A few moments later, Jill is sitting on the sofa, and Beryl tells
her to take a sip of water from the glass she's holding. Jill
does so. She then quietly says she's sorry - it must be all the
shouting; she just remembers thinking that she can't take any
more and then everything went black. Beryl tells her that she's
sorry she came in when she did. She then turns to John and adds
that it wasn't anything serious, was it. John quickly agrees that
it wasn't. He reminds Jill that she knows what he's like - always
going off at the mouth. Beryl suggests that she should call a
doctor, but Jill assures her that she's fine. Fee suddenly starts
crying, and Beryl says she'll look after her. She tells Jill that
she needs a good night's sleep, and she asks John to help the
girl to her room. John goes to help Jill up. As he does so, Jill
pleads with him not to fight with Beryl anymore. John replies
that, as he said, it was just him sounding off - it's nothing
to worry about.
A while later, Beryl is on the 'phone to David, and she tells
him that they're perfectly alright. She then adds that she has
to feed the baby; she'll pass on his message. She hangs up, goes
and sits down on the sofa and starts feeding Fee from her bottle.
John comes in and asks who was on the 'phone. Beryl replies that
it was David - he saw the story about Robin in the evening paper
and 'phoned to see how they are. John comments that he must have
made good time on his trip to be back so early. Beryl explains
that he was 'phoning on the road. She then asks him why he didn't
tell her that David had Patricia at his flat. Looking awkward,
John asks her how she knows about that. Beryl replies
that he let it drop - he couldn't wait to talk to John because
he had to hurry back: Patricia was waiting for him. John explains
that he was going to tell her, but he wanted to find
the right time. Beryl snaps at him that she can't understand either
of them at the moment - after what Patricia did to Gordon... she
can't understand it. John tells her that Patricia is trying to
change - the rest home helped. Beryl ignores this and
retorts that here he is, putting Andy Green's welfare
over his brother's; there isn't a family anymore. John replies
that of course there is. He then tells her not to go
on about it. Beryl, though, snaps at him that, after what happened
to David and her, she can't understand him putting Kevin's marriage
at risk. John snaps back that she's letting what happened between
her and David affect her thinking on this: Kevin and Lynn learned
a lot from their last batch of troubles. Beryl retorts
that she thought David had learnt after his affair with Patricia
- but that didn't stop there being Margaret. John tells
her that, if it makes her feel any better, he's hitching up to
Woombai to make sure Andy and Lynn don't do anything they shouldn't.
Beryl snaps that she doesn't think it'll make any difference -
they managed to carry on behind her back; she's sure
they'll carry on up there if they really want to. John
snaps back at her that she should stop judging everyone by David.
He then adds that he's going to pack. Beryl says, "John..."
John tells her that he doesn't want to talk about it anymore.
He adds that she should just call Fiona and tell her what's going
on.
David arrives back at Margaret's apartment, and Patricia asks
him how his trip was. David replies that it was just a trip. Looking
at what she's wearing, he asks her if she's going out. In reply,
Patricia asks if there's anything wrong with that. David
retorts that that depends: has she heard about Robin Elliott?
Patricia replies that she went to the hospital. David comments
that she seems pretty chirpy, though. Patricia angrily asks what
he means by that. David tells her that it seems a bit
off that she's dressed up to the nines and grinning like a Cheshire
cat. A look of fury on her face, Patricia yells, "Who the
hell do you think you are?" David ignores this and goes to
get changed. Patricia walks over to her bottle of pills, takes
one out and swallows it.
In the living room at the O'Briens', Jeff is lying upside down
on the gym equipment that he put together. Heather comes in and
tells him that he'll do himself some damage if he's not careful!
Jeff, though, replies that it's good for you - it makes you think
better! Jim comes into the room, wearing a smart suit, and asks
how he looks. Heather tells him that, if it was her, she'd be
knocked off her feet! Jim kisses her good night, and Jeff wishes
him a good time. Looking surprised, Jim thanks him. He goes, and
Heather scruffs Jeff's hair. He asks what that was for.
Heather smiles and tells her that it's for making her happy. Jeff
replies that Jim isn't so bad - it's just the way you look at
him!
Patricia is sitting on the couch at Margaret's apartment, and
she looks at her watch. David, in the kitchen area, comments that
he thought she'd be gone by now. Patricia retorts that Jim is
late. David thanks her for the food she's prepared for
him, and Patricia mutters that it's alright. She then points out
that he didn't answer before - when she called out. David tells
her that he knows she doesn't like Robin Elliott; he's only going
by what he sees: Robin is lying in hospital like a vegetable while
she's on top of the world; it seems like the old Pat
to him. Patricia indignantly replies that she came home from the
hospital and cried her eyes out. She goes on that she doesn't
enjoy the fact that she's partly responsible for what
happened - another life she's ruined - but the alternative to
sitting in her room and hating herself is getting dressed up and
going out on the town with a man who makes her laugh. She tells
David that she's grabbing at straws right now because she doesn't
want to end up back in that home. She then adds that, still, he
always was the sensitive type. She snaps that she's going
to wait downstairs.
Later that evening, Jim and Patricia pause outside the front
door of the apartment, and as they do so, Jim tells Patricia that
he's not being pushy - he's just seeing her to the door!
Patricia smiles. She then tells him that she'd invite him in for
coffee but she doesn't want to disturb David. She thanks him for
a really lovely evening, and adds that she's sorry to have lumbered
him with a stranger's problems. Jim points out that she's getting
less of a stranger every night! Patricia laughs and tells him
that he's so smooth! Jim goes to kiss her, but she pulls away,
and says, "Not on the first date; it doesn't feel right."
Jim accepts this, and then asks if she'll have dinner with him
again tomorrow night. Patricia says she's not sure. Jim tells
her that he won't be pushy - how about the day after tomorrow?!
Patricia smiles and says that would be lovely. She thanks him
again and he goes. Patricia heads inside and shuts the door. She
turns one of the lamps off and is about to go to bed when David
comes out of his room, wearing his pyjamas. Patricia curtly tells
him that she's too old to have somebody waiting up for her. David
explains that he wanted to say he's sorry - he jumped to conclusions.
He goes on that living together isn't going to be easy, but he'll
try and be a bit more understanding. Patricia thanks him. David
asks her how her night was and she replies that it was really
nice. David asks who the bloke was - she didn't say. Patricia
tells him that it was Jim O'Brien - Mike O'Brien's brother. She
asks David if he knows him. A look of annoyance on his face, David
growls that, yeah, he does - he's got a way of popping up, for
a guy that hasn't been around that long. Patricia asks him what
he means. David, though, tells her to forget it. He heads back
to bed. Patricia turns off the other lamp.
The next morning, Fiona has arrived at the Palmers' and is giving
Jill a tight hug. She tells her that she's so sorry - it must
have been terrible. Jill, still looking upset, agrees that it
was. Fiona explains that she booked a ticket as soon
as Beryl called; Terry came too - he's over at the Morrell house
now: Gordon arranged for them to use it for as long as they want
to. She adds that she knew Jill would want to stay there in Melbourne
until she knew exactly how things stand with Robin. Jill replies
that she knows that already: he'll be just lying there for the
rest of his life... Fiona says they don't have to stay
- they can go straight back to Sydney. Jill cries that she's not
going back to Sydney - she's all that Robin has got; if she doesn't
go and see him, he'll lie there all day with nobody.
Fiona points out that he doesn't know she's there. Jill, though,
cries that that doesn't matter - Robin saved her life. Fiona says
she knows... She then continues that they'll stay around until
they see what happens; the main thing is that Jill has got her
friends around her. She suggests to her that she go and pack.
As Jill goes to head out, she tells Fiona that she's glad she
came. Beryl and Fiona head into the kitchen, and Beryl says she'll
get Fee's bottle and things together. She then tells Fiona that,
if she wants to go back to Sydney after a few days, Jill can stay
on there. Fiona, though, declines the offer, and tells
Beryl that it's not her responsibility. Beryl says Jill seems
to think that most of it's her fault. Fiona replies that
she's been in a very funny mood lately - she has silly ideas about
always hurting people. She goes on that the main thing is not
to let anything else happen to make it worse - Jill is a very
sensible girl if she's allowed to think clearly.
Wayne is on the 'phone in the living room at Woombai. He's talking
to Gordon, and he thanks him for letting him know. He hangs up
and asks Amanda - who's sitting on the couch - if she got what
that was all about. Amanda, looking shocked, says she doesn't
believe it. Wayne says he had the feeling that she was a tough
lady, but not like that - she's locked up without
bail, while Robin may as well be dead... Amanda says
she doesn't understand why John didn't mention it when he 'phoned.
There's suddenly a knock on the door, and Wayne asks who that
could be, adding that Stephen said he'd keep everyone away from
the place. Amanda tells him that he'd better get it quickly, whoever
it is - they don't want Andy hearing and calling out.
There's a man standing on the doorstep when Wayne opens the door.
He tells the man that if he's looking for the riding school he's
come to the wrong place. The man, though, speaking in an Irish
accent, replies that he thinks he's in the right place.
He goes on that it's a personal matter that brings him, actually:
he's looking for Mrs. Jill O'Donnel - he's her husband's grandfather
- Sean O'Donnel; he's there to see Jill and Brian's little girl
- his first great grandchild. Wayne smiles at him awkwardly.
A short time later, Wayne, Amanda and Sean are sitting on the
verandah, drinking tea. Sean remarks that it's a fine property
they have there; Brian wrote of it and talked about it - he didn't
do it justice, though. Wayne gently says it was shocking about
Brian - they're sorry. Sean replies that life can be very cruel
- he's lost three to the violence: Brian... Brian's father...
and Maureen, Brian's first fiancée. He adds that he was
very fond of her; Jill bears quite some resemblance to her from
photos he's seen. He continues that it's a disappointment that
he has to travel further to see her - he keyed himself up for
the meeting. Amanda tells him that it's a pity he didn't 'phone
first. Sean smiles and says he's the impulsive type! Wayne asks
what made him decide to come. Sean explains that he had his solicitor
send Jill some money to join them... the fare to Ireland; they
were all very keen to see Brian's child... On hearing this, Amanda,
looking wary, says, "About Fee..." Wayne, though, interrupts
and quickly says she's a beautiful little girl. He goes on that
Sean was saying... Sean continues that it suddenly occurred to
him that he was being rather formal with Jill - he couldn't expect
the lass to catch a 'plane and join people she virtually knows
nothing of; that's why he's there: as a representative of the
family, they might say. Wayne says he's sure Jill will be very
happy to see him - Brian's death hit her hard, and she's just
had another bit of bad luck; he might be just what she
needs. Amanda offers Sean more tea, and he accepts. Amanda pointedly
asks Wayne for a hand.
As they head into the living room, Amanda angrily asks Wayne
what he's doing - every time she tries to mention Fee not being
Brian's daughter, he's interrupting. Wayne tells her that it's
none of their business. Amanda points out that someone
has to tell him. Wayne suggests they let Jill. He adds that, if
she has any sense, she won't say a thing - Brian's name
is down on the birth certificate as the father; he obviously found
it easier to tell them that it was his child than explaining about
Terry; so to all intents and purposes, he is the father
- and from some of the things Sean let drop, he reckons he's worth
a fair bit - Jill could do very nicely out of it if she plays
her cards right. Looking shocked, Amanda says, "Wayne..."
Wayne tells her that he's just being practical - Jill's a single
mother and she could do with more money. He then goes on that
it's up to her - all he's saying is that they keep their noses
out of it - and they'd better get Sean's tea and get him out of
there before Andy gets wind that there's a stranger around. Amanda
looks worried.
A while later, the three of them are standing by Sean's car,
and Wayne is shaking his hand. He tells him that it's a shame
he drove down - he could have been in Melbourne that
much quicker if he'd flown. Sean replies that it can't be helped.
He adds that he'd be very grateful if they kept his arrival to
themselves. Amanda says she doesn't think there's anyone around.
Sean, though, explains that he means he doesn't want them to tell
Jill - he'd rather handle this in his own manner. He
gets in his car. As he starts the engine, he says that, hopefully,
they'll be able to visit Jill in Ireland one day. He drives off.
Beryl has turned up at Toorak, and Fiona invites her in. Seeing
the bag that Beryl's holding, she comments that it looks as if
she's been spending up big! Beryl explains that it's only a dress
that she's bought for a charity function. Fiona, though, tells
her that she's very glad to see her giving herself little treats.
She adds that not many people would have stuck with her
decision to give all her money to charity; greed would have won
out. She offers Beryl a drink, but she declines. She asks how
Jill is, and Fiona replies that she's been asleep for most of
the afternoon; Terry has just taken her over to the hospital.
Beryl asks how Jill is about Terry being there. Fiona replies
that she's worked out all that in her own mind. Changing the subject,
she lifts the dress out of the bag that Beryl's carrying and,
looking at it admiringly, says it's an original, isn't it? Beryl
explains that she fell in love with it as soon as she saw it;
she's never had anything like that before, so to hell with the
money! Fiona laughs, "Good for you!" She then goes on
that she doesn't want to be a busybody, but is Beryl going on
her own? Beryl replies that, no she isn't - she's going with Jim
O'Brien. She adds, by way of explanation, that he's her next door
neighbour's brother - just a friend doing her a favour. Fiona
tells her that she doesn't have to apologise. Beryl retorts that
she's not apologising. Fiona tells her that she loves
both her and David, but David has made his choice and
it's up to her to live her own life now. Beryl replies
that there's nothing serious with Jim - and anyway, he's younger
than her. Fiona smiles and says that, if she'd let that stop her,
she would have missed out on some very pleasant romances! Beryl
laughs. Fiona tells her that she's a very attractive woman - and
in that dress, she'll be a knockout. She adds that, if Beryl likes
this Jim, she should go along with her feelings - life's too short
to be unhappy. Beryl says she just worries that people might not
understand. Fiona tells her that the only people who might not
understand are those who are letting life pass them by - and she
just gets the feeling that Beryl won't do that.
At the O'Briens', Heather snaps at Jim that she doesn't believe
him: he had this arrangement with Beryl for days - he
can't just forget it. Jim, though, replies that, when
you're with somebody like Patricia, you don't think of much other
than her. Heather snaps that he can't let Beryl down. She then
asks him if he's going to be in for dinner. Jim says he won't.
He tells her that he'll see Beryl tonight and just ... tell her
he can't make it after all; she'll be able to rustle someone else
up. Heather snaps at him that she's just separated from her husband
- she doesn't know too many men to ask out. Jim tells
her that a woman like Patricia comes along once in a blue moon;
Beryl's a good sport - she'll understand. Looking incredulous,
Heather snaps at him that Beryl is not a 'good sport'
- she's a woman. Jim asks what that's supposed
to mean. Heather angrily tells him to think about it. She adds
that she doesn't think even his head is that
big.
John has arrived at Woombai, and he puts his bag down on the
table in the living room. He comments to Wayne and Amanda that
hitching isn't the quickest way of getting there, but
it sure is the cheapest! Amanda tells him that the main thing
is that he's there. He asks where Andy is, and Wayne
replies that he's in the spare bedroom. John says he'll go and
say 'hello'. Wayne warns him not to expect a lot - he's getting
worse. John remarks, "Fingers crossed about Lynn..."
He leaves the room. Amanda says to Wayne that she's been thinking:
John might be able to help. Wayne says he reckons he's
done enough already, with getting Lynn to come up there. Amanda
explains that she means with Jill - she'll ask him if he thinks
they should tell her about Mr. O'Donnel. Wayne points out that
they told the bloke they wouldn't. Amanda, though, retorts
that that's too bad - she's got a terrible feeling about it, and
if John says Jill is in a mess, she's going to call her - at least
that way she'll have a chance to get herself prepared. Wayne,
looking resigned, tells her that it's up to her.
Terry enters Robin's room at the hospital. Jill is sitting by
Robin's bedside, looking at him. Terry asks her if she's ready
to go yet. Jill asks if she can have another half hour, but Terry
replies that he told Fiona that they'd be back by 8:30 - and she's
got to put Fee to bed, too. Giving in, Jill kisses Robin and tells
him that she'll be back tomorrow. Terry laughs and comments that
he thought she said Robin couldn't hear anything. Jill snaps that
that's what the doctors say. Terry remarks, "Poor
bloke..." He then adds that he reckons they ought to turn
all the equipment off. Jill, looking shocked, angrily tells him
not to ever say that again. She goes on that, as long as Robin
is breathing, there's hope; something's going to happen
to help him - she knows it will.
A while later, Jill is back at Toorak and Fiona tells her that
she's sorry to worry her with it so soon - she knows she must
be feeling bad enough as it is. Jill points out that she could
have left it until the morning, but he could turn up tonight.
Fiona explains that Amanda said he left Woombai at about noon;
she wasn't going to call but John told her how Jill had
been. Jill asks if they didn't tell Mr. O'Donnel about Terry being
Fee's father. Fiona says she wishes they had - it's going
to make their job all that much harder. She adds that
she doesn't like the idea of hurting him as soon as he arrives,
but she thinks they should tell him. Terry points out that he's
just as likely not to believe them - he could reckon that they're
trying to pull a swifty. Fiona asks him what he means. Terry replies
that Brian's name is on the birth certificate and Brian told him
that Fee was his kid; Amanda and Wayne have backed him up, so
why should he believe them? Fiona admits that she hadn't
thought about it like that. She adds that they'll have to be very
convincing. Terry agrees, "Too right." He adds that
Mr. O'Donnel could reckon it's a way of Jill getting out of going
back to Ireland. Jill asks why he should - all she has
to do is say she's not coming back to Ireland with him - which
she's going to; that's all she's going to say.
Fiona says she doesn't understand. Jill explains that she has
a chance of making someone happy for a change; what difference
does it make if Sean O'Donnel keeps thinking Brian is the father
of Fee? - he'll go back to Ireland thinking there's still something
left of Brian in the world; after the amount of people he's
lost, she thinks that's pretty important to him. Fiona curtly
says he deserves to know the truth. Jill asks why should
he; she's made up her mind. Terry chips in that he reckons he
should have a say. Jill, though, retorts that she doesn't reckon
it's any of his business. Terry points out that Fee is his
kid; he doesn't want Jill to go around pretending that she's someone
else's. Jill retorts that he's just going to have to - because
that's how it is. She adds that it won't be for long. There's
suddenly a knock at the front door, and Fiona remarks that that's
probably him now - nobody else would call at this time of night.
Jill asks her to let him in. Fiona says she has a terrible feeling
about this - she's got a gut instinct, and she's usually right:
if they go along with this lie, there's liable to be an awful
lot of unhappiness for all of them. Jill assures her that it will
be fine - she knows it will. Fiona says she just hopes
to God that she never has the opportunity of saying she told Jill
so. She goes to answer the door. Jill glares at Terry.
|