can't compete with the big boys,

and we're in debt up to our eyeballs.

We can borrow some more money.

Take equity out of the house.

There is no more equity

in the house, Zooey.

What do you mean?

This helicopter sucks.

It only goes up and down.

Not now, Eli.

I'm only saying. Helicopters are

supposed to go up, down and sideways.

What I mean is there's no more equity.

There's no more money.

I'll just wait over here, shall I?

I can't believe you mortgaged the

house - our house - without telling me.

I trusted you!

Zooey!

Come on, Eli.

Zooey, please.

Zooey!

Who needs a hug?

You know what I say?

What?

Better out than in.

Tragic what's happening

in the world today.

So... tomorrow,

you're gonna start school, OK?

Can I ask you a question?

Yeah, of course.

Do you still love him?

Who?

Alec.

Do I still love Alec?

I guess so. I mean...

He's my soul mate. We've been together

since we were at school.

So, what's the problem?

What, are you a psychiatrist now?

Sometimes it helps to talk to a stranger.

You're not a stranger.

You know what I mean.

I suppose... I suppose we've forgotten

how to have fun.

Our relationship functions,

at least on the surface,

but so many things

have been broken since...

Since what?

Are you sure you're only seven?

OK, time for bed, young man.

Come here.

Hey, I want you to know...

...you're a very special wee young man.

You too.

Don't worry, he'll be fine.

Hi, guys. Someone order a taxi?

Ah, yes. That would be me.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Thank you, young man.

Sweet Mary, mother of...

Hi, Dad.

Eli! What are you doing?

I thought you might need a hand.

With what?

With work.

No, I'm fine, thanks.

You don't look fine.

I am, really.

If you call an empty factory "fine",

then who am I to argue?

Shouldn't you be

at school or something?

Or something, yes.

OK, come on. I'll drop you back.

And, Eli, please, just call me Alec.

Yes, sir.

No, just 'Alec' will be fine.

Come on.

You do stock some great products.

Why, thank you.

I think so too.

Check this out.

It's one of our new toys.

Cool!

I know!

So, what's the problem?

The problem, my little friend, is money.

As it always is.

It's the root of all evil.

Oh, you're telling me.

Look, I better call Zooey,

let her know that you're here.

Eli, What the hell?

Get inside, both of you.

You can't just order a taxi

and leave school whenever you want.

Well, how do you expect me

to get around?

Have you been on

a London bus recently?

Taxi is really the quickest

and most efficient way.

You know what I mean.

Sorry.

You hungry, Alec?

Yeah, I suppose.

Hi. Someone ordered Chinese?

What?

Who would have thought your common

duck, of all things, could taste so good?

Stick it in a pancake,

add some spring onion and hoisin sauce

and Bob's your uncle.

Eli... please just ask me next time.

Yes, OK. Sorry.

But now you're here, you've gotta

admit... how good is this crispy duck?

Yeah, it's really, really good.

What? I'm just saying!

I mean, he's got a point. As far as

crispy duck goes, this is pretty good, no?

We've still got a lot to talk about.

Yeah, look, about that...

Look, you can talk your hearts out later.

Now, can you pass me some of

that crispy shredded beef?

He knows how to order a good Chinese,

I'll give him that!

Perhaps I should spend

more time with him.

I'm sorry.

I genuinely am.

We can't survive on the bookshop alone.

I know.

We're meant to be a family!

I'll get us out of this mess. I will.

Look, I'm gonna go out

and get some air, OK?

Eli?

Where'd you get that?

From the room next door.

You must never go in that room.

But I just thought...

Never!

Do you understand?

Scared the bejesus out of me!

Where have you been?

Sorry.

How are you this evening, Mr Potts?

I've been better.

I was asleep until you woke me.

Hey, look on the bright side. At least

you don't have to go to school every day.

I mean, what's up with that?

You could learn a thing or two.

How are you settling into

your new home?

Well, they're a lovely couple.

He's a little hard work,

but I'm sure he'll soften eventually.

These things take time.

I don't have forever, Mr Potts.

You can't rush it.

Everyone's different, you know?

Oh, I suppose.

John!

Good to see you again.

And you, Alec.

Have a seat. Fruit jelly? They're shaped

in the form of US presidents.

Er, no, thanks.

Are you sure?

Actually, I wanted to talk to you

about your line.

Hmm. OK, what's up?

Well, there's no point in

beating about the bush, I suppose.

You see, the thing is, with this

recession, margins are tightening, and...

...we can't afford to stock

the smaller lines.

Well, that's OK.

We'll take a look at the margins

and see if we can make it work for you.

In the last two years,

things have gone downhill.

I fully understand your situation.

I feel dreadfully sorry for you.

John, how long have I known you,

hmm?

I was at your wedding, for God's sake.

I was at Alice's christening!

Yes, I know, I know.

We'll always be friends. That's why

I wanted to tell you face to face.

But please understand.

It's just business.

For you, maybe.

For me it's my livelihood.

There is one other option, I suppose.

If you ever thought of selling this place,

I might be inclined to make an offer.

It's not for sale, John.

I just thought you could use the money.

My father built this place from scratch.

Yes, and a good man he was too.

You'll just have to come up with

some new ideas, that's all.

Oh, Well.

You know where I am.

Hi, Dad.

I know it's been a while

since I've come to see you.

Truth is...

Oh, Dad, I've messed up.

If you were here now,

I know exactly what you'd say.

What would he say?

Gosh! You startled me.

Sorry.

Who are you?

Potts is the name.

I tend to some of

the old headstones is all.

Keep them neat and tidy.

I see.

So...

So...

What would he say?

I'm sorry. I thought I was alone here.

I can go if you like.

He'd say...

"Alec, I built this company from scratch

with not a penny to my name."

"Don't let me down, boy."

And... you let him down?

Oh.

You know, graves do

funny things to people.

You'd think people are nutters

talking to the dead.

See this rosebush?

You'd never think something as beautiful

as this could grow from a grave.

I don't follow.

Well, there's that old expression,

you know...

Er... what is it?

Up from the ashes

grow the roses of success..

Mind how you go now.

Whoo!

And not just that.

When we got home,

he'd ordered Chinese food.

And not just any old Chinese.

I mean, this crispy duck

was out of this world.

It was the best I've ever tasted.

Sounds like someone

I'd like to hang out with!

The point is I just can't get used to this

whole instant family thing, you know?

And how are things with you and Zooey?

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes