Episode 06

Milton: Hi, Alfredo. Exciting news – I've finally got lucky! I think I've got another job. Not acting, unfortunately, but something that'll help with money. Mei – my new neighbour, remember – found an advert from someone looking for a ... you'll never guess if you remember me at school ... a teacher! To teach him Portuguese. Aaargh! So I looked at the number every few minutes for a whole day and then I phoned ...

Milton: 9 ... 1 ... 3 ... 7 ... 3 ... 4 ... 8 ... 6 ... 9. Hello? Is that Robert Macla ... 

Robert: Robert MacLachlan. Yes, speaking.

Milton: Hello. Um. Robert. My name is Milton, Milton da Silva, and I saw your card at the school. Well, a friend saw it for me, the card for Portuguese lessons, and I thought, well, I can do that!

Robert: OK. Hello, Milton. Are you Portuguese?

Milton: No, I'm Brazilian … but, I mean, we speak Portuguese, it's the same language.

Robert: That's great. It's really Brazilian Portuguese that I want to learn. I love the accent. Bom dia! 

Milton: Great! That's me. Um, so you're thinking of six lessons a week?

Robert: Well, six hours. Maybe three lessons of two hours each? Or maybe two hours is too long for a complete beginner. I don't know. What do you think? You're the teacher.

Milton: Um, yes, well, um, let's try two hours and see how it goes.

Robert: OK. Good idea. Now for price. How much do you charge per hour, Milton?

Milton: Well, I usually charge something like £30 ...

Robert: Thirty pounds an hour? That's a bit more than I was hoping to pay.

Milton: Well, of course, as you want to have six hours a week, I can offer you a cheaper price. A discount. Let's say £50 for two hours.

Robert: Where do you live, Milton?

Milton: Not far from Camden Town Tube station. Do you know it? It's about 15 minutes' walk.

Robert: Yes, I know it. How about if we have the lessons at your place – I can come to you. Then you don't have to travel, so perhaps we could say, um, £40 for the two-hour lesson? What do you think?

Milton: You could come to my flat ... hmmm ... OK. That's good for me. OK. It's a deal.

Robert: Good. Text me the address.

Milton: Will do. OK, Robert. See you on … Ha! What days do you want the lessons? And what time?

Robert: That might be a problem. I don't have a regular timetable in my job. I work in a hotel and it changes every month. At the moment, evenings is best for me. Say from six to eight? Monday, Wednesday and Friday?

Milton: Ah. There's a slight problem. I have to ... I've got a … um, another lesson at half past seven. Could we do from five thirty to seven thirty? Does that work for you?

Robert: I think so. I can probably get away at five and the hotel isn't far from Camden. Shall we start tomorrow? Are there any books you think I should buy to study?

Milton: Um, let's talk about that tomorrow ...

 

Milton: Mei? Hello? Are you in there? It's Milton.

Mei: Hello.

Milton: Yippee! Come here! (kisses her on the cheek)

Mei: Ugh, stop it, Milton! What's happened?

Milton: I'm a teacher! I start tomorrow! Mr Robert Mac ... I can't remember! He said it on the phone and I can't remember. Anyway, he's coming here tomorrow at five thirty and I'm going to teach him Portuguese and he's going to give me £40! The world is a beautiful place!

Mei: All because of me.

Milton: All thanks to you!

Milton: So there you are. Your little brother's got a new job, thanks to Mei. Starting tomorrow … ? I'll let you know how it goes. By the way, I still haven't heard from Mum – have you? Remind her I'm still alive if you get a chance ...