Lassiter's Manager's Office
Cheryl walks in, much to the astonishment of Philip and Julie. Cheryl says that all of their troubles will be over if they want to talk business with her, and she's interested in becoming the major shareholder. Julie is astonished and Philip doesn't look impressed. He warns her that it's a big step up from running a corner pub.

CHERYL: I know. Exciting, isn't it?

Cheryl says she's been looking for a reason to sell the pub, and something bigger to invest in, so Lassiter's suits her perfectly.

PHILIP: How hands on would you want to be?
CHERYL: Don't worry, Phil. Your job will be safe.

Cheryl says she wants him to give her a crash course in how Lassiter's operates, and she insists on being kept informed on everything because she doesn't like being kept in the dark.

CHERYL: But apart from that, you won't hear a peep out of me.
PHILIP: Sounds okay by me. Thanks.

He grins and shakes her hand. Julie is amazed that Cheryl is serious! Cheryl says that she's going to enjoy running a hotel and thanks Helen for suggesting it, and Helen thanks her for stepping in. Cheryl asks Philip to get her some facts and figures printed off for her accountant and he agrees.

CHERYL: Here's to a new era in Lassiter's!

Cheryl leaves. Helen tells Philip and Julie that things are looking up.

PHILIP: Who would've thought? Cheryl Stark - a silent partner in Lassiter's?
JULIE: Hmmmm! If you ask me, she will be *anything* but silent(!)

Erinsborough High
Danni is sitting in the yard listening to music on her walkman. Brett pulls her headphones off to see if she wants some company, but she tells him to rack off and puts her music back on. Brett tells her to suit herself and walks off.

Rick comes over and is handing out leaflets for voting in the school elections. Brett raves about how great it is that they're having an election for the school captain and enthuses about how he loves politics! He asks to help, and Rick gives him a bundle of leaflets. Brett runs off and Rick shakes his head, amused!

Rick walks over to the noticeboard where Michael and Cody are reading. He puts up a leaflet.

CODY: What's that Rick? Bringing out your own newspaper? Liars Weekly?

Rick tells them it's for the school elections. Michael asks if he's going to run, and protectively stands behind Cody. He suggests that Rick's credibility is shot.

RICK: Look, listen, Mike. I want to say I'm sorry. Look, it got out of hand and I didn't do anything to straighten it out. But that's what I want to do now. I'm, I'm really sorry.
CODY: You've got to be joking, Rick!

Cody and Michael walk off.

Lassiter's Manager's Office
Philip gets off the phone and excitedly tells Julie and Helen that Cheryl's money has clinched it, and the bank will now let them trade their way out of the mess that Paul created.

HELEN: (happily) A new era dawns for Lassiter's! I know it's early, but I think we should break out the champagne!
PHILIP: (enthusiastically) Agreed!
JULIE: (sombrely) It certainly is too early. And I'm not talking about the time.
PHILIP: Come on, Jules, we've had a win - let's celebrate!
JULIE: But Philip, if this goes through, Chery-
PHILIP: No "ifs", *when*. Cheryl's in. Boots and all!

Julie points out that that's the problem! She worries that Cheryl will start throwing her weight around and want to be involved. Philip reminds her that Cheryl has agreed to be a silent partner.

PHILIP: Let's not knock her until she's done something wrong, huh?
JULIE: She's the interfering type; I just know it!

Helen says that Cheryl trusts her, so it shouldn't be too difficult for them to influence her to stay out of things. Julie isn't so sure, and is very unimpressed that Cheryl - who "suits an ordinary pub" - suddenly wants to go upmarket!

Waterhole
Cheryl tells Lou that she's invested in Lassiter's and he's stunned. Cheryl says that people thought she ran her old pub because of a lucky lottery win, and this is her chance to show people that she makes her own luck and she will be taken seriously as a businesswoman.

LOU: Honey, this is big time. This could take over your life.
CHERYL: Don't worry, there'll still be time for us, lover.

Lou suggests that they have a celebratory drink, but Cheryl has to rush to see her accountant. She leaves and Lou shakes his head.

Number 28
Cody brings in a box from the tax department. Pam groans and helps her to collect the boxes, saying that they'll be last year's tax audits. Cody vaguely recollects Pam telling her about some problems with the tax department, and Pam elaborates on the story of Ned Miles.

PAM: He was a tax assessor we met in the scuba diving classes. I should've drowned him when I'd had the chance!

She tells Cody how Ned put them on the rack when he found some discrepancies with their prescribed payment certificates. Cody loudly declares that it sucks and they should've fought back. Cody says that people in the States are much more upfront about their beliefs and you should just stand up and yell it out if you have to.

PAM: It's over now. These things happen.
CODY: (determinedly) Yeah, well, you *shouldn't* let them happen!

Pam looks a bit surprised.

Number 22
Cheryl is telling Danni and Brett about her taking over Lassiter's.

DANNI: Oh great, my mother the tycoon(!)

Cheryl is surprised, as she thought Danni would be pleased. Danni viciously attacks her, saying that every kid would be thrilled that their parent prefers big bucks to spending time with their kids!

CHERYL: (taken aback) Danni, it isn't like that.
DANNI: Really?! The hotel! Loverboy Lou! I won't even be seeing you on weekends!

Danni storms out and Cheryl looks stunned. She crosses her arms and defensively asks if Brett's going to attack her too. Brett points out that it's different to running a local pub, and worries that she could get ripped off and lose everything - and in that scenario, she won't even have the pub to fall back on.

Cheryl sulkily says that she can handle the business side of things - but not if she doesn't have the support of her kids. Brett gives in and Cheryl is pleased - and asks him if he thinks he can convince Danni to do the same. The pair laugh!

Number 24
Rick gets some orange juice out of the fridge and kicks the door shut. Lou walks in.

LOU: Oi! Don't take it out on my fridge! What's wrong with you?
RICK: Oh, everyone's cut at with me for helping Danni try to con Michael.
LOU: Did you?
RICK: NO! ...oh well, not really.

There's a long pause.

LOU: (sternly) Did you, or didn't you?
RICK: I wanted to get Cody away from him so... I let her and everyone else think the worst of him.
LOU: You left undone that which might have been done, eh?
RICK: (sadly) Um, yeah, yeah. I don't feel too good about myself.

Lou says he understands but tells Rick that he owes Michael an apology. Rick exasperatedly tells Lou that he's already tried but Michael doesn't want to know.

LOU: Try to drum up a bit more sincerity!
RICK: Look, I've done everything except get on my knees. What else can I do?
LOU: Keep hammering. Earn his respect. He's got to like you before he can forgive you, mate.

Rick looks dejected.

Number 22
Cheryl bawls for Danni to get back to school, yelling that Brett's already gone. Danni eventually comes in and says she feels sick, and then blames her diabetes. Cheryl says that her blood sugar was fine in the morning, so she deduces that Danni is just avoiding the other kids at school.

CHERYL: That is what happens when you start telling stories. Sooner or later, you have to face the music.

Danni is totally lost for words and Cheryl embraces her. Cheryl says that she understands things are hard but running away from her problems only makes things worse. Danni turns on her.

DANNI: And what would you know about my problems?! You're never round to listen to them anyway! Some mum you are!

Danni storms out. Cheryl looks gobsmacked.

Erinsborough High - Corridor
Michael and Cody have their arms around each other. Cody invites him to dinner but Michael is unsure, reckoning that Pam will give him a hard time. Cody says it'll be ok - the more he's around, the more Pam's warming to him. Michael agrees to 'take a chance'.

They go to their lockers and pass McKenna, who bawls out a kid for not being properly attired. Cody and Michael roll their eyes and they grumble about how McKenna is the same in his Geography lessons: yelling at everyone! Cody says that he's supposed to be a teacher; not the school fashion co-ordinator.

Michael resignedly says that they can't do much about it, but Cody thinks that the school captain should be the one pointing out to the staff that there are more pressing issues than school uniform infringements. Michael points out that the school captain has no say when it comes to the running of the school.

MICHAEL: Anyway, most of the kids couldn't care less about any issues. Nothing is gonna change.
CODY: But that sucks!
MICHAEL: Well, what can you do?
CODY: Well, if you want change, you've got to stand up and fight for it!

McKenna overhears this outburst and approaches them. Michael quickly shuts his locker and hustles Cody away!

MICHAEL: Go!

Number 26
Helen is on the phone. She hangs up and goes in to the kitchen where Julie is, and tells her that the agent has found a buyer for Number 32 who's prepared to pay the full asking price. Julie looks a bit sad but masks it by congratulating Helen.

HELEN: (tentatively) There is a hitch, darling. He wants you out ASAP.
JULIE: How long have we got?
HELEN: Until the end of next week.

Julie's jaw drops! Julie says it'll be impossible for them to pack up that quickly - it'll take a week to organise Hannah's room, let alone anyone else's! Helen says that they'll be fine, as they don't need any furniture (as they're moving in Number 26) so they just need to collect their personal items and put everything else into storage. Julie stresses, saying that the house still has to be cleaned, but Helen reassures Julie that everyone will pitch in and help.

HELEN: I'm so looking forward to you all coming here. Family around me again. Yes, it'll certainly brighten the place up.

Julie doesn't look quite so enamoured! Julie worries that it could be too much for her, but Helen insists that it's exactly what she needs.

HELEN: It'll make me feel matriarchal!
JULIE: (sadly) I wonder how it'll make me feel.
HELEN: Happy, I hope!

Julie is worried about not being in charge of running her own household. Helen tells her that it *will* be her household - they'll share, just as they did before. Julie smiles, but looks unsure to herself.

Number 22
Cheryl is looking through some accounts. Lou walks in and she's extremely happy to see him. She says that the paperwork is driving her nuts and she needs a break. Lou worries that it's all going to be too much. Cheryl admits that she doesn't know heaps about the business but points out that Philip has agreed to teach her all that she needs to know.

LOU: Oh, I'm sure you'll be a whizzbang executive.

Lou reveals that he's worried about their relationship. Cheryl says that they'll be fine once the deal is through. Cheryl says that she doesn't want to sneak around behind Brett and Danni's backs anymore because it's too hard! Lou says that as they've agreed to that, they should go out together and have a drink - be seen together.

Cheryl agrees, albeit slightly reluctantly. Lou is a bit put out and Cheryl tells him about Danni's earlier outburst, and how Lou's bathers being left by the spa didn't help matters! Lou tells her that they have a life of their own, but he promises to be more careful with his bathers in future!

Cheryl laughs, but worries about Danni - she feels more like her sparring partner than her mother! Lou tells her to give Danni some more quality time. Cheryl says that she could pick her up after school and take her shopping.

LOU: That's good, that's good. That makes the kid happy. That makes Mum happier. And that makes my life a lot easier!

He chuckles and they hug.

Erinsborough High - Classroom
Brett catches up with Rick and asks if he can walk home with him. Rick wonders if Brett wants to be seen with him!

BRETT: I've got an idea. It's great; you're going to love it.
RICK: (laughing) Ah yeah, is this going to cost me any money?

Brett raves about how Rick should become school captain. Rick thinks that Brett is taking the mick out of him!

RICK: Look, nerds going into school politics. It's just too uncool.
BRETT: You're a natural! Kids love you!
RICK: Ah yeah, which kids?!
BRETT: Well, I was talking to the people in Year 11 and they all reckon you'll be a great school captain. You're not a nerd - that's why.
RICK: (surprised) I'm not? (quickly remembering who he is!) No, no, no, of course I'm not! And I don't want to be school captain either!

Rick walks off.

Erinsborough High - Grounds
Brett is still trying to convince Rick to run for captain. He thinks that he's the man to run the campaign and Rick's the guy to front it, as Rick's more popular than he realises. Rick scoffs at the idea.

RICK: You and me in politics?!
BRETT: Sure! What a team. First Erinsborough High, then...Australia!
RICK: (teasing) What about the world, man?

Brett laughs at Rick's joke. A car horn goes and the pair rush over to Cheryl. Cheryl asks where Danni is, and Brett tells her that she came back to school but then went home again. Cheryl's face falls.

Charity Shop
Danni has changed out of her school uniform into some second hand stuff. She then carries on looking around the shop. She catches her reflection in the mirror and looks unhappy. She walks out.

Lassiter's Office Reception
Julie walks out of Philip's office (with him following, scratching his back) and approaches the coffee machine (when did they get that?!). Julie says that moving in with Helen seemed like a good idea last week, but now it's happening, she's not so sure. Julie says that she likes being in her own place and it's nothing against Helen. Philip seems more interested in using the wall post to itch his scratch!

PHILIP: It won't be forever. We'll have a place of our own one day soon.
JULIE: Mmm. That place felt like our own!
PHILIP: Yeah, I know. (cheering) At least it means we can stay in Ramsay Street.
JULIE: Well, there is that. And I wouldn't want to move too far away from Gran at this stage of her life.

Julie passes him a coffee.

PHILIP: Thanks. (laughs) You'd better not say that to her! You know how she feels about her independence.
JULIE: (laughing) Oh no, I wouldn't! But I'm sure she's starting to feel a little vulnerable, especially now she's hurt her arm. And since Dad died she has complained about the house being too big for just her and Wayne.
PHILIP: She might wish she'd kept quiet once the Martins have moved in - lock, stock and barrel! And dog!
JULIE: (laughing) I doubt it. You know how she dotes on the children - especially Hannah.

They walk back to his office and Philip stops at the door.

PHILIP: So we're doing the right thing?
JULIE: Oh, for Gran, yes. But for us?

Number 24
Brett knocks at the door. Rick opens it.

RICK: Oh, not you again!

Brett says he's worked out a great campaign and wants to run it by Rick.

RICK: Look, look, I don't want to be scho-

Rick pauses and stares into the distance as if something down Ramsay Street has caught his eye.

RICK: -ol captain... What the?

Brett turns to see what Rick's staring at, and as soon as he turns away, Rick sniggers and slams the door in Brett's face! Brett realises he's been scammed and bursts back in.

BRETT: Think of this! School Captain! Not only a position of power and influence, but a social status as well.

Rick is watching television. Brett turns it off!

BRETT: Plus, fringe benefits. Like being taken seriously by the teachers. And days off school to attend special school captain seminars and lunches. BUT, all of that's nothing when you consider it your duty. And consider what you'll be doing for your fellow students! You'll be their voice. You'll champion their needs. You'll be awesome, mate. You'll be their hero and you'll be able to command their undying loyalty and respect.

Rick suddenly looks interested.

RICK: Earn their respect, huh?
BRETT: Like that!

He snaps his fingers and then pauses.

BRETT: Well, you'll get a lot of it anyway.

Rick looks thoughtful.

RICK: Yeah, you're right. It's my duty. Ok, mate, you've got me. I'm in.

Brett is thrilled! He thinks that Rick's a born politician and he's a born campaign manager and suggests that the pair of them will knock the school senseless!

RICK: Just get me some respect, huh? Now, what's in this for you?
BRETT: Oh, I'm just your average nerd who enjoys a bit of a challenge.
RICK: True, true. (he puts his arm around Brett and looks at the ceiling, dreaming) Yeah. School Captain: Rick Alessi. Rarh!

Number 22
It's late and Cheryl is annoyed that Danni isn't back. Brett swears that he's not covering for her. They sit down to eat just as Danni arrives back. Danni has got headphones on, and slumps at the table and digs in without saying a word.

CHERYL: How was your day then?

Danni doesn't respond, so Cheryl lifts off the headphones.

CHERYL: How was you day, Danni?
DANNI: Same as yesterday.

Cheryl asks where she got the old clothes from that she's wearing, and Danni snaps that they're new to her. Cheryl tells Danni that she went by the school to pick her up.

CHERYL: I wanted us to go shopping.
DANNI: (nastily) For what?!
CHERYL: Clothes.
DANNI: *These* are fine.

Cheryl suggests that if she wants anything else, they could always go together. Danni snaps about Cheryl not caring about what she wears or if she's in school. Cheryl says she cares a lot. Cheryl explains that's why she's upset that she wasn't in school, and upset that she's late home for dinner with no reason and no apology.

DANNI: I had a reason! I just didn't tell you! And I'll apologise to you when you start acting like a real mother!

Cheryl looks stunned, and then hurt. She starts dishing out food.

CHERYL: (through gritted teeth) Eat your dinner.
DANNI: No.
CHERYL: Eat. Your. Dinner.
DANNI: Why?!
CHERYL: (tearfully) Because if you don't eat properly you might end up with hyperglycemia!

Danni and Cheryl stare at each other for a long time, and then Danni sighs and strops off. Brett and Cheryl are left sat, wordlessly, at the table.

Number 26
Philip and Julie go around to see Helen. Julie says that they haven't made up their minds about moving in, but Helen misunderstands and says that they can move in whenever they want. Julie looks unsure what to do and then gives Philip a hard nudge to make him speak instead!

PHILIP: Helen, we should talk.

He tells her that what they're going to do isn't an easy decision for them to make and he and Julie haven't actually decided that they're moving into 26. Helen tries to cover her disappointment and says that when she assumed they'd move in, she didn't take into account that they might have other options.

HELEN: I've just been driven by my own selfish needs. I'm sorry.
JULIE: Gran, you haven't been selfish! You've been more than generous. And we love you for it.

Julie tightly hugs Helen, who winces as Julie clutches Helen's damaged arm!

JULIE: Ooh, sorry. Look, Philip didn't mean that we don't *want* to move in. He's not the most tactful person; you know that.

Philip looks baffled at the accusation and raises his eyebrows at Julie. He then smiles at Helen, and then glares at Julie!

Julie goes on to explain that they need to talk through things with the kids and make sure that they're making the right decision for everyone - including Helen. Helen says that she understands.

Number 28
Doug spots the boxes from the tax office.

DOUG: What's this? Round 2 with the tax office?

Pam says it's just the boxes from last year that they've finally returned. Doug grumbles about how they squeezed every drop of money out of them. He rants about how Norm's idea of renovating older houses was a beauty of an idea but the bank threw a spanner into it. Pam says something else will turn up.

Cody and Michael burst in, and Cody announces that she invited Michael over for dinner.

PAM: (uncertain) Er, yeah, I guess.
MICHAEL: (hurriedly) If you haven't got enough, it's ok, I can go home.
CODY: No, it's ok. She's still cooking for Gaby, right, Mum?

Pam says there's plenty. Michael greets Doug and then he and Cody sit on the sofa together. Cody wonders who the new school captain will be. Michael doesn't think that anyone really cares. Cody goes on about how pathetic the apathy in Australia is - the kids in America really cared about school politics.

MICHAEL: Yeah, well, it's different here.
CODY: Yeah, well, it shouldn't be. I'd soon get rid of apathy.
MICHAEL: (laughing) You're a stirrer.
CODY: No, I'm not! I just like to see kids taking more responsibility for their lives.
MICHAEL: Maybe you should run for school captain.
CODY: Why would they vote for me when they don't even know me?
MICHAEL: Plenty of kids remember you! And no-one's going to be as committed as you. I reckon if you run, you've got it made.
CODY: You reckon?
MICHAEL: Oh yeah!
CODY: Nah! (turns back to Michael) You reckon?

Number 22
Danni comes down and announces she's going out. Cheryl asks where she's going and Danni snaps at her. Cheryl says that Danni isn't going anywhere - they're going to talk their problems through instead.

DANNI: (angrily) Who are you trying to con? You don't care about me! You just care about yourself! (Danni's breathing becomes laboured) You keep coming on like some devoted ...mother but...you're...not...fooling...any...one! Ohh! You're selfish and you're making a fool of yourself with Lou Carpenter and if I want to wear these clothes, I will and if I want to go out...I *will*!

Danni tearfully collapses on the floor. Cheryl jumps up and tries to get her to calm down, but Danni is struggling to breathe.