Episode 6210

Extended Summary

Alf’s still catching his breath after his anxiety attack. Roo hands him a glass of water and asks him if he wants to lie down but he’s ok. Alf says Maria needs to fix this. Maria comes back that evening to talk to Alf. He Admits that maybe she’s onto something with this homework stuff, writing everything down. He shows her a photo of him from this year’s dawn service. He tells her that’s what triggered the anxiety attack. Going back to the night when he lost 12 men, he says talking about it made him feel like he was back there again. The chaos, the slaughter, ever the smell came back. It made him think about the men that never came back and what they’ve missed out on. He accepts that he should be sad, but he’s been pushing down one feeling for the last forty years – he feels like a fraud. They teach the kids on Anzac Day about pride, respect and honour but he didn’t even want to be in the war. He headed overseas scared out of his mind. Maria tries to remind him that he served his country; it was incredibly brave. Alf rejects the thought and admits he sometimes thinks he would have been better left over there with his fellow comrades. He thinks maybe…he doesn’t deserve to be here. After he’s calmed down, Maria tells him it’s been a real breakthrough tonight. He admits it feels like a huge weight has been lifted. Maria departs, assuring Alf they will beat this PTSD; they’re on the right path. Having a quiet supper after, Roo is surprised but happy that Alf’s had a breakthrough. He tells her about his fellow digger, Tom, that died never having dealt with this kind of stuff – he never even reconciled with his son. This whole thing might just be a wake up call…a blessing in disguise even.

Meanwhile at Josh’s birthday party, Evie is trying to call Josh but he’s not answering. Denny & Ash are there now assuring Evie he’ll come around, but Evie is worried that this isn’t just about the party. Billie & Andy arrive and Oscar tells them what happened with Josh. Andy heads off to find him. Back at the share house, Ricky’s getting ready to head off to the party as well when she hears a door slam. She assumes it’s Kyle and starts saying she’s glad she’s not the only one running late to a surprise party… then opens the door and sees it’s Josh. Whoops. She says maybe they can go together then? Josh is sullen and says he didn’t want a party. Ricky tells him Evie’s gone to a lot of trouble and jokes that at least people are still celebrating his existence! Josh is adamant he’s not going. Ricky asks what’s really going on but Josh insists he just doesn’t want a party. What is she supposed to tell everybody? “Tell them I’m sorry”.

Billie is leaving work at the gym, all dressed up. Andy asks who’s she trying to impress? They check in with Kyle if he’ll be long before they can all head to Josh’s party, but Kyle tells them to go ahead – he’s making secret calls getting the safehouse ready for Brax. At the party, Kyle’s acting high strung and Ash asks him if he’s dealing with the situation. Kyle brushes it off at first, but later comes over to Ash when he’s alone. Kyle reveals that the safehouse has fallen through. There’s no backup and Brax gets transferred is less than 12 hours.

Andy finally catches up with Josh back at home and asks him what’s really going on. Josh reveals that their mum tried to call him today from prison. Josh tells Andy that she’d always promised a huge party for his 18th and it just reminds him of the disappointment they went through with her. Andy reminds Josh that their mum was never very good at being a parent. But Josh doesn’t need her; he has a restaurant full of friends, Evie and me, says Andy. He suggests they just forget about their mum and go and celebrate.

Back at the party, Denny and Ash are chatting to Ricky. Denny asks how Brax is going and Ricky tells her she hasn’t seen him since last week, when she took the baby to meet him. Ricky comments on how good Kyle is with the baby too; she’s grateful he’s around. Ash, feeling a little awkward soon moves off to talk to Kyle. In the storeroom Kyle tells Ash that everything is sorted now; the safehouse, the car, everything. Ash asks Kyle where the safehouse is. Why do you need to know? Ash says he’s going to do the job, NOT Kyle. Kyle needs to be here for Ricky & the baby; he’s family. Kyle argues that Ash has family here too, and Denny. Ash insists he needs to do it – Brax is in that place because of him. Kyle falters, then reiterates to Ash they only have one shot at this and it has to work. Ash agrees, so Kyle should tell him the plan. They discuss the particulars in private back at the gym. Ash reassures Kyle he can do this, and heads off.

Ricky’s heading off to take the baby home just as Andy & Josh walk into the party. Josh goes up to Evie and starts to explain, but Evie is just glad he’s here. Save the talking for later; it’s time to party! Now back at home, Brax calls Ricky from prison and tells her he’s being transferred the next morning, but doesn’t tell her why. He says that he loves her and to take care, almost like a goodbye, but she doesn’t notice.

The next morning Ash sees Kyle before he heads off for the pick up point. Handing over the keys for Brax’s getaway car, doubt is written all over Kyle’s face. Ash simply says “this is the way it has to be”, and heads off. Ash goes to see Denny on the beach and she’s excited to see him. He’s silent, not saying anything. She can tell something’s up. Then Ash tells her it’s not working between them; he’s tried to feel something but there’s nothing there. He’s trying to convince her and it’s working. Ash says it’s over and walks off. Denny is left speechless…