A mystery figure sets fire to Summer Bay High. Belle continues her devious plot to destroy Ric and Cassie’s relationship. Matilda’s eating disorder sinks to a devastating low.
Extended Summary
Sally leaves her office, heading home for the night. As she moves to the car park, someone is watching her from a distance. She drops her files and as she picks them up, hears rustling in the distance – the person watching her disappears as she looks around, then dismisses it quickly. Suddenly she gasps with fright – Brad has appeared out of nowhere – he apologises for scaring her – he’s hear to give her the details he didn’t the other day when she caught him naked in the yard! Sally thanks him and as they head off together, the voyeur watches closely – when the coast is clear the mystery person heads for the school building with purpose – and forces the locked door open. Next morning, Irene reminds Belle to not mess with Ric and Cassie – it’s none of her business if they’re back together. Belle says she’ll leave it be, Irene isn’t convinced – as Belle walks away, we see her sly smile… Sally enters the Diner to collect something from Irene – she has her interview today for position of principal, she’s quite nervous! Irene mentions Belle’s determination to end Ric and Cassie’s relationship – Sally remarks that she isn’t the only one! Lucas is shocked to hear from Ric what Amanda and Belle have been up to – trying to cause friction with him and Cassie! She asks if Lucas has apologised yet? He mentions how withdrawn she’s become – he feels terrible. Mattie emerges quietly heading for the kitchen – Cassie tries to talk to her, but she says she’s fine.
At school, Sally sees the interviewer in the distance, and nervously approaches for her interview as Belle apologises to Ric and Cassie for her behaviour lately – she’s sorry, she just misses her friends, she won’t do it again. She invites them to a party she’s organising. Belle promises she’s not up to anything – they reluctantly agree to come to the party… They wander off and Belle smiles to herself slyly… Meanwhile Amanda heads to the Diner looking for Belle – Irene tells her to stop putting stupid ideas into Belle’s head and Amanda promptly tells Irene where to go! She moves off and calls a ‘friend’, asking that they dig up some dirt on Irene… It’s lunchtime – Mattie mentions that she ‘forgot’ her lunch and says she’ll get something later – Cassie is suss… Belle suggests they all head to the Diner for lunch, keeping up the ‘happy friends’ pretence. Lucas joins them too – wanting to make things good with Mattie. They head off, as does Sally after her interview. Again, someone is lurking around watching them all in the background…who is it? At the Diner, Brad sees Sally and asks how the interview went? Sal’s confident – she’ll hear by the end of the week! Irene takes the kids orders, Mattie hesitates, not wanting anything – then Belle jumps in asking if she can have her friends around for a party? Irene’s sorry, she’s not up for it anymore – too many parties in her time. Belle tries to talk her around, but to no avail. Belle feels humiliated in front of the others and stomps out, leaving Irene exasperated. Belle stomps into the house – still dark, then Amanda appears. She wants to know how things went with Ric. Belle tells her how Irene reacted to the fake love letter and the party idea flopped too. Amanda offers her house for the party. Belle will think about it…
She struts down to the Diner to let Irene know the party will be at her place now – Irene is livid – she can see Amanda is trying to buy her daughter’s affections, that’s no way to raise a child. Amanda bites back saying she’s dished dirt on Irene – she’s a child beating alcho from way back! Irene demands her out of the Diner – now! It’s awkward between Belle and Irene at home – Belle doesn’t want a lecture and it’s no big deal. Irene is worried, but Amanda has a right to get to know Belle too, and now that it’s happening Irene is not happy about it! Irene thought she’d changed, but she hasn’t love! She’ll corrupt you Belle! Belle gets annoyed – she’s not a kid, she’s not that ‘vulnerable’ – Belle’s sick of hearing about it and storms off once more, this time heading to Amanda’s. She says she’d like the party to be there and then Amanda gives advice on how she can get Ric back – stay one step ahead of Cassie…
POV of mystery person scanning the school grounds. Then, clocking that the coast is clear, the person moves with purpose towards the school… As Mattie is feeling sick since eating lunch and not getting the chance to throw it up. She heads to the toilets ASAP. She moves into a cubicle and vomits – looks around at the grotty toilets and cries to herself – she’s in real trouble…She heads back to class and tries to cover that she’s been crying – but Lucas’ notices, she brushes it off. Belle excuses herself, wanting to get some info on Cassie from the office – she’s told to wait. Suddenly a piercing alarm sounds – Sally’s in her office and has to end a call due to the noise – this fire drill wasn’t scheduled…the halls are filled with students an teachers – Belle takes the opportunity to bolt to the office to get Cassie’s file. Lucas spots smoke coming from the science block – it’s a real fire! Sally and Tony move everyone out! Outside, it’s discovered that the smoke is coming from the air conditioning vents as Tony realises Belle isn’t there! Sally rushes back in to get her! Belle is oblivious to the emergency as she flicks through Cassie’s file grinning – Sally bolts in, telling her to get out! Then the door closes behind Sal and it’s locked! They’re stuck – they need to stay calm, but it clearly a serious situation as the smoke fills the room – will they survive?!