The Waterhole
As Chelsea and Paul come in for their drink, she declares him 'such a gentleman'.

PAUL: Oh, rarely. And hardly ever on purpose.

She offers him champagne and he agrees, saying it's 'been a good day'. So Chelsea goes to the bar.

CHELSEA: Wendy! A bottle of your most expensive bubbles, thanks. Your boss will be picking up the tab.

Wendy forces a smile, and goes to do Chelsea's bidding, while Chelsea rejoins Paul at a table.

No 24
Aaron and David are hanging out with Jane, Sam and Isla. The boys are telling Jane about their plan to buy No 32 and move back there, but assure her that it won't be happening immediately, as they'll want to give the current tenants - Mackenzie, Haz and Byron - enough notice.

JANE: Well, I suppose it is the best possible version of losing you.
DAVID: Yeah, we'll be right across the road.
SAM: We can visit all the time.
AARON: That's right. But I mean, we haven't exactly run it by Nic yet. Do you think she'd come with us?

At this point, Nicolette comes in, so Jane suggests they ask her. But Nicolette has news for them first, and tells them about Sasha's surprise visit - they talked, and he's agreed to speak to Veronica.

AARON: Why would he come all this way just to see you?
NICOLETTE: ... Uh, he needed closure too. Which I gave him.
DAVID: Right. So, when's this Veronica conversation happening?
NICOLETTE: I dunno, but I told him it was urgent.

Jane says that's good, as it means they can all just enjoy their getaway. Nicolette asks what it was that the boys were going to ask her...

The Waterhole
Paul and Chelsea are finishing a meal, and Paul asks Wendy to put it all through as complimentary. Chelsea thanks him gushingly, as if this is a surprise to her, and tells Paul that dinner's on her next time. As Wendy leaves them to it, they resume their conversation about chess, that isn't really about chess, if you get the writers' drift - nudge, wink.

CHELSEA: As I was saying, I really feel I missed a trick not learning chess.
PAUL: Hmm. I'd be quite happy to teach you some of my favourite moves.
CHELSEA: Do you have a board at the penthouse?
PAUL: Of course I do.
CHELSEA: And how long would it take you to get me to checkmate?
PAUL: I reckon I could probably drag it out. Take my time.

Chelsea coos affectedly, as Paul's mobile rings - it's a private number. He answers it, and immediately tells whoever's on the end that he'll be 'right over', before hanging up.

PAUL: Look, I've got to attend to something. I'm sorry (...) Listen, thank you for a lovely evening.

Chelsea looks frustrated as Paul leaves, and knocks back her champagne.

No 30
Chelsea comes in looking glum, to find Cara and Remi being all couply on the couch. Remi asks if her gold- digging plans have gone bust.

CARA: Remi!
REMI: Sorry, reflex.
CHELSEA: No commentary from the cheap seats of smug coupledom, thank you very much.
CARA: Disappointing night, then?
CHELSEA: You have no idea how hard it is out there. I've been working my ass off.
REMI: Working? Is that what you call it?
CARA: Let's not do this.
REMI: I'm not trying to start a fight. I just think someone should point out that working involves having an actual job.
CHELSEA: You're what we in the business call a lineal thinker (...) No wonder you're so content to play it safe.
REMI: Having a wage, and a partner you love, no matter how much money is in their bank account?
CHELSEA: It sounds like a perfect description for 'settling'.
CARA: Woah, hang on!
CHELSEA: Also known as giving up. Unlike you two, I won't be doing that.

Chelsea walks out, and Remi declares her 'unbelievable'! Cara looks peeved with her sister...

Penthouse
Abigail is helping Leo pack a bag for her, as she's going to stay at Jane's with Isla while Leo is away. Paul comes in, and when no barb is forthcoming about Leo going away with Krista, Leo observes that Paul must be sticking to their ceasefire.

LEO: I didn't think you'd last this long.
PAUL: Why spoil a perfectly delightful morning with sniping, hey?
LEO: Really? So the date went that well, then, huh?
PAUL: Mm. Chelsea was fine. But something much better happened beforehand. David warned me about her.
LEO: Right. Yeah. Remi did mention her motives aren't that pure.
PAUL: But David cared enough to pass it on.
LEO: What, and you still went on the date with her?
PAUL: I'm under no illusions about Chelsea!
LEO: Okay. So you're just having fun playing with fire, then?
PAUL: Leo, the operative word being 'fun'. Alright, so she's attracted to my money. Who cares? *I'm* attracted to my money. It's just one more thing that we have in common.

Leo tells Abi that they should get going, and 'leave Grandad to his fun'. He bids them goodbye, and looks smug as they enter the elevator.

Lassiter's Complex
In the car park, Leo, Krista, Aaron, David and Nicolette are packing their cars to leave for the getaway, while Jane tells Isla and Abigail about all the fun they're going to have while the grown- ups are away, 'starting with toasties and babycinos'.

NICOLETTE: And I've packed the adult drinks because we're celebrating! I have agreed to the return of the famous 32 Ramsay Street.

David tells Isla this means she'll get her old room back. Isla has a stray eyelash, and David blows on it, while Aaron tells her to make a wish.

DAVID: You know what I wish for? I wish for more days like this - excellent friends, and even more family.
AARON: I'll go in on that.

David and Aaron kiss, and Nicolette suggests they hit the road. She gives Isla a goodbye hug, and Jane tells them all to have a wonderful time. Paul watches this happy family scene from a distance, outside the hotel, and his face lights up, mingled with sadness that he hasn't been a part of it since David distanced himself.

DAVID (to Isla): Miss you already.

The getaway gang enter their cars, and Jane, Isla and Abigail wave them off.

Hesket Holiday House
We get some establishing shots of some beautiful wilderness, then see Leo, Krista, David, Aaron and Nicolette arrive at their countryside holiday rental. Nicolette declares that it's just what they needed, 'especially after I put everyone through the wringer'.

NICOLETTE: I am so sorry that you got dragged into my mess.
AARON: We know.

Nicolette goes inside to 'call dibs' on the best room, swiftly followed by Aaron. But rather than following them indoors, our viewpoint pans up to the roof of the house, where an uninvited guest is standing on a balcony. It's Veronica, a determined grimace on her face...

No 30
Remi is on the sofa when Cara comes in.

CARA: Is Chelsea home?
REMI: No, she said something about asset management, and then went to the gym.
CARA: I've decided I'm gonna ask her to leave.
REMI: Woah. Seriously? What's brought that on?
CARA: Figured you'd be happy.
REMI: Your sister and I have never been besties - but if you're doing this for me, don't.
CARA: It's for all of us (...) These last couple of days have reminded me of Chelsea's... flexible interpretation of right and wrong.
REMI: Ha, that's a polite way to put it.
CARA: I don't want that rubbing off on the boys. JJ and Dex, they should care about things like...
REMI: Consequences?
CARA: Plus... I don't like what having her here does to us.
REMI: Neither do I.
CARA: We haven't 'settled'. We're not 'giving up'.

They hold hands, as Remi thanks her for saying that.

REMI: Even if you do chicken out and don't tell her.
CARA: What's that supposed to mean? Of course I'll tell her. You don't think I can do it?
REMI: No... I just think you love your sister very much, and... you might find it harder than you think.

Cara nods in agreement.

Hesket Holiday House
The gang are getting stuck into some wine and cheese, but Krista admits she can't indulge, announcing that she's pregnant! An excited Nicolette hugs her, and Aaron feigns surprise as well - but not very well, leading Leo and Krista to immediately realise that David had already told him!

DAVID: I'm sorry, it just slipped out.
KRISTA: It's okay!
NICOLETTE: And the father is...?
KRISTA: ... As far as I'm concerned, the baby doesn't have one.
AARON: Hey - you'll be all he, she or they will ever need.
NICOLETTE: Plus with us, you get a village, so...
KRISTA: Yeah. Apparently!

Leo and Krista go to bag one of the remaining bedrooms, while Nicolette, David and Aaron head into a dining room, which has a huge window with a picturesque view over the surrounding countryside.

DAVID: So, we've actually been discussing the idea of having another baby...
AARON: Yeah. And look, we know you might not be into it, so there's no pressure or anything.
DAVID: Yeah. But if you are, then obviously, you'd be our first choice.

Nicolette's surprised, but in a happy way.

NICOLETTE: Oh.. uh, that's a big decision! And timing is a factor, but I'm open to a conversation!
DAVID: Okay, great.
NICOLETTE (laughs): Honestly, I'm just relieved that you would even consider me after my latest round of chaos!
DAVID: Oh, we both know that you never meant for any of this to happen.
AARON: Hey, here's to babies - no matter how they come into the world.

Nicolette embraces them both with a spontaneous hug.

No 30
Cara and Remi are in the kitchen; Cara is steeling herself for a conversation with Chelsea, who comes in from her gym trip.

CHELSEA: Life would be so much simpler if you had an at- home gym. Everyone would benefit.
REMI (scoffs): Can I tell her?
CHELSEA: What's up? Planning another fun night in front of the telly?
CARA: Chels, this isn't easy... but I think it might be time for you to find somewhere else to live.
CHELSEA: ... Really? *You* think this?
CARA: Yeah. I do.
CHELSEA: ... Cool. Totally get it. You've been more than generous. Definitely time.
CARA: Thanks. Thank you.
CHELSEA: Is it okay if I take a day to get organised and figure out my next move?
CARA: Yes, of course. Absolutely.
CHELSEA (to Remi): Happy?
REMI: Oh, I'm not... This isn't me.
CHELSEA: Sure. (to Cara) I had no idea you were this easily manipulated. But, whatever.
CARA: No, I'm not.
CHELSEA: Babe, *you* wouldn't do this. Take a moment, and think about who really wants it.
CARA: ... I do. This was literally my idea.
CHELSEA: Really?
CARA: Really.

Chelsea falls quiet, and Cara looks guilty.

Hesket Holiday House
Leo announces that he and Krista are going to head out to stretch their legs, the clear implication being that they want some alone time. Nicolette grasps their meaning immediately, but an oblivious Aaron tells them he'll come along too - and volunteers David to join them for a bushwalk! Nicolette says she's going to enjoy some peace and quiet at the house, and curls up on the sofa for a nap.

No sooner have the others left, than she hears a thud from somewhere in the house, and then another. She shouts out to check if anyone's still there, but there's no reply - so she gets up to investigate, and starts walking up the stairs. An open door is rattling on one of the balconies and, deciding this must have been the cause of the noise, Nicolette closes it. She returns downstairs to the couch for her nap.

But Veronica appears in the corridor nearby...

Harold's Café
Chelsea is at a table when Paul comes in, and she greets him as 'Mr Handsome', asking after his 'work crisis' that she's assumed is what called him away from their dinner last night.

PAUL: Oh, that, yeah. Took a little finesse, but I managed to work it out in the end.
CHELSEA: Bravo. Wish I could say the same. Just hit a new hurdle myself. I think my luck's run out.
PAUL: Yeah, sometimes you've got to make your own luck. You know, often problems are just opportunities in disguise.
CHELSEA: Says the chess grandmaster.
PAUL: Yeah. Well, either you're a player, or a pawn.

As they flirt, Chelsea suggests discussing it further over a coffee. But at this point, Andrew comes in, in uniform, and asks for a word with Paul. They leave together, and Chelsea looks peeved that her plans have been waylaid again! But then she smiles, as if remembering Paul's advice about making her own luck...

Hesket Holiday House
Nicolette is still dozing on the couch, when she hears the creak of floorboards behind her. She gets up again, and heads into the hallway to investigate, before peering into bathroom and startling herself in the mirror. Relieved, she walks back into the living area - only to see Veronica standing there! Veronica begins to walk towards Nic menacingly...

The Bush™
Leo, Krista, David and Aaron are on their bushwalk; David and Aaron seem relieved that Nicolette is open to having another baby with them, albeit recognising that it'll require a lot more discussion.

DAVID: And we're not rushing into anything, if that's what you're worried about.

But the only thing Krista and Leo are worried about is getting some alone time together, jokily making it clear to David and Aaron that they've tagged along uninvited. Embarrassed, Aaron and David and decide to head back towards the house, telling Krista and Leo to have fun.

KRISTA: Alone at last!

Hesket Holiday House
Veronica is glaring at Nicolette.

VERONICA: Where is he?
NICOLETTE: Who?
VERONICA: Sasha! I know he's here. I saw you leave together. Don't treat me like an idiot!
NICOLETTE: Whatever you think you saw, you're wrong.
VERONICA: You're all loved up. Planning a dirty weekend away.

Veronica shows Nicolette the booking reference for the house, that she dropped in the Lassiter's courtyard.

NICOLETTE: Okay, if you saw us at Lassiter's, I was telling him to talk to you, and he agreed.
VERONICA (shouting upstairs): Sasha! Sasha!! Sasha, I know you're here! Where are you?

Nicolette looks scared as Veronica becomes more irate.

The Bush™
David and Aaron are on their way back. They agree it's nice to see Leo and Krista so happy together. Aaron pulls David in for a spontaneous embrace, telling him they don't have to rush back to the house yet...

Hesket Holiday House
Nicolette swears to Veronica that Sasha isn't here, but Veronica just looks angry.

VERONICA: You're lying. All you do is lie to me. You say you don't know how to contact him, but you do.
NICOLETTE: I only saw -
VERONICA: You met up with him, twice!
NICOLETTE: I saw him so that I could get him to talk to you.
VERONICA: I don't believe you.

Nicolette spies her phone on the table and makes a grab for it, but Veronica gets there first and snatches it away. Nicolette advises her to call Sasha - his new number is in her phone. Veronica glares at Nic incredulously...

The Bush™
Leo and Krista are making the most of their alone time as they collapse onto the grass together.

KRISTA: It was nice of the boys to finally give us some space.
LEO: More like they finally took the hint.
KRISTA: It's really beautiful.

They're about to kiss, but suddenly, a figure appears nearby.

EDEN: I agree... Hi, Krista.

He smiles menacingly at them.

Lassiter's Hotel
Paul is surprised when Sam joins him in the elevator, as he thought she was manning the front desk.

SAM: We have a Code Five.
PAUL: (...) Oh, difficult customers never take a day off, do they? Alright, you go back to the front desk, I'll take care of it.

Paul proceeds to Room 505, which is apparently the source of the 'Code Five' as per the card Sam has given Paul, and knocks on the door.

PAUL: Hello? You asked to see the manager?

It's Chelsea who opens the door.

CHELSEA: Why, yes, I'd love to see him!
PAUL: When did you check in?
CHELSEA: When I noticed how much attention you give to work problems. I don't like waiting for what I want, Paul. And I suspect you're the same.

Paul smirks as Chelsea paws at his suit, and asks what it is she wants.

CHELSEA: I think we both know the answer to that.

She pulls him in for a pash, and he puts a 'please do not disturb' sign on the door as they disappear into the room together...

The Bush™
A smirking Eden approaches a shocked Leo and Krista.

EDEN: Isn't this cosy?
KRISTA: What are you doing here? Why wasn't I told that you're out of jail?
EDEN: Yeah. There's a bit of that going on. Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?
KRISTA: How do you know?
EDEN: You're carrying my kid, Krista. You shouldn't be taking drugs.
LEO: She's not!
EDEN: You know, I'd never do anything to hurt my baby. You know that.
LEO: You had something to do with her drink being spiked.
EDEN: ...

During this exchange, Eden has got up close to the pair, and having ignored Leo's accusation, addresses Krista.

EDEN: Come on. We're going.

Leo stands in front of Krista to protect her, and tells Eden to back off.

EDEN (laughs): You think he's gonna raise my kid? Huh?

He grabs Krista, pulling her away from Leo, and she screams and lands up on the floor, while Leo and Eden scuffle. From a distance, we can see that they're close to the edge of a sheer cliff face.

KRISTA (yelling): No, Eden! Stop!

The scuffle has become a full blown fight, and Eden slams Leo to the floor, pinning him down by his neck. Hearing Krista's screams, Aaron and David, who are still nearby, come running back towards them to help. Eden has grabbed a rock, and holds it above Leo threateningly - whether or not he's intending to use it is unclear - but the moment David sees this, he instinctively lunges towards Eden.

David slams into Eden with a full body tackle, pushing him and the rock away from Leo - but causing both David and Eden to roll straight off the cliff! Aaron, Krista and Leo all cry out, and gaze in horror over the precipice...

Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul and Chelsea are lying in bed; he suggests they pretend the rest of the world doesn't exist for a while
- Jane has bad news for Terese, Toadie, Wendy and Andrew
- Terese interrupts Haz, Mackenzie and Holly's drink at the pub to ask where Paul is
- Holly tells Terese that rumour has it Paul's in Room 505
- An upset Terese finds Paul in Chelsea's room wearing a bathrobe
- Karl looking sombre