Episode 7429

Extended Summary

Ari arrives home moments before Tane emerges from the bathroom. After briefly chatting about Nikau and about the city job, Ari asks how Mackenzie’s been. Tane says he hasn’t really seen her except at work, but he’s on his way there now and she’ll be in later. After Tane’s gone to get dressed, Ari texts Mackenzie to say he’s home and will see her at Salt. At the farm house, Ziggy hands Mackenzie her phone, saying it was in the bathroom and kept going off. Ziggy notices the lack of food other than yoghurt and vegetables in the fridge and decides to have breakfast at Salt. Mackenzie gets Ari’s text and admits she’s not really thought about things, just hoping the problems would go away.

Alf and Nikau are sitting in silence with Alf reading the paper. Alf hands Nikau the car section but Nikau isn’t familiar with it, saying he reads everything online. Ryder appears and Nikau tells him that Bella dumped him. Meanwhile, Roo is sitting listening in bewilderment as Owen reflects that he’s feeling like he’s been in Summer Bay for too long and it’s time to move on. He quips it’s one of the benefits of being broke and irresponsible and says he hasn’t stayed in one place as long as this since his dad died. Roo drily notes that there’s nothing to keep him there, which he seems oblivious to.

Irene and Marilyn are at the Diner when Roo turns up and tells them what Owen said about leaving. Marilyn wonders what that means for their relationship and Roo replies that he doesn’t even seem to be thinking about her. Meanwhile, Ryder and Nikau enter the surf club. Ryder isn’t surprised about Bella doing something crazy out of nowhere, but points out that it’s hard to give advice when Nikau won’t tell him either why they broke up (beyond that they had a fight with Colby) or what the deal with them running away was. He notes that Bella’s protective of Colby and offers to talk to her but Nikau doesn’t think it’s a good idea.

Tane serves Ari at Salt, shortly before Mackenzie and Ziggy arrive. Mackenzie offers to sit and eat with Ari but he suggests they go for a walk instead. Mackenzie asks Tane to cover. Ziggy asks a distracted Tane for eggs benedict, saying Mackenzie’s paying. Mackenzie and Ari walk along a bush path and Ari asks if she’s given any thought to the future. Mackenzie says she’s given some but she still doesn’t know. She says things have got intense and she wishes they could go back to how they were before.

Back at Salt, Tane turns down Ziggy’s suggestion of driving Mackenzie’s porsche, saying it’s no use with the speed limits around there and he’d never be able to keep to them. He is surprised to learn she’s a mechanic and Ziggy reminds him she got punched in the face because of him. Tane tries to flirt with her without success. Ryder and Nikau arrive and learn about Ari being back. Later, Mackenzie thanks Tane for covering. There is an awkward moment when he reaches across her and Mackenzie tells him he can go home early and will be paid the full shift. After he’s gone, Ziggy asks Mackenzie what happened with Ari. Mackenzie says she likes being with him – not only is he nice and hot but he makes her feel important – but she doesn’t love him yet and she thinks he wants her to.

Roo and Marilyn approach the caravan park house. Marilyn suggests Roo talk to Owen but Roo doesn’t want to beg him to stay. Alf approaches and Roo makes herself scarce. Alf asks Marilyn what’s going on, saying he’ll ask Owen if Marilyn doesn’t tell him. Marilyn explains about Owen leaving. Alf decides to go and talk to him. He finds Owen outside his caravan and challenges him about leaving. Owen is surprised Alf’s bothered and Alf explains it’s Roo. Owen realises she thinks he’s bailing on her and agrees to talk to her.

Owen approaches Roo outside the house and says he’s been a fool. Roo thinks he saw it as just a bit of fun between them but Owen insists that’s not the case: He needs to visit Evan’s grave and wants Roo to come with him. Meanwhile, Tane arrives home, disappointing Nikau who isn’t looking forward to being caught up in an argument. Tane explains to Ari about being sent home. Both are surprised when Nikau tells them he and Bella broke up. He says she knows how he feels, and if it’s not enough for her then he’ll move on. Ari looks thoughtful and heads out.

At the Diner, Roo jabbers about Owen needing an answer today. Marilyn struggles to get a word in and Irene says they’d probably tear each other apart. Ryder steps in and says Roo’s already made up her mind. Roo realises he’s right. Soon after, Roo and Owen are saying goodbye to Alf, Marilyn and Ryder outside the house. Ryder offers himself as a third wheel. Owen promises Alf he’ll look after Roo. Alf demands a souvenir and Owen says he’ll get a novelty hat and teaspoon. Ryder promises Roo he’ll remember to water the plant in her room this time. The pair drive off. Seeing Ryder’s expression, Alf notes there’s a touch of déjà vu. Marilyn says it’s different this time.

Ari marches into Salt and demands a proper answer from Mackenzie about their future. Mackenzie says she was telling the truth when she said she didn’t know. Ari wonders if she’s afraid because she doesn’t see a future or because she does. Mackenzie refuses to discuss it there and Ari leaves. Meanwhile, Marilyn finds Ryder sitting in the caravan park. He notes Roo and Owen leaving was like the last time he saw his dad, and every time he thinks he’s moving on there’s a reminder. Marilyn suggests he go to the Diner with her.

Ari arrives home and accuses Tane of messing things up between him and Mackenzie, saying it was down to Tane that she moved out. Tane says Ari lost the girl and not to blame him. At Salt, Mackenzie is complaining to Ziggy about Ari’s ultimatum. Tane comes in; he is unhappy about being blamed but Mackenzie says they’d all have been better off if he’d never come to town. Tane looks hurt and leaves. Ziggy notes Mackenzie isn’t making it easy on herself.