Episode 6709

Extended Summary

At the diner Roo asks VJ how his studies are going. VJ says he’s doing okay but reveals that Hunter is struggling with English due to being preoccupied by the search for his dad. Roo offers to help tutor Hunter, VJ is sure he will appreciate it. Roo approaches Hunter at Summer Bay High and suggests that they get started with the tutoring but Hunter isn’t very enthusiastic. He tries to politely decline, he knows she means well but doesn’t think it will make that much of a difference. Seeing that Hunter is still clearly distracted by the whole issue with his dad Roo tries to make Hunter see that he needs to focus on studying for his HSC; his dad will still be out there for him to find once he is finished with his studies. During the tutoring session Roo makes good progress with Hunter, he just needs help with his confidence more than anything. Maggie sees this from afar and asks Roo if she would be willing to take on some extra tutoring work. Maggie expresses her fears that Raffy is falling behind in her studies due to all of her problems at home and wants Roo to tutor her. Roo is more than happy to and offers to broach the subject with John and Marilyn. Hunter shares with VJ that his tutoring session went well when Wally comes to talk to him. Wally reveals to Hunter that he is in fact his father, leaving Hunter overjoyed.

John receives news from Tori that Mason has an infection and isn’t allowed to have any visitors at the hospital. Marilyn and John break the news to Raffy as she gets ready for her visit. Raffy still insists that they should still go and be with him but John is firm; doctor’s orders. Marilyn suggests that Raffy should go to school to take her mind off of things. At school Coco tries to catch Raffy before class, hoping to make amends after their recent fight. Maggie notices Coco heading in the wrong direction and when Coco explains Maggie insists that she can apologise to Raffy later. Roo comes to talk to John, Marilyn and Raffy about the possibility of being Raffy’s tutor, letting them know that the offer is there if they would like to take it. John and Marilyn think it is a great idea while Raffy becomes increasingly frustrated; she doesn’t care about school, she just wants to see Mason. Maggie shares with Ben later that night that Coco has seemed down lately. As Coco emerges from her room Ben asks her how school is going. Coco convinces them that she’s fine, she’s been making friends, when in fact she hasn’t. As Coco leaves the room her façade falls.

Having seen Tori leaving Ash’s apartment Kat storms up there and slaps Ash across the face, demanding to know how he could do this to her. After pleasing his ignorance Kat explains that she just saw Tori leaving and Ash is wearing only a towel. Realising what it looks like Ash assures Kat that she is mistaken and nothing happened. But Kat doesn’t believe his claims that it was harmless, Tori has feelings for him so how could it be? As Marilyn and John question whether they made the right decision by sending Raffy to school they are pulled over by Kat who informs John that his taillight is out. John promises to get it fixed but Kat flies off the handle and tells John that she will have to write him a ticket. Realising that something is wrong Marilyn gets out of the car and comforts Kat as she spills the beans about Ash and Tori, it definitely looks as though something is going on between them. Kat vents that she is tired of Ash not putting her first. At the diner later Marilyn and John run into Ash and tell him about their run in with Kat earlier. Realising that Kat’s behaviour is because of his actions Ash listens as Marilyn helps Ash see things from her side and understand how she is feeling. Kat’s been cheated on before in the past and Ash realises that he has been insensitive. When Kat finally comes over to see Ash he apologises and expresses that he understands what she is going through. He tells Kat that he loves her and needs her. Kat and Ash share a happy moment as they watch Luc crawl together.

Ben and Maggie argue about the renovation plans for the pier; Maggie wants to try and find a compromise that involves keeping Leah and the others happy but Ben feels as though his feelings aren’t being considered. This was his chance to make something of their new life here and she wants to take that away from him. When Ben pops into the diner Leah makes an effort to be amicable towards him, offing him a muffin on the house. But Ben insists upon paying for his food, saying that he’d rather keep things professional. Leah is left feeling taken back. When Leah visits the school to drop off VJ’s iPad she talks to Maggie and asks whether or not she’s done something to upset Ben, explaining the incident in the diner. Maggie explains the reason for her husband’s behaviour; she asked him not to go ahead with the renovations. Leah is touched that Maggie cares about the community and appreciates the effort. Ben and Maggie continue to argue about the pier renovations; Ben is frustrated that Maggie cares more about Leah’s feelings than the future they’ve planned together. After hugging it out Maggie asks Ben if he regrets giving up surfing. Maggie then realises that Ben has given up a lot for their family and it was inconsiderate of her to expect Ben to give up his first big renovation project. Maggie says she will back him on the renovations plans for the pier as long as he scraps the idea of building a new restaurant. They are both glad to have reached an agreement. Maggie breaks the news to Leah about the renovations going ahead, she apologises and explains that the renovations are important to Ben and she has to support him. Leah is understanding but a bit disappointed and Maggie expresses her desire to have Leah’s input.