Episode 6499

Extended Summary

Olivia waits for Tabitha on the beach; she’s called her here about something important. When Tabitha arrives, she makes up a story about going to Hunter’s van last night to apologise and says Hunter came onto her, and they kissed. Olivia is shocked to her core as Tabitha makes it clear she would never kiss him, she hates him but this is what Hunter does – disappoint Olivia. Hunter runs up, trying to explain what really happened to Olivia but she walks off, shattered. Hunter follows her back home and tells her the truth, but Olivia can’t swallow it. She’s crushed that after going out for almost a year, Hunter couldn’t even tell that Tabitha wasn’t her. Hunter pleads this is want Tabitha wants, to get between them, but Olivia screams for him to get out. Irene runs up as Hunter goes, seeing a distressed Olivia burst into tears.

Hunter tries to get advice from VJ, but he’s dealing with his own stuff – a pregnant girlfriend, a van overflowing with baby stuff and nowhere to study. VJ is under a lot of pressure. Leah is in the Diner with Billie trying to convince her it’s time they moved into the house with her, Zac & Alf. Billie is surprised the offer is there, but Leah assures she knew they would both move in eventually. Billie is grateful but knows VJ won’t go for it – he wants to stand on his own two feet and she doesn’t want to make things any harder for him by pushing him. Later, VJ is building their baby cot at the van when Billie arrives home. VJ wanted to surprise her as an apology for being a grouch lately. Billie’s sorry too for her part of their bickering, but wonders how they’re going to cope when the baby comes if they’re always fighting? She mentions Leah’s offer to have them in the house but VJ is adamant they’re doing this themselves. Later, when VJ tries to get the built cot into the van, it won’t fit through the door! It’s the last straw for VJ and Billie pleads that something needs to change if they’re going to have the life they want with their baby girl. Will VJ reconsider moving back home?

Looking after Ellie isn’t getting any easier for Matt, who continues to struggle to get her to go to school. Roo’s concerned Ellie’s reluctance is a symptom of some other problem, but Ellie won’t tell Matt what’s wrong. Worried about his sister, Matt asks Phoebe to keep an eye on her at school. Phoebe strikes a rapport with Ellie, who thinks Phoebe’s cool, but Phoebe puts her foot in it when she mentions Matt is worried about her. Ellie tells Phoebe to tell Matt to get off her case and walks off in a huff.

Olivia tells the story of what happened last night to Irene, who’s sympathetic – and also thinks it sounds like Hunter is a victim in all this as well. Olivia agrees but is still annoyed he was so gullible! Olivia is hurt Tabitha, who calls herself Olivia’s best friend, would do this. Olivia decides it’s time to get Tabitha out of her life for good, and Irene can’t deny it might be a good idea. At school, Olivia lets Tabitha down gently, explaining why she can no longer be her friend. Losing the person she admires most in the world sends Tabitha into a spin. Hunter goes to Olivia at school to admit he was in the wrong and plead for her forgiveness, and she concedes she believes his version of events. Hunter thinks they’re good now, but Olivia is clearly still very upset. When Hunter questions her about their future, Olivia admits she thinks this pattern is just them all over – something always gets in the way of them being together. It’s just too hard. Hunter, scared, wonders if she’s saying this is the end for them? Olivia says she’s sorry but needs to look after herself now. Both are left crushed.

Meanwhile Tabitha, using her sick sister as an excuse for her problems, pleads with Irene to talk Olivia around. But Irene holds strong. She gently encourages Tabitha to speak with her counsellor. Tabitha returns to school mourning the loss of the only true friend she’s had. She’s looking at photos of Olivia in her locker when Hunter arrives and drives in the knife, saying Tabitha deserves everything she gets. A darkness falls over Tabitha. She tells Hunter he’ll pay for this. He and Olivia both will. Her threat leaves Hunter unsettled.

Billie and VJ come into the house to Leah and, with a little residual hesitation from VJ, they accept Leah’s offer to move in. After VJ checks they wouldn’t be stepping on Leah & Zac’s toes (considering what’s been going on recently), Leah insists they wouldn’t and is thrilled – she’s had the room ready for weeks! VJ and Billie are both relieved they’ve finally found a solution and things will hopefully be a little easier from now on.

Towards the end of the school day, Phoebe finds an anxious Ellie feigning illness to get out of a test. Phoebe gets Ellie to admit she’s worried because there’s a history test today. Phoebe encourages Ellie to speak to her teacher. But instead Ellie struggles through the test, hardly answering a question. Later, Matt arrives to pick up Ellie and finds Phoebe. He asks what she found out and Phoebe admits Ellie’s a hard one. Back in the classroom the bell rings and Ellie hasn’t finished her test. When her teacher questions Ellie about this and accuses her of not doing her homework, Ellie flips. She shoves her table over and screams how she doesn’t care, just as Matt and Phoebe come in, having heard the commotion. Matt tries to stop Ellie from storming off but she yells at him – she hates it here and wishes she’d never come! As she runs off, Matt and Phoebe are left worried as to what’s really going on with Ellie.