Friday, October 27, 2006, Episode #4924

Donna is in shock after seeing Jackie fall.

At the Forrester mansion, Donna watches from outside as Stephanie runs down the stairs to the unconscious Jackie. Donna makes her way into the house and reaches the bottom of the stairs just as Stephanie gets down; she asks if Jackie is alive. Stephanie is surprised that Donna is still here. As Donna explains that Jackie's car was blocking her, Stephanie calls 911 and asks for paramedics to rush over. Donna stares in shock at Jackie as she recalls watching Jackie fall; Stephanie tells Donna to quit gawking and get the kids home before the ambulance arrives. Still stunned, Donna leaves.

Brooke is about to announce her decision.

Brooke is at home, about to reveal to an anxious Ridge and Nick who she has chosen to be with. Ridge's cell rings; he sees that it's his mother and tells her that this isn't a good time, but she orders him not to hang up! Ridge says that they are in the middle of something, but Stephanie keeps asking for Nick. She wants Nick to know that his mother was in an accident and is on the way to University Hospital. Ridge tells Nick about the accident; Nick rushes out, and Brooke calls out for him to wait for her.

Taylor tells Phoebe to get on with her life.

At the county jail, Phoebe visits with her mother, who wishes Phoebe a happy birthday. Taylor can't believe that her girls are eighteen. Phoebe says it won't be a very happy day without Taylor, who tells her daughter to get on with her life. She advises Phoebe to think of the memories they've shared if it gets to be too much. Thorne arrives and watches from outside the cell; he enters Taylor's cell as Phoebe is leaving and wishes his niece a happy birthday.

Thorne wants more answers from Taylor.

Once Phoebe leaves, Thorne tells Taylor that they have to talk. He keeps thinking about what Taylor told him at Big Bear and what Shane said in court. Based on that, he can't see how Taylor can live up to her promise not to make her defense about Darla if, as she and Shane claim, Darla's death was an accident. He admits that he was bothered the night she first told him, since he took her claim that it was an accident to mean that she was calling Darla a klutz. He thought of all the times people called Darla that over the years, but he couldn't let it go by this time, since Darla isn't there to defend herself. But at the same time, he thinks he defended Darla to keep from facing the truth; he knows Darla could have just brought Phoebe back to the house instead of changing the tire herself, but his heart won't let him believe that his wife could do that - even now. That's why he's asking Taylor, hopefully for the last time, what happened that night. Taylor tells him that it happened so fast, even though she knows that's no excuse for hiding the truth. She knows she should have been honest with him, and she can even think of all times she tries to tell him. But as they got closer, it got harder to tell him, since she didn't want to lose him because of a relationship built on a lie. She cries that she really wishes she could have found a way to tell him. Thorne puts his hand on Taylor's shoulder as he considers his word.

Stephanie worries about Jackie's condition.

Jackie is rushed to University Hospital, where the doctors examine her and take her for some tests. As the doctors and nurses work on their patient, Stephanie recalls the altercation with Jackie that led to Jackie's fall. Nick, Brooke and Ridge arrive. Nick asks Stephanie what happened; La Forrester tells him that his mother followed her up the stairs at her house and then fell down. As Nick presses Stephanie for answers, Bridget arrives. Brooke asks her daughter if there is any news. Bridget says they are still waiting for some test results, but it looks like there is no neck or spinal damage. Brooke is relieved at that news, but Bridget says there is still some bad news; she explains that a blood vessel inside Jackie ruptured, and blood is being collected between the brain and the brain's outer lining. The longer that Jackie remains unconscious, Bridget explains, the more grave the effects could be, including permanent neurological and cognitive damage. Nick wants to see her, so Bridget takes him. Staying behind with Brooke and Ridge, Stephanie wishes Nick had no come to the house today. Brooke asks if Stephanie is saying this is all Jackie's fault; Stephanie says that no one is really to blame. She explains how Jackie came to rub her nose in the news that Brooke invited Nick over, only to see Jackie explode after. She tired to go upstairs, but Jackie followed and would not leave. That's when things got ugly.

Harry seems bothered by Shane's attitude toward Phoebe.

At Taylor's house, Eric, Thomas, Felicia, Dante, Hector, Harry, and Shane gather to throw Phoebe a birthday party. Everyone thanks Shane again for stepping forward on Taylor's behalf. Shane thinks it's the least he could do; he's lad he can give a little back to Phoebe, who has been kind to him. Phoebe comes in and is showered with happy birthday wishes from the assembled crowd. Harry apologizes for not knowing what to get her, but Shane tells "sailor boy" to let the birthday girl cut the cake. Harry seems bothered by Shane's attitude toward Phoebe. Phoebe says they have to wait for her dad and grandma; Eric is on the phone tracking them down and speaks to Bridget, who tells him that something has happened to Jackie Marone. Eric then tells the guests that Jackie is in the hospital, although he doesn't know much more other than it seems serious.

Shane has an idea about how Phoebe can show her gratitude.

Phoebe goes out by the pool, where Shane finds her. He's sorry that her grandfather's phone call put a damper on her party. Phoebe says that it's fine, since she wasn't in a party mood without her mom here. Shane tells her that this is an important day for her, since she's going to be a woman now that she's 18. He asks what could be better than that. His coming forward for her mom is better, she replies; she just wishes there was a way she could repay him. Maybe there is a way, Shane smoothly replies.