No. 22
Gail is preparing dinner while Paul lays the table. Paul asks Gail for a word and he guides her to the table, where they both sit down. He then tells her that he realises the last couple of days have been tough on her... Gail says:

GAIL: Look, not at all. I just never expected to play the wicked stepmother!

Paul goes on that Nina said she'd probably send him a couple of photos of Amy, and he comments that that wouldn't bother Gail, would it? Gail, however, splutters:

GAIL: Probably. Well, what do you expect?
PAUL (looking surprised): Oh. Sorry. I'll tell her not to bother.

Gail, however, gives in and remarks that of course he should have a photo. Paul says he'll tell Nina to just send a little one for his wallet, but Gail insists that he can't hide Amy away; Nina tried doing that and it caused a lot of unnecessary pain. Paul points out that *she's* the one that's hurting the most. Gail cries that that may be, but she's desperately trying to keep everything in proportion and not dominate her whole life. She asks curtly if they can change the subject.

No. 26
In the lounge room, Jim sits down next to Todd, holding a clipboard, and he comments that he's quite looking forward to becoming a care- free student again. Todd remarks that he's in for a big shock! Beverly chips in that at least Jim won't get the cane anymore when he misbehaves! Jim smiles that he'll be the model pupil! Todd tells him that there is *one* good thing about Tech; he doesn't have to wear a uniform! Everyone laughs as Scott comes in and asks what the joke is. Jim explains that they were just taking the mickey out of his old man! Changing the subject, he asks how the holiday was. Scott just shrugs that he guesses it was OK. Helen asks how Dan is. Scott nods that he's fine. Todd asks him eagerly what he did. Scott, however, retorts:

SCOTT: I didn't do *anything*, OK? I had a lousy time, all right?
JIM (surprised): But *why*?
SCOTT: For starters, I got sunburnt, and then Charlene and I had a fight.
HELEN (looking upset): Oh no, Scott, I thought you two were past that.
TODD (annoyed): That's all married couples do: yell at each other.

He storms off to his room. Scott sighs that he'd better go and talk to him and explain that he and Charlene fight all the time; it doesn't mean anything.

No. 24
Charlene is ranting to Madge and Henry that it's all just a big fuss over nothing; the quicker everyone lays off, the quicker Scott will realise he's wrong. Henry remarks that it didn't sound to *him* like Scott did anything wrong, stuck inside with sunburn. Charlene mutters:

CHARLENE: Take *his* side, why don't you? Why should *I* have a miserable time just because he's stupid enough to fall asleep on the beach?

Henry goes to the 'fridge, but then asks in surprise what happened to all the cake that was in there. Charlene explains that Steve finished it off. Madge exclaims:

MADGE: He was *here*?

Charlene retorts that he was due to leave Brissie a couple of days after them, and he only lives in Anson's Corner - and he's a nice guy. She adds that he's giving her some driving lessons. Madge points out that she already *knows* how to drive. Charlene replies:

CHARLENE: Yeah, but I haven't got my licence. And he's a professional instructor. A few lessons from him and I should get it first go.
HENRY (taunts): Yeah, yeah, I've heard all about these driving instructors and what they get up to with you almost- attractive students.
CHARLENE (rolling up a magazine): Henry - shut up or I'll wrap this around your head.

She goes on that she doesn't see why she can't have a guy as a friend without her husband and family thinking it's the end of the world.

No. 26
Sitting at the kitchen table with Helen, Scott tells her that it's great that she's moving back. Todd comes in and asks Scott to help him with his homework. Helen, however, suggests to Scott that it might be better if he goes back to the Ramsays'; the more he sees of Charlene, the sooner he might be able to solve his *own* problems. Scott nods that he guesses so. Jim offers to help Todd with his homework, but Todd quickly declines, explaining that it's Maths. He gathers up his books and leaves the room, leaving Jim to remark that he thinks he's just been put in his place! Scott says he'd better get going and Helen goes to see him out. Jim comments to Beverly that he wishes Scott and Charlene's relationship wasn't so volatile; but at least the two of *them* are a lot happier. Beverly asks how Gail's coping with things. Helen comes back in and overhears as Jim replies that she's very well, according to Paul; it must put a bit of a strain on the relationship, though. Helen exclaims:

HELEN: Not more problems with Paul and Gail?
JIM: Oh, er, just business. They've just been, er, overworking or something.
HELEN (suspiciously): 'Or something.' I see.

Driveway of No. 22
The next morning, Paul and Gail are getting ready to head to the office when Jim turns up and tells Paul that he's afraid he put his foot in it over Amy. Paul asks him what he's done and Jim explains that Helen overheard him talking to Beverly about it last night. Paul growls:

PAUL: Dad, I asked you not to tell *anyone*.
JIM: I know, I know, but Beverly *is* my wife. I thought she might be able to help.
PAUL: Oh yeah? How? Prescribe a pill to make it go away, I suppose?
JIM: Doctors handle emotional problems as well as physical, Paul.

He then asks what he should do about Helen, as he had to lie to her and tell her they'd both been overworking - but he doesn't think she believed a word of it. Rob rocks up in his car suddenly and joins them. Jim invites him over for a cup of coffee. They head off, leaving Paul to sigh to Gail that he doesn't really have much choice; he'll *have* to tell Helen now. Gail muses:

GAIL: Sometimes I don't think it's such a good thing living so close to your family.

Waterhole
Madge is dusting while Henry beams that he bets the customers at the Waterhole are glad to have her back! Charlene joins them and says she's got a driving lesson this morning; she'll try and be back before Steve gets there. Scott emerges from the kitchen and mutters that she's going ahead with the driving lessons, is she? Charlene retorts:

CHARLENE: If I can get some expert driving lessons for free, I'd be stupid to knock them back.
SCOTT: Sure, sure. *If* they are for free.
CHARLENE (snaps): And what's *that* supposed to mean?
SCOTT: It means I don't want you owing him any favours.
CHARLENE: Well, that's tough, isn't it, because friends *do* favours for each other. I'm going whether you like it or not.

With that, Charlene walks out. Scott goes to chase after her, but Henry holds him back and tells him to come and do some manual labour with him; he can take his frustrations out on Mrs. Muir's garden.

No. 26
Charlene walks into No. 26 just as Beverly is heading out. She sits down with Rob and Jim, who says he thought the three of them should get together and have a chat before they start work next week, so they can work out who's doing what. He goes on that he thought they ought to work out the lines of demarcation before they start. Rob says *he'll* have total control over the mechanical things. Jim says he'll send out the bills, do the accounts and paperwork. Charlene remarks:

CHARLENE: So nothing really changes for *me*, then?
JIM: Except you'll have an extra pair of hands. And you might take pity on me if I get stuck with anything in the Tech course.

Rob murmurs that the racing game has been great, but he's really looking forward to getting back to the workshop full- time.

Office of the Daniels Corporation
Sitting in the office with Paul and Gail, Helen remarks that this *is* a bolt out of the blue; she doesn't know whether it's good news or *not*. Paul says he just wishes Nina had told him at the time. Helen comments that she can understand her reasons; it's not as if the two of them were planning on a long- term relationship. She then turns to Gail and apologises for rabbiting on and not thinking about how Gail is feeling about this. Paul tells Helen that no other wife would have been so understanding. As she talks, she opens a letter - it's from the Infertility Medical Centre, with details of an appointment. She stares at it, and then gets up and asks Paul and Helen to excuse her. She dashes out. Helen puts her arm around Paul and says:

HELEN: You know, Gail's much more upset than she's admitting.
PAUL: Oh gran, it's been a shock to her. She'll be all right. There's no reason why this should affect our relationship at all.

No. 24
Steve has turned up at No. 24. Madge tells him that Charlene had to go out for a while, but she should be back soon. Steve remarks that he's not in any rush, and so Madge invites him in. He sits down and Madge goes on:

MADGE: I don't know many young people who'd have the patience to teach driving.
STEVE: No, you just need a sense of humour. Suits me - I couldn't handle an office job.
MADGE: I've got a son like that!
STEVE: Henry? Yeah, I'd like to meet him; from what Charlene told me, we'd get on pretty well. Pity about Scott, though - I don't think he likes me very much.
MADGE: Well, I think he just feels a bit upset because he missed out on the holiday.

At that moment, Charlene comes in and apologises to Steve for making him wait. The two of them head out.

Lassiter's complex
Gail is sitting in a quiet area of the complex when Helen walks over and tells her that the coast's clear; she can go back now. Gail, however, tells her that she didn't leave because of her; she left because she had a headache. Helen sighs:

HELEN: Oh Gail, I'm much too old to have the wool pulled over my eyes. You're upset and confused about Amy, and you have every right to be.
GAIL: I'm not jealous of her *or* of Nina, for that matter.
HELEN: I didn't think for one minute that you *were*.
GAIL: It's hard to know exactly how I *do* feel. Probably 'inadequate' is the closest word. Paul's always wanted children so much, and now Nina's given him one. I suppose that makes me redundant, doesn't it...
HELEN: Oh Gail, that's a dreadful way to think. Paul wouldn't give you up for a hundred Amys and you know it.

She suggests to Gail that she *talk* to Paul, adding that if she doesn't get her worries out into the open, they'll *both* suffer from them. Gail then says she's got to tell Paul that they've been accepted onto the IVF programme and they can start immediately. Helen beams that that's wonderful news. Gail, however, says:

GAIL: I'm not so sure Paul's going to see it that way. I mean, he mightn't think it's worth all the hassle now he knows he's already got a daughter.

Waterhole
Steve takes two drinks from the bar and hands one of them to Charlene, at a table. As he sits down with her, he comments that she's not a bad driver. Charlene explains that Scott's taken her out a few times - but she was driving round people's paddocks when she was 14. She then tells Steve that he should talk his boss into bringing his cars to them for repairs; Rob's the best mechanic round there. Steve smiles:

STEVE: Free repairs for free driving lessons?
CHARLENE: That's not a fair exchange! Anyway, I've booked my test for tomorrow.
STEVE: We'd better go out again in the morning, then; well, you're still not too hot on reverse parking.

Charlene insists that she's going to pay for it. Steve, however, tells her that he never charges friends. Charlene comments that his friends in Queensland were great. Steve nods that he's known them ever since school. Charlene tells him that he should move up there with them; *she* wouldn't mind living right on the beach! Steve remarks that it's all right for a holiday, but he couldn't handle that kind of lifestyle all year round. Charlene smiles:

CHARLENE: *I* would have *no* problem - except I'd never get Scott up there with me...
STEVE: Yeah. It's a pity he's so quiet. Must get pretty boring for *you*.
CHARLENE: He's not *normally* that quiet. It was just his sunburn stopped him going out.
STEVE: Well he wasn't exactly a barrel of laughs yesterday.
CHARLENE: Well, he's just a bit cranky because I had such a great holiday and he didn't. But he's lots of fun - really.

Outside the Coffee Shop
Jim and Beverly are having lunch when Helen walks over and asks if this is a private chat or can she join them? Jim smiles that they don't have any deep, dark secrets from *her*! Helen muses:

HELEN: No, *now* you haven't. I talked to Paul this morning.

Jim explains that he wouldn't have found out himself if he hadn't caught Paul at a vulnerable moment. Helen tells him that Gail isn't too happy about it becoming public knowledge. Jim exclaims that they're family, for heaven's sake. Helen insists that they just have to be patient; there are dozens of questions she's dying to ask about her great- granddaughter, but this isn't the time. Jim admits that he's been so knocked out about there being another generation of Robinsons that he hasn't really looked at it from *her* point of view. Helen remarks that there's now an added complication: Gail's had a letter from the IVF programme and she and Paul can start immediately - but Gail's afraid that Paul mightn't want to bother with it now that he knows he already has a child. Jim, however, declares:

JIM: Nonsense - he'll be tickled pink.

Waterhole
Charlene orders another couple of juices for her and Steve. Steve then comments to her that it can't be much fun for her and Scott, living with her mum. Charlene shrugs that it's been OK - although having Harold there has been a drag; she likes him, but she's used to peace and quiet and there's not much of that now. At that moment, the door opens and Henry and Scott come in. They stare at Charlene and Steve and Scott asks Charlene coolly if she isn't meant to be having a driving lesson. Charlene replies that they did - so they just grabbed a drink. She invites the boys to sit down, but they decline. Charlene goes on that Steve has invited them to dinner tonight. Steve suggests to Henry that he come too, but Henry mutters that he'll have to check his little black book. Charlene stands up and exclaims:

CHARLENE: Come off it, Henry - when you've got a date, the whole *world* knows about it.
SCOTT: Well, maybe you should start keeping a diary *yourself*, Charlene - we're supposed to be going out tonight, remember?
CHARLENE (blankly): Are we?

Scott gives Charlene a pointed look. She gets the message and then says:

CHARLENE: Yes, so we are.

She turns back to Steve and smiles awkwardly:

CHARLENE: Sorry, Steve, I don't know where I'd be without Scott sometimes.

She looks furious, though.

Office of the Daniels Corporation
Gail is reading a booklet when Paul bursts in and beams:

PAUL: Yeah! I did it! Got the go- ahead!

Gail offers her congratulations. Paul continues that he had to do some fast talking, though. Gail asks when he signs the contract. Paul replies that it'll be when he's re- worked some figures - although it'll mean an increase on their workload. Gail says:

GAIL: Before you start, I've got some news.

She shows Paul the letter and goes on:

GAIL: We can start on the programme straight away.

Paul throws his arms round her and beams that that's brilliant! Gail says she'll 'phone to make their first appointment then. Paul then says:

PAUL: Pity about the timing, though - everything seems to happen at once, doesn't it.
GAIL (angrily): The *timing*? Haven't we waited long enough already? Paul, this is our chance to have a child. It... it should be a big occasion; a day to break open the champagne. But now you know you've already got a daughter, you don't *care*, do you?

Paul stands there looking dumbstruck.