Little Ruthie has been discharged from hospital and Ron sent her some sweets to cheer her up (and make himself feel better too, probably). Sin was incensed with this, as no doubt, he would be with anything that Ron tried to do at the moment. Maybe next time Ron will send her some lemonade too?
Rachel felt that she'd had enough of Sinbad and his regime of self-pity, depression and Dixon-bashing. She sat him down and told him to sort himself out. She made him admit that he was obsessed with Ron Dikko (ooh-er) and that he still had feelings for Mandy. Rachel suggested that Sinbad contact Mandy and sort out some proper access arrangements once and for all. She also convinced him that she (Rachel) both loved him and needed him and that she'll need him even more when the baby is born. Sinbad left feeling better about life than he had done for a long time.
Luke's trial is nearing and in prison, he received a visit from Ryan. Luke was not happy, having heard about Ryan's attack on Harvey and is fearful that it could make things worse for him in court. Ryan is so certain of Luke's innocence that he dismisses all of Luke's concerns, insisting that he's *bound* to be acquitted.
Nikki was offered the chance to have an advance look around the courtroom. She took Katrina for moral support. Upon entering the court, Nikki was immediately overcome with dread. "I don't think I can do this", she said. Katrina tried her best to reassure her: "Yes you can. Keep telling yourself this. Once this trial is over, Luke Musgrove is going straight back to prison where he belongs".
Katrina was pleased later on, when she received details of her first modelling assignment. Perhaps it wasn't quite what she was expecting, but it's a start - a promotion for garden sheds.
Jimmy returned home to a surprise. Jackie was in the kitchen doing his laundry. Naturally, he assumed that Jackie had returned for good and was dejected when she put him right: "I'll do your washing and cook you some tea, then I'm back round to Lindsey's". Jackie spelt the situation out and tells Jim that it's down to him to decide what *he* wants.
"Us and our life, or you and your's. It's up to you, Jimmy."
In reality, it's Jackie who doesn't know what she wants. She mopes around the house thinking about the good times (there were some?) whilst at the same time irritated by the frustration that Jimmy engenders (but perhaps *that's* what she loves about him?).
She prepares a casserole, puts it in the oven and tells Jimmy that it will be ready in one hour. Jim takes R'William off for a walk in the park, while Jackie finishes tidying up.
Down south, the Disciples of Shad have made it to Glastonbury. Wandering around the shops, Matt happens to find a book entitled "The Story of Shad". He's convinced that it's an omen.
The boys pool their money and find that they've got the grand total of £42.63 between them. This is, however, a short-term problem only, since they fully expect to be "minted by the weekend". They weigh up their choices until then: a slap-up meal and further nights of sleeping five-to-a-car or to buy a second-hand tent and make do with lentil lasagne. The lasagne won as the idea of further nights sharing five-to-a-car quickly became a non-starter.
Over in Bar Brookie, Jacqui and Darren are nattering and passing the time. Darren tells Jacqui that he's surprised that Vic has survived her week back with Mark. She hasn't, of course; just as he's finishing the sentence, Vic walks in and quickly breaks down in tears, telling Darren that this time she's left Mark for good.
Meanwhile, Jimmy's forgotten to keep an eye on the time and he's belatedly making his way home via Bar Brookie where he's attempting to convince Vic that she wants to help him with his tapestry project. Needless to say, she's not straining at the leash over *that* particular offer.
Eventually, Jimmy arrives back at the Close where Jackie, who'd been quietly talking herself into saving her marriage, decides that she's not prepared to hang on any longer and makes to return next door. They pass in the street. "Your dinner's in the bin, Jimmy. Just like our marriage" she screams despairingly.
Ahh, Jackie. Never mind, maybe your old flame Ron will send you some sweets and Lemmo to help cheer you up!
Summary © 1999 Graeme Selway
Brookside and all related materials are © Mersey Television 1982-2001