Episode 6597

Extended Summary

Billie reels upon learning that she’s dying. Feeling terrible for her, Nate then has to break the news to VJ, Ash and Leah. Ash lashes out in anger, shocked by Nate’s revelation but eventually accepts that there’s nothing more that can be done. VJ is speechless with horror at first, and wants to be with Billie. He rushes back to her room and they hold each other, devastated. Although deeply upset herself, Leah focuses on supporting VJ and Billie, but has to inform Zac and Alf of what’s happened. Zac’s still mulling over Nate’s advice to fix things with Leah while he has a chance, so he’s glad to get a call from his wife – until he hears the news…

After the initial shock has worn off, VJ struggles to accept there’s nothing that can help Billie. Starting to make peace with her fate, Billie urges VJ not to make things harder on himself by hanging on to false hope. It’s a message also meant for her brother, and Billie asks for a minute alone with Ash. Knowing she may not get another chance, Billie apologises for everything she’s put her brother through. Ash hates her talking as if it’s the end but, as Billie matter of factly points out, it is. Still not ready to come to terms with that, Ash can only manage to say that he loves her. Billie loves him too.

Leah tries to comfort VJ as it sinks in that all the plans he’d started to make for his life with Billie are never going to happen. While Billie takes comfort in Luc when Zac and Alf bring her to the hospital, she’s also aware that someone important is missing from her gathered family and friends – Irene. Leah promises to track her down. Alone with Billie, VJ realises there’s one thing on his list of plans that’s still possible – they could get married. He asks Billie to be his wife – he wants them to wed today. Although surprised, Billie agrees. The decision causes some concern amongst the others, but ultimately everyone supports the couple’s choice and they all pitch in to make it happen.

Phoebe and Kat learn of Billie’s diagnosis and rush to the hospital. Kat isn’t sure how her presence will go down with Ash but their issues are irrelevant under the circumstances. Billie appreciates their visit and asks them to stay for the wedding. No one has been able to track down Irene and Alf and Leah wonder about what Billie has planned for Luc’s care after her passing. They both agree now is not the time to press the issue, however, and Billie marries VJ from her hospital bed in a brief but touching ceremony.

Before Luc goes home with Leah for the night, Billie gets a moment alone with her daughter. Gutted she won’t be there to watch Luc grow up, Billie promises she’ll be an amazing person despite the challenges she’s already facing. Leah takes Luc home and Zac tries to comfort his wife, seeing how distressed he is. But when he alludes to their issues with Sam as being trivial, Leah reacts badly, disgusted that he’s using Billie’s death to justify his actions. Zac’s frustrated by Leah’s continued lack of understanding.

While Kat and Phoebe battle with the unfairness of Billie’s situation, they also worry about Ash. Ash refuses to leave Billie’s side but she eventually coaxes him to go home for some sleep. She then asks VJ for a favour – she wants to see the sun come up over the beach, one last time. VJ’s reluctant to do anything that might make her condition worse but ultimately agrees. Ash arrives early the next morning to find Billie’s room empty – she’s watching the sunrise with VJ. At peace on the beach, Billie dies in her husband’s arms.