Episode 6459

Extended Summary

Chris and Olivia are concerned to discover Irene on the floor of the Diner, clearly still struggling in the wake of her abduction. Opening up to them, Irene admits her frustration – she’s worked so hard to be strong and now all she feels is powerless. Sympathetic Chris suggests trying counselling again but Irene’s not interested – she doesn’t want to talk about it, she just wants to fix it. This gives Chris an idea…

Meanwhile Alf’s pleased Marilyn and John have left. Roo reminds him they only wanted to make sure he was alright but Alf insists that’s the last thing he needs. Roo bites her tongue but when Matt comes over to check on Alf he can’t help but notice the tension between them. Concerned, Matt questions if Alf’s been difficult since coming home from hospital. Roo covers but does admit he’s being stubborn about closing the Bait Shop. Roo wants to keep it open, hoping it will aid Alf’s recovery. Matt tells her to do it but Roo’s reluctant to go behind her father’s back. However Matt reminds her it’s in Alf’s best interest, insisting she has to put her foot down.

Returning home from Alf’s outburst, Marilyn and John are still a little rattled. Marilyn suggests they try again tomorrow but John thinks they should give him some space, and he’d prefer to focus on their own lives. Taking this as a cue, Marilyn agrees and proposes they discuss foster parenting. John’s unsure there’s any more to be said but hopeful of turning him around, Marilyn pushes on, unable to find a good reason why they shouldn’t. Hurt by the whole Skye mess, John’s scared to try again, insisting he just wants to enjoy his life with Marilyn. She’s always been enough for him, isn’t he enough for her? The next day Marilyn tells John that although she still thinks he’d make a wonderful foster parent, she respects his decision not to foster again.

With a plan in mind, Chris approaches Billie and asks her to teach Irene some self-defence moves. He’s hopeful the workout might help her regain some of her strength. But Billie, reminded of her own attack, shuts the idea down, much to Chris’s disappointment. However when Billie hears Olivia talking about just how much Irene is struggling, her heart goes out to her and she relents. Chris still has to work hard to convince Irene it’s a good idea, especially when she learns he’s not doing it as well.

Matt worries Roo’s becoming Alf’s punching bag, and takes matters into his own hands, making his concerns known to Alf. He’s hopeful his appeal will help Alf see clearly but it seemingly has the opposite effect, Alf stubbornly refusing to admit he’s wrong and instead kicking Matt out of his house. Guilt-ridden Matt does his best to avoid Roo but is eventually forced to reveal his fears that he’s only made things worse with Alf. While Roo sees Matt had good intentions, she doesn’t appreciate him going into bat for her.

Billie attempts to teach Irene some techniques but Irene struggles to grasp them. Frustration boiling over, Irene cracks it, insisting Billie has no idea what she’s been through. Billie insists she does but Irene scoffs – yeah right. Billie’s tempted to walk away but instead decides to open up, revealing she knows what it’s like to be a victim. Irene softens, recognising a kindred spirit. Billie maintains they’re both strong women who can choose to be defined by their experiences or instead choose to fight back. Choosing the latter, Irene gets stuck into the training, helping Billie to make an unlikely breakthrough.

After her intense but fruitful session, Irene seems lighter – almost like a weight has been lifted. She wants to thank Billie for her help but when Billie emerges from the change rooms pale, Irene’s face clouds with concern. She checks what’s wrong and Billie can barely say the words – she’s bleeding.