Previously
- Hendrix apologising to Brent.
- Harlow disgusted at Hendrix.
- Harlow to trying reassure Brent.
- Jane and Susan feeling like they've failed both Brent and Hendrix.
- Chloe and Aaron disagreeing over Fay's 'bucket list'.
- Aaron unsure of how to break the news to Fay that Chloe doesn't want to see her.
- Nicolette trying to force Chloe into talking about her mum.
Number 24
Nicolette is pulling out all the stops to get Chloe to discuss her mum, but she has her head buried in the sand, refusing to discuss it at all. What does get her talking though is when Nicolette says that Chloe can trust her!
CHLOE: Are you seriously standing there with a straight face talking to be about trust?!
NICOLETTE: I know what I did was inexcusable.
CHLOE: You lied to me all for your own selfish reasons! When you planted the necklace, it wasn't spontaneous, you thought about it and you knew what would happen when I found it. You're despicable and pathetic!
NICOLETTE: Are you done? You don't want to throw something at me or punch a wall?
CHLOE: No.
NICOLETTE: Good! So let's talk about your mum.
The Waterhole
So intensely is Paul watching Harlow and Brent from afar, and thus ignoring what his wife was talking about, that Terese enquires if he wants to move to a closer table so he can "eavesdrop as well as stare!" Paul wishes he'd seen what was in the files and Terese admits that she feels for Brent and is sure, despite what Paul thinks, that Harlow is simply helping out a friend.
At the teens table, Harlow is showing Brent what is on her computer board to encourage him to do something similar for textiles. On spotting Ned coming into the bar, Harlow tells him about Brent being into art too, albeit a different type, before attention is then drawn to the new lens Ned has for his camera... and before they have a chance to object too much, he snaps a quick photo of the pair! Happy with the photo taken, Ned asks if they want a copy sent and both reply yes.
Number 24
Nicolette is trying to use her experience of working in palliative care, to get through to Chloe. "I get how complicated and messy and scary it is," she says, trying get the message home, while acknowledging "how hard it must be to watch this happening to your mum." Chloe though is still adamant that it isn't 'bucket list' time yet "as she's nowhere near dying."
NICOLETTE: Your worried that if Fay finishes her bucket list, she'll realise that she might not have much time left. And you're scared of facing your mum's mortality. No-one knows how much longer Fay has, but I do know that if you push her away now, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Don't deny her what she wants.
Number 28
The Kennedys and Bea are impressed at Hendrix volunteering to take care of the dishes (and serve everyone a cuppa) now they've finished dinner... that is until he goes quiet at seeing the photo Ned took of Harlow and Brent together. The lad is annoyed because Brent has tagged him, to make him jealous, thus continuing the trait of what he's been doing since his arrival.
HENDRIX: It's hard enough dealing with Year 12. I can't deal with him too.
"You're going to have to find a way," Susan replies and Karl vetoes him staying home to study so it doesn't become a habit and thus jeopardise his education. To make sure that the lad finds a resolution to the issue, Karl volunteers to become mediator between the boys during a meeting before school, even if Hendrix would rather avoid the issue altogether!
Harold's café
Given what happened at school with his files being released, Brent isn't at all keen on going back to school. Aaron and David try to offer help, but Brent is adamant that he won't be returning. Jane has overheard their chat and interrupts to tell Brent that not going back would be a shame "to let this situation ruin the second chance that you've been given."
BRENT: I've already been screwed up alright, I'm out.
When Aaron reminds Brent of the deal (going to school in return for staying at #32) he isn't too amused and indeed tells them to kick him out because he doesn't care!
DAVID: No-one wants that.
BRENT: Do what you want, I'm not going back!
Number 32 (next day)
Karl, Jane, and David take a back seat watching Hendrix explain to Brent that he didn't deliberately upload his files. Brent thinks otherwise so Hendrix doesn't know what else he is supposed to say other than (another) "I'm sorry." Jane encourages Brent to say something back and he apologies for Hendrix's laptop getting busted.
The adults are in agreement that the boys shouldn't let what happened derail their whole year and Karl asks the boys if they can "move forward?"
Harold's café
When she spots her in the café, Bea decides it's time for a quiet word with Harlow about Brent. Harlow initially thinks Hendrix put her put to it, until Bea fills her in on the photograph and the other things Brent is doing to Hendrix to stir things up.
BEA: It's kinda non-stop. Hendrix did the wrong thing, and he really does know that, but I just worry Brent is using you to score points and no-one should ever be treated like that.
Number 24
Aaron drops by with a coffee to see how his sister went on her first night at #24... and to talk about their mum. Following Nicolette's visit, she thinks he is there for round 2, but news of Nicolette's visit is news to him. Chloe admits to him that Fay's 'bucket list' visit is too much for her and Aaron is quick to remind her that she isn't alone, she has his and David's support.
CHLOE: How do I do this Az? How do I pretend like I'm having fun when I know mum's come to say goodbye?
AARON: What no, she never said that!
CHLOE: It's what she's thinking.
AARON: I don't know. I mean we... we both know it's going to happen one day.
CHLOE: I know... but not yet. I'm not ready.
Aaron then goes and gives his sister a (very long and overdue) hug.
Number 32
Following the chat with Bea, Harlow drops round to ask Brent about tagging Hendrix in the photo and his reply is "he deserved it after what he did to me!" She isn't at all amused at his actions but while Brent admits to "riling him up," he adds that isn't why he spends time with her.
BRENT: Harlow I think you're awesome. You've been really nice to me even though I've been an idiot. It sucked to lose you as a friend.
Both agree that they are definitely on the same page now and Brent promises "to leave Hendrix alone from now on."
Lassiters Lake
As he and Terese survey the work site, Paul isn't convinced that the construction of a new bar beside the lake is going to mean a return on the investment. Terese quizzes him on why he's now taking an interest after she's done the budget, and it appears that its due to Kyle - Karl hasn't handed over the land rent money and the other businesses on Power Road are suffering too. She thinks it's unfair that Kyle is getting the blame and looks almost relieved to spot the passing Ned so she can end the conversation with Paul!
Terese unloads onto Ned her concern about Harlow and how much time she is spending with Brent, but admits she's avoiding chatting with the lass as she knows (from her dealings with Paul over Hendrix) how much she can dig her heels in! Ned can see shades of his young self in Brent and laments that perhaps if he'd had better role models he might not have end up in half as much trouble as he did. Terese is impressed at his openness and asks if he has any suggestions and his reply is that he might have.
Number 32
Aaron is apologetic to Nicolette for the reception she got from Chloe. It appears however that what she said has worked, as he reports that Chloe has opened up over how scared she is for her mum, however it is still undecided whether she will agree to Fay's request for the visit or not. Nicolette asks how he is doing and he quickly replies back that he is fine, its Chloe being fine is what matters most to him.
Nicolette bows out at this point to allow David to have a heart-to-heart with his husband. "You're allowed to feel this too," he says but Aaron knows that it is harder for Chloe as she is the one with the disease whereas he is "just a Huntington's carrier." Although Aaron also added in that Chloe was the one that grew up with Fay, David warns against him dismissing the bond he has with his mum.
AARON: How do you say goodbye to someone for the last time?
Number 24
Chloe heads back to the living room armed with a couple of photo albums and starts to go through them.
Erinsborough High
Brent is still the centre of intrigue as a couple of random silent extras watch his every move when he finally turns up to school.
Although he told Harlow that he'd a free period, it turns out he'd actually skived that class - he is picking and choosing what he turns up for (his art class). Jane was the one who spotted him arriving at school, and picking up on his non-attendance, informs him that he can't pick and choose which classes he turns up to as failure to maintain attendance requirements means he won't pass.
JANE: I'm trying to help you.
BRENT: You can't.
When Jane walks round the corner, she spots Hendrix sitting on the floor skiving maths. She orders him to class and that he should be seeing this year as "an opportunity rather than a burden."
HENDRIX: The opportunity to rock up every day and do the exact same lessons I did twelve months ago... lucky me!
Lassiters Complex
As they sit outside Harold's, Karl is getting a flea in his ear on the phone from Paul about the non-payment of the land rent for the tram. After he ends the call, Susan thinks that while it's good he isn't pushing Kyle for the rent, she equally isn't too keen on them ending up in financial difficulties trying to pay it, and so suggests to Karl that he talks to Kyle about the finances so things don't escalate.
Jane interrupts the chat to talk to Susan about how disengaged both Brent and Hendrix are. She's had an idea about implementing a Year 13 - "a bridging course to further education or job training with a focus on independent self-driven learning." She hopes that students would "take ownership of their education, keep them more engaged" and where some of the normal rules could be waved, like not wearing uniforms. Susan is very interested and would like to read more however fears that it would mean Hendrix and Brent would not be able to avoid one-another.
The Hive
Brent arrives to see Harlow, but really it's Ned who wants him - he offers the lad a workspace if he is interested. You can just about see Brent's eyes light up at hearing this news, however he is curious about the offer given Ned doesn't know him.
NED: Just one artist looking out for another mate.
Brent is interested but can't afford the rent, so Ned suggests that they do a deal - Brent offers his labour for maintenance in exchange for the rent. Deal done and Ned invites Brent to take a look round the place.
Number 32
Chloe earns her second hug of the day from her brother after she drops round to tell him (and David and Nicolette who are also in the kitchen) about chatting things over with Mark and Tyler and the result is Fay is coming to Erinsborough and will be staying at #24.
AARON: I'm going to be with you every step of the way, okay?
CHLOE: I know.
The boys make a tactful retreat outside to allow Chloe to talk to Nicolette in private. She admits that Nicolette turning up on her doorstep was the last thing she wanted; however Chloe acknowledges that what was said, made her listen and so thanks Nicolette for saying those words. "You're one of the toughest people I ever met," Nicolette says to reassure her and is sure that she can handle Fay's visit.
NICOLETTE: You'll never forget this time you'll have with her.
The apologetic words end quickly, as before she leaves, Chloe makes it clear "that this doesn't change things between us."
The Hive
Paul isn't exactly too amused at being dragged to The Hive, so Terese explains that since he wants to revitalise Power Road, he might find inspiration from The Hive's success. He can sense its really a ploy concocted between Ned and Terese... and as the trio turn their heads, they see Brent telling Harlow his ideas for some of the fabrics that is on the table and that he will make her a tote bag.
When the camera focuses back on the adults, Ned explains about Brent taking up one of the workspaces and that they've come to an arrangement so the lad can pay his own way.
TERESE: At least it will keep him occupied. I'd say that's a good outcome for everyone.
PAUL: Mmm... I still don't trust him and you [turning to Ned] shouldn't either!
NED: Well I was a lot like Brent back in the day Paul, I just had a lot of good people around me.
Ned leaves them to it to go respond to a booking for The Hive but whatever the booking is, Ned looks rather worried!
Lassiters Complex
Bea doesn't look too amused at being summoned to meet Ned urgently given she is busy at work. He explains to her about a booking for The Hive and shows her (on his phone) who made the booking. "Are you kidding?" she remarks after looking at the screen [we don't see it] and Ned confirms that he double checked whoever it is that has made the booking and is seeking her advice on whether he should tell Karl and Susan or not.
BEA: You definitely should tell them. This is going to be a massive problem.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Karl curious over someone being in Erinsborough.
- Susan commenting too upon the visitor.
- Roxy and Kyle disbelieving what Karl has said to them.
- Dipi overhearing Toadie wanting to know what his brother said to Amy's proposal.
- Amy wanting Shane to say yes to something!
- Dipi wanting to know what Shane's answer is.