Penthouse
Paul is looking at a photo of him and Terese from happier times, when Melanie emerges from the lift. We learn that Paul's summoned her for a chat, and she's missed her bus home as a result. With her car broken down, Paul offers to pay for a taxi for her when they're done.

PAUL: We need to talk legalities. You are still facing recklessly causing injury, and I'm dealing with accessory after the fact and destruction of evidence.
MELANIE: What's your point?
PAUL: My point is, we need to stick together. We need to tell the police that Eden blackmailed us - that he forced our hand.
MELANIE: Truthfully, I have no idea what happened between you and Eden up on that roof.
PAUL: Melanie, you've just got to tell the police that you were feeling threatened, alright? That you needed my help. Come on, you *were* feeling threatened.
MELANIE: But I didn't ask you to intervene, and the police know that.
PAUL: You know, I was being a friend to you that night - can't you be one to me now?
MELANIE: We made our statements. We need to stick to them.
PAUL: It's alright, I can help with a better lawyer.
MELANIE: No, Paul. You will want something in return.
PAUL: You know, we beat these charges, you and I can go back to living our lives.
MELANIE: Yeah, well, there's some parts that we are never gonna get back.
PAUL: Well, who knows what the future might bring. Maybe we can, hmm?

The camera closes in ominously on the photo of Paul with Terese that he was looking at earlier.

Harold's Café
Dex and Nell are having a study session. Dex gets a message from Cara, asking for help putting up the Christmas decorations at home. But Dex explains to Nell that there isn't much point, as Remi always ends up changing things to the way she likes them anyway.

DEX: Guess that's why Mum's doing them now. While she's not here.

But Nell is distracted by the arrival of Melanie, having been surprised to see that she hasn't gone home yet. Mel says she was 'called into a meeting' (not specifying that it was by Paul) and Nell offers to buy her a coffee. But Melanie says she's already been generous enough to her today with all the groceries.

Andrew comes in, and tells Melanie he's been meaning to call her. He asks if they could pop into the police station to run through a couple of questions. Melanie agrees. As Andrew goes to order a drink, Nell asks after Melanie's legal representation - she explains she has a lawyer from Legal Aid. Nell offers to call Toadie, who could give Melanie some advice.

MELANIE: No, please do not bother him. I will be fine - really. Don't worry.

But Nell *is* worried.

No 22
Terese is moaning to Toadie about how 'infuriating' and 'offensive' Paul was being when she was moving out of the office in the Lassiter's Complex. But she deliberately doesn't go into the details of Paul baiting her about her relationship with Toadie.

TOADIE: What did he say?
TERESE: Oh, nothing.
TOADIE: Terese, come on.
TERESE: No, trust me. I really don't want to repeat it. I just want to forget about it.
TOADIE: Do you want me to go and get the rest of your stuff for you, babe?
TERESE: Yes, yes - that would be great. Thank you.

Terese says she needs to call her engineer on the Eirini Rising project, as they want to start doing site visits at the school grounds. This'll mean she needs access to the school before it's being vacated, which she admits will necessitate a conversation with Jane that she isn't looking forward to. Nell arrives back from her study session, and mentions that she saw Melanie again.

NELL: The police need to talk to her about something. She couldn't get hold of her Legal Aid lawyer. It's not good that she goes in there by herself, right?
TOADIE: I'm sure Melanie will be fine, darling.
NELL: That's what Mel said.

But Nell looks unconvinced as she heads off upstairs - and Toadie looks unconvinced, too.

No 30
JJ is helping Cara to move an armchair into position in the living room. Dex comes in.

DEX: That is not a Christmas decoration.
CARA: Yeah, but your ma doesn't mind it.
JJ: Nah, she hates it.
CARA: No, she just pretends to. It's part of our shtick.
DEX: Have you ever seen her sitting in it?
CARA: No, but that's because she knows that it's my favourite!
DEX: I thought you were just getting the decorations out of storage.
CARA: Yeah, I was - and then I saw Old Faithful sitting there, sad and lonely, shoved in a dark corner... I couldn't resist.

Dex and JJ gesture to one another, amused, as Cara sits in the chair. Cara then gets a text from Remi, saying she'll be back soon - so she sets the boys to work decorating the Christmas tree and hanging the lights, so that it's all done by the time Remi gets here.

Lassiter's Complex
Paul accosts Melanie in the courtyard as she exits the police station, thinking she must have been talking to them about Eden.

MELANIE: Relax, will you? It was just to do with my drug charge. Nothing to do with you (...) I did hear something, though. Andrew said that David, Aaron and Nicolette could have been charged with aiding and abetting, but the police have decided not to pursue it.

Paul is thrilled to hear this.

PAUL: You know, I might go for a drive. Just pass on the good news to the boys myself.
MELANIE: Oh, I thought David wasn't talking to you?
PAUL: Oh, he's not, he's not. But this might be the opening I need, eh?

Harold's Café
Melanie runs into Toadie at the counter, who makes awkward faces before going back to ignoring her.

MELANIE: I saw Nell again today.
TOADIE: Yeah, she mentioned.
MELANIE: She's been so generous. And she got really protective about me having the right lawyer.
TOADIE: Mm. She cares about you.
MELANIE: I care about her. That's why I thought maybe it might be a good idea if I went to one of her therapy sessions. Because, like, I fully admit that my actions have messed with her head...

But Toadie cuts her off.

TOADIE: They're family sessions. They're meant to be for *our* family.
MELANIE: ... No, you're right. And I'm so sorry if Nell's got in your ear about my legal situation. Just so you know, I'm actually okay. And I'm sure Fred'll be fine.
TOADIE: ... Did Legal Aid give you Fred Lawrence?
MELANIE: Uh- huh.
TOADIE: Well, I hope he's turning up. He's got a reputation for taking on too many clients and spreading himself thin.
MELANIE: Yeah, well... I'll manage.

Melanie leaves, and Toadie looks conflicted.

Out in the sticks
Paul pulls into the driveway of David, Aaron and Nicolette's rural home, while David and Aaron are on the patio. David is not pleased to see him.

DAVID: How did he get our address?
PAUL: Before you go chucking me off the property, I'm here with some very good news. The police are no longer pursuing the charges against you - so you're all in the clear.
AARON: Yeah, thanks. But we already know. The police told us a little while ago.
PAUL: Oh, that's great. Listen, while I'm here -
DAVID: You shouldn't be here. That's all that needs to be said.
PAUL: David, I've just got one thing that I want to say. Please, can you just hear me out?

David grudgingly agrees.

PAUL: Look, I realise how much you sacrificed to move out here.
DAVID: Trust me, we're doing fine.
PAUL: Still... if you really want to move back to Erinsborough, and I'm the only thing that's stopping you, then I will keep my distance.
DAVID: Sure (!) Until you get into Leo's ear, or into Aaron's.
PAUL: David - all I want is for you to be happy. And as much as I will absolutely hate it, I will stay away, alright? We will no longer be father and son, if that's what you really want.
DAVID: No.
PAUL: Maybe you want to talk it over with Nicolette...
DAVID: No, it's time for you to go.
PAUL: Okay, yeah. I understand.

Paul looks hurt as David turns away coldly and concentrates on watering the plants. Aaron offers to walk Paul back to his car, but Paul asks to use the bathroom first. David scoffs, seemingly assuming this is a ploy to extend his time here. Aaron takes Paul inside to show him where it is.

No 30
Dex, JJ and Cara are just putting the finishing touches on the Christmas decorations, when Cara sees Remi pulling up outside. JJ and Dex stand in front of Cara's 'Old Faithful' chair so that it isn't the first thing Remi sees when she comes in! But Remi pulls them in for a hug and soon spots it anyway.

REMI: Ah! I see the chair is back.
CARA: Yeah. We wanted to surprise you with some Chrissie decorations. We know if something's not exactly right then you'll change it - but it's all good, right, boys?

Remi notices Cara's injured hand, but Cara claims it's 'nothing', explaining how she accidentally cut herself with the Stanley knife. Seemingly having nothing more to add on the decorations, Remi heads to the bedroom to unpack. Cara and the boys all look concerned about Remi's underwhelming response to their efforts.

Out in the sticks
Paul emerges from the house and finds that David has gone.

AARON: Think you might've scared him off.
PAUL: You want to move back too, don't you?
AARON: (sighs)
PAUL: I'm gonna take that as a yes.
AARON: Just don't try and get in my ear, alright? This is exactly what David said you would do.
PAUL: Yeah, but -
AARON (firmly): Paul, have a nice drive home.

Knowing when he's beaten, Paul heads back to the car, and David returns to the patio.

DAVID: He is unbelievable. Thank you for not buying into it.
AARON: Yeah, well, I'd never side with Paul over you. Although, it does change things.
DAVID: So you *are* buying into it.
AARON: Well, if he is the reason we left in the first place and now he's not a factor anymore -

But David cuts Aaron off mid- sentence, saying he's got things to do, and walks away. Aaron looks frustrated.

No 22
Terese is with Nell in the kitchen, and takes the opportunity to tell her...

TERESE: Just so you know, your dad's really proud of you, the way you've handled the last few days.
NELL: I'm just happy I actually know what happened, and Mel can be in my life again.
TERESE: Hmm.
NELL: But you don't have to worry. Dad's moved on with you - I get it. I'll never try to split you guys up again. It's just nice to know I was right about Mel. She's a good person. Unlike Paul, right?
TERESE (flummoxed): Look, umm... Paul lives in a world of his own rules. And I wanted it to work, but in the end, it was too destructive to be around.
NELL: Guess that's one of the reasons you love Dad, yeah?
TERESE: ... I love your father for who he is. And Paul's got nothing to do with that.
NELL: Yeah. But, like, Dad and Paul are complete opposites. Dad's a lawyer - he lives in a world of actual rules. Has to be one of the reasons you like him?
TERESE (hesitant): Yeah... I suppose so.

Harold's Café
Andrew is telling Toadie that the police have had word that Melanie's changed her lawyer; she's gone from having one of the worst Legal Aid defenders (Fred Lawrence) to one of the best. Toadie looks shifty.

ANDREW: Did you have anything to do with it?
TOADIE (defensive): Yeah, I did. Yeah. I just called in a favour.
ANDREW: I just didn't think you wanted to help - unless seeing Mel has stirred up some... you know...
TOADIE (glaring): What?! No, no - it's nothing like that! (...) If Melanie gets a good defence and comes out okay, then that's better for Nell. And that's all I care about.
ANDREW: (smiling)
TOADIE: Why are you looking at me like that, man?
ANDREW: No reason.
TOADIE: Just drop it.
ANDREW: It's dropped.

No 30
JJ and Dex are at the table, talking about their mums' relationship.

JJ: Why did Ma come home if she hasn't even forgiven Mum yet?
DEX: Nan was probably driving her nuts.
JJ: You know, we should probably do something to help fix things.
DEX: We? You started this.
JJ: Yeah. And now I'm letting you help me end it, right? You should see that as an honour. Okay, come on, seriously, though - you are good at this sort of stuff, right? I mean, what's just gonna melt Ma's heart?
DEX: Well, there was this one time where she found a video of me walking for the first time (...) She hugged me and cried for two hours.
JJ: So, we remind Ma of a good time that she had with Mum - boom. We got hugs, and tears, and problem solved. Okay, so when were they happiest together?

No 22
Toadie comes in, having picked up the rest of the stuff from Terese's old office. As well as presenting her with a pastry from Harold's, he tells her that he saw Melanie down there - and admits that she offered to come to one of Nell's therapy sessions. Terese is instantly on guard.

TERESE: That's really not appropriate.
TOADIE: Yeah, that's actually what I thought, at first.
TERESE: Meaning what?!
TOADIE: It's something that Susan said the other day - we've got to put Nell's needs first. So if it's better for her to work through Melanie disappearing with Melanie in the room, well, we at least have to consider that, don't we?
TERESE: ... Yeah, I guess that's true...

Toadie also admits that he's intervened to get Melanie a better lawyer from Legal Aid.

TOADIE: It is for Nell's sake. And it really was just one easy phone call - and Nell will feel reassured because of it.

Terese doesn't look reassured, though. Nonetheless...

TERESE: No, of course. I mean, it makes sense.

Seeing she's not thrilled, Toadie takes Terese by the hands.

TOADIE: In case you need to hear it again... you're it for me.

He hugs her, but Terese looks worried over his shoulder.

Out in the sticks
Aaron and David are collecting washing in the garden. Aaron asks if there's any other reason, aside from Paul, that David won't move back to Erinsborough.

DAVID: Like what?
AARON: Living there could be a be a bad reminder that you're not a doctor anymore? (...) When we were at the pub, and the woman called you a doctor, you didn't stop her and correct her.
DAVID: Yeah, I told you - because it's easier just to go along with it.
AARON: Or it felt nice being the old you for a minute?
DAVID: Don't try to psychoanalyse me.
AARON: Okay, fine - well, just help me understand, then. What is the real reason you won't move back?
DAVID: You know the real reason!
AARON: And you can't say 'Paul' because he already agreed to keep his distance. We could actually be with our friends and family. Or do you just want to stay here just to spite him - is that what it is?
DAVID: It's not spite! Paul makes me a worse person. He makes everyone worse. And I don't want that for me, for you, for Nicolette, for Isla. This is the happiest I've been in years. Honestly, I... I just want it to stay that way.

David walks off.

No 30
Remi is at her laptop when Cara offers to get her something to eat and a cup of tea, but she declines.

REMI: I could actually have a break from tea. I jut spent a week having mum literally pour it down my throat.

JJ and Dex come in, looking pleased with themselves.

JJ: Okay, mothers, breaking news!
DEX: Me and JJ are taking care of dinner tonight.
REMI: Why, what have you broken?
JJ: Ma, you offend me! We just want to do something nice for you guys.
DEX: And it will be nice, okay? So nice, you'll need to dress up for the occasion.
JJ: And you're gonna have to leave the house till it's ready at six, so, uh, get outta here.
CARA: I guess we can't argue with that, can we?
REMI: You two - you are cute. Annoying, but cute.

No 22
Terese is telling an impressed Chloe about her plans for a wellness centre, presumably part of her strategy for Eirini Rising. Chloe thinks she should do a version for younger people, as she'd sign up for it.

TERESE: Well, by the time it's ready, you'll be old enough to move in.

Chloe looks a little uncomfortable. Terese asks how long she's staying in town for; Chloe explains that Paul's asked her to be flexible as regards her emergency role at the hotel.

TERESE: Elly must be missing you.
CHLOE (hesitant): She's busy too. Let's face it, we're all workaholics. But, umm, that must be good for you right now. Something to lose yourself in.
TERESE: Oh, yeah, sure. Yeah. Although, umm, you know this whole situation with Melanie is challenging. And Nell wants to have a relationship with her, which is understandable...
CHLOE: But it's kind of weird having the ex around.
TERESE: Yeah, well, she never fell out of love with Toadie. So it's unnerving.
CHLOE: But you and Toadie are solid?
TERESE: Oh yeah. And he's going out of his way to make me feel secure.
CHLOE: Why do you make that sound like it's a bad thing?
TERESE: Oh, well, umm... Okay, so he's used this phrase, twice now. 'You're it for me.'
CHLOE: That's cute.
TERESE: Uhh, yeah. Except it's exactly the same phrase that Paul and I once said to each other. So, now, I think about Paul instead of Toadie.
CHLOE: Well, just ask him to say something else! I'm sure he's got a bunch of lines that are just as gross and lovey- dovey.
TERESE: No, I can't mention it - it's silly.
CHLOE: But if it's upsetting you...
TERESE: It's not a big deal.

But her face says otherwise.

Out in the sticks
Aaron and David are both in separate parts of the garden, each looking despondent as they get on with their duties for the holiday rental, such as chopping wood and folding linen.

Penthouse
Paul comes in, also looking despondent. He looks wistfully at a photo of himself and Terese on the shelf, and then a photo of Leo, Abigail, Aaron, David and Isla, taken at the street party from Melanie and Toadie's wedding. Paul sits on the sofa, looking sad.

Out in the sticks
David tries to engage Aaron about their next guests' arrival at the holiday rental, but Aaron has something to say first.

AARON: Look, you might be the happiest you've ever been here... but I'm not. Look, changing bedsheets and scrubbing people's toilets - being isolated from our friends and family - it's just... it's not the life I want.
DAVID: Okay. What do you want?
AARON: I just... I just want to go home. I agreed to come out here, I know that. But we were all under a lot of pressure at the time. But now that's behind us, none of us have to cut ourselves off from our friends and family anymore.
DAVID: Did you not listen to anything I said before? I can't be around my so- called father.
AARON: Yes, but you realise by actively avoiding him, you are still letting him control you! So can't we just, I dunno, sit down and at least talk about our options?
DAVID: But what are our options? You want one thing, and I want the opposite. So, I'm staying - and the choice is yours. It's either me or Erinsborough.

Coming up on Neighbours
- Mackenzie looks annoyed as Holly hangs around the house, telling Trevor they should 'wait for Daddy'
- At the café, Mackenzie moans to Haz that she can't work at home because Holly's there
- JJ tells Dex that they have a good plan that is worth trying
- Cara and Remi are dressed up for the dinner the boys have organised; Cara tells Remi she looks beautiful
- Byron pesters Krista to see how she is, but she's deep in withdrawal and tells him to go away
- Byron thinks Krista needs professional help, and Leo has an idea
- Paul asks a worried- looking Chloe what's up