No. 22
Paul gasps:

PAUL: Triplets? As in *three*?!
GAIL (laughs): Yes - all at the same time!

Paul lets out an exclamation of delight and grins that it's amazing!

GAIL (warily): So you're not worried about the expense?
PAUL: Oohhhh... I think as long as we buy everything in bulk we should be OK until we send them to private school!
GAIL: *Private* school?
PAUL: Yeah - naturally. That way, if we have a solicitor and an architect and a doctor, we'll be sitting pretty in our old age, won't we?!

Gail smiles, but then demands more seriously to know how she's going to cope with three babies. Paul insists that with her organisational ability, she'll be fine. Gail, however, retorts that this isn't a piece of paper she can move from the In Tray to the Out Tray - and motherhood's a very demanding occupation: it's longer hours that she's putting in now and the pay's terrible. Paul insists that they'll manage.

GAIL: Will we? Will I be able to give each one the love and the care that they need?
PAUL: Course you will; we *both* will. I realise that we didn't expect a family this big straight off, and it's going to be a hell of a lot of hard work, but as long we both pull our weight we'll be fine, hey?
GAIL (hugging Paul gratefully): I hope so.

Back yard of No. 24
Bronwyn is lying back on a sun lounger, wearing just a swimming costume, as Henry films her on Joe's video camera. Bronwyn cries at him to hurry up, as she's freezing. She adds that she doesn't know why he needs a girl turning blue in a bathing costume.

HENRY: Listen: you name one product that isn't advertised without a girl in a bathing costume.
BRONWYN: Eggs?
HENRY: *Two* products that are-
BRONWYN: Just *do* it!

Henry begins rolling and tells Bronwyn to smile. Bronwyn, however, mutters that if she smiles, her teeth will chatter. Todd joins them suddenly and asks Bronwyn if she's crazy! Henry finishes recording and tells Todd that he's filming a promotional video for him and Joe. Changing the subject, Todd invites Henry and Bronwyn to come out to dinner - with him and Alison.

HENRY (grins): Oo, Alison! Hey, this is one lethal dude!

Bronwyn asks if it's going to be a double date. Todd explains that he's scared that if it's just him and Alison he won't think of anything to say. Bronwyn asks where they're going. Todd replies that it'll just be a burger and a thickshake. Bronwyn nods that they'll come. Todd rushes off to get ready, leaving Bronwyn to remark to Henry that Todd's really keen!

No. 26
Jim and Gail are sitting at the kitchen table at No. 26, and Jim is congratulating Gail, exclaiming that it's great news! Todd rushes in through the back door and heads off to his room. Gail stands up to leave and asks Jim to tell Helen and Bev that she'll catch up with them later. She then hesitates, looking worried. Jim asks what the matter is.

GAIL: I don't know... I suppose we all wonder what sort of parent we'll make. I'm going to find out in a big way and I'm a little bit scared; I don't know how I'm going to cope.

Jim, however, assures Gail that if she wasn't a *little* bit frightened, she'd be some sort of a fool. Gail adds that she knows Paul's with her, but he's so snowed under at work that she just needed some encouragement. Jim assures her that the Robinsons will do all they can to help; he knows it's a bit daunting, but she doesn't ever have to feel that she's alone. Gail thanks him, looking grateful.

No. 32
Toby is reading a letter to Katie. It's from Noelene, who enthuses about the hot weather. Katie tells Toby that his mum and dad still love him. Toby nods that he knows: there are plenty of kids at school who *can't* say that. Katie then thanks Toby for inviting her over for dinner: she's glad to get away from Todd as he's flipped about some stupid girl who's coming over tonight. Toby heads to the kitchen to get some drinks. There's suddenly a knock on the front door and Katie goes and opens it to find Henry on the step. He bursts in, looking for Joe, but Katie explains that he's not there. Henry holds out a videotape and says:

HENRY: This is our Oscar-winning masterpiece, 'Working Boys'. Now, make sure he gets it. See ya.

With that, Henry heads off again. Katie goes and puts the tape down on top of the video.

No. 26
Todd emerges from the bedroom area and tells Jim that he borrowed some of his aftershave. Jim sniffs Todd and remarks that it suits him! Todd stands there awkwardly as Jim smiles that a man wants to look his best when some new girl comes into his life.

TODD: Alison's not just another girl, Uncle Jim.
JIM: No, I'm sure she's not - and the fact that we're letting her come and stay here with us shows that we think she's pretty special too.
TODD: I guess it does.
JIM: Course, I expect you both to respect the established rules of the house.
TODD (quickly): Oh, we will, don't worry.
JIM: Good, good, then I'm sure we'll all get on just fine.

The doorbell rings suddenly and Todd says he'll get it. He runs to the door and opens it to a teenage girl, who tells him that her aunt just dropped her off. Todd helps Alison with her bags. She smiles and says 'Hi' to Jim. Todd stands there looking delighted!

No. 22
Gail is lying back on the couch, her head on Paul's lap, telling him that Jim made it sound like they could manage between all of them. Paul tells her:

PAUL: Dad's a great believer in the power of the family. I reckon as far as little Chico, Groucho and Harpo are concerned, they couldn't be born into a better one, eh?
GAIL: That's *something* we haven't thought of.
PAUL: What?
GAIL: Names! We thought we had enough trouble when we only had to choose *one*; now we'll have to think of *three*!
PAUL: Oo yeah. I don't suppose we could get away with three Paul Jrs.?!

Paul then suggests:

PAUL: What about Joe, Harold and Des for the boys?
GAIL (groans): Oh, great idea!
PAUL: And Nell, Hilary and Madge for the girls?!
GAIL: I don't think so!

The 'phone starts ringing and Paul leaps up to get it. He listens and then thanks the person at the other end. When he hangs up, Gail asks if it was more bad news.

PAUL: Er, yeah. That was David Lacey, Acting Manager of Pacific Bank.
GAIL: This month's loan repayment?
PAUL: Yeah, you've got it: it's well overdue. They're concerned. *They're* concerned...?!

Gail insists that they'll think of something. Paul just sighs that he really screwed up on this one: she tried to warn him that Kevin was shonky, but he guesses he's not the great judge of character he always imagined himself to be.

GAIL: It was a mistake, Paul. They happen.
PAUL: Gail, this mistake could cost us our future.

Burger Bar
Henry, Bronwyn, Todd and Alison are out on their double date, and Henry is asking Todd and Alison how they met. Todd explains that it was when he was on the bus on the way home; it was great! Alison laughs:

ALISON: Except for when you dozed off: you snored!
TODD: I did not!
ALISON: Yes you did - it sounded like an outboard motor!

Alison adds quickly that she was only joking. She then asks Todd if he's finished with his fries. Todd nods that he has and Alison asks if she can have them. Henry looks at Bronwyn in surprise. He then remarks to Alison that she sure can put it away! Bronwyn announces that she's going to make a trip to the ladies', and Alison says she'll go with her. When they've gone, Todd asks Henry why women always go to the toilet together.

HENRY: So they can talk about us - and *we* can talk about *them*.
TODD: Really?
HENRY: What else?!
TODD: So what do you think of Allie?
HENRY: Cute, mate, real cute - although I wouldn't offer to shout her a meal too often: she eats like a horse!

Todd's face drops slightly. He then smiles and tells Henry that he's going to kiss her tonight. Henry warns him to slow down, but Todd sighs:

TODD: I wimped out with Emma and look where that got me.

Henry, however, warns Todd that he doesn't want to frighten Alison off. Todd insists that he wants to be able to say he's kissed a girl; *really* kissed a girl. Henry assures him sincerely that he will.

No. 22
It's evening-time, and Paul and Gail are having dinner - only neither of them is eating. Gail sighs that they've got to eat *something* to keep their strength up. Paul just sits there, staring at the table. Gail remarks that there's got to be *someone* who can help them; a partner - they've made a lot of contacts over the years and *one* of them should think they're an attractive investment. Paul sighs that he just doesn't like telling people they're in trouble.

No. 32
Katie is looking at the TV guide and she sighs at Toby:

KATIE: I don't believe it - do you know who's on tonight?

Toby nods that it's the world's greatest magician. Katie mutters that it's a one-hour special, but she's not allowed to watch telly for *two weeks*. Toby suggests that he could tape it, then she could watch it when she's allowed. Looking delighted, Katie thanks him. She then says she'll see him in the morning and she heads off. Toby walks over to the video and picks up the blank tape lying on top of it - the one with Henry and Joe's promotional video on it - and puts it in the video recorder...

No. 26
Alison and Todd are sitting together on one couch while Jim sits down opposite them and asks Alison where in Adelaide she lives. She replies that she comes from Mitcham. The front door opens suddenly and Katie bursts in. Jim introduces her to Alison, and then suggests that she get on with her homework. He goes to help her, leaving Todd and Alison alone. Todd goes and puts on a record and, when it starts playing Alison asks in surprise:

ALISON: How did you know that's my favourite song?
TODD (smiles): We like the same things!

Todd goes and sits back down next to Alison and then says awkwardly:

TODD: Look, I don't know if I'm supposed to ask you...
ALISON: Ask me what?
TODD: If I can kiss you.
ALISON: Yeah.
TODD: Yes I have to ask you?
ALISON: No - yes you can kiss me.

With that, Todd and Alison lean into each other and share a gentle kiss. When they pull apart, Todd looks happy.

No. 26
The next morning, Todd has a dreamy expression on his face as he sits at the kitchen table! Jim joins him and asks him what he's doing up so early. Todd explains that he's waiting for Alison. Jim asks him if he didn't get up early to clean up the mess from last night.

TODD (looking surprised): Mess?
JIM: Beverly said it was a pigsty. When she came in there were biscuits and empty glasses all over the place, records lying on the floor... It's not the way we do things around here, you know?
TODD: No. Sorry.

Katie walks in suddenly and announces that she had a dream last night that Rupert was a magician's bunny: he got put into a hat and when he came out he was Bouncer! She then taps Todd's arm and says:

KATIE: Where's your girlfriend?
TODD: Still asleep.

As she heads off for a shower, Katie chants:

KATIE: Todd's in love... Todd's in love...

No. 22
Paul hangs up the 'phone and sighs at Gail that the next shock's going to be the 'phone bill: he'd forgotten they had so many overseas contacts - not that it did much good. Gail points out that a couple of people said they'd think about it, but Paul tells her that that was just a polite way of saying 'no' - and besides, they haven't got any thinking time *left*. Gail asks if taking in a partner is the only viable option. Paul, however, replies that he's beginning to think a more realistic option would be selling out.

GAIL (gasps): Are you serious?
PAUL: Well, the acquisition of the Lassiter's Complex has always been part of Asbo Development's corporate strategy, hasn't it?
GAIL (declares): Absolutely not - we'll find another way.
PAUL: There may not *be* one.
GAIL: There *is*; I *know* it. We just have to keep looking 'til we find it.

Paul sighs heavily.

No. 32
Katie is sitting on the couch as Toby packs his school bag and tells her that his dad's locked everything up and he just has to close the front door when he leaves. There's suddenly a knock on the door and Katie and Toby approach it with trepidation. Toby puts on a deep voice to ask who it is! It's Henry, and Toby opens the door to him. Henry bursts in and asks if the boss is home. Toby explains that he's working today.

HENRY: A solo gig! Very industrious!

The three of them go to head into the lounge room, but Toby manages to turn his schoolbag upside down and spill the contents in the hallway, so he has to start repacking it. Henry and Katie head into the lounge room and Henry asks if Joe has seen the video yet. He picks up the blank tape from on top of the video, but Katie shrugs that she doesn't know; she forgot to tell him about it. Henry tells her that Joe is going to have to catch a re-run, because he's got a very important meeting with Mr. J.M. Cohen.

KATIE: Who's *he*?
HENRY: Our employer, after he's seen this! [He indicates the tape]

With that, Henry dashes back out. Toby joins Katie in the lounge room and she asks him if he taped the magic show. Toby replies that he *said* he would; he left the tape on the video. Katie, looking suddenly nervous, asks him which tape he used: the one that was there last night? Toby nods that he did.

KATIE: Oh no... that's the one that Henry just took; they one they made to help Henry get a job. *You taped over it*. Oh great...

Office of the Robinson Corporation
Gail walks into the office to find Paul asleep at his desk! She smiles and says loudly:

GAIL: Can I interrupt?!

Paul stirs, but mutters that there's nothing *to* interrupt; they're *finished*, aren't they? Gail, however, tells him:

GAIL: Not yet, we're not; in fact, we may even have stumbled onto a new beginning.
PAUL (looking surprised): You're saying you've found an answer?
GAIL: If the question is 'how do we get ourselves out of this mess?' then yes, I think so.
PAUL: Lottery?
GAIL: No!
PAUL: Inheritance?
GAIL: No!
PAUL: Benevolent billionaire, eh?
GAIL: Not quite. A potential investor who has some floating capital.
PAUL: Oh? How *much* capital?
GAIL: A one and five noughts.
PAUL (exclaims): How on earth did you find *that* sort of untapped resource?
GAIL: Let's just say that fate brought us together...
PAUL: Well, don't just stand there. Introduce me.
GAIL: You don't want to take a few deep breaths first?
PAUL: No, just a nice firm handshake.

Gail holds out her hand! She then smiles as she retracts the hand and goes and opens the office door, saying:

GAIL: Paul, meet our new business partner.

When Paul sees who's standing there, a look of shock crosses his face...