Previously on Neighbours
- Susan tells Karl she only went behind his back because she didn't want him to regret leaving Eirini Rising
- Remi apologises to Karl for lying to him; Karl tells Susan he's sent his resignation letter to Terese
- Susan confides in Remi and Wendy that she feels she's the one who's cost Karl what he cares about the most
- Saskia fusses over Byron after his hospitalisation, and later ogles him as she helps him with his t- shirt
- Nicolette shouts at Sadie for screwing up after she has a bad reaction to the skincare product
- But Byron tells Sadie she's good at her job and what happened wasn't malicious; Saskia listens in
- At the V Bar, Andrew tells Holly that he'd never have met his birth family if it wasn't for her
- Their legs touch, and Holly and Andrew look at one another in panic
- By the time Holly returns from the bathroom, Andrew has left without her
No 26
Andrew comes home and looks pensive. Wendy comes in, wanting to hear all about his lunch with his birth family, the Brooks. Andrew says Steven, his birth dad, seemed really happy to have him there. Wendy asks if he managed to print the photos out, and Andrew says yes, neglecting to mention Holly's involvement - and reporting that everybody loved them.
WENDY: Oh, that's fantastic! You know, you got back so late, I was beginning to wonder if I'd lost you. You mustn't have wanted to leave.
Andrew is lost for words, but doesn't mention he's been in a bar with Holly.
The Waterhole
Holly turns up, looking at her phone. She has messaged Andrew saying, 'All good, yeah?' But he hasn't replied. Karl is at the bar and Holly goes over to join him. He asks if she and Max have had a good time. Holly explains that Max cancelled to hang out with Saskia.
HOLLY: So I made my own fun.
Karl explains that Susan is having a girls' night out, so he decided to treat himself to a drink. At this point, Terese comes in, back from Leo and Krista's second wedding in Rome. She reports that it was amazing; Paul's gone on to New York but 'duty calls here' for Terese.
TERESE: There's a certain doctor that needs replacing.
KARL: You got my letter.
TERESE: I did. Come on, Karl. Please tell me that I can talk you out of leaving?
Penthouse
Leo and Krista have also arrived home with Abigail, who is exhausted and launches herself onto the sofa. The penthouse has been redecorated for them in their absence. Forgetting they're newlyweds again, Leo leads Krista back into the lift and then picks her up to carry her over the threshold. They're evidently very loved up.
Leo tells Krista that Paul is already sending holiday photos from New York, and that he's very hyped about Andrew and Tash having a baby. Krista is excited to be kicking off their married life for real, and Leo kisses her. Leo then takes Abby to put her to bed. Krista looks pensive.
No 32
Jane, Nicolette and Aaron are hanging out after dinner with Byron, who has a dilemma - he bought Sadie a bracelet for her twenty- first birthday before they broke up from a boutique jeweller she loves, and is now wondering whether to still give it to her.
Nicolette worries that giving her jewellery might seem too romantic, and Byron agrees that he doesn't want Sadie to think he's not listening to her. But at the same time, he thinks she would love it and it would be sad not to give it to her. Jane tells him to follow his instincts, and he'll work out what to do.
Jane, Nicolette and Aaron head home as Max and Saskia come in. Max is talking about Saskia's date with Dex.
MAX: I think Dex is a good one. I think you are, too. And I wouldn't be surprised if this first date is a hit. But I know you said you don't want anything to get in the way of school. So if it does go well, then just don't lose sight of what's important to you.
SASKIA: I won't. Promise. You're a good one too, Maxy.
Byron drops something in the kitchen and Saskia goes to help him retrieve it, saying quietly...
SASKIA: I hope all this Dex talk isn't making you jealous.
Saskia heads to her room, saying she wants to do some study before bed. Byron asks Max if they can talk about her...
The Waterhole
Karl is explaining to Terese the rationale for his decision to leave Eirini. He says it deserves someone who can give the job their full commitment. Terese understands, but says it's a shame Darcy has taken this away from Karl. Karl simply says it's time to move on, and tells Terese he thought he had the perfect successor in Remi, but was 'misinformed' - just as Susan joins them, and apologises to Terese about the Remi situation.
Terese asks Karl what he's going to do instead. He says he's heard about a part- time senior advisory role at the council - they're looking for someone who can bring 'worldly experience' to the table. Terese correctly guesses that it's an advisor of seniors, not a senior advisor! Susan wonders why Karl hadn't mentioned it to her. He says he's only just put the application in tonight. Susan is surprised that he's applied already.
No 32
The next morning, Byron and Max are lounging about by the pool when Saskia comes out of the house ready for school. Max tells her they need to talk.
BYRON: I told Max about how you've been acting around me.
SASKIA: What do you mean?
BYRON: Saskia, the inappropriate flirting.
SASKIA (embarrassed): No, I've... I've been nice to you because you're Max's friend and because you're hurt. You thought different, that's on you.
MAX: Sas, I don't think Byron read this wrong.
SASKIA: Well, then, he made it up!
MAX: I'm sorry, but he has no reason to do that. I trust Byron. He said he made the boundary pretty clear, and you kept crossing it. It's just... it's not okay, Sas. And it's not you. Why did you do it?
SASKIA (sullen): It won't happen again.
She walks off again.
No 26
Andrew is perturbed to enter the kitchen and find Holly hanging out with Wendy. Wendy explains they've convened to discuss Sadie's party. Holly volunteers to create a playlist of Sadie's favourite music.
HOLLY: Even the guilty pleasures she keeps secret.
Andrew looks concerned. Wendy goes to get ready for work, leaving him alone with Holly.
HOLLY: So, why did you ghost me last night?
ANDREW: ... I think you know.
HOLLY: (shakes her head)
ANDREW: Us. Hanging out. It's inappropriate.
HOLLY (scoffs): What, because our legs touched? Seriously, Andrew, that's hardly a crime. And if it was, I'd be locked up, cos I do stuff like that with my friends all the time. Seriously, it's not a big deal unless we make it one.
ANDREW: Look... I really appreciate all the help that you've given me. I really do, Holly. But this doesn't feel right. We've got to cool it.
Holly doesn't know what to say...
No 32
Byron thanks Max for trusting him on the tricky Saskia situation. Max is concerned that Saskia must have made Byron feel really awkward; he admits she did, but that he was more worried about her and Max. Saskia listens in from the hallway as Max declares Byron a 'good egg'.
MAX: It's so wild how out- of- character this is. Like, I just don't know how she can't see that this is wrong.
BYRON: I just don't think she thought it through. It felt like one of those impulsive teenager things. Too young to know better.
MAX: Yeah. When it comes to school, Sas is always ahead of the game. But with relationships there's just still a lot she doesn't get.
BYRON: Well, she's a fast learner, right? Hopefully this is just a once- off mistake.
Having heard all this unseen, Saskia heads off to school.
Erinsborough High School
Outside the entrance, Andrew is walking Wendy to work. He says he's going to ask Sadie if she'd be happy for him to invite Gretchen and Steven to her birthday party. Wendy is super- excited about this, saying she was really disappointed not to meet Steven and wants to clear the air with Gretchen too.
WENDY: But the main thing is, I love this for you.
Possibly as a result of his guilty conscience, Andrew offers to take Wendy to lunch, and she agrees. He watches her worriedly as she goes into the school.
No 32
Max is hanging out alone by the pool when Holly turns up. She hesitates, then goes over to join him. She's heard from him via text about Saskia flirting with Byron, and says it's good Max spoke to her, telling him not to beat himself up about it.
MAX: Yeah. It wasn't a nice conversation to have. Sorry, I promise I'll perk up and not be Sad Max all day.
HOLLY: It's okay. If you need to be Sad Max, go for it.
MAX: (...) I just can't believe how well she hid it. We just don't normally keep things from each other like that.
HOLLY (self- reflecting): Well, don't take it personally. I mean, sometimes you do something and you don't want to admit that it was a bit wrong, so keeping it on the down low's the only way. But it doesn't mean that you don't feel bad about it.
MAX: I think that was probably her headspace. I should reach out and offer to hang out. I just don't want her to feel any worse.
Holly suddenly kisses Max tenderly on the lips.
MAX: What was that for?
HOLLY: Just you. Being you.
MAX: Sad Max doesn't stand a chance around Holly.
She suggests they do something fun, like a shopping frenzy or a fancy lunch.
MAX: I don't need anything fancy. Just you.
Holly teasingly feigns offence at this, forcing Max to backtrack!
MAX: You are very fancy. Way fancier than me. I am not worthy of you or your fanciness!
He kisses her again, but Holly looks like she's feeling guilty...
Erinsborough High School
In the corridor, Jane congratulates Wendy on how well the student art exhibition went yesterday, which she says was 'all down to you'. Wendy says this means a lot, and goes on her way, looking pleased with herself. But when she comes to one of the classrooms, she finds Saskia sitting alone in a chair, looking upset. Approaching, Wendy sees Saskia's been crying.
WENDY: Hey, what's happened?
SASKIA: You can pretend you didn't see me.
WENDY: No, never.
Penthouse
Byron, Nicolette and Aaron are hanging out with Leo and Krista, when Terese arrives. Terese praises the new decor, and gives Krista a hug. Nicolette is still a little red from the mishap at the day spa.
TERESE: Nicolette, what have you done with your face? You look like you've had more sun than us!
NICOLETTE: Yeah, okay, I know - kick Nic. Everyone's had a turn.
AARON: Yeah, because you would be *so* sensitive if it was one of us.
Nicolette turns the conversation on Aaron, telling everyone that he has a boyfriend. Aaron explains he and Rhett are now an item.
KRISTA: No way! Boylesque lovebirds for the win!
TERESE: You know Colton's going back to Queensland?
AARON: Yeah, yeah. It wasn't easy letting him down. But I know I'm with the right guy.
Nic asks whether Abby's in bed or 'back in Paris, having a Home Alone moment'! Leo explains her body clock's all skewed so she's watching Bluey. Nicolette, Byron and Aaron go off with Leo to try and help get Abby to sleep, leaving Terese alone with Krista.
TERESE: You're gonna tell Leo at some point, right?
KRISTA: Yeah, of course. I just... wanna be sure first.
Terese holds her hand, but we don't yet learn what they're talking about.
Erinsborough High School
Saskia is talking to Wendy on a bench outside the entrance. Saskia has opened up about overhearing Max and Byron talking about her, which she says made her feel for the first time like Max wasn't on her side.
SASKIA: I thought Byron was a nice guy, but he was so harsh (...) I didn't cross a line with him. I mean, nothing actually happened.
WENDY: Yeah, I know.
SASKIA: I shouldn't be this upset, should I?
WENDY: Saskia, you heard two people that you look up to talking about you, and it's hurt your feelings. I mean, I think it'd be really strange if you weren't upset. I'm glad that you're being so honest about it.
SASKIA: It's not like I had a choice. You caught me bawling my eyes out.
WENDY: Well, you could've shut me out. Instead, you opened up about a mistake you made, and you're getting support. Those are very good choices.
SASKIA: Thanks, I... actually feel like you're on my side.
WENDY: That's because I am.
Saskia smiles at Wendy.
Eirini Rising
Colton is handing in his work badge to Terese as he prepares to leave Erinsborough. She thanks him for doing so much for Eirini in the short time he's been there; he won't be forgotten.
COLTON: Well, after giving the people nude yoga and a Barry Manilow tribute, I would hope not!
As Colton leaves, Susan and Karl come in, again to drop off Karl's badge and to pick up his belongings. He asks Terese for a reference letter for the seniors advisor role, and she agrees; he says he has an interview in two days' time, and is feeling very positive about the change of career. Susan looks less enthusiastic. Karl then asks if Terese would mind if he told the Eirini residents about his departure himself.
KARL: I just think, with all the confusion over Remi, it would help.
SUSAN: I hope you're prepared. The residents are gonna be so sad to see you go.
TERESE: Yes. I mean, they won't be the only ones. Karl, you've been so generous and supportive with all the staff. You'll be sorely missed. Well, we've gone from the three musketeers down to the two.
Susan looks sad for the end of an era.
The Waterhole
Wendy and Andrew come in for lunch, and find Max and Holly sitting at a table.
Wendy gets talking to Holly about the playlist for Sadie's party, and suggests they hire a karaoke machine. Max is keen on the idea, adding that with Andrew there they don't need to worry about noise complaints - but a seemingly uncomfortable Holly says Sadie is a 'menace on the mic' and so suggests hiring a karaoke bar in the city instead. Wendy says she'll be sorry to miss out, but bows to Holly's judgement on the matter.
Andrew drags Wendy away to another table, and she asks if he's invited Gretchen and Steven to the party yet. Andrew says they're really keen to come, and Sadie is all for it too.
WENDY: Oh, I'm so glad you get a chance to bring both your families together. You deserve this.
But as Wendy and Max both peruse the lunch menu, Andrew stares over at Holly, who looks back uncomfortably...
Penthouse
Leo has prepared some 'anti- jetlag medicine' for him and Krista, and calls out to her to come and get it. But then he notices a pregnancy test kit box on the floor, which seems to have fallen out of Krista's bag! When Krista comes in, Leo is smiling as he holds the box.
LEO: When were you gonna tell me about this?
KRISTA: ... I haven't done it yet. I was gonna wait for sure before telling you.
LEO: Well, this is amazing. I mean, even the possibility you might be... The fact we're back on track now, and we're all settled in here. The timing couldn't be more perfect. Why haven't you done it yet?
KRISTA: ... I dunno. I guess I'm scared.
LEO: What, that it might be negative? Whatever the result is, we're in this together, okay?
KRISTA: Okay.
Leo beams at Krista and she smiles back.
Harold's Café
Nicolette, Jane, Aaron and Byron are having a meal. Byron has made a decision about the bracelet he bought Sadie - he's going to return it, as it's more a boyfriend present than a friend present. Nicolette thinks it's the right move, but Jane seems less convinced, and gives Byron a schoolteacherly talking- to!
JANE (judgy): I'm just sad. Your relationship with Sadie was the one stable thing in your life, and now it's over. Because you dabbled with the idea of pursuing law again, but showed no commitment. And you're still living in that sharehouse like Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.
NICOLETTE: Easy, Mum. He's had a bit going on.
JANE: I know, I know. But maybe you should use this downtime to try and find some direction in your life. To make some real plans.
Colton comes in, and Aaron goes over for a chat at the counter to ask when he's heading off.
COLTON: This is it.
AARON: Oh! Umm... well, I guess I'm gonna miss seeing you around. Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for what you did with Rhett.
COLTON (smiling): When I came to Melbourne I really hoped something would happen for us.
AARON: Yeah. Hey, I was genuinely open to it.
COLTON: I guess the best man won. But I do hope there's some alternate reality where you pick me.
They laugh.
Penthouse
Leo is excitedly awaiting Krista's return with the pregnancy test result. But when she comes in...
KRISTA: I dropped the test in the toilet. Sorry!
Leo is about to go and buy another one when Terese comes in. Krista explains Leo's going to buy a pregnancy test, and Terese feigns ignorance, saying that's huge news. But once Leo's gone...
TERESE: I thought you were gonna hold off with him a little longer?
KRISTA: I was, but he found the test in my bag (...) I tried to buy a bit more time, so I dropped it in the toilet. This is gonna sound terrible, but... Leo being this excited, this is exactly what I was afraid of.
TERESE: Listen, everything you're feeling is completely valid. I mean, it's so complicated given your history.
KRISTA: He is so happy. And I don't know if I'm ready to have another baby yet. I can't believe I'm saying this, but... I hope the test is negative.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Sadie invites Byron to her twenty- first birthday party
- JJ asks Nell if Saskia has said anything to her about the date with Dex
- Saskia swears to Nell that she really likes Dex; Nell says she really hopes that's the truth
- Leo is excited for the second pregnancy test result; Krista is about to deliver the news...
