Number 26
Dipi thanks Sheila for taking her in and being so kind to her, but Sheila says that marriages are complicated and "who am I to judge?" Dipi says she doesn't expect Sheila to take sides, especially since she works with Shane. Sheila understands and says she'll respect the boundaries, but Dipi's her friend too and she loves her. Jane calls in after hearing the news and isn't as outwardly supportive as Sheila, instead feeling quite disappointed in her friend's actions. But Sheila steers her around, reminding her that Dipi's been through a really rough time and needs the support of her friends. Sheila does have some questions for Dipi, though, like: "When you were saying to me about having to let go of things, you weren't talking about Shane then, were you?" Dipi decides to evade the answer.

DIPI: I want to call Pierce and check and see how he's going.
SHEILA: I don't think that's such a wise move.
DIPI: I saw Chloe moving into #32, that can't be good.
JANE: (worried) No... not good at all.

Number 32
Nicolette has made Bloody Mary drinks for herself, Chloe and David, but Chloe's too wrapped up in her thoughts to enjoy them.

CHLOE: I keep thinking this must have been how Mark felt when Elly cheated. Is the universe punishing me?
NICOLETTE: No. You and Elly had a fling after your brother took off. Pierce had a full-blown affair one year into your marriage.
DAVID: You can't blame yourself for this.

Jane arrives home carrying the bottle of wine Chloe left at The Terrace, explaining that Terese saw her in the street and asked her to deliver it. Chloe wants nothing to do with it however, so Nicolette decides she'll put it out with the bins. Jane isn't so sure her daughter should do the honours, but Nicolette is insistent. "Pierce and Chloe made it together and the last thing she needs is a reminder of him," Nicolette declares. She then says once she's disposed of the wine, they can figure out a plan of attack for the day for Chloe.

Number 28
Susan and Karl are back from their trip and straight into their patented banter, this time about the moustache Karl is growing for Movember. While it's noble Karl is doing his part to raise awareness for men's health, Susan doesn't think he should be harassing strangers for donations.

KARL: The whole idea of Movember is to raise money.
SUSAN: I don't mind you asking for donations, but inviting people to stroke your upper lip?
KARL: I like to offer an immersive experience.
SUSAN: And then forcing them to take selfies with you.
KARL: I consider it allowing them to take a memento away.
SUSAN: It's just creepy.

They turn around and discover something else creepy - Mrs Mangel's portrait still hanging on the wall.

KARL/SUSAN: Woahhhhh...
SUSAN: What happened to the kids?
KARL: If that's supposed to be a welcome home present it's not welcome.

Susan finds the note Jane left them where she apologises for not taking the painting with her to #32 yet. Karl retorts that he'll take it over now because it's giving him the heebie-jeebies. He then strokes his moustache in thought.

KARL: But I better check the groom first, never know who I might bump into in the street. I've got to be photo ready!
SUSAN: (grimacing at him) You're a weirdo, Karl.

Lassiters Complex
Richie has bought himself and Mackenzie "celebration smoothies" from Harold's after finishing their exam. Richie then wonders if Mackenzie got any of his texts last night, but Mackenzie says she's had her phone off the whole time. She had study group after dinner then stayed at her friend Meg's house. Mackenzie switches her phone back on and discovers that she had a lot of missed calls from Yashvi, then realises Richie has booked them a tent for the whole week at Schoolies. Richie's pleased they'll have their own little hideaway and Mackenzie pretends she's keen on the idea too. Roxy comes over and starts talking to them about how crazy it must be at home and how sorry she feels for Shane, but Mackenzie and Richie have no idea what's going on. Roxy solemnly says that Mackenzie should go home and talk to her family.

Number 30
Shane is having a hard time because he still hasn't heard from Dipi. Toadie agrees that Dipi at least owes Shane an explanation. Shane says that the silence is killing him but Toadie assures him it won't last forever.

SHANE: I've got to call her.
TOADIE: No, no, do not do that. Take it from someone who knows. The person who made the mess needs to clean it up.
SHANE: But what if she doesn't want to? She's not here begging forgiveness, is she...

Toadie doesn't have an answer for his brother.

Lassiters Complex
Dipi thanks Sheila and Yashvi for walking to work with her; she didn't realise how nerve-wracking it would be. Sheila and Yashvi offer their support if she needs it, but Dipi is distracted by Pierce chasing after Chloe across the other side of the complex. Pierce begs Chloe to talk to him, but Chloe remains steadfast and tells Pierce to stay away from her. Yashvi tells her mum not to worry about them. Sheila, meanwhile, is looking quite concerned that Dipi can't stop staring in Pierce's direction.

The Waterhole
Dipi has taken it upon herself to follow Pierce into the pub. She lies at first, pretending she's there to see Sheila, but then admits she wanted to see how Pierce was doing. Pierce says he's not okay and then asks how Dipi's faring. Dipi just shakes her head, signalling she's much the same as him. Pierce says they probably shouldn't be seen together, he doesn't want anything negative to get back to Chloe.

DIPI: I understand. I was just so worried about you.
PIERCE: It can't be easy for you either. Shane's been in my face already.
DIPI: Yeah, he told me. What did he say?
PIERCE: Nothing I didn't deserve. He more or less wanted answers.
DIPI: I haven't been able to give him any. Chloe visited me last night. She threw that necklace back at me.
PIERCE: Chloe had the necklace?
DIPI: I don't know how she got it.

Pierce becomes distracted when David walks in. He immediately pounces on him, asking how Chloe's doing because she won't communicate with him. Pierce then asks if David would speak to Chloe on his behalf. David is clearly uncomfortable and tells Pierce he doesn't want to be caught in the middle of anything.

PIERCE: David, please. I hate knowing that she's hurting.
DAVID: So do I. We all do. I'm not going to talk to Chloe for you. But good luck.

Number 30
Shane has told Mackenzie and Richie about the affair, which Mackenzie is aghast over. Feeling awkward, Richie says he'll go and study in the sunroom while they keep talking. Shane apologises to Mackenzie for not telling her sooner but he wanted to wait till after her exam was done. Mackenzie says he shouldn't have to worry about her and asks how he's coping. Shane admits he's been better and Mackenzie says he doesn't deserve to be treated like this.

SHANE: I don't want you stressing about this.
MACKENZIE: Aren't you angry?
SHANE: Dipi and I are going to work through what we have to. You don't need to take sides.

Yashvi walks in and sits with them in the lounge room.

SHANE: Seriously, we're both still here for you girls. This doesn't have to affect you.
YASHVI: Sorry dad, but we all know it doesn't work like that.
SHANE: It's between me and your mum, Vi.
YASHVI: (angry) What happens between you and mum always affects us! You seriously think that your marriage busting up is going to buck that trend?

Shane walks out. Mackenzie looks upset.

Number 28
Jane has filled Karl and Susan in on what happened between Dipi and Pierce. Jane knows Sheila is right, and they shouldn't judge, but she can't help feeling disappointed in Dipi.

JANE: I struggle to believe that there's ever an excuse for adultery.
KARL: Well nobody can really ever understand these things except the people involved.
SUSAN: Well that's true, although in my experience there's usually a pretty clear-cut right and wrong.

She gives a pointed smile to Karl who looks suitably sheepish. Jane says she feels sorry for Shane and Chloe and their families. This reminds Susan to send a text to Hendrix, letting him know they're there for support if he needs it. Jane spies a familiar bottle of wine on the counter and Karl admits he found it in the rubbish outside and didn't want it to go to waste.

JANE: No, that wine isn't for drinking. Chloe and Pierce made it with their feet.
SUSAN: Ew.
KARL: Oh!
JANE: She was going to throw it out, it was a reminder of him.
KARL: I might hang onto it anyway, just in case they sort things out. They might want it back.
SUSAN: Hopefully they'll find a way through this.

Jane says she'll relieve them of Mrs Mangel's portrait today too. Susan asks how she's finding the new living arrangements, and Jane says it's been wonderful so far being so close to Nicolette. Susan imagines that Chloe coming to stay has "added a degree of complexity". Thinking about Nicolette's feelings towards Chloe, Jane can only smile and nod.

Number 30
Shane is getting more and more stressed as the hours go by and Dipi still hasn't called. Toadie knows he sounds like a broken record, but tells his brother to have patience. Shane doesn't understand why everything happened and doesn't even know how to feel. Toadie suggests they go for a walk, or Shane could meditate. He then says they could go through Shane's recovery program, but Shane is distracted when Yashvi appears. He asks if she's going to see Dipi and then says that Vi needs to tell her to talk to him, "I'm going out of my mind here."

YASHVI: Mum's asked for space. Don't you think you should give her that?
SHANE: Why? Why should I give her anything?
YASHVI: Here's the deal, I'm trying to be there for mum because she doesn't have anyone else. That doesn't mean I'm your middle man or you can pump me for intel.

She walks out leaving Shane looking upset. Toadie gently reminds his brother that he said he wanted to keep the kids out of everything. Shane knows this but says it's too hard to think straight at the moment. Toadie offers to make him a cuppa, but when he goes into the sunroom to ask Mackenzie and Richie if they want one, Shane spies Richie's schoolbag and makes a beeline for it. Shane rummages through the bag and finds Richie's ADHD medication.

Harold's Café
Sheila asks if Dipi has checked in on Shane yet, or even arranged to see him, but Dipi says she hasn't yet. She has gone to see Pierce though, which doesn't sit well with Sheila.

DIPI: I told you, I was worried about him.
SHEILA: More than you are about your own husband?
DIPI: I'm worried about Shane, of course I am.
SHEILA: But not enough to talk to him.
DIPI: I could do without you judging me right now, Sheila.
SHEILA: (sighing) Okay, so what did Pierce have to say for himself?
DIPI: Barely two words before he went off to corner David about Chloe.
SHEILA: And there it is. Pierce's priority is fixing his marriage, which is not the feeling I'm getting from you right now. I don't know if you want to stay with Shane or not, but either way you need to focus on him and your family. There's been some wrongs and you need to make them right.

The Waterhole
Nicolette suggests they get some takeaway and eat by the lake, but Chloe says she's not very hungry. Pierce sees them and immediately tries to talk to Chloe, which makes Nicolette frustrated. Pierce asks Chloe if they can talk in private, but Chloe says she hasn't changed her mind about anything.

PIERCE: Please?
NICOLETTE: She said no.
PIERCE: Okay, just one thing: how'd you get hold of the necklace?

Nicolette immediately looks uncomfortable but tries to cover it up.

CHLOE: You mean the necklace you tried to bribe me with and then gave to your sidepiece? I was with Nic at Harold's and I saw it. You'd think Dipi would take more care of it if it meant something to her.
PIERCE: (to Nic) You had something to do with this, didn't you?
CHLOE: What?
PIERCE: She just happened to show up when the necklace was there?
CHLOE: Are you seriously trying to shift responsibility here?
PIERCE: It was stolen from my room.
CHLOE: You sound crazy, Pierce!
PIERCE: I'm just trying to clarify.
CHLOE: No you don't get to clarify. Man up and take some responsibility. Just forget about the necklace. You are a lying, cheating sleazebag and that's the only detail that matters.

Nicolette remains standing there in silence, defiantly staring Pierce down.

Number 30
Richie is attempting to study in the sunroom but Mackenzie keeps pacing. She says that Dipi has been lying to them for weeks, maybe even longer. Richie tries to take her mind off things by chatting about how great Schoolies is going to be, but this isn't the best talking point for Mackenzie either. She's saved by Yashvi joining them, who is pleased Toadie finally got Shane out of the house and went for a walk.

MACKENZIE: I thought you'd want to be there for him?
YASHVI: How long has mum needed his support and not got it?
MACKENZIE: Shane's not the one who cheated.
YASHVI: I know, but none of this would have happened if he was just less selfish in the first place.
MACKENZIE: That's harsh.
YASHVI: It's true.
MACKENZIE: Dipi made her own choices, Yashvi. Shane's not to blame for her mistakes.
YASHVI: Thanks Mackenzie for your input but mind your own business. It's my family, my problem.

Mackenzie is stunned by her words.

Lassiters Complex
Shane thankfully told Toadie that he picked up Richie's medication, so they're on their way to a NA meeting. Shane admits if he was on his own he honestly thinks he would have taken the pills. They see Dipi out the front of the Café and she comes over to speak to them.

SHANE: You're going to talk to me now are you?
DIPI: I'm sorry, I need time. But I wanted to check and see how you are.
SHANE: How am I? Living the dream. Going to a NA meeting.
DIPI: I'm sorry I caused you stress. I know it's the last thing you need.
SHANE: I'm not going because of you, I'm going because...

They see Pierce walking over the other side of the complex. The awkwardness abounds. Shane feels overwhelmed and walks away, leaving Dipi with Toadie, who isn't impressed with his sister-in-law.

TOADIE: All this time and not a word?
DIPI: Toad...
TOADIE: No, he deserves better than this. He's going to a NA meeting because he was tempted to get into Richie's bag and take his ADHD medication. Now I'm not telling you because that's your fault, but you asked how he was. Now you know.

Dipi looks shaken.

Number 32
Chloe can't believe that Pierce tried to make Nicolette out to be the bad guy to take the heat off himself. Nicolette just goes along with it, especially when Chloe says that Nicolette is the one "keeping her afloat", which pleases her greatly. David and Jane walk in from the backyard and point out the Mrs Mangel portrait that's been hauled over. Jane says she'll find a spot for it in her room, but David thinks it would look quite nice in the corridor. Nicolette asks Chloe if she wants to get stuck into wine and takeaway, but Chloe's not really feeling it and says she's going for a lie down. Jane's left alone with Nicolette and stops her when she makes a move to follow Chloe to ensure she's okay.

JANE: She could probably do with a bit of alone time.
NICOLETTE: Mum, Chloe needs a friend. She actually just told me that I'm keeping her afloat.
JANE: Chloe needs to sort things out with her husband. And as her friend, you need to give her the space to do that.
NICOLETTE: I will... when the time's right.
JANE: I mean it, it's not wise for you to involve yourself.
NICOLETTE: I agree.
JANE: Well if that's the case then why are you constantly swarming around her?
NICOLETTE: I am taking Chloe's lead on this, and the moment she stops needing me I'll back right off.

Nicolette continues her way into the hallway while Jane's left shaking her head in concern.

Harold's Café
Mackenzie isn't pleased to see Dipi as she thought she wouldn't be working today. Dipi feels bad and asks if there's anything Mackenzie wants to know. Still smarting from Yashvi's smackdown, Mackenzie says it's not really her business. But Dipi says of course it is because she's family. She hates the thought of Mackenzie and Yashvi hurting because of what's happened, and that Mackenzie can come to her or Shane any time to talk. Mackenzie nods and goes to leave, but Dipi wants to ask a favour.

DIPI: Can you please ask Richie to be mindful of his ADHD meds? Like, close his bag if that's where he keeps them. Shane caught sight of them earlier, he was tempted to take some.
MACKENZIE: Please tell me he didn't.
DIPI: No he didn't. And Toadie took him to a NA meeting, he's working through it.
MACKENZIE: I didn't even think.
DIPI: No it's not your fault. Or Richie's. Just if you could please mention it, that's all.

Lassiters Complex
Roxy is cleaning tables outside the pub when Mackenzie walks purposefully past her to where Richie is sitting. Mackenzie immediately launches into an angry tirade about Richie leaving his medication "on display" where Shane could see them. Roxy listens in as Mackenzie tells Richie that Shane was tempted to take his pills. Richie is alarmed and says he obviously didn't want Shane to see them, but Mackenzie's fury escalates.

MACKENZIE: Just like you didn't mean to get Shane hooked on the drugs that you gave him.
RICHIE: Mac!
MACKENZIE: If Shane never had even touched the drugs then things wouldn't have gotten so messed up! And Dipi would never have cheated.
RICHIE: That's not fair.
MACKENZIE: You have ruined everything, Richie! Shane and Dipi's marriage is shattered and it's all your fault!

Richie is gobsmacked by the strength of Mackenzie's rage directed towards him.