Episode 6454

Extended Summary

Having come face to face with her rapist, Billie’s distraught, as she tells Phoebe that Irene’s son raped her. Phoebe offers to call the police, promising to support her. But to Pheobe’s surprise, Billie doesn’t want to tell them. No amount of arguing can change Billie’s mind. Ash soon interrupts, bringing Billie a gift for the baby. Billie grows emotional, feeling increasingly guilty about the web of lies she’s created. Later in the day, a worried Phoebe finds Billie on the pier. She hopes, having had time to think, Billie will have changed her mind. But again she refuses to go to the police – she’s pregnant, and happy for the first time in forever, she can’t risk that. Phoebe relents as Billie breaks down into tears. Later, VJ holds Billie in his arms. With every passing moment it gets harder for Billie to keep up the charade.

Angelo’s has a new boss and he has plans to make his restaurant the best eatery on the East Coast. But there’s one problem – his staff. Under pressure to perform and make his restaurant a success, Brody finds fault in everything his staff do. There’s dirty glasses on tables and the service is slow. He recruits a reluctant Mason into the family business, who can only see fraternal conflict on the horizon. Brody comes down particularly hard on Phoebe, who has gone awol during her shift to help Billie. When she returns Phoebe tries to explain, but Brody won’t listen. In the chaos, Matt and Mason strike up a friendship and have a friendly wager on who will get the better of who – Brody or Phoebe? Phoebe stands her ground until Brody threatens to sack her.

Matt later catches Mason texting, and assumes it’s to a girlfriend. Matt admits his own girlfriend left him for the city, they couldn’t do long distance, sometimes you’ve just got to cut the cord. Brody catches them chatting and once again comes down hard. When Brody finds out Josh has been in prison, he’s out the door too. Seeing growing dissent amongst the staff Mason decides to take action. He learns Brody’s spent the family’s entire savings on this restaurant, which is why he’s being so intense. Mason understands what’s at stake, but also suggests Brody pull back or he won’t have any staff left. When Brody catches Phoebe using her mobile phone to call Billie, it seems she’s going to get her marching orders. But instead Brody softens. She’s to get her stuff and sort out her friend’s problems and not let it interfere with work again. Despite the tough boss act, Brody redeems himself.

After nearly a week in remand, Josh is out on bail. But he has trouble readjusting to his old life, especially knowing Andy is being held on murder charges because of him. When Josh is denied shifts at Salt based on his crimes, he lashes out, throwing rubbish around outside the building. Evelyn watches on, taken aback by his intensity. Meeting up later with Mason and Matt, Evelyn suggests that they all hang out. But Josh snaps, making it clear that everything has changed. Things can’t go back to the way they were. He stalks off leaving the group in his wake.

A nervous Hunter is preparing to learn if he’s going to juvey. It’s his sentencing hearing today for the charges he pleaded guilty to – stabbing Andy and burning down Leah’s house. Despite Zac trying to reassure him, Hunter’s not expecting to be back in Summer Bay for a while. VJ’s pleased and shocked to see Hunter return and learns he got a suspended sentence and community service. Even better, it’s on the beach helping restore the dunes. Hunter still seems pretty down about everything. Zac tells Hunter to try to appreciate this turn of events. He can use this small win to move forward with his life.

Alf still hasn’t regained use of his arm following the stroke. Roo struggles to deal with his anger and demands. Witnessing this, Leah’s worries for Roo, but she’s more concerned about Alf – what if he doesn’t get any better? Privately, Alf struggles to come to terms with his situation in hospital.