Brad is shocked when Naomi threatens legal action. Lucas is left reeling when his history with Naomi is exposed. Matilda is upset to realise that Ric is involved with another woman.
Extended Summary
Fallout from the newspaper headline sees everyone in shock. Naomi is reeling, close to tears, while Brad and Sally know that the media attention will only put new pressure on Brad to make a decision about Naomi’s future at the school. And they’re shocked to find that Colleen was the source of the story. Rallying herself, Naomi insists on teaching today, but Sally warns her to keep a low profile. Naomi, however, is determined to clear her name and carry on as normal. Brad eventually agrees to let her continue teaching, leaving Sally concerned that he’s underestimating the potential for this affair to escalate. And her concern is borne out when Brad has to tell Naomi of the Education Department’s decision to stand her down pending an inquiry into her conduct. Naomi is instantly defensive, furiously warning that Brad that she’ll be taking legal action against the Department – and calling his own conduct into question.
Meanwhile, Lucas has headed into school, unaware of the article. He’s stunned – and deeply unhappy – to be greeted as a hero for sleeping with his teacher. Sudden notoriety is not what Lucas is looking for. Matilda does her best to calm him, but it’s not enough – all Lucas can think about is the damage Naomi’s visited on their family. Rage building, he confronts Naomi in front of her class. But seeing Naomi’s distress in the face of the students’ jeering is surprisingly bittersweet, and only leaves Lucas more confused than ever. Tony tries to offer support and Sally witnesses Lucas’s anger towards his dad. She attempts to question Lucas about it, but he closes down – leaving Sally wondering at this obvious sore spot between father and son.
Tony and Irene share Lucas’s unhappy certainty that the media would have a field day with the news of Tony’s affair. Hurting that he can’t protect Lucas – and terrified of the potential for further damage to the family – Tony attacks Colleen for meddling. It’s Irene who sets Colleen straight in no uncertain terms, warning her against breathing another word about the scandal to the media. Colleen reluctantly promises. But the danger remains. How long until the town – and the media – discover the truth about Tony and Naomi?
It’s a question that’s also troubling Matilda. Ric tries to offer support, but Matilda is prickly and evasive. Ric gently tries to find out why, but a very confused Matilda only becomes more defensive. Ric confides his fear in Alf – what if he and Mattie are drifting apart because of her grief for Beth, the same way that he and Cassie drifted apart after Flynn died? Alf suggests it’s time for Ric to stop talking and start doing. But what does his advice have to do with a scene Matilda witnesses a little later – an attractive older woman kissing Ric on the cheek before they get into her car and drive away? Is Ric having an affair?
And she’d be even more worried if she knew that Lucas was approaching Naomi’s caravan, intent on having it out with her. He pulls up warily, surprised to see a group of young guys gathered outside the van, jeering and calling out for Naomi to let them in. Inside the van, Naomi tenses and suddenly feeling very alone and very scared.