No 30
Remi is still waiting for an explanation from Cara and Nicolette. Nic begins to concoct a tall tale, claiming she just meant that she 'really likes' the advice Cara's been giving her about Maddy!

REMI (sceptical): I thought you two were just friends.
NICOLETTE: Yeah, we were, and then we weren't. It's complicated. But Cara's been giving me this really amazing cousinly insight, so...
REMI (to Cara): Is all that true?
NICOLETTE: I've probably been such a needy friend lately! Sorry if I've been taking up too much of your time.
REMI: ...
CARA: It's not true. But it's not what you're thinking, either.
REMI: Well, what is it, then?
CARA: Nic, do you mind if you give us some space? I need to talk to my wife.

Nicolette leaves.

CARA: Which I should've done. From the start.

Lassiter's Complex
Aaron is clearing tables outside the pub when Holly turns up. She eyes a half- bottle of rosé that's been left undrunk at the table; Aaron explains Jane and Byron left it, having been expecting Nicolette to join them but she never showed. Holly puts the top on the wine to take home with her! Aaron laughs incredulously.

Holly asks Aaron if he's heard anything about who will be in Leo and Krista's wedding party; it seems Holly is hoping for a spot, though knows that Krista has Fallon here so it might be an 'outside chance'. Aaron confirms that Leo asked him to be best man a couple of weeks ago.

HOLLY (disappointed): I definitely haven't made the cut, then.

Krista then appears, and Holly rushes over to talk to her.

HOLLY: Look, I totally get why you would pick Fallon over me. It's okay.
KRISTA: What?
HOLLY: As your maid of honour. I mean, if Fallon wasn't here, I'd probably be a bit offended, especially after the Piano Bar snub, but...
KRISTA: Holly, I haven't -
HOLLY: Sorry, that wasn't a dig. I'm still invited. That's all that matters.

Holly smiles desperately at Krista and then rushes off!

AARON (to Krista): You haven't asked Fallon, have you?

Krista shakes her head.

No 30
Cara has told a surprised Remi about having seen pregnant Chelsea at the airport at Christmas, and that she's since had the baby.

REMI: Is it Paul's?
CARA: I dunno. I figured it could also be Jeffrey's, the IT guy.
REMI: This is huge.

Remi is annoyed at the lies, but Cara tries to explain why she didn't tell her straight away at the airport.

CARA: I'd had a hysterectomy, and Chelsea had had a baby. I didn't even want to think about it. I promise, I wanted to sort it out as soon as we got home.
REMI: Why didn't you tell me then?
CARA: Well, you had all of the Taye stuff going on. It just felt unfair to drop a bomb and make things harder.
REMI (hurt): So you told Nicolette, of all people.
NICOLETTE: She overheard me calling Mum and figured it out. But yes, I confided in her.
REMI: The pair of you have been running around behind my back for weeks. You didn't think how much that might hurt me?

But at this point, Taye comes in with JJ and Dex, cutting the conversation short.

TAYE: Hey - I picked up the little library nerds!
JJ (throwing a bag at him): Oh, hey, that's only because we're grounded. That's rude!
DEX: For five more hours.
TAYE: Oh, you're still massive nerdburgers!

Remi and Cara force smiles so as not to draw the boys into their issues.

Harold's Café
Andrew is dropping off some flyers for some new self- defence classes he's running, and chats about it to Nell, who's working at a table.

ANDREW: Not that you're gonna need it, Miss Brown Belt.

Andrew asks Nell what she's up to and she shows him what she's working on for her school project - a graphic novel called 'The Story of Erinsborough'. (Pleasingly, she's used the classic Neighbours font for the 'Erinsborough' part on the title page!)

ANDREW: Well, you're gonna have a bit of material to work with.
NELL: Too much! I've taken inspo from the History Book - plus Roxy's told me some wild stories.

She shows him another page, in which Ramsay Street pet dogs Bouncer, Clancy and Trevor are showcased in a bright comic book art style, complete with name captions.

ANDREW: Are these guys the stars?

But Nell explains it's just a practice page, and a little too 'unserious' to make the final cut. Andrew wishes Nell luck with the project and leaves.

702 Eclipse Apartments
Leo and Fallon are debating which things are better in the US or Australia, while Abigail plays a game on her tablet. Krista comes in with chocolate cake for everyone...

ABIGAIL: Yay!

... but Fallon excuses herself, saying she needs an early night. Perhaps sensing some coldness from Fallon, Krista asks if she's sure, but Fallon has made up her mind and heads to bed.

Krista tells Leo about her bridesmaid dilemma; she wants to ask Fallon, but knows how upset she was about her own recent almost- wedding, and doesn't want to rub salt in the wound by making her walk down the aisle.

LEO: Well, our wedding is informal, right? We've nixed the speeches, we nixed the first dance. Why don't we just nix those roles as well?
KRISTA: And cancel Aaron?
LEO: Well, he'll be happy as long as he's still organising the bucks party.
KRISTA: Are you sure?
LEO: Yeah. I mean, it was gonna be tough for both of us anyway. A reminder of David, so... let's drop the question. As long as we've got our flower girls, I think we're all set.
ABIGAIL: I'm a flower girl!
KRISTA (hugging her): Yes you are! I can't wait!

Conversation moves back to the chocolate cake, as Abi requests a piece as big as her face! In the guest room we see Fallon lying in bed, listening to the conversation outside, unsmiling.

No 22
The next day, Dex and JJ are at Nell's house. In the kitchen, Dex is admiring the title page and doggy artwork that Nell's done for 'The Story of Erinsborough'. She asks Dex what he thinks of the line work; he says it's great, but she could go thinner around the eyes. JJ comes in from the next room.

JJ: Guys, come on, are we really doing homework right now?
NELL: it's not just homework.
JJ: Well, I mean, technically, it is. You know, it's supposed to be my first day of freedom today.
NELL: I know. I just need to finish this.
JJ: No, trust me, that already looks great. If you hand that in now, you'll get an A.
NELL: Yeah, I want it to be perfect. So, I won't be long, and then we can do something you want, alright?

JJ slouches back onto the sofa with his phone, while Dex continues to admire Nell's work - specifically, a page featuring images of a worried- looking Mark Gottlieb and Annalise Hartman at their ill- fated 1994 finale wedding! As Dex gives Nell some advice on how to improve it which Nell laps up, JJ looks sad to be left out.

Ramsay Street
Taye is getting ready to go for a run when Aaron appears in the street to do the same.

TAYE: Hey, Waterhole!
AARON: Oh, hey, Piano Bar!
TAYE: Race you to the complex?
AARON: Nah...

But they both set off running as fast as they can, laughing to themselves!

Nicolette comes out of No 24 and waves over at Remi, who is outside No 30, and visibly not so thrilled to see her. Nonetheless, Remi comes over to talk.

NICOLETTE: I'm guessing you're still mad.
REMI: Uh, I'm hurt.
NICOLETTE: Well, Cara really didn't like keeping secrets. I can promise that.
REMI: No one forced her to.
NICOLETTE: No. But she was really struggling with not being able to have a baby again, and she just wanted everyone to have a stress- free holiday.
REMI: I'm well aware of her reasons.
NICOLETTE: Of course. Yeah, sorry. Um... I think she just found it really hard to talk about. And she didn't want to bring everyone down with another Chelsea drama.
REMI: And you were fine with all the lying.
NICOLETTE: ... Oh, well, it felt like a little lie for the greater good. That's basically my MO, you know that!

Nicolette laughs, but Remi isn't amused and looks away. Nic's smile fades as she realises how hurt Remi is.

Lassiter's Complex
Aaron and Taye are doing warm- down exercises at a bench following their run, while Aaron chats to Leo. Leo has explained about dispensing with the best man and maid of honour roles to keep the wedding simple, and Aaron is understanding; and in any case he is still organising the bucks night.

Nearby, Holly runs into Fallon, and asks her if she has a photo of her dress yet, still assuming Fallon's been given the maid of honour role without mentioning it directly. Holly says Fallon and Aaron will look 'amazing in the photos', but Fallon doesn't know what she's on about, and just looks at Holly quizzically.

HOLLY: Don't worry, I'm sure Krista's sworn you to secrecy. All will be revealed.

Aaron and Taye are still at the bench, chatting about the Shed, the gym Aaron used to own ('You should check it out sometime!') Taye suggests continuing their run to Power Road, and Aaron agrees - but at that point Fallon comes over.

FALLON (to Aaron): Are we in a wedding party together, only I didn't know it?
AARON: Umm... I was a groomsman, but I'm not anymore, so...

Taye tells Aaron to run on ahead, and says he'll catch up.

FALLON: What do you know?

No 30
Cara takes the opportunity of an otherwise empty house to explain to Remi that there's one more thing she needs to tell her.

CARA: I am really ashamed of myself for lying to you. But I'm also really ashamed that I couldn't help my sister. I think that's part of the reason I kept quiet.
REMI: Chelsea's the one that surprised you with the baby.
CARA: No, it doesn't matter. She was alone, and scared, and on the run. And... I couldn't do anything but walk away from it.
REMI: I can't even imagine how you must've felt seeing her pregnant after everything you've been through.
CARA: Yeah. I... couldn't see past my own hurt. My own failed dreams. I didn't want to be anywhere near her.
REMI: Nic came to me this morning, and owned her part.
CARA: I can't blame her.
REMI: She's trying to be a good friend to you, I can see that. But with her moral compass, is she really the best person to confide in? Look, I don't like any of this. But I am trying to understand.
CARA: I love you, Remi. I really do. And I never, ever wanted there to be another secret between us.
REMI: I know. I love you... What are we gonna do about Chelsea?
CARA: I think it's better to leave it.
REMI: Should we tell Paul and Terese?
CARA: I mean, Paul's still away. And for all we know, Jeffrey could be the father.
REMI: Yeah, but even if there's a small chance that he's not -
CARA: It's Chelsea's baby. It's her call. And... I just want to focus on us.
REMI: Alright, then.

They smile at one another.

No 22
Dex is still singing Nell's praises as he looks at her graphic novel, while JJ has taken to reading a mindfulness magazine! Nell finally announces that she thinks they're finished.

JJ (excited): Really? Great! There we go. What do we want to do today? We could see a movie? Or play some laser tag?

But Dex then has the bright idea of making the graphic novel black and white. Nell loves this, as it would be like 'an actual manga' and they could print it as a book.

JJ (deflated): Hold on, hold on. How long's that gonna take?
DEX: Not even that long.

Looking incredulous, JJ slumps back into his seat with the magazine! He flinches with discomfort as Nell and Dex continue to bond and laugh over the graphic novel.

Yorokobi
The vineyard is hosting a wedding, and Leo updates Fallon on the day's progress; they're nearly ready to begin the reception. But Fallon wants to know if Leo cancelled Aaron being his groomsman because of her.

LEO: Krista was gonna ask you to be her bridesmaid, but then she thought it might be hard after what happened in Greece.
FALLON: Why does Aaron have to miss out?
LEO: Well, that was my idea. I thought, cos the wedding is informal, we could lose the traditional roles, and then... the whole bridesmaid thing, it wouldn't be an issue... Are you mad?
FALLON: That's really thoughtful of you.
LEO: Are you sure?
FALLON: I can't even remember the last time someone even considered my feelings.
LEO: Well, you've had a tough run, hey.
FALLON: The worst.
LEO: Well, you're here now, around people who care about you.
FALLON: I'm really starting to believe that.
LEO: Well, you should. You're pretty special.

Fallon smiles as Leo walks away.

Ramsay Street
Cara and Remi come out of the house to see Andrew posting something into their mailbox.

ANDREW: You going after a career change there, Rodders?
REMI: Ah yeah, I could see you riding around town on a postie bike!
ANDREW: Ah yeah? But can you picture me teaching the art of self- defence?

He shows them the flyers he's posting and explains about the free classes he's planning to teach, and invites them along. They seem interested.

ANDREW: We've just had a lot of incidents lately. I just want to help people feel safer on the streets.
CARA: Hmm. Yeah, well, I hate that we need this, but it's a great idea.

He heads off, as Cara and Remi start practising their moves!

REMI: Give us your best upper cobra jab.
CARA: Nah, that's not a real move!

Nicolette sees them having fun and comes over, remarking that it's a good sign. But Remi cuts her down, politely but firmly.

REMI: Do you mind if we don't talk about it with you?
NICOLETTE (awkward): ... Oh. Yeah, yeah - sure.
CARA: Just after everything that's happened...
NICOLETTE (self- deprecating): Yeah, no need to explain. It's on me, anyway. Bad influence. You should, uh, stay away from the dangerous woman.

Remi attempts a laugh, and then cuts short the conversation, saying they'll see Nic later. It's all smiles, but as Cara and Remi walk away, picking up their banter again, Nicolette looks a little bit heartbroken at the potential loss of her friendship...

Yorokobi
Leo and Fallon are having a chat and a joke as the wedding reception continues. But the groom, Doug Irons, comes over; he's torn his shirt on one of the grapevines, and he's worried his new wife will divorce him if it's visible in the photos! Leo immediately offers his own shirt, which looks to be the same size, and whips it off to give to Doug.

Fallon gets very hot under the collar gazing at Leo in just his vest, and in her distraction overpours the champagne! Leo notices the spilled champagne, and possibly Fallon staring at him. He asks if she's okay, and she insists she is, but keeps on staring...

No 22
JJ is now looking very bored and despondent! Dex passes him Nell's tablet so he can look at their progress on the graphic novel - it's the same picture of Bouncer, Clancy and Trevor but now black and white.

JJ: Yeah, that looks good.
DEX: Just good?
JJ (forced enthusiasm): Uh... great, even. Yeah, I mean, I guess I like the... uh, the line work on it.
DEX: He's just saying that cos he heard us talking about it.
NELL: (smirks)
JJ (annoyed): Well, you're the one who asked for my opinion, Dex! I don't know why.
NELL: Hey, it's alright. I'm glad you like it, okay?
JJ: Yeah, I just... I don't really know how to talk about this sort of stuff.
DEX (laughs): That's obvious.
NELL: The artistic streak can't run to everyone in the family.
DEX: Apparently not.

JJ doesn't say anything else - just withdraws and looks really forlorn, seemingly upset that he hasn't connected with Nell over her art like Dex has.

Lassiter's Complex
Krista is with Taye outside the Piano Bar, and is impressed with his full- house table bookings for tonight and tomorrow when the singer he's booked, Bobby Favourite, is performing. Leo and Fallon approach, back from work, and Krista notices Leo's in a different shirt than he was this morning. Taye is watching Fallon carefully.

LEO: I gave a guy the shirt off my back, literally.
FALLON: Yeah, he saved the wedding.
KRISTA: Aww, that sounds like a good story! I guess the next wedding you'll go to would be ours, right?
LEO: Hmm... yeah, I don't think I have any other bookings, so... I guess so.

Fallon looks peeved as Leo and Krista kiss, and interrupts them.

FALLON: I'll be a bridesmaid, if you still want that.

Taye is still watching her closely.

LEO: Yeah, Fallon found out about Aaron.
FALLON: You should have a full wedding party, if that's what you want.

Krista beams, and tells Leo he can reinstate Aaron as best man - then rushes over to hug Fallon excitedly! Taye exchanges a loaded glance with Fallon behind Krista's back...

No 22
JJ now has his head in his hand, as Nell finishes her final draft of the graphic novel, then high- fives Dex.

DEX: You crushed it.
NELL: Couldn't have done it without you.
JJ: Finally! Go, team. Now, please, what are we gonna do today?

Nell agrees to go with his earlier suggestion of laser tag, but has put down her tablet so that half of it is extruding from the tabletop - and when JJ moves to get up, it drops to the floor, and he accidentally crushes it under his shoe! Terrified she's lost her work, Nell turns the tablet back on, but the screen is flickering, and eventually turns white.

NELL (panicked): My entire project, it's on there!

Dex and Nell look worried, and a guilty- looking JJ puts his head back in his hand!

The Piano Bar
Taye is setting up extra tables in the outdoor area of the bar so as to fit in more customers, but Cara is not happy when she passes by, as one of the tables is blocking a door, and thus a fire hazard.

TAYE: Are you the building manager, or the building police?
CARA: A little bit of both. But hey - good for you. Business is booming.
TAYE: Thanks.

Taye smiles as Cara leaves - at which point Fallon turns up.

FALLON: Don't say it.
TAYE: What? Oh, that you just made the wedding ten times more awkward for yourself?
FALLON: I can handle it.
TAYE: You literally looked at Loe like you don't even want to be the bridesmaid - you want to be the bride!
FALLON: You're the only one who noticed.
TAYE: Everyone else will, when they see you standing at the altar with Leo and Krista.
FALLON: Maybe they won't make it to the altar.
TAYE: They're crazy about each other! For real.
FALLON: They still have serious issues.

She gets a text.

FALLON: One of them just arrived back in Melbourne.
TAYE: ... Seb?
FALLON: He wants to meet.
TAYE: What about Krista?
FALLON: He doesn't mention her. I think he just wants intel about what's going on.

Fallon begins to text Seb back, arranging to meet him.

TAYE: Seb, the guy who broke your heart? The guy who treated you like dirt?
FALLON: Maybe there's a way for us *all* to get what we want...

Coming up on Neighbours
- Nell is trying to save her tablet and her school project
- JJ tells Taye that everything he does to try and fix things makes it worse, whereas what Dex does is perfect
- 'So this is about Dex?' Taye smiles
- Krista tells Fallon that Seb has messaged her; Fallon encourages Krista to see him
- Krista says it will make Leo uncomfortable; Fallon reminds her that Leo has promised to trust her decisions