Romania, 1987
OK.
Thanks.
Can you give me a hand?
Was it like this when Marius gave it to you?
They're different fish.
This picture's so strange!
You'll ask Daniela to feed them when we're away?
They'll be fine without food for 2 days.
Did you get the toothpaste?
Yes. I took your cotton wool, too. You'll get some more, OK?
Do you have any soap?
Check the drawer.
None left.
I was just about to go.
Get Amo or Lux,
definitely not Palmolive, it gives me dandruff.
Can you get my hairdryer from Petronela?
It's like you're going camping.
Got any money?
Check my jeans, in the back pocket.
I love how you keep it in a wallet!
Not like you, money falling everywhere...
Shut the door!
Is Petronela here?
She was in the showers.
- Any hot water? - Yes.
Petronela?
- Otilia? - Yes.
What?
The lady officer was looking for you.
- Why? - You weren't there Thursday...
I asked you to talk to her!
Yeah, but she said you had your period two weeks ago.
Next time, bring a doctor's note.
Fine, I'll get one.
Does she smoke?
Vikend.
It's open.
Morning. Starting early?
I've got exams on Thursday.
"Thorn Birds". Are you coming to the screening?
Is "East of Eden" yours?
- Where's Gabita? - Waxing.
A pack of Assos and a pack of Kent.
Sorry, no Kent.
Shit, where can I get some? I need them.
You won't find them.
- I've got Marlboro. - I don't want Marlboro.
Give me a pack of Assos and a bar of Lux.
- Salem Menthol? - No, thanks.
Wrigleys?
No, I'll have some Tic Tacs. Orange.
Tic Tac's are on me.
Thanks.
Try and come to the film tonight.
Ramona and Virgil will be there.
I don't know. Thanks.
Kitty...
They're so cute! Are they yours?
I found them in the boiler room.
Do you want one?
I can't, Gabita's allergic.
- What do you feed them? - I gave them mince.
- I'll get you milk powder. - Thanks.
Hey! Girls...
What?
Can you tell Gabi her dad called?
He said he'll be here in the car at about 10.
- OK, I'll tell her. - Thanks.
Your dad rang, he's coming.
Shit!
Did you tell your parents?
About what?
He'll be here around 10.
I don't know what to do about the exam on Monday.
You can sit it at the next session.
Should I take my notes?
No point.
No point, huh?
You had milk powder...
Yes, in the Nescafe jar...
- How much is it? - 80.
Here's the milk powder.
Smells wonderful.
It's a girl?
- The Rexona? - 50.
You don't have any Kent?
No, try the Arabs.
How much?
25.
Progesterol... Hungarian?
German. Made in Hungary.
She's a real expert!
My cousin takes them. I'm fat enough already!
90 Lei for all four.
Seeing how often I need them...
Can you sell them for that?
In the mixed dorm, no problem.
Got to go, the water's boiling.
- I'm dyeing it red. - You're kidding!
No, just a treatment. It's falling out.
Can you ask Petronela to return the dryer?
I'll drop it by later, she's got exams.
- Good luck, girls! - Thanks.
- When are you seeing Adi? - At 11.
I feel feverish.
Take an aspirin.
My tooth! I need algocalmine.
See if there's any left in the travel bag.
This is all I need today!
I should have had the filling done.
You'll survive until Saturday!
- Can I ask you something? - Sure.
Can you deal with the money part?
I can't even bribe ticket inspectors.
Don't worry, I'll handle it.
Here, count it.
- 2,700? - Yes.
My stomach's weird.
Eat something...
I can't...
Relax, it'll be fine.
Enough of that. Bye!
- Don't turn back! - Forgot the address!
Don't be superstitious, you're not a peasant.
I want to take my notes anyway.
So take them.
Tickets, please.
Your tickets, please.
Have you got a spare?
Can I see your ticket?
Ticket inspection.
Has Adi already gone in?
- Last minute revision? - Just checking.
Has anybody gone in?
They started late, they'd lost the key...
Stop, your classmates will see.
- So? - It's embarrassing.
Diana asked if we could swap.
So she can go to lzvor and we go to Costinesti.
At the same time?
No. She'd go from the 7th to the 14th, we'd go the 15th to the 22nd.
My last exam's on the 6th.
I'd have to go home for a week, then come back.
It'd complicate things.
Give me a smoke.
- You got the money? - Hold on.
Why the envelope?
So it didn't get mixed up with the flower money.
You said 300, right?
I'll pay you back from my grant.
Hungry? Something from the cafe?
Mum made me sandwiches.
She got up early to make you sandwiches?
No, to make her cake! The gas is screwed after 8.
Can you do me a favour?
Can you get the flowers? I'll be finishing late.
I don't think...
I won't be able to make it.
Where?
I can't make it later.
Wait, you're not coming to my mother's birthday?
Why are you upset?
Why wouldn't I be?
She's making you a meringue and you're not coming?
She's making me a meringue?
I told her you like them.
It's not that I don't want to, I can't.
Why can't you?
What do you have to do? Tell me.
I will tell you, just not right now.
You can't tell me now?
You don't trust me? Is that it!
Of course I trust you.
I don't get it. Do we have secrets now?
We don't have secrets.
I said I'll explain later. It's no big deal!
If you say it's no big deal... What can I do?
If the situation was reversed it would be a big deal!
I don't want to fight.
Who started it?
You're telling me you're not coming!
Fine, I'll come.
I don't know how, but I'll be there.
Now you're doing me favours!
Stop it...
The professor said to keep it down a bit.
- What sort should I get? - Don't bother.
Come on! Carnations?
Gladioli.
Gladioli?
Sure, why?
- How many? - 48.
Not an even number.
- So how many? - I don't know, 49.
- And not gladioli. - But if she likes them...
48, or she'll think I got her age wrong.
Come on, who's counting?
You don't know my mother.
So get 47. Whatever.
Just tell me. I'll get whatever you say.
It's not a proper dinner party?
Nothing formal, just my dad's friends.
We'll drink some champagne and escape to my room.
I'll do what I can.
"I'll do what I can". Please be there at 5!
I'll be there.
Maybe even on time!
You really piss me off! I'm never late!
Unless something unexpected happens.
Otherwise I'm never late.
Have you got your student ID? They won't let us in without it.
I'll get going.
- What's the time? - 20 past. You want it?
No, you keep it.
See you later.
What, no kiss?
No, you pissed me off.
- Don't upset me again. - You neither.
- Bye. - Bye.
Where can I get a pack of Kent?
I could have brought one.
It's for Gabita.
The guys at the Unirea might have some.
The black market guys.
Hello.
Yes?
I booked a room under the name Dragut.
You made a reservation? When?
Today. This evening, in fact.
No, when did you make it?
Last Tuesday.
There's nothing in the book.
A friend booked it, I'm sure it was Tuesday.
You know who she spoke to?
No, but they took her name and address.
What was the name again?
Dragut.
No Dragut here.
Listen,
go get Nelu over here.
Maybe my colleague will recognize you.
But I didn't make the reservation.
My friend called and spoke to a man.
- She telephoned? - Yes.
So she didn't come herself?
I think she rang.
Anyone could say that, couldn't they?
Was the booking confirmed? Yesterday?
Confirmed?
Don't take that tone with me.
Reservations must be confirmed 24 hours in advance.
The man didn't tell her.
I doubt that.
Nelu...
No, it hurts.
Listen, someone here says
you took a booking yesterday.
Not yesterday. Tuesday.
Or Tuesday.
- The name again? - Dragut.
Dragut.
That's her name.
Yes, thanks.
Can you call me if the wages come through?
OK.
If she'd booked it'd be written here.
So what now?
"What now"?
Sorry, anyone in the shop?
Yes, hold on...
We really need that room.
Can't we work something out...
Work what out, miss?
There's a big group from Bucharest, the hotel's full.
Understand?
We'd take a triple room.
Don't you understand Romanian?
It seems you don't.
- Any Kent? - 80 lei.
There's a delegation arriving tomorrow...
Do what you can.
OK, I've got to go. Call you later.
OK, bye for now!
Yes?
Perhaps you can help me. I really need a room
from tonight...
From tonight?
Yes, please.
We're completely full.
Atriple would be OK...
Please send Marcu over.
How many nights?
Two for sure. Maybe more.
Today's not possible.
There is one room...
It's free from tomorrow.
We really need it tonight.
- How many people? - Two.
- It's a double bed. - That's no problem.
Yes?
Get two coffees from the bar, and take them overthere.
Nechezol or Nescafe?
Tell her they're for me.
Just go, she knows.
So, can you help me?
It's hard to say. They haven't confirmed, but...
Please, I'd really appreciate it.
- It's a double bed, as I said... - That's fine.
Got your ID?
Temporary residence... You're a student?
If you're in a dorm, why do you need a hotel?
It's too crowded, we've got exams, it's hard to study.
- Two of you? - Yes.
We've also got a room with four beds,
but I might have to put someone else in with you.
- No, that's fine. - It would be cheaper.
The other one's fine.
As you wish.
- Mihartzescu? - Mihartescu. With a T.
You need a new card. If the police get you...
I left it in my jeans when I washed them.
The other person?
Dragut.
That's her name, Dragut.
- Another young lady... - Yes.
That's how our teachers react at first too.
Dragut Gabriela.
186 lei.
- How much? - 186.
Sorry, how much per night?
As it says there: Double room, 62 lei.
Can we pay for just one night now?
I've just changed a booking for you.
If you want it, fine. If not...
Check out is at 12.
If you go out, leave the key at reception.
Thank you.
T14. Hello!
I don't know if she's here.
I'll go up and see. Can you hold?
Gabita? I got the room.
But not at the Unirea, at the Tineretului.
She said there was no booking.
I told them, but...
Well, that's how it is. He'll understand.
Listen, the room here's 186 lei.
A double, that's all I could get.
Why didn't you do it? You're really a pain!
Listen, borrow another 200 from someone in the dorm.
You're a big girl, you'll manage.
See what you can do.
I'll leave the key at reception, OK?
How will I recognize the guy?
How will he recognize me?
Gabita, are you crazy?
If you knew I was going, why describe yourself?
You're really something!
I'll see what I can do.
Make sure you bring your ID.
See you later. Bye.
Excuse me, where's number 24?
- Who do you want? - I'm meeting someone.
He gave me this address. Decebal 24.
Have you seen anyone waiting in the street?
No.
Does a Mr Bebe work here?
Bebe who?
I don't know. Just Mr Bebe.
Ask the lads from the garage.
I don't know any Mr Bebe.
Excuse me? Mr Bebe?
Miss Gabi?
Gabi couldn't come, she's feeling sick. I'm Otilia.
On the phone we agreed she'd come.
That's why I was worried. I wasn't sure we'd find each other.
I asked at the ambulance station.
Asked what?
If anyone was waiting in the street.
I'm 5 minutes late, I was afraid you'd gone.
Will we take your car?
Where is she?
Waiting at the hotel.
Harder, it's not shut properly.
Do you work here?
Does it matter?
I was just asking.
Can I smoke?
Young lady, here's the deal.
I have nothing to hide.
I came in my own car,
you can take the number.
It's maybe too late to start again, but I will say this:
Trust is vital.
I always meet the person first, to see if we understand each other.
You can trust us completely.
She just felt sick, and couldn't come.
We tried to get you through Ramona but she'd gone.
We don't have your number.
Never mind. I was just explaining...
It's too late now anyway.
- What hotel are you at? - At the Tineretului.
When I talked with Gabi I asked one thing:
Take a room at the Unirea or the Moldova.
She told me, but they were full.
It was hard enough at the Tineretului!
Has your sister ever done this before?
My sister? No.
- How old is she? - 22. 23 in March.
- I wish her a long life. - Thank you.
- You live together? - Yes.
But you're not from here?
No.
Where are you from?
Campulung.
Campulung?
I've never been.
You haven't missed much.
- Are you renting? - No, staying in a dorm.
How is it?
As you'd expect. Noisy, it's hard to work.
Studying what?
Tech.
With tech, you're not sent to the country.
That's true.
I've got to drop something off first.
Wait here.
What are you doing outside?
How many times have I told you?
Why did you have to go out?
Mrs lancu told me there's sugar at the shop.
Sugar? What do you need sugar for?
Not for me, dear.
Give me a break! I don't need sugar.
I need you to stay inside, you're driving me crazy!
The third time this month!
- The wind blew the door shut... - Like fuck!
Here! Maybe you can lose this one too!
Don't worry, dear, I won't lose it.
Sure. So what are you doing in the street?
Trying to catch a cold?
Mrs lancu's queuing at the store...
Why couldn't you stay inside?
- She thought you'd rip her off? - No, the poor woman...
I'll speak to with Mrs lancu.
What is it now? Inside!
But she's keeping my place!
I don't want to hear! Inside, now!
OK, I'm going.
Now! I want to see you go in.
You're not eating?
Get inside and stop this nonsense.
Viorel, someone telephoned foryou.
Someone telephoned?
How many times have I said, don't answer when I'm out!
- Where are you going? - Room 206. I've already paid.
No one said to leave the key when you go out?
There's someone in the room.
- What number? - 206.
Dragut Gabriela?
She's upstairs. The other one's mine.
- And the gentleman? - He's a friend.
Visits must be announced. You can't just march in...
After 10. That's what your colleague said.
You misunderstood.
If someone stays after 10, he must pay for a bed,
but all visits must be announced.
Your identity card?
Do I get it back?
You get it back when you come down.
206.
Gabita?
- Is that you? - Yes.
I'm with Mr Bebe.
Hold on.
- Hello. Gabriela. - Hello.
Please, come in.
I forgot the plastic sheet.
- You got the money? - When?
- Nescafe? - No, thanks.
- Cake? - No.
They're homemade.
Please, sit down.
It's good you met up.
We were worried you wouldn't find each other.
We've got off to a bad start, young lady.
I told you two things on the phone.
One, get a room at the Unirea or the Moldova.
Two, meet me in person.
You think I asked for the sake of it?
I understood what you said, but we couldn't find
anywhere else.
So your sister said.
We should have waited until you could.
Because now, my ID's at reception.
I'm sorry...
You're sorry, but my ID's at reception.
I thought we shouldn't wait. I'd put it off long enough already.
What month are you?
The third.
On the phone, you said the second.
Yes, it was the second then, now it's the third.
What blood group are you?
Group O.
High blood pressure?
I don't... No.
Any allergies?
No. Well, cat fur, but...
...not badly. I get a rash.
Will you give her an anaesthetic?
It's just I don't know how these things work.
A friend who had a...
termination... told me she had one.
And you, you've had an abortion?
Let's get things straight. This isn't a curettage, OK?
We never discussed it, and you don't need it.
If we agree, I will insert a probe
which will cause an abortion, understand?
Yes, it will hurt, there will be bleeding,
but it will not require an anaesthetic.
The pain won't be that serious.
Anyway, the conditions are wrong,
you can't give an anaesthetic just anywhere.
What's most important is that you remain absolutely still
when the probe is inside you.
It mustn't come out!
I won't put it in twice. I can do it only once. Got it?
What did you expect?
When you called me, I thought you'd decided...
- I have but... - But what?
Young lady, this isn't a game. We could go to prison for this.
Both of us. Only I'd face a longer sentence.
We're not fooling around, OK?
Once we start, there's no turning back.
If all goes well, after I put the probe in,
you'll bleed and the foetus will come out.
What you do after is very important.
Someone must help you: The bleeding could be heavy.
If you bleed all overthe room, we're in trouble.
That's what the plastic sheet was for.
- I left it in the dorm... - You left it in the dorm...
Then get a plastic bag or something.
Once again, very important...
Let no one in.
No staff! No one! Keep the door locked.
How long will it take?
From when you put the probe in.
We got the room for three days.
It depends. It can last two hours,
it can last two or three days...
Depends how the body reacts.
And if I need the toilet?
Your sister can help you.
You must not move, under any circumstances.
If the probe comes out, what do we do?
I won't do it twice.
That's why it's important you have a friend to help you.
Once you feel the contractions and the bleeding starts, it's OK.
But before then, you absolutely must not move.
And be careful of infection.
When I put the probe in, I sterilise it with alcohol and so on.
But after that, there's a chance of infection.
It's always a risk with blood.
So I'll leave you some ampicyline.
- You've had it before? - Yes.
Is there a danger of...
I mean, is there a chance it won't come out?
Anything can happen, but there's no reason it won't.
I'm sorry to ask, but we have to consider the worst outcome.
If she faints, or gets a fever,
or starts losing a lot of blood, what do I do?
Call an ambulance? Call you?
If you call an ambulance,
we're already half-way to prison, all of us.
Bear that in mind.
If you have to, don't say you weren't pregnant,
they can tell straight away.
Just say... I don't know...
it started coming out. You didn't understand...
They won't believe you, but they'll be covered.
But it would be better to avoid all that.
How is your period, normally?
A lot of blood?
I suppose so.
Lie down so I can examine you.
Open the zip.
Sit down.
How many months did you say?
Three.
I suggest you pay attention. When was your last period?
December. It should have come on the 20th.
It should have, but it didn't.
No.
- So the last one was in November. - I think so, yes.
So let's work it out.
November, December, January, February.
That makes how many?
But I haven't had one since December.
Are we counting from when your periods stopped, or before?
Maybe a bit over three months.
No "maybe" about it. Well over three months.
So again, I'll ask you to concentrate:
What month are you?
The procedure is different for the third or the fourth.
Maybe the fourth.
The fourth?
Or the fifth?
Young lady, these details are important.
It can't be the fifth.
Maybe the fourth, my periods are very erratic.
You're playing games with the months!
Fourth, fifth...
It's a new offence after the fourth month.
You're not done for abortion.
They get you for murder! Five to ten years!
Did you know that?
No, why would you?
My periods aren't very regular.
Sometimes they're two months apart. So I didn't worry.
Young lady, please.
Then don't believe me.
I don't believe you.
If they're so irregular go to a doctor!
See, this is how people are,
they keep postponing it, then come to you for help.
Why should someone else pay for your actions?
Was it me fooling around?
I don't know, miss.
It's very dangerous.
Who do you think you'll find to do it
in the fourth, fifth, whatever month it is?
Please.
"Please" is fine.
But everything in this world has its price.
We'll pay!
Really?
How much money do you have?
The thing is, we had to take the room for three days,
or we wouldn't have got it.
And?
We had 3,000 lei to begin with,
but because the room cost more, we've only got 2,850 left.
Is it a problem?
Young lady, did I mention money?
Did I mention money on the phone?
That's just it, you didn't...
so we asked Ramona what it cost, we asked around.
And that's what everyone said, 3,000 lei, maximum.
Ramona told you 3,000?
She said that's what she thought.
So let Ramona do it, as she's so well informed.
Young lady, what did I tell you on the telephone?
That I understood the situation, and I could help you.
Right?
Did I mention money?
You said we'd work something out.
Precisely.
That's why I asked you to come in person.
So we could work something out.
I don't judge you for what has happened.
In life, we all make mistakes.
I asked you nothing,
not your name, northe father's name. It's not my business.
I've hidden nothing,
I came in my car, I left my ID at reception.
If the police come, they'll get me first.
I'm risking my freedom.
I have a family, a child of my own.
So if I'm nice to you, if I help you,
you should be nice to me too, right?
That's how I see it.
Wait... I'm not sure I understand.
I can wait. You're the one in a hurry.
Which part didn't you understand? I don't like to repeat myself.
What did you think? I'd risk 10 years for 3,000 lei?
Is that what you thought?
What do you take me for? A beggar?
Did you see me begging?
Here's what we'll do.
I'll go to the bathroom. When I come out, you give your answer.
If it's yes, tell me who goes first.
If it's no, I get up and go.
It was you who came to me for help.
I feel sick. I can't believe this is happening.
Why did you say you were two months gone?
Ramona said to. He might have said no.
And now he says yes!
How could you have waited so long?
What can I do? You've already paid for the room.
The room?
Shit, Gabita, sometimes you drive me crazy!
I told you, be careful, but you always know best!
What do I do now?
Calm down. You don't have to do anything.
It's one thing to help me, it's another thing to...
Give me the money.
Tell us how much. Is 4,000 enough?
5,000? How much?
You have that kind of money?
Then why even discuss it?
- We'll borrow it. - Borrow it?
You complain the hotel is 100 lei more,
but you can get 2 or 3,000 just like that?
How do you plan to get it?
- We'll borrow. - And pay it back how?
- That's my business. - Don't get snotty!
- I was just explaining... - How soon can you get it?
Next Saturday, at the latest.
- All of it, by next Saturday? - Yes.
OK, miss. If that's how you want it.
Call me when you've got it, and we'll talk.
Wait, don't go. Please, can we do it today?
The hotel's paid for...
Can "we" do it? You're doing it?
I'm sorry. I meant you.
So what do we do?
You take the 2,800 Lei we've got today,
and I promise you another 2,000 by Tuesday.
Is that OK?
You can trust us...
Why should I trust you? Are we friends?
Do I know who you are?
You could catch a train tomorrow and disappear!
I'd have nothing!
How could we do that?
- I could give you my ID. - And what would I do with it?
Chase you around the country?
We study here, where would we go?
I'll call home and get the money by Monday.
- Are you messing me around? - I didn't mess you around!
- I'm not, l just... - What?
I hate to repeat myself, don't make me!
If we had money, I'd have given it to you. But we don't.
- I swear, next Saturday. - Fucking bitch!
What do you take me for, a fucking prick?
I could eat you for breakfast!
Smarter people have tried to fuck me, think you'll do it?
Two foxes versus a moron? Fuck this bullshit!
Wait. Please help me. This is my problem, not hers.
Please help me fix it... the way you said.
The way I said?
Yes, the guilty should pay. I screwed up.
- She shouldn't have to pay. - This isn't the condition I set.
I know. But she's not my sister.
I'm sorry I lied to you, but that's the truth.
She's my room mate.
Did I ask whose sister she is?
All I can do... is what I'm responsible for.
My friend is under no obligation.
I was suggesting...
You don't suggest! If anything, you ask.
I said I'd help and explained my terms.
If you don't understand, no one's forcing you.
What did she say?
- I couldn't hear you. - She's got her period.
- If you want to haggle... - Please! I beg you!
Fine! Give her the probe and...
And what?
How can I give her the probe?
Think I was born yesterday?
Sorry.
Do you have a cigarette?
Thanks.
Lie down.