Towers

Claire Ramsey still could not believe she was back in Springfield. It had been a long time. She thought for sure no one would want her around, but everyone welcomed her, including the Bauers. They say time heals all wounds.

It was a miracle that her daughters found each other on their own by mistake. Claire was glad about that. She knew Sandy and Michelle would build a relationship of their own. Could Michelle ever forgive her for abandoning her? Claire hoped so. She had grown into such a lovely young woman. Both of her daughters were beautiful.

She would not force herself into their lives, though. But from here on out, Claire would make every effort to keep the lines of communication open.

And then there was the matter of Carmen Santos. She couldn't believe her daughter was married to that woman's son. But he seemed to really love Michelle. Claire knew not trust Carmen. She was Carmen at one time.

There's a knock at the door. Maybe it's Michelle. Probably Sandy.

No. It's Roger Thorpe.


Bauer House

Sandy met Danny and Michelle at the Bauer house. She had never met Pilar before. Pilar was always away at school. While Danny was off talking to Ed Bauer, Michelle explained to Pilar how Sandy is Michelle's sister and Theresa's best friend. Pilar thought that was so bizarre. Michelle also took the opportunity to explain how she killed Mick by mistake and why she and Danny married, nothing more. She assured Pilar that she loved her brother. Amazingly, Pilar said she understood.

Danny and Ed's conversation was not going as well.

"I am not going to pretend I like this situation. You basically blackmailed my daughter into marrying you. And it would appear she may not be safe after all."

"Mr. Bauer..."

"Ed. You can call me Ed."

"...Okay. Ed. I love your daughter. And while we may have married under less than normal circumstances, Michelle and I are now committed to one another. I would never let anything happen to her. Never."

"We'll see."


__________________________________

Towers

"Roger. What are you doing here? How did you know I was in Springfield?"

"Can I come in? Thanks." Roger doesn't wait for her invitation before stepping into her suite.

Claire stands there, holding the door open, not at all surprised by his rudeness, but irritated none the less.

"What do you want?"

"I want you to assure me that you will not cause any trouble for Michelle."

She closes the door. "Why would you be worrying about Michelle? You hate Ed Bauer."

"I care about Michelle. That has nothing to do with Ed. And everything to do with her mother. Her real mother, Maureen. Just make sure you don't do anything stupid. Michelle has enough going on."

"You mean Carmen Santos. Well, I can assure that woman won't hurt my daughter."

"Oh, she's your daughter now. I was told that she didn't welcome you home with open arms."

"How do you know so much? Just stay out of my way. I know what I did was wrong, but I will not let anything happen to Michelle. And if I am the one that causes her pain, then I will leave. So you don't have to worry. Anyway, according to the papers, you have your own children to worry about."

Roger heads for the door, but before leaving says, "just don't hurt Michelle."

Cedars

Roger has arrived at the hospital to check on Hart. He needed to make a quick call. "I want you to watch Claire, not Danny and Michelle."

"Why? What’s up?"

"I think the good doctor/guilt-ridden mother is going to try to take on Carmen Santos."

"Really. So why not have me watch Carmen?"

"Because Carmen has someone to protect her. I need you to protect Claire. She may not realize it, but she's out of her league."

"What about Michelle?"

"I think Danny Santos has it covered. Besides, I will be watching out for Michelle, along with the rest of Springfield. Carmen would be stupid to try something now."

"Alright. I have a twelve-hour shift this evening, but I’ll do my best."

"That’s all I ask. Oh, and don’t forget. That nut, Dinah Marler, is still on the loose."

Dinah had not been tracked down. She had not contacted Vanessa or Bill or Ross. Only three people knew where she was.

Ben, Carmen and Dietz.

Bridgette, Dylan, Cassie and Blake are at the hospital when Roger arrives. Peter and RJ are with Vanessa. Bridgette wasn’t ready to let him see his daddy like this. Not yet. She hoped he wouldn’t have to. Bridgette swore to herself she would make Dinah pay. She wonders what Roger has in store for his and his son's ex-lover.

Roger caught up with the group just as Dr. Moore was coming out of Hart’s room.

"Dr. Moore, any progress?" Roger is anxious and nervous. He has wasted so much time battling with Hart. This was definitely a wake up call.

The doctor closes his charts. "Well, he is stable. He has been asking for you Mr. Thorpe. You can go in."

Bauer Residence

With everything going on, with Michelle, Abby decided she needed to visit her parents in Goshen.

"I know we have family and friends in town, but I feel like I need to see my parents. Would you guys mind me leaving for a few days?" She asks of Rick and Michelle.

"Of course not. It’s a great idea," Rick replies. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"No. No. You stay here with your father and Michelle. I’ll try to leave tomorrow morning and get back here in a few days. I think I’ll go shopping later on for some books to take to the children."

Michelle adds, "Abby, do you want me to go shopping with you?"

"No, honey. You spend time with Pilar and Sandy. I won’t be long."

"Okay. Well, I’m going to check on Danny and dad. Pilar and Sandy, you guys alright?"

They both nod yes.

Michelle is thinking how great it is to be surrounded by such wonderful people. Her family loves Pilar and Sandy. Of course everyone is surprised that Sandy is Michelle’s sister, but happy that they are getting along. These last few days have been extremely eventful. And to her surprise, Michelle feels completely relaxed and at ease.

Pilar is so carefree. Not at all like the other Santos’ she’s met. Michelle was amazed that Pilar wasn’t too close to Danny’s ex. Pilar says she was never around to get to know her. Sandy was and that’s why she and Danny's ex were so close. No one has told Michelle this ex-girlfriend’s name. Not that it matters now anyway.

She approaches the study and the door is ajar.

"We’ll see."

"Sir, I promise you, I would give my life for her."

"That’s a huge sacrifice to make for someone. How do I know your family won’t destroy my daughter? And I don’t mean just physically. She has a wonderful spirit."

"I know. Boy, do I know. All I can say is that I will do my best to honor her."

Danny and Ed shake hands and Michelle opens the door.

"Hey guys."

"Hey yourself." Danny walks over to his wife and kisses her cheek. "We were just about to rejoin you guys."

"You go ahead. I need to talk to my father alone."