Previously
- Steph tells Mark that Victoria's kiss was meaningless, and that she isn't going anywhere
- But glances between the two women in the Waterhole suggest there's more to the story
- Jack is shocked when Paige tells him that David is the father of her baby
- Jack asks David if he's going to lie to Paige about his sexuality
- Gary asks Dodgy Neil to ask Dodgy Kev to back off
- Thinking he's one of Kev's goons, Gary whacks Karl with a garden gnome...
- ... while Dodgy Neil makes a grab for Sheila, running off when Gary intervenes
No 26
Susan joins Karl, Sheila and Gary in the back yard - she's nursing a groaning Karl's head injury with some frozen peas. Karl is critical of Gary for lashing out before checking to see who it was. When asked why he was creeping around the garden, Karl admits he was looking for Ben, as Elly thought he'd be in Xanthe's room.
Xanthe turns up, and Gary confronts her about the allegation of Ben being in her room. She denies it, seemingly authentically, and offers for them to check if they'd like, before marching off.
GARY: Satisfied?
KARL: No, not in the slightest. This is the second time in one day that a member of my family has been injured by yours. I've got a good mind to call my solicitor!
SUSAN: Oh, you'll do no such thing!
Susan drags Karl home, despite his protests that this hasn't been resolved. But Sheila isn't so easy deflected.
SHEILA: Who was that man in our yard? And don't even think about spinning me a yarn.
No 28
Karl is having Susan test him for concussion, but she decides he is fine! Ben emerges from his room, and claims he was in the toilet when Karl asks where he got to. Ben is amused when Susan reveals that Karl went over to the Cannings' to find him and got hit by Gary and the garden gnome.
KARL: Hey, this is not funny.
SUSAN (laughing): No, it is not.
Karl forbids Ben to have anything to do with the Cannings from now on! Susan says that's a bit extreme, but Karl reminds her that Sheila was flinging mud at her last week!
SUSAN: Well, on the upside, it's done wonders for my skin!
Karl warns Ben that Gary is quick to violence; he's doing the right thing staying away from Xanthe. Ben agrees, but looks sad and retreats into his room.
No 26
In the garden, Gary has come clean to Sheila about the stolen laptops debacle, and the $30,000 he owes Kev McNally. The man who grabbed Sheila was his sidekick Neil, Gary explains, and he attacked Karl by accident thinking it was Neil. Sheila is disappointed at Gary's stupidity.
Sheila admits she knows Kev's father Bruce, who is apparently always trying to chat her up in The Waterhole.
SHEILA: He seems to think we have some sort of deep connection because both our kids have been in jail.
Gary says he wants to do better than associating with the likes of Kev, and he will. But he doesn't know how to get Kev off his back, since he obviously can't go to the cops. Sheila announces that she may have a way of solving the problem.
No 24
Mark is cleaning the pool while talking to Aaron. They discuss Mark and Tyler's differing pool-cleaning methods, and Aaron remarks that it's weird not having Tyler around.
MARK: Everything's a bit weird at the moment.
Mark admits things are still strange with Steph; she's being distant, and hasn't put her engagement ring back on. But he insists all is fine with the surrogacy. Aaron suggests Mark get out of the house to help him relax, perhaps by going to visit Tyler in the bar he's scored a job at to support him. Mark doesn't seem keen.
AARON: You are spending way too much time alone. You're gonna go, and you're gonna have fun. Or else.
Aaron jokingly moves as if to push Mark in the pool.
No 32
Elly is trying to convince Paige and David to come to The Citytm to Tyler's new bar, but they're going out for soft drinks instead. Elly leaves them to it, saying goodbye to Lauren who's nearby on the patio, but neglecting to say anything to Ned, who is also there.
Once she's gone, Ned wonders why Elly didn't invite him to the bar as well, saying it would be nice to be asked. He admits he did let Elly down a lot, so wonders if she's gone off him. Lauren suggests Ned go to the bar anyway and buy Elly a drink.
The Waterhole
Sheila has glammed herself up and is in full flirtation mode, in preparation for the arrival of Kev McNally's dad, Bruce.
BRUCE: All those times I've given you my phone number - my heart skipped a bit when I realised you'd finally used it!
Sheila gets Bruce a beer.
SHEILA: Anything for my favourite customer!
Nearby, Aaron and Jack are talking about promotional strategies for the Rec Centre. They're interrupted by Paige and David's laughter from another table - and both Aaron and Jack look disconcerted.
AARON: That's weird, isn't it? First the baby, and now them being... whatever they are now?
JACK: It's unexpected, yeah.
Aaron remarks that he used to be so sure he and David had a Vibetm.
JACK: I don't have much experience, but often sexuality isn't black and white.
AARON: True. It must be even stranger for you. I mean, Paige used to be desperate for you, right?
JACK: I just don't know how to act around them now, yeah.
Aaron suggests they both put the past behind them, and treat David and Paige like any other friends having a baby. Jack isn't sure it's so simple, but Aaron points out that if he cares for Paige, he should just be there for her.
No 26
Gary is sitting alone when Sheila arrives home - with Bruce in tow!
SHEILA (to Bruce): I don't know why I never thought of a Miss Erinsborough contest! You are so entrepreneurial!
Gary asks who Sheila's friend is, and she introduces him as Bruce McNally - before asking Gary to make himself scarce. Gary immediately realises she's up to something, and drags her into the laundry room for a chat.
GARY: What do you think you're playing at?
SHEILA: It's obvious, isn't it? It's Kevin's father. I'm stroking his ego.
GARY: Let's hope that's all you end up stroking. It looks like you've missed a few buttons as well.
SHEILA: Oh, don't be such a fuddy-duddy.
Sheila says she's just helping Gary out - and she's only planning on buttering Bruce up in order to get him to convince Kev to leave Gary alone. Gary isn't convinced it's that simple.
SHEILA: When it comes to manipulating men, with me, it's always that simple. Just stand back, and watch me work my magic.
Back Lane Bar
Tyler is working, and is thrilled when Mark shows up.
MARK: Aaron reminded me it was your first night on the job. Plus, I missed you.
TYLER: I missed you too.
Tyler admits he's been a bit nervous, but Mark assures him he'll be great. Tyler says he'll have to be - Piper is relying on him. Tyler asks after Steph, but Mark doesn't want to talk about her.
Elly arrives, and both Tyler and Mark agree she looks incredible. Deciding Mark looks like he needs a drink, Elly buys the first round. She orders a mint julep, much to Tyler's consternation - he clearly has no idea how to make one!
No 26
Amy comes in with Jimmy, to find Bruce in the living room. Sheila comes in with a second bottle of wine, and Amy hurries Jimmy out of the room to give them some privacy. Once they're gone, Sheila asks after Bruce's son.
SHEILA: Gary told me that he and Kev had a bit of a falling out. That's such a shame.
BRUCE: Yes, I'm ashamed of Kev if the truth be known. It's all his fault, tricking Gary like that.
Sheila continues to coax the truth out of Bruce...
Back Lane Bar
Elly taste-tests Tyler's mint julep. She pretends it's great, but away from the bar, admits to Mark that Tyler has some learning to do! Mark is worried that Tyler may have made the wrong career choice, along with other recent bad decisions - but Elly suggests Mark should try being proud of Tyler for finding something different.
ELLY: That's kind of what I'm trying to do at the moment.
MARK: What, make a change?
ELLY: Yeah. I have spent way too long trying to please men. Measuring my sellf-worth by how much attention they give me. I don't want to be that girl anymore.
MARK: You're planning on being single?
ELLY: Yeah. For a while. Relationships are too hard.
MARK: I hear ya, sister.
ELLY: What about Steph?
MARK: I dunno where we're at, to be honest. In limbo, I guess. I mean, I'd like to think that this would make us stronger, and we'll get through it, but -
ELLY: Ned!
Ned has turned up, and Elly seems very pleased to see him. Mark goes quiet.
ELLY: What were you saying about Steph?
MARK: Doesn't matter.
The Waterhole
Gary has summoned Kev to confront him with the true story, as ascertained by Sheila: Kev stole the car with the laptops himself in order to rip off his boss, and set Gary up in order to deflect attention.
GARY: It all ends now. No more harassing me, or my family. No more phone calls, no more letting down tyres, no more following my daughter around Lassiter's. Got it?
KEV: Fine. Except I never followed your kid. That's not my style.
GARY: What about Neil?
KEV: Nah. Guess you've got more to worry about than just us.
Gary looks worried.
Later, Jack catches up with David by the bar. It's a little tense. Jack apologises for missing the baby shower, and remarks at how well David and Paige seem to be getting on.
DAVID: Yeah. I never imagined myself in this position, but somehow it feels right.
JACK: Well, she's lucky to have such a good man as the father.
DAVID: Well it's gonna be a baby. A whole new person that needs people to take care of it. I'm not gonna walk away.
JACK: I've been wondering - have you guys discussed whether you'd have the baby christened? I know that Paige isn't religious, but you're from a Catholic family, right?
DAVID: Yeah. I am.
JACK: Is it something that you'd like to do?
DAVID: Well, I'm not sure if Paige would be keen.
Jack says they'd have to discuss it, but that if they did want a christening, he'd be happy to perform it, as a friend. David thanks him, and says he'll talk to Paige about it.
Sheila comes in to meet Gary, who thanks her for getting him out of his sticky situation with Kev. However, he explains that Kev wasn't the one following Xanthe, and wonders who was. Sheila tells him not to overthink it, preferring to bask in the glory of her brilliant plan.
Back Lane Bar
Ned wonders aloud to Elly what he'll do now his community service is finishing. He wants to get a job and a place, but thinks he'll probably have to return to Sydney - as he'll find it hard to get work otherwise, with his criminal record. Elly gushes about Ned's amazing tattoo designs, as well as his barman skills - adding that he could give Tyler some tips.
Mark, who isn't as sober as usual and has been sitting next to them like a lemon, pipes up that Tyler is doing a good job. Elly says she's kidding. Ned says that leaving would be hard, as he'd miss everyone.
NED: Some more than others.
Mark snorts incredulously at Ned's apparent chat-up line.
NED: Mate, I'm surprised you're here so late. Don't you have a shift tomorrow?
MARK: And how would you know if I had a shift?
Things are becoming tense, so Tyler comes over to check everything's alright. Mark insists it is. Ned offers to buy a round of drinks, but Mark rudely makes a point of preferring to buy his own, 'to support Tyler'. Ned and Elly look bemused as Mark orders another beer, insisting to Tyler that everything is under control.
Harold's Café
As he helps her close up, David is telling Paige about Jack's suggestion of a christening, because of David's Catholic background.
DAVID: I guess he thought it was his way of showing support. Of course, the baby will have to be born to be christened. And by that point, everyone will realise that I'm not the father.
PAIGE: True.
DAVID: Maybe it's best to say no. I mean, if you're not connected to the church, then would you want your baby to be?
PAIGE: On the other hand, it could be something nice that Jack could do for the baby... Because of our friendship.
DAVID: So you're seriously considering it?
PAIGE: Well, I dunno. It is a beautiful tradition.
DAVID: This might be overstepping - but is the real father Catholic?
PAIGE: Why do you ask?
DAVID: Well, it might just inform your decision, that's all.
PAIGE: ...
DAVID: Forget I asked. It's entirely your decision.
David leaves Paige looking worried.
No 26
Xanthe is in the kitchen, on her phone to Ben - but Jimmy appears and catches her in the act! He admits he saw her sneaking out of the house earlier, and since Gary has been so nervous about her going out alone lately, Jimmy was worried and followed Xanthe.
XANTHE: You're the one who was watching.
JIMMY: Yeah. I kind of saw you and Ben... making out.
XANTHE: Okay. That's borderline-creepy. You can't spy on people like that!
JIMMY: I didn't mean it. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Are you mad at me?
XANTHE: No. Actually I'm kind of relieved. At least I know I wasn't imagining it.
JIMMY: So is Ben your boyfriend?
Xanthe confirms it, but says Jimmy can't tell anyone.
JIMMY: Last time you were with him, you told everyone, and the entire internet.
XANTHE: Things are different now. Our families would hate it if they knew that we were together. They're basically already at war.
JIMMY: But that's not your fault.
Xanthe says that the Kennedys see all the Cannings as bad news.
XANTHE: I think in their eyes, I'm not good enough for their grandson.
JIMMY: That's crazy. The way I see it, you're too good for Ben.
XANTHE: You're sweet.
Xanthe kisses Jimmy on the cheek, and his expression says a thousand words!
XANTHE: But this has to stay a secret, okay?
Jimmy agrees, and looks very pleased with himself indeed as Xanthe leaves the room!
The Rec Centre
Paige pays Jack a visit, and tells him she's thinking about accepting his offer of the christening for the baby. Jack asks if David convinced her. But Paige says it's something she wants to do.
PAIGE: But I do have some questions for you.
JACK: Fire away.
PAIGE: Okay. Does it matter that the parents of the baby aren't married and probably will never be married?
JACK: No. It doesn't matter.
PAIGE: Okay. What if, for some reason, David is less involved at the end of all of this? The only reason I ask is because anything could happen.
JACK: Sure. Well, okay, if that happened, then at least one of the godparents would have to be a member of the church.
PAIGE: Okay. Yeah.
JACK: There's no reason why you can't have your baby christened. And I'll be honoured to do it at my church.
PAIGE: Well I haven't said yes yet. But it would make the father of the baby very, very happy.
Suddenly, Paige feels her baby kicking for the first time. She draws Jack's hand to her bump so he can feel too.
JACK: I felt it!
PAIGE: How insane is that?
JACK: That's incredible.
They smile at each other.
Back Lane Bar
Ned and Elly are talking about how he intervened in Piper's feud with Brad and Terese. Elly still thinks Ned did the right thing, and he thanks her for talking to Brad to make him see sense. An increasingly drunk Mark sits nearby, still looking incredulous at their flirtation.
NED: I'd be a terrible parent. I can't even imagine it.
ELLY: I can. With the right guy.
Mark has finally heard enough.
MARK: This is ridiculous!
NED: What is your problem?
MARK: I mean, one minute you're saying you're this changed woman who doesn't need men. And then all of a sudden, you're all over this guy!
ELLY: No I'm not!
NED: Why don't you mind your own business?
MARK: Elly's my friend, okay, Ned?!
NED: Don't you have a fiancée you need to be attending to?
MARK: What's that supposed to mean?
Mark leaps up, grabs Ned by the collar and slams him into the wall.
MARK: You don't get to talk about my fiancée like that, alright?!
Tyler is forced to intervene, and throws Mark out, telling him to go before he loses him his job. Elly, Ned and assembled extras look shocked.
Unmissable Neighbours
- Mark asks Steph if she still loves him
- Mark reacts badly when Tyler says that he needs to deal with his problems with Steph
- Elly suggests to Ned that she pretends he doesn't exist
- Toadie tells Sonya that Dee has a secret mission planned for today
- Toadie looks awkwardly at 'Dee'