Episode 6445

Extended Summary

Leah gets a call from her brother who’s pulled a sports injury at home and Leah tells Zac she wants to go and help. Zac understands although Leah is reluctant to leave with all the recent turmoil with the kids. Zac and Leah then spy Billie at the beach, clearly in a downtrodden mood, leaving them concerned. Leah has to leave things up to Zac however, as later in the day she heads off to her brother’s.

At the diner, VJ is giving Olivia a serve for being harsh to Billie. Olivia thinks she’s not the one at fault but VJ wants her to apologise to Billie and find a way to get along. Billie, meanwhile, is given food for thought on hearing John’s regret that Skye has run off, thinking she’s too young to be making such big decisions for her life. She hasn’t lived yet. Billie is reminded of VJ’s young age. When VJ turns up on Billie’s doorstep to apologise for Olivia’s behaviour, Billie tries to do the right thing and break it off but VJ refuses to walk away. Instead, he insists that he’s ready to make a family with her, with Leah and Zac’s support. It’s not just about the baby; he loves her and wants to make her happy. Desperate for security, Billie buckles and makes up with VJ. But the guilt over the paternity lie is still nagging at her…

Alf reveals to Roo that he knows she’s still on the pills – Matt told him. Roo denies it and when Matt calls her on the lie, Roo continues to avoid the issue. Alf concedes that he can’t force her to get help but underlines that they’ll wait back at the house for her. Roo, proud, refuses his help. Later, Alf is shaken at Roo’s resistance, while Matt wonders if they made a mistake by bringing up her problems. But then Roo turns up at the house, asking Matt and Alf if they can talk. Roo battles through to admit that she’s not coping on her own. With their support, Roo sees a path out of her despair – and is pleasantly surprised when Matt turns up at her apartment with a box of stuff, ready to move back in. They might make an odd couple but their bond is strong.

Hunter is confused by Olivia’s refusal to accept Billie – even at the cost of losing VJ’s friendship. Olivia finally admits that she’s scared of losing her squad. With Skye gone, VJ busy with Billie and Irene away in the city, she’s feeling abandoned. She also fears with the hearing over Hunter’s arson charge coming up, she might lose him too. Hunter buries her concern, swearing he’ll be fine. He then draws a comparison between Olivia and Billie – they’re both strong women who speak their mind. Maybe Olivia should reconsider giving her a chance. With his support, Olivia apologises to Billie and a truce is struck – much to VJ’s relief.

Later that night, John arrives home to find Skye in the kitchen – John can’t believe it. But Skye soon clarifies she’s just here to pick up some things, and say goodbye. John asks her to reconsider, but Skye is adamant this is the life she wants. She’s mature about it though, thanking John for everything he’s done for her and for teaching her to stand up for herself again. And she’s doing that now – making her own decisions. John doesn’t want to ket go but feels he has to. He reminds Skye he’ll always be here if she needs anything. Skye hugs him one last time and walks out the door. John is crestfallen but at least feels like she might be okay.

Hanging out at the farm house with VJ and Billie, Olivia is thrown when she gets a call from Irene and all she can hear are scuffling sounds, then a hang up. Olivia tries to call back but only gets voicemail, then a text from Irene pops up, calling Olivia by an odd nickname – “Oli”. It’s enough to send Olivia to Chris. She’s had a feeling for weeks that something isn’t right about Irene’s continuing silence. Chris discounts her concern but Olivia vows that it’s time to take action.

Little does Olivia know that Hunter’s world has just been turned upside down when a journalist calls the house asking for comment and reveals that Andy Barrett has confessed to murdering his mother. Zac has to tell Hunter when he overhears, leaving Hunter stunned. With Leah not around, Zac is left to worry where this new information will lead Hunter…