When Melinda returned from the �nut house,� she set her sights on Dorian�s man!

Carla began spending more and more time at the hospital with Jack, her new boss. Their simmering relationship reached an important turning point when Jack asked Carla to accompany him to a medical convention in the Virgin Islands. When they reached the Caribbean, Jack kissed Carla�and she responded! In the aftermath of the passionate lip lock, Carla was devastated and guilt-ridden�sensing that the destruction of her marriage to Ed was coming soon. In the aftermath of the near-tragedy with Luke Jackson, Becky and Richard married in a loving ceremony held at Joe and Viki�s carriage house. Following the wedding, they left Llanview for a fresh start in Europe.

Dorian�s sister Melinda Cramer returned to Llanview, after having spent several years in a mental institution. In the meantime, she became embroiled in a struggle with Dorian over the affections of the good looking and charismatic Dr. Peter Janssen, who had been seeing them both. Wanting the doctor all for herself, Melinda stood her ground and gave Dorian the comeuppance she had so long deserved. A defeated Dorian could do nothing as Melinda and Peter eloped.

Despite this seeming new beginning, Melinda�s compulsive behavior returned. Melinda resumed her career as a concert pianist. Practicing day and night, she nearly drove Peter insane with her compulsive playing. Her hopes were dashed when, during her big audition with world-famous Bruno Weston, she failed to impress him. Devastated and embarrassed at her defeat, she told everyone that Weston had praised her audition. Marco Dane, however, found out the truth and began blackmailing her over it.

Having discovered Karen�s afternoon rendezvous with married men, Marco forced Karen into becoming one of his �freelance hookers,� threatening to spill the beans to Larry if she didn�t do as he said. With her back to the wall, an anguished Karen was forced into a life of prostitution.

Viki�s life changed dramatically when her childhood friend Irene Clayton returned to town to tell Viki that she was dying. With her time waning, Irene asked Viki to take care of her 16-year old daughter, Tina Clayton. Irene passed a few weeks later, and Tina arrived at Viki�s doorstep. Suddenly Viki was facing the daunting challenge of raising a teenager! Karen, meanwhile, broke down and confided to Viki that she was a hooker. Believing that Karen was sincere in wanting to quit �the life,� Viki confronted Marco Dane and threatened to ruin him if he didn�t leave Karen alone. Marco bowed to Viki�s threats, but vowed to somehow get even with her someday. Before long, he had found the instrument to even the score�Tina!