Harold's Café
We pick up where we left off. Nicolette is unsure how to react to Aaron's discovery.

NICOLETTE: ... Aaron, I can explain.
AARON: Can you?!
NICOLETTE: I did that a long time ago. And I know it was wrong, but it shouldn't even be there because I deleted it. You were never...
AARON: What, I was never meant to see this, was I?

Nicolette goes to close the laptop, but Haz sees and stops her, saying she could lose all the recovered files if she does.

AARON: You were compiling evidence, weren't you?
NICOLETTE: It was just -
AARON: No, no, this is about custody.
NICOLETTE: Aaron, please...
AARON: You were planning on taking my own daughter away from me!
NICOLETTE: It's not like that.
AARON: No, Nic, it is. Because I know you, and I know exactly what you are capable of.

Aaron takes a worried- looking Isla by the hand, and leads her out of the café.

AARON: Don't follow us.

No 32
Haz tells Mackenzie and Byron about Aaron getting angry at the café, but he isn't aware of the reason other than that he was upset by a 'list' in one of Nicolette's files. Byron takes a sip of Haz's coffee and is knocked sideways by the strength of it!

Mackenzie has wedding news - her dad and siblings aren't going to make it to the ceremony as they're overseas until that evening. Haz points out that, since their flight to Paris leaves from Sydney, they could call in on Mackenzie's family on their way.

MACKENZIE: I can't wait to marry you.

They kiss. Meanwhile, Byron has gone to answer a knock at the front door - it's Melanie, who is super- thrilled that they want her to provide cocktails for the wedding.

MACKENZIE: We wouldn't want anyone other than the Drinks Diva herself.
MELANIE (shrieks): I am so excited!

She rushes over to give Haz and Mack a hug. She's also pleased that the ceremony's happening at Sonya's Nursery (if she'd seen the state of it lately, she might be less enthused!) and that the reception is at the café.

MELANIE: I mean, could you guys get any cuter? And it won't be long now before we say bon voyage. Erinsborough will not be the same without you guys.

Byron looks a bit upset at this, and heads outside into the garden. Haz notices.

Outside, a forlorn Byron tells Trevor that he'll have to look after Haz and Mackenzie for him in Paris. Haz comes out and sits next to them.

HAZ: You okay, mate? Talk to me.
BYRON: It just feels like everything's about to change. You know, I'm not stupid - the dream had to come to an end at some point, but... You, me... the gang. Just feels like it's all about to become memories.
HAZ: Yeah. Awesome memories. And no matter what happens next, nothing's gonna take that away. And we will always, always be the gang.
BYRON: Yeah...
HAZ: If I'm honest, I'm really nervous - about a new country, a new language.
BYRON: Nah, don't be. You've got Trev here - I've already worded him up about all his responsibilities.

Haz takes the opportunity to entrust Trevor to Byron for the interim period while Trev's still in Erinsborough, until they can get him vaccinated and travel- trained.

HAZ: I wouldn't trust him with anyone except you.
BYRON: Mate, it would be my honour. And that's for as long as you need.

Byron pulls Haz and Trevor into an emotional hug. At which point, Vera Punt appears!

VERA: Well, this looks awfully friendly!

The Waterhole
Krista and Leo are at a table, chatting about the sale of Harold's Café. Krista has had a 'genius' idea, but can't tell Leo, she jokes, 'out of respect for Paul and our new joint management position'. At this point, Paul himself walks in, and Krista rushes over to run this 'genius' idea past him. But Paul has spied Terese at one of the other tables, and tells Krista that whatever it is will have to wait.

While Paul goes over to chat up Terese, Krista rejoins Leo and remarks that his dad clearly has more important matters to attend to.

KRISTA: Which just proves my point. If he's prioritising Terese over the business, then there's definitely something going on.

Krista looks inordinately pleased about this, and certainly more than Leo does.

No 32
In the garden, Mackenzie has come out to join Byron and Haz for a chat with Vera.

VERA: First of all, I hear there's a wedding in the works! What colour dress are you wearing?
MACKENZIE: White.
VERA: Black's more slimming, love.
MACKENZIE: Oh. Thanks for the tip.
VERA (to Mackenzie and Haz): Now, with you two moving out, we need to chat about the lease terms. (to Byron) Unless you and Paris Hilton are planning on covering the entire rent?
BYRON: Uh, no. We're actually gonna look for another housemate or two. And Trevor's gonna stay on - although he won't be contributing to the rent!
VERA: Right. Now when you're setting up interviews, arvos are best for me. But not Mondays, that's mahjong.
BYRON: Ah, now, Vera, why would you want to complicate all your social commitments with such tedious tasks? You know, you can just leave it up to us to deal with it.
VERA: You're not just a pretty face, are you?

Vera rushes off to 'see a man about a horse'. But as she leaves...

VERA: Slide the wedding invitation straight under the door, so I don't miss it! Hooroo!

Once she's gone, Haz and Mackenzie look frustrated, and Byron groans...

No 24
Sam and Isla are on the couch watching something on Isla's tablet, while Aaron is in the kitchen preparing food. Nicolette comes in and begs Aaron to talk to her.

NICOLETTE: I am so sorry that I wrote that list.
AARON: No, Nic. You're sorry that I found it.
NICOLETTE: It was a mistake. I regret it so, so much.
AARON: I don't want to hear any more lies or excuses. I just want to hear the truth.
NICOLETTE: I'm telling you the truth.
AARON: No, you're not! You're telling me what you think will save your own skin! Be honest - do you want full custody of Isla?
NICOLETTE: No.
AARON: Were you going to use that list to try and justify running off with her again?
NICOLETTE: Of course not. It was just... insurance.
AARON: Insurance against what?! I have done nothing but love Isla, and try and work with you. And I know that I am not her biological father. But we have an agreement, Nic, and it is on video.

Aaron and Nic become aware that Sam and Isla are watching them intently, having heard the raised voices. They continue more quietly.

NICOLETTE: I know. I remember.
AARON: You know, all of those things on that list, Nic - I was... I was grieving. I had just lost David.
NICOLETTE: I know.
AARON: But you have no excuse for all the selfish, messed- up things you've done over the years - from stealing Isla to cheating on Kiri.
NICOLETTE: No, I never cheated on Kiri!
AARON: This is why Kiri left. She found out what you were up to.

At this point, Jane arrives home from her trip to Queensland, and looks concerned when she hears the end of their conversation.

The Waterhole
Paul and Terese are at the bar having a coffee and a tea, respectively, while talking about Mackenzie's wedding. Paul wonders if Terese has bought a dress yet, but gets the sense she's not too excited about going.

TERESE: Look, I am happy for Mackenzie and Haz, of course I am. And it will be lovely to celebrate something on the street.
PAUL: But...?
TERESE: I just can't say I'm in the mood for a wedding. And the idea of happy endings is hard to believe in right now.
PAUL: You know, you don't have to go. And even if you did, I think people would understand why you're not the life of the party (...) Anyway, the attention's not gonna be on you. You're not the one getting married.
TERESE: Thank goodness. I think my nuptials quota is full for the time being!
PAUL: You and me both!
TERESE: Thanks for putting it all in perspective for me.
PAUL: Any time.

Toadie has come in and lingers at the door watching Paul and Terese, looking haunted.

No 24
Nicolette is trying to explain herself to Jane, Aaron and Sam. She insists it was wrong of her to compile the list, but that she wasn't going to use it, and had deleted it.

AARON: No, Nic, you were coming up with a plan of attack, and that is what the issue is here!

He bangs the table, alarming Isla who's still nearby. At Jane's request, Sam goes to take Isla to her room for a tea party. There's a knock at the door; Aaron expects that it will be Leo, who he messaged on his way home from the café.

AARON: I thought he should know who he's doing business with.

Sure enough, Leo comes in and starts self- righteously asking questions of Nic, namely whether what Aaron has told him is true.

NICOLETTE: I had a period of doubt, but that was a long time ago.
AARON: No, Nic, it wasn't. I saw the last modified date on the file. It was the same time I was suggesting using David's life insurance money to buy a house that we could all move into together!
NICOLETTE: But that was -
AARON: No, Nic - you were gonna get me to buy a house, and then take me to court!

Nicolette appeals to Jane for support, but Jane's staying very quiet.

AARON: You're on your own here, Nic. There is no justification for what you've done.

No 32
Haz is whining to Byron and Mackenzie about the prospect of having Vera at his wedding.

HAZ: The whole point of having the wedding in Erinsborough was so we'd be surrounded by our loved ones - and Vera certainly doesn't qualify!
MACKENZIE: Well, that's a little harsh, don't you think?
BYRON: Vera just texted me asking for all the names of the eligible bachelors on the guest list. So, no - I don't think it's very harsh.
MACKENZIE: Well, still, maybe we should just go along with it (...) It's not ideal, but she just wants to be a part of things. And if we don't invite her to the wedding, it's not us who are gonna suffer - it's Byron and Krista.

But Byron's had an idea, and tells them to leave it to him.

BYRON: No one's getting Punted. Not today.

He doesn't explain further, but looks pleased with himself as he backs towards the door - and straight into a lamp! Mackenzie and Haz exchange a glance.

The Waterhole
Toadie is still looking haunted as he continues to spy on Toadie and Terese. Terese has to get back to work, but thanks Paul for helping her think straight.

TERESE: I really do want to go to Mackenzie and Haz's wedding, even if it means just popping into the toilet to have a little cry here and there.

Once Terese has left, Toadie emerges from his hiding place and accosts Paul.

TOADIE: Hope you're not making a move on Terese, mate.
PAUL: I can assure you, I have absolutely no interest in what you hope, Jarrod.
TOADIE: She needs space and time to heal.
PAUL: Ah. Like you gave her space when we split up (!)
TOADIE: That's different.
PAUL: You keep telling yourself that.
TOADIE: The last thing that Terese needs is you crowding her.
PAUL (scoffs): You know, it's abundantly clear that you have absolutely no idea what Terese needs. Probably the reason why you're no longer together.

Ramsay Street
Aaron and Leo are chatting about Nicolette's perceived betrayal.

AARON: I thought we were past all this. But here I am, back to square one. Back to where I was when Nicolette first reappeared with Isla, after going on the run. I didn't think I'd actually have to worry about her doing it again. I just... I feel so used. Like we're not really a family. Everything that I thought we had, she was playing me the whole time.

Leo gets a text message from Kiri and reads it.

LEO: You were right about Kiri. She knew about the list.
AARON: Why didn't she warn me?
LEO: She didn't think it was in Isla's best interest to throw a grenade into the whole family situation.
AARON: I'm actually trying to figure out what *is* in Isla's best interest. She doesn't deserve to be stuck in the middle of a custody battle. Now I know that Nic was planning one... how am I supposed to co- parent with someone that I can never trust again?

Lassiter's Complex
Byron convenes with Krista, and moans about Haz and Mackenzie leaving. Krista admits she'll miss them too. They discuss plans for finding new housemates; Byron says he's been assuming Krista wants to stay on, but he'll understand if she ends up moving out with Leo.

KRISTA: Byron, relax. I'm not going anywhere, okay? Leo and I have enough to worry about without adding the stress of moving.
BYRON: Good - good. Because I really didn't want to start from scratch with new people. Feel bad for Haz and Mack, not knowing anybody over in Paris. But at least they've got each other.
KRISTA: Yeah, somehow I don't think they'll mind that. At least until the honeymoon period wears off. I wish there was a way we could bring the whole street to Paris for them.

This seems to give Byron an idea for a great wedding present for Haz and Mack...

No 24
Nicolette and Jane are talking on the couch. Jane doesn't understand why Nicolette wrote the list, as the co- parenting arrangement seemed to be going well - plus Nic had backup from Jane and a whole community of caring people.

JANE: What made you feel the need to have an escape plan?

Nic tries to change the subject, asking how Queensland was and whether Jane feels able to move on from Mike now. But Jane insists on keeping to the matter at hand.

NICOLETTE: I made a mistake and I'm sorry. I just want to move on!
JANE: But why would you do such a thing?
NICOLETTE: I don't know! I wish I could give you a simple answer. I guess I just struggle to trust people.
JANE: And yet you betray the trust of those that you love. Time and time again.
NICOLETTE: My loyalty will always be with Isla. And you might not believe me, but I did this for her. Her wellbeing is at the heart of every decision I make.

Jane sighs, seemingly unconvinced.

Lassiter's Complex
Paul is walking by when Krista asks for a moment. Paul grudgingly hears out her 'genius' plan she alluded to earlier with Leo.

KRISTA: Lassiter's should buy Harold's.
PAUL: ...
KRISTA: Look, I know we're already the landlords. But I'm talking about owning the business itself. It would give us more control of the whole complex.
PAUL: No. It's enough that we already own the Waterhole.

Krista has crunched some numbers, but Paul is not interested in looking at them. He reiterates that finding a buyer for the café is Haz's problem, not hers.

KRISTA: Yeah, but -
PAUL: And quite frankly, I'm not interested in ending up in the coffee and toastie game.

He strops off, and Krista sighs.

No 32
Mackenzie, Byron and Haz are talking flowers for the wedding when Melanie turns up. She wants to float some cocktail names by them for the wedding.

MELANIE: Can I interest you, sir, in a Trevor- tini?
HAZ: You certainly can.

He picks up an invisible cocktail glass and takes a sip, declaring it 'delicious'.

MELANIE: Excellent! Well, I shall set some of those aside for the next day. And then we can call them Hair of the Dog. (seal laugh)
VERA (appearing above the fence): How about a Vera- licious? I just want to say thanks for the invite, and I'm looking forward to seeing you all on the 18th. Now for the fun part - choosing what to wear!

Vera disappears again. Byron smirks mischievously as Mackenzie turns to Haz, confused.

MACKENZIE: Our wedding's on the 17th...
BYRON: Exactly.
MACKENZIE: You didn't.
HAZ: Byron Stone, you've really taken one for the team.
BYRON: Look, you can thank me later, okay? But, it's sorted.
MACKENZIE: What? No, I really didn't mind her coming to the wedding! Also, she's not gonna be happy when she finds out that she's been tricked.
BYRON: Okay, look, I can take care of Vera Punt. Seriously, I've got it.

Byron gets a phone call from Leo. It sounds urgent, so he rushes off to meet him.

Ramsay Street
Leo has summoned the Stone siblings to discuss Yorokobi; Aaron is also present.

LEO (to Nicolette): Thanks to you, Kiri's made herself a silent partner. And from now on, you will be too. You know, if I had the money, I'd buy you out. But until I do, you'll step down until you or I find someone else to buy your shares.
BYRON: Uh, I'm sorry, but... what did she do?
AARON: She was planning a custody battle. She wanted to take Isla from me.
BYRON (to Nicolette): What is wrong with you? How do you ruin everything?
NICOLETTE: That's rich, coming from the guy that blew up that deal with Leo's investor.
BYRON: No, don't even try and take the heat off yourself here, okay? How could you think about running away with Isla?
NICOLETTE: I wasn't.
BYRON (shouting): Wasn't what, Nic? Wasn't thinking? No, because this type of BS is just baked into your character at this point. This is you! It's unbelievable.
AARON: I can't deal with this. I'm gonna go spend time with my daughter.

Nicolette and Byron stare at each other. Nic is very upset but trying to hold it together.

No 24
Jane is alone when Aaron comes in.

AARON: Jane, do you think I deserve this?
JANE: No, Aaron. No, you are a good parent.

Aaron heads to his room. Nicolette comes in. Jane approaches, looking stern.

NICOLETTE: Mum...
JANE: What you have done is unforgivable. Aaron is profoundly hurt, and it's unreasonable that he be expected to live with you anymore.
NICOLETTE: So he's moving out?
JANE: ... You told me earlier that Isla's wellbeing is at the heart of every decision you make. But considering how off- base those decisions have been, I'm taking on that duty. I'm sorry, Nicolette... but you need to leave.

A tear runs down Nicolette's cheek.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Haz's sister Amira is back for the wedding, but is shifty when Haz asks when their parents will arrive
- Holly takes more cash from her hidden stash in the greenhouse
- Susan tells Holly that spending may feel good, but that it doesn't heal trauma
- 'Mum, please don't do this,' begs Nicolette. 'You did this, Nicolette,' Jane replies