Episode 2645

Extended Summary

Chloe discovers that Lachlan died from a brain haemorrhage and nothing could save him. Chloe begs James to stay the night, as she does not want to be alone. Irene appears at the door offering to be with her but she tells Irene that James is here for her! Irene leaves hoping that James and Chloe may get back together. Jesse and Sally are remembering Lachlan and his excitement at the birth of Olivia. James and Chloe get up in the middle of the night as neither can sleep and when Chloe suggests to James that he goes to bed with her as she want someone close he accepts.

The following day James is speaking to Diana on the phone who tells him of the planned memorial service for Lachlan. James assures Diana that both he and Chloe will come to the city for it. James talks to Jesse back at Jesse’s and he tells Jesse that he believes that deep down Lachlan’s death may be for the best! As Lachie was an obstacle between his and Chloe’s happiness as she was still in love with Lachlan.

Whilst on the way to the memorial service Chloe accepts James proposal to pretend to be together whilst at the memorial service. Jesse upset at Lachlan’s death decides to postpone his night out with Jesse. Gypsy acts like a spoilt child and asks if they can go out the following night. Jesse does not want to discuss it and so Gypsy rushes off in a huff. The next morning she goes to see Jesse and she says to Sally and Vinnie she realises she behaved badly but she explains that Jesse always has an excuse for not going out. Gypsy attempts to say sorry to Jesse for her behaviour but Jesse just wants to forget all about it and Gypsy leaves. Jesse finds her on the beach and explains that he felt guilty because he had tried to forget about Lachlan as he had been one of his best friends but he could not cope with his illness.

Sally decides that Summer Bay should have its own service for Lachlan at the Surf Club. Vinnie not overly enthusiastic as it reminds him of his own illness but Sally persuades him to go. Duncan talks Alf into giving him money for the pinball machine so he can play with Hope. As Duncan leans over Hope to show her what to do he rubs against her. Hope is furious with Duncan and says she is not like that! Duncan attempts to explain that he was only showing her how to play the game and that he is not like that!

The next day Duncan meets Hope on the beach and Hope mentions that she did not see him at church. Duncan explains he slept in but he will be there the following Sunday. Duncan asks Hope about Lachie and he explains to Hope how he does understand why God would want Lachlan. Hope tells him that it is God’s will. Duncan goes to the surf club to ask Alf about Lachlan and Alf gets flustered and says they will go to the Diner where Ailsa will explain it. Ailsa is put out that Alf has not spoken to Duncan about Lachlan’s death and tells Alf he will have to speak to Duncan about it. Alf goes to the beach where he finds Duncan where they talk and Alf explains he doesn’t have answers but he gives him advice about living a good life.

Jenny Gray, 1999