Episode 228

(PreviouslyonHandaufsHerz)

 

Bea: Caro! Have you seen Ben?

Caro:Why? Did you lose him?

Bea:He’s absent unexcused and he can’t be reached either.

Caro:Maybe he ran off? He already wanted to do that once…off to Australia.

 

Ronnie:I’ve heard that you’re looking for Ben?
Bea:You know where he is?

Ronnie:Hm, no I don’t. But…

Bea:What?

Ronnie:I saw him at the Chulos’ yesterday. And he even was kind of…hmm, gentle. He even wished me well!

 

Bea:Where is Ben?

Stefan:Ben…ran away. He packed his stuff and left.

Bea:What?

Stefan:For Australia.

Bea:Australia.

 

 

(Intro)

 

 

[At Bergmann Villa]

 

Bea:For Australia.

Stefan:Yes, Ms Vogel. For Australia. Believe me, I was as surprised as you are. I don’t know what he’s doing there, I don’t know exactly where he’s living…I just know he’s not here anymore. And now I would like to continue working, I have a lot to do.

Bea: One moment. I… I don’t understand this. Why didn’t he say good-bye?

Stefan:Yesterday evening he was at that bar. At that…

Bea:Chulos.

Stefan:Yes. I assume that he celebrated his fare-well there. Obviously, you weren’t invited. I thought so. Now just put two and two together. Ben failed to appear in school despite that important test. He didn’t contact you, or did he?

Bea:What?

Stefan:Contact you.

Bea:No.

Stefan:You see. Me neither. Obviously he didn’t contact anybody. So there’s just one possibility left: he ran away.

Bea:But…you said you know where he is…in Australia.

Stefan:Yes, he left a note

Bea:A note?

Stefan:A note.

Bea:Can I see it?

Stefan:No. Now excuse me. This isn’t easy for me, as well.

Bea:Of course not. If you hear from him…

Stefan:… I’ll let you know.

 

Flashback

Ben:I love you. And I promise you that will never change.

Ronnie:Yesterday he was kind of gentle. He even wished me well before he left!

Caro:Maybe he ran off? He already wanted to do that once…off to Australia.

/Flashback

 

 

[At the Chulos]

 

Piet:Hey!

Miriam: Hi.

Piet:What are you doing here?

Miriam: Eh, Frank gave me some documents for you. Expansions of the lease contract, dates for events, blabla.

Piet:Thanks.

Miriam: You really have fun doing this, haven’t you?

Piet:Yes. Why?

Miriam: Hey, I’m just happy about it.

Piet:I found some old records in the cellar (those big black vinyl discs, you remember?)and I want to digitalize them step-by-step.

Miriam: Really? Which ones?

Piet:Don’t ask me…all sorts of things. I would have to play them for you at home.

Miriam: Okay.

Piet:Eh, cool. Maybe we can also have dinner together? Eh, the three of us, with Lara?

Miriam: Okay. Sure. I’d love to. Then I’ll just come around later?

Piet:Cool.

Miriam: Yes, okay. Then…

Piet:See you!

Miriam:Yeah, see you!

 

 

[At Pestalozzi]

 

Jenny:You won’t believe what Charlotte told me just now. Johnny Sky is in the auditorium…and rehearses with Luzi.

Emma:Ah, okay.

Jenny:Hey, come on. Gee, he needs students as extras. Imagine…us being on a music channel. That would be funny…

Emma:Jenny, I…

Jenny:What’s the matter?

Emma:I don’t understand this.

Jenny:Emma, that’s a really clear-cut concept.

Emma:Just forget about this dumb video shooting, for a moment.

Jenny(actually takes a step closer):Emma, I’ve told you, I don’t want to talk about this subject anymore, okay?

Emma:Okay.

Jenny:Okay.

Jenny grabs Emma’s hand and pulls her along.

 

 

[At the Chulos]

 

Piet:Bea, hey!

Bea: Hey.

Piet:Guess who just brought me documents for the Chulos. Right, Miriam.

And guess with whom I have a date today. Well, not really a date with candles and stuff, but dinner. With her and Lara. Like good old times. All together at the Vogelhaus (literally: bird house). Isn’t it wonderful? And what’s up with you?

Bea: Everything’s fine. I just wanted to ask you something.

Piet:Then shoot!

Bea:Were you here yesterday evening?

Piet:At the Chulos? Yes.

Bea: And Ben? Eh, eh, Ben Bergmann.

Piet:Ben? He was here, yes.

Bea: With other people?

Piet:What do you mean ‘With other people’? It was a full house.

Bea: Was he acting kind of strange?

Piet:Sorry, I didn’t notice anything. – Did something happened?

Bea: Ben missed a history test, and it was really important.

Piet:And now you think he skipped it and partied instead.

Bea: Ben isn’t feeling so well at the moment. And I was just at his father’s and he said he ran away.

Piet:Ran away?

Bea: To Australia. I don’t even know if he’s really there but I somehow can’t imagine it. Oh, forget it. You and Miriam, I’m really happy about it. Have a nice evening.

Piet:Thank you. But wait. Don’t you want something to drink?

Bea: I’d love to!

 

 

 

[At Pestalozzi, Auditorium]

 

The rehearsals for Luzi’s music video are on. Johnny Sky takes his protégés to task.

 

Johnny:Well, it’s looking quite good already, Kira.

Caro:Caro.

Johnny:Uh, Caro. Do it in sync. I would like to include 3 or 4 other students but I still need a counterpart for Luzi. We’re going to record the verses in the corridors and the performance part is going to be taped in here. Yes, it’s going to be great! 3 sizes, a nice depth, and the master shot is going to be recorded completely from the front. Say, will some of your friends be joining us, too?

(Emma, Jenny and Bodo come in)

Jenny:Already here. Jenny. Hi.

Johnny:Johnny Sky.

Jenny:I’ve heard that you’re still looking for some extras for the video.

Johnny:No, I’m not looking for extras. I only need leading roles. (to Emma and Bodo)And you? Will you join in, too? Well, with your “look”, you would fit in wonderfully, at any rate.

Emma and Bodo both look down at themselves. (Yeah, I mean..really? lol)

Caro:I’m Luzi’s counterpart.

Emma:Yes, you got that right.

Caro:Johnny.

Johnny:Kira.

Caro:Caro.

Johnny:Uh, Caro.

Caro: I’ve got a question: Uhm, do you want to shoot the video all in one take? Or are we doing it bit by bit?

Johnny:Caro, have you already taken part in a video shoot?

Caro:Yes, for a reality tv show. (Wow, it’s really possible to say this with pride in your voice.)

Johnny:Yes well, I actually meant something…legit. Anyway, it’s no problem. We’ll manage. (to Emma, and Bodo)And you, you take your places behind Caro please. Kira. (to Jenny)And you will join in, too. All right, I’m going to show you something and then you’ll do it, ok? All right…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…(Jenny’s phone rings)…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8…
Jenny:Yes? Yes, I’m the daughter…Uhm, wait a second, please.

Jenny leaves the auditorium. Emma looks worried. (Caro tries to catch Johnny’s eye. Or is that Luzi’s?)

 

 

[At the Chulos]

 

Piet:I already worked here last week. Well I didn’t have the job then, but I helped Miriam. Everything worked perfectly, we were a super team! Still! Did she happen to tell you something about me?

Bea: What?

Piet:Did Miriam tell you anything about me?

Bea: About what?

Piet:Well, about her, and me. Well, about us.

Bea: Eh, from time to time.

Piet:Yes, and what?

Bea: Piet, sorry. Could you please tell me again what do you mean? I was miles away.

Piet:Oh, okay. You’re still thinking about Ben, aren’t you?

Bea: I don’t understand this at all. Why didn’t he come to his test? He knows that his admission to the Abitur exams depends on it. He has become more mature, I didn’t just imagine that.

Piet:Really? Maybe it’s too much for him, with the graduation, and he just needed some downtime.

Bea: But if it’s too much for him, why did he celebrate a farewell-party?

Piet:A farewell-party?

Bea: Yes. That’s what you said.

Piet:What? No. Ah, you mean because. No, I meant the club was full of guests, but not his guests. He sat the whole time right here at the bar, drank something and looked as if he was waiting for someone.

Bea: Waiting for whom?

Piet:Don’t ask me! I turned around and there was a banknote and he was gone.

 

[Somewhere]

 

Dramaticshot of Ben’s mustang standing half on a road and half in a copse of five(?) trees. It’s not hidden in any way. The side window has been broken.

 

 

[Pestalozzi, hallway]

 

Flashback

Ben:Do you know something, you sound like my father? He’s also not digging that I want to decide on my future by myself!

/Flashback

 

Michael:Hey! Everything alright?

Bea:Everything’s fine.

Michael:Did Ben Bergmann turn up again?

Bea:Not yet. At least he didn’t contact me.

Michael:I didn’t hear anything either. Do you have any idea where he could be?

Bea:No idea!

Michael:Really?

Bea:We don’t have that much contact anymore, as you should know.

 

 

[At Pestalozzi, Auditorium]

 

Johnny:Not quite. But Kira is almost right. A dolly is a camera truck, gliding on rails and so we get super smooth movements. Any other questions?

Emma:Yes. How long does the shooting take?

Johnny:A shooting always takes much longer than planned. I would say we take a five minute break and then go over the choreo(graphy) once more, okay? Alright.

Jenny:Already finished, or what?

Caro:Five minute break.

Emma:And?

Jenny:And what? Everything’s fine.

Emma:Wh-who w-was on the phone?

Jenny:That was the police…um...(she pulls Emma away to the side). My parents have been found in the English Channel.

Emma:God! What did they...I mean…

Jenny:What did they say? Somebody now has to confirm officially that these really are my parents. I mean, hey, they had passports with them…Please! What do I need to confirm?! Emma, hey, it is okay.

Emma:That’s bullsh*t. Nothing’s okay.

Jenny:Emma, please, don’t, don’t get upset.

Emma:But you can’t ignore that your parents died! Jenny, they are dead.

Jenny:Emma, why do you make it your affair? You didn’t even know them.

Emma:But it isn’t about me at all! You are my girlfriend, I love you and… You can’t suppress your grief just like that. That’s no good!

Jenny:I’m not suppressing anything!

Emma:You’re suppressing everything! You won’t take part in this video! We’re going home now. Period.

Jenny:Emma…

Emma:Period!

Emma takes Jenny by the arm and pulls her away.

 

(Emma!!! Taking the lead again.)

 

 

[At the Vogelhaus]

 

Lara:Okay! What’s her name?

Piet: Whose name?

Lara:The woman you’re cooking for! And you are making ratatouille. The meal you only prepare when you think you’re infatuated.

Piet: What’s that supposed to mean?

Lara:You know! And no, I don’t want to hear that story again. I know that you made it for mum, when she was at your home the first time. Besides you got all dressed up.

Piet: I’m allowed to get dressed up sometimes.

Lara:Of course you’re allowed to get dressed up! I just want to know her name! With Sonja you told me much too late that she’s a cool music business lady! And when I finally found out she was already gone!

Piet: Okay. Just for you. The guest this evening comes from…the music business! Hey!

Lara:But you’re not together with Sonja again, right?

Piet: Who says I’m together with anybody?

Lara:You didn’t meet her at your new job, did you? If you bring home some student, I will move out!

Piet: Okay? You will move out? Where exactly?

Lara:To Sebastian, to Costa Rica? Oh sorry! This one was dumb!

Miriam: Hello! I have the replacement key…Hi Lara, how are you?

Lara:Super! But Daddy doesn’t want to tell me the name of his new girlfriend. And he made ratatouillle!

Miriam: Ratatouille! Mmh…It really smells delicious. I’m ravenous.

Piet: Senor.

Miriam:Madame.

Lara:No, really?!?

Miriam: It’s just a dinner. The three of us. You as well!

 

 

[At Pestalozzi, teachers’ room]

 

Mrs. Krawczyk:Bea! Everything alright? - Mr. Weber? Could you leave us alone for a moment? Five minutes?

Bea:I am concerned for Ben.

Mrs. Krawczyk: I am also concerned for Ben. I really hoped that he would use this chance. But not even turning up for the test…

Bea:I talked with his father. He said he ran away…to Australia.

Mrs. Krawczyk:Excuse me?

Bea:But I don’t believe that! Then he would have said something. Anything. One doesn’t just get in a taxi and drive to the airport and fly away…to the other end of the world!

Mrs. Krawczyk:You really think he would have done that? Told you before? – If Ben really decided to chuck it all…you think he would have told you? And thus have taken the risk that you would do everything to prevent him from doing it?

Bea:I don’t know.

 

 

 

[Bergmann Villa]

 

Stefan:(at the phone)But there must be a possibility. I’m the general manager of one of the most influential banks of the Rhineland, and I’m begging on the phone for you to free up funds… at my bank!

Yes, of course. I know! But there has to be some possibility! What? Yes, for example! That’s not fast enough! I need the money right now! Yes, I know exactly what amount we are talking about! But that doesn’t change the fact that I need the money! Fast! Do that! Talk to you again soon!

(the phone rings again)

Bergmann! Oh Rudger! Yes, yes, I spoke on your mailbox. Yes, I know, I would have contacted you… but you know how it is! Sorry I have to keep free the line, I’m expecting an important call! We can talk later…later! Very good Rodger, at the club is fine. Yes, alright.

 

 

[At the Vogelhaus]

 

Miriam: No! I did wear a skirt, I remember that very clearly. Besides, you don’t even know the difference between a skirt and a dress!

Piet: Whatis that supposed to mean?!

Miriam: Anyway,I still remember which flowers were on the table.

Miriam:Tulipes!

Piet: Carnations!

Lara:Marguerites. Exactly 17. One for each day you had already known each other.

Guys, I don’t think it’s very healthy for my mind to have to listen to this any longer. What I want to say: Would you really mind if I went to the Chulos now?

Miriam: Well, I think it would be a pity…

Piet:Yes, me too. Get lost!

Lara:Then have fun you two! Oh, and: “Condoms keep you safe” (“Kondome schützen” has been the slogan of the German AIDS prevention campaign since the 1980s, and has become a catch phrase. Though you don’t normally say it to your parents. ;-)

Piet: Hello?!

Miriam:What the..!?

Piet: I’m really glad that you came.

Miriam:Yes, me too! Should I make coffee for us?

 

 

[Pestalozzi, teachers’ lounge]

 

Bea is trying again to call Ben

Bea: Ben, pick up!

 

 

[A room]

 

Ben’s phone rings. It’s lying on a table.

Ben is sitting on a dirty mattress, arms chained behind his back to a radiator, mouth taped shut. He tries to scream.