Susan and Karl are left reeling when Ben confesses to accidentally starting the school fire. The reality of what he's done hits home when Mark arrests him. Ben will have a record until he's 18 and Libby will return from China to take him home to Ballarat. This means his time in Erinsborough is limited, other than returning for court appearances.
Piper's guilt over her mother's burns comes to a head when she learns that Ben has confessed. The pressure of knowing she's also responsible becomes too much. In the face of kindness offered by Lauren, Piper finally purges herself of her guilty secret. A shocked Lauren advises that honesty is the only solution - Piper must tell her parents no matter how difficult it will be.
Piper acknowledges the wisdom of Lauren's advice, but cannot face it and decides to do a runner instead. Ben decides to go with her, unable to face what is in store for him either.
Meanwhile, when Steph learns that Vanessa is passing through that night and staying at the Rebecchis', she wishes she could have the chance to apologise in person for the past. Sonya's attitude to Steph has turned a corner and she offers to ask Vanessa if she'd be happy to talk with Steph. Steph is grateful and then delighted when Vanessa agrees to see her. While she waits, she's rattled by a strange call - can it really be her son Charlie, calling to say he misses her?