BAY CITY CENTER

Cass and Charlie walk and talk side by side.

Cass: So what do you plan on doing?

Charlie: I dunno dad. I'm just gonna sit around and do nothing.

Cass: Charlie I'm serious.

Cass stops and faces his daughter.

Cass: You are going to have a hard life if you don't have an education.

Charlie: Don't you think I know that? I've applied for courses at BCU.

Cass: Okay that's a good start. You know your mother's back in town.

Frankie walks up and taps Charlie on her shoulder.

Frankie (eyes welling up): Do you wanna give your mother a hug?

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MCKINNONS HOUSE

Bridget is in her bedroom and Jake walks in and sits on the edge of it. Bridget joins him and he wraps his arm around her shoulder as she leans her head into his chest.

Bridget: Dad?

Jake: Yes baby.

Bridget: Do you blame me?

Jake: For what? No...no I don't.

Bridget: Mom does. She thinks I killed Michele.

Jake: It was a terrible accident.

Bridget: I would never try to kill my sister.

Jake: You don't have to explain anything to me. We all loved Michele, and we're gonna miss her.

Bridget: You look at me differently don't you?

Jake: What do you mean?

Bridget: Because of what I did. I took vodka from Grandpa Reginald's cabinet. I kissed Cory just to piss off Michele.

Jake: You didn't push her into the street. The police ruled it an accident. Everybody knows you didn't push Michele into the street.

Bridget: What about the driver?

Jake: It was your cousin Gregory. He couldn't get out of the way in time.

Bridget: Is he okay?

Jake: He's paralyzed from the waist down.

Bridget: Look at everything that I've done dad.

Jake: Baby girl you have to stop blaming yourself okay. Nobody is at fault here.

Bridget: I wish mom would believe that.

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The living room is full of cards and flowers. Donna comforts Vicky.

Vicky: This is the worst feeling in the world.

Donna: I can't imagine what I'd do if I'd lost you or Marley.

Vicky: Children are supposed to live longer than their parents, and now we're gonna have to bury her. Guess it was nice of all the kids at school to send all these flowers and well wishes for Michele.

Donna: Michele was loved and adored by everyone.

Vicky: I guess everybody except her own sister.

Donna: That's not true. Bridget loved her, too, and I'm positive that she did not mean for any of this to happen.

Vicky: And the road to hell...

Donna: Deep down you know that, too. You're trying to find someone to blame, but Bridget isn't the right person.

Vicky: I don't want to even look at her anymore.

Donna: Victoria you can't keep this up. You need to be strong for Bridget.

Vicky: And I will, but not while she's here.

Donna: What are you talking about?

Vicky: I want her to come live with you for a while.

Donna: Sure. Of course I'll take her.

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COURT HOUSE LADIES' ROOM

Rachel is freshening up when Iris walks in...and locks the door. Rachel sees Iris in the mirror.

Iris: It's been a long time Rachel.

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Charlie reluctantly gives Frankie a hug, making an already awkward situation more awkward.

Frankie: So...umm...when did you get back?

Charlie: I suppose I could ask you the same question.

Frankie: Well...it's good to see both of you.

Charlie: Leaving so soon mom. Are you gonna stay away like you did before?

Cass: Charlie---

Frankie: No, Cass, she has a right to be angry with me for staying away.

Cass: She does not have the right to be disrespectful.

Charlie: Are you serious right now dad? Mom chose to stay away for years, and now she thinks she can just pop up and pick up where we left off! It doesn't work like that!

Charlie storms off. Cass calls for her but Charlie doesn't return.

Cass: I'm sorry. I'll talk to her.

Frankie: You don't have to. She's upset with me, and I don't blame her.

Cass: Whether she's angry or not, she still needs her mother.

Frankie: And I'm here. I always will be.

Cass: You guys are gonna need to sit down and talk.

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Jake: Your mother is upset about Michele's death.

Bridget: So am I. She was my sister. I loved her.

Jake: Baby you don't have to tell me. We all are hurting.

Bridget: How long is mom gonna be angry with me?

Jake: I don't know. Your mom and were discussing something. We think it might be best for you to go live with Donna for a while.

Bridget: Maybe you're right. Mom doesn't want me around anyway.

Jake: Vicky loves you. She's just really upset right now.

Bridget: You're the only one who's stood by me.

Jake: I'm your champion, don't you ever forget that.

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Rachel: Iris?

Iris: The one and only.

Rachel: There must be something on your mind because you locked the door.

Iris: Yes as a matter of fact there is. More of a...curiosity. Why didn't you testify against me? I thought you would be the biggest advocate of me staying in prison.

Rachel: I have my reasons, none of which are your concern.

Iris: I plan to enjoy my freedom. I'm not gonna mess it up.

Rachel: And that is the only truthful thing that I've heard you say.

Iris: For what it's worth, I didn't want Carl to be shot. Evan changed the bullets.

Rachel: And you took the fall. How noble of you.

Iris: I'm trying to make a peace offering.

Rachel: I don't want it! Anything you have to give is tainted.

Iris: You insist on keeping the animosity between us going.

Rachel: I don't trust you Iris. I never will.

Iris: Just make sure you let Amanda know that I've been released.

Rachel: Amanda will find out in the papers.

Iris: I look forward to interacting with my family again.

Rachel gets up in Iris's face.

Rachel: Is that a threat?

Iris: You take it any way you want.

Rachel: You hear me loud and clear. If you try to hurt any member of my family, you will answer to me.

Iris: Do you mean Mac's family? My father's family? Why would I hurt any of them?

Rachel: Because you can't be trusted. I will have my eagle eye on you...pussycat.

---------------------------------------------------END OF EPISODE 21-------------------------------------------