In Scott and Charlene's room
Scott asks Charlene what is going on. She asks him where he really was that evening and he lies and says he was at the library. Nice try, but Charlene knows the library is closed that night. She demands he tells her the truth and he reminds her that she ruined his last surprise for her by getting all suspicious - remember the concert tickets? She has a think and realises it might be something to do with her birthday. Scott warns her not to get too excited, they don't have much money at the moment. Charlene says she'll love it whatever it is and gives him a hug.

In the Ramsay kitchen
Madge is painting a Happy Birthday banner while Henry keeps an eye out for Charlene. He is worried Charlene will come out and catch them, which doesn't worry Madge - she in concerned at how unhappy Charlene was. Henry comments that it's gone very quiet in the bedroom, Scott must have told her something (He's in the kitchen! What happened to him telling Melanie that the house had thick walls??). Madge hopes he's told her about the party. Henry tells her that the more unhappy Charlene is now the better time she'll have at the party (!) and asks Madge not to make a fuss in the morning. Madge refuses, she is going to give her her presents first thing because she deserves a special day. She agrees that Henry and Scott can do the party their way but she won't pretend she's forgotten.

Next morning
Madge gives Charlene a hug and wishes her Happy Birthday. She presumes Charlene has worked out why Scott was fibbing last night and Charlene says he was picking out her present, Jane must have been helping choose. Henry comes out and gives her a birthday card. The message reads "I was going to buy you a great present, but I'm broke so I'll wish you a great future instead." Charlene checks inside the envelope for money but there's nothing. Henry tells her he'll buy her something next pay day. Next it's Scott's turn, with the smallest present in the world. Charlene unwraps it to find a "C" keyring, not even a sparkly one! She pretends to love it but is clearly disappointed. Luckily mum has got proper presents for her - a makeup bag and make-up, plus some sparkly new ear rings. Charlene says she will wear them tonight when they celebrate but Madge and Henry cry off. She suggests a birthday breakfast instead but Henry has to get to work and Scott to school. Charlene is left to eat her breakfast alone.

Later
Jane calls round with Scott's books. She wishes Charlene Happy Birthday and Charlene asks if she wants to go out with her and Scott that night. Jane can't as she has a test for her Business Administration Course. Charlene asks her why she still needs the course now she's going to America to be a model. Jane answers that she's not decided whether to go to America, she doesn't know if she wants to be a model. Charlene thanks her for choosing her present, they must have searched to find somewhere that did engraving. Jane doesn't know what she's talking about but tries to cover up, not very convincingly. Luckily she is spared further embarrassment by Helen who has arrived to wish Charlene Happy Birthday. Jane does a runner.

At the workshop
Paul is introducing himself to Greg. Greg says he's unsure about the set up - who exactly is his boss, Paul or Gail? And why does the apprentice have the key? Paul laughs and tells him it's his dads business but he's away. And Charlene has a key because she's his sister-in-law. Speak of the devil, she arrives under a black cloud. Greg asks her if she minds working on her birthday and she answers that her birthday's no big deal, then goes inside to play with voodoo dolls of Jane and Scott (probably). Paul explains that she doesn't know about the surprise party, before enlisting Greg's help to keep her at work late.

At the office
Paul catches Jane day dreaming at her desk and asks her if she's thinking of America. She tells him she hasn't decided if she's going. He warns her to be quick, the travel arrangements need to be made tomorrow. She asks what he would do in her position - everyone's told her she'd be crazy not to go. He thinks she'd be crazy to go, she has much more going for her than just her looks. Now totally confused Jane goes back to her desk.

At the workshop
Greg is training Charlene. She quizzes him about his past. He tells her he has 3 brothers and a sister at home but quickly tries to get them back on to work. They are stopped by Daphne arriving in her father's posh car. She has come to give Charlene her birthday present -the worst one yet - a hand knitted woolly jumper, big enough to fit 3 Charlene's in, with stuffed mice running up a grandfather clock (Daphne, she's turning 18, not 8...)

Charlene is strangely thrilled (Petrol fumes) and says no one else has taken so much trouble for her. Daphne is shocked and asks what about Scott? Charlene cuddles her new jumper and says he and Henry were worst of all, they wouldn't even eat breakfast with her. She asks Daphne if she's being too selfish. Daphne answers that if anyone's being selfish it's certainly not her.

At the coffee shop
Henry is chatting up Sally. He asks her if she'll go to Charlene's party with him that night. Daphne arrives to catch up with Mike and meet Sally. She asks to see her references sometime (Oh oh) and Sally says of course, but she'll have to write home for them - could take some time. Daphne decides she'll let Sally's work speak for itself as she's already started working. She goes to sit down with Henry and lectures him about how miserable he's made Charlene. He laughs and tells her she'll soon cheer up at her party. Daphne relaxes (until she realises she hasn't been invited to the party I suspect!).

At the Ramsays
The house is being decorated for the party. Helen asks Jane if she is excited about America and Jane announces she isn't going. Helen is shocked but then says she's pleased she isn't going. Scott says he is too. Jane asks if he's really glad and he tells her she's the prettiest tutor he's ever had. Mike pulls his face and walks off.

At the workshop
Greg tells Charlene they just have one more car left to do. She's had enough and wants to go home but he won't let her. She agrees to stay but has to ring Scott first - he'll be all alone at home studying and she wants to let him know to expect her (and get her tea on). She dials and Jane answers. In panic Jane hangs up the phone. Charlene rings again and Scott warns everyone to be quiet while he answers. He tries to fob Charlene off by telling her she must have rung Jane by mistake but Charlene hears Henry giggling and isn't fooled. Scott asks her when she's coming home and she tells him half an hour, then hangs up and tells Greg she knows something is going on behind her back. He tries to calm her down but she gets upset and cries "Isn't it great? My husband and my best friend are doing the dirty on me, and it's my birthday... well they're not getting away with it.", then walks out. Greg runs off to ring Paul.

At the Ramsays
Some strangers arrive who are apparently old friends of Charlene's. Paul runs in the back door and says Charlene is heading up the path. They turn the lights off and everyone hides. Charlene walks into the kitchen shouting "Hello? Is anyone home?" The lights go on and everyone jumps up and shouts "Surprise!" Amazingly, she seems pleased.