"Salem Lives"

-High atop the new Titan Salem Towers, Doug and Julie have just walked in with Alice. Julie turns to Doug and tells him that you could cut the tension in this huge ballroom with a machete’. Doug concurs, saying that with what he’s heard, he hopes no one is hurt on this New Year’s Eve.

-Victor and Roman have a very heated exchange, having to do with their children’s marriage:

Victor: Claire is Philip’s daughter, Roman! And if he wants to raise her in his manner, who the hell are you to stop him?!

Roman: I’m Belle’s father, Vic! Neither of my daughters are going to be shoved into something they don’t want. I didn’t raise Carrie, Samantha or Belle that way and I’m not going to start now.

Victor: Oh, I see. Apparently, the only thing Samantha learned is how to be an evil little [!@#$%^&*] who will destroy anyone to get what she wants.

Roman grabs Victor by his collar.

Roman: Look here, old man. You watch what you say about Sami. She’s my child and she knows about the mistakes she’s made. (Letting go of his collar and shoving him) And the last thing I’m going to let you do is talk about her like a dog. As far as Belle is concerned.........she lives her own life. With her daughter. If she wants to bring Claire and live with Marlena and me, that’s just fine. (Walking up on Victor) And if that brat son of yours does one thing to hurt her......you wont EVER find his body, got that.........Vic?

Victor: Before this night is over, you may have to answer for your transgressions. I hope you are prepared.......Commander.

Victor walks off and leaves Roman to think about what he just said. Roman gets ready to follow him but spots both Abe and Shane, who has brought Kimberly with him. He pulls both men to the side to have a private conversation, leaving Kimberly with Kayla.

-Meanwhile, Victor is stopped in the ballroom by Philip. He tells Victor that he wants in on his war with Stefano and the DiMera family and won’t take no for an answer. Victor turns and gives hm a very stern look, telling him that instead of doing a Michael Corleone impersonation, he should be worried about his wife and daughter. He tells him to concentrate on that before he steps up and plays with men. Philip says that Victor needs him right now and that is one of the reasons he came home.

Victor tells him that something very dangerous is going to happen later and that he doesn’t want him involved. Plus, he says, Philip never wanted to be involved with his dealings in the past anyway. What has changed? Philip tells him that he is sick of sitting on the sidelines and letting people dictate his life. That changes right now and if Victor doesn’t want to let him in.....he’ll do what he has to do. All by himself. Victor warns him to not get into the middle of what’s going on and grabs Philip by the arm. Philip yanks his arm away and storms off. Victor watches him as he walks away.

-Two men have now entered the party. One is wearing a Yin/Yang authentic mask and the other is wearing a very expensive Chinese mask from the 17th Century. Both men walk around speaking to the guest when the second man spots Roman and cryptically remarks:

MCF: This should be one hell of a New Year’s Eve for you, sir. (Turning back around) It could also be your last.

He excuses himself from the first man and then makes his way to a secret corner of the ballroom.

The first man talks with some of his bodyguards who have accompanied him to this gala event. While he instructs one of the men to secure the perimeter, he tells one of his other guards to make sure no one sees him until the time is right. He then turns around, with his back to the crowd, and removes his mask to make a very important phone call.

The call.........to his daughter, Alexandra.

The man? Stefano DiMera, himself.

Stefano: How are you doing, my dear? Good, good. Now, you make sure you listen to all of the doctors, ok? No. No, don’t worry about me. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you here for what is going to happen. Look, I know what I’m doing. I'm sick of these people. These commoners have been ruining my work for years. Now.....they pay. They all pay. If I have it my way......

No one will leave here tonight....alive. And if I have to, I’ll bury this town, and everyone in it.

-Caroline watches Stefano stalk off, not knowing who it is that is so excited. She turns to see Hope walking up on Victor, and hears her start to berate him:

Hope: Victor, I don’t know what you have gotten my husband involved in this time, especially after that madhouse in Sydney, but I swear to God Almighty Himself, if one hair on his head is hurt, I’ll........

Caroline interrupts the conversation:

Caroline: Hope, what is going on here? Why are you acting like this in front of everyone?

Hope: Because, Caroline, I just heard from Bo that he and Victor have some sort of plan for Stefano and it’s supposed to go down tonight.

They both look at Victor.

Caroline: Is this true, Victor? My son is wrapped up in some mafia vengeance thing with you?

Victor: Caroline, you don’t understand and I have neither the time or patience to explain it to you. And, I wish you two would realize that Bo is a grown man! I’m sick of telling you that. He has to make his own decisions in his life and this is one of them.

Hope: Victor, all I want is for my husband to be safe, so we can get back together and live as a family.

Victor: Well Hope, maybe you should have thought of that before you ran him out of your home. All he wanted was your support and you gave him anger and resentment.

Both women are silent.

Victor: And now, you want him to run back to you like a scared little boy who doesn’t know what he’s doing. Well, that's BS. Let him go back to being a man for God Sakes. And I’ll see that no harm comes to him. Now, if you’ll excuse me..........

Victor walks away to confer with Nico, his most trusted assistant, while Caroline turns to Hope and says:

Caroline: He better keep his word. Because if anything happens to my baby boy.........

Hope: Don’t worry. Let’s find Abe, Shane and Roman and fill them in, ok?

Both woman walk quickly to find the three men to warn them of the impending doom that may fall on this night.

-Maggie stops Victor and tells him she just overheard the argument he had with Caroline & Hope. She asks him if it true that he is going after Stefano tonight and Victor’s response is silence. She stares at him and then puts both hands on his arms, warning him to be careful. He steps closer to her and hugs her, saying that it has been a true joy to know her. He tells her he will be careful but also tells her to have a good life and do the best she can........if anything should happen to him. He then turns and is led away by Nico, as Maggie looks on terrified.

-Victor, Nico and a third man walk past Stefano and his associate, not realizing who it is. But, Nico finally does, and grabs Victor by his elbow and whispers in his ear. All three men then turn around and watch Stefano, whose still disguised, walk towards the corner opposite them in the main ballroom. Victor stares at Stefano and tells Nico:

Victor: Start getting our men together, and let them know that the devil has ascended from hell......and is here right now. (He turns to Nico) Make sure they are in place when I give the signal. We’ll only have one chance at this so lets make it clean, understood?

Nico: Yes, sir. Understood perfectly.

Victor turns to his associate and says:

Victor: Let’s get out of sight, my friend. We need to find Bo. We have plans to make.

Associate: Of course, Mr. Kiriakis. This way.

Both men leave out of an unknown door and into a secret elevator that Victor had installed when the Tower was built, since he funded the Salem Towers project. He and his men know the hour is drawing near.

-Bo sees Victor and runs up to the door but it closes and locks just as he makes it there. In his frustration, when he turns, he doesn’t see Hope standing close to him. She reaches out to him but he walks right past her. She runs and catches up with him, turns him around, and sternly says:

Hope: Bo, what are you doing?! Do you know how dangerous this is?!

Bo: Dammit, Hope! You act like this is the first time I’ve ever faced something like this. Think for a moment, would you? The Three Prisms, Roman’s disappearance on the island, Stockholm, Lawrence Alamain, and just recently Sydney. I think I can take care of myself.

Hope: I’m not saying that you can’t, Bo. All I’m saying is please, for me and your family, walk away from this. Being with Victor is going to get you killed and I don’t have the strength to say good-bye to you and bury you in your grave!

Bo: DAMMIT WOMAN! LEAVE ME ALONE!

Everyone in the ballroom grows silent. Bo and Hope look around, embarrassed. Bo then turns back to Hope, puts his hand on her cheek, and looks at her lovingly. He then steps forward, staring into her soft eyes, and kisses her gently on her lips. She responds and hugs him tightly. They slowly pull away from each other and they stare at each other as Bo slowly turns and walks away. She watches him walk up to Austin and Lucas but does not follow. She only hopes, silently, that her man will live to see tomorrow.

-Bo ask Austin and Lucas if they are ready to go, to which both reply yes. They say lets do this. Kate, Belle & Sami have tried in vain to stop Austin and Lucas from joining up with Bo and getting involved in this plan of Victor’s. Now, all they can do is watch as all three men walk off with serious determination, looking to join up with Victor, whose associate has been sent to find all three men.

Marlena walks up to the ladies and asks:

Marlana: What’s going on tonight? This seems like half a party, half a showdown. What’s with all the tension?

Sami: I have no clue, Mom. But Victor has gotten Uncle Bo, Austin & Lucas mixed up in something. I just hope they don’t get themselves hurt or worse.

Marlena: They won’t. Just do them a favor. Stop treating them like children. I heard Victor tell that to Caroline and Hope and I happen to agree.

Kate sighs and walks off after that comment but Belle looks at Marlena, then at Sami, and then says:

Belle: Uh, Mom, we don’t want them to get harmed or do harm based on Victor’s word. I really hope you can see that. They don’t belong in this at all.

Sami: Belle’s right, Mom. That’s why Dad, Abe & Shane are trying to find out what’s going on and put a stop to it.

Marlena: (Looking At Both Girls) You know, listening to you two whine about this, reminds me of when you two were babies. Damn, let them make their own decisions for God Sakes.

Marlena shakes her head and walks off, leaving both women shocked at her demeanor during that exchange. They leave to find Roman and fill him in on what’s happening with their mother.

-Frankie joins Greta on the balcony outside. He covers her up with a coat, to which she thanks him and smiles. When he asks why she’s out there, she replies that she is just wondering about something. When he asks what, she says that she can’t understand why all these people seem to find love and not her. Nicole and Eric have gotten together and gotten married and, once again, she is left with no one.

Frankie sees her point and asks how does she think he feels having not gotten together with Jennifer before she died. He really digs Jack and thought that once he got his act together he made a fine husband but, for once, he just wants to be number one in a lady’s life. He asks her does she see what he’s saying and she says absolutely. They both then agree to wait for that special someone to come along and no longer be second choice to anyone.

Then, they shake on it, but take a little time letting go of each other’s hand. They stare at each other for a moment before excusing themselves and returning to the party.

-Roman sees Frankie re-enter the door and walk over to Kimberly, Kayla and Steve. As he talks to them, Roman turns his attention back to Abe & Shane, who have finished finalizing plans to get everyone out and stop Victor and Stefano from turning this New Year’s Eve into a bloodbath. He sees Victor talking to Caroline and walks over to them both. When he gets there, he asks:

Roman: What are you doing, Vic? My mother is off-limits to you. I thought you knew that.

Caroline stands in between them.

Victor: You know, Roman, that Dirty Harry crap went out back in the 70s, along with that eyebrow thing you constantly do. You may think it makes you intense. I think it makes you look like an ass.

Roman: Is that so?

Victor: Yeesss, that’s so. Now why don’t you run along and see what the other children are doing while the grown folks talk. Ok?

Roman: Old man (Pointing his finger in Victor’s chest) if you don’t leave my family alone, the only thing getting run up in this tower is my boot in your ass.

Victor: I wouldn’t do that if I were you.

Roman: Really? Well let’s see............

Just then, Nico and Victor’s associate are on either side of Roman. The ask, politely, if he could remove his finger off of Mr. Kiriakis before it gets really ugly really fast. Roman slowly puts his hand down and looks at Victor, warning him:

Roman: Be good, old man. And remember what I said.

Victor: Commander.......you have a splendid evening.

Roman walks back to Abe and Shane and witnesses Bo, Lucas & Austin join Victor’s group. He turns to Abe & Shane and tells them, in no uncertain terms, that:

Roman: Fellas, I hate to say this, but we may have to shoot to kill if Stefano shows up and things get deadly.

Abe: I agree. We better start getting people out of here and getting our plain clothes men into place. I’ve also ordered S.W.A.T. to be activated in case shots are fired. Roman, you will get your orders from me. When I give the signal......

Shane: We aim and fire. Gentlemen, this must end tonight. If not.......

Roman: Then none of us may live to see tomorrow.

-Celeste has entered the ballroom and looks around to see who has come. She is greeted by most of the party faithful and walks around cheerfully smiling and waiving at friends of hers. When she walks into the main ballroom, she stops dead in her tracks and stares horrifically.

She sees blood everywhere she looks and paramedics and doctors attending to wounded friends and family. She sees people that she loves crying hysterically and then she looks up to the podium and sees blood on the curtains.

And then, just like that, a flash occurs............and everything is back to normal. She says horrifically:

Celeste: Oh, Dear God!! Blood and death!! Please!!! For God Sakes, let this tragedy not happen on this night. Too many innocent people are going to die. (To herself) I’ve got to warn Abraham. (Looking around) Maybe he can stop this.

The screen once again goes into four separate boxes with Roman, Abe & Shane taking out the guns silently and arming them, Caroline, Hope, Sami & Belle watching the men, Victor, Bo, Lucas, Austin and Victor’s associate toasting a group of men across the ballroom, and Stefano and the Mysterious Cloaked Figure toasting them back.

The screen then slowly fades to black.

Tune In Tomorrow......For The Final Shocking Episode Of 2006!!! It's CAN'T MISS!!!

***(No Previews today since tomarrow is such a big episode)***

-Victor is on his way to the park to meet with Bo when he runs into Philip, who is on his way to meet Belle there. He tells his father he has meaning to talk to him but with everything going on it's been hard. Victor apologizes for not properly welcoming him home. He tells Philip he looks more handsome now then he did prior to all his surgeries. Philip says he doesn't want to discuss that. It's been hard enough to deal with, much less talk about.

Victor understands Philip is having a hard time dealing with everything that happened to him. He apologizes for his betrayal of him with Claire's paternity. Philip urges Victor not to worry about it. Claire turned out to be his anyway. He tells Victor he wants to be more involved in the family business. He knows his father is in this war to destroy all his enemies, including Stefano Dimera, and he wants in on those dealings.

Victor doesn't like the idea and tells Philip he is not ready. He has already been through a great deal and it's too much for him right now. Plus, he wants to groom Philip and ease him into taking over control of his empire and dealings at some point. The things going on right now are just too dangerous and too complicated. Philip is angry and thinks Victor doesn't think he can handle it. Victor denies that and urges Philip to worry about his wife and daughter and he will get his chance to be more involved in the new future.

Philip reluctantly agrees and pirvately vows to be more involved somehow and prove himself to his father.

-Belle and Roman are walking through the park. Roman says it's nice to have her back in Salem. Belle says she is happy she returned in time for her mother to show up and for Eric's wedding and recovery. She says it's nice they are all together as a family and are united. She says that Sami and Roman getting closer was a true miracle, just like mom returning. Roman agrees and asks Belle how she is doing.

Belle says she is fine. Roman inquires about San Francisco and what happened there between Philip and her. Belle explains that Philip and her came to na understanding to leave the last behind and try to make things work in their marriage for Claire's sake. Roman says that's nice but asks if Belle really wants that. Belle says she doesn't want Shawn anymore. She knows she can't have him. Roman knows that but insists that he knows Belle isn't happy.

Belle denies that claim. Roman reveals he talked with Sami and Caroline and knows she has been pretty secretive, as has Philip, about San Francisco and what is going on with Philip and her. He tells Belle not to be afraid and reminds her that she doesn't have to force herself to stay with him. She has a choice and it doesn't have to be Philip. They can still be good parents to her. She doesn't have to stay with him. Victor overhears and says the hell she doesn't.

-Stephanie is finished packing her suitcase in Kayla's suite. She tells Steve and Kayla it's hard to say goodbye. It wwas so hard saying goodbye to Grandma Caroline and Grandma Jo and the rest of the family. Kayla says she will miss her and they embrace. She tells Kayla to call if dad gets his memory back or if they need her for anything. Kayla promises she will.

Stephanie looks at Steve and hugs him. He gives her a kiss and Stephanie reminds him he will always be her father no matter what and thanks him for a wonderful Christmas. Steve thanks her too and says she will always be his little girl, memory or no memory. Kayla tears up and both her and Steve wish her well in LA. Kayla orders her to take good care of the apartment in LA. Stephanie promises too. Kayla asks if she is sure she doesn't need a ride. Stephanie says she's sure. She waves and blows kisses as she leaves.

Kayla wishes she would stay but knows she has classes to finish in LA and that she has friends out there. Kayla notices Steve holding his head and asks if he is ok. He says he is and that it's just a migraine. Kayla wonders if it has something to do with his memory and notices Steve is quite pale. He says he is fine and just needs some aspirin. He goes to get some as a worried Kayla looks on.

-Carrie and Alan are on the docks watching Austin. Alan reminds her that she should be out of Salem by now and back at the cabin. Carrie says she isn't sure she should do this. She wanted so much to reveal herself to Austin on Christmas and she still wants to. She wants to be with her family and it's killing her being around them and not telling them she is here. She is just afraid because she knows her baby will tear Austin and Lucas apart and Sami could end up getting hurt too, depending on who the father is.

Carrie says she knows Sami and Lucas got closet on Christmas and she doesn't want to ruin that. Deep down she always knew he loved her and belonged with her, just like she should be with Austin. She doesn't want to destroy their families. Austin turns around and nearly sees Carrie. Carrie realizes she can't stay and reveal herself, as much as she wants to. She can't risk hurting so many people. Alan says he will take her back to the cabin and they both leave. Austin turns and thinks he sees Carrie but thinks it was his imagination.

-Sami is making sandwiches when there is a knock on the door. She answers it. It's Lucas. She slams the door in his face. He opens it again and says he knows he deserved that. She asks how he could walk out on her. Yeah, they stopped making love on Christmas Eve because they realized it was too soon and they had a nice Christmas day but, the next day, he went MIA and now comes strolling in. Sami demands answers and wants to know if they have a future together or not.

Lucas says he does love her and he knows now being with Carrie was a mistake. Sami says she knows being with Austin was a mistake and that she loves him too. Lucas says he knows but it's not the right time. Carrie is out there having his baby and he wants to get her back to Salem to resolve everything. She needs to know he loves Sami and wants to be with her and the only way to bring her back is to make Salem safer. Carrie left because she felt unsafe raising her baby there and that is why he and Austin allied with Victor, to end the Dimera reign and make it ok for Carrie to come home and raise the baby there.

Sami almost blurts out that she knows Austin slept with Carrie too and the baby could be his but stops herself. She reminds Lucas and he and Austin could get killed doing this. Lucas knows that but it's worth the risk if it protects those they love and care about, including her and Will. If it brings Carrie back, it will be worth it. Once she returns, they can resolve things and he can still be a father to the baby and be with Sami. Sami says they can't be together if he gets killed.

Lucas says he won't but Sami adds that neither him or Austin knows that. The war is ridiculous and she says that her Aunt Hope is right. Bo, Austin, and him are going to get killed following Victor and working with him. She begs Lucas to back out now, along with Austin, and they can be together now. They can find Carrie together and enjoy each other now. Lucas says they have looked all over for Carrie, who is supposed to be with her mother Anna. They can't find her. Once Stefano and the Dimera's are destroyed, she will return home upon hearing the news.

Sami is skeptical and hates this. Lucas says they can't be together right now. It's bad enough her and Will are in danger from Alan right now but, if she and him are together now, she may become a target of Stefano or the Dimera's. Sami says she is a Brady and is always a Dimera target. She asks him what makes him think Carrie will come home even with Stefano and the Dimera's gone. Alan is still there and he poses a threat. Lucas reminds Sami that Carrie was with Alan and he didn't hurt, that he knows of anyway.

He says he has stuff to do and needs to go. He tells Sami they will be together someday but it can't be now. He's sorry that he gave her hope it could be now but he can't risk losing her and just can't do this until things are resolved. Sami begs him to reconsider and for him and Austin to end their involvement with Victor. He says he and Austin have to do what they have to do. He leaves as Sami breaks down, crying. She vows not to lose him after they just found each other again. She vows to find a way to get him and Austin away from Victor and his mafia war before it's too late.

-Roman tells Victor he has no say. It's between Belle and Philip. Victor then asks why Roman is interfering. Roman says he isn't. He was just giving his daughter advice and what she chooses to do is up to her. Victor warns Roman not to interfere in his or his family's business. Roman, while smirking, says his daughter is his business and so is Bo. He will not stand by and let Victor control Belle and continue to put Bo and many other innocent lives in danger. He warns Victor that his games must end and that the war between him and Stefano will be over soon, whether he likes it or not. Roman and Victor coldly stare at each other as Roman leaves.

Victor then looks at Belle, who seems somewhat frightened. Philip arrives and kisses Belle. He asks if she is ready to go get Claire from the Pub. She says she is and they leave as Victor vows to make sure Belle stays put exactly where she is...with Philip. Meanwhile, Philip asks if she said anything to her father about San Francisco. She shakes her head and says she didn't. He is pleased and warns her to keep it that way or else face the consequences of messing with a Kiriakis. A scared Belle needs and then begins to shake as Philip places his arm around her and they leave the park.

-Roman returns to the penthouse and calls out to Marlena that he is home. She then sneaks up behind him, wearing a bright red negligee. She says she has been waiting for him and asks if he is ready for a wild night of passion and red hot sex. Marlena then begins forcefully kissing him and they end up on the couch. Roman pushes her off him and asks what is going on with her. She is never so aggressive and forceful.

Marlena calls him "tiger" and asks what is wrong. He wanted her the last few nights. She asks if he doesn't find her satisfying anymore. Roman says he does find her satisfying. He loves her but she is acting really strange. Marlena says she offended by that. Roman apologizes and decides to drop the issue. It's been a long day and he has alot on his mind. He begins to kiss her neck but she pushes him away and says she is no longer in the mood. She goes upstairs as a confused Roman looks on, telling himself that something is not right with her.

-Bo arrives to meet with Victor and apologizes for being late. Traffic is sort of backed up. Victor says it's no problem. Bo asks Victor if anything has changed since he called him earlier. Victor says nothing has. His contacts says there is a Dimera plot set for New Year's at the ball and Stefano should be in attendance to witness it. This is there chance to take out Stefano and begin the destruction of the Dimera empire.

Bo says ok and asks what the plan is. Victor says he will tell Bo what it is in a minute but says he has to ask him something first. He tells Bo he appreciates everything he has done. After all, he nearly died. However, he knows that the last few weeks he has wavered in his involvement in their cause due to everything going on. Victor says he knows the SPD is going to do something on New Year's to try to mess things up but he is not so much worried about them as he is one man in particular, someone who went from a person he respected to a person who has become a major thorn in his side and pretty much an enemy. Bo asks who it is and Victor says:

Victor: The time has come for you to prove your loyalty to me and to our cause. The cause we have been fighting for. The cause you nearly died for. It's time for you to show how far you are willing to go...if you are willing to go to levels that may force you to sacrifice the love and respect of those you care about for the greater good.

Bo: Victor, where is this going?

Victor: On New Year's Eve, if this person I am talking about interferes yet again and gets in the way of what we are trying to do, I need to know you will handle it. He is a threat and has become a major complication. I need to know that when push comes to shove, you will side with me and what we are fighting for. I need to know that you are willing to do what it takes and that you will take action on my instruction, if things should get to a point where such action is needed.

Bo: What are you trying to say?

Victor: Your brother, Roman. If he gets in the way, he will have to be taken out on my instruction. I will not let his interference continue nor will I allow him to ruin this chance we have to end the Dimera reign of terror. So...can you do that Bo? If necessary, can you take it your own brother Roman for our cause?

Bo is stunned and the screen then fades out on his shocked face.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Victor to Philip: Do me a favor Philip. Stay out of things you have no business dealing with. Got it?

Belle (with Sami) to Marlena: What is wrong with you, mom?

Nico to Victor: He's here. Stefano is here.

Abe to Roman and Shane: We will have to shoot to kill if those men in open fire.

Celeste: Oh dear God!!! Blood!! It's all over the ballroom!!! Midnight will bring bloodshed and suffering to Salem.

-It's a new day in Salem. Laura and Bill arrive at the hospital to say goodbye to Jack and Abby before they leave for Africa. Bill thanks Laura for going with him to help out. She says she needs to. She did some horrible things during her few months in Salem and she needs to make up for them.

They enter the room and Abby gives them both a big hug, saying she wishes they didn't go. Bill says they have to and kisses her goodbye. Laura does the same and promises to return for another visit. She apologizes to Abby for everything again and wishes her luck and happiness. Abby says it's ok and thanks her. Jack then comes in with JJ and Bill embraces both of them and says goodbye.

Laura asks Jack if they are really ok. Jack says it's forgotten, for the family's sake. It's what Jennifer would want. He hugs her and says come back soon. Laura smiles and gives JJ a big kiss and says goodbye. Jack and JJ then sit with Abby.

-Meanwhile, at the Horton house, Maggie is saying goodbye to Melissa and Sarah. She thanks them for coming. She would've never made it through her relapse without them. They add that they will miss her. Alice, Doug, Julie, and Maggie thank them for sticking around for the holidays. Don arrives and Maggie embraces him, thanking him too. She tells him to come back soon. He says he will.

Laura and Bill arrive to say goodbye. Alice kisses Bill and Laura, as does Julie and Maggie. Doug tells them both not to be strangers. They all say they will come to visit but they must go now before they miss their flights. It's a busy travel day and Bill says he needs to stop off and see Lucas and Will too before he goes. Don says he would like to see Marlena before leaving as well so he should get a move on. Alice, Doug, Julie, and Maggie wave and say goodbye as Laura, Bill, Melissa, Sarah, and Don leave.

-Kimberly is at the Pub with Shane when Andrew and Jeannie come down, saying it's time for them to catch their flight. Caroline comes out and wishes they wouldn't leave. Andrew says that they need to. They need to take care of his dad's place in London while mom is staying in Salem and him and Jeannie have classes. Caroline hugs them both and reminds them to come and visit. Kim and Shane kiss and hug them, telling them to keep the house in one piece and to call every chance they get.

Shane says he trusts them both and knows they will be fine. Caroline, Kim, and Shane say goodbye as Andrew and Jeannie leave. Caroline says she is happy Kim decided to stay around. Kim says she has been away too long and with everything their family has been through she just wants to be with them for awhile. Besides, it's better then sitting in Shane's living room in London doing nothing.

Shane reminds Kim he allowed her to stay in his house as a guest. Kim says he only felt sorry for her because she is in a wheelchair. Shane tries to explain himself but Kim starts laughing and says she was joking. She thanks him for taking her in with the kids when she needed a place to live. Shane then gets a call and races to the police station. Caroline and Kim hope there isn't trouble.

-Greta arrives at the hospital to check on Eric and drop off a get well balloon. She sees Nicole lying near him as he is laying up, sleeping. She knocks lightly and Eric and Nicole awaken. Nicole asks Greta if she is jealous. Greta laughs and says she isn't. She will always care for Eric but he's her husband and he loves her. Eric says he will always care for her and thanks her for everything. He knows he put her through alot and he should've listened to her advice. Maybe all the trouble of the last few weeks wouldn't have happened.

Greta says it's all over and she was happy to help. Nicole thanks her too. Greta says that one good thing was that the whole situation made Nicole and her bury the hatchet. Nicole smiles and says it had to happen eventually. She has nothing she wants. Greta sarcastically laughs and reminds Nicole she is a princess. Eric tells both women to stop.

A nurse comes in to check on Eric while Greta and Nicole talk alone. Greta asks about Nicole's job in LA. Nicole says she checked her messages finally and she lost it. Greta asks if Eric knows. Nicole shakes her head and says she isn't going to tell him until he gets out of the hospital and until she finds work. Greta advises Nicole not to keep secrets but Nicole says it's for the best. Eric will feel guilty and it will hurt his recovery. She asks that Greta not tell him. She says she won't.

Nicole goes back to sit by Eric's side as Greta shakes her head, wondering why people keep secrets all the time. She then remembers she is keeping the secret of Victor being her father. After seeing the good side of Victor, Greta wonders if she should tell him he is her father.

-Victor is working the phones, talking to contacts about Stefano's whereabouts when Nico bursts in. He says he has word that Stefano is returning to Salem on New Year's Eve. One of their secret contacts has learned he has plans for the Horton Foundation Ball that Titan is helping to sponsor and fund. Victor says he should've known Stefano would lie low and reappear at a time when all of his enemies are in one place.

Victor tells Nico they will have to act fast. Another man enters. Nico calls him James. Victor asks who the man is. Nico says his name is James McClure (Roscoe Born), a new employee of theirs. Nico says he is willing to do dangerous work, work some of their employees won't do or aren't skilled enough to. Victor is intrigued and shakes James's hands, welcoming him aboard. James says he is pleased to be working for a man with the reputation and power that Victor has. Victor says he doesn't care for flattery and says it's time to get down to business.

Victor asks Nico to have James come with him to acquire blueprints of the new Salem Tower, the location of the ball, so they know what they will be dealing with when they have to go up against Stefano. Nico agrees and James follows him out but not before turning and giving a cold look at Victor behind his back. Victor vows to end the Dimera reign on New Year's Eve.

-Abe is with Roman when they get word from Agent Specter in London that Stefano is returning to Salem on New Year's Eve. Roman says that this means he plans to do something at the ball. They must be prepared. Abe agrees and calls Shane.

Shane arrives and they fill him in. Roman gets a phone call and goes to take it. He returns and tells Abe and Shane that he learned from a contact of his that Victor is plotting to stop Stefano on New Year's Eve too. The war between Victor and Stefano is going to explode. Abe says that so many innocent lives will be at stake. Shane adds that they can't cancell the ball. This is a chance to lure Stefano out of hiding.

Roman says it's also a chance to end the war, something he vows to do. Too many people he loves have been put in danger by Dimera but also by this war. Victor is at fault for the war and he needs to stop him and Stefano. The ball will go on as planned and they will keep an eye out. If they think things are getting too risky, they start evaculating and use the SWAT team to help. Abe agrees and so does Shane. They can't cancell the ball and give up a chance to flush out Stefano.

Abe hopes Lexie will return too. Shane goes to organize the man power for the ball. Roman says they will need to have all the officers, snipers and SWAT members in party attire. Bullet proof helmets and vets will only be put on when the men are in their positions and getting prepared for orders to fire. Roman vows that New Year's will be the end of Stefano and the Dimera reign, as well as the end to the Dimera/Kiriakis war. He will not allow Victor to put anymore of his loved ones in danger or in the line of fire. It all ends on New Year's Eve, if he has anything to say about it.

-Hope wakes up and is shocked Bo is no longer in bed with her. She goes downstairs and finds him dressed and looking over some files of Stefano. She asks what he is doing. He stays silent. She deduces he is still doing work for Victor to help go after Stefano. She thought he was through with that. They finally foudn each other again and with JT back she thought he would end this and go back to the SPD, Bo says the SPD has too many rules. He is doing this for his family and friends. With JT back, that is more of a reason. He needs to protect them and putting an end to Stefano and the Dimera reign will make things safe for all of Salem.

Hope asks but at what costs. He already got shot. She reminds him of Sydney and also of everything that happened on Christmas and during the holidays. She thought he understood but he clearly didn't. She tells him if he continues to work with Victor on going after Stefano in this manner, she isn't sure they have a future.

Bo is frustrated and says he is doing this for her and their loved ones. She yells to him to do it with the police then, not as a part of a mafia war. Bo says everything that happened during the holidays and on Christmas was lie. They are still worlds apart. Hope agrees and says that maybe it was just the holidays and JT being back because they still have major problems. Bo then gets a call from Victor, asking him to meet him at the mansion.

Bo tells Hope he has to go. Hope guesses it was Victor and can't beleive after all that has happened and after all they discussed he is actually going to take off like that. Bo says he is doing it for her and everyone he loves. He puts his coat on and walks out as Hope follows him out the door and yells:

Hope: You won't be happy until you get yourself killed, won't you? Damnit, Brady!!!

Bo drives off.

Hope: I have to stop this. I have to get him out of this damn war before he gets himself killed...no matter what I have to do.

The screen then fades out on a determined Hope.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Stephanie to Steve and Kayla: I hate to have to say goodbye.

Sami to Lucas: Where do we go from here?

Carrie to Alan: Maybe this is wrong. Maybe I shouldn't leave. Maybe it's time I reveal myself and admit the truth.

Philip to Victor: I want in on your dealings.

Roman to Belle: You don't have to stay with Philip, sweetheart.

Victor: The hell she don't!!

Roman to Marlena: What is going on with you?

Victor to Bo: It's time you prove your loyalty to me and our cause.

Wk of 12/26/06 Edition

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: SALEM LIVES WRITERS TIM LOWERY (PHOENIX) AND PATRICK L. EWING (ROMAN) REFLECT ON 2006 AND LOOK TO 2007. LOOK FOR ANOTHER INTERVIEW WITH EP/HW TIM LOWERY NEXT WEEK IN THE INSIDER AS HE WILL GIVE AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT 2007.

I-Interviewer

TL-Tim Lowery (Phoenix)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT PART 1: EP/HW TIM LOWERY (PHOENIX)

I: Great to have you with us again.

TL: Great to be here.I:It was a great Christmas week. Salem Lives definitely delivered.TL: Yeah. I think we did. The fans seemed to like it. We would've liked better ratings but they will come.

I: Reflect a bit on last week, if you will.

TL: Well, it seems the fans loved the return of JT. Marlena's return was definitely a biggie and it was the emotional center of the week. I think we did well with those two returns. I think the returns of Kimberly and her kids and Stephanie were a treat. My co-HW wrote amazing stuff for Sami and Roman last week. The Hope/Chelsea reveal and Max/Abby scenes were fabulous. It seems the fans loved our emotional supercouple-themed Friday episode too. I think the stunning end with Lumi and the Bope stuff really had them cheering.

I: Yeah. It was great to see the couples coming together but we will discuss their futures next week. Now, reflect on 2006. How far do you think the show (blog) has come since your regime began?

TL: Well, when I took over from JER in May, I saw potential. I studied what was there and went about using it and trying to rectify the damage done to the show and it's history. Captive Island 2 did that. I know fans hated going through that again but it allowed us to focus on some characters we needed too and it moved everyone on the canvas to one place. It's laid the groundwork for so much of what we have now and it also helped clean up the canvas a bit. We calmed things down in Fall and that is when we started to build out stories. I think November and December we hit our stride and we will be alot more consistent in 2007.

I: What was your favorite thing to write? Any favorite/least favorite stories? Best moments?

TL: I love writing anything but my favorite thing, personally, to write was the day before and day after Thanksgiving episodes. I think those were very well-rounded and had everything you could want in a soap. Before that, it would've been writing Jennifer's death and Marlena's "death." I love all the stories. As for least favorite, I am going to shock people and say that I wish the Greta/Eric/Nicole stuff was better. I wish I could've improved on that since it was my idea. It was meant to be much better but it got so draggy towards the end. I thought it was dragging in the beginning so I moved the story up and gave it major focus but I think many people weren't interested enough. I wanted it to be a nice miracle and it was but people just wanted the story done. That is one thing I wish I could change. My favorite moment was more of a few moments. The Sami and Roman stuff my Co-HW wrote last week was amazing and those scenes were my favorite moments of the year. They were so emotional and really evolved both characters.

I: What do you wish to improve on Salem Lives and what do you wish to improve on as a writer? What do you do well and not so well?

TL: My co-HW and I both feel the same. The episodes need to be shorter consistently. We will always have long shows from time to time and we are using more dialogue now because the flow is better. Most of the time we need to keep it short. Pace we need to work on a bit and keeping things lighter, even during the dark stories, is a must. I think there was a time in the last two months were things got too dark and we will work on that. I think a writer can always improve. No one is perfect. I think both my co-HW and I are good at writing the relationships and grasping the characters. We both know the history well and our planning ahead is a strength but so is our ability to write great stuff on the fly.

I: What are your goals for 2007?

TL: Well, we will discuss them more next week, but I think we want to be a show (blog) that helps you escape from reality. Our vision focuses on the relationships, family, romance, etc. It's traditiona soap. It doesn't mean we won't do unbeilievable things from time to time. We will always stay grounded and will make sure things make sense. Character motivations are always important and staying true to characters is a must. We will also balance things out a bit with the characters. We will try to get everyone involved and umbrella stories will be in use big time, much like our fans know to expect from us based on 2006. We aren't afraid to take risks and we will big time in 2007. We aren't afraid of backlash or criticism. I am a firm believer you need to take big risks to get big rewards and we will do that. 2007 will be a HUGE year and my co-HW and I got big stuff in store so it should make 2006 look like child's play.

I: Anything else to add?

TL: I just want to thank everyone at SON for their support, especially my fellow blog writers. I also want to thank readers of the blog and I want to continue to encourage commenting and feedback. I try to give it to other blogs when I can and it's a definitely helpful in story planning. Most of all, I want to thank my partner and co-EP/HW (Roman). Our visions mesh together so well and he has been nothing but supportive and a true friend. He is an exceptional writer and he has a true passion for writing and for Days. I think our love for the show is what makes Salem Lives what it is. I don't know where I would be without him. It is so great to have a talented partner you can trust and depend on. Our collaboration was the highlight of my year and it was the best decision I ever made partnering with him. There are no egos or disrespect. The partnership is equal and respectful in every way and it has become more then a partnership, it's become a strong friendship. To my partner and everyone here at SON and the readers-HAPPY HOLIDAYS and we hope you stick with us and enjoy Salem Lives in 2007.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT PART 2: CO-EP/HW Patrick L. Ewing (ROMAN)

I-Interviewer

PE-Patrick L. Ewing (Roman)

I: What are your thoughts on where Salem Lives is now at the end of 2006 based on where it was when your regime started in mid-late 2006?

PE: I've always thought Salem Lives was a great show (DOOL blog). But now, with the collaboration that has been in place since the middle part of the year, the blog has really improved on what was already there. Two minds working on a common goal are better than one and helps keep everything fresh and exciting.

I: What were your favorite stories?

PE: I like the Kiriakis/DiMera mafia war that is going on and really enjoyed the Captive Island 2 story arc because things are still coming about from that storyline even today. So, that tells you how well it was written. But, I also liked Sami's transformation, which is still very much on-going. It has been past time that she grew up into womanhood. Hopefully, she will keep her edge but use her powers for good, not for evil. (Laughs)

I: What were your least favorite stories? What do you think could've been done better, if anything?

PE: I can't really say that I have a least favorite storyline. There have been stories that have dragged a bit but those are getting wrapped up very soon and we're on our way to an exciting and action-packed 2007. The one thing that my partner and I really try to do is listen to the fans who read the blog. Get their reactions to what is occuring on the pages of SL. That's where we would make changes or do something different but always stay true to what our vision is and stay true to the spirit and essence of DOOL.

I: What was your favorite thing to write for Salem

Lives?

PE: You know, if I had been asked this question earlier, I would have stuck with the episode in Sydney where the all-out battle occured between Stefano's men and Victor's men, with Salemites caught in the crossfire. But now, I really have to say that I get the greatest joy out of the Sami/Roman scenes in which she finally asked for forgiveness from her father for all the terrible things she did. They were very emotional scenes to write and touched me a great deal when I did write them. I will always be proud of that piece of work. And, of course, any chance to write for Roman, Victor, Bo or Stefano is a treat. I love writing for all the characters but those four are personal favorites and a real treat to write for.

I: What was your least favorite thing, if anything?

PE: No least favorite thing. When you are accepted by a person to become your writing partner, you take the opportunity to appreciate every single time you get the chance to write. That's what I take from it. The joy of writing. It's so much fun and really quite humbling for people to read what ideas you have or a turn of a phrase you wrote. Now, after that, how could I find anything not worth writing?

I: How do you think you have improved as a writer and how do you think you have helped improve Salem Lives since joining the regime as Co-EP/HW?

PE: My improvement has come from the fact that I feel every writer must not have an ego when it comes to constructive criticism. Some will be rude and say that your writing sucks but, for the most part, people are very kind and tell you in a positive manner what they would like to see and what they think should be changed. And you must admit when your writing stinks too. If you think that every single thing you write for your blog is always on point - you're way too damn arrogant to admit when it falls short. Stay humble. That's the key.

I: What about Salem Lives do you wish to improve on in 2007 and what do you think could be done better, if anything?

PE: The one thing that we have to improve on is what we have been constantly working on - the length of our episodes. Every now and then, we will write an episode that is rather long on the tooth but we only do that because there is alot going on. Now, we are adding more dialogue into the episodes that we write so even if it may seem long, dialogue flows much faster than writing paragraphs. We'll still do that but when something big or emotional is going to occur, that's when the character's P.O.V. will be implemented.

I: What are your goals for Salem Lives in 2007? What are you most excited about?

PE: I'm very excited about some of the huge things we have planned and some of the truly exciting storylines that have been in the works for the last 6 months. This material will blow readers away. When I say classic DOOL, that's exactly what I mean. Romance, humor, action, adventure but, most of all, family, friendships and relationships. That's what's in store. We are also working on some great things that are under wraps but will change SL in many ways. It's truly a very exciting time coming up

I: Any other thoughts on how far Salem Lives has come since the new regime started in May and since you

joined this past summer? Also, any more thoughts on 2007 and beyond?

PE: SL has come a long way since the collaboration started. It is very hard work trying to do a blog based on a soap opera by yourself so I give 1 million percent credit to anyone who does that. I'm just so very glad that we could start doing this wonderful thing together and there are no egos involved. It wouldn't have lasted one day if our egos would have went haywire.

I: Anything else you wish to add?

PE: There is only one thing I would like to add and that is a Thank You to all of the people who take the time out of their "Days", as it were, to read Salem Lives. You don't know what it means to me to read the comments of fellow blog writers and fans who like what we do. I also want to thank my partner for changing 2006 for the better and giving me the opportunity to let our creative juices flow. It has truly been an honor and privilege to work with Phoenix on this blog.

And get ready everyone. 2007 will leave this year in the dust. If you thought 2006 was something, you haven't seen anything yet. Have a safe and joyful New Year, and may all that you wish for come true. Take care.

ROSCOE BORN JOINS SALEM LIVES!!!

As previously reported, Roscoe Born is joining Salem Lives. He will first air on December 26 but, until this point, the character's name was yet to be announced. Well, now the identity of Born's character has been revealed. Born will be playing James McCluer, the patriarch of the McCluer family. "James is a shady character that the fans will slowly learn about," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "They will know he is an ex-con with a rap sheet. He takes a job working under Victor (John Aniston) but seems to have a hidden agenda." In addition to James, fans should be on the lookout for the rest of the McCluer family to be introduced. "We will see the wife and two children very soon," says Lowery. "We are casting them now and they will be pivotal in the fans learning about James. There is alot to focus on with the McCluer's. It's all part of a larger story."

Fans should also look forward to seeing Born's character shake things up with a very popular Salem female. "The fans will be stunned," enthuses Lowery. "I don't think the fans truly know where all this is going so I'm excited for us and for them. It's great having Roscoe with us and I am excited for this story."

Again, Born debuts December 26. Expect to see the rest of the McCluer family in early-mid January.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

COMING

Roscoe Born (James McCluer): Born's character finally has a name. He will debut on December 26.

Joseph Mascolo (Stefano Dimera): Stefano finally resurfaces this week in Salem. As for Renee Jones (Lexie), look for her to resurface from her hiatus in early 2007.

GOINGS

Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton) and Kale Browne (Bill Horton): As previously reported, Laura and Bill leave for Africa on December 26 as the short-term run for both characters comes to an end.

Lisa Trusel (Melissa Horton), Alli Browne (Sarah Horton), and Jed Allen (Don Craig): The three actors, who returned in October, will end their runs on December 26.

Shayna Rose (Stephanie Johnson): Rose ends her short stint on December 27 when Stephanie returns to LA.

Tom Welling and Michelle Williams (Andrew and Jeannie Donovon): Both actors end their short stints on December 26 when Andrew and Jeannie say goodbye to Kimberly (Patsy Pease) and Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) and return to London.

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WK OF 12/26/06

-Laura, Bill, Melissa, Sarah, and Don say goodbye to friends and family.

-Stephanie, Andrew, and Jeannie leave Salem while Kimberly remaind.

-Word of Stefano's impending return rocks Salem.

-There is more to James McCluer then meets the eye.

-Abe, Roman, and Shane work to stop tragedy.

-Victor makes a stunning request of Bo.

-Philip wants in on his father's business.

-Marlena's behavior has friends and family concerned.

-The reunions are short-lived for Bo and Hope and Sami and Lucas.

-Steve isn't well.

-Caroline issues a warning to Victor.

-Celeste has a horrible prediction.

-Will reveals his secret to Alan.

-Sami, Kate, Jack, Billie, Hope, Steve, Kayla, Caroline, and Maggie try to save their loved ones.

-Marlena disappears.

-Several Salemites are in harm's way at the Titan/Horton Foundation New Year's eve ball as Victor, Stefano, and the Salem PD's plans collide leading to a shocking end to 2006.

RED LETTER DAYS!!!

Wednesday December 27: Victor makes a stunning request of Bo!!

Friday December 29: 2006 comes to a stunning end as all hell breaks loose at the Titan/Horton Foundation New Year's Eve Ball!!

Next Week: Chaos erupts in the ballroom. Cassie collapses. Max has a romantic surprise for Abby. Cal has a memory flash. Eric and Nicole make a big decision. The mystery surrounding Marlena deepens.

Announcer: THIS WEEK ON SALEM LIVES...

TWO MEN AT WAR...

Clip of Victor and Stefano.

TWO DEADLY PLOTS...

Stefano: Tonight...midnight. The Dimera's get their revenge.

Victor to Nico: Stefano and his men won't even get a chance to act. We will stop them dead in their tracks.

A STUNNING REQUEST...

Victor to Bo: It's time for you to prove your loyalty to me and our cause.

A DEADLY PREDICTION...

Celeste (crying and screaming): Blood!!! The floor of the ballroom is covered with blood!!!

Hope (with Caroline): What are you talking about?

Celeste: Midnight will bring danger and bloodshed...we must stop it!!!

IT'S A RACE AGAINST THE CLOCK...

Abe to Shane: Midnight is zero hour.

Roman: Men, this war ends tonight!!

5

Sami (with Kate) to Austin and Lucas: Please...don't do this. Come with me, Please!!

4

Jack (watching Stefano's men): My God...they are taking aim!!

3

Kayla: Steve!! Where are you?

Steve slowly walking across the ballroom.

Steve: They are going to shoot...gotta stop...

Steve clutches his head and falls back against a railing.

2

Caroline to Victor: If my son gets hurt, there will be hell to pay.

Hope (with Billie) to Bo: Don't do this. Stop this now!!! Come with us before you or someone else gets killed!!

1

Stefano: Men...

Victor: Take aim...

Abe: And fire on my orders...

Crowd then yells HAPPY NEW YEAR followed by a big bang. The screen then goes black and the crowd then screams.

WHO

Clip of Hope, Sami, Kate, Steve, Kayla, Belle, Philip, Marlena, Caroline, Jack, Billie, Maggie, Celeste, Frankie, and Greta.

GOES

Clip of Abe, Shane, and Roman.

DOWN?!!!

Clip of Stefano, Victor, Lucas, Austin, and Bo.

DON'T MISS 2006'S SHOCKING END!!! A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER!!!

***Be Sure to click on the links to play the montages and the song for the ending scene. It makes this episode like an emotional journey and a real treat for fans. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!!***

Act 1, Scene 1: Christmas Eve. Kayla's suite. Steve enters.

Steve: Well, Stephanie is asleep.

Kayla: She had a long day...and a great one. I want to thank you.

Steve: For what?

Kayla: Making Christmas Eve just perfect. You dressed like Santa Claus and were great with my family. Despite not having your memory, you did a good job and made the best of it.

Steve: Yeah...well, it felt comfortable for some reason.

Kayla: As it should. With all of us helping you, you will remember everything in no time. I mean, you already called me Sweetness and Jack his nickname. Tonight you mentioned the reindeer polking you in the eye as Santa...your getting there.

Steve: Yeah. I just hate being a blank slate. I want to feel what you are feeling and to know what you know. Man...what if I never remember?

Kayla: Then I will still love you just as much, if not more. I have never loved anyone else and never will. Not like I do you. I am confident you will remember and will feel the same way when you do. If not, then we can still be together, as a family. We can and will make it work.

Kayla embraces him as a confused Steve looks on.

Act 1, Scene 2: Marlena's Penthouse. Roman and Marlena enter.

Roman: What a night!! My daughter and I finally get a new beginning, Eric gets his miracle, and I learn my beautiful wife is alive and well. It can't get any better then this, baby. (leans in and kisses Marlena)

Marlena: It's wonderful to be back...in your arms. Seeing everyone again...being home with my family. Hmm...what a feeling.

Roman: It was truly a night for miracles that's for sure! It must have been painful for you to answer all the questions about where you were and how you survived., especially since you said you can't remember.

Marlena: Yeah, it was. I wish I did know myself. It's a worrisome feeling.

Roman: Well, we will get to the bottom of it soon enough. Oh, that reminds me. I know you said earlier that you knew about Sami and I burying the hatchet and Eric surviving because you had been in Salem since this morning but how did you know what happened to Carrie while you were gone? Oh, and how did you know about me being Roman? I mean, when we all last saw you on the island, it wasn't confirmed yet. I mean, I can't beleive you know as much as you do. (laughing) Are you sure you haven't been watching us the whole time you were gone?

Act 1, Scene 3: Sami is at her apartment when there is a knock. She opens the door to reveal Lucas.

Sami: It's about time.

Lucas: Well, I wanted to wait until Will was asleep because I don't want him to hear us discussing what we are going to discuss. Plus, I went to visit my mom. Austin, Billie, and Philip were there so that took awhile and...

Sami: Lucas, I get it. Just shut up and let's get to why you are here. You mentioned some things to me at the Horton's and at the hospital and I want to know what you meant. You said...

Lucas: I know what I said.

Sami: Well, what did you mean? Look, I want to know where all this is going. It sounded like you were dropping hints or something. Is that it? You need to tell me something? Is it about us?

Lucas is silent.

Sami: Damnit Lucas!!! I want answers!! Do you want to give us another chance or not?

Act 1, Scene 4: Bo and Hope's house. Hope is asleep on the couch as Bo walks JT in through the kitchen.

Bo: Ok...you had some milk. Now do you think you could sleep?

JT: Will you read to me like my other daddy did?

Bo: Yeah, sure. Let's go on upstairs quietly. Don't want to wake your Mom. It's been a long day for her. Come on...

Bo goes upstairs with JT, leaving Hope on the couch. We then see a bright light shining on Hope and voice begins to call out.

Voice: Mommy! Mommy!

Hope stirs and slowly wakes up and rises, stunned. She sees Zack immersed in a white light in front of her, dressed all in white.

Hope: Zack?! Baby, is that you?

Zack: Merry Christmas, Mommy!!

Hope's eyes fill with tears.

Hope: Merry Christmas, baby.

Salem Lives Opening plays

Act 2, Scene 1: Bo and Hope's house. Hope is stunned to see Zack in front of her.

Hope: Baby...your here!!

Zack: I came to see you.

Hope: Oh...honey, mommy is so happy to see you. (goes to embrace him but goes right through him) Mommy seems to have forgotten...your no longer with us.

Zack: Did you like my gift mommy?

Hope: What...oh. I see. JT...JT was the gift?

Zack: No, mommy. JT's mommy and daddy are up here with me...where it's pretty.

Hope: Then...what gift are you talking about?

Zack: Sissy!!

Hope: Chelsea? Chelsea is your gift.

Zack: Your her mommy too. Now you and daddy can be happy!

Hope: Oh...sweetheart. Mommy and daddy have alot to work out and...(looks at Zack smiling) I love my gift.

Zack: I miss you, mommy!!

Hope: I miss you too, honey. Why don't you come and see daddy?

Zack: I can't. I don't want to get in trouble with the big boss guy.

Hope (laughing): Ok...I am sure you are a little angel.

Zack: See my wings mommy!! (Zack shakes his wings and smiles)

Hope (crying): Yeah, honey. I see...they're like a perfect fit.

Zack: I have to go...tell daddy and sissy and Shawn I love them. Tell JT too. I would've liked him.

Hope (smiling): Yeah, you would've. I will tell them all. I love you, baby.

Zack: I love you too, mommy!!

Hope (crying): Zack...wait!!! Will you come back to see me like you did this time? Zack!! Don't go!! Please!!!

Bo comes downstairs and sees Hope, talking in her sleep and moaning Zack's name.

Bo: Hope! Hope!

Hope stirs and wakes up.

Hope: Oh...I as dreaming?

Bo: Yeah...was it about Zack?

Hope: It was just like on the island when he came to me. I wasn't sure he came to me then...and I'm not sure now.

Bo: What did he say?

Hope wonders if she should tell him and risk revealing Chelsea's true parentage.

Act 3, Scene 1: Marlena's penthouse.

Marlena: Why would I stalk my family and friends for months and not tell you all I was alive? That is ridiculous!!

Roman: It just seems weird you knew everything that has happened.

Marlena: I don't know everything. I don't know why Abby and Chelsea are in the hospital. I don't know why Victor and Maggie seem so much closer.

Roman: Well, you do know about what Eric went through and what has been going on with Carrie. You also knew about Alan being back in Salem and about me being confirmed to be the real Roman Brady. How about also knowing that the guy thought to be Roman for years was revealed to be Cal Winters? How did you know that?

Marlena: I don't know. I just do. Like I said, I woke up on a park bench this morning. I was disoriented and I just didn't want to reveal myself to everyone at once. You were all dealing with so much and...

Roman: You know what? I'm sorry. It's just...seeing you here and...I am just so happy to have you back. Why don't we stop the twenty questions and just focus on your homecoming?

Marlena: Sounds like a plan to me. (puts her arms around Roman and kisses him)

Roman (pushing her away): Wait a sec...I have a question.

Marlena: Yes?

Roman: Are you ok with this? You know...me being Roman and all that has happened? Does this change anything between us?

Marlena looks on, contemplating the question just posed to her.

Act 4, Scene 1: Sami's apartment.

Sami: Well? Look Lucas, we've both been to hell and back over the years and I just want an answer. The way you have been acting lately, especially tonight, makes me wonder. Am I reading to much into it? Ever since I tried to clean up my life it seems like something has...it's like there was a wall between us and it's slowly been coming down. Am I imagining this? I know you love Carrie and she was having your baby but she's gone and...just say something. Please!!! I know you may still be pissed at me for what I did to Carrie with Lexie's help but you do owe me the truth. We have a son and, after all our years together, you owe me answers right now.

Lucas looks on, silent and appears to be thinking.

Lucas: We sure have been through alot, haven't we?

We then see a montage of flashbacks LUMI MONTAGE

Sami: Yeah we have. So...do you have an answer to my questions yet or not?

Lucas looks at her and turns and walks away as a frustrated Sami goes to her room and slams the door in frustration.

Sami (yelling behind the closed door): Merry Christmas, you insensitive jerk!!

Salem Lives halfway theme plays.

Act 5, Scene 1: Kayla's suite. Steve is sleeping on the couch and hears Kayla moaning in her room. He gets up and enters her room quietly. He sits down by her and gently taps her to awaken her.

Steve: Hey...you ok?

Kayla: Oh, I'm fine. I was just dreaming or something. I do alot of that, especially now with everything we've been through.

Steve: Yeah, I remember you doing it when we were captive in Sydney. We have been through alot...you being shot and all. It's understandable that you would have nightmares. You ok?

Kayla: Yeah...with you here I'm always fine.

Steve: Well...do you need to me to sleep in here...like on the floor or something?

Kayla: Uh...I wouldn't want you to trouble yourself or be uncomfortable. I mean...

Steve: Well, when I held you in my arms in the cell in Sydney you seemed to calm down and finally get some sleep. Woah...I shouldn't have brought that up. I mean, I don't remember hardly anything and I shouldn't be giving you false hope that I'm going to take you in my arms and it will be like everything is as you remember it.

Kayla: You wouldn't be and no apologies necessary. Look...Steve. Your my husband, whether you remember it or not. I remember it...every moment. every kiss, every promise. Just like it were yesterday.

We then see a Steve/Kayla montage STEVE/KAYLA MONTAGE

Kayla: It was an incredible ride and it's still not over. You will remember. I know it.

Steve: Yeah...well, why don't we worry about you and me getting some sleep. I can't just sit in the chair and...

Kayla: What about your original idea? Holding me in your arms liek you did in the cell...I mean you mentioned it. Perhaps...maybe you mentioned it because you want to do it or were drawn to?

Steve: Uh...I probably shouldn't have brought...

Kayla: It could help your memory. I mean, it could jog something. It didn't in the cell but you never know.

Steve: Maybe...alright. Look...I'm not going to do anything to take advantage...

Kayla: Your my husband. It's ok...just come lay down.

Steve lays down and tentatively puts his arms around Kayla, who shows a smile as her back is turned toward Steve.

Act 6, Scene 1: Marlena's penthouse.

Marlena: Why would you ask that? When we first thought you were Roman...it brought us together. Then, we learned you were John Black and our love was still there. Our love has never wavered no matter who we thought you were. It's too strong for that. We've been through so much and our love only grew stronger.

Roman: Yeah. After all we have been through...we can face up to anything and overcome it. Together.

Marlena: Just like we always have.

Roman: Just like we always will.

We then see a Roman/Marlena montage ROMAN/MARLENA MONTAGE

Marlena: I love you, John...oops, sorry.

They both laugh.

Marlena: I love you, Roman Brady.

Roman: And I love you, Marlena Evans.

They kiss passionately as Roman picks her up and carries her upstairs to the bedroom.

Act 7, Scene 1: Bo and Hope house.

Hope: I don't know if it was a dream or not, Bo. All I know is both times he has come to me it felt real but it could've also been a dream. Last time, he helped point me in the right direction to save Chelsea.

Bo: Yeah, and that helped you and her start to get along, right?

Hope: Yeah.

Bo: Maybe is was trying to tell you something by coming to you in your dreams? I don't usually buy into stuff like that but, who knows. Celeste is always right about everything so I guess it's possible. What did he say this time?

Hope: He wished all of us a Merry Christmas. Then he proudly showed off his angel's wings. I asked him if JT was his gift for us and he said it wasn't but that he would've liked him. All he would say is JT's other mommy and daddy are up there with him...where it's pretty.

Bo (smiling): Sounds like our Zack.

Hope: He wants us to be happy Bo. That much is clear. Both times he came to me...he wants his parents together but I told him...it's not easy.

Bo: No, it's not. We have alot to work through and talk about. I mean, we could do that now while I am staying her for the night since it's JT's first night back. That is, if you want to.

Hope: We have been through so much...worked through so many obstacles. Why is it so hard this time?

Bo: Our son died. It's the biggest horror any parents can face. It takes time and I made matters worse by lying and then all the stuff with Victor and...

Hope: Are you saying that was wrong? Are you quitting?

Bo: I don't want to talk about that now.

Hope: Well, you said you wanted to work things out.

Bo: I do but it's Christmas Eve and...you know what? Let me just say this to you. After all we have been through, I love you now just as much as I loved you then. (points at their first wedding photo) I have never stopped. My love grows leaps and bounds everytime I look at you. All the trials and tribulations...what we have is special. We both know that. Having heard all that, we have to work through alot but we love each other. We need each other and we haven't been there for each other like we should've been with me going off with Victor and...

Hope puts her hand on Bo's mouth.

Hope: I never stopped loving you. Don't ever think that. This whole year has been horrible for the both of us. We should've worked through it together but we didn't. We can't change that. All we can do is try to work things out. I'm sorry it took me so long to come around but the pain and grief...I was just so overcome and afraid to even try to work things out with you given your role in Zack's death. The visit from Zack on the island and dropping the charges against Chelsea...I had to get past my anger towards you. I realized alot of it was misplaced. I was more angry with myself...I wasn't there for him. I didn't protect him (crying).

Bo (putting his arms around her): There was nothing you could've done. We all have our own time to go and his time was meant to be short-lived.

Hope (crying): I miss him, Bo. I miss him!! (Hope breaks down in Bo's arms and then slowly pulls away and looks into his eyes).

Hope: I need you. I need you so bad!!

Bo holds Hope in his arms. She pulls away again, looks at Bo, and they slowly lean in and kiss. The kiss then turns passionate and Bo picks her up and carries her upstairs to the bedroom. We then see a Bo/Hope montageBO/HOPE MONTAGE

Act 8, Final ActL As Celine Dion's "Another Year Has Gone By" plays, Another Year Has Gone By,

We see Steve and Kayla in her bed. Kayla is sound asleep and Steve is wide awake. He relaxes his arms, moves closer to Kayla, and says:

Steve: It feels right. Just right...

The scene then shifts to Bo carrying Hope into the bedroom and slowly laying her on the bed. Hope pulls off his shift and they both undress.

Hope: Bo...I love you. I love you so much.

Bo: I love you too, Fancy Face.

They kiss passionately and continue to make love as the scene shifts to Roman and Marlena. who are both undressing in her bedroom.

Roman: God, I love you doc.

Marlena: I love...you. Oh, how I missed you!!

They continue to make love as the scene shifts to Sami's apartment. Lucas is looking at pictures on Sami's mantle of him and Sami and them both with Will.

Lucas: What am I doing? What is wrong with...(hears a door open and turns around to see Sami, dressed in a negligee)

Sami: Now...am I what you want, Lucas, or what?

Lucas and Sami slowly walk towards each other. They stare each other down. Lucas the lunges for Sami and they kiss passionately.

Lucas: I want you!! I do Sami!! I love you!!

Sami: Oh...Lucas. I want you too!! I love you...I love you!!

They ram into the wall and continue to kiss. Sami takes his shirt off and they begin to undress each other. Lucas then picks her up and carries her into her room.

We then see a series of images of Steve and Kayla lying close in bed, Roman and Marlena making love, Bo and Hope making love, and Sami and Lucas making love as the screen fades out as Celine Dion's song "Another Year has Gone By" continues to play.

***Salem Lives will be preempted Monday December 25 for the Christmas holiday but we will be back Tuesday with:

Hope to Bo: It's Shawn. He's on the phone.

Laura to Jack and Abby: I must say goodbye.

Abe to Shane: It's Stefano. He is on his way back to Salem.

Victor: Stefano is arriving in Salem. This time, he won't be so lucky.

Hope to Bo: You continue to work with Victor and I'm not sure we have a future.

-Everyone at St. Luke's continues to react to Marlena's return. Roman asks how Marlena survived falling into the volcano on the island. He never saw her on the ledge below. Marlena says she can't remember what happened. Roman says it's fine. He is just happy she is back. Marlena shares a tearful reunion with Belle, ClaireBo, Hope, Caroline, Laura, Maggie, Julie, and Doug. Everyone is happy to see her.

Marlena explains that Sami saw her outside and she wanted it to be a surprise. Roman hugs Sami and fills Marlena in on all that has been going on. Marlena says she already knows. She has been in Salem since this

morning and followed all the happenings. She didn't want to make her presence known yet as she didn't want to make a spectacle of herself and they were all dealing with so much. Her plan was to reveal herself to Roman first and then the others slowly but things changed.

She is so happy Eric will live and to see Sami and Roman getting along. Roman asks how she got to Salem. Marlena says she has no clue. She woke up on a bench in the park. Sami says it's great that they have her back and hugs her.

-Bo, Hope, JT, Doug, Julie, Laura, Bill, Melissa, Sarah, Don, and Alice go back to the Horton house. Everyone is stunned when Jack shows up with Billie and Maggie with Victor. Both Jack and Maggie explain that they are friends and ask if it is ok for Billie and Victor to stay. Alice says it's Christmas and that, of course, they can stay.

Frankie arrives with Greta as Jack invited them. Greta embraces Alice and thanks her for remembering her once again. Alice says she has always been fond of her and Frankie. Alice also says the more the merrier. Everyone wonders why Lucas is running so late.

-Belle, Philip, Claire, Caroline. Lucas, Sami, Austin, and Will go with Roman and Marlena to see Eric. Nicole is by his side. Eric is stunned to see his mother and they share a tearful reunion . Eric says that things are really starting to turn around for him. Marlena embraces Nicole and welcomes her to the family. Lucas tells Sami he has to get to the Horton's with Will. He invites Sami to come along. Roman tells her to go ahead and that he will see her later.

-Austin and Philip go to check on Kate, who is in Chelsea's room. They wish her a Merry Christmas. Kate says she thought it just may be Chelsea and her on Christmas Eve together. Philip and Austin both say that they have their problems with Kate but she is still their mother. Kate knows Philip may never forgive her for her involvement in Calire'a paternity situation. Philip reminds Kate that she turned out to be his anyway so it's fine. Kate invites them back to her suite for Christmas Eve dinner and they decide to go since Lucas and Billie are at the Horton's.

-Sami, Lucas, and Will arrive at the Horton's and the tree trimming begins. Bill and Laura place theirs on the tree. Meanwhile, Abby is watching the happenings at the Horton house via web cam with Max. Jack waves to her while holding JJ.

Jack and JJ place Abby's ornament on the tree as Abby smiles. Jack then places Jennifer's on the tree and everyone begins to tear up. Jack looks at JJ and promises it will get better and that he will be the best father. Abby begins to cry as Max comforts her, saying her mother will always be watching over her and her family. Abby says she knows that but she misses her.

Back at the Horton house, Billie comforts Jack and assures him it will get better. He smiles and says he knows and they embrace as Laura watches. Bill reminds her of her promise. Laura says she's fine now.

Melissa and Sarah place their ornaments on and so does Maggie. She then takes Mickey's. Don and Victor both assure her she can do it. Julie asks if Maggie is ok. She turns and says she's fine. Mickey is watching and she wants to make him proud. She puts it on the tree and hugs Melissa and Sarah.

Bo and Hope place theirs on the tree, along with JT's. They are so happy to have him back and kiss him. They place Shawn's on too and hope he is ok in the Marines. They then place Zach's on and know he is watching over them, He is no doubt a little angel. Bo comforts Hope.

Hope says that next year they will have to get an ornament for Chelsea. Bo asks why, she is his and Billie's daughter. Hope says it was a slip and she doesn't know what she was thinking. Chelsea is her stepdaughter so she figured they could get her on. Bo embraces her and says that may be a good idea to mend fences a bit. Hope is releived she didn't let the secret out.

Doug and Julie place their ornaments on and kiss. Lucas and Will place theirs on and Lucas tells Will that one day his wife and kids will participate in this same tradition. Will nods and seems a bit upset. Julie makes the comment to Sami that she still feels that one day she will have a ornament on the tree too. Sami smiles and says she used to think so too. Lucas comes over and says she still could. Julie smiles and Sami asks Lucas what he is talking about. He turns away, leaving her hanging.

The rest of the ornaments are placed on and then Alice places her's and Tom's on and wishes him a Merry Christmas, She thanks him for giving them the best Christmas possible and hopes him and all their departed loved ones will continue to watch over them until they meet again.

-At the hospital, Bo and Hope arrive with JT with gifts for the sick children. Jack, Billie, Doug, Julie, Melissa, Sarah, Don, Victor, Maggie, Frankie, Greta, Lucas, Sami, Will, Laura, and Bill all arrive too. Caroline, Kimberly, Andrew, Jeannie, and Shane join them.

Steve, Kayla, and Stephanie arrive as well. Kayla tells Steve she has an idea that may help his memory and make this Christmas a little brighter. Roman, Marlena, Belle, and Claire arrive with Nicole. She has Eric in a wheelchair and he is happy to see everyone. Kimberly tells Eric she will race him. They laugh. Max wheels Abby in and see is happy to see her father and family. Hope gets an idea and tells Bo she will be back.

-Austin and Philip are on their way out with Kate but join everyone at the hospital. Carrie and Alan show up as well. Alan warns Carrie she doesn't care. It's time she makes her presence known. She reaches out to tap Austin on the shoulder but then sees Sami and Lucas and panics. She tells Alan they need to go before someone sees her. She can't think about herself. The paternity of her baby will tear Lucas and Austin apart and cause pain. She needs to leave now. They take off, as Austin turns around after feeling someone watching him.

-Hope goes to Chelsea's room and wakes her. She tells her to come on, pointing to a wheelchair. Chelsea is confused. Hope says she needs to be with her family. Chelsea smiles. Hope then gives her a gift. Hope apologizes that it isn't wrapped but she ran home quick to get it and hoped it was enough. Chelsea opens it to reveal a picture of her, Hope, Bo, Zack, Shawn, and Mimi from last Christmas. Chelsea smiles and as tears well up in her eyes, she says it's perfect. Hope wheels her out to everyone else.

-Bo is stunned when Hope wheels Chelsea out, as is Billie. Hope says she is family and she belongs with them. Abe and Celeste arrive with Theo. Roman wishes them Merry Christmas. Abe says Theo misses Lexie but Celeste and him are trying their best. Roman says that is all Abe can do. Cassie arrives and is upset seeing Max and Abby. Caroline is happy she came. Cassie fakes a smile and nods.

Steve then comes out dressed like Santa Claus. Stephanie and Kayla laugh and Kayla says it's like old times. He tells all the kids that a reindeer poked him in the eye. Kayla says she never told him that. He remembered something and Kayla whispers to him that he said that once before while dressed like "Patchy Claus." Steve smiles and gives out presents.

-Victor tells Maggie he has a gift for her. She opens it and it's a gold bracelet engraved with the words," Loyalty. Support. Comfort. Friend." Maggie tears up and gives Victor his gift. It's a pair of gold cuff links. He thanks her and says he will cherish them. Jack says to Billie he forgot to get her a gift. Billie says that's good because she forgot to with everything going on. Jack smiles and says they will just have to be each other's gifts. They laugh.

-Maggie tells Hope that Alice wanted her to read the Christmas Story after all that she has been through. Hope says Maggie has been through alot too. They all have. Maggie tells Hope to go ahead and do it. Hope takes JT with her and reads the story as everyone looks on.

-Sami reminds Lucas that he never explained what he meant at the Horton house. Lucas says that things can change and that you never know what can happen. He says that she is an example. She has changed so much from forgiving her father to helping Carrie and trying to prove herself. She has truly redeemed herself in his eyes and the woman he sees now is the woman he always saw deep down inside her. The woman he fell in love with. Sami asks Lucas what he is saying. He says they will talk later at her place.

-Doug begins to sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" and everyone at the hospital follows by breaking into song. The scene then shifts to the Horton house as Alice places the baby Jesus in the manger and then looking at Tom's picture:

Alice: To those we love, near and far, may they all be blessed on this day and all the days of their lives.

The screen then fades out on Alice looking to the heaven's above, smiling.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Hope: Zach?!

Roman to Marlena: I can't beleive you know as much as you do. Aare you sure you haven't been watching us the whole time you were gone?

Steve to Kayla: What if I never remember?

Kayla to Steve: Then I will still love you just as much, if not more.

Bo to Hope: After all we have been through, I love you now just as much as I loved you then.

Sami to Lucas: I want to know where this is going. Do you want to give us another chance or not?

(***BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE LINK TO CELINE DION'S "O HOLY NIGHT FOR THE FINAL SCENES OF THE EPISODE. IT REALLY ENHANCES THE END-TRUST ME. THE LINK IS NEAR THE END OF THE EPISODE BEFORE THE LAST ERIC/NICOLE SCENE. ENJOY***)

-Steve, Kayla, Stephanie, Frankie, Max, Austin, Lucas, Will, Sami, Roman, Belle, Philip, Victor, Kate, Billie, Maggie, Abe, Hope, Jack, Billie, Kimberly, Shane, Andrew, Jeannie, and Caroline all wait for word on Eric. They are happy Eric is stabile but he is running out of time. Shane is happy to see his children and Kimberly. Lucas, Austin, Will, Belle, and Caroline admit how proud they are of Sami. Roman says his daughter is a hero no matter what happens to Eric. Nicole is by herself in a corner. Greta puts her hand on her shoulder, assuring Nicole it will be ok. They will get their miracles.

Bo arrives and Hope and Caroline ask where he has been. He insists they will find out later and they update him on Eric. Dr. Rowen emerges. Roman asks if the drug worked. Dr. Rowen smiles and says it did. Eric's condition has improved and he is awake. He's going to make it. Everyone rejoices. Roman praises Sami as the hero and everyone agrees. Sami is proud and says she feels like she finally is what they all want her to be. Roman says she is and more. Lucas says he is very proud of her too and smiles. Will hugs her, saying he is proud of her and how much he loves her.

Nicole, Greta, Caroline, Sami, Belle, and Roman race in to see Eric. He is happy to see them and thanks them all for helping to save him. He looks at Nicole and says it looks like she is stuck with him. She laughs and they embrace.

-Max goes back to Abby and says he is there to spend Christmas Eve with her. He tells her about Eric. She is happy. He sits by her and says Jack has set up the web cam so she can see the party at the Horton's. He says he will be right by her side all night. She smiles and thanks him.

-Kate shows up at Chelsea's room and fills her in about Eric. She says she has come to spend the evening with her so she won't be alone on Christmas Eve. Chelsea thanks her but asks why Kate isn't with her children. Kate says she will be later but now she is with her granddaughter. Chelsea smiles and feels guilty, knowing full well Kate is nothing to her.

-Cal and Katherine are still in isolation in the mountains. He says he hates missing Christmas with those he loves. Katherine says they will get through it together. She pulls out a gift. He feels bad since he didn't get her anything nor did he think she should. She tells him to open it. He does and it's a bracelet made of string and vine. Katherine says her father taught her to make it and he never liked it when he felt people didn't like him or were mad and so on. It's a peace bracelet and she wants them to start over as they started badly.

Cal smiles and thanks her. He adds that his gift to her will be being a cooperative patient. She laughs and then outs on Christmas music as they sit by the fire.

-Maggie and Victor show up at St. Luke's for mass. He thanks her for inviting him. Alice, Doug, Julie, Laura, Bill, Don, Melissa, and Sarah are there already. Julie embraces Victor and says she is happy Victor is there. Maggie tells Victor she doesn't know where she would be without him. He gently takes her hand just as Caroline walks in, clearly upset by the sight.

-Jack and Billie arrive at church. They both feel guilty that their children are in the hospital. They realize they are under a mistletoe and Jack says they have to honor tradition. Jack leans in and kisses her. Billie tells him that was nice. Jack agrees. Laura sees the kiss and when Jack and Billie look at her, she smiles and whispers, "I'm ok."

-Frankie, Kimberly, Shane, Andrew, and Jeannie arrive at the church. Shane says he is happy Kimberly is with them. Kayla, Steve, and Stephanie walk in and Kimberly says it is so nice to see them all together. Kayla says it's really like their first real Christmas together. Stephanie says they will make sure it's the best. Steve agrees.

-A bitter Cassie arrives, still upset about Max and Abby. Caroline waves to her to sit near her. Cassie says "what the hell" and goes over.

-Carrie is outside St. Luke's, hiding in the shadows with Alan. He asks if this is a good idea. She says she can't be with them but she can be near those she cares about, Sami, Roman, Austin, Will, and Lucas arrive. Carrie and Alan hides and she learns all that happened with Eric and sees how close Sami and Roman are now. She is happy about it and smiles.

Austin, Lucas, Will, and Austin again say how proud they are of her. Sami thanks them but says she is blushing and tells them to stop. As they are about to go in, Sami sees a shocking sight and can't beleive her eyes. The others go in ahead of her. Lucas wonders where Sami is and goes back outside but she is gone.

-Hope arrives inside the church with Bo. She asks where he was earlier. He says he had an errand. Hope reminds Bo that Eric was dying and Roman, Sami, and Shane were MIA. He wouldn't just run an errand. Bo then gets a call and hangs up, telling Hope she will know all right...now. The doors of the church open and a women comes in with a little boy. Hope's face turns to shock and jubilation...IT'S JT!!!

Hope scoops the boy up in her arms and wonders how this is happening. Bo explains that the Reiber's died in a car accident and what little living family they had couldn't handle caring for him. Bo was contacted and he met with the social worker and now JT is their son again. Hope says it's a gift...from Zach. The three of them embrace. Doug and Julie are happy to see JT, as is Alice and Caroline. Hope then takes JT to show around to friends and family as Bo finalizes things with the social worker.

Billie comes over to Hope and says she is happy she has JT back. Hope thanks her. Billie then calls Chelsea and tells her the news. She smiles. Kate asks what is going on. Chelsea says it's nothing.

-Greta arrives and sees Victor. She walks up to him and thanks him for helping her save Eric. She misjudged him and it is clear he is not the monster some think. Victor smiles and says Merry Christmas. Greta wishes him the same and smiles. She looks for a place to sit. Frankie offers her one and she thanks him.

-Abe and Celeste arrive with Theo and sit near Shane. They vow to give Theo a good Christmas even though Lexie is gone.

-Lucas is still outside looking for Sami. She then comes out from the bushes and grabs him, saying she needs his help with a gift for her dad just as Fr. Jansen begins the mass.

As "O Holy Night" by Celine Dion begins to play "O Holy Night",

Eric and Nicole are in his room. They are kissing. Eric vows that this is a new beginning and a second chance he doesn't plan to waste. Nicole says she will make sure they don't. They hold each other, relieved the crisis has passed.

-The scene the moves to Max laying with Abby on her bed and holding her in his arms. He sees that she is sleep and kisses her forehead.

-The scene shifts to Kate watching a sleeping Chelsea and saying she is so happy that she is ok and that she has her as a granddaughter. Kate doesn't see that Chelsea is awake and that tears are falling down her cheeks.

-The scene then shifts to St. Luke's as we still hear Celine Dion's "O Holy Night" playing but the choir is now beginning to drown the song out as they are singing the same song. The mass is nearly over. Bo and Hope are sitting with JT, happy to have him back in their lives. They both thank God and Zach for their gift. Hope privately gives thanks for Chelsea, her newfound daughter, and prays to find a solution to work everything out.

Austin and will wonder where Sami and Lucas are, as does Roman. There is then a loud slam and everyone in the church turns. Sami and Lucas enter:

Sami: Attention everyone!!! I hope you can here me over the choir.

Fr. Jansen instructs the choir to stop but the song, "O Holy Night," keeps playing.

Sami: I am sorry to interrupt but something came to my attention outside and I am glad it did as it's the perfect gift for my father and I know many of you will love this too. I was shocked and I know you all will be as well.

Roman stands.

Roman: Sami, what is going on?

Sami: Ok!! Ok!! Without further adeiu... (Lucas and Sami open the doors)

Roman and the whole church is in shock as the song gets louder

Roman (as tears well up in his eyes): Oh my God!!!

Belle: This can't be...

Roman slowly walks towards the back and the camera pans around to reveal a smiling...MARLENA. She is in tears and she runs into Roman's arms.

Roman: Doc!!!...Oh my...how...what is going on?

Marlena: I am back my love. I've come back to you.

Roman and Marlena embrace as the whole church watches. Sami is in tears, so happy seeing her parents together. Lucas looks at and lovingly takes her hand. She looks at him and he looks at her and they both smile.

The screen then fades out on an overhead shot of everyone in the church watching Roman and Marlena's reunion as Celine Dion's "O Holy Night" continues to play.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Roman to Marlena: It's so great having you back in my life.

Sami to Lucas: What are you saying? Do you want to get back together?

Carrie to Alan: Maybe it's time I reveal myself...

Alice (looking to the heavens): Merry Christmas Tom....

-Sami, Roman, and Shane made it back to the copter and are on board. They are on their way back to Salem. Sami turns to Roman and says:

Sami: Are you alright? You look so tired.

Roman: Oh, I’m fine. I’ll be better once your brother gets this medicine in him, though.

Sami: Yeah. I will too. (Looking at Roman as he leans his head back) You are such a wonderful man. I was wondering......

Roman: Yeah?

Sami: Well, I was just thinking......I have no one coming over for Christmas, and I wasn’t invited to anyone’s home........

Roman: Oh, I see.

Sami: Well, I was just thinking.......that if you weren’t doing anything.........you could maybe, uh......

Roman: Come over on Christmas Day?

Sami: Uh, yeah. My cooking isn’t good at all, but.......

Roman: (Putting his arm around her) I’m not coming over for your cooking. I’m coming over to spend the holiday with my daughter. My beautiful, sweet, precious little girl, who I love so very much, ok?

Sami: Yes, Daddy.

Sami wraps herself around her father and Roman slowly drifts off to sleep. She watches him silently, grateful to God that she now has another chance with her father. She rests her head on his chest and drifts off to sleep as well.

-Hope is in shock from what Chelsea said and asks how this is possible. Chelsea says it was during her time as Princess Gina that she was concieved. The "Georgia is alive" evidence was a scam and she really died in Billie's arms in the swamp. Chelsea explains to Hope how Stefano told her on the island and she didn't trust him so she did a DNA test when she returned. It was done twice and Greta was there. Hope is shocked Greta knew. Hope still can't beleive this. Chelsea says she doesn't have the proof right now but she knows someone who can help her prove what she is saying.

-Jack goes into Abby's room and sees Abby and Max sitting close and talking. Abby explains to her father what happened with her and Max. He is happy and shakes Max's hand, saying it's about time. He knows he will treat his daughter right or else. Max laughs and says he knows better then to hurt Abby and he cares far too much to do so. Jack smiles and whispers to Max a reminder not to tell Abby or Chelsea about their condition.

Jack explains that Jennifer would be pleased with Max dating Abby. Abby knows she would. Jack asks Max if he wants to go check on Eric. He tells Jack he will wait until he is paged or hears something. Abby asks her father why he isn't getting ready to go to Christmas Eve mass. It's a family tradition and JJ loves seeing the decorations and all. Mom would want that. Max tells Jack he can stay with Abby. Abby says she will be fine and tries to convince Jack. He agrees to go. Jack knows she will hate missing mass and the tree trimming so he says he will have a web cam set up so Abby can be a part of the action at the Horton house. She hugs him and thanks him. Jack leaves.

-Greta arrives at Chelsea's room, asking why she had her paged. Hope realizes that Chelsea had her called. Chelsea tells Greta to validate her claim that Hope is her mother. Greta does and says she saw the test results. Hope is stunned and wonders what they should do now. Chelsea says they need to tell Bo and Billie, as well as everyone else.

Hope, thinking about the holidays and what this will do to Bo and Billie and the families involved, tells Greta and Chelsea that they won't tell anyone else...for now. It's the holidays and they all have been through enough turmoil. They will figure out a way to tell the others later. Greta agrees to stay silent, as does Chelsea.

-Caroline is calling all over looking for Bo, wondering where he could be as his nephew is dying. Victor comforts her. Steve, Kayla, Stephanie, Frankie, Max (who leaves Abby for a few minutes to check in ), Austin, Lucas, Will, Belle, Philip, Victor, Kate, Billie, Maggie, Abe, and Celeste (who is there with Theo to be there to support the Brady's) are all watching as Nicole shares a tearful goodbye to Eric. Caroline is shocked when Andrew and Jeannie come through the swinging doors. They reunite with friends and family.

Caroline then sees Kimberly wheel herself in behind them. They share a touching reunion. She says she came as soon as she could and asks if there is any change on Eric or news on Sami, Shane, and Roman. Caroline shakes her head. She adds that even if they lose Eric it will be good to have her and the kids, along with Stephanie, home for the holidays. She agrees.

-Philip tries to comfort Belle but she backs away tentatively, saying not now. Philip grabs her arm and says that no one can suspect what is going on and orders her to do as he says. A trembling Belle agrees and embraces Philip as a suspicious Kate watches.

-Back in Chelsea's room, Chelsea asks Hope how things are going to be between them. Hope says she doesn't know. Frankie comes in and says that Eric is near death and she probably should be there. Chelsea tells Hope to go ahead and give everyone her best wishes. Hope tells Chelsea they will talk and leaves.

-Hope joins everyone else who is holding vigil for Eric. Greta is watching Nicole say goodbye and prays that it doesn't end like this. Not after everything they have been through to try to save him.

Jack arrives and asks Billie what is going on. She explains what is going on with Eric. Jack explains to Maggie that Alice, Doug, Julie, and the others are at St. Luke's already for mass. They went early to say a few extra prayers for the Brady's. Maggie says that is a good idea as they can use them.

-Alan is at the hospital. He had cut himself and needed treatment and is now watching what is going on from a distance. He hears about Sami and seems unnerved. He says he hopes she makes it home as he has many plans for her and needs to make her see that he has changed.

He decides to leave the hospital to avoid detection and is shocked when he hears a women call out to him. He turns to see Carrie. Alan is stunned to see her. She says she couldn't stay away from her family and home on Christmas and, even if she can't make herself known to her loved ones, at least she can be around them.

-Nicole is begging Eric to hang on. They pledge their love for each other before he goes into a seizure and stops breathing. Dr. Rowen and his staff work to save him as everyone watches. Austin comforts Nicole. Lucas wonders where Sami is as she should be here as Hope and Caroline wish Bo and Roman were there.

Just then, Sami and Roman arrive with Shane in tow. They have the drug and pray they aren't too late. Everyone is stunned to see them and asks where they have been. Sami explains to them all what transpired. Dr. Rowen gives the drug to a nurse and asks her to deliver it as he tries to get Eric stable but he is still flatlining.

Everyone in the room prays for a miracle and hopes Sami and Roman aren't too late. The screen then fades out on a flatlined Eric lying motionless.

On the next Salem Lives...

Bo to Hope: I have a surprise for you...one that will change both of our lives.

Jack to Billie: Looks like we are under a mistletoe (leans in and kisses her).

Roman to Sami: I am so happy to have you in my life again (as someone watches them hugging).

Maggie to Victor: I don't know what I would do without you (Victor takes her hand as Caroline watches).

Sami: Oh my God...how is this possible?

-Max shows up in Abby's room. He is relieved to see her awake and says there is something important they need to discuss. It's something he has felt and wanted to tell her for so long and he doesn't want to wait any longer. Abby says she needs to talk to him too. After all that is happened, this can't wait any longer and she doesn't want to play games anymore. It's time to come clean.

Abby admits to Max how her acting out was mostly a ploy to get his attention and the more it worked the more she did it. Plus, he was falling for Cassie, who has a bit of a wild streak so she figured this would make her more appealing to him. Max asks why she would do all that and Abby says that is what she needs to talk to him about. They are interupted by a nurse, who says to Max that his grandmother needs him. They are saying goodbye to Eric.

-Frankie follows Cassie, who races to Abby's room to spy on Max and Abby and stop Max from confessing his feelings. Frankie realizes he needs to do something so he goes to a supply closet and whispers Cassie's name. A suspicious Cassie slowly walks over to the closet. Frankie grabs her, shoves her in. and closes the door. She is locked in and screaming for help. Frankie hopes he bought Max enough time.

-The helicopter flies over the crash sight. Sami notices that there is wreckage down there and demands that Shane land the plane so they can check it out. Shane tells her it maybe anything but she says that she is not going to leave her father down there to die all alone. Shane is shocked by this, knowing that Sami has hated Roman for a long time. But, when he turns to talk to her once again, she has a gun pointed in his face. She tells him to tell the pilot to land the plane - or she’ll land it herself. Shane tells the pilot to land.

Shane: (Walking up to Sami) We have looked over every inch of this wreckage. There is no sign of any bodies at all. They must have gotten out before the helicopter went down. Now, if you would be so kind as to put that gun away, young lady?

Sami slowly puts the gun back into her purse and humbly says:

Sami: I’m so sorry, Uncle Shane. I was desperate and wasn’t in my right mind. It’s just........

Her voice trails off.

Shane: I know. You want to find Roman. We are going to do everything we can.

Sami: I know, and I want to help. Look, we still have the walkie-talkies in the copter, right?

Shane: Yes. We’re going to use those in the search.

Sami: Well.........give me one. I need to do this. I need to help find him.

Shane looks on warily.

Sami: You don’t understand. I love him. I love him so much. He’s such a special man with everything he’s been through. My mother’s death, Eric’s illness, having his past with his family stolen from him. And now, he’s out there, all alone. (She turns and looks into the dark wilderness) Well, I can’t leave him out there to die.........just when I’ve found him again. (Turning back towards Shane) So, if you don’t want me to pull that gun out again, please, for his sake, please let me look for him, ok?

Shane: (After a pause) Alright. Against my better judgement, go and get one of the devices and start off. But, you stay in constant contact the whole time, understood young lady?

Sami: (Smiling) Yes, Uncle Shane. Thank you.

She hugs him quickly, goes to the copter to get a walkie-talkie, and runs off into the dark night to find her father.

-Dr. Rowen tells everyone they should say their goodbyes to Eric now. Time is running out fast. Caroline is still hopeful for a miracle as Victor comforts her. Frankie and Max both say their goodbyes to him. Max then tells Frankie to page him if there is more trouble. He is going back to Abby. Frankie says ok but doesn't mention anything about Cassie. Kayla, Caroline, Hope, Austin, Lucas, Will, Abe, and Belle all say their goodbyes to Eric. Greta then goes in too and says a heartfelt goodbye. Eric and Nicole both thank her and Victor for their help.

Philip comforts Belle as Victor comforts Caroline. Austin, Lucas, and Will are worried about Sami. Abe says they have people on it and, hopefully, it will all work out. Caroline hopes so as the family can't bare to lose Sami and Shane could be Eric's last hope, as well as Roman's. They all wonder where Bo went. Frankie says he went to run an errand. Caroline says he should be here with his family.

-Meanwhile, Bo is at the pier and he turns around. He asks whoever he is talking to how this could happen.

-Nicole is in Eric's room by his side when he grabs her hand lightly and says he knows she has given up hope and he has too. He tells Nicole it's time to say goodbye.

-Steve comforts Kayla over Eric. Kayla is then stunned when she sees Stephanie (played by Shayna Rose) race off the elevator and into her arms. Caroline, Frankie, and Hope all embrace her. She says she came when she heard about Eric and now she heard about Sami and Roman being missing. She hopes they will be ok. However, she also came because of her mother and father being found and brought home.

Kayla turns her around and tells her to meet her father. Stephanie, with tears in her eyes, calls Steve "daddy." Something clicks in Steve and he begins to cry as he says "this must be my little girl." They embrace as everyone around them is happy to see this emotional reunion. Steve says it looks like they will be having their first Christmas as a family. Kayla and Stephanie agree. Steve says he will do his best but he warns them not to expect much from him. They both understand and vow to help him recover his life and memories and to make this a memorable Christmas. They all three embrace.

-Hope is called to Chelsea's room. Chelsea, remembering her vow to turn her life around and also recalling Greta's words, is preparing to tell Hope the truth. Hope arrives and asks Chelsea what's going on.

-After nearly a half hour in the freezing night, Sami is starting to lose hope. She keeps calling out Roman’s name but she gets no response. She has been in contact with Shane but he nor the search party haven’t found a thing. The snow is getting deeper and she is becoming more and more desperate.

Then, about 25 minutes later, she sees a dim light in the distance. She is freezing herself by now and she hopes that this is some type of cabin or shelter where she can get warm before she starts back out again. She comes upon the shelter, which she now seems is a boathouse on a lake and finds the door. When she gets the door open, she walks in and looks around for somewhere to sit. When she walks around the boat to the other side, she sees someone lying next to the foot of the boat. She rushes over and kneels down and shakes the man. When he doesn’t answer, she turns him over to reveal........

Her father, Roman.

Sami: Daddy! Daddy? Oh God, thank you. Thank you so much.

She starts crying tears of joy. She is overcome with emotion. She holds this man tightly and tries with all her strength to stop crying but she realizes that she has never been this happy in her entire life. She rocks back and forth while holding him, thanking God over and over again.

Slowly, she notices that Roman is starting to come to. She holds his face in her arms and says:

Sami: Daddy? Daddy, can you hear me? It’s Sami.

Roman: (Quietly speaking) Sami........Sami, is that you?

Sami: Yes. Yes it’s me.

Roman: Where am I?

Sami: In a boathouse near a lake. The helicopter you were flying in crashed. You must have wandered here to find some type of shelter. Uncle Shane and I came looking for you.

Roman: (Regaining his bearings slowly) Shane let you come out in this?! That’s his tail when I see him.

Sami: Well, it really wasn’t his idea.

Roman looks slowly at her and ask:

Roman: What does that mean?

Sami: Well, see, I kinda stole Abe's gun, and.......I sorta held him at gunpoint until he let me come along and search for you.

Roman stares at her in shock.

Sami: Like father, like daughter, I guess.

They both laugh at that statement. Then, they slowly stop laughing and look at each other. Roman starts to smile at Sami and she slowly bends down and kisses him on his forehead. He slowly sits up and then stands up and takes her in his arms. He looks at her and then gives her the biggest hug she has ever received from him. She responds and they hold each other tightly. All of the years of pain, anger and hurt feelings start to wash away in this embrace. What Sami doesn’t know is that Roman is crying also, so very glad that he can express love to this young lady once again.

Roman pulls back slightly, wipes the tears from his face and says:

Roman: Thank you. Thank you so much for coming out here and looking for me.

Sami: It was the least I could do. I mean after all......you were the one who taught me the value of love. I’m just so sorry I had forgotten that over all these years.

Roman: Well, life will teach us to grow up sooner or later. (Looking down at her hand) You have a walkie-talkie. Great. Let me see this. (Calling to Shane) Governor, Governor....this is Roman. Sami found me and I’m alright. (He tries to stand) Well, except for my leg, I’m alright.

Shane: (Over the device) That’s great! It’s good to hear your voice!

Roman: Yours to, Shane. We are both in a boat house on a lake going due west. Just follow Sami’s footsteps and you should make it here.

Shane: Understood. We’ll see you ASAP. Over and out.

Roman: See you then.

Roman sits back down, and Sami starts dressing his wound with supplies she found in the boathouse.

Sami: Well, it’s not too bad but you do need medical attention.

Roman: Yeah, I know. It’s good you still remember how to do this.

Sami: Yeah, well, you taught me how to take care of myself if I ever got stranded somewhere by myself. (Looking at him) You taught me a lot of things. I’ve just been too stupid and hateful to realize that.

Roman: Look, after what happened between me and your mother at Titan all those years ago, it’s no wonder why you felt this way. It doesn’t excuse any of the crap you did to everyone but, it does explain it a little bit.

Sami: I know. I just feel so ashamed. Always blaming everyone else for what I did. Mom, Carrie, Austin, Kate, Lucas, and, especially, you. Eric is dying and you risked your life over and over again just to save him and all I can do is have people tell me how much they hate me. (She bows her head) I feel so alone, Daddy and it’s no one’s fault but my own. (Looking at Roman) I lay in my bed and cry myself to sleep every night, blaming myself for how badly I messed up my life and I pushed you away. I pushed away the one man whose done nothing but love me my whole life. (Grabbing his arm, crying) Oh Daddy!! Please...please forgive me for all the horrible things I’ve done. I don’t want you to be mad at me anymore. Please don’t be mad at me, daddy.

Roman: (Putting his arm around her and hugging her) Oh, my sweet, precious little baby. (Rocking back and forth) There is no way I could ever stay mad at you. I have loved you from the moment I held you in my arms. You are so very precious to me. (Kissing her forehead) Don’t you ever doubt my love for you, ok? We are going to get through all of this together and you are going to be the lady I’ve always thought you could be and you know something else? (Holding her chin up) Your mother would be so, so very proud of you right now.

Sami: She would?

Roman: Oh, yes. Her little girl came out in a snowstorm to find her daddy, without any thought to her own safety. Now how can you think she’s not looking down on you and smiling right now, hmm?

Sami: Thank you. It feels so good to hear you say that.

Roman: I say that because it’s the truth. Now (Standing up with Sami’s help) We have to go outside and wait for Shane to get here. Do me a favor and grab that box over there. It’s the medicine for Eric.

Sami: Ok, Daddy. Here. Why don’t you lean on me and I’ll help you.

Roman: (Pausing) That was one of your mother’s favorite songs. Lean On Me.

Sami: Really? Well, why don’t we lean on each other. I think she would really like that.

Roman: Yes, yes she would.

Sami helps Roman walk out of the boathouse. After a few moments, they both see flashlights in the distance. They walk towards the lights and, it’s not only Shane, but the pilot and the search party. They greet each other:

Shane: Hell of a night to be out in this, huh?

Roman: Sure is. Thanks Shane for coming out in this garbage to find me.

Shane: No problem. I think you better send this young lady to the academy, Roman.

Roman: Oh. Why is that?

Shane: Well, she held a gun on me and threatened to shoot me if I didn’t let her come with me and help look for you and then, she finds you all by herself.

Roman: (Looking at Sami) I know. She’s one hell of a lady.........and one hell of a daughter.

Sami gives off a huge grin.

Roman: Aye, let’s get out of this mess. Time’s wasting and Eric needs this stuff if he’s going to survive.

Shane: You bet. (Taking Roman under his other arm) Let’s go.

-Max returns to Abby and says he is ready to pick up where they left off. Abby says there was a reason why she wanted his attention and did what she did. Max says he thinks he already knows. Frankie told him a good deal. Abby is mad that he did but Max says he is glad.

Max: Abby, we have been through alot these past few months. I know I have let you down a bit and I will be sure to make up for that. Since I came to Salem, you have been a good friend but, over time, I realized something. Well, I guess it took almost losing you that night at the bridge and seeing you here fighting for your life. Whatever. All I know is I have realized now that what I feel for you is more then friendship...much much more. Abby, I dream of you all the time and I think and care about you more then any other girl I have ever been with. Abby, I think what I feel for you is too strong to be a simple friendship and I think it is something we need to explore. (Looks at Abby) You know what? I shouldn't have done this. It's too much to lay on you and...

Abby: No. No, it's not. Max...I have wanted to tell you how I feel for months. I have always cared about you but the island, my mom's death, and...you were there. Somewhere, through it all, my feelings for you grew to be more. I feel the same way as you and I think we need to give ourselves a shot at becoming something bigger then what we are now. I'm not sure if it's love...the kind of love my parents had or that Bo and Hope and others have but we need to try. We need to see what it can be and if there is a long future in store for us.

Max: I agree. So...I guess we're...

Abby (smiling): Dating? Boyfriend and girlfriend?

Max: Yeah...yeah I guess that is what we are.

Max leans in and kisses her on the cheek and they embrace. A nurse lets an angry Cassie out of the closet. Cassie ignores the nurse's questions about why she is in there and looks into Abby's room to see her and Max in an embrace. Cassie realizes she is too late and is heartbroken but vows this is far from over.

-Hope sits down and asks Chelsea again what is going on. Chelsea says there is something she needs to know. Something she has kept hidden for awhile. She was being selfish in that she was afraid of the aftermath but also thought she was doing what was best. She now knows she needs to tell all and she wants to turn her life around and this is a start. Hope just tells her to speak. Chelsea says she is gald Hope and her came to an understanding over Zach's death on the island and when they got him and that they can be civil now. Hope asks why and wants to know what is going on.

Chelsea: Hope...this is about my parents...

Hope: What are you trying to get them together again? Chelsea?!

Chelsea: No!! It's not that. I found out something on the island and, when I got back to Salem, I had DNA tests done and I have the proof and everything and...

Hope: The island...DNA tests...what the hell is going on and what does it have to do with me and your parents?

Chelsea: That's just it.

Hope: What?

Chelsea: What you called Bo and Billie...

Hope: Your parents? That is what they...

Chelsea: No, they're not. I found out on the island and the DNA tests proved it. Bo and Billie are not my parents.

Hope: What are you...I don't..

Chelsea: I don't know who my father is but I know who my mother is...

Hope: Chelsea...I don't...

Chelsea (with tears welling in her eyes): Hope...your my mother. The tests proved it. Your my mother, not Billie.

The screen frezzes on a stunned Hope's face and then fades out.

On the next Salem Lives...

Sami to Roman: We need to hurry. Eric is running out of time.

Nicole to Eric: Hold on, damnit!!! Don't die on me, not now!!!

Alan (turning around): What are you doing here?

Kimberly (as Caroline and Frankie turn around): I'm home!!!

Chelsea to Hope: It's true. Your my mother.

Hope to Chelsea: The question now is what do we do now?

Announcer: THIS WEEK...

THE WEEK FANS HAVE WAITED FOR...

A WEEK OF REVELATIONS...

Max to Abby: What I feel for you is more then friendship...much much more.

Abby (in tears) to Max: I have dreamed so many times of you saying that.

The screen then shifts to Hope in Chelsea's room.

Hope: Just tell me Chelsea...

Chelsea: Hope...your my mother...

A WEEK OF PAYOFFS...

Sami to Shane: I am going to find my father and save my brother.

Scene of Sami going through the blinding snowstorm.

Roman to Sami: What are you doing here?

Sami to Roman: I came to save you!!

A WEEK OF HOPE...

Caroline (looking at Eric): He is running out of time.

Nicole: You can't die on us!!!

Scene of Eric flatlining.

Nicole: No!!! Not like this damnit!!!

A WEEK OF SURPRISES...

Bo to Hope: I have a surprise for you.

Hope: Oh my...

A WEEK OF ROMANCE...

Victor to Maggie: This is for you... (hands her a gift)

Maggie to Victor: I don't know what I would do without you.

Scene shifts to Jack and Billie.

Jack to Billie: You are very special to me.

A WEEK OF MIRACLES AND HOLIDAY CHEER...

Sami: I can't believe this...

Julie to Doug: It's another Christmas in Salem.

AND A WEEK OF BIG RETURNS!!!

Stephanie: I'm home!!!

Stephanie and Steve embrace.

Steve: I guess this will be our first Christmas together as a family.

Scene shifts to the hospital where Andrew and Jeannie embrace Caroline, followed by Kimberly.

Kimberly: It's good to be home.

Scene then shifts to Alan turning around in shock to see Carrie.

Alan: What are you doing here?

PLUS, TWO BIG SURPRISE RETURNS THAT YOU MAKE THIS THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!

Sami to Lucas: This is the perfect Christmas.

Alice: Just another wonderful Christmas in Salem.

THE WEEK YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!! HOLIDAYS!!!

ALL PART OF A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER ON...

WEEK OF 12/18/06 EDITION

***STARTING WITH THIS EDITION, THE INSIDER WILL NO LONGER FEATURE LENGTHY ARTICLES ABOUT THE WEEK'S EVENTS. THEY WERE SIMPLY GIVING AWAY TOO MUCH. WE WILL STILL INCLUDE TEASERS, RED LETTER DAYS, NEXT WEEK PREVIEWS, AND CASTING NEWS AS ALWAYS ALONG WITH RUMORS ONCE IN AWHILE. YOU WILL FIND ALL THE INFO YOU NEED TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THE BLOG HERE WEEKLY AS USUAL. WE WILL ALSO START A NEW FEATURE CALLED "THE INSIDER SPOTLIGHT" WHICH WILL FEATURE AN INTERVIEW WITH ME, PHOENIX (OR MY BLOG NAME TIM LOWERY), OR ROMAN (OR HIS BLOG NAME PATRICK L. EWING) ALONG WITH INTERVIEWS WITH CAST MEMBERS TALKING ABOUT THEIR CHARACTER'S STORIES. THE SPOTLIGHT WILL FOCUS ON CONTROVERSIAL STORIES THAT HAVE PEOPLE TALKING AND WILL BE MUCH VAGUER THEN THE OLD INSIDER FEATURES. HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY AND THANKS FOR READING!!!***

THE INSIDER SPOTLIGHT: EP/HW TIM LOWERY

I-Interviewer

TL-Tim Lowery

I: Thanks for joining us.

TL: Glad to be here.

I: It seems like you have a big week on tap.

TL: Huge. It's not like the previous big weeks we have had that were focused around tragedy or big events. This week is one of miracles, revelations, payoffs, big returns, surprises, and everything you could want to have a happy Christmas week. It's our gift to the readers and fans who stuck with us through all the doom and gloom. This is their reward and it's just a wonderful week for fans of the couples and families of Salem.

I: Sounds great!! Can you give us some details?

TL: Well, without giving too much away which has become our policy here, we have several returns. Stephanie returns and finally meets her long presumed dead father, Steve. The Johnson's will have their first Christmas together, which is nice. Kimberly returns and she will stick around beyond the holidays. Jeannie and Andrew return with her but they will only be with us until the 26th. Bill, Laura, Melissa, Sarah, and Don stay with us until the 26th so the Horton's will be plentiful this year. There will be nice tributes to all those lost this year including Jennifer, Mickey, and Marlena. Bo has a huge surprise for Hope and the couples that are apart will be happy this Christmas despite the complications that still exist for them. We won't ignore the conflict between Bo and Hope and some of the others but it's the holidays and they deserve some happiness. Sami's maturation provess is complete and heroic measures will be rewarded as Salem realizes how far she has come.

I: Wow!! Anything else?

TL: There are two surpise returns on Wednesday's show that will be real tear-jerkers. We have the Horton's tree trimming and a special super couple themed show on Friday as the couples celebrate Christmas together and it's quite romantic. Romance is in the air for many, even for some non-couples like Victor and Maggie and Jack and Billie. The answer to the question of Eric dying is finally given and there will be major revelations for some of our characters. It's just a great week.

I: Great. Thanks for the scoop. You will be joining us next week too to preview the last week of 2006 and then the following week to promote 2007 right?

TL: You bet. I will do another interview next week to preview the last week of the year and then my Co-EP/HW and I will give an interview previewing the new year. Also, look for more in-depth 2007 previews to be published soon and to be posted around December 29. It's definitely an exciting time.

I: Indeed. Well, thanks for joining us.

TL: No problem. See you next week!!!

COMINGS AND GOINGS

COMING

Shayna Rose (Stephanie Johnson): Rose reprises her role for a limited time on December 18.

Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady): Pease resumes the role for an unlimited run on December 19.

Tom Welling and Michelle Williams (Andrew and Jeannie Donovon): The actors, who appeared this past summer, return to the roles for a few episodes beginning on December 19.

Jay Kenneth Johnson (Philip Kiriakis): As fans learned on the December 12 episode, Johnson reprised the role of Philip. "The fans wanted him and they decided it," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "We were going to go with him anyway but then we started thinking of others but here we are back where we started. We love having him and we think he is great. The fans should look for a great story between him and Belle (Martha Madison). It was fun keeping it a secret until the episode though.

Christie Clark (Carrie Brady):Carrie finally reappears on December 19.

Two shocking returns: Look for the returns of two surprise characters on the Wednesday December 20 episode. "It's a tear-jerker and the last five minutes will be very emotional," vows EP/HW Tim Lowery.

GOINGS

Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton): Bauer, who has been on recurring since August, will see her run end on December 26. "We loved having her but her story has ended," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "Much like all the other returned Hortons, she will leaving Salem but the door is very much open for a return."

Kale Browne (Bill Horton): Browne's run has ended too and he will exit with Laura on December 26.

Lisa Trusel, Alli Parker, and Jed Allen (Melissa Horton, Sarah Horton, and Don Craig): All 3 actors, who returned for limited runs in October, depart Salem on December 26. "All 3 were really meant to be done in November, which is why we haven't used them this month, but we kept them around for Christmas as a treat," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "The door is open for all of them to return."

RUMORS/GRAVEVINE

-Rumors have Jensen Ackles and Arianne Zuker (Eric and Nicole) already finished with their runs. Looks like things don't go well for Eric...

-Where does Greta (Julianne Morris) go from here? Rumors have fans learning exactly how Victor (John Aniston) is her father early on in 2007 and look for her to connect with a lonely Salem man and be part of a mystery story in 2007.

-Setsiders warn fans that this week is highly emotional and that the end of Wednesday's episode will make die-hard fans smile from ear to ear.

-It looks like Alexis Thorpe (Cassie) may be upgraded to contract status.

-Will's (Jeremy Sumpter) secret is about to be revealed.

-Info about Roscoe Born's character is sketchy but rumor has it SL is looking for 3 actors to play his wife and two children as part of a new story arc. It appears Born's character will stir things up with Victor. He debuts next week and look for info on Born's character next week in the Insider.

PREVIEWS AND PEEKS INTO WEEK OF 12/18/06

-Sami pulls out all the stops to save Roman and Eric.

-The Brady's, Nicole. and Greta say goodbye to Eric as he slowly slips away.

-Chelsea tells Hope the truth.

-Max and Abby confess their feelings while Frankie acts to stop Cassie.

-Stephanie, Kimberly, Andrew, and Jeannie return.

-Alan is shocked when Carrie shows up in Salem.

-The Johnson's enjoy their first Christmas together as Stephanie finally meets her father.

-Sami and Roman have a breakthrough and later have a special Christmas moment.

-Bo has a surprise for Hope.

-Two surprise returns shock Salem.

-Cal and Katherine enjoy a private Christmas.

-Romance is in the air on Christmas Eve for Jack and Billie and Max and Abby.

-Victor and Maggie exchange gifts.

-Salem celebrates Christmas as the Horton's trim the tree once again and miracles abound in Salem.

-Carrie watches her friends and family from afar and contemplates revealing herself.

-Salem's beloved couples engage in their own celebration of Christmas.

RED LETTER DAYS!!!

Monday December 18: Max and Abby confess their love while Chelsea tells all to hope. On this same day, Stephanie returns and reunites with her father.

Tuesday December 19: Kimberly, Andrew, and Jeannie return while Carrie reappears.

Wednesday December 20-22: Salem celebrates Christmas Eve with the traditional tree trimming, romance, miracles, surprises, and two big returns that are sure to be tear-jerkers.

Next Week: Celeste has a horrible prediction. Will reveals his secret to Alan. Word of Stefano's impending return rocks Salem. Several people are in harm's way as Victor, Roman, and Stefano's plans collide leading to a shocking end to 2006.

-At Salem University Hospital, Billie is with Chelsea. Billie reminds her that she will be holding Chelsea to her promise to change. Chelsea vows that she will and that she knows she has alot to do to get her life together. She apologizes again for her actions and says she will learn to deal with all that has happened to her in better ways.

-Max is determined to tell Abby the truth as Cassie watches in a panic. Frankie arrives and tells Max that Abby is awake. Max is overjoyed. They are interupted by a nurse, who was sent by Caroline to tell them to get to Eric 's room. They leave as Cassie is pleased Max was stopped.

-Frankie and Max arrive to see Will, Austin, Lucas, Sami, Greta, Caroline, Bo, Hope, Belle, Philip, Kayla, Steve, and Victor there. Cassie also joins them, making Caroline happy. Nicole explains to them they are giving Eric last rites. It is almost time to say goodbye and with Roman missing it is unlikely they can save Eric.

Fr. Jansen arrives and everyone gathers around. Lucas comforts Sami, which has Austin wondering, and Victor comforts Caroline. Hope tells Bo that his family is going to need him now more then ever. Bo tells Hope to lay off him about Victor.

-Billie arrives and sees Bill, Doug, Julie, and Maggie outside the room and asks what is going on. They tell her that Abby is talking with Laura and Jack about their differences. Billie wonders how ugly this may turn out.

In Abby's room, Jack fills Abby in on what Laura did and how he feels she is partially responsible for what happened to her. Abby sees Billie and tells Jack to let her in. He does and Billie wonders what is going on. Abby explains to them that she is more to blame. She didn't have to listen to Laura but she did. She chose to behave how she did and she regrets it. Abby apologizes again but says that her mother would not want this going on and that things need to change now.

-Everyone leaves Nicole alone with Eric. Shane and Abe then arrive with word on Roman. The search team located the helicopter wreckage and Shane says he is flying there via helicopter to help search for Roman. Caroline hugs him and thanks him. Abe says he will keep in contact with Shane and let everyone know news when they have it. Nicole overhears and realizes there is still a chance for Eric if they find Roman and the drug in time. Caroline says they just need to hope and pray for a Christmas Eve miracle.

Sami seems intrigued by Shane's mission and remembers what she thought about earlier regarding her redemption. She can help save her father and brother and make up for her past mistakes. Sami tells Lucas and Austin to watch Will and that she will be back. They wonder where she is going when her brother can be on his deathbed.

-Abby begs her father to forgive Laura. She says they all made mistakes here and she wants fresh start. She nearly lost her life and she knows her mom would hate seeing them like this. Laura begs for forgiveness and says it was hard for her to see Jack with another women, let alone Kate's daughter. Jack reminds Laura they have always been friends and that Billie was a good friend to Jen. Laura knows but Billie did alot to Bo and Hope and it was just hard to watch. Jack has always been special to her and she was worried about him.

Laura admits she was wrong and was acting like Kate, something she always criticized. She apologizes and says she will stay out of it from now on. She just lost it and became obsessed with making sure they didn't get together. She tells Billie she wishes to bury the hatchet and move past this. Billie agrees and apologizes too. Abby begs her father to do the same. Jack agrees, but only for Abby and Jennifer. He hugs Laura and warns her never again to do this. She vows not too and says she will stay out of Jack's love life, no matter who it is he moves on with. He thanks her.

-Greta walks by Chelsea's room and goes in to see how she is. She updates her on Eric. Chelsea informs Greta she is going to try to rebuild her life. Greta hopes that starts with her telling Hope the truth. Chelsea says it's Christmas Eve and that would hurt Bo and Billie. Greta says life is too short to waste and Chelsea needs to tell them all ASAP if she is serious about turning her life around. Chelsea knows Greta is right and says she will call Hope to her room and tell her everything. Greta says she is doing the right thing.

-Bo is off getting coffee when he has yet another vahue childhood memory flash of him in a dark room crying for Kimberly and Roman. He wonders why he keeps having those flashes since being shot. He then gets a phone call and realizes he forgot to turn his cell off. He answers and seems shocked by the phone call. He tells the person he will be right there and tells Frankie to tell the others he had to run an errand and leaves in a rush.

-Max tells Frankie he is going to go tell Abby the truth right now. Life is just too short to waste and he is learning that now. Frankie tells him to go for it. Max leaves and Cassie follows before Frankie stops her. He warns her to back off or he will interfere and make sure Cassie never sees Max at all. Cassie tells him to back off and mind his own business. Frankie laughs and notices she is not acting like the Cassie the Brady's know and love. In fact, she is acting very Dimera-like. He leaves, warning that he is watching her, as a frustrated Cassie looks on.

-Laura comes out of the room and expresses her happiness to Doug, Julie, Maggie, and Bill that she has been forgiven. Maggie says they just need to hope Eric gets a miracle and that Roman comes home safe.

-In Abby's room, Jack tells Abby to get some rest. He mentions to Billie that he hates not telling Abby about her condition. Billie says she hates not telling Chelsea either. Jack hopes they can get through this and it will be a new beginning. Billie agrees and says she hopes the Brady's get through this ok too and that Salem can finally have some peace.

-Caroline, Victor. Kayla, Steve and Hope watch Nicole in Eric's room from outside. Caroline says they just need a miracle. Hope says they just have to beleive. Dr. Rowen shows up and says Eric's latest test so he has very little time. He suggests they start saying goodbye. Hope, Kayla, and Victor comfort Caroline. Nicole looks at them, her eyes wondering what the doctor said. Hope shakes her head.

Nicole looks at Eric and breaks down, saying he can't die on her. It's Christmas Eve and they just got married. Eric opens his eyes and reaches out for her hand. He smiles and tells her not to cry and that it will be ok. Nicole smiles weakly and lies on his body.

-Austin and Lucas are watching what is going on with Eric and Nicole with Will and wonder where Sami could be. They hope she returns before something happens with Eric. Abe then bursts in and says someone stole his gun. Hope asks what happened. He says someone broke the window on his car and took his gun, which he couldn't bring in the hospital.

A hospital security guard enters and says they know who did it. Abe asks who. The guard gives a description and Lucas shakes his head and identifies the theif as Sami. Abe gets a call from headquarters telling him that Roman Brady's daughter just raced in and up to the roof. Abe realizes she is going with Shane to find Roman. Everyone is stunned.

-Shane boards the helicopter. Sami races on the roof, gun in hand, and gets on board. Shane orders her off but Sami pulls the gun and says they can either take off willingly or do this the hard way. She is going and they can't stop her. Shane reluctantly tells the pilot to take off as Sami smiles, saying she make up for the past and will save her father and brother. She will succeed or die trying.

The screen fades out on a determined Sami.

On the next Salem Lives...

Chelsea to Hope: There is something I need to tell you.

Max to Abby: It's time you knew the truth.

Abby to Max: There is something I want to say too.

Cassie to Frankie: Let me out!!!

Frankie to Cassie: Don't think so!!

Stephanie: I'm home!!!

Kayla to Stephanie: It's time you met your father.

Bo: Hope will be shocked when she gets this surprise.

Nicole (crying): I think it's time we all said goodbye...to Eric.

Sami to Shane: I am going down there to save him and you won't stop me.

-At Salem University Hospital, it's a new day and it's the morning of Christmas Eve. Jack is by Abby's bedside. Doug and Julie are watching outside with Bill and Laura when Maggie arrives, asking if there is any change. Julie shakes her head solemnly saying she was hoping they would have good news before tonight's tree-trimming party. The news about Roman isn't making things easy either. Maggie says they just need to have faith things will get better.

Jack is holding Abby's hand when he feels it move and turns to see his daughter's eyes slowly flutter open and she mutters "daddy." He calls for a doctor as Maggie and the others watch with joy.

-Billie walks in Chelsea's room with Kate, who is mentioning to Billie how she feels there is something Belle and Philip are withholding from all of them and she is very suspicious. Billie tells her it's best if she just minds her own business. Billie looks at Chelsea and is shocked to see Chelsea awake. Both Billie and Kate embrace Chelsea, happy to have her back. Kate goes to get Bo and the others.

-Frankie is with Max, who is worried sick about Abby having not awakened yet. Frankie tells Max that he should've been honest with Abby about how he feels. Life is too short to waste. He also tells Max not to deny it anymore and to just admit how he feels about Abby. A frustrated Max finally does tell Frankie he feels more then friendship for Abby, as Cassie listens nearby.

-Sami is with Lucas, who asks if she is ok. She tells Lucas that she just found out John was her real father and she finally made peace with herself to accept him and now he may gone. Lucas tells her to have faith it will all be ok. Kate arrives with news that Chelsea is awake. Bo asks Caroline if she will be ok and she nods. Bo takes off with Hope. Sami tells Lucas and Austin to go to Chelsea and that she will be fine. Will will stay with her.

Sami and Belle, who is with Philip, ask Shane and Abe if there is any word. They insist they just need to be patient but with the storm it is very hard to find out anything. Victor arrives and tells Caroline he heard. He comforts her. Caroline looks at him and says it was supposed to be him on that helicopter. Victor says he knows and asks if she blames him for this. Caroline says she knows that Roman forced himself on board the helicopter so it's not Victor's fault.

Greta overhears Victor and Caroline's exhange and realizes her father could've died if it was him on that helicopter. Nicole comes out and Greta, Will, Sami, Belle, Philip, Caroline, and Victor ask how Eric is doing. Nicole says he is fading and has been since last night after word of Roman got out. He feels guilty and is losing the will to live. Dr. Rowen told her he doesn't have long. Nicole says she is going to call Fr. Jansen for last rites. Everyone is devastated and they are beginning to lose all hope for Eric and, possibly, Roman.

-Sami vows not to lose her father and her brother. Her mom is watching up above and wouldn't want her to give up. She wasted too much of her life being bitter, immature, and angry. She owes everyone she loves and needs to redeem herself somehow.

-Kate, Lucas, Austin, Bo, and Hope are with Billie in Chelsea's room. Billie whispers to them all not to tell Chelsea about her condition and that she may be able to use her arm fully again. They all agree. Hope reminds Bo that his daughter will need him now and so will his loved ones, which is why he should stop working with Victor. Kate tells Lucas and Austin the same thing. All three men grow frustrated and tell Kate and Hope to back off. Hope hears about Abby and goes to check on her.

Chelsea is told about how she ended up in the hospital and what happened. She apologizes and vows to change. Billie says she will hold her to that. Chelsea asks why she can't feel her arm and Billie says it's just numb from pain meds.

-Doug, Julie, Bill, Maggie, and Jack rejoice in Abby waking up. Jack reminds them all not to tell Abby about her possibly being paralyzed for life. Laura watches from outside, not wanting to cause trouble. Hope arrives and asks Laura to come in. Laura says she shouldn't.

Meanwhile, Jack fills Abby in on what happened tp her and she apologizes to her father for her actions and vows never to act out like that again. Jack says it's forgotten and warns her not to do that again. He assures her that Billie and him will make sure Chelsea and her are done with that kind of lifestyle. Abby says she also needs to apologize about the way she treated Billie and came between his and Billie's friendship. She knows they are just friends and she should've never treated a family friend like that even if him and her were more then friends. Jack says it's ok.

Hope comes in and extends her best wishes to Abby. She asks Abby if she would like to see her grandmother and ushers Laura to come in. Jack turns and sees Laura enter and ask Jack if it would be ok to see her granddaughter. Jack is silent and she loses it and begs Jack to give her another chance and to forgive her as Abby wonders what is going on. Abby asks her father to let Laura stay.

-Frankie tells Max he is going to check on mom but orders him to tell Abby how he feels when and if she wakes up. Max sits down and decides Frankie is right. He needs to tell Abby how he feels. He just hopes he gets the chance. Cassie listens nearby and goes into panic. She vows to make sure Max and Abby don't get together.

-Kate is on her way to get some coffee when she sees Belle and Philip arguing. She stands aside and sees Philip grab Belle by the arm and warn her to keep her mouth shut about their agreement and what happened in San Francisco. Nobody must know anything and she needs to do a better job of covering it up. Belle tells him to let go and that he is hurting her. They walk off as Kate is stunned by this and wonders what the hell is going on. She vows to find out as the screen fades out.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Bo: Why do I keep having these memories? What do they mean?

Eric to Nicole: So...you finally lost hope, huh?

Abby to Jack and Billie: Forgive her. Please forgive my grandmother.

Greta to Chelsea: You need to tell Hope the truth.

Sami to Shane: I am doing this and you won't stop me.

-Fr. Jansen arrives and the final preparations for the wedding are made. Nicole tells Caroline that a nurse is going to film the wedding so Roman doesn't miss it. Caroline still would like to know how Roman ended up on the mission instead of Victor. Sami comes down and explains. Caroline is worried about the growing feud between Roman and Victor.

-Sami and Belle share a heartfelt reunion. Bo and Hope show up and they embrace Belle too. Hope asks her about San Francisco and what she did with Claire there but Belle tries to duck the question by saying everything was fine and she is happy to be home and trying to make her marriage work. Sami picks up on Belle seeming tentative and she asks Belle if things are going well for her and Philip thus far. Belle says everything is fine and it's all going to work. She walks off as Sami and Hope wonder if there is more to this then Belle is saying...

-Bo reunites with Philip and says he is looking good. Philip says it's hard to adjust to a new face and having lost as much weight as he did. He is just a completely different person when he looks in the mirror. Bo says he will be ok and tells Philip about Shawn. He says he heard and that he hopes Shawn ends up better then he did. Bo leaves as Philip's polite face turns to a evil grin and he laughs, while saying he really hopes Shawn gets blown to smithereens!!!

-Nicole is done filling in Fr. Jansen about the wedding. Eric reaches out to Bo and asks him to be his best man. It's what his father would want and it's the least he can do as he is off trying to save him. Nicole realizes she needs a maid of honor and she walks over to Greta. She tells her she isn't sure they will ever be friends. She understands why Greta kept the truth and isn't mad. After all she has done of late to help Eric, Nicole owes her and she feels Greta should be her maid of honor since it is because of her that Eric has made it this far.

Greta is touched and says she hopes her and Nicole can put all the tension between them in the past. Nicole hugs her and thanks her again.

-Frankie, Max, Laura, Bill, Doug, Julie, Jack, Billie, Will, Steve, and Kayla all arrive and gather with Hope, Kate, Lucas, Austin, Sami, Caroline. Greta, Bo, and Fr. Jansen as the wedding begins.

-Meanwhile, at Chez Rouge, Maggie and Victor enjoy a private dinner and talk about recent happenings. She asks if there is word on Stefano and he says nothing concrete. She says that he needs to pay for what he has done. Victor agrees. He asks when the restaurant will be re-opening. She answers in the new year but she felt like decorating it for the holidays anyway.

Victor and Maggie get up after dinner and thank each other for being there for one another and for not judging each other.

Victor: I went through a rough year and, even with me involved in this war with Stefano, you never stopped being supportive. You saved my life and put your own on the line. You never judged me and criticized. You were just there...a true friend. These past months with you since the island have been a joy. It's the joy of having a loyal friend, someone I know I can count on.

Maggie: I feel the same way. We were thrown together during that island fiasco and you have been there ever since. Through Mickey's death, my falling off the wagon, saving my life...I don't know where I would be. I would not have had the strength to go on after losing Mickey. You were my rock and it was you that helped bring me out of my relapse and, during that whole ordeal, you never once judged me either. You had faith I would find myself but also were there for support. You showed true loyalty as a friend and the fact that you beleived in me as a person...I am eternally grateful to have you in my life. It is my belief that you were brought into my life to help me through the past 6 months and I thank God every day for that.

Victor grabs Maggie's hand.

Victor: Thank you, Maggie. Thank you for being you.

Maggie: No, Victor. Thank you for being you.

As a romantic Christmas song plays, Maggie asks Victor to dance to help keep their mind off everything. He agrees and thanks her for all this. He feels like the rest of the world is miles away. The dance and drift under the mistletoe. The look into each other's eyes and slowly lean in and kiss.

The song then ends and they stop. Both remain silent until they see the mistletoe. Victor says he was just caught up in the moment and the tradition. Maggie says the same thing and that she got swept away in the music. Victor thinks it's time to end the evening and Maggie says that she will have everything cleaned up. Victor bids her farewell and kisses her on the cheek. He leaves, clearly flustered by what happened. Maggie is flustered too and knows it was more then a kiss to go along with tradition.

-Fr. Jansen begins the wedding. We see some Eric and Nicole flashbacks as Fr. Jansen talks about love and the obstacles some must overcome to be together. He blesses the rings and the traditional "I do's" and giving and recieving of rings takes place. Eric then stops Fr. Jansen and says he wants to say something.

Eric: When I returned to Salem after years of being away, I was lost...until I first saw you at the Java Cafe. Your face and smile...so innocent. Of course, we know now your not so innocent. Deep down...you always had that desire and need to be loved and you are still that woman I saw that very day. I know now there is definitely more to you but that makes it more exciting. Life with you is exciting and I hope I get the chance to discover a new part of you each and every day we are together. I love you and I am so happy that I brought you back to Salem when I returned. Being together feels right...it always has and I think it always will.

Nicole wishes to say a few words:

Nicole: I don't know how you just said all that being so weak but I am going to try to follow that. No man has ever treated me like you have. I have either hurt them or they have hurt me. You knew the truth about my past and still stuck by me. Years later, we came full circle and were reunited here in Salem...where it all started for us. I have lost my way over the years recently but I think I found it again when you asked me to meet you here in Salem back in May. I am thankful for that and for every day I have spent and will get to spend with you. I will cherish every moment with you and will never feel the way I do about you with any other man. You have always been the one and there were times when I forgot that or didn't realize it but now I do. We were meant to be and that is why we came together again. I never beleived in happily ever after growing up the way I did and having the life I have led but our love makes me believe in it and...(crying) even if I lose you now...it is because of you that I will still beleive in happily ever after and dreams coming true because my dream has come true. Today...on this day. I'm your wife and that is all I want in this world. The money and power...overrated. None of it compares to how I feel when I am with you. I love you Eric Brady and I will go to my grave loving you. Always...

Fr. Jansen then pronounces them husband and wife as they are already kissing. Everyone applauds as Shane and Abe race in. They have news about Roman. Everyone goes silent. Shane says they have learned that Roman's helicopter went down in the snowstorm shortly after he picked up the drug at the clinic. They have lost communication and have no word of surivivors. Everyone in the room is stunned and the Brady's are devastated. Eric looks at Nicole and whispers:

Eric: It's because of me. He is dead because he was trying to save me.

Nicole embraces him as the screen fades out on his pale and horrified face.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Philip to Belle: No one must know what happened in San Francisco.

Kate (watching Belle and Philip): What the hell?

Sami to Lucas: He can't be gone. Not when we finally found each other.

Frankie to Max: Tell her. Tell Abby how you feel.

Cassie: I can't let this happen.

Abby to Jack: Daddy...I need to apologize.

Laura to Jack: Can I see my granddaughter?

Nicole: Fr. Jansen, I need you to give Eric last rites.

At the Newcastle Mountain Retreat in Colorado, Cal has just came in from skiing on the slopes. Katherine is with him, and asks how everything went. He says fine but he just can’t relax knowing that his family is in trouble. She reminds him that the Bradys are not his family anymore. He walks up to her and tells her that just because she insists on acting like a prude most of the time, doesn’t give her the right to dictate who is and isn’t family.

She tells him he’s right, but he just has to put the Bradys to the side for right now, that’s all. His feelings for them may be what is blocking his memory from coming back. He sees that but doesn’t want to turn his back on them. Whoever wiped out his memory will pay for taking his past.

He swears it, on everything he loves.

-At Salem University Hospital, Eric & Nicole’s family and friends wait out in the hallway patiently for Fr. Jansen to arrive so they can get married. Caroline drifts off quietly, thinking about someone. When Kate comes over and asks what is wrong, she softly says she wishes Marlena was here to see her son get married. Kate puts her arm around andtells her that she is watching, not in body, but in spirit. Kate truly feels that Marlena’s spirit has been here the whole time and wants Caroline to not sell her short. Caroline is surprised by Kate’s kindness and Kate says she would be surprised how much tragedy changes your disposition.

They both smile and laugh and when Caroline turns around, she sees someone she recognizes. She is shocked beyond belief and walks past Kate to look at the face of her granddaughter, Belle, who has returned to Salem. She welcomes her home and gives her a big hug and Belle returns the gesture, saying she’s happy to be home. Belle asks her if she knows this man standing behind her. Caroline & Kate, who has joined the welcome home celebration, look at this man with amazement. Kate walks over and touches his face, and, after cradling it and staring at him, starts crying. She gives a huge hug to this man , who tells her not to strangle him. It's Philip. Everyone breaks out in laughter.

Belle says she has a gift for the happy couple as she heard she was returning to a wedding. The Card says “Best Wishes at this time. Hope the road of love and happiness rises to greet you in every direction. Love, C.C. Capwell”. Philip says that he is a friend of Victor's and wanted to send a gift for the happy couple. Belle says she knew they couldn't show up without a gift.

Kate asks him how’s he’s been. She apologizes for not calling him in the last few day but hopes he understands with everything that has been going on. He knows that and says it’s no big deal. He also says his recovery has been difficult but more than anything else, it’s good to be home. Kate and Belle concur. When Kate asks Belle how things have been, Belle just cryptically says ok. They both look at each other and clam up, not wanting to talk about it. Kate and Caroline notice this but say nothing and view the arrival of Fr. Jansen.

-Nicole walks over and informs everyone that Dr. Rowen says that they should have the wedding ASAP. She starts crying again, saying that he doesn’t have much time and falls into Max’s arms. They all look around at each other, hoping that they are not witnessing Eric's final “Days”.

-On the rooftop, Victor responds to Roman’s deadly threat:

Victor: How DARE you speak to me like that?! You were a son to me! I accepted you when you fell in love and married Isabella. I was in your corner when you thought you were Forrest Alamain, and Vivian Alamain tried to steal your fortune! I WAS THE ONE WHO BROUGHT YOU BACK TO SALEM, DAMMIT!!! And now you pull a gun on me when I try to save your son’s life?!

Roman: You give me this damn rundown of the last 15 years of my life, and expect me to forget the fact that you BOUGHT me and used me as some damn Pawn?! Then you had an affair with my mother, which produced Bo, and almost destroyed my parents’ marriage. You’ve started this war, and Bo and many others almost got killed! And now you act self-righteous about helping my family?!

YOU CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL, VICTOR!!

Victor’s eyes grow wide with Roman’s last statement. He takes a step forward, but Roman holds fast. He then climbs into the copter, and slams the door, locking it behind him. Victor runs up and tries to open the door, but Roman threatens the pilot:

Roman: I’m a member of the S.P.D. and a former I.S.A. Agent. You better fly this copter to Chicago so I can save my son’s life, or you won’t live to see tomorrow!

After a moment of terrified indecision, the pilot revs up his controls and flies off, almost taking Victor with him. Victor, Lucas, whose now walked on the rooftop, and an unseen Sami watch as the copter takes off into the night at breakneck speed.

Victor angrily turns, curses Roman, and walks away. When he walks back inside he gets a phone call from one of his accociates. Victor speaks to this man intently: It turns out the man he’s talking to a world-famous businessman. This businessman gives him information that he has recently obtained about Stefano DiMera, informing him that his plan is working and that DiMera’s empire has taken a substantial hit in the stock market. Victor is pleased, and remarks that at least something is going right on this day. His friend wishes him well and tells hin if he needs anything, just to let him know. Victor thanks him and bids him goodbye. When Lucas spots Victor, he asks if everything is ok. Victor says yes.

He just got word from an accociate with some news. Lucas ask if this person was anyone important. Victor says to Lucas:

Victor: Do you think Victor Newman is important?

Lucas says of course. He’s one of the richest and most powerful businessmen in the world. Next to him, of course. Both men laugh and Victor tells him he’s going far in this life and for him to just stay with him. Now, he says to Lucas, he’s on his way to dinner with Maggie. He says to keep him informed about Eric’s condition and to let him know when Roman returns.

Lucas sees Sami on the rooftop, looking off in the direction that the copter flew. He walks up to her and ask:

Lucas: You ok? Did you see that exchange, Sami?

Sami: Yeah, I sure did. (Smiling) I saw my daddy fly off to save his son. To hold a gun on a man like Victor Kiriakis, and not bat an eye, or even blink......that something else.

Lucas: Sami.....if I didn’t know better, you look almost happy Roman did what he did.

Sami: (Crying) I am, Lucas. (Wiping away her tears) I’ve spent my whole life blaming that man for everything that has ever went wrong in my life. I blamed him for that night at Titan with my mother, and turned my back on him. (Looking at Lucas) I was so wrong. He was shot by Stefano, held captive, had his memory erased and his face changed, and all he ever wanted was to be with his family. And I spit in his face, Lucas! Every chance I got.

Lucas: Don’t be so hard on yourself, Sami. (Putting his hands on her arms and holding her) You have to realize that you whole family was hurt by what Stefano did to Roman. You were a baby when he disappeared and was.......presumed dead. How can you hold yourself accountable for that?

Sami: Because Lucas, I ignored him, told him to go to hell, wished death on him, and the entire time, for 15 YEARS, he was my father. Everything I have done to you, Carrie, Austin, my mother, Kate, Brandon, and our little boy.....and he pulls a gun on a man so he could be the one who saved his son. He gave blood twice so that Eric could live, even if it cost him his own life. How can I still hate that man?

Lucas: You mean......you now accept him? You know what this means, don’t you?

Sami: I do. I know it means that the wonderful, sweet, kind, heroic man who just flew off......

Is my dad, Roman Augustus Brady. And I’m very proud to call him that.

Sami looks once more off into the distance and then tells Lucas that she is going back to speak to Belle. Lucas smiles as she walks past, and gives a deep sigh, happy and proud of the change that seems to be finally taking hold.

Victor meets Maggie at Chez Rouge, and surprises him with a candlelight dinner for two. Victor takes Maggie’s hand and draws her close, thanking her for getting his mind off of what is happening in his life. She says he looks angry about something, and ask what it is. He says it’s nothing, and he won’t let whatever happened to ruin this wonderful evening. Soft music starts up, and they look at each other smiling, and start to dance. This romantic moment is interrupted by a phone call Victor receives. He excuses himself for a moment as he takes this call:

Victor: Now what’s happened? Really? Thank you very much for the call, and keep me informed. Goodbye. Well, that was very interesting. This is going to be one HELL of a New Year.....if I have anything to say about it.

The screen freeze-frames on a very determined Victor.

***There will be no Next on Salem Lives with this episode. Wednesday's episode will be posted after midnight so readers can catch up on Monday's and Tuesday's.***

At Salem University Hospital, Nicole stays by Eric’s side. She has tears running down her face and leaves to go out into the hallway. Once there she informs the shocked family members that her and Eric are going to get married. Caroline walks up to her and, after a moment’s hesitation, congratulates her. She tells her she has really changed for the better and would be honored to have her as a Brady.

-Hope and Billie run into each other in the hallway. She asks Billie to walk with her. Once they get outside. Hope doesn’t mince words and gets right to the point. She wants Billie to help her stop Bo from continuing his involvement in this DiMera/Kiriakis mafia war. Billie jerks away from her, telling her she should have thought about his involvement during all the times she turned her back on him.

Hope is pissed. She tells Billie it’s none of her business what went on between those two, especially since her daughter killed her son. Billie fires back, saying why in the hell did Hope come to her wanting her help?! She then tells Hope that Bo may be in this mess because Hope has spent all of her time believing everyone else but him. Everyone and their mama has came up to her speaking of Bo in a horrible fashion and after twenty years together, she believes them over him, so, whose the damn hypocrite here?!

Hope looks at Billie with shame, telling her that no matter how much it kills her to say this, she’s right. Hope would throw the fact that she can’t keep her hands off her husband at her (Which causes Billie to place her hands on her hips and frown up angrily), but how can she say one word when every time she could have just believed Bo, she didn’t. She looks at Billie and apologizes to her for trying to get her involved. Hope says it’s her mess and she’ll clean it up. She tells Billie goodbye and leaves.

The scene then slowly dissolves into Bo, laying in a chair at the hospital. He is having another strong flashback to a traumatic childhood memory and he can’t seem to shake it. He once again calls out for Shawn Sr., Caroline, Roman, and Kimberly but they can’t help him. He suddenly jumps up sweating and looking around frantically, making sure that he is safe.

Sami has Roman’s head cradled in her lap, with tears streaming down her face. She calls for help:

Sami: Please! Someone help me!

When personnel rush in, they pick Roman up and place him on a gurney. When a nurse ask what happened, Sami replies:

Sami: He fainted. He had given blood earlier today, but must have done it once more. My brother, Eric Brady, is down the hall, and he wanted to help, I guess.

Doctor: Is this Roman Brady?

Sami: Yes. Yes it is.

Sami holds onto her purse, looking on as the hospital personnel work on her father. The doctors and nurse stabilize Roman and he slowly comes to. Sami is standing right there, demanding to know one answer:

Sami: What the hell is wrong with you?! Eric is fighting for his life, and you do something stupid like this! You should have your damn head examined!

Roman: (Trying to regain his senses) What damn difference does it matter to you?! I’ve got nothing but nasty attitude from you for the last 15 years. You don’t give a damn what happens to me!

Sami: (Yelling) You are a damn lier! (Stomping her feet) I’ve always loved you, Daddy!!!

Both look at each other, shocked. Roman says:

Roman: Get the nurse. I think I’m going to pass out again.

Sami is shocked as well, and clutches her handbag tightly, no believing what she just said.

-Victor joins Caroline in one of the waiting rooms. He walks up to her and hands her a cup of coffee. She accepts but is none too pleased to see him after the events in Sydney. He tells her he wishes she would understand his motives and reasons behind his actions. She says she doesn’t give a damn about his actions. All she cares about is her baby boy coming home with 4 bullet wounds in him, all because of him.

Victor says he would give his life for any of his children. Caroline tells him he seems to have forgotten the promise he made to Isabella. Victor grows intently quiet and stares at Caroline. She said yes, he heard her. What would she say if she saw what has happened to her brother all because of him? She says don’t do anything for my family thinking it will make headway with her because until Bo is out of this war, they have nothing to say.

As she leaves she turns and thanks him anyway, for what he is doing for Eric.

-Roman witnesses Caroline walk away from Victor. Victor feels he ca use this gesture to rub salt in Roman’s wounds where his family is concerned but what Victor doesn’t notice is Roman getting up off of his gurney and walking slowly towards him. Roman stands behind, waiting for Kayla and Greta to thank him. He is holding himself up slightly and when Victor turns around, he lambasts him, telling him that he will take care of his son, not Victor. Caroline walks up behind Roman and turns him around, jumping on him for giving blood so soon after doing it the first time. Roman doesn’t really care about himself. All that’s most important to him is his son. And he can’t believe that she would be accepting of anything from Victor Kiriakis!

Sami stands off from everyone else, watching the entire scene, but paying special attention to Roman. She smiles ever so slightly, surprised that she is secretly cheering him on as he protects his family.

Victor gets a phone call and tells everyone the helicopter he bought for his trip for Eric is there. He promises everyone he’ll return ASAP. Roman says over his dead body and races past Victor, heading to the roof. Having gotten his strength back, coupled with a burst of adrenaline, Roman kicks the door to the roof open and waits for the copter to land. Victor follows closely behind and, standing behind what’s left of the door is Sami, watching the whole scene.

The copter lands and Victor tries to push past Roman. But, Roman grabs Victor and pushes him away. When Victor regains his footing, he storms towards to copter but gets stopped dead in his tracks when Roman pulls his gun! He says loudly to Victor:

Roman: Eric is my son! The Bradys are my family! You cost us the life of the finest man who ever live. My father. I’ll be DAMNED if I’ll let you anywhere near any of them again!

Victor: You are so damn smug and arrogant, Roman! Do you honestly think your mother & family would approve of your methods?!

Roman: This coming from a mafia godfather?! That’s rich! I’ll save my son’s life, and I’ll watch over MY family. And if you take one step towards this copter........

I’LL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND!!!

The screen fades out on an angry Roman's face.

***There is no Next on Salem Lives for this episode. Please just go ahead to reading Tuesday's show***

Week of 12/11/06 Edition

ERIC AND NICOLE WED!!

Family and friends rally around Eric to make his final wish come true this week on Salem Lives and Nicole couldn't be happier. "Eric is the man she loves and she has done more to hurt him then he has done to hurt her," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "That is the key. He was the first person to give her the time of day in Salem and was the only guy that never led her on or hurt her to the point where she couldn't stand him. He came back to her even after she broke his heart." Family and friends prepare and gather for the simple, romantic ceremony in Eric's room. "It's sweet and not alot of fanfare but it's nice," promises Lowery. "It's a nice break from the darkness over Salem." Eric and Nicole are pronounced husband and wife but then thinks take a turn for the worse on many accounts. "Bad news about Roman surfaces and Eric also worsens," says Lowery. "Nicole has no choice but to call Fr. Jansen for last rites." Is the honeymoon already over for the newlyweds?

SAMI AND ROMAN: FINALLY!!!!

Sami finally comes to terms with accepting John as Roman and, more importantly, as her father this week on Salem Lives . The action picks up with Sami helping Roman, who has given far too much blood in an effort to save Eric. "We see Sami finally worried about him for the first time since the island," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "Something clicks in her when he doesn't wake up and she just calls him daddy. She shocks even herself and seems overjoyed when he awakens." Roman recovers but then gets upset when he sees Caroline thanking Victor for volunteering to go to the clinic near Chicago to help Eric. "Roman goes into a rage and doesn't want his family to owe anything to Victor," adds Lowery. "He doesn't want him using anything to manipulate his mother into falling into his trap again so he follows Victor up to the roof to meet the helicopter as Sami follows."

On the rooftop, a desperate Roman faces off with Victor and pushes him out of the way and boarding the helicopter himself. He pulls a gun on the pilot and co-pilot and orders them to fly away on his orders as he is a member of the Salem PD. Meanwhile, on the rooftop, an angry Victor leaves but seeing all that Roman is doing for Eric has affected her. "She has flashbacks to the years John as Roman raised Eric and her and to all the fights between them and to all the recent happenings," says Lowery. "She realizes he was right and that she was afraid to accept him. It goes against everything she has beleived and she was embarassed by how she treated him after how he raised her. Seeing what he is doing for Eric is different then seeing what he has done for her in recent weeks as when Roman did things for her she thought he was trying to impress her but, with Eric, he is pretty much ok with Roman so there is no reason to do this other then caring for him. She used her bad childhood and what she witness in that night at Titan as a reason for her actions for years. Now she can't and she is just afraid to accept him as her dad even though she knows he is and wants to."

Lucas then joins Sami on the rooftop and a there is a cute moment. "He asks her what is going on and she says that her dad went off to save her brother and she smiles," enthuses Lowery. "She seems proud and she realizes that part of her redemption is accepting John as Roman and her father. It's like one of her last steps and it seems ok to do it now as she has seen how much he loves and cares for Eric and that tells her alot." Lucas is proud of her and they share a close moment. By week's end, the lightheartedness dissipated as bad news about Roman prompts Sami to take action. "It's another way to prove herself and to redeem herself but she also wants to make everything up to Roman in a way," previews Lowery. "Plus, she needs to help her brother." The question is how far will Sami go to prove she has changed?

VICTOR AND MAGGIE KISS!!!

Victor and Maggie's relationship moves to a new level...sort of this week on Salem Lives when they share a kiss under the mistletoe. "Victor is upset about what happened in Sydney and Roman's interference in his helping Eric and so on so Maggie arranges a private dinner for them at Chez Rouge," previews EP/HW Tim Lowery. "They are all alone as the restaurant is not yet open to the public and it's romantic, even if it wasn't intended to be." The friends end up talking and dancing and express how much they mean to each other. "It becomes clear as they talk more that they feel quite strongly for each other and they question how deep their feelings are," says Lowery. "Maggie fears being alone and Victor has been alone for so long and has been hurt by Caroline. Maggie and Victor don't judge each other and they have been there for each other. They express these feelings to each other and, in a vulnerable moment, they kiss." However, the kiss is under the mistletoe so they both claim they were going along with tradition but, privately, it's clear to both of them it might mean more. What will Caroline do when she hears about this? "It may get ugly," laughs Lowery.

BELLE AND PHILIP COME HOME!!!

Belle and Philip return to Salem with Claire this week on Salem Lives and it is clear not all is right with the recently reunited family. The young Kiriakis family is reunited with friends and family at the hospital. "Belle knew she had to come back because of Eric and Philip wanted to return too for his family," says EP/HW Tim Lowery. "The immediately immerse themselves in the happenings in Salem but it is clear there is something else going on. They are being asked questions left and right but don't really give answers. They are being secretive about something." By week's end, Kate witnesses a tense moment between Belle and Philip and it soon becomes clear that something happened in San Francisco during Philip's recovery and that all is not right with the now-united family. "They claim they worked out their differences in San Francisco but it's not clear if they are telling the truth," says Lowery. "Philip is having a hard time adjusting to life after the plastic surgery and all the rehab so he is very temperamental. Whether that is the source of the tension remains to be seen but there is definitely something going on." As for who will be playing the new Philip since Kyle Brandt left the role this past summer, tune in on Tuesday December 12 for the answer!!!

COMINGS AND GOINGS

COMING

Shayna Rose (Stephanie Johnson): Look for Steve (Stephen Nichols) and Kayla's (Mary Beth Evans) daughter to return for the holidays to finally meet her presumed dead father. She first airs on December 18.

Christie Clark (Carrie Brady): Clark returns after a short hiatus on December 19.

Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady): As previously reported, the actress is returning for an umlimited run. She first airs on December 19.

Tom Welling (Andrew Donovon) and Michelle Williams (Jeannie Donovon): As previously reported, Andrew and Jeannie return to Salem with their mother but won't stick along with her after the holidays. They first air on December 19.

Previews and Peeks into Week of 12/11/06

-Roman's actions touch Sami and she has a change of heart.

-Hope begs Bo to end his alliance with Victor.

-Victor and Roman face off.

-Katherine and Cal make progress...bot on on his past.

-Belle, Philip, and Claire return to Salem.

-Victor and Maggie get cozy.

-Belle and Philip are hiding something.

-Eric and Nicole take a leap of faith.

-Kate's curiosity is piqued where Belle and Philip are concerned.

-Abby and Chelsea wake up but remain in the dark about their conditions.

-News about Roman rocks the Brady's.

-Sami takes action.

-Nicole asks Fr. Jansen to give Eric his last rites.

-Laura's wish comes true.

-Bo's memory flashes continue as he gets a mysterious phone call.

-Greta encourages Chelsea to tell Hope the truth.

RED LETTER DAYS!!

Tuesday December 12: Sami has a breakthrough as Belle, Philip, and Claire return to Salem.

Wednesday December 13: Victor and Maggie kiss!!!

Thursday December 14: Eric and Nicole wed as news of Roman surfaces...

Next Week: Chelsea tells Hope the truth. Romance is in the air on Christmas Eve for Jack and Billie and Max and Abby. Salem celebrates Christmas as the Horton's trim the tree once again and miracles abound in Salem. Carrie returns. Stephanie, Kimberly, Andrew, and Jeannie return. Bo has a surprise for Hope. Two surprise returns shock Salem. Sami and Roman share a special Christmas moment. The Johnson's enjoy their first Christmas together.

-At the hospital, Hope approaches Victor and says she needs to speak with him. She fears for Bo's life, especially after what happened in Sydney, and begs Victor to do something to make him quit. Someone is going to get killed eventually and she does not want it to be Bo. Victor insists there is nothing he can do. Bo is his own man and he reminds Hope of everything Bo and his family has had to deal with.

Hope understands but says she can't lose him after everything that has happened. She nearly lost him in Sydney but she isn't going through that again. Kate arrives and agrees. She orders Victor to find some way to make Austin and Lucas end their alliance with Victor as well. Austin and Lucas overhear and tell Kate to butt out. Kate insists that if they want Carrie to return this is not the way to do it.

Lucas reminds Kate of Carrie leaving because it wasn't safe to be around with a baby. Kate rolls her eyes and says that Carrie probably couldn't choose between Austin and Lucas. Lucas assures Kate that Carrie loved him and wanted him. Austin looks on, knowing full well that was not the case.

Victor tells Kate and Hope there is nothing he can do but he does need Austin, Lucas, and Bo to help in his cause. However, if they choose to leave on their own, that is up to them and he will have to accept it. Victor leaves and so do a frustrated Austin and Lucas. Kate and Hope wonder what it's going to take to end all this turmoil.

-Kayla, Greta, and Bill are in the hospital file room researching Eric's condition and possible treatment options. Kayla begins to think it is doubtful they will ever find anything to help. Steve is wandering aimlessly in the background. Kayla tells him he can leave but he insists on staying since he doesn't know anyone and only feels comfortable with her. Bill then points something out and Kayla takes a look. She says they may be on to something.

-Billie is by Chelsea's side when Bo arrives and says there is news. Billie leaves with Bo. Meanwhile, Frankie stops by Abby's room to get Jack. He tells Jack there is news about Abby and Chelsea's condition. They leave.

-Caroline, Frankie, Max, Bo, Hope, Maggie, Doug, Julie, Kate, Lucas, Austin, Billie, and Jack are all present. Laura stands in the background with Julie to avoid Jack. The girls' doctor arrives. Billie begs the doctor to tell them what the news is about Abby and Chelsea.

-Sami lashes out at Roman and tries to throw him out of Eric's room. Nicole comes in and says Eric doesn't need this. Roman agrees and ushers Sami outside. He tells Sami she is wrong and that this isn't no time for this kind of behavior. Sami tells him not to lie to Eric. He isn't their father and never will be.

Roman asks Sami why she can't accept this. Is she afraid to be wrong? Afraid of what accepting a man she has hated for years with no reason will feel like? Is she embarassed to be wrong? Sami tells him to shutup. Roman reminds her she has no reason to hate him. The scene she witnessed between him and Marlena when she was younger was not adultery. He was the real Roman all along so he never broke up her family or her marriage. Stefano tore them apart when he made him and everyone think he wasn't Roman.

Sami turns and, with tears in her eyes, she remains silent. She wipes the tears away and tells him to stay away from Eric and her. He is not family. Roman asks Sami what he needs to do to get through to her. Sami says nothing. He will always be John Black to Eric and her.

-The doctor tells Jack, Billie, and the others that Abby and Chelsea will survive and should be waking up soon. However, they may have life changing injuries. Due to Abby's two severely broken legs, she may never walk again. Chelsea's left arm was practically shattered in the accident and she may never be able to use it again. Jack, Billie, and the others are devestated.

-A nurse interrupts Roman and Sami. Roman asks her how Eric is and tells her that he is his father so she can tell him. The nurse says he lost alot of blood and is still losing more. The infection is worsening and with the blood clots and internal bleeding, they are also worried about an anerysm. They are low in the blood bank this time of year and they have asked a few to donate blood but Eric has such a rare type.

He needs a transfusion to keep him holding on so they can have a chance at finding something to help. Sami volunteers to help her brother since she has the same blood type. Roman offers to as well, remembering he has the same type. Sami rolls her eyes and says him giving blood does not change a thing.

-Jack comforts a devestated Billie. Jack says it will be ok and they will get through this. Billie thinks they should keep the condition from the girls when they first wake up until they recover and are able to handle it. Bo, Hope, and the others agree.

-Doug and Julie comfort Laura, who blames herself and says she will never forgive herself nor should anyone else. Meanwhile, Kate tells Lucas and Austin that she doesn't know if Chelsea can handle this after everything she has been through. Lucas says that they will just hold off on telling her until she is stronger like Billie said and, hopefully, it will all work out.

-Sami gives blood, as does Roman in another cubicle. Sami asks the nurse if Eric has enough for now. The nurse says he could use around two more pints to get him through at least tomarrow afternoon. They will just have to hope they can find some more or get some more donations. It's just they don't have enough right now. Sami offers to give more but the nurse says that would be dangerous.

Roman overhears all this and remembers what Sami told him earlier about him not being able to do anything to prove himself. He will always be John Black to Eric and her. He is not a father to them. Roman finds another nurse and tells her that Dr. Rowen told him to come to her...to donate some blood for Eric Brady.

-Frankie tells Max that now is the time to tell Abby how he feels. Max can't deny it anymore. Frankie says he knows he cares deeply for her and she is going to need him. He advises Max to tell her the truth as soon as she wakes up.

-Hope tells Bo that this is why Bo needs to end his involvement with Victor. Chelsea will need him now more then ever. They all need him. Bo tells Hope it's his decision, not hers. He can't make it right now and he orders her to stay out of it.

-Caroline goes to tell Kayla, Bill, Steve, and Greta what is going on with the girls. Bill is stunned. Kayla tells Caroline they found a drug to help Eric but it's in a clinic in a small town outside of Chicago. The problem is the roads are impassible there due to a major snowstorm and their only option to get the drug here in time may be helicopter. There is alot of redtape to go through to use the hospital's so they don't know what to do.

Caroline gets upset and says they don't have alot of time. Eric needs help fast. Victor then arrives with Maggie and says he may be able to help. He will offer his helicopter and will personally oversee going to the clinic to get the drug. They are all stunned.

-Nicole is by Eric's bedside when he finally wakes up from the sedative. He is very weak. He asks Nicole what is going on but she tries to tell him he is fine. He knows he isn't and wants the truth. Nicole fills him in on what is happening. Eric says he knows he is dying and wants her to grant him a dying wish.

Nicole refuses to beleive he is dying. Eric tells Nicole to just listen. He tells Nicole his dying wish is for her to marry him ASAP.

-Sami finishes talking to the nurse and then collects her belongings. She sees Roman slowly come out of a cubicle and asks him why he was in that one when she last saw him with another nurse in another cubicle when she was giving blood. She sees something is wrong and asks him what is going on.

Roman prepares to say something when his eyes roll to the back of his head and he collaspes right in front of her. Sami kneels down next to him and yells for him to wake up. She calls out for help as she cradles his head in her arms as the screen fades out.

On the next Salem Lives...

Eric to Nicole: So...we getting married or what?

Hope to Bo: Please Bo...please give this up.

Billie: She's right Bo...we need you. Chelsea needs you.

Caroline to Victor: If your doing this because of your feelings for me, don't do it at all. There is no hope for us, Victor. None.

Sami to Roman: Wake up!! Please wake up, daddy!!!

-It's a new day in Salem. Caroline, Frankie, and Max are at the hospital. Doug and Julie soon arrive. Laura arrives and Julie embraces her and asks how she is holding up. Laura says the best she can under the circumstances. Doug asks where Bill is. Laura says that Bill is helping Greta try to find something to help Eric.

Caroline comes over and mentions the rest of their loved ones from Sydney are back and should be arriving. At that moment, Bo and Hope rush in followed by Steve and Kayla and an emotional reunion occurs. Caroline is so happy they all made it and hopes that somehow Stefano pays for what he did to them. She asks where Roman is. Bo says he went to the station to see what is up with what happened to Sami.

-At the station, Abe and Shane are filling Roman in on what happened with Sami when Sami enters with Austin in tow. She asks if there is any confirmed word on the explosion. Abe says he still beleives Stefano was behind it. Roman agrees. Sami tries to ignore Roman and asks Abe to let her know when he learns anything. She leaves with Austin without saying a word to Roman, who just shakes his head.

-Meanwhile, in a secret location in the US, Stefano is reading a Salem newspaper and reads about the explosion at Sami's apartment. He tells Lexie it seems that he is being blamed for it. He snickers and wonders why his enemies don't know his style by now. He would never do something like that so quickly after Sydney and would want the Brady's to suffer. Death by explosion is to quick. Lexie quietly asks when they are going to return to Salem and get revenge. Stefano says soon. They will let their enemies enjoy Christmas and then pull the rug right out from under them...

-Lucas arrives at the hospital with Kate. Caroline tells Bo and Hope there is something she did not tell them on the phone. It's about Chelsea and Abby. Meanwhile, Steve and Kayla are caught up to speed on everything by Doug and Julie and Kayla says that they should go check on Jack since he is Steve's brother. Steve says whatever and goes off with her. Maggie arrives with Victor and Laura, Doug, and Julie embrace her. Julie hugs Victor and thanks him for taking care of Maggie. Victor says she saved him but she should have never come. She could've been killed. Julie says it's all ok now. Victor says that may be but that's only for now.

-Bo and Hope race to Chelsea's room and find Billie at her bedside. Bo sits down at Chelsea's bedside and begs her not to leave them. He says they can work through everything together...as a family. Their time together has been short and it can't end like this. Billie goes outside to talk to Lucas and Kate. Hope tells Bo that this is why he needs to end what is going on and stop working with Victor. His family and friends need him. Bo says he can't think about that right now. Hope agrees it isn't the right time but tells Bo it would be for the best.

-Austin joins Lucas, Kate, and Billie and says that Sami went to check on Eric. Kate learns of the explosion and, if it was Stefano, she wants Lucas and Austin to end their involvement with Victor. This war must end and she won't let her sons end up killed. Lucas and Austin doubt they will be doing much right now as the war has died down with Stefano lying low. Billie says that Stefano is at his most dangerous that way and there is no telling when he will strike.

-Will meets "Ace" (really Alan) on the pier. He asks why he called him. Alan says he wanted to make sure he didn't tell his mother anything about him being in front of her apartment. Will says he didn't say a thing. Alan explains he was just coming to see Will since Will had told him that Sami wasn't home. No one must know about their friendship as some would think a guy his age hanging with a 16 year old is creepy. Will agrees but is happy they can be friends. He says he looks at "Ace" like a role model. Alan says he is proud to hear that and they bump fists. Alan reminds Will he is always there for him for whatever he needs. Will promises the same for Alan. Alan says he will hold Will to that.

-Kayla and Steve check on Jack, who is with Abby at her bedside. Kayla says they are praying for her and Chelsea, along with Eric. Jack thanks them. He says he can't stand to see his daughter like this and admits he is a failure as a father. Kayla tells him not to say that. Steve, on instinct, tries to comfort him and assure him it will be ok. While doing that, Steve calls Jack "Jackson." Jack and Kayla are stunned and tell Steve that he used to call Jack that all the time. Jack and Kayla both wonder if he is close to remembering all.

-Nicole comes out of Eric's room and joins Caroline, Max, Frankie, Laura, Doug, Julie, Maggie, Victor, Will (who has arrived at the hospital), Lucas, Kate, and Austin in the waiting area. She tells them all that Eric is getting worse. She then tries to hold it together and breaks down as Austin comforts her, She says she hates crying but just can't help it. Caroline says they must have faith that it will all work out in the way God intends and, hopefully, it will be the way they all want.

-Kayla and Steve leave Abby's room. Steve is encouraged by his calling Kayla "Sweetness" and now Jack "Jackson." Kayla says with him being in Salem it's only a matter of time before it all comes back to him. She adds that Jack will help and so will all their loved ones. They are then interupted by Greta and Bill, who say they need Kayla's help with helping Eric.

-Roman enters Eric's room and sits down. He looks at Eric and says he doesn't think their family could take more tragedy. He reminisces about these past few months since he learned he was Roman and how he still can't adjust. Sami arrives but stays quiet and listens. Roman says he wants to do right by all of them. He knows Marlena is watching. He wants their family united and together but he has failed. He has always loved them as his own even as John. He just wants Sami and Eric to accept him and begs Eric not to die. Not when he just got him back. He tells Eric they need more time together.

Sami then makes her presence known and tells Roman to stop acting like he is Eric's father. He isn't nor is he her father. He never will be.

The screen then fades out on a defiant Sami's face as she faces off with Roman.

On the Next Salem Lives...

Sami to Roman: There is nothing you can do. You will always be John Black to us.

Hope to Victor: Make him quit...make them all quit before someone gets killed.

Kate: I agree with that.

Bo to Hope: This is my decision not yours so stay out of it.

Billie (with Jack): Tell us, doctor. What news do you have about our daughters?

Kayla (with Bill) to Greta: Oh my God...this may be something.

Eric to Nicole: I need you to grant me a dying wish.

-As the floor with Sami’s apartment burns around them, Alan is the first one to regain consciousness. He looks around, barely able to stand, but manages to do just that. He looks down at Sami, who is also coming around, and plots an exit for them as the floor beneath them begins to show signs of buckling.

Austin & Lucas run up to the apartment building, only to be held back by police. Austin asks if everyone got out safely, to which the police officer responds that there are still two people up on the 21st floor. Lucas turns and gives Austin a very worried look and then says that he hopes no one died because someone decided to play these games once again.

Abe & Shane arrive at the blast site, long enough to see Alan carrying Sami out of the building......alive. He puts her on a gurney, and Lucas runs up to here, begging that she is ok. He is also worried because Will has not checked in yet and he normally does by this time. Austin stares at Alan and then accuses him of blowing up the top floor of the apartment building. Abe fills Austin and Lucas in on the preliminary investigation, which has shown that a bomb was planted in Sami’s apartment. Lucas becomes livid and attacks Alan, beating him to a pulp.

-At Salem University Hospital, Jack has just walked back into the cafeteria after checking on Abby. He gets a cup of coffee and sits at a small table, long enough to see the breaking news report about the explosion on television. He thinks to himself “What in the world is going on?! Are we all being targeted?” He is jolted out of his shock by Billie, who has placed her hand on his shoulder and is also watching the report. She remarks how this past week had been a nightmare. She wonders if Chelsea will ever be the same. Jack hopes so, as he hopes the same for Abby. They have a long road ahead of them, he remarks. She agrees, hoping that they both will learn from this and won’t make this mistake again.

Billie also wonders what her mother was thinking. He says apparently the very same thing Jennifer’s mother was thinking. It’s all about them, as far as he can see, and nobody else matters. He bets, at that very moment, that both of them are plotting how they can use this incident to their advantage. She also agrees on that, saying that she is sick and tired of always having to tell her mother to stop acting like a spoiled brat. No wonder they turned out like they did, she says. Jack can't understand why they thought Billie and him can be more then friends. Billie then reclutantly mentions that maybe that is a possibility. They both look each other and begin to laugh, calling that a joke.

Jack hopes that, even through all of this mess, they can still be friends. Billie says she would really like that. It’s about time she had a male friend she’s not sleeping with, or who isn’t married or engaged. They both laugh for the first time in a week. They get up, and look silently at each other, and then hold each other as they walk out of the cafeteria and back to their daughter’s bedsides.

-Outside on the balcony, Bill is still trying to calm Laura down. She feels that she has messed both of these girls lives up pretty badly. Bill tells her this is nowhere near all her fault. He holds her face, looking at her and telling her that at least she will learn from this. He also thinks Kate will use this to her advantage. Laura wipes her face, hoping that the silliness will come to an end with this tragedy. Bill hopes the same thing, but wonders when the children have more sense than the adults, how will things truly end up? He comforts her as she ponders his words. Laura mentions how she wishes she never left the mental institution as she has felt so much pain and caused so much since then. Bill tells her never to say that and that they will get through this...together.

-Sami regains consciousness long enough to see the fighting that is going on. Alan finally gets a word in edgewise, saying that since he knew Sami would not accept a care package at the hospital, he dropped it off there instead. None of the men believe him, until one officer backs up his story, saying a witness has come forward. When Shane asks what this witness saw, the officer replies that she saw Alan walking around on the street 10 minutes before the explosion and that he went into the building a few moments before Sami entered and everything went up.

A package is then brought over, which contains chocolates inside a destroyed wrapper. Alan says he bought those for Sami, remembering that she liked them. Lucas and everyone else grows quiet, ashamed that they got it wrong once again. Abe wants a security camera tape to seal the deal, which the officer says is being worked on right now. The fire chief comes over, telling the group that 3 people were found dead and 4 were injured severely. When Sami wonders out loud where Will is, Alan becomes worried, saying that he was in the building at the time of the blast. Sami becomes livid and begins to beat Alan on his chest, demanding to know where her son is.

-Back at the hospital once again, the Caroline and Greta watch on in horror as the staff work on Eric, working feverishly to save his life. Nicole looks on and thinks about all the wasted time between them. She turns around and walks away. Greta follows, asking her what’s the matter. Nicole says that if she would have put as much effort into being by Eric’s side as she does being a [!@#$%^&*] to everyone, he may not be in this situation. Greta is quiet, basically agreeing with Nicole.

They both return to the waiting room, just in time to overhear Dr. Rowen tell the family that within 48 hours, Eric may be gone. They don’t know what else to do. The clotting and internal bleeding just may cost him his life and he seems to be developing a life-threatening infection as well. Nicole breaks down in Greta’s arms, begging God for a miracle. Bill & Laura come in and get filled in on what is occurring. Bill suggests that he & Greta do some more research on what’s happening. Greta says she has done enough research to last a damn lifetime but nothing is more important than this, so they both rush off. Caroline turns back around and sees Nicole in Eric’s room. She is holding his hand and rests her head near his, speaking softly into his ear for him to get better and that she isn’t going anywhere.

-Lucas pulls Sami off of Alan when everyone sees Will walk around the corner. Alan hides. Sami runs up and hugs him, asking what happened. Will tells them when the floor exploded, he was in the elevator. Thank God that it was on the second floor and it collapsed to the basement. Will goes to be looked at by the EMT's, allowing Alan to come out of hiding. Abe & Shane confer with the other officers, who all now agree that Alan is innocent. The camera footage coincides with the time he says he entered the building. Plus, why would Alan stick around after planting a bomb in someone’s apartment?! Austin feels that Alan didn’t do this, no matter how much he wants to believe to the contrary. Lucas agrees, saying that it would be too easy. He would want Sami to suffer. Alan disagrees, saying that he is innocent and that they all need to get off his back.

The fire chief pulls Abe to the side and tells him that the building is all cleared. Abe thanks him and everyone else and tells the group of the news. When Sami turns to speak to Alan, he’s nowhere to be found. Will returns and asks who Alan is but Sami tells him it's nothing for him to worry about. When Sami asks Abe who could have done this, he looks at Shane and they both say the same name at the same time:

Stefano DiMera.

Austin, Will, Lucas & Sami look on horrified as the thought sinks in. From a distance, the Mysterious Cloaked figure looks on, secure in the knowledge of what he/she has done. He/she laughs hysterically as he'she says:

MCF: This town doesn’t now fear yet. But.....it’s coming. And when I’m through, nothing, or no one, will EVER be the same again.

The screen slowly fades to black on the group as the mysterious figure watches them.

Next Time, On Salem Lives..................

Hope to Bo: Please Bo. Put an end to this. Stop working with Victor.

Greta (with Bill) to Kayla: We could use your help.

Jack to Steve: I don't believe it. You remember...

Stefano to Lexie: It appears there was an explosion in Salem...and I am too blame.

Alan to Will: What did you tell your mother?

Roman to Eric: You can't die, son. Not when I finally have you back.

Sami to Roman: Oh please!! Stop acting like your his father.

-Caroline, Greta, and Nicole look in on a resting Eric. Nicole goes and sits by his bedside and then turns around to thank Greta for everything she’s done for him, especially given their dislike for each other in the past. Greta just hopes that he will learn from this and not do something this stupid again. He agrees and thanks his family for staying by him. Sami also steps in and thanks Greta as well. Shocked, they shake hands.

Later on, while alone, Eric promises Nicole that everything will be just fine from now on. As she once again takes his hand, his eyes slowly slip into the back of his head. Blood runs from his nose and he starts shaking violently. The nurses rush in and then calls for Dr. Rowen. With Greta and Caroline looking on with a devestated Nicole, a Code Blue is now called and they all hope that this is not the end for hm.

-Sami receives a phone call from Will, saying that he is coming home early. She decides to go home and cook him dinner and spend some time with him with Eric doing better. Austin & Lucas want to come along with her. She tells them that she can take care of herself. Alan won’t try anything so out in the open. The men look at each other, hoping that she is right about that and realize arguing won't do any good. She begins to leave, telling both men that she’ll return later, with Will in tow.

Meanwhile, at Sami’s apartment building, Will walks past Alan coming from the direction of Sami’s apartment. Calling him “Ace”, he asks what he’s doing there. Alan doesn’t answer and now sees to be searching for an excuse to explain it all.

Salem University Hospital

Back at the hospital, Jack and Billie grab a bite to eat from the cafeteria and when they turn to leave, bump into Bill & Laura. Jack immediately becomes angry, lashing out at her for what happened to his child. Laura doesn’t even fight back. She stands there and excepts the full brunt of Jack’s wrath. Bill asks him to calm down but Jack will have none of it.

Billie also gets in on the act, calling her a hypocrite for always criticizing her mother for everything and then acting just like her when she doesn’t get her way. Kate, who has overheard all of this, backs up her daughter enthusiastically. Jack turns and stares at Kate, saying that she really is the last one to pass judgement on anyone. Kate shuts up. Billie brings up her telling Chelsea a while ago to do whatever possible to get what she wants, no matter who it hurts. Now, who could that have came from?

Kate is very quiet now and accepts some blame for what happened but still tries to push it off on Laura. Billie tells her that there is more than enough blame to go around but she is sick and tired of both of them playing selfish games with the people they say they love and then not accepting responsibility for their actions when things go haywire. Jack says Amen to that. But, he promises that it will change. From now on, neither woman will be allowed in his home, or near his child, and if he does see them close to her......he will take matters into his own hands. He turns back to Laura, announcing that Abby no longer has a grandmother and that Jennifer would be doing handstands in her grave right now. Bill comforts a devestated Laura. Kate asks Billie if she would ever cut her out of Chelsea's life. Billie says she would if Kate continues to encourage Chelsea's behavior and manipulation. Billie leaves to follow Jack as Kate gleefully watches a devestated Laura in Bill's arms.

-Austin decides to go and see if Sami is ok, after viewing Alan earlier in the day. Lucas joins him, saying that they both need to keep an eye on him and protect Sami and Will while he’s in town.

-At police headquarters, Abe has placed a call to an old friend of his. When Shane walks in and asks who he is talking to, Abe says he’s on hold. The phone is then answered by a secretary, who tells him that his friend is out but will return his call ASAP. Abe thanks her, and hangs up. Shane looks at him and asks will he fill him in now? Abe tells him he called Mac Scorpio of the PCPD. When he calls back, he’ll fill him in on any info he has on Stefano and his dealings and will give them a hand.

Shane tells Abe they need to find him and quick. He’s dangerous when he’s in hiding. Abe snaps back, telling him he knows that and doesn’t have to keep repeating it over and over again. It gets quiet for a minute and Abe apologizes. Shane tells him it’s ok. He knows he is worried about Alexandra. Abe walks to the window and stares out, hoping she is ok. The screen then fades, once again, to............

A secret location, somewhere in the States. Alexandra slowly awakens, to find her father seated next to her. She drifts in and out of consciousness and Stefano softly speaks to her, telling her that all is not lost. Just then, he receives a phone call on his private cell form a mysterious man, who informs him that everything is under control. He thanks him and warns him to stay out of sight. They bid each other farewell and hang up. Stefano is giddy at this point, saying that he’s sick of playing games. Time to begin to bring this play to a close. He smiles wickedly at that last statement.

-Sami gets off of the elevator to her floor. As she is walking around the corner, she also runs into Alan, who grabs her by the arm and tells her that they have to go right now. Sami tries to shake loose, demanding that he get his hands off her this instant. Alan yells that they don’t have much time and when Sami asks what is he talking about, she yanks free at that very moment. She turns around in slow motion, facing her front door, and then, quick shots go all through her apartment, settling in on the stove, which has a bomb wired to it! Right before she opens the door.............

A massive explosion pierces every inch of the dwelling, and when things settle for just a moment, Sami & Alan are lying unconscious on the floor near her apartment, as everything around them is on fire. The screen slowly fades to black, with them trapped in the middle of this destruction.

Next Time, On Salem Lives............

Nicole to Caroline: I can't lose him. I can't lose Eric.

Greta: I am not just going to stand by and watch Eric die. I have to do something.

Bill to Laura: It's all going to be ok.

Laura to Bill: I wish I never left that institution.

Billie to Jack: Maybe they all were on to something...maybe you and I can be more then friends?

Austin to Lucas: Oh my God...Sami!!!

-It's a new day in Salem. The episode opens at Salem University Hospital where Kate is walking into Chelsea's ICU room to see how she is doing. Billie is there and she says there is no change. Billie leans in close and begs her daughter to fight for her life. They already missed enough time already and she still feels like she hasn't had a chance to be a mother to her. Kate comforts her.

-Jack is in Abby's ICU room when Laura arrives and asks how she is doing. Jack says there is no change. Laura blames herself. Jack turns and lashes out at Laura, saying he should've known better then to listen to her. He had a feeling she was using Abby to come between Billie and him and he should've listened to Billie. He just never wanted to believe his daughter could act out like that and Laura used that and Abby just because of her hatred for Kate and not wanting Billie with him. He tells her to get out.

Laura runs off in tears and right into Bill's arms. Doug and Julie are also there. Julie reminds Laura that she warned her that her plots would backfire. Laura wonders if Jack and Abby will ever accept her in their lives again and prays to God that Abby survives or she would've played a role in her own granddaughter's death. She says Jennifer must be turning over in her grave seeing all that is happening.

-Lucas comes over to Caroline, Frankie, Max, Austin, Sami, Cal, Greta, and Nicole to inform them of Abby and Chelsea's condition and there being no change. Caroline says she just got a call from Roman in Sydney and that they will all be back in Salem tomarrow. She adds that Kayla and Bo are fine after what happened. Everyone is releived and Caroline wishes pain and suffering on Stefano and the Dimera's for all they have done.

-Cal goes off to get coffee for everyone and bumps into Katherine. He explains why he is at the hospital and what is going on. Katherine says she is concerned about his lack of progress since his first session and thinks that something has to be done. Cal asks what she thinks. Katherine says they need to leave Salem so they can isolate him from the people he grew to love and care about as Roman. It's in his best interest for his treatment. Cal refuses and says he is not leaving the people he cares about like this, even if they aren't really his family.

-Sami is walking through the hospital with some food when she bumps into Alan. Alan explains he heard about her brother and her cousin, Chelsea, and came by for support. Sami slaps him and warms him to just stay away from her and her family. She doesn't buy his little ""I'm changed" act and isn't buying his attempts at redemption either. Alan insists he is sincere and just wants to make amends and that is why he came to the hospital. Sami warns him to just stay away from her or, better yet, leave Salem and drop whatever he is really up to or else. She will not be a victim this time and he can either do as she says or she will take action. Sami walks away.

-Austin is walking with Lucas and sees Sami leaving Alan. Both men walk over to Alan and ask what he is doing there. He reiterates what he said to Sami but Austin and Lucas don't buy his nice guy routine. They both warn him once again to stay away from Sami and her family or he will have to deal with them. They leave as a frustrated Alan looks on.

-Nicole is awaiting word on Eric and looks at her watch. It has been hours in surgery but they were warned it may take hours. Dr. Rowen comes out and Nicole asks him if Eric made it through. Later, Sami is with Caroline, Greta, and Austin. Cal and Katherine arrive as well and Cal introduces her to everyone. Nicole comes down in the elevator and says she has news about Eric. Sami asks what it is. Nicole says Eric made it and the tumor is gone but there is still a chance of complications like anerysms, blood clots, infection, etc. Caroline says they will just pray that none of that happens. She runs off to tell Frankie, Max, and the others. Sami, Nicole, Austin, and Greta go upstairs to see Eric in recovery.

-Katherine explains to Cal that it should be easier for him to leave Salem with her now with Eric doing well. Cal asks if it is really necessary. Katherine feels that being around people he thought were family and friends as Roman and being in Salem may be hindering his efforts to remember his past before being faux Roman. Cal agrees to go if she is sure it is necessary. He needs to recover his past no matter what.

-Cal bumps into Cassie and says goodbye, as he will always think of her as a daughter from his time as Roman and when she was thought a Brady. Cal also runs upstairs to say goodbye to Eric and bumps into Sami, who is on her way up to see Eric with the others. Sami wishes him luck and she agrees they will always feel a connection between them. Cal says that Eric said the same to him and that he feels the same way himself. Nicole, Sami, and Greta are excited that Eric is awake. Cal then says goodbye to Caroline, Frankie, and Max and leaves.

-Nicole runs to Eric and embraces him, happy to see him awake. Greta, Sami, and Austin look on as Nicole pledges her love to Eric and he quietly does the same and they hold each other closely.

-Max enters Abby's room while Jack is there. Jack is begging Abby to fight to survive. Jack sees Max and thanks him for watching over Abby and not giving up during the rescue. Jennifer would thank him and he says he owes him a thank you as well for saving Abby. Max asks if he can stay with her for a bit. Jack leaves.

Jack sees Billie in the hall and they ask each other how each of their daughters are doing. Jack explains how he lashed out at Laura earlier and apologizes to Billie for not believing her and letting Laura manipulate him. Billie says it's fine and it's in the past. They can deal with it later. She just wants their daughters to make it. Jack agrees and they embrace and comfort each other, hoping they get through this terrible ordeal.

While with Abby, Max begs her to fight and come back to her family and friends. They need her. He needs her. He apologizes for how he treated her and begs her not to leave him as he begins to weep. Max is unaware that Cassie is listening and watching outside, with a cold look on her face. She then vows that if Abby makes it, she will make sure she does not get in the way of her getting Max. She is a Dimera and she will be damned if that goody two shoes is going to win Max from her. She will win at all costs.

The screen then fades out on a sinister Cassie watching Max with Abby in her ICU room.

On the next Salem Lives...

Jack to Laura: Your daughter would be appalled at your actions. You disgust me!!

Billie to Laura: You tear my mother apart for years and then you find yourself acting exactly like her. Your nothing but a hypocrite...

Kate: You said it!!!

Eric to Nicole: It's going to be smooth sailing from here on in. We are finally going to be together...forever.

Will to Alan: What are you doing here?

Lucas (with Austin) to Sami: You better watch your back...

Sami: Don't worry about me. If Alan tries anything, it will be the last thing he does.

Abe to Shane: There is no telling what Dimera is planning while he is lying low. We need to find him and fast!

Stefano to Lexie: We will have my revenge, my darling. Sooner then everyone thinks...

Announcer: THIS WEEK... "A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER" HEATS UP!!!

FIRST!!!

TWO FAMILIES GET DEVESTATING NEWS...

Clips of Caroline, Kate, Lucas, Bo, Hope, Billie, Jack, Laura, Bill, Doug, Julie, Frankie, and Max waiting in the hospital and then clips of Abby and Chelsea lying in ICU.

Billie: Doctor, tell us. Will our daughters be ok?

Jack: Yes, doc. Tell us.

Doctor: I'm afraid it's bad news...

THEN!!

A DYING MAN IS ON THE PATH TO RECOVERY...

Eric to Nicole: It's going to be clear sailing from here on in.

COMES TO A TRAGIC HALT...

Nurse: He's seizing!!!

Clip of Eric having seizures and Nicole and the Brady's looking on devestated.

AND NOW IT'S A RACE AGAINST TIME...

Greta to Kayla and Bill: We don't have much time...

TO SAVE A LIFE...

Nicole: You can't die!!

Eric: I love you...

AND

DON'T MISS AN EXPLOSIVE TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY!!!

ONE OF THESE PEOPLE IS A TARGET AND THE OTHER...THE CULPRIT...

Clips of Sami, Will, Roman, Bo, Hope, Kayla, Steve, Stefano, Victor, the shadow of the mysterious cloaked figure, Austin, Lucas, Alan, Lexie, Abe, and Shane followed by a clip of an explosion.

ONE BIG WEEK!!!

"A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER"

CHRISTMAS CASTING BONANZA!!!

Big casting changes are coming to Salem Lives this December!!! As previously reported, Patsy Pease will make her long rumored return to the role of Kimberly Brady later this month. "We wanted to bring her back sooner, like right after the funerals this summer, but were unable to," notes EP/HW Tim Lowery. "Now we are and she will be sticking around, like Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) has for awhile." In addition, Tom Welling and Michelle Williams are returning to the roles of Andrew and Jeannie Donovon and will return with their mother, Kimberly. "They will leave after Christmas," says Lowery. "We need them with their parents but there is nothing for them to stay for and both actors have other things going on, like Tom having Smallville, so it works out fine." Look for Kim and the kids to show up around Christmas. Look for final word on an official first airdate soon.

In addition to these holiday tidbits, there is more. The recent Horton returns of Melissa Horton (Lisa Trusel), Sarah Horton (Alli Brown), Bill Horton (Kale Brown), and the return of non-Horton Don Craig (Jed Allen) will end on December 26. Also, look for Jaime Lyn Bauer's Laura Horton to depart with Bill as well as her story will be winding down. "We loved having all of them but Laura and Bill were here to move Jack (Matthew Ashford) and Abby (Ashley Benson) along and that story is ending and the other returns were to help Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) during her bout with alcoholism and those stories are over," notes Lowery. "In many ways, the returns having to do with Maggie were extended so we could have those family members here for the holidays so they would've been gone already. We are glad we were able to have them for the holidays and we want the fans to enjoy the rest of their current run, which I am sure they will."

Also, look for Christie Clark (Carrie Brady) to reappear just in time for Christmas. "There has not been much for her with Alan (Paul Kersey) in Salem and her part of the story in holding pattern but she will be around for the holidays and then go away again," previews Lowery. Her story will really get going in early 2007. As for Joseph Mascolo (Stefano) and Renee Jones (Lexie), don't expect to see them much either. "They appear on Dec. 1 and on Dec 5 and then they have another one episode appearance after that before they go totally MIA until the end of the month when we revisit the war story again," says Lowery. "Then you will be seeing alot of them, especially around New Year's."

In other holiday news, Martha Madison ends her 8-10 week hiatus and will return to the role of Belle Brady-Kiriakis next week. Ava and Olivia White will also return as little Claire Kiriakis. However, the big question mark is who will be playing Philip and that is a question Salem Lives wants the fans to answer. "We want fan input," says Lowery. "We want the fans to send us their comments and and opinions. We have some actors in mind but we feel they have some ideas as well so send them on in!!" Fans will have until Friday December 8 to speak their minds as nuPhilip is expected to debut next week!!!

Finally, Salem Lives has hired soap vet Roscoe Born to play a new role. The characters name or details about the character are not known except that he is said to be a middle class, family patriarch who works for Victor (John Aniston). He is expected to debut later this month. More on this at a later time.

***MAKE SURE TO READ THIS WEEK'S SALEM LIVES INSIDER BELOW THIS CASTING RELEASE!!!***