Episode 4319

Extended Summary

Jack remains on the floor with the wheelchair on it’s side. He’s feeling helpless and alone and tries to get himself back into the chair – but he just doesn’t have the strength. He soon gives up, tears threatening as he lets out a roar of frustration, just as he hears a voice calling out to him. It’s Sam. She hurries in and helps him, asking what happened – and can see how down on himself he’s becoming. Frustrated, he tells her about pissing himself last night – he’s useless! Sam confirms that isn’t the case, these things just take time and commitment – and he needs to trust that she’ll make sure he comes good again. The others come home and are concerned to hear that Jack had another fall from his chair – and are surprised to see Sam’s there, it’s her day off. She’s decided to take Jack out for a while, to get him out of the house. Sam wheels Jack to the wharf – he’s grateful for her efforts as she explains she’s also his friend, so not to feel like a charity case. They find themselves locking eyes for a beat – a chemistry is clearly forming. Rory is soon dropped off by a friend and joins them, he’s pleased to see Jack and Sam’s smiles at the bond between her son and Jack and moves off to buy icecream for them all. Jack and Rory get chatting and when Jack asks Rory about his mum’s boyfriends, Rory mentions an abusive ex she had and that he didn’t like him at all. It was when they lived at the old house. At saying this, Rory realises he’s said too much and immediately shuts down, leaving a highly curious Jack. Sam returns and notes Rory’s change in mood. Jack explains that it was after he mentioned Sam’s ex and the old house – she reacts as well and quickly packs Rory up and tells Jack she has to go. She drops Jack at home abruptly as he tries to find out what’s wrong and that he can help – Sam makes it clear that no one can help her before rushing off. Sam returns that afternoon to let Jack know she can no longer work with him – she has too many patients and she refers him to another physio. Jack is stunned – what on earth is going on?! She moves off silently – end of discussion.

Cassie is concerned when she learns that Macca has been working extra long shifts – he’s wearing himself out – conversation shifts when Amanda appears – she’s still pining after Peter and it’s killing her that she can’t have him. Cassie tells Macca to talk to her to find out what’s going on – but Amanda is snappy and doesn’t let on what’s bothering her… Peter is equally distracted and detached as Leah tries to chat with him. She tries to figure out who the girl is that he’s seeing, but he only discloses that it’s too complicated a situation to even contemplate, leaving Leah concerned. Meanwhile, Macca eventually gets Amanda to open up about what’s bothering her so much – it’s Peter. He’s admitted that he likes her too – but he’s the only person who could actually make her happy and she can’t have him. Deflated, she heads out for a walk and runs into Peter – the awkwardness is immediate between the star crossed lovers and after stilted chit-chat they move off separately, tormented by what can’t be.

Cassie fills Belle in on Amanda not being herself and suggests she drop by and see her Mum. Belle isn’t the least bit interested – why should she care? Cassie reminds her that she nearly died last week – how can she not be even a little worried about her own Mum? She decides not to push it, leaving the decision up to Belle. After much thought, Belle decides to drop by to see Amanda – who is stunned to see her. Belle is hesitant, just wanting to know she’s okay – but all goes pear shaped when Amanda says she knew it was only a matter of time before Belle would forgive and forget. Belle is quick to let her know that she hasn’t forgiven her, not will she forget – as far as she’s concerned Amanda is still a total witch, who’ll never change and she can rot in hell! She storms off, leaving a deflated Amanda – is this the last straw for a woman already on the emotional brink?

At home, Peter comes across an old bottle of pills, tempted to take them to block out the pain, he then recalls Amanda telling him he’s better than that, prompting him to was the pills down the sink, before heading to the Station. Fitzgerald hands Peter some paper work that needs to be delivered – to Amanda Vale’s… He tries to seem casual about it as he heads to her house and finds Amanda crying hysterically. He takes her in his arms to comfort her as she explains what happened with Belle, on top of everything else. It just got too much. She thanks him for listening, he passes her the paperwork, then starts to move off. Their eyes meet, then he leaves. As Amanda sits there, sadly, the door re-opens and Peter is standing there, staring at her. No words are spoken as they are soon hurrying towards each other and kissing passionately!