Laura's children were devastated to hear the news that her miraculous recovery was only temporary and that Luke had known it all along. Lulu took it especially hard, and she was upset that she was going to lose Laura again. Lulu was furious with Luke for lying to them, but Laura defended Luke's choices and said she would have done the same thing. Laura urged her children to live their lives to the fullest when she was gone and take care of each other. She asked her children to share their memories with her, and they looked through photo albums and reminisced about all the good times they had shared.
Laura had a moment when she "lost time," and she seemed to space out. When she "came back," she momentarily forgot everything that was going on, and she made a comment about how she wanted that Christmas to be the best ever. When she realized that she wouldn't be around for Christmas, she became upset and ran outside. Luke followed her to comfort her, and they shared an emotional moment together.
Carly was reeling over the news that Jason was presumed dead. She told Jax that she was going to do what Jason would have wanted her to do, and she went to the police station, where Mac was questioning Sam regarding Diego's death. Sam admitted she had shot Diego, buy she said that she had done it in self-defense because Diego had been shooting at her, Jason, and Spinelli. Carly walked in and told Sam not to say another word. Carly told Sam that she was going to get Sam out of there because that was what Jason would have wanted her to do.
Sonny and Ric had a confrontation in Ric's office, and Sonny loaded a gun and turned it on Ric. He told Ric that Jason had begged to kill Ric in the past, and Sonny had always stopped him because Ric was their mother's son. Sonny pointed the gun at Ric's chest and told Ric that Jason was his real brother. Ric taunted Sonny and goaded him into pulling the trigger, believing that Sonny wouldn't be able to do it. Sonny pulled the trigger, but there was no bullet in the chamber, so Ric's life was spared. Sonny left, promising Ric that he would kill him.
Lorenzo paid Ric a visit and demanded to know what Ric was going to do about Diego's death. Ric offered his sympathy and told Lorenzo that Sam would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Lorenzo was not satisfied with Ric's response, and he vowed to avenge Diego's death. Lorenzo informed Ric if he didn't help then he would be removed.
Liz found a badly injured Jason in a church where she was lighting a candle and saying a prayer for him. Jason was slipping in and out of consciousness, and Liz begged him to live for their baby. Liz frantically tried to call for help, but Jason stopped her because he knew that he couldn't go to the hospital. They went to Liz's old studio, where Liz examined Jason and determined that the bullet was still in his leg.
Jason told Liz she had to remove the bullet. Liz balked at that and said she couldn't do it. She called Sonny to tell him about Jason, and Sonny went over. Once Sonny assessed the situation, he also told Liz that Jason's only chance for survival was if she removed the bullet. Liz took the bullet out of Jason's leg and tended to his wounds. She stayed by his side as he slept.
Kristina was so traumatized over the violence she'd witnessed that she had shut down and wouldn't talk to anyone including Sonny and Jax. Alexis was devastated by everything that had happened, and she didn't know what to do for her daughter.
Sonny went home and found Carly there. Carly began going on about the things that needed to be done for Sam before Sonny could even get a word in. Sonny finally was able to tell Carly that he had seen Jason and that he was alive. Carly was overcome with relief, and she and Sonny shared a hug that quickly turned into a passionate kiss.
No one was more surprised than Carly to find herself locking lips with ex-husband Sonny. She broke up the clinch and demanded to see Jason. Carly was not happy to hear that Liz was caring for Jason. She made a beeline straight to the art studio. At the studio, a recovering Jason asked Liz what she had said to him at the church, but she claimed she didn't remember. Carly arrived and quickly told Liz that she should get checked out after her fall earlier that night. Liz reluctantly agreed and left. Once Liz left the room, Carly warned Jason not to do something he'd regret.
At the Port Charles Police Station, a belligerent Ric told Sam that she was going to spend the rest of her life in prison. Jax arrived and jumped to Sam's defense. He warned Ric that Alexis would decimate him in court. Ric huffed out, and Jax gave Sam an update on Kristina. Then, Sonny entered, and Sam asked for any information on Jason. She was thrilled to hear he was alive. Sonny said, "Sit tight and act like the grieving girlfriend until I tell you otherwise." Sonny then left.
In church, a grieving Alcazar sought solace then vowed to avenge the death of his beloved son, Diego. Lorenzo went to see Lila Rae, and Edward berated him for killing Jason while he had been trying to turn himself in. Lorenzo exploded that Diego had died as well, prompting Skye to beg Alcazar to give up his dangerous ways. As Lorenzo held his baby girl, he pledged to give her everything he hadn't been able to give her big brother. Skye watched, deeply affected.
At the Spencer home, Lulu was devastated at the thought of losing her mother again but Laura wouldn't hear of it. She wanted her family to have one last Christmas together. The kids suggested waiting until the morning, but Laura didn't want to take any chances, so Christmas at the Spencers' was that night. In a moment alone, Laura knew something had been bothering Lulu and wanted to know what it was. Lulu finally tearfully told her mother about the abortion. Laura was saddened and supportive. Laura assured Lulu that she had her mom's unconditional love.
Liz went to Kelly's and asked for tea, but Mike insisted she have a grilled cheese sandwich, as well. Ric was there, and they made small talk. Lucky arrived for pies and filled in Liz about Laura's condition then noticed blood on her dress. Ric overheard the exchange. Liz lied and said it was a wine stain. Lucky invited Liz over for the impromptu Christmas. Ric butted in and said she should rest, but Liz was more than happy to take Lucky up on the invitation.
Outside the Quartermaine estate, Tracy was furious to find Luke chopping down one of the Quartermaine trees, and she got even more upset when he said he had to hurry to get back to his wife. Luke apologized for hurting Tracy's feelings. He placed his jacket around her shoulders, but she tossed it off and left. Tracy chatted with Dillon and admitted to her son that she and Luke were still married. There had been no divorce. Edward approached and was disappointed to hear that Luke Spencer was still his son-in-law.
At the studio, Sonny entered just as Carly was telling Jason about the kiss. He reported that Sam was okay and that Jax was helping her. Carly then kissed Jason on the head and headed home. She caught up with Jax back at Sonny's and kissed him. She wanted him to make love to her and said that he was the only man for her.
At the Spencers', Liz whispered to Emily that Jason was hurt but alive. Laura went blank and asked why there was a Christmas tree in the room. Her memory returned, and she thanked her family for indulging her wishes. Luke placed the Christmas angel upon the tree, and Laura hoped her children would all know the love that she held for her husband. Luke and Laura kissed. "Merry Christmas, my angel," Luke replied.
Liz went to see Jason at her studio and to take care of him for the day. He let her know that he appreciated that she'd saved his life and was willing to take care of him, however, she should go and spend Thanksgiving with Cameron. At first she was reluctant, afraid that he could get a fever again and need her help. However, after he persisted, she relented and left.
As Luke, Laura, Nikolas, Lucky, and Lulu were celebrating Christmas, it was obvious that Laura was slowly slipping away. Laura decided that she needed to see her doctor to see how much time she had. After examining her, Patrick let the family know that she was slipping back into her illness and that there was nothing that could be done.
At that time, Laura decided that she needed to go back to Shadybrook as soon as possible so that she could be the one to admit herself and not have others make the decision for her. Lulu was very resistant to the idea and was angry that her mother would not fight to stay with Luke and her children "this time around." Laura let them know that it was a difficult decision, but she wanted to be able to leave of her own accord.
Patrick returned to the hospital and let Robin know that Laura was slipping back into her vegetative state. As Robin expressed her sadness that Laura would not have more time, Patrick said that he understood why she had been so persistent about the treatment. He saw a grace and graciousness in Laura that was remarkable.
At Shadybrook, the children went to see Laura, and it was obvious that she was slipping. Luke was able to get her out of the state so that she could say goodbye to her children. She first spoke to Nikolas, letting him know that she understood him the best because they had the same heart. He let her know that he was very appreciative that she was his mother and that he would cherish every moment they'd had together. He would share his memories with Spencer, so he would learn what a wonderful grandmother he had.
Lucky was next, and Laura let him know that she felt that there was still a chance between him and Liz. She let him know that if itwas meant to be, it would happen. He let her know that he loved her.
Finally, Lulu sat down with Laura and was apologetic for her earlier tantrum. Laura let her know that she understood why Lulu was angry but that she would always be with her. She also shared that she saw a lot of Luke in Lulu. Laura said that Lulu needed to stop protecting her heart and be willing to open up to love. At the end, she also shared a secret with her daughter. While she understood that Luke believed that she had killed her stepfather in self-defense, Laura believed that she was innocent. Lulu promised to prove her innocence.
Nikolas went to the Quartermaines to let them know that Laura had needed to go back to Shadybrook. After they gave their condolences, they received a phone call from Jason, letting them know that he was alive. Lucky went to visit Liz and gave her the news. She was sorry that he'd had to say goodbye to his mother and invited him to spend Thanksgiving with her and Cameron. As Lulu was at home, Dillon stopped by to see how she was doing. She let him know that while it was difficult to say goodbye, she was going to help her mother by proving her innocence.
At the end, Luke went to visit Laura. He let her know that whatever she had said to the children had been helpful and that they seemed to be content. She let him know that she would always love him. They kissed, and she slowly slipped away. Luke then said goodbye, letting her know that he hoped that she was going to her special place where she was most content. He said that he imagined her in her garden, content with her life, and that he would eventually go to her. As he left her room, Laura seemed to go back and remember the vows they had shared 25 years before and the happiness that had been part of it.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the ABC Daytime lineup of soap operas -- All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital -- was preempted for various holiday programming.
This scheduled interruption was anticipated, and there were no "lost" episodes.
Regular programming resumed on Monday, November 27.
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the ABC Daytime lineup of soap operas -- All My Children, One Life to Live, and General Hospital -- was preempted.
The scheduled interruption was anticipated, and there were no "lost" episodes.
Regular programming resumed on Monday, November 27.
