Episode 4194

Extended Summary

Lucas is trying desperately to maintain his bravado as he waits nervously in the Interview Room at the Police Station. Beth and Tony wait outside with Jack and begin to doubt if they’ve done the right thing “dobbing” him in. Jack reassures them this is the best possible discipline. McGrath appears, about to talk to Lucas, with every intention of scaring Lucas so that he will never commit another crime again! Lucas is instantly on edge as McGrath enters the room. McGrath rips into him – instilling him with fear and painting the worst possible scenario for his actions. Lucas is terrified by the prospect of going to a detention centre and had no idea he would be in so much trouble! Beth and Tony are pacing anxiously when McGrath emerges from the Interview Room. He reveals he has Lucas believing he is being charged – but will let him sweat it out before Lucas learns he is getting off with a warning. Lucas is relieved when Jack enters to inform him he is free to go, but instantly gets his back up again. How could his own family dob him in? Lucas storms out of the room and past Beth and Tony. They watch on concerned. The last thing they wanted was to drive Lucas even further away. Back at home, Beth pleads with Lucas to talk to them but he is non-responsive and the only declaration he makes is how much he hates his father. What’s Lucas’ problem? Matilda has never been more scared of Lucas and makes the declaration she used to love and respect him. As she struggles to hold back her tears, she admits she knows that something is wrong but hopes he can sort it out before anyone else gets hurt. She moves, leaving Lucas clearly affected by her words.

Jack is at the beach when Lucas approaches him in awkward silence. Jack is slightly thrown when Lucas asks out of nowhere if he still thinks of their mother. Jack answers “every day”, Lucas darts off. Suddenly Lucas’ behaviour makes sense and he moves off to inform Beth and Tony of his breakthrough. Lucas is staring out to sea when Beth appears by his side. She gently coaxes him to speak about his mother and finally Lucas admits that life has changed so much since Beth has been around. His mother died when he was so young and for the first time, he now feels he has found a mother figure in Beth and for loving Beth he felt as though he was betraying his real mother. Beth is moved by his heartfelt confession. Beth takes Lucas in to a comforting embrace as he begins to let the tears flow. Beth and Lucas return from the beach to find the others waiting for them. Lucas sheepishly apologises for his recent behaviour. Tony pulls him in to a hug, relieved to have the old Lucas back. Lucas and Mattie share a heartfelt conversation and he admits he has missed her so much and never wanted to hurt her. Lucas adds that nothing even happened between him and Lee – he slept on the floor! Matilda couldn’t be more relieved! They share a smile – there’s still hope for these two! Jack is also confides in Martha and talks of the family pressures he’s had of late. This leads them into a chat about their future and both shyly admitting hope to have a family of their own one day. Jack is left with food for thought.

Martha and Cassie are later having girl talk at the Surf Club when they hear a familiar voice behind them. They turn around and Cassie’s eyes light up. Macca’s back! Cassie questions Macca’s return as they head into the Holden House. He playfully suggests he missed her so much…not to mention he got a transfer to a local trucking company. It’s all romance and friskiness as Macca and Cassie make up for lost time. He talks about a romantic lunch he is planning for Cassie but at that moment the phone rings, and Macca is called in to work. Cassie is disappointed but more concerned he hasn’t had enough sleep. Macca reassures her everything is fine but once out of sight, his face falls – there’s more to Macca’s return than meets the eye. Cassie returns to the Surf Club – she is clearly in love. Martha’s happiness for her friend turns to concern when Cassie updates her with the news Macca has been sent back to work so soon. Martha can’t imagine how he works so many hours without feeling tired? Meanwhile, the man in question assures his boss over the phone he is up for a big night. Having said that, he takes a plastic bag from his pocket containing pills. Suddenly his ability to keep going makes so much more sense…Macca is taking speed!