Days Transcript Monday, December 25, 2023

Days of Our Lives Transcript

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Transcript provided by Thane and Suzanne

THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!

Merry Christmas.

[sighs]

Harris. What–what are you doing here? I told you it was over between us.

Yeah, I know, and I know why you told me that. Because you didn’t want me to find out the truth, and I did.

What are you talking about?

The Bistro is a front for drug trafficking, and you’re running the whole thing.

Harris, I don’t know what you are talk–

The increased crime, the ODs, Ava, it’s all on you.

OK, I–

[sighs] I didn’t want to do it. I swear to you.

Do not say another word without your attorney present.

[dramatic music] You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

[gasps]

[exhales heavily]

Mama, are you all right?

[sighs] I am perfectly fine, apart from the rumble in my stomach, which probably woke you.

Oh, you’re hungry? I’ll go find a vending machine.

Forget about a vending machine. I want a hearty Christmas breakfast. Give me my shoes, baby.

Uh-uh. You can’t go. We’ve waited long enough.

Oh, I can go, and I am going.

[sighs]

Ah! Paulina.

Perfect timing. Mama was just fixing to bust out of here.

Well, why don’t you sit back and relax and tell me what’s going on?

Sweet dreams, little man.

[chuckles] I know what you’re probably thinking, a rocking horse for a one-month-old?

No, actually, I was thinking he’s gonna love it in, like, a few years. And then he’s gonna want a real one, which means we’re gonna have to, like–

Get a bigger house…

Mm-hmm.

With a paddock and a big barn.

As long as I get to see you in a cowboy hat.

I’d rock a cowboy hat.

Oh, I know you would.

This has been one of the best Christmases I’ve ever had. Probably ever.

Mm-hmm. Me too. By the way, will you remind me later when he wakes up up to take a family photo? And then we can put him in the Baby First Christmas onesie.

Ah. The one Nicole got us? Yeah, he wore that for five minutes this morning and had a major blowout.

What? Or maybe you just don’t want to put him in that onesie because of what Nicole did.

Yup, I don’t want to put him in the onesie ’cause of what Nicole did.

OK, listen, I know you’re angry, and I was angry too. But I’m very grateful that Nicole, she came to her senses and she brought back our little guy to us.

That’s wonderful. I’m so happy you’re so grateful. I’m just not as grateful because nothing was gonna happen to him the whole two seconds I went into Sweet Bits, just to retain my wallet–

Sloan, listen. Hey. I know it took a lot for you to cover for Nicole so she wouldn’t be charged for kidnapping, but… you and I both know that Nicole needs help, not jail time.

What she needs is to stay the hell away from my baby. I don’t want her coming near him ever again.

I see all the presents are still under the tree and intact.

Oh. Yeah. Holly said she wanted to wait because she knew we were coming home early. You know, I’m–I’m really glad we went away last night. But I feel really guilty I missed Holly’s birthday.

Nicole, Holly knows how much you love her, and she knows what a terribly difficult time it has been for you and that getting away was a necessity. You are a terrific mother who has raised an amazing young lady. So no more guilt, OK?

[chuckles] No more guilt. Hmm.

[groans] Oh, why does everything hurt?

[groans] Johnny.

[gasping] Oh, my God. Oh, thank God I didn’t send it.

[sighs] Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, I called him. Oh, my God! Someone kill me now.

[groans]

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

So you have a cough. Any other symptoms?

Nothing some bed rest won’t cure, I bet. I work–I’ve been working hours a week. I’m exhausted.

So fatigue. Anything else?

Sometimes a sore throat. Some hair loss, but I’m getting older, though. You know, that happens to everybody.

And she has a lump in her neck. It’s getting bigger.

[dramatic music]

You know, I’m surprised Holly is still in bed.

She’s a teenager. I used to sleep until noon when I was her age.

Yeah, but Holly loves Christmas. I mean, one time, she had me stay up till midnight to catch “Santa” coming down the chimney, and then she woke me up at : to open presents.

Ugh.

[chuckles] I’m gonna go check on her.

OK.

[sighs]

Ho, ho, ho! Looks like you had quite the Christmas Eve, little brother.

Shove it up your chimney, EJ.

[knock at door]

OK. Harris. What are you doing here? Thought I made it pretty clear that I didn’t want to see you anymore.

Yes, you did, but… I already got you a gift. So I thought I’d drop it off. Merry Christmas, Ava.

[groans]

Oh, you are awake.

Mom. Hey.

Hey. Why are you taking aspirin before you get out of bed? That is what those– those pills are, right?

Yeah, aspirin. I just woke up with a headache, a really bad one.

Oh, honey, I’m–I’m sorry. And, you know, I’m–I’m also sorry that I missed your birthday. So here it goes. * Happy birthday to you *

No, Mom, please don’t sing. Please.

No? Why? Is it awful?

No, of course not. It’s just this headache. I think it’s actually a migraine.

Oh. Sorry. That’s a first. Ooh! Honey.

What?

You know exactly what. You have a hangover, don’t you?

Sloan, we all live in the same town. I think that’s a bit unrealistic.

OK, fine. I don’t want to– I don’t want to hear about Nicole anymore. I just–I want to bask in my first Christmas with my beautiful baby boy and my husband.

[baby fussing] Well, that was all of a -minute nap.

You know what? I’ll take him on a walk.

No, it’s freezing out.

Then I’ll take him on a drive. I mean, you like a good ride, don’t you, cowboy?

Oh.

All right, here we go.

All right. Well, then I’ll grab a shower.

All right. We’ll be back soon.

I hope he falls asleep again.

Yeah, keep your fingers crossed.

[sighs]

I better get my coat. And… See you later.

[knock at door]

Oh. Now what did you forget, your car keys?

I’m back.

Harris.

Yeah?

You should have just returned this.

Well, I didn’t– I don’t know. I didn’t save the receipt, and I sure can’t use it for myself, so… please, go ahead. Just–just open it.

[dramatic music]

It’s beautiful. But you shouldn’t be wasting your money on me.

I don’t consider it a waste. You’re worth every penny.

[sighs]

So a little too much fun out on the town last night?

No, actually, I spent the entire evening in the prison infirmary with Gabi.

[sniffles] She has a broken leg.

Ah. So she didn’t learn to keep her damn mouth shut since her last prison beating.

My wife is in excruciating pain, you insensitive ass.

My apologies for the snark. After all, it is Christmas.

What I’m most upset about is that it’s my fault.

Yeah, how’s that?

Well, Gabi’s leg was broken because… somebody was sending a message to me.

And who’s the messenger?

Clyde Weston.

Hungover? No. I mean…

[sighs] How did you know?

Well, because I’m your mother, and I can smell alcohol. Honey, what did you do, go to a party last night? Please tell me you didn’t drink and drive.

No, I didn’t. I just had some scotch from the bar downstairs. It was the first time I’ve ever done that. I don’t know, I guess I was kind of bored… and sad.

Well, of course you were sad about me losing the baby and… me kind of losing it when I took Jude.

Yeah, of course that’s all been really upsetting, but there’s more.

More? Holly, did something happen between you and Tate?

No. What happened… it was between me and Johnny.

OK. Well, can you– can you tell me about it?

Never mind. I–I don’t want to talk about this, not now, anyway, not when my mouth feels like cotton and my head is three times its normal size.

[chuckles] All right. You don’t have to tell me, but I just want you to know, honey, that I love you so, so much. And I’m here for you always.

I love you too, Mom. Come here.

[chuckles] Oh. Now, I know this is gonna hurt, but why don’t we get you changed and go out and get some fresh air?

[groans]

I know. I know.

I don’t want to.

Mm.

Girl, we’ve got some catching up to do.

Are you out of your mind? You just missed Eric. What if he’d have seen you?

Oh, relax. I hid around the corner and waited for him to leave.

Oh, God, I’m surprised he didn’t smell you.

[sniffs] Oh, must be the eau de faux turkey from my Christmas dinner at the men’s shelter.

Leo, it’s really bad.

Well, I would have taken a shower before I came to see you, but I couldn’t snag a shower slot for another three days. And I am not going to be there for another three days, no way, nohow, because you are not going to put me off again. Do you understand me? And you’re not gonna accuse me of kidnapping your child who isn’t really your child when I was trying to be a responsible citizen. I merely used my acute powers of observation to give a legitimate tip to the Salem PD.

Yeah, look, I’m really sorry about that. I–

Oh, yeah, yeah, I’m sure you are. Not nearly as sorry as you are going to be when this is all over.

Paulina, when was your last physical?

Oh. Well, I don’t know. Sometime before I moved to Salem.

Mama!

I’ve been busy.

I’m just asking because your report here doesn’t indicate an enlarged thyroid on your last visit, so I don’t know if it’s a new growth or if they just didn’t check it.

Yeah, well, you know what? But let’s–let’s cut to the chase, Kayla, please. Do you think this is cancer?

Can I help you put it on?

[dramatic music]

[sighs] All right. Thank you.

Beautiful.

It really is.

I wasn’t talking about the necklace.

Harris, we can’t do this.

Why? Why not? I still feel something between us. I think you do too. I just don’t understand why you’re pushing me away.

So you and Harris are…

It’s over.

[holiday music] We couldn’t risk being found out by him. So… as much as this really hurts now… I did what had to be done.

Hmm.

[dramatic music]

Is there something you’re not telling me?

[sighs, sniffles]

Clyde Weston? What does he have to do with you?

Well, initially, I said that this was all my fault, but this is actually because of you.

[chuckles] Excuse me?

Clyde needed somebody to run his drug operation. And since you declined–

He moved on to the next DiMera brother.

Mm. He used Gabi as leverage, threatened to harm her if I didn’t do his bidding for him.

The Bistro, of course. That’s why you had a sudden interest in the restaurant business.

Initially, we were just supposed to launder drug money through there, but eventually, he forced us to move the actual product through the place.

Us meaning you and Ava Vitali?

He threatened her son’s life, and now she is in as much of a bind as I’m in, and…

[sighs] If I make one wrong move, somebody pays the price.

My God, you need to extricate yourself from this situation immediately.

Well, that’s the idea, EJ, but I can’t do it alone. So the question is, do you hate Gabi so much that you’re willing to let her die? Or are you gonna help me out?

Well, I can tell you from physical examination that you do have a nodule on your thyroid.

OK. Well, is that serious?

Well, the vast majority are benign. And you have very classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. And if that’s what we are dealing with, we’ll treat this with a simple thyroid hormone pill every day.

One little pill, that’s it?

Yes, I am going to schedule your blood work to check your hormone levels, OK? And I’m also gonna get you a referral to an endocrinologist. She’ll probably want to do a fine needle biopsy just to be safe.

A biopsy?

It’s relatively painless. And the odds are in your favor. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

[exhales heavily]

Oh, it is such a beautiful day, although I could use some snow. Everyone loves a white Christmas, right?

[festive music]

Mom.

Yeah?

I know I said I wasn’t ready to talk about it before, but now that my headache’s not as bad, well, you might as well know…

OK.

That I was never really into Tate. I just pretended to be.

Well, I mean, you did say before that whatever it was that made you upset last night was between you and Johnny.

Right. And the truth is… I like him, like, a lot.

Oh.

But, Mom, I did the stupidest thing. I drunk-dialed him and I told him that last night. I mean, I think I told him. I don’t really remember exactly what I said, but I know I’m so humiliated.

Honey, I’m–I’m so sorry. I’m sure Johnny understands that you were drinking.

I hope so.

Mm. And aside from the fact that Johnny has a girlfriend and he– he is much older than you are, I also think he just thinks of you as a little sister.

I know, but… I’m kind of obsessed with him. I mean, like, I can barely breathe when I’m around him, and my stomach, it gets– it gets all fluttery. And I think maybe… I love him.

Honey, these–these feelings you’re having, now, I’m not saying they’re not real, OK? But when it’s one-sided, it’s not love. It’s infatuation. And if you have to jump through all these hoops just to get this one guy’s attention, then–

Hey, Ho–Holly.

Oh.

Hey.

Eric.

Happy birthday.

Oh, thanks.

Yeah. Nicole. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[sighs]

You know, at first, I was gonna take him for a drive, but I thought it might be a little too cold. And then I discovered that it wasn’t, so I found myself in this–

OK. You know what? I’m sorry, this–this is making me really uncomfortable, and I’m–I’m sure it is for you too. And I can’t apologize enough for what I did.

Nicole, I know you wouldn’t bring any harm to Jude when you took him. I know that.

OK, but I’m sure you don’t want me around your baby.

No, that’s not true.

Well, maybe not for you, but I’m sure your wife would beg to differ.

[chuckles]

Stop threatening me, Leo.

Well, asking nicely hasn’t done the trick, has it? sighs] Look, I know how much you love that kid. When you thought I had kidnapped him, you almost spilled everything to the cops. You risked prison to let them know I may have had a motive for kidnapping him. Thankfully for both of us, it didn’t come to that. But since I know how far you are willing to go for the sake of Jude, I know you’re willing to pay me whatever it takes to keep my mouth shut. Am I right?

[dramatic music]

OK. I have your lab slip and a referral for a really outstanding endocrinologist here on staff.

Oh, wonderful.

We cannot thank you enough, Dr. Johnson.

Well, you know, there possibly is a way you could thank me.

Oh, what’s that?

I need to fill in for Santa last-minute. I think I’m probably the only one that would do that for the annual kids’ Christmas party. And I’m also supposed to read the Christmas story. And I just can’t do both. So I was wondering maybe you could spare Chanel for a little bit so she could read the story for me.

Chanel?

Sure. Yeah, I’ll do it.

Oh, wait a minute. Wait–wait a minute, why not me? Unless you want to do it, honey.

No, not if you want to.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

Well, that would be great. It would be an honor to have the mayor read to the children, as long as you’re feeling up to it.

Kayla, I can’t count the times that I’ve asked the Lord to give me strength and he’s answered my prayers. It would take a lot more than a little nodule to keep me from sharing that nativity story with those children.

[sighs]

Oh.

Look, if you hadn’t taken the draconian step of sending my Dimitri to Supermax, I may have been willing to settle for my initial set of demands.

Your initial set of demands were absolutely ridiculous. I couldn’t have possibly given you what you asked, let alone more.

Well, let’s start with this. You are a rich lawyer. I don’t have a penny to my name or a roof over my head. And you are going to give me both. Got it?

[festive music]

I told Sloan that it’s very unlikely that we were gonna run into each other. And I hope that we can keep it from being awkward, right?

Yeah, I hope so too. And I just want you to know that… I’m–I’m getting help. I start therapy with Marlena this week.

I’m really glad to hear that, Nicole. Holly, you OK?

Oh. Well, EJ and I went away last night, and Holly decided to celebrate her birthday on her own.

Jeez, Mom, tell the whole world.

Oh, it’s OK. I’m not gonna tell anyone, I promise. You know I don’t condone that, but I do have some good advice.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah. It’s called a good, greasy breakfast will do the trick.

Really?

Oh, yeah, it could really help.

[laughter]

You know what? Actually, Salem Inn, they got a great Christmas buffet. If–maybe you want to– you want to grab a plate and we could be old friends?

I’d like that.

Well, if that’s the case, then so would I.

Great.

What do you think I could do to get Clyde off your back?

Oh, come on, EJ.

[dramatic music] I know you have the DiMera enforcement team at your disposal.

Exactly what are you implying?

You know I never wanted any part of that business, but I am stuck. I need to get rid of Clyde Weston, and you have the means to help me out. Now, you know I would not come to you unless I was desperate, and I am desperate now. I am begging you to help me, EJ, please. You got to help me.

[dramatic music]

There’s nothing that I’m not telling you. It’s just– Look, I don’t want to be with a guy who’s got a wandering eye. I mean, is it that hard to understand?

Yes, it is, because I only have eyes for you. I want to spend every moment I can with you.

OK, well, I’m sure you’re not gonna have much free time. Right? Work’s got to be keeping you busy. And I mean–

[sighs] I mean, any progress with that drug ring?

No. I mean, nothing concrete, but it keeps getting worse by the day. And as you know there’s a whole lot of collateral damage when it comes to drugs.

Yeah, it’s horrible. It’s tragic.

It is. And that’s why I’m not gonna stop until I bring whoever’s responsible to justice and make them pay.

Family first. That’s always been the DiMera credo. Even when we bickered and backstabbed, Father could always find a way to unite us against a common threat.

Exactly. And you want revenge against Clyde as much as I do.

Oh, yeah. But I haven’t taken it yet, have I?

[sighs] You see… I’m not the old EJ anymore who would take those kinds of risks, consequences be damned. I have a wife who desperately needs me right now, and I do not want to subject her to anything more than what she’s already going through.

Nicole’s not the one being threatened, EJ. It’s Gabi.

Gabi? Gabi, my nemesis? And Ava, my other nemesis? I am also the DA, Stefan. I am on the other side of the law now.

Mm.

So I’m sorry. I can’t help you. I won’t help you.

A roof over your head? I can barely afford this place, and I’m supporting a child now.

Hmm. I see you bought a lovely rocking horse for said child. Must have cost almost as much as a real one. Yeah, I think you can afford to set me up at the Salem Inn indefinitely, upper floor, full minibar, unlimited room service.

I can’t do that. It would cost a fortune.

Well, then take out a loan or rob a bank. Or better yet, become a grande horizontale. That’s a woman of the night, and I think it would suit you well. Anyway, I’m sure you will find a way to support me in the style I am eager to become reaccustomed to. That is, if you want to keep your child.

I can’t believe how small he is.

Mm, you were that small once, a mere years ago. I can’t believe how long it’s been.

Me neither.

Can I hold him?

[baby fussing]

Sure.

[festive music]

Hi there.

Hey, just remember to hold him behind the neck just like that.

Hey, Jude. My name’s Holly. It’s nice to meet you.

[baby babbling]

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! children: Merry Christmas!

OK, boys and girls, we’re gonna give our attention to Mayor Price here as she reads the Christmas story.

[laughs] Thank you. “And it came to pass in those days “that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus “that all the world should be registered. “This census first took place “when Quirinius was governing Syria. “So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. “Joseph also went up from Galilee, “out of the city of Nazareth “into Judea to the city of David, “which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house “and lineage of David, to be registered “with Mary, his betrothed wife who was with child. “And she brought forth her firstborn son “and wrapped him in swaddling clothes “and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.”

Paulina, that was wonderful, truly. Thank you.

[chuckles] It’s amazing how much energy a little good news can give a person.

[chuckles] Oh! Oh, come on, baby. Let’s eat, then we can go home and get ready for Abe to come over.

Have I told you what an inspiration you are?

Oh, child, tell me over breakfast. I’m starving.

[laughs]

Thank you.

No problem. Thank you.

[dramatic music]

Well… good luck bringing those dealers to justice.

Thank you.

Harris… You know, this–this necklace–

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

I don’t want–

Ava, I thought it was settled. I can’t–I can’t return it. I just want–I–please.

OK, but–

I want you to have it.

I don’t want it, OK? I’m not–I’m not gonna wear it.

Well, then just– I don’t know, just put it away… for the future. I’m not giving up on you, Ava, not without a fight.

I wish you would.

Never.

[sighs]

You can’t really expect my help, Stefan, not after you and Gabi kicked me out of my own damn company. And as for Ava, she nearly killed my mother to get revenge on me. Why the hell would I even lift a finger to help her?

Don’t think of it as being charitable, EJ. Think of it as you getting revenge on Clyde Weston.

He’s not worth it.

Oh.

Not to me. I will not jeopardize the family and the career I’ve worked so hard to build.

Mm.

And since I’m the DA, Stefan, let me remind you that if you get yourself into trouble, you could find yourself in a cell at Statesville. Look at the bright side. They could put you in the one right next to Gabi.

[groans]

[sniffles]

[sighs]

So, Mom, you’re not gonna tell anyone else about what I did, right?

Who, me? I wouldn’t tell a soul.

[chuckles]

Come on. Please!

Aw. Who would believe me anyway? I mean, look at this sweet little innocent face. Ooh. Do you remember how sweet she was when she was little?

Oh, she was so sweet and stubborn.

Oh, yes. You were stubborn.

Mm, stubborn.

Here we go.