Overwhelmed with panic, Tasha flees the house leaving Ella all alone, while Cassie continues to battle her confused feelings for Macca and Ric.
Extended Summary
Tasha has calmed down but is still questioning what kind of a mother she is if she doesn’t love her own child? Given all that Robbie has to deal with, he still loves Ella, so there must be something horribly wrong with her. Martha does her best to comfort Tasha and insists she tell Robbie how bad she feels. Tasha agrees but she’s dreading the conversation she knows she must have. Robbie is stunned but not angry with Tasha’s revelation that she feels nothing for Ella. Tasha reveals that she looks at Ella and is reminded of all the bad things associated with the pregnancy (Jonah, Mumma Rose, her sickness). Tasha begins to become increasingly distressed as she tells Robbie she feels terrible she can’t give Ella the attention she needs, not to mention the fact she believes Ella hates her. Robbie comforts her and insists they will overcome this together.
Later, Tasha sits quietly on patio when Robbie and Irene arrive home. Much to Tasha’s surprise, Charity appears behind them. What’s she doing there? Irene explains Charity might be able to help with the baby. Given she is a midwife, Charity understands what Tasha is going through. At first, Tasha is reluctant but when Charity explains to her that she is experiencing post natal depression and her feelings are common, Tasha agrees to accept the help. Later, Charity encourages Tasha to bathe Ella. At first, Tasha wants no part of it but with the encouragement of the others, she begins to realise she is capable of being a mother after all. The others share a smile, as they watch Tasha beginning to feel more comfortable with Ella. Tasha takes Ella in her arms and the others are pleased to finally see the two bonding. Robbie reluctantly has to leave to see Morag and the others follow, leaving Charity and Tasha alone. Ella nods off to sleep and finally Tasha feels she’s becoming more relaxed…that is, until, Charity receives a call from the hospital – she is needed there and must leave. Tasha is instantly anxious again at the thought of being on her own. Ella begins to cry and suddenly Tasha is at a loss of how to calm her. Tasha becomes distressed and eventually screams at the top of her lungs for Ella to shut up! She is taken aback by her own sudden outburst and realising she’s losing the plot, she panics. With tears streaming down her face, Tasha races from the house, leaving crying Ella all alone!
Cassie arrives home, still confused about her encounter with Macca. Sally notices Cassie’s strange mood and questions if it has anything to do with Ric and Macca. Cassie is instantly defensive and wonders how many times she has to say it: Macca is the one for her. Suddenly, Cassie is flustered, realising her Freudian slip, and races out of the room, embarrassed. The truth is out and Sally is concerned by the trouble that is potentially brewing. The house is empty when Cassie returns home. She moves to the get herself a drink and the tap is broken. In attempt to fix it, the tap springs a leek and suddenly she is flooded by a tower of water. Macca, who’s come to drop of the rent, hears Cassie’s squeals and races to her rescue. The pair are in fits of laughter but when there is a moment of URST, Cassie breaks it and insists Macca leave. Sally arrives home to find Cassie crying. Sally is concerned when she discovers the reason for being upset is because she is denying to herself that she still loves Macca. Sally reminds Cassie of how Macca treated her last time but will respect her decision. However, Ric deserves to know the truth. Cassie realises she is now faced with a difficult decision – but who will she choose?
Cassie enters the Surf Club to confront Macca. Cassie tries her best to convince Macca and herself that she still loves Ric but Macca can see through her façade. Macca admits he is still in love with her, which makes the decision even more difficult. Cassie tries to remain firm and moves off before she gives into her true feelings. Cassie arrives home and discovers Ric is being sent away for work. With his bags packed, Cassie and Ric say their goodbyes. Macca spots this and later questions Cassie where Ric is going. Cassie is feeling more unnerved and with Ric away – will temptation prove too much?