SOD (12/30/08 Issue):
CHRISTMAS CRISIS
Last week, Ridge agreed to not have Rick prosecuted for Phoebe's death if he moves back to Paris. This week, Brooke presents the proposition to her son and he agrees. "Rick's not happy about it," sets up his portrayer, Kyle Lowder. "Even though he's not going to jail, he's basically being banished from his family. He's an outcast now and no one wants to deal with him because he's a constant reminder of this terrible tragedy. He convinces himself that he needs to go away, so he tells his mom it's a good idea he return to Forrester International."
However, as soon as Rick agrees, he becomes very emotional. "He starts falling apart," says Lowder. "He's resigned to moving away, but the weight of the whole situation just comes crashing down on him. He's such a mess."
Brooke becomes so alarmed by her son's overwrought reaction that she changes her mind. "Like any good mother would do, she says, 'I can't have you leave in this shape,'" Lowder explains. "Now is when Rick needs his family the most so she can't just send him away."
Next, Brooke has to sell Ridge on the new plan - and he's not too thrilled. After, the couple tries to lift their spirits by joining the family to celebrate Christmas at Eric's house. Not surprisingly, the loss of Phoebe darkens the mood and it doesn't help when Rick shows up. "He's not thinking clearly," says Lowder. "He doesn't have the capacity to decide if coming is a good idea or not. He just wants to drop off the gifts for the kids and leave."
When Eric wants his son to stay, Stephanie throws a fit. "Eric comes back with, 'He's family!'" Lowder shares. "Eric then makes this wonderful speech to everyone about how he wants the family to rally together so they can get beyond this tragedy. Stephanie backs down, but she's not happy about it."
Rick reluctantly stays, but keeps out of the way by watching the festivities from a distance. A melancholy Ridge retreats to the terrace, where he thinks about Phoebe, so Rick approaches the grieving father. "Rick thanks Ridge for not pressing charges against him," says Lowder. "Ridge is silent, so Rick leaves."
But Ridge has plenty to say to Brooke about what should happen next to Rick.
SPOILERS
December 24 - An unexpected marriage proposal is made.
December 26 - Stephanie's world comes crashing down. Rick receives a visit from an unexpected visitor who delivers understanding and forgiveness.
Brooke and Ridge reach a sorrowful and tragic impasse.
Taylor and Rick share a powerful moment at Phoebe's graveside.