Episode 6513

Extended Summary

Zac and Leah inspect the smoke damaged lockers. The firefighters have informed him that it appears to have been started deliberately. Leah wonders who would do something like this. At the diner talk of the fire makes Ellie nervous, which is not lost on Matt. Matt searches through Ellie’s school bag at the apartment, finding a lighter. Ellie tries to deny her involvement but is forced to admit she started the fire. She says she was trying to destroy her assignment and it simply got out of hand. Ellie begs Matt not to tell Zac, worried she’ll be expelled – they could take her away from him. Matt is confronted by the idea, but later finds himself at the MacGuire household for dinner. Zac informs him that they have a suspect, ‘Tabitha;’ the fire started in her locker. Matt’s guilt peaks at the notion of an “innocent” girl taking the fall for Ellie. He discusses what to do with Evelyn; Tabitha has done bad things in the past after all. He’s so confused, he just wants to do the right thing by Ellie. Evelyn convinces him that letting her get away with this wouldn’t be doing that… Ellie is completely in shock when Matt, Evelyn and Zac call her to the principal’s office. Ellie is given a week’s suspension. At home, Ellie is ultimately grateful that Matt dobbed her in – she feels better now everything is out in the open.

Phoebe unloads to Billie, she can’t believe that Justin doesn’t trust her. Billie tries to talk her down, saying that of course Justin trusts her. Phoebe just wishes he’d show it by taking her side for a change. Justin meanwhile, unwinds with a beer, telling a cynical Brody he’s not at fault here. Phoebe later finds herself also having a drink with Brody. She’s sick of Hope and is convinced there’s something dodgy about her. She would bet money that Hope was scamming John Palmer about her broken phone screen. Brody is quick to confirm her suspicions. He witnessed Hope crack the screen earlier himself. Brody sets the record straight with Justin, who is left feeling like a complete idiot. Justin later gives a heartfelt apology to Phoebe, it’s clear she’s touched, but things between them remain tense. Has Justin done real damage?

Evelyn spends the afternoon trying desperately to study, but the Summer Bay House is bursting at the seams with life. She’s pushed further when VJ and Billie fill her room with baby gear. After failing for the fifteenth time, Evelyn finds a quiet spot at Salt to study, before explaining to Phoebe how stressed she is about being behind on uni work. Phoebe suggests she move into the farmhouse. Evelyn is touched but nervous about breaking it to Leah.

John’s having a slow day at work trying to lift Surf Club gear that’s too heavy for him. Marilyn is onto him, he’s punishing himself to avoid thinking of Chris. John tries to be stoic but soon admits he really is missing his mate. Marilyn is worried, but John explains, he’s actually just feeling emotional. John is proud of Chris for finally living his life. Marilyn is determined to cheer John up, leading him to surprise romantic boat trip. An over-excited John makes to step onto the boat, but slips over, going down hard. Marilyn yells for help. Is John going to be okay?