4617 Friday, August 12, 2005
Oh for crying out loud. Do these actors never get a day off? Today is just more of the same. I'm intrigued by the whole Brooke/Nick/Bridget triangle, sure. But can't we see some Sally Spectra and Jackie M confrontations? Please?
Brooke and Nick took Hope home where she was greeted by Catherine and RJ. (The nanny and her baby brother! Some homecoming. Where's the banner? Where's the cake? Where's the clown?) Nick explained to Hope that once you saved someone's life, you were indebted to them forever. Hope took this to mean Nick had to read her a bedtime story for the rest of her life. (Shouldn't it be the other way around? But whatever.) After Hope and RJ went off screen.... I mean upstairs....with Catherine, Nick confessed he was a little worried about Bridget. He had left her a message, but had not heard from her. He wondered if she was jealous of all the time he had been spending with Brooke. Brooke pooh-poohed that idea. Bridget would understand Nick was only trying to help in a crisis. Yeah, you're probably right. (No you're not.) Nick asked to stay around so he could fix a fancy dinner for Bridget.
Later that evening, Brooke came downstairs and found Nick lighting candles and putting on a sexy CD. (Now get this! Nick is still wearing the same shirt and shorts he was wearing when he pulled Hope out of the hot tub! He was dripping wet - soaked to the skin. But he's still wearing those same clothes he had on "yesterday!" I'll bet they are pretty darn gamey by now. If he's wanting to give Bridget a special dinner, I'd suggest he change into something fresher.) Of course, Brooke and Nick decided to have an intimate conversation in the candlelit room. Brooke again thanked Nick for all he had done for her family. Nick said he didn't realize how much Brooke and Hope meant to him until he almost lost them. He figured out.....Nick didn't finish the sentence. Nick then suggested Brooke would find happiness one day with the right man. (All the while, Brooke and Nick were standing and sitting far too close to each other. And where has Dante been during all this time? I thought he was living at Brooke's Old Place these days. You'd think he would have pitched during this emergency, don't you?)
Up at the Forrester Big Bear Cabin, Bridget was a wreck. Cry. Cry. Cry. That's all she could do. She loved Nick so much. How could she live her life without him? Stephanie understood the pain, but it was better for her to end the relationship now. The thought of losing Nick made Bridget sick. She held her stomach and convulsed. (Uh oh! And we all know what it means when a young lady on a soap opera touches her stomach, don't' we?) Stephanie wanted Bridget to break free from Nick. Thanks goodness they hadn't gotten married or started family yet. (Oh. They haven't, have they?) Bridget wept how she and Nick had planned a wonderful future. Now her mother had ruined it all. Bridget did not think she could endure losing another man to her mother. Stephanie said her family would help her through. She would be there for her if she'd have her. But Bridget had to give Nick the heave ho that very night. Bridget said she felt sick and sat on the couch. La Forrester headed to the kitchen to get some water but stopped dead in her tracks. (You see, Steph watches soaps like the rest of us.) She asked Bridget if she thought she could be pregnant. Bridget looked horrified.
Sweet Pampers with stay-dry lining! We all know how fertile Brooke has been through the years. It seems only likely that trait would be passed down to her daughter.
4616 Thursday, August 11, 2005
Night passed and a new day dawned. Nick and Brooke had spent the night in the hospital with Hope. Thomas, Phoebe, and Steffy dropped in for a visit and were glad Hope had survived her ordeal. The teens all promised to go over to Brooke's Old Place and play games with her that day. Hope informed the gathered clan she was ready to go swimming again. Nick commented she was the bravest girl he knew. After Thomas and the twins left, Nick had a serious conversation with Hope. He explained how he had not been watching her while she was swimming. He was extremely sorry for allowing her to nearly drown. Hope said she forgave her "uncle." Nick then vowed to be there for Hope whenever she needed him. He'd never let her down again. Hope wondered if her mother was mad at Nick. Brooke explained they entire incident had been a horrible accident. She had been very scared at first, but she had forgiven Nick just as Hope had. Hope innocently remarked her mommy must really love Uncle Nick. Brooke was stunned for a moment but recovered by saying the entire family loved him. Nick held and kissed the little girl as he and Brooke made goo-goo eyes at each other.
But where's poor, lonesome Bridget, you might ask. She awoke on the couch in the living room at the Forrester Big Bear Cabin. She was a mess, let me tell you. She'd slept in her clothes and her hair was a big, static-filled rat's nest. She rubbed her eyes and remembered what had brought her to the cabin. She recalled seeing Nick and her mother looking lovingly into each others' eyes when Hope had come out of her coma. Suddenly, Bridget got a hold of herself and realized she was imagining the worst. She grabbed her shoes and headed for the door. She was going back to the man she loved. On her way out, though, she ran into Stephanie. Both women were surprised to see the other. Bridget was still ticked off at the matriarch and told her to leave. Stephanie responded it was her cabin and she needed some time alone herself. Besides, it seemed Bridget was the one getting ready to leave. But Bridget's emotional state made La Forrester ask some questions. Why had Bridget run to the cabin? Why wasn't Nick there with her? Although Bridget told her step-mother it was none of her business, Stephanie kept probing. Although the entire family hated her for her actions, Stephanie explained she still cared about what happened to them. Bridget's defenses wore down. She told the whole sordid tale of Hope's accident and recovery and seeing how close her fiancée was to her mother. Stephanie figured as much and told Bridget that Brooke was doing the same thing all over again. Bridget tired to defend her mother. Stephanie hated her - it was obvious. So why should Bridget listen to anything Stephanie had to say about her? Because it was the truth, Stephanie gently told her. Bridget then blamed herself. It was her own fault for getting involved with men who had loved her mother. Stephanie agreed she had a point, but the person responsible for all her troubles was Brooke. Of course Bridget didn't want to admit it. Brooke was her mother. She was supposed to love and care for her. But that wasn't the case. Brooke had taken advantage of her daughter's love and loyalty her entire life. The sooner Bridget admitted the truth, the sooner she could get on with her life and heal. It was a long, tear-filled road, but Bridget finally blurted it out. "My mother has taken advantage of my love and my trust."
Well, there you have it.
4615 Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Hector went back to his station house. There, he met up with Tom. That's the guy who won the last edition of Survivor. (He's a real paramedic in NYC.) It was stunt casting with no real purpose that I could tell. At the end of the episode, though, the two guys told us all to be careful while watching children. During the episode, Hector received a call from Eric. (Hector had left messages about Hope's accident with all the family. Eric ended up calling Hector for information because Brooke's cell phone could not be turned on in the intensive care unit.) Hector relayed Hope's progress to Eric.
Eric had made his way to the Jackie M Boutique on Rodeo Drive. He and Jackie chatted in her office. Jackie apologized for hurting Eric with her revelation of Stephanie's deception. Eric replied he was glad to finally have his eyes opened to the truth. His eyes also saw another truth - Nick was still in love with Brooke. Jackie figured out Eric was still in love with her as well. But Eric was more concerned about Bridget. She would be hurt beyond belief to lose Nick to her mother. Since he had to leave on a business trip to Chicago, Eric asked Jackie to keep watch over Bridget - just make sure she was OK. If she lost another man to her mother, it might push her over the edge.
The edge seemed to be looming quite close. Bridget continued to look in on her mother and Nick's rapturous reaction to Hope's convalescence. Nick apologized over and over for his failure to take care of Hope. Brooke said she had learned she was to blame for not having the hot tub checked. She was also grateful Nick had been able to perform CPR on Hope and save her life after her "near-drowning." Nick swore he would protect Hope and Brooke from that moment on. Bridget had chosen that moment to open the door and hear Nick's words of devotion.
After promising to call the whole family with the good news, Nick left Brooke alone with her daughter. In the lobby, he found Bridget sitting alone. He told her about the accident and suggested she go in to keep her mother company while he made the phone calls. A tragedy like this could tear a family apart. Bridget noted it could also draw them closer together. Nick went outside to use his cell phone. Instead of going check on Hope, though, Bridget thought it would be a better idea to wander the halls of the hospital and question Nick's devotion to her. She kept remembering the nay-sayers who had warned her of Nick's connection to Brooke.
Nick went back to Hope's room and was surprised to learn Bridget had never come in. There was more talk about how happy they were for Hope's recovery. (In an inspired bit of ad-libbing, the cute little tyke portraying Hope opened up with the widest yawn I've ever seen. Apparently, she found it all as repetitive as I did.) Bridget wandered back to the door to watch some more bonding between Brooke, Nick, and Hope. What a joyous trio they made. But Bridget wasn't so happy. She cried as Jackie and Eric's voices echoed in her head. She tried to recall Nick's words of love to her, but kept seeing him proving his devotion to Brooke. The voices! The got louder and louder! Bridget grabbed her head. It was all so overwhelming.
Sweet Clorox Bleach! Everything went white!
4614 Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Brooke and Hector were overjoyed to hear Hope mutter the word "mommy." The doctor came in and examined Hope. She was now able to breathe on her own. It appeared things were looking up. As the doctor looked at the little girl, Hector and Brooke discussed Nick's involvement in the accident. Brooke was surprised to hear Nick had actually saved her daughter by performing CPR before the paramedics arrived. But it was Nick's fault the CPR was needed in the first place, Brooke reminded our hero. After the doctor left, the still unconscious Hope muttered Nick's name twice. Brooke was torn. What should she do? Hector responded the person responsible for a horrible accident was usually the one who felt the worst. He told Brooke that Nick was praying in the hospital chapel.
Sure enough, there was poor, pathetic Nick on his knees. He prayed God would not take away his little angel. Hope should not have to pay for his own stupid mistake. He would do anything - and he meant ANYTHING - to make things right. (Wash my car, Nick) Brooke came into the chapel and saw how remorseful Nick seemed to be. She told him Hope had been calling for him. She was having some tests, but it would probably be a good idea for him to be in the room when she returned. Although Nick was thrilled to hear Hope was improving, he still felt an overwhelming sense of guilt - and Brooke was still the ice queen.
Elsewhere in the hospital, Eric found Bridget in a doctor's office. (Apparently, Bridget has resumed her medical studies and has some sort of job at the hospital. We could tell that by the facts she was wearing a lab coat AND she was looking at some medical charts. But the office was not hers. That was made very clear.) Eric was happy to see his daughter was getting back to her love of medicine. Perhaps that would keep her mind off other problems - like her failed attempts to marry Nick. Eric said he had come by to let Bridget know he had proposed to Brooke. Bridget was shocked. He was still married to Stephanie. "Not for long," informed Eric. Brooke had turned him down, but he was hopeful for a future with her. Besides, if he occupied Brooke's time, Nick would be less likely to fall back into her arms. Bridget was livid. Nick loved her - not her mother. Eric sadly informed his daughter no man got over Brooke. He was a case in point. Eric wanted Bridget to face the fact Nick would always be connected to Brooke and get on with her life. He knew it was painful for her to face, but better to deal with it now than later. Bridget told her father to butt out of her life. If that was his idea of protecting her, then she wanted no part of it. Although Eric tried to make Bridget feel better, she shunned him. He left. Immediately after that, Hector found Bridget in the office. He told her of Hope's accident. Bridget rushed to the intensive care unit.
Back in Hope's room, the youngster was wheeled back in. Nick knelt by her bed and encouraged her to get better. He apologized over and over for not watching her more closely and taking better care of her. He swore he'd always be there for her in the future. As he went on....and on....and on.....he failed to noticed Hope opening her eyes and smiling. Brooke witnessed the miracle and showed Nick the good signs. Hope whispered her hair had gotten caught in the drain. She remembered what had happened. Brooke and Nick were overjoyed that she seemed to be fine. Nick leapt to his feet and told Brooke how sorry he was for what had happened. He accepted full responsibility and would make it up to her. As he went on...and on...and on....Brooke grabbed his face and told her she forgave him. Moment of silence, then the big hug! Tears and happy sounds filled the room.
As if we didn't know what would happen, Bridget arrived at that very moment and looked through the window in the door. And once again, she saw her mother and her fiancée locked in an embrace. Sweet Charity! I'd give up on that stupid engagement and rent a good movie musical. Invite Dante over, pop some popcorn, turn up the heat, watch him take off his shirt and go from there.
4613 Monday, August 8, 2005
Nick looked through the door's window into Hope's hospital room and saw her squeeze Brooke's finger. He immediately called the doctor and nurse to examine the tot. When the doctor went in, Hope did not repeat her finger trick, but decided to take a look at her anyway. In the lobby, Brooke screamed at Nick. If her daughter was disabled in any way, it was on his head. Brooke didn't want to talk of even look at Nick ever again!
A despondent Nick went to the hospital chapel. After some silent moments, Jackie arrived. She had received his phone call, but his voice was so panicked she couldn't understand what the problem was. (I'd like to know how Jackie knew her son was in the hospital chapel.) Nick explained the accident in the hot tub and his culpability in the situation. Jackie was horrified by glad to hear Hope was still alive. Nick cried on his mother's shoulder. It was yet to be determined if the child would survive and if she would suffer any long terms affects from her near-drowning incident. Nick was wracked with guilt. Looking after Hope had been his responsibility. He loved that little girl like a daughter. Now he had hurt her worse than Deacon or Ridge ever had. Jackie tried to comfort her son. She told him he had probably saved Hope's life by performing CPR on her. Accidents happened. It wasn't his fault. But it was his fault, wept Nick. He didn't know what to do. He didn't know how to make it right. Jackie suggested they pray. (Now we all know I am a tired, old cynic who has seen it all on daytime television. It takes a heck of a lot to get to me. Today, I cried during this scene. Mr. Jack Wagner was excellent in his portrayal of Nick's emotions. How would you feel if you were responsible for the injury of a beloved child.? Exactly! There are no words strong enough to say the severity of the situation. Mr. Wagner said it all with his eyes, his body language, his forlorn face which didn't even seem to grasp the enormity of the situation. I could feel my eyes starting to tear and I told myself I would not cry over a silly television program. But as Jackie attempted to make Nick feel better, it only got worse. Tears rolled down my cheeks. A job well done, Mr. Jack Wagner. And Miss Lesley-Anne Down, you look marvelous no matter what you're doing.)
Back in the hospital room, Brooke sat vigil at her daughter's bedside. Good Samaritan Hector arrived with support....and some information. He had gone to Brooke's pool and examined the hot tub. The single drain was faulty. It was an accident waiting to happen. You see, many children are injured in such accidents every year. Such tragedies can be prevented by following a few simple precautions. Have the pool and hot tub checked regularly to make sure they are working properly. Always put a bathing cap on children - or adults - with long hair. If there is only one drain, put in an emergency ventilator. If something gets lodged in the drain, the vacuum is shut off. Better yet, install a hot tub with two drains. If something becomes stuck in one, the suction is not as great. And nothing ever tops constant adult supervision. (And that concludes today's public service announcement.) Brooke then blamed herself for Hope's accident. When she moved back into Her Old Place, she should have had the hot tub checked. Now her daughter was fighting for her life because of her own foolishness. Hector encouraged Brooke not to blame anyone. It had been and accident. All her energy needed to stay focused on Hope's recovery. Brooke knelt by the bed and pleaded with Hope to pull through. And just like a miracle, Hope mumbled the word "Mommy."
Sweet Sister Eileen O'Donnell! She's coming around! (Sister Eileen O'Donnell was one of two nuns who lived in my small, boyhood hometown. She was a hoot!)
