4904 Friday, September 29, 2006
Nick wandered around the living room at Brooke's Old Place on a sunshine-filled new day. He tracked Bridget down on her cell phone and discovered she was already at the hospital for her additional tests. He pleaded with her to let him be a part of her pregnancy. She agreed he could come to the hospital to meet her. Brooke came downstairs and told her husband she had a busy day at Forrester Creations. Nick promised to never give her a hard time again about her involvement with the company as she headed out the door.
Over at the hospital, Bridget had her "good friend" Jerry, draw blood for her tests. She wanted to confirm she was pregnant and try to determine if the pregnancy was viable. Jerry would run the tests immediately and not let anyone know what he was up to. Felicia arrived looking for her half-sister. Bridget assumed Felicia was visiting the hospital because she was ill. Felicia replied with...
The Quote of the Day: "When I'm just trying to be nice, why does everyone think I'm sick?" (It's based on your track record, honey.)
Bridget shared further concerns with her sibling. Felicia replied Bridget needed to decide what she wanted out of the situation. It wasn't going to solve itself.
After Felicia left, Nick arrived and asked Bridget to get a cup of coffee with him or perhaps just take a walk. Bridget preferred to stay in the exam room. The fewer people who saw them together the better off they'd be. Nick agreed. They both hoped for a healthy child. But Bridget worried what her pregnancy would do to everyone around them. Nick made it clear that their unborn child took precedence over everyone and everything else. This was not the way either of them had intended to become parents. But the reality was likely this was their chance. He would not allow his child to think they were unwanted or unloved. Bridget smiled and explained the reason she fell in love with him was because he could always make her feel beautiful and good about herself. He had just done that. Jerry returned with the test results. Bridget was definitely pregnant. All HCG levels were good and the baby seemed to be developing well. (How could you tell that from a blood test?) Bridget was happy all was well. Nick flashed back to happy times with Brooke and wondered how on earth he was going to tell her the truth.
Brooke went to work at Forrester Creations and found Eric designing away in the CEO's office. She was slightly miffed he had commandeered her office. Eric replied she was so seldom there he was merely keeping the cobwebs away. Brooke stated the problem with her working at the company had been resolved. She and Nick had renewed their vows and they trusted each other completely. Eric voiced dissension and told Brooke she would always be in love with Ridge. Her marriage to Nick was simply another detour on her tortured path with the love of her life. Brooke disagreed but Felicia entered the room and added her two cents worth. Brooke had settled for safety and put a heavy burden on Nick. She had placed him on The Perfect Pedestal. There was no way he could live up to her image of him. Felicia worried Brooke was headed for a fall. As Felicia left, she gave us...
The Second Quote of the Day: "I don't mean to be obnoxious. It just comes out that way." (Just like Jessica Rabbit wasn't bad, she was just drawn that way.)
Brooke didn't like Eric and Felicia ganging up on her. Eric said they simply cared about her and wanted what was best for her. He thought Brooke was punishing Ridge for the sins of her father. Brooke agreed that might be true. But she was happy in her life with Nick and nothing was going to change her mind.
Well, nothing except that your daughter is carrying his child, I suppose.
4903 Thursday, September 28, 2006
On the side of Pacific Coast Highway Harry had Shane in a headlock. Phoebe begged for him to be set free. Shane screamed he'd reveal everything to Harry if Hector didn't call him off. Hector instructed Harry to let go of Shane and then to leave them on the side of the road. Confused and a little ticked off, Harry left. Phoebe told Hector that Shane was the vagrant who had scared her the night of Darla's accident. He had stayed close by and seen everything. But he could be trusted. Hector wasn't so sure. Shane gave everyone a ride back to The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers (FCHWT).
Meanwhile, by the pool of FCHWT, Thorne was putting the moves on Taylor. But she pulled away. She didn't think she was ready to take it any further. Thorne understood. He figured she still had some feelings of guilt over moving in on Darla's husband so fast. But Thorne didn't care what anyone might think. He wanted Taylor in his life and in his daughter's life. He'd take the future at whatever speed made Taylor comfortable. Taylor thanked Thorne for a lovely dinner. (By the way, when Taylor and Thorne headed to the make-out chair, dinner was still on the table. After they decided to put on the brakes, the table was completely clear of dishes. Hmmm, maybe Thomas stopped by and tided up a big while his mother was playing tonsil hockey.) Phoebe appeared on deck and told her mother there was something important they needed to discuss. Thorne left to pick up Alexandria at his parent's house.
Over at the Forrester Mansion, Eric quizzed Stephanie on Thorne's relationship with Taylor. Stephanie dodged the answer the saying at least one of their sons was looking for love in all the right places. Eric wondered what Stephanie had against Donna and Ridge being together. Someone then hammered on the front door. Stephanie responded with...
The Quote of the Day: "Saved by the Knock." (A witty play on words as well as a shout out to our favorite Dancing With the Stars star, Mr. Mario Lopez.)
Both Ma and Pa Forrester were surprised to find Lt. Baker at their door. The policeman didn't have any new leads in Darla's case but was just checking on the family since he hadn't heard from them in a while. Rudely, Stephanie reminded Lt. Baker her son had asked him to stop pursuing leads in the case. She was terribly upset he had chosen to stop by unannounced and stir up bad memories. She showed him the door and slammed it after him. Eric was shocked. Why had Stephanie been so adamant about Lt. Baker letting Darla's case get cold? La Forrester explained she simply wanted Thorne to move on. Speak of the devil, Thorne arrived. He told his happy parents of the wonderful evening he had shared with Taylor. He hugged his mother and thanked her for helping him let go of his anger and see Taylor for the angel she was. He went up stairs to see his daughter. Alone again with Stephanie, Eric wondered why his wife was so determined to get Thorne and Taylor together. Stephanie said she only wanted what was best for their son.
Upstairs, Thorne spoke to his sleeping daughter and told her how he hoped Taylor would be in their lives for a long time.
Back at FCHWT Taylor was thrown for a loop when Phoebe, Hector, and Shane told her that their new wayward troublemaker also knew she was the one who hit Darla that fateful night. Taylor immediately assumed Shane planned to blackmail her. She would not let it happen. She'd tell Thorne the truth herself before he learned it from anyone else. But Shane pleaded his case. He wasn't their to cause trouble. Phoebe agreed with Shane's side of the story. Hector doubted every word. Shane told Taylor he had suffered as well. But both Phoebe and she had shown him great kindness after his injury. Taylor deduced it had been no accident Shane got a job working for their landscaper. Shane admitted that was true. But all he wanted was exactly what they had already given him: a place to stay, a job, and friendship.
Taylor doubted that was all he wanted. I agree, he should throw in a freezer full of ice cream, his own TIVO system in the guest room, and a pony.
4902 Wednesday, September 27, 2006
At the Forrester Mansion, Stephanie returned from Taylor's Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and found Eric mixing martinis. (Ironic, don't you think?) Eric was pleased to hear of Taylor's success but a little less thrilled to learn Thorne and Taylor were growing closer. When Stephanie asked of his objections, Eric gave us...
The Quote of the Day: "She was married to Ridge for Christ's sake." (Uh, since when has a sibling's former marriage to someone stopped anyone from dating and marrying the same person? Eric, you and both your sons have married Brooke. So stop calling the kettle black, you pot.)
Stephanie thought there was no reason Taylor and Thorne could not forge a happy future together. They both deserved it. Eric agreed but still had reservations about the union.
At The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers (FCHWT) Taylor seemed slightly uneasy by the romantic dinner Thorne had set up by the pool. She wasn't sure she deserved all the special attention. Thorne made it clear she deserved it all and so much more. Taylor had to admit being fussed over felt good. She hadn't been so relaxed in a long time. Thorne reached across the table the took Taylor's hand. He felt they were ready to take their relationship to the next level. He thought they should tell their family and friends of their budding relationship. (Oh, THAT next level.) Taylor didn't disagree but reminded Thorne some people might not approve. Thorne didn't care. He stated he felt like he was falling in love with her. Taylor echoed the sentiment. Thorne then lifted Taylor and carried her to the double chaise lounge. They kissed. As Thorne nuzzled her neck, Taylor said to herself, "God forgive me. Darla forgive me." (Yeah, you're going to be asking someone else for forgiveness when he finds out you mowed down his wife!)
Upstairs at FCHWT, Hector decided he had to get to Phoebe before Shane harmed. He called a taxi to take him Bikini Beach. (That's the restaurant the youngsters had planned to go to for dinner.) The doorbell rang but it wasn't the cab; it was Harry. Luckily, he had borrowed Nick's car for the night. Hector enlisted Harry's help to locate Phoebe. As they drove, Hector explained Phoebe was in dire trouble if she was around Shane. Harry wanted to know more but Hector kept mum.
In the Shane-driven SUV at the side of the road, a frightened Phoebe wondered what Shane had in mind. He explained he meant her no harm. He had seen he entire accident that killed Darla. It haunted him just as it must haunt Phoebe. All he wanted was to share his horrible memories with someone. She had her mother to confide in. He had no one on whom to unload the burden. Phoebe softened her stance and understood where he was coming from. She was indeed kept awake at night by nightmares about what had happened. Shane leaned toward Phoebe and told her he only wanted to be her friend. The friendship was short-lived, though. Harry and Hector had spotted the car on the side of the road. Harry rushed to the driver's side, whipped open the door, pulled Shane from the car, and throttled him within an inch of his life! Hector spoke to Phoebe and told her Shane was not who he appeared to be. Phoebe replied Shane had told her everything. She ordered Harry to stop pummeling Shane.
I noticed a huge clearing beside the car where Harry punched Shane into the ground. If Shane had truly taken Phoebe to the exact spot where she had her flat tire, why didn't Darla move "the hybrid" into the clearing to change the tire instead of working so dangerously close to the side of the road. If she had, we'd be having none of these trouble right now, would we?
4901 Tuesday, September 26, 2006
At Brooke's Old Place, our heroine sat in her bedroom and waited for Nick to come upstairs and celebrate their second wedding night. She thumbed through a copy of Eye on Fashion with Ridge on the cover. She read an article about Ridge and Donna's whirlwind European tour. The writer opined on Brooke's whereabouts. Brooke opined herself.
Downstairs, Nick was blown away by the news of Bridget's pregnancy. She explained how she had come over to tell her mother the truth but had, instead, been an unwitting voyeur of her mother's wedding vow renewal. Nick could not believe Bridget had planned to tell her mother the story before telling him she was pregnant. Bridget admitted that had not been the best way to handle the situation. In fact, she had not thought through the entire situation. She explained she should check her HCG level before they grew too attached to the unborn child. (I'm guessing that could indicate if she could carry the baby to term.) Brooke popped downstairs to see what was keeping Nick. She was surprised to see Bridget was still hanging around. Bridget apologized for the intrusion. Brooke made sure her daughter knew now much she loved her and returned upstairs. As Bridget left, Nick made it clear he'd be there for her. Alone, Nick wondered what the heck he was going to do.
Taylor returned to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting with Stephanie. Taylor was presented with a token to indicate 60 days of sobriety. Taylor made a moving speech thanking her friend, La Forrester, and Thorne who had believed in her and helped her with her problems. (OK, Taylor's first visit to an AA meeting aired on August 2. So even though soap time has nothing to do with real time, it actually has been almost 60 days. I'm impressed.) Taylor returned home to The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers (FCHWT) and found Thorne had set up a romantic dinner by the pool. He was so proud of her accomplishment. He was also thankful to have her in his life. She had been a Godsend to him and his daughter when Darla died. Thorne now knew he'd be able to love again. He pulled Taylor in for a kiss.
Upstairs at FCWHT Shane paced the living room and pondered which scenario of reveling his knowledge would be most advantageous to him. Hector tapped his way into the room and knew Shane was there by giving us...
The Quote of the Day: "It's your cheap after shave." (All right, who still uses after shave? Especially if the person in question is under 50! And are to believe Hector's remaining four sense are already heightened after only a week of blindness?)
Hector blew a gasket when Phoebe came downstairs and told Shane she was ready to go to dinner. Hector warned Phoebe she didn't know enough about the young man. The teen replied Hector should mind his own business. As Phoebe walked out the door, Shane snarled that Hector should try not to burn the house down while they were out. Hector immediately got on the phone to his law enforcement contact. It seemed that Shane's story did check out. He had been arrested for stealing a sandwich...from a sandwich shop off Pacific Coast Highway...on the 15th! Hector put all the pieces together. That store was near the site of Darla's accident and on the same day! Yikes! Shane must know the truth about the entire matter. Hector tried to call Phoebe's cell phone but got no answer! (The episode on which Darla got hit aired on July 13th. Pretty darn close to the 15th I'd say. But they did neglect to mention the month.)
Meanwhile, Shane pulled over on the side of the highway as he drove some huge SUV to dinner. (WHAT?!? Shane is driving?!? His hand was nearly severed less than 18 hours ago and he's driving a car? His arm is in a sling, for crying out loud! What on earth are they thinking?) Phoebe didn't like being stopped by the side of the road. Shane explained lots of accident happened in that very spot. Freaked, Phoebe reach for her cell phone but Shane prevented her using it. He told her this was the spot they had first met. Scared even more, Phoebe tried to get out of the car but Shane locked the doors. He told her he had been the vagrant who tried to help her the night her aunt was killed. He had seen everything! Phoebe wondered what he wanted from her.
I'd think he'd want a plausible reason that you're not driving the car, Pheebs.
4900 Monday, September 25, 2006
Although it wasn't nighttime when we last left poolside at The Forrester Convalescence Home for Wayward Troublemakers (FCHWT), it was suddenly quite dark outside. Hector encouraged Phoebe to take a look at Shane's mug shot and rap sheet. (By the way, we got to see that faxed document and it showed Shane's photo as he looked the night of Darla's accident.) Before Hector could hand the fax to Phoebe, Shane snatched it from his hand. He told them both all they had to do was ask him and he'd tell them the truth. He explained he had indeed been arrested for theft - of a sandwich. (He had been hungry and had no money.) He had gone to court for his hearing and stayed all morning. But he had to leave for a job interview before his name was called. The restraining order in Atlanta was by a bank where he had worked as a security guard. It was standard practice for former guards to be banned from the property since they would know all the security codes. Phoebe was satisfied with the Shane's story but Hector was still doubtful.
Shane was so agitated he had to return to his guest room and take his shirt off! Phoebe came to apologize for Hector's behavior. She didn't think anything bad of him at all. Shane further explained how he had gone back to the restaurant and paid for the sandwich once he found a job. Phoebe changed the bandages on Shane's hand as he leered at her with impure thoughts. He then asked if she'd go out to dinner with him. Phoebe insisted it was not necessary. He should save his money. But Shane was persistent. He wanted to thank Phoebe for all the kindness and trust she had shown him. The young folks didn't realize Blind Hector was listening at the door. He scampered away and used his cell phone to call the law enforcement buddy again. Hector expressed extreme urgency to get the goods on this character.
Over at Brooke's Old Place, Bridget told her mother she was ashamed of her actions. Brooke said there was no shame in deciding it was best to distance herself from Nick by going to Africa and then changing her mind. There was no reason for Bridget to be concerned about Brooke judging her. She admitted she was the last person to call someone on what they had done. Bridget was almost ready to tell her mother the truth when Nick arrived home. He was puzzled by Bridget's presence. Brooke related the good news that Bridget was not going to Africa after all. Brooke then noticed Nick was hiding something behind his back. It was a bouquet of flowers. Nick took Brooke out to the terrace and showed her the patio below. It was filled with flower, candles, and a priest. He wanted them to renew their vows.
As Nick and Brooke skipped merrily to the patio, Felicia showed up and found Bridget on the balcony. (Fifi explained the door had been "wide open." OK that explains HOW Felicia got in but not WHY she was there. Had she expected to referee the fight that might be going on between Bridget and her mother?) Bridget told her half-sister of the vow renewal going on at that very moment. Obviously she had not told her mother of her pregnancy. Felicia thought that might be for the best. They weren't sure Bridget could even carry a baby to term. Perhaps if nature took it's course, there would be nothing to tell. (Nice talk, Felicia. But you do have a point.)
After exchanging some touching vows Brooke thought it might be a good idea to get married every year. Nick responded with...
The Quote of the Day: "I thought that was standard operating procedure for you anyway." (The cad! But it was funny.) Brooke explained she meant she'd marry HIM every year. (Oh, well that's very different.) Brooke went upstairs for the honeymoon renewal and told Nick to join her soon.
When Nick entered the house he was surprised to see Bridget was still there - AND, I might add, she was in quite a snippy mood. Nick was surprised at Bridget's attitude. He was only following her lead. She had been dead set against telling Brooke of their one night stand. He was clear that he had never led her on. Bridget got in his face and told him they should not have this conversation at the present time. Nick said he agreed it was best if they simply forget it had ever happened. Upset, Bridget said there was no way she could forget because she was pregnant...and yes, it was his baby.
Nick looked as if he'd just learned Mr. Mario Lopez had been invited to appear on Dancing With the Stars and he had not. Crushed. He looked crushed.