Monday, December 22, 2008, Episode #5465

Rick questions his mother's request.

Brooke tells Rick that going to Paris will give him some distance from the tragedy of Phoebe's death, but Rick thinks that tragedy will follow him wherever he goes. Brooke thinks that's exactly why he needs to give Ridge space to deal with his loss, but Rick worries that he might be cut off from his family forever if Ridge never deals with that loss. He just can't understand how exiling him from his family to atone for his sins is a good thing. Brooke assures him that this isn't punishment and is just a chance for him to figure out what he did wrong, but Rick says that he knows what he did wrong by going too far in trying to protect her. Brooke suggests that he shouldn't be around her and Ridge if their relationship is too painful for him. Rick agrees, noting that at least he won't be a constant reminder of what happened to Phoebe if he goes halfway around the world to find himself. He agrees to go.

Brooke can't send her son to Paris.

Brooke points out that he has lots of good memories of Paris. Rick feels like he doesn't belong here anymore, but at the same time, he doesn't really feel like he belongs anywhere, since the memory of Phoebe will be with him forever. Brooke tells him that she's not forcing him to leave, but Rick doesn't really feel welcome here anymore, especially when Ridge is around. He understands that the family can't deal with him anymore, and he can't even say he blames them, since he should have been the one to die instead of Phoebe. Brooke agrees that Phoebe didn't deserve to die, but she needs Rick to understand that the accident wasn't his fault. "If you really believe that," he asks, "then why do I have to go?" Brooke tells him that she can't do this; she can't send him away when he needs his family the most. "What about Ridge?" asks Rick. Brooke knows Ridge is hurting, but she sees Rick is, too. She promises to talk to Eric and Ridge to work something out. After she and Rick exchange "I love you's", Brooke tells Rick that no one should be alone for the holidays. She's confident that Ridge will come around.

Flight attendant Donna tends to Eric's needs.

On the Forrester jet, Eric and Donna bask in the afterglow of making love. Eric thanks Donna for filling his life with joy, since that's just what he needs. Donna laments that she thought he stopped loving her when he broke up with her. Eric says that he tried to stop loving her, but he couldn't. As Eric gets dressed, Donna puts on a skimpy flight attendant outfit for some role playing to welcome her hubby aboard "Honey Bear Airlines, your oasis in the sky." Eric delights in letting her take him away from all the personal problems of his ordinary life on the ground.

Eric thanks Donna for being so understanding.

After enjoying the personal service from his very own flight attendant, Eric tells Donna that it's time for them to come down to earth again. Donna asks if he's worried about his family. Eric confirms that he's not sure if his family can handle another loss. While he made Thorne promise not to tell Stephanie, Eric knows he'll eventually have to tell his ex-wife that he's reconciling with Donna, so he wants to get everything out in the open now. Donna suggests that he wait until after Christmas to tell Stephanie; after Phoebe's recent death, she thinks Eric's place this Christmas is with his family, and she doesn't want to keep him from being there for them. Besides, she has a lot to be thankful for since this is her first Christmas with her son, and she and Eric will have the rest of their lives to spend Christmas together. Eric thanks her for being so understanding. Donna reminds him that she knows what it's like to hold a family together after a tragic loss. Eric tells Donna that he and Stephanie will help the family get through this tragedy together, but not as a couple. He went back to Stephanie based on a lie, but he knows the truth now and wants to spend the rest of his life with Donna, now and forever. Donna likes the way that sounds and they kiss.

Stephanie talks about holiday plans with Ridge.

At the Forrester mansion, Stephanie and Ridge discuss holiday plans. Stephanie wonders if she should keep the Christmas tree she ordered. Ridge says that she could donate it to a shelter, but he then reconsiders, noting that Phoebe would want the family together for Christmas. Stephanie offers to cook for the family. Ridge thinks having her and Eric back together will make things easier for him. Stephanie assures him that she and Eric will always be there for him, whether they're married or not, but Ridge is glad that they reunited, since he thinks the family is at its strongest when she and Eric are together. He knows the holidays won't be the same without Phoebe, but he thinks they all need a bit of normalcy so they can move on. Stephanie asks if Brooke is going to be there. Ridge says that she will. Stephanie asks about Rick, so Ridge informs her that he and Brooke agreed that Rick should go back to work at Forrester International in Paris. Stephanie doubts that Rick will get on a plane to Paris, even if Brooke talks to him. Ridge says that he can't be around Rick, so Rick has to go, as far away and as soon as possible.

Thorne tries to keep mum when talking to his mother.

After Ridge leaves, Thorne drops by and finds his mother decorating the tree. As Stephanie asks if he wants to help, Thorne recalls his dad ordering him not to tell Stephanie about what happened with Donna. Stephanie senses that something's wrong and asks Thorne what's bothering him. She hopes he doesn't think it's a bad idea for the family to be together for Christmas. Thorne says that he's not worried, but Stephanie recognizes the look on his face. Thorne covers that he just doesn't want her getting her hopes up that another Christmas miracle is going to happen if they just gather the family together. Stephanie thinks they have to at least try being together for the holidays for the sakes of Ridge, Taylor and their children, but Thorne thinks it will only make matters worse if it turns out to be a disaster. Stephanie assures him that she and Eric won't let that happen, since the family is back together and is stronger and tighter than ever.

Ridge is surprised by Brooke's news.

Ridge arrives at Brooke's and tells her about his mother's holiday plans. Brooke agrees that holidays can be lonely without family. Ridge asks her if she talked to Rick. Brooke says that she did, and Rick understands why Ridge doesn't want him around and agreed to go. Ridge thanks her for talking to Rick. Brooke tells him that Rick hates himself, because Phoebe's death has made him question the kind of man that he is. As well he should, Ridge states. Brooke tells him that Rick seems depressed, but Ridge thinks the change of scenery will do Rick good, and he's just glad Brooke was able to get through to Rick. Brooke tells Ridge that she doesn't want Rick to go. Ridge tells her that he thinks of Phoebe in that ditch every time he looks at Rick, which just makes grieving that much harder. Brooke tells him that it's hard on Rick, too, and she thinks it's crazy to exile him to another country at a time when he shouldn't be alone. Ridge asks what she's saying. "I can't send my son away," Brooke sighs, worrying that this is a time when Rick needs to be around family. She knows she agreed to talk to Rick and tell him to move to Paris, but now she's not sure that was such a good idea. She loves Ridge, but Rick is her son, and she can't ignore how Rick's pain is eating him up alive. She tells Ridge that they'll find a way to make sure he doesn't have to see Rick, but she has to be there for her son. She begs Ridge to tell her that he understands. "I can't," Ridge sighs.