PhoenixRising05

Thanks juniorz. I cried writing the Hope/Zack scenes. I didn't promote them much because I wanted them to be a surprise treat. Glad you liked it.

Ryan. I can assure you Rahmer will be nowhere near this blog. The Chelsea/Hope stuff was revealed back in August but we have so many new readers since then so I knew bringing it back now would surprise some people. I am glad you all like it.

***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.

LOVE IT!!! Love the music and the scream!! Who would attack poor Alice and why do I feel a big twist coming on yoru New Year's show?

OMG!! I had a feeling this was what you were doing. I don't know why but I did. Please don't kill Alice. Hell, I can't beleive you are burning the Horton house!! Great episode

Thanks King. I tried to make it traditional. I am happy to hear it was.

Love it King. Creepy and I am so happy to see you doing the Jennifer is crazy story. It's a great nod to history. I can't wait to see your episode tomarrow. The big day is here!

-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....

I loved the end with Eden and Cruz and the song. Good choice of song there. Solid episode all around.

It hasn't been revealed yet Drew. When Chelsea learned in August that Hope was her real mother from Stefano, he never told her who her father was. The DNA test never proved it either. We are going to delve into that big time in 2007 as Chelsea will want to find her father. It's one of the stories I am really excited about. Thanks juniorz. I wish Patsy Pease would return. Her condition could easily be written into story like we did it. I plan on using Kim alot.

It does sound huge. I am going to say Marlena just for the sake of taking a guess.

Poor Mickey I shouldn't say that because I blew him up in my blog . Good episode.

-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?

Love the opening King. Boy, you have been busy today with all that posting. I like it though because it was like a marathon and I had extra time today so I could get caught up.

I love when Mason loses it!! Maybe it's because I love Lane Davies and invision him playing out those scenes. Good episode though Juniorz!. Solid work all around.

Thansk Steve and juniorz. I am happy you guys read as this was one long episode. The rest of the week will see much more reasonable episodes and beleive me this episode is only the tip of the iceberg. The rest of the week is even more amazing. As for Frankie, I have given him a bit more edge. He has had little face offs with Laura and Abby and Chelsea. I think giving him an edge helps because otherwise he can be a little bland. As for Hope and Chelsea, we will recap it tomarrow but some details were already revealed. More are on the way though and you will see what I mean tomarrow. It will make sense as we delve into it. Glad you all liked it.

-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?

Fantastic episode King and great clips. Loved the ending. Heartbreaking Happy anniversary

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...

King that looks AMAZING!!! Happy holidays indeed

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.

Thanks Steve. If you liked those, I think you will love today's

King that is really awesome. I am definitely intrigued and the fact that it is so vague really adds to the effect. Roman and I are launching a similar promotional campaign in mid-winter but yours really rose the bar. Creepy and eerie as hell and reminds me alot of the SSK posters for the Hollywood premiere of Maggie's "murder."