Check in here every week to see what Sal thinks of all things Summer Bay… Email your feedback to homeandaway@seven.com.au
Hi all,
Much has happened in my heart of late, feelings of a life beyond the Bay have started to creep in. Through all my loss and difficulties over the years the stability of my home was the most important thing to me. I believed nothing could take me away from the place that took me in when I lost all that I knew, the place where I found unconditional love in Pippa and Tom, where I met Flynn, where I had my beautiful daughter.
However life changes and we evolve and one day you realise you’ve grow beyond the walls you live in. I guess that's what's happening to me. I am starting to really feel that world out there, the world beyond the Bay. The mystery of life - that is what is drawing me forward right now. After my near death experience, I really want to go out there and have fun, just fill myself up with what life has to offer.
And then there is Cassie, she is starting to feel confined within these walls too. Her life has changed on so many levels that she is no longer the Cassie that everyone knows. I’m not sure if everyone here would be able to catch up, or keep up, with the new Cassie.
Cassie had to tell a few people about her having contracted HIV, and their reactions have really hurt her. Alf was dismissive and didn’t want to face the truth at all, until I had a chat with him about how much his love and support means to her. I tried to help him understand, which he did in the end, and he did resolve the awkward situation he had created which was good for Cassie. But then the situation at the Diner happened, where a piece of the plaster fell from the roof and cut Cassie’s head. She freaked out, worried that she would contaminate everyone with her ‘dirty’ blood as she called it, and ran from the diner.
Roman was there, thankfully, and he was really sensitive and understanding. I’m so pleased he helped her through it. But they decided together that it might be best to explain what was going on to Irene and Colleen, who had been at the diner when she freaked out. Irene was great about it, she was caring and compassionate. But Colleen…well she just doesn’t understand the disease, and she did something quite harsh in front of Cassie. She saw Pip holding Cassie's hand, and she ran over and grabbed her away from Cassie. It was over the top and callous really, but she just doesn’t know any better. Cassie was so angry… and I completely understand why. She feels that having to face this kind of reaction day in and day out would just prove too much for her in the end.
Anyway, in that very moment, I knew that Cassie was on the same page as me. That she had outgrown Summer Bay too. And I asked her to go away with me, take off and take a break from it all. So Cassie and I, and Pip of course, are going to hit the road together. Go overseas and just see where life takes us. We are so exciting.
Of course I’m concerned about everyone that I am going to leave behind. I will miss my beautiful friends terribly. Leah especially… But I really believe she will be okay now. She has come through the death of Dan with so much grace, dignity and strength. I really admire her courage. She had a visit from an American man, I think she said his name was Steve, who bought her some encouraging news. He knew the truth behind Dan’s death and wanted to share it with Leah. Dan died because he was saving the life of Steve’s son while abseiling. He put his life on the limb to help another, and that was the Dan Leah knew and loved. This news really bought peace to her heart, Dan had died doing something worthwhile. It breaks my heart even as I write this. But it also puts closure to it, for Leah. Knowing Dan’s final moments were spent doing something he wanted to do, help others.
Steve did something pretty amazing for Leah. He gave her one hundred thousand dollars to honour Dan’s life. One hundred thousand dollars! Leah will be alright now. Dan has ensured that.
She told me that she wants to do something to honour Dan with the money. I told her to keep it for herself and BJ, to go on a holiday together or put it towards their future. But she said they would be alright. She said it’s more important that she uses it in memory of Dan, doing something he would have done with it.
Which, leads me to a big piece of news. The diner is coming apart at the seams! Plaster started to fall from the ceiling and the whole place has been evacuated. A builder has told Irene and Roman that it should be closed down completely as it probably has major earth subsidence. It’s terrible news for Roman and Irene, it’s their livelihood. And it’s been a big shock for Summer Bay. Seems there are a lot of endings happening at the moment, which brings with it lots of new beginnings!
Leah has decided to take over the boatshed down by the water, leasing half of it to Roman and Irene to rebuild the diner, and the other half she will turn in to a haven for local kids, in Dan’s memory. Dan would be really proud of her right now.
Speaking of endings and beginnings (seems it’s the theme of the week huh) Drew has decided to leave Summer Bay for good. He came back to reconcile the past with Belle so they could go their separate ways peacefully, keeping their memories of each other intact. I think he’s very brave. I still don’t agree with him leaving school, but… I don’t have to agree with everything that goes on around this place! He’ll find his way, he’s a smart kid. He’ll be missed around here very much.
Belle is handling it all well. She’s sad. But she knows it’s time to say goodbye and move on with her life. You just know when something has come to an end.
I heard some terrible news today though, Sam was beaten up! I haven’t seen her but Rachel told me her face is pretty bad. A man just came to the door and attacked her and nobody knows who it could be, not even Sam! This whole Johnny thing, it just keeps going on and on, I wish it was over and we could all put it behind us. Poor Sam, I bet Jack’s going out of his mind with worry too. I’ll have to pop over and see if there is anything I can do.
Rachel is not suspicious of Sam now though. She’s still confused, but she realises that Sam couldn’t have had anything to do with Johnny’s murder now that she’s been attacked like that. Who could it be?
Poor Ric, once again he’s going through some troubles. I just wish things would stay on track for him. But, that’s life! We have to take the ups with the downs, the smooth times with the rough. Anyway… he’s lost his job. And it’s so strange there is not another mechanics job in sight. Something will turn up.
Well, on a lighter note, we are all going to church this Easter Sunday. Belle, Maddie, Ric, Miles and I. Geoff and Annie were talking to Belle about her faith, and Belle being the journo she is started questioning theirs. It’s so funny. They have managed to talk Belle in to going to Church. If she wants to question their faith, then they believe as a journalist she needs to look at everything with an open mind and go along to church to see what it’s all about!
So.. we’ve all decided to go along too, to open our minds to all walks of life.
Have a safe and very happy, chocolate filled Easter.
Love
Sally
Sally's Blog Archive
Sally's Blog Archive
