Harold's Store
Andrew has come to see Lyn about getting a job for Chris, but Lyn doesn't want to speak to a Robinson given that Paul has ruined Steph, Toadie and Libby's lives. Hmmm, I think Steph kinda did that herself, but hey. Andrew begs, but Lyn can't afford to take anyone else on.

However, she no longer needs to worry as Lou walks in: he's back! Lyn welcomes him with a hug, whilst dismissing Andrew out the door. Lou wants to know what's been happening whilst he's been away...

Number 28
Susan and Karl welcome Lou home, pleased to hear that Harry's settling in well. Lou tells the Ks that he's spoken to Lyn, and wonders how Libby's doing. Susan says that the friendship's over, but Karl says Libby's in a process. Susan disputes that, and when Karl quotes his medical experience, Susan feels patronised. They begin to argue until Lou cuts in and suggests that this is a stressful time for everyone.

Susan apologises to Karl and the Ks admit they haven't had a lot of sleep in the last few days. Ben comes in and asks to go to see Callum, but Susan asks him to do his homework before they go out for dinner. Ben wants to have dinner with Callum, but Susan says she'll think about it. And Ben, not getting his own way immediately, runs off to his room, cross.

Karl tells Lou that Ben doesn't yet know all the details of what's happened between Steph and Libby. Susan adds that it's Libby's call.

Number 30
Toadie is leaving a message on Sonya's voicemail, asking her to call him; he misses her. Steph is packing up her stuff so that Toadie and Cal can have space to sort things out. She apologises to him that Karl and Susan are no longer talking to him, but he reminds her that they're in it together.

Lou knocks on the door to see Steph and Toadie, raving about basketball and how well Harry's doing. He tells them he's not there to beat them up - before telling them they've handled it as badly as possible! And now they need to fix it, and he's going to help them.

LOU: I'm not going anywhere. Not until I've got this street back on track.

So there.

Charlie's
Summer, Chris, Tash and Kyle sit at a table, talking about Andrew. Summer reminds them that this is typical Andrew - stuffing things up for people then running off. Chris feels stupid for trusting him. Kyle suggests they have a pool party as his place - Tash can wear her bikini. But Tash is all bikini'd out and drags him off to play pool instead. She's good, and Summer tells Kyle that Tash is a geometry freak.

Andrew arrives and tells Chris that he's sorted everything out with his old boss, and taken full responsibility - except he couldn't get him his job back. Summer tells Andrew to leave them all alone, and Andrew leaves, promising to get Chris another job.

Number 24
Lou has arrived home to the Ramsays and Kate welcomes him back, saying that she can't believe what Steph and Toadie have done - you don't protect your friends by lying to them. She asks after Harry, and Sophie runs in, thrilled to see Lou. He hands them presents from Harry, which are basketball tops, FAR too big for them.

Lou goes off to get some of Harry's washing that he sent home, and Ben walks in the back door to see Soph, asking for one of the tops (as if he's just entitled to have one for free). He complains that he's not allowed to see Callum, and Sophie agrees that it's really unfair - it's not like it's Callum's fault.

BEN: What's not?
SOPH: The big fight Steph and Toadie had with your mum.

Lou interrupts, but Ben wants to know all about the fight. When Lou says he'll take Ben home, Ben runs off in a strop.

Number 26
Steph and Toadie are bringing boxes into the lounge, and Toadie comments that it will be weird without her and Charlie around; Steph retorts that it was never meant to be permanent.

Ben runs in, and demands to know why Steph and Libby are fighting. He doesn't even ask politely. Steph tells him he'll have to speak to his mum, and so Ben shouts 'tell me', and Steph gives in. Oh, when will some adults teach this child some manners and not give into his every demand?! Please and thank you go a long way!

Toadie quietly suggests to Steph that this might not be a good idea, but Steph disagrees. She gives Ben a plate of about ten biscuits and he doesn't even say thank you. Steph tells Ben that Libby's cross because of something she's done wrong, and she's been caught. And she's lied to Libby so she didn't get into trouble. Ben wants to know what she did wrong, and Steph explains that when Libby and Dan stopped seeing each other, she was still nice to Dan, and then lied to Libby about it. And now Libby's angry - and this is all Steph's fault.

Charlie's
Chris is playing pool when Andrew walks in - he's gotten him a job at Lassiter's as a porter. Summer reminds Chris that Andrew's only done this so he can look like a hero, but Chris seems impressed; he's really chuffed with Andrew. Summer rolls her eyes.

Number 28
Karl and Susan welcome Ben home, but he very rudely walks to his room ignoring them. Lou comes in behind them and tells the Ks that Steph told Ben why they were fighting, and that Steph took full responsibility for it. The Ks can't believe that Steph has done this and immediately assume she's tried to get Ben on side. Lou defends Steph, but says he's not taking any sides, and reminds the Ks that whilst they should support their daughter the fight is actually between Libby and Steph, no- one else.

Number 22
Chris comes over to see Andrew and tells him that he's been fired by Diana Marshall because he dropped her bag and closed the lift doors on her. Andrew arrogantly pulls rank, saying that no- one can fire anyone his dad hires, but Chris isn't interested.

Andrew gives him a line about the fact that they're meant to be friends, and drags him down the gym so they can brainstorm some career ideas.

The Gym
Andrew and Chris discuss Chris' skills - leadership, people person and a sportsman...so why doesn't he apply for a job at the gym? In fact, the manager is staring over at him at the moment, eyeing him up, so why doesn't Chris go over?

Cut to moments later where Chris seems to both have a job and to have helped people out (rushed story, much?) - Tash and Kyle are thanking him for his assistance...! The manager congratulates Chris saying that he's ready to work there on his own.

What?! After 10 minutes?!! How utterly ridiculous.

Summer arrives and congratulates him on the new job, and Chris gives all the credit to Andrew helping him out. Andrew appears, and Summer is surprised to find that Andrew has a 'mate', given that he usually only befriends people then dumps them when he's used them.

Number 24
Sophie has put the washing out, and put another load in the machine. She offers to change all the beds, too. At last, a nice, polite and kind child. Kate tells Sophie not to punish herself over Ben, and Sophie wonders if she'll have to take sides. Lou says no: Lib and Steph will work it out themselves. In fact, the families will have to get together to sort things out...and Lou will help them to see sense.

Cut to later where Lou is around the table with Lyn and the Ks, trying to mediate the discussion.

Karl states by saying that Steph shouldn't have told Ben what was going on, and Lyn apologises for it. Lyn doesn't mind Karl being snappy, and says that Steph really honestly thought she was handling it the best way possible.

SUSAN: By lying to her?
LYN: If she thought that telling her the truth was better for Lib, she would have. But she didn't.

Susan and Karl soften a little.

LYN: Stephanie made a mistake, she knows that. She's so sorry, and I'm sorry.
SUSAN: We appreciate that. And I know this can't be easy for you, either.
LYN: I want us to work together to help them through it.
LOU: And the question is: how?
KARL: Well, perhaps we should start with a policy of everybody telling the truth.
SUSAN: Karl...
LYN: No, that's right, I mean I said that to Stephie right from the start.
LOU: Well, that's a point to move forward on, truth at all times, yeah?

But Lyn's last words have just began to hit Susan...

SUSAN: You said that to Stephie right from the start...?
LYN: Absolutely!
SUSAN: (in horror) So, you...you knew about this from the *start*?

Lyn realises what she's said.

KARL: How long have you known?!
LYN: (uncomfortable) Ah...a few...months.

Karl and Susan are horrified

KARL: A few months?!
SUSAN: So, the whole time I was supporting you and telling you that everything between Steph and Toadie would be okay, you knew that was a lie?
LYN: I was protecting Steph!

Lou tells them to keep calm, but Susan has covered her face and Karl accuses Lyn and Steph of both being liars.

LYN: Oh, yeah, yeah! You're so virtuous! How *is* Izzy and your illegitimate child over the...

Susan and Karl both yell at Lyn as they get up to storm out. Lou watches, upset.

SUSAN: You are in no position to judge us!
LYN: Oh, now the teacher comes out. Pity you didn't teach your daughter not to be so hard- hearted!!
SUSAN: (walking back to the table) Well it's a pity you didn't teach your daughter not to be such a lying tramp!

Karl takes Susan's shoulders and walks her back to the door. Lyn is horrified at Susan's words.

Number 28 / Number 26
Lou is explaining to the Ks that there is hurt on both sides, and they both threw strong words around.

Lou is at the Scullys', explaining that there was name calling on both sides. He wants Lyn to try again, but she refuses; the Ks are too holier than thou.

At the Ks' he asks them not to get involved - step back from the situation. Work with Lyn and help the kids sort it out. Susan says it's too late.

At the Scullys', Lyn says it's too late, as well. She won't be bullied by the Kennedys.

LOU: Lynnie, you've been friends for years.
LYN: Well, they're the ones who've trashed things.
LOU: Well, there's fault on both sides...

Steph says it's actually all her fault, but Lyn says that's not true - she tried to make it up to them, and begged for forgiveness, and they threw it in her face. Friends don't do that. Enemies do.

Lou tells the Ks that Lyn is not the enemy.

LOU: Please. Listen to me, I have lived in this street for eighteen years, I have seen all sorts of wars between families. And believe you me, nobody wins. Nobody.

The Ks refuse to listen

Ramsay Street
Lou leaves the Kennedys' and stands in the street, looking around, at each of the houses in turn before walking home. *sniff*