Previously
- Terese accepts Brad's promise to protect Lauren, but he reiterates his wedding vows to Terese
- Amy insists on giving Toadie and Sonya her first week's rent, despite them saying it can wait
- Kyle and Amy bury the hatchet after their disagreement at work, and agree to start afresh
- Josh wants to explore options for a prenatal operation for the baby, but Daniel thinks it's too risky
- Agreeing with Josh, Amber tells an angry Daniel that Josh's say over the baby matters more than his
The Waterhole
Daniel is leaving a voicemail message for his mum Charlene, updating her about the options surrounding the baby's condition and his disagreement with Amber. He asks her to call him back as he could use a chat.
Terese, who has overheard, remarks to Daniel that it must be hard having his mum so far away. She explains Josh has filled her in on the prenatal options, and empathises with Daniel - saying she knows what it's like to have a partner who has had children with other people. She offers to stick around and have a chat with him until Charlene calls back.
No 32
Josh is researching whereabouts in America they could go to for a prenatal operation, and telling Amber about the options. Amber seems distracted, but suggests they email all the clinics to see if she meets the surgery criteria. She's worried about all the administration it will take, and admits she wishes Daniel was on board with it.
JOSH: Daniel loves you; he'll do whatever he can to help.
AMBER: Yeah.
JOSH: Then what's the problem?
AMBER: It's just a bit tense; he's finding it difficult that I listen to you over him.
JOSH: Well that's not true, is it?
AMBER: Yeah, it is. You're the baby's father.
JOSH: You told him that?
AMBER: Yeah.
Josh seems surprised.
No 30
Amy is babysitting Nell, when Toadie and Sonya come through the door with the shopping, kissing. Sonya looks at Nell's drawings, and notices that one of them is on the back of a letter of demand, addressed to Amy. Amy then tries to give Sonya some money towards the groceries, and Sonya suggests she get them next time.
AMY: What did I say when we first moved in? Please, I don't want you to feel like we're taking advantage.
SONYA: But you're not!
AMY: Well then, take the money! Take it!
SONYA: Okay, okay. Thank you. Thank you.
AMY: Thank you!
But Sonya looks worried.
The Waterhole
Daniel insists to Terese that he doesn't disagree with the surgery just because it's Josh's idea - he explains he's been to see the specialist Dr Corey again, who told him that the operation would increase the chances of the baby being born prematurely, and doesn't even necessarily increase the chances that the baby will survive, according to the statistics. On top of that, they'll have American-level medical bills, accommodation and insurance to pay for, and won't be able to work in the meantime.
TERESE: This could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars!
DANIEL: Amber is jumping onboard. Siding with Josh because he's the biological father. And I can't help but wonder - is this gonna keep happening? As the kid grows up, am I gonna be shut out of every major decision?
TERESE: Look, I know it's not the same. But I've had similar situations with Brad and his other children.
DANIEL: How did you get through it?
TERESE: Well, I guess I just have to keep remembering that Brad loves me, and I love him. And when two people are committed to each other like that, then they should be able to get through anything.
DANIEL: What if their actions say otherwise?
TERESE: Well, then - I dunno - you need to grow a little stronger, and stand up for yourself.
Terese gets a text from Josh, and Daniel one from Amber; they want to update them both on their research about surgery. Daniel decides not to go, as they know where he stands, but asks if Terese can take the information that Dr Corey gave him along with her - and thanks her for the chat.
Dial-A-Kyle
Amy arrives at work to find Kyle looking tired again - he admits he was talking to Georgia early, and then couldn't get back to sleep. Kyle also admits he's really busy, and Amy suggests a way that he could reduce his workload - by letting Amy take on a few extra jobs. Kyle insists he only hired her to work on the beautification project, and can't afford to pay her overtime.
Amy suggests Kyle just pay her a percentage of the quote on other jobs, while having her stay on as a casual for the project - like a subcontractor. Kyle admits this sounds like a good idea, and says he'll get Toadie to draw up a contract. They shake on it.
No 32
Josh and Amber are filling Brad, Lauren and Terese in on their plans to go to America for the prenatal surgery. They admit there's a small trial in Brisbane too, but that they wouldn't even know for a month if they were eligible, which might make it too late to get treatment in the States where it's an established procedure.
Lauren thinks they're being rash and suggests they take more time to think about it, while Brad asks if Josh could even leave the country on his suspended sentence. Josh says he was planning on talking to Nate about which visa lawyers he used when he was trying to get an entry permit to the States. Terese then raises the issue of cost; and Amber asks if the parents could help them out.
BRAD: I think we'd need to read the research first.
LAUREN: This isn't just about money and visas; this is an in utero operation. There's got to be serious risks involved, for you and the baby. What does Daniel think?
AMBER: ...
TERESE: Oh, he told me he thinks it's a terrible idea. I just came from talking to him. He's also worried about the risks.
Amber looks annoyed, as Terese explains about the research Daniel's done - and how the evidence doesn't stack up about the efficacy of the operation.
JOSH: Seriously, Mum?!
TERESE: Look, I don't know about you two. But I have to tell you now, I agree with Daniel. I think this operation is a bad idea. I'm sorry.
Josh and Amber look upset.
Ramsay Street
Amy is fixing the garage door at No 30, while telling Sonya about the extra work she's taking on for Kyle. Sonya queries how she's going to fit it all in as well as looking after Jimmy, but Amy says she will just have to multitask, as she needs to pay her bills.
Meanwhile, Kyle and Toadie come out of the house, discussing the contract between Kyle and Amy. Toadie promises to draw it up by the end of the week - but then jokes that Amy might end up stealing all his clients once they realise how good she is!
TOADIE: And who can blame her, the way you've been looking of late?
KYLE: Hey, what's wrong with the way I look?
TOADIE: Who would you prefer? A tired, lovesick tradie missing his wife, or a fiery, no-nonsense chick who comes in and gets the job done quick as a flash, hey?
Amy comes up and asks Kyle what the next job is. He looks worried.
No 32
We see a montage of Lauren, Brad and Terese appearing and disappearing around the kitchen/living area at No 32, as the three of them research the situation with Amber and Josh's baby.
Terese then presents her conclusions to Brad and Lauren - namely, that Amber could lose the baby, and that the surgery could also result in several complications. She thinks Josh and Amber are panicking into making the decision, and says the three of them should be the voices of reason.
Lauren and Brad seem to agree to the extent that they should wait until the 20-week scan, as Karl has advised. But when Terese says that even after that, the risks are too great, Brad points out that Josh and Amber are adults and need to make their own decisions.
TERESE: But it's our job as parents to convince them of what's right.
LAUREN: Terese has a point. I just hate the idea of Amber being overseas for something so risky.
TERESE: And it's not just about the operation, either. They're gonna have to give birth over there, they're gonna have to wait till the baby stabilises - it could be an entire year.
Brad still thinks they should consider letting Amber and Josh decide, but Terese disagrees. So she says Lauren has the casting vote!
The Waterhole
Josh comes in, and gets a call from Kyle - but ignores it and goes to talk to Daniel, who's playing darts.
JOSH: Hey. Nice work, getting Mum onside (!) You had no right to talk to her about the surgery.
DANIEL: I didn't seek her out. She wanted to give me advice.
JOSH: Well after your chat, she's totally convinced that the surgery's a bad idea.
DANIEL: Yeah. Because it is.
JOSH: Look, I don't really care what you think. Amber wants to do this, so you're gonna come back to the house and convince Mum that you were wrong.
DANIEL: No. I'm staying out of it.
JOSH: No, you can't stay out of it, because you're Amber's partner.
DANIEL: Yeah, well that doesn't seem to count for much right now, does it?
JOSH: What do you mean?
DANIEL: Oh, come on. I thought you'd be over the moon that she's siding with you.
JOSH: Yeah. Except for the fact that she hates that you're not there to support her. Look, she loves you. Anybody can see that. But if you want to lose her, you're going the right way about it.
DANIEL: Please don't tell me you're using this as a way to get under my skin?
JOSH: No, I'm not, I swear. It's all about the baby. But Amber really wants to do this surgery. And if you want to be a part of this, you need to get onboard.
No 32
Brad, Terese and Lauren are in the back garden, where conversation has moved on to arrangements for Paige's twenty-first birthday party, leaving Terese feeling left out.
Josh, Amber and Daniel arrive for a meeting with the parents, Daniel whispering to Amber that he's sorry he didn't make it earlier. They hold hands - but when Lauren kicks things off and Daniel confirms he doesn't think the surgery's a good idea, Amber quickly lets go of his hand again. Lauren reveals that she, Terese and Brad have decided they tend to agree with Daniel.
BRAD: We think there are better options available.
AMBER: Did you read the research we gave you?
LAUREN: Yeah, and if this procedure was guaranteed to help the baby we would move heaven and earth to get you there. But the fact is, the research is mixed.
Terese chimes in about the risk of premature labour, and Lauren adds that by moving to the US they'd be isolating themselves during a very difficult time.
LAUREN: I'm sorry, sweetheart. We're only thinking of you and the baby.
AMBER: Yeah, right (!) I need some space.
Amber storms off, and Daniel goes to follow her - but Josh beats him to it, saying he's 'done enough'.
Ramsay Street
Amber is sitting around the side of the house. Josh comes to join her, and asks her if she's sure she wants to go to the US. She confirms she has a feeling that they need to do it.
JOSH: Then we'll make it happen.
AMBER: How? We have no money, and you've just heard our parents - they're not going to give us any. We are completely alone.
JOSH: No we're not. It's you and me. We're together on this. We'll find a way to get the cash, and when we do, we'll go overseas, and we're gonna save that little warrior.
Josh adds that he's already texted Nate about the visa situation, so will be coming with her.
AMBER: Thank you. For being on my side.
JOSH: I should be thanking you for being on mine.
He puts an arm around her and pulls her in for a hug. Daniel appears at the door, sees them together, and goes back in.
Dial-A-Kyle
Josh arrives with his supplements case, apologising to Kyle for not getting back to him earlier. Kyle says that the supplements Josh sold him aren't giving him the energy boost he needs, so he needs stronger ones. Josh says he can't help him; but when Kyle says he's therefore lost a customer, Josh pulls out the unapproved supplements instead, which he claims have 'more of a kick'.
Kyle immediately opens the bottle and gobbles a handful of pills! Josh says it's $100 for a bottle, which Kyle seems happy with, provided that he'll feel the difference. Josh promises he will, and pockets Kyle's cash - but looks worried.
No 32
Daniel has made Amber a cup of tea. She's setting up an online web store for her photography, to help pay for the trip overseas.
DANIEL: So you're gonna go ahead with the surgery?
AMBER: Yeah. Josh and I figured we're gonna have to come up with the money ourselves.
DANIEL: You guys made this decision without me?
AMBER: It was pretty obvious you didn't want to be involved.
DANIEL: So just because I'm not a biological parent I don't get a say in this?
AMBER: Look, I'm sorry about what I said before. But we think this is the best thing to do for our baby.
DANIEL: I know I said I was okay with Josh being involved - but I'm not. I'm sick of feeling like the third wheel in this relationship.
AMBER: You're not!
DANIEL: I am! And you and I, we are drifting further and further apart.
AMBER: Yeah, I know. I feel it too. Hey, let's make a pact. No more baby talk.
DANIEL: We can't not talk about the baby.
AMBER: Even if it's just for a few days. I will do my best, if you do the same. And it's probably a good thing if I stop stressing for this little warrior.
DANIEL: I thought we were calling it Junior.
AMBER: Yeah... We are.
DANIEL: ... Okay. No more baby talk. From now on.
But they both look upset.
Dial-A-Kyle
Kyle has sold some garden pebbles to Brad and Terese. Terese thanks Brad for accepting Lauren's decision as regards their position on the prenatal surgery. Brad remarks that he 'didn't want to rock the boat like Daniel'.
TERESE: He was just expressing an opinion; there's nothing wrong with that.
BRAD: It's not even his child!
TERESE: Yeah, but he and Amber are going to be raising this child together, so technically it is.
BRAD: Yeah, but Josh is the biological father. So it's different when it's your own child, okay?
TERESE: Right. Well it's good to know where I stand with Ned and Paige, then.
Brad gets annoyed, assuming that's why Terese sided with Daniel. She says it allowed her some sympathy with him, but that she does also agree with the substance of his argument. But Brad says Josh and Amber have made every effort to include Daniel, and that he's just going to have to learn to live with their decision.
Meanwhile, Kyle seems to be feeling out of sorts as he works in the yard with Amy. He tells her he must have eaten something dodgy. Amy offers to finish up here while he goes home, but Kyle insists on staying, as he has some nausea tablets left over from the time he had gastro. Kyle sends Amy off to deliver some plywood, but as she leaves, it's obvious Kyle is unwell.
Shortly afterwards, Kyle is still working when he starts to become seriously disoriented and out-of-breath. When he tries to lift a heavy plank of wood, he falls to the floor and passes out...
Unmissable Drama
- Josh is concerned when Sheila tells him Kyle has collapsed, possibly as a reaction to the supplements
- Forrest and Josh worry that the doctors may discover Kyle was using unapproved pills
- Tyler tells Imogen that if her instincts are that something's wrong, it's probably true
- Karl notices that someone's been stealing his prescriptions, leading Susan to question Nate
- Nate confronts Tyler, telling him Karl could lose his job over this