Tuesday, June 03, 2008, Episode #5325

Donna asks Marcus to give her a chance.

At the Forrester mansion, Donna begs Marcus to give her a chance to figure this out. She explains how Eric's family is ready kick him out of the company is she causes any scandal, so she just needs to find a way to bring Marcus into Eric's life before she tells Eric the truth. Marcus tells her not to worry; he never intended to be part of her world, anyway, and he can take care of himself. Donna says she just wants the chance to help him, because she doesn't want to disappoint him again. There has to be a way to do this, she insists. Donna paces the room, trying to think of a solution, and then it comes to her: she'll get Marcus a job at Forrester! Marcus insists that he doesn't know anything about fashion, but Donna tells him he can learn if they find an entry level position where he can get to know Eric's family. Marcus is hesitant, but Donna begs him to give it a try. Marcus thinks it's a bad idea, especially since that nosy blonde receptionist who asked him all those questions will be around. Donna admits that they have to be careful around Pam, but she doesn't think Eric will listen to anything Pam might tell him about her suspicions. "Now that you're back in my life," Donna says, "I won't let you go again." Marcus said he never intended to stay. He just wanted to look her in the eye, and he has, so now he can go back home to Texas again. Donna begs him not to pass up the chance to get to know her and Eric. Marcus asks how he'd fit into their lives. Since Eric just married this young, sexy woman, he can't see where Eric would want to get to know him. Donna assures him that Eric will accept this in time, but Marcus has his doubts.

Marcus agrees to give Donna's idea a try.

Donna promises Marcus that she'll love him, no matter how Eric reacts, since she wants him in her life. "Are you sure?" he asks. Donna tells him that she gave him up because she couldn't be a good mother to him when he was a baby, but she wants to be a good mother to him now. All he has to do is agree to stay in L.A. Marcus tells her that he was a basketball phenom in Texas. Even though it wasn't a big team, everyone treated him like a star wherever he went, since his focus was always on getting the ball and getting it in the net. Donna wishes that she could have seen him play, since love of basketball runs in her family. Pleased to see that Donna's a fan, Marcus rolls up his sleeve and shows her a "TEXAS" logo tattoo on his arm. He explains that he always wanted to play hoops for Texas in college, but there was too much politics involved in getting a scholarship. But even so, basketball taught him to go after what he wanted. When he got out of high school, he really didn't know what was next in his life, but there was one thing he knew he wanted: to look his birth mother in the eyes. Now he did that, and she's a lot nicer than he expected. He never thought she'd want to find a place for him in her life. He softly tells her that he's scared. Sitting down next to him, Donna says that she is, too, but she thinks she can make this work. Marcus says he doesn't want to mess things up for her. Donna says she doesn't want that, either, but she wants the chance to get to know him. Marcus reluctantly agrees. Donna thanks him with a hug and promises to make this work.

Katie learns about her condition.

At the Marone mansion, Katie figures out that she's dying. After Bridget tells her that her body is rejecting the transplanted heart, Katie asks how long she has. A few weeks at most, Bridget solemnly sobs. Katie walks over to the window and looks outside as her fate sinks in. She asks if Dr. Patrick is sure. Bridget wishes there was some doubt, but the doctor was pretty sure of his findings. Brooke tells Katie that they can get a second opinion, but Katie says she needs to think about this. She tells Brooke, Bridget and Nick that she doesn't want them treating her like she'll drop dead at any minute. She just wants them to help her live her life to the end. "Can you do that?" she asks. First Brooke, then Nick and finally Bridget come over to her and promise that they will. As they all sit down, Katie tells the others that she doesn't want their tears or their pity. She thinks she needs some time alone right now and decides to go upstairs. Bridget thinks that's a good idea. As she starts to stand up, Katie is a bit unsteady, so Nick gets up and helps her upstairs.

Brooke and Bridget make a decision.

While Nick and Katie are upstairs, Brooke and Bridget marvel at how Katie is taking the news. Brooke thinks of all the things Katie will miss out on, like marriage, children and falling in love. Bridget reveals to her mom that Katie has a crush on Nick. Brooke is surprised, but Bridget says that she's not threatened by it. She thinks Katie will treasure any time she gets to spend with Nick now. Brooke agrees and says that they need to fill Katie's last days with joy and happiness. Trying to hold back tears, Bridget says that they can do this for Katie, but she can't hold the emotions back and falls into her mother's arms.