#19971225

Billy learns from Kelly and Will (who were ‘using’ his caravan) that Andy was taken to hospital in bad shape. At hospital, Billy continues to get angrier and angrier hearing Andy was taken home with the Sugdens (‘we don’t need anybody interfering’, ‘well I’m sick of people doing their best!’)

Peering through the Billy, he gets an eyeful of the Sugden family Christmas scene. Seeing how happy Andy is, Billy departs but leaves behind an envelope for Andy.

Andy: This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.

Now just the two of them, Jack and Sarah talk (‘almost like a proper family’). Jack’s realizes what a complete fool he’s been with Rachel (again). More hollow excuses and nothing’s changed between them. They’ll do what needs doing for Andy’s sake

Sarah: Jack, today, it’s changed nothing. I’m sorry...

Sarah: We’ll do what we have to do for Andy’s sake and nothing more.

Santa comes a calling in the hospital with gifts for Robert, Victoria and Andy. Carmel lets all know Andy can go home with them just for tonight as long as their GP can look at him the next day.

Santa: And for you young master Hopwood. This is just to be getting on with. There’s plenty more at the farm. I wasn’t sure if you’d be here.

Sarah: What you say Jack? Have we got room in the car?

Jack: For a little one, aye.

The family is driving home and Sarah and Jack tell Andy they didn’t tell Carmel they split up. They come across Santa Allen broken down on the road, he ran out of petrol.

Robert: Does that mean your lyin’?

Jack: It means just for today we’re all going back to the farm.

Jack is filling the motorbike’s gas take. Allen’s saying how he didn’t make it to the hospital.

Allen: That wasn’t me. I’m on my way there now.

Robert: It must have been you.

Allen: No, I say I’m on my way there. I can’t think who that could have been.