Episode 4542

Extended Summary

Everyone in Summer Bay is relieved when Belle and Drew return safe and well, but are somewhat surprised to learn that Drew’s concerns that Dom had abducted Belle was all a misunderstanding. Irene’s suspicious, and has cause to be, as it’s all a cover up for the “hit and run” injuries, or worse, that they’ve inflicted on Dom. Both Drew and Belle angst over what’s happened to Dom, but somehow manage to keep their secret. Irene can not get Belle to open up.

Belle decides to tell Drew about the kiss and Drew takes the news badly, but ultimately it brings them closer together as they’re miserable without each other. Drew admits that he loves Belle so much that he just can’t stand the thought of another guy touching her. They “make up” and are lying asleep in each other’s arms when Dom appears in Belle’s bedroom. He’s very much alive, although it’s clear he’s been injured, and the serene scene of the two lovers asleep is not what he wanted to see.

It’s “D Day” for Geoff’s rugby career. He finally gets to play in front of the selectors and has a chance to make it into one of the city teams for next season. If he makes the grade he goes onto the payroll and into an intensive training camp starting tomorrow and that’s the rub for Annie. She wants her brother to succeed, but she doesn’t want him to live in the City – she’ll miss him too much. It’s also Tam’s first day at school and before the game Geoff brokers a peace between Tam and Annie which sees Tam accompany Annie and Tony to the match. Geoff plays a brilliant game, scores the winning points, and makes the team. Annie wrestles with mixed feelings all day and is very sad to farewell her brother at the day’s end.

Dan is becoming frustrated that Leah’s avoiding even talking to him about his job offer and their possible move to America and they argue about it. Leah’s very happy with her life in the Bay – the move is a big decision. Leah confides her reservations about it all to Sally, and Ryan secretly overhears the news. He’s clearly upset, but he keeps it to himself and stews over it. Ironically it’s only when Colleen learns about the possible move that Leah has a change of heart. When Colleen rails about how life isn’t about being happy and fulfilled, Leah realises that you have to take your opportunities in life.

Dan’s excited when Leah tells him she thinks they should go to America, but it’s then that Ryan’s hurt and anger surfaces – he’s not going to live in America – it’s too far away from his mum and Belle. A major spanner seems to have been thrown in the works and it looks like relocating to the USA is off the agenda.