Episode 142

Previously on Hand aufs Herz

 

Bea: I already met your successor, by the way.

Michael: Really?

Bea: Yes.

Michael: Mhm.

Bea: She's nice. You'll like her.

Herr Wendtland: And as coincidence would have it, you all won't have to get used to a new name. You could say the position is staying in the family. May I present your new principal… Welcome...Helena Schmidt-Heisig.

Bea: Are you related in some way?

Michael: That's my wife.

 

Intro

 

[Teacher's lounge]

 

Bea: Your wife? She’s your wife?

Helena: I am really looking forward to this new challenge, thank you.

Bea: You’re married? This whole time, and you don't mention anything at all?

Michael: That's what I've been meaning to tell you this whole time. You have to believe that, Bea.

(Bea storms out, Michael hot on her heels)

Helena: As the new principal of this school, I hope to create the perfect mixture of new impulses as well as the established tradition that makes our job so interesting. Thank you.

Herr Wendtland: We thank you, Frau Schmidt-Heisig. To a good collaboration!

(Helena looks incredibly pleased. Trouble in paradise)

 

[In the halls]

 

Michael: (still storming after Bea) Bea, wait.

Bea: For what? So that you can keep lying to me?

Michael: We are separated, we are as good as divorced!

Bea: Were you going to tell me that you are married at all? Or did you think “Let's see how long it will last with Bea. Maybe I won't even have to trouble myself”

Michael: I've been trying to tell you the whole time, but there was always something getting in the way. First the stuff with Franziska, your imprisonment, the time in prison.

Bea: Well of course. It's my fault! Bea, she has so many problems that Michael can't tell her he's married!

Michael: That's not what I meant.

Bea: Tell me like it is. First you didn't care, then you were too much of a coward!

Michael: I tried to tell you yesterday!

Bea: Yesterday. I thought you were going to propose!

Michael: You what?

Bea: I found a ring, that's how stupid I was.

Michael: But that's nice, that you thought – (He tries to take her hand, but she pulls away) I love you!

Bea: I believed that, yes. (She storms off again)

Michael: Bea!

 

[In front of the school]

 

Chick 1: And the best part is, they even have a pool and a sauna. We'll party all weekend!

Chick 2: And no one will disturb us, no parents, no janitor, like at Ben's pool party...

(Caro leaves the school and overhears them)

Caro: It still was lots of fun. Where is this party?

Chick 1: Are you invited?

Caro: Do I need to be invited? Just tell me where and I'll take care of the rest. (Sophie walks by, Caro stops her) Sophie, hey, do you want to party?

Chick 2: I don't think so. Not her, and you neither. Doesn't fit, atmo-wise, sorry.

Sophie: I don't feel like party anyway... (She tries to leave, but Caro holds her back)

Caro: Ah, yeah, I nearly forgot. Sophie already has a date. We have another party. Nothing big, 100 people, 10 live acts, champagne flat rate, but we promised. Sorry, girls.

(Caro leaves with Sophie and I'm sure those girls believed every single word)

Sophie: What party?

Caro: We'll find one.

 

[In the teacher's lounge]

 

Michael is filing some papers when he hears his beloved wife in the hallway talking to a colleague.

Helena: Should you have any more questions, just come to me. My office door is open, as soon as it's finished.

Teacher: Thank you, Frau Schmidt-Heisig.

Michael: Uh, Helena, could I talk to you for a minute?

Helena: You'll excuse me? (She walks over to him and he pulls her into the teacher's lounge)

Did you miss me so much that you need to pounce on me right away?

Michael: Why are you here?

Helena: I don't know what you're talking about. Or do you have a problem with having a woman as principal? Or... your wife?

Michael: I have a problem with you, of all people, getting the position. Now, of all times! I know this is no coincidence!

Helena: Of course it's not. Or do you believe I would apply for a comprehensive school voluntarily?!

Michael: Why are you here?

Helena: You destroyed my life.

Michael: I destroyed your life. (He laughs) Your jokes used to be better.

Helena: Like I said, you destroyed my life, and now I am here to get it back. Piece by piece. No matter the cost.

 

Götting: That couldn't have gone better. Great woman, that Schmidt-Heisig, wouldn't have thought that of that Heisig. With her as principal it's a whole new game.

Alexandra: That woman seems to really impress you.

Götting: Didn't she impress you?

Alexandra: It was my idea to get her here, after all. She'll do the trick.

Götting: I cherish your pragmatism, but the whole situation could be fun, right?!

Alexandra: Depends on what you mean by fun.

Götting: Is someone jealous?

Alexandra: Why would I be?

Götting: Exactly. There is no reason at all.

 

(By the way, that obtrusive poster behind Helena says “Follow me, my sweetheart”)

 

Michael: Don't you think we should look upon everything as it really is? Hm? Seeing that it was you who left me?

Helena: Stop presenting yourself as a victim, that doesn't become you. That won't work with me.

Michael: And you obviously forgot that you were the one who wanted a divorce.

Helena: And you obviously forgot that you broke my heart?

Michael: Who's playing the victim now? Who? We both made mistakes. Had wishes the other couldn't fulfill.

Helena: You mean like being faithful.

Michael: Helena, this will get us nowhere. Neither of us are choir boys. We should just forget the stories from our past.

Helena: You know, I never wanted us to end like that. But when I make up my mind, I make up my mind. And now I am here because I won't let myself be excluded. And you know me. I won't give up until I have what I want. (She leaves)

 

[In the parking lot]

 

Bea is sitting in her car, crying.

Bea: SHIT! (Someone knocks on the window) Everything's alright. (She takes out her phone) Miriam, it's me, Bea. Do you have time, we need to talk right away.

 

[Chulos]

 

Eliza Doolittle is there, singing Pack Up. Caro and Sophie come in, looking for their party.

Caro: Eliza Doolittle, how cool is that!

(Timo is there, too)

Caro: I'll get us some champagne, too, promise. (Sophie doesn't look very enthusiastic) Hey, what's going on?

Sophie: Nothing.

Caro: You're not still thinking about what those bitches were saying, are you? We'll make our own show from now on. We don't need them! They have no style, especially not Mandy. So, are you with me?

Sophie: I think I'll just sit here for a while. Maybe I'll join you later.

Caro: But don't die from all the fun. (She leaves to go drink with some guys)

Barkeeper: What can I get you?

Sophie: Anything with Gin.

Barkeeper: Anything with Gin. Coming right up.

(Eliza Doolittle comes up to the bar while the barkeeper is mixing Sophies drink)

Eliza:Two cokes, please. (The barkeeper stops shaking to serve her first. Eliza to Sophie) Sorry, I didn't see you there, was it your turn? (Sophie just smiles sadly) Sorry. (to the barkeeper) Thank you

Barkeeper: Cheers.

(Eliza leaves, just to be replaced by Timo)

Timo: Three Mate, please!

Sophie: Hi Timo...

Timo: Hi... (his face screams “awkward”)

Sophie: Have you been here long?

Timo: Half an hour.

Sophie: Are you here with Luzi?

Timo: No, I'm just here with some friends. (he gets his drinks) Three drinks, three friends.

Sophie: If you're here with friends, maybe I could come with you?

Timo: Um, I don't think that's a good idea. (he leaves)

Barkeeper: Here we are. My invention. The Lonely Rider. (Yes, rub it in.)

 

Miriam: He’s married!?!

Bea: Yes. The engraving “Forever M.”... That wasn't for me. It was for his wife, Helena. How stupid can I be?

Miriam: Unbelievable. And now she's your principal, too. And she seemed so nice!

Bea: She is nice. She is good-looking, she's intelligent...

Miriam: Doesn't exactly make everything easier.

Bea: I even told her that he wanted to propose? How embarrassing it that!?! Michael never mentioned her! Not one word! As if it weren't bad enough that he's married... But to a woman like that?! I think I … I misjudged him from the beginning.

Miriam: Now don't question everything. Okay, Michael concealed his marriage. But maybe he can explain everything. Maybe he had good reasons that he... that he....

Bea: That he what?

Miriam: I don't know, maybe... Maybe she did something bad. Something he couldn't possibly forgive her for. (Bea's phone rings. It's Michael) Just ask him.

Bea: No. I can't talk to him.

Miriam: I understand... (She ignores the call)

Bea: Weren't you going to the cinema? With Sebastian?

Miriam: No, I'll cancel. I'm not leaving you alone right now.

Bea: You are going anyway. You'll have a nice evening, and I'll have some tea and think about my sorry life. But maybe you should ask Sebastian if he has some secrets, too. You never know...

Miriam: Thanks for the tip, sweetie. (They hug)

Bea: Have a nice evening.

Miriam: Take care.

(She leaves, Bea closes the door behind her and sighs deeply)

 

[Chulos]

 

(Someone's complaining about where his beer's at, the barkeeper is clearly overwhelmed)

Barkeeper: Just pass them on!

Caro: Hey, where is our order?! Three more! (Some guy next to her is complaining, too) Four, four!

Barkeeper: Get your beer yourself!

Caro: He'll never get it done! (She pushes a beer aside on the bar) Come on, help me! (Two guys lift her up on the counter, more people scream for their beer) Give it to me. I'll help you a little. (She's being really helpful, passing beer on to some people. Sophie is sadly drinking in her corner and eyeing the bottle of Gin that's unattended while Caro is lounging on the counter)

 

[In the streets]

 

Sebastian and Miriam are on their way home from the movies.

Sebastian: I'm just saying, you can tell those stories differently. Why does every romantic movie has to have the same boring happy ending?

Miriam: Right, that's not how it is in real life, either, huh?!

Sebastian: That's not the point. Movies are versified reality. Always telling the same ending, that's … versified boredom

Miriam: Well you know your stuff, Herr Heisig.

Sebastian: What's that supposed to mean? (They stop) What's going on, did I say something wrong?

Miriam: Why didn't you tell me Michael is married? After all, he's your brother!

Sebastian: Exactly. He's my brother, but I'm not his guardian.

Miriam: Oh. Wow. Brilliant excuse, thank you. (She starts walking again, Sebastian following)

Sebastian: So he finally told her? How did she take it?

Miriam: Oh, well, she's still cutting capers, what else? Also, he didn't tell her, she learned about it from the new principal, Frau Schmidt-Heisig, when she officially introduced herself.

(They stop again, Sebastian is a little shocked)

Sebastian: Ouch.

Miriam: Yes, ouch! Exactly. I just don't understand how anyone could be such a coward.

Sebastian: Michael is no coward!

Miriam: But?

Sebastian: He just wanted to forget all about it, the whole Helena story, to leave the stressful, nerve-wracking time of their separation behind!

Miriam: They're not separated, though! Or at least they're not divorced!

Sebastian: Yeah, but as good as! You're still in marital separation yourself.

Miriam: Thanks. I know that myself. But I told you. If Michael had at least been serious about Bea...

Sebastian: He is serious! I know my brother! He loves Bea! (His phone rings, Miriam rolls her eyes when he takes the call) Everything alright? ... I understand, yeah, okay, see you soon. (He hangs up) Miriam, I am sorry, I have to leave for Chulos, all hell's broken loose there. Can we talk while we're walking?

Miriam: I think I'll head over to Bea’s again, she needs me now.

Sebastian: I'll see you later at home?

(Miriam nods)

 

[Chulos]

 

Caro is still “being helpful”, getting money like a stripper. Sophie finally grabs the bottle of Gin and just takes two huge swigs, even though she doesn't seem to like the pure taste that much. She looks around at everybody having a good time, then takes another swig.

 

[Bea's place]

 

Bea's staring into a cup when her phone rings. She refuses the call and suddenly the bell rings. She's annoyed, but opens the door, ready to give Michael a piece of her mind.

Bea: What do you – You! (It's Helena)

Helena: I wanted to talk to you. But I guess that wasn't that good of an idea. Best you forget I was here. (She turns to leave)

Bea: Wait! (Helena's immediately back where she stood before) Why are you here?

Helena: That must have been awful for you this morning. I had no idea you and Michael are a couple. I'm sorry we had to meet like that.

Bea: Yeah, me too...

Helena: You know, when I was offered the position as principal of the Pestalozzi school, I saw it as a big opportunity. I had no idea Michael was a teacher there, otherwise I wouldn't have taken the offer. I don't want to seem presumptuous, but sometimes it helps to talk about it. I may only be the ex, but I do know Michael very well, and I believe he deeply regrets how that all played out. May I?

Bea: (stepping aside) Yeah, come on in.

 

[Chulos]

 

Sophie's vision has started to blur.

 

Sebastian: Has it been like this the whole evening?

Barkeeper: (motioning to Caro) Since she's been up there, I've not been meeting the demands at all.

Sebastian: That's not usually on the program here.

Barkeeper: (motioning for the register) Look at that. (Lots and lots of money)

Sebastian: Okay, that changes everything. (He starts helping.)

 

[At Bea's]

 

Helena's still in her coat. That must be uncomfortable.

 

Helena: And he never once mentioned me? (Bea shakes her head) And you on your part didn't suspect anything?

Bea: How is anyone supposed to suspect something like that? Michael has always been honest with me, I... I couldn't have known that he would keep something like that from me.

Helena: I know what you mean. But that it has to happen to you of all people. I mean, I found you to be very likeable from the beginning, if I may say so.

Bea: I thought the same. And, if I'm being honest, I really don't understand why it didn't work out for you and Michael... I'm sorry, that's none of my business.

Helena: No, no, it's fine. I think you deserve an explanation. So you have absolutely no idea why Michael didn't tell you the truth?

Bea: No idea, I really don't know.

Helena: Okay... There's no other way for Michael. For a long time, I didn't see it... or didn't want to see... I just loved him, and trusted him. Just like you. But eventually I realized there's something inside of him that's just stronger... Much stronger than his love for me. I have no idea what his problem is, he never talked to me about it. All I know is that he's lying to a woman like you and … he's been cheating on me. Again and again. I don't know how many women there were. But eventually I couldn't take it anymore. It nearly destroyed me. That's why I broke up with him.

 

[Chulos]

 

Caro is still lounging on the counter.

 

Sebastian: Are you looking for a job?

Caro: Depends on the pay.

Sebastian: I think we can agree on something. Let's talk later. (He hands her some beers to pass on)

Caro spots Sophie and finally notices something's wrong when Sophie gets up and can hardly stand.

Caro: Sophie? (The addressed passes out. Caro moves to her side)

Sebastian: Turn the music off!

Caro: Can you hear me? We need an ambulance, and fast!