Episode 6429

Extended Summary

The ice has melted between Phoebe and Bella but Dom’s strangely unaffectionate. Dom sheepishly explains he hasn’t told Bella they’re dating, just that they’re “friends”. Dom admits, he wasn’t sure if they were official or not. Phoebe is offended and confused, not sure what to make of this.

Roo is devastated by the news about her culpability in the accident and feels she should be punished. Alf’s troubled by the extent of her self-loathing and doesn’t think she should be alone, suggesting she stay at the house that night.

When Ash asks Billie about VJ the ‘school kid,’ Billie swiftly flips the focus by asking about Ash and Kat. Ash admits he and Kat kissed again, but that’s all – they’ve ended it for Phoebe’s sake. But it’s pretty clear he doesn’t know where they stand exactly. Billie’s smug, telling Ash to figure out his own life before prying into hers.

Kat panics when she hears Billie guessed about her and Ash again, wondering if that means Phoebe knows too.
Kat mentions that Phoebe and Dom are dating, at least she’s distracted. Ash is happy for Phoebe. Kat checks if he’s jealous at all. Ash allays her fears and goes for a kiss, but Kat pulls away, telling him she doesn’t want to take things further until they’ve told Phoebe… Ash agrees to wait until they’ve told Phoebe, but it won’t be easy.

Phoebe vents to Kat, appalled at Dom but Kat suggests that he’s a guy, so naturally he’s terrible at talking about his feelings. Billie arrives home and is thoroughly amused to find Kat giving Phoebe relationship advice, given her trysts with Ash. Uncomfortable, Kat excuses herself from the room. Kat finds Ash and explains tonight is a good time to tell Phoebe about them; she can’t stand lying… Ash is excited by this development, knowing that once Phoebe knows, they’ll be free to take things to the next level.

Phoebe meets with Dom who apologises; he wants to make it work with Phoebe and protect his daughter, he just doesn’t know how to do both yet- this is all new territory for him. He hasn’t dated since he met his ex-wife twelve years ago. Phoebe recognises that this is all new for him, and they’re soon hooking up back at his place. Dom reveals the clean-up crew salvaged his camera from the barn debris and the memory card containing fund-raiser photos was still intact. Phoebe grows emotional as Dom shows her the last photos of Hannah and Oscar alive. She also finds candid photos of herself and Dom admits he couldn’t help taking them; she looked stunning that night. Dom invites her to help him pick Bella up from school and stay for dinner. Things are definitely looking up for these two.

Roo is confronted when she sees Zac at the house. Zac explains he’s not angry. Leah says it’s not her fault, it’s Andy’s – but Roo won’t hear of anyone else being blamed but her. Overwhelmed by guilt she goes outside for some air.
Zac follows, trying again to alleviate Roo’s guilt, but all she can think about is how if she’d done her job properly, everyone would be fine. Zac suggests that they can drive themselves crazy with “what ifs” – or they can just accept it for what it was – an accident. But it’s clear, Roo can’t do that. Later, Roo breaks down looking at a photo of Oscar on the family fridge.

Bella discovers the photos of Phoebe and is suspicious; realising that they’re not just friends. Dom comes clean, revealing he and Phoebe are dating. Bella’s scared she’s trying to replace her mum and yells at Phoebe to go away. Dom eventually encourages Bella to apologise. She does so under duress, but before they can finish ordering dinner she deletes all of the fundraiser photos on the camera. Phoebe is stunned when Dom does not reprimand Bella for her actions and berates him; Bella needs discipline. Defensive, Dom reckons Phoebe doesn’t know what she’s talking about; she’s not a parent. Flaring, Phoebe exits.

Kat nervously tries to prepare dinner despite Ash’s flirtatious interruptions, but grows more anxious when Billie suggests Phoebe is going to lose it when she finds out. Eager to get this done, Kat goes to text Phoebe to see when she’ll be home, only to find a message from Phoebe saying she’s having dinner at Dom’s and won’t be home ‘til late. The idea of waiting another day is unbearable for both Kat and Ash and they quickly find themselves in the throes of passion once more. They start heading for Kat’s room, tearing each other’s clothes off when Phoebe arrives home and catches them together. She’s furious.