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Episode Summaries > 1986 > Episode 253
Written by Rick Maier, Directed by Chris Langman, Produced by John Holmes

At the Ramsay house, Shane tells Madge she has nothing to feel ashamed of about crying considering what she has had to deal with recently. They both agree may be the need to look into an adult education programme. Tom arrives gloating about Nell's expulsion from the Coffee Shop and how he has apologised to Daphne. Madge explains about her wish to get re-educated but Tom can only laugh at his sister's suggestion - Shane reminds Tom, unlike him, some people want to improve in life.

At number 22, Daphne and Mike listen to Clive fantasising about how big 'Gift of the Gab' could one day be when Scott, Charlene and Nikki arrive excited by Mike's win at the Swimming Carnival. Diving from the 3m and low board diving competition. Daphne is astounded that Mike never told her and Clive but Nikki pulls her to one side in the kitchen and explains Mike was upset neither her or Clive were at the competition to watch.

Back at number 24, Tom tries to smooth things over with Shane but he is still angry at Tom's previous comments about adult education and vows he'll show everyone he can do better for himself.

At the Robinson house, Jim and Zoe are discussing going out to dinner in the evening as Scott, Charlene & Nikki inform Helen they are too going out to celebrate Mike's victory. Zoe suggests she and Jim join them but he wants to be alone.

At dinner in Lassiter's restaurant, Jim explains he wanted to tell Zoe that despite Lucy's issues about their relationship he wants them to still see each other and agrees they should take things slowly.

At number 22, Clive is cooking breakfast when Daphne arrives downstairs and informs him that Mike never came home last night. Nikki arrives and tells them Mike and Charlene argued at the nightclub last night, and stormed off. Daphne worried, wonders if she should call the police as Mike appears. He tells them he spent the night at a friends place; no drama but Daphne and Nikki have any intention of leaving the issue there.

At number 24, Madge is upset, as she has to sell some of her furniture to raise some money. The buyer is less than sympathetic and upsets her further when he jokes '' Until next time.''

At the school, Charlene teases Mike about their argument last night at the nightclub and he walks away from Charlene and Scott. Nikki seeing Charlene has upset Mike again, tells Charlene she wishes she'd go back to Coffs Harbour.

At the Coffee Shop, Daphne tells Clive they weren't there for Mike but Clive will not allow her to feel guilty when Mike was in he wrong to be out all night. The conversation moves onto Shane and whether Daphne wants him back - Daphne replies she doesn't want anyone.

At the Robinson house, Tom is talking to Helen and expressing his views about how he feels Shane has 'strange' ideas and Madge should by now be a housewife. Helen is ready to tell Tom a few home truths when the phone rings.

At Lassiter's, Helen arrives to tell Shane she has just received a booking for Home James to chauffeur a client Mr. Fleming. Clive complains he'll be left to work alone gardening. Jack compliments Helen about her business venture while Shane revels in being able to pay Clive back for walking away from the gardening job previously.

At number 26, Zoe gives Jim the opportunity to walk away from their relationship but he tells her he realises it's a mess but they'll sort it out in time.

At the airport, Shane meets his client but it is his daughter Debra Fleming. She immediately starts to flirt with Shane and gets into the front of the limousine and dares Shane to drive fast!

At the Ramsay house, Madge is irritated by Charlene's spat with Nikki and tells her to stop fighting with her friends.
Charlene awkwardly reveals to Madge, Henry owes another $A2000 in gambling debts to an inmate in prison. When Madge refuses to bail Henry out of trouble again, Charlene accuses her of not caring. Madge decides not to reveal about their real financial situation.

At the hotel, Clive is telling Jack and Daphne all about 'Gift of the Gab' when the Home James limousine pulls up. They watch as Shane gets out and Debra puts her arm around him as they walk the hotel reception. Jack comments Debra is an old client and known for being over-friendly with everyone. Daphne replies ''So it seems.''