Days of Our Lives Transcript
Transcript provided by Thane and Suzanne
THIS STILL NEEDS SOME EDITING!
Ah, Chanel, Paulina, I am so sorry. I was putting out a small fire.
Oh, and I understand that. I mean, you’re the chief of staff, for heaven’s sake. And I know you have a tremendous workload.
Well, yes, I do.
And so do I. Kayla, I have meetings. I am missing emails to answer, budget proposals to write. And I’ve already squandered half the day just sitting around here just twiddling my thumbs.
Mama is not a patient person.
So I noticed.
I admit that. I admit that. God knows patience is not my strong suit, especially not now, when I am mayor of this wonderful city, and I simply cannot afford to neglect my duties. So please, please, Kayla, just give me whatever prescriptions I need so I can get rid of whatever this lump thing is on my neck so I can just leave this hospital and get on with my life!
[sighs]
Nicole, I’m glad you made it in.
Thank you for taking the time to see me, Marlena.
It’s my pleasure. Why don’t you sit down?
Okay.
Thanks. Have you been in therapy before?
Here and there. Not nearly as much as I probably should have been, considering my childhood. I mean, you know my– my father was abusive, and it led me to some self-destructive behaviors. And, uh…
[somber music] Right now, uh– oh, gosh, Marlena. I’m so nervous I can’t even think right now. Um… and I’m starting to get second thoughts about this. I’m not sure this was a good idea.
Why would that be?
Well, first of all, you’re Eric’s mother. Hmm.
Oh.
He’s sound asleep.
After a few hundred laps around the square.
Yeah. Well, that’s one way to get a workout.
Well, how lucky am I, running into Salem’s perfect little family? Out for a day of fun, I assume?
Yes, Leo, we’re having some quality family time. So if you don’t mind.
What do you think of my new duds? They were under my Christmas tree. Oh, wait, I don’t have a Christmas tree, because I don’t have a proper home– yet. But I’m planning on buying one soon. Just looking for a nice little house, preferably a contemporary. Nothing too lavish, just in the K range. Anyway, I will admit, I was expecting coal under the tree this year. But Santa must have had a change of heart, because he was surprisingly nice to naughty old me.
[dramatic music]
[soft orchestration] announcer: Like sands through the hourglass, so are the “Days of Our Lives.”
[grunting, panting] Oh. Oh.
[groaning] Ahh! What’s happening?
[dramatic music]
[muffled screaming]
Nicole.
Yeah?
You know that everything we say today will be confidential? And I know you understand that I am completely impartial, but if you would rather see a different therapist, that’s completely fine.
Actually, no. No, I don’t. I–and I do know that you would be impartial, like you said. And I know you’re the best. I…
[sighs] I just wanted to address the elephant in the room. That’s all.
I understand.
And I do think you would be helpful, and not just because you’re a gifted therapist, but because I know through Eric that you– you went through what I went through. You lost an infant.
Yes, I lost my son to SIDS. Tell me how you feel about losing your child.
[sniffles]
[sighing]
[somber music] I think the–the hardest thing about losing him… I just–there’s this urge I feel. Sometimes it hits me out of nowhere, and sometimes it wakes me up at night.
Talk about the urge.
It’s the urge to nurse my baby. You know, the milk came down after I gave birth to him, and he was–he was taken away so quickly. And–and it stopped pretty soon after that. But the urge, it’s still there. And I still, so badly– I want to hold my little boy and nurse him and love him. And does that feeling ever go away, Marlena, that– that urge, that need to love him?
Look, we’re trying to have a nice morning as a family.
And you will, as soon as your lovely wife and I have discussed some pressing business. She is my lawyer, as you know.
Eric, I’m so sorry. Do you mind just giving Leo and I a moment, please?
Yeah. You know what? I can get us some snacks and stuff. I must have left my wallet at home.
Here.
[clears throat] Here.
Thank you. I’ll be right over here.
[tense music]
Where’d you get that suit?
Ah, do you love it? I ordered it online from Bergdorf Goodman, fabulous department store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan immediately across town from where I used to live. Oh, how I do miss those Zabar’s bagels and Katz’s pastrami like you died and went to heaven.
You used my credit card, didn’t you?
Very impressed to find out that you have a $, limit.
My God, you can’t keep doing this. It’s costing me a fortune as it is just to put you up at the Salem Inn.
Oh, my suite, by the way– major upgrade from that dingy little room I used to share with Gwennie. Lovely view, very comfy king-sized bed.
Oh, my God, when is it going to end?
Honey, it ends whenever you’re ready to give up your baby, to give that precious little boy back to his real mother.
[groans]
[door opens] Where am I?
[footsteps approaching]
[eerie music] Who’s there? Answer me!
[dramatic music] You.
Paulina, I understand you wanting to get on with your life. But before I can prescribe any prescription, I need to have an accurate diagnosis.
And how long will that take?
Mama, please just let Kayla explain.
Okay, okay. Go on, Kayla.
Well, first off, for today’s test, the doctor will numb the area, take a small tissue sample. The procedure only takes a couple of moments, and it’s usually tolerated very well. In the meantime, though, I did get the lab results back from the test that you took at Christmas Eve. And as I suspected, your thyroid hormone level is low and there are some anti-thyroid antibodies in your blood.
And what does that mean?
It means that your body is causing your thyroid gland to not work as efficiently as it should. And as I told you before, it’s a very common condition, especially for women over 50.
And, um, is that what’s caused this, uh, lump in my neck?
Possibly, yes.
Well, if that’s the case, and it’s not cancer, why do I need a biopsy?
[chuckles softly] When I found out I was pregnant with the baby I lost, I mean, it was, you know, such a surprise. You know, I was in a relationship with EJ, and I hadn’t used birth control in years, so I just thought I could never get pregnant. Well, turns out it wasn’t the case.
[chuckles softly]
But you were happy about the pregnancy?
No, no, not–not– not in the beginning. I was too scared to be happy. I was scared I was gonna have another stillbirth and…
[dramatic music] You know, I’ve never told anyone this up until now. But I even considered having an abortion, but only for a brief moment, because…
[sighs]
Because?
Because you know that Eric and I got together when we were high on those tainted biscuits. And until I knew for sure from the DNA test, I thought there was a chance that he could be the father too. I don’t know. I–so I put all my fears aside, and I continued with the pregnancy.
I’m not sure I understand.
With everything that Eric has been through, knowing how much he’s wanted to be a father, I was not going to deprive him of that.
So let’s see. The list, the list which I will email you once I get back to my suite– I would like three or four round trip flights, maybe five, depending on how busy I am. First class, of course, to New York for my Zabar’s bagels and Katz’s pastrami.
Okay, I’ve heard enough. This is–
Ooh, and I’m planning on learning the piano, so I’m going to need a Yamaha Genos -key digital workstation, which retails for about $,. I’ve done the research.
Damn it, Leo, I have no savings. I am still trying to pay off my law school loans. Do you really think I’d be living in a studio apartment in a crappy neighborhood if I was as wealthy as you seem to think that I am?
Hmm. Well, now I’m concerned about you, if you’re as destitute as you claim to be. But if you’re so hard up for cash, why not give the baby back to his filthy rich real parents?
Eric and I are his real parents.
[scoffs] Oh, okay. Well, then I guess you’ll have to get a smaller rental apartment in a crappier neighborhood so you can afford to support me in the manner to which I plan on becoming accustomed. Sorry, Toots, them’s the breaks.
You remember me?
Uh-huh. What do you want?
You were supposed to leave Salem weeks ago, as I recall. And I also recall telling you to stay the hell away from Maggie. But here you are, still lurking around, trying to worm your way back into her life.
That is not true. And not that you require an explanation, but I had every intention of leaving, going back to Greece, flying back on Christmas night. But as you can see, I am in no shape to travel in this condition.
Bull.
Oh, you can sneer all you want, Mr. Johnson. But even you, with your one eye, can see that my ankle is bandaged and very swollen.
Hmm.
Ow! Not that I owe you any defense or explanation, but you owe me one! Why are you doing this? Why are you harassing me, subjecting me to such humiliation? What the hell did I do? What do you want?
Paulina, I understand your skepticism about the biopsy, given the likelihood that you probably have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that can easily be treated with meds. But there is a possibility that thyroid cancer cells could coexist with this condition, and I’d like to rule that out before we make a diagnosis.
Okay, yeah, that makes sense.
Well, not to me, because I would know if I had cancer, Kayla. I would have symptoms, and I don’t. I’m just–all I am is tired because I don’t get enough sleep.
Okay, Mama, and that may be true. But will you just do the test for me, please? And wouldn’t it be nice to just have a peace of mind and know exactly 100% what’s going on?
[sighs]
Hmm?
[scoffs] All right, fine, I’ll do it.
Thank you, Mama. She’ll do it.
Okay, then I will get that biopsy scheduled.
Soon, please. I need to get out of here and get on with my life.
Okay, you said that already, Mama.
Yeah, well, it bears repeating. Oh, I do not have time to be sick.
[scoffs] So you plan to bankrupt me, huh? That’s your big–big plan?
No, my plan is for Leo Stark to finally live a charmed life. And not that I have any interest in settling your jangled nerves, but just so you know, I will soon be doing my part to supplement my income from the Peterson endowment.
What are you talking about, your part?
I am planning to– drum roll, please– go back to “The Spectator,” get my old job back, resume my Lady Whistleblower column. That way, I will a steady stream of income and a huge audience if ever there is a huge secret that needs to be blown sky high, which there will be. There always is. Anyway, I hear that Saxton is having a huge post-Christmas blowout sale, so I’ve got to get going. Hey, do this. Do this to your cheeks real quick. You might want to get a little color into them before your hubby gets back. You are looking positively cadaverous right now, pale as a sheet. Huh.
[dramatic music]
Nicole, are you saying that the reason you decided not to terminate the pregnancy was because you didn’t want to deprive– you didn’t want to potentially deprive Eric of being a father?
That was the main reason.
But not the only reason?
[somber music]
No. Marlena, I–I love EJ. I do. But Eric, oh… I still care about him. And I miss him. And if I’m being honest with you and with myself… In my heart… I wanted that baby I lost to be Eric’s.
[sobbing]
What I want is for you to leave Salem.
How is it your business where I go and what I do?
I’ll tell you how it’s my business. I care about Maggie. She’s family to me, and I won’t let you use her or lie to her anymore.
[tense music] You are gonna leave the country, and I never want to see you near Maggie Kiriakis again. You hear me?
[scoffs]
Do you hear me?
I will not leave the country, and you can go to hell!
[soft music]
Hey, Chanel.
Oh.
Mayor Price.
Oh, happy new year, Johnny. What brings you here?
Oh, I thought you guys might like a little home baking after a long day of waiting in the hospital.
Thank you, Johnny. That’s very sweet of you.
Very thoughtful of you. Oh, Johnny– but you know, I think I will wait until after my biopsy to indulge.
You’re having a biopsy?
Mm-hmm, and she is not happy about it.
Only because I think it’s not necessary.
Uh, Johnny, with your permission, is it okay if we share your experience?
Yeah, you mean what we talked about the other day? Yes, it’s totally fine.
Okay. Mama, Johnny is a cancer survivor.
Yeah, when I was a kid, I had retinoblastoma in my left eye.
And they had to remove it to save his life.
So this one is a prosthetic.
What? I would never know. Oh, but you have beautiful eyes, Johnny, both of them.
Well, thank you very much. But yeah, it was a– it was a tough time, especially for my parents ’cause I was honestly kind of too young to even understand what was going on. But what I do know is that having the cancer detected really early is what saved my life. So I’m very grateful.
Yeah, I’m sure you are. But uh, I still don’t understand what all this has to do with me.
Well, Mama, we all know that early detection of cancer is what makes it curable. And Johnny is a great example of someone who is perfectly healthy because they were able to treat the cancer before it spread.
Yeah, that’s true.
Yeah, well, thank God it was treated early and now Johnny is healthy and cancer-free. But as for me, well, even though I agreed to this biopsy, I just know that these test results are gonna show that this lump in my neck is not serious at all, and certainly not cancer.
Okay, and I too am optimistic that it isn’t cancer. But Mama, because you are important to me and to a whole lot of people, I think it’s best to be % sure, okay? Because we want you around for a very long time.
And I promise you, I will be. Paulina Price will not go gently into that good night.
[chuckles] Ooh, ooh, that you can be sure of, okay?
I mean, if EJ heard me say that– if–if he knew I wanted the baby to be Eric’s– I mean, just saying it out loud to you and admitting it to myself is–
[inhales deeply] Oh…
Tell me how you felt when you found out that the baby wasn’t Eric’s.
[sighs] Well, if I’m being honest– and that’s what I’m supposed to be here, right? I’m supposed to be honest with my feelings?
That is the only way this process works.
[somber music]
Then the truth is, I was disappointed that the baby wasn’t Eric’s, because I guess a part of me just thought it would have been a sign.
A sign?
A sign that we were meant to be together.
So if you had been given a sign, does that mean that you would have left EJ?
I, uh… well… oh, my God. Oh, my God. I’m supposed to say, “Of course not, definitely not.” But I…
[groans]
But you can’t?
No, I can’t, because I– I don’t know– because maybe I’m not sure. Oh, my God, this is ridiculous. What am I doing? This was a while ago. And things have changed, and Eric is married to Sloan, and they have a child. And EJ and I are building a life together. And–and you should have seen how excited EJ was to get the DNA results, knowing now that– that he is the baby’s father. And he was looking so forward to raising this child with me. And that–that is when I stopped being disappointed and I started to– to focus on being a loving partner to EJ and to having a healthy baby and to listening to my doctor and taking all the precautions. And then I– I had my–my beautiful little miracle. And if it wasn’t– if it wasn’t for that car accident, my– my baby would be alive. EJ’s and my little boy would be alive.
[sobbing]
Okay.
Oh, here you are.
Yes, I am, with some healthy treats.
Ooh.
And I got you the granola bars you like.
[gasps] Oh, yes, yes, yes.
By the way, your credit card was declined.
Was it?
Yeah, but it’s not a big deal because the cashier was kind enough to let me take the granola bars without paying for them. But I said, “I’ll be back tomorrow with the $ that I owe you.”
Huh. Well, that’s weird. I don’t know why it would be declined. Maybe I missed a payment or something. I don’t know.
Oh, I must say, I am a huge proponent of retail therapy. I mean, who needs antidepressants when you can achieve the same goal spending a few K on a leather jacket, a Louis Vuitton backpack, and a couple of cashmere sweaters? Oh, my spirits are soaring.
Who the hell do you think you are? You can’t force me out of the country.
Well, that’s where you’re wrong. You see, because my friend and I have connections with the ISA. And we can definitely make that happen, and we will, so let’s move.
[groans]
[dramatic music]
[groans]
[tense music]
One week, that’s it.
And then you’re out of Maggie’s life, and Salem, for good.
[groaning]
[panting]
Did your, uh, mom head off to get her biopsy?
She did. Um, Johnny, thank you for letting me share your experience. I think it gave her perspective, you know?
Good, I, uh– I hope so.
I just can’t wait to get these results back so that we can get on with the rest of our day.
Speaking of which, what did you have in mind for New Year’s Eve tonight? Did you want to do anything? I hear the Bistro is supposed to be having a super sweet party.
Uh, I think that, given everything that’s happened with Mama today, it’s best that we play it by ear for our evening plans.
Yeah, that’s fine by me. Hey, we could, um– we could just stay in, watch “It’s A Wonderful Life,” since we didn’t get to the other day.
I’d like that, actually.
Yeah, we could do a little wine, a little cuddling.
Yeah, that sounds perfect. And Johnny, thank you for being here with me today.
There’s nowhere else that I would rather be, okay? And Chanel, no matter what they find, your mom is a fighter, okay? She’s gonna be fine.
Yeah, yeah, she better be, because I cannot imagine my life without her.
Come here.
[soft music]
[sniffles] I’m sorry. Uh, you know, EJ and I have grown closer since the loss of the baby. I mean, he’s–he’s been so understanding and kind. And even when I– when I stole Eric and Sloan’s baby from the square and brought him home, he– he didn’t judge me. I mean, he urged me to do the right thing. And even Eric understood, and Sloan, not so much. But Eric found it in his heart to forgive me, and I’m grateful for that.
And have you found a way in your heart to forgive yourself?
[soft music]
[inhales deeply] Yeah, I have.
I’m glad. Nicole, what do you see next for yourself?
Well, uh, I know that not only am I blessed with a loving husband, but I have a–a wonderful daughter. And she’s so kind and smart, my precious Holly.
[laughs] And I know she’s had some– some difficulties in her childhood. She lost her father, and she moved around a lot. And now she’s grieving the loss of her little brother too and– and dealing with her mother’s sadness. But I want to focus on her, and I want to give her some stability.
[sobbing] And she’s– oh… I know soon that she’s gonna be moving out and living on her own. And I just– I just want to spend this time with her because Holly is my joy. She’s my joy. That’s what I want.
[laughs]
So I’ve been, uh, doing some thinking.
Uh-oh.
No, it’s all good thoughts. It’s–although it’s related to not so positive realizations.
Mm-hmm. And that is?
That is raising a kid is– it’s expensive. You know, with schools and lessons and saving up for college.
All right, baby, what are you getting at here? I’m thinking it’s time for me to make a career change, you know, setting up my photography full time.
Eric, you know I’ve always believed in your talent. Remember when we first started dating, and I was pushing you to get back into it, and we even went and looked at studios together?
We did. I just think now is the perfect time.
Definitely. I mean, we have grandparents to watch Jude when you and I both work.
Oh, my God, they’d be so thrilled. And you know, owning my own business, it would allow me to have more flexible hours.
Oh, honey, no, we’re gonna work all of that out together, though, as a family.
[sighs] And now I must drop all these off in my suite so I can move on to round two of my shopping spree. Or is it round three? Oh, is that Johnny DiMera I see in all his youthful glory? It is.
Not now, Leo.
Oh, come on, don’t be a party pooper. Listen, do you happen to have any juicy stories you care to share?
Uh, no. And even if I did, I sure as hell wouldn’t share them with you.
Oh, well, then how about sharing an evening with me?
What?
I know it’s last minute, but it’s New Year’s Eve. Do you have any plans, you cute thing?
[chuckles]
Nicole, I hope this session was helpful for you.
[soft music]
Yes, it was. And Marlena, I would like to continue seeing you if you could fit me in your schedule.
I’m glad. And there will always be time in my schedule for you.
Thank you. You know, talking about my feelings, I feel very hopeful that, uh… That I’m actually optimistic about my recovery and about the new year.
I’ve never felt so happy. I mean, I’ve always wanted to be a father, and it’s just now that it’s happened, it’s exceeded my expectations.
I feel the same way. I love you and our son so much, I– and I know that our love is just gonna continue to be deeper and stronger. Nothing’s ever gonna tear us apart.
[chuckles] Okay, wait. Let me get this straight. You can’t possibly be asking me out on a date, can you, for New Year’s Eve?
Why can’t I? I’m single. You’re single. Your twin sister’s bi, which means there’s a very good chance you are too.
Actually, I’m not bi. And even if I were bi or gay, you are the last person that I would want to go out with on New Year’s Eve, or any other night, for that matter. So what I recommend you do, Leo, is get on a dating site. I don’t know. ObnoxiousTwerps.com might be a good one for you. You can find your date there, because I am spoken for. Happy New Year.
Hmm, we’ll see about that.
I was able to get a rush on the biopsy results, and they came back suspicious, unfortunately.
What does that mean?
Well, we’re not exactly sure yet, but the pathology report is showing similarities to cancer cells. We’re gonna need to run more tests to know exactly what we’re dealing with.
Oh. I understand. And well, whatever’s determined, I will deal with it. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a warrior.
Oh, I’ve noticed, and I think anybody who knows you knows it.
Yeah. Right. Also, I have so much support and love in my life. And I know–I know I’ll get through this, whatever it is.
Of course you will, Mama. Of course you will.
[sighs]
[dramatic music]
[panting] Those eyes. I know those eyes. Could it really be him?
All right, we’ve got to clean up and lock up.
Little basement sure came in handy.
Yeah. I’m gonna text Rico and thank him for letting us borrow it.
I hope we finally got through to Constantine. Slimy bastard, taking advantage of a grieving widow.
Yeah. That guy’s lower than scum.
He is. If we didn’t get through to him, we got no choice but to take this to the next level.
Back to the Days Transcripts Page
Back to the Main Daytime Transcripts Page
Follow Us!
