Episode 8279

Extended Summary

Outside the surf club, Rose is telling Xander about what happened with Justin. Xander has his head buried in his phone and Rose says she charged Justin with wasting police time to make sure he’s listening. Xander explains he’s trying to get hold of Dana, who’s busy at the hospital. Kirby comes past and Rose comments that she thought Mali was taking the class. Kirby says he called and asked her to cover.

At the farm house, Mali is horrified by the money Iluka has, guessing this is the real reason he’s hiding out. Iluka admits he stole it from the Allens and says he’s using it for the trial and will pay them back once he’s signed for the NRL. Mali says Iluka’s put him and his housemates in danger by bringing the money there and also reveals his girlfriend’s a cop. When he realises Mali’s serious, Iluka grabs the bag of money and storms out.

At the beach house, Bronte is on the phone saying Irene hasn’t been there and she doesn’t want to spook her. Irene chooses that moment to come home, having been cleared. She asks how Bronte’s been. Bronte says she’s a bit worse but the doctors can only offer more pain relief and the Canada trial she can’t afford. Irene tells her about the contaminated pipes. Bronte goes to makes a cup of tea and learns that Leah’s back.

Later, Xander pops in to check on Irene. He is introduced to Bronte who says she thought she’d spend the time she has left in paradise, calling it black humour. She says she has an autoimmune disease with a very long name. Xander says his housemate’s a doctor if she needs help. Bronte say she’s up to her eyeballs in doctors. She announces she feels sick and rushes to the bathroom: They hear a hacking noise.

Iluka turns up at the surf club to a pleased greeting from Kirby. He looks at the photo of Mali with their dad and says Mali always had it easiest. He suggests they start their date now. Kirby protests that she’s working and Iluka asks if she has any classes. Kirby puts up the Gone Surfing sign. Later, they are having a drink on the balcony at Salt. Kirby is uncomfortable about leaving the shop when she told Mali she’d work and wonders why Iluka’s so down on him. She admits she doesn’t know him as well as Iluka but says he’s worked hard to get where he is. Iluka announces the date’s over and walks off.

Irene is chatting to Xander about Bronte’s lack of support and mentions the trial, saying she doesn’t know anything about it except it’s in Canada and costs a fortune. Bronte listens at the door as Xander warns overseas trial can be a scam. Irene says Bronte’s specialist recommended it. Bronte comes through and Xander offers to get Bree to look into the trial. Irene explains he used to be a paramedic. Bronte says she’s done a ton of research but can’t afford it, heading upstairs.

At the Diner, Leah and Justin are saying goodbye to the plumbers. Leah has a list of everything that’s been washed and disinfected but still isn’t sure if they’ll be allowed to reopen, as well as worrying about John and Marilyn being in hospital and other customers being sick. Justin says those who were sick are being treated now and convinces her to call the Department of Health.

At Salt, Kirby is telling Rose about her disastrous date with Iluka and notes she was looking forward to the gig. Rose hassn’t heard anything from Mali but suspects Iluka may have heard she’s a cop. She calls it ancient history. Xander comes in, on the phone to Dana and telling her about Bronte. Rose asks him to ask about John and Marilyn and he says they’re doing well. Rose suspects Kirby likes Iluka and she coyly notes he’s hot.

Down in the gym, Mali finds Iluka doing weights and says it’s hard to hide in a place like this. Iluka challenges him about shacking up with a cop. Mali says he hasn’t told her anything and the real issue is the money. Iluka says he’s trying to make something of himself. Mali says the moment has passed and calls it a ridiculous dream. Iluka insists it’s going to happen. Mali warns he’ll destroy his life.

Mali follows Iluka from the surf club. Rose gets out of her police car as Iluka drives off at some speed. Mali tells Rose it’s not about her but he can’t tell her the full story. Later, Mali arrives home to find Iluka packing. Iluka says he won’t stay where he’s considered a joke. Mali insists he doesn’t think that but Iluka’s too old to turn pro. Iluka admits he doesn’t know what to do. Mali suggests they figure it out together. Iluka jokingly suggests he become a supermodel before they hug.

Xander arrives at the beach house; Irene is off to join Leah at the Diner. Bronte comes down and Xander tells hsr he’s got some food that might help. After Irene’s gone, he asks Bronte if she’s thought about setting up a crowdfunding page. Bronte says she doesn’t like begging for money and wouldn’t know where to start. Xander offers to help. At the Diner, Leah shows Irene the notice confirming they can reopen. Irene offers to help her and Justin out and gets assigned to order new stock.

Xander chats to Bronte about the crowdfunding page and suggests making a video so people will connect with her story. He starts recording her on her phone and she give a rather faltering speech about her disease and not having long to live. As she explains how she was diagnosed, she suddenly slumps onto the couch. At the Diner, Irene tells Leah and Justin that Marilyn will be out of hospital tomorrow and John’s out of bed. Irene leaves and Leah and Justin muse it’s up to the customers now as they take the closed sign down.

Bronte is lying on the couch as Xander tends to her when Irene comes home. He says he’s checked her over and she’s fine but recommends seeing her specialist. Bronte says there’s nothing they can tell her and that she’s not ready to die. Irene hugs her and her face hardens out of view.