Ric is stunned by Matilda’s sudden urgency to take things further in their relationship. Sam helps Jack regain his motivation to rebuild his life.
Extended Summary
Ric nervously arrives to pick up Matilda. He’s self conscious and awkward around Beth and Tony, determined to make a good impression. Still unsure if they approve of their relationship, Ric stumbles his way through some small talk before heading off with Matilda. Once alone, Beth expresses her concerns that Matilda is too young but Tony reassures her with everything Matilda has been through in the last year, she is mature enough to handle it.
Rachel is checking on Jack’s condition and senses he’s down in the dumps. Rachel’s insists his surgery went well and the next stages of his recovery will involve intensive rehab sessions with Sam, the physio. Jack is non-responsive and Rachel starts to become concerned with his mood. Tony arrives and tries his best to buoy Jack’s spirits but to no avail. Sam arrives and begins her therapy but when Jack becomes frustrated and overwhelmed with pain, he yells out the both of them to get out. They do, leaving Jack to slump, defeated and full of self-pity.
Ric and Matilda are finishing up their meal at the Diner. Ric moves over to the counter to pay the bill but realising he has not enough money on him, asks Matilda to search in the front of his wallet for some. Matilda is stunned when she discovers some condoms! She quickly makes an excuse to leave and darts off, reeling from her discovery. Matilda passes Belle who makes an attempt to be friendly but Matilda’s shock is misread as coldness and Belle rips into her. Belle comments on Ric wanting sex so Matilda will have to stop being a prude. This only fuels Matilda’s insecurities and she bites back with a remark about Belle being a complete tart and that’s the only reason Lucas must want to be with her. Later, Ric invites Matilda out on a romantic night on the Blaxland. It’s an innocent invitation but unaware of Matilda’s fears, she feels forced to agree. Meanwhile, Lucas, also oblivious to the reasoning behind it, is stunned as Belle announces he can go and find fun with someone else and calls it quits. Lucas is stunned – where the hell did that come from? Belle is deeply upset and finally opens up to Irene, devastated because she liked Lucas so much and now she feels like a pathetic loser… poor Belle.
Lucas heads to the hospital for some brotherly advice on his relationship problems but Jack rips into him, insisting his marriage is in a shamble – he’s come to the wrong guy! Lucas moves off embarrassed, leaving Rachel and Tony to come up with a plan to rekindle Jack’s spirit. They call on the help of Sam. At first Jack is feeling sorry for himself, insisting he won’t try, given his whole life is a mess. Sam wheels him outside to where some more seriously injured patients are doing their rehab session. Sam gives a heartfelt message to Jack to be inspired by their courage and understand just how lucky he is. Later, Jack has had time to reconsider his attitude and Sam is happy to see his mood has lifted. The two share a smile – they make a good team!
Matilda’s getting ready to head off to see Ric, dolled up to the hilt. Beth comments on her appearance and given the fact Ric is older, Matilda can talk to her about relationship things if need be. Matilda bites back defensively and reassures her Mum she doesn’t need the ‘birds and the bees’ talk. She knows what’s she doing but the truth is she’s petrified about her meeting with Ric. Matilda tells Beth she’s off to have a sleep over at Emma’s house.
Ric is blown away as the beautiful Matilda arrives. He has the decked the boat out in romantic things and takes her hand, leading her to where he’s laid out a meal. Matilda moves in for a kiss and at Matilda’s instigation, it quickly becomes more passionate. Ric’s taken aback but not complaining, Suddenly, Ric puts the brakes on but is knocked for six when Matilda announces she wants to be with him!