Episode 7286

Extended Summary

The morning after being evicted from the motel, Ari wakes Gemma and Nikau up who have slept in the car. He assures them that it is only temporary solution. He’s hopeful that the doctor will clear him to return to work today. Nikau declares he’s going to find a job. As she walks past, Marilyn clocks Gemma folding up a sleeping bag and realises what happened the night before. She expresses her concern to Roo. In the city, Tane rings Gemma to check in. Emotional, Gemma struggles to hide her tears, but when asked, tells Marilyn she’s fine.

Marilyn brings up seeing them packing up the car in the morning. Gemma breaks down, explaining it all stems from Mikaere’s death. Marilyn offers up her house, but the offer is rejected. Meanwhile, John catches Ari and Nikau showering and washing their clothes at the beach. He tells the Parata boys that the showers aren’t to be used for these purposes. Afterwards, Nikau runs into Roo. After bringing up the fact he crashed Alf’s wedding, Roo asks him to help her out. Once he’s finished, Roo gives him $50 for his work and asks if he’d be interested in staying on as a casual. He agrees, grateful.

After Ari finishes at the hospital, he reveals to Gemma that the doctor hasn’t signed him off. He’ll be out of action for, at least, another week. Sick of the lying, Gemma begs Ari for honesty between them. They have the face the truth – they’re homeless. Realising Nikau’s efforts, Gemma accepts Marilyn’s offer to stay at her house. When the Paratas arrive, Marilyn tells them that they are welcome, but when John returns home, he’s uncomfortable with their presence. Ari, Gemma and Nikau excuse themselves so Marilyn and John talk things over. John voices his protest, but Marilyn tells him that the Paratas are staying, no arguments.

Elsewhere, Ryder catches up with Mackenzie, who he notes is dressed up for work. She explains she has a blind date whom she is meeting. She asks him to keep it a secret from her brother. When they run into Dean, Ryder’s weirdness is picked up on by Dean but brushed off. Explaining herself to Ryder, Mackenzie reveals she is sick of being lonely, and wants to give the date a real chance. As such, they discuss what to do should Dean arrive. When Mackenzie brings Dean lunch, he realises that there is something going on. He shirt-fronts Ryder, which results in him spilling about his sister’s Smouldr date. Revealing he knows all, Dean throws his support behind Mackenzie putting her hat back in the dating ring.

Nervous about her date, Mackenzie hatches a plan with Ryder should she need saving. However, when her date arrives, she realises she’s been catfished by her ex-boyfriend, Jason. It took some time but he’s finally tracked her down – he wants his share of the money she stole from Rick.