No. 30
Matt is sitting at the kitchen table, listening to music on a portable radio. Hilary sighs at him to go and do some homework, but Matt mutters:

MATT: Stop nagging me, OK? Take it easy.
HILARY: Yes, well, if *I* don't say something, you'll never do *anything*.
MATT: It's only because of that bet you've got happening with Mrs. Daniels: ever since *that* started, you haven't been off my back for a second.
HILARY: It's just that I'm concerned about your future. I want you to really do well at school and learn. It's the launching pad to the rest of your life.

Matt retorts that that isn't why Hilary's making him study all the time; she just can't stand the thought that a child of hers isn't an academic genius. Hilary tells Matt tersely that he doesn't know what he's talking about. Matt, however, persists:

MATT: Face it, Hilary: I'm not the son that you expected to have and you're disappointed - but you haven't got the courage to say anything.
HILARY (snaps): Don't be so foolish.

Changing the subject, Hilary picks up a letter from the counter and hands it to Matt, telling him that it came for him today. Matt looks at the address on the back and exclaims that it's from Margaret, his foster mother! He opens the envelope and looks at the letter inside. As he does so, though, his face drops, and he murmurs that he'll finish it later. Looking surprised, Hilary remarks that he was so excited about getting it. Matt just replies that the writing's so messy he can barely understand it. Hilary takes the letter from him and says *she'll* read it. Matt mutters that he'll work it out eventually - but it's too late, and Hilary reads:

HILARY: 'Dear Matt. Sorry this letter's taken so long, but we've been really busy lately.'

Hilary remarks in surprise that it's perfectly legible. Matt takes back the letter and retorts that it's chicken-scratch. Hilary, however, insists that there is no problem with the handwriting; if he simply concentrated and applied himself more, he wouldn't have trouble. With that, she leaves the room. Matt sits at the table, frowning at the letter.

No. 32
Toby opens the front door to Katie, who asks him if his dad's there. Joe calls out that he's in the lounge room. Katie and Toby head in there and Katie asks Joe if he can take Helen to the canteen tomorrow, as she doesn't have the car. Joe nods that that's fine. Katie then goes on:

KATIE: Mr. Mangel, it's going to be very busy tomorrow. Gran's always very exhausted when she does canteen duty.
JOE (grins): Look, yous two were desperate for me to do this. Now you're getting all nervous around me. You're worse than me mother!
TOBY: We just want to make sure you know what it's going to be like.
JOE: Look, mate, how hard can it be to slap some stuff between two bits of bread for a bunch of schoolkids? Eh? It'll be a piece of cake: you'll see.

Kate and Toby look at each other warily!

School canteen
The next morning, Helen is showing Joe where the butter and vegetables are in the school canteen. She also hands him an apron, warning him that things can get pretty messy. Joe, however, mutters:

JOE: I'm not wearing one of these: I'll look like a flaming' sheila!

Helen adds that they work in pairs, so the two of them will work together. Katie and Toby come along to the tuck shop counter at that moment and Toby calls out to Joe. Helen asks the kids if they've got lunch orders. Toby hands over some brown paper bags. Helen remarks in surprise that there seem to be a lot more than usual. Toby explains that all the kids placed lunch orders because they want to come and see his dad! Joe smiles that he'd better give them their money's worth! With that, Katie and Toby head back to class, leaving Helen to smile at Joe that he's quite a celebrity! Joe then turns his attention to the sandwiches. Helen tells him that the orders are written on the bags, and she asks him if he wants her to go through them with him. Joe, however, insists:

JOE: Give me a break! Any drongo with half a brain can read these!

Helen replies that, in that case, she'll leave him to it! She goes to carry on with setting-up.

No. 24
Henry has a frown on his face as he walks from the kitchen into the lounge room, having just put the kettle on. Harold comes in through the front door, commenting that it's a wonderful morning. Henry sits down and doesn't respond; he's staring into space. Harold asks him in surprise if he's listening. Henry comes back to earth and murmurs that he's a bit out of it this morning. Harold sits down with him and tells him that the agent said somebody wants to buy the house. Henry exclaims:

HENRY: Already? You haven't even *gone* yet.
HAROLD: Well, I knew a house of this quality wouldn't last on the market for long. Mind you, the offer's a bit *low*, but the agent's negotiating.

Henry asks in concern when the buyers will want to move in. Harold explains that, if they agree on a price, they'll want to move in almost immediately - which means Henry and Bronwyn will have to find alternative accommodation almost immediately. Henry murmurs that he guesses so. Harold stares at Henry and asks him if he's all right. Henry replies:

HENRY: Yeah, yeah, it's nothing - except that Bron and I will probably have to look for separate places to live.
HAROLD: Oh come on, it can't be *that* bad...
HENRY: Well, it *could be*: she said if I didn't stop being jealous and over-protective, she'd call the whole thing off.

The kettle starts boiling and Harold goes to turn it off. Henry follows him into the kitchen and asks:

HENRY: Am I *wrong*? I mean, am I being an incredibly unreasonable, jealous jerk just because I think she's seeing too much of Mike?

Harold pauses before declaring.

HAROLD: No. No, you're not. No, you've made a commitment to each other, and if either of you start doing something that upsets the other, then it should be stopped immediately.
HENRY: Well, what if she doesn't think it *should* upset me?
HAROLD: Well, look at Madge: she is supporting our move because she knows how important it is to *me*.
HENRY: Harold, what'll I *do*?
HAROLD: Yes, well, I suggest you sit down with Bronwyn, have a serious talk with her: tell her how you feel; tell her that you need her support and loyalty... I mean, after all, a relationship can't survive without it.
HENRY (murmurs): Maybe ours wasn't *meant* to survive?
HAROLD: Oh, come on, Henry - just because you've hit a little snag doesn't mean you go down with the ship.

With that, Harold looks at his watch and says he'd better make a move. He heads out, leaving Henry looking thoughtful.

School canteen
Joe and Helen are working in the canteen along with several other people. Joe has a huge pile of sandwiches in front of him and he tells Helen that he's nearly finished. Helen asks if anyone has heard from Mike yet. Joe, however, replies that there hasn't been a word - and Des hasn't told Jane yet, either. Helen asks in surprise why not, and Joe shrugs that he doesn't want to upset her, he supposes. Changing the subject, Helen looks at the pile of sandwiches in front of Joe and asks him if he's planning to build Mount Everest or if he's just forgotten to put them in their bags! Joe, however, insists that it's all under control: he'll make all the sangers, *then* put them in the bags: the stack of sangers matches the stack of bags. Helen looks at him in bemusement! She then asks him if he can clear away some of his rubbish before he puts his masterful system into practice! Joe picks up a large cardboard box and swings it round on a trajectory heading straight towards the pile of sandwiches! Helen spots it just in time, though, and calls:

HELEN: Joe!
JOE (stopping in his tracks): Whoa! You're a lifesaver"
HELEN: that would've been a disaster, wouldn't it!

With that, Joe lifts the box *above* the sandwiches - and then, as he continues swinging it round, catches the pile of bags, causing them to fall in a messy heap on the floor! Helen grimaces:

HELEN: So much for *your* system!

School canteen
A short time later, Joe is setting out cans and bottles of drink on the counter as Helen asks him if he noticed not to put onion in some of the salad sandwiches. Joe chuckles and asks how he's supposed to know *that*: he's not psychic! Helen asks him if he didn't see 'N.O.' written on some of the bags. Joe nods:

JOE: Yeah, a few times!

His face then drops and he says:

JOE: That doesn't mean-

Helen sighs heavily. The school bell sounds suddenly and Helen calls to everyone:

HELEN: All hands on deck: the hordes are about to invade!

No. 26
Sometime later, Helen is back at home, telling Hilary in the kitchen that Joe was over-run during recess by a horde of 9- and 10-year-olds! She adds that she doesn't think he got *one* order right! Hilary shrugs:

HILARY: Well, what do you expect? The man's a fool. He should never have been trusted in the first place.

Changing the subject, Helen asks Hilary if she thinks they have enough food for the party. Hilary retorts that *Sharon's* not eating, so that's *one* less. Helen asks if she's still dieting and Hilary nods that she is. She adds that it's better than her starving herself. Harold calls out suddenly from the back door. Helen goes to open it for him and he comes in with a box of soft drinks. He tells Helen that Bronwyn will bring more food over as soon as the Coffee Shop closes. He then smiles:

HAROLD: My word, it's very exciting, isn't it, eh? Still, it's not every day that two people you know so well take the plunge.
HILARY (primly): *I* can't understand why the neighbourhood is going to so much *trouble*. It's not as if either of them are related to anyone.
HAROLD (tersely): Des Clarke and Jane Harris are very much part of this neighbourhood. They've always been there when *we've* needed them.
HELEN: Harold's right: we just want to show them how happy we all are that they're getting married.
HILARY: Yes, but it's all such a *rush*. Jane's an intelligent girl - she really shouldn't be hurrying into this marriage.
HELEN: She has apparently loved Des for a very long time.
HILARY: Yes, but what about the age difference? He is so much *older* than she is. And there's the child to consider.
HELEN: Jamie will have a caring, loving new mother. *Every* child should be so lucky.

A thoughtful yet sad look crosses Hilary's face.

No. 32
Joe is lying on the lounge room floor as Kerry gives him a much-needed massage! Toby and Katie are sitting on the couch with Sky, Toby telling his dad that all his friends thought he was so funny - and the first one's always the worst: next time he'll be even better! Joe, however, groans:

JOE: No way, mate, there's not gonna *be* a next time. No way I'm going behind that counter again - it's too much like hard work!
TOBY: Oh dad...

Joe just retorts that he's done it and that's the end of the story. He adds that going into a tiger's cage would be safer than going back to that canteen! Kerry suggests suddenly that *she* could take his place. Joe comments:

JOE: *You're* game! Thanks for bailing me out!
KERRY: Well - what are friends for?!

Joe then says he's got to go and see his friend Henry and pick up the life of the party from the Waterhole: Kenny the keg! With that, he heads out. Katie sighs that she wishes *they* could go to the party. Toby adds that it's not fair. Kerry goes and sits with them and suggests that she make it up to them with a picnic on Sunday. Toby exclaims that that's great! Katie says:

KATIE: I'll go on one condition.
KERRY: What?
KATIE: Joe doesn't make the sandwiches!

Ramsay Street
Henry is unloading tools from his ute, slowly and absentmindedly, when Joe calls across from outside No. 32 to ask if they're going to get some grog or what! He adds with a chuckle:

JOE: Fancy, eh? Jane and Des tying the knot! Who'd ever thought *he'd* get his act together, eh?

Henry doesn't really respond, and Joe asks what's wrong. Henry sighs that it's Bron: tonight could be a real disaster, as things are a little tense. He adds that he just wishes he didn't get so jealous. Joe tells him that knows what he means: he used to go off like a bucket of prawns in the sun himself! He then explains:

JOE: Kerry come along. I've had to get a whole new routine.
HENRY: What do you mean?
JOE: Well, mate, you can't *change* people. You gotta accept them the way they are. I mean, Bron: she's a friendly sheila. She's not the sort to go and do the wrong thing. I mean, she hasn't *done* anything, has she?

Henry shakes his head and Joe continues:

JOE: Nah. You've gotta give her room.
HENRY: Yeah. I guess I keep thinking, you know: 'What does a smart, funny, beautiful girl like that see in a plain old boring dag like me?' I mean, I've got absolutely nothing to offer her, Joe.
JOE: Well, mate, if you're running round going crook at her every time she talks to another bloke, that's not going to make you any *less* of a dag, is it?
HENRY: I don't want to lose her.
JOE: Well, *trust* her. Mate, you can be as jealous as you like, but just for god's sake keep it to yourself.
HENRY: That's not going to be easy.
JOE: No, I didn't say it *was*, did I? Mate, you've gotta try *something* or you'll *lose* her.

No. 26
Harold is putting drinks in the 'fridge, and Helen reminds him to leave some room for the food! Matt comes in through the back door suddenly and asks if there's anything he can do. Hilary just snaps:

HILARY: What on earth has taken you so long? I was expecting you ages ago.
MATT (lightly): All right, I'm a little late. Sorry.

Before an argument can develop, Helen asks Hilary quickly if they have enough chairs. Kerry comes in as Harold nods that they *are* a little short. Hilary tells him that they can borrow some of *hers*. She adds curtly:

HILARY: Matthew, you can come and help me get the chairs.
MATT: Have you heard the word 'please'?
HILARY (snaps): Don't you be so rude.

Helen changes the subject quickly and asks Kerry how Joe survived canteen duty. Kerry smiles:

KERRY: Well, let's put it *this* way: I'm taking his place next time!

Harold asks Kerry if she's sure she wants to do that: schools can be rather conservative. Kerry shrugs that she'll wear her hair up so she doesn't scare anyone. Harold, however, says quietly:

HAROLD: I was referring more to your *personal* situation.
KERRY (frowns): What are you talking about?
HAROLD (awkwardly): Well, you *are* an unmarried mother.
KERRY: So what?
HAROLD: Look, I admit that we are living in very liberal times, but there are still some people who feel very uncomfortable about that sort of thing.
KERRY (tersely): Dad, I am doing canteen duty, not counselling.
HAROLD (quickly): It's not just *me*. Miss. Robinson works in the school - *she'll* tell you.

Before Hilary can say anything, Helen chips in that *she* works in the canteen occasionally, and she's sure it wouldn't worry the mothers. Harold, however, persists:

HAROLD: Helen, there are still some people who feel it socially unacceptable to have a child out of wedlock.

Hilary stands there stiffly. Harold says:

HAROLD: Miss. Robinson, I'm sure you'll agree with me.

Matt stares at Hilary pointedly as she says:

HILARY: Oh... well, I-
MATT (presses): Go on, Hilary, what *do* you think?
HILARY (hesitantly): Matthew, I really don't feel I should pass any sort of-
KERRY: Hilary, have your say. It won't embarrass *me*.
HAROLD: Don't let them browbeat you, Miss. Robinson - I'll be very interested to hear your views.
HILARY (awkwardly): Well... perhaps Mr. Bishop is right: that there are *some* people in society who still consider unmarried mothers to be socially unacceptable.

Matt stares at Hilary, open-mouthed. He then shakes his head in disgust and marches out. Kerry asks Hilary in surprise:

KERRY: What's wrong with *Matt*? *I'm* the one copping all the flak.
HILARY (quickly): He's probably just gone to get the extra chairs. I'd better make sure he selects the right ones.

With that, Hilary dashes out.

Ramsay Street
Hilary catches up with Matt as he strides towards No. 30. She stops him and tells him that he didn't have to walk out like that: she wasn't talking about *them*. Matt retorts that she was talking about unmarried mothers - or doesn't that label apply to her? Hilary mutters at him not to be ridiculous. Matt resumes walking towards No. 30 as he says curtly:

MATT: All right, Hilary, you tell me how I'm *supposed* to feel. I've just watched my mother lie and disown me in the same sentence.
HILARY (retorts): I did no such thing. I merely said that some people still consider unmarried mothers to be socially unacceptable - and they *do*.
MATT: But you had the nerve to stand there and help Harold put *Kerry* down. At least she loved Sky enough to keep her, no matter what the consequences were going to be. *You* took the easy way out and gave me away. You're a hypocrite.

Hilary stands there looking upset. She just says:

HILARY: Take the chairs to the Robinsons'.
MATT (mutters): Good one, Hilary: when the going gets tough, order me around. Feel better?
HILARY (snaps): Just do it, will you?
MATT: Fine!

With that, Matt walks off, leaving Hilary looking worried.

No. 32
Toby and Katie are washing-up in the kitchen after dinner, Toby saying he *likes* Kerry, but his mum used to do canteen duty at his old school, so if she was living with him and Joe she'd do it at *this* one. Katie tells him:

KATIE: You're like *me*: we've got two mothers. I've got my real mum and Aunty Bev. There's nothing really wrong with it - it just means you get twice as many presents at birthday and Christmas!

Katie goes on that Toby doesn't have to feel bad if he *likes* Kerry: she's sure his mum won't mind. Toby nods:

TOBY: I suppose so: she *is* pretty nice to me.

In the lounge room, Kerry is sitting with Joe on the couch, snapping that she can't believe her dad is so old-fashioned: just when you think he's starting to live in this decade, he comes out with something stupid like *that*. Joe mutters that he's got a good mind to give Harold a blast at the party, but Kerry tells him not to: Joe won't be able to change Harold's views. Joe says sincerely:

JOE: It's just that I don't want anyone - even rellies - talking about you like that.
KERRY (warmly): Thank you.
JOE (shyly): No, it's-
KERRY: No, I mean it: worrying about my feelings like that.
JOE: You know, there, um, *is* a way of getting Harold off your back.
KERRY (smiles): Hm. How?!
JOE: Say you'll marry me.

Kerry looks at Joe in astonishment! At that moment, Toby runs in and throws his arms round Kerry, saying:

TOBY: I love you!

He then runs out again, leaving Kerry to ask Joe in surprise:

KERRY: What did I do?!
JOE: I dunno! Must have been pretty good!

Kerry sits there looking dumbstruck. She murmurs:

KERRY: I'm blown away!
JOE (gently): Well, come on: just answer my question!
KERRY (smiles): What question's that?
JOE (grins): Oh come on, Kerry, you kn-

Kerry leans in and kisses Joe tenderly on the lips. She then smiles:

KERRY: I'm thinking about it. Give us a hug!

No. 30
Matt is in the kitchen at No. 30, making himself a cup of coffee, when Hilary comes in wearing her outfit for the party. Looking at the clothes Matt's wearing, she asks him curtly if he isn't dressed yet, as she told him to get ready over an hour ago. Matt retorts that he'll get changed when he's finished his coffee. He adds angrily:

MATT: What gives you the right to order me around, anyway?
HILARY: I'm your mother.
MATT: Oh - a perfect situation for you, isn't it: I mean, when we're alone together, you can boss me around and pretend what a good mother you are; and then as soon as we're out in public you can ignore me; pretend you don't know me.
HILARY: Will you *please* not go on about that? Now, just go and get dressed or we'll be late.
MATT: No, Hilary, no. I've had enough.
HILARY: Enough of what?
MATT: Enough of *lies*. I want people to know that you're my mother.

A look of shock crosses Hilary's face and she murmurs:

HILARY: Er, don't be so silly.
MATT: Look, either you face up to that fact or I'm going to have to go back to Adelaide.
HILARY (aghast): How *dare* you! If you think you can blackmail me into doing something, young man, you're very much mistaken.
MATT: Fine. I'll leave tomorrow - 'cos there's nothing left for me here in Erinsborough.
HILARY (retorts): If that's what you want.

With that, Matt throws down his coffee spoon and mug, and heads out of the room, leaving Hilary looking upset.