Episode 4231

Australian Air Date: 17th July 2006

The search for the lost ones is resumed after Amanda receives an extraordinary sign from Belle that she is still alive. Kim and Kit struggle with their feelings after their impromptu night of passion.

Extended Summary

Time is running out for the group lost in the bush as they struggle to stay alive. Martha, Colin and Belle are barely conscious. Robbie watches on helpless, as Belle is hit with another sharp pain in her leg from the spider bite. Back in the Surf Club, their loved ones have gathered to offer support to one another following the devastating news the search has been called off. Amanda is suddenly overcome with a pain in her leg and Macca questions her on it. She is struck again with another sharp pain, just like Belle. All eyes are on Amanda as she announces with absolute conviction that Belle must still be alive and therefore, they have to keep searching. There’s still hope for Robbie, Colin, Martha and Belle, who are knocking on death’s door – but will they be found before it’s too late?

It’s the beginning of a new day and Amanda, Tony, Cassie, Ric and Macca lead a group of volunteer searchers through the bush. Amanda’s feeling has not wavered through the night and the others are just as determined to find their loved ones. The clock is ticking for Kim and Kit who are barely awake as they lay close to one another. Both struggle to stay awake and all Kim can do is hold Kit tighter as she starts to give up the fight to stay alive. Meanwhile, Robbie is struggling to keep the others conscious. He tries to rouse Martha but begins to panic when she doesn’t respond. He checks Martha’s pulse and is horrified to discover she has stopped breathing. Robbie wills her to stay awake, yelling to the others as he goes, but they are all too weak to help. Robbie begins resuscitation but he is overcome with tears when he realises his efforts are having no affect. In the distance, the searchers hear a faint cry for help. They race towards it and are in complete disbelief when they discover Colin, Belle, Martha and Robbie are still alive – but only just! Tony and Macca step in to revive Martha as Robbie slumps, absolutely exhausted. But where is Kim and Kit?

Kim and Kit struggle to stay awake. With all the energy she can muster, Kit gazes up at Kim and whispers goodbye. Kim frantically tries to rouse her. Suddenly, Cassie and Tony appear, having heard Kim’s plea to Kit. Kim can’t believe his eyes. Back at home, Tasha, Beth and Jack are oblivious to the action unfolding out in the bush. Jack has just been discharged from the hospital and the ladies are doing their best to make him feel as comfortable as possible. The phone rings as Beth moves to answer it. Beth looks as though she’s seen a ghost as she receives the news – their loved ones have been found!!

It’s all systems go at the hospital as loved ones flock to reunite with one another. There are tears all round as one-by-one, the lost ones are wheeled in for treatment. Amanda and Irene embrace, overwhelmed by relief that Belle is recovering from her spider bite. Martha and Kit remain in a serious condition but are surrounded by their family. Rachel is beside herself with relief as she clings to Kim. Although he is still weak, Kim is filled with the guilt, knowing he has cheated on Rachel with Kit. The news arrives that Martha and Kit have pulled through and are both on their way to a full recovery. Amanda and Irene remain by Belle’s side but as she begins to awake from her groggy state, Belle is instantly alarmed by Amanda’s presence – what is that witch doing there? Despite, Irene’s efforts to tell Belle that Amanda saved her life, Belle insists she doesn’t want anything to do with her. Amanda races out of the room, deeply hurt that the happy reunion she had in mind, has gone completely pear-shaped.

Night has fallen and everyone says good bye to their loved ones in recovery. It’s been a long week! Finally, Kim and Kit find themselves alone in their hospital room. Both know they have to face the inevitable following their encounter in the bush. They can’t avoid it forever but how on earth is Kim going to tell Rachel the truth?