Previously
- Sonya's (real) uncle Walter shows up, but Toadie is keeping it from Sonya and wants him gone
- Under the pseudonym of Mitch, Walter sticks around, and asks to tag along to her AA meeting
- Xanthe and Angus take their attraction to the bedroom...
- ... But Sheila twigs in the nick of time, and drags Xanthe away before they can TITTNL™
- Nate sees Aaron and Paul turning storm volunteer work into a photo op, and tells them to leave
- Paul fires Aaron as his social media manager
- When Paul stoops down to pick up a picture of Amy and Jimmy, Nate inadvertently runs Paul over
Lassiter's Complex
Paul is writhing on the floor in agony with scrapes and an injured shoulder; an apologetic Nate leaps out of the ute to tend to him. Paul asks Nate to pass him the photo of Jimmy and Amy from the floor, then Nate asks some extras to call an ambulance.
Here be titles.
Ramsay Street
Xanthe storms across the street, with Sheila in pursuit. Xanthe accuses Sheila of treating her like a baby.
SHEILA: You *are* a baby! And don't think for a minute that I am going to let you start getting up to mischief with boys in their bedrooms.
XANTHE: I know what I'm doing.
SHEILA: You think you do, but you are wrong!
XANTHE: Why are you making such a big deal out of this?
SHEILA: Because it *is* a big deal. Once you do it, it's done.
XANTHE: Yeah. Wish it was, then all this'd be over.
SHEILA: You can't just get down to the business just to tick a box. The first time is meant to be special. This *is* gonna be the first time, isn't it?
XANTHE: Yes! Of course it was, and you've ruined it for me!
Amy appears from No 26, and tells them to stop shouting at each other. So Sheila starts shouting at Amy instead, telling her to stay out of it!
XANTHE: I'm not stupid. I had protection. Amy showed me how to use it.
SHEILA: I am very well aware of what Amy did! But I am your guardian and you should have come to me.
XANTHE: Oh, as if, in like, a billion years!
Amy defends Xanthe, saying it showed maturity that she wanted to be prepared.
XANTHE: This whole conversion is just so embarrassing!
She storms off inside. Sheila tells Amy in no uncertain terms that Xanthe is not ready to TITTNL™ and that Amy should have sent her to Sheila.
Outside the Community Centre
Sonya and Toadie are planning a lazy TV night later - possibly, it is implied, to be punctuated with some TITTNL. Walter watches them from a distance, then approaches only when Toadie has left.
Sonya is about to convene an AA meeting, and Walter says he found the last one so helpful that he thought he'd come again. Terese arrives shortly afterwards, and Sonya introduces her to Walter (as 'Mitch'). The three of them go into the Community Centre together.
No 26
Susan comes round to smooth things over with Sheila. She explains she's told Angus that 'that behaviour' will not be tolerated under her roof.
SHEILA: So it's okay if he does it under somebody else's?
SUSAN: Well, all we can do is guide them. We can't really stop them.
SHEILA: Oh, speak for yourself, Dr Phil. I will put that girl under lock and key if I have to.
SUSAN: And what good will that do? It just gives her another reason to rebel. All we can do is give them the right information, and then hope they make an informed decision.
Sheila admits Susan's probably right, and that she's making the same mistakes with Xanthe as she did with her own kids. Sheila explains that Xanthe's mum has given her a very warped sense of the world, especially when it comes to men.
SHEILA: I just want her to learn to value herself, and not see her through other people's eyes.
SUSAN: If you spoke to her like that, I reckon she'd listen.
SHEILA: I'll try.
Erinsborough Hospital
Karl is telling Paul about his injuries - namely, a bruised, swollen collarbone, which will be painful but likely won't need surgery.
KARL: I'll organise some pain relief for you for tonight. Is there anything else I can do for you?
PAUL: Let's just keep it official, shall we, Karl?
KARL: ...
PAUL: Look, I know you're not my friend. Well, you've been avoiding me, haven't you? Susan too.
KARL: No, we're just - with everything going on...
PAUL: You both think I'm guilty.
Karl doesn't answer. From outside the hospital room, Nate watches.
PAUL: Fine. It's not gonna make much difference anyway.
Karl looks thoughtful, then walks out of the room. He updates Nate on Paul's physical condition, and also says he's worried about his mental state - describing his behaviour as 'very un-Paul'. Aaron arrives, asking to see Paul, but Karl claims he's sleeping at the moment. Aaron demands that Nate tell him what happened.
Community Centre
Sonya is convening the AA group, comprising Terese, 'Mitch' and assembled extras. Sonya asks if anyone would like to speak.
TERESE: Hi, I'm Terese. And I'm an alcoholic.
EXTRAS: Hi, Terese.
TERESE: Some of you may know me. And some of you may know that recently I lost my son, and my father-in-law. I wish I could say that I was coping; but the truth is, I'm not. When you lose someone - especially a child - it's like you're losing a part of yourself. I mean, they're a part of you; you made them. And to fill that hole, you, erm... You turn to the bottle.
Terese becomes emotional, so Sonya says they're here to help her - she should forgive herself and move forward.
TERESE: I know that, in order to get control of my drinking, that I have to forgive the ones that I blame. It's hard. And that's why I need to be here. Why I need all of you. It's the only way I'll beat this.
Walter smiles at Terese, apparently affected by her words.
Harold's Café
Amy is filling Toadie in on Xanthe's exploits with Angus (while Angus is sitting at a table nearby - as you do). Amy explains she just wanted to give Xanthe the advice she never had at her age.
TOADIE: And Sheila didn't see it that way?
AMY: No, you got that right! It was actually kind of nice - Xanthe wanting to talk to me, you know. Felt like a big sister.
Amy gets a text explaining that Paul's been injured, and hurries to the door. Xanthe comes in at the same time, and Amy tells her that Sheila is looking for her. Xanthe doesn't want to call Sheila, though, and instead joins Angus at the table, apologising for her gran's outburst earlier.
XANTHE: She totally flipped out. Probably shopping for a chastity belt as we speak. Anyway, we won't go back to yours anymore - I'll just hire out a motel. We can get some privacy there.
ANGUS: Err, that sounds like a bit of a hassle.
XANTHE: What, are you saying I'm not worth it?
ANGUS: I'm saying I'm not worth it. Look, it's your first time.
XANTHE: Okay, I already told you - it is not my first time...
ANGUS: Yeah, I know what you said. But it clearly means something to you, and... I just wanted a bit of fun.
XANTHE: Awesome. Just when I thought today couldn't get any worse.
He takes her hand. At this point, Ben comes in, sees them holding hands, and looks majorly upset, before walking out again.
ANGUS: Look - I'm saying you deserve something special. That's a good thing.
XANTHE: What if I want you?
ANGUS: Look, I know what special is. I had to leave that behind when I came here.
XANTHE: Wait, so this is about another girl?
ANGUS: This is about us being friends. And I think that's what we need right now.
XANTHE: Is she prettier than me? Is that it?
ANGUS: No, that's not it.
XANTHE: Is she more mature, and - what?
ANGUS: Look, Xanthe, there is nothing wrong with you. I just think that it's better off if we're just friends.
Angus leaves Xanthe looking confused and upset.
Community Centre
'Mitch' congratulates Terese on her courage in speaking at the AA session, saying he's not sure he could do the same. She gets a text, telling her that Paul's been in an accident at the Lassiter's car park - and explains to Sonya and 'Mitch' that she's worried he'll contrive some way to sue the hotel. She leaves, telling 'Mitch' it was lovely to meet him. Afterwards, he and Sonya discuss Terese.
SONYA: She's been through a very tough time.
WALTER: Losing someone important in your life takes its toll.
SONYA: I lost my parents when I was ten. They died in a car accident.
WALTER (emotional): I'm so sorry.
SONYA: Mm. I think - I mean, that took its toll. It was the beginning of my downwards spiral. Do you have family?
WALTER: We all come from somewhere. I'm not the greatest family man. Thank you for telling me about your parents. That's not an easy thing to talk about.
SONYA: Well, I feel like I can talk to you.
Walter smiles worriedly.
No 28
Angus comes in, looking glum. Susan asks where he's been.
ANGUS: Breaking up with Xanthe.
SUSAN: Oh. Did she call it off, or did you?
ANGUS: Me. Look, you were right - she's not in a good place, and I was taking advantage. Of you too, and your hospitality.
Susan nods.
ANGUS: Listen, I was the one who set off the fire alarm at school.
SUSAN: Yeah, I thought so.
ANGUS: Why didn't you say anything?
SUSAN: Well, I didn't think coming down hard was the right approach with you. You've probably had enough of that. So thank you for being honest - it's a step in the right direction.
ANGUS: So, no 'pack your bags', no expulsion?
SUSAN: No, I don't see what good that would do - do you?
ANGUS: So, no punishment?
Susan laughs.
SUSAN: No, I'd like you to go away and think of your own punishment and get back to me.
Angus smiles, and agrees. As he goes to his room, Karl walks in, and Susan admits she thinks she's finally getting Angus to trust her.
SUSAN: Everyone needs someone in their corner, don't they?
KARL: Even if they don't deserve it?
SUSAN: Who do you mean?
KARL: Paul.
Karl wonders if they should have made more effort to visit him over the last few weeks. Susan says that, although Paul's done terrible things in the past, the boiler sabotage is a big deal - she wouldn't know how to act around him. Karl says he can't help but feel for him.
KARL: He has to live with what he's done. I don't know if he can.
Erinsborough Hospital
Amy brings Paul a fruit basket, but he seems incredibly depressed - saying he hasn't got much of an appetite. Amy's moved to find the photo of her and Jimmy by Paul's bed. She asks Paul what happened; he explains Nate ran into him, but that it was an accident.
AMY: I was all prepared to come in here and talk you out of litigation.
PAUL: Yeah, well, sorry to disappoint you.
AMY: You're not disappointing me - you're worrying me.
PAUL: Which is exactly why you should walk out of here and not look back.
AMY: What?
PAUL: I don't want to add stress or worry to your life.
AMY: Hey...
PAUL: No, no - being around me is only gonna make you and Jimmy unhappy.
Terese appears outside the hospital room, and looks sadly through the window at Paul and Amy.
PAUL: I think it's better for everyone, if you just have nothing more to do with me.
AMY: I wanted to distance myself from your legal stuff, not you.
PAUL: Well, it's better if you do.
Terese looks guilty.
The Waterhole
Aaron and Nate are reconciling their differences over a drink.
AARON: You've always been my harshest critic.
NATE: And your greatest supporter.
AARON: Hey. These last few days have taught me something - we need to be kinder to each other. Less judgemental.
NATE: I know. We're going to have to agree to disagree on some things. Accept each other's differences.
AARON: Sometimes I think we're polar opposites.
NATE: That's always been the attraction, hasn't it?
Aaron goes to get them another round, but he's accosted by Xanthe, demanding to know why he hasn't been answering her calls. Aaron says he's not on call 24/7, and has a life beyond managing her social media. He says they need to focus on what's really important - and for him, it's his relationship with Nate, which he says he's badly neglected.
AARON: Xanthe, go and enjoy your friends. We'll get back on track in a few days, yeah?
Meanwhile, Walter finds Terese at a table, drinking a glass of red wine. He greets her, and she asks him not to judge her.
WALTER: I never judge. Can I keep you company?
Terese agrees and he sits down with his soda water. She admits that she thought she'd made progress today at the meeting, but then...
TERESE: I saw someone. Someone that I was close to. Once close to. And, erm, he's really suffering.
WALTER: That's terrible - but surely that's not your fault.
TERESE: Depends on how you look at it, I guess.
No 26
Sheila is worried about where Xanthe's got to, but admits to Amy that she understands why Xanthe's steering clear, given how she flew off the handle with her.
AMY: With good reason.
SHEILA: Well, it's not what you say, it's how you say it sometimes. I could feel my blood pressure going through the roof and then I just exploded.
AMY: Look, I wasn't trying to parent Xanthe before. I know that's your job. I just wanted to give her the sort of advice I wish I was given at that age.
SHEILA: I know when I was growing up we had to figure it out as we went along. You know, you'd kiss a boy, and before you knew it, you were up the duff.
Sheila remarks that Xanthe doesn't know how lucky she is, having 'two tough birds like us' looking out for her. She says she wants Amy to be involved, and for Xanthe to know she can go to either one of them if she needs them.
SHEILA: I would like you, and I, to be the family I think Xanthe needs.
AMY: Yeah, I'd like that.
They hug, just as Xanthe comes in. Sheila's about to launch into a tirade, but then remembers to take a more conciliatory approach. But Xanthe's looking sad - she explains Angus broke up with her, and isn't interested in Sheila and Amy's attempts to cheer her up. They leave Xanthe to her thoughts, and she gets a text.
'Confirming your appt at Rush Street Clinic for your cosmetic procedure on 27/5/16. Reply 'Y' for Yes, 'N' for No.'
Xanthe replies 'Y', and looks worried.
No 28
Ben comes in, looking miserable. He asks if Angus is home; Susan confirms that he is.
SUSAN: Listen, Ben - I'd really appreciate it if you'd make a bit more of an effort to get along with him.
BEN: Me?
SUSAN: Yes, you.
BEN: Can't I just ignore him until his mother comes to get him?
KARL: That could be quite a while.
BEN: Can't you just send him back to England?
SUSAN: Oh, come on, Ben - be fair. He's been uprooted from home, dumped with a bunch of strangers. It's no wonder he's having trouble adjusting.
BEN: You and Grandad are always making excuses for him.
KARL: We've made excuses for you in the past when you've needed us to.
SUSAN: Yeah. It won't always be like this - he's getting much better.
BEN: Oh, what did he do? Pick up his towel for a change?!
SUSAN: No, he admitted to setting off the school fire alarm.
BEN: And that gives him special treatment?! Does he even know what that did to people? Does he even care?
SUSAN: He was prepared to accept any punishment I dished out.
BEN: And what did you give him?
SUSAN: I've left it up to him.
Angus appears at the door, listening in, but isn't noticed.
BEN: No way! When I stuff up I get grounded, but the woman you cheated with, her son gets away with it!KARL: Hey, steady on!
SUSAN: We are not showing favouritism to Angus!
BEN: Yes, you are. How can you even trust her if she tried to split you guys up?
Angus disappears back into the corridor, looking hurt and upset.
No 22
Walter has walked Terese home. They seem to have become firm friends, and sit on the sofa together.
WALTER: You have a lovely home.
TERESE: Yeah, I used to. You know, one minute, you have it all, and the next, your life falls apart. Oh, don't get me wrong - you know, I haven't forgotten the good times. But there's just - well, you know - there's just so much pain that won't go away.
WALTER: I know what you mean. It's hard to live in the present when the weight of the past keeps pulling you down.
TERESE: So what's the answer?
WALTER: I don't know. All I know is that loneliness seems to make everything that little bit harder.
Terese goes to kiss him, and they fall into an embrace.
No 30
Toadie is cooking dinner when Sonya comes in. He asks after her AA meeting; she explains that 'Mitch' came along, for the second time. Toadie's shocked, as he thought 'Mitch' had left town. Sonya says he was wonderfully supportive to Terese; she doesn't understand why Toadie doesn't like him.
TOADIE: Cos I don't trust the guy.
SONYA: Why not?
TOADIE: He's not who he says he is.
SONYA: Wow, that's very mysterious. Who is he, Batman?
TOADIE: His real name is Walter Mitchell. As in, your uncle Walter.
Promo
- Sonya is furious with Toadie for not telling her the truth
- 'Mitch' confirms to Sonya that he is Walter Mitchell
- Lauren admits to Ned that she's worried Brad isn't telling her something
- Ned thinks something's going on with Terese and Brad; Terese tells Piper she and Brad need to talk
- Ned tells Lauren not to become another of Brad's victims
- Steph shows Piper Paul's whiteboard of suspects; Piper says there's someone not on there
- Steph tells Piper 'he could be dangerous'