beebs

Yes. It was essentially the practice for a long time for the show to hire the head writer, who would then be responsible to hire a team under them. I believe this changed after the 1981 WGA strike, as the production companies wanted to end what they saw as "the tyranny of the headwriter". There was an article from one of the soap mags in the 90s talking about this, and how it's basically meant all the soaps are written by committee and have lost all their individuality in the process. I'll see if I can track it down.

That's an incredibly strong block for CBS. Essentially the same viewership across the entire afternoon! Amazing!

LOL @ Nick, talking about Steve "Old Rich". Karen is such a stereotype of a hard, German woman. It's offputting when contrasted to the realistic writing for the others on the show.

Good Lord, 60% of everyone on this show is a D!CK! This is so unusual for the time. And yet, I still enjoy watching them. Rita Lakin seems to be able to walk that fine line between being selfish and cutthroat and being completely unlikeable. All the characters have layers and you feel for them, no matter what nastiness they dish out. I'm not entirely sure how much of that is down to the writing and how much is down to the charisma of the actors. Steve revealing completely changed the entire dynamic, and yet, I've liked him so much so far, you can't totally hate him, even knowing what you do. Excellent stuff. Is it bad that I've essentially dropped DAYS entirely just because this show is just so much better in every conceivable way? ETA:

OOO NO! Christy's here! PERFECT END to a FANTASTIC episode, as always, Cary! I'm so happy to see the family scenes with Michele. Her and Bridget's dynamic will be interesting going forward, what with Michele's obvious anger at her sister. So fantastic! I enjoyed the scene between Grant and Kirkland. It's interesting to me, Grant and even Kirkland seem to see his bisexuality as a passing thing that he went through in a time of crisis, and now he's "fixed" because he's in a heterosexual relationship with a "nice girl". I'm sure that won't last. The family dynamic there will be interesting, particularly if Kirkland develops an attraction for another man in the future. You've got a lot of potential in this story! Michael's quip about the tornado warning was good. More of that! I can't get over this wedding, one of the most eventful I've seen in YEARS, particularly for one that actually was completed! haha. GREAT work!

EPISODE 53 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nicole, at the Brady Pub with Eric looks at Caroline, surprised to simply hear that Caroline agrees with her regarding Brady's just-rechristened 'memorial service'. NICOLE: You agree with that? CAROLINE: Well, of course I do! A good idea is a good idea, regardless of what I think of the source. Nicole rolls her eyes at Caroline's dig. NICOLE: Well, then I guess you're more media savvy than pretty much anyone else of your...advanced age then. ERIC: Nicole! Nicole shoots a look to a disapproving Eric. Caroline ignores Nicole's comment. CAROLINE: Look, we can have the entire thing here at the pub. It'd be my pleasure. We'll have the word put out today if you want. ERIC: That works. I'll let Marlena and Victor know. NICOLE: Has anyone heard from John? Does he even know? Eric and Caroline stop, unsure what to say. Nicole looks away, feeling a bit guilty for bringing it up. --- A stewardess walks up the aisle of the plane, evidently a private jet. She hands off a whiskey on the rocks to the passenger beside her, before heading off. As she hands the drink off, the captain makes an announcement over the speaker system. CAPTAIN: Mr. Black, we will be beginning our descent into Salem International Airport momentarily. Be sure to fasten your seatbelt for landing. John smiles wistfully as he looks out the window. He sighs heavily as he takes a sip of his drink. --- In Abby's hospital room, Sami and Abby look up as Daniel walks in with Jennifer, Laura, and Liam in tow. Abby and Sami, caught off guard during a shared moment, appear stunned by their arrival, and by Jenn's panic at Abby being in hospital. ABBY: Mom! What are you doing here? JENNIFER: What do you mean, what am I doing here? I...you had a fall at work and you didn't even tell me? ABBY: Mom, it's...nothing serious. I-- DANIEL: ...Uh, she's right, actually, I'm going to be discharging her right now. Abigail, the uh...last test we ran? You're all clear. Okay? Abby nods, knowing exactly to what Daniel's referring. Daniel looks over to Liam, who momentarily shoots Daniel a vaguely menacing look, before turning his attentions back to Abby. Laura walks over to Abby's bed and gives her a huge hug. LAURA: We're glad you're alright, honey. ABBY: Well, thanks, Grandma. SAMI: Oh! Abby! You should tell your family your great news! Abby is suddenly at a loss for words, not prepared to share with the room, she stutters and stumbles at Sami's leading comment. --- Billie looks up at Kim, touching her face after Kim slapped her in Theresa's hospital room. Kim stares Billie down, livid at Billie's prior accusations that Theresa's coma is, in essence, Kim's fault. Kim finally speaks, voice trembling with anger. KIM: Don't you dare blame me for this. Billie breathes in deeply, her temper flaring as well, but fighting with everything inside her to retain her dignity, the high road, and indeed, the upper hand. BILLIE: I only told you how I feel. The truth isn't easy. Besides, Kim. You asked. KIM: The truth. Yeah, you'd know a lot about the truth, wouldn't you? Hiding your past with my ex-husband for how many years? You know, if you'd just spoken up in the first place, you'dve spared Theresa from all of this? You wanna tell me again how this is my fault, Billie? BILLIE: I didn't say anything because I didn't want to hurt your family. KIM: Oh, come off it! You didn't say anything because you were afraid that if my brother ever found out what you were REALLY like, he'd throw you out on the curb, where you belong! --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- John steps into a waiting car outside the airport. He sits down and holds up a hand to the driver as a greeting, before giving direction. DRIVER: Where to? JOHN: Salem Inn. John leans back in his seat, sighing heavily as he ponders his next move. JOHN: And tomorrow, we deal with ol' Vic. --- Abby smiles awkwardly at her mom, who is patiently waiting for her bed-bound daughter to tell her what the good news is. ABBY: Well...I uh... As Abby goes to tell them, EJ stands in the doorway of her hospital room, behind the others. He looks quickly at Liam, who looks back at him, before they quickly look away, back at Abigail. Abby is suddenly tense looking at EJ, even though EJ is not looking her way with any real intensity. ABBY: I...I don't wanna spoil the surprise, so...I think I'll tell you guys when we get home. That okay? JENNIFER: Aww, you're such a tease! I can't wait, it's big news isn't it?? Jennifer's excitement only makes things more awkward for Abigail, while Sami is unsure why Abby's reaction is less than excited. She furrows her brow, but keeps quiet. SAMI: Heh, well, tell me how it goes. You can always...shoot me a quick text tonight and let me know how excited everyone is for you tomorrow. For NOW, I am gonna head home. Uh...Abby! If I don't see you tomorrow, good luck? Abigail gives a forced smile and nods to Sami. ABBY: Thanks, Sami. Sami smiles and heads for the door. As she passes EJ in the doorway, he backs up, and she smiles awkwardly, before looking down and walking past him. Daniel looks to Abigail and announces to the room. DANIEL: Well...I think it's about time we get you discharged, little lady! JENNIFER: Yes! And I am SO happy to see you come home in one piece! I've got a roast chicken I'm gonna make for dinner and you can tell Liam, JJ and I the good news, alright? Daniel is stung by Jenn's words, her specificity being a bit of an, albeit possibly unintentional, dig at him. He smiles his usual tightened upper lip smile. ABBY: Sounds good. Let's get out of here. DANIEL: Alright, well, hospital rules state that you need to be in this wheelchair so come on. Daniel pulls open the wheelchair and pats the seat. Abigail rolls her eyes and groans at Daniel's order. ABBY: Ugh, do I have to? LIAM: Yep! Doctor's orders. Come on, here, I'll help you. Liam takes Abby's hand and helps her lower herself into the chair. As Abby sits down, her and the family leave the hospital room. As Jenn leaves, she finally spots EJ in the doorway. She is less-than-thrilled to see him, but is cordial. JENNIFER: EJ! What a surprise. ABBY: Uh, not really, Mom. EJ is the one who...brought me in. The accident was...well, it happened when he and I were at work together. Jenn, unsure how she feels about this, takes a moment to reply. JENNIFER: Oh! Ah...well...thank you, EJ. I....appreciate that. EJ: It was my pleasure. Abigail is one of our best employees. JENNIFER: Great. Uh...Abigail. Come on. Liam takes Abigail's chair and pushes it from the room. EJ follows behind. Abigail hesitates, mulling over her decision to leave town to protect the secret affair between herself and EJ, as well as their unborn baby. Jennifer walks slightly ahead, with Laura walking beside her. They talk with each other, but it's all white noise to a distracted Abigail. As Liam stops Abby's wheelchair in front of the elevator, Abby finally works up the courage to speak up. ABBY: Uh...actually. Mom, can...I just...talk to EJ first before we go? Jennifer is surprised, and a little concerned by Abby's request. Abby can tell by Jenn's face almost immediately. JENNIFER: Uh...sure. Don't be too long though, we'll be downstairs, then you can file your discharge papers, okay? ABBY: Okay, Mom. Sure. EJ stops as Abigail turns in her wheelchair. She motions to him to take the reigns of her wheelchair from Liam, who steps onto the elevator with Jenn and Laura. Daniel stays behind and points over to the nurses' station. DANIEL: When you're ready? I'm right there. K? Abby nods gently, smiling at Daniel as he walks away toward the nurses' station, keeping a careful eye on EJ and Abigail. EJ begins to push the wheelchair toward the waiting room, and leans into Abigail, quietly speaking to her. EJ: If this is about our earlier discussion, we'd best find somewhere private. Abigail looks straight ahead as EJ pushes her into the room. --- Jenn and Laura stand silently in the elevator with Liam. Laura feels vaguely uncomfortable with Liam, but can't quite figure out what bugs her. Jenn seems tense too. Laura looks to her daughter, concerned. LAURA: You look worried. JENNIFER: I always am when EJ's around. LAURA: I understand. It can't be easy knowing your daughter's working for the DiMeras. JENNIFER: Well...I mean...it's her life. And technically, she's working for Sami so...I guess that's slightly better but...I don't know. Every time I see her with EJ, I get really concerned. And I can't figure out why but...I just have this feeling something's wrong, you know? Laura puts her hand on Jenn's shoulder, smiling understandingly at her daughter. Liam looks on, soaking in the conversation wordlessly. --- Billie looks to the ceiling, as if counting to ten in her head. She closes her eyes a moment, before finally looking at Kim and responding, calmly, though a slight tremble remains in her voice. BILLIE: I thought that Phil Collier had...turned over a new leaf. Tried to put his life together. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. That was my mistake. But I did it for y-- KIM: ...For yourself. Because you were scared of losing Bo. Which is exactly why you didn't tell him about your father until he was dead and you were accused of killing him! BILLIE: I loved Bo. And-- KIM: ...And you thought that Bo only loved you as a pure-as-the-driven-snow little girl who hawked makeup. Did you seriously think that little of him? Billie finally snaps at Kim, and raises her voice, pointing angrily as she speaks, equally pointedly. BILLIE: NO! I thought so much of him, and so little of myself. That I would never be good enough for him! And that's exactly why I was the only one who understood your daughter. And the more she confided in me, the more I understood her, and she could feel that. All the while, there you are, wondering why she's not turning to you, and at the same time, there you are judging every step she takes? KIM: I was hurting too!-- BILLIE: ...You were too afraid of losing another man to accept that YOUR OWN DAUGHTER went through the SAME THING YOU DID! Kim stops dead, tensing as she draws herself up, holding back from letting loose completely. Billie's tension recedes as she finally lets her anger go at Kim. BILLIE: And THAT is something you cannot pin on ME. You should be grateful that girl had someone to turn to that she could depend on. Because that someone certainly wasn't you. As Billie finishes her thought, the door of the hospital room opens, and Kayla steps in. KAYLA: I could hear you from the hallway, is everything okay in here? Billie turns around, brushing away a tear from her eye, as Kim does the same. Billie steps towards the door. BILLIE: It's all good, I was just leaving. As Billie walks out, Kim steps over to her sister, pointing out the doorway at Billie. KIM: I don't want her in here again. KAYLA: Kim, she's just concerned about Theresa, just like you are. Kim tenses again, frustrated by her sister seemingly siding with Billie. KIM: I don't...care. I'm Theresa's mother, I deserve to be here, not her! KAYLA: Kimmy, listen. I know you and Billie have your issues, but her and Theresa, they're incredibly close friends. Now, Billie doesn't present a danger to Theresa by coming to visit during visiting hours, and I honestly think it'd be good for her to have familiar voices around her while she's recovering. KIM: So you're siding with her, then? KAYLA: No, Kim. I'm asking you to do what's right for everyone. Including Theresa. Now, you have every legal right to bar Billie from Theresa's room, but...as your sister...I think it's a terrible idea. Kim sighs, rolling her eyes, and thinking over Kay's words, as she folds her arms, looking down at her comatose daughter. --- EJ closes the door to the waiting room behind him as he pushes Abigail's wheelchair inside. Abigail stays in her seat, and EJ leans against the door, folding his arms. EJ: So...what was so urgent that you needed to alarm your entire family needlessly? ABBY: Well, I've had some time to think since you and I talked. And I've made a decision. EJ: Oh have you? Abby looks unflinchingly at EJ, she responds firmly. ABBY: Yes. EJ tries to remain casual, but it's obvious that he's dreading the answer. EJ: And what would that be? ABBY: I've decided I'm not going to let you order me or my baby around for your convenience. So if we're going to make a decision about this, it's going to benefit all of us. You, this baby, AND me. EJ: Just what does that mean, exactly? ABBY: It means we're going to face this head on. I'm not going to Italy, EJ. You can't make me. EJ stands frozen, disbelieving what he's hearing. ---

Also, so THAT'S why Maggie DePriest looks like! She's playing Mrs. Berger. It's so weird when you're finally able to put a face to a name.

My God, Bethel Leslie has a way with a snarky line. Her Maggie is the highlight of every episode so far. And Althea and Nick are such a glorious mess of a couple. This show is so easy to get into and so compelling so quickly, no wonder this show was becoming such a huge hit at this time.

Fixed it.

You are amazing. My GOD, I LOVE this show already. Soap producers today better (and won't) take note.

THIS IS AWESOME. Love it all, the drama stayed on the whole way through, and it was perfectly paced. Everything just worked. Sharlene's drunken breakdown, and Michele and the police station, you've KILLED it, Cary! I am loving every scene here, and I can't wait to read on. Bridget's disbelief was so spot-on and you've just done such a fantastic job setting up the scene and Rachel's announcement. Just...I can't even begin to go into it. LOVED this episode!

This is gonna be SO good. I can't wait to see how it all goes down with Michelle and Bridget. You are creating SUCH an awesome story here, and I love love love it! Everything at the wedding is still going strong. I am enjoying Jack vs. Grant, and Kirkland and Charlie's big day is SUCH an event. FANTASTIC work you've done with it. Such a classic soap wedding! GREAT show!

EPISODE 52 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson At the Brady Pub, Eric sits down with photo albums, rifling through them. Caroline spots him and walks over, a pot of coffee in hand. CAROLINE: What's all this for? Eric looks up, as though snapped out of a dream. ERIC: Oh, well...you did hear about Brady and Theresa's accident, right? Caroline sighs heavily, a saddened look crosses her face. CAROLINE: I did. I feel terrible for everyone. John, Marlena, Victor, I just...it's such a shame we lost Brady, and now Theresa's in a coma. I just... ERIC: (sighs) Yeah. Well, this, I'm just going through pictures of Brady I took, you know, for Brady's funeral. CAROLINE: That's a bit soon, no? I mean, they haven't even found a body yet. ERIC: No, I know. But...Hope said the chances of Brady surviving were incredibly slim, and they pulled the car from the river, no one was inside, they...they figure Brady's body washed away. Caroline puts a hand on Eric's shoulder. CAROLINE: I have been around long enough to know that miracles can happen. They thought your father died too. And look what happened. ERIC: I don't know, Grandma. CAROLINE: Just keep your faith in God. Miracles do happen, Eric. Believe that. As Caroline leans in to kiss Eric on the forehead, Nicole walks in with a box of photos. She overhears Caroline's remarks and smiles bittersweetly. NICOLE: She's right, you know. Maybe we're doing this all wrong. Eric looks to Nicole, confused. --- Jenn hands Maxine some paperwork at the Nurses' Station at University Hospital, when Liam walks up behind her and covers her eyes gently. LIAM: Guess who? Jenn laughs, standing dead still, afraid to move lest she knock something over. JENNIFER: Uh...(laughs) Gee, I don't know. LIAM: Three guesses. JENNIFER: Okay...uhh...Maxine? LIAM: Is my voice really that close to hers? Liam uncovers Jenn's eyes, as Jenn spins around and grabs Liam's hands. They share a laugh before sharing a kiss. JENNIFER: I had a feeling it was you. How are you doing? LIAM: I'm doing good, busy night, you know. Uh, I was wondering if you were close to finishing up for the night, as I figured we could catch a late movie, and then maybe stop for a quick drink at Club TBD? How's that sound? As Liam describes his idea for a date night, a concerned Daniel approaches. Unsure whether he should interrupt or not, he hangs back a moment to hear Jenn's response. JENNIFER: That sounds amazing. I am in. Daniel now steps in, hesitantly, but knowing he should say something. DANIEL: Uh...Sorry to interrupt, but...uh...can I speak to you for a second Jenn? Jenn's smile fades and her warmth vanishes in an instant as she speaks to Daniel. JENNIFER: Well, whatever you have to say, you can say in front of Liam. We have no secrets. DANIEL: Uh...well...it's actually...you may have to postpone that date. Abigail's been admitted to the hospital. Jenn looks to Daniel in shock, grasping Liam's hand for strength. --- Inside the ICU room, Kim Brady leans over her daughter, the only sound heard is the occasional beep of the machinery keeping her alive. Kim is distraught, having finally reconnected with her daughter, only to have her at death's door so soon afterwards. She looks down at Theresa. KIM: I love you, sweetie. I know I've let you down, and I know I've hurt you. But you're always my little Jeannie. Kim sighs, kneeling down by her bed, she takes Theresa's hand. KIM: I know, I know, you hate that name. But you'll always be Jeannie to me. That little girl who was so...happy, so full of love and wanted nothing more than to be a movie star. I remember, you and Andrew used to set up these movie sets and act them out for us... Kim stops. She tears up as she thinks about how she failed her daughter by disbelieving her. KIM: I should have listened to you. I should have never let Phil lay a hand on you. Never. I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry you couldn't count on me. I wish I hadn't been so desperate to hold onto his love that I'd...turn my own daughter away. I was wrong. As she finishes, she hears a voice behind her, gently speaking to her. It's Billie, who's walked just inside the doorway. BILLIE: You're right. You were so very wrong. Kim looks back to Billie through tears, upset at the interruption, and at Billie's strong words. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- EJ emerges from Abigail's hospital room, as Sami walks over to him. Concern in her expression as she walks over towards the door. SAMI: Uh, hey. Is it okay if I go in now? EJ: Sure. She may be a bit emotional, but it's just exhaustion, I think. She took a hard fall. SAMI: Oh that's...a shame to hear. Have you told her about the project? EJ: I have, she's excited but has some mixed emotions. I guess it's better I leave that discussion up to you two though. EJ smiles and Sami responds in kind, though with a kind of reluctance. She doesn't quite look EJ in the eye, either. Sami turns to the door and begins to open it. SAMI: I'll see you at home? EJ: Sure. As EJ walks into the main lobby at the hospital, Anne Milbauer steps off the elevator. She lurches forward and grabs him by the arm, brusquely walking him towards her office. EJ: What the...? ANNE: You and I are gonna have a little chat right now. --- Sami steps into Abigail's room, seeing Abigail with tears in her eyes. Sami rushes over to Abigail. SAMI: Hey, hey! You alright? ABBY: Sami! Hey, yeah, I'm fine. I'm just...really tired, that's all. SAMI: Oh it's okay. I...look, I know you had a pretty bad fall, but...you're gonna be out of the hospital tonight, right? ABBY: Soon as I hear back from Daniel, yeah. SAMI: Good. Hey! Uh...I just packed Johnny, Sydney, and Allie off for their first day of school. You should see the pictures we took this morning. Sami flips through her phone and then hands over her phone to Abby, leaning on Abby's bedside with a huge smile on her face as Abigail looks at the picture, smiling at the picture before her. ABBY: Oh my God, they are SO adorable. SAMI: It was a perfect moment for about two seconds before Johnny stole Sydney's backpack and Allie tackled him on the front lawn to try to stop him. Sami and Abby laugh at Sami's story. Abby looks to Sami, a bit of sadness in her eyes. ABBY: I'm glad you showed me that. I miss the kids. SAMI: Well, there's nothing saying you can't come by and see them. They miss you too! You're fantastic with them. Seriously, Abby, you're gonna be a fabulous mother one day. Abby's face drops upon hearing Sami's words. She tries to hide the pain she feels, knowing her situation. ABBY: Thanks. (sighs) Who knows, maybe I'll meet the love of my life in Italy and I'll be a mother of six! SAMI: Trust me, you'll wanna start off small. Four kids is a handful. Even between EJ, Lucas, and I. But I think if anyone can do it, it's you. Abby smiles, taking Sami's hand and squeezing it. ABBY: Thank you, Sami. You're...you know you've done so much for me, and I just...I sometimes wonder if I deserve it. SAMI: Oh come on, Abby, you've been a great friend to me too! Why would you even say that? Abby shrugs, trying to come up with a good answer. ABBY: Just...how I feel sometimes. SAMI: Well, don't. Because everything that's coming your way, you deserve every bit of it. Just as soon as Sami finishes speaking, Jenn bursts into the room, visibly panicked, with Laura, Daniel, and Liam in tow. JENN: Abby! Honey! Are you okay?? Abby looks to her mom and family awkwardly, shocked by their sudden entrance, while Sami spins around suddenly, caught off guard. --- Anne closes the door to her office, and EJ adjusts his suit, annoyed at having it roughed up. EJ: Alright, Ms. Milbauer, I'm not having a very good day and I'm rather busy so let's hurry this up, yes? ANNE: Oh I won't be long. Trust me. I know what you're trying to do. But you've gone too far this time. Alright? Anne slowly walks up to EJ, arms folded, trying to keep her cool, commanding presence before EJ's similar disposition. EJ: I don't know what you're talking ab--- ANNE: ...Oh give it a rest, DiMera. We both know the lengths you'd go to cover up your little indiscretion with pretty little Abby Deveraux. So let me just lay it on the line, here. You win. I will leave town and keep my mouth shut, just like you asked. No more games. No more trying to make me think I'm crazy, no more threats.I'll go. EJ: I honestly have had no hand in whatever's swayed you this way, but I am grateful that you've made the right decision, Anne. ANNE: You should be. In fact, you should be groveling right now. Praying that I do keep my big mouth shut, because I know what Samantha Brady is capable of. You know that friend of mine in a coma down the hall there? That's her cousin. I've heard so very many stories about what she could and will do to you when she finds out, and believe me, EJ, she will find out. Anne approaches EJ, getting right up in his face, and speaking almost so quietly she can barely be heard. ANNE: But not from me. I'll leave that up to karma. After a long, uncomfortable pause, Anne holds her hand out to a still-silent EJ. ANNE: So where's my ticket. EJ wordlessly turns and steps away towards the door, not turning once to look back at Anne, his grimacing face tells the story. EJ: Be at the airport tomorrow morning at 7am, there will be a boarding pass waiting for you. EJ closes the door behind him, leaving Anne looking on, shaking her head in disapproval. --- Caroline scowls at Nicole, who has placed the box she was holding onto the table before her at the pub. CAROLINE: What the Hell's that supposed to mean? You think I don't even know what my Shawn wanted for his funeral. Caroline stops, as Eric and Nicole look to each other. Caroline snaps her fingers in frustration, realizing what she'd just done. CAROLINE: I did it again, didn't I? Shoot! ERIC: Grandma, it's okay. CAROLINE: I know, I just...ugh, I hate getting so frazzled when I'm upset about something. NICOLE: There's nothing to be upset over, I was just...suggesting that instead of making this a memorial service, why don't we make this a sort of...life celebration. As though he's somewhere still with us. Eric looks at Nicole, slightly confused. ERIC: I don't quite follow. As Nicole explains herself, she begins going on an extended diatribe, but realizes halfway through how insensitive she sounds and becomes instantly self-conscious. NICOLE: Well, for one, we don't even know for sure that Brady's dead, and we don't have a body to bury. And I mean, come on, we're in Salem, half the TOWN'S been savagely murdered before our eyes and they all turned up alive and I'm TOTALLY making an ass of myself right now, and I'll just...stop...talking. Nicole sheepishly sits down at the booth next to Eric, wishing she'd never opened her mouth. After an awkward moment, Caroline speaks up. CAROLINE: She's right. ERIC &NICOLE: (in unison) What??! CAROLINE:A wake. Celebrate Brady's life, instead of mourning his death. It's the perfect way to honour him. No? --- Kim stares down Billie, enraged by her accusation, and her presence in the room. KIM: What the Hell are you doing here? BILLIE: Probably the same thing you're doing. Visiting Theresa. KIM: Really, because it seems to me like you're here to lay blame at my feet for the fun of it. Billie steps further into Theresa's hospital room, and closes the door behind her. She stands, stiff and nervous as she speaks to Kim. BILLIE: I'm not, Kim. I'm really not. But, I mean, you have to know that this, this all...ugh, never mind. Kim gets up from Theresa's bedside, and stares down Billie, though Billie maintains eye contact, not to be intimidated. KIM: What? Billie looks to Kim. She holds up her hand and shakes her head. BILLIE: No, I...it's not important. KIM: Billie, just spit it out, I know you want to. BILLIE: (sighs) As far as I'm concerned, everything that's happened, all the changes that Theresa went through after Phil's sick, twisted games...how she's behaved, the drugs, the men...it's all on you Kim! All of it! Kim steps toward Billie and slaps her hard across her face, stunning Billie. ---

EPISODE 51 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Gabi guides a drunk Nick through the door to the loft. They stumble in, with Nick's arm around her shoulder, though Gabi's the one lifting his wobbly body down to the living room. Once they reach the sofa, Gabi flops Nick down on it, nearly falling on top of him in the process. After an awkward moment, which surely could be taken for sexual tension, Nick looks at Gabi and asks her a question. NICK: You never answered me before...was this like...date tonight...did you agree to go with me because you're afraid of me? Gabi pulls herself up off the couch quickly, then heads over to the kitchenette to grab Nick a glass of water. GABI: No. Nick, I went out tonight because I feel like you and I needed to...reconnect. That's all. NICK: Well, good. I don't...want to scare you, Gabi. I loveyou. Gabi cringes a bit at Nick's admission. She turns around, glass of water in hand. She hands it to him. GABI: Here, drink up. You'll thank me in the morning. NICK: Thank you, Gabi. I reeeally approa...appre...thank you. Nick goes to drink the water, and dribbles all over his shirt. Gabi jumps into action and pulls the glass away from him. GABI: You're slobbering all over yourself. Here, here, here. Gabi unbuttons his shirt, which Nick takes a sign of interest. Gabi stops dead in her tracks, unsure what to do next. Nick leans in to kiss her, but passes out just before their lips touch. Gabi breathes a sigh of relief, as she lets Nick flop down on the sofa. She jumps up, heading for her purse. She pulls out the bottle of pills she got from Liam. GABI: Time for action, Gabi. --- In her room at University Hospital, Abigail looks to EJ from her bed, shocked at what he just accused her of. ABBY: I....what? EJ steps closer to the bed, leaning against the front of it, staring directly into her eyes. EJ: Abigail, I expect a straight answer from you. Is that my baby you're carrying? Abigail's jaw drops, in disbelief that EJ knows about her pregnancy. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Gabi struggles to get Nick into his bed. Pulling off his wet shirt and taking off his pants, she grunts and grumbles in exasperation, trying to remove his clothes from his limp body. GABI: My God, it's like mothering a 150lb baby. UGH! Gabi falls back as Nick's trousers come off. She rolls her eyes, then lifts Nick's limp legs into his bed. She then takes off her own dress, before walking slowly over to her purse. Looking behind her repeatedly, afraid of beign caught, she pulls the bottle of pills back out from her bag, and makes her way quietly over to the bathroom. Gabi closes the door behind her, and then immediately opens the medicine cabinet. Once inside, she finds Nick's bottle of Ibuprofen. Looking inside the bottle, she immediately dumps the bottle into the toilet and flushes them down it. Quickly thereafter, she replaces the Ibuprofen with her lookalike pills. Putting the cap back on the bottle, she hastily shoves them back into the medicine cabinet, closes it, then hustles back into Nick's room, where she, uncomfortably, lays herself down next to him in his bed. GABI: My God, this better work. I need to get Nick out of our lives, for good. This is the only way. --- Sami walks over to Marlena and Kim, as Kayla steps out of Theresa's room. Kayla hesitates to smile as she steps out from the room. SAMI: How's everything, is Theresa okay? KAYLA: Well, she's still in a coma, but the surgery was a success. We managed to stop the bleeding, so...she'll be able to recover slowly. KIM: But...how soon before she wakes up? KAYLA: That's...the thing, Kim. We aren't sure how long it will take. She may recover in a matter of days, weeks, months. However long it takes for her body to recover from the trauma. She fell out of that car at a pretty high speed. KIM: Oh God. MARLENA: So, Kayla, you mean, there's a chance she may not wake up. Kayla takes a moment before responding, hoping to retain her composure while answering. KAYLA: It's a distinct possibility. KIM: No...NO! Not my baby girl. Kim leans into Marlena, who gives her a warm hug. Sami puts a hand on Kim's arm in comfort as well. KAYLA: Look, we will keep you in the loop if anything changes, and you can come visit her whenever you want, Kimmy. Kay gives Kim a hug, as Kim cries on her shoulder. KIM: Can I....May I see her now? KAYLA: Sure. KIM: Thank you. Kayla and Kim separate from their embrace, as Kim shuffles over to the door of Theresa's hospital room. Once inside, Kim sees her daughter, just brought back into her life, once again ripped away from her. She tears up and rests her head on her daughter's shoulder, crying painful tears. Outside the room, Marlena and Sami begin to talk. MARLENA: So, what did EJ want? SAMI: Oh, he and I were just discussing work stuff. MARLENA: You sure about that? You seemed a bit rattled a moment ago. I nearly went over there but you seemed to hold it together. SAMI: Eventually. It's not easy, but...I can't fall apart every time I see him, you know? MARLENA: Just don't push yourself too hard. SAMI: Mom, I won't. But thank you. MARLENA: Anytime, Sweetie. Where is EJ now? SAMI: I'm not sure, he sort of...just...ran out of here in a hurry to tell Abigail about the new project he wants her to work on in Europe. So...I guess he's in there. MARLENA: Oh? SAMI: Yeah, looks like she'll be working from Italy for the next few months. Wish I could get away from him so easily. --- Abigail backs herself up in her bed, afraid of EJ's reaction. ABBY: I...okay, yes, it's yours. EJ looks down and shakes his head. He walks back from the front of the bed, soaking in the realization that Abigail's baby is his. That Abigail even has a baby, for that matter. He explodes in anger suddenly, causing Abigail to sit bolt upright in fear. EJ: Do you mean to tell me that you were just going to pretend you weren't pregnant and then whoops! One day you pop a baby out? Is that seriously what you were going to do? ABBY: No! I was not...I-- EJ: So what was it then? Were you planning to abort the baby and not tell anyone? ABBY: NO! I would never do that! EJ, I only found out a few weeks ago. EJ turns, his voice dropping to a quiet, menacing tone. EJ: And you never thought to tell me about it? You've had weeks, Abigail. Weeks! I don't know about you, but I think I have a right to know about something like this. ABBY: I never said you didn't have a right to know. I just...I wanted to make this decision on my own, I wanted to tell you in my own time. After I'd made a decision and took care of it all myself. EJ: Well, guess what? You waited too long, sweetheart. ABBY: What do you mean? EJ: There is too much at stake here. We haven't had sex since Feburary? March? That means you're now 6 months pregnant? Oh, you're doing quite well not showing but I see the signs now. And people are asking questions. Ones you'll need to answer for. ABBY: So what do I do, EJ? EJ: I'll tell you what you'll do. EJ pulls a plane ticket he was going to give Anne from his jacket pocket. EJ: You're going to take this, and you're going to get on a plane to Italy-- ABBY: ...What? EJ: No questions! Sami and I have arranged for you to do some work for DiMera in Rome. You will do this work from the condominium we have in Rome. You will not go to DiMera's offices. Someone will come to you. When that baby is born, it will be adopted. You will return to Salem, refreshed, a new woman. And you will never speak of this again. Do you hear me? ABBY: I...what?? How dare you?? How did you get Sami to agree to this? I don't get to even...see my baby? I'll never be able to...know them? What?? No, EJ. That's insane. EJ: No, what's insane, Abigail, is you thinking that you could just cover your ears and pretend that nothing is happening when you're 6 months pregnant with the child of man that's to be married to another woman. This is the only way you and I will be able to keep our secret. Do you understand that? I'm not doing this TO you, I'm doing it for you. Abigail, visibly angered by EJ's overbearing swift action, looks away, tears forming in her eyes. She breathes in deep, then sighs, throwing her hands up. ABBY: Then I guess I have no other choice, now do I? EJ: I knew you'd make the right decision. ABBY: But here's the thing, EJ. After this, I never EVER want to speak to you ever again. Stay the Hell away from me. Forever. Got it? EJ wordlessly turns toward the door, and walks out of the room, closing the door casually behind him. Abigail looks on in disgust. ---

Well, I said it once, I'll say it again, James Warwick is so needed in all this. Love you bringing him to school that ho Vandalism. And as always, Sister Patterson gives me life. So awesome again seeing her up and down the halls of GCH sangin. Amazing. The twist of Roxanne and Hilary being sisters is amazing. GREAT ending!! Awesome job, ML!

EPISODE 50 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Gabi sips awkwardly on a glass of wine as she sits across the table from Nick at Club TBD. Nick can sense the tension, and breaks the silence. NICK: So....are Will and Sonny looking after Ari tonight? Gabi smiles and puts her glass of wine down, stopping herself from choking on her wine as she tries to speak. GABI: Mm! Yeah...sorry, yeah, Will and Sonny are at home tonight and so...they're fine to look after her. NICK: Even knowing that you're going out with me? Gabi looks away, giving a bit of a sheepish grin. Nick clues in immediately. NICK: ...They don't know, do they? Gabi shakes her head after a second's pause. GABI: No, they...I didn't tell them it was you, I...kinda told them I was going to visit Rafe tonight, so... NICK: You shouldn't have to lie on my account. GABI: No, honestly, Nick, it's just...easier this way. I need to keep the peace at home and this...this just isn't going to make it any easier if I start going out and spending time with you again. NICK: No....I understand. Just...I don't want to complicate things for you at home, that's all. Gabi smiles and reaches out a hand, hesitantly, to Nick's across the table, as she looks thoughtfully into his eyes. Just before she places her hand over his, T walks past, and Gabi raises her hand to get his attention instead. GABI: Oh T! Can I get a Vodka soda on the rocks. Gabi smiles and looks to Nick. NICK: Uh...make mine a double. Thanks. T smiles awkwardly at them both, not overly happy with the scene before him, but willing to serve as always. T: Yoooou got it. Coming up! GABI: Thanks! Nick looks back to Gabi and smiles. After a second, he finally speaks up. NICK: Gabi, you're not just going out with me because you're afraid of me, are you? Gabi's caught off guard by Nick's directness, and stumbles to find a safe reply. --- Will lights a tall candle at the dinner table before running to dim the lights in their shared apartment. Once the lights are off, he turns to call for Sonny. WILL: Alright, you can come out now! Sonny emerges from the bedroom, shutting the door slowly behind him, almost tiptoeing as he does. SONNY: Shhh! Ari's sleeping, this might be our only quiet moment tonig...wow! WILL: Impressed? SONNY: I mean...I didn't know you could cook, let alone make all that. Will glares at Sonny, as Sonny laughs at Will's exasperation. WILL: Lucky for you, I ordered in, now would you sit down? SONNY: Okay, okay. As Sonny sits down, he leans over to kiss Will gently. They begin to dig into their meal, and a moment later, Sonny remembers to ask Will something. SONNY: Oh, I forgot to ask, did you ever show anyone your new blog? WILL: Oh yeah, I, uh...I showed it to Aunt Maggie this morning when I ran into her down at the Club. We were both grabbing coffee and I put the link into her favourites on her tablet. SONNY: Nice! I read it while you were out and...honestly, your article about raising Ari and our life here...it sounds insanely cheesy...but it really touched me. Will laughs a bit at Sonny's earnest praise. WILL: Sonny, I'm trying to eat here. Sonny rolls his eyes, before smacking Will on his arm playfully. SONNY: God, would you just take a compliment already? Seriously! WILL: (laughs) Whatever, Sonny! You're the one who got all cheesy on me. SONNY: Whatever yourself! Honestly, you're one of the best writers I've read in a long time. And I can't wait to marry you. Will smiles sheepishly at Sonny's compliment. WILL: I can't wait either. The two lean in and share a kiss across the table, softly, gently, and sweetly. The smile as they look to each other, an intense, loving gaze that couldn't be broken. --- Maggie sits in Horton Town Square, reading something intently on her tablet. She looks smart in her business attire, and reading glasses on her nose. As she studies the article before her, Tyler approaches her at the table as she takes a sip of the coffee in front of her. TYLER: You look thoroughly embroiled in that story. Mind if I distract you for a moment? Maggie looks up with a start, before pulling off her glasses and looking a smiling Tyler. She smiles back. --- EJ closes the door to Abigail's hospital room, before making a beeline for the main room of the hospital, where Sami is sitting. He stops right before a visibly shaken Sami and startles her with his brusque proclamation. EJ: You and I need to have a little chat about Abigail. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Maggie's smile lingers on Tyler as she motions to the seat across the table from her. MAGGIE: Please do. As Tyler sits down, Maggie lays the tablet down on the table before her. MAGGIE: It's good to see you again. I know we had a sort of...quick meeting this morning when I was at Victor's office, but I'm curious, I thought you'd stepped down from EnerNext. What kind of work are you doing for Victor? TYLER: Well, basically I'm back running it now. Victor was going to take the reigns and I'd be able to pass quietly into retirement but...with this unfortunate turn of events with your grandson Brady, I'm going to be taking control back. Maggie appears less than impressed with Tyler's news. She pauses a moment and thinks carefully about what she says next. MAGGIE: I see...you know, i don't really have much good to say about that whole project you're trying to set up in the west end. TYLER: Well, why not? There's a lot of very lucrative jobs to be had, ones that will benefit your business quite handily, I might add. MAGGIE: How do you know I run a business? TYLER: It's not hard to find out these things, you know, especially with how much Victor talks about you. Maggie smiles sheepishly, blushing a little. MAGGIE: Well, it's always nice to know he's only saying nice things about his wife...uh...listen, Mr. Houston-- TYLER: ...Uh...Tyler. MAGGIE: Tyler...if you don't mind, I had promised my grand-nephew I'd read his article and tell him about it tonight, I really don't want to let him down so-- TYLER: Oh, your grand-nephew is a writer, hm? MAGGIE: Well, yes. A rather good one, I might add. TYLER: Do you mind if I have a look over it? MAGGIE: Not at all. Tyler takes Maggie's tablet from the table and sits down a minute to read it. Maggie leans in, putting her elbows down on the table and leaning into her hands. MAGGIE: Now, be easy on him, he's fresh out of college, you know. Tyler doesn't respond right away. Carefully reading his writing, Tyler seems transfixed by what he's reading. TYLER: That only makes what I'm reading more impressive. This boy has a real way with the written word that's rare in those twice his age. It's something we really need at EnerNext in our PR department. I...hope this isn't too presumptuous or anything, but...you wouldn't mind putting me in contact with him, would you? Maggie is taken aback by Tyler's enthusiasm for Will's work. She struggles to respond to Tyler's request. --- Nick is now starting to get a little more lazy in his movements as he sits with Gabi at Club TBD, the result of three double vodka sodas. Gabi tries to appear as though she's enjoying herself, but is having a hard time. NICK: (laughs) ...and so...then they came in and BAM! Gabi jumps back a bit at Nick's joke, putting a phony smile on her face and taking another sip of her drink. NICK: And...then...I forget the rest. You know...it's so good to be here with you again, Gabi. I...mmmissed you. GABI: Me too, Nick. Me too. NICK: You know, you and me should...we should go back to my new place. I just got a new place and we...we should go to it. Gabi smiles knowingly now. Almost relieved that Nick's made the suggestion now. GABI: Yes! Yes, that's a good idea. Let me settle up and we'll head up. Gabi goes to get up, but Nick waves to get her to stop, pulling his wallet out and lazily handing her arbitrary bills. NICK: Gabi Gabi Gabi Gabi Gabi HERE! He's handed her six $1s and a $100. NICK: Tell T he can keep the change. Gabi slowly walks over to pay the bill. T glances over to Nick, sitting less-than-gallantly at the table. T: You sure he's gonna be alrght? GABI: Oh he'll be fine. T: Yeah, but....what about YOU? GABI: T, for the first time in a very long time, I feel like everything is under control. --- Will and Sonny are cleaning up after dinner, when Will's cell phone starts to ring. He puts a plate he's rinsed on the dish rack before picking up the phone. WILL: Hm...strange. SONNY: What's that? WILL: Strange number. Let me see. Will answers the phone, an unsure tone in his voice. WILL: I...uh...Will Horton speaking. * * * Tyler replies at the Town Square. He paces back and forth as he speaks. TYLER: Yes, William. It's Tyler Houston from EnerNext. I was hoping to speak to you at some point. * * * WILL: Uh...yes, regarding what, exactly? * * * TYLER: Well, I just read some of your writing, and I'm interested in discussing an opportunity with our company's PR department. Uh...would you be available to meet with me this evening? * * * Will stutters and stumbles, in shock at the sudden offer dropped in his lap. --- Sami stands up, very displeased with EJ's tone and walks with him to the waiting room nearby. As the door closes, Sami tears into EJ. SAMI: How dare you come over to me like that when you know what I've been like this last week. I just got out of a therapy session and you come barrelling at me like that?? What the Hell's wrong with you?! EJ: (over Samantha's tirade) Samantha, Samantha! Woah! I'm sorry. I'M Sorry. Okay? Something has come up that I got excited about, and...I think you should listen to what I have to say. Sami steps back, arms folded. She glowers at EJ, who begins to relax after a moment of silence. EJ: Alright. So, DiMera has a rather...extensive project in Europe right now that we need a strong writer to help with publicity and marketing. And I think this is an excellent opportunity for Abigail. SAMI: I...you're right, it could be great, but...she just started with us at Countess W, I mean...don't you think she might be over her head a bit? I mean, she's been so stressed out lately herself... EJ: I don't think that will be a problem. In fact, I think this might be exactly what Abigail needs. A change of scenery, some new faces, the ability to work her magic on her own. It could be exactly what she needs. Sami thinks about it a moment, then turns back to EJ, nodding in agreement. SAMI: I think...I think you're right. We should go ahead with that. EJ: Excellent, I'll go tell her right away. EJ makes a beeline for the door, but Sami calls out to him just before his hand touches the doorknob. SAMI: Oh, wait, EJ. EJ: Yes, Samantha. SAMI: How is she doing? EJ: Great. She just had a hit on the head, she'll be out soon enough, maybe even tonight. SAMI: Maybe we should call Jennifer or somet-- EJ:...NO! No, I wouldn't worry about that. It'll be fine. EJ steps out of the office, leaving Sami confused by EJ's strong reaction to Sami's suggestion. EJ walks down the hallway, almost running for Abby's hospital room. He opens the door to her room, and Abigail turns to him, unpleasantly surprised to see him. ABBY: EJ... EJ shuts the door quietly but intensely. A menacing look across his face that immediately intimidates Abigail. EJ: So...when exactly were you going to tell me you were pregnant? ---

OOOO that was sweet! What a great episode. So much drama with Amanda and Iris, I love it. Let's see how this whole story goes. I have a strong suspicion that Iris is going to get what she wants...for awhile, anyway. Loved the wedding, so very much the kind of soap wedding they don't do anymore but should. LOVED it. And the ending was spectacular. I do hope John and Sharlene move back towards reconciliation. Wonder how Michele will get out of this one! GREAT show!

Ohhh how I love Sister Patterson. She gives me LIFE. Glad to hear Esther made it out alive! Those scenes were great. The smoky old VW bus. I just love it all, please please please keep Sister Patterson around. Daniel should wrapped it uuuuup. LOVE James coming in. SO excited to see him going forward. The scenes with Scotty and Lauren were great, too. Keep doing those kinds of scenes, they're great. Also LOVED Karynn's concern being entirely about the will. So like her. You've done a great job with that character. FANTASTIC return!

EPISODE 49 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson A knock is heard on Kate's office door. Kate looks up from her computer. KATE: Come in! Billie and Lucas step in, a look of worry across both their faces. KATE: Ah! Billie! Lucas! Excellent. BILLIE: Okay, Mom. You sounded urgent on the phone...what's going on? KATE: Well...have a seat, and we'll discuss it. Billie and Lucas obey their mother's command and sit down in front of her desk. Kate leans over her desk, as if to give a proclamation. KATE: I think it's time we sat down and discussed the Titan board meeting next week, and whether or not the company should hold onto Titan TV. Lucas seems confused, Billie looks over to him. LUCAS: What does that have to do with us? I mean, we'd have to start putting more money into our advertising budget, but surely Victor can grandfather something in. KATE: No, no. It's not just that. We could face a very hefty penalty as a company for the things we do with that TV station. Everything from the news to, yes, our advertising deals. The FCC could have major problems with that. BILLIE: What? Wait, mom. You've never forced our hand on a board vote before. What's got you so concerned this time? Kate pauses a moment, not sure how to respond. --- Jenn is sitting at her desk at the hospital, having a chat with Laura. As she talks with Laura, Jenn tries to do some filing. LAURA: So how was your night with Liam? JENN: It was wonderful. Honestly, I've never met a man who just...understood me so completely, not since... Jenn stops herself, choking up a bit thinking of Jack. LAURA: Since...Daniel? Jenn stays still a moment, then shakes her head. Outside Jenn's office door, Daniel approaches, with a document in hand for Jenn. Just before stepping to the door, he hears Jenn say his name. JENN: Not since Jack, Mom. I mean...Daniel....Daniel, I thought he was fantastic. I was so patient with him, because I knew how hard it's been with him since his wife died and...he knew when Jack came back to town so give us space. He was really great when Jack died. He knew exactly what I was going through... Jenn pauses for a moment. Laura presses. LAURA: But... JENN: But, Mom, he didn't trust me when my son was in trouble. He lied and made me believe he'd not only sleep with someone like Theresa, but that he'd be doing drugs with her? All for what? Because he didn't think I'd stand by my son? Because I couldn't be trusted to protect my own son. Laura walks over to Jenn and hugs her for a minute. Jenn leans in to give her mom a warm hug like she'd been wanting to for a long time. LAURA: I'm so sorry, honey. I didn't realize. I know, we all miss Jack. I just...well...just give it time. Don't rush into things, okay? Liam seems like a good guy but...I want you to just take it easy, okay? Jenn pulls away from her mom's embrace and, still holding her hands, smiles warmly at Laura. Outside Jenn's door, Daniel shakes his head, wincing from the stinging words Jenn has spoken about him. He walks away from Jenn's door, heading back to tend to Theresa. JENN: Thanks, Mom. Can we...uh...talk about something else? Jenn wipes away tears as she asks Laura the question, and Laura sits back in her chair, immediately knowing what else she had on her mind. LAURA: Well...how's Abigail been feeling? JENN: You know...it's strange, she's been...so run down the last few months, and sick a lot. Not much of an appetite, and when she does it, it's been terrible food. I mean, if I didn't know she'd only been with Chad, honestly, I'd say she were pregnant. Laura looks to Jenn, a bit concerned. --- EJ kneels over Abigail as she lies on the floor of the DiMera offices, unconscious. EJ checks her breathing, as Abigail slowly stirs. EJ: Abigail? You alright? ABBY: Uh...huh? EJ? What?... Abigail looks around the room, in a daze. She grabs her stomach suddenly, before realizing where she is, and lets go. ABBY: My b...my God. I... EJ: You need to go to the hospital immediately, we'll get you checked out. Abigail protests weakly, as EJ sits her up to head for the elevator. ABBY: No...no...no, I'm fine... Abigail's face is increasingly panicked as she gets boosted up into EJ's arms and whisked off to UH. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Anne continues to slap the man at the door of the elevator, thinking him to be EJ, until a strong American accent throws her off and stops her assault. REPAIR GUY: Hey, hey, hey! LADY! What the Hell??! Anne backs up, and takes a closer look at the man before her. She jumps back a little, an apologetic look across her face. ANNE: Oh...oh my God, I'm...I'm so sorry, I... REPAIR GUY: This how you treat everyone that comes to help ya, lady? ANNE: I...I thought you were someone else, see, it's actually a really funny story, see... REPAIR GUY: I'm sure it is. Anne steps casually off the elevator, following the now-completely-bemused repairman away from the elevator. ANNE: See, I thought you were this guy who's been following me around and has people all out to make me think I'm crazy and when, well, really, I'm not, he's just an... Anne stops herself, realizing how absolutely insane she sounds. She smiles at the repairman, and takes his hand in hers, patting it gratefully. ANNE: You know what? Nevermind. Thanks again! I really appreciate it. Anne steps towards her door and hastily opens it, stepping into her apartment. The repairman stands back, in shock at what's just transpired. REPAIR GUY: I gotta get outta this town, man! --- Gabi walks into Club TBD. Looking around, she sees Nick, sitting at a booth in the corner. She tenses, incredibly wary of coming anywhere closer to Nick. Finally she steps forward, essentially forcing herself into line. She sits down at the table. Nick immediately takes her hand in his. NICK: I'm so glad to see you. Gabi pulls her hand away quickly. She smiles immediately, realizing how bad that looks. GABI: Sorry. I'm....a bit nervous. NICK: I understand. It's alright. Please, can I order you a drink? Gabi smiles a slightly devious smile, but catches herself and nods, changing her smile to a more flirtatious one. Nick smiles and flags down T. Gabi looks on, thinking to herself: I have to make this happen. I have to get him hooked again. I can't have him hurt me, or Ari. I won't let it happen. --- Kate gestures, trying in vain to find some kind of answer to Billie's question. She stands up and begins pacing the room while talking. KATE: It's....simple, really. I just...did a bit of research, it's really nothing to do with anything. BILLIE: Okay, seriously. Mom, what's going on? Why are you so freaked out? I can tell you're not yourself right now. LUCAS: Seriously, Mom. Spill! What's got you so riled up? Kate takes a second to breathe before turning around to face her kids' onslaught of questions. KATE: It's just best business practice. I'm just....nervous about how Victor's going to react, is all. I mean, we haven't exactly been on the best of terms since I-- LUCAS: ...Tried to have him killed at the Coronation... Kate rolls her eyes at Lucas' snarky remarks before carrying on. KATE:..and now...well...I just...he's been gracious enough to have me as CEO at MadWorld and I'm not prepared to give that up, but going against him, particularly when he's so distressed about Brady's accident, I just... Billie gets up and walks over to Kate. Putting a hand on Kate's shoulder, she reassures her. BILLIE: Mom, I get it. I'll think about it, but...we're in your corner, Lucas and I. Okay? Kate smiles and hugs Billie tightly. KATE: I knew I could count on you. Lucas looks on, not quite so convinced, and folds his arms while shaking his head. --- EJ walks down the hallway at University Hospital, having come from Abigail's hospital room. He is deep in thought, concerned for Abigail, but not so sure about what's been bugging her. Upon entering the 6th floor lobby, EJ sees Sami standing with Marlena and Kim. They look concerned themselves. EJ begins to head over to greet Sami, but Sami looks up at him, and freezes. EJ immediately remembers Sami's recollections after their argument, and stops himself. Sami turns away momentarily to tell Marlena and Kim something. SAMI: Uh...look, I....think I need to talk to EJ for a moment, do you mind? MARLENA: Are you sure that's a good idea? SAMI: I'll be fine, Mom. Thanks. Marlena gives Sami and quick kiss on the cheek and hug before stepping aside with Kim. Sami steps to EJ slowly, almost reluctantly, yet trying to come off nonchalantly. EJ: Samantha. SAMI: EJ. I guess you've heard about Brady and Theresa's accident today. EJ: I have. I'm sorry to hear about it. How is everyone holding up. SAMI: (sighs) I suppose as well as can be expected. My Aunt Kim is just waiting to hear back from the doctors before she goes in to visit. Daniel was operating and they're just letting Theresa rest for a bit before they let her visit so... EJ: I see. SAMI: Yep. So...what are you doing here? EJ: Uh, I was actually here tending to Abigail, you see, she's been in a bit of an accident at work, and-- SAMI: What?! Is she okay? EJ reaches out to stop Sami from running off to find Abigail's room, but when EJ touches her, he catches himself as Sami flinches. EJ: I'm sorry. SAMI: (sigh) It's...okay. Uh...is she okay? Can I see her? What happened? EJ: She had a ladder fall on her at the office earlier, it's...no big deal, she's fine, I just...I stopped you because the doctor was in with her just now. SAMI: Oh...right. EJ: I'm actually going to check on her to see what the doctor says and if you want I can ask Abigail if she wouldn't mind a visitor. If you like, that is. SAMI: That...sounds great. EJ: Alright, I'll be right back. EJ smiles a bit, Sami smiles back. As EJ steps away, she almost collapses, as though she'd been holding onto every bit of strength she had during their exchange. Sami takes a seat at a nearby bench and breathes heavily, trying to regain some semblance of composure. Inside Abigail's hospital room, Daniel talks with Abigail. Abigail is extremely nervous, knowing Daniel's close relationship with her family and friends, particularly her mom. DANIEL: Well, looks like you just had a bit of a hit on the head. No need for any surgery, so...you should be out of here in a few hours. ABBY: That's good. Uh...Daniel...umm...you're not going to tell my mom about any of this, are you? DANIEL: Nah, that's...that's not gonna happen. See, your mom and I are, in no uncertain terms, finished. ABBY: Good. Uh...that's....not quite what I meant. I mean, I just...well, you know a lot of my family and friends and... DANIEL: Doctor-patient confidentiality. Cross my heart. Abigail smiles, feeling reassured that Daniel won't speak to anyone about her condition. ABBY: Great. So uh...why a few hours, what else needs to be done? As Daniel explains, EJ approaches the door to her hospital room, and begins to open the door to check on the progress of Abigail's appointment. As he opens the door, he hears Daniel speak. DANIEL: We just have to run one more test to see how your baby's holding up after the accident and you should be set to go! EJ's eyes pop out, shocked by Daniel's news. ---

Amaaaazing! This was a fabulous episode, Cary! Great on every level! The town comes together for the wedding, traditional soap style! It's been years since I've seen stuff like this. I love every bit of it, the family moments between Jake and Lindsay, Paulina arriving with Jack, infuriating Grant. I also am intrigued by Michele's illiteracy. This sounds like there's more than a simple brain injury at work here. Can't wait to see where you take that! AWESOME work!

OOPS! That was a great episode. Tracy and Sydney's confrontation was excellent. I loved the interplay and could totally see that going down on TV. That cliffhanger was fabulous too. Monica better find her way out of that hole she's dug fast! Morgan and KaKa hooking up, maybe? Hmmm! EXCELLENT work!

Ohhhh I know where this is going. I love the old fashioned GH caper. Great move! Can't wait to see how Felicia, Maxie and Levi and Nathan all get tangled up in this. Wonderful! Love the secret of Michael paternity being re-examined. You're gonna do great with that story, so I'm excited to read. Always great seeing Tracy and Monica more. I'd love to see more of Monica and Tracy's humour. That always sold them to me. Great work!

EPISODE 48 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson EJ sits on the edge of Abigail's desk. She seems visibly uncomfortable with EJ's intensity, which is unrelenting. His eyes are piercing, and it intimidates her. ABBY: I...was just...I'm tired. That's all, EJ. Please just...don't worry about me. EJ: Abigail, you've been like this for weeks now. You're getting your work done and it's pleasing Samantha but...I know something's off. Abby gets up from her seat, but has difficulty doing so. EJ attempts to give her a hand, but she refuses. ABBY: No. Please don't. EJ looks, a great concern on his face. --- Kate is working at her desk when Nick knocks twice and promptly steps into Kate's office. Kate is immeidately displeased by his barging in. KATE: Have you never worked in an office before? NICK: Your secretary wasn't at her desk, so...hey, I knocked first. Kate rolls her eyes at Nick before motioning him to sit down. He obliges, taking an exceedingly casual pose in his chair. NICK: So here's the deal... KATE: Ohhh boy, here we go. NICK: I know, right? Did you hear the news about Brady? KATE: Yes, I did, and I would expect you would be a little more reverent, particularly since he's what, your...6th cousin or something? It's so hard to tell in this town, especially with the Hortons. NICK: I didn't really know Brady. I know he had problems. I can empathize. But I don't really have the time to dwell on it. And neither do you. KATE: Look, if this is about the Titan TV vote, I already agreed to vote in favour of divesting-- NICK: That's not what I'm talking about. Kate stops cold, trying to figure out what Nick's getting at. NICK: Victor is going to push back that vote as much as possible until Brady's found. We all know this. It's up to you to convince the board that that idea is reckless. The vote needs to happen immediately. --- Anne pushes the Emergency Call button inside the elevator frantically. The light never turns on. The sound of the local radio station playing the daily news does nothing but heighten her panic. Worried that EJ is trying to do her in, she screams at the top of her lungs, hoping someone will hear her. ANNE: HELP! SOMEBODY! Her voice echoes but no voice returns her pleas. She tries to climb up the the ceiling of the elevator, hoping the shaft contains an emergency escape. As she's about the use the back railing to boost herself up, the elevator jolts suddenly. The entire carriage shakes, and Anne falls back to the ground. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Hope steps into Victor's office. Victor and Maggie are going over their plan to re-open the Penthouse Grille. Victor looks up at Hope, and Maggie turns to face her. VICTOR: Hope! What a surprise. What are you doing here? Victor and Maggie's pleased looks fade as they see Hope's sadness. HOPE: Sorry, I...your secretary told me I could just come in. VICTOR: Nonsense, you're always welcome. What can I do for you? Victor gets up, motioning to Hope to take a seat next to Maggie. Hope slowly saunters over and sits down. She gathers her strength to give them the news. HOPE: Well...I have some news. It's about Brady. Maggie loses all the colour from her face, while Victor looks on, a stoic look, but almost as though if he said anything, he'd be sick. HOPE: There's been an accident. Brady and Theresa drove off an embankment just outside the city, and...Theresa's in a coma at the hospital, and Brady....they...they can't find him, Victor. Victor breathes deeply, before sighing, soaking in the news for a second. VICTOR: Well, then you'd better get a bigger search party out. HOPE: We have been searching for hours, Victor. There's no sign of him. VICTOR: Well, then he's still out there. And you're wasting your time sitting her moping. Let's get out there and look. I'll have my men out there scouring the river in less than an hour. HOPE: Victor! Stop! The forensics team said that considering the speed Brady was travelling when he drove off the road...the chances of him surviving the crash are still incredibly slim. VICTOR: Then where's his body, dammit?! If you want me to believe it, I need proof, not conjecture. HOPE: Victor, I'm sorry. We are going to keep looking for him. VICTOR: (sigh) No. I'm sorry, Hope. I'm just in shock, and angry, and I'm taking out my frustration on you. Just...let me know what you find. Thank you. Hope stands up from her seat, followed by Maggie. Maggie reaches over to hug Hope, before Hope leaves. As Hope heads fr the door, she stops, remembering one last thing to tell Victor. HOPE: Victor, if you have any questions or anything, maybe a clue, give me a call. VICTOR: Absolutely. Maggie walks over to Victor's side the desk, and kneels down beside him. She cries as she lays her head next to his and embraces him. --- Kate leans forward in her chair, staring Nick down as he lounges on the opposite side of her desk, his smug expression infuriating her. KATE: Now, you are well aware that Victor is not going to allow Brady's votes to be removed from the board meeting until there's a body found, and that's final. If anything, he's going to try to proxy Brady's votes himself, or find a nearby ally to vote on Brady's behalf. NICK: But I'm sure you realize how controversial that would be to the board. And I'm sure you know how to push the board to say what you want them to say. I mean, for one thing, your son and your daughter are on the board. So...that's two votes more tipping the scales in my favour, no? Nick holds up his hands, counting the board members on both hands. He shakes three on his left hand, indicating Kate, Lucas, and Billie's votes. KATE: You want me to use my children to vote your way, now NICK: I want them to see sense, Kate. That TV station is nothing but a propoganda machine for the EnerNext tar sands, and everybody knows it. The FCC is going to come down on them hard for their lack of journalistic standards, and you could be looking at some pretty hefty fines for the reporting if Titan isn't careful. KATE: I see... Nick leans in towards Kate, looking intensely into Kate's eyes. NICK: And you know how bad Titan's finances are, surely. I'd suggest if you want to keep MadWorld afloat, you might want to consider how a major loss in cashflow might affect your employment. Nick gets up, and slowly heads for the door. As he opens the door, he turns and winks at Kate. NICK: Nice talkin' to ya! As he closes the door, Kate flops back in her chair, and rolls her eyes. Spent from trying to maintain her cool against Nick, she picks up her phone and calls Lucas. KATE: You and I need to talk right now. And bring Billie with you. My office, yeah. Kate hangs up, and sighs heavily. --- Anne picks herself up off the floor, realizing the radio has stopped, and suddenly, a voice calls out to her over the speakers. RADIO: Hello? Someone in there? Anne jolts upright, relieved to hear a voice speaking to her. ANNE: Yes! I'm in here! RADIO: Okay, ma'am. Someone's on their way, that jolt you just felt was the repairman resetting the system. We'll have you up to your floor momentarily. ANNE: Oh my GOD, thank you!! RADIO: No worries, ma'am. After a few moments, the elevator comes back to life. Lights come back on, and the elevator begins to move back upwards as before. When the door opens, Anne is about to step off when a man looks back at her on the other side of the doors. Looking fast, she confuses the man's face with EJ's, and slaps him hard across the face, repeatedly. ANNE: You disgusting bastard! --- In the hallway at Countess W, a pair of repairmen step off the elevator, tool kits and ladder in hand. RALPH: Hey Frank, so what's the deal with the ladder, man? I thought you broke it last week. Frank sets the ladder up by Abigail's office door. He goes to step onto the first rung, unconcerned by his co-worker's reminder, and grabs a small flashlight from his toolbelt. FRANK: Nah, I bent it slightly. Still holds up fine. I used it all day yesterday. Didn't even wobble. RALPH: Alright, but I figure it's as good as excuse to get a new one as anything. Boss might even expense it. Frank laughs as he climbs up, lifting the ceiling tile to check the wiring above. FRANK: Yeah, right. Since when'd the DiMeras ever do anything nice, man. RALPH: That's the truth. Ralph grabs a wrench and begins looking through his toolkit. Inside Abigail's office, Abby grimaces as she stands up, but EJ can't help but show his concern. EJ: Abigail, really. What on Earth is going on? ABBY: Just...ugh. I ate something I shouldn't have at lunch, it's no big deal, okay? EJ: Abigail, I really think you should go see a doctor about this. It's obviously been bothering you for weeks now. Abigail turns quickly to EJ, snapping at him. ABBY: Stop telling me what to do, EJ! I am not going to a doctor, there is nothing wrong, I'm fine, okay? Just...leave it alone. EJ: Leave what alone, Abigail? There's something you're not telling me and if it involves me then I need to know about it. Abigail stares off into space, imagining her mother chastizing her for getting involved with EJ. Her voice rings clearly in her head. JENN: I can't believe you're pregnant with EJ DiMera's baby, I'm so disappointed. My own daughter, letting me down... The face Abby sees becomes JJ's. JJ: My own sister, a DiMera slut... JJ's face morphs into Jack's, much to Abigail's terror. JACK: No daughter of mine would be so filthy as to... EJ: ABIGAIL! Abigail snaps back to reality upon hearing EJ. She looks up at him, almost terrorized. ABBY: I can't. I need some fresh air. I'm gonna be sick. Abigail storms out the door of her office, surprising Frank on the ladder, which knocks him off balance as the ladder buckles under the changing weight. It falls over, knocking Abigail and Frank down with it. Upon seeing the accident, EJ rushes to Abigail's side. Ralph runs over as well. RALPH: What the Hell happened??! EJ: Abigail! Abigail! Abigail lies unconscious on the floor. EJ leans over, holding her head in his hands, checking her vital signs. ---

EPISODE 47 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Billie sits at her desk at MadWorld, when a call comes in for her. After a second, Billie picks up. BILLIE (into phone): Yes, Paul? Excellent, send him in. A moment later, Paul, her secretary, ushers Roman Brady into her office. A smile is on his face. ROMAN: Billie! I got some news for you. And I think you will be really happy with the results. Billie smiles widely, itching to hear the news. --- Marlena knocks frantically on Kim's door. After knocking for a bit, Kim opens the door, confused by the frantic knock. KIM: Marlena! What's going on? I was just about to head o-- MARLENA: Oh Kim, I'm glad I found you. Marlena reaches for Kim's arm, the panic evident in her movements, which puts Kim on edge. KIM: Marlena! What's wrong, did something happen? Marlena stops herself, she lets go of Kim's arm and centres herself for a moment. MARLENA: Yes. I...I need you to come to the hospital with me. There's been an accident. Kim gasps quietly. She steps back into her apartment to grab her purse. She's prepared, almost as though she knew it was coming. KIM: It's Theresa, isn't it? Marlena nods as Kim hastily locks her apartment door. Kim presses the button on the elevator repeatedly, as though that would make it come faster. KIM: Oh God, let's go. Did you drive here? MARLENA: Yes, I'll meet you there. As they step in, Kim looks to Marlena. KIM: I'm almost afraid to ask...but...(sigh) What happened? Marlena looks to Kim empathetically as the doors close. --- Abigail is sitting at her desk at Countess W. She's trying to focus on her work, but all she can focus on is the letter from the hospital, saying she's pregnant. She tries in vain to refocus, but can't seem to see anything but the letter, though she continues to type. The word "pregnant" appears on her computer monitor, the result of her mistyping. She hits backspace, but the computer freezes and won't erase the word immediately. She jams on the key repreatedly in frustration, before slouching back in her chair. ABBY: What am I gonna do? Abby sits bolt upright as a voice calls out to her from the doorway of her office. EJ: About what, exactly? Abby hestitates to come up with an answer, looking like a deer caught in the headlights by EJ's question. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Roman hands Billie the report he ran up on the flash drive. ROMAN: Turns out that not only was that used to connect to a device within Titan, but it also has some familiar fingerprints on it. Billie reads over the letter, a smile slowly building on her face. BILLIE: Sheryl Connors. ROMAN: You betcha. BILLIE: So we have what we need to nail her now, right? ROMAN: Not exactly. Billie's face drops at Roman's admission. BILLIE: What do you mean? You have the proverbial smoking gun in your hands. What's the problem? ROMAN: It's not enough, Billie. All this proves is that Sheryl had a flash drive in a computer inside an office she wasn't supposed to be in. The problem is that that drive had no contents, and no accessible files. Even for our techs. BILLIE: So we're back to square one. ROMAN: Not exactly. This is just the start. I think we'll be able to get them now, just need to wait just a little longer. Billie smiles at Roman, hoping he's onto something. --- Hope steps off the elevator at Titan, and as she steps off, sees Nick pass her by. She taps him on the shoulder, and waves as he looks over to her. NICK: Hope! Hey! How are you? Hope leans in for a hug, she smiles for a second, the first time since finding out about Brady's accident. As they separate from their hug, Hope's demeanour returns to a sombre state. Nick notices immediately. HOPE: I'm...alright. NICK: I kinda don't believe you. HOPE: Well...it's...I have some bad news I have to pass on to Victor and Maggie. NICK: Oh? Maggie's here? HOPE: Yeah! It's...(sigh) It's about Brady and Theresa. They...were in a pretty serious car accident and... Hope struggles to finish her thought and Nick puts a hand on her shoulder. NICK: Are they alright? Hope starts to tear up a bit. She shakes her head. HOPE: No. Theresa's in for surgery at the hospital and Brady...they...we can't find him. NICK: Wait, what? HOPE: Just...I'll explain later. Okay? NICK: Yeah, sure. Hope queezes Nick's hand before walking away, headed for Victor's office. Nick remains stoic until Hope is out of sight, then smirks and pulls out his trusty tablet. He sends Nicole, Jordan and Sheryl a message. I think we just hit the jackpot, folks NICK: Sorry, Vic. But it looks like your bad news is gonna be even worse after the Titan TV vote. Especially now. --- Kim and Marlena step off the elevator at University Hospital. Both are hurried and head directly for Kayla, who is standing at the Nurses' station. MARLENA: Kayla! Have you heard anything? KIM: How did the surgery go? Kayla stays collected, but stoic, as she looks into her sister's pleading eyes. KAYLA: We don't know much right now. All I can say is that Daniel's in there right now, finishing up the operation. She seems to be hanging on but...there could be severe brain trauma. She may be in a coma for a very long time. KIM: My God. My baby! Kayla steps away from the Nurses' station and gives Kim a big hug. The sisters stay locked in an extended embrace, as Marlena looks over to see Sami emerge from the opposite hallway. Sami sees Marlena with Kim and Kayla and heads over immediately, her face heavy with concern. SAMI: Aunt Kim, Aunt Kayla....Mom...Why...what's going on? KAYLA: Uh...Sami...there's been an accident. SAMI: What? What happened? KAYLA: Theresa and Brady. They drove off an embankment and into the river-- SAMI: Oh my God. How are they, what...how...? MARLENA: Sami, you just came from your appointment with Laura, just...go home and rest, I'll let you know what's going on as soon as I know, okay? SAMI: No way. I'm gonna stay right here. I'll let EJ know I'm cancelling my appointments for the day, and just...I need to be here for Brady. Marlena puts a hand on Sami's shoulder and looks intensely at her. She leans in and tells her quietly. MARLENA: Honey, Brady's not here. They...they can't find a body, the car's submerged in the river but... SAMI: Well that means he escaped, right? MARLENA: They said that, under the circumstances and the speed he was travelling, the chances are very low that he survived. Sami takes a step back, unable to soak in the information. She chokes back a bit, looking away from her mom. SAMI: I...I can't believe this. Marlena leans over and gives Sami a sustained hug, as Sami holds her mom tightly for comfort. Kim and Kayla look on, Kim holding her sister tightly, a saddened look in her eyes. --- Abby smiles cautiously at EJ. ABBY: Oh...uh...this...report. I...I can't figure out how to finish it up is all. EJ steps casually into Abigail's office. EJ: Well, I suggest taking a bit of a break and concentrating on yourself. You seem overworked. Abigail rolls her eyes at this dismissively, turning off her computer monitor. ABBY: EJ, I'm fine. I've just been under some pressure and learning a new job. It's not a big deal. EJ: Yes, well, I worry about you, you know. ABBY: Well, stop doing that. Focus on Sami. She needs you right now. EJ: Abigail, you're my employee, I have every right to be concerned about your well-being. Particualrly when it affects your work. ABBY: Well, don't, EJ. I will be fine. And technically, I'm working for Sami. You and I are done. Finished. I'm not risking any repeats, especially not here. EJ: I didn't mean that. EJ walks towards Abigail's desk and leans on it, staring her down intently. EJ: Abigail. What is wrong? --- Anne Milbauer steps onto the elevator at her apartment building, fuming from her earlier confrontation with EJ. She presses the button to her floor, then presses the close button repeatedly. The door closes and slowly ascends. 2nd floor. 3rd floor. ... The elevator stops, never reaching the 4th floor (Anne's floor). The lights dim in the elevator, throwing Anne off. The emergency light comes on, noting a power outage in the elevator. Anne presses the 4th floor button again repeatedly, hoping to jump start the elevator's movement. Her efforts are in vain. Suddenly a voice comes on through the speakers on the elevator. Instead of an emergency call, the sound the local news radio feed blares through the speakers. RADIO: ...local news, Titan CEO Brady Black was involved in a single-vehicle accident today on the north side of the city. Mr. Black's car careened off the edge of an embankment alongside the Salem River, and crashed into the river, where his body has yet to be recovered. His passenger, Theresa Donovan, is in a coma tonight at Salem University Hospital. The news of Theresa's accident stuns as causes Anne to panic. She screams out. ANNE: HELP! Get me out of here! HELP! After no one comes after a second or responds, she is overcome with a sense of dread. ANNE: EJ set this all up. He had Theresa run off the road. My God. And now he's after me. ---

I feel like you need to have Vesta's "Congratulations" playing over them Scott/Kirkland scenes. Intense! I wonder how that's gonna go down for him in GC afterwards *grumble ML come back *ahem*. Good work on the Christy scenes. I love her so much, such troublemaking. This wedding is gonna be fantastic. EEE!