Jack and Tasha struggle to deny their increasing feelings for each other. Amanda tries to sabotage Ric and Cassie’s relationship in a bid to win Belle over. Irene and Amanda face off in a fiery showdown over Belle.
Extended Summary
Full of nervous anticipation, Amanda enters Belle’s hospital room but is instantly disappointed to find it empty. Amanda is surprised to learn Belle has been sent home but is bemused as to why she was not informed. Amanda later pops around to the Beach House to talk to Belle but she is stopped dead in her tracks by Irene, who is still angry with Amanda for her shenanigans in the pool with Macca. Again, Amanda tries to explain but it falls on Irene’s deaf ears. Belle appears and reiterates she has no plans to get to know her mother. It’s a stab in the heart for Amanda and she is left with no choice but to move off. Following her encounter with Amanda, Belle takes a walk along the beach to clear her mind – things are affecting her more than she is letting on. Further in the distance, Ric and Cassie are wandering along. Cassie is still consumed by her concern for Matilda, although she does not divulge any info to Ric, who is doing his best to lift her spirits. When they spot Belle they approach tentatively. Belle is quick to accuse Cassie of stealing Ric away from her. Things quickly become awkward, before Ric and Cassie make a beeline but as far as Belle’s concerned – this competition is far from over! Unbeknownst to Belle, Amanda has witnessed the whole confrontation and she smiles to herself, an idea is forming! Uh-oh…is Amanda up to her old tricks again?
Amanda enters the Diner and seizes the opportunity to talk to Ric whilst he is alone. Amanda plants the seed of doubt in Ric’s head when she reveals she learned from Macca that Cassie was bad mouthing Ric when they broke up. Amanda moves off, satisfied her job is done. Cassie returns and is thrown by Ric’s questioning if she ever spoke badly of their relationship. She is quick to deny the suggestion but Amanda watches on, pleased that she has rattled the young couple. Amanda later arrives on Belle’s door step with the revelation that Ric and Cassie’s relationship isn’t as strong as it appears. Now she’s got Belle’s attention! Amanda suggests with a little effort, Belle can break up Ric and Cassie. It’s an extremely misguided attempt to get Belle on side but Amanda is willing to do anything. Meanwhile, Cassie has figured out why Amanda has been mouthing off to Ric and is certain it has everything to do with Belle. The two girls eventually come face to face and Belle issues Cassie with a very stern warning that she will get Ric back no matter what it takes! Cassie fills Ric in on Belle’s threat but Ric quickly reassures Cassie that he only has eyes for her! Back at the Beach House, Belle is writing a letter which would probably get Ric into trouble with Cassie, Irene’s eyes almost pop out of her head when she sees what was written. The warning bells start ringing for Irene when she realises Belle’s attitude towards Amanda has changed and she is talking of her attempt to split up Ric and Belle. Irene is disturbed by Amanda’s latest ploy to win over Belle and charges off on a mission. Amanda plays innocent when she is confronted by Irene. Irene insists Amanda is a bad influence but Amanda fires back with the warning that if Irene attempts to stand in her way, she will regret it. Watch out Irene, the battle lines are drawn!
Martha’s in high spirits as she continues her road to recovery. Morag delivers the news that Alf has been held up in New York but is doing all he can to make it home asap. Morag offers to help Jack at home but he insists Tasha has already offered. Martha jokes about feeling redundant and if she knew better she might be jealous of the time they are spending together. Later, Tasha arrives to visit Jack, but unseen by Robbie, Jack is slightly disappointed that Tasha is not alone. Their conversation turns to the baby and Jack reminds Tasha to do her breathing exercises to prevent the risk of going into premature labour again. Robbie is stumped – this is the first he’s heard of it! Robbie is thankful to Jack for looking after Tasha but he can’t help but feel out of the loop. Suddenly, the baby kicks and Tasha and Jack cheer in excitement, all the while poor Robbie is feeling more and more alienated. Robbie eventually admits he hates the thought he’s missed out on so much to do with the baby but Tasha is quick to reassure him there’s nothing to worry about – but is she trying to convince herself she doesn’t have feelings for Jack?