Episode 8385

Extended Summary

Perri and Tane are performing a taiaha ritual on the beach. Not far away, Harper meets up with Kaia, who notes she seemed to be the best person to ask about Perri, given his request for space. She notices Perri using the taiaha and says that it was a connection like that which was the reason she wanted to take him to New Zealand.

At the surf club, Dana complains about John walking away from her and talks about systemic misogyny and how all the male lifesavers can drive the buggy. John says that they’ve been inducted to do so and if Dana looks at her e-mails she’ll see the paperwork she needs to fill in. He reminds her that she said she wanted to cut back on patrols and says he didn’t want to put more pressure on. Deflated, he says she can resign if working with a dinosaur like him is too hard.

At the Diner, Leah is apologetic about losing her rings. Justin tries to reassure her they’ll turn up. Marilyn asks when she last remembers having them on her hand and Leah says that morning. Justin asks what the first thing she did when she got there was and Leah recalls unpacking the stock. She starts grabbing boxes from the store room.

Tane and Perri are heading home. Tane notes he thought getting out of the house might make Perri feel better and asks if he’s had any more thoughts about talking to his mum. Perri recalls Tane said there was no rush. Tane agrees but says Perri has to make a decision some time. Perri says for the first time in a long while he’s got nothing to worry about.

Xander serves Bree a plate of chips at Salt. Since Remi has been called away to session work, she invites him to join her on his break. Dana storms up, saying she’s going to kill Xander. Bree asks if they want privacy and Xander asks for a witness. Dana says he should have stopped her confronting John. Xander points out he tried. Dana waves her phone in his face and explains she has several e-mails inviting her to train to use the buggy. Xander and Bree suggest it’s just a misunderstanding. Dana takes a handful of chips and leaves.

Tane suggests to Perri they go to a movie or something but Perri just wants to stay at home. Harper turns up and is revealed to have Kaia with her. Perri accuses Tane of arranging an ambush but Kaia says she asked Harper to bring her there. Perri silently nods agreement at her coming in. Kaia says she doesn’t want to cause him any more harm so she’s going back to New Zealand tomorrow and wanted to say goodbye. Perri gives a perfunctory goodbye and Kaia leaves. Harper apologises and follows her. Tane asks Perri if that’s really what he wants. Harper and Kaia walk away from the house. Harper suggests the last few weeks have been hard on Perri and Kaia says it’s been years. Perri suddenly rushes after them, with Tane watching from a distance, and asks Kaia if she’d like to have dinner tonight. Kaia happily agrees.

Dana approaches John at the loading bay, not with a resignation letter but with her completed induction form. Still rather muted, John asks when she wants to start. Dana half-seriously suggests right now and John says they’ll start first thing in the morning. He closes the roller door on her as she attempts to suggest they have a drink or dinner.

Marilyn is trying to work as Leah and Justin sort through the last of the boxes. Leah recalls she did the washing up next and suspects the rings are down the sink. Justin goes to get his tools. Alf arrives, shortly followed by Bree. Alf apologises for Roo having a go. Bree understands and says she wishes she could explain. Alf says the important thing is she’s doing what she needs to.

Xander settles Harper, Tane, Kaia and Perri at a table in Salt. Kaia thanks Perri for inviting her and asks why he did. Perri says he didn’t want to say goodbye like that. Kaia says she’s glad to see the life he’s built for himself and suggests leaving her contact details in case he wants to call or visit. She takes his hand and says she never stopped loving him. Perri abruptly heads out onto the balcony and Tane follows. Perri thanks Tane for everything he’s done but says he wants to go with Kaia. Tane gives an understanding smile.

While Justin dismantles the sink, John is telling him about Dana. Justin says John can be a bit old school. John says he’s not sexist and Dana should know that. He leaves and Marilyn comments on him just coming in to complain. She notes the dirty dishes are piling up. Leah goes to clear room on the counter and knocks the rings on the floor. She doesn’t want to tell Justin after all the trouble he’s gone to, so drops them into a pipe and feigns surprise when he finds them. Marilyn doesn’t look too happy.

At the bar in Salt, Dana wonders to Xander why John hasn’t accepted it’s a misunderstanding. Xander suggests she focuses on the positives, like the fact she’s about to be a qualified buggy driver. Harper and Kaia are about to leave when Tane and Perri come back. Perri tells Kaia that he wants to go with her. Kaia is pleased and hugs him. Tane looks a bit disappointed.

Next morning, John and Dana are sat in the buggy, with him telling her to check the mirrors, reminding her pedestrians have right of way and finally telling her to start the engine and slowly move off. Xander and Bree approach, commenting on Dana getting her own way, and walk past the slowly moving vehicle. Dana gives Xander an awkward wave and John tells her to keep her hands on the wheel. Dana asks if they can go faster.

Tane and Perri exit the Parata house; Harper and Kaia are waiting by the car. Tane suggests going to the city with Perri to sort out his passport but Perri says he’s got it. They touch foreheads in farewell before Perri dunks Tane with a martial arts move. He tells Harper he’s sorry he won’t see them become parents and Harper tells him to stay in touch. Kaia hugs both Tane and Harper before she and Perri drive off.

Back at the surf club, John tells Dana she’s now qualified to drive the buggy. Dana asks if they can do something to celebrate and asks John not to hold on to something so small. John says it might be small to her but she said some hurtful things: He thought the world of her but now he knows how little she thinks of him. He closes the door on her.

Harper and Tane go back inside and notice Perri has left the child’s basketball. Harper finds a note under it saying “For Baby!” Harper says Tane’s the reason Perri’s having a second chance at this life and suspects a part of Tane is disappointed. Tane says he’s glad Perri’s got his family back. Harper says the baby is lucky to have him as a father. Tane kisses her.