No. 24
Scott heads into the kitchen, everyone following him. Madge tells him that she's sure this is a misunderstanding. Harold adds that he knows very well how Charlene feels about him. Charlene snaps at Scott that it was his idea that she go out in the first place. Scott, however, rants:

SCOTT: I didn't tell you to fall in love with another guy, did I?
CHARLENE (angrily): I did *not* fall in love with another guy.

Madge asks who this other man is anyway. Charlene replies tautly:

CHARLENE: His name's Steve - and he's from round here; that's why we hit it off - the three of us. And then Scott got sunburnt.

Harold asks what happened then. Charlene retorts that she was prepared to stay inside and keep Scott company, but Scott reckoned there was no point running *both* their holidays, so she and Steve spent some time together. Scott snaps:

SCOTT: You spent every *minute* together, Charlene, burning around in that dune buggy... going out to parties...
CHARLENE: To which you were also invited.
SCOTT: Yeah, well, how do you think *I* felt, stuck around, hardly able to move while you were out with another guy?
CHARLENE: It was just friendly.
SCOTT: *How* friendly?

Harold warns Scott that that tone of voice won't get them anywhere. Charlene insists that Scott is just jealous because she didn't have an awful a time as *he* did, and as far as she's concerned, he can *stay* jealous. With that, she storms off to bed. Scott asks Henry if he could bunk in with him tonight. Henry gives his agreement. Scott then heads off to Henry's room, leaving Henry, Madge and Harold looking worried.

No. 28
The next morning, Des is making Jamie his breakfast when Mike emerges from his room. Des comments that he's getting this meal routine down to a fine art! Mike muses that now they just have to get the babysitting schedule organised. Des smiles that they can't have Jamie thinking his housemates are *totally* disorganised! Mike remarks to Des that he seems pretty happy with himself - compared to last night. Des shrugs that it's hard being invited out when you're used to going out with someone special. There's suddenly a knock on the front door and Mike goes and opens it to Scott, who asks Mike if he's got a few minutes. Mike, however, says he's got to rush off to a class at uni - but he offers to meet Scott at lunchtime. Scott suggests the Waterhole, and he heads off.

No. 24
As Madge pours a bowl of cereal in the kitchen, she tells Harold that she hardly slept a wink all night. She adds that she really thought things would settle down round there once the two of them got married, but now they've got Scott and Charlene at each other's throats. Harold comments that Scott should have put his foot down with Charlene. Madge, however, laughs that if he did that he'd have more to worry about than his sunburn! Harold insists that it's a man's role to take control of certain aspects of marriage. Madge, however, sighs that he's sounding like an old movie! She adds that she thinks Scott is taking this all too seriously; she's sure Charlene didn't intend to jeopardise their marriage. Harold tells Madge to leave it to him: sorting out this problem between Charlene and Scott gives him a very good opportunity to establish his *own* authority. Unknown to Harold, Charlene has emerged from her room and overhead. She says tersely:

CHARLENE: Forget it, Harold. You may be my new stepfather, but you have no authority over me *or* Scott.

Madge warns her not to talk to Harold like that. Charlene, however, retorts that he has no right to interfere in other people's business. Madge insists that he's only trying to help. Charlene just says:

CHARLENE: Right. Don't bother, thanks. This is between me and Scott and it's going to stay that way. We don't need anyone telling us how to run our lives, so just butt- out.

No. 32
Jane emerges from her room, having woken up late. Mrs. Mangel tells her that she did call her - more than once. She adds that Jane *was* out very late; she imagines Mr. Clarke must have been very apologetic when he got home. Jane explains that he didn't *come* home; he didn't really go out after all; she and Des just started chatting. She goes to have a shower - but Mrs. Mangel calls after her to ask if she knew that Scott and Charlene had returned from their holiday. She goes on that she gathers it was a complete disaster. Jane frowns and asks what happened. Mrs. Mangel replies:

MRS. MANGEL: They probably discovered what's been patently obvious all along.
JANE (sighs): And what's *that*, nan?
MRS. MANGEL: Well, they're far too young to be married. In fact, they're barely old enough to be going out.
JANE: I'll talk to Charlene.

With that, Mrs. Mangel heads off to work.

No. 24
Charlene is in the kitchen alone. She picks up the newspaper from the counter and heads to the table with it - just as Scott comes in through the front door. He goes and sits down at the table too and tells Charlene that he's sorry he didn't come in last night: he was having a bit of a sulk. Charlene mutters that that's not illegal. Scott then says genuinely:

SCOTT: I hate fighting with you, you know?
CHARLENE: I hate fighting with you too.
SCOTT: I know you didn't mean to do anything wrong.
CHARLENE: Well that's good - because as far as I'm concerned, I *didn't*.
SCOTT (presses): You were out 'til four o'clock in the morning.
CHARLENE: Yeah. That's not illegal either.
SCOTT: Yeah, but you didn't even ring to let me know. You know, I was worried.
CHARLENE: You knew exactly where I was, *and* who I was with.
SCOTT (coolly): That is what I was worried about.
CHARLENE (tersely): Maybe if you *trusted* me you would sleep a little bit easier.
SCOTT: Look, I wasn't just jealous, I was worried, OK? I thought something might've happened.
CHARLENE (snaps): Yeah, something *did* happen: I had *fun*.

She adds that it was his idea that she went out in the first place - and she didn't do anything wrong; he can asks Steve if he likes. Scott retorts:

SCOTT: Sure. Ask the other guy.
CHARLENE (angrily): What do you mean 'the other guy'?
SCOTT: We are married, Charlene, and you were going out with another guy.
CHARLENE: Guys aren't just people.
SCOTT: You still don't get it, do you?
CHARLENE: No, I don't.
SCOTT: Well maybe it's better that we *do* sleep apart for a while, then, huh?
CHARLENE (furiously): Well, suits me just fine.

With that, Scott storms off to his room.

Waterhole
Harold walks into the Waterhole, where Madge is setting up, and she asks him what drags him away from his hot chocolate and carrot cake! Harold explains that it's his conscience: his behaviour this morning was absolutely inexcusable - he used this trouble between Scott and Charlene as an opportunity to assert an authority that he had absolutely no right to. Madge smiles that, nevertheless, he still tried to help and she's very grateful for that. She gives him a hug. She then comments that she just wishes she could get Scott and Charlene talking to each other. At that moment, Mrs. Mangel comes into the bar and tells Harold and Madge that she's glad she caught them both together: she was wondering if they'd do her the honour of coming to dinner. A stunned look crosses Madge's face! Harold, however, says he's got a *better* idea: as he and Madge are the newlyweds, why doesn't she join them instead? Mrs. Mangel smiles that she'd be delighted. Harold suggests Saturday and Mrs. Mangel says she'll look forward to it. Madge mutters:

MADGE: I can hardly wait.

With that, Mrs. Mangel heads back to work. Madge throws a cloth from the bar at Harold's head!

Lassiter's complex
Des crosses the bridge, passing Henry on the way. He then makes his way towards the Coffee Shop, from which Jane is just emerging. He tells her that he should apologise for carrying on like that last night. Jane smiles that she's glad he considered her a good enough friend to confide in. Des assures her that he does - and he gives her a kiss on the cheek. Jane then heads across the bridge and joins Henry, commenting that she heard Scott and Charlene are back, and she asks if they had a good time, as her nan said there were some fireworks. Henry, however, says that he'd prefer to keep out of it - and he advises Jane to leave them to it as well.

Waterhole
Scott is pouring his heart out to Mike when Henry comes in and joins his mother behind the bar. Madge tells him that Harold has invited Old Mother Mangel over for dinner on Saturday. Henry exclaims:

HENRY: After last night? You're kidding!

Across at their table, Mike asks Scott what kind of guy this Steve is. Scott replies that he seemed all right - while *he* was around; but once he was out of the picture, *anything* could've happened. Mike tells him that he thinks he's over- reacting just a little bit. Scott mutters that Mike is supposed to be his best mate. Mike says he's not saying Charlene wasn't irresponsible, because maybe she was, but when you're having fun, you forget about the time... Scott growls:

SCOTT: Yeah - and your husband.

Mike tells him that Charlene might find it hard to apologise, so Scott might have to make the first move; he loves her, doesn't he? Scott replies of course he loves her - and Steve's out of their lives; the one thing that really matters is their marriage.

No. 24
Charlene is talking on the 'phone to her grandma, telling her that she and Scott had a great time. She hangs up and starts sorting washing - but throws Scott's clothes aside, muttering that if he wants to sleep apart, he can do his *own* stupid washing. There's suddenly a knock on the front door and Charlene goes and opens it - to Steve Fisher. Looking delighted to see him, she asks what he's doing there. Steve grins that he was just passing and saw her light on! Charlene tells him to come through and she'll make some coffee.

No. 24
A short time later, Steve and Charlene sit down on the couch, Steve telling Charlene that it wasn't any fun once she and Scott came home, so he headed back himself; he's got a few more days off work, and he's only over at Anson's Corner so he thought he'd drop by. Charlene smiles that she's glad he did. Steve asks where Scott is, but Charlene just murmurs dismissively that he's around. She then starts enthusing about the dune buggy and how they're so easy to drive. She adds that she'll have to get her license. She laughs:

CHARLENE: Stupid, isn't it? I'm training off and on to be a mechanic; I haven't even got my driver's license.
STEVE: You'll get it - no probs.
CHARLENE: I'll have to find someone to give me lessons - although I doubt I'll find anyone as patient as you!
STEVE: Well then, grab me - I'm available!
CHARLENE (beams): You mean it?
STEVE: Sure! And what instructor wouldn't want a pupil like *you*?!

At that moment, the front door opens and Scott comes in. He stops in his tracks as he sees Steve sitting with Charlene. Steve leaps up and goes and shakes his hand, telling him that he looks a lot better than the last time he saw him. He goes on that he was telling Charlene he'll give her some driving lessons if she likes. Scott muses:

SCOTT: *Sure* she likes...

Steve says he'd better hit the road. Charlene, however, tells him to stay for another coffee.

Ramsay Street
Mike is standing pouring oil into his motorbike when Jane wanders over. He invites her for dinner and a movie tonight. Jane replies hesitantly that she would, but why doesn't Mike stay home and keep Des company? Mike shrugs that Des is a big boy now, and can look after himself. Jane says:

JANE: He was pretty upset last night - that's why I didn't go out. It was the second anniversary of when he proposed to Daphne.
MIKE (taken aback): Oh. I'm surprised he didn't say anything to me; I thought we were supposed to be good mates.
JANE: Oh, well, you are. I guess I was just there at the right time, that's all.

She suggests to Mike that he make a point of spending some more time with Des. In reply, Mike suggests that they *both* make a point and pick up a pizza or Chinese and get a video and watch it at home. Jane smiles that that's a great idea.

No. 32
Mrs. Mangel is waltzing round the lounge room to music playing on the stereo when Jane comes in and smiles as she watches her! Mrs. Mangel notices her suddenly and stops in her tracks, commenting coolly that there's no need to creep up on a person. Jane smiles that it's good to see her enjoying herself. Mrs. Mangel explains that she's decided to take some of her own advice: she's been to a luncheon at the bowling club, and it was most satisfying. Jane asks what was enjoyable about it. Mrs. Mangel replies:

MRS. MANGEL: The, um, company.
JANE (intrigued): Well? Don't keep me in suspense! Tell me about this company.
MRS. MANGEL: Mr. Worthington. A charming, distinguished gentleman. Well- spoken, beautiful manners and a gifted bowler, too, I believe. We... seemed to hit it off.
JANE: And did he ask you on a date?
MRS. MANGEL (frowns): Certainly not! We're both mature adults.
JANE: Well, are you going to see him again?
MRS. MANGEL: As we're both members of the same bowling club, I'd predict that was almost inevitable.

With that, she heads out of the room, leaving Jane looking astonished!

No. 24
Steve heads to the front door, telling Charlene and Scott that it was great to see them again. Charlene smiles at him to see as much of them as he likes! She adds that she'll call him about the driving lessons. With that, she sees him out. When she's closed the door, she mutters at Scott:

CHARLENE: Wow. Aren't *you* the perfect host?
SCOTT: What?
CHARLENE: How would *you* like to be treated like that in someone else's house?
SCOTT: Like what?
CHARLENE: You hardly *spoke* to the poor guy.
SCOTT (retorts): Charlene, I couldn't get a word in edgewise. You were raving on about the guy as if you haven't seen him in *years*.
CHARLENE: I *like* him.
SCOTT (coolly): That is pretty obvious.
CHARLENE (angrily): Will you stop acting like a jerk? Talk about a jealous husband.
SCOTT: Well, maybe I *am* jealous.
CHARLENE: *Why*? You've got no reason to be. Would you feel the same way if I was spending time with Mike?
SCOTT: No - but you and Mike haven't got the hots for each other; not like you and Steve.
CHARLENE: I just *like* him, that's all. You would too if you'd just let yourself.
SCOTT: Charlene, you were leading the guy on.
CHARLENE (mutters): You're incredible, you know that?

She goes to head to her room. Scott leaps up from the couch to head her off, saying:

SCOTT: Look, if there is a chance that this could develop into something, isn't it better to stop it right now?
CHARLENE (insists): It's not *going* to develop. Can't you get it through your thick head that he's just a friend?

She goes to push past Scott, but he stops her, snapping:

SCOTT: *I* am your husband and I am telling you that the friendship is over, OK?
CHARLENE (snarls): *Nobody* tells me what to do - especially not paranoid juveniles like you.

With that, she pushes past Scott and heads into her room, leaving Scott looking frustrated.