Previously
- Terese telling Glen he shouldn't give in and trust Paul
- Glen finding Paul passed out in the hotel office
- Paul feeling disappointed Terese hasn't visited him in hospital
- Glen reassuring Terese she shouldn't feel guilty about not seeing Paul
- Hendrix letting Zara know he didn't tell Mackenzie about the kiss
- Aubrey and Sadie coaxing Zara into posting a pic with the necklace
- Mackenzie showing Hendrix the online account with his photos on it
Ramsay Street
Hendrix and Mackenzie are still trying to process the secret photo account. Hendrix is horrified at how much he was being objectified, and becomes alarmed when he finds the photo of Zara wearing the pendant he bought. Mackenzie can't believe Zara got the pendant re-engraved and was pretending Hendrix was her boyfriend. Upset, Mackenzie is ready to storm over to Number 30 and confront Zara, but Hendrix says he needs to tell her something first. "This isn't the first time Zara's crossed the line," he says gravely.
Number 30
Mackenzie storms in, with Hendrix following, and demands to know where Zara is. "What have you done now?" Amy asks her daughter in exasperation. Zara claims she's done nothing wrong, but Amy and Toadie are stunned when Mackenzie holds up her phone and explains that Zara's been "posting creep shots of Hendrix to a private account online pretending to be his girlfriend". Zara protests that she wasn't the one who started it, but is shouted over by Mackenzie, who adds that Zara also stole her pendant.
Erinsborough Hospital - Paul's Room
Glen drops by to ask how the patient is faring. Paul claims he's fine, but Harlow interrupts and says her granddad's been "unbearably gloomy". Harlow heads out to grab a coffee and wishes Glen luck in cheering Paul up as he didn't even crack a smile when Harlow mentioned his stocks were up. Glen says Paul's scraping the bottom of the barrel if he wants him to cheer him up, but Paul's just glad he popped in.
PAUL: I wanted to thank you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.
GLEN: I should have come earlier.
PAUL: Not like I haven't cried wolf before.
GLEN: You're welcome then.
Paul asks if he's started back at the winery yet. Glen says no but he's itching to return. "Workaholic," Paul teases, earning a small smile from Glen. "Runs in the family," he replies.
Number 30
Amy, Toadie, Hendrix and Mackenzie listen to Zara in varying degrees of disbelief and hurt as she tries to explain that Sadie and Aubrey were obsessed with Hendrix. She wanted the girls to like her, and making friends is difficult, so she pretended her and Hendrix were a couple. Hendrix wants to know where the pendant is so Zara takes the jewellery box out of her bag and hands it over. Zara says Aubrey and Sadie were getting suss she wasn't actually with Hendrix so she needed proof. "So you stole from him?" Mackenzie states. Zara hastily gets her phone and says she'll wipe the Hendrix account and get the girls to delete their photos, "I can fix everything". But Hendrix has heard enough - he slams the pendant box onto the counter and leaves.
ZARA: Hendrix, wait, I'm sorry.
MACKENZIE: (stopping her from following) I know you kissed him too. Stay away.
Mac goes after Hendrix and Zara turns to Amy to try and explain herself.
ZARA: Mum-
AMY: Get out.
ZARA: (resigned) Okay, I'll be in my room.
AMY: (angry) Get out of this house. I can't deal with you right now, I can't even look at you. Get. Out.
Stung, Zara reluctantly heads out. Toadie remains quiet while Amy tries not to let her emotions overcome her.
Number 22
Terese and Ned are admiring the new couches Terese bought. Ned says she nailed the colours, but Terese said it was all Glen's doing. Glen then walks in, distracted by something on his phone. He informs them that he's won a trip to the River Bend Getaway after signing up to a newsletter promo. Ned and Terese are impressed, but Glen says the only catch is it's for two couples.
NED: They're not going to turn you away if you show up on your own.
GLEN: Bit awkward though. (Looking at Terese) I don't guess you feel like going?
TERESE: (stammering) Oh, um, it's tempting, thanks. But I've taken way too much time off work and Chloe's been managing the hotel for way too long.
Nicolette then calls by to talk about the Café budget with Ned. While the two of them are in the kitchen, Nic comments to Ned on how cosy Terese and Glen appear. Ned can only mutter a concerned "mmm" before his phone rings and he steps aside to answer. Nicolette gets a sly smile on her face when she overhears Terese and Glen banter about the couches. Terese asks Nicolette how David and Aaron are going and Nic admits things are pretty frosty. When Terese comments on how long it's been since she's seen Isla, Nic invites her (and Glen) along to lunch with her, Isla and David.
Number 28 Backyard
Mackenzie tells Hendrix she warned him not to get too comfortable with Zara. Hendrix feels as though Mac is blaming him for how things went down, but that's not what Mackenzie was insinuating. She just doesn't understand why he didn't tell her about the kiss straightaway as they usually tell each other everything. Hendrix says he feels awful about not confessing, but if he did, Mac would have tore shreds off Zara and then Amy would have found out and sent Zara back to Cairns.
MACKENZIE: So? Why do you care so much if she stays or goes?
HENDRIX: Because I know what it's like to have a parent who can't wait to get rid of you. And I know what it's like to have a stupid crush on someone older.
MACKENZIE: You mean Chloe?
HENDRIX: (shocked) She told you?
MACKENZIE: Harlow said something about it a while ago.
HENDRIX: Yeah, well, I kissed Chloe. And she could have had dad kick me back to Sydney but she looked out for me instead. Help me get my head straight. I thought Zara needed someone to do the same for her. I know it sounds stupid-
MACKENZIE: No, it's not.
Empathising with Hendrix, Mackenzie rests her head on his shoulder in comfort.
Number 30
Amy wonders how much trouble Zara could get into for stealing the necklace. Toadie says it depends on whether or not Hendrix makes an official complaint. If he does she could get charged, and then sentencing would come down to the judge. "Maybe they should throw the book at her," Amy says. Toadie promises Amy she'll be able to get through to her daughter - she's not a lost cause.
AMY: I have done research into pyromaniacs and it usually just gets worse from here. If this doesn't stop she could-(she falters, getting upset). She could end up killing someone.
The Waterhole
Nicolette is at the bar with Glen while David and Terese sit with Isla at a table. Nic comments that him moving back in with Terese seems to be doing her good. Glen says he's just trying to be there for her. "And who's there for you?" Nic wonders. Glen replies that she doesn't have to worry about him: "My feelings aren't going to be a problem." Nic can't believe that Glen has just magically gotten over Terese, but Glen smiles and says he's working on it. He then asks what happened with David and Aaron, finding out from Nic about their fight at Chloe's party. Nicolette just thinks the boys need some space to clear the air.
Number 28 Backyard
Susan returns to where Karl, Hendrix and Mackenzie are sitting after organising with Jane to take her first meeting at school. Hendrix asks if Susan told Jane about Zara's latest stunt, but Susan hasn't done so yet. Karl wants to know if Hendrix has thought about involving the police. Hendrix isn't sure, but between this and the fires Zara might deserve to be punished. Mackenzie thought Hendrix was convinced Zara was innocent when it came to the fires. Hendrix says he was at first, but it's hard to believe her now.
HENDRIX: She was probably behind the teddy bear stunt as well.
SUSAN: We haven't got to the bottom of that yet.
HENDRIX: She said she was covering for her friends. They were probably all in on it.
This registers some intrigue with Mackenzie. Hendrix says he'll need some time to think things over about what his next move will be. He checks with Mackenzie if she's good, then leaves to have time alone.
Number 30
Amy sighs and says Zara's father would have never let her get this out of control. "Don't sell yourself short," Toadie says kindly. "It hasn't been easy with Zara and you've done your best." He reminds Amy that they weren't exactly "goody-two-shoes" when they were Zara's age, but Amy says they never took things this far. They didn't have social media to contend with either. Mackenzie calls in and asks if Zara's around because she feels as though something's not adding up with the fires.
MACKENZIE: Zara confessed to stealing the pendant, and she didn't deny kissing Hendrix, but she still hasn't admitted to starting any of the fires. Why is she being so inconsistent?
TOADIE: Because she's worried about getting into more trouble.
AMY: Why, what do you think's going on?
MACKENZIE: I don't know, it just doesn't make sense.
Amy gets on her phone to figure out where Zara could be.
Erinsborough Hospital - Paul's Room
Karl says Paul's looking okay, but can't help teasing him about getting a second opinion if he doesn't trust him. Rolling his eyes, Paul says he'll be fine. Harlow smirks when Karl tells her to give him a buzz if Paul changes his mind - he could send his notes to a colleague in Sydney for a third opinion. Paul chucks a rolled up napkin at Karl on his way out, accidentally hitting Harlow in the process. She notices her granddad keeps staring out the window and tells him to stop torturing himself, "Terese isn't coming". But Paul thought David would at least pop by, he is in his place of work after all.
The Waterhole
Glen shows David the place he won the trip to on his phone. He claims he's on all sorts of mailing lists for the winery, hence knowing about River Bend, and the lunch menu is amazing. "Oh, so you've been there before?" Terese remarks, but Glen says it was only a quick visit. It's revealed that Glen has invited David and Aaron along to enjoy the prize with him because he thought they might need a break.
NICOLETTE: If they don't take you up on the offer, I will.
DAVID: Hey, I haven't said no yet.
GLEN: There's no reason we all can't go. (To Nic) You and I can request a twin room.
NICOLETTE: That would be great! I'm sure mum would be happy to take care of Isla.
DAVID: It would be good for us to get away for a bit.
Terese smiles as the plan starts to take shape, pleased Glen will have company. David says if Aaron's in, then he's in too.
Erinsborough High Exterior
Sadie and Aubrey sit on the steps and discover that their Hendrix perv page has been taken down. They quickly put their phones away and slip on their most angelic smiles when Jane approaches. Jane says that since Zara's suspension will be up in a few days, she was wondering if they'd had time to reconsider their friendship with her.
JANE: You're both such excellent students and I would hate for either of you to follow her down such a destructive path.
AUBREY: Don't worry, Ms Harris, we're done spending time with her.
JANE: Well I'm glad to hear it.
When Jane leaves, Sadie gets a text from Zara, asking if they can hang out. She's worried she might know the truth, so Aubrey says she'll tell Zara to meet them at school because she knows Zara's got the tracker on her phone.
AUBREY: So when her mum checks up on her after we've done the thing-
SADIE: It'll look like Zara did it.
AUBREY: And she'll finally have enough proof to send that dumb cow back to Queensland.
Sadie smiles along with her friend, but can't help looking concerned when she turns away from Aubrey.
Ramsay Street
Ned chats with David and Nicolette as they return with Isla from lunch. David says that Glen asked him, Aaron and Nicolette to be his plus threes at the getaway. Harlow returns from the hospital and joins in on the conversation, learning about the River Bend trip. Nicolette says she also invited Levi along, who is paying for a room on his own. Harlow thinks she and Ned should go along and share the cost of a room. Ned doesn't think he can leave the Café unattended, but Nicolette believes Hendrix would be responsible enough. Ned goes off to find Hendrix, and Nic takes Isla inside, leaving Harlow and David to chat.
HARLOW: I was wondering if you'd come to the hospital with me.
DAVID: I'm not sure, Harlow.
HARLOW: I know things are complicated, but granddad's hurt and he's low, and he has been asking about you.
Ned is about to go to No.28's door when he notices Hendrix sitting outside. He sees that Hendrix looks upset and asks if he's okay.
Erinsborough Hospital - Paul's Room
Paul is reading a copy of Frankenstein when he looks up and is surprised to see David standing outside. Feeling a tad awkward, David walks in and says he's sorry for not coming sooner but things have been complicated. Paul understands, he's just glad David came by.
PAUL: I'm sure you're still angry with me.
DAVID: I'll never understand why you are the way you are. But I'm fighting with Aaron, things are weird with Leo, and right now I just need my dad.
PAUL: Of course, son. I'm all ears.
Ramsay Street
Hendrix has filled Ned in on what Zara has done. Ned knew Zara was a handful, but he never thought she'd go that far. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who was wrong about her," Hendrix solemnly replies. Ned asks how he's holding up and Hendrix says he keeps checking all the socials to see if anyone's talking about him but it looks like the account's been deleted.
HENDRIX: The account aside, the fact that Zara stole something from me? Something she knew meant so much to me and Mackenzie. I don't know if I should get the cops involved or not.
NED: Do you think she'd do something like this again? (Hendrix shrugs) Maybe just sleep on it, see how you feel tomorrow.
Hendrix thanks Ned for the chat. Ned says he's around if Hendrix needs him again.
Erinsborough High Exterior
Zara finds Aubrey and Sadie and is shocked when Aubrey is immediately cold and condescending towards her. Aubrey calls her an idiot and says her and Sadie have been trying to get rid of her. "You have more lives than a fricken cat," she spits out. Zara can't believe her ears, so Aubrey says she's a loser who blew in from the middle of nowhere and just lucked into being popular.
ZARA: You didn't do the teddy thing to get back at Ms Harris, did you? (Sadie gives Aubrey an uneasy look) You've been trying to get me in trouble! Have you been starting the fires as well?
AUBREY: How could we have anything to do with that? We're not the ones who live on Ramsay Street. You are.
ZARA: I thought you were my friends.
AUBREY: Please, do you even get how uncool it is to date a guy we liked first? Do they not have girl code back in Cairns?
ZARA: Guess I'll find out when I get shipped back there.
SADIE: You're going back?
ZARA: Yeah. You've made my mum hate me - congratulations.
She runs off looking hurt. Aubrey opens her backpack to reveal a bottle of kerosene inside. Sadie's relieved they don't have to go through with their plan now, but Aubrey still thinks there's a chance Zara's mum will forgive her, so they have to make sure Zara's not welcome back ever again. Sadie looks uncomfortable.
Lassiters Complex
Terese sees Glen on his phone when she exits Harold's with their coffees and jokes he's as bad as the kids. "Then I'll fit in with them on the getaway," he smirks. He tells her that Nicolette's convinced Ned and Harlow to join them so it'll be one hell of a party. Terese thought the whole point of the retreat was to relax, but Glen says you don't have to be alone to do that. "In my case you do," says Terese, "but anyway, you do you." Glen's smile fades and he sighs when Terese walks ahead of him.
Erinsborough High
Mackenzie walks through the school and stops when she hears someone crying in an art supply room. She goes in and finds Zara, asking if she's okay. Zara wonders why Mackenzie would even care, earning a shrug from Mac. "It was Sadie and Aubrey," Zara admits. "I stole the pendant and I commented on the photos, but they did everything else." Mac asks if that includes the fires. Zara says she thought the girls were her friends but they were just pretending to get her in trouble.
MACKENZIE: Do you have any proof?
ZARA: Aubrey basically confessed but it's not like I was recording her or anything. I'm so stupid. Mrs Kennedy and Ms Harris won't believe me if I try to tell them and no one else will.
Mackenzie kneels down in front of Zara as she gets worked up again.
MACKENZIE: I believe you. I think. I started putting it together before, that's why your mum told me where you were.
ZARA: You told my mum? (Mackenzie nods) But you hate me.
MACKENZIE: I'm not saying that you shouldn't suffer the consequences for the things you've done, but there's no justice in you taking the fall for something you didn't do.
ZARA: So what now?
MACKENZIE: Let's get you home, and then we can-
But she pauses, getting a sudden sniff of something dangerous in the air.
MACKENZIE: Do you smell smoke?
ZARA: (in disbelief) No way.
The go out into the corridor and find it filled with smoke and flames. Mackenzie quickly leads Zara back into the supply room and closes the door. Zara asks Mac what they should do now, but Mackenzie doesn't know. The fire alarm blares in the background.