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Year by Year > 1986 > Episode 263
Written by Nicholas Langton, Directed by Paul Moloney, Produced by John Holmes

At number 28, Des is awoken in the night to find Zoe writing a letter trying to explain to Jim how she loves him but their relationship can never work.

Next morning at the Robinson house, Nikki, Charlene and Scott are arguing as Helen asks them to be quite while she is on the phone to the hospital. Helen informs the family Lucy is doing fine.

At number 28, Bradley apologises to Zoe, who accepts. Des, feeling proud, asks him to wait in the car. Alone with Zoe, Des tells her that if she intends to not marry Jim she needs to tell him face to face.

At the Ramsay house, Madge asks to talk to Charlene about Scott. She warns her that getting into a physical relationship will only damage her reputation – Charlene is upset that it appears she is only thinking about what ‘’the neighbours would say’’. Angry Madge tells her she refuses to let her become another Susan Cole. Charlene retorts back “At least Susan cared about me!’’

At the Coffee Shop, Mike, Clive and Daphne arrive on the first day of opening the new premises. Clive performs an opening ceremony and Daphne waits behind the counter for her first customer. Jack Lassiter arrives and Daphne thanks Clive for all his help to get her to the new shop.

At number 26, Jim is on his way to see Lucy in hospital when Zoe arrives. Jim tells her the news that Lucy is going to start accepting their engagement – Zoe tells him she cannot marry him.

At the hospital, Paul arrives and is surprised to find Debra visiting Lucy. Impressed with Debra’s gesture he agrees to go out to dinner after some encouragement from Lucy.

Back at the Coffee Shop, Zoe tells Daphne and Clive she has finished with Jim. Daphne takes her into the kitchen and Zoe explains she needs to get away from Ramsay Street. Daphne urges caution on her taking such drastic action. Outside Clive panics as the coffee machine steams furiously.

Outside, Jack helps Madge to carry the pies she’s made to the Coffee Shop. Madge gives him a pie as thanks and a thank you for sending the roses to her. Jack looks at her blankly.

Paul feels guilty about learning from Zoe she has split up with Jim. Zoe assures him it is nothing to do with him and she is leaving Erinsborough. Zoe asks Paul not to tell Jim. Paul promises her job with him is safe.

At the hospital, Jim arrives to collect Lucy to take her home. Lucy shows him the presents Debra has given her and apologises to him about what she did to Zoe. Jim gives her a hug and tells her it is okay.

In Ramsay Street, Mike, Nikki, Scott, Charlene and Bradley all arrive home from school. Mike and Nikki decide to go to the pool but Scott changes his mind when he learns Charlene is babysitting Bradley, wanting to be with her.

At number 22, Clive is mildly impressed by Des’ latest love poem but has an idea. He tells Des to buy three tickets for a concert by French singer Jean-Paul – one for each of them and Paul. With Paul and Clive dropping out Des can invite Daphne. Zoe asks to speak to Clive.

At the Robinson house, Helen tells Lucy that Jim is upset at his break-up with Zoe. Lucy goes to Jim and tells him he should get Zoe back and he should fight for her. Jim agrees he should talk to her.

At the Clarke house, Scott and Charlene are kissing each other while being avidly watched by Bradley. Bradley lets Jim into the house so he’s sees his son kissing Charlene. Jim asks after Zoe and Scott, embarrassed, explains Zoe is at No.22.

Out in Ramsay Street, Zoe gets into Clive’s car ‘’Bertha’’ and Des waves them off as reverse off the drive. Inside the car Clive asks Zoe if she is sure about leaving and she tells him she has to. Jim sees Zoe in the car with Clive and calls out to her. Zoe, hearing, turns to see Jim behind the car. She tells Clive to just drive off. A confused Jim can only watch as Zoe and Clive drive away.

Summary by Paul