Episode 4174

Extended Summary

Belle prepares for her first day at Summer Bay High. Irene and Belle arrive at the Hunter House to collect one of Matilda’s old school uniforms from Beth. Matilda’s far from impressed her mother has made the offer and goes out of her way to be difficult, much to the embarrassment of Lucas. What’s with her attitude? Lucas fuels Mattie’s fire when he agrees to show Belle around the school and even more when they are paired up for an assignment. Matilda’s nose is completely out of joint and Lucas can’t believe she is being such a brat! Belle pops by after school to start her assignment with Lucas – she appreciates the effort he is making to help her feel welcome. Mattie is fuming that Belle is in her house again and goes out of her way to make as much noise as possible. Lucas is losing his patience and eventually cracks. Beth arrives home in time to break up the argument. Beth suggests Matilda give Belle a go and encourages she apologise to Lucas. Matilda wonders why she should bother – Belle is a complete cow! The claws are well and truly out this time! He has seen Matilda’s true colours since they’ve been living under the same roof and can’t believe he is going out with such a brat! Matilda’s ego is bruised and both are hurting – they’ve just had their first fight!

Alf and Sally are discussing Sal’s nerves about returning to school, following her holiday. Sally reassures Alf she is feeling more confident than last time – the trip gave her a new lease on life! Not as much can be said for Ric, who arrives at work, nervous at what his workmates have in store. He has waited so long for this apprenticeship and refuses to let a few pranks get in his way! It’s payday and everyone is in high spirits, except for Ric, who opens his pay packet to find only $50! Dom is quick to remind Ric that Ray has docked his pay for scratching the car. Ric is fuming – that was Dom’s fault! Ric realises there’s no point in arguing so goes about fixing another car. With his head under the bonnet and close to the engine, Dom deliberately revs the engine causing sparks to fly from the car battery. Ric is irate – how could Dom be so stupid? Gazza breaks it up and warns the pair to take it easy or someone will get hurt! Ric later returns from his lunch break in time to hear Dom discussing his latest prank on Ric but Ric comes up with a plan of revenge. Dom plays right into his hands and walks into the store room as a bucket of oil plummets down on top of his head! Ric couldn’t be happier Dom’s plan to do the same prank backfires! Dom is utterly humiliated as the other mechanics congratulate Ric on his efforts! Ric later approaches Dom waving the white flag – they are even now! But for Dom, the pranks are from over and warns Ric to watch his back! Things are just going from bad to worse!

Macca arrives at the Surf Club, ecstatic he finally got a job! Martha is stoked and remarks how happy Cassie will be too. Macca hesitates before revealing the job is in the city! Martha is instantly irate – she warned him not to break Cassie’s heart. Macca attempts to justify it by adding it is a good job with good pay but Martha doesn’t want to hear it. Macca reassures Martha that he won’t hurt Cassie and is confident she’ll understand when he tells her…

…That’s if he tells her! Macca tries to work up the courage to break the news. Cassie returns home and notes his strange mood. She hopes there’s nothing wrong because she has loved every minute she has spent with him and adds that she loves him too! Macca is shocked by the admission and makes a quick excuse to leave. How will he get out of this one? Martha later finds Macca packing up his belongs and it’s clear to Martha that Cassie is none the wiser to Macca leaving town. Martha lets rip on her brother and questions how he could be so cruel to Cassie. The argument escalates before they are interrupted by a noise behind them. Martha and Macca turn around to see Cassie standing in the doorway! She’s just heard everything and is absolutely devastated!