Episode 6428

Extended Summary

Feeling devastated, Andy sits alone studying a photo of Hannah. But the moment is shattered when Evelyn (with Josh behind) storms in and lashes out at Andy, attacking him for killing Hannah and Oscar. He takes the hits until Josh pulls her away. She melts into an emotional heap and her pain is too much for Andy – he bolts. Distraught, Evelyn wonders why Andy isn’t rotting in goal right now. Josh is still trying to come to grips with the revelation himself, but doesn’t like hearing her talk about his brother like this. Evelyn doesn’t care, if it wasn’t for his brother, Hannah and Oscar would still be alive. Josh can’t argue with that. She leaves before they can discuss it further. The next day, when Josh gets a moment alone with Andy, he learns that the explosion was a complete accident, but it’s clear Andy only wants to be punished…

Tank and Skye are also reeling after Skye blurted Tank’s secret, but she’s not sorry the truth is out – why should Tank take the blame? Tank explains he’s still partly responsible and he doesn’t think it’ll help Evelyn with her grief. John takes a similar stance. The MacGuires are already overwhelmed, and this emotionally charged new info will only make things harder. John catches on that Skye has been hanging with Tank, and tries to warn her off. Tank is trouble so Skye needs to stay away. But Skye is quick to meet up with Tank again – and it’s clear these two are only growing closer.

Billie and VJ definitely can’t stay away from each other as an early morning surf is followed by a frolic in the sand. From a distance, Leah registers VJ making out with Billie at the beach. She later pulls him up on it, suggesting he dates someone his own age. VJ claims Leah wouldn’t like any girl he brought home, but Leah is adamant, VJ should stop it before it goes too far. VJ stuns Leah by revealing they’ve already slept together. VJ is shocked himself, as Billie later tells him that she understands Leah’s shock – she is six years older than him after all. Billie encourages him to talk to Leah again, and make sure she knows Billie wasn’t trying to hide their relationship.

Leah then goes direct to Billie, telling her to break it off: VJ’s too young and naïve for her. But Billie gives Leah her perspective: while it’s clear Leah’s protective of VJ, Billie assures her she didn’t rush into this, she really likes VJ. Less certain now, Leah turns to Roo for advice. Roo doesn’t necessarily offer the view Leah expected. She warns Leah she needs to tread carefully in dealing with teenagers. Strong discipline can sometimes have the opposite effect. And maybe Billie can teach VJ a thing or two… As hard as it is to accept her baby boy has grown up, Leah shocks VJ by giving the relationship her blessing. But she reminds him to be careful, now he’s in an adult relationship he needs to know how to be safe… VJ flees at the talk of protection.

Leah’s secret – that she, Alf and Roo already knew about Andy – blows up when Evelyn tries to tell them the news and clocks their lack of surprise. Zac walks in and is absolutely ropeable with Leah for holding this from him. Leah claims she was trying to find the right time, and when Zac decides he’d rather focus his anger on Andy, Leah reminds Zac violence will not bring back Oscar and Hannah.

Chris on the other hand, has found a much more productive way to channel the loss of Hannah. With Tori’s help, the hospital has approved Chris’s proposal for a plaque to be mounted at the hospital. He’s initially nervous about giving a speech, but John encourages him to speak from the heart. John later finds Chris distraught, worried he’s going to stuff it up. He’s there for his friend – telling him to get the tears out now, and knock the speech out of the park later. John holds Chris as he succumbs to grief. In the afternoon, Chris unveils the ‘Hannah Wilson Memorial Wing’ with a moving speech about how much she loved her job, her family and friends and would want them all to be happy. Leah, Zac, Alf, Roo Evelyn and Josh all take this to heart, as simultaneously, Andy’s heart breaks as he visits her grave.

The warmth and positivity that came from the plaque unveiling is short live in the MacGuire/Stewart household when Sergeant McCarthy arrives. Apparently Roo did not carry out the appropriate building insurances and checks on the Fundraiser. As event organiser – it’s likely Roo is legally responsible for the disaster. But as a stunned Roo absorbs this, it’s the human toll that weighs on her the most. Is she responsible for Maddy’s maiming as well as Hannah and Oscar’s deaths?