Previously
- Paul promises Chloe and Elly the 'wedding of the year', offering to arrange a free venue at Lassiter's
- Byron tells Haz to figure out how he feels about Mackenzie, because Holly is really into him
- Byron tells Holly that Mackenzie has told Haz she has feelings for him
- Mackenzie tells Haz to forget what she said about her feelings, and tells him they can't tell Holly
- Remi learns that David was convicted of medical manslaughter, meaning he stood by while someone died
- David tells Aaron that Krista has asked him to be her sober companion
- David learns Krista is checking herself out of rehab tomorrow; Leo's worried it's too soon
- Krista makes a glamorous re- entrance, surprising everyone at the Waterhole
The Waterhole
Paul skulks at the bar as David warmly welcomes Krista back from rehab, asking how she's feeling.
KRISTA: Better than I have in a long time.
She thanks him for organising the rehab, then greets Leo as well. David says he's put together a list of ways he can help her, and suggests they go through it. Krista promises to text him when she's settled back into her room, but says she has to take care of something first, before going over to Paul.
PAUL (unenthusiastic): You're back.
KRISTA: I am. And we need to have a little chat.
No 32
Sadie, Holly, Haz and Mackenzie are hanging out by the pool. Holly moans about Karl, who has been playing Christmas carols on his guitar.
HOLLY: He does it every day, for the entire month. It's like the worst advent calendar ever.
She suggests they should have a Christmas party today. Haz agrees, saying it might help cheer Byron up, and starts to text him. Sadie thinks they should do presents, and thus it is agreed. Haz gets a reply from Byron saying he's tied up with family, but will join them later. They head indoors to start making preparations.
Lassiter's Hotel
Krista has accompanied Paul back to the office. He assumes that she's headed to the airport so that she can fly to the US for her father's funeral, but Krista reveals she's going nowhere.
KRISTA: I'm here to tell you that Reece has appointed me the company's representative here at Lassiter's.
PAUL: You've got to be kidding me.
KRISTA: I'll come up with a suitable title and liaise with Chloe while she's still here. And then when she leaves, I'll absorb her responsibilities.
PAUL: Lassiter's is not some sort of plaything.
KRISTA: Funny. Cos Reece told me that's exactly how you treat it. Like your own personal plaything.
PAUL (furious): Alright. Do you have any experience, any qualifications at all?
KRISTA: I have the only qualification that I need. I'm a nepo baby!
Paul seethes.
KRISTA: Your face is hilarious right now. I also have something to prove - to myself, and my family. Which means, if you think about it, I'll be great for this hotel.
Krista grins to herself as she walks out and back to her hotel room. Letting herself in, she then leans back against the door, seemingly feeling unwell all of a sudden. She rushes into the bathroom and vomits into the toilet...
Lassiter's Complex
Cara presents Elly and Chloe with a massive folder containing the list of wedding decor options.
ELLY: Wow, looks substantial!
CHLOE: If we're low on guests, at least we can fill the space with decorations!
Paul turns up and gregariously tells the girls that everything is at their disposal - they can have whatever they want.
CHLOE: We really appreciate it, but you don't have to go to this expense.
PAUL: It's no expense, Chloe. It's certainly no bother. I mean, I owe you big time for saving this place when you did. You can't buy that sort of loyalty. Although, I can shell out for it afterwards.
CHLOE: Umm, actually, there is something you should know. Before Reece left, she asked me for updates, and if I'd be available for some tasks. It didn't happen, and I would have said no, but...
Paul's not surprised, and says that it seems Reece gave up trying to get Chloe to 'play spy' and asked Krista to fulfil the role instead. But he tells Chloe not to worry about any of that.
PAUL: You've got a wedding to organise.
Paul says Cara will need to make sure whatever they choose from the decor list is in good nick. But sensing Chloe and Elly aren't that interested in the panoply of decorations on offer, Cara tells them she'll leave the list with them and check in about it later.
Lassiter's Hotel
In Krista's room, David is getting started on his sober companion work of checking there's no alcohol in the place - but Krista explains she's already asked the staff to restock her mini bar with only mineral water. They decide to go over the list that David's prepared of ways he can help.
DAVID: I actually thought that you checked out of rehab because you wanted to go to your father's funeral.
KRISTA: Yeah, I talked to my doctors at the clinic about it. And given the emotional stress and the press that will be all over it... I'm not ready.
DAVID: And Reece knows?
KRISTA: Yeah. She thinks it's for the best.
DAVID: That couldn't have been an easy decision to make.
KRISTA: Well, my recovery comes first.
DAVID: Well, in the interest of having an open and honest relationship, I have to admit, I wasn't expecting you to be this together this quickly.
KRISTA: Well, I had great counsellors and lots of support at rehab.
She also explains she's told Paul she'll be taking over Chloe's job when she leaves.
The Waterhole
Krista is now with Chloe and Leo, chatting about the hotel. She says she doesn't expect to be manager, but really wants to make a contribution. Chloe suggests the job title of 'executive consultant'.
KRISTA: Great. And I just want you to know that I'm taking the job very seriously.
Chloe tells Krista to feel free to give her a shout whenever she needs once Chloe's back in Sydney.
LEO: The key thing about Lassiter's is it's all about two things - people, and my dad.
KRISTA: Well, people I get. Paul might take some getting used to.
David comes to join them, randomly relaying the news from Aaron, who is bartending, that the special on today's menu is a pork pie. Krista gets up, but then immediately feels ill again, and is encouraged to sit down and take some deep breaths. David checks her pulse, just as Remi appears at the door. Remi looks annoyed that David is doing medical things given he's been struck off from doctoring.
REMI: Hello, I'm Remi. I'm a doctor. Can I be of any assistance?
DAVID: Thanks, but I've got this.
REMI (terse): Oh, I'd just like to hear from... sorry, what was your name?
KRISTA: Krista.
REMI: Hi, Krista. What seems to be the problem?
David looks annoyed as Remi takes over. Krista says she felt nauseous and lightheaded, but admits she hasn't eaten anything today. David asks if she's still taking her anti- nausea pills - she confirms she is. She further tells Remi that she's just had pneumonia and has been going through a difficult withdrawal. Remi suggests Krista come by the hospital so they can Run Some Tests™ to ensure the pneumonia isn't back.
Aaron is lingering, and quietly suggests to Leo that Krista may have checked out of rehab too early. Leo hopes that's all it is.
AARON: You don't think she's on something, do you?
LEO: No. I mean, I don't think so.
No 32
Sadie and Mackenzie are wrapping presents, though Sadie is worried that her gifts aren't up to scratch, since she normally spends weeks choosing them for people.
SADIE: Like your cushions!
MACKENZIE (lying): Yeah. Yeah, they were perfect.
Mackenzie is folding a scarf that she's knitted herself. She explains it's a present for Haz; it's his favourite colour. Sadie looks concerned.
SADIE: You are kidding me.
MACKENZIE: Well, he gets cold in the mornings when he has to start early. And you just said that the perfect gift is everything.
SADIE: There's perfect, and then there's, 'I've got the feels for you, so I spent days hand- knitting something to wrap around the body I'm hot for'!
Sadie thinks Mackenzie should come up with an alternative present, but Mackenzie makes the excuse that she doesn't have anything else - so Haz is getting the scarf. Sadie shakes her head despairingly.
Erinsborough Hospital
Remi has Run Some Tests™ which have revealed that Krista's temperature and blood pressure are both normal, and her chest is clear - there's no indication that the pneumonia has returned. Krista says she felt sick and lightheaded after David mentioned the food, as she's been a bit nauseous.
REMI: Did he tell you he was a doctor?
KRISTA: Mm- hm. I know he used to be. I've actually hired him as my sober companion.
REMI: Oh. Good to know. And I'm really glad you're getting the support you need.
Remi decides that the dizzy spell must have been down to low blood sugar, and says she'll see if someone can rustle up some sandwiches!
REMI: There's nothing else you want to tell me about health- wise?
KRISTA: No. Nothing else.
But as Remi leaves the room, Krista looks a bit worried, making us wonder whether we can believe her...
No 32
Haz and Holly come back from a food shop for the party, and Mackenzie and Sadie take some of the supplies outside. Haz tells Holly he needs to wrap his presents before lunch.
HOLLY: So, confession time... I bought you the most amazing gift. It just hasn't arrived yet. What you're getting today is more like a stocking filler.
But Haz says it's not a big deal; there's still time for it to arrive before Christmas and even if doesn't, he doesn't mind. Holly says he's 'the best', and tells him they can have their own little Christmas celebration tonight. Mackenzie comes back in, and Holly sees her, before pashing Haz and then pretending she hadn't noticed Mack initially.
HOLLY: Oh, Mack! We're coming - we just got caught up in the Christmas spirit.
Holly and Haz head outside, leaving Mackenzie looking awkward.
Erinsborough Hospital
David and Aaron enter the reception area. David complains that Remi blanked him earlier, and says she must have found out about his conviction.
AARON: You can't know that for sure.
DAVID: How else do you explain her completely taking over?
AARON: She is a doctor. Maybe she was just doing her job.
DAVID: She had no idea what was happening, and butted into a stranger's business because I was there. She couldn't get Krista away from me fast enough.
AARON: Hey, does it really matter what she knows? She doesn't know you. I know you - your friends and family know you (...) and that is all that matters.
David agrees, saying he'll focus on supporting Krista. At this point, Remi and Krista emerge from the consultation room. Remi says she's advised Krista to rest for the remainder of the day. David says he'll make sure she does, and Remi gives him a sour look - before rolling her eyes and shaking her head as they walk away! David doesn't fail to notice this.
Lassiter's Complex
Chloe and Elly are looking over the wedding decor list.
ELLY: Dove cages.
CHLOE: Just the cages. It's BYO doves.
ELLY: Right. So that would be a no.
Cara checks in to see how they're doing with the list. She correctly guesses that Elly and Chloe aren't thrilled about Paul turning their wedding into 'the event of the year'.
CARA: When Remi and I got married, we spent months making plans, trying to please our family. But we were miserable. In the end, we decided to have the wedding that we wanted, not everybody else. And... it was perfect. We had zero regrets.
CHLOE: I had the big white wedding, and it ended in disaster.
ELLY: Yeah, me too. Same type of wedding, different type of disaster.
Chloe and Elly exchange a glance.
CARA: So, what do you two want?
ELLY (to Chloe): To say my vows to you somewhere special for both of us.
CHLOE: Me too.
ELLY: What about the pavilion?
CHLOE: It's where Aaron and David got married, but nothing wrong with keeping it in the family.
They thank Cara for her advice.
CHLOE: Now all we have to do is tell Paul.
No 32
On the patio, Haz, Mackenzie, Sadie and Holly are eating, drinking and exchanging gifts. Holly is pleased that Haz has got her the earrings she wanted, and even Trevor gets a present (a dog toy) from Mackenzie. However, things turn tense when Mackenzie gives Haz the scarf she's knitted for him, which he's very impressed by and immediately puts on. Holly forces a smile, but is visibly worried.
Haz then gives Mackenzie the present he's bought for her - it's a journal, personalised with her name on the front.
MACKENZIE: This is the exact one I wanted. Thank you! How did you know?
HAZ: I've seen you check out their website, and you always go back to that journal.
Now Holly is looking really annoyed, and sentimental underscore plays as Mackenzie and Haz gaze at one another - which abruptly stops as Sadie inserts her head between the two of them, and asks who wants to help test out her makeup kit! But Holly still looks disconcerted.
Lassiter's Hotel
David is in Krista's room, but is about to head off, saying Leo will be there shortly with some food for her. Krista says she isn't moving an inch - after all, they don't want to get in trouble with the doctor.
DAVID: Weird question, but did Remi ask you about me?
KRISTA: Yeah. She asked me if I knew you used to be a doctor, and I told her that I did.
DAVID: Right.
David is looking annoyed.
Meanwhile, in the office, Paul is moaning to Leo about another Sinclair having descended on the hotel.
PAUL: This one is the dregs of the family. Reece won't take my damn calls - I mean, who does she think she is?! Making arbitrary decisions about my business.
LEO: You don't seriously expect me to answer that.
PAUL: Hey, Leo, the family are co- owners - not full.
LEO: And you played a part in Krista's disappearance! Look, Reece warned you before she left. Pushing back against her could be a hell of a lot worse than just having Krista here.
Chloe and Elly come in to talk to Paul, and Leo leaves them to it. They explain they've decided they want a more 'intimate' wedding - no big ballrooms or fancy menus.
CHLOE: Just us, and the people we care about.
PAUL: Oh, okay. Sure I can't change your mind? I just want you to be happy.
CHLOE: We are. It'll be exactly what we want. And of course, we want you to be there too.
PAUL: Oh, it would be my honour. You know what? If I can't shout the wedding, how about I take care of the honeymoon instead?
ELLY: Well, we were thinking of going to Europe for a few months, so be careful of what you promise!
PAUL: Done.
CHLOE: We can't accept that, it's way too generous.
PAUL: Oh, come on, Chloe, let me do this, please. It's Christmas! It would mean the world to me to give some very deserving people what they want - really.
CHLOE: Thank you!
No 32
Haz is making some punch, but is still wearing his scarf, and Mackenzie saves him from dipping in it in the punch. Holly comes in and overhears this.
HAZ: You know, I've never had anyone make me anything before.
MACKENZIE: ... Well, I'm thinking of making everyone scarves, and matching beanies.
HAZ: Can I be your first guinea pig?
Holly is straining to keep smiling, and asks Haz if he isn't too hot, wearing the scarf indoors. He admits he is a bit, and takes it off, leaving it on the sofa next to Trevor. Haz suggests they should have another Christmas party soon, but bigger, and on Christmas Day. Mackenzie agrees, as neither she nor Haz are going anywhere for Christmas.
Everyone heads outside for a swim except Holly, who says she'll get some towels and meet them out there. Once she's alone, she glares at the scarf that Mackenzie gave to Haz...
Lassiter's Hotel
Leo has brought Krista some food as promised - just something plain, so as not to trigger her nausea.
KRISTA: Look, I know everyone's really concerned that I checked out early, but I'm in a good place.
LEO: It's hard not to worry.
KRISTA: I'm gonna prove myself. You'll see.
LEO: And we all want you to succeed.
KRISTA: Yeah, not Paul.
LEO: Yeah, well - David and I want you to succeed.
KRISTA: And I'm really grateful to the both of you.
LEO: Yeah. And putting what Dad did aside, I'm a firm believer in helping people when they need it.
KRISTA: Well, you two are a rarity. There's a lot of people in my life who'd be happy to see me crash and burn. I can't really blame them.
LEO: Oh, forget about them. You're focusing on you.
KRISTA: Yeah. Finally making some good decisions after years of bad.
Leo leaves her to it - and then we see Krista take a bottle of pills from a pharmacy bag, and swallow one with water. The camera closes in on the pill bottle - there's an outline image of a pregnant woman on the label, and the text says, 'Women's Health' with what looks like 'Pregnancy Tablets' below it.
No 30
Cara welcomes David into the house, and Remi, who is in the kitchen, immediately looks uncomfortable.
DAVID: I gather you heard about my conviction.
REMI: I have. You were convicted of manslaughter.
DAVID: And I was punished. But now, I'm doing the right thing.
REMI: It looked like you were administering to Krista at the Waterhole.
DAVID: I checked her pulse. You don't need a medical degree for that. I'd appreciate it if you stayed out of my business.
REMI: Happy to. As long as you remember you're not a doctor anymore.
No 32
Sadie and Mackenzie come in from their swim, discuss sending out party invites for Christmas Day. They're followed by Haz, who approaches the sofa to find his homemade scarf from Mackenzie looking very much like it's been chewed to pieces! Trevor is sitting placidly nearby, and Haz immediately chastises him.
HAZ: Mate, I thought we were done with this!
He apologises to Mackenzie for leaving the scarf on the couch, and Sadie suggests she could sew it up. But it's not looking promising. Meanwhile, Holly has also come in, keeping her distance from the others. She has what might be construed as a guilty expression on her face...
Coming up on Neighbours
- Leo offers to show Krista the ropes at the hotel; Paul asks why he's going out of his way to help her
- Krista is still feeling sick, so Leo asks her if she wants him to call Remi - but she tells him to drop it
- Byron tells a panicking Holly to calm down; she's worried she's made things 'so much worse' with Haz
- We hear Nicolette advising Byron 'find something to focus on... keep yourself busy'
- Byron approaches an unknown woman in the Lassiter's courtyard
