Tag: Days

Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Chad visits Abigail’s grave with flowers and wishes her a Merry Christmas.

Gwen sets the table at home, while on the phone with Leo. Gwen talks about Leo getting a spot at the Kiriakis Mansion. Gwen tells him that she has no details to share since she didn’t have to help Xander out of that jam after all. Gwen adds that she made sure to let Xander know that he still owes her one. Chad’s son Thomas then walks in and questions why he owes her one.

Xander is at home, reading The Intruder article about Ava saying her dead son made her do it. Xander remarks that Ava lost the last of her marbles which he calls a Christmas miracle. Sarah comes out of the bathroom and asks what he said about a Christmas miracle. Xander responds that if he told her, it wouldn’t come true. Sarah says that’s a birthday wish. Xander jokes that he was saying it’d be a miracle if they make it to the party at Doug and Julie’s in time given how much preparing she was doing. Xander tells her that she looks lovely and jokes that they can skip the party and go straight to the afterparty. Sarah gives Xander a Christmas present that she says has to be opened tonight. Xander opens it and it’s his personal Christmas ornament with his name on it to add to the Horton Christmas Tree.

Doug is on the phone with Hope at home as Julie walks in with the box of ornaments. Doug wishes Hope a Merry Christmas and hands the phone to Julie. Julie wishes she was here with them now. Julie says she loves her and hangs up. They note that Hope sounds in good spirits. Julie says Hope is devoted to her skating students but wishes she wasn’t long distance. Julie calls this the first Christmas that they won’t have one child or any of their grandchildren with them as Hope is in Montreal while Ciara and Ben are sailing the ocean with little Bo, and Shawn and Belle went to Africa to be with Claire. Julie feels for Eli being away from Lani and comments on he and the twins being so far away in Maryland. Julie wishes she could see them with her own eyes. Eli then appears with the twins, Carver and Jules, and says he thinks that can be arranged. Julie is thrilled and excitedly rushes to hug Eli as he wishes her a Merry Christmas. Julie asks if Doug knew they were coming. Doug responds that he was sworn to secrecy. Julie says she’s so thrilled and she can’t believe they are really here. Julie asks how Eli managed to cross country from Maryland with the twins all by himself. Eli responds that he’s learned to do a lot of things on his own since Lani went away.

Sarah explains to Xander that the ornament is for the Horton tree. Xander thought that was just for family. Sarah responds that he is family since he is her husband. Xander responds that he doesn’t feel worthy of having an ornament on her family’s tree.

Chad talks at Abigail’s grave about how tonight is her family’s big Christmas tree trimming party. Chad mentions that he will bring the kids tomorrow to wish Abigail a Merry Christmas. Chad vows that he will do his best to make Christmas okay for the kids because that’s what she would want. Chad says some people say it gets easier with time, but he misses her more and not less. Chad adds that he will see to it that the kids will have joy on Christmas because they will be surrounded by a lot of people that loved Abigail. Chad tells Abigail that he will love her forever as he leaves the flowers at her grave. Jennifer then arrives and joins Chad, asking where else she would be. Chad thought Jack was picking her up from the airport. Jennifer says that she knew Jack was on grandpa duty so she took a car service. Chad states that Abigail should be there with them as he hugs Jennifer.

Gwen tells Leo that she will call him back and hangs up. Gwen tells Thomas that she didn’t see or hear him come in. Gwen asks if he shouldn’t be upstairs getting ready for the party. Thomas responds that he’s already ready. Gwen suggests he could help Charlotte get ready too. Thomas tells her that Jack is helping her. Thomas asks Gwen again why Xander owes her. Gwen tells him that it’s impolite to eavesdrop. Thomas comments that he wasn’t eavesdropping, she just talks loud. Thomas asks what she did for Xander. Gwen says she just did him a favor. Thomas asks what kind of favor.

Xander tells Sarah that an ornament with his name doesn’t belong in the hallowed family Christmas tree. Sarah understands he’s heard about how her family is filled with saints but says it’s also filled with sinners. Sarah tells Xander that her dad and her uncle Bill’s rivalry over Laura was so bad that it almost turned deadly. Sarah adds that Julie and her mother fell in love with the same ex-con, Doug. Xander is shocked to learn that Doug was an ex-con. Sarah says she won’t even get started on her cousins as that’s a whole other story. Sarah asks if Xander still thinks he’s not worthy. They are interrupted by a knock at the door, so Xander goes to answer the door.

Jack brings Charlotte in to the living room and tells Eli that it’s so good to see him with the twins. Doug declares that now it’s Christmas time. Jack suggests Charlotte take the twins upstairs to show them her playroom. Julie talks about Lucy the babysitter she has hired. Eli and Jack then take the kids upstairs. Julie and Doug agree that it’s wonderful and Christmas now. Eli comes back and says Jack’s in charge now. Julie asks Eli how he’s really coping. Eli admits it’s been tough. Doug is sure Valerie has been a great help. Eli confirms that he doesn’t know how he wouldn’t have done it without his mother and says the twins love her but she’s no substitute for Lani.

Gwen comments on Thomas being persistent. Thomas says he is curious. Gwen asks if he can keep a secret, so he nods. Gwen then claims that she helped Xander pick out Sarah’s Christmas present but he can’t say anything to anyone because Xander wouldn’t want Sarah to know that he needed help and this has to be their little secret. Jack then walks in and asks what they are conspiring about.

Maggie tells Xander and Sarah that she was on her way to Julie’s and figured she would swing by to see if they needed a lift. Xander thanks her and says that’s very thoughtful of her. Maggie feels like she walked in on something. Xander says they are all fine here but Sarah says they are not. Sarah tells Maggie that Xander is being hard on himself and has reservations about putting his ornament on the Horton family Christmas tree. Maggie tells Xander that Victor got his own ornament when they got married. Xander asks if the Hortons were okay with that. Maggie admits they were not exactly at first as some family members were crazy that Mickey’s widow had taken up with a reformed Greek mobster, but they got over it when they realized how much she and Victor loved each other. Maggie encourages that Xander is also reformed and a wonderful husband to Sarah. Maggie adds that he also rescued Bonnie from the sadistic kidnapping clown. Maggie tells Xander to face that he’s one of the good guys now as she calls him a hero.

Julie acknowledges this is the twins’ first Christmas without Lani. Eli comments that it’s not nearly as sad as what Thomas, Charlotte, and Chad are going through. Eli says the good news is that Lani will be eligible for parole in a year, so he can at least reassure his kids that Lani will be home soon while Chad can’t make that promise to his kids.

Jennifer apologizes to Chad for not being here for him more. Chad tells her that she had to take care of herself and she did that, so now she’s back. Jennifer talks about being back and facing the reality of losing Abigail is different without the crutch of getting high on pills. Jennifer feels less self-centered in her grief but more worried about Chad and how he and the kids are doing. Chad responds that they are managing. Chad admits that focusing on other work things has really helped. Jennifer mentions hearing that he’s working at Stephanie’s PR firm and asks how that’s going. Chad says it’s been a lifeline and praises Stephanie as a great boss and friend. Jennifer says it sounds like they’ve gotten close which Chad confirms. Jennifer mentions getting cold so Chad gives her his jacket and suggests they get going to the house where there will be lots of people who can’t wait to see her. Jennifer says that sounds good. Chad hugs her as Jennifer wishes Abigail a Merry Christmas. Chad and Jennifer then walk away together.

Julie tells Eli that she missed him so much. Eli says the kids are always asking about Doug and Julie. Julie is thrilled he’s here with the twins for Christmas and says she can’t imagine anything that would make this day any better. Chad walks in and asks if she’s sure about that as he brings in Jennifer which thrills Julie even more.

Gwen tells Jack that she and Thomas were just bonding. Jack is glad to hear that and suggests they get ready for more family bonding since Eli and the twins just got there. Gwen says she will meet them out there because she has to check on dessert in the kitchen. Jack then takes Thomas and says they’ll see Gwen soon. Gwen mutters that Thomas is a nosy little brat.

Sarah asks Maggie how Bonnie is doing. Maggie says she’s still suffering from the kidnapping and seeing demented clowns everywhere she looks. Sarah hopes Bonnie goes through with seeing a therapist. Maggie says that Bonnie is alive and well thanks to Xander and that they are all very grateful to him for his bravery. Sarah tells Xander that he has a very important appointment to keep with a certain Christmas tree and she intends to make sure he keeps it. Maggie jokes that he can’t argue with her. Xander admits he can’t fight off both of them.

Jack brings Thomas to the living room where he excitedly runs up to hug Jennifer and wishes her a Merry Christmas. Jennifer asks about Charlotte. Jack tells her that she’s upstairs with Jules and Carver and the babysitter Lucy. Jack asks why Jennifer didn’t let him pick her up at the airport. Jennifer looks to Chad and tells Jack that she had to make a quick stop first. Jack tells Jennifer that he missed her so much as they hug. Chad greets Eli and asks how he’s doing. Eli responds that he’s well and asks how Chad is. Chad says he’s just taking each day as it comes. Eli says that’s all he can do and he knows this Christmas will be tough for him and the kids. Chad says it will be for Eli too. Eli is thankful they have each other and that the kids are surrounded by many people who love them. Eli goes to check on the twins. Julie tells Doug that it’s turning out to be a lovely Christmas after all. Jennifer agrees that there’s nothing like being with family for the holidays as she hugs Thomas. Eli comes back with Charlotte, who joins Jennifer, Thomas, and Jack on the couch. Eli says that Jules and Carver went down for a nap as they wish each other a Merry Christmas. Julie mentions having to get the desserts but Jack informs her that Gwen is already doing that. Julie questions that and states that she and Allie are doing the desserts, so she heads to the kitchen. Eli jokes that Julie is on the warpath while Doug jokes that now it’s officially Christmas.

Julie enters the kitchen and questions what Gwen is doing. Gwen explains that British Christmas pudding is a Christmas tradition in the UK and remarks that she surely has room in her iron stomach for more than donuts. Julie argues that her grandmother created the recipe for those donuts and they are a Horton family legacy passed on through generations. Julie adds that Alice also created this home and warns Gwen to show a little respect. Gwen thinks Julie should show her respect since if it wasn’t for her, Jennifer would be spending the holidays in prison.

Sarah, Maggie, and Xander arrive at the Hortons. Sarah jokes that they were starting the party without them. Sarah and Jennifer hug, saying how good it is to see each other. Maggie wishes Jennifer and Jack a Merry Christmas. Jennifer says it’s so good to be home. Eli jokes that he heard Sarah finally made an honest man out of Xander. Eli welcomes Xander to the family and they shake hands. Xander thanks him and says that means a lot. Xander knows Eli and Lani didn’t always have the highest opinion of him. Eli says that changed after Xander helped rescue the twins from Vivian. Xander says he was glad to help and asks how Lani is doing. Eli says she’s counting down the days but she’ll be home soon. Sarah sends their love to her. Eli says he will tell Lani that Xander has changed his life and is making Sarah a very happy lady.

Julie argues that Gwen can’t be telling the truth and that this has to be another manipulation. Gwen assures it’s not and that she can ask Jennifer if she doesn’t believe her, but it might be stressful for Jennifer to have to relive the accident as she guesses it was quite traumatic for Jennifer to get behind the wheel while high and run down her stepdaughter. Gwen remarks that they wouldn’t want to trigger a relapse for her. Julie stops Gwen and questions what’s in it for her and why she’s keeping it a secret. Julie asks if she plans on blackmailing Jennifer or using it as a get out of jail free card. Gwen explains that she and Jennifer will never be friends but she is her father’s wife and she loves her father which is why she isn’t going to say anything. Gwen then asks Julie if there’s room at her Christmas party for her and her pudding. Julie tells her to go ahead but warns that there will never be room on the Horton Christmas tree for an ornament with her name on it. Gwen doesn’t think she will have much say in the matter but Julie argues that she always will, even if she has to send a directive from the great beyond. Julie then exits the kitchen.

Sarah tells Xander that she’s a bit chilly so she’s going upstairs to grab a sweater. Xander tells her to hurry back and kisses her. Sarah exits the room and runs in to Thomas. Sarah tells him that she hopes he’s having a nice Christmas. Thomas says it’s okay but he misses his mom. Sarah says they all do very much. Thomas mentions Chad saying that Abigail is watching over them from Heaven which Sarah assures that she is. Thomas then tells Sarah that he hopes she likes her present from Xander. Sarah says she’s sure she will. Thomas then adds that Aunt Gwen helped him pick it out which Sarah questions. Thomas then remembers it was supposed to be a secret and that Gwen only told him because he heard her on the phone. Sarah asks what he’s talking about. Thomas tells her that he heard Gwen tell somebody that Xander owed her one. Sarah tells Thomas that she will keep his secret.

Gwen enters the living room and greets Maggie. Gwen wishes Jennifer a Merry Christmas and says she’s glad that she is doing better. Gwen goes over to Xander and asks where Sarah is. Sarah then comes back in to the room and wishes Gwen a Merry Christmas. Gwen says the same to her. Julie announces that it’s time to trim the Horton Christmas Tree. Jennifer asks if Doug is going to sing for them this year and insists that he has to. Jennifer gets everyone to chant for Doug to sing. Doug then sings O Come All Ye Faithful and they all join in. Julie hangs her family’s ornaments. Maggie then hangs the ornaments for herself, Victor, and Mickey. Eli hangs the ornaments for himself, Lani, Jules, and Carver. Sarah brings Xander to the tree where they hang their ornaments as Gwen watches on. Jack and Jennifer hang their ornaments. Chad hangs Abigail’s ornament along with Charlotte and Thomas.

After everyone leaves, Doug tells Julie that she outdid herself. Julie says in spite of all the sadness of the year, she thinks tonight’s party was as lovely as it’s ever been. Doug agrees that Julie managed to lift everyone’s spirits with her generous heart. Julie tells Doug that she loves him so much. Doug tells her the same. Julie suggests they head to bed as they have another big day tomorrow. Doug can’t wait to spend Christmas Day with her. Julie tells him the same as they kiss.

Jennifer comes downstairs as Jack is texting Maggie to make sure she got home safe. Jack asks if the kids are all sleeping which Jennifer confirms they are. Jennifer adds that Eli is in bed too, totally exhausted. Jack says traveling with kids will do that. Jennifer asks if Jack wants to go to sleep too. Jack responds that sleep was not what he had in mind. Jennifer questions doing that in a house full of people. Jack jokes that he can be quiet and show her his stealth moves. They get interrupted by Jennifer’s phone ringing. Jack tells her to ignore it but it’s their son JJ, who called to wish them a Merry Christmas.

Gwen returns to the living room and looks at Xander’s ornament on the tree. Gwen remarks that at least someone will have a Merry Christmas..

Xander and Sarah return home and prepare for bed. Xander hopes Sarah had fun tonight. Sarah responds that she did until a certain point. Xander acknowledges that it was sad too with Abigail gone and Lani not being there, but her family was great and made him feel so welcome like he really belonged. Xander then gives her a Christmas present. Sarah questions him wanting her to open it now. Xander points out that it’s after midnight. Sarah then asks if this is the gift that Gwen helped him pick out for her which Xander questions. Sarah explains that’s what Gwen told Thomas as he apparently overheard Gwen telling someone that Xander owed her one. Xander tells Sarah that ran in to Gwen in the town square while he was shopping and she saw that he had no clue what to get her, so she agreed to help him. Sarah remarks that they’ll see what happens when Xander and Gwen put their heads together then. Sarah opens the present and it’s lingerie, which she questions that being what Gwen helped him pick out for her. Xander tries telling her Merry Christmas but Sarah is not pleased.

Chad returns to the living room and stands at the Christmas tree. Chad looks at Abigail’s ornament and says that he made it through his first Christmas Eve without her and he managed to stay strong for the kids. Chad thinks the kids had some fun. Chad says they are so sweet and brave. Chad mentions getting them some gifts from Abigail with things he thinks she may have gotten them. Chad hopes that helped them. Chad hears Abigail’s voice saying she’s sure it did. Chad then imagines Abigail appearing before him as the angel from the top of tree. Abigail tells Chad that she’s always there and that death won’t come between a love like theirs. Chad tells her that he misses her. Abigail encourages Chad to be strong for himself because there is so much left for him to do and so much joy for him to feel. Abigail declares that she will be with him every step of the way as well as with the kids. Abigail tells Chad to look for her in the kids’ faces. Abigail wishes Chad a Merry Christmas as Chad’s vision of her then disappears. Chad looks back at the tree and sees the angel is back in it’s place atop the tree. Chad wishes Abigail a Merry Christmas.

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Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Gabi makes Mexican wedding cookies at home with her daughter Arianna. Li comes in dressed as Santa Claus but Arianna says he is not Santa.

Stefan finishes a call at the DiMera Mansion as Wendy shows up at the front door. Stefan asks what she is doing here.

Kristen walks through the town square with Rachel and runs in to Chloe. Kristen mentions meeting Brady for lunch. Chloe says she’s going to finish Christmas shopping and remarks that her budget is so much bigger this year after her huge promotion when Kristen got fired. Rachel questions if Chloe got her a present, but then says she doesn’t want anything from her. Chloe wishes Rachel a Merry Christmas anyway. Rachel remarks that she won’t have to see Chloe because she’ll be with her real family.

Brady questions Eric saying that they need to kidnap his daughter. Brady says what he is suggesting is insane. Eric responds that what’s insane is Kristen having Marlena, Kate, and Kayla’s lives in her hands. Brady says he wants to end the blackmail as much as he does. Eric repeats that they need to hit Kristen where she lives and says Rachel is key. Eric points out that Kristen has two weaknesses; Brady and Rachel, so they have to beat her at her own game. Brady argues that it’s not a game since Kristen has the serum to save Marlena, Kayla, and Kate, as well as the orchid to make it and it’s the only one that exists on the planet. Eric questions what if Kristen won’t up the ante and ask him to sleep with her or even marry her. Brady says after they get the next dose, he will be free. Eric doesn’t believe it and guarantees that Kristen will say the women need more shots for the rest of their lives. Eric declares that Kristen has too much power and needs to be stopped. Eric argues that they have to do something now.

Kristen tells Rachel that wasn’t nice and that she needs to be nice to everyone, especially on Christmas, even those who tried to steal what belongs to them. Rachel apologizes to Chloe. Kristen remarks that she, Rachel, and Brady are a family again. Rachel says that’s what she wanted most for Christmas. Kristen tells her that wishes do come true. Rachel asks when she will get her whole wish. Kristen tries to tell her they will talk about it later but Rachel points out in front of Chloe that Brady and Kristen aren’t married and don’t even sleep in the same room

Wendy tells Stefan that she came to see Johnny as she heard what happened at his grandmother’s memorial service, so she wanted to see if he was okay. Stefan responds that Johnny hasn’t come down from his room, so he’s assuming that he’s still asleep. Wendy guesses he must be exhausted after everything he’s been through. Wendy asks Stefan to just tell Johnny that she stopped by. Stefan stops her and informs her that he has left her several messages but hasn’t heard back from her. Stefan questions if she’s avoiding him. Wendy claims she’s just been super busy. Stefan asks if she has time to talk now about her little jaunt to Jakarta.

Li tells Arianna that she’s right, he’s not Santa, he’s his helper. Arianna acknowledges him as Li and calls him lame. Arianna tells Gabi that she’s been through this before with her boyfriends putting on a show to try to get her to like them, listing off Chad, Stefan, and Jake. Gabi tells her that she’s being very rude. Arianna informs Li that she’s too old to believe in Santa. Li says he’s a lot older than her and he’s still a believer, but if she’s not, then he guesses he should send all her presents back to the North Pole which causes a look of concern from Arianna.

Roman finds Kate at a table at the Brady Pub and asks her what’s wrong. Kate claims she’s fine but Roman tells her to talk to him. Kate reminds him that it’s the time of year when they had to send her son Philip away. Kate thought he would’ve progressed and released soon but when she called the hospital, they wouldn’t even let her talk to him because he had a major setback. Kate adds that the prison had a viral outbreak so Lucas can’t have any visitors. Kate says it’s bad enough that her kids aren’t with her on Christmas, but being cut off from the ones that need her the most is intolerable. Roman asks what he can do. Kate thanks him but says what matters most on Christmas is being with family. Kate guesses when Will called to say he was staying in California, it was a sign of things to come. Roman encourages that Allie is here so he offers to invite her and Henry over. Kate says she’s busy with Chanel and Paulina. Roman assures that she’d love to see her but Kate says not to do all that and that she just misses her family. Roman and Kate’s son Rex then arrives and surprises Kate, who excitedly greets him with a hug. Kate says this is so great and a surprise as she thought he had to stay in Chicago. Rex explains that he convinced his supervisor that he had more important work to do here as the FDA asked him to provide follow up data on the experimental drug they gave Kate a few months ago, to know that it’s safe. Kate points out that it saved her life. Roman asks what kind of data they are looking for. Rex says it’s just simple blood work. Roman asks if they have to worry about Kate’s health. Rex says it’s just a formality and that he has everything in his bag, so they could just knock it out right now. Kate asks what if she refuses.

Kristen sends Rachel to join her friend at the hot chocolate stand. Chloe questions Kristen about her and Brady being back together but not sleeping in the same room. Kristen claims they are just taking things slow, but getting more intimate each day. Chloe says that’s not the impression she got from Rachel. Kristen informs Chloe that Rachel wasn’t there when Brady planted a kiss on Sister Mary Moira because he thought she was her. Chloe asks if she’s saying that a nun got more action than she ever will. Kristen says that Brady is letting his guard down and it’s clear that he wants her. Kristen adds that she asked Brady what would happen next if it was her that he kissed. Kristen says the heat was off the charts and that they would’ve made love right then on the couch if John hadn’t walked in and ruined everything. Kristen assures that there will be another moment soon as she plans to ring in the New Year in Brady’s bed.

Brady tells Eric that everything he’s saying makes perfect sense except the part where he kidnaps his own daughter. Brady refuses to put Rachel through that kind of trauma. Eric argues that she’ll never know as they will let her believe that he’s going on a fun vacation with Uncle Eric. Eric says Rachel will have fun, Kristen will lose her mind, and then Rachel wil be home and they will have saved lives.

Wendy tells Stefan that they already talked about Jakarta the other day. Stefan feels they need to have their own separate conversation since she works for DiMera. Stefan understands it was Johnny’s idea but states that Wendy agreeing to it was egregiously irresponsible of her. Wendy responds that she knows what she did was wrong and she feels terrible about it. Stefan questions if she thought Li signing off on the expenses would lead to him not finding out how deceptive she had been. Stefan says being young and in love is great but he can’t understand putting her career and professional standing at risk, unless there’s another reason that she was in Jakarta.

Li gives Arianna a luck bracelet and talks about how lucky he will be to marry Gabi and also have Arianna in his life. Arianna acknowledges that she will have three dads and says that is special. Gabi declares that she’s the luckiest person in the world. Arianna hugs Li and thanks him for her gift. Gabi proclaims that this is going to be the best Christmas ever. Arianna plans to wear her bracelet to the wedding and says if it will bring her luck, she will wear it every day. Li brings up that New Year’s weddings are considered lucky in China. Arianna asks if Gabi will change her last name when they get married since Will and Sonny did not. Gabi is not sure and says she needs to think about it. Gabi mentions that Sonny will be there soon to pick her up and asks if she’s packed. Arianna says that she just needs to make sure her new bracelet matches all her outfits and goes to pack. Li tells Gabi that he doesn’t expect her to take his last name. Gabi talks about becoming a DiMera when she married Stefan and staying one when she thought he was dead, but now they are divorced and hate each other’s guts, so she can’t wait to feel like her own person again. Gabi asks how Gabriela Hernandez-Shin sounds. Li calls it perfect as they kiss.

Wendy asks Stefan what else she would have been doing in Jakarta. Johnny then comes downstairs and in to the living room. Johnny asks Wendy what she’s doing there. Wendy tells him that she was worried about him after the explosion. Johnny assures that he’s fine and apologizes for not calling her. Johnny says he’s also sorry that Stefan is giving her the third degree about their trip to Jakarta. Johnny tells Stefan that he was being impulsive and wanted to impress Wendy. Stefan asks if it did impress her. Wendy assures that it did and asks who wouldn’t be impressed. Johnny says now that his stellar first impression has been made, he can promise it won’t happen again. Stefan warns him to see that it doesn’t as he then exits the room.

Rex questions Kate not wanting him to draw her blood. Kate points out that she hasn’t had any setbacks, side effects, or any issues. Rex says that’s why he needs her blood to prove the drug is safe and it will also get the FDA off his back and allow him to keep his medical license. Kate then gives in and agrees to do it.

Chloe tells Kristen that it sounds like a lot of wishful thinking to her. Chloe knows that when it comes to Brady, she is completely deluded. Kristen questions why she cares so much since Chloe moved on from Brady in two seconds. Kristen says she hears things are getting serious with Chloe and Stefan, mentioning that they are jetting off to Miami for the New Year. Chloe questions who told her that. Kristen says it doesn’t matter but if all goes well, maybe this time next year she’ll be her sister in law and they’ll all be at the holiday table. Chloe bets that this time next year, Kristen will be back in prison for her countless felonies. Kristen argues that Brady knows she’s changed and that she makes him incredibly happy. Chloe asks why Brady stood her up for lunch then. Kristen claims he’s just running late. Chloe says she can tell herself that and advises Kristen to keep an eye on her daughter because she’s wandering off. Chloe remarks that given who her mother is, she can’t blame her. Kristen says she takes back what she said to Rachel about being nice on Christmas. Chloe states that she’d rather die than be across the holiday table from her. Kristen says that’s duly noted and walks away.

Brady tells Eric that he’s sorry but he’s not kidnapping his daughter on Christmas. Eric suggests doing it after then but Brady says it’s not happening ever. Eric questions letting Kristen torture him while Marlena, Kayla, and Kate relapse and possibly die. Brady reminds Eric that Kristen said she would supply the additional doses. Eric asks what if she doesn’t. Eric questions how long he’s going to rely on psycho to do the right thing or if he’s finally going to take control of his own life again for all of them. Brady questions who knew Eric could be so ruthless. Eric says he’s gotten nowhere in years, so he’s tired of being the victim and a doormat. Eric brings up Kristen raping and drugging him, so he has no obligation to show any mercy to her and they need to play hard ball. Eric asks if Brady is in or out.

Gabi thanks Li for being amazing with Arianna. Li says his father is not exactly the warm and fuzzy type, so he promised to be different with his children. Gabi mentions that they hadn’t really discussed if he wants kids of his own since she can’t have any more. Li tells her that she, Will, and Sonny are raising an amazing child, so being Arianna’s stepdad is all he needs. Arianna comes back in and asks about the cookies. Li points out that Gabi made some and he made some, so Arianna asks to test them to see which she likes better. Arianna declares that Li’s is the winner.

Johnny asks Wendy if she thinks Stefan is suspicious about why they went to Jakarta. Wendy responds that he’s definitely not happy that they went. Wendy admits she could hardly focus on a word he was saying because she felt so guilty about keeping this secret from him. Johnny says he’s right there with her. Wendy says she wanted to just blurt out that Dr. Rolf brainwashed Stefan in to hating Gabi, but he loves her. Wendy adds that telling Stefan that could change his whole life. Johnny points out that it would ruin EJ and Li’s lives. Wendy brings up that Li is marrying Gabi next week and part of her is excited because Li is so excited, but she can’t stop thinking about how none of this would be happening if Stefan knew how he really felt about Gabi.

Stefan joins Chloe in the town square. Chloe mentions running in to Kristen but says she doesn’t want to waste another minute talking about her.

Eric tells Brady that Kristen plays God with people’s lives and it’s wrong. Brady questions if kidnapping isn’t. Eric says he would only do it if Brady signed off on it. Kristen then comes home with Rachel and asks if they are interrupting.

Rex takes Kate’s blood and says she did great. Rex is grateful she’s doing so well and says he will run the samples to the hospital. Rex tells Kate and Roman that he loves them and exits. Kate asks Roman if he knew Rex was coming home. Roman admits he had no idea. Kate says she couldn’t be more happy. Roman mentions that Caroline always said family love is warmer at Christmas. Kate knows she said she was missing family, but says they have the family they are born in to and the family they chose. Kate is happy that they chose to be together again after all these years. Roman talks about never giving up on Kate and getting married when she was on her deathbed while now they are in it for the long haul as they kiss.

After Arianna leaves, Gabi tells Li that she can get started on wrapping presents. Li wants his reward for winning the cookie tasting contest, so they start kissing until Gabi gets a call from the seamstress about Arianna’s dress for the wedding. Gabi questions her and hangs up, then gets upset about it and storms out.

Stefan gives Chloe her Christmas present since she will be in New York tomorrow. Chloe thought they would wait until they were in Miami. Stefan explains that this one is time sensitive so Chloe opens it and it’s center stage opera tickets to Amahl and the Night Visitors. Chloe questions how he got these when it’s been sold out for months. Stefan calls it Christmas magic. Chloe calls it a wonderful and thoughtful gift, but notes that there are five tickets. Stefan explains that it’s for Chloe, Nancy, Parker, and Joy while the fifth could be for Mike if Nancy wants to take a date or Craig, or if they have plans then Chloe can take him. Chloe questions Stefan not having plans in Salem. Stefan jokes about the dysfunctional DiMeras. Stefan thought they could spend Christmas in New York with her family and then fly down to Miami. Chloe points out that this is his first Christmas since coming back from the dead. Stefan responds that being in the DiMera Mansion after everything that happened at Susan’s memorial service might be a little too much. Stefan adds that if Chloe doesn’t want him tagging along, she can just say the word.

Brady says he and Eric were just discussing their holiday plans. Rachel runs up and hugs Eric, asking him about what he got her for Christmas. Kristen reminds Brady that he was supposed to meet them for lunch. Brady says he got to talking to Eric and lost track of time, but that she could’ve texted him. Kristen informs him that they had an unpleasant interaction with Chloe, so they decided to come home. Kristen tells Brady about Chloe and Stefan going off to Miami for New Year’s. Brady turns and exchanges looks with Eric.

Wendy tells Johnny that they can try to rationalize it but deep down, they know what is happening is wrong. Johnny argues that they agreed to keep quiet because they don’t want to hurt EJ and Li. Wendy is still sick over what they did in brainwashing Stefan. Johnny knows it’s a big secret to keep. Wendy points out that now they are lying by saying they went to Jakarta because they are romantically involved. Wendy says EJ and Li know the truth, but everyone else thinks they are dating. Johnny guesses there’s no reason to pretend any longer and suggests they could fake break up.

Chloe questions Stefan not minding dealing with her crazy family. Stefan says it will be a blast, so Chloe says she would love for him to come to New York with her. Stefan thanks her and says he’s excited to see Parker again. Stefan mentions getting him a gift too which Chloe calls very thoughtful of him. Chloe thanks him and they start kissing right as Gabi and Li walk up and see them.

Kate tells Roman that she had sent all of Rex’s Christmas presents to Chicago. Roman says seeing her healthy is the only gift he needs. Kate insists that everyone needs presents on Christmas and that some special people get to open some on Christmas Eve as she gives Roman an envelope. Kate notes that he has others but this is the big one. Roman opens the envelope which is a trip to Zurich to see Austin, Carrie, and Noah. Kate thought he would be happy. Roman reveals that he loves it, so much that he got her the exact same thing.

Rachel shows Eric the mistletoe that she made at school for Brady and Kristen. Rachel says if they stand under it, they have to kiss. Eric points out that’s only if it’s a real mistletoe. Rachel says nobody told her that, so now she has to go find a real mistletoe and leaves the room. Eric remarks that Kristen sure trained her well. Kristen argues that it’s only natural for a child to want their parents together and claims she hasn’t done anything to encourage it. Eric doesn’t believe that for a second. Kristen asks if Eric doesn’t have enough to deal with in his own love life to be butting in to their love life. Brady clarifies that they do not have a love life. Kristen argues that they are getting closer every day and becoming a family again. Kristen knows family means everything to Brady and he’d never want to do anything to let them down…

Wendy questions Johnny suggesting they fake break up and asks if he means pretending they don’t like each other anymore. Johnny says they’ll have to stage a couple fights to make it believable in front of Allie, Chanel, Stefan, and Gabi. Wendy responds that she doesn’t want to do that and thinks it would be easier to just keep doing what they are doing now. Johnny agrees and then gets Wendy a Christmas present. Wendy feels bad as she didn’t get anything for him. Johnny explains that he was just walking by the other day, saw this, and it reminded her of him. Johnny says most of what he told Stefan was not true, but he is a little impulsive at times and maybe he did want to impress her a little bit. Wendy opens it and it’s a wrap shawl which Johnny helps her put on as they get close.

Stefan and Chloe continue kissing until noticing Gabi and Li walk up. Gabi says they have a wedding attire emergency to attend to. Chloe points out that next time they see them, they will be husband and wife. Li notes that the wedding isn’t until next week. Stefan explains that they are flying to New York tonight and then to Miami. Gabi remarks that it’s too bad they won’t be there to see them become man and wife, but she’s sure there will be plenty of pictures online so they can see what they missed. Chloe congratulates them and says they wish them the best. Gabi and Li then walk off.

Kate tells Roman that great minds think alike and at least their gifts didn’t cancel each other out and shows how much they love each other. Kate decides they will just take two trips to Zurich, Roman likes the idea as they kiss until Rex returns to the Pub. Kate asks Rex if she has a clean bill of health. Rex points out that it’s the holidays so they won’t have the results for a few days. Kate guesses if she has to worry all through Christmas. Rex assures that everything is fine. Roman then calls for egg nog and declares that they have a lot to celebrate so they are starting now.

Brady tells Kristen that she knows he would never let his family down. Kristen remarks that his loyalty is more critically important than they will ever know. Kristen then goes to check on Rachel. Eric asks Brady if he still wants to tell him that Kristen won’t put the screws to him before turning over the orchid and that’s if she does. Eric warns that Kristen is going to have them under her thumb until they do something about it. Brady then hates to admit it but Rachel is the best leverage he’s got, so he has to use it. Eric promises that Rachel will be safe the entire time and assures this will be the best thing for her too. Brady then agrees to do it.

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Update written by Joseph

John brings Marlena breakfast in bed and wishes her a Merry Christmas Eve. Marlena thanks him for spoiling her. John notes that she tossed and turned all night. Marlena tells him that last night when the explosion happened at the chapel, she was thinking about Kristen and then she woke up this morning and realized Kristen is living here with them. Marlena remarks that they are all just pretending that everything is fine and normal. Marlena says being Christmas makes it even worse as she doesn’t understand what is going on with Kristen and why Brady is going along with it. John feels like he got a little closer to Kristen when he told her that they got in a big fight. Marlena complains that it didn’t get them anything and she’s not sure how much more of this she can take. John feels the same after having to praise what a big heart she has. John says that made him want to throttle Kristen, so he can only imagine what Brady feels like.

Kristen joins Brady in the living room and holds mistletoe over him but Brady says no. Kristen hoped this would be the start of a Christmas cease fire. Brady responds that Christmas doesn’t take away from the fact that she’s still blackmailing him and she’s threatening the lives of three women. Kristen argues that those three women owe her their lives. Kristen asks why he can’t see it from her point of view. Kristen says she saved them from death but everyone in this house except Rachel treats her like an interloper.

EJ brings Nicole breakfast in bed. Nicole complains about the time and says she should’ve been up already. EJ tells her that he and Holly thought it was best for her to get a good night’s sleep. Nicole points out that it’s Christmas Eve. EJ assures that Holly is having a good time helping with Christmas cookies. Nicole thanks EJ for everything. EJ notes that he heard her cry out in her sleep and asks if she wants to talk about her nightmare. Nicole responds that she doesn’t remember it. EJ asks if it was about Eric.

Eric wakes up in bed with Sloan, who is typing on her laptop next to him. Sloan comments that it’s about time he wakes up. Eric jokes that he’s officially unemployed, so he can sleep in as long as he wants. Sloan tells him that she has coffee and he might need it before she tells him what she just read online. Eric asks her to tell him. Sloan doesn’t know how to break it to him, but informs him of the explosion. Eric reveals that he already knows and that Marlena and Nicole are fine. Sloan questions him just showing up at her doorstep last night and not saying a thing about it. Eric responds that they had other things on their mind.

Abe joins Paulina in the interrogation room at the police station. Paulina shows him a picture from Chanel’s first Christmas but notes that she wasn’t there for Lani’s. Paulina starts to cry but says that won’t help anything. Abe brings her a box of Christmas cookies from Chanel and Allie. Paulina asks why they sent them here when she’ll be out in a couple of hours. Paulina asks about the bail hearing but Abe reveals that there is not going to be one today. Abe says that Melinda stalled so the court adjourned yesterday until after the holidays. Abe knows it’s a disappointment. Paulina calls it not a surprise. Paulina says she has faith in Belle but Melinda is pure evil by making her miss Christmas with her family out of pure spite. Paulina declares that she’s not going to just sit here and do nothing. Paulina brings up Stephanie’s statement announcing that she will not be sworn in as Governor. Abe says it still needs some work but Paulina accuses him of stalling because he doesn’t want her to do it, but says it’s the only way to ensure that Abe remains Mayor and that’s all she wants for Christmas. Abe tells her that she doesn’t have to do any of that. Paulina demands that the statement be put out now and remarks that Sloan is going to have her revenge on her after all.

Sloan asks Eric about Ava blowing up the church to seek revenge on EJ and jokes that she sounds like her type of gal. Eric points out that Ava was willing to risk innocent people dying. Eric mentions that Marlena is fine, but she did tell him that Nicole was hurt. Eric talks about how horrible they can be to each other when they are hurt. Eric brings up that Nicole was horrible to Jada, but when he heard Nicole was hurt, he ran over to the hospital and questions what he was thinking.

Nicole tells EJ that seeing Eric at the hospital last night was unexpected with how they ended things. EJ tells her that Eric was guilty and knows he was wrong as Jada didn’t have an abortion just because Nicole had a conversation with her. EJ tells Nicole not to read too much in to last night. EJ insists that Eric is not pining for her and how quick he jumped in to bed with Sloan should tell her that. Nicole sarcastically thanks him for reminding her. EJ states that Eric has moved on and tells Nicole to just let him.

Brady tells Kristen that Marlena hasn’t thanked her for saving her life because she doesn’t know that she did since they couldn’t tell her because then she would find out that she only did it to get in to his house. Kristen argues that it doesn’t change the fact that Marlena is alive thanks to her. Kristen warns Brady about how he talks to her since Marlena will need another dose to keep her alive and she’s the only person who knows where that life saving orchid is. Rachel then walks in and asks Kristen what an orchid is and why they are life saving.

John tells Marlena that the closest he got to Kristen was right after insisting that she was a good person at heart and she genuinely seemed moved by that, but before he could get any further, she had to go pick up Rachel. Marlena says they can’t afford to lose that momentum. Marlena adds that she thinks things have gotten more urgent which John questions. Marlena explains to John how Sister Mary Moira told her about Brady kissing her because he thought she was Kristen in disguise. Marlena talks about Brady always having feelings for Kristen and now they are living together and raising Rachel together, so she worries that the clock is ticking.

Kristen tells Rachel that orchids are beautiful flowers and some scientists make them in to medicine. Rachel questions why they are arguing about them. Brady says he was just telling Kristen how much he wanted to get one for Christmas and how it could be life changing. Rachel responds that what she wants for Christmas is for Kristen and Brady to get back together forever. Kristen asks what Brady says about that.

EJ points out that Nicole hasn’t touched her breakfast, but says it’s obvious that the church explosion is still weighing on her. EJ thinks she might need something to get her mind off of things and he might have the diversion to do the trick. EJ then pulls out his phone and plays a voicemail from Sister Mary Moira that she left before leaving town, where she blamed EJ bringing Nicole for the church explosion and said that it was God sending a warning. EJ and Nicole laugh about it together. Nicole jokes that being blamed for almost killing everyone was just the distraction she needed as they laugh together.

Sloan tells Eric that she’d be fine if they never spent another minute dwelling on one of his exes but she thinks it’s okay to have compassion for someone who nearly died. Eric says that getting Nicole out of his head is not something he wants, but something he needs. Sloan responds that satisfying his needs has become one of her specialties but she could always use more practice as they start kissing.

Abe thinks Paulina is rushing in to this, pointing out that she still hasn’t talked to Chanel. Abe says Chanel and Allie spent so much time on her campaign. Paulina insists they will understand that this is about protecting Abe, which was part of her vows 6 months ago. Abe still thinks she’s rushing in to this. Paulina loves him for what he’s doing and she wishes there was another way out but there’s not. Paulina asks for Abe’s phone and says she will tell Stephanie herself to release the statement. Abe still thinks that Chanel deserves to hear it before it hits the wires.

Allie and Chanel sit together at home. Chanel comments on not getting a good night’s sleep and says she can’t stop thinking about how much she hates Sloan Peterson for what she did to Paulina. Chanel says it’s Christmas Eve and now Paulina will probably have to spend the entire holiday in jail. Chanel adds that she should be behind bars, not Paulina. Allie suggests they go there, like they did for Thanksgiving when Chanel was arrested. Chanel loves the idea and says they will cook for Paulina as she then kisses Allie.

Brady tells Rachel that he knows it’s what she wants and he wants to make her happy, but she needs to trust that they are doing what they think is best for her as he hugs her.

Chanel and Allie go through cookbooks to plan what to cook for Paulina. Chanel then gets a text from Abe and tells Allie that Sloan Peterson has done it again.

Eric tells Sloan that he can’t believe it’s already Christmas Eve and asks if she has any plans. Sloan responds that she stopped making plans when she lost her parents and her brother lives a million miles away. Eric says he’s sorry and mentions that his mom hosts a great Christmas Eve party at her place and tomorrow, his dad hosts Christmas at the Brady Pub. Eric asks if Sloan is not interested. Sloan asks if that’s really them and reminds him they are keeping this low key. Eric realizes he just invited her home to meet his family and apologizes, saying it’s a force of habit. Sloan thanks him for worrying about her holiday but says she got her Christmas wish this year because Paulina Price is behind bars.

Paulina finishes her call and informs Abe that all major news outlets will have the statement within the hour. Abe worries that it’s going to be a long time before he can make up this sacrifice to her. Paulina says he will do so just by being himself and calls him the most wonderful man she’s ever met. Abe doesn’t want to leave her alone tonight. Abe jokes that he’ll commit a minor crime and they can lock him up in the cell next to her. Abe then gets a call from Belle, who asks to speak to Paulina, so Abe hands her the phone. Paulina is shocked and asks Belle to repeat what she said.

John questions Marlena thinking that Brady still has feelings for Kristen. Marlena calls it a very strong attraction and they know he’s fighting those feelings, but she’s afraid of what might happen if he loses that battle. John decides they are going to have to pivot and come up with a new way to find out what Kristen is hiding. Marlena is afraid that Kristen will see right through them. John points out that Kristen is completely alone and may be anxious to reel Brady back in, but when she’s that isolated, she will take the first friend that comes along.

Kristen tells Rachel that she is going to take her to the town square to look at the Christmas decorations. Rachel asks if Brady will come. Brady says he has to work. Kristen suggests he meet them for lunch afterwards which Brady agrees to. Rachel goes to get her coat to get ready. Kristen tells Brady that he’s breaking Rachel’s heart by not giving her what she wants most in the world. Kristen argues that Brady could stop hating her so much and love his daughter just a little bit more.

Nicole and EJ continue to laugh about Sister Mary Moira’s voicemail. EJ wonders if Ava’s breakdown in the hospital was real as he admits he has his doubts. EJ asks if Nicole has a fix for his guilty feelings. Nicole asks what he feels guilty about. EJ says he put Nicole in harm’s way as his horrible miscalculation about Ava helped lead to yesterday’s disaster. EJ adds that his mother is dead because of how he handled the kidnapping and he almost lost Nicole. EJ states that he couldn’t blame Nicole if she never wanted to speak to him again. Nicole assures it was neither of their faults and 100 percent Ava’s fault. Nicole tells EJ not to beat himself up for it for another minute.

Allie questions Chanel saying that Paulina just gave up on being Governor. Chanel gets that Paulina wanted to protect Abe but complains that the whole thing just seems so unfair and keeps getting worse and worse. Abe then shows up at their door. Chanel says she got his text and can’t believe Paulina is doing this. Abe says he tried to talk her out of it. Chanel knows nobody talks Paulina out of anything. Chanel invites Abe in and says that she and Allie decided to make Paulina a Christmas Eve dinner to take down there. Chanel then questions why Abe isn’t coming in. Abe then steps aside and surprises them by bringing in Paulina. Chanel rushes to her and they excitedly embrace.

Sloan remarks to Eric that she’s sure Paulina is feeling very sorry for herself behind bars this holiday. Sloan wonders if Paulina or Chanel ever thought once about all the holidays they ruined for her. Sloan guesses Eric thinks she should’ve turned the other cheek. Eric feels bad for what she went through. Sloan knows Eric is friends with Paulina so she doesn’t expect him to come fight her battles, but says she just needs to vent every now and then. Eric remembers that Sloan listened to him rant more than once. Sloan suggests changing the subject and asks what they are doing for New Year’s Eve. Sloan then gets a call that upsets her. Sloan thanks them for letting her know and hangs up. Eric asks if everything is okay. Sloan responds that everything is not okay. Sloan says she’s sorry to kick him out like this, but she has to go deal with something right now.

Paulina calls her mom and tells her it’s all over; she and Chanel are free and being extradited. Paulina says she thinks her mom’s prayers did it. Paulina says she has to go but will call her later for a nice long chat. Paulina adds that she will get down on her knees and thank the Lord. Paulina says she loves her and hangs up. Paulina says her mom was so scared for them. Chanel repeats that it’s all over now. Allie asks if they are really free. Paulina confirms that Belle went to London and challenged them over every technical issue she could find and she won. Abe confirms the charges are dismissed and Melinda can’t hold Paulina anymore. Abe declares that this whole nightmare is officially over as they hug.

Marlena suggests to John that they take a step back. Marlena wonders if it’s possible that they overcomplicated this whole thing. Marlena asks what if John told Kristen that they had another terrible fight and their marriage is on the verge of falling apart. John doesn’t think he could pull it off and talks about how hard it was to make Kristen believe that he was upset with her in the first place. John brings up that it’s the holidays and he almost lost Marlena twice this year, so the last thing he wants to do is tell anyone they are fighting even if it’s not true. John tells Marlena that she makes him happy and proud, and like he’s the luckiest man on earth as they kiss.

Brady questions if Kristen is saying he’s a bad dad now and calls her a hypocrite for telling him to put family first, while she plays with Rachel’s grandmother’s health. Brady states that he loves Rachel with his whole heart, but he loves Marlena too and that’s the only reason Kristen is in this house. Rachel comes back in and says she’s ready, then asks if they were still talking about orchids. Kristen leaves with Rachel and then Eric shows up. Brady and Eric wish each other a Merry Christmas. Eric says he wanted to see how Marlena was doing. Brady says she’s okay and that John has been keeping a close eye on her. Eric says that’s great but admits that’s not the only reason he’s here. Eric tells Brady that he meant what he said about Kristen’s blackmail. Eric declares that it’s up to them to put a stop to her which means they have to come up with a plan now.

Kristen brings Rachel to the town square. They look at the Christmas tree, which Rachel says Brady would love. Rachel wishes Brady joined them. Kristen encourages Rachel to never give up on her dreams because they are the most important thing they have.

EJ tells Nicole that she’s right that it’s Christmas Eve, so they don’t need to talk about his guilt. EJ helps Nicole with her food since she has her arm in a sling from the explosion and they end up touching hands and getting close.

Abe, Paulina, Allie, and Chanel have champagne. Paulina announces that she realized being Governor means moving to the capitol and she loves Salem. Paulina declares that Salem is where they belong and they are going to focus on all their many blessings to have a very Merry Christmas.

Nicole tells EJ that she should get ready for the day because she hasn’t even seen Holly and she has to wrap presents and plan surprises, so she has to take a shower. EJ points out what a challenge showering will be with her arm in a sling. EJ jokes that he could give her a hand. Nicole thinks he’s helped enough today and thanks him. EJ jokes that it’s her loss. EJ knows the circumstances for her coming here were not ideal, but he’s happy that she and Holly are here for Christmas because the house needs them to brighten it up which they have done so. EJ then exits the room.

Abe declares that they finally got the Christmas miracle they have all been waiting for. Sloan shows up at the door. Paulina questions what she is doing there. Sloan says they must be enjoying themselves with a holiday toast like nothing happened while two people are dead. Sloan tells Paulina that she may have managed to escape prosecution, but warns that she will pay if it’s the last thing she does.

John kisses Marlena. Marlena thought they were urgently making a plan to get rid of Kristen but John says other things are more urgent as they continue kissing.

Kristen tells Rachel that she knows how much her wish for her and Brady means to her, but she can’t make any promises though she doesn’t want her to give up on them. Kristen says maybe they will both get what they want most someday. Kristen reminds Rachel that until then, nobody is more important to her and Brady than she is. Kristen hugs Rachel.

Brady tells Eric that if he has any good ideas, he’s all ears. Eric talks about seeing a family of three together in the town square on his way over. Eric says they need to hit Kristen where she lives if they plan on getting the orchid back from her. Eric then tells Brady that they need to kidnap his daughter.

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Update written by Joseph

Gwen and Leo meet at the Bistro for a drink. Leo is hopeful that Gwen talked to Jack about getting him a job at the Spectator, but guesses by her look that it didn’t go very well. Gwen tells him that she’s sorry but Jack doesn’t feel like a gossip column is the right fit for the Spectator. Leo guesses drinks are on her then. Gwen questions him already spending all the money she gave him. Leo complains that it was nothing but admits it was a dream to be wrestling around with Xander. Gwen is just glad it went as planned and hopes now Bonnie will stop saying it was Xander who kidnapped her.

Alex, Sonny, Bonnie, and Justin return home from eating at Buddy’s Burgers. Bonnie compliments Justin for remembering her favorite. Justin says she’s had a rough couple of weeks. Sonny says it was the least they could do. Bonnie plays the scratch off from the restaurant and wins free fries. Bonnie declares that the real prize is having a nice dinner with her family. Bonnie thinks the bad times are finally over and just in time for Christmas. Bonnie then starts to imagine the Clown mask on Alex, Sonny, and Justin and tries to ignore it.

At the hospital, Steve is on the phone with Kayla, telling her that he will call with another update as soon as they let him see Tripp again. Steve hangs up as Stephanie arrives and says she heard about the explosion and asks if Tripp is going to be alright. Steve says he thinks so as Sarah is checking on him now. Stephanie questions what Tripp was doing back in Salem. Steve explains that Tripp felt the need to confront EJ about his mother’s death, but it turned out Ava was alive and was the one who set the bomb. Steve remarks that it looks like Ava’s up to her old tricks again and it almost got his son killed.

Sarah tells Tripp that she’ll probably let him go after she gets his blood work and x-rays back. Tripp assures that he feels fine and is only here because Steve insisted. Sarah points out that Tripp inhaled a lot of smoke. Tripp responds that his mom is the one he’s worried about. Sarah understands Ava stopped breathing and Tripp saved her life. Tripp points out that she may have survived the blast but she’s still probably going away for a long time.

After Ava demands Xander get her out or else she’ll tell Sarah that he was her accomplice in the kidnappings of Bonnie and Susan, Xander argues that she can’t be serious. Ava responds that she doesn’t joke around. Xander questions her expecting him to help her escape police custody. Ava remarks that he is her partner in crime and asks who else she’s supposed to turn to. Xander says not him anymore. Xander says goodbye to Ava but Ava warns that she meant what she said, so if he doesn’t help her out, she will tell Sarah everything she knows. Xander argues that Sarah believes in him while the whole town knows what Ava is now. Ava reminds him that she still knows that he kidnapped Susan and Bonnie and how he did it, so once she gives Sarah all the details, she will know that he never changed and he’s still the heartless criminal he always was. Ava declares that Xander will lose Sarah forever.

Bonnie tries to ignore that she sees clown masks. Sonny asks if she’s alright. Bonnie blames the food she had. Justin offers to get her something but Bonnie decides she can get it and hurries out of the room. Alex guesses she’s not alright after all.

Steve tells Stephanie that things could’ve been a lot worse if Tripp hadn’t showed up to confront EJ, since when Ava found out that Tripp was in the church, she went back inside to warn everybody about the bomb which gave them a split second to cover and may have made all the difference. Stephanie asks if anyone else was hurt. Steve tells her that Nicole and Ava were, but he hears both are going to be fine physically. Stephanie comments that it sounds like Ava has really gone over the edge. Steve thinks she has been for awhile but just didn’t let them see it.

Tripp tells Sarah how he tried to get Ava to go to Seattle with him but she wouldn’t hear it. Tripp feels maybe then none of this would’ve happened as he believes he’s the one person who can still get through to Ava. Tripp states that what she did was horrible, but she’s been through so much as she saw Jake get killed and then EJ put all this pressure on her. Tripp asks if he can go check on Ava again but Sarah wants him to stay put until his results are in. Tripp insists that he feels fine but Sarah reminds him that he’s not the doctor today. Tripp asks Sarah to check on Ava and let him know how she is.

Xander complains that Ava has gotten him in to enough trouble as it is. Ava argues that she just offered him a job. Xander says he was desperate for money and he never saw the money. Ava tells him that he botched the job. Xander argues that the job never included murder. Ava says it also didn’t include letting Susan go and he did that. Ava argues that if Susan hadn’t shown up at the airfield, she’d be living it up now on DiMera millions in a tropical paradise. Ava says because of Xander, she had to drive Susan off a cliff to get rid of her. Xander questions blaming him for that. Ava warns that if he doesn’t get her out, she will be blaming him to the cops.

Sonny asks if Bonnie is still seeing clowns. Alex asks what he thinks. Alex tells Justin that he’s really sorry. Justin guesses Bonnie still doesn’t feel safe and is making excuses not to leave the house. Sonny understands her being freaked out after being kidnapped twice. Alex wonders if the guy would really try again after botching it twice and Xander getting a look at him. Justin hopes Xander scared him off for good. Sonny asks if there’s anything they can do to help. Justin suggests they just go out and get a drink since Bonnie is probably embarrassed. Alex says a drink sounds good. Sonny asks if Justin is sure there’s nothing they can do. Justin assures that Bonnie is his wife, so he’s got this and tells them to go have fun. Sonny and Alex then exits the mansion as Justin states that it’s Christmas.

Leo asks Gwen if she’s thought about how she’s going to cash in the favor she did for Xander. Gwen argues that she was just helping a friend out of a jam. Leo says they both know she thinks of Xander as more than a friend and now he owes her in a major way. Leo encourages that this could be Gwen’s ticket back in to Xander’s heart, or at least his bed.

Ava warns Xander that if she goes to prison, she’s taking him with her. Xander argues that she’s handcuffed to a bed and he’s not a magician. Ava brings up that Xander once kidnapped Nicole and kept her in a cage. Ava warns Xander to act fast because once the cops find out she’s okay, they will be there. Xander wishes Ava died in the car crash. Ava mocks the idea of him hurting her feelings. Xander picks up a scalpel from nearby and warns that her feelings are not the only thing he’s capable of hurting.

Steve and Stephanie check on Tripp. Stephanie hugs him and is thankful he’s alright. Steve asks what the verdict is. Tripp responds that Sarah won’t let him leave until his test results come back, but at this time of night, that could take forever. Steve encourages him to be patient. Tripp wants to see Ava. Steve offers to go check on her for him but Tripp says he already asked Sarah to do that. Stephanie guesses it was a real shock to find out that Ava was still alive. Tripp admits he’s still processing it. Steve remarks that it would’ve been better for everyone if she stayed dead this time. Tripp questions how he could say something like that. Steve complains that Ava is the reason why Tripp got kidnapped and Susan is dead. Steve adds that everyone in that church could’ve gotten killed because Ava wanted to get even with EJ. Tripp argues that Ava just isn’t in her right mind. Steve shouts that’s why Tripp needs to stay away from her because she’s completely out of control and dangerous. Steve pleads with Tripp to promise to stay away from Ava from now on.

Ava tells Xander to put the scalpel down because they both know he’s not going to use it. Xander says he wouldn’t be too sure about that. Xander says if he gets rid of Ava, all his problems disappear. Ava argues that he doesn’t have the guts anymore, because if he did, he would’ve killed Susan when she asked him to, so he won’t kill her either. Xander argues that Susan was a decent person while Ava is no better than the cockroaches in his motel, so he’d be doing the world a favor. Ava dares him to go ahead and put her out of his misery then. Sarah then enters the room and questions what Xander is doing there. Xander claims he was just trying to get answers out of Ava, hoping he could get Bonnie and Justin the name of the hired goon she had been using but she’s not talking. Ava says she’s still weighing her options and waiting to see how things shake out around here. Sarah suggests Xander let the police do the interrogating. Xander agrees it was a mistake to come here and says they should go. Sarah tells him that she promised Tripp that she would examine Ava, so she’ll catch up with him later. Xander refuses to leave Sarah alone with Ava after she just tried to blow up a church full of people. Ava asks how much trouble she can cause while chained to a bed. Sarah tells Xander that she will see him later. Xander then reluctantly exits.

Gwen mocks Leo’s idea of her getting a favor from helping Xander. Leo says he’s just pointing out that she scored major points with her ex and Leo believes it totally makes up for drugging his wife. Gwen doesn’t think Xander would agree. Leo encourages that Xander sees Gwen in a new way and they are bonded by this big secret. Gwen argues that it doesn’t change anything since Xander loves Sarah and they are happily married. Gwen says the whole reason Xander worked so hard to cover his tracks is because he can’t bear the thought of losing Sarah. Leo doesn’t think Sarah is right for Xander. Gwen accuses Leo of projecting and says he thinks that if she can get married Xander in to bed, then he can do the same with Sonny, who is also happily married. Leo argues that he told her that he and Sonny are just friends. Gwen tells Leo to admit that he’s mad for Sonny. Sonny and Alex then arrive.

Bonnie comes back to the living room and asks Justin where Alex and Sonny are. Justin tells her that they decided to go out for a drink. Bonnie worries that she ruined their family night. Justin asks about her stomachache. Bonnie says she’ll be fine and goes to drink a glass of water, but she envisions the clown mask on Justin again and drops the glass in shock.

Tripp refuses to abandon Ava again. Stephanie says they know he loves her. Steve argues that Ava has gone way too far and he’s going to end up getting hurt again. Tripp complains that no one will look out for Ava but him so she’s all alone. Steve says Ava did that to herself. Tripp blames EJ pushing her over the edge. Steve says that’s why he needs to stay away from her. Tripp points out that Ava came back to a town where everyone hates her, just for him. Tripp adds that Ava promised she would be different for him and she made good on that promise for a long time. Tripp wants Ava to know that he still loves her no matter what. Stephanie admits that she gets what he’s saying. Steve then agrees that he does too, but he can’t get past the fact that Ava almost got Tripp killed tonight. Steve cries that he can’t lose him again as they hug.

Sarah tells Ava that her vitals are good while Ava begins looking distracted. Sarah mentions that her son is really worried about her and doesn’t understand why she went to such extremes. Ava questions her and says this was all his idea and he wouldn’t leave her alone until she did what he wanted. Sarah asks if she’s blaming Tripp. Ava clarifies that she means her other son, Charlie, and declares that this is all his fault.

Steve calls Kayla and informs her that Tripp got his test results back and the x-rays showed smoke inhalation but no permanent damage and his heart is fine. Steve hopes he can convince Tripp to fly back to Seattle with him and Stephanie tomorrow but he’s not sure he can since Tripp feels he needs to be here for Ava. Steve says he doesn’t like it either but he’ll keep her posted as he hangs up. Stephanie asks if Steve and Kayla were still planning on spending Christmas in Seattle. Steve says as long as he can convince Tripp to come with them. Stephanie says she’s been meaning to talk to him about that because she has to cancel which Steve questions. Stephanie explains that she spent most of the day trying to convince Paulina to not resign as Governor and she said she would sleep on it, but she says she will make her decision tomorrow, so she has to be here for it. Steve feels that sounds like a lousy Christmas and asks if she wants him to stick around. Stephanie says no and tells him to be with Kayla, Joey, and hopefully Tripp. Steve questions letting Stephanie spend Christmas alone. Stephanie feels she’ll be too busy to even know it was Christmas since Paulina is going through a really bad time. Stephanie says she likes Paulina but notes this has been one hell of a day, so she can use a drink. She invites Steve to join her. Steve hates to turn her down but feels he has to stick around in case Tripp needs him. Stephanie figured he’d say that and says she’ll see him at home as they hug. Stephanie then exits the hospital.

Justin sits Bonnie down and asks what is going on. Bonnie claims the glass just fell out of her hand. Justin thinks it’s a little more than that. Justin assures that he would never judge her. Bonnie explains that she thought things were getting better but she keeps seeing the evil clown. Bonnie cries that she wants to be better and questions why this is happening to her. Justin hugs her and tells her it’s okay.

Gwen greets Sonny and asks how long he has been standing there. Sonny says long enough to know they were having an argument. Gwen says that’s nothing new for them. Sonny asks what it was about this time. Leo tells him that Gwen’s father turned down his offer for a gossip column. Gwen and Leo bicker over the Spectator. Sonny tells Leo that he’s really sorry it didn’t work out. Leo says he’s crushed since he doesn’t handle rejection well. Alex mutters that he should be used to it by now. Sonny tells Alex to knock it off since Leo is broke and out of a job. Gwen gets a call from Xander and steps away to answer it. Xander tells her that he needs help. Gwen questions needing help again. Xander says he wouldn’t bother her if it wasn’t important and asks if she can meet him in the town square. Gwen asks what has happened. Xander says he’ll explain when she gets there. Gwen says she’s on her way, so Xander calls her a lifesaver and hangs up.

Sarah questions Ava saying that Charlie told her that she had to get even with EJ. Ava doesn’t know why she ever listened to him since he’s never satisfied and always wants more. Ava says that Charlie made her drive off the road and always makes things worse. Sarah asks if it’s possible that Ava imagined Charlie. Ava insists that he was always there so he must have come back to life. Ava then imagines Charlie appearing in the room and tells Sarah that he’s right behind her and insists that he’s for real but when Sarah looks, she sees Tripp. Tripp tries to get through to Ava, but she sees Charlie and tells him to stop playing games. Tripp argues that she is confused. Ava talks about Charlie trying to trick her in to killing Tripp. Tripp asks Sarah what did this to her. Sarah is not sure and says it could be a delayed effect of the explosion. Tripp tries to get through to Ava that she’s seeing someone who isn’t there. Ava argues that she wants to see Tripp and asks what “Charlie” did to him. Sarah decides she’s going to have to sedate her to calm her down. Ava’s imagination of Charlie urges that Sarah is trying to drug her like her father used to. Ava then screams at Sarah that she will kill her as Sarah sedates her and Tripp watches on in horror.

Gwen meets Xander in the town square. Xander informs her about Ava being alive and how she’s threatening to tell everyone that he kidnapped Bonnie and Susan. Gwen jokes that she’s glad she didn’t put too much effort in to writing her obituary, but admits she did feel guilty since she was once a friend. Xander tells Gwen to focus. Gwen brings up that Kristen blackmailed her in to helping her escape prison, so she does understand. Gwen asks what Xander is going to do. Xander presents bolt cutters and says he can get Ava out of the handcuffs and the hospital, but he is going to need a driver. Xander says he hates asking Gwen to get involved in this mess again, but he’s desperate with no one else to go to. Xander notes that if Ava talks, he’ll lose everything. Gwen reluctantly agrees to help, so Xander thanks her while Gwen comments that he will really owe her one.

Bonnie tells Justin that she feels like a fool because she’s seeing clowns and dropping glasses. Justin encourages her not to be so hard on herself since she’s been through a traumatic experience twice. Bonnie argues that she went to prison for years, so she’s tough and this isn’t like her. Bonnie cries about clowns being scary. Justin informs her that Sarah thinks she might have PTSD, so the worst thing to do is suffer in silence. Bonnie feels it’s too embarrassing but Justin urges her to talk about it and suggests she see Marlena as there’s no shame in seeing a therapist. Justin reminds her that Nancy saw Marlena for a few sessions. Bonnie guesses it couldn’t hurt at this point. Justin decides they will make an appointment after the holiday. Bonnie asks Justin to call for her which he agrees to do. Bonnie cries that she doesn’t know what she’d do without him. Justin says he feels the same and holds her as he assures he’s got this.

Leo remarks that it looks like he’s been ditched by his BFF so he invites Alex and Sonny to join him. Sonny accepts but Alex says no. Sonny argues that it’s one drink. Stephanie then arrives and greets them. Alex says she looks like she could use a drink which she confirms is why she’s there. Stephanie says he would not believe the day she had. Alex wants to hear all about it and walks off with Stephanie. Sonny then sits with Leo and tells him that he’s sorry the Spectator job didn’t pan out but offers to try again to find him something at Titan. Leo says they’ve been over that it won’t work and adds that he is going to have to get creative about his living arrangements since the motel is kicking him out tomorrow for not paying rent on Christmas Eve. Leo admits he spent his last $300 on skincare products. Sonny asks why he doesn’t move in with Gwen. Leo says Chad is there. Sonny asks what he’s going to do then. Leo hopes an angel comes in to this bar but he knows the odds are not high and admits he doesn’t have a plan B yet. Sonny then invites Leo to just come stay with him. Leo questions if Sonny is really inviting him to move in with him. Sonny doesn’t like the idea of Leo staying on a park bench on Christmas. Leo asks what Will thinks about this. Sonny responds that Will is staying in LA for work, so he doesn’t get a say in this. Leo asks about Victor. Sonny says he’ll talk to him and convince him that it’s a big house and that Leo has changed. Leo promises he’ll be good and thanks him. Sonny asks what are friends for.

Ava is wheeled out of her room with Sarah and Tripp. Tripp informs Steve about Ava saying Charlie was telling her to do the things she did, so she’s hearing voices and seeing things. Sarah adds that she’s going to have Ava transferred to Bayview so they can diagnose her. Xander returns to the hospital and asks what’s going on. Ava says this is all his fault, so she’s going to tell everyone what he did.

Stephanie tells Alex that if things had gone slightly different, her brother could have been blown up by a bomb that his mother planted. Alex says no wonder she needed a drink. Stephanie adds that Tripp is still in Ava’s corner and wants to take care of her. Alex relates to that since his mother did crazy things but he still loved her. Stephanie asks if Christmas is hard without her. Alex admits it is a little bit but says it’s really good to be back with Sonny and Justin. Stephanie mentions that her family is supposed to be going to Seattle, so Steve is flying out tomorrow and hopes to convince Tripp to come with him. Alex asks what about her. Stephanie says she has to stay because of work. Alex questions her staying by herself. Stephanie insists that she will survive. Alex says screw that and declares that she’s spending Christmas with him.

Ava envisions Xander as Charlie and yells at him for making her do everything from the kidnapping to the bomb. Sarah explains to Xander that Ava is having hallucinations and psychotic breaks, so she’s having her transferred to Bayview. Xander says that explains a lot. Ava pleads not to make her go there as she doesn’t want to leave Tripp. Tripp tells her that he’s right there and is going with her. Ava cries, repeating that she doesn’t want to go and leave him. Tripp promises it will be okay and they will get her better. Ava cries that she’s scared.

Stephanie asks if Alex is sure his family will be okay with her crashing their holiday. Alex insists the more the merrier. Stephanie points out that he bailed out her Thanksgiving and now her Christmas. Alex is starting to think it’s going to be the best Christmas ever as they kiss.

Leo tells Sonny that this is going to be the best Christmas ever and it’s all because of him. Sonny calls it no big deal. Leo argues that he kept him from spending Christmas alone on a park bench. Leo then hears a bell and tells Sonny that it turns out, he does have a Christmas angel.

Justin is on the phone with Steve, saying he can’t believe Ava is alive and asks if she named her accomplice. Steve says she didn’t. Justin hopes that if she’s in police custody, she will give him up to cut a deal. Steve doesn’t see that happening because Ava has gone off the deep end, so they are moving her to Bayview as they speak. Steve doesn’t think Ava will be in any condition to answer questions any time soon. Justin hoped he would be able to tell Bonnie that this is all over, but now they may never find out who the kidnapper was. Justin hangs up and goes back in to the living room where Bonnie is desperately trying to clean the water that she had spilled.

Sarah announces the ambulance is there and says she will go with Ava. Ava responds that she wants her mom. Tripp tells Sarah that she doesn’t have to and that he will go with her. Steve decides he will walk down with Tripp. Tripp tells Ava that he’s going to get her the help she needs and he will go in the ambulance with her. Ava continues seeing Charlie and asks Tripp to just get her out of here. Ava is then wheeled away with Steve and Tripp. Sarah tells Xander that she can’t believe she’s saying this but she feels bad for Ava. Xander points out that Ava hurt a lot of people. Sarah gets paged so she tells Xander that she will see him at home. Sarah kisses Xander and thanks him again for her birthday surprise as she walks away. Xander then gets a text from Gwen, saying she’s ready to go. Xander responds telling her to abort the mission. Gwen texts back that he still owes her one.

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Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Tripp rushes up to hug Ava and says he’s so glad to see her. Ava repeats that they have to get out of here. EJ tells Nicole to call the police. Johnny rushes in to the church. EJ assumes this is the mystery woman he was talking about. Johnny confirms that he found her in disguise. EJ guesses she came back to admire her handy work. EJ declares that Ava is going to pay for what he did to his mother and grabs her arm. Tripp tells EJ to get his hands off of her. Ava tells Tripp that she can handle EJ and orders Tripp to just go. Tripp refuses to leave her but she says he has to. Tripp questions what she is talking about. Ava then announces that there is a bomb, shocking everyone in the room. Ava uncovers the bomb underneath the table which is counting down from 6 seconds. Ava screams for Tripp to run and then the bomb explodes.

Eric and Brady hear the explosion from the town square and wonder what that was. Brady suggests it was thunder. Eric wants to get back to the bomb that Brady just dropped. Eric questions what Brady meant by saying Kristen blackmailed him in to breaking up with Chloe and asks what she is holding over his head.

John tells Kristen that if she keeps insisting she’s not a good person, confession is good for the soul. Kristen remarks that it’s too bad there’s not a priest around. John decides she’ll have to settle for the next best thing; an old friend. John asks what is weighing on her conscience and insists that he’s here for her, so she can talk to him.

Steve joins Rafe at the Brady Pub and offers to buy him the next beer. Steve asks if he’s made any progress on building the case against EJ for kidnapping Tripp. Rafe says not yet, but thank God Tripp is safe. Steve points out that he could’ve easily been killed…

EJ, Nicole, Johnny, Marlena, Ava, and Tripp are knocked unconscious in the church after the bomb went off.

Kristen tells John that she spent most of her life on the naughty list but she always felt that she was doing what she did for the right reasons. John acknowledges that she has a big a heart as anyone he knows and sometimes that can lead to inadvertently hurting people. Kristen says what she really wants is a loving family and to be a good mom and devoted wife. Kristen declares that she wants her daughter Rachel to know that she is loved and safe. John responds that is all they want for their kids. Kristen appreciates him saying she has a big heart, but thinks he’s the only person in the world that thinks that. John says they don’t know her like he does. Kristen calls him a good man and says he’s been very kind. John repeats that he’s there for her whenever she wants to talk. Kristen says she appreciates that but she has to head out to pick up Rachel from her after school program. Kristen thanks John for the talk and for understanding as she then exits.

Brady tells Eric that it’s not his life that Kristen is threatening, so Eric asks whose it is. Brady says he said too much already and wants to forget about the conversation but Eric can’t do that. Brady brings up that Eric just quit his job and broke up with Nicole, so he has other things to focus on. Eric argues that this feels like one of those things. Eric says if somebody he cares about is in danger, it’s probably someone he cares about too. Eric asks who Kristen is threatening to hurt. Brady finally reveals that it’s Marlena, Kate, and Kayla, and if he doesn’t do exactly what Kristen wants, then all three of them die.

Tripp and EJ begin waking up in the rubble in pain from the explosion. EJ calls out to Johnny, who then regains consciousness as well. EJ crawls over to Johnny to check on him, who says he is okay. Johnny says the gash on EJ’s head looks pretty bad. EJ says he’s fine but not sure about anyone else. Johnny calls out to Marlena as she then wakes up. They crawl over to Marlena, who asks if anyone is hurt. EJ then asks where Nicole is.

Steve questions Rafe if EJ is just going to walk away free after what he did to his son. Rafe argues that Steve knows how this works as he has to find evidence that EJ was responsible for the kidnapping or that he ordered it and then they will take him down. Rafe assures that he wants to do that as much as he does, maybe more. Steve asks why more. Rafe says he shouldn’t have said that since EJ kidnapped Steve’s son, so it’s not more. Steve asks what he’s talking about and what’s going on. Steve feels this is just as personal to Rafe as it is to him. Rafe admits that it is, as he just found out that EJ is shacking up with his wife.

Johnny tells EJ where Nicole was standing when the blast went off. EJ then locates her as she begins waking up. Nicole complains of her arm hurting but says she’s okay. Tripp begins calling out for his mom. Tripp finds Ava and notes that she is not breathing. Tripp then begins trying to revive her.

Sarah goes to the hospital where Xander and the hospital staff surprise her for her birthday. Sarah can’t believe it and says she’s so touched. Xander presents her with a birthday cake and has her make a wish as she blows out her candle.

John tries calling Marlena but it goes to voicemail. John leaves a message, saying he can’t believe the service is still going so maybe she went to the reception. John says he had a long talk with Kristen and got her to open up a little but she stopped short before revealing what she is hiding. John adds that he thinks even more now that Kristen is holding something over Brady, so now he’s even more determined to find out what it is.

Brady sits with Eric and says he shouldn’t be telling him this but he’s been keeping it inside and it’s been driving him nuts. Brady adds that part of Kristen’s threat was that if he told anyone, all three women would die. Eric asks how. Brady explains that when Orpheus infected Marlena, Kayla, and Kate, Kristen had the orchid to cure them but she threatened to withhold it if he didn’t do exactly what she wanted which was breaking up with Chloe and allowing Kristen to move in with him. Brady says it was the last thing he wanted, but he had no choice as he knows what Kristen is capable of and he wasn’t going to put the three women’s lives at risk.

Rafe thanks Steve for the beer. Steve tells him that he’s sorry about the pending divorce as he knows that has to be tough. Rafe confirms it is and admits it’s a bit humiliating too because he and Nicole were married for like five minutes. Steve argues that he was in love. Rafe calls Nicole the most neurotic, disloyal person on the planet but says it’s all for the best. Steve says he almost sounds convincing. Rafe says he will keep him in the loop on Tripp’s kidnapping and adds that Jada is a good cop, so hopefully she will find something. Steve then gets a call from Kayla, who informs him that Tripp got a flight to Salem and she’s convinced that he’s coming to confront EJ about Ava’s death, which Steve then shares with Rafe.

Marlena joins Tripp and they find a pulse as Ava begins breathing again. Johnny brings up that Ava said she was hard to kill and guesses she was right. Tripp says they need to get Ava to the hospital. EJ asks if Nicole can walk. Nicole says she will try. EJ offers to carry her if not. Nicole then finds her leg is stuck under a beam. EJ and Johnny try to remove it. Tripp joins them and then they look up in worry that the ceiling is about to collapse.

Sarah and Xander eat birthday cake. Xander asks what she wished for. Sarah responds that she wished he would forgive her for accusing him of being the clown that kidnapped Bonnie and Susan because she felt that she hurt him. Xander points out that she already apologized and there’s no reason to. Sarah feels there is because he has worked so hard to make himself a better man, so she shouldn’t doubt that. Sarah says the least she can do is be honest and admit her mistakes like he has. A nurse comes over for Sarah’s help with work. Sarah then notes that Xander looks pale. Xander responds that there is something she needs to know.

With worry about the ceiling coming down, Marlena says they have to move the beam. Nicole tells them to just go but EJ refuses to without her. Johnny says the beam won’t budge.

Eric asks Brady if he and Kristen are really back together. Brady assures that they are not and they are only living in the same place. Brady adds that Kristen knows better than to expect anything more and hasn’t pressed the issue. Eric asks what happens when she does. Eric can’t figure how Kristen has this hold on him and asks why he didn’t kick her out after the women got the antidote. Brady explains that Kristen claims the women are going to need a second dose after New Year’s or they won’t survive. Eric questions believing her. Brady asks how he could take that chance when their lives are at stake. Eric can’t believe Brady has been carrying this secret the entire time. Brady admits it hasn’t been fun holding it inside and says it’s been Hell having to live with Kristen. Brady adds that to top it off, he lost Chloe to Stefan DiMera. Eric asks if he’s going to let Kristen get away with it. Brady says as long as the women’s lives are at stake, she’s going to get away with it. Brady reminds Eric that he has to keep this between them. Eric promises not to tell a soul but says together, they will figure out a way to stop Kristen from hurting him and people they both love.

EJ, Marlena, Johnny, and Tripp manage to remove the beam from Nicole’s leg. EJ, Johnny, and Marlena help Nicole to her feet while Tripp checks on Ava. EJ and Marlena help Nicole out of the building. Tripp asks Johnny for help with Ava, arguing that they can’t leave her there to die. Johnny points out that Susan believed in helping people no matter what, so he agrees to do it in the spirit of Susan Banks. Tripp and Johnny then carry Ava out of the building.

Sarah asks what Xander needs to tell her. Xander starts to tell her but Sarah gets paged that there’s been an explosion at the church and they’ve already brought some people in. Sarah thanks Xander for the birthday party and says she has to go, so she runs off before Xander can tell her anything more.

Brady goes home where John greets him. Brady asks if Kristen is there. John says she went to pick Rachel up from school. John notes Brady’s expression and asks what’s wrong and if there’s something he needs to tell him. Brady informs him that he just saw Eric. John asks how he is. Brady says Eric is not good as he just quit his job at Basic Black and things with Nicole are pretty bad, so he doesn’t want to be anywhere near her now.

Steve tells Rafe that he better get to the DiMera Mansion so Tripp doesn’t get into it with EJ and make things worse. Rafe says he’ll go with him. Rafe then gets a call. Rafe hangs up and informs Steve that Tripp isn’t at the DiMera Mansion, but at the hospital with his mother. Rafe reveals that evidently, Ava Vitali is still alive.

Ava is in a hospital bed. Tripp sits at her side, pleading with her to wake up. Ava then wakes up and they hug as Tripp tells her that she’s okay. Ava is thankful that he’s okay and safe. Ava tells Tripp that she had no idea he would be in the church, so she went back in to get him out. Ava is thankful that she wasn’t too late.

Xander remains sitting at the hospital looking sad. EJ and Johnny arrive. Johnny urges EJ to get checked out since he hasn’t stopped bleeding. EJ insists that he will be fine and needs to be with Nicole.

Sarah checks Nicole out in a hospital room. Sarah says everything checks out and she doesn’t think her arm is broken but she will take some x-rays to be sure. Sarah notes that Nicole is really lucky. Nicole agrees that it could have been a lot worse. Sarah tells Nicole that she’s going to be alright as EJ enters the room and says thank God for that.

John tells Brady that it’s too bad for Eric and Nicole as they’ve had a rough ride. Kristen comes home and says it’s about to get rougher as she just heard that Nicole has leeched onto EJ. Kristen comments on Nicole going from Rafe to Eric to EJ and remarks that some women are just fickle. Brady asks where Rachel is. Kristen says she asked to have a playdate with her friend Amanda, so she couldn’t say no. Kristen asks if that’s okay with Brady. Brady says it’s fine. Kristen suggests they can go pick her up together. Marlena then comes home, covered in dirt from the explosion. John rushes up to hug her and asks what happened to her and what’s going on.

Xander approaches Johnny at the hospital and notes that EJ was sure in a rush, so he asks what happened to him. Johnny informs him that they just came from Susan’s memorial service at St. Luke’s. Xander mentions hearing about an explosion, so he asks if it was a gas leak. Johnny reveals that Ava planted a bomb. Xander argues that Ava is dead. Johnny says that’s what they all thought, until they saw her at the church and she tried to blow them all to kingdom come.

Ava doesn’t know what she would have done if something happened to Tripp. Tripp questions why she would do something like this and put a bomb in a church that could’ve killed innocent people. Rafe and Steve arrive. Rafe says he’d like to know the answer that too. Steve hugs Tripp and checks on him. Tripp starts coughing so Steve wants him checked out but Tripp wants to stay with Ava. Rafe tells him not to worry and assures that Ava is not going anywhere. Rafe then tells Ava that she’s under arrest for five counts of attempted murder and whatever else the district attorney decides to tack on.

Sarah checks out EJ and suggests he follow up with his regular doctor but she doesn’t see any sign of a concussion. EJ jokes that he has a very hard head which Nicole says she can confirm. Sarah says she’ll check on them later and exits the room. EJ asks if Nicole is okay. Nicole says not really. Nicole admits she tried to hide it at the church, but when she was under the beam and thought the roof might fall in, she was so scared. EJ tells her no one is there but them now, so she can show it now. EJ hugs Nicole as Eric then walks in.

Marlena tells John, Brady, and Kristen about the explosion. Marlena says that Johnny went to the hospital with EJ, but he’ll be fine. Kristen argues that EJ shouldn’t have gone in to the church and jokes that she’s surprised he wasn’t struck by lightning. Brady argues that people could have died. John is so glad that Marlena is okay. Kristen comments on John and Marlena already making up. Brady asks what she’s talking about. Kristen talks about how John confided in her that he and Marlena had a fight and he stood up for her when Marlena wanted to kick her out. Kristen tells Marlena not to deny it and complains about Marlena wanting to kick her out in to the cold, days before Christmas. Kristen asks how Brady feels about that.

Eric tells Nicole that Marlena said she was injured, so he rushed over as soon as he could. Nicole says she’s fine and it’s just a sprain. EJ adds that the doctor said she could be discharged. Eric calls that good news. EJ notes that she will still need rest to heal and that’s why she’s coming home with him. EJ thanks Eric for coming as Eric then turns and exits.

Xander asks Johnny is sure that Ava is still alive. Johnny tells him that he can go see for himself as Rafe is there questioning her. Xander is shocked that she’s there at the hospital. Johnny confirms she was caught in the blast. Xander doesn’t get why Ava was anywhere near the bomb if she planted it. Johnny explains that she didn’t know Tripp was going to be in the chapel when the bomb went off, so she found out and tried to get him out, but she was too late.

Rafe handcuffs Ava to the hospital bed. Ava jokes about hearing Nicole moved on already so Rafe is back on the market. Rafe tells her to shut up and reminds her that she has the right to remain silent. Tripp asks if they really have to do this right now when Ava just regained consciousness. Tripp starts coughing again, so Steve worries that he may have smoke inhalation and wants him checked out. Tripp tells Ava that he will be right back as he’s going to be there for her no matter what. Steve and Tripp then exit together. Rafe tells Ava that she managed to cheat death yet again but this time, she’s going to have to live with the consequences of her actions as she’s going away for a very long time. Ava says they’ll see about that.

Kristen asks Brady if he wants the mother of his child to be kicked to the curb and suggests she could stay at the Salem Inn. Brady assures that he wants her here so they can be a family for Christmas. Kristen says that’s what she wants and declares that it’s settled that she is staying. Kristen tells Marlena that she’s so glad she’s still alive to celebrate the holiday with Brady, Rachel, her, and John. Kristen jokes that she believes it will be a joyous time as she exits the room.

Eric stares in the hospital room window at EJ and Nicole. Rafe comes off the elevator and tells Eric that he just heard about Nicole, so he asks how she’s doing. Eric responds that Nicole is doing great as EJ is taking care of her now. Eric then walks away as Rafe looks in through the window and shakes his head, seeing EJ and Nicole laughing together.

Sarah goes over to Johnny and tells him that EJ and Nicole are going to be okay. Johnny thanks her for taking care of them. Johnny notices the balloons and tells Sarah happy birthday. Sarah talks about Xander planning this surprise for her and asks if he’s seen him at all. Johnny says he was right there, but like the rest of them, he was pretty spooked when he found out Ava was still alive.

Xander sneaks in to Ava’s hospital room. Ava remarks that it’s just like old times. Ava brings up how Kristen and Dr. Rolf raised her from the dead and Xander took care of her, so now he’s going to take care of her again. Xander asks what she means. Ava instructs Xander to get her out of the handcuffs and then out of the hospital, warning that if he doesn’t, she’s going to tell Sarah that he was her accomplice in kidnapping Susan and Bonnie.

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Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Kristen questions John telling her that he and Marlena got in a fight about her. John claims it was right in the middle of the town square in front of everybody. Kristen asks if he’s joking but John says that shoppers were stopping and staring because they got so loud. Kristen doesn’t understand why they were fighting about her.

Brady questions Eric saying that he’s quitting his job at Basic Black. Brady argues that Eric had one rough night. Eric says that’s not the reason he’s leaving. Brady asks if it’s the pay or the schedule and offers to fix it. Eric responds that it’s nothing he can fix as he just doesn’t want to work with Nicole. Brady doesn’t understand until Eric reveals that they broke up.

EJ says he can’t imagine where Johnny went since he knows his grandmother’s service is about to start. Marlena mentions seeing Johnny outside and that he said he was looking for a woman which EJ questions.

Johnny finds Ava outside the church and questions how this is possible since they said nobody could have survived that crash. Ava guesses she’s hard to kill. Johnny asks if she’s just been in Salem this whole time. Johnny brings up EJ saying he saw her and then thinking it was a hallucination but he guesses it was real. Johnny asks if this means Susan is alive too but Ava says she’s afraid not. Johnny questions how. Ava explains that she jumped out of the car but Susan did not. Johnny asks what’s going on, why Ava is here and in a disguise.

EJ questions why Johnny would be chasing down some woman. Sister Mary Moira mentions seeing Johnny earlier and says he ran off to go after this woman. EJ argues that whatever it was could have waited until after Susan’s service. EJ wonders where Johnny is and remarks that the clock is ticking, while he is unaware that Ava’s bomb under the table counts down from 53 minutes.

Stefan and Chloe work together at DiMera Enterprises. Stefan tells Chloe that she’s free to go and he will finish up but Chloe says she doesn’t mind staying. Stefan asks if there’s no where else she’d rather be. Chloe tells him about how she and Brady were supposed to be in New York today as he had gotten her tickets to one of her all time favorite operas and they were going to meet her mother for an early dinner, mentioning that she got a new dress and shoes for it. Chloe admits she was really looking forward to it until Brady dumped her for Kristen.

Brady questions Eric about his breakup with Nicole. Eric responds that he’s not sure they were ever back together. Brady remembers Eric being upset the other day when he came to talk to her but he just figured they were having a disagreement. Eric responds that there’s a lot more to it than that. Brady understands things are difficult for them with Jada being pregnant but talks about how Eric was confident that he could co-parent with Jada while being with Nicole, so he questions what the hell happened. Eric says that things changed. Brady gets that it’s complicated and Nicole will be insecure about Eric having a baby with his ex. Brady talks about how Jada will be the mother of Eric’s child but Nicole is the woman he loves. Eric then stops him and reveals that there is no more baby because Nicole talked Jada in to having an abortion.

Nicole guesses the woman Johnny went after must be pretty important. EJ asks if Johnny said anything else. Marlena says all he said to her was that he called out to her but she didn’t turn around, so he didn’t get a chance to talk to her. Sister Mary Moira mentions not seeing any woman. EJ remarks that if any of them were to hallucinate, they’re likely to see someone evil…

Ava claims to Johnny that she’s here to pay respects to Susan and she’s incognito because she didn’t think she’d be welcomed. Johnny is not sure he buys that as he can’t believe she has any interest in honoring Susan considering what she did to her. Ava says she’s truly sorry that Susan became collateral damage in the war between herself and EJ, but argues that it’s a war that EJ started when he tried to make her leave town. Ava says she’s sorry but she couldn’t stand for that and brings up that Johnny couldn’t either.

Sister Mary Moira complains about waiting and says they need to reunite Susan with their lord right away. EJ brings up Johnny. She argues that the kingdom of Heaven is waiting for Susan’s arrival, so she doesn’t want to wait another minute longer, while the bomb counts down from 48 minutes.

Stefan tells Chloe that he’s sorry that Brady ruined her plans for the night. Chloe says it’s okay as he already ruined their entire future and this is just one opera. Stefan understands that Brady hurt her badly, so she’s allowed to be upset, but he was under the impression that she was getting over it. Chloe says she is and knows that Brady only ended things with her and moved Kristen in because it’s what best for Rachel. Chloe argues that Brady could co-parent without moving Kristen in so soon, so it just makes her think that Brady had feelings for Kristen this entire time. Stefan says he’s sorry and comments that it seems to be weighing heavily on her. Stefan promises that by New Year’s, she will have forgotten all about Brady when he takes her off to Miami. Chloe says that sounds pretty damn good as they kiss.

Brady sits with Eric and says he’s sorry as he had no idea what he was dealing with. Brady says Nicole was wrong in talking to Jada, but it sounds like Jada made the decision that was best for her, so he thinks it’s unfair to blame Nicole. Eric argues that Nicole went behind his back and gave Jada this whole speech about how hard single motherhood would be but that doesn’t really matter anymore. Brady questions why they broke up. Eric says they are just different and not good for each other anymore. Eric says they got wrapped up in a forbidden love but came crashing back to Earth and remembered why it didn’t work out. Eric mentions that he and Nicole had another fight this morning after she trailed him to Sloan Peterson’s apartment and railed him for sleeping with Sloan, which Brady is shocked to hear. Eric explains that Sloan offered to take on his case and one thing led to another. Brady asks if he’s sure that’s the path he wants to go down. Eric says he can’t turn back now. Brady acknowledges that Sloan is attractive but brings up her reputation and what she did to Paulina, Chanel, and Abe. Brady questions if Eric really wants to get mixed up with a person like this. Eric calls that really classy coming from a guy who is shacking up with Kristen DiMera.

John tells Kristen that he shouldn’t say anything but Kristen argues that she deserves to know if they are fighting over her. Kristen says it’s obviously on his mind and encourages him to tell her. John then claims that Marlena wants to kick Kristen out of the house, but he’s not okay with that. Kristen questions that since he wasn’t exactly welcoming with open arms. John admits he had his suspicions when she first moved in, but claims he’s softened his stance a little. John explains that the whole idea that she was there to suck Brady back in is all that Marlena sees. John says Marlena gets blinded by her worries about Kristen manipulating Brady. John adds that Marlena doesn’t understand why Brady broke up with Chloe and moved Kristen in, so now Marlena worries that Brady is in danger of falling for Kristen all over again. Kristen asks what John thinks. John responds that he thinks she belongs with her daughter.

Johnny admits to Ava that he was pretty upset when EJ kicked her out, but now he’s starting to think he might have done the right thing. Ava questions what that means. Johnny argues that EJ didn’t start the war, Ava did when she faked her marriage to Jake. Ava thought he understood that. Johnny says he was wrong. Johnny argues that Ava tried to defraud his family while lying and stealing from them. Johnny declares that he was wrong to defend her. Ava questions where this is coming from and brings up how Johnny was as upset as she was when EJ kicked her out. Johnny screams that was before she killed his grandmother.

The priest asks if they should begin but EJ refuses to start the ceremony until Johnny arrives. Tripp then shows up and confronts EJ, calling him the son of a bitch who killed his mom.

Stefan and Chloe kiss until Stefan’s computer goes off with work alerts. Stefan decides he can make it to Susan’s memorial on time. Chloe offers to go with him. Stefan tells her that she doesn’t have to but Chloe says she wants to pay her respects to Susan since she was always kind to her. Stefan says he loves having her by his side so they exit together.

Nicole tells Tripp that EJ didn’t kill Ava as she drove off the road and it was an accident. Tripp argues that EJ was in hot pursuit because he hated Ava and wanted her gone, so he forced her to crash. EJ calls that insane and says he was trying to catch up to them to rescue Susan. Nicole tries to explain and defend EJ but Tripp tells her to save it, because the last person he wants to hear from is the tramp who slept with his mom’s boyfriend behind her back.

Ava tells Johnny that she didn’t kill Susan. Johnny points out that she did kidnap her and asks why she did it. Ava argues that she wasn’t going to let EJ push her around and just run away because he said to. Ava says she needed to hurt EJ as much as he hurt her. Johnny questions her using an innocent woman as a weapon. Ava argues that EJ disrespected her so he needed to pay. Johnny shouts that EJ wired her $30 million dollars, so she got what she wanted and asks why she couldn’t have just left instead of kidnapping Susan. Ava asks why EJ couldn’t have just paid her the money. Johnny says that he did but Ava reveals that first, EJ kidnapped Tripp.

Kristen questions John thinking she belongs with her daughter and asks if he thinks that means she belongs with Brady. John clarifies that he didn’t say that, just that he and Marlena have a fundamental difference of opinion about her. John states that Marlena thinks Kristen is a really bad person, while he does not.

Brady tells Eric that he’s not shacking up with Kristen. Eric points out that he is living with her. Brady argues that he moved her in because it’s best for Rachel and there’s nothing romantic going on as they aren’t even sleeping in the same room. Eric reminds him that it’s exactly how it started last time when Kristen was pregnant and moved in to the Kiriakis Mansion. Eric says that Kristen manipulated him then and wormed her way in to his house and his bed. Brady assures that there is zero chance of Kristen ending up in his bed. Eric asks if he’s still attracted to Kristen. Brady responds that he’s attracted to vodka too but he manages to control himself because he knows the road leads to disaster. Eric argues that it’s only a matter of time before Brady can’t fight it anymore. Brady says he may always be attracted to Kristen but swears he’s not going to go anywhere near her after what she did. Eric questions what he’s talking about and asks what she did to him.

EJ yells at Tripp not to speak to Nicole like that. EJ understands Tripp is dealing with a great deal of pain. Tripp argues that EJ is to blame for all of this and says none of this would have happened if he didn’t order Ava to leave town. EJ argues that if Ava left town, she’d be alive and well, but Ava escalated the situation by kidnapping his mother. Tripp argues that EJ escalated it by kidnapping him, which surprises the rest of the room.

Johnny questions EJ kidnapping Tripp. Ava guesses EJ left that part out and says he was held hostage in Seattle. Johnny asks if he’s alright. Ava confirms that Steve and Kayla rescued him but says who knows what would’ve happened if they hadn’t. Ava argues that she’s not the only one who dragged an innocent person in to this since EJ tried to one up her. Johnny points out that Tripp was freed but Ava still had Susan and EJ would’ve done anything to get her back. Johnny questions why Ava instead drove her off a cliff.

Tripp tells everyone at the church that EJ had him kidnapped. Tripp assumes it’s because he just didn’t want to pay his own mother’s ransom. Nicole thinks back to EJ telling her that he thought he could outsmart Ava and get Susan back without paying the ransom. Tripp points out that EJ isn’t denying it. Tripp calls EJ scum and says he cheaped out on his own mother and bullied his mother, so now they are both dead. Sister Mary Moira says that’s enough and argues that her sister’s soul is hanging in the balance, so she will not listen to another word.

Kristen questions John not thinking she’s a bad person. John says he doesn’t think Marlena does either but her view is colored by their romantic past. John admits he may be biased, but he remembers who Kristen was when he first met her as a social worker. They reminisce about how they did Little League with the kids. John says Kristen made a difference on a lot of people’s lives and that’s not a bad person. Kristen points out that was a long time ago. John says when Kristen first moved in, he didn’t know what his motives were but the longer she’s been here, his concerns have started to fade because he sees the good Kristen that he fell in love with.

Eric asks Brady what Kristen did. Chloe and Stefan walk through the town square and see them. Eric asks Brady again what Kristen did. Chloe tells Stefan they can just go but Stefan confronts Brady and asks him for the tickets to the opera that he was supposed to take Chloe to, so that they can exchange them for another performance and suggests on Valentine’s Day. Eric argues that they were in the middle of something. Stefan accuses Brady of bailing on Chloe and not even remembering, asking if he has any idea how much this night meant to her. Stefan asks if that’s how much Brady cares about Chloe. Brady says he cares about her more than he knows. Stefan says so much that he tossed her aside for Kristen. Brady tells him that’s not what happened. Stefan declares that at least now Chloe is with someone who truly cares about her and treats her like she deserves to be instead of making her feel disposable. Chloe tries to get Stefan to go but Stefan wants to make sure he makes it to the opera. Brady remarks that Stefan can take the DiMera jet and fly the whole company in for a private show. Stefan tells Brady that he really blew it as he had the most wonderful woman on the planet and he threw her aside like garbage while at least now she’s with a real man. Brady then punches Stefan in the face. Chloe asks what the hell is wrong with Brady. Stefan calls Brady out of control just like Eric and says they are both raging jerks who think nothing about assaulting people. Stefan remarks that Eric seems to have calmed down a bit since his stint in jail. Stefan suggests he should call the cops, so they can teach Brady the same lesson. Chloe asks if he really thinks that’s necessary. Brady tells Stefan to go for it and offers him his phone to call the cops.

John talks about the Kristen he knew having a real calling for serving other people including Marlena when she was possessed. John recalls Kristen getting him to see the truth and how they helped Marlena. John calls it ironic that Marlena is so convinced that Kristen has these evil intentions when she is the one who saved Marlena from being possessed. John comments that Kristen was a real friend to Marlena. John says he can’t understand why Marlena can’t find it in her heart to be a friend to Kristen now.

Johnny asks Ava what happened on the road that night, if she lost control of the car or if she crashed it on purpose? Johnny asks if she was going to hurt EJ by killing Susan. Sister Mary Moira comes out from the church and tells Johnny that they were wondering where he went. Johnny apologizes and says he just ran in to an old friend. Sister Mary Moira mocks that getting in the way of the fate of Susan’s soul. Johnny apologizes and hopes he didn’t miss the service. She tells him that EJ refused to start without him and then Tripp stormed in and started yelling at EJ about kidnapping him.

EJ tells Tripp that he’s sorry he’s upset but says they have tolerated this interruption enough. Tripp questions if wanting an explanation for his mother’s death is an annoyance to him. EJ suggests Marlena might be better suited to deal with this. Tripp tells him not to try to pawn him off on Marlena or pacify him with fake sympathy. Tripp declares that they are going to hash this out right here and now. EJ responds that they are going to pay respects to his mother and Tripp is going to get the hell out of here. Tripp then sits down and declares that he’s not going anywhere. The bomb under the table counts down from 13 minutes.

John tells Kristen that he loves Marlena with all of his heart but her lack of care can be frustrating to him. Kristen points out that there was a time when Marlena was willing to try. John remembers when Kristen was pregnant with Rachel and Marlena called it a new beginning for all of them, but clearly it wasn’t. Kristen guesses Marlena still can’t see past her mistakes. John urges that she needs to see how much Kristen loves her daughter and that’s why Brady moved her in. John talks about he and Brady seeing that Kristen is a really good mother and person. Kristen gets emotional and responds that she’s not a good person.

Brady tells Stefan to go ahead and call the cops. Chloe suggests they just go. Stefan brings up that EJ declined to press charges against Eric, so he guesses he can do the same for Brady. Stefan remarks that a jail sentence is temporary compared to the time that Brady will spend regretting letting Chloe go because that’s forever. Stefan and Chloe then walk away. Eric asks Brady if he’s okay. Brady responds that just seeing Chloe with Stefan makes him a little crazy. Eric says he gets it but questions why he gave Chloe up if he loves her so much.

Stefan tells Chloe that he’s sorry about that. Chloe says Brady is the one who should be sorry. Stefan says he shouldn’t have let Brady provoke him like that and that he just hates the way he treated her. Stefan assures that Chloe will make it to the opera with the best seats in the house. Chloe says she can’t wait and notes that Stefan’s bleeding has stopped but he got a little bit of blood on his shirt. Stefan guesses he can’t go to the memorial like that. Chloe thinks it’s probably over by now anyway. Stefan then invites Chloe to join him at the reception at the DiMera Mansion.

After Sister Mary Moira informs Johnny and Ava that Tripp is in the church, Ava begins to panic and decides she has to get in there, so she runs back in to the church.

Marlena tells Tripp that she would like to hear what he’s feeling but this is not the time or place. Tripp knows she means well but says he’s not going anywhere. Tripp questions why he should let EJ grieve for his mother when EJ took his mother from him. EJ then grabs Tripp but Tripp repeats that he’s not leaving. Ava then rushes in and tells Tripp that he needs to come with her right now, shocking both EJ and Tripp.

John asks Kristen what she means by saying she’s not a good person. John says he’s not being judgmental and asks what she did.

Eric reminds Brady that he said Kristen did something and asks what that was. Brady asks him to forget it but Eric refuses since she is living in his mother’s house. Eric demands to know why Kristen is living there since they both know it’s not what is best for Rachel. Eric asks Brady again why he would move that psycho in. Brady then responds that he didn’t have a choice and reveals that Kristen blackmailed him to force him to move her in and to break up with Chloe.

Stefan and Chloe go back to the DiMera Mansion. Stefan wonders what is keeping everyone and says they should’ve been back by now. Chloe says the events can be emotional. Stefan mentions that EJ was adamant about keeping it short since he was the only one scheduled to speak. Chloe suggests maybe they had an unexpected guest…

Tripp rushes up to hug Ava and says he’s so glad to see her. Ava repeats that they have to get out of here. EJ tells Nicole to call the police. Johnny rushes in to the church. EJ assumes this is the mystery woman he was talking about. Johnny confirms that he found her in disguise. EJ guesses she came back to admire her handy work. EJ declares that Ava is going to pay for what he did to his mother and grabs her arm. Tripp tells EJ to get his hands off of her. Ava tells Tripp that she can handle EJ and orders Tripp to just go. Tripp refuses to leave her but she says he has to. Tripp questions what she is talking about. Ava then announces that there is a bomb, shocking everyone in the room. Ava uncovers the bomb underneath the table which is counting down from 6 seconds. Ava screams for Tripp to run and then the bomb explodes.

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Days of Our Lives Update

Update written by Joseph

Brady is at home on the phone with his son Tate. Kristen appears with mistletoe. Brady hangs up and questions what she is doing. Kristen points out that they are under a mistletoe and she’s sure he remembers what that means.

Sloan answers the door to see Nicole and questions what she’s doing there as Nicole sees Sloan and Eric in towels. Nicole tells Eric that she could ask him the same thing.

EJ tells Johnny that Susan was one of a kind and loved him very much. Johnny says it feels like just yesterday that Susan was there with them, enjoying Halloween and now it’s almost Christmas and she’s gone. EJ says that’s courtesy of Ava Vitali.

Ava and her vision of Charlie look over her bomb in the DiMera Crypt. Ava states that it has enough power to wipe out half the church. Ava declares that when EJ shows up at Susan’s funeral, he’s going to be the one resting in pieces.

Brady questions Kristen constructing a paper mistletoe just to hold it over his head. Kristen clarifies that Rachel made it in art class and she hoped that they could hang it together. Brady complains about Kristen encouraging Rachel’s fantasies about them getting together. Kristen claims that she’s encouraging Rachel’s creativity. Brady suggests an art project on the plant that saved Marlena’s life since that’s the only reason Kristen is staying here. Kristen argues that he doesn’t have to continue to remind her. Kristen tells Brady that today is Susan’s memorial so she wants to be there for EJ. Brady can’t believe her as he’s pretty sure that EJ doesn’t want Kristen anywhere near the church. Kristen tells him not to worry because she has a plan. Kristen then exits. Brady wonders aloud what could possibly go wrong.

EJ tells Johnny that Ava took so much from them. Johnny complains that he trusted her and cared for her but he had no idea how damaged she was, that she was capable of kidnapping Susan and driving off the road. EJ admits that even he didn’t think Ava would go that far, but he saw it with his own eyes. Johnny says it must have been horrible for him. EJ responds that he thought it would be the last time he saw either one of them, until he saw Ava at Thanksgiving.

Ava’s vision of Charlie asks if she’s having second thoughts about blowing EJ up. Ava responds that she was just thinking of how great it would be if all of her other enemies could get what’s coming to them too, starting with Nicole.

Eric questions how Nicole found him. Nicole explains that when Roman told her that he didn’t come home last night, she had a pretty good idea of where he might be. Sloan asks if she just started knocking on random doors. Nicole says she used to be a reporter, so it took about ten seconds to track down her address. Sloan calls her a stalker. Nicole walks in despite Sloan pointing out that she didn’t invite her. Nicole questions Eric sleeping with Sloan. Eric confirms that he is and asks what’s it to her.

Marlena and John meet in the town square as they finish Christmas shopping. Marlena tells him about getting Johnny a camera drone and some troll dolls for Holly but she doesn’t know if they will see Holly much over Christmas because of Nicole and Eric. John says they’ll just have to drop that off at Nicole’s and asks if she had any luck finding something for Rachel. Marlena confirms that she did and got her a junior marine biologist kit which excites John. Marlena points out that they both know they can’t give Rachel what she really wants for Christmas and that’s her parents being back together.

Sister Mary Moira appears at John and Marlena’s and complains about the Marlena doll that Susan had given her being evil. Brady remembers Kristen dressing up as Susan and says nice try Kristen.

Nicole calls Eric unbelievable. Sloan argues that Nicole is the one skulking around town, trying to catch Eric with other women. Nicole tells her to stay out of it but Sloan points out that she’s standing in the middle of her apartment, so she’s in it. Eric asks Sloan to give them a minute and promises it won’t take long. Sloan then goes to get dressed. Nicole asks what is wrong with Eric. Eric says nothing. Nicole says five minutes ago, they were planning their future together and now he’s getting in drunken bar fights and hooking up with trashy lawyers. Eric asks how dare she judge him for sleeping with Sloan when she’s hooking up with EJ.

Johnny questions EJ saying he saw Ava on Thanksgiving and asks how that’s possible. EJ admits he had a lot to drink and ended up on the crash site, where Ava was taunting and tormenting him. Johnny questions it being real. EJ explains that Tony and Chad showed up and Ava disappeared, so it wasn’t real and was likely a toxic combination of too much booze and even more guilt. EJ calls it ironic that in death, Ava made him feel as crazy as she was. Johnny is sorry he’s going through this. EJ thanks him for being here with him. Johnny hopes that laying Susan to rest will bring him some kind of peace as they hug. Johnny then exits the room.

Ava tells her vision of Charlie that Nicole destroyed her relationship with Rafe and then just moved on like nothing happened while making a pit stop with Eric Brady in between. Charlie remarks that she moves fast and asks if she and EJ are a couple now. Ava says that Nicole is living in his house so she asks what he thinks. Charlie agrees that she needs to get her comeuppance. Ava says the good news is that Nicole will most likely be accompanying EJ to the funeral which means she can kill two birds with one bomb.

John tells Marlena that this has to be really confusing for Rachel since her parents are living in the same house but they’re not together. Marlena says they know Brady moved Kristen in under duress but she just wonders why. John says he knows that Rachel was doing a lot better when Kristen was gone as they all were and that’s why they have to get Kristen out of their house and out of Brady’s life for good. Marlena then gets an idea.

Sister Mary Moira tells Brady that she came to see Marlena ahead of Susan’s funeral. Brady continues believing she is Kristen dressed as Sister Mary Moira and says this is never going to work. She insists that she is actually Sister Mary Moira. Brady questions her and asks if Sister Mary Moira would be okay with this as he raises the mistletoe and then kisses her.

Kristen goes to the DiMera Mansion and asks EJ for a drink which he gives to her. EJ says she can thank him by leaving. EJ questions what the hell she’s doing here. Kristen asks where else she would be to say goodbye to Susan. Kristen wants to be there for him at the funeral but EJ says over his dead body.

Nicole tells Eric that she and EJ are not sleeping with each other. Nicole says EJ just offered her and Holly a place to stay and it’s just temporary. Eric calls that so generous of him. Eric suggests Nicole should be spending her time looking for apartments instead of keeping track of him. Nicole says she’s worried about him. Eric asks if she was that worried when she encouraged Jada to have an abortion. Nicole asks if that’s why he’s flushing his life down the drain and argues that Jada made a choice, not her. Eric responds that he’s making choices too. Nicole calls them bad choices. Eric says one minute he thought they were going to be together and then they weren’t just like how he was about to be a father and then he wasn’t. Nicole argues that it’s been rough for everyone and that Eric drowning in self pity is not him. Eric asks who the hell he is then. Nicole calls him a good person who is loved and respected while Eric feels he was walked all over which Nicole disagrees with. Eric declares that he realized now while people like Nicole and Sami enjoy being so selfish and sabotaging because they do what they want without worrying about any consequences. Eric understands there’s a bit of rush to it and asks who wants to be the good twin when there’s so much fun being the bad twin.

Ava, in disguise, plants the bomb underneath the memorial table at the church. Ava looks at a framed photo of Johnny and Susan. Ava’s vision of Charlie asks if she’s reminiscing over her adventures in near cradle robbing. Ava states that Johnny was kind to her when EJ was declaring war and Gabi was trying to manipulate her. Ava says that Johnny was on her side and wonders if things would’ve been different if she just let him in to her life. Charlie remarks that Ava may have been Johnny’s cougar fantasy at one point, but now she’s just the crazy lady who killed his grandmother. Ava tells him to go away. Charlie argues that she doesn’t really want that. Ava says she appreciates him helping with her plan but she can do this on her own, so she doesn’t need him here. Charlie reminds her that he’s always with her as her vision of him then disappears. Ava puts the photo down as Johnny then arrives and calls out to her, asking if she’s a friend of Susan’s. Johnny says they aren’t quite ready yet and suggests she wait outside.

Sister Mary Moira is shocked by Brady kissing her. Brady then realizes his mistake and that she really is Sister Mary Moira. She questions what is wrong with him. Brady apologizes and calls it a total mistake. She then pulls out a ruler and starts smacking Brady with it.

Kristen acknowledges that EJ has hated her ever since she sided with Gabi in the DiMera vote. EJ responds that this has nothing to do with business. Kristen questions why he’s being so hostile then. EJ brings up how Kristen treated Susan when she was alive. Kristen admits that they didn’t always get along. EJ argues that Kristen tried to take him away from Susan when he was a baby. Kristen thought they got past that. EJ says she may have but Susan never did and was forever traumatized by what Kristen and Stefano did. EJ tells Kristen that her whole all about family act is not going to work this time because she doesn’t give a damn about him or Susan. EJ adds that Kristen is the last person that Susan would want at her funeral. EJ tells Kristen to get the hell out and let him grieve in peace. Kristen then turns and exits the mansion.

Sloan comes back and comments on Nicole still being there. Eric says that she was just leaving. Nicole tells Eric to enjoy his afternoon delight and says not to say she didn’t warn him as she then exits. Sloan asks if Eric is sure he doesn’t want to go after Nicole and if he’s okay. Eric assures that he’s good and there’s nothing to worry about. Sloan says she’s glad to hear that. Sloan notes that Nicole did make one solid point, that they still have time for love in the afternoon before she has to go to work. Eric likes the way she’s thinking, so they begin kissing.

John questions Marlena wanting him to get close to Kristen again, reminding her that he tried once before and it didn’t work out so well. Marlena clarifies that she doesn’t want him to seduce Kristen, but to be her friend and play on their long history while convincing her that she can trust him. John questions if Kristen would buy in to that. Marlena points out that her family is forsaken and her friend is in prison, so she feels Kristen would be looking for someone to confide in now. John admits it could work and once Kristen is vulnerable enough, he should be able to get her to tell him what she’s holding over Brady’s head. John asks where they start. Marlena thinks she has a way to persuade Kristen to let down her guard. John says the more he thinks about it, the more he likes her plan. John decides if they’re going to get Kristen out of their house, they have to start right now. Marlena asks him what about Susan’s memorial. John tells her to pay respects for both of them because Susan of all people would understand they are trying to save Brady and Rachel from Kristen DiMera. John then walks away.

Kristen returns home to Brady, who is icing his wrist. Kristen comments that he looks like he had a worse day than she did. Brady says she can bet on that. Brady thought she was going to the funeral. Kristen responds that EJ was not interested in her comfort. Brady says he tried to warn her of that. Kristen says so much for family and asks what happened to his hand. Brady explains that he got a visit from Sister Mary Moira, who let herself in, and when he saw her, he jumped to the wrong conclusion that it was Kristen in disguise because it was something she would do. Brady says by the time she convinced him it was really her, it was too late. Kristen questions what he did. Brady admits that he tried to call her bluff by using the mistletoe and kissing her. Kristen laughs at Brady making out with a nun while Brady says it’s not funny. Kristen asks if she freaked out. Brady feels he freaked out as they both were. Kristen continues laughing about it and then asks what would’ve happened next if it was her that he kissed.

Nicole goes home to the DiMera Mansion and pours a drink. EJ asks if everything is alright. Nicole informs him that she just found Eric in Sloan’s apartment and they were wearing only towels. EJ asks if they are together now. Nicole says they are at least for one night. EJ jokes that he didn’t know Eric had it in him to have a one night stand. EJ feels this proves how beneath her Eric truly is. Nicole acknowledges that Eric is troubled and says she shouldn’t be dumping this on EJ, especially today. EJ says it’s fine as he’d much rather be sharing a drink with her than his last visitor. Nicole asks who it was. EJ informs her that Kristen showed up, wanting to accompany him to Susan’s funeral. Nicole calls that nice of her. EJ reminds her that Kristen spent decades tormenting Susan. Nicole understands why he wouldn’t want Kristen to come to the service. EJ points out that Kristen was the only one of his siblings who were available. Nicole questions his brothers not coming. EJ explains that Tony and Anna are visiting Carrie and her family for the holidays, Stefan is dealing with a supply chain crisis at DiMera, and Chad is still grieving Abigail so he couldn’t put him through another funeral so soon. EJ states that it will just be he and Johnny and he doesn’t even know where they stand these days. Nicole offers to go with EJ.

Johnny approaches Ava in disguise from behind but Sister Mary Moira arrives at the church, crying and complaining, which takes Johnny’s attention away. They start to talk and Johnny mentions how hard this must be for her. Sister Mary Moira responds that she wasn’t complaining about that but about Johnny’s uncle, Brady Black which Johnny questions. She responds that Brady gave in to his carnal urges and kissed her which shocks Johnny. She remarks that it tasted like coffee and sin. Johnny tells her to hold that disturbing thought but when he turns around Ava is gone as Johnny says there was a woman right there. Johnny then questions where she is.

Eric and Sloan finish having sex. Sloan thinks they’re going to need another shower and invites Eric to shower with her. Eric says that sounds nice but he has to get to his brother’s. Sloan jokes that he’s no fun. Eric offers to let her go first but she says he can go if he’s in a hurry. Sloan adds that if Eric wants to come back tonight, they can pick up where they left off. Eric says he may take her up on that and goes to shower.

Kristen calls it a thought experiment and asks about if Brady kissed her because history shows that a kiss rarely stops at just a kiss. Kristen recalls times when they would be kissing each other goodbye and then they would suddenly be taking each others’ clothes off and heading straight back to the bedroom. Kristen asks why Brady keeps fighting this when they both know it’s still there between them. Brady tells her to stop. Kristen argues that she knows Brady wants her as much as she wants him. Kristen goes to kiss Brady when John comes home and sees them. Brady quickly moves away. John reminds Brady that he has a meeting. Brady thanks him and says he better get going so he hurries out the door. John remarks to Kristen that it looks like it’s just the two of them.

EJ thanks Nicole for her offer and says it means a lot but asks if she really wants to risk being seen with him in public again. Nicole decides she doesn’t care about that anymore because EJ is her friend and she wants to be there for him. EJ says in that case, they better get ready. Nicole decides to go change. EJ thanks her.

Johnny walks outside the church and greets Marlena as she arrives. Marlena notes him seeming distracted. Johnny tells her that he was just looking for a woman who was in the chapel and looking at pictures but when he tried to talk to her, she wouldn’t turn around. Marlena says that seems a bit odd. Johnny says he turned away for a moment and then she was gone. Marlena asks if he never saw her face. Johnny says she was wearing a big hat and had weird vibes but he just wanted to make sure she was okay. Marlena suggests people just deal with grief in different ways. Marlena thinks they should get inside. Johnny says he’ll be right behind her so Marlena tells him not to be long and heads inside.

Marlena enters the church and finds Sister Mary Moira praying. She tells Marlena that it’s good to see her. Marlena tells her that John is sorry he couldn’t be here today. Sister Mary Moira responds that it isn’t John who needs to apologize, but his son Brady that needs to atone. Marlena questions what Brady did. She explains that she came to see Marlena and instead, her stepson ravished her.

Brady meets Eric in the town square. Eric thanks him for coming. Brady says they have a lot to talk about and asks if it’s true that he was arrested and spent a night in jail. Eric remarks that great news travels fast in Salem. Brady asks what’s going on with him since he missed a whole day at work and he had to reschedule the entire summer swimsuit shoot and rebook the models. Eric apologizes. Brady says it cost him a lot of money and if he wasn’t his brother, he’d probably have to fire him. Eric responds that he’ll save him the trouble and tells Brady that he quits.

Marlena questions Sister Mary Moira saying that Brady kissed her in a romantic way. She argues there was nothing romantic about it but she’s been praying ever since. Marlena doesn’t understand why Brady would do that. She explains that Brady claimed he thought she was Kristen. She guesses that Kristen corrupted Brady’s soul and remarks that Marlena and John should have done a better job keeping Brady away from Kristen. Marlena responds that they are working on that.

John brings Kristen a beer. Kristen asks why he isn’t as Susan’s memorial with Marlena. John calls it a long story. Kristen says she’s got time. John claims that he and Marlena got in to a dispute while Christmas shopping. Kristen jokes about Salem’s greatest lovers having a fight. John calls it a difference of opinion. Kristen asks what they could possibly fight about. John responds that it was actually about her.

EJ and Nicole arrive at the church. Marlena tells EJ that she’s so sorry. EJ thanks her for being there. Marlena says Susan was a friend and she will miss her as they hug. EJ goes to say hi to his aunt, Sister Mary Moira. Marlena then greets Nicole and says she’s sorry about what happened between her and Eric. Nicole thanks her but thinks Marlena should check on Eric since he’s going through some things. Marlena asks if Nicole is here with EJ. Nicole clarifies that they are here as friends since his brothers couldn’t make it, so she thought she would show support. Marlena calls that kind of her. EJ approaches a flower arrangement which he finds was sent from Sami. Marlena calls that very thoughtful. The priest enters and asks if they are ready to start but EJ says they can’t start yet because Johnny isn’t there. Sister Mary Moira and Marlena mention seeing him earlier so they wonder where he could be.

Johnny finds Ava in disguise outside the church. Ava removes her sunglasses and confirms to Johnny that it’s her.

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