Sally and Flynn decide to separate. Ric’s hidden past is exposed.
BARRY HYDE (IVAR KANTS)
Return appearance, last seen in Episode #3912. Berated Henry over his fight with Eric.
BUS DRIVER (NOT CREDITED)
Caught Leah by surprise by delivering a bus load of tourists to the Diner.
MOTHER (NOT CREDITED)
Jake’s mother who thought his childish outbursts were signs he would be a champion cricketer.
JAKE (NOT CREDITED)
Childish brat at the Diner who threw food when he didn’t like it.
PIPPA SAUNDERS (MIA & LEILA SZCZEPANIK)
Extended Summary
Ric has a change of attitude towards Flynn. His aggro isn’t helping anyone – especially Sally (after her upset at school the day before). Flynn didn’t know about Sally’s turn, but realises it came straight after their argument. He apologises to her and says they need to sort things out – it’s not healthy for her to be upset like this. But Sally doesn’t see anything to indicate Flynn’s changed. She simply doesn’t trust him. Flynn says he doesn’t want to be in a relationship with no trust – he’s going to move out for a while. Sally is shocked – a trial separation? Flynn suggests they talk more later on…
Henry finds a needle in Ric’s locker. He tells Hyde about it and accuses Ric of being a druggie. Hyde knows the truth (Ric’s a diabetic) and advises Henry to stay quiet. But Henry confronts Ric and in the ensuing struggle, Ric starts throwing things out of his locker and Matilda notices Kim’s concession card. Robbie finds Kim’s water-proof watch – the stuff that was stolen when they were out in the bush! Suddenly the penny drops for Robbie. It was one of Ric’s needles he stepped on! He spent six weeks in a living hell because of Ric’s thoughtlessness! Ric has become enemy number-one to the Hunters.
Sally talks to Ric about his actions and he admits he was irresponsible, but he didn’t know Robbie stepped on it or he would have said something. Sally believes him, but Matilda’s not so understanding. Ric brushes her off – why does it make any difference to her? Matilda seeks him out later on to vent her feelings. No matter how hard Ric tries to convince her he never meant to hurt her feelings, Matilda won’t listen. Henry thinks Ric’s hounding her again and a fight breaks out. Ric falls, hitting his head badly. Hyde warns Henry that although he’s escaped suspension – he’ll have detention for two weeks.
Dan’s got time on his hands now he’s working part-time. As he’s sharing a loving moment with Leah, he gets a call that stuns him. But no matter how hard he tries to talk to Leah about it, he’s thwarted by the unexpected arrival of a bus-load of tourists. He offers to help out. Leah is resistant, but her need to impress the charter driver (and win the contract) wins out. But one little boy is causing a ruckus and Leah’s ready to give up on the charter contract until Dan comes up with the solution: ‘Dancakes’ – special pancakes he used to make for Ryan (his little boy). Not only is the boy satisfied, the charter driver gives Leah the contract! She thanks Dan, who is finally able to tell her what the phone call was about. His little boy Ryan has been playing up and Amanda is sending him to Summer Bay. He arrives next week! Leah is stunned…is this the ultimate test of their relationship?
As Flynn and Sally tend to Ric, he makes a heartfelt speech about the strength of their relationship, how it’s affected him and how they obviously don’t want to separate. All they need to do is talk! Sally and Flynn have a heart to heart and realise he’s right. If there’s a problem, they have to stand up strong and fight it together. As Ric watches on from the doorway (Pippa in his arms), Sally and Flynn reaffirm their love for each other.