Lassiter's Complex
Hendrix and Paul are continuing their conversation about Brent.

HENDRIX: Paul, you don't want Brent a part of Harlow's life any more than I do. He's dangerous, and if you do nothing, she'll get completely sucked in.
PAUL: Harlow's not stupid.
HENDRIX: No. But she's kind, and nice, and she looks for the good in people. And with this guy, that's a problem.
PAUL: Yeah, well. Common enemy or not, I'm still not convinced teaming up with you is a good idea.
HENDRIX: Oh, come on, Paul. This isn't about you or me. It's about Harlow. We've got a better chance of helping her together. So, get over yourself and say yes.
PAUL: Let me think about it.

Paul walks off.

Erinsborough High School
Susan is in the corridor when she gets a phone call from Olivia. She cancels the call, just as Jane appears. Jane says she's feeling confident about the forthcoming visit of Lana from The Department™, now that the drama around Brent, Hendrix and Year Thirteen seems to have calmed down - and thinks they're in a strong position to get more funding.

Susan feigns enthusiasm, but is clearly distracted, and Jane asks if everything's okay. Susan says she has a bit on her mind, but will sort it out 'sooner rather than later, hopefully'.

No 26
Levi is sunbathing in the garden, while Kyle is talking to Gary the Pigeon as if he's his actual dead dad Gary, recalling a remote control car he once bought him as a Christmas present which Naomi swiftly microwaved! Roxy arrives, and we learn the reason for this anecdote - it's Kyle's birthday tomorrow. Levi asks what they're doing to celebrate.

KYLE: Ah, nothin'. Happy to let it slide on by.
ROXY: It's been a tough year for you, babe. it's your first birthday without your dad.
KYLE: Anniversary of his death soon, too.
ROXY: I can't believe it's been a year.
KYLE: I can't believe I lost the tram in less than twelve months after he died.

Levi reminds Kyle he'll find another job soon, as he has 'tonnes of skills'; he could even go back to project management. But Kyle's used to being his own boss now.

ROXY: You're gonna start a new business. With me as your partner! We have learned some skills between us, right? I think we owe it to the world to find a way to get it out there.

Levi thinks it's worth thinking about, and Kyle admits he does need the money so he can pay off the council fine. Roxy suggests they have a brainstorm about it tomorrow - what better day to make a fresh start than on his birthday?

Erinsborough High School
Curtis enters the Year Thirteen Zone™ for a chat with Jane. They chat about a fundraiser for Cochlear Implant Day that Curtis is involved with tomorrow; Jane's made a donation, as she's not sure if she'll be able to attend. Curtis asks if Jane's okay following Brent and Hendrix's fight earlier. She says she's fine; it was just a small bump to the head.

JANE: It just made me realise that I need to get better at de-escalating tensions and managing volatile personalities (...) You know, I found a week-long conference in Brisbane that has sessions on those exact topics. Plus there's a school nearby already implementing a Year Thirteen programme. I'd love to check it out.

However, it starts in a fortnight, and Jane tells Curtis it wouldn't look great with The Department™ if she were to take leave so soon after launching Year Thirteen. Curtis thinks it's a shame, as the conference sounded perfect.

No 28
Susan, Karl, Bea and Hendrix are having dinner, when Olivia turns up and barges straight in.

KARL: No, no, you're not welcome here.
OLIVIA (to Susan): Have you had a chance to think about my proposal?
SUSAN: Uh, I've... given it some thought.
OLIVIA: I hope you're leaning towards 'yes'.
KARL: You really do have some nerve, don't you?
OLIVIA (to Susan): I mean, what's to lose? You'll have editorial approval. Nothing goes to the publishers unless you're happy.
SUSAN: I haven't made a decision yet.
KARL: Yeah, and your badgering is not helping your cause.
OLIVIA: Do you speak for Susan all the time, Karl, or just on special occasions? (!)
KARL: What part of, 'You're not welcome here' don't you understand?
OLIVIA: What exactly are you worried about? I want to give your wife a voice. Are you afraid you won't get such a flattering portrayal this time?
KARL: Oh, come on, don't be ridiculous!
OLIVIA: A large portion of what I wrote did come directly from you.
KARL: Yes. Yes, and you twisted my words! Look, you can put whatever spin you like on this money-grubbing vanity project, but dredging up the past is just gonna hurt people we care about.
OLIVIA: This project is about righting wrongs. I expect it to bring healing.

Susan reiterates that she's not made a decision, and says Karl's right - Olivia pressuring her is not helping her cause.

OLIVIA: I'm sorry. I'm just keen to get started (...) Let me know when you're ready to talk.

Susan and Karl look incredulous as she finally leaves.

No 22
While Paul watches with suspicion from the kitchen, Harlow and Brent are on the sofa, chatting about a book Brent's reading at school. It's about war, and he finds it depressing.

BRENT: But it's also about knowing that there's good in the world. And in people. Even if they don't really realise it.
HARLOW: I couldn't have said it better myself.
BRENT: Well, you did. I got it from your notes in the margins.
HARLOW: No, I know for a fact that my notes weren't that detailed. You took them, and you created your own interpretation.
BRENT: Yeah, but without them, I'd have been totally lost.

Paul grouchily tells them they should wrap up their tutoring session, as Terese will be back with dinner soon. Harlow ignores him, and tells Brent to start 'backing yourself more' - he has some really great ideas.

HARLOW: Like the blanket project. It's super-inspiring.
BRENT: Alright, come on, you're gonna give me a big head.
HARLOW: You need to learn to accept praise more. You deserve it.

Brent starts to shower his own praise on Harlow, calling her 'the smartest person I know', proving she can't take praise either. It's all pretty flirtatious, and Paul fumes silently nearby.

Lassiter's Complex
The next day Bea and Karl are walking through the courtyard; Bea asks Karl if Olivia was right about him being worried about looking bad in the new book. He insists he's only concerned about Susan. Bea is playing devil's advocate and wonders if working with Olivia could be good for Susan, saying Karl needs to 'get on the same page' and 'understand where her head is at'.

KARL: You do agree that this is a bad idea, right?
BEA: Yes. Yeah, but that's *my* opinion. If Auntie Suze feels the need she wants to share her story, then who are we to tell her? We just have to hope she makes the right choice, and be there if she doesn't.

They come across Kyle, Levi and Bea who are all sitting at a table outside the pub wearing party hats. Bea wishes 'K-Dog' happy birthday.

KYLE: Cheers! My birthday wish is for you to never call me that again.

Karl also wishes Kyle many happy returns, but Kyle is unenthusiastic in thanking him.

KARL: I'm sorry you lost the tram.
KYLE: You're the one who shafted me, Karl.
KARL: Yes. Yes, and it was a mistake. I let Paul get into my ear. I'd like to offer you the lease again.
ROXY: Thank you very much, Karl, but you can keep your rusty old tin can for yourself. Kyle is done.
KYLE: No, babe, my financials aren't looking any rosier.
KARL: I'd still be happy to help with the budget. And you've already made a start on the more profitable menu.
KYLE: Yeah, I just don't know if that's the right way to go.

Karl tells him to think about it, and heads off.

No 22
Susan is with Harlow and Paul; she's come round to give them the heads-up on Olivia's new book, saying she understands the thought of it will be confronting for Harlow.

SUSAN: I haven't decided whether or not I'm gonna contribute yet, but I just thought, if you ever wanted to talk about it...
HARLOW: Yeah. I'll let you know. But I just need to sit with it for a while.

Harlow heads off to work, and Paul asks Susan if she's leaning towards contributing to the book. Susan says she honestly doesn't know, adding that David has said he won't take part if Susan chooses not to.

Erinsborough High School
Curtis has been thinking over Jane's issue with the conference she wants to attend, and thinks he has a solution - let him oversee Year Thirteen while she's there. Jane seems unsure.

CURTIS: I don't have a lot of experience with this age group, but I'm keen to get some. And I also want to show Susan I can take on more responsibility.
JANE: Well, I appreciate the offer, and the enthusiasm, but I'm not sure it's the right way to go.
CURTIS: You don't think I can handle it. It's because I'm deaf, isn't it?
JANE (horrified): No! Oh, it's because you're new! No, I would never...!
CURTIS: It's okay! I'm joking. Deadpanning's another one of my skills.

Curtis suggests they could give it a trial run; he could take Brent and Hendrix's class today, 'and do my best to avoid bloodshed' - then Jane can decide, based on how it goes. Jane agrees, saying she's willing to give it a try.

Lassiter's Complex
Hendrix is walking through the courtyard, while on the phone to Paul.

HENDRIX: You're making the wrong call. You know it, I know it... Whatever.

As he hangs up, Hendrix spots Harlow on her way to work, and goes over to chat. She seems distracted, and he asks if she's okay.

HENDRIX: Like it or not, I know you. And I can tell that there's something up.

Harlow tells him she's heard about Olivia's new book.

HARLOW: I just can't wrap my head around it. And it's bringing back old memories.
HENDRIX: I'm sorry that you have to go through that.
HARLOW: Sometimes I forget that it ever even happened. It's like there's this blank spot in my life history. Is that wrong?
HENDRIX: No. No, it just shows how strong you are. The fact that you can go through all that, and move past it... You're amazing.

Harlow thanks Hendrix, but is keen to leave it there, conscious she's putting him in a tricky position talking to him about this, given the way things stand between them.

HENDRIX: Wait, Harlow - it's alright. Right now, we're here, and I want you to be okay. So I'm all yours. No strings attached.

She smiles.

The Waterhole
Susan is making notes in her copy of 'The Devil You Know', when the author herself comes in.

OLIVIA: I was hoping I'd bump into you without your bouncer around!
SUSAN: Karl has every right to be suspicious.

Noting that Susan is obviously giving it some thought given all the post-it notes on the book, Olivia tells her...

OLIVIA: I'm rewriting the book regardless, Susan. If you want to have your say, now is the time. The opportunity won't last forever.

At this point, Kyle comes in, and is instantly on his guard on seeing Olivia. We learn Susan has asked him to meet her, so Olivia leaves them to it, reiterating that she hopes to hear from Susan soon.

Once she's out of earshot, Susan explains to Kyle what's going on with the new book, and that she's thinking of contributing. Kyle looks confused, and possibly annoyed...

Erinsborough High School
Jane is observing from the corner as Curtis takes the trial lesson with Hendrix and Brent. They're discussing the book 'One Stolen Flower', which is apparently what Brent was talking to Harlow about last night. Hendrix and Brent have opposing views on the question Curtis asks them, and end up berating each other for their perspectives.

HENDRIX (to Brent): And you call *my* argument stupid!
CURTIS: Ah-ah - it's okay to disagree. Books are supposed to spark discussion. That's what you both are doing.
HENDRIX: Wait, you actually want us to argue?
BRENT: You should probably stick to teaching math.
CURTIS: Your perspectives are different, but you're both making valid points. Now, if you write down your perspective, you can use that as the core argument in your essay, and channel all that passion into your answer.

The boys look impressed, and so does Jane.

The Waterhole
Susan and Kyle are chatting about Olivia's offer. We learn that Susan has already spoken to Sheila about it, and that while Sheila found it confronting, she's given Susan the green light, as she sees the merits of the real story being told. Susan asks what Kyle thinks.

KYLE: That book affected all of us. But I think it caused more damage to you and Davo, so it wouldn't be fair of me to try and stop you from setting the record straight.
SUSAN: That's very gracious. I'm so sorry to drop this bomb on you.
KYLE: Happy birthday to me (!)
SUSAN: Oh, Kyle! With everything that's been happening, I completely forgot.
KYLE: Nah, no stress.
SUSAN: No, I'm so sorry. Happy birthday. How have you been finding it? It's been a pretty bittersweet kind of year.
KYLE: More bitter than sweet.

Kyle tells Susan about Karl offering him the tram lease back, which is apparently news to her. Kyle says he's weighing it up, but...

KYLE: I guess I'm scared that I'm gonna stuff up Dad's dream more than I already have.
SUSAN: For what it's worth, I have complete faith that you won't. There's no right or wrong with these decisions - you've just got to pick the one that feels right for you.
KYLE: Yeah. Thanks, Suze.

As Kyle leaves, Bea comes in. Susan tells her she's been given Kyle and Sheila's blessing to go ahead with the book if she wants, but that Karl's still adamant it's a bad idea.

BEA: I get why you're tempted. It would be so nice just to get the real story out there. But I guess you're just gonna have to decide if making this happen is worth the risk.

Erinsborough High School / No 28
Jane and Curtis are at school and have Susan, who's at home, on speakerphone. They are pitching the idea to her of Curtis overseeing Year Thirteen while Jane goes to the conference in Brisbane. Susan thinks it's a great idea and is happy to give them the go-ahead. Jane and Curtis are about to head to their meeting with Lana from The Department™, so end the call.

Meanwhile, Karl comes out the bedroom, about to go for a bike ride, but Susan wants to talk to him first. She says she wants to be open with him about the book situation.

SUSAN: The more notes I make, the more opportunity I see to have a voice, to tell the real story.
KARL: But at what cost?
SUSAN: Well, that's the big question, isn't it? The bottom line is, I'm not gonna go ahead with anything that'll hurt the people I love.
KARL: Okay. You know I'm not worried about how *I'll* come out of this?
SUSAN: Oh, of course. You're concerned about me.
KARL: And us.
SUSAN: Well, that's the other thing, isn't it? I don't want to cause a rift between you and me.
KARL: No. No, well, that's - it's good. It's good you're thinking about it. I know you'll make the right choice, and I will support you.
SUSAN: Oh, thank you.

Karl heads off on his bike ride.

Lassiter's Complex
Outside the pub, Roxy, Kyle and Levi are discussing possible business ideas for Kyle and Roxy. She's just getting started on the idea of 'sustainably sourced construction materials', when Paul, who's been listening in from a nearby table, butts in to offer his twopenceworth.

PAUL: Avoid gimmicks.
ROXY: It's not a gimmick, Paul.
PAUL: Well, you're trying to build a business plan off a buzzword. That's not gonna work.
ROXY: There are more ways to build a business than being a money-hungry overlord, thank you.
PAUL: Really? And yet, here I am paying your wages.
ROXY: Not for long, if I have a choice.

Paul saunters off, and Roxy asks Kyle what he thinks of her idea.

KYLE: Okay, babe, I know this isn't what you want to hear. But both my heart and my gut are telling me that I need to go back to The 82.

Nearby, Paul has caught up with Harlow, and asks how she's feeling about Olivia's new book. She admits she was struggling, but says her chat to Hendrix earlier really helped.

PAUL: You're not considering taking him back?
HARLOW: Whoa. That's a big step. It was just a chat. He just caught me at a low moment.
PAUL: Yeah, well, that's when you need to be on guard.
HARLOW: Look, I know he's far from perfect, but he's a good guy in a lot of ways.
PAUL: You believe that?
HARLOW: Hendrix is one of the kindest, most genuine people I know. He's hurt me, but it's never been intentional.
PAUL: Hmm. You might rethink that when I tell you what he's planning, though.

Harold's Café
Hendrix is having a coffee, when Harlow comes in.

HARLOW: Smooth move earlier (...) Trying to play the nice guy, giving me a shoulder to cry on.
HENDRIX: What's so bad about that?
HARLOW: Oh, nothing, no. Until I found out about the plan that you tried to do with Grandad. Teaming up with him to make sure Brent stays away from me.
HENDRIX: ... I'm sorry. That was stupid.
HARLOW: You think?! It is the most disgusting, selfish and controlling thing you've ever done, and that is saying a lot, Hendrix.
HENDRIX: I was looking out for you.
HARLOW: No! I don't need you or want you to look out for me, okay? I can make my own decisions.
HENDRIX: But you don't know what Brent's like, alright? He's not the right guy for you.
HARLOW: What's that got to do with anything?! We're not dating!
HENDRIX: Not yet! Please, you guys are all over each other!
HARLOW: No, we're not. And so what if we were, okay? It'd be none of your business. Look, if this was an attempt to try and prove you're the right guy, I can tell you right now, it was never gonna work (...) It's proven that you are everything I don't need, or want. You only care about yourself, so why should I be caring about you? Let me make this crystal clear. There is no chance you and I are getting back together.

Hendrix looks devastated as Harlow leaves.

No 28
Karl comes in, and is annoyed to find Olivia sitting at the table with Susan.

KARL: Seriously?!
OLIVIA: Always a pleasure, Karl (!)
KARL: You've got to stop harassing my wife!

But Susan admits she's asked Olivia here.

SUSAN: I've made a decision, and I truly believe it's the right one. I want to have a voice. So I'm going to collaborate with Olivia.

Olivia smirks, as Karl looks worried.

Coming up on Neighbours
- 'As soon as I saw him, all these old feelings just came rushing back,' we hear Mackenzie say
- And no wonder, as we see her running into her former boyfriend, Richie, at uni
- Roxy tells Paul, 'It's not what I need from you, it's what I can give you'
- Paul tells Terese, 'Don't you see? This is gold!'
- Fay is at Toadie's office, and tells him she needs his help
- Toadie has something to tell Chloe and Aaron