Friday, May 27th

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

Good Grief
Breakfast at Nick and Sharon's is a sombre affair. After a moment of awkward silence, and some discussion, Noah agrees it's OK for Vikki to sit in Cassie's chair. Buddy: Cassie's not here, Nick reminds. Sharon thanks Vic for making the funeral arrangements. With Nikki off tending to the service details with Miguel, the remaining Newman's hold hands and offer a touching prayer to Cassie (Vic begins: Dear Lord, Cassie's in heaven. She's a special girl. Please take care of her. in the angels concluded by Noah: I love her and miss her. We all do, Sharon adds. Amen).

Nick encourages Noah to express himself - we all feel the same way. Understandably Noah doesn't have much of an appetite - and would rather go explain to Cassie's horse that she won't be riding him anymore. Sharon thinks it a good idea: I'll take you. Vikki joins him.

Nick considers calling the service off - a big show - in favour of grieving privately - but is reminded by Vic how many friends she (and the family) has. Nick agrees: she DID spend half her life on the phone. Today is about honoring Cassie. He'll just have to keep it together. Vic's supportive: You will, my boy, if not, everyone will understand. He then gently reminds Nick that Sharon is grieving too - and needs him to stand by her. Please, be at her side. Nick's trying. Grave faced, he then vows that Daniel Romalotti will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law (if it's the last thing I do).

When Sharon brings Noah back from the stables, they find Nick with a baseball bat. He suggests Noah start riding Cassie's horse (so he doesn't get lonely) - and invites him to go practice hitting. It's OK to have fun - even if you're sad. Sharon balks (first at him getting behind the wheel after little sleep - then going to the park - where the party was). BUT, she's left to stand alone - and sad, when Nick assures her he'll take good care of their son, and walks out.

Antagonizing The Abbott's
Gloria catches Kevin on his cell as he arrives at the club for breakfast: wait there, Gloria instructs (she'll be along shortly to conspire on phase 2 of Operation heave ho Geeta).

In the Abbott living room, Jack catches Phyllis hastily putting the phone down. Who 'aren't' you calling he asks. Phyllis is torn on what (if anything) to say to Daniel's father. The truth? That he's taken off because he's going to jail? He didn't come home last night, she frets: he's not answering his cell. Jack doesn't want to jump to conclusions (maybe he just needs time to think - clear his head). Unconvinced, Phyllis declines breakfast - and goes up to check Daniel's room for clues (with Jack in tow to help her).

At the breakfast table, John asks Gloria and Ashley if they've read the newspapers. Cassie Newman's death has hit the community hard - we should ALL attend the funeral services. Let Nick and Sharon know they're not in this tragedy alone. This is a time to come together. I expect you to be there. Is that necessary? Ash wonders snidely. Gloria sympathizes (no mother should have to bury a child) - but begs off (as she didn't really know the girl - her family won't want strangers attending). When she brings up John's therapy session, he reports giving Geeta the day off - she's working out at the club (as his guest - for all her hard work). Gloria thinks her the luckiest therapist in the whole wide world - and offers to help John get ready. He declines assistance - Geeta says I must do things by myself. Once alone, Ash wastes no time questioning Gloria on why she's not going to the funeral. Gloria's irritated: First you didn't want me to go - now you're upset because I agree with you? There's just no winning with you. Not where you're concerned, Ash replies.

Finally arriving at the club, Gloria greets the grumpy (and hungry) Kevin. She babbles on about that Scandinavian Witch - NOW she's practically a member of this club! We have to get rid of her! Kevin doesn't think Geeta so bad - he had a rough day too (Mac only wants to be friends) - and Geeta being nice to him was the best part of the day. Gloria pauses a moment to sympathize with Kevin (and assure him that if Mac doesn't see what a great guy he is, he's better off without her). Getting back to more important issues (herself). Spotting Geeta, Gloria frets: we have to get back to the house before she does. She goes over to Geeta and smiling, tries to get her to go to the hot tub (or anything else to stall her) - then insists she stay for breakfast (on John's tab - he won't think you're taking advantage - it'll make him happy). Enjoy yourself, she smiles as Geeta thanks her - then drags Kevin out just as he's digging into his pancakes. We have to hurry! Gloria insists.

Jack again hooks up with Phyllis (who's on a laptop in the dining room). She's left a message for Danny - checked Daniel's bank account - credit cards - emails and come up empty. Nothing since the accident. Phyllis can't help but worry - if he went to see his father - he's a fugitive - with a homicide charge - the Newmans' won't stop. Phyllis knows that Lily has information - she was lying to me. I should go confront her. Jack suggests she call a professional; Paul Williams - You're not alone, he says with a hug. We'll find him - together -the two of us.

Brad brings Abby to see Ash (who's thrilled to see her). The chatter about her first sleepover at Ambers - and how quickly she's growing. I'm growing at the same speed as everybody, Abby laughs at her silly Mommy. She's been eating like a horse, Brad chuckles when Abby's hungry (again). After she skips off into the kitchen in search of muffins, Ash thanks Brad. She now wants more time with Abby. Maybe 3-4 nights a week - starting immediately. Brad balks: You have a busy schedule - and this place is a zoo - not good for Abby. Buy a house - you can certainly afford one. It's a good idea.

Malcolm lets himself into the Winter's apartment: Hey - half pint. When did you get a key? Lily asks. A while back, Malcolm replies, noticing the sandwiches - you got some appetite there. I'm making lunch for Devon and Sierra, she lies lamely. Come on - tell me the truth - where's Daniel hiding? Lily says he's someplace no one will ever find him - who told you? You did - just now. Lily can't believe she just fell for that. You wouldn't make a good poker player - you don't know what you're getting into. What's your plan. Neil and Dru arrive Yeah - he heard the news about Cassie - it's a shame. Lily reports Devon's doing extra credit work for Devon - what's with all the sandwiches?? Malcolm comes to the rescue: they're for me to take to work. Neil and Dru are off to Cassie's funeral service - meet us if you change your mind. After a brief 4-way argument on whether Daniel should be locked up, they head off.

Once alone, Malcolm tries to get Lily to see how hopeless it is. Daniel can't stay hidden forever. It just makes him look guilty. When Lily doesn't know what to do. I feel so alone. When she asks for his help, Malcolm agrees to think of something.

In the hideaway, Daniel flashes back top Cassie showing up at the coffee house: what were you trying to tell me?? He picks up his ringing cell - sees it's his Mom - and ignoring it, lays back down. He envisions himself apologizing at her bedside. She forgives him. No - it's not OK. If there was some way I could trade places with you.... Does it hurt? Not really, she replies. I'm so sorry he repeats. Because of me you'll never get to grow up - college - get married - or see the world. He asks God to take care of Cassie - then blows a few times at the candle (which refuses to go out).

At the law firm, Paul reports Daniel hasn't used public transportation - it's likely he hasn't gone far. Phyllis has already called Danny. Lily knows something - or another friend is protecting him. He has an older friend - not in school. If he doesn't show up... Webber arrives: everyone is her - almost. Where's your son? You seem edgy Christine. You up to your old tricks? he asks Phyllis. Jack reminds Webber that every time he goes after Phyllis he ends up with egg on yoru face. Fine see you at the hearign in the morning - I trust Daniel will be there. What are we gonna do now? Phyllis worries. Jack calms her down - we'll find him, he assures.

My Thoughts
Today's show rates an 8.5... went for lunch today - had to catch the 4:30 broadcast.

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.