Previously
- An angry Gary gets aggressive with Paul, telling him he'll never break him and Amy up
- Gary chastises Sheila for picking Kyle over him - he's her son, he reminds her angrily
- Paul pushes Roxy away after she kisses him
- Later, Paul is badly beaten by a mystery assailant
- Roxy finds Paul and tearfully calls for an ambulance
- In hospital, Paul tells Mark that there's only one person who could have attacked him
- Dipi tells Shane that Dee is falling for Toadie again, as reported in her journal
- Dee tells Toadie that she's really glad he's back in her life
- Shane and Dipi confront Dee - they know she's in love with Toadie
No 30
Dee asks Shane and Dipi if someone tipped them off about her feelings for Toadie; she says she only told one person, and that was in confidence.
SHANE: That's not how we know.
DIPI: I read your journal.
DEE: ... How could you do that?
DIPI: I wouldn't normally do something like that. But I needed to know if my instinct was right, or if I was being paranoid and protective.
SHANE: Dipi wasn't trying to cause trouble; she's just looking out for Toadie. And to be honest, it was pretty obvious.
DEE: I'm not gonna tell him how I feel. You know I have no desire to hurt him.
SHANE: You're spending so much time here - we're worried it's not healthy for either of you.
Upset, Dee goes to leave, before Toadie gets home.
DIPI: You don't have to leave straight away.
DEE: ... I think I do.
Dee walks out, and Shane comforts a worried Dipi.
The Tram™
Gary asks Kyle to test his proposed signature cocktail for the grand opening of the tram tomorrow. Kyle declares it a 'ripper', and says he's impressed with how Gary has been getting on with things, despite the allegations against him.
GARY: We've worked too hard on this to let it go down the toilet for more Paul Robinson shenanigans.
KYLE: Too right.
Sheila turns up in peace-making mode, to help with cleaning in preparation for the launch - but Gary makes it clear they don't need her help.
GARY: You cannot clean your way to forgiveness, Sheila.
SHEILA: Hating me now is no reason to turn down an extra pair of hands when you might need them. This is an important occasion.
Gary just walks out, but Kyle sets Sheila to work cleaning some prep trays out the back.
No 30
Shane and Dipi are being super-helpful about the house to assuage their guilt over the conversation they had with Dee. An oblivious Toadie is grateful; but then is surprised when he gets a text from Dee, cancelling their plans for this evening, without giving a reason. He's disappointed, but decides to get some work done instead, and leaves the room.
DIPI: Are you sure we've done the right thing here?
SHANE: For once, I think we have.
DIPI: Why do I feel so awful?
Erinsborough Hospital
Paul is with Terese and discharging himself from hospital, much to a tetchy Karl's disapproval as it's against his advice.
PAUL: Oh, don't be so dramatic, Karl.
KARL: It's not a laughing matter. You still have broken ribs and a haematoma on your thigh. You need monitoring.
Terese tells Karl she'll give him updates as to Paul's condition. Mark appears, having come to see Paul about his beating; Paul explains that he needs to be out of hospital because the tram is opening tomorrow, and it's part of his precinct.
MARK: Where Gary works?
PAUL: Well, used to. Karl's fired him.
KARL: No, I said I still haven't made my decision.
Paul exclaims loudly, hurting his ribs in the process; but Karl says Gary's put a lot of work into the tram. Paul retorts that Roxy saw Gary attack him, but Karl says the police are still investigating.
PAUL: Karl, do I need to remind you that that tram is on my land?
He asks Mark if there's a way he can stop Gary from being at the launch, but Mark says Gary is free to work as normal until such a time as he's charged - and says Paul should avoid him in the meantime.
PAUL: I'm the one that gets beaten to within an inch of my life, and I have to change my life to accommodate him?!
Paul furiously berates Karl for allowing the 'animal' who caused his injuries to continue working for him, then hobbles out, still clearly in pain, with Terese following. Karl looks sheepish.
No 30
The next day, Toadie is surprised to get another text from Dee, cancelling more plans. Dipi and Shane root around for plausible explanations, but Toadie can't think of any; he concludes that he must have done something to upset her.
SHANE: You've had a few big months, Toad.
TOADIE: Thanks, mate - hadn't noticed (!)
DIPI: And you know both of us... we always just want the best for you.
TOADIE: Where are you two heading with this?
Dipi and Shane exchange a sheepish glance.
DIPI: Both of us think that you might not be in the right headspace right now.
SHANE: (...) Which is why, as the objective ones here, we think we can probably see some things you can't.
DIPI: And how they might have consequences.
SHANE: (...) Which is why we encouraged Dee to give you a bit of space. Just to back off for a bit.
DIPI: We didn't mean to drive her away completely. We just thought she could ration her time with you.
TOADIE: So that's your objective opinion? That you know better than me and Dee?
DIPI: We also found something else out. We can't say any more - you'll have to speak to Dee.
The Tram™ or as the new signage calls it, The 82 Diner/Café Bar
Kyle, Gary and Sheila are preparing for the big launch. Karl has come to inspect ahead of the opening, and to have a word with Gary. Sensing what's coming, Gary launches Karl into an enthusiastic tour of the tram, being sure to emphasise how hard he's worked. But nonetheless, Karl has bad news for him.
KARL: Given the circumstances, maybe it's best if you just step away. Just for tonight.
KYLE: Is this because of the assault?
SHEILA: Yeah, now, Karl Kennedy -
GARY: Just stay out of it, Mum!
KARL: You've got to think of the opening here. There could be a lot of, you know, negative publicity. Particularly on social media.
GARY: No, this is my business - mine and Kyle's - and I've got every right to be a part of it!
KYLE: Yeah, I don't agree with this, Karl.
KARL: Actually, it's *our* business, and my sister's investment.
KYLE: We can't do this without Dad. Karl, you're gonna have to fork out to hire someone last minute.
KARL: Yeah, well, I'll cover the cost.
GARY: You think I did it, don't you?
KARL: No, not at all, no! I think that Roxy... could've been mistaken. Please, you have to understand, I'm in a difficult situation here. I'm really sorry.
Karl walks away, leaving Gary looking despondent.
No 30
Dee turns up to see Toadie, who apologises for what Dipi and Shane said to her.
DEE: They're just trying to protect you.
TOADIE: Yeah - just, what do they think they're protecting me from? (...) They said to ask you. Look, if it's causing you to avoid me, then maybe you should -
DEE: I'm falling in love with you again. I don't think I ever stopped. Just the past few weeks - the way you've let me into your life, the way you've supported me. You are the same kind, loving, generous person you always were.
TOADIE: ...
DEE: Yeah, I can see you're not ready to hear this. I didn't intend to burden you with my Feelings™. You're mourning Sonya. And I want to give you the time and the space to do that.
TOADIE: ... I don't think that I can talk about this right now.
No 32
Leo comes off the phone from Karl. He explains to Roxy that Karl has banned Gary from The 82 opening, so was wondering if anyone from the Back Lane Bar could cover. Roxy looks guilty, and as Leo prepares to start calling their staff, she says...
ROXY: Don't worry. I'll do it.
LEO: What, call the staff?
ROXY: No, I'll work the opening. I've done heaps of hospo work before.
LEO: Yeah, but considering what's going on right now, are you sure that's a good idea?
ROXY: I mean, Gary's not gonna be there, right? And I'm in a generous mood.
Roxy asks Leo to call Karl and tell him, while she gets dressed.
The 82
Gary's having a beer and feeling sorry for himself. Kyle sits down to join him, reminding him that Karl's ban only applies for the launch; but Gary's still very disappointed to miss the big event.
GARY: I'm not going to get to see Amy's face when she sees I'm not the waste of space her dad's always telling her that I am.
KYLE: Come on - you know Amy never thought that about you.
GARY: Mate, getting kicked out of my own business with the threat of bogus charges hanging over my head? You now, some days, I just can't understand why she still wants to marry me at all.
Kyle looks guilty, but assures Gary the cops won't charge him.
KYLE: You didn't do anything! Look, there's no weapon, no proof - just Roxy's ridiculous statement.
GARY: Yeah, well, Roxy Willis doesn't know me from a bar of soap. She could've seen any big bloke attack Paul and mistaken him for me. But when someone like Karl, who's known me for ages, is still sitting on the fence, what chance do I stand in front of a jury?
No 24
Toadie has come to see Mark for some advice on the Dee situation; he explains he's asked her for some time to think about what she's said.
MARK: Okay. Well, what *do* you think?
TOADIE: I dunno! I haven't even thought about a future outside of the kids and work. It's been too hard.
MARK: Well, don't think about the future, then. How do you feel about Dee now?
TOADIE: ... Grateful.
MARK: That she's alive?
TOADIE: Yeah. And... that she wants to spend time with me. Sometimes, when we're hanging out, I get to pretend like I'm just a normal, young guy hanging out with a beautiful, funny, caring girl, and, umm... it's like I get to go back in time. To when Dee and I were just best mates.
MARK: So the feelings you have for Dee are just like a mate's?
Toadie suddenly becomes tearful and shakes his head.
TOADIE: No... no. Every time they bubble up, I have to push 'em down cos I feel so guilty. I mean, what kind of a person am I to be thinking about this so soon after Sonya?
MARK: Hey, Toad - whatever happens with Dee, the love that you and Sonya had will never be in question. She would want you to be happy.
TOADIE: So are you saying to give Dee a chance?
MARK: No, I'm saying you shouldn't beat yourself up for being human. Mate, I do understand what you're going through. When I realised I was having Feelings™ for Paige, I had to step away. I couldn't start something with her while I was still grieving for Kate.
Toadie is still struggling to fight back the tears.
TOADIE: ... I don't know if I'm ever going to stop grieving Sonya.
MARK: Mate, there's no rulebook for this. Only you will know when you're ready to move on, okay?
TOADIE: I just miss her.
MARK: Yeah.
Mark hugs Toadie.
The 82
Roxy arrives at the tram to help out as promised, but is concerned when she finds Gary there, rather than Kyle as she was expecting. Roxy explains she's offered to pitch in, but thought Gary wouldn't be here.
GARY: They hired *you*? Huh. Better come in, then.
Gary gives Roxy a perfunctory tour and some instructions. She becomes tearful as it becomes evident how much work Gary has put into the tram opening.
ROXY: I'm so sorry.
GARY: What for, exactly? For saying that you saw me attack Paul, when I wasn't even there? Then you need to tell them you made a mistake.
ROXY: ... I would feel a lot more comfortable if you left. Kyle can show me the rest.
Gary sneers, and walks out. Roxy is shaken.
No 30
Dee turns up to see Toadie again.
DEE: You know, when you said you needed time to think, I thought you might want a little bit longer.
TOADIE: It wasn't that hard in the end. Just... sit down.
DEE: It's okay. Just say it.
TOADIE: You were my wife. And you're still the same, amazingly beautiful person that I fell in love with.
They are holding hands, and Dee laughs delightedly.
DEE: So...
TOADIE: Remembering what we were... doesn't mean that we can recreate it.
DEE: ... Oh.
TOADIE: Grieving you was one of the hardest things I've ever done. And we were just kids; we hadn't even had a day together as husband and wife.
He becomes tearful again.
TOADIE: Sonya and I... we had a life... and it's possible that I'll spend the rest of mine grieving her. I can't ask you to wait for something that I may never be ready for. I'm sorry.
But Dee understands.
DEE: Hey, hey... Don't you dare apologise for that... Would it be best if I went back to Byron Bay?
TOADIE: No. No, unless you want to, of course.
DEE: No, no - I just want to do what's best for you, and for the kids.
TOADIE: Well, we were always mates first. Can't we just go back to that?
DEE: Mates. Yeah, sure.
She laughs, now emotional too. Toadie's voice breaks as he says...
TOADIE: You've been a very bright spot in what has been a very, very dark year.
DEE: Hey. If that's the case, then, how would you feel about me... I dunno, moving back to the neighbourhood?
TOADIE: Really?
DEE: Yeah. I've had a look at a couple of short-term rentals around here. There's a few I like nearby. But I'm only gonna do it if you are one hundred percent sure.
TOADIE: Yeah, yeah! Look at them, sign the lease - stay forever!
DEE: Oh! Well, maybe we'll try a month or two first. See how we go.
TOADIE: Okay... Thank you.
The 82
Karl, Sheila, Kyle and Roxy prepare for the opening; Karl is unimpressed with Kyle's choice of music for the event.
KARL: You didn't consider live music?
KYLE: Like you, you mean?
KARL: I could do an arrangement of Jemima's tram jingle?
KYLE: ... I dunno, Karl. Live music might be too loud for people wanting to make conversation.
Kyle looks relieved when Karl agrees. Karl asks how Gary is; Kyle says he's okay. Karl tries to assure Kyle and Sheila that he's 'not convinced' Gary could've hurt Paul. But then he remembers Roxy's here, and stops talking.
Sheila goes out to the bins behind the tram to sling some garbage, but then finds something disturbing behind them - a bloody crowbar wrapped in a towel! She steps away in shock.
Back inside, Karl tells Kyle he wants Gary to be here as much as he wants after tonight; his dedication is clear. Meanwhile, Sheila re-covers the crowbar with the towel, as she considers what to do...
Harold's Café
Toadie turns up to see Shane and Dipi; he updates them on the Dee situation. While cheerily insisting he's still mad with them for interfering, he admits that they were right for forcing him into confronting what was going on between him and Dee.
DIPI: So you feel the same way as her?
TOADIE: Yes. I do. But not that I'm ready to do anything about it. Not now, maybe not ever.
SHANE: And Dee accepts that?
TOADIE: Yes, she does. Which is gonna make it a whole lot easier moving forward.
SHANE: What does that mean?
TOADIE: Well, we're gonna be friends. Really good friends. She's actually looking at rental properties as we speak.
DIPI: She's moving here?
TOADIE: Yep.
SHANE: Ah, that's great. Isn't that great, Dip?
DIPI: That's, uh, so great.
But neither Shane nor Dipi look remotely convinced.
No 26
Sheila has taken the crowbar and bloody towel home with her and is examining it on the kitchen table, when Kyle comes in. She hastily wraps it up again, and hides it behind her back. Kyle's come to get a shirt for the launch, but quickly notices that Sheila's hiding something and asks her what it is.
SHEILA: The less people that know, the better.
KYLE: What have you done now?
Sheila reluctantly shows him the crowbar, and explains she found it by the bins at the tram.
SHEILA: Obviously this is the weapon that beat Paul to a pulp! Well, I couldn't just leave it there - and now I don't know what to do!
KYLE: You should've taken it to the police!
SHEILA: Oh, Kyle - it was behind your father's workplace. How would that look?
KYLE: Dad didn't do it! And if you needed any more proof, it's that he wouldn't be stupid enough to dump the weapon outside his own restaurant!
SHEILA: If Moneybags and his hotshot lawyers find this anywhere near the tram, they will use it against Gary. And I am not going to let that happen!
Coming up on Neighbours
- New bully Richie threatens to 'tell the whole world' if Elly tells on him and his mates
- Harlow tells Yashvi that there's sometimes a hidden truth in rumours
- Amy tells Paul that Gary isn't responsible for the crowbar
- A tearful Gary swears to Terese that he didn't do this
- Paul says that the sooner 'that man' gets put in jail, the better
- Harlow, Roxy, Aaron and David looking shocked outside the tram