No. 30
Luke asks Danni why he'd be jealous of her and Mal. Danni retorts:

DANNI: Then why come in and humiliate him? Humiliate *me*?

Luke tells her that she'll be humiliated if she doesn't get her dresses done. Danni, however, insists that she'll come up with the goods. Luke reminds her that he has a financial interest in her business. Danni tells him that she doesn't need him chucking a wobbly when everything is going to be fine. Luke replies that that's fair enough, but when he borrowed against his life insurance for that overlocker, he thought she'd be a bit more serious about the whole thing. Danni gasps in shock:

DANNI: You *what*?

She then asks him in astonishment if he's crazy. Luke replies that he saw big things for her; he certainly didn't think she'd throw away opportunities like the one she's got. Danni insists that she'll finish the dresses - and she works better when she's under pressure. She then asks Luke gently if he wants to tell her what this is really about, but he just shakes his head and walks out.

No. 26
Holly is barking to be fed, but Hannah is sitting at the kitchen table, staring into a hand mirror, practicing talking without opening her mouth! Philip comes in and watches her! He starts to tell her that he can hardly notice the braces, but Hannah retorts that he must be the only person in the whole world. She adds angrily that she hopes he's getting value for the money he paid for them, because they've made her life miserable. She storms out.

No. 24
Darren is sitting at the kitchen table, eating a bowl of cereal, when Cheryl emerges from the bedroom area and spots him. She says straight away:

CHERYL: Right, you... sit there and answer me a few questions. Handy Sam's business: I've been under the impression that you're working for Mal. Silly me, huh?!
DARREN: Who've you been talking to?
CHERYL: I think that's quite irrelevant, don't you? Now, I want to hear it from *you*: are you, or are you not, the senior financial partner in Handy Sam's?

With food in his mouth, Darren shrugs and nods. Cheryl muses that that leaves her wondering where on earth he'd get the money to *make* such an investment. Darren doesn't answer. Cheryl presses that she wants to know the truth. Darren gives in and retorts:

DARREN: I got a loan. No theft, conspiracy or blackmail. Happy?

Cheryl demands to know where he got the loan *from*. Darren snaps that he got a *private* loan - so can they just leave it there? He adds that he thought this was where she was supposed to be proud of him for showing initiative. Cheryl retorts that she will be as soon as he can prove to her that it's all above- board. Darren snaps:

DARREN: Look, anyone else gets a loan around here and you don't care. As soon as *I* do, there's got to be some sort of catch, doesn't there.
CHERYL: Jeez, Darren, why are you getting so defensive?
DARREN: *Why*? Maybe because my own mother doesn't trust me - and at this rate, probably never *will*.

He storms off.

Holy Roll
Hannah and Casper and sitting at a table, milkshakes in front of them. Casper asks Hannah if she gets food and stuff stuck in her braces. Hannah just asks if they can talk about something else! She asks him how the skateboarding's going. Casper tells her that he had this great idea: he thinks they should make some boards together. Hannah doesn't look overly interested, though. Casper asks her what's wrong, as he's not talking about her braces anymore. Hannah points out that they're still *there* - and she hates them and so does *he*. Casper insists that he doesn't. Hannah tells him that he hasn't kissed her since she's had them on. Casper explains that it's not because of the braces; he just hasn't had a chance - but he's wanted to. Hannah says:

HANNAH: You could kiss me *now*...
CASPER (points out): We're in the *Coffee Shop*...
HANNAH: So? There's no one here we know.

Casper gives in. He closes his eyes and leans towards Hannah - but they're interrupted by Jo coming in and saying Hi! She grins and asks if she interrupted a romantic moment! Casper shrugs at Hannah:

CASPER: See? No privacy.

Hannah just grabs her bag and walks out, looking annoyed.

No. 24
Cheryl is telling Marlene that every time she questions Darren, he flies right back with a guilt- trip about how she doesn't trust him and isn't a supportive mother. Marlene tells her that Darren knows it gets to her. Cheryl insists that she'd support him by any means possible, provided she knows what's going on in that mixed- up head of his. Marlene asks her if she's tried *asking* him lately. Cheryl asks what *that* means. Marlene points out that she *has* had some other dramas going on. Cheryl insists that Darren knows she's there for him. With that, Marlene says she has to go, as she's nearly late for her radio shift. She tells Cheryl to get a move on too. She adds that *she* doesn't want Darren to go back inside either, but Cheryl's kids will do their own thing, and if she tries to stop them... Cheryl sighs:

CHERYL: It'll only make things worse, and I've got a son sailing round the world to prove it, haven't I...

Outside the Holy Roll
Sometime later, Cheryl approaches the Holy Roll and says good morning to Luke, who's sitting outside. He just mutters:

LUKE: Is it?

Cheryl remarks that this is the day for long faces, and she asks what's up. Luke tells her that it's her daughter: she's not taking her job seriously. Cheryl sits down and remarks that she thought it was all up and running now. Luke replies:

LUKE: Yeah, it is - but it's like she's afraid of success or something. She's got heaps of orders to fill, but she's hitting the club scene for all- nighters. It's crazy.
CHERYL: Have you talked to her about it?
LUKE: Yes. It's like talking to a brick wall. She gets on the defensive. I'm only concerned that she's going to fall on her face. You know, she's got such a great opportunity and she's throwing it all away.
CHERYL (murmurs): Maybe it's genetic.

Luke asks her if *she* wants to try talking to Danni. Cheryl just rolls her eyes and shrugs:

CHERYL: Well, why not? I'd hate for one of my kids to feel left out!

Radio studio
Marlene is finishing her radio show. She turns off her mic and Marilyn comes into the studio, asking her if she's got time for a chat. Marlene tells her that *she's* been wanting to have a chat about a new co- host. Marilyn, however, holds up her hand and says in a regretful tone that she's got some bad news. She goes on:

MARILYN: We've just had a meeting with the Board and they've expressed some concern about the morning show and the... um... demographics it's attracting.
MARLENE: Oh, have they? Well, all the more reason to look for a new co- host.
MARILYN: Absolutely. In fact, they feel it's a good reason for some new hosts altogether... They want a... younger feel in the morning.
MARLENE: Well, what are you saying? Are you sacking me?
MARILYN: No! No, not at all! We've been very pleased with your work, and the 'phone- in segment was a winner; but we feel it would be best to put you on the Sunday afternoon shift.
MARLENE (frowns): That's not talkback; that's easy- listening.
MARILYN: Yes - and the Board feels that, with your warmth and personality, you'd be perfect for the older listeners.
MARLENE (mutters): I will not accept crumbs from the table.

Marilyn insists that it's not *like* that, but Marlene retorts that the Board thinks that she's only fit for the elderly listeners - but she's as sharp as any of those young kids and she can recognise a fob- off when she sees it. With that, she adds:

MARLENE: Thanks but no thanks.

She walks out, leaving Marilyn rolling her eyes in frustration!

No. 30
Darren has turned up at No. 30 and tells Danni and Luke that he's run out of places that are safe from his mum. Luke leaves him and Danni to it. Danni helps him to a chair and asks him what their mum's done. Darren mutters that she's convinced that he stole the money to buy out Handy Sam's. Danni asks him if he told her any different. Darren retorts:

DARREN: Why should I? I mean, she's got absolutely no faith in me whatsoever.
DANNI: OK. Well, why don't you tell *me* how you got the money?
DARREN: I didn't steal it.
DANNI: OK. Then what?
DARREN: Do you really wanna know?
DANNI (nodding): Yeah, I really wanna know.

Chez Chez
Marlene walks into the bar and tells Cheryl - who's standing behind the bar, shaking a cocktail shaker - that she's just been sacked from the radio station. Cheryl offers her sympathy, telling her that she was so great this morning, as well. She looks to the sky and remarks that she thinks somebody up there's putting a hex on their family...

No. 30
Danni gasps at Darren:

DANNI: Have you gone *mad*?
DARREN: Hey, it was the only sensible thing to do.
DANNI: I don't *think* so.
DARREN: Listen. What other chance have I got of getting a job? I'm on a really good thing with Mal. This is my best chance of keeping clean. If I didn't come up with the money then the whole thing would've folded.
DANNI: Yeah, but this wasn't the safest way to go about it. I think you should tell mum before you get in any *more* trouble.
DARREN: Yeah, right, and watch her go off her tree?
DANNI: Well, she's going to do it anyway, so you might as well be the one to choose when and where she does it.

No. 26
Casper and Hannah are sitting on the couch, watching the TV. There's stirring music playing. Hannah looks at Casper and remarks that it's a good video. Hannah leans forward and changes the channel. As she does so, Casper puts his arm out so that she leans back into it. He then turns to her and leans towards her. She tells him that he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to, but Casper assures her that he wants to. They go to kiss - but are interrupted by Philip emerging from the bedroom area! He stares at them and then tells them slightly tersely that he's got a meeting with his publisher, but he's not sure he's going now! Looking at Hannah, he adds:

PHILIP: I think we should have a talk when I get back.

Hannah looks at Casper and sighs heavily.

Chez Chez
A delivery man comes in carrying several pot plants, but Cheryl tells him that she wants them taken to 22 Ramsay Street. The man replies:

POT MAN: She told me to bring 'em back in *here*.
CHERYL: Who?

At that moment, Jo comes in and says to Cheryl that it's lucky she caught him. Cheryl frowns at her:

CHERYL: *You* ordered these?

Jo nods that she thought the place could *use* them. Cheryl takes Jo to one side and Jo asks if she's done something wrong. Cheryl comments to Jo tersely that she thought they agreed that Jo was going to be a *silent* partner. Jo apologises and says she just thought the plants looked nice. Cheryl says:

CHERYL: I'm going to go home now. This is *your* problem and you can deal with it!

She heads out. Marlene joins Jo, who asks her what she's going to do about her shop: get more staff or something? Marlene replies that she's been trying to juggle everything, but it's getting very difficult; she's going to have to bite the bullet and make a big decision.

No. 30
Cheryl has turned up at No. 30. She and Danni head into the lounge room, where Cheryl remarks to her daughter that, from what she hears, she's letting her career take a back seat to her partying. Danni realises that Luke's been having a bit of a whinge - but she assures Cheryl that he's only jealous because she went out with Mal. Cheryl insists that he seemed more upset about her *work*. Danni tells her that he's got no reason to be: she's got all her dresses made, just like she said she would. She goes on:

DANNI: Look, it's not *me* who needs checking up on, it's *him*. He's gone back to thinking he can handle everything on his own. I don't even know what he's *feeling* anymore.
CHERYL: Well, maybe it's time you sat him down and had a heart- to- heart with *him*.
DANNI: I've tried that and he just keeps storming out.

No. 24
Cheryl arrives home to find Darren watching TV. He turns it off and asks his mother if they can talk. Cheryl asks if it's about the money. Darren insists that he didn't steal it, if that's what she's been thinking. Cheryl says:

CHERYL: Darling, will you stop worrying about what I think and just tell me the truth? Why is that so hard?
DARREN (pauses before saying): I... I got the money from, um, well, I guess you'd call her a loan shark. She's the only person who'd lend someone like me money.
CHERYL (gasps): Darren... the interest you'd be paying would be astronomical.
DARREN: I know, but I've got no collateral. What else could I do?
CHERYL: Come to me, for starters.
DARREN: Oh, you won't lend me the money. And with all the other crap that you've got going on now, I... I just didn't think that you've had the time...
CHERYL (seriously): Never ever think I don't have the time for you.
DARREN: Aren't you going to go ballistic at me?
CHERYL: No! No, I'm not here to make your life miserable; I'm here to *help* you, OK?
DARREN: No matter how much trouble I get into?
CHERYL (fondly): No matter how much. Just don't make me regret saying that, that's all!

No. 30
Danni is trying on a dress and looking in a mirror she's set up in the kitchen when Luke comes in and asks her if she wants him to zip her up. Danni thanks him. As he does up the zip, Luke tells her that the dress is beautiful - it looks like her work hasn't suffered after all. He then apologises for all the things that have been tumbling out of his mouth. Danni tells him that she's sorry too: she's probably said some things she shouldn't have, either. Luke says quickly:

LUKE: No! No. Maybe I *was* jealous; and maybe I've come to rely on you more than I should've and I got angry at you and I got angry at myself for letting that happen.

Danni gives him a hug and tells him that that's silly - because they support each other with everything; she thought that was their deal. Luke nods that it is, and he promises to tell her what's happening in his head a bit more. Danni smiles and the two of them kiss. She then suggests that they go out for dinner. Luke asks her if she isn't exhausted! Danni grins:

DANNI: Yeah. Yeah, I should be, but being back in your good books gives a girl energy!
LUKE: Well, let's make a reservation!

They kiss again.

No. 26
Hannah is in the kitchen when Philip arrives home. He joins her and she starts to say:

HANNAH: Look, dad, about what you saw before: I'm really sorry and it won't happen again. I sent Casper home straight away.
PHILIP (frowns): Why?
HANNAH: You know, he's not trying to avoid you. I can call him again if you, you know, if you want to speak to him—
PHILIP: Hannah, calm down! You're not in any trouble!
HANNAH: I'm not?
PHILIP: No! Oh, all right, I was a bit shocked to start with, but I guess your old dad's going to have to get *used* to boys breaking down the door, isn't he!
HANNAH: So it's OK, me seeing Casper?
PHILIP: Yeah, he's a nice boy. Yeah, you can see him - as long as you don't try to take things too far too soon.
HANNAH (quickly): Oh no! I mean, well, no, we're not like 'that' or anything.
PHILIP (smiles in surprise): Is Casper as petrified as *you* are?

Hannah nods.

PHILIP: Strewth! You better call the poor boy up and have him over for dinner; we'll see if we can't calm you both down a little bit!

Hannah runs off to the 'phone, leaving Philip to comment to Holly that he must be scarier than he thought!

No. 30
It's evening- time, and Luke is standing in the kitchen, calling to Danni to come on or they'll be late. Danni comes in - but there's suddenly a knock on the front door and Luke goes and answers it to Marlene. She comes in and says this won't take very long: it's a matter of life and death - it's about her shop. Danni insists that that's not life and death! Marlene tells her:

MARLENE: Yes it is - because I can't cope with it any longer.
DANNI (surprised): What?
MARLENE: Well, you see, it's all these shifts at the pub.
DANNI: Well, what are you going to *do*? You can't hand it over to some stranger. Come on, nan, how can you? You *love* that shop.
MARLENE: That's why I was thinking I'd hand the reins over to *you* - *if* you think you can handle it.

Danni stares at her nan in astonishment!