Episode 4267

Extended Summary

Alf bursts through the Gym doors, having heard Tara’s screaming, just as Lucas has moved to lightly touch her on the arm. Alf wants to know what the flamin’ hell is going on as Tara rushes into Alf’s arms, sobbing. Lucas is stunned, not knowing what has happened. Alf tries to calm Tara down and before Lucas has a chance to protest his innocence, Gordon comes rushing in and Tara tells him that Lucas set her up to try and make her look like a liar to get Kim off his charges – Lucas yells out in his defense, but Gordon is only interested in getting his princess to the hospital. Lucas is protesting his innocence, Tara scratched herself and she had the evidence that Kim didn’t touch her – but she burnt it. Alf asks why Lucas had his hand on Tara when he walked in? Lucas explains that he was just trying to calm her down, as Fitzgerald arrives to take Lucas in for questioning. Meanwhile at the hospital, Nurse Julie tends to Tara’s scratches as she finishes giving her statement to the police. She plays the victim to perfection and Gordon believes it all. Nurse Julie moves out and Rachel asks what’s going on – she’s shocked to learn that Tara’s up to her tricks again… Rachel calls Tony to get Lucas’ side of the story before moving in to confront Tara. She tells Tara that she didn’t think things through this time – she’s done for. Tara is panicked, what do you mean? As Rachel explains that the tests will prove that the skin under her nails is her own, not Lucas’ – proving her to be a liar. She explains that Tara’s mother also had a few things to say. Tara is freaking – there’s no way out. Moments later, Gordon moves in to see his daughter – but Tara’s nowhere to be seen. The nurses don’t know where she is either – Rachel fears that her little chat has prompted her to do a runner!

The next day, the test results come back and as predicted, the skin is Tara’s own. There is relief all round as Lucas is off the hook. But there is still no sign of Tara. The search continues with Rachel making her own way apart from the group. She eventually sees Tara on the headland, staring out at the horizon. Immediately concerned for her mental condition, Rachel moves to her. Tara is listless, wondering why anyone came looking for a liar like her. Rachel tries to get Tara to move from the edge – but she refuses, liking the view. Gradually, Rachel gets Tara to open up and she talks about doing everything to get her dad’s attention and then it got out of control. She just wants him to love her for who she is. Rachel suggests that perhaps it’s time Tara showed her dad who she really is and takes her by the hand and leads her away from the cliff. That night, Rachel is thrilled when Kim returns home from the city – both relieved that the ordeal is finally over.

Meanwhile, Sally, Brad and Emily are chatting after their dinner together, when Brad mentions a surprise that he’s organized for Emily tomorrow. Sally is in on it too – but neither let on what it is. Emily takes in the banter between Brad and Sally – pleased to see that they are getting along so well… Brad heads to the toilet and Emily thanks Sally for being there for Brad – he’s really starting to count on Sal… The next day, Brad leads a blindfolded Emily towards the water. He removes the blindfold for Emily to see a small boat he’s hired for the day. He smiles and tells her to get on board. They eventual pull into a secluded inlet – Brad helps Emily out and grabs the picnic hamper. Emily is blown away by it all – swept up in the romance as she shares a kiss with Brad. After lunch they lie in each others arms, very much in love. Brad then remembers there’s a bottle of bubbly in the boat he forgot – and as he moves off to get it, Emily gets quite dizzy and stumbles. Brad turns back, bottle in hand, and drops it, sending it smashing to the ground at the sight of Emily, slumped on the ground! He races back to try and rouse her – but Emily just lies there, lifeless…