Matilda is devastated when she learns of Lee’s pregnancy. Tormented by grief, Macca turns back to drugs. Amanda’s secret revelation sends shockwaves through the Bay.
Extended Summary
Tony is reeling, Lucas told him he didn’t sleep with Lee! Lucas can’t look his dad in the eye – this whole mess is getting out of control. Matilda is absolutely devastated when she learns the truth and Steve Braeburn is freaking out, knowing too well the child is his. Braeburn is furious at Lee he pulls her aside – she said she was going to get rid of the baby! Lee couldn’t bring herself to do it. She’s scared of Steve, he’s being full on about it all and is worried about the truth getting out. Lee tells Lucas about Braeburn’s threat, he won’t let up about it and she’s really scared. Matilda hates Lucas for what he’s done – he tries to talk to her, telling her there is more to it than it seems – but she is hurt and angry and doesn’t want to hear that anymore. He either has to tell her what the hell is going on or she doesn’t want to speak to him ever again. Mattie indulges in binge eating for comfort – Cassie is really worried about her friend. Ric knows the truth about Braeburn being the real father, but can’t tell Cass just yet – he’s being a good mate to Lucas. Braeburn confronts Lucas and Lee, telling them that they have to maintain their story of Lucas being the dad, or she has to get rid of the baby – he won’t let the town bike ruin his reputation! If they don’t do what he says, he’s going to come after them both!
Alf’s just got back from search central and tells all just how hard everyone is working – and given how long the search has been going on, everyone is still really positive. Morag arrives back from the city. There’s awkwardness between Amanda and Morag (both have been enemies for so long; now this). Alf brings her up to speed on the search and mentions that young Macca has been tireless during the search – working like a man possessed but they’ve forced him to take some time off. Macca enters the Diner, anxious and weary. Amanda reacts anxiously, clearly there’s something weighing heavily on her mind, but she keeps quiet. Alf and Macca move off, leaving Amanda and Morag alone – it’s awkward, but Morag thanks her for financing the search.
Macca reveals to Morag that the search is proving to be futile, they’re walking in circles out there… Macca is really depressed about it all. As the others move off, he makes a call to his dealer to get more drugs – it’s the only way he can see to handle all that is going on… Drugs in hand, Macca is considering whether or not to take them as Amanda comes in asking for more details on the search. She sees the drugs – Macca is silent. He opens up to her about the state of things at the moment, how bad it all is – old habits seem to be comforting at a time like this. She understands, but it’s not too late to change. The bond over big life changes – Amanda understands what it’s like to lose everything and try to gain a life back, like Macca. She encourages him to stick with it and make a real go of changing for the better, like she is. Macca is given new hope to not give up on Cassie. She was the one good thing in his life. He heads to the Diner, dressed nicely, making some effort – and sees Cassie with Ric. Things are immediately awkward. Ric lets her know that she can talk to him if she likes – he doesn’t mind. She moves over to him. Macca admits he misses her like crazy and still loves her – but if she’s happy with Ric, then that’s best. His heart is breaking, but he’s being noble…
Amanda arrives at the Diner, asks Macca how things went with Cassie. Macca shakes his head – he apologises for dumping all of his troubles on her, what did she want to talk to him about earlier anyway? Amanda launches into many questions about the search again – what kind of equipment are they using etc? Macca’s a little thrown as Alf and Morag arrive. Amanda tries to back track, but Macca persists – she’s hiding something… She reveals that the search has been costing a great deal more than she anticipated, and as a result she’s run out of money. Amanda can’t afford to fund the search any longer. Everyone takes this in, stunned! What now?!