Previously
- Nell asks Melanie to use her fortune- telling powers and crystal ball to speak to Sonya beyond the grave
- Lost as to how to respond, Melanie's forced to relay a 'message' from Sonya - 'she loves you'
- Later, Toadie tries to convince Nell that Melanie was only pretending to be able to speak to dead people
- After Toadie tries to hide the crystal ball from Nell, it smashes during her attempt to get it back
- Brent tells Harlow he loved who she was, but not who she is now. 'Maybe I grew up,' she retorts
- Harlow tells Leo that if Glen is later proven to have an agenda, he should remember that she called it first
- Ned tells Amy he thinks it would be simpler if there were only two of them in the relationship
- But later, Ned says he's happy to give the polyamorous relationship another go
- Mick announces that Amy, Levi and Ned are the originators of the 'downstairs itch' that has been circulating in town
- 'Maybe no- one heard,' Toadie reassures the trio the following day - but Amy replies, 'Oh, they heard'
Harold's Café
In the lakeside area, Amy and Levi are chatting about their respective Christmas plans. Levi is going to Frankston to spend Christmas with the extended Canning clan, and he asks if Amy is spending the festive season with her kids. But she explains it's her exes' turn to have the kids this year, so asks if she could tag along with Levi instead.
LEVI: Ames, it's gonna be pretty full-on. Are you sure?
AMY: Well, they're your family, you know? And if you're by my side, then we can handle anything, as history has shown.
LEVI: Well, okay. I'd love that.
Ned appears with a caramel macchiato for Amy.
NED: Extra sweet, just like you.
AMY: Oh! I did not order this tiny coffee.
NED: No, I did. You looked like you could use it.
AMY: Okay. I will take that as a kind gesture, and not about the bags under my eyes!
Ned mentions he's been getting some weird looks about the place following Mick's 'itch' allegations at the Christmas party. Amy wishes looks were the extent of it, saying she's been subject to comments by 'a string of comedians ordering cocktails that make the Milky Mick seem tame'.
AMY: We wouldn't be getting this flack if we were just one monogamous couple, you know?
LEVI: Yeah. But look, Ned, you don't have to worry, mate, okay? I've been calling into the bar while on patrol, just to make sure Amy's alright.
Unsurprisingly, this does not make Ned feel better! Conversation moves to the police ball that Levi is taking Amy to tonight; she says she can't wait. But Ned, who is looking thoroughly left out, asks Levi if he's been getting much grief from the guys at work.
LEVI: I mean, a little bit...
NED: Well, they'd better not hassle Amy.
LEVI: They won't. Not at the ball, okay?
AMY: Oh, I hope not. I just don't think I can handle any more drama.
Ned looks worried.
No 30
Susan and Karl are talking to Toadie about Nell's preoccupation with Melanie's psychic powers, while Hugo lingers in the background.
TOADIE: It's like she's lost Sonya all over again, which is exactly what I was trying to avoid.
Melanie is sweeping up the fragments of the smashed crystal ball nearby, and listening to this. We learn that Karl and Susan are going to look after Hugo for a few hours; Toadie explains he doesn't want him around Nell while she's so upset.
KARL: Do you have a plan?
TOADIE: Well, step one is to see if I can get her to stop crying and come out of her room. Step two - open to suggestions?
SUSAN: Oh, well, just keep her talking. It's the only way you're gonna know where her head's at. You'll get there - you will. And you've got us, if you need anything.
Karl and Susan leave with Hugo, leaving Toadie and Melanie to talk.
MELANIE (feeling guilty): You have me, too. Just let me know if there's anything I can do.
TOADIE (worried): Thanks.
Lassiter's Complex
Ned is cleaning tables outside the café, when Harlow arrives and takes a seat.
HARLOW: Did you hear? Glen finally confessed to what I said all along. He's got it in for Grandad. Bitter and twisted over the past, apparently. So, go on, you can say it - 'Harlow, you were right.'
Ned continues his cleaning, distracted.
HARLOW: Hello? I'm trying to prove a point here.
NED: Sorry, I was thinking about the police ball (...) Levi's taking Amy.
HARLOW (wearily): And?
NED: And she's still getting hassled about the Christmas party thing, which I think is really unfair considering she never had anything.
HARLOW: It may be unfair, but it's still the cringiest story.
NED: Thanks (!) You'd fit right in with Levi's workmates tonight.
HARLOW: Well, someone had to have a laugh about it.
NED: But your idea of a laugh is really filthy when Sheila spread that threesome rumour about us. I just want to keep Amy clear of it, you know?
Harlow looks thoroughly unsympathetic, and suggests Ned is only worried about the police ball because he doesn't want Amy to have a good time with Levi. When he denies this, Harlow suggests he should go and take it up with Amy or Levi rather than taking it out on the table he's scrubbing, then gets up and walks off!
Outside the police station, Ned meets up with Levi to talk about Amy and the police ball. However, one of Levi's colleagues, Constable Robert Dolby, appears and starts making fun of them over the crabs debacle.
DOLBY: Ah, seafood smorgasbord again tonight, boys?
LEVI: Oi, move it!
DOLBY: Alright, take a joke, mate.
Dolby walks off, but has proved Ned's point before he's made it - he doesn't think Amy should have to listen to jibes like that all night. Levi insists she won't have to, not with his superiors there. Ned is sceptical about that, and insists it's not fair on Amy, reminding Levi that she wasn't the one with the infestation.
LEVI: It sounds like you're trying to tell me where I can and cannot take my girlfriend.
NED: I just don't want Amy to get hurt.
LEVI: And I've already told you, she won't.
Levi ends the conversation, and heads back into the station.
No 30
Melanie watches as Toadie talks to Nell on the couch. He says he's sorry about the crystal ball breaking but that it was an accident.
TOADIE: Okay - Melanie couldn't actually speak to your mummy through the ball. I wish that she could; I really do. Cos I miss Mummy, too, and I would give anything to be able to speak to her. Unfortunately, it's just not possible.
NELL: You're lying.
Melanie tries to intervene, but Toadie stops her.
TOADIE: The crystal ball was just part of Melanie's costume. It wasn't real.
NELL: Yes, it was.
TOADIE: No, it's just not possible, baby, okay? It's just pretend.
NELL: Then how come we can talk to Mummy with a tree, but not a crystal ball? Stop lying to me, Daddy!
Nell gets up and walks out, leaving Toadie flummoxed.
The Flamingo Bar
Hendrix and Mackenzie are hanging out at a table, when Harlow comes in. Mackenzie is excited and hugs her, as it's the first time she's seen Harlow since getting back from her trip away with Hendrix. Mackenzie gives Harlow some chocolates as a gift, which she's managed to prevent Hendrix scoffing on the way back.
MACKENZIE: Because he already ate Karl and Susan's presents. Anyway, enough about Mr Garbage Disposal here. How is Roxy?
HARLOW (wrongfooted): Uh... fine, I guess?
HENDRIX: Kyle's cancer must be a nightmare for her. We only just found out.
HARLOW (falsely): Oh, yeah.
MACKENZIE: I mean, they seem pretty positive, but we were thinking that you'd probably know if they were just putting on a brave face.
HARLOW (falsely): Probably.
Mackenzie and Hendrix are a little surprised by Harlow's apparent lack of interest in discussing it.
MACKENZIE: They're probably just focusing on their wedding. Which is so exciting.
HARLOW (disinterested): I know; it's all go around here.
MACKENZIE: Have you two had a fight or something?
HENDRIX: Did Roxy not make a big enough deal when she asked you to be her bridesmaid?
HARLOW: Uh, no, she hasn't asked me. We haven't spoken in a while, actually.
MACKENZIE: Why not?
HARLOW: I dunno, umm... I guess, maybe because we don't live together anymore?
MACKENZIE: ... But you two were basically sisters.
HENDRIX: And her fiancé has cancer.
HARLOW: Yeah, I just haven't had a chance to catch up, it's nothing personal (...) Anyway, I am dying for one of those creamy iced coffees. I really need caffeine.
Hendrix and Mackenzie look increasingly confused by Harlow's attitude.
Lassiter's Complex
Ned runs into Amy outside the hotel, who's on her way to get ready for the ball tonight. But Ned tells her to be careful of Levi's colleagues as he doesn't trust them, and can't resist explaining about the altercation between Levi and Dolby outside the station earlier.
NED: He can pretend like he's got a handle on it, but I think you should know what you're walking into.
AMY (disconcerted): Right. Thanks.
Ramsay Street
Nell is sitting sadly on the pavement. Toadie stays back while Melanie sits down next to Nell.
MELANIE: I want to talk to you about psychics. Not, like, me in my costume - real ones.
TOADIE: Mel?!
MELANIE: Now, I don't know if they can really talk to people who have died, but I do know why people get them to try to. It's the same reason why you all talk to your mum at the tree. Talking to her keeps her memory alive, and it's really important for you to feel connected.
NELL: I knew it wasn't real.
MELANIE: You did?
NELL: I just liked pretending.
Toadie sits down to join them.
TOADIE: Thank you for telling us, sweetie. I think we should talk about this some more, now that you're older, yeah?
NELL: Is Heaven real?
TOADIE: Umm, well, I don't know, but I like to think that it is.
NELL: Me too.
TOADIE: Yeah, well, so did your mum. And she said that when she was passing away. That's why I think that she's there, because, I think in that moment, she knew something that I didn't. And she was smart. And she was strong, and... I see a lot of her in you. See, you're how I stay connected to Mummy. And I'm right behind however you want to stay connected to her, too. Okay, I love you.
NELL: I love you, too.
Nell and Toadie hug.
The Flamingo Bar
Hendrix in particular is becoming exercised by Harlow's behaviour, as she sits at the table playing with her phone and looking bored. Mackenzie is still trying to make an effort with her, and asks how work's going.
HARLOW (staring at her phone): If Chloe wasn't on a constant power trip, wouldn't be an issue.
MACKENZIE: So it hasn't improved, then?
HARLOW: Obviously.
Hendrix can't take anymore.
HENDRIX (to Mackenzie): Oh, babe, we, umm... we gotta go. We've got to get to that thing.
MACKENZIE: What thing?
HENDRIX: Remember, we've got a thing?
Mackenzie clocks that it's just an excuse to escape Harlow and is about to take him up on it, when Harlow gets a message on her phone.
HARLOW: This can *not* be happening (...) The girl I asked to do my hair and make-up, she's bailed on me. Childcare issues (...) It's just *so* inconvenient. (to Mackenzie) Hey, can you do it for me?
HENDRIX: Uh, we were just about to head off.
HARLOW: To have sex for the bazillionth time? Keep it in your pants, Greyson.
HENDRIX: No, we weren't going to go have sex!
But Mackenzie says it's fine; she'll do Harlow's hair and make-up.
HARLOW: Oh, great. Come on, we'd better go - you're not a professional, so it's gonna take a lot longer to do a decent job.
Mackenzie looks annoyed as Harlow walks out, but is determined to think the best of her friend.
HENDRIX: How is she more upset about her hair than Kyle's cancer?
MACKENZIE: I'm sure that's not the case.
HENDRIX: And she even left your present!
MACKENZIE: I'll take it with me. The dopamine hit will help with the stress levels.
Harlow pops back in, unsubtly trying to hurry Mackenzie along.
HENDRIX (to Mackenzie): I love your optimism. But I don't think there is enough chocolate in the world.
Amy's Apartment
Levi calls round to see Amy on his break, and Amy admits to him that she's considering not going to the police ball.
AMY: Ned doesn't think I should. He told me what happened at the station.
LEVI: Seriously?
AMY: Well, he just wants me to know what I'm walking into.
LEVI: Amy, is Ned the one that's worried, or are you?
AMY: We both are!
LEVI: (...) Amy, I would never let anything happen to you (...) I was really looking forward to this night. You know, I just thought if my colleagues saw the real us, it would stop all the speculations.
AMY: Yeah, but it's not gonna stop the teasing.
LEVI: It would. Once they see we're just some normal, boring couple.
AMY: Haha, boring?!
LEVI: Well, you know what I mean (...) I've seen you work a room before. You are gonna win those guys over before they even know your name.
Amy is convinced, and heads to her room to get ready.
Lassiter's Complex
But Levi is annoyed that Ned has interfered in his relationship again, and goes to confront him outside Harold's. Ned's unrepentant, saying he stands by his actions.
LEVI: But it's not your call, Ned.
NED: I'm not gonna sit around and watch while you put her on display. It's a bad idea.
LEVI: That's not even the point. The point is, it's not your problem - it's not your business (...) We're gonna go to the ball tonight, and you're gonna pull your head in.
Levi walks off.
Lassiter's Park
Toadie and Nell are putting decorations on Sonya's tree, while Melanie watches from a distance.
TOADIE: Anything you want to say?
NELL: I miss you, Mummy. I liked pretending you were playing with me. I hope you are in Heaven, but nobody knows if you are.
Melanie wanders over to join them.
MELANIE: I think I know where Sonya might be. She's right here, in your heart. And every time you think of her - every single time - she's gonna be right there.
As Nell continues to decorate the tree, Toadie holds Melanie's hand and smiles at her.
No 28
The Tickle Monster, otherwise known as Hendrix, is chasing Hugo around the living room. Mackenzie comes in, and Susan and Karl explain that they're taking Hugo home now, as Nell is back to her usual happy self. As the Kennedys exit with Hugo, Mackenzie slumps glumly next to Hendrix on the couch. He correctly guesses she's peeved about Harlow.
HENDRIX: Chocolates didn't work?
MACKENZIE: No. First she started complaining about Chloe, then Glen, then Terese, then Ned.
HENDRIX: Ned?
MACKENZIE: Yeah. Long story. I don't want to talk about it. She didn't even thank me for helping her.
HENDRIX: Sometimes... people change. Sometimes, people grow apart.
They both look sad about it.
Harold's Café
In the lakeside area, Harlow is at a table, touching up her make-up, while Ned moans to her about Levi.
HARLOW: Some people are just plain rude.
NED: Exactly.
HARLOW: Like my cosmetologist. Who cancels on a client 30 minutes before the session?
NED (baffled at the non sequitur): Yeah... Look, going back to Levi - if he really cared about Amy, he wouldn't have put her in this position.
HARLOW: She just lost my business.
NED: Are you listening to me?
HARLOW: No. I'm not listening to you, because I already know the story off by heart. And it's annoying that you're ignoring the obvious.
NED: Which is?
HARLOW: You're angry that you don't have Amy all to yourself. And you can't stand the fact that you don't have control over the situation.
NED: I thought you were supposed to be on my side.
HARLOW: I am. Which is why I'm telling you to stop settling, and go and fight for what you want.
Ned points out he's tried this before and it failed spectacularly, but Harlow thinks he should try again and be more direct this time.
HARLOW: She might even find it hot.
No 30
Nell is drawing in the front room, while Susan and Karl chat to Toadie and Melanie about Nell's breakthrough. Toadie credits Melanie with having said the right things to help Nell understand, though Mel points out that she did start the problem in the first place! Susan and Karl leave them to it.
TOADIE (to Melanie): Guess I should've listened to you sooner.
MELANIE: Who would've thought.
TOADIE: Yeah. I have to say, Nell is really responding well to you lately. She was really excited about the psychic stall, and (...) she really listened to you today. And she put a lot of stock in what you told her.
MELANIE: Well, I guess I remember what it was like being a little girl looking for answers.
TOADIE: I think she's starting to see you as a bit of a mother figure.
MELANIE: And how do you feel about that?
TOADIE: Well, I'm happy.
MELANIE: Me too.
Leo's Vineyard
Amy and Levi are all dressed up, having arrived for the police ball. Amy is very impressed with the venue and its picturesque environs.
AMY: I feel like I'm in a fairytale!
LEVI: Good, Amy, because you deserve this. And I'm so glad you're here.
AMY: Me too.
They're about to kiss, when who should appear but Ned! He's also suited up, apparently intending to attend the ball too! Levi can't believe it.
LEVI: You've got to be kidding me (...) Oi, what are you doing here?
NED: Looking out for Amy.
LEVI: Yeah, but I've already told you, this is none of your business.
NED: Amy is my business. (to Amy) I would never put you in a position where you would be ridiculed.
LEVI: Ridiculed?! Come on, mate.
NED (to Amy): I wouldn't even take the risk, because I actually care about you. I know you'd be happier with me (...) Why do you think I'm here, Ames? I'm tired of pretending that I'm okay with all this. I don't want to share you anymore. I want it to be us. Just us.
Amy is lost for words.
Coming up on Neighbours
- At the ball, Leo asks Paul if he should be expecting any trouble from him tonight
- Paul tells Glen he hopes he'll hear what he has to say
- Terese arrives for the ball
- Harlow warns Glen that she's watching him
- Terese sees Glen with wine bottles and asks if he's alright; 'not really,' he replies
- Paul asks Terese if she'll dance with him; she looks uncertain
