Thursday, February 07, 2008, Episode #5244

Rick worries about Taylor.

Rick drops by Brooke's house and is glad to find Bridget there, since he wants to talk to her about the whole fiasco with their mom, Nick, Taylor and baby Jack. Bridget hopes that their mother stays out of it, although she doesn't know if that's possible given Brooke's nature with babies. Rick, however, is less worried about their mom than he is about Taylor, who is falling apart from this huge mess. Bridget is surprised that Rick is so concerned about Taylor, although she agrees that Taylor didn't deserve any of this. Rick laments that Taylor finally gave Nick the child he always wanted, but then they found out that the child is Brooke's. Bridget can only imagine what Taylor is going through, and she expresses how terrible she feels about how things turned out.

Bridget fears that history will repeat itself.

Rick recalls that Brooke and Taylor have been rivals for years and sighs that it's like Taylor can't escape from their mom. Bridget remembers how she always looked up to Taylor while growing up, so it's especially painful for her to consider that she inadvertently hurt Taylor with the egg mix-up. She just hopes her relationship with Taylor isn't ruined, as she's just as concerned about Taylor as Rick is. Rick thinks they should all be concerned. Bridget confesses that she of all people understands what Taylor's feeling, since she, too, was married to Nick and knows how hard it was to let him go because he loved Brooke more than her. Unfortunately, she fears that Taylor is now in the same position. She recalls how she always knew in the back of her mind that Nick still loved her mother, but the stakes are much higher now with a baby involved. She wants to support Nick and Taylor's marriage, but she predicts that history is going to repeat itself, and she fears that Taylor will lose both Jack and Nick if that happens.

Brooke tells Nick that he can't be in love with her.

On the Shady Marlin, Nick tells Brooke that he's still in love with her. "You can't be," Brooke exclaims, wondering what James was thinking by asking Nick if he still loved her. Nick explains that James' attempts to help Taylor made him realize that Nick's feelings for Brooke were part of the problem. Brooke reminds Nick that he's committed to Taylor and the family he built with her. Nick admits that he loves both Taylor and Jack, but that doesn't change how he feels about Brooke. He recalls how everything seemed so perfect when he and Taylor were expecting their child, but the walls started caving in once the baby was born. Brooke regrets her part in that, but Nick tells her that it's not her fault. Regardless, he still wants a life with Taylor and Jack, which is why he wants Taylor to know what's going on. Brooke insists that he can't tell Taylor about this, since it will destroy her. Nick feels he owes his wife the truth, because he can't deny that he's always loved Brooke deep in his heart. Brooke tells him that she feels the same way, but there are too many people who will be hurt if they make their feelings known. That's why she thinks they have to keep this just between the two of them. Nick disagrees, but Brooke thinks some things are better left unsaid. "Please, for Taylor's sake, don't do this to her," she begs, fretting that Taylor isn't ready to deal with this. Nick says that he needs to get home, but he asks Brooke if she ever thinks that their baby might be a sign. When Brooke doesn't answer, Nick kisses her on the forehead and leaves.

Taylor's vision of Brooke continues to taunt her.

At the Marone mansion, Taylor continues to shout at the vision of Brooke that's trying to take over her life. "Get out!" she orders, but "Brooke" tells her not to waste her time. "I get whatever I want whenever I want it," taunts "Brooke." Taylor argues that Nick is different from the Forrester men, but "Brooke" laughs that she had all the Forrester men, especially Ridge, eating out of the palm of her hand. "Brooke" mocks that Taylor thought she had Ridge, the crown jewel of the family, but she never had Brooke's sex appeal and chemistry to give him what he needed. Taylor orders Brooke to shut up, but "Brooke" teases, "I want Nick, and I am going to have him." As "Brooke" lies back on the bed, Taylor tries to tell herself that this is all in her mind, but "Brooke" boasts that she's always going to be part of Taylor's life. "You can't compete with me," she brags, "because I'm always going to win, and you are always going to lose."

Taylor gets help from James.

Becoming unraveled, Taylor cries out for "Brooke" to stop! James hears her screams and rushes in, asking what's wrong. Sobbing, Taylor begs him to make it stop, because Brooke is everywhere and is driving her crazy. "I feel like I'm losing my mind," she weeps, wondering if this is what it's like to be crazy. Speaking in calm, even tones, James slowly beings Taylor back to reality. Taylor sobs that she's glad he's here, because she doesn't do well alone. James assures her that she's not alone, even though Nick isn't here right now. When James states that Nick will be back soon, Taylor wonders if she really wants Nick to come back, because she's afraid of what he has to say.

James advises Taylor about her hallucinations.

James asks Taylor to listen to him. He tells her that Brooke will always be in her life as long as Brooke holds a place in Nick's life, and he explains that Brooke has been such a negative force in her life for so long that she can't just will Brooke way. Taylor asks what other choice she has. James tells her that she and Nick have to be honest with each other, since that's the only way to deal with this. Taylor asks if he's saying that her only option is to walk away from her marriage. James says that he would normally not make such a suggestion, but this situation is far from normal. Taylor can't help wondering if her getting implanted with Brooke's egg was a coincidence since her doctor was Brooke's own daughter. James tells her to forget such conspiracy theories and instead base her decision on whatever conclusion Nick reaches about his feelings for Brooke.