4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007)

1. Romania, 1987

2. Okay.

3. Thanks.

4. Can you give me a hand?

5. Is this how Marius gave this to you?

6. It's different fish.

7. What a strange backdrop.

8. You'll ask Daniela to feed them while we're gone?

9. They'll be fine without food for two days.

10. Did you get the toothpaste?

11. Yes. I took your cotton wool too.

12. You'll get more, right?

13. You have any soap?

14. Check the drawer.

15. There's none left.

16. I'm going out now for cigarettes.

17. Good. Get some Amo or Lux.

18. Definitely not Palmolive. It gives me dandruff.

19. Could you get my hairdryer from Petronela?

20. It's like you're going to a wedding.

21. You got any money?

22. Check my jeans, in the back pocket.

23. I love how you keep it in a wallet.

24. Not like you, with money falling out everywhere.

25. Shut the door.

26. Is Petronela around?

27. She was in the showers.

28. - Any hot water? - Yes.

29. Petronela?

30. - Otilia? - Yes.

31. What?

32. Old Eagle Eye was looking for you.

33. - Why? - You weren't there Thursday.

34. I asked you to explain to her!

35. Yeah, but she said you had your period two weeks ago.

36. Next time bring a doctor's note.

37. Fine, I'll get one.

38. - Does she smoke? - Vikends.

39. It's open.

40. Morning. Starting so early?

41. I have exams on Thursday.

42. The Thorn Birds. Come watch it tonight.

43. - Is East of Eden yours? - Yeah.

44. - Where's Găbița? - Waxing her legs.

45. Assos and a pack of Kent.

46. Sorry, no Kent.

47. Shit. Where can I get some? I need them.

48. You won't find any.

49. - I have Marlboro. - I don't like Marlboro.

50. Give me a pack of Assos and a bar of Lux.

51. - Salem Menthol? - No, thanks.

52. Wrigley's?

53. No, I'll have some Tic Tacs. Orange.

54. The Tic Tacs are on me.

55. Thanks.

56. Try and come to the movie tonight.

57. Ramona and Brigitte will be there.

58. I don't know. Thanks.

59. Kitties!

60. They're so cute! Are they yours?

61. No, I found them in the boiler room. Want one?

62. No, Găbița's allergic.

63. - What are you feeding them? - Cabbage rolls.

64. - I'll bring you some powdered milk. - Thanks.

65. Hey, girls!

66. What?

67. Can you tell Gabi her dad called?

68. He'll be here about 10:00.

69. - I'll tell her. - Thanks.

70. Your dad called. He's coming.

71. Shit.

72. Did you tell your parents?

73. About what?

74. He'll be here around 10:00.

75. I don't know what to do about Monday's exam.

76. You can take it with another class.

77. Should I bring my notes?

78. No point.

79. No point, right?

80. Didn't you have some powdered milk?

81. Yes, in the Nescafé jar.

82. - How much is it? - Eighty.

83. Here's the milk powder.

84. This smells so nice!

85. Is it a girl?

86. - And the Rexona? - Fifty.

87. You got any Kents?

88. No, try the Arabs.

89. - How much is this? - Twenty-five.

90. - "Progesterol." Hungarian? - German, produced in Hungary.

91. She's a real expert!

92. My cousin takes them. I'm fat enough already.

93. Ninety lei for all four.

94. Seeing how often I need them...

95. You can get that much?

96. At the coed dorm, they go in a flash.

97. I gotta go. My water's boiling.

98. - I'm dyeing my hair red. - You're kidding!

99. Not really. Just a treatment. It's falling out.

100. Could you ask Petronela to return the hair dryer?

101. I'll drop it by later. She has exams.

102. - Good luck, ladies! - Bye.

103. When are you meeting Adi?

104. At 11:00.

105. I feel feverish.

106. Take an aspirin.

107. I think it's my tooth. I need some Algocalmin.

108. See if there's any left in the travel bag.

109. This is all I need today!

110. I should have had it filled.

111. You'll survive till Saturday.

112. - Could I ask you something? - Sure.

113. Could you deal with the money?

114. I can't even bribe ticket inspectors on the bus.

115. Don't worry. I'll handle it.

116. Here, count it.

117. - 2,700, right? - Yes.

118. My stomach feels weird.

119. Eat something.

120. How could I eat now?

121. Relax. Everything will be fine.

122. That's enough now. Bye.

123. - Don't turn back now! - I forgot the address.

124. Don't be superstitious. You're not a peasant.

125. I want to take my notes anyway.

126. Then take them.

127. Tickets, please.

128. Your ticket, please.

129. Got a spare ticket?

130. Ticket, please.

131. Your ticket, please.

132. Has Adi gone in already?

133. - Last-minute cramming? - Just checking a few things.

134. Have people gone in?

135. They started late. They couldn't find the key.

136. - Stop. Your classmates will see us. - So?

137. I get embarrassed.

138. Listen, Diana asked if we could swap.

139. She'd go to Izvor and we'd go to Costinești.

140. At the same time?

141. No, the 7th to the 14th for her, the 15th to the 22nd for us.

142. My last exam's on the 6th.

143. I'd have to go home for a week and come back here.

144. It would complicate things.

145. Give me a cigarette.

146. - You got the money? - Yeah.

147. Why the envelope?

148. To keep it separate from the flower money.

149. You said 300, right?

150. - I'll pay you from my state aid. - Fine.

151. Hungry? Want something from the café?

152. Mom made me sandwiches.

153. She got up early to make you sandwiches?

154. No, to bake her cake. The gas is spotty after 8:00.

155. Can you do me a favor?

156. Can you get the flowers? I'll be finishing late here.

157. I don't think...

158. I won't be able to make it.

159. Where?

160. - I can't make it later. - Hold on.

161. You're not coming to my mother's birthday party?

162. Why so upset?

163. Of course I'm upset!

164. She's baking a meringue cake for you and you're not coming?

165. She's baking it for me?

166. I told her you like them.

167. It's not that I don't want to. I can't.

168. Why can't you?

169. What else do you have to do? Tell me.

170. I'll tell you sometime. Just not right now.

171. You can't tell me now?

172. You don't trust me? Just say so.

173. Of course I trust you. But do we have secrets now?

174. We don't have secrets.

175. I said I'll explain later. It's no big deal.

176. Fine. If you say so, what can I do?

177. If it were my first time meeting your folks, it would be a big deal.

178. I don't want to fight.

179. Who started it?

180. You're telling me you're not coming!

181. Fine, I'll come.

182. I don't know how, but I'll be there.

183. - Now you're doing me a favor. - You want me to come —

184. The professor says to keep it down a bit.

185. - What flowers should I get? - Don't bother now.

186. Come on.

187. Carnations?

188. Gladioli.

189. Gladioli?

190. Yeah. Why not?

191. - How many? - Forty-eight.

192. Not an even number.

193. - So how many? - I don't know. Forty-nine.

194. - And not gladioli. - That's what she likes.

195. Forty-eight, or she'll think I got her age wrong.

196. No one's going to count.

197. You don't know my mother.

198. So 47, then. Fine.

199. Just tell me. I'll get whatever you say.

200. It's not a real dinner party?

201. No, nothing formal. Just my dad's friends.

202. We'll have some champagne and escape to my room.

203. I'll do what I can.

204. Don't say that. Please be there at 5:00.

205. I'll be there.

206. On time, if possible.

207. Now you're getting on my nerves.

208. I'm never late unless something unexpected comes up.

209. Otherwise never.

210. Adi, you got your student ID? They won't let us in without it.

211. I'll be going.

212. - What's the time? - Twenty past. Want my watch?

213. No, you keep it.

214. See you later.

215. No kiss?

216. No, you pissed me off.

217. - Don't upset me again. - You neither.

218. Bye.

219. Where can I get a pack of Kent?

220. - I could have brought you one. - It's for Găbița.

221. The guys at the Unirea might have some.

222. The black-market guys.

223. Hello.

224. Yes?

225. I reserved a room for Drăguț.

226. You reserved a room? When?

227. Today. I mean, tonight.

228. No, when did you reserve it?

229. Last Tuesday.

230. There's nothing in the book.

231. A friend made the reservation, but I'm sure it was Tuesday.

232. You know who she spoke to?

233. No, but they took her name and address.

234. What was the name again?

235. Drăguț.

236. No Drăguț here.

237. Listen...

238. go get Nelu for me.

239. Maybe my colleague will recognize you.

240. No, I didn't make the reservation.

241. My friend called and spoke to a man.

242. - She called? - Yes.

243. She didn't come in person?

244. No, I think she called.

245. Anyone could say that, couldn't they?

246. Was the reservation confirmed yesterday?

247. Why would we confirm it?

248. Please don't use that tone with me.

249. Reservations must be confirmed 24 hours in advance.

250. The man didn't tell her that.

251. I doubt that.

252. Nelu?

253. No, but it hurts.

254. Listen, someone here says you took a reservation yesterday.

255. No, Tuesday.

256. Or Tuesday.

257. - The name again? - Drăguț.

258. That's her name.

259. Yes, thanks.

260. Could you call me if we're getting paid?

261. Okay.

262. If she reserved a room, it would be written here.

263. - So what do I do now? - Why ask me?

264. - Is there anyone in the shop? - Yes, hold on.

265. We really need that room.

266. Can't we work something out?

267. What's to work out?

268. We have a big group from Bucharest. The hotel's full.

269. Understand?

270. We'd take a triple.

271. Do you not understand Romanian?

272. It doesn't seem you do.

273. - Got any Kent? - Eighty lei.

274. We have a delegation arriving tomorrow...

275. Do what you can.

276. I have to go. I'll call you later.

277. Okay, bye.

278. Yes?

279. Perhaps you can help me.

280. I really need a room starting tonight.

281. Starting tonight?

282. Yes, please.

283. We're completely full.

284. A triple would be fine.

285. Please send Marcu over.

286. How many nights?

287. Two for sure. Maybe more.

288. Today's not possible.

289. There is one room...

290. that will be free tomorrow.

291. We really need it starting tonight.

292. - How many people? - Two.

293. - It's a double bed. - That's no problem.

294. Yes?

295. Get two coffees from the bar and take them over there.

296. Nechezol or Nescafé?

297. Tell her they're for me.

298. Just go. She knows.

299. So can you help me?

300. It's hard to say. They haven't confirmed, but —

301. Please. I'd really appreciate it.

302. - I mentioned it's a double bed, right? - That's fine.

303. You have your ID?

304. Temporary residence. You're a student?

305. If you're in a dorm, why do you need a hotel?

306. It's too crowded. We have exams, and it's hard to study.

307. - Two of you? - Yes.

308. We also have another room with four beds,

309. but I might have to put someone else in with you.

310. - No, that's all right. - It would be cheaper.

311. The other one's fine.

312. As you wish.

313. - Mihărtsescu? - Mihărtescu.

314. You need a new card. If the police catch you —

315. I left it in my jeans when I washed them.

316. The other person's name?

317. Drăguț.

318. That's her name: Drăguț.

319. - Another young lady? - Yes.

320. That's how our teachers react at first too.

321. Drăguț, Gabriela.

322. 186 lei.

323. - How much? - 186.

324. Sorry, but how much per night?

325. Like it says there, a double is 62 lei.

326. Could we pay for just one night now?

327. I just changed a reservation for you.

328. - If you want it, fine. If not... - Fine.

329. Checkout is at 12:00.

330. If you go out, leave the key at the front desk.

331. Thank you.

332. T14. Hello?

333. I don't know if she's around.

334. Okay, I'll go see. Can you hold?

335. Găbița? I got the room.

336. But not at the Unirea. At the Tineretului.

337. She said there was no reservation there.

338. I told them that.

339. Well, that's how it is.

340. He'll understand.

341. Listen, the room cost 186 lei.

342. A double bed is all I could get.

343. Why didn't you take care of it? You're really a pain.

344. Listen, borrow another 200 from someone in the dorm.

345. You're a big girl. You'll manage.

346. See what you can do.

347. I'll leave the key at the front desk, okay?

348. Listen, how will I recognize the guy?

349. How will he recognize me?

350. Găbița, are you crazy?

351. If you knew I was going, why describe yourself?

352. You're really something!

353. Fine, I'll figure out something.

354. Make sure you bring your ID.

355. See you later. Bye.

356. Excuse me, where's number 24?

357. - Who do you want? - I'm meeting someone.

358. He gave me this address. Decebal 24.

359. Have you seen anyone waiting in the street?

360. No.

361. Does a Mr. Bebe work here?

362. Bebe who?

363. I don't know. Just Mr. Bebe.

364. Ask the guys at the garage.

365. I don't know any Mr. Bebe.

366. Excuse me. Mr. Bebe?

367. Miss Gabi?

368. Gabi couldn't come. She doesn't feel well. I'm Otilia.

369. We agreed on the phone that she'd come.

370. That's why I was worried. I wasn't sure we'd find each other.

371. I asked at the ambulance station.

372. Asked what?

373. If anyone was waiting in the street.

374. I'm five minutes late. I was afraid you'd gone.

375. - Are we taking your car? - Where is she?

376. Waiting at the hotel.

377. Harder. It's not shut all the way.

378. You work around here?

379. Does it matter?

380. No, just asking.

381. Mind if I smoke?

382. Young lady, here's the deal.

383. I have nothing to hide.

384. I came in my own car. You can take down the license plate.

385. It's too late now, but I will say this:

386. Trust is vital.

387. I always meet the person first, to see if we understand each other.

388. You can trust us completely.

389. She just felt sick, so she couldn't come.

390. We tried to reach you through Ramona, but she'd left,

391. and we don't have your number.

392. Never mind. I was just explaining.

393. It's too late now anyway.

394. - What hotel are you at? - The Tineretului.

395. When I spoke with Gabi, I asked her to do one thing:

396. to get a room at the Unirea or the Moldova.

397. Yes, she told me, but they were both full.

398. It was hard enough at the Tineretului.

399. Has your sister ever done this before?

400. My sister? No.

401. - How old is she? - Twenty-three in March.

402. - I wish her a long life. - Thank you.

403. - You live together? - Yes.

404. - But you're not from around here? - No.

405. Where are you from?

406. Câmpulung.

407. Câmpulung?

408. I've never been.

409. You haven't missed much.

410. - You rent a place? - No, we're in a dorm.

411. How is that?

412. Noisy. It's hard to study.

413. - What are you studying? - Tech.

414. At least you won't be sent to the countryside.

415. That's true.

416. I have to drop something off first.

417. Wait here.

418. What are you doing outside?

419. How many times have I told you to stay inside?

420. Mrs. Iancu told me there's sugar at the store.

421. What do you need sugar for?

422. Not for me, dear.

423. Give me a break! I don't need sugar.

424. I need you to stay inside. You're driving me crazy.

425. This is the third time this month.

426. - The wind blew the door shut — - Like hell it did!

427. Here. Maybe you can lose this one too!

428. - Don't worry. I won't lose it. - Yeah, right.

429. So what are you doing outside?

430. Trying to catch a cold?

431. Mrs. Iancu is standing in line at the store.

432. Why couldn't you stay inside?

433. - Did she think you'd steal from her? - No!

434. I'll speak to Mrs. Iancu.

435. - Now get inside. - But she's holding a place for me!

436. I don't want to hear it. Now get inside.

437. Fine, I will.

438. Now! I want to see you go in.

439. You're not coming in to eat?

440. Get inside and stop this nonsense.

441. Viorel, someone called for you.

442. Someone called for me?

443. How many times have I told you not to answer when I'm gone?

444. Hey, where are you going?

445. Room 206. I already paid.

446. No one told you about leaving the key when you go out?

447. There's someone in the room.

448. - What number? - 206.

449. Drăguț, Gabriela?

450. She's upstairs. The other one's mine.

451. - And the gentleman? - He's just visiting.

452. Visitors must be announced. They can't just march in.

453. After 10:00. That's what your colleague said.

454. You misunderstood.

455. Anyone staying past 10:00 p.m. must pay for a bed.

456. But all visitors must be announced.

457. You have an ID card?

458. May I take mine?

459. You'll get it back when you come down.

460. 206.

461. Găbița?

462. - Is that you? - Yes.

463. I'm with Mr. Bebe.

464. Hold on.

465. - Hello. Gabriela. - Hello.

466. Please come in.

467. I forgot the plastic sheet.

468. - Did you get the money? - When could I?

469. - Some Nescafé? - No, thanks.

470. - Pastry? - No.

471. They're homemade.

472. Please sit down.

473. It's good you met up.

474. We were worried you might not find each other.

475. We're off to a bad start, young lady.

476. I told you two things on the phone.

477. One, get a room at the Unirea or the Moldova.

478. Two, come meet me in person.

479. You think it was for the fun of it?

480. No, I understood what you said,

481. but we couldn't find anywhere else.

482. So your sister said.

483. We should have waited until you could,

484. because now my ID is at the front desk.

485. I'm sorry.

486. You're sorry, but it's my ID at the front desk.

487. I didn't think we should wait. I'd put it off long enough already.

488. - What month are you? - The third.

489. On the phone you said the second.

490. It was the second then.

491. Now it's the third.

492. What's your blood type?

493. Type O.

494. You have high blood pressure?

495. I don't... No.

496. Any allergies?

497. No. Cat hair, but not too bad.

498. I get a rash.

499. Do you give her an anesthetic?

500. It's just I don't know how these things work.

501. A friend who had a...

502. a termination... told me she had one.

503. Have you had an abortion?

504. Let's get things straight.

505. This isn't a curettage, okay?

506. We never discussed that, and you don't need it.

507. If we agree, I'll insert a probe

508. that will cause you to miscarry, understand?

509. Yes, it will hurt, and there will be bleeding,

510. but it doesn't require an anesthetic.

511. The pain won't be that serious.

512. Anyway, the conditions are wrong.

513. You can't administer an anesthetic just anywhere.

514. What's most important is that you remain absolutely still

515. while the probe is inside.

516. It mustn't come out. I won't put it in twice.

517. I can only do it once. Got that?

518. What did you expect?

519. I thought you'd decided when you called.

520. I had, but —

521. But what?

522. Young lady, this isn't a game.

523. We could go to prison for this.

524. Both of us. Only I'd get a longer sentence.

525. We're not fooling around, okay?

526. Once we start, there's no turning back.

527. If all goes well, after I put the probe in,

528. you'll bleed and the fetus will come out.

529. What you do after that is very important.

530. Someone has to help you. The bleeding could be heavy.

531. If you bleed all over the room, we're in trouble.

532. That's what the plastic sheet is for.

533. I left it at the dorm.

534. You left it at the dorm.

535. Then use a plastic bag or something.

536. Also very important:

537. Don't let anyone in.

538. No staff. No one. Keep the door locked.

539. How long will it take after you put the probe in?

540. We got the room for three days.

541. It depends. It can take two hours.

542. It can take two or three days.

543. Depends how the body reacts.

544. And if I need the bathroom?

545. Your sister can help you.

546. You understand that you mustn't move under any circumstance?

547. If the probe comes out, what do we do?

548. I won't put it in twice.

549. That's why it's important you have a friend to help you.

550. Once you feel the contractions and the bleeding starts, it's fine.

551. But before then, you absolutely must not move.

552. And be careful of infection.

553. When I put the probe in, I sterilize it with alcohol and so on.

554. But after that, there's a chance of infection.

555. That's always a risk with blood.

556. So I'll leave you some ampicillin.

557. - You've taken that before? - Yes.

558. Is there a danger of —

559. I mean, is there a chance it won't come out?

560. Anything can happen, but there's no reason it shouldn't.

561. Sorry to ask this, but we have to consider the worst:

562. If she faints, or gets a fever,

563. or starts losing lots of blood, what do I do?

564. Call an ambulance? Call you?

565. Call an ambulance...

566. and the three of us are already halfway to prison.

567. Keep that in mind.

568. If you have to call an ambulance, don't say you weren't pregnant.

569. They can tell right away.

570. Just say... I don't know...

571. Say it started coming out, and you got confused.

572. They won't believe you, but they'll be covered.

573. But best to avoid all that.

574. What's your period normally like?

575. Do you bleed a lot?

576. I suppose so.

577. Lie down so I can examine you.

578. Open your zipper a bit.

579. Where are you going?

580. How many months did you say?

581. Three.

582. I suggest you pay attention now.

583. When was your last period?

584. December. It should have come on the 20th.

585. It should have, but it didn't.

586. No.

587. So the last one was in November.

588. I think so, yes.

589. So let's work it out.

590. November, December, January, February.

591. That makes how many?

592. But I haven't had my period since December.

593. Are we counting from when your periods stopped, or before?

594. Maybe a bit over three months.

595. No "maybe" about it.

596. Well over three months.

597. So once again I'll ask you to concentrate:

598. What month are you?

599. It's one procedure in the third month, another in the fourth.

600. It could be the fourth.

601. The fourth?

602. Or the fifth?

603. These details are important.

604. It can't be the fifth.

605. Possibly the fourth.

606. My periods are very irregular.

607. You're playing games with the months.

608. Fourth, fifth...

609. It's a different offense after the fourth month.

610. They don't get you for abortion.

611. They get you for murder.

612. Five to ten years.

613. Did you know that?

614. No. Why would you?

615. My periods aren't very regular.

616. Sometimes they're two months apart, so I didn't worry.

617. Young lady, please.

618. Then don't believe me.

619. I don't.

620. If they're so irregular, go to a doctor.

621. See? This is how people are.

622. They keep postponing it,

623. then they come to you for help.

624. Why should someone else pay for your actions?

625. Was I the one who fooled around?

626. I don't know, young lady.

627. It's very dangerous.

628. Who do you think you'll find to do it

629. in your fourth or fifth or whatever month it is?

630. Please.

631. Saying "please" is fine...

632. but everything in this world has its price.

633. We'll pay.

634. Really?

635. How much money do you have?

636. The thing is...

637. we had to take the room for three days

638. or they wouldn't give it to us.

639. And?

640. We had 3,000 lei to begin with...

641. but since the room cost more, we only have 2,850 left.

642. Is that a problem?

643. Young lady, did I mention money?

644. Did I mention money on the phone?

645. That's just it, you didn't...

646. so we asked Ramona what it cost,

647. and we asked around.

648. And that's what everyone said: 3,000 lei at the most.

649. Ramona told you 3,000?

650. She said that's what she thought.

651. Then let Ramona do it, since she's so well-informed.

652. Young lady...

653. what did I tell you on the phone?

654. That I understood the situation and I could help you.

655. Right?

656. Did I say anything about money?

657. You said we'd work something out.

658. Exactly. That's why I asked you to come in person.

659. So we could work something out.

660. Look, I don't judge you for what's happened.

661. We all make mistakes in life.

662. I didn't ask you a thing:

663. not your name, nor the father's name. It's not my business.

664. I have nothing to hide.

665. I came in my own car. I left my ID at the desk.

666. If the police come, they'll get me first.

667. I'm risking my freedom.

668. I have a family, a child of my own.

669. So if I'm nice to you and help you,

670. you should be nice to me too, right?

671. That's how I see it.

672. Wait... I'm not sure I understand.

673. I can wait.

674. You're the ones in a hurry.

675. Which part didn't you understand?

676. I don't like repeating myself.

677. What did you think?

678. I'd risk 10 years in prison for 3,000 lei?

679. Is that what you thought?

680. What do you take me for? A beggar on the street?

681. Did you see me begging somewhere with my hand out?

682. Here's what we'll do.

683. I'll go in the bathroom. When I come out, you give me your answer.

684. If it's yes, tell me who goes first.

685. If it's no, I get up and go.

686. It was you who came to me for help.

687. I feel sick.

688. I can't believe this is happening.

689. Why did you say you were two months along?

690. Ramona said to, or he might have said no.

691. Well, now he says yes.

692. How could you have waited so long?

693. What do I do? You already paid for the room.

694. You're concerned about the room? Shit!

695. Sometimes you drive me crazy!

696. I told you to be careful, but you always know best!

697. What do I do now?

698. Don't worry. You're not obligated in any way.

699. It's one thing to help me, but another to —

700. Give me the money.

701. Tell us how much. Is 4,000 enough?

702. 4,500? 5,000?

703. You have that kind of money?

704. Then why even discuss it?

705. - We'll get it. - You'll get it?

706. You complain that the hotel was 100 lei more,

707. but you can get 2,000 or 3,000 just like that?

708. How do you plan to do that?

709. - We'll borrow it. - And pay it back how?

710. That's my business.

711. - Getting snotty now? - I was just explaining —

712. How soon can you get it?

713. Next Saturday at the latest.

714. - All of it by next Saturday? - Yes.

715. Fine.

716. If that's how you want it.

717. Call me when you've got it, and we'll talk.

718. Wait! Don't go.

719. Could we please do it today? The hotel's paid for —

720. Could "we" do it? You're doing it now?

721. I'm sorry. I meant you.

722. So what do we do?

723. You take the 2,800 lei we have today,

724. and I promise you another 2,000 by Tuesday.

725. Will that work? You can trust us —

726. Why should I trust you? Are we friends or something?

727. Do I know who you are?

728. You could catch a train tomorrow and disappear,

729. and I'd have nothing.

730. How could we do that?

731. - I could give you my ID. - What would I do with that?

732. Chase you around the country?

733. We study here. Where would we go?

734. I'll call home and get the money by Monday.

735. Are you jerking me around? I didn't jerk you around!

736. - I'm not! I just — - What?

737. I hate repeating myself, so don't make me!

738. If we had money, I'd go get it now, but we don't!

739. But I swear that by next Saturday—

740. Listen here, bitch!

741. What do you take me for, some stupid sucker?

742. I could eat you for breakfast!

743. Smarter people have tried to fuck me over!

744. You think I'm some idiot you two can outfox?

745. Fuck this bullshit!

746. Wait! Please help me!

747. This is my problem, not hers.

748. Please help me fix it... the way you said.

749. The way I said?

750. Yes. The guilty should pay.

751. I messed up. She shouldn't have to pay.

752. That's not the condition I set.

753. I know.

754. But she's not my sister.

755. I'm sorry I lied to you, but that's the truth.

756. She's my roommate.

757. Did I ask if she was your sister? I was very clear.

758. Yes, but all I can do...

759. is what I'm responsible for.

760. My friend is under no obligation.

761. So I was suggesting — - You don't suggest here!

762. If anything, you ask.

763. I said I'd help, and I explained my terms.

764. If you don't understand, no one's forcing you.

765. What did you say?

766. I couldn't hear you.

767. She has her period.

768. If you're gonna haggle, I'm out of here!

769. Please! I beg you!

770. Fine! Put the probe in her and —

771. And what?

772. You think I was born yesterday?

773. Excuse me.

774. Would you have a cigarette?

775. Thanks.

776. Lie down.

777. - Is there an injection? - No.

778. - What's that? - Water.

779. If nothing's happened by tomorrow, do this again yourself.

780. Give me the probe.

781. Don't tense up.

782. Tell me when you feel a sting.

783. - Did that sting? - Yes.

784. When you feel it start coming out,

785. go sit on the toilet.

786. Hand me the bandage.

787. Hold this.

788. Very important:

789. Don't cut the cord until the placenta's out.

790. If it's left inside, that's not good.

791. Just let it all come out.

792. Don't move.

793. - Can I cover up? - Yes.

794. I forgot something very important.

795. Don't throw the fetus in the toilet. It will clog it up.

796. Whole or in pieces.

797. And don't bury it where dogs can dig it up.

798. Wrap it up good,

799. take a bus, get off at a high-rise,

800. go up to the 10th floor, and throw it down the trash chute.

801. Understand?

802. Yes.

803. Take her temperature, morning and evening.

804. If it's below 100, that's fine.

805. If it goes above 102,

806. give her aspirin or something.

807. I can stop by tomorrow at 2:00 or tonight after 8:00.

808. No, that's okay.

809. - Come on, don't be... - No.

810. As you like.

811. If you feel ill or you need me,

812. call and I'll stop by.

813. Don't move, okay?

814. Any questions?

815. All right. Then I'm off.

816. Good luck.

817. Thanks.

818. Tell me.

819. I'm curious to know.

820. Why did Ramona recommend this Bebe?

821. He did Luciana's abortion.

822. So Ramona never dealt with him directly.

823. No.

824. Then why did she recommend him?

825. What if he was an asshole?

826. Did she think she was doing you a favor?

827. She said he'd do it if I were more than three months along.

828. Then why did you tell that pig two months?

829. I thought it was best.

830. Maybe you should just stop thinking.

831. And if you're going to lie, warn me.

832. Why in God's name did you tell him I was your sister?

833. What in the hell made you think of that?

834. He said I had to go in person.

835. But you went, so I had to tell him something.

836. Then why didn't you go?

837. I asked you to go, right?

838. Găbița, are you even listening?

839. Why didn't you go?

840. It was really hard for me.

841. So you lied and said I was your sister.

842. I didn't lie to you.

843. It doesn't matter who you lied to.

844. I forgot to tell you, but I didn't lie to you.

845. It doesn't matter now.

846. I'm just upset things ended up this way

847. because of your stupid ideas.

848. We could have gone to Mrs. Jeni or whoever Dorina mentioned.

849. Things could have gone differently.

850. It's easy to say that now.

851. But remember you agreed

852. that if Bebe was cheaper, so what if he was a guy?

853. I said that?

854. I said we should go where it was cheaper, sure.

855. But not that it didn't matter if it was a man.

856. I never even thought that.

857. You think I did?

858. For chrissake!

859. If that bitch had kept the reservation, none of this would have happened.

860. Why did you make the reservation by phone?

861. I thought it would be like I was calling from some other city.

862. You thought?

863. Anyway...

864. - Any cigarettes left? - No.

865. That still life is really weird.

866. Are you comfortable?

867. Yes.

868. Does that thing hurt?

869. It stings a bit.

870. It hurt when he put it in.

871. I have to go to Adi's.

872. It's his mother's birthday, and I promised.

873. Want the lamp on?

874. No, leave it like that.

875. Could you just get me a glass of water, please?

876. I'll be back in an hour.

877. You want something to eat?

878. I'm not hungry.

879. - For later? - No, I have the pastries.

880. I'll bring you a salad.

881. No, I won't eat it.

882. We'll see.

883. I'll leave you the number.

884. Call if anything happens.

885. Don't leave it. I'm not calling there.

886. I'll call from there, but just in case.

887. I'm off. Be good, okay?

888. Don't let anyone in.

889. Are you going?

890. What about the key?

891. Should I lock you in and take it?

892. You'll be fine. I'll be back soon.

893. Bye.

894. Miss...

895. The man who was with you left his ID behind.

896. So you're late and you forgot the flowers!

897. Know what? Keep it up and I'm gone!

898. What are you pissed off about?

899. Good evening!

900. I'm Adi's mother.

901. Otilia. Happy birthday.

902. Thank you. Give me a kiss.

903. Thank you for coming.

904. Gina, where are those pickles?

905. You two go inside. I'm just getting more pickles.

906. Go on.

907. I need to make a call.

908. Good evening. Room 206, please.

909. Otilia, my old man.

910. That's how you introduce me?

911. Otilia. Birthday wishes to your wife.

912. Thank you. Come inside.

913. Don't worry about that.

914. Adi, give her your slippers. There aren't any left.

915. - I'll be fine. - You want to catch cold? Take mine.

916. - I don't need any. - Take them. Come in!

917. Don't be shy! Come inside!

918. Good evening.

919. This is Adi's girlfriend...

920. Otilia.

921. The Rusus are Adi's godparents.

922. Dr. and Mrs. Aldea.

923. Dr. Racoviceanu, cardiologist, and his wife Adela.

924. Offer the young lady a seat. You're overwhelming her!

925. So you're a cardiologist, while I'm a mere doctor!

926. When you come see me about your prostate, then we'll talk!

927. What about me?

928. Always "the doctor's wife," despite the fact I'm a chemist!

929. Where's the bathroom?

930. Excuse me.

931. Adi, get the lights.

932. - Will you have some soup? - I can't stay long.

933. You just got here!

934. Did you wash your hands?

935. You said drop by, not eat dinner with your folks.

936. Just till they open the champagne. Then we'll go to my room.

937. Have you calmed down?

938. Don't. I'm all sweaty.

939. The soup!

940. Go on in!

941. Nothing will change in the department until Dima retires.

942. Will you shut up about the institute? You never stop.

943. What's troubling you?

944. - Some whiskey? - Juice, if you have it.

945. Adi, some juice.

946. She doesn't drink.

947. I do. Just not now.

948. Good for you. A girl shouldn't drink.

949. Some turkey?

950. - A vermouth? - She has juice.

951. Please don't bother.

952. - Maybe she's fasting. - What if she is?

953. I'm not fasting.

954. Being from Galați County, you must eat fish.

955. I'm from the city proper.

956. You know a surgeon named Ivanov? Excellent specialist.

957. No, I left right after high school.

958. Former student of mine. Used to bring us fish.

959. The one who graduated with all 10s?

960. No, but a 9.9 average.

961. If we got a 7, the whole dorm would celebrate!

962. Now 10 students per class graduate with a 9.9!

963. You mean a 10.5.

964. I have a student who got straight 10s.

965. With an added.5 for political activities, he had a 10.5.

966. Next year married students get a 25 percent bonus.

967. Maybe you'll get married by then.

968. He's blushing! Leave the poor boy alone.

969. Do your parents teach too?

970. No, my father's in the military, and my mother's retired on disability.

971. They worked together when they were younger.

972. Simple folk often have better sense than the educated.

973. Nonsense! Depends where you put them.

974. Dima's from the countryside too.

975. He thrived in the Party thanks to his "healthy" working-class roots —

976. Enough about Dima! Let's have a toast!

977. Here's to a long life for everyone!

978. Toasting with juice?

979. Turn it up. Let's hear the Wise One.

980. Are the meatballs pork?

981. It's a real nightmare cooking for this family.

982. Adi would never eat pork.

983. One bit of fat and he'd stop eating.

984. Our Valentin too.

985. One bubble of fat in the soup

986. and he was done!

987. Same with chicken skin.

988. I never eat chicken skin. Too fattening.

989. I'd make ham sandwiches, and he'd give them to the other kids!

990. It really got to me! We weren't well-connected.

991. I made 2,280 a month.

992. I'd stand in line three hours for meat,

993. and his lordship would turn up his nose.

994. Kids must learn that life is hard, that no one will coddle them.

995. They'd send me out to graze the cow,

996. and I'd do my homework by lamplight.

997. There were nine of us kids.

998. Momma put the porridge on the table,

999. and if you were quick, you ate!

1000. Seems you were quick!

1001. They were all fussy eaters in this family.

1002. When I married Grigore,

1003. if the potatoes weren't just like his mother's, he wouldn't eat!

1004. Old habits die hard.

1005. And they're still not like Mom's.

1006. But they're good.

1007. Okay, they're very good.

1008. How did your mother make them?

1009. - Kids today are spoiled — - Mom would add milk.

1010. So do I.

1011. I add butter and boiling water.

1012. Each to his own.

1013. We never had butter,

1014. but Mom always put potatoes in the porridge. Delicious!

1015. Our son can't stand that.

1016. We didn't see eye-to-eye with our parents either.

1017. Now it's all handed to them on a plate.

1018. Look at them.

1019. Dorms, state aid, Mom and Dad spoon-feeding them —

1020. It's relative. Look where the state sends them to work.

1021. Off to some godforsaken village, where they're stuck forever!

1022. What's wrong with that system?

1023. Before coming to Roman, I spent eight years in Cotnari...

1024. and I think I've done okay.

1025. Help yourselves. Don't wait for me to serve you.

1026. What can I tempt you with?

1027. And if the girls don't marry in college,

1028. they end up with the local teacher or priest.

1029. A priest who is usually the village drunk.

1030. Don't generalize, dear. There are decent priests.

1031. They're exceptions.

1032. Most have VCRs and color TVs, and they're always busy.

1033. What keeps them so busy?

1034. Confessions!

1035. I wouldn't know. I no longer attend church.

1036. We go at Easter. We could be arrested for that.

1037. - By whom? - The priest!

1038. That's a good one!

1039. My Easter eggs were better than ever this year.

1040. My mother-in-law did mine.

1041. Don't laugh. Guess who I ran into at church this Easter,

1042. lurking behind a pillar?

1043. Țoneș.

1044. Aurel asked him, "Where's your grade book?"

1045. No, dear. I simply said, "Give me your book."

1046. Very good!

1047. He started in on me. "Listen, Aurel." That sort of thing.

1048. We got the dye from my sister-in-law in Germany.

1049. And marzipan at Christmas. Delicious!

1050. Last year all my eggs cracked. God knows why.

1051. Mine turned out wonderfully!

1052. Of course, with good dye.

1053. - I shine them with oil. - I use butter.

1054. With this German dye, there's no need.

1055. - We had yellow, green, and orange. - And blue.

1056. I made blue from the yellow and green.

1057. We gave our leftover dye away.

1058. - To Mrs. Albu this year. - Our share of good deeds!

1059. Thanks. Cigarette?

1060. - I only like one brand... - Go on.

1061. - What do you study? - Tech.

1062. Boys used to take tech while girls studied medicine.

1063. Don't they now?

1064. With tech you're not sent to the countryside.

1065. But working in a factory all your life...

1066. - Are you in a dorm? - Yes.

1067. How many to a room?

1068. Usually four, but I moved in with a friend, so it's just two of us.

1069. - She can look after herself! - Good for her.

1070. Forgive me, but a young girl like you

1071. smoking in front of her boyfriend's parents...

1072. - Emilian! - What?

1073. I was 43 when my father died, and he never saw me smoke!

1074. - Healthier that way. - As if he didn't know!

1075. Adi, could you get the champagne?

1076. It's a question of respect.

1077. Today children defy you to your face.

1078. - Valentin's the same. - Who defies you?

1079. Maybe not "defy," but you know what I mean.

1080. I was against my son dodging military service.

1081. Let him experience army life!

1082. All this comfort! You must learn to be a man.

1083. My wife's the same with our boy.

1084. I don't agree.

1085. You really think getting knocked around for nine months

1086. will make him a man?

1087. I didn't want that for my son. For what?

1088. You should see the ones who serve for 16 months.

1089. Poor things.

1090. Border patrol's bad.

1091. Penal battalions are worse.

1092. We're not talking about that.

1093. Adi's father wouldn't hear of him being exempted.

1094. It was a matter of principle. So he's studying chemistry.

1095. Let's not discuss it at the table.

1096. Chemistry's great. He can be my assistant. He'd love it.

1097. He could have taken the medical school exam later.

1098. - He can take it now. - How can he study both?

1099. - Shall we open the champagne? - Yes, let's.

1100. Grigore, can you get the green-stemmed glasses?

1101. Happy birthday to you

1102. Happy birthday, Gina!

1103. Could you bring the phone in?

1104. Sure.

1105. Adela's on the phone.

1106. Want to tell me what's going on?

1107. You've been furious ever since you got here.

1108. - I don't want to talk about it. - You won't tell me?

1109. Sure you want to know?

1110. Of course I do.

1111. Whatever it is, just tell me.

1112. I was helping Găbița get an abortion.

1113. That's what the money was for?

1114. You think an abortion is 300 lei?

1115. Then what was it for?

1116. I'll pay you back Monday, don't worry.

1117. My dad had a colleague

1118. who got three years for helping a patient.

1119. And if I were pregnant, what would we do?

1120. - Don't start that. - It could easily happen.

1121. Have you thought about it? What would you do?

1122. Don't roll your eyes. Have you thought about it?

1123. Thought about what exactly?

1124. What we'd do if I got pregnant.

1125. You won't.

1126. How do you know I'm not now?

1127. Are you?

1128. You don't even know when my period is.

1129. Right around now, right?

1130. What do you care? It's not your problem.

1131. Why are you talking like this?

1132. Have you gotten pregnant while we've been together?

1133. Thursday I asked you to be careful to pull out in time.

1134. You didn't give a shit.

1135. - How can you talk about this now? - How?

1136. You're ashamed to talk about it, but not to do it?

1137. I don't see the point if you're not pregnant.

1138. I want to know what to expect of you.

1139. Calm down. If it happens, I'll take care of it.

1140. Yeah, right.

1141. Why are you being like this?

1142. Have I ever let you down when you needed help?

1143. How many times have I needed help? You have no idea.

1144. How am I to blame if you don't tell me?

1145. You want me to guess your problems?

1146. - I could have helped with Gabi! - Oh, sure.

1147. You can't even discuss it. How could you help?

1148. You have to be careful not to get —

1149. Don't worry. I won't rely on you.

1150. At least Găbița would help me.

1151. You're saying I wouldn't help?

1152. I said I'm against abortion because it's dangerous.

1153. So what's your solution?

1154. I don't know... I'd marry you.

1155. So if I get pregnant...

1156. Stop, you're way off track.

1157. It's okay. I'm not spending my life making you potatoes.

1158. Otilia.

1159. Did my parents' friends annoy you?

1160. Yes!

1161. But that's not the issue.

1162. You think my parents are simple folk too.

1163. Have you ever heard me say that?

1164. I know what you think.

1165. - And yes, you have said it. - What did I say?

1166. May I come in?

1167. I brought you some crème brûlée.

1168. But save room for the meringue cake.

1169. Why are you sitting in the dark?

1170. Could you get the phone?

1171. Listen.

1172. I'm sorry if I did something wrong.

1173. I love you. I want us to stay together.

1174. Please get me the phone.

1175. - I said I was sorry. - You apologized.

1176. But do you know what for?

1177. Tell me.

1178. What did you apologize for?

1179. I don't want you to be upset because of me.

1180. If I've made a mistake, I didn't mean to.

1181. I want us to get along.

1182. For how long?

1183. Until I'm assigned somewhere without you?

1184. I asked you not to touch me.

1185. Everything will work out.

1186. We'll go to camp, just the two of us. No more fights.

1187. Please get me the phone.

1188. Could I talk to Găbița in private?

1189. I won't be long.

1190. Good evening. Room 206, please.

1191. Excuse me. Has anyone gone up to room 206?

1192. Mihărtescu. I spoke with you this morning.

1193. No, no need to go up.

1194. Thank you.

1195. I have to go.

1196. What? Is Gabi okay?

1197. Five more minutes. She's just serving the cake.

1198. I wish I could stay, but I can't. I'm sorry.

1199. At least go and say good-bye.

1200. You say good-bye for me. I really have to go.

1201. You realize you're making me look bad?

1202. I'm sorry.

1203. Bye.

1204. Please, you needn't come out here.

1205. Go back inside. It's stupid waiting in silence like this.

1206. Good evening. Room 206.

1207. Your ID.

1208. The receptionist took my details this morning —

1209. I have to see your ID.

1210. I think it's upstairs.

1211. Your friend can bring it down.

1212. I called earlier. She was asleep.

1213. I'll bring it down. I don't want to wake her.

1214. Why don't you keep it on you?

1215. I just stepped out for cigarettes and ran into someone.

1216. You stepped out...

1217. I'll be down in two minutes.

1218. What's wrong?

1219. Why didn't you answer the phone?

1220. It came out.

1221. It's in the bathroom.

1222. Answer it.

1223. Tell them I'm coming.

1224. You have a bag?

1225. A plastic bag or something?

1226. - Is this okay? - It's too small.

1227. You'll bury it, won't you?

1228. You promise?

1229. I won't just dump it.

1230. - Did you see what it was? - Stop it. Lock the door.

1231. If the receptionist comes up, say I went downstairs.

1232. What time's the last bus?

1233. In an hour or so.

1234. I'm not sure.

1235. Any taxis around here?

1236. You won't find a taxi around here.

1237. - Thanks. - You're welcome.

1238. Găbița?

1239. What happened?

1240. The wedding party. There was a fight.

1241. Your friend's waiting in the restaurant.

1242. She's in the restaurant?

1243. She came down five minutes ago.

1244. On the other side. This side's for the party.

1245. Thanks.

1246. What are you doing?

1247. I didn't know where you were.

1248. I was starving.

1249. I think I have a fever.

1250. - Did you take some aspirin? - I took the ampicillin.

1251. Did you bury it?

1252. You know what we're going to do?

1253. We're never going to talk about this, okay?

1254. Are they still serving this late?

1255. Yes, he's coming.

1256. What's that?

1257. The wedding party menu.

1258. Beef, pork fillet, liver, breaded brains, marrow...

1259. Could we have another bottle of mineral water

1260. while we think it over?

1261. 4 months, 3 weeks and 2 days

1262. from the series tales from the golden age