Friday, April 27, 2007
Tensions rose as Gus and Harley split up their shopping list. When Gus offered to pick up a lamp for Daisy's room, Harley insisted she'd do it. Later, they agreed to spend some "special" time together. Harley wanted to figure things out first; Gus had other things in mind (wink, wink). When Harley suggested that Gus was more of a friend than a parent to the kids, he was appalled then he admitted he certainly wasn't a strict pop, but he still played the part well. Harley didn't seem to agree. Meanwhile, Daisy hung out at Grandpa Billy's pad and recorded a new video diary entry via her cell phone, complaining that Harley didn't deserve someone like Gus and that she probably loved him more than her mom did anyway.

Alan-Michael took a look at some photos of Ava, Alan (as menacing as always) and then another one of Jeffrey and Olivia. Meanwhile at Company, Olivia was stunned when she received a phone call from a police investigator, claiming that they needed to discuss a situation regarding Alan-Michael. The phone call left her on edge and she flashed back to the day that she and Jeffrey tied Alan-Michael up and threatened him. Unaware that the call was really from Alan-Michael himself, Olivia immediately left to find Jeffrey.

At the Beacon, a shirtless Jeffrey woke up next to a woman (her name is Sherry). When Olivia knocked on his door, she was surprised to find him with this strange new lady friend. Olivia expressed her concern about the Alan-Michael situation, but Jeffrey assured her that Alan-Michael wouldn't press charges and the police wouldn't know about what had happened otherwise. They continued to bicker about Ava out in the hall alone (Olivia made a crack about Jeffrey playing daddy with Ava one moment and then "doing" strange Sherry the next). When Sherry left, she advised the duo to take another shot at their relationship (not fully aware of their twisted history, of course) and added that every child wants his/her parents to get back together. Olivia quickly split when Mel arrived to talk business with Jeffrey. Later, Jeffrey discussed his family troubles with Mel but whenever she asked how things were going with his relationship with Ava, he kept bringing up his issues with Olivia.

Alan-Michael showed up at company and informed Buzz about Jeffrey and Olivia's plot (tying him up, etc.) in attempt to keep him away from Ava for good. Buzz was shocked and couldn't believe that they would do such a thing, especially without letting him know about it. Alan-Michael then suggested that there might be something else going on in Jeffrey and Olivia's relationship.

Daisy, having lifted Harley's car keys, suddenly showed up at Natalia's door in Chicago. Daisy lied, claiming that Gus was in trouble and that he needed Natalia's help. Daisy explained her case: she wanted to throw Gus a big party because he'd been going through a rough patch lately and hoped that Natalia could come to Springfield and surprise him. Natalia thought it would be quite strange and awkward since they hadn't seen each other in years. She rejected the offer, noting she couldn't leave her life and her job (apparently she works at a restaurant). Daisy understood and hugged Natalia good-bye. Once alone, Natalia gazed at a vintage snapshot of her old flame Nick August (aka Gus Aitoro).

Back at the Cooper/Aitoro household, Gus was irritated when Harley continued to include Dylan in their big parenting decisions regarding Daisy. Gus said Harley couldn't call all of the shots herself; Harley argued that Dylan was Daisy's real father and had a say in her life as well, then chastised Gus for how his Daisy "parenting" had kind of backfired already. Disgusted and angry, a defeated Gus left.

Later, Dylan showed up and apologized to Harley for his bad behavior at Gus's homecoming party. Harley was upset at how she had railed at Gus and told him that he was no longer allowed to be an active parent in Daisy's life. Dylan, however, seemed pleased. They bonded over their past and their shared concern for Daisy. Harley said she was glad Dylan was back in town to help her out and they hugged. Back at Cedars, Gus approached a frazzled Daisy, who was forced to admit she'd "borrowed" Harley's car and begged him not to tell her mom. Gus replied that there'd be no more lies.

A very excited Buzz pulled Olivia aside at Company and told her that he wanted her to be his "life partner". She was terribly confused (since she'd already agreed to tie the knot with him), but then he pulled out an RSVP for wedding arrangements he'd made online. All they had to do was show up! Buzz then got down on his knee and proposed properly, saying he wanted to get married this week. Swept up in the moment, Olivia said yes.

Jeffrey left his room and ran into Alan-Michael, then called the young Spaulding out on playing dirty with Olivia (suggesting that he had faked being the investigator who phoned her). A-M played dumb while Jeffrey said it wasn't a good time to stir the mud, especially since Olivia was getting married.

On Main Street, Gus witnessed a car accident. He was shocked when he recognized the driver — it was Natalia!

Thursday, April 26, 2007
At the police station, Ashlee (who was all fancied up with a new updo) confessed to a Springfield cop that she shot Alan. She reviewed her written confession and was about to sign it when Doris barged in and begged her daughter to stop.

On Main Street, Beth's hands were full of shopping bags. She reveled in her pregnancy bliss, ordering a tall coffee and a lot of snacks at CO2 and explained to the barista that she has tons of cravings this time around. Cassie randomly showed up and informed Beth that caffeine is bad for babies. They both sat down and Cassie began to attack Beth (and Alan, of course) for bringing a new child into the world when they'd taken hers out of it. Beth was visibly rattled and excused herself from the table.

At the prison, Josh received his mail in solitary: a handwritten note from RJ saying he was missed and another message from Vinnie Salerno. A guard warned Josh that the thug had a long reach and an even longer memory. Meanwhile, Reva was forced to explain herself to Billy, who was eager to know what happened during her last visit to see Josh. She confessed all: the whiskey, the memories, the chemistry and of course, the sex (which she said was just like riding a bike!). When Billy demanded to know what exactly Reva had in mind, reminding her that Josh is in love with Cassie, she replied with conviction and determination (just like the old Reva Shayne we love and adore!) that if Josh wasn't in prison right now, she'd fight like hell to win him back and let the chips fall where they may.

Back at the police station, Jeffrey arrived to inform an outraged Doris that he’s Ashlee's lawyer (Coop interjected that his family had paid the legal fees). Doris was powerless. Ashlee broke down as Doris pleaded for her to think it over. Ashlee stood up to her mom and explained that when she was a child, she believed her mother was the bravest woman in the world, but she always made her feel inadequate. Now she had a choice to do what was right and she didn't care what Doris thought. As she longingly glanced over at Coop, she admitted that confessing makes her feel like anything is possible. Later, Ashlee was pleased when Coop said he'd visit her in prison. As Jeffrey reviewed her confession, she was forced to clarify that Alan didn't hurt her or threaten her (she was just humiliated!) and that she never saw Josh at the crime scene. With all said and done, a tearful Ashlee signed the papers; Doris was devastated. Ashlee wanted to know if this would set Josh free. Jeffrey said it would at least get the ball rolling. As Ashlee mulled over her final arrangements with Coop alone before she was taken away (feeding her dog Moxie, sending money to the girl she adopted from a TV infomercial), she broke down again and thanked Coop for his friendship and support.

Josh was visited by the Reverend Ruthledge, who attempted to comfort him in his time of need. Josh yelled that "the good book" had never done him any good so he didn't even know why he was reading it and threw his mother’s Bible on the ground. He railed at the Reverend, angry about his fate and desperate to understand why terrible things were happening to him and yet a horrible person like Alan remained unpunished and unscathed for his lifetime of wrongdoings.

Cassie continued to "stalk" Beth, who was startled when she showed up right behind her at Company. When Cassie suggested that Rick is the real father of the baby, Beth glared at her and reiterated her claim that Alan is the daddy. When Lizzie showed up, a livid Cassie made some comment about how nice it must be to have a daughter there to help Beth during her pregnancy and stormed off. Liz was stunned by the tense encounter, but reassured her mom that she'd protect her. Later, Liz asked Beth if she was in love with Rick; she said it depended on the day. Beth then explained that Alan made her feel safe and important and she simply wanted the child to have that feeling as well. Liz made an aside about not knowing what it means to feel whole again until you've lost everything you love (no doubt a reference to baby Sarah). She then referred to Beth's baby as she and Beth corrected her by noting the gender of the baby hadn't been determined yet. Later over an ice cream sundae, Liz informed Beth that Rick couldn't demand that Beth get an amnio (paternity test) because the process could injure the fetus.

Billy suggested that he and Reva go to a baseball game to get her mind off of Josh. They stepped out the door to find Cassie, who demanded to know everything about her recent visit to see Josh; she could sense Reva was hiding something. Reva was saved from coming up with an explanation when Jeffrey showed up to inform the trio that Ashlee had confessed and Josh was coming home. An elated Cassie hugged him and immediately started making plans for a huge homecoming party for Josh. Then she thanked Reva for her support, apologized for doubting her and asked her sis to be the maid of honor at their wedding.

Back at the station, Ashlee was mortified when Doris ushered in a local reporter and made a public announcement that the only reason Ashlee was confessing was because she was unstable and bipolar; Coop stood up and defended Ashlee, saying it wasn't true. They shared a tender good-bye and Ashlee was led away. Meanwhile, Jeffrey gave Josh the scoop. He didn't seem to really process the news at first, but agreed to go see the judge.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007
It's the day of Gus's homecoming from the hospital. At C02, Billy and Dylan shared breakfast. Dylan divulged to his pop that he was worried about Daisy; Billy wondered if Dylan was just jealous of her relationship with Gus. Dylan showed Billy Daisy's video dairy that gushed about her kiss with Gus. Billy assured Dylan, who still thought bad-boy Gus was poppin' pills again, that he’s a great guy and completely clean (Billy would know; he'd helped Gus kick his habit). Meanwhile at the Cooper/Aitoro household, Harley was stunned and exceptionally pleased when Jude informed her that Daisy had done all of her chores in preparation for Gus's arrival.

Candy-striper Daisy checked in on her stepdad in his room at Cedars. Gus, who was seemingly back to normal, confronted her about admitting her feelings for him. Daisy quickly brushed it off and was even more relieved when Gus told her he wasn't planning on dishing to Harley about the awkward confession. When Frank and Buzz showed up, Gus inquired about Dylan before heading home. He was worried that Dylan would continue to stir the pot. Frank assured him it was just tough for Dylan to watch another man raise his kid and that everyone knew that Gus was Daisy's dad, too. Meanwhile, Daisy asked Buzz if he ever came across any nurses named Natalia who dined at Company; he said no.

Back at home, Harley told Gus that she and Daisy had called a truce (no more boot camp!). Buzz noted how great it was to see everyone acting like a real family again, then Frank inquired about Olivia's whereabouts. When Gus and Harley started flirting, Daisy pried in and urged Gus to be watchful of his injured hand. Annoyed, Gus said he was fine. Later, the happy family gathered around and noshed on Buzz's cookies as Dylan, who was outside, watched through the window. He knocked on the door, wanting to talk to Gus. Frank appeared nervous and told Dylan it was a bad time, but Daisy wanted her dad to stay. To ease the obvious tension that had crept into the room, Harley proposed a toast to Gus, then Daisy followed suit and thanked Gus for teaching her the importance of love, followed by a kiss on the cheek. Dylan lunged at Gus and tried to attack him. Harley railed at her ex for his erratic behavior, but Dylan yelled that Gus was a liar, explaining that he had a blood test conducted on Gus, who tested positive for drugs. Harley didn’t believe it. Dylan called Gus an addict and said he needed to be put in rehab. Then he suggested that something more intimate was going on between Gus and Daisy (why would a grown man check into a motel and then light candles?). Harley was visibly disgusted by the notion — until she saw the video diary herself.

Later, the party was coming to an end. Harley watched as Daisy affectionately tried her best to get Gus's attention (by offering to help him go upstairs). Gus sensed something was wrong with Harley, but she kept quiet until Frank offered to take the kids out for ice cream. Once alone, Harley demanded to know why Gus always protected Daisy and made excuses for her. Harley flat-out asked Gus if he kissed Daisy; he denied it. Then she showed him the video. He was forced to explain the incident that turned into an extremely awkward kiss. Harley told Gus to fix it. Meanwhile, he had finally figured out why Daisy confessed that she was in love with him (um, hello!). Harley wanted to know if Gus was doing anything to encourage Daisy’s feelings; Gus said he was only guilty of covering for Daisy when he shouldn’t have. When the argument turned to the night of the fire, Harley discovered that it really wasn’t Gus’s fault (he was covering for Daisy ... again). Gus was appalled that Harley suggested he was using drugs and the fight heated up. After rehashing the events of the entire night at the motel, they both concluded that Daisy had drugged Gus (way to go, detectives!). Harley said Daisy was out of control.

At CO2, Daisy told Frank he had to split. She went home, where Gus and Harley confronted her about the drugs and the motel incident. Daisy was mortified and tried to run, but Harley forced her to admit it. Daisy called her mom a bitch and after some screaming, left. Later on, Gus saw Daisy outside on the porch and sat down with her for yet another heart-to-heart. Gus said he was at fault for trying to be everybody’s hero, including Daisy’s. Then he encouraged her to listen to her real parents and advised that love was not “getting” it was “giving.” When Daisy randomly brought up Natalia, Gus was taken aback. He was vague about explaining her, noting that she was just a girl he knew in high school.

Alone in her room, Daisy looked up Natalia in Gus’s yearbook and made a call to her in Chicago. The woman only recognized Gus’s old name: Nick August. She said he was the love of her life.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Dinah and Mallet discussed Marina's condition and left for Cedars, then Dinah inquired if there were any leads on Cyrus. Meanwhile, a nervous and concerned Doris called Ashlee, desperate for her daughter to pick up. She fretted about Ashlee's strange behavior around Coop (and no doubt feared that Ashlee would confess to shooting Alan without her knowledge). She hung up and Matt suddenly approached her, asking for her help with the Cyrus situation; Doris suggested he'd be better off going to the cops.

On Main Street, Ashlee confronted Frank and started rambling about her mother, but Frank told her to hurry up with what she had to say (his mind was obviously elsewhere). Ashlee was unable to spit out her confession before Frank ran off to tend to Marina. Once alone with Coop, Ashlee confided that she felt like failure as a daughter — her mom is the DA, after all! She knew that everything was going to change after she confessed. When Coop reassured her that she wasn't a murderer, Ashlee sighed that it was just simple luck. She shot Alan point-blank. Finally, Coop asked what he could do. Ashlee tearfully asked to have one more night with him (the only person who wouldn't judge her) before she turned herself in. Coop agreed.

At Cedars, Marina was eager to get out of the hospital and desperate to catch Cyrus. When Dinah and Mallet showed up, Marina quickly informed them that when Cyrus stole the money, he had a female partner with him; Dinah froze. Both Frank and Mallet told Marina to rest while they continued their Cyrus investigation. Dinah wondered why Cyrus hadn't turned up again yet as Frank made certain that Marina still wanted to nail Cyrus and put him behind bars for good; she claimed she did. Meanwhile, a disguised Cyrus (who still hadn't left town) was forced to cover when a suspicious street cop came up to him.

Doris stopped by Company. Buzz mentioned Doris's troubled relationship with Alan, then noted that he was determined to show everyone in town how to conduct a proper marriage when he weds Olivia. Conversation turned to Ashlee and Buzz let Doris know that she has a very special daughter. Doris, however, was concerned that she doesn't even know who Ashlee is becoming.

Matt knocked on Vanessa's door in an attempt to reconcile; Vanessa said she needed more time. Meanwhile in Dinah's room, Mallet was preoccupied with nabbing Cyrus and even tried to pick Dinah's brain about the criminal (since she knows him), but Dinah avoided the situation by babbling about hot mustard and Chinese food. Then a stunned Mallet found Dinah's wig (the one she used to fake Vanessa's identity) in the closet. He instantly knew she was guilty. Dinah lied, but Mallet said the wig fit the exact description of the report and demanded to know why she did it. She explained Cyrus forced her, threatening to go public with Mallet's past if she didn't help him. After hashing things out, they reconciled and had sex. Both vowed to protect each other, keep everything under wraps and find Vanessa's money.

At Company, Coop presented Ashlee with all of her fave foods for her "last supper." A newly emboldened Ashlee informed Coop that she was strong; she appreciated his kindness and support, but she didn't need it. She would go to the police station and face the truth. Doris barged in and led Ashlee away, grateful that she hadn't spilled the beans yet. Doris was mortified when she found out that Coop knew the truth. She told Ashlee she didn't care about the Spauldings anymore; she was choosing to protect her daughter instead. She gave a tearful plea, claiming that Ashlee couldn't handle prison (she was too helpless). Later she smiled and sighed in relief, but it seemed that she was more happy that her own future wouldn't be jeopardized.

Back at home, Marina was shocked to find Cyrus waiting for her, as she thought he'd be long gone. Cyrus flirted, claiming he didn't have the money (it's still in the warehouse, but he can't get in because it's now a crime scene) but that wasn't the only reason he was still there. He needed her to help him get access. Meanwhile, with Coop by her side, Ashlee told a cop at the police station that she needed to report a crime.

Monday, April 23, 2007
At CO2, Coop confronted Ashlee about Alan's shooting. Ashlee became increasingly unhinged as he asked her straight up if she pulled the trigger. Even though he said he would completely understand if she had, Ashlee was aghast that Coop would even consider her an attempted murderer. Crying, Ashlee railed against her only friend for spying on her, then ran away. When Ava approached Coop, eager to talk things over and rekindle their friendship, he pushed her away and went to find Ashlee.

In the parking garage, a guilty Ashlee flashed back to the night of the shooting and then bumped into Frank, who said he couldn't keep his mind off of the crime, adding that the shot continued to ring in his ears. Ashlee mistakenly thought he was referring to Alan's shooting, but he was really talking about Marina. When Frank said he felt horrible, a pained Ashlee asked him how he dealt with the guilt. Meanwhile, Ava continued her attempt at convincing an obviously preoccupied Coop that they give it another go; he didn't see it happening.

Later Ashlee showed up at Company, wanting to come clean to Coop, who assured her that he was on her side no matter what. Then she confessed that she in fact did shoot Alan. She cried and shared for the first time her difficult and lonely past with Doris. Coop comforted Ashlee as she explained her side of the story. At the wedding, her happiness about being a Spaulding had quickly vanished when she overheard Alan telling another wedding guest that she and Doris were a joke. The comment sent her over the edge and that's when she pulled the trigger. Coop continued to stand by her as she mulled over her actions and added that she had to do what's right, both for her and Josh. Coop reassured Ashlee that everything would be fine and then accompanied her as she approached Frank, saying there was something she had to tell him.

At Cedars, Harley tended to an injured Gus and questioned Daisy about the details of the night at the hotel. When Harley left the room, Daisy pulled up a chair next to her unconscious stepfather/crush and thanked him for not ratting her out to Harley, then reiterated her feelings for him. Gus roused from his sleep and mumbled something about a woman named Natalia, but Daisy was unable to get him to explain what he was talking about. In the corridor, a frazzled Cassie approached Harley, explaining that she had a case of the crazies. She couldn't shake the feeling that Reva was up to something with Josh. She felt insane and guilty for believing Reva had an ulterior motive. Harley admitted that she saw Josh and Reva kissing at the prison. Cassie appeared mortified, especially after Daisy interrupted the conversation and fibbed, claiming that the "Jeva" kiss was not a big deal at all — Grandma Reva had told her herself about the smooch. A relieved Cassie hugged her niece and left.

Back in Gus's room, Dylan threatened him, saying that he was back in Springfield for good now and wouldn't allow Gus to hurt his daughter. Dylan accused Gus of being on drugs again, which Gus tried to deny, but Dylan insisted that Gus is taking pills. When Gus suggested that Dylan is just jealous, Dylan hollered at him and took off. Harley was shocked by Dylan's behavior and didn't believe that her hubby is abusing drugs. Gus's condition seemed to take a turn for the worse and Harley cried out for a nurse. Later, Dylan sneaked into Daisy's room and reluctantly began watching the video diary in which she revealed her feelings for her stepdad.

Post prison-lovemaking, Josh and Reva lay in bed together and contemplated the consequences of what they had just done. Josh became increasingly emotional as he thought again about how much he was going to miss by being locked up for 15 years. He told Reva that Cassie was his love and his future. He thanked his ex-wife for saving him from being alone, but warned that they couldn't have sex again. He admitted that he loves Reva, but should have kept her at a distance. As a saddened Reva prepared to leave, she told Josh to not worry about Lewis business affairs because she and Billy would take care of it and then she added that she would also look after Cassie. Before she left, Reva gave Josh some tender advice: whenever he feels as if he can't go on any further, he needs to think about the woman he loves. Reva bristled when Josh promised to give her a call; she curtly responded that he should save the call for Marah and Shayne. They shared a tearful good-bye.

Back at Cedars, Harley and Daisy sort of bonded as they both continued to fret about Gus's condition. Harley said that no one was perfect and she knew that her daughter didn't intend to hurt anyone. The duo then shared another hug.

A determined Cassie knocked on Reva's door, demanding to know how the visit with Josh went. Reva pussyfooted around the conversation and when Cassie said she was the one who should be doing the explaining, Reva was off the hook. Cassie apologized for doubting Reva's intentions, but Reva confessed that there was something she had to tell Cassie. Reva lost her nerve, however, and covered by claiming that the only thing that brought a smile to Josh's face during her visit was mentioning Cassie's name; Reva told Cassie that she's Josh's light. Cassie was overcome with joy.

Before he was sent to solitary, Josh had another encounter with Salerno, who said that seeing Reva at the prison made him angry (due to their own twisted past). He knocked Josh's Bible out of his hands and snickered that he hoped Josh has a good time in solitary.

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