Tuesday, May 17, 2005, Episode #4554
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Eric is worried about Ridge.
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At the Forrester mansion, Stephanie sits on the terrace, wondering why she never saw how many unresolved feelings Ridge had about Taylor's death. She understands why Brooke wouldn't want to acknowledge that, but she should have realized that Taylor would always be the love of Ridge's life. Eric joins her and says he's been thinking about what she said; they discuss getting Ridge help and hope he doesn't feel like the family is ganging up on him. They recall how manic he seemed when he came by yesterday to get the girls and wonder if they should have stopped him from taking the girls home. Eric is sure that Brooke would have called if something was wrong. They just hope Ridge hasn't told the girls that he dug up their mother's grave. The thought that Ridge did that, and that he might tell the girls, frightens them, which is why they agree that they have to get him help. Stephanie laments how this all started at the wedding, a day that brought the family together. Eric thinks Ridge needs someone to help him realize that this is all a delusion. What Ridge needs, Stephanie says, is to accept that Taylor is dead.
In the master bedroom at Ridge's house, Brooke awakens and sees Ridge getting dressed. She asks why she didn't hear the alarm; he says he turned it off so she could get some rest after yesterday's exhausting events. She asks if the kids are up; he says that the twins were up at dawn helping Taylor make pancakes (with him helping on "bacon detail") and already left. He offers to bring her a tray. She thinks she should check on RJ first, but he says he already did. He thinks this will be a great day. She's sorry the girls already left, since she was going to drive them back to Ojai. He tells her that Thomas already did that, so he could help them pack their things and come home. Pack? Brooke asks, pointing out that the girls still have a paper to complete. Ridge explains that he cleared it all with the headmaster, who understood the circumstances and allowed the girls to email in their last assignment and come home. Brooke asks why he didn't discuss this with her. He says there was nothing to discuss, as the girls want to be with their mother. Brooke tries to say something, but Ridge asks to talk about it later. He gives her a kiss and starts to leave. Brooke asks Ridge to wait, but he says he can't, as his mother is coming over; he can't wait to see the look on Stephanie's face when she sees Taylor.
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Bridget tells her mom that she's made some inquiries.
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Soon after, Bridget pops into the bedroom; Brooke greets her and asks if she was sneaking if from her overnight with Nick. Bridget says she thought they needed some space and asks how the reunion went. It was wonderful, Brooke says. Bridget guesses that the kids were excited. Brooke says they were; they didn't want to leave Taylor's side, and Taylor even spent the night with them in the twins' room last night. Bridget asks if the girls went back to school. Brooke explains that the girls went back to pack their things and come home. Bridget asks where Taylor is. Brooke says she's downstairs with Ridge, cleaning up after breakfast. Bridget asks Brooke if she's talked with Ridge about where things stand. Brooke doesn't think there's anything to talk about, but Bridget disagrees. She's sure this has to be stressful for Brooke and... Brooke assures her that they'll deal with it. Right now, she says, they want to focus on what this means for the kids. Bridget says she knows that, but she thinks it can still get complicated; that's why she called a friend at the family law clinic, to ask about the legitimacy of her mom's marriage given that Taylor's alive.
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Brooke insists that she and Ridge are fine.
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Brooke asks Bridget why she did that; she thinks it's premature to be consulting a lawyer. Bridget says she was just concerned and thought they should be prepared. Brooke doesn't see a problem; even if Ridge and Taylor are still married, she says, it's just a technicality. She reminds Bridget that Ridge committed to her. But it may not be legally biding, Bridget says. Brooke says that she doesn't need a piece of paper to validate the love she and Ridge share. While Taylor will always be a part of their lives, she and Ridge are married and share a son, so she's sure that Ridge's future is with her. Bridget agrees that there's probably nothing to worry about and apologizes for implying that there was. Brooke thanks her for the concern; she knows this is a difficult situation, but she's sure they can focus on the kids' needs and find an acceptable solution. Bridget guesses that Taylor came back with some expectations. Brooke thinks Taylor is an intelligent woman who will understand the situation, but Bridget isn't as sure. Brooke points out that her relationship with Ridge is stronger now than it was before Taylor left, and even Stephanie supports them. But will Stephanie be on her side this time? Bridget asks. Brooke doesn't think there's a need to choose sides; she's sure she and Taylor can sit down and work this out. Bridget's relieved to see how confident her mom is and gives Brooke a hug, but the look on Brooke's face shows anything but confidence.
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Ridge steadies a shocked Stephanie.
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Downstairs, Ridge watches Taylor clean up. She sees him and asks about the look on his face. He tells "Doc" that it's still surprising to see her here. She tells him to get used to it, as she's not going anywhere. Ridge marvels at how well she's cleaned up after having a hungry swarm of teenagers here this morning. She says it was easy, since it feels so familiar. Besides, it will help her pass the time until the kids get back. She leaves to clean the kitchen, so Ridge is alone when Stephanie arrives. Stephanie notes that he looks calmer today and asks where the children are. He says that they'll be back later; Stephanie's glad, since she wants to talk to him. He admits he's been acting strangely since he picked up the kids and wants to explain. Before he does, Stephanie wants him to know that they contacted a psychiatric hospital in Palm Springs where he can deal with what's happened to him. She doesn't know what's causing his delusions, but it's certainly not healthy, especially not for the children. Ridge tells her that he's not fantasizing. She reminds of his claims that he saw Taylor at the wedding and tells him that it's just not possible. But it is, Ridge insists; in fact, she's about to see for herself once Taylor walks into this very room. Stephanie says that she knows he misses Taylor. She misses her too, but the fact is that Taylor is dead. Just then, Stephanie hears a familiar voice call her name; she turns around and is shocked to see Taylor!
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Taylor tells Stephanie that it's really her.
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Taylor tells a stunned Stephanie that it's really her. Ridge steadies his mother, who is speechless. Ridge offers to help his mom sit down. Taylor says it's OK and takes Stephanie's hand, holding it to her face. Stephanie asks how this can be: they saw her die in the hospital. She was just unconscious, Taylor explains. Ridge tells his mom that this isn't a dream. Taylor hugs Stephanie and explains how Omar kept her alive while she was in a coma. She tells Stephanie that she only woke up recently and did everything in her power to return here ever since. Ridge says that Omar was in love with Taylor, but he finally realized that Taylor would never love him and would only be happy with her children. Stephanie asks if the kids know. Taylor tells her all about the reunion, gushing that it was just like she dreamed. It's just like she feels right now, knowing that she's home. Stephanie hugs Taylor again and turns to Ridge. She tells him that his children have their mother back, and he has his wife. Yeah, Ridge says, smiling. Stephanie asks Taylor how her heart is; it's fine, Taylor says, and it's full to overflowing. She has so much to tell Stephanie but doesn't know where to begin, so she starts with another hug.
Stephanie apologizes to Ridge; it's just that he was acting so crazy. Ridge admits he was wondering about himself, too. Taylor explains that she came to the wedding, hoping to see the kids, but then she got afraid of how they might react. Ridge says that she made the right choice given how Phoebe ran off when she finally saw her and Steffy accused her of being someone who just looked like her mother. Stephanie laughs and says that sounds like Steffy. Ridge says Steffy is just like her grandma. The phone rings, so he goes in the other room to answer it. Once he's gone, Stephanie tells Taylor that things aren't like they were when she left. She and Ridge tried to guide the kids, but it wasn't the same as having both their parents. Taylor says she knows that and wants that for her kids, but Brooke wants that for RJ, too. So she's seen Brooke? Stephanie asks. Taylor says Brooke was stunned at first but then pulled herself together. Stephanie thinks fate brought Taylor home and tells her not to let anything spoil her joy. Taylor says that Ridge seems happy. Stephanie softly tells Taylor that Ridge still loves her. Even though some things are different, this is where she thinks Taylor belongs. Taylor smiles at her.
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