Marianne has returned to Carricklea for the summer. She and Connell spend their weekends together, even though he is still living in Dublin. After a night out together, they start to discuss their friendship and inevitably their attraction. When they end up in bed together, Marianne makes a request of Connell that upsets him. He refuses, and she leaves, ashamed. At home, Marianne is provoked by Alan. She tries to get away from him, but he tries to force open the door and it hits Marianne in the face. She calls Connell, who immediately drives over to pick her up. He threatens Alan and promises Marianne that he’ll never let anyone hurt her again.