The Coffee Shop
Madge is fuming about what Mrs Mangel said to her. She gets her ice water and slams it on the table in front of her! Mrs Mangel continues to goad Madge about Charlene much to Madge's annoyance.

When Mrs Mangel has gone, Madge tackles Scott and Mike about Charlene's whereabouts. But Jane admits that the teachers think Charlene has the flu and lets slip that Charlene missed school yesterday, too.

The Office
Paul and Kate are getting on much better and Helen goes to get them some sandwiches for lunch from the Coffee Shop.

When Helen has gone, Paul apologises to Kate about their row and she graciously accepts his apology.

The Coffee Shop
Scott, Mike and Jane are still being grilled by Madge and Eileen. Scott accuses Madge of picking on Charlene and says he'd miss school too if he had a mother like her(!) Helen comes in and hears this last sentence and tells Scott to apologise to Madge.

Madge explains the situation to Helen but Scott insists that he doesn't know where she is. Helen tells Madge to calm down and tells her not to subject Scott to her hysterical accusations!

The Office
Helen brings Scott into the office for a family pow-wow. Scott tells Helen and Paul that he doesn't know why Charlene is wagging, and it must be a big secret if she won't even tell him.

The Coffee Shop
Kate is ordering sandwiches and the Coffee Shop is in chaos. Madge tells Eileen that she has to go to the school to see Charlene's teacher, leaving Eileen to run the Coffee Shop on her own. Eileen panics.

School
Charlene's teacher greets Madge and asks how Charlene is. Madge tells him that Charlene isn't sick at all, she's actually wagging. They talk about Charlene's individuality and Mr White says Madge is putting Charlene under pressure to go to University when she doesn't want to.

The Coffee Shop
Jane and Mike are still waiting for Scott while the customers get annoyed at the slow service and start leaving!

Scott comes back and they head off. Eileen kisses Mike on the cheek!

Clive's
Charlene rings Clive and begs him to help her - her friend is sick.

The Office
Helen and Madge have a conversation in the inner office. Madge apologises for bullying Scott in public. Helen says Scott too is worried about Charlene. Madge says she's trying to do the best for Charlene by keeping her in school. Helen says that Charlene's got her mind set on an apprenticeship, but Madge thinks that manual work is demeaning for a girl. Helen says these are days of equal opportunity. Helen suggests that Madge has a long talk with Charlene, and listen to her too. Helen thinks rebellion could mean Charlene has a problem and may need Madge's help.

The Coffee Shop
Mrs Mangel has returned and is staring at Eileen as she cleans up. Madge comes in and Mrs Mangel starts baiting her about Charlene again. Eileen and Madge are getting on well now and join forces against Mrs Mangel. Mrs Mangel storms out saying she'll take her custom elsewhere. Madge says it's made her day!

Charlene's friend's place
Clive arrives and Charlene meets him. She swears him to secrecy.

School
Classes have finished. Scott is cross with Jane for letting slip to Madge about Charlene not being at school. Mike tells Scott to lay off.

JANE: Are you walking home?
SCOTT: No, we're going to hitch a ride on Mrs Mangel's broom!

Clive comes up looking for Lucy and Vicky on behalf of Charlene. Scott is annoyed that Charlene has confided in Clive and not him. He storms off.

Clive's
Clive comes in to find Kate giggling at a letter from her father. She admits that she misses the country but there are more opportunities in the city. Clive tells Kate that he picked up the kids from school and Kate is disappointed with Charlene. Clive keeps quiet.

Kate tells Clive that she knows him quite well and that she knows he's keeping secrets from everyone about Charlene. Clive says he doesn't want to get caught in the crossfire.

Ramsays
Charlene is on the phone to her friend saying that, "I'll tell them he's mine."

Scott comes in and tells Charlene that she's been sprung. Scott is cross with Charlene for telling Clive and not him. He wants to know why she didn't trust him. He says he wants to split up, saying he doesn't need a steady girlfriend. Charlene looks a bit upset.

Madge comes in and sends Scott home. Before he can go, Madge hears a noise in the kitchen. Charlene goes into the kitchen and picks a baby out of a crib.

MADGE: Charlene would you please tell me what is going on? First you miss school for days on end, then you turn up here with some stranger's baby.
CHARLENE: He's not a stranger's baby, Mum. He's mine.

Madge and Scott look bemused.