Previously
- Mackenzie decides she needs to tell Richie she's not ready to sleep with him
- Ollie remarks that Richie has been 'denied'; he replies, 'get lost, Ollie'
- Pierce collapses following Hendrix and Jay's plan to drug his tea with ADHD meds
- Jay insists to Hendrix that he only crushed up one pill
- Hendrix admits to Pierce that he was the one who drugged him, keeping Jay's name out of it
- But Dipi has already accused Shane of being responsible
- Dipi is upset after Pierce asks her to leave the hospital in case Chloe sees her
- Shane admits to Jay that he doesn't know how to fix things with Dipi; 'Keep trying,' says Jay
- Levi posts his letter to Packo, and tells Kyle and Roxy he's going to ask Bea out
- But Levi is later shocked to discover Bea has been dating Packo/Nathan
- Bea is shocked, too, to learn Nathan is the guy who beat Levi up as a kid
The Pavilion
Levi, Bea, Nathan and Sheila are processing the revelations. Bea wants to know why Nathan didn't tell her about his past with Levi. Nathan explains he didn't know when they met, saying it's a 'crazy coincidence'.
BEA: Yeah, crazy is right. You know, I can't even deal with this right now.
Bea walks off. Levi goes to follow her, but Sheila implores him not to. Nathan assures Levi that he and Bea only went out once; he ended things once Kyle and Roxy told him about the connection. Levi asks why Sheila's here; she says she wanted to 'look Nathan in the eye' to make sure his apology to Levi was genuine, and didn't know anything about him seeing Bea.
NATHAN: I am really sorry. To both of yous. About today, and... that mess all those years ago. I know I can never make it up to you. I'll regret that day for the rest of my life.
The Waterhole
Harlow and Hendrix come in. Harlow isn't keen on Hendrix's plan to go out tonight, pointing out that he's been avoiding Pierce since he left hospital.
HARLOW: Look, I know you didn't mean to hurt -
HENDRIX: He's fine. And if I was home, I would just get another lecture.
He encourages Harlow to come and have a drink, ushering her over to a table where Richie and Mackenzie already have drinks.
HENDRIX: Who is as pumped as I am for school to be officially over?
RICHIE: Yep, that'd be me.
MACKENZIE: It's surreal. We never have to go back.
HARLOW: Yeah, I don't really know how I feel about it.
Conversation moves onto their schoolies plans.
HENDRIX (chanting): Schoolies, schoolies, schoolies...
Harlow looks uncomfortable. Richie gets a notification on his phone, and looks uncomfortable too, claiming it's 'just junk' when Mackenzie asks.
RICHIE: So, what's gonna be the best bit?
HENDRIX: Drinking.
MACKENZIE: Dancing into the night.
HARLOW: Umm, reading for pleasure, I guess.
MACKENZIE: No-one knows how to party like you, Harlow (!)
Hendrix and Richie raise their beers and start chanting 'schoolies' again, and Harlow looks unimpressed.
Harold's Café
Toadie, Shane and Jay come in. Shane had thought Dipi wasn't working tonight, but she is, and he quickly prepares to leave again. But Jay begs him to stay.
JAY: Look, nothing can get fixed if you keep avoiding each other.
Shane agrees to stay, and Jay goes over to talk to Dipi.
JAY: Can you please say something to Dad?
DIPI: About what, sweetie?
JAY: About what happened with Pierce.
DIPI: That's not something you need to worry yourself about.
JAY: Yeah, it's a bit hard when your parents can't even stand being in the same room together. It's crazy it's come to that point. Mum, please?
DIPI: ... Okay. I'll see what I can do.
Dipi goes over to Shane and Toadie's table.
DIPI: Hey... I'm glad you're here. It gives me a chance to let you know I meant what I said before. I'm sorry I accused you of hurting Pierce; I was wrong, and I regret it.
SHANE: Okay. Thanks. Doesn't mean you want to have a proper conversation, though, does it? But I'm... I'm ready to talk when you are.
JAY: Mum?
Feeling put on the spot, Dipi agrees that she and Shane can talk, saying it's 'long overdue', and suggests they meet tomorrow morning. He agrees. Jay is happy his intervention worked, and Shane looks happier, too.
Lassiter's Complex
Outside the pub, Sheila is giving Roxy and Kyle a telling-off for meddling in Levi's life behind his back (like she can talk). Roxy apologises to Levi, who's there too.
SHEILA: Well, I think we can all agree that we've had enough of Packo forever.
ROXY: In his defence, I don't think he deliberately went after Bea.
SHEILA: How would you know that?
KYLE: Come on, Gran. He had no idea that those two knew each other.
LEVI: Enough, okay? But how could you two know about him and Bea, and keep it from me?
KYLE: We didn't want to cause any more drama, cous.
SHEILA: Oh, and how did that work out for you? (!)
ROXY: We didn't see the point in telling you once he'd promised he'd end it.
LEVI: This whole time, you guys have been egging me on to ask her out, and this whole time, she was interested in somebody else. I feel like a tool!
Harold's Café
The next morning, Dipi is working when Pierce comes in. He's leaving a voicemail for Hendrix, asking him to ring him back and tell him how his last exam went. Pierce then goes over and apologises to Dipi, saying he 'behaved terribly' in the hospital by asking her to leave in case Chloe saw her.
PIERCE: I really didn't mean to upset you.
DIPI: Did she come and see you in the end?
PIERCE: No. She dropped by the house, just to say hi, but... yeah.
DIPI: Well, that's good.
PIERCE: Anyway, it was really harsh of me to push you out like that, so... sorry.
DIPI: You don't have to apologise. But I appreciate it. How are you feeling?
PIERCE: Pretty average. I'm just... I'm really worried about Hendrix. He's in a pretty bad place right now (...) If it wasn't for Susan promising to look out for him, I think things would be a lot worse.
Pierce wants to get Susan a gift by way of thanks. Dipi points out that, since he owns a winery, that might present an obvious answer! Pierce thanks her.
PIERCE: I really miss talking to you... Hopefully when all the dust settles, we can still be in each other's lives, right? You're important to me.
DIPI: You're important to me, too.
No 30
Richie and Mackenzie are excitedly talking about schoolies. Mackenzie has created, like, a million playlists for every eventuality. Shane and Jay come in from the sun room.
JAY: You guys know you'd have a much better party if I came, right?
Mackenzie and Richie say he should come.
MACKENZIE: We could spend some proper time together, like we did when we were at school in Bourke.
RICHIE: Wait, I didn't know you guys were in the same class?
MACKENZIE: We were in a composite class. Years four and five. Jay was always trying to keep up with the older kids.
JAY: Yeah, never had to try!
MACKENZIE: Remember that jerk, Tommo Wilson? Hated anyone who stood out from the class. You know, total bully and sadist? Made people cry for fun?
Jay suddenly goes very quiet and shifty-looking, before shaking his head.
JAY: Nope, not ringing any bells. Maybe he just wasn't worth remembering.
MACKENZIE: Oh, lucky you!
Jay asks Shane if he can go to schoolies. Shane tells him he doesn't want him drinking alcohol. Jay promises he won't, and Mackenzie says she'll keep an eye on him. Shane says he'll check if Dipi thinks it's okay for him to go. Mackenzie is pleased to hear Shane and Dipi are talking again; and Shane says talking to her this morning will be a 'good first step'.
JAY: Yeah. Don't stuff it up.
SHANE: Good idea.
Shane looks nervous.
Lassiter's Lake
Levi gets a text from Bea, apologising for her lack of contact. She says she's embarrassed, and would never have gone near Nathan if she'd known who he was. 'You're too important a friend to risk losing,' the text says.
Nathan appears, telling Levi he just wanted to 'check in' and make sure he was okay after yesterday's revelations. Levi says that, overall, he's just glad to finally move on; he's said more in his letter replying to Nathan, which he should receive soon.
NATHAN: As long as I haven't made your life harder.
LEVI: Nah, man, you're all good... Hey, Nathan, could you just set something straight for me? (...) Did you go after Bea to get at me? Cos, look, she is such a cool chick, man, and I hate the idea of her getting played around.
NATHAN: Nah, mate - no, it's a complete coincidence. I haven't met a girl like Bea in... a long time. I'd really like to clear things up with her.
LEVI: (nods)
NATHAN: Thanks. I'm glad we could... sort stuff out.
LEVI: Yeah, mate. Me too.
Nathan goes on his way. Levi looks conflicted.
No 24
Harlow is with Hendrix. She tells him he can't avoid Pierce forever, and suggests he go and talk to him to tell him about how his exam went - as well as to discuss Hendrix landing Pierce up in hospital.
HARLOW: It's obvious you are not doing great.
HENDRIX: I will be all G once we're out of here, okay?
HARLOW: Yes, but... you've got to stop avoiding him.
However, it's too late, as Pierce himself comes in.
HENDRIX: Terrific (!)
Pierce asks why Hendrix hasn't been replying to his texts.
HENDRIX: I have nothing to say.
Harlow leaves to go and pack for schoolies, and Hendrix tells Pierce he doesn't want a discussion right now; he just wants to go to schoolies.
PIERCE: Tell me why I shouldn't ban you from going. You've done nothing that deserves a reward lately.
HENDRIX: Another guilt trip? Seriously, Dad? My future is stuffed. My family's gone down the drain. Harlow thinks I'm a mess, Dad. I have enough things to feel bad about. I don't need you adding to the list.
Hendrix walks out.
Harold's Café
Richie is at the counter when Corinne shows up. She tries to tempt him into abandoning his schoolies plans with Mackenzie, and joining her on her own trip.
RICHIE: Yeah, I'm good, thanks.
CORINNE: Not what I hear.
RICHIE: What are you talking about?
CORINNE: Everyone knows she's holding out.
Richie doesn't know what to say to that, and Corinne walks off, just as Mackenzie turns up.
MACKENZIE: Was she flirting with you?
RICHIE: ... As if your boyfriend's that popular! She, uh, just wanted to know how I went with exams.
As Mackenzie and Richie leave, Shane comes in and asks Dipi if she's ready for their talk.
DIPI: I... I can't.
SHANE: Dip, I just want to have a conversation. We need to.
DIPI: I know. I'm sorry. But I'm just... I'm not ready.
She walks off into the kitchen, leaving Shane annoyed.
No 24
Harlow comes in to join Hendrix and Jay. Hendrix is pleased Jay is joining them for schoolies, as the more people to drink with, the better. Jay says nothing about not being allowed to drink! Harlow says they'll need another car now.
JAY (to Hendrix): Borrow your dad's fancy one. I've seen it on the street, begging to be driven.
HENDRIX: Yeah, good thinking! I'll ask him.
HARLOW: No. There is no way your dad will let you have that. And you don't even have your licence.
HENDRIX: So, I'll get him to hire us a driver.
HARLOW: What, with the way you've been treating him?
Sensing the tension, Jay leaves to pack his stuff.
HARLOW: I'm really worried about you.
HENDRIX: No, babe, don't be.
HARLOW: You are avoiding everything that's happening to you, especially with your dad. You might want to act like you don't care, but I know how much you love him. And I know you didn't mean to do what you did. Just please, please, go talk to him.
Hendrix nods.
Lassiter's Complex
Nathan is alone outside Harold's, chatting to Bea via a video call. He thanks her for agreeing to talk to him.
NATHAN: I owe you an apology.
BEA: Oh, yeah, for which bit? Hurting my friend so badly, or just ghosting me?
NATHAN: Both. What I did to Levi is... is terrible. And I should've called you back, or texted you. I just figured it'd be easier if you thought I was a jerk.
BEA: Yeah. I do. I just wish that you were honest with me.
NATHAN: I was ashamed. I never wanted to hurt you, Bea.
BEA: Well, you did. You hurt me. And you hurt Levi. And I don't think I'm ever gonna be able to get past that. So, there's really no point talking anymore. Bye, Nathan.
Nathan puts his phone down, sadly.
The Waterhole
Hendrix has met up with Pierce for a coffee.
HENDRIX: Long story short, I, umm... I didn't mean for it to get that serious. It was stupid, and I'm really sorry, Dad. I regret that.
PIERCE: That's alright. I know that would've been hard to say, so... means a lot to me. So, are you all packed? Ready?
HENDRIX: Almost.
PIERCE: Good. Well, enjoy yourself. I know you don't feel good about your exams. Can't do much about it, but... bit of time away, you know, will help you to take your mind off things.
HENDRIX: Well, actually, we're having some transport issues, so, umm... don't suppose you'll be able to arrange us a driver?
PIERCE: That's not why you just apologised to me, is it?
HENDRIX: What? No! Dad, you just said to me that I should have a good time.
PIERCE: What else can I get you, hmm? Limitless credit card? An overseas trip, maybe?
Upset he's not being believed, Hendrix gets up and walks out, saying he doesn't need this. Pierce looks annoyed.
The Waterhole
Shane and Toadie come in, discussing the fact that Dipi is leaving Shane in limbo over their long-awaited conversation about their future. Toadie is sympathetic. Shane is not best pleased to see Pierce at the bar, and tells him he's 'not welcome here'.
PIERCE: Calm down.
SHANE: Seriously?
PIERCE: I don't come in when you're at work. You can't just outright ban me cos you don't like me here.
SHANE: But it's not just me, is it? Chloe works in the complex, she doesn't want you around. So get out.
Pierce doesn't budge.
Lassiter's Complex
Levi and Sheila are walking through the courtyard; she thinks it's a shame about what's happened with Bea. But Levi says he's glad he got to meet Nathan, and it's better that everything is out in the open now. Sheila leaves as Roxy and Kyle turn up. Levi's still a bit annoyed at them, but asks them a question.
LEVI: How into Packo do you reckon Bea was?
KYLE: ... Well, as much as you can be, after one date.
LEVI: Well, I spoke to Bea earlier, and she's seriously down on herself for having liked him. Which got me thinking it must be more than a casual interest. Just tell me the truth, guys.
ROXY: Yeah, okay. It was new, but she was pretty into him.
Harold's Café
Richie and Mackenzie come in to meet up with Hendrix and Harlow. While Mackenzie goes to join the others, Richie goes to get coffees, and Corinne approaches him again.
CORINNE: Last chance.
RICHIE: Why are you pushing this so hard?
CORINNE: Cos everyone's saying Mack won't do it, cos she's trans.
RICHIE: ... Is that what people...? It's none of their business.
Harlow notices that Richie and Corinne are talking intensely, and asks Mackenzie what's going on with them. Mackenzie goes over to find out.
RICHIE (to Corinne): You need to let this go. Especially in front of Mackenzie.
MACKENZIE (interrupting): Let go of what?
RICHIE: Nothing. Corinne was just leaving, weren't you?
CORINNE (to Mackenzie): Just so you know - if you don't give it to Richie, I will.
Corinne marches out. Mackenzie looks at Richie for an explanation.
The Waterhole
Pierce is leaving a voicemail for Chloe, saying he really needs to speak with her and asking her to call him back. Dipi comes in, and notices Pierce, so goes to join him at the table. Dipi asks Pierce how things are progressing with Hendrix. Pierce says he thought they were improving, but now doesn't think so. Dipi tells him to hang in there, and sits down.
As they laugh and joke about the stresses of raising teenagers, Shane and Toadie come in. Shane is gutted to see Dipi laughing with Pierce. Toadie suggests he and Shane leave.
SHANE: Guess now we know why she changed her mind.
Harold's Café
Harlow and Hendrix stand by as an angry Mackenzie gives Richie a telling-off.
MACKENZIE: I asked you before if Corinne was flirting with you, and you said no.
RICHIE: That's because of how much of a non-thing it was! She was just being stupid.
MACKENZIE: But you lied, Richie. Why would you lie if it wasn't a thing?
RICHIE: Because I didn't want to hurt you! Mackenzie, come on!
MACKENZIE: Oh, look, if that's what you want, with Corinne, don't let me stop you!
Jay comes in to meet them, all ready to head to schoolies.
MACKENZIE (tearful): No, I'm not going.
RICHIE: Don't do that. We can work this out.
MACKENZIE: I don't want to work it out.
HENDRIX: Okay, okay. Everyone needs to chill.
HARLOW: Hendrix, Mackenzie's upset.
HENDRIX: Well, she's blowing it a little bit out of proportion.
HARLOW: You know what? I'm not going either.
HENDRIX: Are you serious?!
HARLOW: Yeah. If that's the way you're gonna treat our friend. And the way that you've been behaving lately - I'm over it.
HENDRIX: Okay, fine, whatever. Just the boys, then. If they don't want to have fun, that doesn't mean we can't.
Hendrix goes to leave, gesturing for Richie and Jay to follow him. Richie hesitates, but Mackenzie nods at him, as if to say he should go. Richie leaves, and Jay follows. Mackenzie bursts into tears.
Lassiter's Lake
Levi is at the rotunda, and video-calls Bea.
LEVI: Look, I don't think you should write off Nathan if you actually like him.
BEA: How can I? After everything that he's done to you?
LEVI: He was a kid back then, Bea. He's a very different person now.
BEA: I don't know that for sure.
LEVI: He's not Finn, Bea. But if you think Nathan is this violent guy, I have to tell you, I don't think he is. I think he's genuinely sorry for what he did.
BEA: Even if that's true, we spoke before and it seemed pretty final.
LEVI: It doesn't have to be. Just think it over, okay? I'll leave you to it.
Levi hangs up. He looks sad, but nods to himself, as if he's done the right thing.
No 24
Jay and Richie are with Hendrix; Richie is fiddling with his phone.
HENDRIX: Richie, don't tell me you're texting the girls. If they wanna pike out, let them, alright?
RICHIE: I'm just sick of everyone talking about Mack. Everyone needs to shut up.
Hendrix grabs Pierce's car keys, and tells them they're 'in business'.
JAY: Wait, where's the driver?
HENDRIX: You're looking at him.
JAY: I thought you didn't have your licence.
HENDRIX: It doesn't mean I don't have wicked skills, bro. Come on. I told Ollie we'd pick him up on the way.
Richie and Jay follow Hendrix out of the door. But as Jay goes, he notices a crate of wine with a card for Susan and Karl on top of it; evidently, it's the present Pierce has bought for them. Jay flings the card aside, and picks up the crate, taking it with him out of the house.
No 30
Shane comes into the sun-room, all twitchy and furtive. He takes a seat, then retrieves a packet of pills from his pocket. He stares at them, conflicted...
Coming up on Neighbours
- Richie has something he needs to tell Mackenzie, 'and you're not gonna like it'
- Pierce tells Chloe, 'our marriage is over', and she puts her wedding ring on the table
- David saying, 'It's a huge decision for us to make'
- Paul tells Jane, 'You and I need to work together to try and stop this'
