Episode 6637

Extended Summary

Kat finds Patrick meditating at the beach. He assures her that he’s working through his issues. But Kat is suspect, not sure he’s doing enough. Ash arrives full of energy, he may have just made a huge stride in his efforts to gain custody of Luc. He’s found them a place to live, the Pier Apartment. Being a settled couple will look better for the mediator. Kat always loved that apartment, but doesn’t think they can afford it. Ash has a plan, however, suggesting Patrick move in and help pay rent. Kat is taken aback, Patrick says he’ll consider the offer.

Leah is aghast at Irene’s plan to fight for custody of Luc. Irene maintains she’s doing it to prevent Ash from getting Luc – they may never see the baby again if Ash wins out. Leah is flabbergasted that Irene rates Ash’s odds of winning that highly – he’s a convicted armed robber! Leah argues that Billie wanted VJ to have custody, but Irene knows they can’t prove that. Irene’s operating out of fear for Luc, but Leah’s frustration bubbles over. It’s a messy situation and things escalate quickly. Zac arrives just as Irene leaves and finally learns about the custody battle over Luc.

VJ is worried, another person questioning his ability to look after Luc looks even worse. Zac offers to help anyway he can but neither VJ or Leah have any time for him.

Kat tells Ash that she’s worried about Patrick – his sleep walking and night terror’s can’t have just disappeared. She’s not comfortable having a baby around such a troubled guy. Ash is keen to keep his brother around though, asking Kat to give him a chance – Ash would do the same for her family.

Justin remains angry at Phoebe for accepting the offer to move to America for a year without discussing it with him. He can’t believe she would simply expect him to up stumps and go with her. Tori calls Justin out on his posturing – this is about his ego. Tori assures Justin that she could look after Brody and Raffy if he left. Brody serves them at Salt, but he’s not looking good. Tori privately wonders if he’s using again. Justin assures her that he’s been keeping an eye on Brody.

Phoebe is all apologies when she finds Justin, but she stands her ground on the decision – this is her big break. She thinks it would be amazing if he came with her. Phoebe put so much on hold for his family dramas, and this was her chance to be a little bit selfish. Justin understands, and gives in – “Just tell me what to pack.” The couple are excited, they’re going to America! The Morgans react well to the news, Raffy is already planning a trip to Disneyland. Brody, however, is feeling overwhelmed by it all, and puts in a call to Lena, he needs another hit… When Lena calls back, Justin snatches the phone from Brody. He’s busted him trying to score again. Justin is hurt by Brody’s lies. But Brody denies all, escaping the accusations.

Irene arrives early for the meeting with the mediator, promising Leah and VJ that if she gets custody she will give them as much access as they like. Emotions peak during the mediation, as Ash accuses VJ and Leah of not coping with the baby. Irene’s past as an alcoholic is quickly brought up. Ash calls everyone out on their mistakes with Luc over the last few weeks. He brings up VJ’s attack on Zac last week. The mediator suspects that VJ has a violent streak. When the mediator picks up on Irene’s hesitance, VJ is forced to admit that he once shook Luc’s cot. Things aren’t looking good for VJ… Irene eventually admits that she believes Luc would be better with her than with Leah and VJ.
The mediator calls an end to proceedings. They clearly aren’t going to reach a compromise. It’s up to the courts now to decide who has interim custody.

Leah assures VJ that he’s not a bad father. He made a mistake with Luc, one that he will never repeat. She’s convinced that no court would give a baby to Ash, even if he did come off the best during the mediation.

Patrick agrees to move in with Ash and Kat.

Phoebe finds Justin, looking devasted. He’s having second thoughts. Phoebe is shocked to learn that Brody is on drugs. Justin says it’s a problem, and it’s getting out of hand. Phoebe suggests that it’s time to tell everyone then. Keeping it a secret hasn’t helped Brody…

The phone call comes in from the mediator – Ash has been given interim parental responsibility for six months. VJ has to give up Luc immediately… VJ beats himself up over the situation, wishing he had been a better Dad to Luc. When Ash and Kat arrive for the baby, VJ begs for them to let him hold on to Luc for just one more week. Feeling for them, Ash agrees. One week, that’s all.

Brody comes home to the family, and is shocked to discover that Justin has told Tori and Mason – his drug habit is no longer a secret. Justin tells him to sit down, they’re going to have this out.