Monday, December 12th

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

At a Christmas tree lot, Vikki and Billy's joyful search for a retro Christmas tree comes to a screeching halt - when they spot Phyllis (with Lucy). Nearby, Gloria (who claims she's shopping for G-worm), bumps into Genevieve - then leaves her to chat with the Ashby family. More friendly, Lily nudges Cane to ask his teary mother the loaded question (are you OK?). *sniff* It would have been Samantha's birthday.

At CL's, Jack calls 'Merna' - he didn't call to speak to Genevieve - he called to speak to HER.

Chloe and Kevin are discussing wedding cake toppers. Hey hey - you're not texting Carmine! Kevin leaps into babysitter action (lest Angelo feed his jingle bells to the dog). Angie will protect Kev's jingle bells. Hey - those are MY bells! Chloe's on the job too. And as Angie gets back to texting her girlfriend, Kev and Chloe must suck it up - for a free house. Devon appears - is Angie ready to practice? Coming from RS, Kay and Harmony make a spontaneous visit to see the new studio. And when Devon calls BS, Harmony chides his disrespect (and backs Kay's story). She's using you, Devon warns his mother - hoping for family bonding (which won't happen as long as they play these games).

Jack's out shopping with Kyle - and unable to come up with an idea for Genevieve's gifts. Call if you think of anything. Oh? You already have my number? Yes - Merna has all Mrs Atkinson's important numbers (which appeases Jack). Now seated, a glum Kyle wants to skip Christmas this year.

Lily's condolences motivate Genevieve to invite the Ashby's over to decorate her tree. Alas, Cane reminds that they have plans. After Genevieve leaves, Lily encourages Cane - it'll do his sad mother good to be around the twins. Tis the season to spread good cheer.

Kay insists she was looking for Billy. And as Devon gets to work, she and Harmony chat with Kevin (then cringe when Angie starts singing). And when Chloe relays that Billy's at the tree lot, Kay leaves Harmony to hang around - to try speak to Devon.

Hey guys. Of course Phyllis wouldn't mind if Vikki says 'hi' to Lucy. Remember us? Vikki holds her former daughter (which gives Phyllis time to spot Avery - and flashback to them as kids). Oh how sad.

Emerging from the soundproof booth (as Angie wails scales), Devon apologizes to his mother - and seems to appreciate that Harmony thinks Angie has a natural gift.

Jack relates to a first Christmas after losing a parent - but Abby running down to open gifts made him realize that it's still Christmas - whether he's sad or not. He actually had fun. Diane wouldn't want him to skip Christmas. But Mr Newman killed her - going to the mall won't make Kyle feel better about that.

As Billy holds two heavy trees, Vikki prattles on about Lucy. Trees aside, Billy reminds that Lucy's with Phyllis - and that won't change. Turning up again, Gloria's asked if she's working there. Looking busted, Glo escapes again - when Kay approaches (asking a favour of Billy - since he's back at RS).

Avery's dragging a tree - and Phyllis is busy admiring one, when the sisters bump into one another (and share an awkward silence).

At home, 'Merna' admires Genevieve's tree. No - she didn't get any calls. And it's tears of joy - when the Ashby family comes knocking at the door.

Daisy's visitation starts soon, Avery doesn't think Phyllis has time to drop a tree off at home. All smug, Phyllis is putting a tree on hold - and will come back for it. You happy? Yes - her obeying the law makes Avery very happy. Phyllis is then left to sadly flashback to her and Avery pulling a tree.

Sure, Billy will talk to Harmony (for Kay). The Abbott's deciding to use last year's tree, Kay's enlisted to drive Vikki home (as Billy heads back to RS). Admitting she needs to 'talk', Vikki assures that Billy's done absolutely nothing wrong. In fact she'd be in a straight jacket if not for him.

The twins entertaining themselves 'just beautifully' - the tea service brought out - Lily would love to hear stories about Ethan and Caleb's childhood. Initially unenthusiastic, Cane seems surprised to hear Genevieve has childhood photos. You're my son, she reminds.

Gloria!? Jack's surprised to find her sweeping the lot. Claiming she dropped some ornaments,Glo gushes over the charming young Kyle - who makes her feel closer to John (whom she misses too). He's watching us right now, she's sure. True dat! As soon as Jack's left alone, his deceased (yet perceptive) father appears - looks like Jack needs someone to talk to.

Giving Angelo a progress report (Angie hasn't contacted her ex), Kevin hangs up to get some grief from Chloe (who's annoyed that his 'little guidette' is postponing their talk of wedding plans). It WILL be worth it, Kevin assures. Coming out to see Kevin kissing Chloe, Angie pulls out her phone - pretending to talk to Carmine. She purrs that Kevin should stick to her - like quality lashes stick to her eyelids.

Listening to a playback with Devon, Harmony declares it 'dope' - and overdoes her excitement when told he wrote the song. She's no expert (like Devon) - but she'll get somewhere - don't give up on her. You're the first person to say that to me, Devon smiles. And when Billy arrives looking for Harmony, Devon thanks her for the advice. Mother and son bump knuckles in parting.

Going through photos - and old stories that illustrate what a wonderful child 'Ethan' was, Cane's touched to hear all the things his mother saved (and remembers). Getting to a photo of him with Samantha, Cane and Genevieve agree - THEY were the lucky ones (for having her).

The wise old (yet dapper) ghost gets to the moral of his analogy; there are no short cuts. Meaning - let Kyle grieve; feel the pain. One day Jack (a fine father) will see the admiration in his son's eyes. And when Kyle comes back, Jack's found something better than a tree - let's go climb a mountain.

Billy sends Harmony upstairs - to fill out the paperwork on her new job. He then asks Kevin if his Mom's working at the tree lot (and gets a resounding ;no'). Wedding plans? He and Vikki thought about tying the knot (but ghosts of Myanmar past are haunting him).

At home, Vikki's asked about seeing Lucy. It was incredible - a little sad. She and Billy have a lot of love to give. Kay talks of the Winter's adopting Devon - and Mac being a surrogate for Lily. Vikki might just discuss it with Billy. It'd take a Christmas miracle to repair Kay's family - but she and Billy just have to make it happen.

Gushing over Lucy, Daisy gives her the present she made - a bracelet (which triggers a flashback of her giving her 'sissy' a gift). Avery appears. No appointment - she's just there to make sure Phyllis showed up.

In the chapel's front pew, Patty's confused - trying to be a good person - do the right things - but she's having terrible thoughts about Genevieve (whom she liked until she started seeing HER Jack). And look who's here - Jack and Kyle. Patty hurriedly hides her face.

Kevin arrives at the lot (with Chloe and Angie in tow). Mom - what are you doing? What does it look like? Shopping for a tree. Busted by Kevin, Gloria admits she's broke (thanks to Jeffrey) - and too embarrassed to go to her sons. Reminding that she took care of THEM, Kevin to the rescue. Daddy will want to help too, Angie adds. A teary Glo doesn't like taking handouts. It's a gift, Chloe chimes in. Tis the season of giving - and weepy hugs.

Jack and Kyle enter - to light a candle for Diane. And after Patty slips out, Kyle talks to the candles - Mom, I miss you. Oh how sad he is. If only his Mom was still here. Nothing's ever gonna be the same - ever. Patty watches Jack console his sobbing son.

Genevieve thanks the Ashby's for making a hard day bearable (and is thanked for sharing the photos and stories). Cane's touched when given the photo of him and Samantha. Out the door, Cane darts back in for an impulsive hug (then leaves Genevieve sobbing alone).

Returning for her jacket, Harmony updates Devon that she got herself a job at RS, You and I are gonna be neighbours - Devon's smile fades, clearly less enthused.

Billy home, he asks how Vikki's chat with Kay went. It went well - Vikki's reminded that there are options to expand their family. Yeah - we could look for an adoption agency - but Billy worries she'll get hurt again. Have faith, Vikki smiles (Billy doesn't).

Yes - Phyllis knows about the next visit. She hasn't missed any. And when the snooty Avery drops her keys, Phyllis is stunned to see that she's still using the keychain (a gift Phyllis gave her in a previous flashback).

Next: Are you afraid you're gonna end up like your Mom? Lily asks Cane ... Oh My God - you are drunk - at the club, Sharon's hands shield her face from Nikki's breath ... I haven't really sensed that much enthusiasm from you - have you changed your mind? Sophia confronts Neil.

My Thoughts: Nothing says I love you like asking the housekeeper for your girlfriend's gift ideas. Just buy her a bauble from Fenmore's - or a case of champagne Jack .... Avery musta got up on the wrong side of Nick's bed this mornin' - she was really annoying (and it annoys me when she makes me sympathize with Phyllis) ... Devon apologizes to Harmony - because 'it wasn't you'. Oh really? Kay overpowered and dragged Harmony through the studio door? Please - she's a grown woman - who coulda said 'I'll meet you at home - or wait for you outside'. And if Devon has such a good BS radar, why isn't it telling him that Harmony knows complimenting his new 'talent' will earn her points? (cause nothing Harmony heard could possibly indicate that Angie has talent). 'Underneath' she has a gift? Underneath what? The glass shattering, off key vocals? ... Yikes - are those Christmasy-themed retro sweaters back in style? Must be if fashionista Chloe's wearing one. Better get knitting .... Why isn't Murphy manning the tree lot this year? His Lodge donated their time. If Gloria didn't want anyone to know she was working part time, she shouldn't have picked the most popular tree lot in town. .. If the lot's selling real fresh cut trees, what's with the ones that have fake snow on them?