Harold's Café
Remi has joined Nicolette, Cara and Isla and is tending to Isla's burned finger. Remi says the burn might sting for a couple of days, but it's not serious. At this point, Aaron turns up demanding to know what's happened, and Cara is forced to admit to Nicolette that she called him.

NICOLETTE: Everything is under control; there was just a little incident in the kitchen.
AARON: I thought she was at Jane's?
NICOLETTE: Mum had a meeting; and I asked you, but you didn't want to cancel on your mate.
AARON: I would've cancelled if I'd known she'd be hanging in a commercial kitchen!
NICOLETTE: I didn't have another option, Aaron.
AARON: Well, why don't we go and get some sharp knives for her to juggle? That would be fun, right? (!)
CARA (to Isla): Okay, this doesn't seem like the place or the audience for this, does it?
REMI (to Isla): You know what, darling? Mummy and Daddy are gonna look after you now, and they're gonna use their *kind voices* all the way home.

Nicolette and Aaron both look sulky.

The Waterhole
Harold and Gino come in with a load of Eirini Rising extras. Harold is telling Gino how the Eirini Rising community bus calls at the Lassiter's Complex once a day.

GINO: What was this called in our day? The, umm... oh, the Harlot Bar!
HAROLD: The Scarlet Bar! Oh, and Lou's Place before that.
GINO (laughs): Remember when you were jealous of mine and Lou's friendship?
HAROLD: Yeah, I remember you two winding me up mercilessly.
GINO: You were particularly upset about some Producers tickets, I recall.

Susan comes in, and Harold checks that she feels okay being in here after the siege. Susan says she can't really avoid the place.

SUSAN: Actually, I was hoping that I might bump into... oh, never mind. We're all safe and sound now. That's all that matters.
GINO: You know, seeing as it all had a happy ending, have you ever thought of turning your experience into a musical? You know, the hapless assailant; the pillar of the community, trapped in this...

Susan and Harold stare at him until he trails off!

GINO: Oh, too soon?

Susan heads back out again to meet up with Karl, and Harold shakes his head wearily at Gino, who is surveying his fellow Eirini Rising residents.

GINO: We don't have to hang around these oldies, do we?

Harold laughs nervously, hoping none of them have overheard!

Lassiter's Complex
Susan runs into Felix in the courtyard and it appears that he's who she was looking for in the pub. She's bought him a present 'as a small token of my gratitude' for saving her and the others during the siege.

FELIX: Hey, how's Holly doing?
SUSAN: Oh, she's a bit bruised, but we're taking good care of her. Just like you took care of us in there.
FELIX: Well, I was just doing my bit. No big deal.
SUSAN: You willingly walked into danger for us. That's a very big deal.
FELIX: Well, it was God's will that put me in the right place at the right time.
SUSAN: Maybe. But you were the one that promised I'd be safe, and you kept that promise.
FELIX: Right. Well, thanks for this.

Felix goes on his way. Susan looks a little concerned for him as he goes.

No 24
Isla has been put to bed, and Jane, Nicolette and Aaron are talking about what happened. Aaron tells Nicolette she can't hide behind excuses any longer.

NICOLETTE: Can you please just save yourself the lecture? The blame box has been ticked. Now, can we move on to making sure this doesn't happen again?
JANE: Well, there is only one person who can do that, Nicolette, and that is you.
NICOLETTE: Seriously? I'm so... what are we trying to do here?
AARON: Well, I am trying to take care of Isla.
NICOLETTE: Then why is your main priority punishing me?
JANE: It's not.
NICOLETTE (upset): I want to make this work! The adoption, everything. But it has to work for both of us, or we're just gonna end up in court, and even worse, hating each other!
AARON: I don't want that to happen.
NICOLETTE: Me neither. So can we figure this out?

Harold's Café
Harold and Gino are continuing their nostalgia tour, as Harold declares that the café still has the best coffee in Erinsborough.

GINO: I remember when you and Lou took over, I gave you all these redecorating tips.
HAROLD: Oh dear. Yes, how could I forget?

Harold spies Felix at a table reading the Bible, and goes over to join him, commenting that it's rare to see someone reading it in public.

HAROLD: Good to meet a fellow believer. Harold Bishop.
FELIX: Felix Rodwell. It's all a bit new to me.
HAROLD: Oh? How did you find your faith?
FELIX: In prison.
HAROLD: Ah, right. Darkness always the best place to see the light, eh? And Felix, would you be Andrew's brother? And therefore JJ is your s-
FELIX (interrupting): Someone I need to ask forgiveness of. One of many such people.
HAROLD: Ah, redemption. Not always easy to find, eh?
FELIX: Whenever things get tough, I check in with the Big Guy.
HAROLD: What does He say?
FELIX: Fear not, for I am with you. Which means he gets to keep me company while I continue my job search.

Harold leaves Felix to it, but wishes him luck, and Felix thanks him.

Ramsay Street
Dex is getting in some basketball practice and wants to show JJ a new trick. But JJ is too engrossed in messaging Nell, who is apparently going to call him any minute. Cara and Remi emerge from No 30 and greet Karl, who's just getting into his car. Cara asks how Susan's doing after the siege - Karl says she's back at work, never having been one for resting.

CARA: We're really lucky that no one was hurt.
KARL: Yeah, well, the way Susan and Holly tell it, it was less about luck, and more about Felix. He's a real hero.

The Varga- Murphys all look uncomfortable, particularly JJ.

REMI: Well, we're just glad everyone's safe. Send our love.

JJ brightens up again when Nell phones, and walks off to talk to her. As Karl drives off, Remi and Cara check in with Dex, asking him how he thinks JJ is.

DEX: All I know is that with Felix, and this long- distance Nell thing, JJ has been a real barrel of laughs.
CARA: Oh, it'll pass.
DEX: Sure. But until then, maybe we should do something to distract him?
CARA: Oh, what did you have in mind?
DEX: It has to be low- stress, but competitive, or he'll lose interest. And also fun. But not cool. Or he won't want to do it with us.
REMI: Okay. Any other limitations, Goldilocks?
DEX: There is one thing JJ loves to do... (to Cara) but you hate it. So, just remember, it's for a good cause.

Cara looks miffed as Remi and Dex put consolatory hands on her shoulders, but we don't learn what this hateful activity is yet!

Lassiter's Complex
Krista is hanging out at a table outside the pub when Leo comes over to join her, wanting to talk to her about something. But before he can begin, Melanie turns up and starts banging on about costumes for the Boylesque event.

KRISTA: Now all we need is a few more performers.
MELANIE (pointed): Yes. If only we knew someone who was tall, dark and handsome...

They both gaze adoringly at Leo.

MELANIE: ... generous...
KRISTA: Looks great without a shirt...
LEO: To be clear with you guys, there's no way I'm getting my kit off for your event - ever, okay?
KRISTA: We'll see.

Leo offers to walk Krista home, clearly keen to talk, but she suggests going to the movies instead.

MELANIE: Are you still avoiding home at all costs?
KRISTA: Yeah. Nicolette's making me rage- scream into a pillow, so I need a new place, stat.

This leads Leo to prepare to broach his topic, but...

MELANIE: This might seem like a silly idea, but I have a spare room, and you're more than welcome to it.

Leo looks frustrated; clearly he was about to suggest he and Krista living together. But an oblivious Krista is delighted by Melanie's offer.

KRISTA: I will *take* it! You had me at 'not living with Nicolette'!

Krista and Melanie squeal and clap with excitement, as a visibly gutted Leo forces a smile!

No 24
Aaron and Nicolette are still with Jane at the table, and it seems they have made some progress. They've both downloaded a parenting app which Nicolette explains 'takes care of everything', including Isla's care schedule and shared expenses, meaning 'no more nasty surprises'.

AARON: Why did we not do this earlier?
NICOLETTE: I think we were too busy fighting.
JANE: (...) Should I download the app as well?
AARON: I don't think you need to, Jane. I think we both need to stop using you as the automatic fill- in.
JANE: Well, I'm happy to help when I can...
NICOLETTE: And we're grateful for that. But this is just about cleaning up the lines of communication, making sure there's no more last- minute scrambling.

Aaron says he has his first meeting with the adoption lawyer this week, so puts it in the shared calendar on the app.

AARON: This is nice.
NICOLETTE: Sharing data?
AARON: No, sharing the parenting again. It's better than that other thing.
NICOLETTE: The great Cold War of Ramsay Street? Agreed. I've missed it.

Harold's Café
Susan and Karl arrive and sit down at a table with Harold, who explains that Gino has been dragging him around the complex reminiscing about the old days. Karl gets a message from Reuben, one of the staff at The 82, who is 'starting to feel sick' and wants to go home. But Lonny, another staff member, is away, so Karl has nobody to cover.

SUSAN: Well, if you hired more staff it wouldn't be a problem, would it?
HAROLD: Erm... what about Felix Rodwell?

Harold lowers his voice and points over to Felix, who is still present and at another table.

HAROLD: I met him before, seems a nice fellow, and he's looking for work.
SUSAN: There's a thought, Harold. Must be tricky with a criminal record.
HAROLD: Well, seeing the way he's trying to rebuild his life, I think he'd be a good worker.

Gino then reappears and drags Harold away. Susan asks Karl how he thinks the Varga- Murphys would feel about having Felix around. Karl points out that the Rodwells may have something to say on the matter, too...

The Waterhole
We now find out what the activity is that Cara was going to hate, as the Varga- Murphys are seated at a table taking part in a trivia quiz being hosted by Aaron. JJ is present in body only, still glued to his phone and messaging Nell. But then Aaron tells JJ to get off his phone as it could be construed as cheating, so JJ begins to engage with answering the questions - Dex's plan to distract him finally seems to be working.

At that point, though, Nell rings again. JJ answers it, but the signal is patchy and eventually cuts out. He goes outside to try and call her back...

Harold's Café
Karl is another person who's glued to his phone, and Susan tells him off for it. He's apologetic but it's because he's still struggling with staffing issues at The 82 - he says he may have to start scheduling in some extra shifts for himself. Susan doesn't think this is a good idea on top of his full- time job at Eirini Rising. Karl wonders if Holly could help out with some shifts in her spare time.

SUSAN: After everything that happened at the Waterhole, I think the Varga- Murphys would understand if you gave Felix a chance.
KARL: Yeah, well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask if he was interested...

Karl goes over to join Felix, and explains Harold told him about Felix's job search.

KARL: Do you have any experience in hospitality?
FELIX: Does a prison kitchen count?
KARL: Yeah. How would you feel about a trial run at the tram?
FELIX: Really?
KARL: Yeah. It's minimum wage, no guarantee on hours.
FELIX: Love the sales pitch! But seriously, I appreciate the offer. There's just one issue - and it's a bit of a deal- breaker for me...

Lassiter's Complex
We cut to JJ looking sad outside the pub; presumably he's still struggling to get through to Nell. Cara comes out looking for him and takes a seat.

CARA: You know, she will call when she gets better reception.
JJ: Yeah, I guess.
CARA: ... I'm no Nell, but I am here if you want to talk.
JJ: It's one thing to have Felix around. But now with the siege, it's just... it feels like -
CARA: Everyone's singing his praises.
JJ: *Everyone* is singing his praises.
CARA: Well, they can throw him a parade if they want to. But he's not coming anywhere near us.
JJ: Good.
CARA: You want to go back into trivia?
JJ: Honestly, I'm not really in the mood to do trivia.
CARA: I know. But it was Dex's big plan to cheer you up, and I think he'd be gutted if we left.
JJ: I guess I could pretend to be into it for him.
CARA: Thanks, mate. He's such a nerd.
JJ (laughs): He's such a nerd!

They head back indoors.

Eclipse Apartment 702
Melanie and Krista are giggling with glee as Krista arrives to start moving her possessions into the apartment. Mel has bought in a load of Krista's favourite snacks, which we assume she knows about from the days when Melanie was the Sinclair housekeeper in the UK.

MELANIE: Sadly, I couldn't find anything that resembled your old night light.
KRISTA: Oh, well, that's okay. I will settle for a glass of milk and a chapter of whatever you're reading!

They hug and squeal some more. Leo calls in to see how things are going; Krista explains she's paid a couple of extra months' rent on No 32 so that Nicolette and Byron have time to find a replacement for her.

Melanie is getting repeated message alerts on her phone; Krista remarks that she's very popular, but she claims it's just marketing texts. Krista looks like she doesn't believe her.

MELANIE: Anyway, so, the rules of the house are... anything that is in the fridge is up for grabs, the Wi- Fi is unlimited, and there is a 5pm weekday dance party that is compulsory.
KRISTA (laughs): Okay, I can get on board with all of that!

Melanie takes Krista's cases through to her room for her, which finally gives Leo his chance to talk to Krista. He explains he was trying to find a moment to talk about the idea of them moving in together earlier. Krista smiles silently at him.

LEO: It was just an idea. I know it's stupid.
KRISTA: I love that you're thinking about that already. And I'm really sorry we didn't get a chance to talk about it before.
LEO: Yeah, well, that's alright. It's, umm, probably too soon anyway, right?
KRISTA: No. It's more like... I couldn't work with Paul, and live with Paul, and not kill Paul.
LEO: Fair enough. Well, when we *do* get a place together, we won't have to worry about that.
KRISTA: Mm, I can't wait. But for now, I'm very excited that you're just a couple of floors away.

They pash.

The Waterhole
It's the final round of the trivia quiz, and Remi and Cara are squabbling over the answer to the tiebreaker. JJ takes a moment to quietly chat to Dex.

JJ: Thanks for organising this whole thing. Also, I'm sorry for being such a downer lately.
DEX: No, it's fine. It'll be my turn to date soon enough, and I will be not nearly as annoying as you.
JJ: You'll be much worse, I reckon.

Harold turns up, looking like he's in search of a place to hide.

JJ: Who are you running from?
HAROLD: Oh, Gino Esposito. It's been lovely talking to the man, but he can be so exhausting.
JJ: (...) He loves a good chat, doesn't he?
HAROLD: Oh, speaking of which - just met Felix Rodwell earlier. Have you seen much of him since he's been back in town?
CARA (awkward): Uh, Felix might be out of prison, but he's definitely not back in our lives.
HAROLD: Ah. Oh dear. Well, I'm a great believer in second chances...
CARA: Mm. Well, Felix is welcome to have his second chance anywhere but here.
HAROLD: Oh dear. Then I feel I should tell you I suggested that Karl give him a job at the tram.
JJ: ...
CARA: Are you joking?!

Harold says he's not, and looks very awkward!

Harold's Café
Susan and Karl are still at their table when Cara storms in, followed by a nervous Remi.

CARA (bolshy): You're not seriously going to hire Felix?!
REMI (diplomatic): Hi. Sorry. We just saw Harold.
KARL: Yeah. No, I did talk to Felix about the possibility of him working at the tram...
CARA: Well, you should've come to us first! The man's done maybe two decent things in his whole life. It doesn't make up for the damage he's caused!
KARL: Yeah, I'm sorry - I should've. But you should know that Felix -
CARA (interrupting): The only thing I need to know is that you'll retract the offer!

Cara strops off. Remi apologises, and says that Felix is still a very sensitive issue for their family.

KARL: I understand that. It's just that he was so helpful to Susan in the siege. I just wanted to repay the kindness.
SUSAN: Yeah, and if she'd let Karl tell the whole story, I'm sure that would change her perspective.

Remi sits down to hear them out.

Eclipse Apartment 702
Krista and Melanie are still getting on like a house on fire.

KRISTA: Who would've thought we'd be living together after all these years?

Melanie gets another message, claiming it's a wrong number, but Krista calls her out, saying she's blushing.

KRISTA: I see the twinkle in your eye, Mel! Who is it?
MELANIE: ... It's actually messages from a dating app.
KRISTA: Oh my goodness! And with all of those beeps, you must be so popular.

But Melanie says the messages are all from one person.

MELANIE: We started chatting, and we haven't stopped!
KRISTA: Wow. Is the chemistry as good in person as it is online?
MELANIE: Well, we haven't actually met yet (...) The good thing is that he's in Sydney, but he has connections down here, so he's coming down at some point.
KRISTA: Yay! Well, can I see a piccy at least?
MELANIE: No, I don't want to jinx it!

Lassiter's Complex
Cara is still brooding while having a beer outside the pub. She sees Felix approaching through the courtyard, and gets up to confront him.

CARA: Can't stop yourself, can ya? Even after all the promises, you can't help trying to weasel your way back into our lives? You know, you might have all these people fooled, but I know exactly what you are.

Before Felix can respond, Remi turns up, and asks where JJ and Dex are.

CARA: I sent them home, which is lucky, because they don't have to be in the presence of *this*.
FELIX: Uh, perhaps there's been a misunderstanding...
CARA: You know what? Taking a job so that you can get closer to JJ - that's a new low. The Kennedys are good people, and you're taking advantage.
REMI: Uh, no, he's not. Karl told me that Felix said he would check with us before he accepted the role.
CARA: (scoffs)
FEIX: I'll let Karl know that it's a 'no'. And, umm, sorry for any crossed wires.

Felix walks away, but Cara is still fuming.

CARA: I am so sick of this 'reformed holy man' bull.
REMI: Felix did do his time. Would it be so bad if Karl gave him a job?
CARA: Are you seriously siding with the conman who recruited our kid into crime?!
REMI: No...
CARA: Because he almost derailed our whole family. I thought we were on the same page, which is the one where a criminal doesn't get to be around our kid.
REMI: I'm not siding with Felix!
CARA: Could've fooled me.

They each look a bit astonished at the other's attitude.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Cara asks Terese whether she's falling for the 'Saint Felix act' as well
- Holly tells Felix she's waiting for the police to decide how to punish her; he says he's been in her shoes
- Holly getting tearful and panicked