Thursday, May 26th

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

Good Grief
At the gym, Nick looks at Lily with an expression akin to contempt: does your little friend, Daniel, know he killed my little girl? Yes, Lily trembles: his heart is breaking. Nick would like to hear that to his face. He's terrified of you - but he cares, she maintains. Nick wonders if he cared the day he got in a car drunk with his little girl. THEN he should have cared - now it's too late. Lily wishes there was something she cold do. There's nothing anyone can do - tell your little boyfriend I intend to make sure he spends the rest of his life in jail, Nick growls.

Meanwhile, in the hideaway, Daniel fantasizes about kissing Lily - until the police arrive to tear them apart. Daniel she shrieks! Realtime, Daniel looks around the empty room. Now seated, he envisions crying himself crying beside Cassie's empty hospital bed: Cassie! How could I do this to you? WHY can't I remember?! he wails in agony.

When Nick returns home, Sharon wonders where he's been. Hospital, he explains - then the gym. Noah's asleep, Sharon reports: he's having nightmares. Nick's not surprised. Sharon wishes he was here. I'm here NOW, Nick says as he sits: it's hard being here. Sharon sits also: it's hard for me too. Don't pull away from me. We need one another right now. You seem distant and cold. Nick is not cold - he's angry. I feel like I want to kill someone. Let it out, Sharon encourages. Nick can't: I won't be able to stop. Sharon comforts: you're safe. Go ahead. Nick needs time. I'm a dead man right now. How can I explain that to Noah? Sharon implores. I love you, Nick struggles: but my heart hurts. I wish you could understand the hatred I feel. Not just for Daniel - for the world. She'll never graduate high school - I'll never get to walk her down the isle. Sharon has something to show him. Stay here.

Nick's soon doing his best to console and encourage Noah (who hopes one day to be with Cassie). NOW can you tell me the world's not good, Sharon gently challenges once alone again. Nick looks tormented: I have to go to bed. Tell Noah I love him and I'll see him in the morning. Mom! Noah calls out. Coming, she shouts back as she heads for the kitchen.

Throwin' The Little Fish Back
Mac joins Kevin at CL's and apologizes for keeping him waiting. She has something she really needs to tell him: something might happen with JT. No - we're not involved - yet, but we might be. This time's different. Kevin wants a chance to show her HE'S the one for her. Are you in love with him? Is he in love with you? You know how I feel! Kevin looks uncomfortable and agitated: Friends! I love that word, he scowls as he abruptly jumps up to leave (remembering some place he has to be).

The law is punishing me for taking care of people, Geeta whines as she hangs up the phone. John guesses she was talking to immigration - and it's not good. My time is running out here, Geeta worries. She can only stay if she marries an American man. She'd hoped to see his therapy through to the end. John sighs when Geeta opens the door to Kevin: Hi. Is my Mom here? John politely but firmly gets rid of him. He seems harmless, Geeta offers. Never mind, Kevin says sadly as he leaves. John decides it's time he go out - make a public appearance - don't worry - I won't be gone long, he assures Geeta as he walks out. I guess no one needs me, Geeta mutters to herself.

Good Grief (cont'd)
At the athletic club bar, Jack asks Lauren: What in God's green earth are you thinking - marrying into a family of crooks, scallywags and opportunists? Lauren likes Gloria - she's refreshingly direct. You and I go way back - bring your good manners to the wedding, she warns him before stomping off.

Bobby approaches Jack and mentions Cassie - then informs him that she died. God no, Jack says. Phyllis arrives on cue - Yes, it's true. She accepts a hug while Bobby apologizes for being the one to tell him. Jack is almost angry: I can't believe this! Phyllis whispers: Daniel's gone - missing!

Meanwhile, at the ranch, Nikki insists on taking care of the flowers - I was a lousy Grandma - it's not like we spent time baking cookies. It's important I do this for Cassie. Vic gives a comforting hug: we have plenty of time to grieve. After he leaves, Nikki whispers: that's true - the rest of our lives. By phone, she makes a donation to a drunk driving charity, then hears the doorbell: 'it's open'. Bobby pays his condolences and learns Vic's at the chapel making arrangements. Nikki's arranging the gathering afterwards. How's Brit? The baby? she asks. Bobby tells her they're fine - and wonders if she'd like to take a ride. Assuring her he'll be at the service, Bobby holds Nikki as she begins to cry. Let's go to the stables. Nikki agrees: Cassie's horse is probably lonely.

Phyllis confronts Lily at Crimson Lights: Listen young lady - talk to me right now! Where's Daniel?? He's not with Christine? Lily blinks. Don't play dumb - where is he!? Jack steps in: you want to help Daniel. We're only trying to help Daniel. You know about Cassie - things are worse. I understand he wants to run... Doesn't make it right, Jack says. Sorry - I can't help you, Lily's stubborn. Jack has to get to work - call me if anything comes up. Phyllis immediately let's Lily know she's not fooled. Tell me where my son is! Lily can't help her. If he doesn't come home - I hold YOU responsible for the consequences. Lily wouldn't hurt Daniel - that's all I have to say to you right now. He needs me - tell him to call me, Phyllis concludes. If I talk to him, I will, Lily agrees (then looks relieved when Phyllis leaves).

John bumps into Lauren at the club: Well - if it isn't one of my favourite people. I understand congratulations are in order. Assuming he's being sarcastic, Lauren launches into a tirade - I've had enough from your family for one day!

Back at the Abbott home, Geeta answers the door and smiles at Kevin.

Later Vic visits the lab and gets comforting words from Ashley. He finds it hard to see the pain on Sharon's face. Ash knows he has to be strong for his family - but invites him to show her his grief. That sweet little girl, Vic sniffles as he hugs Ashley.

Lily arrives at the hideaway: Daniel? Here's your dinner. Daniel thanks her and wonders if she spoke to Malcolm. She's not sure telling someone is a good idea. Your Mom suspects I know where you are. Daniel's not sure he can stand being cooped up in here. Lily takes his hand: You have to hold on. Be strong. Your Mom wants you to call her. Daniel can't - not yet. You SURE everything is fine? Daniel repeats. Yes, Lily assures: I'll miss you tonight - will be thinking about you. Me too, Daniel smiles: You're beautiful, he says with a kiss and a hug (as he nervously watches the door over r shoulder).

Lab Rats
Returning to the lab, Ash is NOT happy to find Jill: You're still here? I told Jack I couldn't work with you! Jill stops her: you won't let me get a word in. What could you possibly say that I'd be interested in? Ash sneers. That you were right, Jill replies. You were right to accept Damon's resignation - please accept my apologies. Jill wants to work WITH her - I'm not the enemy, she smiles. I hope not, Ash replies cautiously. They then have a brief - but civil and productive business conversation. We could be a dynamite team, a satisfied Jill announces.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8.5... Ok - Nick really needs to get a grip. Obviously, he's devastated - but it's just not fair to give Sharon the extra burden of dealing with his anger AND Noah's grief - AND shouldn't he be involved in whatever Vic and Nikki are planning? .... I doubt his anger will be alleviated much - even when he knows the truth. It just shifts Daniel's blame from being 100% to 40% .. IF the media are following this story so closely, why haven't they reported Cassie's death? No doubt the Abbott's would have read it at the breakfast table - and Jack wouldn't have to hear it from the tartan tied club bartender ... Oh pul-ease - will Kevin marry Geeta to keep her in the US? That'll be one wedding Gloria wouldn't plan .... WEll Nikki - you weren't the best Grandma (in fact you never allowed the kids to call you Grandma)... and any homemade cookies Cassie had were usually baked by Miguel (maybe someone should check on how he's doing??) ....

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: Hey Mom what's up? Kevin asks..Operation heave ho geeta, Gloria smiles..... Daniel mutters to himself: cassie - what are you trying to tell me??... Vic assures Nick he'll make sure Daniel's prosecuted to the full extent of the law...