Previously on Neighbours
- Chelsea tells Paul that she and Darcy are seeing each other, so he's going to have to deal with it
- Darcy invites a reluctant Karl and Susan to dinner to meet Chelsea as his girlfriend
- But Chelsea appears to be becoming fatigued with Darcy's lavish attentions, and admits as much to Remi
- When she learns of Leo's plans to flee to Brazil with Abigail, Krista insists she'll come with him
- Chelsea reveals to Paul that she knows who killed Sebastian, having overheard Nell admit to it
- In a standoff at the police station, Terese berates Paul for not coming to her before going to the police
- She argues that Nell was already about to confess to everything; they could all have come here together
- Meanwhile JJ is furious with Chelsea for having taken away Nell's opportunity to come clean on her own
- Terese tells Paul that he's betrayed her and Nell, and there's no coming back from that
Penthouse
Morning has broken, and Susan, Karl and Jane are all visiting to check in on Nell and Terese. Nell hasn't had much sleep having had too much on her mind. Jane tells Nell not to worry about school; they can sort that out later. Nell says she just wants Toadie to get here, but he's in a remote part of the US and doesn't think he'll get here till early next week, once he's dropped Angie and Hugo off at Callum's place.
SUSAN: If there's anything you need until then, just... just let one of us know.
NELL: I will. Thank you. Now I just have to wait to see what I get charged with.
Paul comes up in the lift; clearly, things are still very tense between him and Terese. But Paul asks how Nell is holding up, and she says she's okay. Gauging Terese's body language, Paul makes his excuses to leave the room. Nell looks concerned.
Harold's Café
Over drinks, Nell admits to JJ that she feels like she's ruined things for everyone. Holding her hand, he assures her she hasn't.
JJ: You've made the best decisions that you could at the time.
NELL: Yeah, but I dragged you into it, too.
JJ: Well, hey - I *want* to be here with you, Nell.
Terese comes in; she's heard from the police, and they want Nell to come to the station. Nell looks worried.
702 Eclipse Apartments
Leo is looking a lot chirpier now his murder charges have been dropped, and Krista remarks on it when he calls round to see her. He asks her if she's free for brunch, saying Abigail would like to spend some time with her.
KRISTA (thrilled): Really? Yeah, I... Yeah. I would love that.
LEO: Great! Cool.
They smile at one another.
Erinsborough Police Station
Nell and Terese come out of the interview with the police and join JJ, who's been waiting. Nell has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
JJ: No way...
TERESE: It'll be alright. She'll be tried through the juvenile system.
JJ: And, hey, that was obviously self- defence, so...
NELL: They didn't care. I knew they wouldn't.
Terese says Nell's lawyer is going through the details with the detective.
NELL: Could I go to juvie?
TERESE: ... Possibly. But we'll do everything we can to make sure that that doesn't happen.
Nell heads outdoors for some air. JJ looks worried.
No 30
Darcy has called round unexpectedly to see Chelsea, who thought they were meeting later on. Darcy says he just wanted to 'lock in' their plans; Chelsea looks a bit put out. Cara is there too. Darcy says he'll see Chelsea for afternoon tea at Harold's, and she agrees. But once he's gone, she turns to Cara with alarm.
CARA: That could've been a text.
CHELSEA: He's acting like we're engaged.
CARA (teasing): Uh- oh. Stage five clinger! You'd better tell him how you really feel, or you'll never get rid of him.
They both laugh. JJ comes in, and tells them that Nell has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
JJ: All she did was defend herself.
CHELSEA: Oh, JJ...
JJ: Chelsea, if you had just given Nell the chance to be honest, things would not be so bad for her right now!
CHELSEA: JJ, she had weeks to be honest.
JJ: She's my girlfriend! Where was your loyalty to me?
He walks out. Chelsea looks upset.
Lassiter's Complex
Terese is telling Paul what happened at the station with Nell and the charges. Paul seems surprised they've thrown the book at her, and apologises for not having been there for them at the station.
TERESE: You know, just a bit of consideration for Nell - that's all I expected from you.
PAUL: I'm just as worried for her as I was for him! This was never about throwing Nell under the bus. This was about saving Leo. Don't you understand? He was about to leave the country with Abby! Forever!
TERESE: Yeah, but now Nell is gonna end up behind bars - for up to four years!
PAUL: Only if she's found guilty. And besides, it's gonna be juvenile detention centre, not jail.
TERESE: That's just as bad! She's never gonna be the same. And this has got nothing to do with Chelsea.
At this point, Chelsea herself turns up with Thomas - she says she's figuring out her schedule and wanted to know if Paul needed some time with the baby.
PAUL (pointed): Yeah, that's exactly what I need right now.
Terese rolls her eyes as Paul goes over to fuss over Thomas.
CHELSEA: How's it going with Nell?
TERESE (coolly): As you'd expect. Talk to you later.
She stomps off. Paul and Chelsea look concerned, but then get back to fussing over the baby.
Eirini Rising
In the office, Terese is ranting to Susan, Karl and Darcy about Paul throwing Nell under the bus. While she gets he was in a difficult position...
TERESE: ... If Paul is with me, then that means caring for Nell like he cares for Leo.
SUSAN: Yeah, I agree. And I'm not happy with Chelsea's intervention. But Paul had to make a decision in an instant. It was 'Sophie's Choice' at that point.
Susan gets a message - they have a new resident arriving in an hour, so she and Karl go to check that her room is ready, leaving Darcy and Terese alone.
DARCY: You know Chelsea didn't mean to cause any trouble. She just wanted people to know the truth.
TERESE: No, you're wrong. She's *always* thinking about Paul. Her first and last thought is *always* Paul.
DARCY: Okay, well, let's agree to disagree.
TERESE: You really don't know Chelsea at all, do you?
At this point, Chelsea appears at the doorway to the office, unseen by Darcy and Terese. They continue to talk unaware of her presence.
DARCY: Terese, we had a deal. I promised to let you know if Chelsea was causing any trouble, and she's not. You just have to trust me.
Chelsea fumes silently, then smiles grimly.
702 Eclipse Apartments
Leo and Krista arrive back at the apartment having dropped Abby off at a friend's place. Krista says it's been nice to see both Leo and Abby so happy.
LEO: There's still a bit of trauma to shake off, but I'm actually feeling good about the future again.
There's an awkward pause, and Krista asks if Leo wants to stay for a while - but he says he needs to get back to the vineyard, as he's left too much on Byron's lap. There's a knock at the door - it's Aaron, who comes in as Leo leaves. Aaron remarks to Krista that she and Leo seem to be in a better place.
KRISTA: Yeah, we really are (...) And look, I don't want to push him and risk undoing all of our progress, but... I just can't wait to get on with our lives together.
Eirini Rising
Chelsea is pacing up and down in the courtyard with Thomas's pram. Darcy emerges from the building.
DARCY: Hey, this is a pleasant surprise!
CHELSEA: I came here to talk to you about boundaries. But after what you just said to Terese, I don't want to talk to you *at all*.
DARCY: ... You don't know the full story.
CHELSEA: Let me guess - Terese gave you the job because you promised to spy on me and then report back to her?
DARCY (sheepish): Uhh... yeees, but only because I knew there'd be nothing to report!
CHELSEA: You betrayed me from the get- go. Who even does that?!
DARCY: I would never hurt you. Or Thomas. I care about you both so much!
CHELSEA: We *just* started seeing each other! This is crazy.
Chelsea begins to walk away, but Darcy follows.
DARCY: Listen, we have something special together, yeah?
CHELSEA: You're seeing something that's just. Not. There.
DARCY: Chelsea...
CHELSEA: Don't call me again, and don't come around and see Thomas. Just leave us alone.
She walks away, leaving Darcy lost for words.
Penthouse
JJ and Cara call round to see how Nell's doing. She's lying on the sofa looking depressed, but agrees to watch a 'braindead' film with JJ at his suggestion. Paul is there too, and offers to get room service to rustle up some snacks for them. Nell doesn't seem keen, but...
JJ: Really? Not even some popcorn chicken?
NELL (smiling): ... Okay. *Maybe* some popcorn chicken.
PAUL: That's the spirit... Listen, Nell - yesterday got on top of me. I mean, everything happened so fast, I just... I wasn't thinking straight when I went to the police station. Now, I know it's hard, but just try not to worry, okay? Remember I'm here, and I'm gonna do everything I can to help.
NELL: Thank you... but how are you and Terese?
PAUL: Yeah, we'll be fine. We all will.
Nell heads to her room with JJ.
CARA: That was a nice thing to say to her. Things are pretty tense at our place as well. JJ's really hating on Chelsea. He's very loyal to Nell.
PAUL: Yeah, well, thanks for bringing him over. I mean, he's actually really good for her.
CARA: Less importantly... I got all the Lassiter's paperwork about my entitlements, so... thanks.
PAUL: Okay. Right. Why anybody would want to become a cop is beyond me, though.
CARA: Well, that's cos you're such a rule- breaker.
PAUL: Ah, the secret of my success!
As Cara prepares to leave, Chelsea arrives with Thomas in his pram.
CHELSEA: Paul - there's something you need to know.
Eirini Rising
Paul approaches the courtyard as Terese and Jane are leaving the building together, discussing Nell's schoolwork. Jane asks how Paul has been; Terese admits he thinks she's being unreasonable.
TERESE: But Nell and I are lucky to have you, Susan and Karl.
Paul then appears, wanting to speak to Terese. Jane leaves them to it.
PAUL: How dare you accuse me of some conspiracy to betray you and Nell, when all the time you had a deal going with Darcy to spy on Chelsea?
TERESE: Who told you that?
PAUL: If I'd done that to you, you would be tearing strips off me by now, and rightfully so.
TERESE: ... I don't know what to say. It was, umm... a lapse of judgement.
PAUL: Oh, I can't believe that this is what we've become. And so soon. What happened to having the tough conversations, hey?
He walks off, looking annoyed. Terese looks worried.
Meanwhile in the office, Karl is telling Darcy off for his 'unethical' deal with Terese. Darcy says he thought it was harmless, and points out that Karl supported the job share.
SUSAN: That is true, Karl.
KARL: Because I was under the impression that Terese was on board! I didn't know that you'd done a deal with her to keep tabs on your girlfriend!
DARCY: I didn't mean to cause any trouble.
KARL: We were just talking about all the work you'd done to redeem yourself.
SUSAN: I agree. Darcy definitely did the wrong thing - but he's paid a big price. He's lost Chelsea. And it has been helpful for everyone having him here.
DARCY: Thanks, Susan. I just don't know what to do about Chelsea.
At this point the new resident arrives, and Susan greets her as Mrs Harris. 'Amanda, please,' comes the reply from the newcomer. Or rather, she's not entirely a newcomer - it's Jane's mother, back after 38 years! None of the assembled staff have clocked this yet, though, and Susan introduces Amanda to Darcy and Karl. Amanda asks after the champagne that was promised on arrival. Susan leads her off to her room and her bubbly.
KARL: Oh, Darcy, I am just... so disappointed in you.
DARCY: Karl. I would've thought you, of all people, would be more understanding. I mean, this isn't the only deal I've done for the greater good, is it?
Darcy's tone has changed quite noticeably from the nervous, apologetic one he'd adopted in front of Susan, and it visibly rattles Karl...
Penthouse
Paul and Terese are giving each other the silent treatment when Nell comes out of the lift, having come back from watching the movie with JJ. She says it was 'really bad, but in a good way'. Noting their quietness, Nell asks if everything is okay with them. Terese doesn't answer, but suggests to Nell that the two of them go for a walk. Nell agrees, and Terese hurries her out.
Leo arrives just as Nell and Terese leave, and senses the tension. Paul admits things aren't great between him and Terese, and tells him about the fact she was using Darcy to spy on Chelsea.
PAUL: I have told her a thousand times, I have absolutely no romantic interest in Chelsea.
LEO: Well, I can see why Terese might be nervous. I mean, she's been cheated on before. And I'm sorry to say it, Dad, but I find it hard to believe Chelsea got 'accidentally' pregnant with Thomas.
PAUL: Regardless of her motives, I am glad that Thomas is here. I just wish that Terese would hear me when I tell her how much I love her.
LEO: Well, it's not about what you say, but what you do. Don't just talk about building a bridge - build one.
PAUL: Huh. Well, I hope you're using all this wisdom on your own relationship? Are you two okay?
LEO: Umm... yeah. Yeah, I'm hoping we will be.
Eirini Rising
Susan is checking on Amanda, and offers to give her a tour of the facilities once she's settled in. Amanda asks how she can get hold of the concierge. Susan is a little surprised, as she'd already explained to Amanda on the phone that there is no concierge at Eirini. Susan suggests that Amanda may be mixing it up with another retirement village that she spoke to, and Amanda says that must be it.
Darcy has brought up Amanda's cases, and takes the opportunity to introduce himself properly. Amanda has already heard about Darcy's romantic troubles.
AMANDA: I'd be careful. Once the old ducks find out you're a singleton, they might not leave you alone!
DARCY (laughs): You should tell my ex.
AMANDA: Maybe I will!
DARCY: Make her jealous!
They both laugh, and Susan observes this slightly flirtatious interaction with a little concern. Darcy leaves them to it, and Susan starts to help Amanda unpack - but is shocked to find a framed photo of a much younger Amanda with Jane, circa 1987. Susan immediately recognises the younger woman.
SUSAN: Harris! You're Jane's mum!
AMANDA: Have been all her life!
SUSAN: Jane is my fabulous neighbour. What is wrong with me? I didn't even make the connection. Harris... she didn't tell me you were coming!
AMANDA: That's because she doesn't know.
Susan looks bamboozled.
702 Eclipse Apartments
Leo turns up at Krista's door with suitcases.
LEO: We talked a lot about me and Abby moving in after the wedding. And now I'm not Australia's most wanted, I thought, why wait?
KRISTA: Really? Are you sure?
LEO: Only if you are. I just thought, what's stopping us from doing what we planned? We should start being a family.
Krista asks if Aaron has said something to Leo about their taking the next steps, but Leo says it was his conversation with Paul that prompted his decision - about taking action, not just talking about it.
LEO: So... here I am.
KRISTA (picking up a suitcase): This is empty!
LEO: Well, I wasn't gonna carry down two heavy suitcases, in case you said no!
Krista laughs, and they kiss.
Eirini Rising
Susan asks Amanda why she hasn't told Jane she was coming.
AMANDA: It's personal. And you can't tell her either.
SUSAN: Have you had a falling out? Because she hasn't mentioned anything.
AMANDA: How could we have a falling out when she barely calls me?
Susan objects that Jane only works next door and Eirini has strong ties with the school; Amanda will surely run into Jane sooner or later.
AMANDA: Well, if that happens before, so be it.
SUSAN: Before what?
AMANDA: Before she and the grandkids realise I am not in Sydney anymore.
SUSAN: ... Are you *testing* them?
AMANDA: I'm just seeing how much they care.
Susan looks uncomfortable.
The Waterhole
At a table, Karl, Susan and Jane are talking about how to help Nell, and Toadie's imminent return. Jane heads to the bathroom, and Darcy comes over with drinks for the Kennedys from the bar. He asks if Jane is happy to have her mum back in town - but Susan whispers that Jane doesn't know, and that Amanda has asked her not to tell her. Darcy thinks this is odd too. But Karl says they must respect her confidentiality as a resident.
Chelsea comes in with the pram, and Darcy tries to talk to her, but Chelsea isn't interested.
CHELSEA: I thought you had my best interests at heart, but you don't. You're a *sneak*.
She walks off.
The Pavilion
Terese arrives, having been summoned by Paul, who is standing by the giant chessboard.
TERESE: You said you wanted to talk, not play games.
PAUL: Indulge me. I mean, the queen always beats the king anyway.
He makes his first move.
PAUL: I want to apologise.
TERESE: For?
PAUL: Moving too fast. You were right. I should've come and talked to you before I went to the police.
TERESE: Well, and I understand what you were saying. But Nell is my responsibility and... if you're with me...
She moves a pawn.
TERESE: ... we need to be in the same space.
PAUL: I know.
Paul moves again.
PAUL: And as far as Nell is concerned... I promise that I will make smarter moves in the future.
TERESE: There's also Thomas. Which means Chelsea.
PAUL: I think it's your move on that one.
TERESE: And I will do my best to make things work with her. But I will never trust her.
Terese goes to move another pawn, but...
PAUL: Use the bishop.
TERESE: What if I don't want to?
PAUL: Just trust me.
Terese picks up the bishop, and finds a jewellery box underneath it.
TERESE: Oh!
Paul approaches and picks it up.
PAUL: Terese, you are the love of my life. There'll never be another woman who owns my heart the way that you do. So...
He opens the box. There's a ring inside.
PAUL: ... would you marry me?
Terese looks conflicted.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Cara announces she's applying to the police academy. Nicolette is impressed - but Remi not so much
- There's a party at No 32. Max asks Taye to transfer over his first month's rent, but Taye changes the subject
- Sadie tells Byron the doctor has told her to take her dressings off; he offers to be there, and she agrees
