Beth and Jill are in the lounge room at Dural, having
returned from a walk in the grounds. Beth remarks to Jill that
it's a lovely garden, and Jill readily agrees. Beth then continues
that she enjoyed today - but she's sorry about Bert. Jill, though,
says it was her fault - she should have warned Beth that
he's not supposed to drink. Beth says she'll know better next
time. Jill replies, "If there is a next time..."
She looks at Beth anxiously, but Beth just says she's thinking
about making a move. Jill suggests that they could have lunch
tomorrow, but Beth says she's not sure, explaining that she has
a couple of people to catch up with to make her visit up there
look legitimate; at least she can tell her husband that she's
seen them. She suggests that she ring Jill when she's
more organised, and Jill agrees. Beth quickly adds that she's
not trying to fob Jill off; she's enjoyed the last two days more
than Jill would believe. As they go out into the hall, Wayne comes
downstairs and joins them. Jill tells Beth that she can borrow
a car and drive her home, but Beth hurriedly says she'll be OK.
Jill assures her that it's no trouble, but Wayne quickly steps
in and says he'll do it, adding that he's going to the
city anyway. Beth says that's settled then, adding, "Where
would we be without Wayne, eh?" Wayne turns to Jill and says,
"For you and your mum, anything." He and Beth go outside,
and Wayne shuts the front door. Beth immediately says she doesn't
know why she ever agreed to do this in the first place.
Wayne snaps that he doesn't know why he ever asked her.
They go to the car. Beth tells Wayne that she's managing alright;
Jill is happy enough. Wayne replies that he wants Jill to trust
her; it's not going to help getting Fiona offside. Beth points
out that she was doing OK 'til then. Wayne opens the car door
for her, and Beth sarcastically says, "Thankyou, Wayne. I
mustn't forget to tell Jill what a kind, generous person you are."
Wayne sourly says, "Right." Beth snaps if he wanted
acting, he should have hired an actress. Wayne retorts,
"Your sort are the best actresses in the world,
aren't they?"
A while later, Wayne's car pulls up outside a building
with a signboard labelled 'Swedish Massage - Female Escorts' over
the door. Wayne gets out of the car and quickly walks round to
Beth's side as she gets out. As they walk over to the path of
the Massage Parlour, Wayne asks what the problem is. Beth says
she doesn't know - she's starting to go off the whole idea. She
then asks Wayne why, if he's so sure he's the right guy for Jill,
he doesn't convince her himself, instead of getting her
to do it. Wayne reminds her that he told her about the bust-up:
no matter how much he tries to convince Jill that they'll work
again, she's still not going to believe him - especially with
Fiona putting him down; but if her mother tells her,
she will. Beth reluctantly says she supposes Wayne knows
what he's doing, but quite frankly, she feels like chucking the
whole thing in. Wayne, though, tells her there's no way - not
now she's started - he can hardly pull another mother
out of the hat; all she has to do is tell Jill what a kind-hearted
and generous person he is. Beth says, "Right..." adding
that she hasn't noticed the 'generous' part yet. Wayne reaches
into his pocket and takes out a bundle of money. Beth tells him
that he's looking better all the time! Wayne, though, tells her
to save it for Jill. Beth sourly remarks, "The things I do
for money..." Wayne goes back to his car, gets in
and drives off. As he does so, a man walks over to Beth and calls
out, "Meryn, what's going on?" Beth quickly tells him
- referring to him as Dan - that she's not turning tricks on the
side, but Dan says it certainly looks that way. He adds
that that young bloke - he indicates the car that's just driven
off - was in the other day as a customer. Beth replies
that Wayne is the craziest customer she's ever had -
and that's saying something! Dan asks the story is, and so Beth
explains that Wayne came into the room and told her that he just
wanted to have a talk; she thought, "Here we go, one of that
type, eh?" Then he put this crazy idea on her: he's paying
her to pretend to be his girlfriend's mother - although she's
not really his girlfriend, although he wants
her to be; he told her all this stuff about her, bought her some
new clothes and told her to go to it. Dan asks what Wayne
gets out of it. Beth replies that he gets Jill - or he's
hoping he will. Having heard the story, Dan tells Meryn
that she's really tried to put some across in her time... He starts
to stroke her face nastily, adding that that one really takes
the cake. Beth says it's true, but Dan, obviously not
believing her, says, "Sure..." He adds that, just as
long as he gets his percentage, he doesn't really care what
the guy's kink is. He holds out his hand and Beth hands over
the cash that Wayne gave her. Dan puts it in his pocket.
Rob is sitting in the lounge room at the Palmers',
drinking beer, as Beryl sits nearby and asks him if he doesn't
think he should talk to Angela - just a 'phone call to
see how she is. Rob bluntly says, "No." Beryl then asks
him if he'd rather let Patricia have her way. Rob slurs,
"Angela wanted to go." Beryl asks him if he's
not going to try and stop her. Again, the answer is,
"No." Rob turns to Kevin, who's sitting in one of the
armchairs, and asks him if there are any more beers. Kevin just
looks at his mother. Beryl suggests they leave Angela for the
moment, and she turns to the subject of the coffee shop and asks
Rob what he's going to do about that? Rob sourly comments
on them doing all that work and putting in all that money so Angela
would have something to keep her busy while he's away, adding
that she was 'busy' alright. Beryl asks him if he's just going
to let it go down the drain after three days. She then continues
that there's Peter, Jen, her; they can keep it going
'til Angela comes back. Rob snaps that she won't be back.
Beryl frustratedly says, "Oh, Rob!" Rob again asks Kevin
if there are any more beers, but Kevin says there aren't. Rob
says he reckons he'll go down the pub, then. Beryl tells him that
he's not going anywhere in the state he's in. Rob stands
up and, realising he's unsteady on his feet, says he supposes
she's right. Beryl tells him to sober up, adding that getting
drunk never solved any problems in the long run. Rob
snaps that Angela doesn't need him - let her do as she likes.
Angela is wandering along a street, looking lost
and almost bumping into people as she turns to stare at the various
buildings. She eventually bumps into an old lady, who stops and
asks her if she's alright. Angela asks, "Where am
I?" The lady tells her and asks Angela where she wants
to go. Angela looks at her and says, "I don't know."
She keeps looking round, and the lady asks her if she's sure
she's alright. Angela just walks off...
Margaret is looking at a magazine when Patricia
comes into the lounge room at Toorak. She asks if Angela's turned
up yet, but Patricia says she hasn't. She looks worried and asks,
"Where is she?" adding that she looked everywhere;
the taxi driver radioed base, and noone's picked her up. Margaret
asks if there's no sign at all, and Patricia says there's
nothing - they kept driving round and round the streets,
hoping they'd catch a glimpse of her. Margaret asks if Patricia
has tried Rob or the Palmers, but Patricia snaps that she doesn't
think Angela would go there. Margaret says that, if there's
anything she can do to help... Patricia goes to the 'phone in
the hall and dials a number. It rings, and the police answer.
Patricia says she'd like to report a missing person.
Two policeman are walking along the street and walk
past Angela, who's sitting on the pavement, leaning against a
wall. One policeman says to the other that she could be the missing
person they were told about. The other policeman radios to base
to check out the description. Angela stands up and starts wandering
down the street again, still looking lost. One of the policeman
suddenly reaches out and takes her arm. He asks her if she's Angela
Keegan. Angela looks at him, blank-faced.
It's dark when the 'phone rings at Toorak. Patricia
answers it and the police sergeant comes on and tells her that
it's about the missing person she reported. Patricia asks if they've
found her, and the sergeant tells her that they have a girl who
matches the description - but he'd like Patricia to come to the
station and identify her. Patricia asks if she's hurt, but the
sergeant assures her that she's alright. Patricia asks why they
don't just bring her home. The sergeant replies that he doesn't
want to alarm Patricia, but the girl isn't responding
to the name Patricia gave them; she doesn't seem to know who she
is...
Jennifer is in the kitchen at The Terrace when Rob
gets in. She offers him something to eat, but he says he's not
hungry. He goes to the 'fridge and takes out a beer, before asking
Jennifer what she's doing. She explains that she's looking
at menus for the coffee shop for tomorrow - if Rob wants her to
do them. Rob tells her to suit herself - he'll
be on a run to Adelaide. Jen asks if she should open the place
or not, adding that it would help her out a lot, as it's
not easy finding a job - and Pete's keen to keep it going. Rob
snaps that she can do what she likes. Jen looks at him in pity,
and says it'll be alright. Rob, though, snaps that he's had it
all from Beryl - "I don't want to know about Angela
- got it?" Jennifer walks off upstairs, and Rob immediately
looks sorry. He goes into the dining area, where the chairs are
stacked on the tables. He pushes a couple of chairs onto the floor,
in anger.
Angela is in bed at Toorak, and a doctor and Patricia
are both in her bedroom. The doctor asks Patricia if he can have
a word downstairs, adding that Angela will be out for at least
twelve hours. Patricia kisses her daughter, strokes her cheek
and leaves her. As they go downstairs, the doctor tells Patricia
that he'll be giving her a number of prescriptions, as he thinks
it's wise to keep Angela sedated. Patricia asks what's happening
to her. The doctor replies that, in layman's terms, she's lost
her memory. He continues that he can guess what happened earlier:
she woke up in bed, didn't have a clue who she was or where she
was, so she panicked, and ran. Patricia asks what causes
someone to lose their memory. The doctor tells her that it's mostly
where you're under a lot of stress - like Angela - or have gone
through a traumatic experience - in Angela's case, losing her
child; then you can go into a state of withdrawal - your mind
just refuses to cope; some people block out certain memories,
people, events, a period of their lives; others block out everything.
Patricia asks, "And Angela?" The doctor replies that
the memory loss appears total, as far as he can tell so far. He
tells Patricia that he'll give her the name of a specialist in
the field, adding that it's important that Angela sees him. He
gives Patricia the prescriptions, and Patricia, looking worried,
says, "She will recover, won't she?" The doctor tells
her that, in time, with the specialist's help, there's no reason
why she shouldn't. Patricia asks how she should
handle it, and the doctor tells her that Angela needs to feel
safe - she needs to know Patricia can be trusted, but
Patricia shouldn't put any pressure on her; she shouldn't try
to make her remember anything - not one thing; Angela has to do
that herself - if she feels pushed, she'll probably withdraw further.
Patricia points out that surely telling Angela that she's her
mother is going to help, but the doctor tells her that
she can't force it - to Angela, she's just another stranger. He
repeats that Patricia mustn't tell Angela who she is - and that
goes for everyone who comes into contact with her; they can't
take any chances. Patricia looks very upset.
The next morning, at The Terrace, Rob is having
breakfast and Jennifer asks him about Adelaide, but Rob doesn't
want to talk. Jennifer tells him that she knows he doesn't want
people talking, but moping around isn't going to get him anywhere.
She continues that her life hasn't exactly been a barrel
of laughs lately, either, but there they are: two arms, two legs,
everything works, they've got friends; Rob's even got a job.
Rob reluctantly says he supposes she's right. Jennifer says, "So?"
Rob replies that he'll think about it on the road. Jennifer, though,
tells him that he won't: he'll sit on it like a broody
hen! She then asks him if he's allowed to take passengers. Rob
tells her that it's against company rules, but Jennifer asks if
they have to know! She adds that she's a great travelling companion
- better than a radio! Rob says he thought she was looking after
the coffee shop, but Jennifer points out that there's always Beryl
and Peter. She asks Rob if he really wants to go all that way
on his own. Rob asks her if she's got a toothbrush and
a change of clothes. Jen nods, happily.
Kevin is sitting at the Palmer kitchen table, reading
to Beryl a letter that he's written to Lynn. He asks if he should
send one of Peter's baby cartoons too. Beryl says she thinks Lynn
would love it. She then asks what's brought the writing
on. Kevin replies that the way Rob was carrying on about Angela
made him think of the way he's been with Lynn;
you have to give a little bit sometimes. Beryl says she's glad
to see someone acting their age at last. She then says she's off
to the coffee shop, and adds that she hopes Rob's had a change
of heart too. Kevin continues writing as Beryl goes out. He signs
his letter with lots of 'Xs' and adds, 'PS I love you!' He then
picks up the letter and reads it.
At Toorak, Patricia serves Angela breakfast. Angela
sits up in bed and asks, "Where am I?" Patricia tells
her that she's at home. Angela looks at her and Patricia quickly
adds, "At my home." She serves the tea. Angela
says she was walking down the street... Patricia tells her that
she's just been ill and needs lots of rest. She adds that she'll
be downstairs if Angela needs her. Angela asks Patricia if she's
a nurse or something. Patricia starts to say, "I'm your--"
but stops and says, "I'm a friend - my name's Patricia."
She leaves the room. Angela looks round. Downstairs, Margaret
asks Patricia how Angela is, and whether there's anything she
can do. Patricia says no - not at this moment. Margaret snaps
that she's not totally inhuman - she can feel
sorry for the girl. Patricia snaps, "Good."
She walks off.
At Dural, Wayne and Jill are having breakfast. Wayne
asks if Fiona's not hungry, and Jill replies that she thinks she
wants to be by herself for a while, as she's still pretty upset
about Bert. She continues that she hopes Beth's not blaming herself,
and she asks Wayne if her mother said anything on the way home.
Wayne, though, says she was too busy talking about Jill!
Jill looks happy. She tells Wayne that she wishes she could spend
more time with Beth, and she asks him where she was staying; was
it a nice place? Wayne quickly replies that you've seen one, you've
seen them all. He adds that it was suburban. Jill asks what the
people are like. Wayne tells her that they're pretty ordinary.
Jill says she wishes she could stay with her 'til she goes. Wayne,
though, says he doesn't know about that - he gets the feeling
that Beth's not keen on them knowing about Jill. Jill looks disappointed
and says she'll have to make the most of the time that they do
have together. Wayne says he supposes so. He suddenly appears
to think of something, though, and says, "Of course
she does - they haven't got long." He gets up from the table
and says he has to go into town, on business. He dashes out and
picks up his car keys from the hall table, looking very pleased
with himself.
A while later, Wayne rings the ball at Beth's house
and, when she answers, asks if he can come in. Beth says no, adding
that she's in a hurry. Wayne tells her that he's got a proposition
for her. Beth says he's come to the right place! Wayne ignores
this and asks Beth how she'd like a holiday. Beth says she'd love
one, and she asks if Wayne's going to pay for it. Wayne
says he will: all expenses - food, wine, clothes, spending money...
Beth asks, "Where?" Wayne says his place: Jill
wants her to come and stay for a while. Beth asks if Jill likes
her that much. Wayne tells her that she's a big hit.
Beth says she doesn't know, but Wayne assures her that he'll make
it worth her while. Beth says it's not the money; she doesn't
want Jill to get hurt; if Jill's getting to like her,
she's going to be a bit carked if the truth came out.
Wayne, though, says it won't, adding that Beth can trust
him, and that it will mean more money. Beth says she's got to
sort things out with her boss, and that will take a day or so,
but alright. Wayne smiles and says, "Good..."
In the kitchen at The Terrace, Beryl asks Rob and
Jennifer if they're both going to Adelaide. Jennifer
replies that it's only for a couple of days. Beryl asks, "What
about the coffee shop?" Rob tells her that it stays closed
- unless she and Peter want to do it all. Beryl snaps that they
might just do that, adding that, after all the work Angela's
put into it, she can't just let it drop. Rob sourly points
out that Angela's not showing much interest. Beryl, though, reminds
him that Angela has just lost a baby, and she
remembers what it can do to you; she tells Rob to think
back to how she was with David. She then tells
him to just go and talk to Angela before he goes to Adelaide,
but Rob says no. Beryl snaps that she doesn't know why she wastes
her breath. She tells Rob that she's disgusted with the way Angela
treated him, too, but she's his wife and she needs
him - and he's just letting Patricia walk in and take
over when Angela's in no fit state to see through her.
Rob just ignores this. Beryl continues that if he doesn't
care, she does; the coffee shop stays open: as of next
week, she'll run it herself. Jennifer asks about Beryl's job.
Beryl replies that she'll resign, and she adds that if Rob
won't do something about Angela, she will. She walks
off.
Wayne looks pleased as he arrives back at Dural
and joins Jill in the lounge room, where she's cleaning the silver;
Jill tells Wayne that she's been hanging round in case Beth called.
Wayne says he's been thinking: if it's alright with Gordon, why
don't they ask Beth to stay with them 'til she leaves. Jill excitedly
says, "You're kidding?!" Wayne says they can ask him
when he gets back from Perth. He asks Jill what she thinks, and
Jill hugs him, saying she's so happy! She then tells Wayne that
he's terrific!
Beryl knocks impatiently on the front door at Toorak.
When Patricia answers it and see who's standing there, she snaps,
"What do you want?" Beryl replies, "What do you
think?" Patricia tells her, "You're not going
to see her," but Beryl angrily asks, "Who's going to
stop me?" Patricia starts to explain that Angela
is in a state of shock because of the way Rob treated her, and
she's not to see anyone - doctor's orders. Beryl asks
Patricia if she really expects her to believe that. Patricia
says it's the truth: if Beryl goes in now and tries to
talk to her, it'll only make things worse; Angela's not to be
forced - the doctor has warned her. Beryl just ignores this, and
barges past Patricia, into the house. Patricia again tells Beryl
that Angela won't know her, adding that she doesn't recognise
anyone. Beryl, though, tells Patricia to come off it.
Patricia says Angela's lost her memory; it's true. Beryl
says she wants to see for herself, and starts to head for the
stairs. Patricia says, "Don't - I'm not lying - honestly."
Beryl, though, says she's not leaving 'til she's at least seen
Angela - alone. Patricia gives in, but says she'll be
waiting right outside the door, and at the first sign of Angela
becoming upset, she wants Beryl to leave.
Angela is lying in bed. Beryl goes in, smiles at
her and says, "Hello, love." She continues that they've
been very worried about her, adding that Rob's like a bear with
a sore head, but she does owe him some sort of explanation
- she can't just walk out; it never solves anything.
Angela stares at her. Beryl asks why Angela doesn't talk
to him. Angela stares at Beryl blankly and says ,"Who are
you?" Beryl tells her that it's alright, but Angela
cries out, "Patricia?" Patricia comes in. Angela asks,
"What does she want? I don't know her,
do I?" Beryl looks astonished. Beryl says it's her:
Beryl. Angela tells Patricia to get her out; she doesn't
know her; she doesn't want to talk to her. Patricia guides Beryl
out of the room and says she told her so. She tells her
to please go - now. Beryl looks at Angela and leaves
the room. Patricia tells Angela not to worry.
Back downstairs, Beryl goes into the lounge room,
and Patricia follows. She tells Beryl that she said Angela
wouldn't listen. Beryl angrily asks, "What have you done
to her?" Patricia says, "Me?" She adds
that it's Beryl - her and her precious family. Beryl says they
were only trying to stop Angela from ruining her life, which is
more than she can say for Patricia. She continues that
she's getting Angela out of there. She starts to head
back upstairs, but Patricia grabs her arm and tells her that she's
not taking Angela anywhere: Angela's her daughter, and
none of the Palmers are ever coming near her again. Beryl says,
"You can't stop us." Patricia says, "Really? Oh
try me. If I have my way, she won't even remember
that you exist - any of you. Now get out!"
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