Previously on Neighbours
- Lucy tells Chelsea that Paul is 'so lucky' to have her in his corner
- Chelsea tells Remi and Cara that they don't need to worry about her staying with them any longer...
- ... because she's manipulated Paul into letting her move in at the penthouse
- Toadie tells Melanie that Terese visited Paul and lied to Toadie about it
- Melanie admits to Toadie that she still loves him
- Mel later confides in Holly about this, who advises her to 'cool it', and stay away
- Terese admits to Toadie that she went to see Paul; she isn't sure why she lied
- Toadie admits to Melanie that he felt something when she told him she loved him
- Krista asks for Aaron's go- ahead to run with David's idea for the Lassiter's Longest Lie- In event
- Leo tells Krista that she should still do the event
- Nicolette angrily tells Aaron that Isla still needs him to be her dad
- Nic later apologises, but presently gets a text from Aaron saying that he isn't coming home tonight
Lassiter's Complex
Melanie is doing her community service, picking litter out of the bushes in the courtyard. She throws some of it behind her and accidentally hits a passing Toadie, plastering his trousers with dirt. She apologises; Toadie tries to tell her not to worry about it, but Mel insists on attempting to use a packet of wipes to get the dirt off - at which point Terese turns up, and demands an explanation from Toadie.
He makes it clear it was an accident, and Mel chimes in to back up his story; but Terese remains unimpressed, and whisks him homewards to get changed.
TERESE (curtly, to Melanie): We'll leave you to your rubbish.
Melanie silently mimics Terese disparagingly as Terese and Toadie walk off together.
No 24
Leo and Krista are in the kitchen with Jane and Byron following the attempted mini- memorial for David, which it seems was cut short by the news that Aaron wasn't coming back. Leo wonders if Aaron could have gone to Adelaide, to spend time with Mark and Paige, or Piper and Tyler; Krista thinks he maybe just needs to be alone.
JANE: Well, wherever he's gone, let's hope it's not for too long.
They all agree to keep checking with Aaron by text to make sure he feels supported. Meanwhile Nicolette is with Sam in the living area, looking annoyed. Jane goes over to check on Nic and asks how she's doing.
NICOLETTE: If Aaron needs time alone, then I guess Aaron needs time alone.
But she's visibly unhappy about it.
Penthouse
Chelsea is making herself at home. Spying a framed photo of Terese and Paul on their wedding day on the shelf, she moves it behind a different photo, of Leo, Aaron and David with Abigail and Isla. At this point, Cara and Remi arrive to drop off some of Chelsea's things.
CHELSEA: I would have come and picked them up myself, but I've been completely rushed off my feet.
REMI (archly): Yeah. We can see how quickly you move.
CARA: Yeah, what exactly is your role here?
CHELSEA: My role?
CARA: Yeah. You know, are you here as Paul's girlfriend or his assistant, or...?
REMI (eyeing some new ornaments Chelsea has introduced): Live- in interior decorator?
CHELSEA: I'm here with the blessing of Paul's sister to support Paul in whatever he needs, for however long he needs it.
Chelsea shoos Cara and Remi back out again, claiming she has a lot to do...
Lassiter's Complex
Krista and Leo are out for a walk, and talking about Aaron going AWOL. Krista says she's not one to judge, as she ran off and scored drugs when she learned her dad had died - but nonetheless she's struggling to understand how Aaron could leave Isla.
LEO: It's pretty messed up. But I did the same thing when Britney died. I was just so sad and broken. And Abi reminded me of her so much, I couldn't stand to be around her.
KRISTA: You never told me that.
LEO: I'm not proud of it. At one stage, I even thought that Abi would be better off with David and Aaron for good.
KRISTA: And then you changed your mind.
LEO: Of course I did. And Aaron will too.
KRISTA: Do you think it's still okay if I go ahead with the Lassiter's Longest Lie- In?
LEO: Why wouldn't it be?
KRISTA: I dunno. Just... when I spoke to Aaron before, he seemed okay with it. But because it was David's idea, maybe he's not.
LEO: Well, unless he comes back and says otherwise, yeah, I'd go for it (...) I miss David too. And as his twin, who isn't going anywhere, I insist.
They kiss.
No 24
Isla is cuddled up on the sofa between Jane and Nicolette, looking sad.
ISLA: I want Dadda.
NICOLETTE: It's okay, sweetie. Dadda isn't here, remember? He had to go away.
ISLA: Just like Dad?
NICOLETTE: No. He's just gone for a little while.
Jane suggests that they go to the zoo tomorrow and see all Isla's favourite animals. She is particularly keen on seeing the baby tortoises, so Jane takes her back to bed to read her a book about them. Nicolette glances sadly at the photo of her with David, Aaron and Isla.
No 30
As they do the washing up after dinner, Remi remarks to Cara that JJ hasn't been eating much at mealtimes. But Cara's head is elsewhere, and she admits she's thinking about Paul.
CARA: It's weird that he's let Chelsea move into his apartment and have free rein. He obviously needs some care at the moment, but is Chelsea the right person to give that?
REMI: Absolutely not. She's taking advantage of the situation.
CARA: Then shouldn't we maybe do something?
REMI: Yeah, like what? We've already warned Paul about her motives, and he couldn't care less.
CARA: That was before his son died.
REMI: Yeah, look - I agree it's a weird situation. I love how much you care, but you are not responsible for Chelsea or anyone else's actions. Can you please try not to think about her, tonight at least?
Cara agrees, and they clink wine glasses.
No 28
Melanie is searching through a box of clothes, while Holly watches TV on the sofa.
MELANIE: Come on, come on, I know you're in here somewhere!
She soon finds what she's looking for - her tiger- print dress - and starts sashaying around the living room with it making cat noises. Holly gives her a look.
HOLLY: Where do you plan on wearing that?
MELANIE: ... Just out.
HOLLY: ...
MELANIE: If you had been wearing ugly high- vis, picking up people's rubbish all day, as well as enduring rude and mean and nasty remarks, you might want to put on a nice dress when you get in, and feel a little bit sexy.
HOLLY: And this has nothing to do with Toadie?
MELANIE (scoffs): No!
HOLLY: Are you sure? Cos I remember you telling me that Toadie couldn't resist you when you wore tiger print.
MELANIE (innocently): Did I?
HOLLY: Mm. You also told me that you told *him* that you're still in love with him. So I don't have to be a genius to connect the dots. That is a thirst trap dress.
Annoyed, Mel begins packing her clothes back into the box.
MELANIE: Well, I might tell you a lot of things, Holly, but you do not know everything.
HOLLY: I know that you're going after a married man!
No 24
The next day, Sam heads off to work, and Jane is preparing to take Isla for the planned day trip to the zoo. Nicolette gets herself some breakfast, but ends up knocking cereal all over the floor and loudly proclaiming 'dammit!' Jane fetches a brush.
JANE: Well, I was wondering when that was going to happen. You've been holding in your anger ever since Aaron left, and honestly I don't blame you at all. I mean, yes, he's in a world of pain; he has just lost the love of his life. But he is not the only one here who is grieving. And to run off and just leave you with Isla... it is grossly unfair.
NICOLETTE (irate): You know what the worst part is - that he has left me with all of her questions. Where is Dadda? When is Dadda coming home? When, when, when? and for all I know he might never come home, so we may as well be dead too!
Deciding Nicolette is 'emotionally and physically exhausted' and needs some peace and quiet to herself for the day, Jane says she'll take Isla to the zoo on her own. Nicolette thanks her.
Penthouse
Krista is filling Paul in on mundane hotel business, and begins talking about how she hopes occupancy rates will benefit from the Longest Lie- In event, while Chelsea listens in from nearby. Paul is still in his pyjamas and looks utterly uninterested in Krista's briefing, still lost in grief.
KRISTA: I'm not sure if you're aware, but the idea for the event came from David.
She shows Paul the notes that David made, and says she'd love to fulfil his vision, in his honour. But she says it would require additional funds. Chelsea sits down to join them.
CHELSEA: You know what? I don't think Paul's in the mood to talk about work.
KRISTA: Fair enough. Another time.
CHELSEA: If and when he's ready, I'll be in touch.
KRISTA: Take care, Paul.
Krista leaves, and Chelsea takes Paul's hand.
CHELSEA: I'm sorry you had to deal with that. You're grieving, and all Krista can think about is her event. At least I'm here with you.
Paul goes through the motions and nods along, but is clearly somewhere else entirely.
Lassiter's Complex
Krista convenes with Leo and tells him that Paul was pretty unresponsive to her update about the Lie- In, and that Chelsea did all the talking. Leo points out that Krista's family owns half of the hotel, so she can make her own decision about the event. Krista agrees, saying she's going to plan it exactly how David imagined it.
Terese turns up, and Krista tells her that the Lie- In event is going to need high- profile local couples to attend as part of its promotional strategy. For some reason this includes Terese and Toadie! Terese says she'll talk to him about it, but thinks he'll say yes, so tells Krista to count them in.
Terese proceeds into the hotel, and Krista notices her stopping in the lobby and looking troubled. Leo explains that Terese is looking at the memorial plaque for her late son, Josh.
LEO: I think since David died, she's been coming here a bit.
Lassiter's Hotel
Chelsea comes out of the elevator, and sees Terese looking at the plaque. Chelsea rolls her eyes and goes on her way!
Lassiter's Complex
Melanie sashays into the courtyard to the tune of 'Walking on Sunshine', looking glamorous in the tiger print dress. Holly and Karl are having a coffee outside Harold's, and Holly's face is a picture when she sees what Melanie is up to. Bold as anything, Mel strolls up to a tense- looking Toadie who's walking in the other direction, and smiles at him. Toadie keeps walking, but can't resist glancing back at Mel.
Naturally Terese has emerged from the hotel again, and has witnessed this interaction. She fumes and walks off. Karl, who's had his back to all this, has noticed Holly gawping and asks her what's wrong. Toadie walks towards the café and Holly says hello to him, but he ignores her and goes inside. Holly looks worried.
KARL: What?
HOLLY: It's about Toadie... and Melanie.
Karl finally glances around him to see if he can work out what's going on!
The Waterhole
Byron is at the bar. Krista and Cara come in, talking about the revamped beer garden, which Krista is very impressed with. Krista asks if they can talk about a site plan for the Lie- In event - but before they can get down to it, Chelsea, who has been at a table in the corner, approaches Byron at the bar, loudly telling him she has a bone to pick with him.
CHELSEA: Why has no one been up to Paul's penthouse to change his linen?
BYRON: Uh, well, because that's got nothing to do with me.
CHELSEA: So Paul doesn't utilise the hotel's housekeeping services?
BYRON: Oh, no, he does. He just makes his arrangements directly with them, and I don't know what they are.
CHELSEA: Well, from now on, I'm making the arrangements for him, which means you organising housekeeping to change his linen on a daily basis.
BYRON (gulps): Right.
Krista and Cara, who have heard most of this, are giving Chelsea funny looks from their nearby table.
CHELSEA (to Byron): Don't question it. Just make it happen.
Byron awkwardly walks away with his drink, and Chelsea asks for a word with Cara.
CARA: Hey, the way you spoke to Byron just then -
But Chelsea completely cuts her off, asking Cara in a whisper what she was talking to Krista about just now. Cara explains they were talking about the Lie- In event. Chelsea is annoyed that Krista is going ahead with it when she doesn't have Paul's permission.
CARA: She's a Sinclair. She doesn't need it.
CHELSEA: He's the manager. And all this talk about an event for David is very upsetting.
Cara begins to suggest that Chelsea let Paul and Krista sort it out between themselves, but Chelsea has already breezed off.
No 24
With the house finally to herself, an emotional Nicolette sits on the sofa and wraps herself in a blanket. She looks at her phone, which is open on her last message to Aaron - 'Are u ok? Isla's asking for you.' There's been no reply so far. Putting the phone down, Nicolette picks up the photo of herself with David, Aaron and Isla, and begins to cry, hugging it to her chest.
Lassiter's Complex
Chelsea shows Paul the revamped beer garden outside the pub, but he barely manages to feign any enthusiasm. Chelsea sits Paul down as Cara and Krista approach; they're talking about filling the courtyard with beds for the Lie- In event. But Chelsea gets up and tells Krista that the Lie- In 'can't happen'.
CHELSEA: You're pitching it like it's some kind of tribute to David, but it's in incredibly poor taste.
KRISTA: Does Paul think that?
CHELSEA: Of course he does.
KRISTA: Well, what did he say, exactly?
CHELSEA: It's tacky and it's not happening.
Krista is sceptical that Paul said any such thing, and wants to speak to him directly. But Chelsea physically bars her from getting to him.
CHELSEA: I'm speaking on his behalf.
KRISTA: ... Look, Chelsea - you're looking after Paul, and I think that's really lovely (...) But I have an obligation to keep this hotel running, so if Paul has any concerns, I'd be happy to take them up with him.
CHELSEA: That won't be necessary.
KRISTA: Great. Then the competition's going ahead.
Chelsea fumes as Krista and Cara go on their way.
No 24
Nicolette is sleeping on the sofa when Jane returns with Isla. Isla runs straight into her play tent that's set up in the living area, and Jane explains that when they got to the zoo, Isla suddenly became very anxious about leaving Nicolette behind.
JANE: She was worried that you might suddenly disappear, like her daddy and dadda did.
Nicolette opens the play tent to talk to Isla.
NICOLETTE: Oh, sweetie, I'm not going anywhere.
ISLA: Promise?
NICOLETTE: Promise. I'll always be here for you. Always.
Nicolette glances worriedly back at Jane.
Lassiter's Complex
Karl stops Toadie in the courtyard, wanting a word with him. He's heard from Holly about Melanie declaring her love for Toadie and telling him she wants him back.
TOADIE: Did Holly say anything else?
KARL: No, that was pretty much it. Unless there *is* something else?
TOADIE: ... No. No, umm... Melanie did say those things, yeah, and it made me feel pretty uncomfortable.
KARL: Did you tell Terese?
TOADIE: No. I didn't see the point. She's already feeling insecure, so why would I do that?
KARL: Okay - speaking as someone who has made their fair share of extramarital mistakes, you're on a slippery slope here. Melanie clearly has designs on you; now, given your history and... your chemistry, you could easily falter.
TOADIE (defiant): I'm not. I don't care what Melanie says. I'm with Terese, okay?!
KARL: Yeah, sure. But you shouldn't keep secrets from her, then, should you?
Toadie agrees, but looks very uncomfortable as Karl walks off.
Ramsay Street
Melanie is still in full tiger print as she heads for home, when Terese accosts her in the street, shouting her name.
TERESE: Why do you keep ignoring my warning? I told you to keep your distance. Yet every time I turn around, you've got your hands all over him, wiping down his pants! Or you're trying to titillate Toadie with your tiger print! It's pathetic. He has zero interest in you. Why don't you get your high- vis vest and your rubbish, and just keep the hell away.
Terese begins to walk away, but...
MELANIE: You're wrong! Toadie is interested in me.
TERESE (laughs): Really? Where did you hear that - what, he told you that directly?
MELANIE (taunting): No. But he did come to me, and confide all of his worries about the amount of time that you're spending with Paul. So instead of warning me to stay away from my ex, perhaps you should take your own advice?
Melanie walks away, leaving Terese looking peeved again.
The Waterhole
Krista has called a Lassiter's staff meeting in the pub - namely Cara, Byron, Holly and extras. Byron takes the opportunity to tell Holly about his run- in with Chelsea, but he isn't taking her all that seriously.
BYRON: She's living in the penthouse looking after him. And now she thinks she runs the hotel!
Krista begins the meeting, and tells everyone about the Lassiter's Longest Lie- In event.
KRISTA: This particular idea was the brainchild of David Tanaka, who is tragically no longer with us - but was loved by so many, including me.
But at this point, Chelsea walks in.
CHELSEA: Stop right there. Sorry, guys. I've spoken with Paul, and he's made the firm decision to cancel the event.
KRISTA: But you can't expect me to believe that, Chelsea. Are you serious?
CARA: Yeah, Chels, we've all seen Paul. We all know he can't make a decision right now.
CHELSEA: So you're happy to go against the wishes of a grieving father?
KRISTA: Of course I'm not.
CHELSEA: It's also no secret that you and Paul have never got along. So this is clearly you taking advantage of his weakened state, and using it to push your own agenda.
Cara is agape at the chutzpah of this, coming from chief advantage- taker Chelsea. Krista remains silent.
No 22
Toadie comes in with a bunch of flowers for Terese, but she responds coldly.
TERESE: Why? Do you feel guilty? Something to do with Melanie, perhaps?
TOADIE: Umm... you're right. I should've told you sooner. It was wrong of me to -
TERESE (raging): I mean, seriously - of all the people you could vent to about our marriage, and about me talking to Paul! Why did it have to be her?!
TOADIE: What did she tell you?
TERESE: You couldn't hurt me more if you tried.
Terese storms off, leaving Toadie deeply worried.
Coming up on Neighbours
- Paul tells Leo that he really misses him and Abigail; Leo responds coldly, 'Well, I miss my brother'
- Krista reminds Chelsea that her family owns half of this hotel
- Toadie tells Melanie to stop playing games; she responds by asking if he told Terese what he said to her
- Wendy tells Terese that Melanie's trying to ruin her marriage
- Terese looking angrily across Ramsay Street at Toadie
