Annie and Geoff having turned town Irene’s offer of a place to stay, Martha decides to spend the evening with them back at the farm – but it turns out they’re going to have company. Sitting waiting for them is Jonah, who nervously reveals the contents of a legal document passed on to him by Reverend Hall: at Bruce’s request he is to be not only Annie’s legal guardian but also guardian of the whole estate until Geoff’s old enough to take over. While Geoff takes the discovery as inspiration to work harder than ever to make the farm a success, not everyone reacts so positively. It’s not long before Alf begins circulating gossip about Jonah having preyed on a dying man for his fortune – but with whom will Martha side?Panic attackMeanwhile, Summer Bay’s teens – with the notable exception of Tam, who’s managed to score herself the chance to do some odd jobs at the Surf Club – are gearing up for their first HSC exam, but not everyone’s handling the pressure. Matilda makes it to school only to suffer a panic attack and leave without explanation; although Ric manages to talk her into going back, it only takes one glance of the full exam room for her to rush straight back out again. Will a concerned Dan be able to talk her round?Risk and rewardAfter getting a little too close for comfort with Martha the previous day, Jonah can’t help but wonder where things stand between them; she’s the only one who seems to understand him and can offer him the support he needs.

Although she initially claims that what happened means nothing to her, she’s soon ready to offer the real reason for her doubts: she’s had too many troubled relationships and, knowing what everyone else will think, is scared of losing herself again. Can she cope with feeling cast out by those closest to her?

Well, if what happens next is anything to go by, we’d say that it’s just one of those risks that she’s prepared to take – as an unsuspecting Annie is about to find out.


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