Days Transcript Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Days of Our Lives Transcript

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Transcript provided by Thane and Suzanne

THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!

There you are.

Sorry that I’m late.

No, it’s okay. I just thought your shift was running late.

Yes, well, you know, this is the time of year people indulge themselves a little too much, and then we’re there to pick up the pieces.

Right, I understand. But you’re here now, and we get to spend our very first Christmas Eve together.

Mm-hmm.

So what’s in the bag?

Well, after my shift, I had a little time to pick up some stuff for tonight.

Mm. Wait, some stuff?

This place could use a little Christmas cheer and, uh, so could you.

[sweet music]

Mom?

Oh, Sarah. Oh, Victoria. How lovely to see you.

Everything okay?

Yes, everything is fine. I just, um– I had some last-minute Christmas shopping to do and– and I wanted to see the lights and enjoy the decorations before I go to Doug and Julie’s tonight.

What’s wrong?

It’s just, Sarah, I miss Victor so much.

[sighs] Oh, hey there. What are you, looking to get the hot scoop on how much chowder the pub’s selling on Christmas Eve?

Actually, I was looking to have some chowder, but Alex, I must say, I’ve been noticing piles and piles of unsold “Bella” magazines all over town in newsstands and grocery stores. That must be very discouraging for you.

Mm, I’ll see you around, Xander.

Face it, Alex… the new launch is tanking, which is what you get for putting a professional screwup in charge just because you’re sleeping with her.

This little bitch can think she can walk away with no consequences whatsoever? Ha ha.

[speaking language]

[line trilling] This is not over yet.

[tense music]

[cell phone ringing]

Hi, sis.

Andrew? Oh, Andrew. Oh, Andrew, I’m so glad to see you right now, right before Christmas.

[ominous music] What, why–why do you look so sad? Andrew. Andrew, talk to me.

John and Steve asked the ISA to investigate the attempted kidnapping of Sarah Horton’s baby from the Kiriakis mansion.

Oh, and?

Well, Dad passed the case on to me. John and Steve sent in some surveillance photos to be enhanced by our technology. Imagine my shock when the face in the photos was yours.

[suspenseful music]

[soft orchestration] announcer: Like sands through the hourglass, so are the “Days of Our Lives.”

Thank God for this little angel. You know, Victor would be so honored that you named her after him. It’s too bad he didn’t get a chance to know her.

[gentle holiday music]

Yeah, I can just see him doting on her and spoiling her.

[laughs] Yeah.

Mom, I know this has to be hard. It’s your first Christmas without him.

I miss him every day, but the holidays, everywhere you look you see love and family and… you know, I cry at commercials.

[both laugh] It was those Christmas movies where people– people fall in love trying to save a Christmas tree farm.

You had a Christmas tree farm?

[laughs] No. You know what I mean.

Yes, I do. Of course I do. A piece of your heart is missing, and you’re lonely. But I can’t help but wonder maybe if that feels worse just because Konstantin moved out?

How ’bout you keep Theresa’s name out of your mouth? She’s doing a spectacular job. New launches take time.

Oh, yeah. And this one’s probably gonna take forever? See, when I ran Titan, “Bella” was already gasping its last breath then. Maggie made the right decision when she shut it down, and you made the wrong one when you resurrected it.

Why don’t you focus on your little third-rate newspaper and keep your thoughts to yourself, okay? And why would I ever take business advice from the guy my father hired to mow his lawn?

[sighs]

Hey. Is there a problem?

Nothing but problems. I promised myself that I was gonna solve the attempted kidnapping of Victoria Kiriakis by the end of this year. But I can’t catch a break. It’s all dead ends.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. You gotta take it easy on yourself, okay? There hasn’t been any movement on that case in weeks. And if the Greek Mafia is involved, there probably won’t be any. Besides, the baby’s home safe and sound, so it’s not a pressing case, and it’s certainly not gonna be solved by Christmas Day. There is, however, one mystery which I hope we can solve right now.

[romantic music] Is Jada Hunter gonna move in with Rafe Hernandez or not?

This is you, isn’t it?

Uh. Well, uh, it looks like me.

[unsettling music] It is me.

Damn it, Theresa. What the hell have you gotten yourself into?

Okay, I’m here.

And here is our little friend, Victoria.

[sighs] I don’t think this is a good idea.

And I don’t really care. You made your bed, Theresa, and now you know what you have to do. Take the baby.

[sighs] I-I don’t know what to say.

Well, then I’ll talk. John and Steve think that Victor’s old friend, Konstantin, is somehow involved in the kidnapping, possibly even the Greek Mafia. So why–why in the hell would you get involved in something like this?

Look, it’s not what you think, okay? Just–just–just let me explain.

Okay, so we have some elf gnomes here. We have, uh, you know, a T. rex Santa. Everything’s a little pretty kitschy and weird, huh?

[laughs] I love them.

Well, I’m glad because that’s all they had left at the cent store, you know, it being Christmas Eve and all.

Yeah, slim pickings, I’m sure.

Mm.

[laughs] Tripp, thank you so much for doing this.

Yeah, you– you’ve been through a lot. I know this is gonna be a tough Christmas, being without your brother.

I miss Li so much, not to mention the rest of my family halfway across the world in China.

Well, here. Tell me about your, uh– your Christmases growing up.

Okay. Well, the Chinese don’t really celebrate Christmas the same way the rest of the world does, although we spent a lot of time in Hong Kong and here. So we adopted many Western traditions. But my parents definitely kept some Chinese traditions going.

Okay. Such as?

Well, on Christmas Eve, we all give each other apples.

Apples?

Yep, apples. You see, in China, it’s believed that if you eat what’s called peace apple, then you’ll be blessed with a safe and peaceful year ahead. And, of course, all that apple giving drives the prices of apples way up on Christmas Eve.

Oh, that’s very capitalistic.

Exactly. both: Yeah.

And also, Santa plays the sax.

What, the sax?

Yeah.

Oh, that’s–that’s cool.

No, I know, right? And that’s exactly why Li asked for a saxophone one year for Christmas when we were kids, and he got one, of course.

Mm. But, oh, my God, when he started practicing it, he was so horrible at it. No, no, I’m serious, like, it was torture hearing him play.

Oh, so he gave up on it pretty quickly then, huh?

Well, actually my father made him give up on it.

Hmm.

Yeah.

[as her father] Li Shin, it is time to face reality. You have no talent for this instrument. You should put your energy into something you can excel at.

Wow. Okay. Your dad was obviously very direct.

[as self] Yeah, that’s one word for it. And I think Li was, like, ten years old? So at first, he started crying. But then he got real defiant and asked for a flute, which he also got.

Mm.

And, uh, he was actually pretty good at it. Yeah, he would–he would play for me all the time. “Hot Cross Buns” was the one he mastered. both: Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm.

I just got so sick of hearing him play it over and over again. I never told him that… because he was really proud of himself.

Well, I’m– I’m glad that you have these memories, okay? Because I wanna hear a lot more of them.

[gentle music]

So I’ve been giving it a lot of thought…

Mm-hmm.

Us moving in together. I even started cleaning out my closet and getting rid of some of the clutter in my room.

Mm, less to pack?

Well, that was the idea, yes. But I gotta admit, I’ve been going back and forth on my decision. And my heart, my heart tells me yes, move in right now…

Mm-hmm.

You know, and start our lives together, and live with a man that I love. I just want to pack up all of my stuff and get a moving truck and just start this next chapter of my life.

Right. Ooh. Why am I sensing there’s a “but” in there?

Konstantin? No. His leaving, it had nothing to do with what I’m feeling now.

Are you sure about that? ‘Cause I-I know that you were enjoying his company and memories he shared of Victor.

Yes, I was, but it was time for him to go. I think I honored him and Victor’s friendship by helping him with his predicament, paying off his debts, but I couldn’t, um– I couldn’t have him putting my family in danger, especially this sweet little girl.

Yeah, but we don’t know for sure that Konstantin was a danger.

Well, I wasn’t willing to take the risk. And what is that look?

Well, I just– I don’t want you to be unhappy because you’re trying to protect us. I mean, did I think that Konstantin was trouble at first? Yeah, but I don’t know, I mean, I like him, especially after what he did to get Victoria back.

Yeah, me too, honey. But trust me on this, I think it’s best for him to keep his distance from us. Anyway, I’m glad the both of you are here. It’s just what I needed. And I still have to finish that Christmas shopping. So, um, would you like to join me?

I really would, but I have to meet Xander to go over Victoria’s Christmas schedule.

Oh, okay.

[sighs] Fine, Alex, you’re a big boy. Do what you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you about Theresa Donovan, although I’m guessing you’ve been warned by literally everyone who’s had the misfortune of knowing that woman.

Mm. Merry Christmas, cuz.

Wait.

What?

You’re right, it’s, uh– it’s Christmas. I assume you and Theresa are going to Maggie’s Christmas dinner tomorrow?

Unfortunately.

Well, it’s not unfortunate for Maggie, is it? She–she wants us all there, and she probably wants us to get along, doesn’t she? So out of respect for her and Victor’s memory, I’m hoping that you and I can break bread in peace…

[scoffs]

Put our differences aside, you know, just for one day.

Mm, yeah. Well, you’re the one who can’t keep his jealousy in check, mate. And as for breaking bread, well, there might be a lot more things to get broken if you keep this up. Merry Christmas.

[sighs]

I met Konstantin in Greece, and he was really nice to me. He was, um, friendly and generous.

So they’re right? Konstantin is involved in this?

Technically, yes, yes. But this is–it wasn’t, like, some big mafia plot or whatever. I mean, this isn’t something that the ISA needs to worry about. He’s just a sweet old man, and he really liked Maggie, and he wanted to impress her. So he came up with this saving-the-baby idea.

[scoffs] So you’re talking a hero complex? Create a crisis, and then swoop in to save the day?

Yep.

Got it.

That’s right.

Okay.

Uh-huh. But he assured me that the baby would never be in harm’s way and would be returned immediately. And so–I don’t know. I thought I would play matchmaker and try and help him out because Maggie’s been so lonely. I was–Andrew, I was just trying to help.

Mm. Coming out of anyone else’s mouth, I would call utter BS. But this does sound exactly like the kind of thing that you would get mixed up in.

You really do know your sister, don’t you?

I know my sister is an accomplice and an accessory to a kidnapping. So give me one good reason why I shouldn’t turn you in right now.

Well, I ran into Stephanie Johnson yesterday. So my surprise, things didn’t work out with her and Chad, and she actually moved out. She was very upset–a mess– about it. I don’t know, it just seemed like the universe was just sending me a sign.

A sign?

Just it brought up bad memories of my breakup with my ex-husband and how I would always blame my problems with Bobby on me being too impulsive, you know, moving too fast.

Bobby? You never even mentioned that name before.

Yeah, well, that was his name.

Oh.

Anyways, as I was looking back and thinking, I realized that I didn’t know him well enough before I took that plunge. And we were–we were crazy in love. I mean, we talked about growing old together, about watching our children and grandchildren grow up. And so we just got married. But, unfortunately, we did not know each other as well as we thought. And for various reasons, we started to resent each other. And the one day, we both decided that it was over, done. And I haven’t seen or heard from him since.

I see.

And also, I ran into Eric yesterday. And I don’t know, it was just like the universe was just giving me all these reminders on what can go wrong when I move too fast.

Well, I should probably get going. Xander is probably waiting for me.

I love you, darling. Will I see you at Doug and Julie’s tonight?

Oh, yes, of course, I wouldn’t miss it. It’s a special night. It’s Victoria’s first Christmas.

Mm-hmm, and we’ll all be doting on her.

Oh, I don’t doubt it, not one bit. I love you.

I love you, sweetie.

I’ll see you later.

Okay.

[sighs] Alex. Merry Christmas Eve?

Hey, Maggie, good to see you. Merry Christmas Eve to you too.

Oh, well, I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve been meaning to call you. Um, do you have a minute?

Of course.

I’d like a word with you about Titan.

With all due respect, Maggie, you’re not involved in Titan, which was your choice.

Well, nonetheless, I inherited half of Victor’s estate, just as you, and I think it’s incumbent of us to be good stewards of his estate. I’ve seen the numbers. I was disturbed to realize that the cost to produce the first issue of “Bella” far outweighs the ad revenues.

Right, I-I know. That’s because there’s a lot of start-up costs. That’s a one-time deal, and I assure you the next issues will not have any trouble falling under budget.

Look, I understand your resurrecting “Bella” magazine was to make a point to me. But one of the many things I’ve learned from Victor is you don’t make business decisions based on emotion. Look, magazines are dying. Everything is getting computerized, and it’s been going on for years. And not only did you pour time and money into relaunching a dying commodity, but you put someone unqualified in charge because you’re having a relationship with her. I mean, God knows I love Theresa, but she is not cut out for the job.

[instrumental “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” playing]

Andrew. Andrew, I’m so sorry. I feel really terrible for what I did.

I know. You always do, and yet nothing seems to change.

Please, come on, I– I don’t want to disappoint Mom and Dad again. Everybody’s gonna hate me.

[laughs] What did you expect, Theresa? You are so lucky that that baby is okay and that Konstantin moved out of Maggie’s house.

I know. I know. I know. Andrew, what are you gonna do?

[low suspenseful music]

First of all, I’m going to… tell John, Steve, and Dad that… the enhancement was unable to reveal the kidnapper’s face. Now let me tell you what you’re gonna do.

Man, can you imagine how inconvenient it was to shop on Christmas Eve before delivery?

[chuckles] Perish the thought.

[sentimental music]

Tripp, this is so sweet. Thank you for my wonderful gift of peace apples.

My pleasure.

Now I want to hear about your Christmas traditions growing up.

Me?

Mm-hmm.

Well, actually, I– I didn’t really have any. Um, I vaguely remember my mom–my adoptive mom– always trying her best to make things nice when I was a little kid, but, uh, after she died, I just tried to stay out of the way. ‘Cause I’ve told you before, my Dad, he was abusive. And, uh, this is probably not the most cheerful topic of conversation for Christmas Eve, though, huh?

Well, not for you. And I’m sorry, Tripp. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.

It’s okay. It’s in the past. And hey, it’s, uh–it’s time that we start making our own happy holiday memories. So to a safe and peaceful year ahead.

[chuckles]

Rafe, I hope you understand. I really want to be with you. It’s just that living together so soon– I just really wanna take things slowly, you know, do this right. You’re disappointed, aren’t you?

No. No, I’m not. Look, I have a string of exes too. And, you know, maybe if I’d have taken things slower, I’d have avoided some heartache myself. Anyway, I want you to set the pace for this relationship, Okay, Jada? I love you. Okay? I love you. And I want you to be at peace with the decision that you make. And then you just let me know when you’re ready. Okay?

You know, Maggie, given how you feel about me and Theresa, I think it’s better if we don’t come to Christmas dinner tomorrow.

What? You’ve got to come. I’m–I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought up business now. Tomorrow, I will leave the business talk behind and just focus on family. Justin really wants to see you. He misses you. And Victor would want the family together on Christmas.

Yeah, and I understand that, I do. But all we do recently is fight, Maggie. And quite frankly, I don’t care if it means a lot to you and to Justin if all it’s gonna be is another miserable experience for all of us again. Have a wonderful Christmas. Consider me out.

[instrumental “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” playing]

[sighs]

So here’s what I need from you. Are you listening?

I’m listening.

No more funny business. No more Theresa antics. You are going to walk the straight and narrow from now on, and you are going to stay the hell away from Konstantin. Am I being clear?

Yes, I’m gonna stay away from him. He left town anyway, so I’m never gonna see him again.

Good. And stop getting involved in schemes that you know are wrong.

I promise.

And you damn well better keep that promise because I will be watching from wherever I am. This is the last time I’m covering for you, do you understand?

Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Andrew. Oh.

I am only– I’m only giving you this chance because you are my sister and I love you. So please, please, do not jeopardize my job or your future.

No. Of course not. I will heed your advice. Or I should say I will accede to your demands.

[chuckles]

I have to get going. The ISA jet is waiting for me. Merry Christmas, Theresa.

Merry Christmas, Andrew. You’re the best. I really love you.

[mysterious music]

Why did I have to make things worse, and on Christmas Eve?

Hello, Maggie.

Konstantin.

[eerie music]

It is so wonderful to see you.

And it’s good to see you. I didn’t know you were still in town.

Well, I haven’t been in town long. I was staying with my cousin Dino in Cincinnati, and he went off with his wife’s family for Christmas. And they are all trelí,crazy. So I was drawn back here to Salem. I really don’t know why, but I find this a very special place.

Yeah, I agree. Oh, well, well, welcome back.

Well, thank you! And this is so fortunate for me to run into you. And in the spirit of the season, may I treat you to a cup of egg flip?

Egg flip? You mean eggnog?

[laughs] Of course, eggnog. That is what you Americans call it. Whatever, eggnog, egg flip, it is the perfect drink for which we can have a, uh, Christmas Eve drink together, yes?

Um, yeah, um, sure. Um, sure. I’ll have an egg flip.

[both laugh]

Hey.

[gasps]

What are you doing here?

Oh, Alex, you scared me nearly half to death.

Theresa, is everything okay?

Alex, I–

You what?

[soft tense music]

I hope I didn’t ruin your Christmas.

No. No, of course not.

And, Rafe, if it’s all right with you, I hope we can keep having a lot of sleepovers. Lots and lots of sleepovers.

I think we can do that. Mm.

[laughs] What? We said no Christmas gifts.

Would you just open it? If you don’t like it, I promise I’ll take it back.

[gentle music] Yeah, I know we’re not moving in together, but I just figured it’d be good if you had your own set of keys. That way, you can come and go as you please. It might come in handy.

Definitely. You know, I think this might– no, mm-mm. This will be the best gift that I get this Christmas.

But I thought it was my turn to have Victoria tonight.

I know, but it’s Christmas Eve. So I wanted to take her to Doug and Julie’s so she could have her first Horton Christmas. And my mom really is struggling. She’s missing Victor, and it seems like the only thing that cheers her up is seeing her granddaughter.

No, I understand. And of course, that’s fine. It’s just–just drop her at mine on your way home, yeah? It’s my first Christmas with her too.

Tonight? But that–that means I won’t be with her for her first Christmas morning.

Right, well, one of us has to miss her first Christmas morning. And I was willing to give up her first Christmas Eve.

[laughs] This isn’t working.

Hey, what do you say, for old time’s sake?

Wow.

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

You are full of surprises tonight.

Mm-hmm.

Okay. You know I’m always a sucker for Jenga, but I was thinking…

Mm.

We could play a different game for new time’s sake.

Mm.

[cell phone ringing]

[somber music]

Is everything okay?

That was my mom. She’s very concerned about my dad, says he hasn’t been doing well since Li’s death. His health is declining. She wants me to move back to China.

Mm. As nice as it is to mix business with pleasure, why don’t we take this elsewhere? I’ve had enough of this place anyway.

It sounds good to me. And you know, it is Christmas Eve, and Santa likes all good boys and girls to go to bed early.

And all bad girls and boys too.

[laughs]

Uh, unless I’m mistaken, we agreed to shared custody, right, /?

We did. Oh, I mean, tonight. That this isn’t working tonight. Victoria is only gonna have one first Christmas. And I know that she won’t remember it, but we will.

Right, which is why I wanna get some time with her too. I mean, you chose Christmas Eve, so I get Christmas Day.

Or I have an idea. What if you came to Doug and Julie’s with us?

Really? Participate in the hanging of the Horton ornaments? I’d be so honored. Would they even have me?

Of course they’d have you. I mean, we got married in their living room. Xander, it would mean so much to my mom and to me.

[laughs] Yes. And my dear late mother, Anastasia, would make vasilopita every New Year’s. Now vasilopitais a fluffy white cake with a coin hidden inside. And whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake gets good luck, you understand? So Victor, he had a habit of making his own luck for himself, even when we were children. So how did he do it? Well, without anybody looking, he would poke little holes at the bottom of the cake with a toothpick to see exactly where the coin might be.

[both laugh]

That sounds like something Victor would do.

Yes.

Victor never mentioned vasilopita? Did I say that correctly?

Perfectly.

Oh.

[laughs] That’s a lovely word. It sounds like a wonderful tradition.

You have many different traditions here. In Greece, we do not get gifts on Christmas Day.

I know. I know. Victor told me the gifts were exchanged on New Year’s day. Konstantin, um, what are your plans for Christmas?

I have no plans at the moment. I do not know about your American Christmas traditions very much.

Right. Well, um, there’s one very special tradition that’s unique to my late first husband’s family.

Family traditions are the best.

Yes, I agree. Well, uh, you know, if you’d like to be a part of ours this Christmas, um, perhaps you could accompany me to the Horton tree trimming.

Maggie that–that is unexpected and wonderful. I would be most grateful to attend with you.

What’s wrong?

[sighs] I just… I’m just really feeling the Christmas stress, you know? I mean, like, where did the time go? It’s already Christmas Eve, and I haven’t even done my Christmas shopping. I have so much to do. It’s really embarrassing. And I still have to get napkins and hors d’oeuvres for Maggie’s and–

Well, you can scratch that off your list because we’re not going.

What? Why?

Just the usual family drama. So let’s just forget about all of this, hmm, and novel idea– enjoy the holiday. I made a reservation for the two of us at the Bistro tonight. We enjoy a nice Christmas Eve dinner. I think we deserve that. How’s that sound?

That sounds really nice. But, um, actually, I really do have Christmas shopping that I still have to do. I’m hoping the stores are still open. Maybe I can get some, like, candles or gift cards.

Yeah, yeah, you go finish up whatever you need to do. I’m gonna go home and change. And I will see you soon, okay?

Okay.

I was starting to worry that I was going to be alone this Christmas. Thanks to you, I have reason to celebrate, Maggie.

Likewise. I’m happy you’re still here. I’m glad we ran into each other.

Yes.

What an unexpected gift.

Yes, for me too. And, um, so I will pick you up at your place, and then we will go to Doug and Julie’s together, yes?

Yes, and if it isn’t too much trouble, could you bring some of that delicious-sounding “vessel la copia”?

Vasilopita.

Okay.

[laughs] I-I could use that lucky coin.

[laughs] Well, the problem is, there is only a microwave in my hotel room, and…