Written By Joseph

Marlena lays asleep with John in his hospital bed. Sami enters the room with coffee and wakes Marlena up, questioning if she spent the night which she confirms. Sami encourages Marlena to take better care of herself. Marlena says she's terribly concerned about John but she's also upset about Sami and what she did.

Nicole and Eric wake up in bed together. Nicole tells him about a nightmare she had about a witch trying to take the baby away. Nicole says waiting for the judges decision is brutal and every time they expect an answer, Sami drops another bomb. Nicole worries about their case getting worse. Eric assures the judge won't believe Nicole is an unfit mother because of Jan Spears. Nicole points out that everything Jan, Victor, and even Sami said about her is true. Eric responds that what is most important is where she is now and who she is now. Eric says they have each other and Holly so it's all good. Eric tells her it's perfect and he's so proud of her and he loves her so much. Eric thinks they will be great parents to Allie's baby as they kiss.

Brady and Kristen kiss in bed until Kristen realizes that she has to pick up Rachel before Eli's shift ends. Brady points out that if Eli sees Rachel then he'll know she's in Salem. Kristen responds that she can't lose him and Rachel all over again as she gets out of bed.

Eli goes home to Lani. Lani guesses he must be exhausted doing all the heavy lifting and suggests he lay down. Eli says he unfortunately can't stay so he's going to shower and head back to the station. Lani encourages him to sleep. Eli informs her that they found Ciara and it's not good news.

Kayla walks through the town square and runs in to Justin, who asks how she's been. Kayla responds that she's been better. Justin says he's worried about Ciara too but hopes the police will find her now that they know she was kidnapped by Vincent. Kayla realizes that Justin hasn't heard so she informs him that Hope, Shawn, and Ben tracked Ciara down last night and cornered Vincent but he took off while Ben tried to rescue Ciara. Kayla informs him that Ben didn't get to Ciara in time and the car exploded. Kayla adds that the last she heard was that the only thing recovered was Ciara's rings and they are waiting for the full forensics report but she understands that no one could have survived it. Justin hugs her and says he's sorry as Kayla cries that Ciara is dead.

Eli tells Lani about the car blowing up and how Hope and Shawn did everything they could to get to Ciara but the flames were too intense and there was nothing they could do. Lani points out how Hope had already lost her husband and her son. Eli says it's the worst thing he could imagine and then goes to shower. Lani then gets a call from Kristen, who says she's sorry but she's on her way after losing track of time. Lani tells her that it's fine and she has everything under control. Kristen asks about Eli but Lani tells her not to worry as it's all good. Lani tells Kristen to be there for Brady as she's sure he could use her support. Kristen questions what she means so Lani realizes she hasn't heard. Lani then informs Kristen that she assumed Brady would've found out from Victor but it's about Ciara.

Sami guesses Marlena has heard that Jan Spears is back in town. Marlena heard that Jan was sprung from the sanitarium and brought back to Salem by Sami in order to cause problems between Eric and Nicole. Sami argues that it was to get custody of her grandson and asks if it was Eric or Belle that told her. Marlena says it was neither as she ran in to Jan at the hospital and she asked her to be her therapist. Marlena adds that at least Jan knows she needs psychiatric help. Marlena says that Jan is self aware while Sami's stunt was selfish and self serving. Marlena thinks Jan is dangerous while Sami thinks Nicole is dangerous. Marlena questions thinking Eric would endanger a child. Sami blames Nicole manipulating him. Marlena thinks the child would do very well being raised by Eric and Nicole and Allie thought so too but Sami thought she just had to win and hurt Nicole. Sami argues that Marlena is just on Nicole's side. Marlena says she's on the side of reason and brings up Jan hurting their family members. Marlena sarcastically thanks Sami for unleashing Jan on their family.

Justin and Kayla sit together in the town square .Justin can't imagine what Hope must be going through right now. Kayla apologizes for telling Justin like this since Ciara is his family too. Justin knows how close they were. Kayla says part of her just wants to go home and fall apart but she has to be strong for Hope. Justin tells her it's okay to let it out.

Lani informs Kristen of Ciara's death. Kristen can't believe it and says Brady will be crushed when she tells him the news because they were very close. Lani offers to keep Rachel longer if she needs her to. Kristen asks what about Eli. Lani tells her not to worry about Eli as she will handle him. Eli comes out of the shower and hears her. Lani tells Kristen to just be there for Brady. Kristen thanks her and says she's a life saver as they hang up. Eli questions Lani saying she will handle him. Eli says that just because he didn't tell anyone that his wife is helping a fugitive evade the law, that doesn't mean he's been handled. Lani thought he understood. Eli argues that he doesn't understand how she could put their family in jeopardy for Kristen. Eli adds that he never voiced his opinion before she included them in this mess. Lani argues that Kristen is her friend while Eli feels someone like that could never be her friend. Eli calls Kristen a criminal and a sociopath who will never change. Eli says he hopes Lani doesn't find that out the hard way.

Sami tells Marlena that Jan was going to be released anyways and she just sped up the process, comparing it to what Marlena did for Claire and Ben. Sami calls Ben a serial killer who tried to strangle her son but Marlena vouched for him and said he was better. Sami points out that she did the same for Claire and asks why can't Jan be better. Marlena responds that everybody knows Jan is not better. Sami thinks Jan deserves a second chance. Marlena tells her to stop pretending to care about Jan. Marlena hopes she's no longer a danger, especially for Sami's sake because she caused all this by bringing her back. Marlena declares that if Jan does anything to hurt anybody, it will be Sami's responsibility.

Kayla apologizes for falling apart on Justin and cries that she has no right. Justin brings up how Kayla was there for him when he lost Adrienne and says she's the only reason he got through that so he's here for her anytime she needs a shoulder as a friend. Kayla thanks him and says it means the world to her. Justin then gets a text that he has to get to court. Kayla says she has to get to the hospital too. Kayla says she'll be okay. Justin tells her to take care of herself as she walks away.

Eric and Nicole kiss in bed until Eric's phone rings with a call from Justin. Eric says they will be right there and hangs up. Eric informs Nicole that they need to get to the courthouse as the judge has made her decision.

Sami tells Marlena that she won't let her make her feel guilty about fighting for her grandson. Sami blames Allie for putting them in this mess when she took off. Marlena tells her to be honest. Sami argues that Marlena thinks she's a lousy parent. Sami knows she's not perfect but insists she's a better parent than Nicole the murderer. Sami says she has to get to court. Marlena advises Sami to try to do the right thing. Sami responds that she is doing the right thing and walks out of the room. Marlena sits back with John and says she's never needed him more than she does right now.

Lani tells Eli that he knows Kristen didn't kill Haley in cold blood as it was an accident. Eli says Kristen is not a fugitive because of that but because she stabbed Victor in cold blood. Lani argues that what Victor did to Kristen is unforgivable. Eli says they are cops and people can't just go around stabbing others. Lani says she doesn't condone what Kristen did but she understands it. Eli asks what about all the other crimes Kristen has done and not paid for. Eli asks if she's tired of the bad guys always winning and the people they care about suffering and losing. Eli tells Lani that he doesn't want to bring their babies into a world like that and asks if she does.

Kristen tells Brady about Ciara's death. Brady can't believe it as she was so young and smart. Kristen tells him that she's sorry. Brady says it's too much and decides he has to go see Victor because he adored her. Kristen stops him and questions Brady leaving her to run to Victor's side. Kristen then warns that she and Rachel won't be there when he gets back. Brady questions if she's seriously going to try to stop him from seeing his grandfather. Kristen responds that she's sorry for Ciara's death but not for Victor's pain. Kristen argues that Victor deserves it after what he put them through. Brady says he already put him through a lot for that. Kristen questions him crawling back like he always does. Brady says Victor wants to make amends and offered to recant his statement about the stabbing. Brady argues that Victor is an old man who wants to make right for what he's done wrong. Brady points out that Kristen didn't turn down Stefano when he came to her for help despite all the terrible things Stefano did to his family. Brady notes that he never once asked her to walk away from her father. Kristen accepts that and tells Brady to go console Victor if it's that important to him. Brady goes to leave but stops and says he won't.

Eric and Nicole go to court where Justin tells them about Ciara's death. Eric can't believe it and says it feels like Ciara was just born yesterday. Sami walks in and hears Eric say that Ciara is gone now. Sami can't believe it. Eric is sorry she had to find out this way. Sami thought they would find her and she'd be okay. Sami remarks that she knew Ben was going to do her in. Eric informs her that it wasn't Ben and suggests they talk but the judge comes in and announces she's ready to render her decision.

Kayla joins Marlena in John's room. Marlena tells Kayla that she's so sorry about Ciara. Kayla says Hope is determined to catch Vincent while Ben is recovering from burns and smoke inhalation so they have him sedated. Marlena wishes she didn't have to cancel her last appointment with Ben as maybe she would've realized that Ciara was in danger. Kayla says John was fighting for his life so she was where she needed to be. Marlena asks if there's any change. Kayla admits his progress is slower than they hoped and his heart has been weakened by the sedatives so it's been recommended that they bring him out of the coma, even if he's not ready as they don't have a choice.

Lani tells Eli that she's upset about Ciara too and this is not all about Kristen. Eli disagrees and asks why the baby is still there. Lani assures it won't be that much longer and she will take her back to Kristen at the Salem Inn as soon as she can then they will leave and no one will ever know they were there. Eli responds that he will know. Lani appreciates him for what he's doing for her friend. Eli says he has to go back to the station. Lani stops him and asks him to tell Hope she loves her if he sees her. Eli says he will and exits.

Kristen asks if Brady is not going to see Victor. Brady decides Victor has plenty of family around him. Kristen asks if he changed his mind for her. Brady explains that she made him realize what's important and that he came back to town for his dad. Brady says John is in a coma so he needs to be with him right now. Kristen tells him that he'll never have to choose between her and his family. Brady responds that she and Rachel are his family. Kristen apologizes for losing his temper. Brady understands Victor is a sore spot. Kristen tells him that she really is sorry for his loss. Brady says he will see them later and thanks her for being there for him as he then exits the room.

The judge asks if there's been no contact with Allie Horton which Sami and Justin confirm. She brings up not knowing the biological father's identity so the two viable options are Sami or Eric and Nicole. The judge declares that neither option is ideal from what she's heard. She brings up Sami's allegations against Nicole and says that she is very aware of Sami's colorful history. Sami argues that she can't consider evidence that wasn't produced but the judge tells her to stop talking. The judge argues that she let Sami turn a simple custody hearing into a circus and now she's done. She says her goal has been to do what's best for the child.

Marlena tells John that they will have some obstacles to face and hills to climb but they've done it before so they will be fine. Brady walks in and agrees that John will be fine. Marlena says she was just about to call him as Kayla said they are going to ease off the medication. Brady asks if that means he's ready to come out of the coma. Marlena says it is good news but he has a long road in front of him. Marlena tells Brady that he doesn't have to stay since she knows he has limited time with Kristen and their daughter. Brady assures that he wants to be there as long as they need him.

Kristen puts a do not disturb sign on her door and then calls Lani. Lani asks how Brady is. Kristen says he's hurting and went to see John at the hospital so she will be over to pick up Rachel. Lani offers to bring Rachel to her so she doesn't risk being seen. Kristen thanks her and asks how she managed to avoid Eli finding out. Lani admits that she didn't. Kristen questions Eli knowing she's in Salem. Lani confirms that he came home unexpectedly so she had no choice but to tell him. Kristen worries that Eli will turn her in. Lani assures that Eli promised not to say anything. Kristen guesses he was upset with her though. Lani confirms he was a little but says it will work itself out. Kristen tells her that she's so sorry for putting her through this again. Kristen says she feels terrible. Lani points out that Kristen would do it for her so she knows it was the right thing and she doesn't regret it.

Marlena finishes a call with Belle, telling her to stay with her family as she knows how upset everybody is about Ciara. Marlena promises to let her know if anything changes with John and hangs up. Brady asks if she wants him to get in touch with Sami and Eric. Marlena informs him that they are in court as the judge is deciding the custody today. Brady says everything is happening at once. Marlena feels this would make John happy that they are here together supporting each other after the time when things weren't good between them. Brady assures that he never doubted that Marlena was the best thing to ever happen to John. Marlena calls him a wonderful son to both of them and thanks him for being there as they hug.

Sami and Nicole argue until the judge says she's ready to get to the point. The judge brings up Allie's letter that clearly indicates what her wishes were. She states that Allie wished Eric and Nicole to raise her son. Sami argues that the letter is not legally binding. The judge tells her to let her continue. The judge brings up Sami's allegations against Nicole then Victor and Jan's testimony. The judge declares that she's not fully persuaded. Sami stands up and questions why not. Sami asks why she wouldn't believe Jan when she has no reason to lie. The judge brings up Jan's mental capacity and how it casts doubt on her recollection. Sami argues that her diary would prove it. The judge announces that she is lifting the restraining order so Eric and Nicole can spend time with their nephew like Allie wanted. Sami argues that she can't do that but the judge says she can and she has.

Kristen thanks Lani and promises never to put her in this position again with Eli. Lani tells her it's okay and it was a pleasure watching Rachel. Lani adds that it gave her good practice for her two babies. Room service comes to Kristen's door so she thanks Lani and hangs up. Kristen then answers the door to see it's Eli.

Brady tells John to give them a sign if he can hear them and asks how long this is supposed to last. Marlena responds that they have no idea how long it will last or he won't wake up at all. Brady asks if he'll even be himself if he does wake up. Marlena says they can't tell with the brain swelling. John then opens his eyes, exciting Marlena and Brady.

The judge warns Sami about her outbursts. She says it's impossible to know whether the letter is Allie's current wishes since they don't know where she is and don't have a sworn statement. The judge adds that Sami is the closest relative as the grandmother. She then announces she is ruling in favor of Sami to keep custody of Allie's baby. She warns Sami not to make her regret her decision. Sami excitedly promises that she won't as Eric and Nicole look on in disappointment.

Back to The TV MegaSite's Days of Our Lives Site