Rachel’s brother Brad wages a frantic battle to save his sister’s life. Lucas and Lee’s big secret is finally exposed.
Extended Summary
Rachel lies, passed out on the floor as Leah, Sally and Brad sit tight for a while, to let Rachel process her brother’s words. Rachel suddenly stirs, trying to reach her handbag and mobile phone but collapses again. Brad snaps out of his moment, saying he has to help his sister. Sally joins Brad and they head off to Kim’s. Rachel is passed out on the floor near the door way, Sally and Brad arrive at the house and knock on the door. Both are apprehensive about the reception they’ll receive and are surprised when there’s no answer. Sally peers in, seeing Rachel on the floor Brad pushes through the door and rushes over to Rachel. Sally immediately calls for an ambulance and Rachel is rushed to hospital.
Doctor Young reports that Rachel’s suffered a seizure brought about by the dangerous combination of alcohol and the drugs and it will take a while to wear off – but there’s been no long term damage. Rachel awakens and is crying as she is thanking Brad for saving her life. Leah appears at the door. She’s tentative, not sure how she’s going to be received, after everything that’s happened. As soon as Rachel sees her, she apologises – for everything. Leah smiles, relieved – she’s just glad Rachel is going to be okay. Sally checks the time, and realises she should head off. Sally: ‘It was nice to meet you.’ Brad agrees, but next time he hopes they can meet under less dramatic circumstances. As he heads back into Rachel’s room, Sally watches after him, smiling wistfully to herself. Rachel breaks down, and sobs. Sally explains later to Alf what happened with Rachel and meeting Brad, she feels a connection with him, not so much a romantic connection, but just the feeling that there was something special about him. The feeling really took her by surprise.
Beth and Tony are having lunch when Beth notices Matilda’s not eating; she is quick to cover saying she’s eaten already. Beth reminds Matilda she needs to be prepared for school the following day. Matilda’s clearly anxious about this. Matilda and Lucas are left alone – it’s awkward. Lucas is desperate to explain what’s really going on, but he knows he can’t reveal Lee’s secret. He insists it’s complicated, and he would tell her about it if he could. Matilda only sees it as another excuse. Lucas heads to his bedroom only to find Lee there in tears. She can’t handle this. Ric and Cassie, arrive to see how Matilda is going. They’re back together, but are reluctant to confirm it. The last thing they want is to rub Matilda’s face in it, but she says she’s happy for them. Cassie’s a little taken aback by her seemingly positive attitude and glances at Ric to make his exit. Ric takes his cue and asks after Lucas. Matilda reports he’s in his room. Lucas continues to try to calm Lee down, suddenly the door opens, and Ric appears. He looks across at Lee, then Lucas, stunned. Ric demands to know what’s going on. Lucas quickly closes the door. Ric asks Lucas if he is the father, how pregnant is Lee? Lee clarifies that she slept with Mr Braeburn, the science teacher!. Mr Braeburn told her to get rid of it, but she couldn’t do it – Lucas is helping her figure something out. Ric thinks they’re both insane! This is way too complicated and it’s got nothing to do with you! But Lucas admits he feels guilty over the way he treated Lee a few months ago.
Cassie’s pleased to hear Matilda is returning to school tomorrow, adding that if anyone gives her a hard time she’ll let them have it. Matilda’s grateful. Talk turns to Lucas and Cassie wonders if things have been sorted out between them. Matilda points out there’s nothing to ‘sort out’ – they’re not together; Lucas can do what he likes. Tony tells Beth that he got a call from Steve Braeburn today – his colleague from school. He explains that he’s back from leave and he’s invited them all over for dinner next week. Lucas tries to get in contact with Lee, to tell her about Mr Braeburn being back at school – no answer. Next day, Matilda’s anxious, feeling like all eyes are on her. She’s the hot topic of whispers nearby. Lee appears in the corridor and Lucas moves off to speak to Lee, pulling her into a classroom, breaking the news that Mr Braeburn is back at school today. Lee looks at him, stunned. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do!? She becomes flustered and panicked. Then suddenly woozy, she faints!
A small crowd has gathered around Lee as she lies slumped in the classroom, supported by Lucas. Sally and Tony rush in to assist. What’s happened? Sally calls for all the students to head out, which they do so reluctantly. Once they’re gone Tony and Sally support Lee in sitting up. Sally realises she’s seriously overheated, and starts to take Lee’s jacket off. Before Lee thinks to protest, her swollen belly is there for all to see. Sally and Tony swap a look. Tony looks to Lucas for answers. A long moment, how will Lucas explain this? But Lee does it for him, when she pipes up: Lucas is the father… Everyone is stunned – mostly Lucas! How to get out of this now?