Episode 6650

Extended Summary

When Justin’s daughter Ava shows up on his doorstep unannounced, a bewildered Justin is forced to answer some pretty difficult questions. Desperate to know why he disappeared when she was a baby, Justin diplomatically tries to explain that he had no choice but to leave her and her mum, but that doesn’t mean he ever stopped loving her. Touched, Ava starts to warm to Justin, something that Phoebe clocks. Seeing their connection grow, Phoebe worries about what this could mean for their planned twelve months overseas. Justin quickly realises what she’s concerned about and assures her that Ava showing up isn’t going to affect their trip. Phoebe appreciates him saying that, but she’s not sure she should ask him to leave his daughter for a year either. Meanwhile, Ava’s stepfather Brian has come to Summer Bay to take Ava home. Upset that she lied and ran away, Brian admonishes Ava in front of Justin, which irks him. But when Justin defends his daughter to Brian all hell breaks loose and Brian and Justin butt heads. Phoebe manages to break them up before things get physical but the damage is already done – an emotional Ava has run off again. Phoebe soon finds Ava but as they’re rushing to be reunited, Ava doesn’t notice Patrick’s ute backing out. Phoebe rushes over to her to find a lifeless Ava on the ground, having been hit by Patrick.

A sleeping Ash is startled to find Patrick, in the midst of a PTSD episode, trying to take Luc off him. As they struggle, Kat appears, shocked to see Patrick in such a state. She pulls Patrick off Ash, pinning him to the floor while Ash tries to calm a shaken Luc. Suddenly, Patrick comes to, completely unaware of what just happened. Concerned, Kat decides to get Luc out of there and seeks refuge at Irene’s house. Meanwhile, Ash tries to talk to Patrick about his behaviour but Patrick refuses to open up, disappearing into the night instead. When Ash finally tracks Patrick down, he gently probes, wondering if Patrick’s episode had something to do with his time in Afghanistan. Feeling exposed, Patrick snaps, telling Ash that it was a mistake to come and find him. In the midst of another PTSD episode, Patrick gets into his car wanting to get away when he hits something. As Patrick gets out of his car, he’s shocked to learn that he’s run over a little girl…

After spotting Kat, Ash and Luc looking like the perfect family, a confused VJ turns to Olivia to talk out his feelings. Ashamed, VJ admits that a large part of him felt relief that he no longer has to care for a baby while the other part feels guilt for breaking his promise to Billie. Olivia assures him that there’s nothing wrong with the way he’s feeling. When Olivia encourages him to pack up Luc and Billie’s things, he struggles, clearly not ready to put his past behind him just yet.