PhoenixRising05

-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***

Thanks for commenting . You weren't harsh and we will take your opinions into account. The Christmas season will be filled with hope, miracles, joy, and some huge emotional moments. The mob war is not really going to end soon. The doom and gloom will be toned down alot but there is still going to be an aura of darkness as the new year begins. You will see nowhere near the death and near death's you saw in 2006 but there will be some here and there like every blog. We are always making changes and improvements so nothing is set in stone. Hope you keep reading and enjoy.

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.

Thanks daysfan. They aren't married yet though. They have to keep Eric alive first .

Wow...Annie. I am intrigued.

-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!!!

Oh it's ending. I wish I didn't drag it out this long looking back on it but it sets things up nicely. I know you will be happy with the payoff Drew-well, part of it

aMLCproduction, I am not being uptight. I never delete comments even if someone does not like something. However, I will not have you expressing yourself in the manner in which you are. Us blog writers and readers are all respectful of each other and when we express our views we do it in a constructive and respectful manner. We do not tell others not to read the blog or get as serious as you did. You took it a bit too far in your comments. I don't mind you commenting even if you dislike something but you need to do it in a way much like everyone else. You could also attempt to spell better to so others can understand you. Again feel free to comment but don't go nuts. It's a blog and a fan fic and while I expect views both opposing and supportive, it should never get as angry and over the top as your posts. Now let's move on and not mention this again. I hope you keep reading and we can just move on and understand each other. For those that don't know what this is about, don't worry. It's all good.

-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.

Your comment was deleted not because of your opinion but because of how you expressed it. If you didn't like the episode, that's fine but let's not go over the top and go an an angry rant like that. Everybody has different ideas and that is what makes every blog different so I hope there won' t be any problems with you commenting anymore. In regards to Laura and Bill, they aren't hanging around Eric so there is no need for the rolling eyes icon. They are at the hospital for Abby but the Brady's are there as well so they happen to be interacting with them. Bill volunteered to help Greta try to find a way to save Eric. That's all it is. I hope you continue to read. I have a rule against deleting any comments but what you said was way too much and went beyond a fair critique. Keep reading and I think you will be pleased.

Oh, the person will bring danger but we won't see anything to the extent of what has happened lately. This person is more about screwing with lives but it doesn't mean they won't take lives.

The Laura stuff coming next week will explain a little as to why she did what she did. I delved a bit into it today with her bringing up being in the mental institution. As for the MCF that has been making appearances here and there, it is not Stefano as he is with Lexie. That mystery is going to build and be pivotal in 2007.

-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.

Glad you caught it Keith. I was hoping someone would

Thanks Drew. I see your point. Sometimes I get depressed writing it but normally this much wouldn't happen at once. Trust me in about two weeks you will get your wish

Thanks sweetnygal33 for commenting. Hope you keep reading Drew-I appreciate the honesty but do remember how I said the next few weeks would be dark. Every blog is different and what do you expect when our main story is a mob war

-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"

Yes Drew, In fact, when I had her back for the funerals this summer, I mentioned that she was in an accident and that her husband had left her. Since Shane is in Salem, she loved into his place in London as it is more handicapped accessible. The kids are with her. I so want Patsy to return some day to real Days. I feel they could still work it out somehow.

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!!!***

WEEK OF 12/4/06 EDITION ERIC: I WILL SURVIVE!!! Is it finally the end of Eric and Nicole? Eric fights for life this week on Salem Lives as his medical condition takes him and his loved ones on an emotional rollercoaster. The week begins with Eric's loved ones awaiting word on how his surgery went. "Dr. Rowen comes down and tells Nicole who relays the info to everyone else," previews EP/HW Tim Lowery. "It's very good news as Eric made it through and the tumor has been removed but there is some bad news, which is that there is the chance of complications such as blood clots, anerysms, infection, etc." Eric's loved ones then visit him and all seems to finally be going on the right track. "Eric is telling Nicole that it's going to be alright now," says Lowery. "For the first time in a long time, he has hope and he now has a positive outlook. He thinks he got his miracle." Things then take a bleak turn when Eric begins to go into a seizure and tests reveal the formation of blood clots. "The Brady's are stunned and Nicole is right by Eric's side as he grows weaker just as he was feeling strong again," adds Lowery. It gets worse when Eric develops an infection and the risk of a fatal anerysm begins to rise. "He just starts weakening and the doctors are trying everything," sighs Lowery. "They knew the surgery was his risk with lots of complications but he would've died anyway and now he is at death's door again." By week's end, Greta, Kayla, and Bill come across something that may help Eric but it's a long shot. "Eric's diagnosis is that he has around 24 hours to live and no longer," notes Lowery. "This clinic in a town near Chicago has a drug that may help someone in a complicated condition like Eric's but there is a bad snowstorm and the roads are impassible. Someone volunteers their services to go get the drug but that someone is going to bring about a whole load of tension and drama. At the same time, we have a weak and fading Eric making a stunning request of Nicole and one of Eric's loved ones performs a heroic act that could put that person's life in danger as well. A Christmas miracle is definitely needed." But...will they get it? EXPLOSION!!! WHO IS THE TARGET? Has the Victor/Stefano war claimed another victim? An explosion rocks a beloved Salemites' home this week on Salem Lives but who is the victim and the culprit? "At the risk of spoiling it, fans just need to watch Tuesday and they will see what happens," laughs EP/HW Tim Lowery. "One of our beloved characters has a death trap waiting for them but as to whether it is successful and who orchestrated it...fans just need to tune in and find out." Prior to the explosion, Alan is threatened by both Sami and Austin. Could the supposedly-changed rapist be targeting Sami or one of her loved ones? Could Will be his target? At the same time, an in-hiding Stefano is promising Lexie revenge for what has happened to their family. Is this a Stefano plot? Is he targeting one of the Brady's? There has alos been a mysterious cloaked figure running around of late. Is this his or her doing? Could Ernesto be involved? Is Victor so upset with Roman that he would target him to keep him out of his business? Is it Victor targeting Stefano? The possibilities are endless and fans just need to tune in for the explosive scenes on Tuesday to find out!! COMINGS AND GOINGS COMING Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady): As previously reported, Pease returns in late December with her children, Andrew and Jeannie. She will then remain on indefinitely despite her children leaving town shortly after the holidays. Look for more info on this in the casting release above the Insider. Tom Welling and Michelle Williams (Andrew and Jeannie Donovon): Both actors, who played the roles at this summer's funeral event, will return to the roles in late December when their mother returns to town for the holidays. Unlike their mom, Andrew and Jeannie will take off on Dec. 26 while their mother stays behind in Salem. Refer to the casting release above the Insider for more. Martha Madison (Belle Brady Kiriakis): Madison returns in mid-December when Belle returns from San Francisco with a recovered Philip. As for the casting of Philip, see the casting release for more on that. Ava and Olivia White (Claire Kiriakis): Baby Claire comes home with her parents Belle (Martha Madison) and Philip in mid-December. Roscoe Born (Character name TBA): The soap vet shows up in late December as an employee of Victor (John Aniston). See the casting release for more on this. Previews and Peek into Wk of 12/4/06 -Billie and Jack beg their daughters to fight for life. -Jack lashes out at Laura. -Sami and Austin issue warnings to Alan. -Katherine makes a stunning request of Cal. -Eric's loved ones joy is short-lived. -An explosion rocks one Salemites world. -The rest of the Sydney travelers return to Salem and are stunned by what has transpired. -Kayla, Greta, and Bill race to help Eric. -Steve has another breakthrough while comforting Jack. -Bo is flustered by a mysterious memory. -The Brady's and Deveraux's get devestating news. -Victor steps up to the plate again. -An act of heroism puts a life in peril. -Eric makes a stunning request of Nicole. RED LETTER DAYS!!! Tuesday December 5: An explosion rocks one Salemites home. Whose and will they survive? Friday December 8: It's a race against time to save Eric. Meanwhile, Eric makes a stunning request of Nicole and an act of heroism puts another life in danger. Next Week: One Salemite has a change of heart. Victor gets shafted but finds himself getting cozy with Maggie. Abby and Chelsea wake up. Hope begs Bo to end his alliance with Victor. Katherine and Cal make progress...but not on his past. A Salem couple ties the knot. Belle, Philip, and Claire return to Salem.