Tuesday, May 24th

Copyright Toni's Spoiler Site. Not to be republished.

Girl Interrupted
Now home, Nick and Sharon are consumed with grief. Nick's particularly antsy - and has to get out of here. Nick, Nick, Sharon pleads...but Nick mutters that he has to go - as he walks out the door. Alone in her grief, Sharon huddles up on the sofa with the pillows and cries.

Devon's suspicious seeing Lily making sandwiches (supposedly for her school lunch). He's worried about her hanging out with Daniel. He's going to jail, Devon assures Lily - I'm not trying to butt into your business. Lily appreciates his concern. Neil arrives home and immediately guesses he walked in on something. No - we were just discussing Cassie - any update? On cue, Vic calls to let Neil know that Cassie passed away last night. I'm so so sorry, Neil says. Vic has to go back and be with his family. Lily's stunned: Cassie's dead? She died last night, Neil confirms. I have to go.... I have to get to school. I'm fine. I want to be alone. Lily hurries out, promising to call Neil later. She's probably in shock, Neil reasons. Yeah, Devon agrees unconvincingly.

Up at the ranch, Vic and Nikki can't believe Cassie's gone. Vic wonders if he could have brought in a specialist who could have helped her. The main thing is helping Nick, Sharon and Noah through this.

Meanwhile, Noah's sleeping on the sofa at the tackhouse. Awakening, he asks his Aunt Vikki if his sister is really dead. With a hug, Vikki confirms it wasn't a dream - Cassie's in heaven now.

Nikki and Vic bring Sharon some food - I brought some rolls. But, Sharon only wants the one thing they can't give her. Nick left - he said he can't be here right now. I guess it hurts too much. Sharon breaks down - He's right. It does. I feel like my heart's breaking. She lays down, her head in Nikki's lap.

Nick finds himself back at the hospital and watches as Cassie's empty bed is being made. My daughter died in this room last night - in this bed. The nurse apologizes and leaves him to stare at the bed. Vikki arrives and gives him a hug - then does her best to console him. Nick asks Vikki to stop talking - No. He doesn't want to go home. Nick, honey, there's nothing left for you here anymore, Vikki says. I just want to sit a while - alone. Vikki doesn't want to go: I don't think you should be here alone. Plus, she needs to be with him. As Nick sits and stares at the empty bed, Vikki sits and wraps her arms around him.

Sharon has fallen asleep, her head in Nikki's lap - but opens her eyes when Vic gives her a kiss before heading up to the ranch. Nikki informs her that Noah's at the stables with Miguel - Doris is resting. Sharon can't believe Cassie won't come down the stairs - ready for school. WHY did I let her go to that party? I should have known. Nikki encourages her: you are not to blame. Sharon sits: how can I NOT blame myself - I'm supposed to protect my little girl. I failed. She's walked out thousands of times - anything could have happened, Nikki points out: Cassie made some bad decisions. Young people do that - it's not your fault. No - it's not Cassie's fault - it's a tragedy that can't be undone - it's pointless to blame. You need to eat. Sharon flips: No! How can I eat - how can I do anything!? My daughter is dead! DEAD! Ohhh God..let it out, nikki encourages...Why!!!??? Why!? A sobbing Sharon completely breaks down.

Nikki later, brings out a tray with coffee and finds Sharon has fallen asleep with a framed photo of her and Cassie. Devastated, she sits on the stairs and watches her.

Antagonizing The Abbott's
At the Abbott breakfast table, Gloria fusses over John (who hears Daniel is moving in with Chris - and hopes he doesn't think he's not welcome). They wonder how Cassie's doing. Phyllis joins them - she's not hungry but accepts a cup of coffee that Gloria's serving. Ash observes: You're awful chipper today - something special going on? Matter of fact there is - not sure anyone would be interested but...my son Michael is engaged to Lauren Fenmore, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Gloria's announcement is met with blank stares and silence. That's why I didn't want to tell anyone - I knew this'd be your reaction.

In the living room, Jack asks a glum looking Phyllis how she's doing. Well, my son was drunk driving and put a 14 year old girl in the hospital fighting for her life. THAT'S how I'm doing. Chris is picking Daniel up this morning. Jack suggests they play hooky - go to the lake - picnic lunch. Phyllis thinks that sounds great - but I have to go to work - it's the only thing I can control. Jack persists: do what's right for you. Phyllis suggests a compromise - she'll go into work - take care of the most pressing things on her desk - then play hooky. Thank you - you always lift my spirits. Anytime, Jack comforts with a hug. Phyllis goes up to get ready.

John later apologizes to Gloria that they weren't responsive to her good news. He doesn't want to begrudge her this special time. It's every mother's dream. Your son has picked a very special lady in Lauren Fenmore. Please congratulate him for me. Gloria is most touched: I definitely will - thank you.

The Breakfast Club
Lauren and Mike spot Chris and Paul having breakfast at the club - and join them. When Mike prattles on about what a great day it is, Chris asks him what's up. Prompted by Mike, Lauren announces they're engaged. Needless to say, Paul and Chris are stunned. And as Lauren shows off her ring and is about to tell them how Mike proposed, Paul abruptly leaves the table.

Lauren confronts Paul at the bar - I announce my engagement and you can't leave the table fast enough. Michael is a loving caring man - I love him a lot. Is he what you want? Paul asks - what's the rush? Why wait - when you know, you know? This feels so great - I don't want to lose it. Paul gives her a hug: then you hang on for dear life.

Meanwhile, Chris congratulates Mike. I found 'the one' once before but I let her slip through my fingers, he smiles. Chris informs him that she'll be out of the office - working from home. Daniel is staying with me. I'll call you later - congratulations. She repeats her congratulations to Lauren on her way out. Answering her cell, she gets the bad news of Cassie's death. No! she whispers sadly.

Disappearing Daniel
Back at the Abbott home, Phyllis assures Daniel she's not deserting him. Daniel thanks her for standing by him. You're my son, Phyllis reminds: I'll always stand by you. You're NOT a screw up. Daniel worries she'll get fired. He hates what he's done to her life. Phyllis won't lie: one minute I'm SO upset at you for being so stupid - but then I want to hold you and protect you from all this. She reminisces about holding him when he was a baby - then losing custody - and then, you came back into my life. It's so hard because I don't want to lose you again. Daniel assures they'll both make it through this. Yeah - Chris will make it all go away, Phyllis says. Daniel isn't so sure about that. You've been the best Mom - ever since I've been back here. Don't ever think any of this was your fault. Phyllis sniffs and nods: I love you, she adds with a hug. Phyllis will go up and finish getting ready: be tough. She gives him one last smile as she heads up.

Downstairs once again, Phyllis is puzzled to find the living room empty - and guesses Chris already picked him up. On cue, Chris arrives at the door. Daniel forgot something? Phyllis is horrified to realize: OMG - he's not with you.

Lily meets Daniel in the hideaway - and delivers him a big brown bag of food. He notices she's acting strange. She sniffs and faces him: she's gone. Who's gone? Daniel asks blankly. Cassie - she died last night. Daniel reels from the news.

Effective 4 split screen: Chris/Phyllis - Nikki - Nick...Vikki - Sharon...the photos...Lily comforting Daniel (who clings to her like a child as she kisses his forehead.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates a 9.5 ... Another tear jerker. Definitely an Emmy worthy performance by Sharon (Sharon Case). Surely NOW, Millie and Alice will be called (?) and what about Grace - she always had a special bond with Cassie.... Nick should have stayed to console Sharon (but hard to fault someone on how they should behave in such a situation).

For those who were members of the message boards - and therefore, no doubt, a friend of 'Leafy's' - Amy Kay has created a very touching tribute. http://dump.grendosa.com/Leafy.wmv . Just added: my own eulogy or sorts. My thoughts: From the heart - Leafy.

Next: Vinnie shows up at the club again: I have a way you can pay of your debt in full...Phyllis says to Chris: It's official - my son's a murderer......Daniel mopes: That's it - this is the end for me ..Don't say that! It's NOT the end, Lily stresses.