"My God!" Edmund gasped in horror. "It's empty. W-w-where's my brother?" Pristine white sheets lined the empty casket. From their condition it seemed unlikely that Dimitri's body---or anything else for that matter---had ever touched them. David tried to calm Edmund down, but there was little that the doctor could do to help Edmund. A tone of mockery coated David's words. Edmund looked at him angrily and accused him of enjoying the spectacle. David wiped the smirk off of his face and apologized to Edmund. David said that it's not every day that someone outsmarts Edmund and called Alexandra's scheme "masterful." Edmund wanted to call the authorities, but David stopped him in his tracks. "What we did here is illegal," reminded David. Edmund gritted his teeth and proclaimed that Alexandra had to be stopped. David refused to agree or disagree; instead saying that Edmund would have to handle matters on his own. Edmund pleaded with David to stick around so that he could tell the police about the poison in Alexandra's medical bag. David put his hands in the air and explained that that was nothing wrong with a doctor toting around poison. Everything seemed so unfair, so illogical to Edmund. Edmund vowed that he would find out what happened to his brother. As David left, he reminded Edmund of his promise not to mention his involvement. Alone in the mausoleum, Edmund promised his brother that he would find out what had happened to him. "Alex is going to pay!"
Scott and Becca's kiss grew more passionate. Suddenly, Becca pulled away and told Scott that she could not continue. "I didn't mean to push so hard," said Scott apologetically. In response, Becca told Scott that the blame was hers because she'd led him on. "I'm not Greenlee, Scott," Becca added. Scott was caught off guard by the remark. He listened as Becca offered some clarification. She said that she'd figured out that Scott and Greenlee had been involved sexually back in California. "It was casual," Scott replied. "We hung out." Becca, however, said that she could not make love to a man that she did not love. "You're... a virgin," Scott said almost mysteriously. Becca nodded and implied that Scott would not be satisfied with her because she was not "experienced like Greenlee." Scott chuckled slightly and said that Greenlee was hardly the perfect woman. The most titillating conversation they'd had, said Scott, was about pizza crust. "You're smart, funny, and great with a watergun," Scott said tenderly. Becca was amazed that Scott was not put off by her personal decision to remain celibate. Then, in jest, Scott asked Becca if she'd allow him to sleep in the cabin with her or if he'd have to sleep outside with the rest of the wild animals.
On the terrace at Chandler Mansion, Marian placed a phone call to the florist to verify that her order would arrive in the morning. Stuart sneaked up behind her and gave her a peck on the cheek. Stuart didn't understand why Marian was getting herself worked into a tizzy for the brunch. "It's just the PHAT ladies," Stuart mumbled. Marian explained that she was hosting the party to show off her new husband. Still Stuart didn't seem all that keen on the idea. Stuart explained that he didn't know all that much about preservation, but Marian assured him that he'd be wonderful. She asked Stuart to mention that the cupola at the courthouse was a wonderful candidate for preservation during the meeting. Stuart had to get a pencil and paper to jot down some notes about what he was supposed to say.
At the hunting lodge, Alexandra once again reflected on her maiden flight to Pine Valley. Alex had been nervous that the news that she and Dimitri were married would not be well received. Dimitri assured her that she was being overly nervous. Alex only really feared one person---Erica. Dimitri gave his new bride a hug and told her that he was certain that Erica would love her... over time. Things couldn't have been more jubilant---but then disaster struck. Dimitri began breathing heavily and his heartbeat became erratic. Alexandra reached for her medical bag. Dimitri put up his hand and told her not to bother because they were supposed to be on their honeymoon. Alexandra paid him no mind and drew a vial and syringe from her bag. Alex's reminiscing was interrupted by a knock on the door. Outside, a distracted Gillian asked if Alex needed some company. Alex stepped aside and told Gillian that she was "always welcome" at the lodge. Gillian told Alex that she and Dimitri used to have late-night discussions because they were both "night birds." Alex said that she, too, liked to stay up and offered to start a tradition of their own by staying up late and talking---or even gossiping. Even though they'd just met, Alex knew that something was bothering Gillian. Gillian nodded her head and said that she and Ryan had just gotten into a huge argument. This argument, though, was different because it was "so final." Alex softly told Gillian that if she and Ryan were truly meant to be, Ryan would find his way back to her. Alex's mind drifted off once again. This time she recalled a conversation she'd had with Dimitri soon after he learned that he was suffering the effects of a fatal disease. Dimitri had written farewell letters to his loved ones and even the staff at Wildwind and Vadzel. These letters were to be delivered only after his death. But no one, he instructed, was to know about his illness until he took his last breath. Alex returned to the present and told Gillian that she had "made a promise to someone [she] loved very much." Now, though, she wanted to break that promise. Gillian shook her head and told Alex that breaking a promise to a loved one is the worst thing that can be done. She pointed to her broken wedding vows as an example. Alexandra excused herself to answer the phone. The news on the other end of the line must have been shocking judging by Alex's reaction.
Footsteps in the hallway made Erica think that David was returning to his room. The footsteps continued down the hallway and Erica soon realized that David wasn't coming home any time soon. "You may have patience, but I don't," said Erica cleverly. Erica took a deep breath and checked her hair in the mirror. Still no sign of David. She tried to occupy her mind by reading a magazine, but reading wasn't what she wanted to be doing. Underneath the magazines, Erica found a pink envelope addressed to David. Jealousy set in and she immediately wondered what other woman might be interested in the doctor. Erica pulled out the letter and must have felt foolish immediately. The letter was one from Bianca thanking David for the riding gloves he'd given her. Erica became tired of waiting and headed into the bathroom to change. Upon her exit, she called the dining room to see if Palmer and Vanessa had left. When she learned that the pair was still there, she asked "How many courses are they eating?" David returned, but Erica insisted that she was on her way out. She told David that she'd called the hospital and learned that he was not working. David explained that he had been working, the "graveyard shift" in fact. His work, he said, took him somewhere other than the hospital. He stepped behind Erica and gently kissed her neck. Erica let down her guard and surrendered to her passions. David hoisted her into the air and laid her on the bed.
"Where is he?" growled Edmund as he stormed into the hunting lodge. Slowly, Gillian poked her head up from behind an oversized chair and asked Edmund why he was yelling. Edmund composed himself and asked Gillian if she knew where he could find Alex. Gillian shook her head and said that Alex had left and that she must have fallen asleep while waiting for her to return. Edmund instructed Gillian to go to the main house, but Gillian wanted to stick around. Again Edmund told Gillian to run along, this time with a twinge of anger in his voice. Gillian gave her cousin a hug and said that she'd see him in the morning. Before leaving, Gillian asked Edmund to be nice to Alex because "she loved Dimitri very much."
In the morning, Marian twittered about the terrace making sure that everything was in order. Brooke dropped by to offer Marian some assistance. Since this was her first luncheon, she knew that it could be a terribly daunting task. Marian thanked Brooke for her help and repeatedly blabbed hoe much the luncheon meant to Stuart. In her fervor, however, Marian frequently mixed up her pronouns---misplacing a "me" or an "I" when she was supposedly talking about Stuart! Stuart arrived reciting his prepared lines. The shirt that he was wearing upset Marian and she asked Stuart to go back home and change. At Marian's request, Brooke dashed off to the kitchen to check on the caterers. Marian placed another call to Scott to remind him about the party. She once again got the answering machine and left a message. Meanwhile, Marian got on the phone to cancel an ice sculpture that she'd ordered. As she fumbled around for the number, Greenlee and Millicent arrived. The first words out of Greenlee's mouth asked if Scott had arrived yet. Marian smiled and said that Scott should be along any minute. They picked apart everything that they could from the meal to the floral arrangements. Marian tried to distance herself from the preparations by saying that Adam had picked out everything. Brooke returned to the terrace and rolled her eyes and Marian continued her shameless efforts to endear herself to Millicent.
Becca fell asleep in Scott's arms. When she woke she felt somewhat embarrassed. Miraculously, Scott's cellular phone started working again and he was able to place a call to a towing service. The pair could easily have returned to town and went about their business, but Scott had another idea. He asked Becca if she'd like to spend the day with him. Becca smiled broadly and said that she'd love to.
Erica woke beside David in bed and carefully tried to roll out of bed. David, who looked like he was sleeping, suddenly reached out and grabbed her. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked with a smile. David got out of bed and phoned room service. Erica quietly shook her head and told David that she didn't want anything. David hung up the phone and asked her why she was turning down breakfast. Erica explained that she had a brunch to attend and that afterwards she was headed out of town on business. "You're leaving me again?" David asked with some sign of concern.
Edmund fell asleep in the very spot where he'd sat down the night before---on the sofa. Alex returned to the lodge and gently rested her hand on Edmund's shoulder. He immediately awoke and latched on to her arm. "Where the hell is he?" he snapped. "Where is Dimitri's body." Alex shifted nervously and reminded Edmund that Dimitri's body with in the crypt. Edmund shook his head and angrily told Alex that he'd opened the casket. "What have you done," Alex gasped quietly. "This is not going to be easy." Edmund ranted and raved about how he knew that Alex could not be trusted. "What kind of monster are you?" Edmund snarled. He told Alex that he'd found the vial of poison in her medical bag. Needless to say, Alex was not at all happy that Edmund had been poking around in her bag. "He loved you and you murdered him!" Alex returned the angry glare. "I did not murder your brother," she yelled. "He's not dead." Alexandra stopped momentarily and breathed a sigh of relief. "Dimitri's alive."
Today's recap was provided by Susan Richmond
Tad and Dixie
Tad and Dixie are sitting in Adam's plane, waiting to take off. Dixie wants to know where they are going, but Tad won't say. Once they are airborne, they eat lunch and looking out the window, Dixie can tell they are going round and round in circles above Pine Valley. Dixie still can't figure out why they are there and wonders if Tad brought her there so they can start making another baby. That's not it, Tad tells her, he doesn't want Dixie to risk her health having another baby. Dixie thought they had gone over this already and settled everything. I thought we had too, until I saw this, Tad says and turns on the video tape of the day she had the miscarriage. If Dixie hid her back pain from him after all the warnings from all the doctors, how does he know she won't do the same thing if she gets pregnant again. She promises that won't happen and doesn't understand why Tad is so dead set against them having another baby. Tad decides to show her why.
Tad disappears behind the curtain and returns carrying a parachute. Dixie laughs at first, thinking that Tad is just kidding. But as he starts to strap on the parachute and move closer to the door, she gets more and more worried, telling him to get away from the door. Why, because he's taking an unnecessary risk that might endanger his life, Tad asks, trying to make his point. She pleads again for him to get away from the door. Suddenly the plane hits turbulence and Tad, whose hand was on the door lever, accidentally opens the door and gets sucked out. Dixie cautiously edges toward the door, but there's nothing she can do, Tad is gone.
David and Erica
David tries to convince Erica not to go on her business trip and to stay with him, but she has to go, she has personal appearances to make on behalf of Enchantment. She does, however, give him her itinerary with a list of phone numbers and asks him to call her often. David promises to make sure their relationship remains a secret while she's away. Erica leaves to go to Marian's brunch and then to the airport.
Adam's house
More people have shown up for Marian's brunch, including Brooke, Phoebe and Liza. Marian keeps telling everyone how much *Stuart* wants to be in the "PHAT" society. No one believes her, but everyone wants things to go well for her, except for Millicent, who clearly would rather be someone else. So would Greenlee, who spends her time waiting for Scott by flirting with the chauffeur. Vanessa arrives, much to the dismay of most of the people there, but she seems to be good friends with Millicent. When Erica and Opal arrive, Vanessa tries to hurt Opal by having Millicent make her in charge of the topiary committee, which was Opal's job for the last few years. Erica, in turn, belittles the position as being in charge of some bushes and asks Opal to join her committee to plan the benefit.
Stuart joins them on the terrace and gives the rehearsed line that Marian told him to say, but then goes on to describe the courthouse in his own more artistic terms. Marian is embarrassed and at this point Millicent decides to leave and heads into the house with Greenlee in tow. Marian rushes after them to try to convince them to stay and has almost succeeded when Stuart rushes in to ask if she knows where Adam keeps a ladder. Why, she wonders, as they rush outside. Tad is hanging by his parachute from a tree on the terrace, unharmed, but unable to get down.
Edmund and Alex
Edmund threatens to call the police to arrest Alex, but she rips the cord out of the phone and asks for a chance to explain. She tells him that Dimitri is not dead, but is in very bad condition and doesn't want anyone to see him this way. She made a promise to him that no one would know and since Edmund had refused to allow the plane to turn around, all she could think to do is to fake his death. Edmund isn't convinced that this story is true, but does remember that when he saw Dimitri in the hospital he was surprised that Dimitri still felt warm. Alex admits that Dimitri is being taken care of in a isolated part of Seaview Hospital and has been improving slightly due to the medicine he found in the vial; but he is still far from well. Edmund insists on being allowed to see Dimitri, even if that's not what Dimitri wants. Alex calls the hospital and lets them know that both she and Edmund will be arriving shortly.
While it was unclear if they did anything between the cabin at Willow Lake and Pine Valley, Scott and Becca stopped by the loft to unwind before they had to return to work. Becca decided to take a shower before heading off to her shift at the Glamorama. While Becca showered, Scott checked the answering machine. For the first time, Scott heard the frantic messages from Marian alerting him to her luncheon at Chandler Mansion. He really wasn't too concerned until he heard a message from his father, Stuart, nervously asking him to stop by the party. Scott worried that something was wrong and called to Becca to tell her that he would be stepping out. Shortly after Scott left, Ryan returned home. He was unaware that he was not alone in the loft. Likewise, Becca didn't know that Scott's roommate had returned. Becca straggled out of the shower wrapped only in a towel. Upon seeing Ryan, Becca flashed her familiar toothy grin. There was an awkward moment of silence before Becca explained why she was plodding around in just a towel; she needed a wrench because the knob on the shower had fallen off and water was flowing everywhere! Ryan quickly found a wrench and he and Becca raced off to fix the shower. Both later returned to the livingroom soaking wet, though it was Becca who ultimately fixed the shower. Becca explained that growing up in a farm had taught her lots of useful things. Ryan, on the other hand, had never had to fix anything---he'd always called a superintendent. "What are you going to do when Y2K happens?" Becca asked with a smile. Ryan shrugged and meekly replied, "Call you, I guess." Becca still wore only a towel. When she sneezed, Ryan suggested that she head to Scott's room and get changed. Becca gritted her teeth and explained that she didn't know the lay of the apartment. Ryan was a bit surprised, but he gave Becca directions anyway. She later returned fully dressed and asked Ryan how he's been doing. Ryan mentioned that he's been busy helping a friend and Becca knew instantly that he was referring to Hayley. She told Ryan that she was sorry that her discussion with Gillian had set such bad things into motion. She felt that if Mateo had never overheard that chat, everyone would still be together. Everyone, of course, being Mateo and Hayley and Ryan and Gillian. Ryan asked Becca not to be upset because she hadn't done anything wrong.
Tad still remained dangling from a tree just above the terrace at Chandler Mansion. Needless to say, his antics elicited a great many comments from the partygoers. Knowing that a ladder would help out greatly, Stuart decided to race off to the gardener's shed. "Stay right there," he instructed Tad. Meanwhile across the terrace, Phoebe informed Marian that having Tad perform "aerial stunts" was not the way to impress Millicent. Perhaps, she suggested, Marian could hire a string quartet. Scott entered the house through the front and immediately bumped into Greenlee. Had he arrived a few seconds earlier, he might have heard her cursing him. Greenlee came around quite quickly and raced towards Scott with open arms. Scott still had no idea why he'd been summoned to the mansion. Greenlee told him that "Marian [was] hosting a brunch to curry favor with the blue-haired bluebloods." Scott appeared a bit peeved that he'd dropped everything for a party. Greenlee smiled wryly and told Scott that he'd arrived just in time for the entertainment. She ordered Scott to get his camera from his car and follow her to the terrace. From his perch in the tree, Tad musing asked if the parachute made him look fat. Liza looked up at him and scolded him for skydiving. "Borrowing the plane doesn't entitle you to jumping privileges," she remarked. The paramedics were the next to arrive on the scene. They took turns making fun of Tad until they recognized his face. Tad smiled half-heartedly and promised to give them autographs of they could help him down. Adam appeared in the doorway and asked why there was an ambulance parked in his driveway. He saw Tad and immediately hit the roof. "What the devil are you doing in my tree?" he snapped. Tad puckered his lips and sassed, "Waiting for the leaves to turn." Adam was unusually upset and demanded that Tad be cut down before the tree was harmed. "You're lucky I didn't land on one of your guests," Tad added. "They're not by guests, thank God," Adam grumbled. "There are more old bones here than [at] Pine Valley cemetery!" Dixie arrived on the scene and raced over to her husband. After learning that he was unharmed, Dixie vented her anger. "Enjoy the view because tomorrow you will die!" she snarled. Tad insisted that this whole scenario was never supposed to have happened. Dixie worked herself into a tizzy and she told Tad that she had to watch him "fall thousand and thousands of miles to the Earth." Her exaggeration aside, it truly was a harrowing ordeal for her. His trusty video camera ready to roll, Scott stepped forward and began filming the scene. Tad was finally freed and a bit sore from his unanticipated free-fall. Winifred, meanwhile, was giving cooking tips to the male paramedic. Tad offered his autograph to the man, but the paramedic had something else in mind: He wanted tickets to see Chef Larry's show. Somewhat embarrassed, Tad agreed to help the man. Marian offered tarts to Millicent and Vanessa, but ignored everyone else. Brooke and Phoebe left and Millicent and Vanessa were not far behind. In private, Vanessa told Millicent that Marian had turned the luncheon into a "three-ring circus." Vanessa was still laughing at Marian as she headed out the front door. Marian, meanwhile, tried to prevent Millicent from leaving. It would do her no good. Millicent saw Adam and immediately started swooning over the multi-millionaire. She smiled widely and told Adam that there was a spot on PHAT's board for him. Adam started to accept his offer until Liza walked up behind him and pinched his arm. Liza tried to remained compose as she told Millicent that she and Adam were too busy with Colby to take on any additional outside duties. Marian stepped forward and tried to nominate Stuart for the spot. Before she could do so, Millicent coldly informed Marian that there were no spots; she was going to create one for Adam. Before leaving, Millicent smiled towards Marian and told her, "You've done it again. I knew you would." It didn't take much thought to realize that this was not a compliment. Marian walked Millicent to the door. Once the door was closed, Marian burst into tears. Back outside, Opal and Tad discussed why he'd decided to jump out of a plane. After he explained that he hadn't planned to jump, Tad told his mother that he wanted Dixie to understand how he felt about her wanting to get pregnant again. Opal wasn't sure that Tad had gone about it the right way. She offered to head over to his house and see if it was safe for him to go home, but Tad was sure that everything would be okay. Just to be on the safe side, he took one of the flower centerpieces as a peace offering. Greenlee told Tad that she'd always thought of Tad and Dixie as an old, boring married couple. This stunt changed her mind. She told Scott that it reminded her of their relationship and how they'd once dove off the Santa Monica pier. Scott nodded his head and recalled that he'd gotten hooked by a fisherman. In fact, he still had a scar by his ear. Greenlee moved in for a closer look and the two had an odd near-kiss moment. Scott shook loose the cobwebs and announced that he had to head to the station to do some editing. Greenlee talked of her "great eye" and offered her assistance. Inside, Liza pulled her mother aside and told her that the party had not been a total disaster. Marian didn't believe it. She warned her mother that she could lose a good friend---Opal---if she continued her shameless attempts to buddy up to Millicent. Marian understood and tried to patch things up with Opal. Understandably, Opal was hurt that Marian had treated her so poorly. "Do not use me as a stepping stone," Opal growled as she stormed past Marian. Marian pleaded with Opal to listen to her explanation, but Opal was too hurt to stick around. Marian again sobbed. Stuart slowly entered the room and apologized for messing things up. Marian told him that he hadn't done anything wrong and asked him to take her home.
Tad returned home and found Dixie seated at the desk tearing open the mail. Presumably everything that was Tad's got shredded. Tad smiled sheepishly and told his wife that he was home. Still clutching the letter opener, Dixie lunged from the chair and remarked, "Not for long!.
At Seaview Hospital, Edmund demanded to see his brother as soon as he entered the lobby. Alexandra asked that Edmund remain patient. This only infuriated him all the more. He looked around the lobby and told Alex that he'd ask someone else to take him to his brother's room. His attempt to make Alex balk failed miserably. No one else in the hospital even knew that Dimitri was there. On top of that, Dimitri was also registered under a false name. Edmund was upset that Alex had allowed him to grieve for his brother all the while knowing that Dimitri was still alive. Alex tried to explain that there were reasons for keeping Dimitri's situation hush-hush, one of which was that the drug that she was using was not FDA approved. Dr. Silbert joined the duo and apologized for keeping them waiting. The doctor tried to explain to Edmund that Dimitri was not the same man he knew. "His responses seem erratic," he explained. Edmund smiled slightly. "That's the Dimitri I know," he grinned. Before filing off to the hospital's annex, Alexandra warned Edmund that no one knew exactly how Dimitri's health would progress. As they entered Dimitri's room, Dimitri was still fast asleep. Edmund was asked to hide behind a curtain so that Dimitri would not see him. Alex sat by Dimitri's bedside and waited for him to stir. On first look, Dimitri looked like his usual self. Slowly, though, it became apparent that he was definitely ill. He was unable to move his mouth normally and once side of his face appeared at least partially paralyzed. His speech slurred, Dimitri asked Alex about "Eddie and Gill." Alex told her husband that Edmund and Gillian were fine. She told them that his "death" had been hard on them and that she thought it was time to tell them the truth. Dimitri became very intense and groaned "no" several times. He placed his hand on Alex's shoulder and griped her shoulder tightly. Alex's face twisted in pain as she tried to convince Dimitri to unhand her. When he refused, Edmund burst from his hiding spot and helped remove Dimitri's vise-like grip. Dimitri's eyes widened and he turned his head in shame. Alex administered a dose of medicine and Dimitri quickly fell asleep. "He doesn't know his own strength when he gets agitated," Alex informed Edmund. She told Edmund that she'd wanted to tell him that Dimitri was in the hospital, but that Dimitri had swore her to total secrecy. Edmund was glad that he finally knew the truth because he could now help Alex care for Edmund. Alex shook her head. She told Edmund that "the best thing [he] could do for [Dimitri] was to walk out that door and never come back." Edmund was dumbfounded. How could Alex ask him to walk away and desert his ailing brother? In yet another stunning confession, Alex broke her vow of silence and told Edmund that Dimitri had once contemplated taking his own life. Edmund couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was sure that this was "a grand final gesture" to evoke sympathy. Alex shook her head and said that she was certain that Dimitri was going to follow through with his wishes. Patients who consider suicide, said Alex, do so in order to "give them back a sense of control" in their lives. Dimitri once again stirred, this time calling out to his brother. Edmund raced to his side with a smile. He told Dimitri how glad he was to see him. Dimitri, however, did not share the same sentiment. "I want you to go," he struggled to say. Edmund shook his head and told Dimitri that he wasn't to leave because he finally had him where he wanted him. Whereas the Dimitri of old would have laughed, the current-day Dimitri only closed his eyes. Over and over, Dimitri called out to Alex and asked her to make Edmund leave. Edmund was totally devastated. Alex took Dimitri's hands and tried to calm him. Edmund looked on, his eyes welling with tears.
As Dimitri's anger subsided, Alexandr gently suggested that Edmund be allowed to visit him. Dimitri reluctantly agreed and settled into his bed. Alexandra showed her husband a few recent pictures of Maddie. Dimitri reached out and gently took one of the photos. He held it close to his face and gently kissed gave it a kiss. Edmund looked on from the background, now understanding why Alex had taken one of Maddie's photos from the main house. Dimitri once again fell asleep and Edmund and Alex decided it was best to give him some space. Edmund was still shaken up. "He has always been larger than life," Edmund said softly. Alexandra understood that seeing Dimitri in his altered state had been difficult for Edmund. She explained that Dimitri's erratic mood swings were the result of his disease and the medication he was receiving. She once again apologized for keeping the truth from Edmund. Edmund said that he understood. He reached for his cellular phone and informed Alex that he was going to call Joe Martin and work on getting Wildwind ready for Dimitri's homecoming. Alex's face fell. She cast a serious glance in Edmund's direction and told him that Dimitri would not be leaving the hospital. "He doesn't want to be seen," she explained. "His pride is about all he has left." Edmund nodded his head and agreed that is was best to let Dimitri stay at Seaview. He did, however, have one demand to which he would not accept "any" as an answer: He wanted to tell his family that Dimitri was still alive.
Mateo dropped by the loft to have a face-to-face discussion with Ryan. While Ryan wasn't at all pleased to see Mateo, he did let him inside. Mateo informed Ryan that he wanted answers, answers to something that Gillian had told him. After the debacle at Chandler Mansion when Mateo tried to sneak inside and see Hayley, Gillian had told Mateo that he should give up on Hayley and move on with his life. She'd also hinted that Ryan and Hayley were destined to be together. What Mateo wanted to know what whether Gillian was speaking the truth or not. "Are you gonna go for it or not?" Mateo asked somewhat caustically. Ryan turned his back to Mateo and threw his hands in the air. He insisted that it didn't matter what he wanted or what he was thinking. The only thing that truly matters, according to Ryan, was what Hayley wanted. "From what I can see, it's you," he added. Mateo was taken aback by Ryan's admission. What he did not understand was why Ryan had prevented him from seeing Hayley at the hospital if he so believes that he and Hayley will be together. "She's better off without you right now," Ryan replied curtly. Mateo wondered if Ryan was trying to imply that Hayley was better off with him. Ryan shook his head. "I'm not giving up on her," Mateo warned. "Do yourself a favor and stay out of my way." Mateo smiled as he turned and exited the loft.
Trevor dropped by Chandler Mansion hoping to see his niece. Adam greeted Trevor at the door and told him that Hayley was sleeping and suggested that Trevor stop by later. Trevor said that he'd already called several times and had been told every time that Hayley was unavailable. He walked past Adam and plopped himself down on the sofa. He told Adam that he was not leaving---even if it meant that he had to wait for hours to see Hayley. Adam frowned disapprovingly and threatened to have Trevor forcibly removed from his property. As he was doing so, Hayley wandered down the staircase and greeted her uncle with a hug. Adam tried to run interference, but Hayley really wanted to speak to Trevor---even if she knew that Trevor was going to convince her to get back together with Mateo. Adam unwillingly adjourned to his office. Naturally, Trevor wanted to know how Hayley had ended up under Adam's roof. Hayley explained that Mateo had slept with Raquel. Trevor didn't believe it and when he learned that Raquel was the one who'd told Hayley of the pseudo-affair he was even more certain that it was a lie. Hayley conceded that she thought the story was fabricated. After thinking it through, Hayley realized that Mateo had changed. She said that she wasn't sure if she even knew who he is any more. Trevor urged Hayley to leave the mansion and return home with him and Janet. "I feel safe here," Hayley responded. "I feel protected." She said that she also felt safe around Ryan because he didn't lie to her. Trevor showed a bit of concern about Hayley and Ryan's relationship, but he didn't make of point of saying anything. Instead he asked Hayley if she'd been to an AA meeting lately. Hayley shook her head and said that she didn't feel like being in a room full of people just yet. In the back of her mind, she wondered if she was going to turn out like her mother, Arlene---alone and unhappy. Trevor ordered Hayley to banish those thoughts from her mind. Trevor told Hayley that she could always call him and then headed on his way. Adam later returned and apologized to Hayley for letting Trevor barge into the house. Hayley said that she was glad to see Trevor. "I wasn't prepare to see him eave the Hayley and Mateo hope flag again," she grumbled. Adam pledged that he would not let anyone upset his daughter as long as she was under his roof. He followed that up with a promise that he would not let Mateo anywhere near her.
"I didn't intentionally mean to jump out of an airplane," Tad insisted. Dixie told Tad that she "felt so helpless" as she watched him plummet towards the earth. Tad countered by saying that he felt exactly the same way when he learned that Dixie was pregnant. Dixie didn't see any similarities; Paradiving was reckless and pregnancy was a blessed event. "I had a parachute," Tad retorted. The implication was that Dixie had nothing to protect her or save her life while she was pregnant. Stuart called to see if Tad was doing okay and offered to bring him some soup. Tad told Dixie that her generous nature allows her to put other's needs before her own. While that was hardly a bad quality, in this instance it had put Dixie's own safety at risk. Dixie worried that Tad wanted her to abandon her dream of having a child with him. "Do you honestly think that I want to see the light go out of your eyes?" Tad asked. Tad again told Dixie that he was terrified that Dixie might suffer irreparable damage by getting pregnant. Finally Dixie confessed that she'd ignored her "twinges" in her back because she was hoping that they'd simply go away. The next time, though, she said that she'd play things by the letter and report any problems no matter how small. Tad asked Dixie if they could put off thinking about a baby for a little while. Dixie nodded, content in knowing that Tad was not totally opposed to the idea of having a baby.
At Sounds of Salsa, Trevor dropped by to check on Mateo. Mateo rolled his eyes and told Trevor that he could spare his lectures. Trevor told Mateo that he had just one question for him---did he sleep with Raquel. "Raquel lied," Mateo replied. "I swear." Trevor nodded and said that he never believed the story. Mateo was relieved that someone believed him. Mateo said that he wanted a few minutes alone with Hayley so that he could make her see how much he loved her. Trevor smiled and said that he had an idea of how he could find a few moments alone with the woman he loved.
Edmund and Alexandra returned to Wildwind and found Eugenia> and Gillian sitting in the parlor sipping tea. Gillian had just told her grandmother that she and Ryan were once again on the outs. "I have some news," said Edmund with a smile. "And I'm glad you're sitting down." Eugenia and Gillian looked at Edmund and waited for what they perceived to be horrific news. "Dimitri's alive," he chirped. Eugenia's hand covered her mouth and she complained of trouble breathing. Alexandra tried to calm down Eugenia. Gillian looked to Alex and realized that she's known all alone. The doctor nodded and told Gillian that this was the promise she'd mentioned that she'd wanted to break. Now calmed down, Eugenia said that she couldn't wait to see Dimitri. "You can't," Alex interjected. She informed the two women that Dimitri was still in a battle for his life. This was news that Eugenia did not want to hear. Her hands trembled wildly and Gillian was forced to take her grandmother upstairs to rest. Alex looked to Edmund and said that this was the reason that she did not want them to know that Dimitri was still alive. Edmund explained that they were not upset that he was alive, but rather they were fearful that they could still lose him. Edmund asked Alex if there was any way that Dimitri could regain his health. Alex nodded slightly and said that there was a highly experimental treatment that could be used. "What the hell are you waiting for?" Edmund snapped.
"It can't really be called a treatment," said Alex of the possible cure she mentioned. "It's highly experimental." Edmund didn't care if the cure was a long shot or not---he wanted all options explored. Alex explained that the method involved using stem cells, or the cells from an umbilical cord. Edmund didn't understand why Alex was opposed to trying the new treatment. For the doctor, however, that was a very valid reason. "It could prolong his life without actually curing him," she noted unhappily. In essence, the treatment could stop Dimitri from dying, but he could remain in his altered state for the rest of his life. If that happened, Edmund said that Alex could continue the other treatment she'd been using. There was still another obstacle. Alex said that it could take a very long time to find a suitable donor. Edmund's eyes lit up and he quickly raced out of the house. A few seconds later, Eugenia> strolled into the room and apologized to Alex for having listened to her conversation with Edmund. Alex was glad that she'd eavesdropped because it would give her the needed information to offer her own opinion on the situation. Eugenia sadly informed Alex that she had outlived most of the men that she's loved. She urged Alexandra to do whatever she had to do to keep Dimitri alive. Alex sighed heavily and told the duchess that she wanted to honor Dimitri's requests. Eugenia took her hand and told her that she didn't have to be strong all by herself because she has help now.
"You, Uncle Porkchop, are going to help me?" Mateo asked dubiously. Trevor nodded his head. He said that ultimately Hayley would make the decision about whether or not to let Mateo back in her life, but in the meantime he'd do what he could to expedite their reunion. If, however, Hayley decided to move on without Mateo, Trevor told Mateo that he would honor her decision. The attorney went on to suggest that he and Mateo break into Chandler Mansion so that they could see Hayley. Mateo's eyes bulged and he announced that he would not do anything illegal. That, he noted, would only give Adam more ammunition to use against him. Trevor was amazed that Mateo would not bend the rules even a little bit to see the supposed loved of his life. Trevor picked up the phone and decided to try another route. A little while later, Stuart arrived at the nightclub and listened to Mateo's pleas for assistance. Surprisingly, Stuart refused to help. He said that Hayley had said that she wanted time alone. Mateo refused to give up, swearing that he had not slept with Raquel. Stuart looked at him for several moments before determining that he was telling the truth. Stuart told the two men that Adam and Liza were going to be out of the house, so getting inside Chandler Mansion should be relatively easy.
At Chandler Mansion, Adam found his daughter sprawled out on the sofa with her eyes closed. He sat down beside her and muttered that he was sorry for letting Trevor upset her. Hayley opened her eyes and said that she wanted to see her uncle. Liza entered the room toting Colby and said that she was concerned that Colby had a fever. Hayley put her hand on the baby's forehead and said that Colby's temperate felt normal. Adam smiled slightly and informed Hayley that Liza always seems to think Colby is ill just before they're scheduled to have a night out. Hayley took her little sister in her arms and chirped merrily about how much fun they would have together. Then, on a much more somber note, Hayley sat down on the sofa and told Colby how much she regretted not being able to give her a little niece or nephew to play with. Liza stepped in and remarked that there was still plenty of time to have a baby with "Mateo's big brown eyes." Unnoticed, Adam frowned at the thought. Liza asked Hayley to hand Colby over to Adam so that she could show her where all of Colby's bedtime stories are kept. AS they walked away, Liza told Hayley that Colby would let her know when to turn the page. Hayley shrugged and asked how that was possible. "She starts to eat the book," Liza chuckled. Alone, Adam held Colby close to his chest and told her how amusing he found it that no one has figured out that he is her father. "It seems so obvious to you and me," Adam beamed. "You are a Chandler---and you belong to me!"
Vanessa sat alone at a table in the dining area of The Valley Inn. David strolled into the room and headed straight for his mother's table. At first he was surprised that she was alone, but after seeing how she was dressed he knew that she was expecting company. He mused that she was in "seductive mode" and wondered if she was already trying to conquer another millionaire. He looked over his shoulder and learned who Vanessa was trying to impressed---little Petey. Vanessa looked at her shocked son and couldn't help but have a little fun at his expense. "Don't worry, David. There's plenty of room here for another darling little boy," she sneered as she patted her chest. "Oh brother," David grumbled under his breath. Vanessa's eyes lit up and she told David that he was absolutely correct---he and Peter were now brothers. Peter was intrigued by the idea of having a new brother, but David explained that he was not quite the same type of brother as Tad and Adrian. Palmer asked David to join then for a "family dinner." David and Vanessa exchanged glances. David said that he'd love to have a chance to tell Palmer what type of mother Vanessa had been to him. He made a passing and cryptic remark about his childhood bout with the mumps, but said nothing more. He then adjourned to his own table. Palmer and Vanessa's meal with Peter went quite while. Palmer proposed a toast to the two people he loves most. When he was called away to take a business call, things went downhill. Peter stared and stared at Vanessa until she scolded him for his rude behavior. Peter told Vanessa that he was looking at her because she was very beautiful. David looked on from his nearby table. Peter reached across the table and accidentally spilled chocolate milk all over the table and all over Vanessa's white dress. "For a very smart boy, that was a very stupid thing to do," she groused. "Honestly, Peter. You're going to have to learn to be much less clumsy otherwise no one will ever, ever, ever like you." She wasn't done. As she sopped up the mess, she snapped, " I can't possible like you as much as I did before." David rushed over to the table and told his new stepbrother to pick out something from the dessert cart. The boy dashed across the restaurant allowing David and his mother a chance to talk in private. David shook his head and told Vanessa that she had Peter exactly where she wanted him---the boy thinking that Vanessa was a beautiful and loving woman. David told her that Peter had one thing that he didn't have while growing up: someone to keep an eye on him. "Don't go messing up this boy, mother, or you will regret it." By the time Palmer returned, David had returned to his table. The Cortlandt party was filing out of the restaurant just as Adam and Liza were arriving. Liza smiled politely and congratulated Vanessa on her recent marriage. Vanessa laughed slightly and told Liza that in proper etiquette one congratulates the groom not the bride. "I would never do that," Liza remarked. She then turned to face Palmer. "Good luck, Palmer." Adam chuckled to himself as he and Liza were led to their table. Liza complained that she was cold and Adam offered to run home and get her a sweater. Liza thought that it was too much trouble, but she knew that Adam needed and excuse to check on Hayley. So she nodded her head and told her husband that she'd wait for him. Across the room, Edmund helped himself to a seat at David's table. David wasn't at all pleased to see Edmund because he knew that his presence had something to do with Dimitri and Alexandra. When Edmund broke the news Dimitri was alive, David thought that Alex had somehow duped Edmund yet again. It was only when Edmund said that he saw and spoke to his brother that David bought into the story. David offered his thoughts on the stem cell theory, saying that he didn't think it would help a bit. Edmund accused David of being coldhearted. David didn't want to seem unsympathetic to Edmund's plight and agreed to listen to what he had to say. Edmund spoke of his need for a stem cell donor. David laughed to himself and said that Edmund was in luck. Of course Liza had asked that Colby's umbilical cord be kept in storage. That meant that all Edmund would have to do is ask Liza and Adam for their permission to see if Colby was a match. Edmund crooked his neck and reminded David that Jake was Colby's father. David again laughed and muttered, "Of course! What was I thinking?" Edmund worried that the procedure might somehow harm Colby, but David clarified that Colby would not even have to be seen by a doctor to see if there was a match.
Stuart slowly opened the front door to Chandler Mansion. He poked his head inside and determined that everyone had gone to bed for the night. Trevor and Mateo followed him inside and worked on a plan to see Hayley. Mateo wanted to barge upstairs, but Trevor thought it was a better idea for him to go first. Suddenly a voice called out from upstairs---Winifred. She called out to the intruders and warned them that she was armed. Stuart opened the secret passageway in the wall and hurried Mateo and Trevor inside. When Winifred came downstairs she mistook Stuart for Adam. Stuart tried to explain that he wasn't Adam. But Winifred wouldn't let him get a word in edgewise. So Stuart decided to play the part. He stood up straight and started talking just as Adam would---but he made a few bobbles along the way. He started talking about the local movie theatre and how Winifred should take off and check one out. Stuart then realized that his brother probably knew nothing about the latest flicks. He reached into his wallet and forked over a huge stash of cash to the housekeeper, encouraging her to take the rest of the evening off. Shortly after Winifred left, Adam returned home. He didn't see Stuart standing in the still-dark parlor at first and nearly jumped out of his skin when he did. Adam demanded to know why Stuart was skulking around his house. Stuart said little and ran out of the house. Upstairs, Hayley entered her bedroom and crawled into bed. Suddenly the light flicked on and Hayley jumped several feet into the air. Trevor apologized for scaring her, but said that he needed to talk to her. Hayley was not at all pleased to learn that Trevor had smuggled Mateo inside the house. She refused to speak to him. Finally, Mateo walked out of the bathroom and begged Hayley to speak to him. "How could you do this?" Hayley groaned to her uncle. Trevor decided to let the pair speak in private and headed back downstairs. Adam was pouring himself a drink and didn't see Trevor slip back into the room via the secret passageway. "Mission accomplished," Trevor beamed. Adam turned around and looked curiously at Trevor. Outside the mansion, Stuart frantically placed a call to Mateo's cellular phone. Mateo, however, turned off his phone so that he and Hayley would not be disturbed. Mateo told Hayley that he had an awful lot to talk about. But the most important thin, he said, was that he still loves her.
