Stephen and Andrew walk outside, and Stephen says to his son
that he thinks he was ready for anything except Andrew knowing
who he was. Andrew explains that his mum reckoned it was best
if he knew the truth from the start. Stephen remarks that she's
a wise woman. He asks Andrew if he was ever tempted to look him
up, and Andy replies that he was lots of times, but his mum didn't
want him to make contact. Stephen asks him if his mum told him
that he wanted to say in touch. Andy replies that they used to
argue about it - he reckoned Stephen owed his mum. Stephen asks
how she is, and Andrew tells him that she's good - she's got a
job she likes, a unit, friends... he's her only headache!
Stephen asks why, and Andrew explains that it's the band: his
mother can't see him getting anywhere with it; she wanted him
to go to uni, but now he's doing what he wants to do.
Stephen says to Andrew that, when he's finished practising...
his place isn't far from there; they could go and catch up. Andrew
says he'll go and tell the band he's going to cut out for a while.
At the Morrell apartment sometime later, Andrew tells Stephen
that he's been breaking his neck to get into the band since he
was 15; he finally made it a couple of years ago. Stephen asks
him if they get much work, and Andrew replies that they're getting
there - and he has some casual work as a barman. He adds that
money doesn't really bother him; it's music he cares about. Stephen
comments that it must be good to care about something so much,
but Andrew says he's never really thought about it. He then asks
Stephen what he cares about, and Stephen muses that that's
a good question... Looking around, Andrew comments that it's a
nice place, and Stephen thanks him. Andrew asks him if his kids
live with him, but Stephen explains that Samantha is overseas
and Amanda is in Melbourne. Andrew comments that he has two sisters,
eh?! Stephen gives him an orange juice, and the two of them sit
down. Andrew tells Stephen that he'd he interested to know why
he looked him up . Stephen says, "It's difficult to explain,
Andrew." Andrew tells him to call him Andy. Stephen continues
that he hopes Andy doesn't mind some boring personal history,
but it might help him understand. Andy tells him to shoot. Stephen
continues that money has always been very important to him: he's
spent most of his life chasing it and spending it, and he never
really stopped to think if it was making him happy; when
he did, it made him rethink a lot of his values. Andy
laughs that surely he's not saying he's going off to live on a
commune! Stephen says he can't really see his wife at a commune!
He then tells Andy about how he and Patricia went to Woombai;
it put him in contact with a boy and his mother - Tony and Alice
Parker; Tony told him what his mother had been through to keep
her family together; it was an appalling story, and it made him
feel ashamed of himself - he shouldn't have let Helen put him
off so easily; Tony's story made him see how weak he'd been. Andy
points out that it's a bit too late for the 'father and son' bit
now. Stephen suggests that they could still get to know each other.
He then adds that he realises he's laying a lot on Andy. Andy
tells him that if he hadn't been up-front with him, he wouldn't
have wanted to know. Stephen says his mother had always wanted
a grandson, but he only had daughters...; then he remarried, but
when Andy hears what happened, he thinks he'll understand why
he didn't look him up sooner. He suggests they have another drink
first, and he goes to the bar. Andy remarks that it must be some
story, and Stephen says it is...
In the hallway at Toorak, Gordon tells Wayne that he'll give
him a ring when he's free - they can work out some time to go
over the details. Amanda comes downstairs and asks Gordon if he's
going home. He says he isn't yet. Kevin comes out from the study
and tells Gordon that he forgot his car keys. Gordon takes them
gratefully and tells Kevin to give his regards to Lynn. Kevin's
face drops and he says that could be a bit hard, as they don't
see much of each other these days; in fact, they're getting a
divorce. Amanda turns to look at him in shock. In the lounge room,
Wayne smiles, broadly. Gordon tells Kevin that he's sorry. Kevin,
though, bluntly says that if something's not working, you end
it. He walks off, leaving Gordon looking worried. He says to Amanda
that he he never thought those two would split up, and he asks
her if she knows what the problem is. Amanda says she doesn't,
but she looks worried. Gordon goes, and Wayne immediately calls
out to Amanda to come into the lounge room. She joins him and
he curtly remarks, "Trust Kevin to end up in the divorce
courts." Amanda snaps that she wishes she was. Wayne
asks her if she's feeling guilty, and he adds that he thought
she'd be happy; after all, she went all out to get at them. Amanda
snaps that she just wanted to stir; she never thought it would
go as far as divorce. Wayne growls that Kevin deserves all he
gets. Amanda snaps back at him that he deserved to be
ditched by Jill, but it still hurts. Wayne snaps
that love's a mug's game. Amanda asks him how he'd feel
if he never saw Jill again, but Wayne snaps that his
private life is none of her business. Amanda angrily points out
that she's only his wife. Wayne snaps that that's
right - so she should stop worrying about losers like Kevin. Amanda
pointedly asks him why he's so touchy - is he still in love with
Jill? Wayne goes to walk out, snapping, "Don't be so stupid,"
as he does so. When he's gone, Amanda murmurs, "Well, well,
well... so we're human after all..."
At the Morrell apartment, Stephen tells Andy to say something.
Andy says it's the sickest story he's ever heard; he's
glad he never met Dee. Stephen says he supposes he wishes he'd
never met him, either. Andy continues that Stephen could
have had all that money if he'd dragged him out of the woodwork
before she died - why didn't he? Stephen replies that
he thought about it, but he couldn't do it. Andy asks why. Stephen
tells him that, when you're dealing with a woman like Dee, you
fight dirty or you're out of the game; he didn't feel guilty about
ripping her off then and he doesn't now - but if she had found
out about him, his life would never have been his own;
she'd messed up enough lives already. Andy says she would
have had Buckley's if she'd tried. Stephen says he realises that
now, but he had to go with his instincts. Andy asks him what made
him walk away from the whole carry-on. Stephen replies that he
needed to get his self respect back. Andy asks him if he's glad
he did it. Stephen replies that it's taken him a long time, but
he's finally realised that money isn't everything. Andy remarks
that it's a hell of a way to learn. He asks Stephen if he's now
skint, and Stephen says he is unless he takes the job he's been
offered. Andy suggests that he'd be better selling the apartment
and living on the interest, but Stephen says it's not his to sell.
He grimly adds that he's a bit of a charity case at the moment.
Suddenly realising the time, Andy says he'd better get back to
the band, as they'll be wondering where he is. He asks Stephen
if he can take down his telephone number, and Stephen tells him
to write his number on the pad. Changing the subject,
Andy tells Stephen that the band are playing a gig at a local
pub tonight, and he asks him if he wants to come. Looking down
at the suit he's wearing, Stephen asks if he'll fit in! Andy asks
him if he's got any other clothes. Stephen says he's got a pair
of jeans. Andy tells him that he'll make a gig-goer of him yet!
Amanda is sitting on the stairs in the hallway at Toorak when
Kevin comes along. She asks him what the story is about the divorce,
but Kevin says there's nothing to tell. Amanda asks him if it's
because of them. Kevin asks what if is? Amanda
tells him not to be an idiot; if he had a marriage like hers
he'd have something to complain about, but he and Lynn could be
so happy if he wasn't so stubborn. Kevin tells her to keep out
of it. Amanda, though, asks him if he wants to know the real
reason their marriage went down the drain. Kevin looks at her
as she tells him, "I made it happen."
David arrives home at the Palmer house, goes into the kitchen
and is surprised to find Doug standing there! He asks him what
he's doing there, and Doug tells him that family should stick
together when there's trouble; as soon as Beryl 'phoned him about
Kevin and Lynn's divorce, he decided to come down. David tells
his father and Rosie - who's just come in - that it's good to
see them, but their trip is a waste of money - Kevin won't listen
to him. Doug gets a couple of beers out of the 'fridge. Rosie
tells David that they were thrilled when they heard about Beryl's
windfall. Doug gives David a note which was stuck to the 'fridge:
it's from Beryl, to say that she's gone to see Susie and Aileen
and Bob, to see how she can help them when the money comes through.
David reads the note. He then tells Doug and Rosie that it was
good of them both to come down. Doug says he's not going until
he's talked some sense into that grandson of his.
Lynn is playing with Davey in the park when Kevin walks over
to her. She looks surprised to see him. He tells her that there's
so much he wants to say. Looking worried, Lynn tells him that
if it's about the divorce... Kevin interrupts, though, and says
he doesn't want a divorce. He continues that he's been
an idiot, listening to Amanda - she finally told him the truth
and he's learnt his lesson. He asks Lynn to take him back, adding
that he's been so stupid. He picks up Davey and tells Lynn that
he wants him to come home! Lynn smiles, and she tells
Kevin that she never wanted a divorce - she just wanted
to shake him up a bit. Kevin says she sure did that -
he's never been more miserable in all his life. He tells
Lynn that he's sorry he hurt her; he loves her. Lynn
replies that she loves him, too! They hug tightly.
At the Palmers', Doug asks where Kevin has got to. David says
he hasn't got a clue. He asks his father if he's worked out what
he's going to say to him, and Doug says he has. They suddenly
hear the front door bang shut and Kevin calls out to ask if anyone's
home. Rosie tells Doug not to go at him like a bull at the gate.
Kevin comes into the living room and Doug tells him that he wants
a word with him. He continues that he doesn't want to know the
details, he just wants to tell him that he's making a big mistake.
Kevin tries to protest that there's no problem, but Doug doesn't
listen. David and are Rosie are in the kitchen and hear as Doug
says he knows Kevin has got a stubborn streak, but he's not going
to watch him making a mess of his life. The two of them sit down,
and Doug asks Kevin what exactly the problem is. Kevin tells him
that it's pretty complicated. Doug insists that that's no reason
to give up. Kevin replies that he'd be willing if Lynn
was. Doug tells him to go to the Terrace and see Lynn now.
Kevin explains that she's actually next door, and he suggests
that he ask her over for a talk. Doug smiles and says that's a
bonzer idea! Kevin thanks his grandfather for the good advice,
and the two of them shake hands! Kevin heads out to see Lynn and
Doug goes into the kitchen. He tells David and Rosie that he talked
Kevin out of the divorce. Rosie tells him that he's a wonder!
At the Hansens', Terry takes a swigs from a can of beer. He suddenly
hears a noise and asks who's there. John says it's him. He tells
Terry that he's had all day to think it over: either he asks Lisa
to leave or he tells her about Jill. Terry angrily
snaps, "Some kind of mate you turned out to be."
John ignores this, though, and asks Terry again if he's going
to tell Lisa. Terry snaps that John makes him want to puke
- first he pinches his girl and then-- John interrupts him and
tells him that he and Lisa were finished a long time ago. Terry
asks him why he's risking his neck to get Lisa away from him,
then. John snaps that it's about him raping Jill. Terry
growls that he thought she was a pro, and if his money
wasn't good enough for her, then... John asks if a pro is fair
game in his book. Terry retorts that he just thought she was playing
hard to get. They suddenly hear Lisa's voice, and John tells Terry
that this is it: does he want to make it easy on himself or does
he want to do it the hard way? Lisa comes in and says Enid has
a migraine - and she'll probably have one after she's
spoken to Charlie about the work she hasn't done! Terry asks Lisa
if she'd do better if she didn't have to worry about him;
if she was in Sydney. Lisa admits that she would. Terry tells
her to take off, then. Looking concerned, Lisa asks him who would
look after him. Terry assures her that he'll be alright.
John chips in that Terry was just saying how worried about her
he was. Lisa asks him if he's sure he'll be alright, and Terry
says he's positive. John tells Lisa that they can stay at Woombai
tonight. Terry heads off to the kitchen to get another beer, and
Lisa offer to help, but John tells her to leave it. Lisa points
out that he's upset, but John tells her that he's figured out
that it's not going to work out between her and him. Lisa asks
if he said that. John says he did, and he adds that they
weren't really talking about work when she came in. Lisa asks
what Terry said. John replies that Terry wants to cut off without
talking about it. He tells Lisa to make it easy on him.
Doug is standing by the closed kitchen door at the Palmers',
trying to listen to the conversation in the living room. David
asks him if he can hear anything, but Doug says they must be whispering.
Rosie remarks that at least they're not shouting. In
the living room, Lynn smiles as she asks Kevin if they should
keep them in suspense any longer. They decide to go and tell everyone
the good news. The two of them go into the kitchen and Kevin tells
David, Doug and Rosie that the divorce is officially over! Rosie
hugs Lynn, and Kevin tells David that he's sorry he didn't listen
to him when he tried to knock some sense into him. He
then adds that Lynn isn't the only person he's been stupid with;
he turns to David and tells him that he's given him heaps over
Tony and Davey, so while he's being sensible, no hard feelings?
David agrees, and the two men shake hands.
At the Hansens', John asks Lisa if she's ready. Lisa asks what
the hurry is, but John just says he'd rather get going. Terry
comes into the room, the worse for wear. Lisa asks him if there's
anything she can do for him before she goes. Terry tells her that
he left his can of beer on the table, and Lisa goes to get it.
When they're alone, John tells Terry not to try to see Lisa when
he goes back to the eye hospital. Terry threatens that as soon
as he's got the bandages off, he'll come looking for John. John
sarcastically says he's shaking in his boots... Lisa comes back
in and tells Terry to give her a ring from the eye hospital and
she'll come in for the unveiling. She then adds that everything
will be alright. Terry tells her to look after herself, and he
adds that he loves her. Lisa says, "Goodbye, Terry,"
and she goes. Remaining behind for a second, John growls that
he just had to do it. Terry tells him to get out. When
he's gone, Terry scrunches up his beer can and throws it on the
ground in anger.
Stephen and Andy arrive back at the Morrell apartment after the
gig, and Stephen says he enjoyed himself. Andy asks when he's
going to meet Patricia, but Stephen replies that it'll be when
he's paved the way a little. Andy asks if she'll kick up a fuss
about him. Stephen says she won't - it's just his timing in getting
in touch with him that will cause problems. Andy points out that,
if she loved Stephen enough to walk away from money... Stephen
explains that she's finding it difficult to adjust to having so
little; this could be the straw that broke the camel's back. Andy
jokes that Stephen would cop it if Patricia heard him comparing
her to a camel! Stephen smiles but then says she's very beautiful,
actually. He takes out a photo of her from his wallet and shows
Andy. Andy looks at it and agrees. Stephen continues that she's
the kind of woman who you can never afford to take for granted
- he hopes she understands about him. He then adds that, still,
she's stuck by him so far, and she will this time; he knows
she will. He looks worried, though...
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