No 30
Toadie is telling Shane about the 'incident' he had at dinner. But before he's able to get into the icky details, a distracted Shane wonders aloud if Dipi might be over at Pierce's house with him. Toadie assures him not; Yashvi is having dinner with Dipi at No 26.

SHANE: Probably just a matter of time, though.
TOADIE: You've got to stop doing this to yourself.
SHANE: Do you know why she's not talking to me?
TOADIE: Cos she's not ready.
SHANE: What if she's still going over there? (...) I mean, we don't even know if they broke it off. They're both liars, aren't they? (...) What I really want to do is go over there and cave that pretty boy's face in.
TOADIE: Okay. We both know that you shouldn't do that (...) Shane - hey, look at me. I've got to tell you something. Things are about to get a bit more complicated.

No 26
Dipi, Yashvi and (randomly) Jane are having dinner together. Dipi asks Yashvi how Shane is managing.

YASHVI: He didn't say anything when I used all the hot water in the shower, so I'm taking that as a win!

Yashvi admits Shane's still a bit on edge. Jane says this hasn't been easy on Dipi either.

DIPI: I'm the one who had the affair.
JANE: It doesn't mean how you're coping is any less important.
DIPI: I suppose I'm just worried Shane's not emotionally equipped to handle this.
YASHVI: That's not your problem, Mum.
DIPI: Of course it is.
YASHVI: No, it isn't. How Dad deals with this is up to him.
DIPI: I don't want Shane to suffer any more than he already has. But if I speak to him, it'd be because I feel like I have to, not because it's the best thing for us. And right now, I have no idea what that is.

No 32
Chloe is with David and Aaron in the kitchen, and about to head to bed, when David and Aaron tell her they've made a decision.

AARON: And we don't want any arguments.
CHLOE: How can I argue when I don't even know what we're talking about?

The boys explain that, while David is still flying to Canada to perform the sperm donation for the surrogacy, Aaron is going to stay home and keep Chloe company following what's happened with Pierce.

DAVID: You need him more.
AARON: I want to be here for you, sis.

Chloe repeatedly insists that Aaron should go with David, but Aaron says it's not necessary - she's stuck with him! Chloe smiles gratefully.

No 24
Hendrix comes to fetch some water from the fridge and Pierce, who's on the sofa, asks if he wants to come and watch TV. Hendrix tersely replies that Pierce will have to get used to watching on his own. Pierce tries to engage Hendrix in conversation, saying he can't stop thinking about how to make things right with Chloe. Hendrix is having none of it.

HENDRIX: Try not to forget you brought this all on yourself.
PIERCE: ... I know.
HENDRIX: Then you're gonna have to deal with it.

Hendrix leaves the room.

The Waterhole
Nicolette and Chloe have come to the pub for breakfast. Chloe says Nic needn't have shouted her breakfast; they could have just eaten at home. Nic grudgingly admits she's trying to cheer Chloe up, but says she's also glad to be getting a break from Jane.

NICOLETTE: Her last name might be Harris, but it should be pronounced 'harass'.

Pierce comes in to talk to Chloe, but Nicolette immediately stands up, barring his access to her.

NICOLETTE: She doesn't want to talk to you, Pierce.
PIERCE (to Chloe): Look, how are we gonna get anywhere if you won't let me explain?

But Chloe won't even look at him.

NICOLETTE: You need to back off!
PIERCE: Please. I'm not talking to you.
NICOLETTE: Like I care!
PIERCE: Chloe, I need to know if you're okay.
NICOLETTE: She's being looked after.
PIERCE: Chloe...

But receiving the silent treatment in response, Pierce walks out, and Chloe thanks Nicolette for intervening. She says Pierce just keeps coming back, no matter how much she ignores him.

CHLOE: I don't know what I'll do next time, if you're not here.
NICOLETTE: Easy. You get up, and you walk away.

They smile at one another.

No 30
Shane comes in and finds Dipi in the house; she's surprised to see him. Shane initially thinks she's come in reply to a text from him asking to talk, but in fact, Dipi's just come to collect some clothes and was evidently hoping he wouldn't be here.

SHANE: Why are you avoiding me?
DIPI: ... I can't do this right now.
SHANE: I'm here waiting, ready to listen, and you're not making any effort.
DIPI: It's not that I'm not making an effort, I... I dunno how to feel about what's happened. And I don't want to make things worse than they already are, simply because I'm not ready to discuss things. And that's why I've tried to get in and out before you -
SHANE: Before what?! Before you had to stomach seeing me again?
DIPI: Before this! We're not gonna be able to solve anything if we can't go for two minutes without losing our temper!
SHANE: I'm losing my temper because you're not showing me any respect!
DIPI: I'm not gonna defend my right to work through things the way I need to.
SHANE: Who are you? When did you become so selfish?
DIPI: Well, this is exactly why I can't be around you right now!

But at that point, a male voice comes from the hallway.

VOICE: Mum! Dad!
DIPI: Jay...

After years in exile at the School for the Gifted™ Sydney Campus, finally the hour is here. Enter the mysterious Jay Rebecchi...

Shortly afterwards, Shane apologises to Jay for having to walk in on them arguing.

JAY: Don't sweat it. I know you guys are working through some stuff right now.

Toadie comes in with Jay's cases; we learn he picked him up from the airport.

TOADIE: Hey, mate - I said I'd pick *you* up, not your bags.
JAY: Oh, yeah. And yet, here we are!
DIPI: Why didn't you tell us you were coming, Jay?
JAY: What would you have said if I did?
SHANE: We would've told you now's not the best time.

Shane explains to Dipi that this is why he messaged her, to tell her Jay was coming, claiming he wanted to tell her in person.

DIPI: Or you were using it as an excuse to get me over here!
SHANE: Maybe if you were talking to me, I wouldn't have to!
JAY: Guys, come on. You're really stealing my thunder here!

Yashvi comes in.

YASHVI: Oh, the golden child graces us with his presence (!)
JAY: Yeah. Shiny gold better than dull copper, hey?
YASHVI: Good one, Barrie!
TOADIE: Barracuda!
JAY: Barra-nothing, okay? I renounced my fish name years ago.
YASHVI: Funny how we all keep forgetting (!)

Jay says he's 'smashed' all his exams, and just has one more year to go at school.

JAY: Unless I stuff up like she did. You know, if I get a lobotomy or something.
YASHVI: Hilarious (!)

Shane's about to show Jay to Kirsha's room (seriously? There are seven people living here permanently, and Kirsha still has a room?), but Jay first wants to be brought up to speed on what's been going on. He already knows 'bullet points', but...

JAY: ... I get the vibe there's more to it than I thought.

Dipi looks worried.

No 32
Paul and Terese turn up to see David and Aaron, with some memory foam travel pillows to make their flight more comfortable. At which point, Aaron reveals that he's not actually going, but is staying here to be with Chloe. Paul seems dissatisfied with this, saying that it's not something David should be doing on his own. Paul suggests accompanying David to Canada.

TERESE: Oh. Right! That's a convenient way to get out of dodge.
PAUL: That's not why I'm offering, Terese.
TERESE: Really? Are you sure?
PAUL: I just think this is an important trip, and it just feels right that you should have somebody by your side.
DAVID: I appreciate the offer, Dad, but I'm okay flying solo. And just quietly, I think you're better off spending some time sorting out your issues here.

Terese gives Paul a look confirming this course of action!

No 24
Hendrix is in the living room when Pierce comes in, prompting Hendrix to head immediately towards his bedroom. But Pierce strikes up a conversation before he goes, saying he saw Chloe at the pub.

PIERCE: She wouldn't even look at me. I couldn't get near her cos of that piece of work, Nicolette.
HENDRIX: Well, she's just looking out for Chloe. That's what friends do.
PIERCE: Don't tell me you're on her side?
HENDRIX: I'm not, but... it's not like she's some kind of supervillain, Dad.
PIERCE: Oh, you don't think she loves all of this going on between me and Chloe? You don't think she's lapping it up that Chloe's living with her?
HENDRIX: What's that supposed to mean?
PIERCE: Well, it wouldn't surprise me if she made a move.
HENDRIX: Dad, it doesn't matter what Nicolette wants. Chloe has never given her anything in return.
PIERCE: Yeah, I know that.
HENDRIX: Do you, Dad? You don't trust Chloe!
PIERCE: Well, it doesn't help that Nicolette's putting it out there all the time.
HENDRIX: You are an absolute hypocrite! Listen to yourself, honestly! You're the one that had the affair, Dad - not Chloe. Maybe instead of trying to focus on how much you hate Nicolette, you should focus on your wife!

An angry Hendrix walks out of the door. Pierce makes a phone call.

PIERCE (on phone): I'm not calling to make excuses. There's no excuse for what I've done, and I'll probably regret it for the rest of my life...

Harold's Café
At a table, Shane admits to Jay that the current family situation has 'been a struggle'. Jay points out that at least Shane hasn't gone backwards; he knows Shane can get through this without going back to drugs. Shane seems glad of the support.

JAY: So who's this Pierce guy? What's his deal, anyway?

Yashvi approaches from the kitchen, and tells Jay...

YASHVI: Can you put a menu over your face? You're scaring the customers.
JAY: Huh. Service in here is shocking. I'm gonna have a word with the chef.

Jay goes to chat to Dipi in the kitchen.

DIPI: Hey, Jay? I'm sorry this is what it's taken to get you here. You must be - well, disappointed doesn't even begin to describe things.
JAY: How could I be disappointed to see my parents? I'm sorry you guys had such a tough year. You and Dad.
DIPI: It hasn't been easy for either of us. I just never thought our family would end up here. Broken.

Jay looks worried.

Lassiter's Complex
Yashvi and Jay walk out of the café together.

JAY: You're on Mum's side, aren't you?
YASHVI: I'm not anyone's side. I feel bad for Mum. Dad's put her through a lot. And Mackenzie's fully Team Shane.
JAY: Yeah, well, I'm not Team anybody. Look, I just feel bad for everyone involved. On our end, anyway.

Hendrix walks by, and is accosted by Dipi as she comes out of the café.

DIPI: Hendrix, wait... I know you probably hate me right now. And I'm sorry, but I just have to ask - how's your dad going?
HENDRIX (laughs): I don't care how he's going. He doesn't need anyone's sympathy. Not even yours.
DIPI: I'm sorry you've had to deal with all of this.
HENDRIX: It's not my problem, it's his. But it's probably best if you stay out of the way.

Yashvi and Jay have been listening to this; and Yashvi encourages Dipi to come inside, leaving Jay and Hendrix alone.

JAY: You're this Pierce guy's son, then?
HENDRIX: Hendrix. You?
JAY: Jay.
HENDRIX: Huh! The long-lost brother!
JAY: Something like that.

Hendrix gets a text; it's Mackenzie and Richie inviting him to No 30 for a study session, but remarks that he doesn't care about exams right now.

JAY: You're not a big fan of your dad's, are you?
HENDRIX: Oh, what gave it away? (!) The guy's a dog.
JAY (smiling): Your words, not mine.

Hendrix glances curiously at Jay.

The Waterhole
Chloe is at a table when Pierce comes in; he thanks her for meeting him.

CHLOE: This isn't a meeting, Pierce. I only came here to say one thing. Stop calling me, stop approaching me, stop trying to contact me.
PIERCE: ... I will. I promise (...) And I was wrong to accuse Nicolette of having something to do with the necklace turning up. Sorry.
CHLOE: You need to leave her alone.
PIERCE: Please move back home. Why won't you do that?
CHLOE: Should I start listing reasons?!
PIERCE: Alright, you're not ready - I get it. But why don't you move to the hotel?
CHLOE: Are you that desperate to get me away from Nic?
PIERCE: Do you have to live with her now, while this is up in the air?
CHLOE: You just need to sort out your ridiculous insecurities!
PIERCE: Okay, maybe you're right - but I'm talking about a separate issue. I want to work on us. I want to sort out our marriage.
CHLOE: Well, I don't care what you want, Pierce. After what you've done, you have zero leverage.
PIERCE: Okay. Tell me this, then. Is this it?
CHLOE: ... I don't know how you want me to answer that.
PIERCE: I have to know, Chloe. Is there no coming back?
CHLOE: ... I don't know. I haven't made any decisions yet. That's all I can give you.

This cheers Pierce up immensely.

PIERCE: That's all I needed to know. Thank you.

But Chloe doesn't look nearly so positive.

Lassiter's Complex
Jay, Yashvi and Dipi emerge from the café. Jay is trying to persuade Dipi to move home, saying it would be nice if the whole family were in the same house while he's here. Dipi says she'd love to spend more time with Jay, but admits she just can't be around Shane right now. She encourages Jay to go and spend time with Shane, saying they will see him later.

As Yashvi and Dipi leave, Jay goes over to join Shane and Toadie on the other side of the complex. Toadie is trying to convince Shane that the three of them should go bowling, but Shane's not in the mood.

SHANE: What a homecoming for my son, eh?

But as Jay approaches, Shane puts on a brave face, and says that any time is a good time to have him home. Meanwhile, Hendrix is sitting nearby when Pierce approaches, all upbeat because he's talked to Chloe.

PIERCE: I think we're gonna fix things. Well, it won't be easy - but you know, at least she's open to talking about it.
HENDRIX: I cannot believe that she's talking to you!

Shane has overheard this, having approached followed by Toadie and Jay.

SHANE: That's great. At least one of us has a marriage on the mend.
PIERCE: G'day, Shane.
SHANE: You destroy mine, and then you just go waltzing back into your own like nothing's happened. I suppose it's different rules for zillionaires, isn't it?
PIERCE: Listen, mate. I'm so sorry about what's happened, honestly. I really hope you and Dipi can fix things too.
SHANE: You did this. You started it, and you went on with it, and now you're gonna stand there and tell me that you hope I can fix things?!

Shane takes a step closer.

JAY: Dad, don't.
SHANE: I'll show you how I'm gonna fix things, mate.

Everyone encourages Shane to leave it.

PIERCE: I'm sorry.
SHANE: Walk away. Walk away like the gutless flog you are.

Pierce does as he's told; then, glancing at Hendrix uncomfortably, Shane leaves in the opposite direction with Toadie. Jay and Hendrix are left alone again. They glance at one another curiously.

No 24
Pierce has made himself a hot drink, but tells Hendrix, who is lingering by the fridge, that he's going for a shower while it cools down. Hendrix just goes to his room, and then Pierce heads for the shower.

No 28
Shane is looking out of the window across Ramsay Street. Jay follows his line of sight.

JAY: Is that where Mum's staying? Number 24?
SHANE: No, no. She's next door at Number 26. [24] is where *he* lives.

Jay goes quiet. Shane encourages him to go and see what Dipi's up to. Jay objects that Dipi told him to stay with Shane, but Shane insists he'll be alright. Looking worried, Jay obeys.

The Waterhole
Chloe is having a cuppa with Nicolette and Jane. Chloe complains that Pierce isn't respecting her boundaries, and keeps begging her to see things from his point of view.

NICOLETTE: Like we care about his point of view.
JANE (diplomatic): That's really up to Chloe to decide. But at the very least, he's making an effort.
NICOLETTE: Like forcing her into a conversation she didn't want to have. Who does that?

Chloe admits that Pierce is making her feel pressured.

CHLOE: I think in the end, I caved and told him what he wanted to hear, just so he'd get out of my face. I gave him hope, when... I honestly don't know if there is any.

No 24
Pierce tells Hendrix he's been trying to have a nap, but can't sleep.

HENDRIX: Cos of what Shane said, or...?
PIERCE: No, it's just general restlessness. Like, I thought it was cos I hadn't had a chance to talk to Chloe. But since we spoke, you know, I still can't... I dunno. Don't get it.

Pierce seems like he's struggling to get his words out - and as he approaches the door to head out for some exercise, he suddenly collapses to the floor, clutching his chest.

HENDRIX: Dad?!

A worried Hendrix rushes over to Pierce's aid. Pierce's vision blurs and he's out of breath. Hendrix makes a phone call.

HENDRIX: Hello? I need an ambulance.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Dipi asks Jane, 'Was there an accident? Is he okay?'
- David asks Chloe, 'What happened? Is it serious?'
- Jane asks a tearful- looking Nicolette why she's so sad
- Dipi asks Shane when he turned into such a monster. He replies by telling her to get out
- Dipi tearfully says that her marriage is over
- Shane says, 'I'm not sure that there's much point anymore'