After an informative visit from Noah, Sharon calls Nick from the payphone outside her room - Victor took three bullets for Jack!? Call me PLEASE. Oh, if only she could be at the hospital with him.
It's my fault - I told him I was leaving him, Ashley blurts out again. Why would you do that? Vikki has to ask. She's not responsible, Adam's quick to defend. Mom? You still there? Nick then dials Paul - have Mom call - it's urgent. She better hurry, he worries to Vikki.
Going through her box, Lily's found a great picture that includes Sierra (whom she hasn't spoken to in years). Also finding the tiny guardian anger pendant, Lily flashes back to Colleen giving it to her - and is determined to visit her BFF. She's in a coma - you can barely stand - the hospital's full of germs, Cane argues. Lily may be willing to take the risk - but HE'S not.
While Billy delivers a bag of Colleen's things from home, Steve's brought Traci something to eat (which she's not interested in). As Billy talks to Colleen about taking a trip, Jack introduces DR Novich, a specialist he's flown in. Unfortunately, she has the same news - and it ain't good. Colleen's in a vegetative state - no blood flow to the brain. It's irreversible, Jack adds grimly (as Traci breaks into tears and vows to get more doctors). Never mind that t's the respirator that's keeping Colleen alive. And while Billy reminds that Vikki was in a coma, Traci's denial continues - miracles happen every day. After the DR leaves, Jack gently tells his sobbing sister that the next step is removing Colleen from life support. But no - Traci will never give permission to end her daughter's life - never.
Out in the lounge, a distraught Ashley frets over the horrible things she said to Victor. And why hasn't the doctor told her anything!? I'm his wife. But when Adam inform's he's called the driver to take her home, Ashley's not even sure where that IS anymore (so is staying put). Adam thinks Ashley an amazing person - to stand by Victor's side after what he's done to her (would he do the same for you)? As Nick and the Hellstrum's come along, the doctor updates that Victor's stable and being prepped for surgery (an extra long procedure). After Abby comes along, Nick and Vikki decide to wait in Victor's room (with Ashley standing firm against the pushy Adam - she's staying - end of story).
Back at the Ashby's, Cane and Lily continue to argue her going to the hospital (with Lily threatening to call a cab). If something happens to her BFF, Lily will never forgive herself (for not going0. Oh, alright - but you gotta wear a mask, Cane agrees to drive her - and we're not staying that long. Thank you, Lily says with heartfelt sincerity.
With Billy also in denial, Jack's the lone voice of reason - Colleen won't improve - she's NOT comatose - she's gone. We faced this with Dad, he reminds. Has Traci any idea how hard it was to go against Gloria to pull the plug? But that's what Daddy wanted - Traci sobs. Miracles happen every day, she repeats. But even Steve has to admit - three doctor's aren't mistaken. Unplug my only daughter? Traci snivels - you can't ask me to do that.
Nick joins the Hellstrum's - with PR 'inundated' with inquiries about Dad's condition they'll soon need to release a press conference. Nick got a message from Sharon too - it's not something she should hear on the phone. Vikki doesn't sound impressed - but understands that Nick doesn't want Sharon to have a 'set back'.
Traci IS facing reality - THIS is my daughter - alive. Kept alive by machines, Jack rebukes. How can you be so cruel? Traci weeps. Having grown close to Colleen, Jack knows what a special person she is - but this is just her body. When Abby arrives, she sobs 'No!' when updated. You can't take her off life support, she wails in Traci's arms. Given 'a minute', Traci consoles Abby (who then begs Colleen to wake up).
In her mask and head wrap, Lily arrives at Memorial with Cane - anxious to see Colleen (then is devastated by Billy's update that she'll never wake up). When Lily declines being taken home, Billy leads her off to Colleen's room.
Meanwhile, in the hallway, Steve mourns the loss of a young woman so full of life (talking about architectural trivia Colleen spouted off as an 11 year old). Oh, how she loved art history. I love her like she's my own, he cries - but must stay strong for Traci. Hearing Ashley snapping at Adam, Jack's not impressed to hear he's trying to convince Ashley to go back to the ranch. Listen JR .... Stop it! Ashley bellows. And as she marches off, she gapes at Nikki (who's telling a nurse that she just got caught in a downpour). Flashing back to that stormy night, a wide eyed Ashley now looks like she's seen a ghost.
God - no! Stay away from me! Ashley spits as she runs past the befuddled Nikki. Where did YOU come from? Jack pauses to ask (then continues his pursuit of Ashley). At the elevator, a distraught Ashley babbles about Nikki being dead - I killed her! Uggggh! Fed up of waiting for the elevator, Ashley darts off again. And as the puzzled Jack gives chase yet again, Paul strides off the elevator. Dabbing at her face with a towel, Nikki tells Paul she hasn't seen the kids yet - let's try Victor's room.
In Victor's room, Vikki's already read the magazine JT offers - twice (but is soon thrilled to be hugging her Mom). They're putting an artificial pump in his heart, Vikki's voice cracks. Dear God! Nikki gasps. Meanwhile, JT updates Paul that there's no hope for Colleen (who sure didn't deserve this). Poor Traci. The lesson Paul's learned? Sometimes you have to put personal feelings aside (like when sent to find the woman who left you at the altar). JT eyes his wife through the glass - I know whattcha mean.
Updated by Nick (on Victor's condition) Sharon's first question is 'does Phyllis know'? No - she'd be on the first flight home (and Nick feels she's more useful in Switzerland - helping Summer). You need her here, Sharon disagrees - if Victor doesn't survive. After confronting Victor, Nick's now sure he brought Patty to town. His actions almost killed my daughter! One minute he's furious with his father - the next, afraid he might die. Sharon reasons that Victor never meant to harm anyone (except maybe Jack) - then groans in pain. Damn these Braxton Hick's she's been having the past few days. Yup - that's all it is - it's normal. And when Sharon questions his reason for coming (instead of calling), Nick admits he wanted to get out of the hospital. I can't be the one you rely on, Sharon gently explains - call Phyllis home.
After Abby excuses herself to check on her Dad (and with Cane waiting outside), Lily apologizes. She can't hug anyone - but tearing up at the sight of her BFF, couldn't stay away.
Yeah, Sharon heard Nick's reasons for not calling Phyllis - but him turning to HER isn't fair - to either one of them. Yeah, the baby IS his (another thing Phyllis doesn't know about). Nick explained that sure has a lot of reasons for not telling his wife things. Sharon has to wonder how Phyllis will feel when she finds out all these secrets Nick's been keeping. She NEEDS to know. We're not together - you're with Phyllis - there's nothing left to say, she concludes tersely.
I killed her, a Ashley insists as Jack brings her to the Abbott mansion. She's fine - I just saw her, Jack tries to explain to the distraught and babbling Ashley. You didn't hurt anyone - it's all in your head. I know what I did! Ashley barks. With Ashley's driver waiting outside, Adam barges in - what's wrong with her? Jack explains. Yes - Nikki's back - he talked to her himself. And as Ashley continues to disintegrate, Adam again badgers her to come back to the ranch - he'll call DR Taylor. Jack's not having it - does she look like she needs an OBGYN!? Jack gently persuades Ashley to go to the hospital. A mental hospital? A place that's safe, he reassures - they can help you. When a 'tired' Ashley agrees, Jack goes to call DR Jamison (leaving Adam wearing his 'drats - foiled again' look).
Back in Victor's room, Nikki apologizes for the way she left - and can't imagine what happened to the letters she sent. Why did she bail out of the wedding? Nikki admits she loves Paul - but can't give him her whole heart and soul. After Vikki confirms that Victor never divulged their conversation the night Nikki left, Nikki comments that Ashley should be the one here (not her), Vikki flashes back to Victor weakly explaining that he wanted to tell Nikki that he loves her. You should stay, she insists with a smile - Dad has something important to say to you - something you'll want to hear.
When Lily places the guardian angel key chain charm in Colleen's palm, Traci recognizes it (and hears the tale of how/when Brad gave it to her). And then she loaned it to me, Lily continues - promising to give it back. If only she had it with her when .... She looks like she's sleeping, Lily and Traci agree. Struggling with her decision, Traci hears about Lily's 'dream' - Colleen told her to live in the present. What would Colleen want me to do? Traci warbles. She wouldn't want to be hooked up to all these machines, Lily replies. Sighing, Traci takes the charm from Colleen's hand and returns it to the reluctant Lily. Please take it - Colleen doesn't need it anymore, Traci sniffles.
At the psychiatric facility, Jack sits Ashley down while he takes care of the paperwork. When Adam offers to stay with Ashley, Jack gripes about him coming along. Adam's not TRYING to make things 'easier' - he's doing what his Dad would want him to do. After Jack speaks briefly with a doctor, Adam again voices his disapproval. Jack spits that even the Black Knight knows she needs help - now, back off JR! He then hands the paperwork over to Ashley - sign right here.
With Victor returned to his room, JT exits as soon as his eyelids flutter open. Hi Daddy, Vikki whispers - she didn't give Mom his message. He can do it himself. JT follows as Nikki comes in to gaze at the groggy Victor.
As Ashley signs the paperwork, Jack talks about what a nice place it is. I should be in jail, Ashley whispers as they hug. Promising to visit every day, Jack tags along as DR Yang shows Ashley to her room. Left in the waiting room, Adam calls DR Taylor - get down here now - or we're both in trouble.
Getting a call from JT, Nick has to go - JT didn't say how Victor's surgery went. And while Nick wants to finish the discussion later, Sharon doesn't think there's anymore to say. On his way out, Sharon doubles over again - but don't worry - go, she grimaces. Now alone, Sharon exhales - easy girl - you've got time.
With Steve, Abby, Lily, Billy gathered around Colleen's bed, Traci announces that she's decided to accept the inevitable (and so makes a teary speech about taking Colleen off life support being the right decision). She's with Brad now, she cries.
I came as soon as I heard, Nikki whispers at Victor's bedside. You're here? he murmurs, confused and groggy still. The doctor joins them, and shaking the extended hand of Victor's 'good friend' (Nikki Newman), delivers bad news - Victor needs a heart transplant within a few days - a week at the most.
Next: The Fab Four sit together at CL's (while Gloria hovers in the background). I'm calling Sharp, Daniel announces. Jana disapproves - you're playing right into his hands .. Lily weeps at her BFF's bedside - what am I gonna do without you Colleen? ... As Abby and Billy stand by moping, DR Snyder informs the Connelly's that on her driver's license, Colleen designated herself an organ donor ... We WILL find you a heart, a determined Nikki assures Victor.
My Thoughts: Adam tells Ashley to come home - so she can be there when Victor gets out. Duh - he's having a 'lengthy' HEART operation. It's not like he's gonna be home for dinner ... I always think it ironic when relatively 'innocent' folks like Sharon and Ashley babble about belonging in jail (yet the habitual lawbreakers are always whining about NOT belonging in jail) ... Not that Sharon's first question to Nick is with regards to Phyllis - and what SHE knows. Why is it HER decision whether Phyllis comes home or not? And if NE's inundated with enquiries regarding Victor's condition, why didn't Sharon know anything about it? No TV in her room? ... Of course with Sharon, Ashley, Adam (and DR Taylor summoned to be on his way) there's no doubt Ashley will be walking out with a baby - and Sharon won't .... With Traci boo hooing for the entire week, I've become somewhat desensitized - so, imagine my surprise when my only lump in the throat moment came courtesy of Abby! No - really. But there's a trick. Try this - close your eyes while watching Abby's scenes with Traci - it's amazing - she's brilliant! But the acting itself? Now, try this - hit mute while Abby's talking to Traci - and recite over and over in a spoiled girl's voice 'A pony!? You got me a pony!? Oh my God - a PONY!!!' Her vocals were gripping and effective - but it's impossible to overlook her perma-smile. My conclusion? Abby would be great in radio (where she'd be heard and not seen) .... Why is she so upset? Nikki asks (of Ashley) - um, maybe cause her husband's been shot 3 times (AND she's pregnant and losing her marbles) ... Where IS he? Nikki asks when walking into Victor's room (to find it Victor-less). But if the nurse's directed her to his room - wouldn't they think to mention that he's in a lengthy surgery? ... How many doctors does Traci think big brother Jack's gonna pony up the cash for? It can't be cheap to fly in the best specialists at the drop of a hat. Yes Traci - miracles DO happen - but it's usually AFTER the person dies (IE Philip, Kay) There IS always hope. It's not over til the ... oh, never mind .... Of course Jack had to dredge it up that he too had to make a 'pull the plug' decision (with John) And with Victor needing a heart - and Colleen just happening to have one that's not of much use to her anymore, I'm guessing Jack will soon be regurgitating about when he and Nikki donated the organs of their dead baby. If Colleen's being kept alive by all these 'machines and tubes', why don't they make ANY noise? Could it be that someone's already unplugged CC? .... Sure Uncle Jack would have 'moved heaven and earth' to revive Colleen (except of course actually performing any life saving techniques when he pulled her from the water). But I'm not sure why Jack did CPR (even for the few minutes he did so). Jack himself said that Colleen was 'still breathing'. I've watched enough Baywatch reruns to know Jack shoulda tried rolling Colleen on her side (hoping to drain the water from her lungs). But - at the end of the day - Colleen was under the water long enough to suffer fatal brain damage (and get visits from all her friends and family). The good news - this young woman will now live on in the decrepit body of a wizened old man ... Why would Nikki Newman introduce herself to (the doctor) as Victor's 'good friend'? Would the doctor not recognize Nikki Newman? Maybe from Nikki's numerous stays in Memorial - or as the woman who ran for a Senate seat - surely Nikki got some press coverage when CEO of Jabot, or CI, or RS magazine's Editor in Chief? Or maybe he'd remember her from when the Newman wing was built onto the hospital? Or just recently - when she was holding vigil at Summer's bedside? ... Jack's taken Ashley to 'one of the best' psychiatric facilities in the State? Why didn't he take her to THE best? Has he tapped out after flying in specialists for Colleen? ... It's surprising that no one asked Lily why she was wearing her halloween costume so early. She looks like a Muslim, female Michael Jackson. If germs are so dangerous, why would she even THINK of getting into a 'cab'? ... Isn't Sharon a fine one to be lecturing Nick on 'keeping secrets'. He STILL wouldn't know he's the father unless he overheard it ... Assignment to class. Next time you're at the hospital - and it's raining outside - ask the someone at the nurses station to get you a towel so you can dry yourself off. Let me know how THAT goes. Nikki must think she's still at the spa.
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