Previously
- Melanie catches Yashvi, Mackenzie, Nell and Toadie making fun of her laugh
- Paul tells Terese that Harlow should be out having fun, rather than pining over Brent
- Harlow confesses her own doubts to Terese that she might just be Brent's 'starter girlfriend'
- Amy kisses Ned, much to Melanie's excitement when she learns of it
- Amy gets at Ned at work by way of overcompensation, leading Roxy to wonder why
- Nicolette misspeaks in a bid to rile Pierce, saying she's having a baby with Chloe
- Pierce reminds Nicolette that it's actually David and Aaron's baby
- But Nicolette assures Chloe and David that she didn't really mean it
- Nic tells Chloe she's looking forward to getting back on track with Pierce out of the way
Harold's Café
Nicolette, David and Chloe are catching up prior to the latest antenatal class. Aaron arrives and asks for a word with David before they head off. David suggests they meet Nicolette there, and goes outside with Aaron.
NICOLETTE: Come with us.
CHLOE: I can't.
NICOLETTE: Yes, you can. You've never been before, and I'd really love you to experience it.
CHLOE: But this is just for you and the boys.
NICOLETTE: They'll still be there. And some of the stuff we cover in class is relevant to the partner of a pregnant woman. I mean, it's not like Aaron and David are in bed with me at 3am if I suddenly have a backache. Come on, it'll be like a double date.
CHLOE: I just don't want to be butting in.
NICOLETTE: You won't be. It'll be way more fun and memorable having all my favourite people there.
Chloe agrees.
The Flamingo Bar
Melanie is chatting to Amy about a date she's planning with Toadie, involving a tepee in the back yard. Amy remarks that she should avoid candles given the recent fire incident, which makes Melanie do her seal-laugh. Amy is glad to hear it's back.
MELANIE: But you know, every time I laugh, I can't help but think about Toadie making fun of me (...) We haven't had a chance to talk about it properly yet. Hopefully we'll be able to do that tonight, when we've got some alone time.
AMY: Just don't let him off the hook too easily.
Toadie comes in at this point, with bad news for Mel - he doesn't think he can make their date tonight after all. He explains he's meant to be interviewing for part-time assistants today, but two of the staff at Sonya's Nursery have called in sick - plus he has commitments with the Buddy Club to juggle. Mel tells him it's okay, and Toadie leaves.
Once he's gone, Amy says it's a shame he couldn't make tonight. Mel agrees, but says she and Toadie can still have their chat once he's sorted everything out.
No 22
Harlow and Ned are hanging out, when Roxy appears and puts a woolly hat on Ned's head. This, she says, will help him deal with the 'sub-zero attitude' Amy's been giving him all week. Ned says things are fine, but Roxy offers to talk to Amy for him, saying she's great at conflict management. Ned insists there's no problem.
Terese comes in, with a letter for Harlow, from Brent. But Harlow's in a rather glum mood and says she'll read it later, before walking out. Terese quietly admits to Ned and Roxy that she was hoping the letter would perk Harlow up; she needs it. Roxy agrees that Harlow is 'sadder than a wet weekend' at the moment.
No 32
David and Aaron come in; Aaron wants to have a proper talk about Nicolette before they head to the antenatal class.
AARON: I haven't seen her since she told Pierce that the baby was hers and Chloe's. And now, like, I walk in, and she's just chatting away happily like nothing ever happened?
DAVID: I get it. But she apologised, and I'm just trying to move past it.
AARON: Yeah, well, I'm really worried about this, and she clearly isn't.
David says he thinks Nicolette was right that Pierce was the real issue, and her insecurity around him was making her act out - she's back to normal now he's gone.
AARON: I mean, that's how I *should* be looking at it.
DAVID: Please, let's just take Nicolette at her word. We've hit speed bumps with her before, and we've worked through them. This time's no different. Onwards and upwards.
Aaron agrees.
Lassiter's Complex
Melanie is hanging out outside the pub with Karl and Susan, when Toadie turns up, having received a message from her. The trio reveal they're going to help Toadie complete his Herculean to-do list; Karl will help him find a new venue for the Buddy Club excursion, while Susan steps in at the nursery to fill the staffing shortage.
In the meantime, Mel says she'll go to the office and reschedule all his assistant interviews, then set up playdates for the kids.
MELANIE: With their friends. I'm not gonna outsource them to random child-snatchers!
TOADIE: No, no - I'm just in awe of your brilliance. You could run a small country.
MELANIE: Well, I'll have to ask Madame Zolga if that is in my future.
Toadie thanks Mel for her efforts, and they all go to set about their tasks.
Lassiter's Park
The antenatal class is taking place on the grass by the coffee hut, led by convenor Dara. David and Aaron are surprised that Nicolette has brought Chloe along - but Chloe still seems to be a bit uncomfortable being there, and says she's happy to leave them to it if four's a crowd.
Nic says the classes are all about supporting your partner, so it makes sense Chloe's here. David and Aaron are a bit bemused, but politely agree to it.
Another mother-to-be, Maya, turns up alone, and hugs Nicolette in greeting. Aaron and Nicolette introduce Maya to Chloe, as the baby's auntie and Nicolette's partner. Chloe asks if Maya's own partner is running late, but Aaron explains Maya is a solo mother by choice.
MAYA: The clock's ticking; I am just getting on with it.
As Aaron, David and Maya go to sit down, Chloe tells Nicolette she should go - she feels bad that three people are here to support Nicolette, while Maya has nobody.
NICOLETTE: She's fine.
CHLOE: I just feel like we're rubbing her face in it.
NICOLETTE: I think she would be horrified if she thought you were leaving on account of her. I really want you here - please don't go.
But Chloe looks very hesitant. Shortly afterwards, Dara kicks off the session, but there's only one chair opposite Nicolette and three potential occupants. Chloe, David and Aaron stand around awkwardly.
The Flamingo Bar
Amy and Roxy are discussing business strategies, and specifically, options for their next big event following the success of the Longest Workout. Roxy calls Ned over, suggesting he should be a part of this after his work organising the pool party at Lassiter's. But Amy gets flustered by this, and tells Ned to go and sort out the mess in the storeroom.
ROXY: Okay, what was that?
AMY: What do you mean?
ROXY: I dunno. Things seem very cool between you two.
Amy starts to make excuses, but gets a phone call which cuts the conversation short anyway. She rushes off to take the call.
The Waterhole / The Flamingo Bar
Roxy calls Harlow, who is in The Waterhole, to gossip about Amy, but Roxy detects that Harlow's not in the mood. Harlow confirms she's not.
ROXY: Did you open the letter from Brent?
HARLOW: Yeah, he just talked about how *he* was going.
ROXY: Must be nice to hear from him.
HARLOW (without enthusiasm): Yeah, it is.
Harlow makes an excuse to end the call. Roxy looks worried.
Lassiter's Park
Antenatal class convenor Dara is instructing attendees on their first exercise - a massage for the pregnant women by their partners. Noticing Maya sitting on her own without a massage partner, Nicolette suggests that Aaron go and partner up with her, while Chloe looks after Nic!
AARON: No, Nic, that'd be weird!
DAVID: Yeah, she might not even be keen.
AARON: Yeah, plus, we're gonna be at the birth, too. We need to know how to help you.
NICOLETTE: Yeah, you're gonna be practising, just on a different body!
Chloe looks uncomfortable, but undeterred, Nicolette shouts across to Maya to ask her if she wants help.
MAYA: It's all good, I don't want to put you out.
NICOLETTE: No, but like you said, I've got an entourage. (to Aaron) See? It's okay!
Everyone looks slightly awkward, but Aaron obeys, and goes over with David to massage Maya! Chloe begins to object, but Nicolette tells her not to 'leave a girl hanging', and get on with the massage. David and Aaron both look peeved.
Lassiter's Complex
Melanie is coming out of Rebecchi Law, and reports to Susan that she has rescheduled all Toadie's assistant interviews successfully.
MELANIE: One lady was so nervous, the poor thing. Total Aquarius moon. I don't know whether it's a blessing or a curse that she's got more time.
Susan remarks that Toadie's very lucky to have Melanie; she's a supportive partner, which is what he needs. But Melanie admits she has a slight ulterior motive; there's something she needs to talk to Toadie about, and it would 'go better if he's got his head on straight'.
SUSAN: Is everything alright?
MELANIE: I hope so. As long as we can talk it through.
Mel gets a text from Yashvi, saying she can pick up Hugo and Nell from their playdate. Susan's going to head to Sonya's Nursery to help out there, and Mel asks if she can tag along, as there's some herbs she wanted to pick up. Susan says she didn't know Mel was a gardener.
MELANIE: I like the idea of it. I'm not quite so good at the 'keeping plants alive' bit (...) But I know it's an important place for Toadie.
SUSAN: It is. It's very special.
Lassiter's Park
The massage exercise continues. Chloe is looking increasingly concerned, although Maya doesn't seem too worried, and tells Aaron he can press a bit harder if he wants!
NICOLETTE (to Chloe): Thanks so much for being here. It means the world to me, and this baby girl is so lucky to have a cool auntie, and her daddies too.
Chloe has hand cramp so is taking a breather, and Aaron suggests David can massage Nicolette for a while. Nicolette tells him not to leave Maya.
MAYA: I don't need both of you, though!
CHLOE: Actually, I think I might hand over to you, David.
Chloe says she needs to head off to do some work for Terese. Nicolette looks disappointed as she goes, and David takes over with the massage. Aaron, who is still with Maya, looks worried.
Lassiter's Complex
Ned reports to Amy that he's finished sorting out the storeroom, so she puts him on cocktail-making duties for the rest of the day. There's still an awkward vibe between them, and the conversation is very perfunctory, as Ned heads off to do her bidding.
Karl and Toadie come out of Harold's. They tell Amy they've found a new venue for the Buddy Club excursion, a trampoline park. Amy asks Toadie if he's spoken to Mel yet, letting slip that she's still upset about her laugh being made fun of. Toadie says he's already apologised for that.
AMY: It may be that simple to you, but you know, you really hurt her feelings when you made fun of her (...) I think it warrants a conversation. And some reassurance, perhaps.
Toadie feels like an idiot for not realising Mel was still upset.
The Waterhole
Harlow is at the bar when Terese turns up; she's heard from Roxy that Harlow's in a downbeat mood. Harlow admits she's struggling with the letters from Brent; she's finding herself in a pattern of giving him advice over this or that small hurdle he's encountering. Terese says Paul mentioned Harlow was worried about being Brent's 'training-wheels girlfriend'.
TERESE: Harlow, you deserve to be with someone that's giving as much as they get. And most of all, you deserve to be happy! And we haven't seen you that way in a long time.
HARLOW: You know, I've forgotten what it's like to smile. I think my cheeks would crack if I tried. But hey, that's long-distance relationships, right? You're meant to be miserable.
TERESE: Well, I don't think that's always the case. And certainly not to this degree. Your grandfather and I are really worried about you. And I know you've given it a go, but I really don't think this relationship is good for you anymore.
Lassiter's Complex
Karl and Toadie have finished organising the relocation of the Buddy Club excursion. Karl's also had a text from Susan, saying all is under control at the nursery. But Toadie's feeling guilty about Melanie still being upset, and says he'll have to find a way to make it up to her.
KARL: She cares about you. It won't be hard. You two really seem to have become a fixture.
TOADIE: Yeah. Funny how that just happened, eh? We kind of fell into dating. I didn't think that it was actually gonna go anywhere.
KARL: Oh, it's organic. It's a good thing.
TOADIE: Yeah. Today was like having a co-pilot. Didn't quite realise how much I missed that, having someone to pick you up when you need it.
KARL: Well, you deserve it, Toad.
TOADIE: My gut's telling me that Mel's a keeper.
Karl agrees.
Harold's Café
Chloe is working on her laptop, when Nicolette, David and Aaron come in. Nic reports that the rest of the antenatal class went well, but David and Aaron still don't look very pleased at having been palmed off onto Maya. Nic says it's great that they could help her.
NICOLETTE: It takes a village, and I love my village so much, I just want to share the love around!
While the boys go to order coffees, Nicolette sits next to Chloe, and tells her she wishes she'd stayed.
CHLOE: I just wanted to give the boys some space. I could see they wanted to be more involved with you, and I wanted to respect that.
NICOLETTE: But everyone was there - we were all involved.
CHLOE: Of course...
NICOLETTE: I'm not just the incubator, you know. I do get some say.
CHLOE: We're all just trying to navigate this the best way we can. So I think, umm... maybe I shouldn't come to the classes anymore.
At the counter, Aaron confides his worry to David that Nicolette will try to get them out of the way at the next antenatal class, too. David admits it was a bit awkward.
AARON: I feel like Nic is replacing us with Chloe here.
DAVID: It does seem that way, but we can't blow things out of proportion.
AARON: Look, I'm trying to rise above this, Boo, but I just... I can't, it's...
DAVID: It's okay. I'm worried too.
The Waterhole
Amy, Roxy and Ned come in - Amy heads over to a table to join Terese, to pitch her latest promotional event for The Flamingo Bar. Meanwhile, Roxy tells Ned she had a little word with Amy about things being 'cool' between her and Ned, and 'now things are all good'. Ned says that's good, but asks Roxy to desist from saying anything more to Amy.
Roxy goes over to join Amy and Terese. Amy's new idea is to pitch The Flamingo Bar as host to 'Shorts & Briefs', a local film festival that is held at a different venue every year. Terese is quickly sold on the idea, particularly given it could bring extra bookings for the hotel. Seeing Harlow nearby, Terese calls her over and suggests she get involved in the project.
Harlow says she has a shift at the hotel soon, but Terese suggests they place her on secondment so she can be involved with the film festival bid.
TERESE: This is right up your alley.
HARLOW (sceptical): Is it? Since when?
TERESE: Well, you're brilliant, and you're creative - and this will occupy that brain of yours.
Harlow agrees, and goes to fetch her bags. Terese quietly tells Amy and Roxy that the project will give Harlow something to focus on, and that she's sure she will be an asset. Amy and Roxy are keen to have her on board.
Sonya's Nursery
Melanie and Susan are working at the nursery to fill in for the missing staff, but Mel has inadvertently lost them a customer by getting a bromeliad mixed up with an orchid. Toadie and Karl arrive - but when Toadie sees Melanie carrying the bromeliad from a distance, he suddenly goes quiet, and has a flashback, to Sonya, in the same spot, holding a similar plant.
Toadie looks upset.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul tells Terese that Jesse might be just the thing Harlow needs right now
- Harlow tells Jesse she's enjoying his company
- Jesse and Harlow on a picnic blanket by the lake
- Levi tells Kyle that 'they' know where they live; their family is in danger
- Sheila at home, walking towards the front door
- Yashvi and Levi looking worried
