Episode 6434

Extended Summary

After taking diazepam, Roo awakes with newfound energy. But when a concerned Alf checks in on her she covers about her guilty splurge. He’s glad to see she’s feeling better, especially since Maddy’s home from hospital today. Roo beams, hoping it’s a sign of better things to come. However as she prepares to pick up her girl, Tanya insists Matt’s doing it – Maddy didn’t want a fuss. Roo swallows her hurt, but it only gets worse when Tanya reveals she’s asked Maddy to move to the city permanently – and Maddy’s seriously considering it.

At the hospital, dutiful Matt helps Maddy pack. He gently checks whether she’s made a decision about moving. Maddy hasn’t. Seeing she’s uncomfortable talking about it, he buries his concern and works to stay positive – hoping that’ll be enough to make her stay. Maddy appreciates his efforts and admits she’s worried about returning to the real world. She has no idea how people will react to her. Although Matt assures her he’s there to help, Maddy hopes for some independence.

Now Tank’s free of all charges, Greg wants to figure out his future. However Tank’s keen to enjoy his freedom for a bit. Greg understands, genuinely trusting his son has turned a corner. When left alone, Tank’s mind drifts to Skye and he texts her to meet up. Skye’s ecstatic to hear from him, but wipes her smile when John crosses. John’s tentative, unsure where they stand after he banned Skye from seeing Tank. Skye claims they’re fine. But when John questions whether she’s keeping to her word, she’s forced to lie. Oblivious John confides his joy in Alf – who is wary. He warns John that teenage girls can’t always be taken at face value. A firm seed of doubt is planted.

Roo and Matt are all over Maddy when he brings her home. Maddy’s irked by the molly coddling but bites her tongue. Roo works hard not to let Tanya’s revelation play on her mind. But when Matt mentions Tanya, Roo reveals she knows Maddy’s considering moving. Maddy feels horrible for keeping Roo in the dark. And while Roo works to stay neutral, Maddy can see she’s heartbroken.

Skye and Tank are on the beach getting hot and heavy. Suddenly the guilt of lying to John pinches at Skye. Tank misreads it as apprehension and questions whether she wants to end things. Skye insists she doesn’t – he’s the best thing in her life. But Tank’s on high alert after his sordid romantic past, so he cuts their steamy rendezvous short. Skye’s disappointed, but clearly still smitten.

Roo’s determined not to pressure Maddy about her looming decision, but Maddy wants to explain. She didn’t tell Roo about Tanya’s offer because she needed to think it through first. Roo just wishes none of this ever happened – the accident was her fault. Maddy’s thrown by Roo’s guilt and assures her it’s unfounded. Roo’s appreciative, but Maddy’s words aren’t getting through. Confronted by Roo’s vulnerability, Maddy tells Tanya she’s not sure she can move. Hurt Tanya assumes Maddy’s choosing Roo over her. But when Maddy explains, Tanya’s furious to hear of Roo’s supposed negligence. Venting all her concern and frustration, Tanya blasts Roo publicly. Roo is left devastated.

Skye comes home and is caught off guard when John questions where she’s been. When he gets a chance, he checks her phone – and is furious to find recent texts from Tank. John berates Skye for her dishonesty and confiscates her phone, before going out. Now defiant, Skye gets on the laptop and asks Tank to come over. Tank complies, and when Skye’s adamant she’s ready to take their relationship to the next level, he finally gives into desire and they sleep together.

Matt takes Maddy out to see Evelyn and Josh but Maddy’s uncomfortable being in public. The Gang work to buoy her, but unintentionally end up smothering her. Frustrated Maddy lashes out, insisting she needs to be alone. Matt’s left feeling useless. His mates assure him he’s doing all the right things, but he’s not so sure – maybe Maddy’s better off with her mum. Meanwhile Roo reels from Tanya’s attack. When Tanya seeks her out again, handing Roo an envelope. Tanya says since the accident was Roo’s fault, she’s suing her.