Number 32
Steph thought that Toadie would be more loyal to Libby, but obviously he's not. Toadie argues the point and says that Steph hasn't heard Darren's side of the story, but Steph 'pffts' the whole male solidarity thing. "He cheated on Libby and Libby's our friend, end of story."

General Store
Ned and Janae are happily eating lunch (remember those smiles, they're very rare these days), until Kirsten rocks up and proceeds to yak about the Oakey reunion, making Janae feel left out in the process. Thankfully, Janae's saved by RandomChristmasLou taking orders.

LOU: What can I get you?
KIRSTEN: A macchiato please.
LOU: What's that when it's at home?
KIRSTEN: ... a coffee.
LOU: Oh, I'm sorry; we're out of macchi-nuts.

Getting a SMS, Janae's bummed to learn that Anson's Motors have just received seven new trade-ins that have to be serviced by tomorrow, thus meaning that Ned and Janae will probably have to miss the Oakey reunion. Cue Kirsten's disappointment.

Number 32
Toadie has filled Steph in on Darren's side of the story, but Steph can't believe that Darren would blame poor dead Drew like that. Toadie reveals that he can actually sympathise in a way because when he and Steph first got together, the spectre of Max was all around them too. Steph blusters that there's no comparison and states that a relationship is a commitment no matter what. Toadie agrees but has to wonder why, if they're so committed, she won't wear her engagement ring on her finger? Frustrated by Steph's lack of a response, Toadie calls Valda out from her hiding place where she's been lurking all this time.

VALDA: (inching her way out) Uh, I was um... well I was eavesdropping.

General Store
Catching up with Carmella, Marco says that he understands his family can be very full on, but Carmella admits that her indecisiveness isn't just about that. She asks him if they can slow things down a bit with their relationship. Looking glum, Marco half-heartedly agrees.

Erinsborough High
Declan, Zeke and Ringo muck around like rowdy school boys until Angus tells them off. He bumps into Rachel as she exits the one and only classroom, and they share an awkward moment. Ringo gives Angus a note from Fraze, explaining his counselling sessions and why he'll be out of class that afternoon. Heading upstairs, Angus turns and stares back at Rachel so they can swap TOTALLY SUBTLE angsty looks.

Charlie's
Kirsten chats to Miranda about the reunion and how it's suddenly struck her that she's got nothing to show for her life. Miranda tut tuts, and reminds her that she's done a lot of interesting things and has a beautiful son in Mickey. Continuing her cheer-up party, Miranda invites Kirsten back to #26 after her shift for a make-over.

Marco meets up with his sister and tells her to stop living in her fantasy land where she thinks that he and Marissa are going to get back together. He's with Carmella now. Mia scoffs and says that Marco could have anyone he wants and yet he chooses a pregnant woman - not exactly a prize catch. Marco puts his Mr Angry Eyes on and says that Mia will treat Carmella like family... no, better than family!

Number 32
Libby chats with Steph and confesses that she feels guilty about not letting Ben spend time with Darren - it's not fair that he's punished in the process. Valda creeps in and apologizes for sticking her beak in earlier, but she does it again in a matter of seconds by blurting to Libby that Steph and Toadie were fighting about Darren. She also adds that Steph won't wear Toadie's engagement ring (just for good measure).

LIBBY: (to Steph) Oh come on, Toadie is a huge romantic, you know that. He may pretend otherwise but under it all he's got a heart of solid marshmallow.

Steph says that she thought a long engagement would keep them both happy. Valda tsks her disapproval in the background until Steph tells her that's enough.

Erinsborough High
Angus asks a question about the literature they're reading and totally blanks Rachel, even though she's the only one with her hand raised. Bridget eventually answers, with a raised eyebrow in Rach's direction. Angus carries on talking about how some female authors had to pretend to be male authors back in the day to get their work published.

ANGUS: Happily it's no longer necessary for women to hide their true identities in this way.

Oh, you master of the veiled attack, you.

He sets the class to work while Bridget whispers to Rachel that he's not very subtle. Angus sees them talking and decides to only lash out at Rachel. What are you man? Five?

Number 26
Miranda is playing makeovers with Kirsten and loving it because she's usually got no one to practise on. Janae walks in the door, not very impressed to see Kirsten there, and says she's just stopped in for a drink. You couldn't get one from the vending machine at the garage? From Grease Monkeys? I guess if she didn't make the long trip home she wouldn't be there to hear Kirsten get a call from Steph, asking her to work that night. Ned ambles in as Kirsten ambles out and Janae now feels comfortable to suggest that Ned go to the reunion without her. She'll stay home and finish off the work. You know what might make it go quicker? If you didn't go home to get bloody drinks!

General Store
Libby has brought Ben in to spend time with Darren while she does some shopping. Darren agrees to bring him home later. He chats with Ben about the fishing rod he promised him for Christmas, and Ben asks if they're all going home to Shepparton soon. Darren doesn't have an answer for him.

Charlie's
Kirsten arrives and Steph thanks her (they look like hairdo sisters - the hairdresser must have gone wild with the curling iron). Steph hopes that Animal checks his answering machine soon so he can come in to work. Anyone else now picturing Animal from the Muppets behind the counter throwing glasses around?

Patrizia meets up with Carmella and is the total opposite of her daughter, in that she's ultra gushy about her son's newfound relationship. She beams that Carmella is giving Marco a second chance at happiness and that it's been years since he's smiled so much. Marco finds them and thinks his mum is giving Carmella a hard time, but Carmella is more overwhelmed than anything and skates out of there faster than you can say 'humungousfakestomach'.

Erinsborough High
Taylah calls Angus over to help her with some work. On his way he sees a folder on Ringo's desk (isn't Ringo supposed to be with dreamy Daniel right about now?) with a heart and 'Ringo 4 Rachel' on it and is SUBTLY startled. Whilst he helps Taylah, Ringo and Rachel whisper about their project until Angus notices and blasts through Rachel again. Ringo tries to say it was him, but Angus is continuing on his mission to act like a toddler throwing a tantrum and sends Rachel out of the room. Zeke's face is all, 'Whuzzuh?'

Number 26
Miranda and Steve playfully squabble over how much luggage to take while Ned cuddles with Janae and Mickey and wishes they were coming too. Janae is happy he's going - until Kirsten rocks up with a bag all, "Heeeeey! Guess who can come now!" Janae's face clouds with darkness.

General Store
Rosie meets up with Carmella after receiving a SOS call. Carmella admits that she hates herself from running away from Marco, and Rosie agrees that her sister is dumb, but she's called Marco so they can sort out their issues. Speak of the devil, Marco arrives and he and Rosie do a changeover.

Carmella blurts out that she's feeling very hot and cold with him. She wants to spend time with him, but she also doesn't want him around all the time. Dude, you're confusing me here and I don't even care that much.

MARCO: So where does that leave me?

Ever thought about investing in a revolving door?

Erinsborough High
Rachel bails Angus up and says that she's sorry but he's got to stop picking on her all the time.

ANGUS: How do you think I feel with you sitting there in your uniform with your earnest expression?

I'm sorry. Earnest expression? *cough*lame*cough*

Rachel says that the other kids will soon cotton on if he keeps treating her like crap. Angus says that he's been angry because she's not the girl he kissed anymore.

ANGUS: You're just a kid with a gift for literature.

Oh dear Lord. Did Angus eat a big bowl full of cheese for lunch? Either way, he says that he has to forget about Rachel for now.

Number 26
Janae asks Kirsten where she's staying in Oakey, and isn't impressed when Kirsten reveals that she's staying at Stu's with the rest of the Parkers. Dragging Ned into the kitchen, Janae bitches that she doesn't want him going anymore because she doesn't trust Kirsten as far as she could throw her. Annoyed, Ned says that she can trust *him* and tells her to stop acting like this.

Number 32
Steph walks in and flashes her hand in front of Toadie's face so he can see she's wearing the ring on her finger. Toadie's very pleased and they agree not to take on their friends' problems anymore. They smooch and Valda fondly looks on.

Number 28
Zeke is helping Libby with dinner and fills her in on the Mr. Henderson vs. Rachel showdown that went on today. Darren brings Ben back (carrying a fishing rod) and Ben's all, "SEE WHAT DARREN GAVE ME FOR AN EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT!" He then shouts that Darren's going to take him fishing as soon as they get back to Shepparton. Hey little dude, how about we use our inside voice now? Eyes ablaze, Lib asks Zeke to help Ben wash up then proceeds to argue with Darren when they're out of the room. She berates him for using Ben against her, but Darren retorts that Ben is actually the one who keeps bringing Shepparton up.

DARREN: If you really think I'd use Ben against you, you've really got a low opinion of me.

Ramsay Street
Miranda and Steve pile into the car while Janae looks on with Mickey. Ned says that he'd have a better time if Janae were coming, but Janae is too busy being worried and annoyed to answer. Kirsten tells Mickey to look after Janae before happily piling into the back seat with Ned. Janae cuddles Mickey as the Parker wagon drives away. Can we swap Ned for Stu while they're up there?