Recap
- Kate and Declan arguing about Declan acting distant
- Doug taking care of Steph at the hospital
- Steph and Libby's Ramsay Street showdown
- Libby believing that Toadie was lied to as well
- Toadie confessing to Libby that he was in on the secret
Number 28
Donna and Ringo are setting the table for breakfast but Donna feels uneasy when she sees Steph's unopened letter to Libby. Ringo advises her to leave it be. He then tells Donna that he's going to stay home today to keep an eye on Libby, but there's no need, as Libby is up and about and ready for work (with a smile plastered on and a faux cheery demeanour).
Ramsay Street
Ringo and Donna catch up with Declan and are surprised to learn that Rebecca kicked Paul out of home. Donna asks where Paul went but Declan says he neither knows nor cares, "I wish he took Andrew with him". Donna wants to know why Dec didn't tell them earlier but Declan coldly replies that it wasn't gossip. Declan drives off and Donna sadly comments on how detached he's become with everyone.
Erinsborough High
Libby and Lucas greet each other with muted hellos and Libby comments that Lucas's shirt is on inside- out. Michael calls them over and says he's organised substitute teachers for both of them, but Libby is determined to soldier on.
LIBBY: We've got nothing to hide from. We didn't do anything wrong. So thanks but no thanks; I've got a class to teach.
Lucas admits to Michael that he'd love to go home, but if Libby can get through the day, then so can he. Michael looks worried.
In the classroom, Andrew is leaving a voicemail for Paul, letting him know that he got his message last night about what happened. He says to call if Paul wants to meet at the hotel later. Natasha overhears and asks if there's "trouble on the home front", but Andrew says it's nothing. Libby strides in and sets the class to work, but Natasha is confused - she thought her dad organised a sub.
Over in Lucas's classroom (holy hell there's more than one classroom - wonders will never cease), he's trying to teach everyone about mufflers, but his enthusiasm is set to zero. Some teen makes a snide comment about Lucas's dishevelled appearance but Summer shushes them. Lucas mutters that if they'd rather talk than learn then go ahead; he could care less.
Libby is trying to get a discussion going about the passages they just read but Natasha has decided to ask a million and one questions about what happened yesterday.
Summer tentatively asks Lucas if he's OK. Lucas has his guard up and questions if Summer was in on the secret, but when she says no, he loosens up a bit. He gets the class's attention and decides to take an open approach to the situation.
LUCAS: I guess you're all wanting to know the goss, so here it is. I slept in my car last night and I didn't want to come to work.
Libby, meanwhile, has taken the opposite approach and continues to coldly deflect all of Natasha's attempts to 'sympathise' with her (aka try and sniff out gossip in a 'nice' way). Libby reminds everyone that what happens outside of the classroom stays outside of the classroom.
Lucas is still sharing and says he just didn't feel like being around people. The teen that commented earlier says that he's slept in his garage before, and Summer admits that she camped out in a treehouse once when she was nine. Lucas says that's he's got a lot of stuff going on, but so does everyone else in the world, so they should just get on with class. Summer and Lucas share a small smile.
Erinsborough Gym
Ringo and Donna are working out on the bikes but Donna has taken Declan's comment about being a gossip to heart. She says that she likes to take an interest in people, but that doesn't make her nosy, it just means she cares. Donna's worried that Declan is retreating into himself and asks if he's spoken to Ringo lately, but Ringo says they don't really do the 'sharing' thing. Donna feels like the gang is starting to fall apart and she doesn't know what to do about it.
Lassiter's Complex
Donna asks Kate how things are with Dec, but Kate says he's not speaking to her and she's pretending not to notice. She had to hear about Paul and Rebecca via some gossipy customers. Donna sympathises and tells Kate to come sit with her when she gets a break from work.
Summer and Andrew take a seat at another table, bickering about Paul.
ANDREW: How is it that my dad is the bad guy? He didn't cheat with his best friend's husband. He didn't pretend to father a kid and lie about it to all his mates.
SUMMER: Oh right, your dad's such an angel. He'd never lie or cheat because he's a Robinson.
ANDREW: You want to talk about dodgy, let's talk about your step- mum.
SUMMER: Don't go there. Just do not go there.
ANDREW: Why not? This whole thing happened because Steph went there.
Natasha joins them, thrilled to hear that they're talking about something entertaining. Summer seethes but Natasha says it's the most interesting thing that's happened since she moved to Erinsborough; she's all for secrets and lies. Summer says that she's not interested in hearing any more and walks off. Donna, meanwhile, has been listening in and writes down 'TRUTH' on her notepad.
Erinsborough High
Dean stands with his goons and shoves a jumper under his top to imitate a pregnant lady just as Callum walks past.
DEAN: Hey loser, who am I?
CALLUM: I don't know, an idiot?
DEAN: Nah mate, I'm your next step- mum.
CALLUM: Yeah you do look like a girl.
DEAN: At least my dad doesn't have a thing for someone else's preggo chick.
CALLUM: (through gritted teeth) Don't diss my dad.
DEAN: How about I diss your baby brother instead? Oh wait, you're not going to have one.
Callum and Dean start a shoving match until Summer intervenes. She turns the tables on Dean, asking him if his parents are still together. She gets in a dig about Dean's mum running away because he's so ugly, before Libby sternly approaches.
LIBBY: Summer what do you think you're doing?
SUMMER: Well Callum's copping it because of... Toadie and Steph.
LIBBY: And you were defending him?
SUMMER: Yes.
LIBBY: Because you think Steph's in the right?
The bell rings and Libby sends everyone off to class. Summer tries to explain that she had to take drastic measures to get through to Dean, but Libby is in no mood to listen.
LIBBY: Why? Because you know best? Who gave you permission to interfere?
SUMMER: They were fighting!
LIBBY: Don't you dare justify it by saying you were doing everyone a big favour.
SUMMER: I was just trying to help.
LIBBY: Shut up! I am the teacher. I break up the fights, I decide who's right and who's wrong, not you. Keep your nose out of it and mind your own business!
Summer looks upset and walks away. Libby turns and realises that Michael has heard the entire exchange and doesn't look happy about it.
First Commercial Break
Erinsborough High
Michael takes Libby into his office for a chat but he's being quite calm and understanding with her. Libby says Summer was out of line, but Michael replies that Libby was the one out of line. Michael adds that the substitute teacher is still booked so Libby might as well go home and take some time out.
LIBBY: (defiant) Make me.
MICHAEL: It'd be a really bad look if I had to call the cops on you.
His joke falls flat so he repeats for her to head home and look after herself. Libby concedes, but not by choice.
Number 22
Declan rushes in after Donna texted him about an "emergency", but he only finds Ringo and Kate in the house. Kate says she was just told to bring cupcakes. Donna appears from the laundry and tells them that she's been thinking about what happened between Steph, Toadie and Libby and she doesn't want a falling out to happen in their gang. Therefore, she is calling to order, "out very first bi- annual truth- fest". Declan says he has to go back to work, but Donna says if he leaves he's saying his job is more important than their friendship (I know Dec doesn't want to share his secret, but aside from that he kind of needs that job to provide for India, Donna...). Dec, of course, is guilted into staying and Donna starts off the session.
DONNA: Ringo you know those footy shorts you wear to bed?
RINGO: (grinning) You love them don't you!
DONNA: I honestly hate them!
RINGO: Alright, I've got one. Do you know anyone that wants to buy a shrug- o- lero?
(Donna whacks him on the arm but they all laugh)
DONNA: Declan your turn.
DECLAN: (to Kate) You know when you twisted your ankle? I thought you were mad to dance on it.
DONNA: Ditto.
RINGO: Me too.
KATE: Alright, hmm, let me think... Do you remember that time you stripped?
DECLAN: Oh no, don't.
RINGO: Stripped?
KATE: In public!
DECLAN: It was for a good cause.
KATE: I thought you were going to do the Full Monty.
DECLAN: What? I would never!
RINGO: Did you?
Declan blushes and buries his face in his hands as they all crack up laughing.
Erinsborough High
Michael finishes a chat with Callum and says that if anyone brings up his home life again he should say something. Callum isn't keen on being a dobber, but Michael reminds him fighting won't get him anywhere. Sophie catches up with Cal and asks if he's OK. Cal's just happy that Dean got stuck with a week of yard duty clean- up.
Michael notices Summer hiding away eating lunch by herself and sits next to her for a talk. Summer says there's only one topic of conversation going on with the kids today and she's not interested. Michael assures her the whole Steph thing will blow over soon and that he's had a word to Libby about her actions before. Summer shrugs and says that no one's perfect.
MICHAEL: So you're OK?
SUMMER: It's not the first time a teacher's picked on me and it won't be the last.
She gets up and leaves just as Michael hears a commotion down the hall. He goes to investigate and finds a group of kids watching Lucas bash the crap out of the muffler in his classroom. Michael shoos everyone away and goes in to check on his mate. Lucas apologises and says he has to get out of there. Michael suggests a nice cold beer after work, which suits Lucas well.
LUCAS: On one condition, we don't talk about Steph.
MICHAEL: Who?
Number 22
The truth- fest has turned into a talk- about- Steph- Toadie- Libby- fest. Kate says she could never do what Steph did, but Donna thinks that's easy enough to say but it could happen to anyone. Ringo adds that Libby is a mess at the moment and all the lying has made it worse. Declan flinches.
RINGO: What Toadie did, all the sacrifices that he made for Steph, I hope that I could step up for a friend like that.
DECLAN: Yeah but not if it meant stuffing up all of your other friendships.
RINGO: Yeah... Good point. I can't even imagine lying to the Kennedys.
DECLAN: He betrayed his family, that's something I could never do. For me, India and mum will always come first.
(This is news to Kate, who looks quite hurt by his words)
DONNA: (covering) Well you want to protect your family, that makes sense.
DECLAN: (oblivious) No it's more than that. It's like this gut thing, you know? There's family then there's everyone else.
KATE: (annoyed) Good! Finally something honest from you!
She storms out. Declan looks at Ringo and Donna all, 'What? I didn't mean it like it sounded!'
Second Commercial Break
Number 24
Declan tries to convince Kate that she's just as important as India and Rebecca, but Kate says it doesn't feel like it. Declan suggests they go out and have a fancy dinner together but Kate states that he can't just put a bandaid over their problems and hope they go away.
KATE: You just skip over anything that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable. You're there but you're not there, we talk and nothing gets said and I'm getting really, really sick of it.
DECLAN: If I could tell you what was going on I would.
KATE: What's that supposed to mean?
DECLAN: I can't go into it.
KATE: So there is something going on?
DECLAN: It's not you. I'm in an awkward position and I'm trying to find my way out of it.
KATE: Well let me help you.
DECLAN: I can't.
KATE: There you go again, Dec, just shutting me out.
DECLAN: Kate I love you and I'm asking you to trust me.
KATE: Just like that? Without any information? You're asking a lot.
Charlie's Bar
Hey, it's Libby and her long- lost boyfriend Dr Doug! They're kind of sniping at one another (Doug thinks he and Libby should have a quiet night, Libby doesn't), and things get more awkward when Libby spies Michael and Lucas playing pool and invites herself over. She picks up a cue to play but freezes when she hears Summer in the background, asking for a take away order for Steph Scully. Shaking it off, Libby says the first round's on her.
Number 22
Kate and Declan return and Donna's happy they've kissed and made up. But when Declan tries the kiss part he gets Kate's cheek instead of her lips. Kate ain't happy. Donna asks Kate if they worked everything out. Kate lies and says Declan told her what he was stressing about ("just boring things") and they're cool now. The gang gathers together and Donna declares the truth- fest officially over, just as Andrew arrives home. He tells them off for trashing his dad's house while he's not there, but Dec snits back that Andrew could always go and join Paul at Lassiter's. Andrew says he just might, but then gets a timely text from his dad (Stay put. I need a Robinson to hold down the fort). Andrew looks a bit put out.
Charlie's Bar
Michael is sharing a war story about how he broke his nose when Libby (with a slight case of beer goggles), tells them all about the time she got gastro on school camp and had to dig her own toilet. Gross. Lucas asks Doug to tell them some horror stories from the hospital, but Doug says he can't talk about work stuff. Libby rolls her eyes and mocks the fact that "doctor patient confidentiality is a very big deal".
LIBBY: And he definitely won't tell you their names.
DOUG: OK, who's for a drink?
LIBBY: Don't try and change the subject.
DOUG: We'll talk about this later.
LIBBY: Let's talk about it right now. This is the man who could have told me about Steph's pregnancy. Saved me major humiliation. Months of humiliation.
DOUG: She's a patient.
LIBBY: And I'm your girlfriend, but I'm not the one you chose to protect, am I?
DOUG: You're the daughter of a doctor, you know the situation.
LIBBY: I wouldn't have said you told me.
DOUG: You're being unreasonable.
He bids them goodnight, but Libby's not done.
LIBBY: (flippant) I'm sorry, did I embarrass you in public? I can't imagine how that feels. Walk out that door, I'm not having you back.
DOUG: I don't deal with threats.
LIBBY: Get over yourself.
DOUG: Fine, I'm done.
Doug exits, Michael and Lucas look extremely awkward and Libby just rolls her eyes again and takes another swig of beer.
Third Commercial Break
Charlie's Bar
Michael and Lucas watch Libby from the bar and Michael comments that she's either taking everything incredibly well or she's in denial. Lucas says his money's on denial. He goes over to the pool table to have a chat with Lib and suggests that she go and talk to Doug. Libby says there's no point, he already made his choice.
LUCAS: Wake up, Lib. It's not a competition, OK? He was just doing his job.
LIBBY: I thought you of all people would understand. (She goes to the bar) Can I get some service please?
LUCAS: Lib...
LIBBY: I don't need your advice.
LUCAS: You can't let people take sides in all of this. You've got to let them deal with it in their own way. Otherwise you're going to end up all alone.
LIBBY: And how is that any different to where I am now? I lost my two best friends in the worst possible way. I'm tired of being the nice girl who comes last. From now on I'm looking out for myself - everyone else can go to hell.
She turns her back on Lucas and focuses on the bar. Lucas is concerned.
Preview
(Tomorrow on Neighbours)
CHRIS: A pool party?
ANDREW: A Hawaiian pool party.
CHRIS: Summer would kill me if I went partners with you.
(Summer confronts Andrew at Harold's)
SUMMER: He's too nice to realise what a loser you are.
(There's a pool party in full swing at a leisure centre)
KYLE: Chicks ahoy, nice one.
ANDREW: Tash tell him he's dumped.
NATASHA: I've always wanted two hot guys to fight over me.
(Drunk Libby dances by herself in Charlie's while people watch)
LIBBY: Who wants to dance with me?
(Lucas tries to get Libby to stop but she pushes him away)
LIBBY: Don't feel sorry for me. I can handle anything, but not that. Steph is the one who cheated.
(Callum has words with Toadie)
CALLUM: (pointed) Can I got to bed now, Toadie?
TOADIE: What happened to 'dad'?
CALLUM: Dads look out for their kids.
(Callum and Lucas hang out at Blokes Club HQ)
CALLUM: What if Steph leaves Ramsay Street?
(Toadie finds them and speaks to Lucas)
TOADIE: We should talk.
LUCAS: OK. Let's hear it.