Number 28
Karl finds Susan wrapping up a cricket bat for Callum and Zeke agrees with her that it was the right thing to do. Libby and Ben arrive home from the shops and Ben is excited to see the present (Libby not so much), but the Ks explain that Zeke is taking it over to Callum. Pouting, Ben tells Libby that it isn't fair and stomps off to his room. Libby snarkily says, "Great work, guys" before chasing after her son.

Number 30
Toadie and Sonya present Callum with a birthday breakfast (Toadie's supplied the junk and Sonya the healthy stuff). Callum wonders why Sonya didn't just stay over last night, but Sonya says she's just helping out "as a friend". Still uneasy with Toadie, Callum takes some food from Sonya's pile before opening his present. He tries not to show too much happiness when he sees that Toadie bought him the TV. Toadie and Sonya want to set up for the party but Callum doesn't want one if Ben can't come: "The TV's awesome but stop pretending everything's alright."

Number 22
Donna is trying to get Declan in the right frame of mind to write his wedding speech.

DECLAN: Donna it's a best man speech, not a eulogy.
DONNA: It has to be emotional. I want to see people crying, and then laughing and then crying again.

Kate has a giggle with India at the table while Rebecca breezes in and asks if anyone's seen "moody" Andrew lately. Donna notes that he's been no moodier than usual. Paul suddenly appears and Rebecca quickly hides the watch she's wearing, reprimanding him for not knocking first. Paul heads upstairs to collect some clean shirts while the gang comment on the watch. Declan thinks it's going to give Paul the wrong idea, but Rebecca says not to worry - she's onto him.

Number 30
Toadie and Sonya are blowing up balloons when Rebecca, Declan, Donna and Kate bring over a present for Callum. Rebecca can't stay, she has to work, but everyone else is in party mode. Things get uneasy when Paul appears out of nowhere (again) and cheerfully hands over a present for Callum (a collector's edition of The Art of War) like they're all best buds.

Insert horrible, lengthy, awkward silence here.

Looking like he wants to punch Paul, Toadie asks if there's anything else, but Paul just says to pass on his birthday wishes to Callum before wandering off (probably to go into more people's houses without knocking).

TOADIE: What the hell was that?
REBECCA: I'm so sorry, that was obviously for my benefit. He's done apologetic and well- behaved; this must be community- minded.

Number 28
Zeke asks Karl and Susan if they're cool with him going to Callum's, but they tell him that it's his choice. Libby brings out some schoolwork to mark and the Ks sit and have a chat with her. They know things have been difficult lately but Libby will always come first with them; they're just worried about how everything is effecting her and Ben. Frustrated, Libby asks what she's done wrong - she can hardly set foot outside the house without starting a fight. Karl says she didn't start anything.

LIBBY: I hate her. I thought it would be easier if she went away but it's not. She was my best friend. (She starts to tear up) I miss her.

Number 30
Lyn tells Toadie and Sonya that Summer sends her apologies - she's with Chris. Toadie calls out to Callum that guests are arriving, but he's just sitting in his room staring at white noise on his new TV. Thinking about Chris, Lyn wonders how she'd react if one of her kids told her they were gay. Sonya asks if it would make any difference, but Lyn just smiles and says no. Kate brings back Sophie and Lou, who are keen to see the birthday boy, but Toadie says that Cal is in his room, "He's on a bit of a downer". With a determined look on her face, Sophie heads down the hall and into Callum's bedroom.

SOPHIE: What are you doing?
CALLUM: Having fun.
SOPHIE: Staring at a blank screen?
CALLUM: There's cool patterns if you stare for long enough.

Sophie tells him that there are people waiting, but Callum's not interested unless Ben's one of them. He claims the whole party is fake, but Sophie says if that's true that means all his guests are fake. Callum continues to sit and stare at the wall, so Sophie's all, "How old are you, three?" and walks off in a huff.

Meanwhile, Zeke has arrived with the present from everyone at #28 and Toadie looks touched. He thanks them all for coming and Zeke says that what happened wasn't Callum's fault, so he should have the party he deserves. Callum finally appears and they tell him to open pressies. He looks at the cricket bat- shaped gift and jokingly wonders what it could be.

Ramsay Street/Number 28
The party has shifted outside to play street cricket. Sonya comments that things seem to be going well, but Toadie tells her not to jinx it.

In the Kennedy household, Ben is staring longingly out the window at all the fun he's missing out on. Libby offers to share half a block of chocolate with him, but he's not interested.

The cricket game continues and Lucas arrives just in time to catch Callum out. Cal's a bit peeved, but perks up when Lucas gives him a present.

It's Karl's turn to try and distract Ben, telling him they could start building a new chicken coop, but Ben says he knows what they're trying to do and it's not working. He goes off into his room. Libby goes over to look out the window herself and can't believe how everyone's acting like nothing ever happened - Lyn and Sonya are smiling and chatting with one another, and Lucas is even there. Susan reminds her that they're there for Callum.

LIBBY: It shouldn't be like this, Ben stuck inside. We did nothing wrong.
SUSAN: Then go out there, be the bigger person. You can't keep the boys apart forever, it's not fair. Do it for Ben.

These may just be the magic words Libby needs to hear.

First Commercial Break

Number 30
Everyone has gathered in the garage to listen to Toadie's speech. Donna murmurs to Declan to "listen and learn; I want tears".

TOADIE: Now in many cultures, thirteen marks the beginning of manhood. Just imagine Callum driving down the road in his car, or going down the pub with his mates or taking his girlfriend for a night out.

Callum laughs as everyone hoots and hollers at him.

TOADIE: Ooh actually, no, don't imagine that. That's too much, I'm sorry. But seriously, I was stoked that you could all come and celebrate Callum's big day. So what can I say about Callum Jones?
LOU: What can't you say?
TOADIE: Yeah too true. He's too smart for his own good, doesn't clean up enough around the house, has an unnatural fascination with wedgies; but without doubt he's the best thing that's ever happened to me in my life. I love you, mate. And I know we're going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment but I do hope that it brings us closer together.

Judging by the thoughtful look on Callum's face, I think it might. Toadie calls a stop to the "daggy dad' proceedings and asks Callum to step up and take on a rite of passage every Aussie bloke must go through - it's barbeque time! It's also time for the Kennedy clan to make a belated appearance, much to everyone's surprise and delight. They all wish Callum happy birthday and Ben gives him a high five. Sonya offers Libby some chips, but Libby just blanks her, so Karl and Susan accept them. Toadie throws Libby a grateful smile but her face remains passive.

Charlie's Bar
Rebecca's rushed off her feet and barely has time to chat with Declan, who's picking up more food for the party. He fills her in on the Kennedy appearance and says there haven't been any fireworks - yet. Meanwhile, Ninja Paul has swooped in from nowhere (again) to take drink orders and help out, much to Rebecca's chagrin. She says she doesn't want his help, but he's persistent, so Rebecca tells him to clean the bar when he's done.

Paul is doing his best Tom Cruise 'Cocktail' impersonation when Kate and Donna walk into pick up soft drink. They're amused to see Paul working, even more so when Rebecca sends him off to clean the men's toilets. The girls think Paul will do anything to win her back, but Rebecca knows he'll crack sooner or later. Kate wonders what happens if he doesn't. "Then I'll play my trump card," Rebecca replies. The girls are intrigued.

Number 30
Callum, Sophie and Ben are happily playing video games while the adults are broken into two groups. Libby is sticking with Lucas on one side, while everyone else is on the other. Karl and Susan are at least trying by talking to Sonya. Lucas tells Lib that it might be nice if she apologised to Sonya one day for trying to kick her out of Erinsborough. Libby looks uneasy with the idea. Across the room, Sonya suggests that Toadie go over and talk to Libby.

SONYA: Maybe you should go over and say thank you.
TOADIE: (apprehensive) Libby knows I'm grateful.
SONYA: How?
TOADIE: I gave her a look. It was a 'thanks for coming, I know this must have been difficult' look.

Sonya says she might go over instead. Lucas sees her coming and warns Libby to play nice. Sonya tries to keep the conversation topic light, but you can see the tension coming a mile off.

SONYA: Ben was a great wicket keeper out there.
LIBBY: Yeah, Dan taught him.
SONYA: Oh...
LIBBY: Sorry. And I'm sorry about what I said at Rocky's assessment.
SONYA: Thank you.
LIBBY: If you do something wrong you have to apologise, yeah?
SONYA: (uneasy) Mmm... Yeah, I guess.
LIBBY: It's hard to move on if people don't acknowledge their mistake.

All the adult party guests start to look uncomfortable.

SONYA: Libby, what happened it was between you and Toadie and Steph. I can't apologise for them.
LIBBY: Come on, Sonya, you were involved too.
SONYA: Well I did what I thought was right.
LIBBY: You lied to my face!
SONYA: I made a judgement call.
LIBBY: Yeah a really bad one!
SONYA: Toadie and Steph, they did what they did to protect you.
LIBBY: (incredulous) That's how you see it?
SONYA: No that's how it was.
LIBBY: Oh really? So this is my fault?

The kids have finally clued into the argument and Callum gets up from the couch.

CALLUM: Stop it! You're ruining my birthday!

The women fall silent and look ashamed.

Second Commercial Break

Number 28
Karl and Susan assure Libby that things will be easier next time, and at least she tried. But Libby is angry and says there isn't going to be a next time. Zeke quietly takes Ben into his room to listen to an album. "Do I have a choice?" snits Ben.

LIBBY: I can't believe I've been so naive. I put myself out there. I was the one who made the effort, who always makes the effort.
SUSAN: Because you're the bigger person.
LIBBY: No because I'm an idiot. I walked right into that and got myself humiliated all over again in front of everyone, in front of my son.
KARL: I know it's difficult sweetheart but...
LIBBY: No it's not difficult, it's a nightmare. And I keep letting it happen again and again. (Furious) That is the last time. I am never getting hurt like that again. Those people are nothing to me now.

Number 30
Toadie and Callum are sorting out the BBQ meat when Toadie asks if it's been the worst birthday ever. Callum replies that this bit is OK - and the TV. Toadie says he's sorry, but Callum sounds like he may have forgiven him already.

CALLUM: Sonya really stood up for you.
TOADIE: Yeah she did.
CALLUM: I think I get it.
TOADIE: Oh yeah, what's that?
CALLUM: The whole thing's really complicated. Sometimes you try and do the right thing, but it turns out to be the wrong thing. But you do it for the right reasons. So I guess it's kind of OK.
TOADIE: (relieved) Thanks mate.
CALLUM: Pretty grown- up, huh.

Emotional stuff out of the way, they get chatting about the steaks. Toadie goes all BBQ guru on him, telling him that steaks should always be rare.

CALLUM: What about for people who like them well- done?
TOADIE: Well they are heathens. We don't do well- done in this house.
CALLUM: Lyn wants hers well done.
TOADIE: Lyn gets medium- rare.
TOADIE & CALLUM: But we tell her it's well- done!

Later that night after everyone has gone home, Sonya and Toadie help Callum set up the TV properly in his room. Sonya thinks she should head off too, but Callum says she should just stay over. He knows Sonya and Toadie want to get back together - it's so obvious - and he's cool with it. He just wants them to be happy. Sharing a smile, Sonya and Toadie sit down on the bed with Cal to play video games. Toadie holds out his hand and Sonya takes it, snuggling into his shoulder.

Charlie's Bar
Paul tells Rebecca he knows what she's up to with all the chore delegating, but Rebecca just says she's playing him at his own game.

PAUL: Because you're a match for me. You're the only person who ever was, which is why I'm not going to give up until you take me back.
REBECCA: You know Paul, it's funny, every time you say something like that I get this weird case of deja vu like we've done all this before.
PAUL: I know, I know, but this time it is different.

Rebecca says she's going to inspect his cleaning job in the kitchen, then they'll talk. Diana waltzes in and orders a drink from Paul and he can't help baiting her, telling her she's hanging around like a bad smell.

PAUL: Nobody beats me, Diana. Nobody. And you know the sad thing is I actually told you that from the very start. I'm kind of glad you didn't believe me, though. Because it made it all the more fun crushing you.

They glare at one another before Diana throws her drink in Paul's face and walks out. Paul dries himself off, only to discover that Rebecca has heard their little exchange. She angrily tells him to leave. Back to square one for you, Ninja Paul.

Third Commercial Break

Number 22
Donna is trying to demonstrate Paul's cocktail skills to Declan with a drink bottle but fails miserably. Paul arrives (after quickly knocking but not waiting for a reply), so Donna, Declan and Kate head upstairs to give Indy a bath. Rebecca doesn't look keen on listening to whatever Paul wants to say.

PAUL: Rebecca I am a businessman who plays to win.
REBECCA: What's your point, Paul?
PAUL: Well the point is you knew that when you married me.
REBECCA: Yes I did. That's just not good enough anymore.

Paul says he's sorry for the scene he caused earlier, but claims it was just business, it wasn't personal. Rebecca retorts that's exactly the problem; he takes his business way too personally. He can't separate the two. Paul says it's not true.

PAUL: I love you and I love this family.
REBECCA: I don't doubt this, not for a second.
PAUL: So you know that I would never ever let anything come before you. Nothing.
REBECCA: I've heard that too many times before. I need you to prove it.
PAUL: Prove what?
REBECCA: Prove to me that you value this family more than your business. Make the choice: leave Lassiter's or leave this family.
PAUL: You're asking me to change who I am.
REBECCA: No, I'm asking you to choose. You can have Lassiter's or you can have me. You can't have both.

Rock - Paul - Hard place.

Preview
(Tomorrow on Neighbours)
ZEKE: Bucks night? That is where I can help out!
RINGO: I just want something low key.
ZEKE: Low key...
RINGO: Should we really be doing this without Declan?
(Zeke confides in Toadie)
ZEKE: I'm being benched.
(Ringo tries to explain himself to Zeke)
RINGO: Declan just gets me better for this. He is best man.
(Toadie advises Zeke)
TOADIE: Don't get mad, get even. Prove Ringo wrong.
(Paul has an offer for Declan)
PAUL: How would you like to run Lassiter's Australia?
DECLAN: You want me to take your place?
PAUL: Yeah.
(Rebecca hears the news)
REBECCA: That's a pretty huge opportunity for you.
(Kate is annoyed and vents to Donna)
KATE: He has to choose between me or his privacy. (She confronts Declan later) Why didn't you tell me Paul offered you the job?
(Diana seeks out Declan)
DIANA: You have been given a fantastic opportunity. I'm talking about permanently bringing Paul down. Think about it.