BELLA’S DANGEROUS MOVE

THE TERRIFIED TEEN DOES A RUNNER

Convinced that her deranged father Ross (Justin Rosniak) is still alive – and may well return at any moment to harm her and Colby (Tim Franklin) – a traumatised Bella (Courtney Miller) decides to take matters into her own hands.

But the frightened teen, who also holds herself to blame for the fact that Colby’s wife Chelsea (Ashleigh Brewer) abruptly left the Bay, is clearly not thinking straight.

“Bella firmly believes that she is the reason for Colby’s pain and the divide between Chelsea and Colby,” explains Courtney. “Of course, Bella doesn’t know the bigger picture, and therefore blaming herself is the only thing she can comprehend right now.”

Convinced her brother is better off without her in his life, Bella decides to leave the Bay without telling anyone.

“Bella sees herself as a ticking time bomb – if she stays, she thinks she’ll only make things worse,” says Courtney. “She feels that running away is the only solution to end the hurt and pain for the people she cares about.”

Meanwhile, Colby is beside himself when he realises Bella has disappeared, leaving no trace of her whereabouts. Enlisting Dean (Patrick O’connor) and Willow’s (Sarah Roberts) help, the officer is even more distraught when their search goes nowhere.

Could Bella have placed herself in harm’s way?

Still concerned about her father’s whereabouts, Bella runs away from the Bay.