Sometime later, Pamela is standing with Nick in the corridor at Park Ridge Hospital. She hands him a cup of coffee as Michael joins them. Pamela asks him, "What's the news?" Michael replies, "He's hanging in there - for now, at least." Nick says, "If he does pull through, will there be any permanent damage?" Michael tells him, "I doubt it." Pamela remarks, "That's something to be grateful for." Nick then says, "We really should keep this quiet. Apart from us three, nobody else needs to know what's happened." Michael asks, "Why?" Nick explains, "Because the reasons for Wayne trying to commit suicide are still there - and the last thing he needs is an even greater sense of failure by not being able to take his own life properly. So when he goes home we'll have to keep him isolated - from everyone - until he starts thinking straight again. Can we organise that?" Pamela shrugs, "If anyone asks, I'll just say he's off on business." Nick nods, "Good. We may have saved Wayne this time, but the way he's thinking, there's nothing to stop him trying again..."

Janice is sitting with Andy at the table in Fiona's room at the mansion. Fiona is standing doing some ironing. Janice picks up a card from the table and says, "'Dearest Wayne, Thinking of you in your hour of need. My deepest sympathy. Regards, Janice.' How does that sound?" Fiona tells her, "Fine, fine. What else can you say?" Janice muses, "That's the trouble with sympathy cards: they always seem so inadequate. I wish I could just be with the person, holding their hand and showing that I care." She then suggests, "Maybe I should deliver the card in person? That way I could really help Wayne through his moment of loss." Fiona, however, tells her, "Oh, I don't think that'd be such a good idea - you're on a bit of a downer yourself, what with Susan and missing out on the welfare job..." Janice murmurs, "We could comfort each other." Fiona, however, says, "I don't think Wayne will be up to visitors just yet. Why don't you just post your card and then you can see Wayne later on." Janice nods, "You're probably right. You got a stamp?" Fiona replies, "I'm afraid I haven't." Janice says, "I think I've got one in my room; I'll have a look." She stands up and heads out. When she's gone, Fiona says to Andy, "I really feel sorry for Janice sometimes. I know she can be a pain in the neck, but she's got so much to give and it's just a matter of knowing how to give it. She genuinely cares about people." Andy tells her, "I agree. Never thought I'd hear myself say so, though!" Fiona chuckles, "Don't tell me Andy Green's getting soft in his old age!" Andy smiles, "No! I like Janice; I really do. In fact, I might be able to do something for her." Fiona asks, "Such as?" Andy explains, "Fix her up with a job. See, I was talking to this girl at the disco last night and the place where she works, she reckons it could be just what Janice is after. Where's your telephone book?" Fiona points to the desk as she asks, "What sort of a job are you talking about?" Andy, however, grins, "That is a surprise!"

A while later, Janice and Andy are walking along a street, Andy saying as they do so, "I know it's not one of your more socially-acceptable types of crisis centres, and there's nothing glamorous about it, but I reckon they do a good job." Janice murmurs, "Street kids." Andy shrugs, "So? You're not going to turn your nose up at street kids are you?" Janice replies quickly, "Of course not. I'm just not sure I can cope - I mean: rock-'n'-rolling round on their shoulder blades like they do! I don't even know if I can speak their language!" They reach a rundown building and Andy comes to a halt outside it. Janice looks at him and asks in surprise, "Why are we stopping?" Andy tells her, "We're here! This is it!" Janice exclaims, "You're joking! This place looks like it should be condemned." Andy replies, "It's cheap rent. It's all they can afford. Go on - in you go."

A short time later, Janice is standing with a woman inside the building as another woman answers the 'phone. The first woman tells Janice, "Some of the kids drop in and talk to us; others 'phone wanting advice... someone to talk to..." Janice asks, "When they feel they can't talk to the parents?" The woman explains, "Half the time mum and dad aren't even there to talk to." She then indicates the office they're standing in and carries on, "This is what we call our Operations Centre, where our telephone counsellors work." Janice asks, "Do you get many calls?" The woman tells her, "Too many. That's why we're always on the look-out for more staff. People just don't realise how many troubled kids there are out there - or they don't want to know; and don't get the idea that it's glamour work either, Janice - 'saving innocent young kids from a life on the street'. Irate parents blame us for leading their kids astray, moral crusaders accuse us of being Communists..." Janice murmurs, "People have accused me of being a moral crusader - but I'm not; not really." The woman smiles, "Good." Janice adds, "I'm not a Communist, either!" The woman grins, "All we want are people who care and who have a level head on their shoulders." Janice tells her, "In that case, I think I'm your woman."

Andy is standing outside, waiting, when Janice emerges and grins, "I got it! I got the job!" Andy beams, "Congratulations!" Janice adds, "It's exactly what I was looking for." Andy tells her, "I could not be happier for you - honestly." Janice says, "I've offered to start work straight away. New counsellors have to work under supervision for a while, so I'm working with the 'phone girl this afternoon." Andy tells her, "Alright. I'll leave you to it." Janice then says earnestly, "I owe you a really big thankyou for finding me this job." Andy insists, "It was nothing." Janice, however, tells him, "Of course it was. I'm so grateful!" She then kisses him several times on his cheeks before adding, "You keep up the good work, you might get to heaven after all!"

A while later, Janice is sitting behind a desk inside, saying on the 'phone, "Yes, you're quite entitled to an unemployment benefit. Go into your social security office tomorrow and explain your situation; you'll find the staff very helpful. You should receive a cheque in a couple of weeks. Call back if you have any trouble. Alright? Good. Bye." She hangs up and the woman who was talking on the 'phone earlier smiles, "Well done! You're a natural! Feel like a cup of tea?" Janice replies, "Yes please. It's thirsty work talking on the telephone. Black, no sugar, thanks." The woman heads off to get the tea. A few seconds later, the 'phone starts ringing. Janice calls out nervously, "Ruby..." Ruby is busy making the tea, though, and so Janice picks up the 'phone and says, "Crisis Centre. Janice speaking." A Scottish female voice come on and says, "I've got a wee problem." Unknown to Janice, it's Fiona! Janice says, "A problem with your friends? Would you like to talk about it?" Fiona, however, says in her accent, "Ooo, no, no, no, I've got plenty of friends; as a matter of a fact, one of my best friends is a laddie by the name of Andrew. He's told me that my favourite niece has got herself a terrific job!" Janice grins, "Fiona!... That's very kind of you, but you shouldn't be tying up the Centre's lines: some young person could be trying to get through." Fiona tells her warmly, "I'm sorry; I just wanted to let you know how happy I am that you've got yourself a job - and also to tell you that I won't be here when you get home tonight: I'm going to a card party... OK, darling. Bye!" She hangs up just as Michael walks into her room, a serious expression on his face. Fiona smiles at him, "What do you know? Janice has got herself a job!" Michael, ignoring this, growls, "Nick just told me I haven't got the guts to cope with a medical career - and he's right." Fiona asks, "Is he? Where did you see him?" Michael replies quickly, "Er, round at his place. I just thought I'd drop in." He then curses, "Damn! He had no right to say that. It isn't true." Fiona points out, "But you just said it was." Michael retorts, "I was wrong. I didn't leave medicine because I made a mistake; I left because of Nick - the way he made me feel guilty." Fiona points out, "I tried to tell you that." Michael mutters, "I was too damn stupid to listen." He then declares, "I'm a good doctor, Fiona." Fiona nods, "Yes, I know - so when are you going to start doctoring again, huh?" She walks over to her bookcase and removes a pile of books as Michael tells her, "As soon as they let me; tomorrow if possible." Fiona hands him the books and tells him, "You're going to need these; I'll get the rest later on. I was going to sell them for you second-hand, remember?" Looking puzzled, Michael comments, "You said you did. You gave me $200." Fiona shrugs, "I lied. That was my money. I thought you were going to need them again very soon." A smile crosses Michael's face and he comments, "I guess I owe you - in more ways than one!" Fiona just shrugs, "Well, I could use the money, but I'm more than glad that you've got your act together!"

Wayne begins to stir in his hospital bed. Nick is sitting on the edge of the bed and he says gently, "Wayne? If you think you're in heaven, think again. It didn't work, mate; you're still here." Wayne groans, "Water..." As Nick gets up and pours him a glass, Wayne asks weakly, "Why didn't you let me die?" Nick tells him, "Because your old man's broke - he couldn't afford the funeral!" He then hands Wayne the water and asks, "Why did you do it? What did you hope to achieve?" Wayne sips the water and murmurs, "No more pain." Nick demands, "What about the people you would've left behind." Wayne retorts, "No one cares." Nick, however, growls, "Rubbish. If Pamela didn't care, she wouldn't've organised a search party. You're lucky she's going to be around when you get home; she might stop you trying the same thing a second time." Wayne says quietly, "She won't." Nick, however, retorts, "Is that so?" Wayne murmurs, "Can't be with me 24 hours a day." Nick just sighs, "I'll tell you what, mate: if you're going to wallow in self-pity and have another go at doing yourself in, let someone know first; it might save time looking for the body." With that, he stands up and heads to the door. As he does so, he adds, "And don't use my pills next time. I don't want your death hanging over my head; it's bad for business." With that, he leaves the room, pulling the door closed behind him. Out in the corridor, Pamela remarks to him, "That didn't sound like the soothing voice of a psychiatrist." Nick tells her, "It wasn't meant to." Pamela asks, "Shouldn't he be handled very carefully?" Nick, however, replies, "No - he's feeling sorry enough for himself already. I'm not going to help him feel even sorrier." Pamela shrugs, "You're the expert. Do you think he's still suicidal?" Nick tells her, "Absolutely - so don't leave any old razor blades lying around!" Pamela asks, "When will he be ready to go home?" Nick replies, "From a medical point of view, tomorrow; from a mental point of view..." He shrugs. Pamela comments, "He's free to leave any time he wishes, isn't he?" Nick replies, "Unless we have him committed - but that means telling Gordon, which is what we don't want to do, at least for now." He goes on, "You're in for a tough time, you know, looking after him." Pamela nods, "I realise that." Nick adds, "I have to find some way to snap him out of his depression - and I've got the feeling it isn't going to be easy. There's a real chance, you know, that he may never be ready to face the outside world..."

Sometime later, back in the lounge room at Dural, Pamela pours glasses of scotch for her and Nick and comments, "I feel sorry for him." Nick asks in surprise, "Why?" Pamela explains, "His upbringing... things he's been through." Nick tells her, "We're each 100% responsible for our circumstance." Pamela mutters, "Is that so?" Nick nods, "It's one theory." Pamela shrugs, "I still feel sorry for him. He had a rough time of it, growing up." Nick asks in surprise, "How do you know?" Pamela replies, "From what Alison's told me - and my own experiences. Alison's not his real mother; she raised him - and I recently found out that I was adopted. It's funny, you know: I always had this feeling deep-down that I didn't belong." Nick remarks, "A lot of social theorists wouldn't agree with that." Pamela just shrugs, "Nevertheless, it's what I felt. Wayne too, probably. You know, I think that's why people like us so desperately want our marriages to work: it's something solid to hang on to." Nick comments, "But you didn't hang on to yours." Pamela murmurs, "No." Nick adds, "Because you went to jail..." Pamela pauses before replying, "I loved my kids. I really wanted them to have the best. You'd probably say I was trying to buy their love. Maybe I was; I don't know. My husband wasn't earning very much and neither was I, so I decided to do something about it. I stole so that they would have all the things that I missed out on. Then it all fell apart. After I went inside, I never saw them again. Oh, I wrote, but they never answered. I tried to rationalise it - they're young... impressionable... influenced by their father - but it didn't help. It hurts. It hurt then and it still hurts. I'll never get over losing them..." Nick takes a step towards her and puts his arm round her. Pamela looks at him, gratefully.

A while later, Pamela is at the mansion. As she steps into Fiona's room, Fiona smiles, "This is a pleasant surprise. What are you doing over this way?" Pamela replies cheerfully, "It's Sunday afternoon. That's when friends usually visit each other, isn't it?!" They sit down and Fiona says, "I was just going to have some afternoon tea; would you like to join me?" Pamela nods, "I'd love to." Fiona adds, "We'll just have to wait 'til the kettle boils." She then says, "How is life at Dural?" Pamela replies, "I don't know; I don't live there any more." Fiona queries, "Oh?" Pamela explains, "Alison threw me out." Looking surprised, Fiona asks, "Why?" Pamela explains, "She found out I was seeing Nick Benson; didn't take it too well." Fiona muses, "Knowing Alison, that's par for the course." She then adds, "You really like Nick, don't you?" Pamela nods, "Very much." Fiona looks at her. Pamela then says, "I have a feeling you want to say something! Go on!" Fiona tells her, "From what I've learned from Michael, Nick likes his freedom - so just you be careful; I just don't want to see you get hurt." Pamela insists, "I won't. I know that he likes me as much as I do him." Fiona smiles warmly, "Then I just couldn't be happier for you." The kettle starts whistling suddenly. As Fiona leaps up to get it, she adds, "If I could just offer one word of advice: don't turn your back on Alison - not for one second. She is vindictive, and if she's running true to form, she will not have given up on Nick; not just yet." Pamela, however, retorts, "She will take him away over my dead body." Fiona muses, "Just be warned - because that could be precisely what she has in mind..."

Janice is sitting at the desk at the Crisis Centre. Ruby walks over to her and says, "You'll be alright on your own?" Janice nods, "Yes, I think so." Ruby adds, "You've got my number; anything comes up you can't handle, just give us a bell." Janice smiles, "Thankyou. Bye bye." With that, Ruby heads out. The 'phone starts ringing almost immediately and Janice picks it up, saying, "Crisis Centre, Janice speaking." A young woman standing in a public callbox says, "Hello - I want to find out about foster parents... Where do I go to find them?... No, not for me; for my baby. I can't handle it anymore; she'd be better off with someone else." At the Centre, Janice asks, "How old's the baby?... Three months. And what about you? How old are you?... Sixteen. You living at home, then?" The young woman retorts, "You've got to be kidding: they wouldn't let me in the front door. I've been living with my boyfriend but he's done a bolt. I've got no one. I've got no money, either. I just don't know what to do." Janice tells her, "For a start, I don't think you have to give up the baby. Can you come in and talk to us? You know where we are, don't you?... Why don't you hop on a train and come and see me, then?... No, it's alright - if that's how you feel, we can talk on the telephone." She then asks, "Ever thought of going to one of the women's refuge centres? They'd be able to look after you until we work out something more permanent." The young woman sighs, "I don't know. Is there...; I know it's awful to admit this, but I don't even know if I like my baby anymore." Janice says gently, "Of course you do. You mustn't think like that." She listens to the young woman before smiling, "Yes, I like children - all children. I'm sure I'd like your baby. I'm sure you do, too." The young woman just cries, "I don't know. I don't know anything anymore. Everything's such a mess. I've got no one." Janice points out, "You've got me; that's a start, isn't it? What's your name, darling?... Jodie. What about your last name?" In the callbox, Jodie a looks of panic crosses Jodie's face suddenly. She looks at the telephone receiver and then hangs up. Janice says down the 'phone, "Jodie, are you there?" Realising Jodie has gone, she then hangs up, looking concerned.

Andy is standing in Fiona's room at the mansion. Fiona emerges from the kitchen and Andy tells her, "You can leave the marked deck on the table." Fiona asks in surprise, "What marked deck?" Andy replies, "The one you've got in your handbag; you're off to play cards, aren't you?" Fiona laughs, "That is enough out of you, cheeky, if you don't mind!" She then says sincerely, "You've changed, you know - and I must admit for the better. You're almost back to your old self." Andy comments, "I have been a bit of a pain for the last couple of months, haven't I!" Fiona muses, "You can say that again!" She then asks, "You off out tonight?" Andy nods, "Yeah - to the movies, but I won't be late, though." Fiona tells him, "Me either - not with Beryl coming out of prison first thing in the morning." Andy murmurs, "Oh yeah. You organising something for her?" Fiona replies, "Just a little get-together - you know: Gordon... Caroline... Doug... Janice, if she's not working. You should come along too." Andy nods, "I will. Thankyou." Fiona smiles, "You're more than welcome!"

Janice emerges from the Crisis Centre building to find a cardboard box on the step outside. She looks down at it in surprise. It has 'To Janice' scrawled on it.

A while later, Janice walks into Fiona's room at the mansion, carrying the cardboard box. She calls, "Aunt Fiona. You there?" There's no response. Andy walks into the room and asks, "How did it go?" Janice looks at him and smiles, "It went well, thankyou." Andy then says, "I'm off to the movies. Like to come?" Janice tells him, "I'd like to but I can't." Andy asks, "Why not?" Janice pulls back the flaps on the top of the cardboard box to reveal a baby lying inside. She picks it up gently and replies, "Because I've got a baby to look after." Andy stares at it!

It's evening-time. Andy is standing in Fiona's room, holding the baby and looking less-than-pleased about it! Janice is talking on the 'phone, saying, "Thanks, Mrs. Myers - I was hoping you'd let me look after her for tonight... Oh, don't worry, we'll take good care of her. Bye bye." She hangs up. Andy growls immediately, "Not 'we'; you." Janice tells him sharply, "I'll need your help until we get organised." Andy points out curtly, "Your boss is the one who should be looking after her." Janice retorts, "Mrs. Myers is chairing a meeting tonight." Andy suggests tersely, "Then you should have taken her to the police." Janice growls, "They would have made her a ward of the court and put her in a Home." Andy mutters, "So you're going to foster her out instead." Janice insists, "Only for tonight. Her mum will probably turn up tomorrow, wanting her back." She then looks in the box and picks up a cuddly toy gnome! She smiles, "Isn't it cute!" She then looks at the back of the toy and discovers a note attached to it. She reads, "'Please make sure they don't change her name. It's Madonna'." Andy looks at the baby and smiles, "What do you know! Your mum would have to be a Madonna groupie, eh?" Janice says coolly, "That pop star isn't the only Madonna in the world." Andy tells her, "It's the only that counts." Janice frowns, "Heathen! I take back what I said yesterday about you going to heaven!" She then heads across the room. Andy cries quickly, "Where you going?" Janice replies, "Just to the kitchen to heat up her milk." Andy stands there, holding Madonna. He warns her, "If you cry or wet your nappy, you're history, kid!"

Gordon walks up to the front door at Charlie's and knocks on it hesitantly. Alison opens the door and, finding Gordon standing there, comments, "What a surprise!" Gordon explains, "I'm sorry to bother you; I'm looking for Wayne." Alison points out tersely, "He lives next door." Gordon tells her, "The lights are out and there was no answer when I knocked, so I thought he might be here." Alison snaps sarcastically, "Oh brilliant, Gordon! We're such great buddies; of course he'd be here." Gordon says softly, "The way he's feeling, he wouldn't want to be alone. Even being with you would be preferable." Alison mutters, "Thanks!" Gordon then asks, "Can I try calling him?" Alison retorts, "What's the point? He's obviously out." Gordon, however, tells her, "He wouldn't go out - not so soon after Susan's death. He was in a bad way the last time I saw him and he didn't get much sympathy from me, either." Alison muses, "And now you've got an attack of the guilts." Gordon insists, "I just want to make sure that he's alright." Alison steps aside and sighs, "Be my guest - but I think you're worrying about nothing. If he's running true to form, he'll probably wallow in self-pity for a while and then return to his usual obnoxious self." She heads into the lounge room. Gordon follows her. Alison pours two out two glasses of scotch as Gordon stands with the 'phone to his ear. He sighs, "Come on, Wayne, answer, damnit." Alison tells him, "Don't let him get to you; he's not worth it." Gordon cries, "I know he's there." Alison retorts, "He'll still be there tomorrow, so come on, let's have a drink and forget about it." Gordon, taking the drink, just sighs, "How could I? I don't need any more worries at the moment." He then downs his scotch and goes and pours himself another. As he does so, Alison comments, "You're still concerned about Beryl?" Gordon, however, retorts, "'Concerned' is hardly the word." Alison points out, "She's going to need time to get over Susan." Gordon growls, "Yes - all of five seconds. I was expecting tears, and you know what I got? Anger. Her own daughter was so down that she killed herself and all she could say was, 'Well she made her own bed.' Can you believe that? Sometimes I think I'm in a world gone mad. I should jump off the cliff myself." Alison smiles, "But you won't. You'll go on being the Rock of Gibraltar." Gordon stares at her and snaps, "Why should I? Why the hell should I?" Alison stares at him in surprise.