SOS Message Board: SOS Message Board -> Beyond the Horizon

June 2008
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Previously on Beyond the Horizon, shocking revelations set the tone for May Sweeps...

• Tiffany (Ambyr Childers) was shocked by grandmother Esther's (Kathleen Widdoes) claim that her mother Hattie (Kate Collins) killed her father.
  
• Hattie used Rolo's (Ignacio Serricchio) financial aid issues to turn him into her personal lapdog, forcing him to switch Eleanor's (Catherine Hickland) medication with anti-psychotics, try to convince Tiffany to give her another chance, and framing Aviva (Christina Chambers) for switching Eleanor's meds.
  
• Henry (Sebastian Roché) convinced Eleanor to have all of Charles Halperin's belongings moved into storage at Henry's penthouse, rather than throwing it all away.
  
• Thomas (Bobby Steggert) celebrated his 21st birthday, and Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) gifted him with a lucky pen that belonged to her deceased father.
  
• Catching Leo (Jeff Branson) and Dominic (William Shew) together, Fiona (Connie Fletcher-Staton) started to wonder if either or both were connected to Aurora's (Jeffrey Carlson) designer drug overdose.
  
• Crystal (Kerry Butler) grew nervous when she caught her boyfriend Rod (Forbes March) shirtless at the gay bar singing Tina Turner's "Private Dancer".
  
• Aurora/Eddie swore off the designer drugs, and agreed with Shawn (Tobias Truvillion) to try to make it work again.
  
• Edina Dawson (Ilene Kristen) visited son Eddie after his overdose, but also ran into her ex-husband Theodore Baldwin (John Ingle) and their son Thomas.
  
• Tiffany confronted her mother Hattie about Esther on Mother's Day, and moved out when Hattie wouldn't give her any straight answers.
  
• Rod and Fiona were unable to get in touch with their missing-in-action mother Emma for Mother's Day.
  
• Julia (Melissa Archer) gave Terrence (Walt Willey) the devastating news that he had Stage 2 AIDS, and likely had approximately 4 months to live.
  
• Julia and James (Alec Musser) faced friction with each other because of their own personal problems.
  
• Hattie transferred Esther to another institution across the country, but Julia decided she wanted to know her grandmother, and pulled strings with Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan) to nab legal guardianship of Esther and bring her back.
  
• Tiffany staying at the Valdez apartment led to tension between Ramon (Kamar de los Reyes) and Rolo, and gave Aviva the wrong idea.
  
• Carina (Natalia Livingston) learned she lost her job while in her coma, and lashed out at Aviva, resulting in a full-on catfight!
  
• Rachel (Sherri Saum) first suspected Shawn, and then Jenna (Kari Wuhrer) of being behind her harrassment.
  
• Crystal seduced Rod and pierced a condom with a pin before they made love.
  
• Christian (David Evan Smith) confronts Terrence and learns that Terrence has AIDS. Difficult to continue in a play where AIDS is a theme, Christian quits Terrence's show, and the production folds shortly thereafter.
  
• Aviva and Eleanor had a public confrontation when Aviva learned Eleanor was back to work.
  
• Eleanor's substituted medication made her delusional, and she stabbed Henry, while having a hallucination that he was a hostile haunting from Charles Halperin.
  
• Dominic advised Christian to bail on his relationship with Terrence, but Christian couldn't even imagine leaving Terrence now.
  
• Eddie was released from the hospital and took mother Edina to lunch, only to catch Shawn with "the other woman", Jenna. Edina thought Shawn was unhealthy for Eddie, while Shawn realized Edina was a link between the two halves of his double life.
  
• Ramon is perplexed by Aviva's bizarre behavior.
  
• Fiona wanted to hire Rachel to uncover Von Stadt International's drug connection.
  
• Aviva was behind the anonymous notes and threatening messages left to herself and to Rachel!
  
• Christian reaffirmed his commitment to Terrence, despite his health status.

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Opening Sequence


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Eleanor & Evan: "A lovely event you've thrown together," Evan compliments host Eleanor. Eleanor's flattered and proud that it all came together so quickly. Evan continues, "So what do you say we continue to celebrate your success back at my suite?" Eleanor is offended by Evan's overtures. "Mr. Royale," Eleanor starts, until Evan interrupts her, "Call me Sir Evan..." he smirks. "You've been knighted?" Eleanor is surprised, but Evan clarifies, "No, I just like women to call me by certain titles... gets me in the mood," Evan smirks with a dirty glint in his eye. Eleanor is further disgusted. "Mr. Royale, you got me out of some very messy legal situations, and I'm grateful... but I'm definitely not looking to start anything with someone right now." Evan is fine with Eleanor's stance, "Smashing, darling, I'm not looking to start anything either, just looking to finish something off." Evan's increasing crass talk earns him a slap across the face from Eleanor before she leaves the table in a huff. Evan seemed to enjoy the rough slap even more than their conversation and watches her leave with more lust than ever.

Christian & Rod: "I don't think Crystal was too happy with that little bidding war," Christian warns Rod, "I think she's got a little issue with our relationship." Rod makes it clear that his concern at the moment isn't Crystal, it's his father, and Christian's relationship with his father. "What else is new?" Christian snarks. "This is all a game to you, isn't it," Rod marvels, "well okay, let's play games. What do you like? How about... Truth or Dare?" Christian agrees to play. In the first round, Christian chooses truth. "Okay... Was my father's status and his line of work what made you get involved with him?" Christian says yes, and Rod feels vindicated, until Christian clarifies, "I was drawn to Terrence because he's passionate about Theatre like I am, and obviously driven enough to make a name for himself. Did I want to use Terrence as a stepping-stone, not at all. I fell in love with him because we share many passions, and he understands me and what drives me more than any other man ever has." Rod sees that Christian means what he says, but still poses another 'truth or dare' challenge. Again, Christian chooses truth. "When you walked in on me in the bathroom last year, was that planned?" Christian is amazed at how many straight guys really think gay guys are after them. "No, Rod, I wasn't trying to sneak a peek." Christian quickly challenges Rod to a 'truth or dare'. Rod chooses truth, so Christian asks, "Were you honest with Crystal about why someone else's name was on your lips at the cabin on Valentine's Day? Or do you even know why?" Rod is shocked by the question, not having thought about that moment for months. Christian smiles at Rod's intense, silent, brooding reaction. "See, Rod... I'm not the one here who is unsure about his feelings... I'm going to take your father home, he looks tired," Christian says, leaving the table.

Crystal & Leo: "It's kinda funny, we're connected in a few ways, yet we've never really talked. My father used to work for you, until he died... my mother's living with you and your father, and dating him, depending on what day you ask... and we're both dating the Applewhite siblings," Crystal and Leo share a laugh of amazement at their circumstances. Leo asks how Crystal has been since her father's death. "Lost, alone," Crystal admits with an honesty that surprises them both. Crystal goes on to explain that she took for granted the family that she had, didn't appreciate it, and relied too heavily on it for her whole life. She got comfortable, complacent. Leo didn't understand why that's a bad thing, he's never felt comfortable or complacent with his father, before or after his mother's death. Crystal explains, "Because I never had to think about who I was, what I was going to do with my life when I didn't have this family, my parents, my sister to fall back on. I never left the nest, I never focused on my own goals or aspirations, discovered what I loved to do." Crystal was content to be the good daughter, and reliable big sister... now that she's not Charles Halperin's daughter anymore, Crystal doesn't quite know who she is. Leo sometimes thinks he'd prefer to not know, than to have it planned for him from birth that he would be his father's successor in life and carry on the Von Stadt family reputation. Crystal thinks they both have had the same expectations laid on their shoulders, just Leo's were on more grand of a scale. Crystal wonders if maybe Leo has to start thinking about what he wants his life to be, out from under his own father's shadow.

Nathan wakes up disoriented. Looking around, he realizes his head hurts, and reaching to touch the lump he discovers he's handcuffed (with his own cuffs) to a pipe in Aviva Reynoso's bedroom. Aviva returns, surprised to see Nathan awake. "I was starting to wonder if you were dead," Aviva says off-handedly. Nathan asks what Aviva's doing. "I'm containing a problem. There I was, feeling good about myself because I made bail, and I come home to find you rifling through my apartment? I can't have that, Detective. I can't have that at all..." Nathan assures Aviva she's only making things worse by doing this. Aviva tells him to stop calling her that. "Call me Ava... I've grown to resent being mistaken for Aviva." Nathan is perplexed by the alternate name. Is she insane, or is this a case of mistaken identity?

"Why Ava?" Nathan inquires about the name, struggling in his handcuffs that are wrapped around the pipe protruding from her bedroom wall. "It's shorter, more 'to the point', simpler... It's time to start distinguishing myself if I'm going to be handling things my way from now on," Ava explains. Nathan really doesn't care for the way she's handling things. Ava supposes that's too bad, and urges him to stop struggling with the pipe... it's a gas line. All the lit candles around her room might have a bad reaction if Nathan created a gas leak.

Ramon asks what Evan Royale is doing at a bachelor auction when he should be working on Aviva's defense. Evan could ask Ramon the same about being at a bachelor auction while the woman he supposedly loves is facing serious charges. Ramon reminds Evan that visiting hours are limited, but Evan is surprised Aviva didn't call Ramon to tell him that she got out on bail already. Ramon is surprised at this news, and leaves the auction to go find Aviva.

Eleanor takes a glass of champagne off of a tray and makes her way to Hattie's table. Hattie compliments "Ms. Halperin" (keeping things rather formal, since they supposedly don't know each other well) on throwing the auction together so suddenly. Knowing how much money and work Henry put into it, Hattie wonders how close he and Eleanor must be getting. Eleanor is sure that Hattie will be glad to know Eleanor and Henry's relationship is strictly platonic. Hattie isn't sure what Eleanor is implying, since Hattie is Henry's secretary and anything further would be unprofessional. Eleanor is almost amused by how easily Hattie hides her true self. Hattie is concerned, however, that Eleanor is holding a glass of champagne. "Wasn't a drinking problem the reason you were brought up on charges this year?" Hattie smugly notes. "Oh, this isn't for me," Eleanor explains, "it's for you." Hattie is flattered and graciously reaches for the glass, but Eleanor dumps the drink on Hattie, ruining her dress and hair. Hattie is horrified and humiliated, while Rolo can't stifle his laughter. The patrons around the room giggle, and all Eleanor can muster is an "oops" as Hattie scurries off. Henry quietly appreciates Eleanor's petty form of revenge.

Nathan tries to convince Ava to let him go. She obviously needs help, and Nathan is willing to get it for her, but that's going to be harder for Ava to get if she has a dead officer on her hands. Ava is certain that she could come up with a plausible explanation. Ava, waving a small handgun, supposes could say she saw someone had entered her apartment and she defended herself by shooting the mysterious assailant, only to discover it was Nathan. Nathan warns her that it's a capital crime to murder an officer of the law. And it wouldn't explain the handcuff wounds on his wrists. Ava gets flustered but admits she really only has to worry about the consequences if she allows anyone to catch up with her when she's done with her plans.

Leo sneaks up behind Fiona, as dancing begins in the ballroom, "Should I be jealous?" Leo asks, "You were looking very intense with my father over at your table, all evening." Fiona begins dancing with Leo, shrugging off his inquiry. "I was just gaining better insight into the man behind the image the media paints of him," Fiona says, studying Leo's face. "I definitely see more of a resemblance between the two of you," Fiona says seriously. Leo seems more nervous with the way Fiona is looking at him. "What is it?" Leo wonders. "Nothing," Fiona says... "Nothing I can't handle." Fiona rests her chin on Leo's shoulder, and Leo feels a different vibe coming from Fiona than he's ever felt before.

At the Applewhite home, a tired Terrence discards his shoes and plops onto the couch. Christian sits at the other end of the couch and puts Terrence's feet in his lap. "Should I even ask what Dominic said about me tonight?" Christian wonders, "I need to start deciding what I want to confirm or deny," Christian smirks, getting a smirk in response from Terrence. "It was all good..." Terrence confirms, "he cares about you more than anyone and worries that you're wasting yourself on an old, dying man. And he's right." Christian is offended, and assures Terrence that he loves him. Terrence admits that when the impossible happened and Christian felt as strongly for Terrence as Terrence felt for him, all Terrence could do was think of all the things he wanted to do with Christian. Quiet, intimate nights at home, dinners by candlelight, scrabble games, sky diving, a cruise to the Bahamas, two weeks in Greece... And now Terrence gets worn out from a night out on the town. "If I can't handle a night out, twenty blocks from home, and a cab ride, how can he make Christian's dreams come true?" Christian lays down on top of Terrence on the couch, "Lemme tell you something about Dominic," Christian confides, "He was in LOVE with Ken. Barbie's Ken. Dom was obsessed with meeting his own Ken someday. On my 15th birthday, I told Dominic that I hated Ken. Because Ken doesn't exist. He's not anatomically correct. He has no personality. No wit. No flaws. No fears. No dreams. No class. I don't want frills. Or trips. Or some illusion of a perfect life. I gave up on that when I realized I didn't have the family that all the kids at school had. Life isn't perfect. I don't want some Ken to give me dinner by candlelight or a trip around the world. I want a man. A real man. Who's made mistakes. Who's anatomically correct. Who holds me to show me he loves me. Who looks me in the eye and sees my mistakes and my fears and loves me anyway. You're everything. You're my dream. That's all I want or need."

Rod and Crystal sit quietly in a cab, on their way back to Crystal's place. Crystal breaks the silence and asks how Rod's night was. Rod says he got the answers he needed. "I'm mad at you," Crystal responds, her statement feeling very out of context with the conversation. Rod inquires why. Crystal didn't like Rod making a spectacle of her by engaging in a bidding war with her and over Christian, of all people. Rod didn't want to see good money go to waste just to ease Crystal's petty insecurities. Crystal didn't realize Rod thought her feelings were 'petty'. Rod says that his father's terminal diagnosis has put a lot of things in perspective. Crystal sympathizes, and if she is going to come second to Terrence, she can understand that, but if she's going to come second to Christian, Crystal is damn well going to want to talk to Christian and find out what's so special about him. Rod gets furious, "I just wanted to make sure that the man my father wants to spend his final months with has his best interests at heart, which I think is a little more relevant and important than you hoping to disprove the ridiculous notion that I have more of an interest in Christian than you! It is NOT about you! AT ALL." Crystal's eyes well with tears. Rod amends his statement, "I love you... I have loved you for years, and this crazy idea you have that I want my father's lover... it's a waste of your time." Crystal stares at Rod, tears slowly leaving trails down her cheeks, while Rod, who claims to love her, just stares out the window. If only he would look at her, Crystal thought to herself. If only he'd just look at her. The cab arrives at Crystal's place and Rod pays the driver and gets out, slamming the door. Crystal takes a moment to wipe her tears and gets out the other door.

Thomas wants to take Rebecca out on a date... "Where to?" Rebecca wonders. "To the gay bar!" Thomas suggests. Immediately, Rebecca is thrown, reminded of her sister's concerns about her own boyfriend Rod. But Rebecca is relieved when Thomas explains he wants to go to Large Bar to support his brother Eddie's "Aurora Borealis" act. Thomas also wants to make sure Rebecca is very affectionate with him when they go... so no one there thinks he's gay. "I won't let anyone near you, handsome," Rebecca winks.

Carina gets restless as she's unable to find a job to help Julia with the rent. "I understand the economy is in trouble, but I can't be the only person who's been fired this month! Someone must have been sucking at their job! Someone must need someone, somewhere!" Julia reassured Carina there was no hurry, and to find the right career for herself. Julia was living on her own all this time, she can pay the rent fine by herself. Carina is no moocher, and won't freeload off of Julia for much longer.

Shawn was back in Aurora's audience for the next performance at Large Bar, and Eddie hoped things were getting back to the way they were in the beginning. Eddie was surprised when Thomas and Rebecca came to support him! Eddie was touched and told Thomas after the performance that he's glad Thomas is with Rebecca (whom he has watched grow up for years while working with her mother Eleanor). Rebecca still can't believe the weird coincidence that her boyfriend and Eddie turned out to be brothers. Spotting his VSI intern Thomas at the bar with Eddie, Shawn slipped out of Large Bar unseen by Thomas. Eddie couldn't help but notice Shawn leave at the site of Thomas, and Eddie wondered if there would ever be a point when everyone could know about the feelings Eddie and Shawn have for each other.

A furious Ramon arrived on Aviva's doorstep and she didn't want to let him in. Ramon insisted that they work out whatever problems were making Aviva keep him at arms' length. "Aviva" (Ava) insisted they had nothing to discuss and she needs this time to herself to evaluate how she got to this point in her life. Ramon heard a deep moaning coming from Aviva's apartment and thought she might have another man inside! Forcing his way inside, believing Aviva might be distancing herself and behaving strangely because she found someone else, Ramon follows the sounds to her bedroom and finds Det. Nathan handcuffed to the pipe! "What the hell is going on her--" Ramon uttered before Ava struck him over the head with a vase, rendering him unconscious. "NOW all these men want to make Aviva their sole focus... Go figure," Ava sighs to herself, having to tie Ramon up now.

Terrence had started to grow bitter over his condition, but Christian made him see how everyone rallied around him out of love by holding the Charity Bachelor Auction. Christian surprised Terrence with a marriage proposal, and Terrence accepted!

Thomas was surprised by a file Rachel dropped at his desk in his little cubicle at VSI. It contained all the contact information to get in touch with Lauren Sapphyre! Thomas was thrilled with Rachel's results, and immediately called Rebecca to share his excitement. Thomas told her he was going to get on a plane to Lauren's southwestern cattle ranch, and would love it if Rebecca would join him. They had a little time before summer courses at Hunter were starting, and Thomas hates travelling alone. Rebecca wondered what they would say to Lauren when they got there, and Thomas said he could tell from the financial reports that Sapphyre Cosmetics was struggling.

Coming in July on Beyond the Horizon:

• "Ava" continues scrambling to cover her tracks, with two sexual conquests, and by claiming another victim.
  
• The mysterious Lauren Sapphyre debuts.
  
• Carina finally finds a new direction for her life.
  
• James makes progress with Julia.
  
• "Ava" needs tranquilizers.
  
• Shawn is put in an awkward position at VSI.
  
• Esther still has influence over Hattie.
  
• Julia suspects Hattie when she learns Det. Nathan is missing.
  
• The Applewhites continue to grapple with Terrence's condition.
  
• Jenna's selfish plotting may ruin everything... but for whom?
  
• Dominic's past sins are discovered by someone close.

June 2008
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Previously on Beyond the Horizon, shocking revelations set the tone for May Sweeps...

• Tiffany (Ambyr Childers) was shocked by grandmother Esther's (Kathleen Widdoes) claim that her mother Hattie (Kate Collins) killed her father.
  
• Hattie used Rolo's (Ignacio Serricchio) financial aid issues to turn him into her personal lapdog, forcing him to switch Eleanor's (Catherine Hickland) medication with anti-psychotics, try to convince Tiffany to give her another chance, and framing Aviva (Christina Chambers) for switching Eleanor's meds.
  
• Henry (Sebastian Roché) convinced Eleanor to have all of Charles Halperin's belongings moved into storage at Henry's penthouse, rather than throwing it all away.
  
• Thomas (Bobby Steggert) celebrated his 21st birthday, and Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) gifted him with a lucky pen that belonged to her deceased father.
  
• Catching Leo (Jeff Branson) and Dominic (William Shew) together, Fiona (Connie Fletcher-Staton) started to wonder if either or both were connected to Aurora's (Jeffrey Carlson) designer drug overdose.
  
• Crystal (Kerry Butler) grew nervous when she caught her boyfriend Rod (Forbes March) shirtless at the gay bar singing Tina Turner's "Private Dancer".
  
• Aurora/Eddie swore off the designer drugs, and agreed with Shawn (Tobias Truvillion) to try to make it work again.
  
• Edina Dawson (Ilene Kristen) visited son Eddie after his overdose, but also ran into her ex-husband Theodore Baldwin (John Ingle) and their son Thomas.
  
• Tiffany confronted her mother Hattie about Esther on Mother's Day, and moved out when Hattie wouldn't give her any straight answers.
  
• Rod and Fiona were unable to get in touch with their missing-in-action mother Emma for Mother's Day.
  
• Julia (Melissa Archer) gave Terrence (Walt Willey) the devastating news that he had Stage 2 AIDS, and likely had approximately 4 months to live.
  
• Julia and James (Alec Musser) faced friction with each other because of their own personal problems.
  
• Hattie transferred Esther to another institution across the country, but Julia decided she wanted to know her grandmother, and pulled strings with Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan) to nab legal guardianship of Esther and bring her back.
  
• Tiffany staying at the Valdez apartment led to tension between Ramon (Kamar de los Reyes) and Rolo, and gave Aviva the wrong idea.
  
• Carina (Natalia Livingston) learned she lost her job while in her coma, and lashed out at Aviva, resulting in a full-on catfight!
  
• Rachel (Sherri Saum) first suspected Shawn, and then Jenna (Kari Wuhrer) of being behind her harrassment.
  
• Crystal seduced Rod and pierced a condom with a pin before they made love.
  
• Christian (David Evan Smith) confronts Terrence and learns that Terrence has AIDS. Difficult to continue in a play where AIDS is a theme, Christian quits Terrence's show, and the production folds shortly thereafter.
  
• Aviva and Eleanor had a public confrontation when Aviva learned Eleanor was back to work.
  
• Eleanor's substituted medication made her delusional, and she stabbed Henry, while having a hallucination that he was a hostile haunting from Charles Halperin.
  
• Dominic advised Christian to bail on his relationship with Terrence, but Christian couldn't even imagine leaving Terrence now.
  
• Eddie was released from the hospital and took mother Edina to lunch, only to catch Shawn with "the other woman", Jenna. Edina thought Shawn was unhealthy for Eddie, while Shawn realized Edina was a link between the two halves of his double life.
  
• Ramon is perplexed by Aviva's bizarre behavior.
  
• Fiona wanted to hire Rachel to uncover Von Stadt International's drug connection.
  
• Aviva was behind the anonymous notes and threatening messages left to herself and to Rachel!
  
• Christian reaffirmed his commitment to Terrence, despite his health status.

>>>

Opening Sequence


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"Will you take on the investigation?" Fiona wants a final answer from Rachel. Rachel weighs it out in her head... investigate the powerful and potentially dangerous Von Stadts who have just put her on retainer and given her an office, or refuse the case and let them continue as possible criminals under the radar? Rachel takes Fiona's case, deciding to very discreetly investigate the Von Stadts.

"Her son?!" Thomas looks to his mother, not really able to process this information. Edina is rendered speechless, looking back and forth, from Eddie, to Thomas, to Theodore, back to Eddie. All three men expecting some kind of explanation, but only receiving the tearful stares of a woman they all thought they knew. "Edina, what's going on?" Theodore places a comforting hand on Edina's shoulder, seeing she's having a rough time. Edina grabs Theodore's hand with her own tightly, taking what may be the last bit of comfort he ever offers her when he hears the truth. "Mother, what's happening? Why are you answering to these men?" Eddie asks his mother. "I have something very important to say," Edina mutters, after clearing the lump from her throat, "I've lied to all of you." As the three men still wait for their answers, Jenna and Shawn return to the table to find the very tense scene. Eddie locks eyes with Shawn, and realizes he and his "other woman" were occupying the two empty seats at the table.

Leo hunts Dr. Julia down in the hallway of the hospital, wanting the status on his father. Julia tells him he's healing well and was awake a minute ago if Leo wants to go see him. Leo goes to visit Henry and Julia privately hopes Hattie didn't make Eleanor do this to Henry somehow. Leo enters Henry's room to find him sitting up in his bed watching television. "Nothing but cheesy soap operas on this bloody television," Henry remarked, shutting off the TV. Leo would think Henry's had enough of his share of drama thanks to Eleanor Halperin. Henry is tired of the conversation and reminds Leo that Eleanor is extremely crucial to the future of VSI and their freedom as well. Leo thinks it's best if whatever Eleanor has or knows just dies with her. "Unnecessary casualties are just reckless and will always trip you up," Henry warned his son. Henry ordered Leo to stop questioning him and to bring Eleanor to see him.

Terrence calls his kids to dinner, and Rod jokes to Fiona that he expects Terrence and Christian to announce they are adopting a child. Rod admits he's really hoping that they'll hear the real story about what happened to shut down Angels in America. Fiona doesn't know what to expect. Terrence joins them and it's clear Terrence is struggling with what he plans to tell them. Christian's reassuring glances and the firm grip he places on Terrence's tense, fidgeting hands starts to give way to the notion that this latest announcement is going to be serious. A nod from Christian, and Terrence reveals to his children that he's been diagnosed with AIDS. Rod and Fiona are sent reeling by the news.

Det. Nathan Weber tracks down Aviva at her apartment and can't help notice her bruises from her catfight with her sister. Aviva blows it off like it was nothing. Nathan announces he was there to question Aviva about her interaction with Eleanor Halperin at The Redeye. The mention of Eleanor makes Aviva's eyes flutter and Aviva's disposition shifts from cold and dismissive to somewhat sweeter, more accommodating, and vulnerable. Aviva seems to struggle to get her bearings and asks the Detective to repeat himself. Nathan asks about the argument Aviva had with Eleanor at The Redeye. Aviva wasn't sure what he wanted to know. Eleanor was involved in Carina's car accident, that led to her coma, and Eleanor seemed to evade punishment of any kind, so Aviva isn't fond of Eleanor lately, no. Nathan asks if Aviva knows that Eleanor stabbed Henry Von Stadt shortly after her argument with Aviva. Aviva was surprised, but not at Eleanor's apparent instability and violent streak. "I know she's been a bit of a mess since her husband's death," Aviva told him, with not much sympathy left in her voice for Eleanor. "But this time she had help," Nathan replied. Nathan told Aviva that Eleanor had been taking an anti-psychotic medication that she didn't know she was taking, and Nathan wondered if Aviva knew anything about it. Aviva is offended at the suggestion that she was seeking some kind of vengeance by drugging Eleanor. Nathan asks to look around her apartment, and Aviva tells him to get a search warrant and slams the door in his face. Aviva seems incredulous that someone could think she'd do such a thing.

Eleanor comes to visit Henry and gets emotional seeing him lying there. Eleanor tearfully apologizes to Henry for everything, she swears she didn't know what she was doing. Henry knows, he heard that there were some drugs in her system that were not prescribed. Eleanor tells Henry she's been packing her things. Eleanor will go back to Shady Glen, or jail, or wherever she needs to, since it's not safe for Henry to be around her. Henry tells Eleanor she's being too hard on herself and if he can look past the situation and see she wasn't in her right state of mind, then Eleanor should be able to forgive herself. Eleanor doesn't think she deserves a man so generous and forgiving. Eleanor agrees to stay at the Penthouse.

"Why are these men so shocked that you have a son?" Eddie asked plainly, not getting what the big deal was, why it seemed like their opinion mattered to her so much. "Because I never told them," Edina admitted, her head hanging low and not looking at anyone in the eye. "Eddie," Edina took a deep breath, "Thomas... he's your brother. And Theodore, he's... he's my ex-husband... and your father." Edina exhaled a sentence so simple, but one that took over 30 years to utter. "What? How? Why would you keep something like this from us?" Thomas was outraged, feeling like one of the few things he could count on all his life suddenly wasn't so dependable. Eddie was transfixed by Thomas, realizing that someone else, this young stranger, was entirely invested in this woman as his mother. Eddie was amazed that he and Shawn weren't the only ones at the table who lived two lives. "You don't understand," Edina said... Edina revealed she met Theodore in 1974, when Theodore was travelling, getting his graduate school education. They met in Canada on Theodore's spring break, and surprisingly fell in love. Edina was younger, infatuated with this educated, tender man. But she knew he was married with children (7 year old Jenna and 1 year old James) and despite his marital problems, loved his wife and wanted his marriage to work. Edina knew their time together would be brief, but they did make love, and Edina never told Theodore she was pregnant, not wanting to complicate his life or ruin his marriage. Years passed, Theodore kept in touch, and Edina kept him informed on her life, but said nothing of their son, Eddie. In the summer of 1979, when Eddie was 5, Edina was coming to New York for a conference and didn't plan to tell Theodore she was coming... but she ran into him at a bar. Theodore had just learned his wife Veronica was dying, from Hodgkins Disease. Theodore was devastated, that much was obvious to Edina. Edina tried to console him, but one thing led to another, and they spent a night together. Edina ordered Theodore to forget her and return to his wife, help her fight the Hodgkins. But within a year, Veronica had died... and Edina gave birth to a daughter, Didi. "Well aren't you just a fertile Myrtle!!!" Jenna shouted, outraged to learn in mere minutes that she now has TWO new half-siblings and TWO more obstacles to her ultimate goal, her inheritance. "Shut. Up. Jenna." Theodore said sternly and simply. And Jenna did, having never heard that chilling tone from her father before a day in her life. Thomas is speechless to know he has two full siblings he never knew about. Eddie had been watching Theodore, until Theodore started studying Eddie's face and Eddie couldn't put his eyes anywhere comfortably. Edina continued her story, explaining that it was 1986 when Edina could finally face Theodore. She left Eddie and Didi with her sister Trina, and went to New York to tell Theodore the truth about their children, but she couldn't. Too much time had passed. Theodore would never forgive her, he'd never look at her the same way. Theodore offered her a fresh start, Veronica had been gone for years, Jenna and James had left for school and their own lives, and selfishly, Edina took that fresh start. Theodore was free to be completely hers. It was the easiest... and the hardest... thing she had ever done. Edina stayed in New York, Trina agreed to take care of Eddie and Didi, and Edina was pregnant again, this time with Thomas. Raising a child with Theodore was heavenly... until Didi started having her problems at school back in Canada, and Edina's highwire balancing act between her two lives became too much for her to bear. She realized she couldn't be a half of a person in her own life, and felt that Thomas was young but still mature enough to be on his own with his father. Edina knew Theodore would raise Thomas well. Shawn is hit hard by Edina's talk of her dual life and being a half a person, but Shawn is an expert at not showing it. Edina continued, she returned to Canada and Eddie and Didi, and tried to be there for them 100%, but Edina always felt there was a... disconnection between them because of her years away. Eddie is emotional, and at this point can't hide it any longer. Eyes welling up with tears, Eddie dashes out of the restaurant and Edina shouts after him, but realizes she needs to let him go. For now. The table sits in silence. Shawn gets up to excuse himself, sure that the Baldwins have a lot to discuss. Jenna's mind is racing too much to think to stop Shawn, and Shawn leaves.

Rod lashes out in blind anger, accusing Christian of infecting his father, but Christian informs him his HIV test came back negative. Terrence reveals that he had engaged in some anonymous activity during the last few years of his marriage and only had himself to blame. Rod was furious with his father, and asked if he might have infected their mother too. Terrence revealed that he and Emma had stopped being intimate long before Terrence started accepting his true desires.

Hattie ushers Esther into her apartment before anyone sees her or hears her accusation. "I can't believe it, you really did it," Hattie seemed equal parts disbelieving and impressed. "What I had to? Yes... I did." Esther said matter-of-factly. Hattie demanded to know what Esther wanted. Esther claimed she had everything she wanted... her freedom. But it's Hattie who stands to lose a whole lot more, Esther couldn't help but notice. Esther reminds her daughter that Hattie needed her long ago... and needs her now, even if she won't admit it. Hattie is certain she has everything under control, and thinks Esther needs the care that Shady Glen can provide her. "Alright, I'm done with all this yadda yadda back and forth. I'm moving in. I'm going to help you get your daughters back. Then I'm going to help you with this Henry Von Whoever. And if you don't want to accept my help... I'll just have to send you to jail for your poor departed husband Larry's murder." Hattie was stuck, but her mind was racing about how to regain control of this situation.

Eddie couldn't handle his overwhelming emotions and ran to Large Bar, where he finds Dominic. Dominic can tell something's wrong with Eddie, but Eddie doesn't want to discuss it. Dom wants to help, but Eddie quickly snaps at him, but then pulls back and approaches Dominic more softly, telling him if he wants to help... he can sell him some of the pills. Dominic refuses, and Eddie gets angry and calls Dominic worthless, and threatens him, telling him if he doesn't want to sell then Eddie might as well call the cops on him. Dominic calls Eddie's bluff, willing to face the wrath of the cops, but Dom refuses to put Eddie back in the hospital with those drugs. Eddie, disappointed in his quick backslide about wanting the drugs, breaks down. Dominic offers to call someone for him, but Eddie screams for Dom to just leave him alone, and Eddie swipes a group of freshly-washed glasses off the bar, shattering them. Dom realizes how much Eddie is suffering, but goes to get some materials to clean up the broken glass, and runs into Ford, who was eavesdropping

"Haven't you heard? The economy's in a sharp decline," Ford informed Dominic, "You really think you can afford to turn down a hungry customer?" Ford grips the back of Dominic's neck roughly and brings Dom's ear to Ford's mouth. "That's bad business, Soletti. I hope I never see that again. You've healed so well from our last business disagreement, I'd hate to see some of that healing undone." Letting his neck go and leaving, Ford sneaks out the back exit. Dominic tries to massage his neck to relieve the tension from Ford's hostile grip.

Theodore, Thomas, and Jenna take Edina home to the Baldwin brownstone in Theodore's car. The ride is silent. Edina asks Thomas to sit down and talk with her. Thomas is cold to her, and heads downstairs to his own space. Rebecca calls him and Thomas answers, unable to hide the emotion in his voice. Rebecca wants to know what's wrong. Thomas tells her that everything he ever thought he knew about his parents was a lie.

Edina heads up to Theodore's room and starts throwing her belongings into a suitcase. Theodore gently but firmly takes her hands from what she's doing and tries to get her to meet his gaze. Edina can't look at him, and tears are rolling down her face. "I've wrecked it! Like I knew! I knew it would all come crashing down! I knew the more I waited the more damage it would do to all of you, to all of us!" Theodore quietly took her into his arms. "It's going to be alright," Theodore assured her, "The truth is out now. Everyone knows everything. Now is the time to put all these pieces together. And we can all be whole again." Edina is breathless at Theodore's suggestion... amazed that he wasn't through with her at all... he was still there, willing to fight for their life together.

James was amazed when Jenna told him all the dirty details about the family dinner at The Redeye which served to make the family about two people too large. James wanted to know what it seemed these Dawsons wanted from Theodore, but Jenna didn't really care, as long as they didn't get it. Jenna thought this might be a blessing in disguise. Thomas seemed devastated that his mother had lied to him and that their father hadn't been honest with him about his past with Thomas's mother. Jenna and James wonder how they can use the divide to edge Thomas and Theodore out of each others' trust.

Shawn finds Eddie at Large Bar and sees Dominic cleaning up the broken glass, obvious that Eddie had an emotional outburst. Eddie agrees to let Shawn take him home. At Eddie's apartment, Eddie breaks down about his past being ripped out from under him. Eddie confesses he thought his mother never even knew who his father was. Eddie thought she was too ashamed about being promiscuous or even if it wasn't her choice to sleep with the man and get pregnant. Eddie had all these ugly ideas about how he was conceived, but it turns out he was born from love and a modern day star-crossed lovers story, and that his father is actually a sweet old man who obviously loves his children. Eddie sees his mother even built a life with the man for years, had another child with him, and STILL excluded Eddie from knowing his father. Shawn tried to defend Edina's choices, certain that Eddie wasn't seeing the difficult position Edina was in, but Eddie fired back, "The difficult position my mother put HERSELF in! HER lies! HER choices! She created that hell for me, and for Didi and for herself. She decided to keep those two lives separate and leave us hungry for a father... for a mother! What the hell kind of person does that to children she claims to love?!"

Rod and Fiona can't cope with Terrence's information and can't even get in touch with Emma to tell her/warn her about Terrence's status. Rod visits Crystal and tells her of his father's condition. Crystal can't do anything but apologize for how devastated Rod must be. Crystal wished there was something she could do. She knows how hard it's been to lose a father, and to know it's coming... the notion of it sends Rod out of Crystal's home. Heartbroken, Rod continues to lash out at his father, Christian, Crystal, Fiona... anyone. At the root of it, Rod doesn't know who to be mad at, he just doesn't want his father to die.

Shawn didn't know what to tell Eddie. Eddie didn't want Shawn's comfort. Eddie swore Shawn is just as bad as Edina, telling lies, keeping secrets, dividing his life into pieces tucked away in little drawers, afraid of anyone knowing who he really, truly, completely is. Eddie said Shawn is just as much a coward as his mother is. Eddie tells him to go give his new sister Jenna Baldwin a shoulder to cry on. Shawn decides they will talk more when Eddie calms down. Right now he obviously doesn't want to be helped.

Crystal buys a pregnancy test, hoping to have good news to offset the news about Terrence.

Det. Weber returns with the search warrant while Aviva's home. Looking around the apartment with a few uniformed officers, Aviva reassures the police there is nothing to find. Nathan's sure that she won't mind if they take their time, then. Nathan gets to Aviva's purse, and hits paydirt. Nathan pulls a prescription bottle from her bag and confirms it's the same drug that was found in Eleanor's bloodstream. Aviva is shocked and insists it's some kind of mistake. Nathan tells her to settle it with her lawyer, and arrests Aviva.

Henry returns home to his penthouse to find Eleanor has cooked for him to welcome him home. Henry, still not 100% recovered, voices how glad he is that Eleanor agreed to stay in his life. Over dinner, Eleanor tells him she will stay at the penthouse until the terms of her sentence are met, but they can no longer carry on a romantic relationship. Henry appears upset and confused by Eleanor's decision.

Aviva looks to Evan Royale, who is surprised she'd want him to represent her. Aviva tells him he did a great job defending of defending someone guilty, so he should try his hand at defending someone innocent. Evan is enthralled with Aviva's "fetching" beauty, and agrees to look into the case the police have against her. Later, in her cell, Aviva grows increasingly nervous and her eyes flutter again. Aviva's voice shifts a little deeper and more aggressive. She paces with hostility around the cramped cell and insists "There's no way she could have done what they're saying. She wouldn't have the guts... not without me." Aviva's references to "she" sounds like she's talking about herself in the third person...

After making love, Rebecca consoled Thomas about feeling betrayed by his parents. Thomas was furious with his mother, for keeping two full siblings a secret from him, and upset with his father for "stringing" Edina along for years before finally settling down with her. Thomas feels as though he's lost nearly everything he could count on. Except Rebecca, of course. Rebecca encouraged him to look at the bright side, the gift that this news was. He should consider his life bigger, brighter, even more full because of all the additional history behind the love story of Thomas's parents. Rebecca points out how "at odds" Thomas was with Jenna and James, and now Thomas has been given two new siblings, to build completely fresh, strong relationships with... if Thomas decides to make the best out of the life he has now... since the choice is his. Thomas realizes Rebecca is right.

Crystal waits impatiently, checking her watch repeatedly and looking off in the distance towards the bathroom sink, waiting for her pregnancy test to be ready. A timer rings, and Crystal braces herself before getting up to check the pregnancy test. Approaching it carefully, she peeks and immediately her face falls and her shoulders slump. Crystal's eyes well with tears, and she runs her hand through her hair before picking up the test and tossing it angrily in the trash. One more chance to build a future for herself... shot to hell.

A shocked Ramon rushes to visit Aviva when he learns she's been arrested for drugging Eleanor. Ramon asks her to be honest about whether she did it, and assures her after what happened between Eleanor and Carina in the accident on New Years, Ramon would understand. Aviva is offended and tells Ramon to leave. She didn't do this and doesn't want to see Ramon if he thinks she's capable of it. Unlike him, Aviva can make the moral distinction between right and wrong. Ramon worries what she means about right and wrong. Aviva orders him gone, and he leaves. Aviva promises Ramon is lucky she's locked up because it's slowed down her plans for him and Rachel.

Eddie recounts to Terrence and Christian the story of learning the truth about his family, and Christian is envious. Christian wishes that a father and some siblings would drop out of the sky one day, some new people to get to know, find things in common with, compare notes with about their differences. "You want mine?" Eddie jokes. Eddie admits it almost drove him back to drugs, but luckily, his dealer refused to sell to him. Eddie neglects to mention his dealer is Christian's foster brother Dominic. Christian and Terrence are relieved, and proud that Eddie faced the demon and ultimately didn't slip in his recovery from his addiction. They want to know if Eddie is going to make an effort to get to know his new family. Eddie finds it odd... It was always so easy to be "out and proud" in New York, he never had to care what people thought of him here, there were no expectations or pre-conceived notions about him. But now... Eddie's afraid for his new family to learn he's gay... and especially that he's a drag queen. Eddie knows it shouldn't matter, and if they don't understand then he'll know whether it's worth knowing his new family or not. But as much as he knows in his head... his heart is afraid for what the Baldwins will think of him.

Rebecca had just finished guiding Thomas through his emotional crisis when her sister called her sobbing. Since it was obvious Crystal was despondent, Rebecca rushed to meet Crystal back at home. Crystal was heartbroken that she did as Rebecca suggested in fighting for Rod and it all fell apart. Rebecca pressed her for details and Crystal goes on about how she tried to get pregnant and it would have been just the news to help Rod bounce back from the truth about his father... Rebecca tells Crystal to slow down. Crystal reveals that Rod learned his father had AIDS. "Mr. Applewhite?!" Rebecca is horrified at the news. Crystal goes on that she had tampered with a condom to try to get pregnant with Rod a little while ago. Rebecca is horrified at that too! Rebecca explains that when she said to fight for Rod she didn't mean to put them both at risk and jump into a pre-marital pregnancy that neither of them is really ready to handle. Especially when lack of protection is most likely what is going to cost Terrence his life! Rebecca is appalled at her sister's actions, and Crystal can barely handle Rebecca's disappointment in her.

Julia and Tiffany were summoned to The Redeye by grandma Esther, and were surprised to find Esther was sitting with Hattie! Unsure of what they had just walked into, Julia and Tiffany cautiously sat down and Esther proceeded to tell her granddaughters that everything about Hattie being involved in Larry's murder had been a misunderstanding and Esther swears Hattie was innocent of any wrong-doing! Julia and Tiffany instantly feel they've been played, and demand answers. Esther doesn't know what they mean. Julia accuses Hattie of manipulating Esther, Tiffany accuses Esther of manipulating them to get sprung from Shady Glen, and the Lawless girls can't figure out who was manipulating and who was the target! Infuriated, Julia and Tiffany leave, and Hattie laughs that Esther's lost her touch, "You didn't think you could sway your granddaughters that easily, did you? How much medication did they have you on at Shady Glen?" Esther assures her doubting daughter that she always gets her way, and Hattie should never forget it.

Ramon admits to Rolo that Aviva is acting strangely toward him. Rolo points out that she's been jailed for a crime she didn't commit and he's worried about how she's treating him?! Ramon goes on the defensive and asks Rolo how he can be so sure Aviva is innocent if she's not acting like herself, and Rolo never seemed to like Aviva that much anyway to have faith in her innocence. Rolo quickly goes on the defensive himself and accuses Ramon of wanting Aviva to be guilty so that the path will be clear for him to resume sleeping with Rachel.

Julia nearly breaks down the door of Evan Royale's office to demand that he get her grandmother Esther sent back to Shady Glen Sanitarium. Evan laughs, asking if she also wants him to put her toothpaste back into its tube. Evan reminds Julia that she and an accredited doctor declared Esther sane enough to be sprung, so short of proving Esther is crazy again, Esther's free as a bird. Besides, Evan's docket is full with the Aviva Reynoso case. Shocked to learn Aviva's been arrested for drugging Eleanor Halperin, Julia immediately calls Carina to tell her about her sister... and Carina seems hardly moved by the news at all!

Ramon goes to Carina and asks if she thinks Aviva's acting strangely. Carina wouldn't know, she hasn't seen her sister. Ramon tells her Aviva's been arrested. Carina knows that, she just hasn't seen her. Ramon wonders what kind of sister Carina is. "Oh now Ramon," Carina smiles, "do we really want to start throwing stones in this glass house we all live in?" Ramon leaves, furious.

Christian goes with Terrence to all his doctors' appointments and asks desperately for some news that will give them hope that Terrence can survive this. Dr. Julia says they have caught it too late. The cocktails will prolong Terrence's life to a point, but they are only quick band-aids on a rapidly accelerating problem. Christian grows angry, not wanting to accept that Terrence will die either. Terrence doesn't want to either, but he starts to believe he needs to accept it to make the most of the time he has left.

Terrence and Eleanor meet to resume a semi-regular brunch that they haven't had in a long time (what with Eleanor's legal and mental issues, and all), and Eleanor shares with her friend that she ended the sexual relationship with Henry Von Stadt because of what she did to him while under the influence of the swapped medication. Eleanor admits it's the right choice, despite her attraction to the man, and she needs to work on getting back to the woman she used to be, apart from a relationship. Terrence is glad she's found some clarity. Eleanor asks what's been going on in Terrence's life, and he becomes emotional. It's obvious that something is terribly wrong. Terrence breaks down and admits to Eleanor that he has AIDS and only a few months to live. Eleanor is stunned at the news.

On the subway ride back uptown to the Von Stadt penthouse, Eleanor can't stop thinking about Terrence's admission and her involvement in the gay community through Large Bar. Eleanor decides to do some good with some of the money she inherited after her husband's death and turns to Henry, asking for his help in organizing a benefit to raise money for AIDS research for the Day of Compassion.

Eddie is home in his small messy apartment and drowning his sorrows in a tub of Rocky Road ice cream while the song "Iris" from The Goo Goo Dolls plays on the stereo system. Apparently Eddie had stopped in mid-transition from Aurora to Eddie because he's still got smeared lipstick on his mouth and a feather boa around his neck, but doesn't have his "Aurora" wig on, or any "Aurora" clothes. Using his ice cream spoon as a microphone, Eddie climbs all over his couch, lip-synching the chorus to "Iris" when there's a knock at the door. It's Thomas Baldwin, but the music is blaring, and Thomas hears it through the door. Knocking louder until Eddie hears it over the stereo, Eddie dismounts the couch and delicately traipses across the room and swings the door open, not expecting his new little brother to be on the other side of the door to witness the self-pitying solo performance, not to mention the remains of "Aurora Borealis" all over Eddie!

Thomas can't help but smile at the scene he just apparently interrupted. "Bad time?" Thomas asked innocently. Eddie, embarrassed and surprised, scrambles to shut off his blasting music and invites Thomas in, and Eddie quickly discards the feather boa behind the couch. Thomas picks it up from the floor and offers it back to his new brother and tells him it's a good color for him. Eddie sits down with Thomas and apologizes... Eddie was still trying to figure out how he was going to go about sharing his identity with his newfound family. Thomas feels he's the one who should apologize... showing up unexpectedly at Eddie's doorstep and trying to force a family bonding moment, while not giving a moment's thought to whether Eddie needed his own amount of time to adjust to the news of his sudden family. Eddie doesn't hold Thomas responsible for any awkwardness. Thomas inquires about the feather boa and the makeup, "Fashion choice? Hobby? Lifestyle?"... Eddie thinks on the answer, "All of the above, I guess," he laughs. Eddie explains that he works as a drag queen, Aurora Borealis. Thomas likes the name Eddie came up with for his character. Eddie is surprised Thomas is so accepting and not "weirded out" by it. "It's New York," Thomas explained, pretty much summing it up. Eddie inquired about how old Thomas was to be so open-minded and mature, and Thomas shared that he just celebrated a birthday. Eddie awkwardly offered his new brother a happy birthday, and Thomas thanked him. Thomas explained that he came over to sort of extend an olive branch, and hoped they could have a good relationship. Eddie appreciated it, and was thrown for a loop when Thomas invited him to their planned Father's Day dinner at the Baldwin home. Thomas said he could even bring the feather boa if he wanted. Eddie accepted the invitation but decided against bringing the feather boa. Eddie asked that Thomas let him tell the rest of the family about himself in his own time, in his own way. Thomas understood and respected Eddie's request.

Eleanor called Crystal and Rebecca together to celebrate Father's day and the mood was uncomfortable. Crystal admitted that she was surprised her mother wanted to celebrate Father's Day, given all the uncertainty and grief that has surrounded their connection with Charles Halperin before and after his death. Eleanor thought, and Rebecca agreed, that regardless of how they knew Charles in death, there were years upon years of great memories and love shared with him.

James was surprised to come upon Julia on the observation deck of the Empire State Building. "Wasn't there some cheesy chick flick that ended like this?" James quipped. "A few, actually," Julia replied. Julia shared that she decided to honor Father's Day from there because it reminded her of a time her father took her to the observation deck of the Sears Tower back home in Chicago. James forgot it was Father's Day. Julia asked if James had any happy memories with his father like she did. James admitted he really didn't spend a lot of time with his father when he was little. James was always out in the neighborhood playing with his friends, and James didn't think he and his father were compatible. Julia didn't understand. James said he was always the athletic, active type, and his father was always trying to talk to him about some boring article that he'd read in National Geographic. Julia reminds James that he only gets one father and he nearly lost him last year. Julia admits she didn't care about the view from the Sears Tower, and doesn't really care about the view from the Empire State Building... but she loved seeing her father's face light up and his eyes come alive when he was looking at the vast world before him. She loved that he wanted to share that with her and let her believe in limitless possibilities that he never explored in his own life. Julia is sorry that her father had a lot of regrets in his life, but it never made him bitter, at least in Julia's presence. It made him want to ensure Julia lived better than he had chosen to. Julia tells James to call his dad... or better yet, go see him.

Edina gave Theodore a photo album for Father's Day, filled with pictures of Eddie and Didi from their early childhood up through high school. Theodore is overwhelmed with emotion, and he and Thomas look through the album. Theodore notes that Didi is very beautiful, but always seems to have a sadness in her eyes. Theodore feels responsible, that she's sad because she never knew him. Edina assures him Didi was sad, but because of her own reasons, not because she ever made it known that she longed for a father. Growing up, Didi was always very accepting of the circumstances that life had given her, and took everything for what it was, refusing to get caught up in what might have been. Theodore notes that Eddie always seemed to keep his hair long. Edina shared that Eddie never liked getting haircuts when he was young. Eddie arrives and Thomas lets him in. Theodore is thrilled that Eddie chose to accept Thomas's invitation. Eddie is embarrassed to see the old pictures that Edina gave to Theodore. Eddie had ordered his mother to burn the photos from that dance class he took, and that photo of a 4 year old Eddie walking in his mother's high heels! Theodore is grateful that Edina captured those moments for him to see, even all these years later.

Jenna arrives late and gives her father a box full of scratch-off lottery tickets as a Father's Day present, claiming it's a token of what brought the family back together. Edina finds the gift tacky. Thomas is furious and privately shares with Eddie that Jenna found the most selfish and self-involved gift she could have possibly given their father... and she most likely used THEODORE'S money to buy the lottery tickets, and probably bought them in order for Theodore to win MORE money that she could use to further herself in the future. Eddie is shocked, but not necessarily surprised by Jenna's nerve. Eddie doesn't believe Thomas's opinion is anything less than an accurate view of his half-sister.

Christian spends Father's Day evening over cocktails at Large Bar with Dominic. Dominic wondered why Christian wasn't spending the night with his "father figure", teasing Christian by singing the George Michaels song, and Christian admitted that he wanted to give Rod and Fiona their own time with their father, just so Terrence can be their father, not the "man who's in love with some boy half his age." Dominic corrects him, "uh... LESS than half his age," continuing to tease. Christian and Dominic commisserate over their apple martinis and regret that they never had a good father in the homes that they fostered in together. Christian wished Dominic could have been taken in by the Fields. Christian admits that he tried repeatedly to convince the Fields to adopt Dominic, but they couldn't afford two children. Dominic is surprised, and touched, that Christian did that. Dominic always felt in the back of his mind that Christian forgot all about him once he was finally adopted. Christian still considers Dominic his brother, no family situation would ever change that.

Father's Day at the Applewhite home is somber, as Terrence tries to keep things upbeat despite the fact that this is most likely the last Father's Day they will ever have together. Rod admits that Terrence's AIDS status is still so new to them, that as much as they'd like to put it aside for a night, it's very much in the forefront of all their minds. Terrence tells them to leave if all they see when they look at him is a man dying of AIDS. Fiona is horrified by her father's demand, and apologizes for Rod. Rod explains that wasn't what he meant. Terrence challenges his children to treat him like their father, like they always have. Terrence reminds them of when they were teenagers and they all went bowling together for the first time (except Emma, who refused because she hated the sport). Fiona swore she could still beat them both, so the Applewhites went out bowling again for Father's Day........... And Fiona still beat them both.

Julia takes on a roommate when Carina is evicted because she couldn't come up with the rent money after losing her job at the hospital. Carina job hunts but all the places she knows of are connected to either her sister (who she hates) or Eleanor, her alleged assailant in the hit-and-run accident that put her in a coma (which would be uncomfortable to say the least!). Going through the classifieds in the newspaper proves fruitless and frustrating to Carina, who no longer wants to settle for just any job to pay the bills. There's a reason that everything Carina knew and had gotten used to had been ripped away from her... there's a reason she lost her security blanket. Carina wants to make a career choice, a life choice, something that will take her in a direction that finally brings her some joy. Julia tells her to choose carefully, and really make the most of it. All Carina really needs now... is inspiration.

Eleanor turned to Henry, who had been recovering well from his stab wound, and Henry was encouraged that Eleanor needed him. Eleanor explained that she needed his business advice and connections, to put a charity fundraiser together in a matter of days! Eleanor wanted to have the event by June 21st, since it has for years been the Day of Compassion in the entertainment industry for furthering AIDS awareness. Henry put some calls in to his publicity people who confirmed a banquet hall location for Friday, and ordered engraved invitations by the end of that day! Of course it would help if Eleanor had a concept. Eleanor finally decided on a bachelor auction, hoping the spirit of the night would be educational, and hoping that mixed partners would open peoples' minds to hearing new voices and taking in new knowledge. Henry believed in Eleanor's idea and started whipping the night together!

Realizing Thomas invited Eddie over for Father's Day and saw them talking together (most certainly about Jenna!), Jenna views it as Thomas rallying the troops against her! Not about to go down without a fight, Jenna thinks she needs to start cultivating a relationship of her own with her newfound half-brother, before Thomas completely turns him against her! Jenna hopes that she'll be able to find some common ground that can bring them together (if only Jenna knew how common their ground is!).

Evan secures Aviva's bail, which thrills her. Flirtatiously, she nearly kisses him. Aviva tells Evan she has a lot of catching up to do for the time she's been unfairly incarcerated.

Julia was overwrought after Father's Day, thinking about all that she lost when she found her father dead. Fed up with Hattie's (and now Esther's) games and lies, Julia went to her old flame Det. Nathan Weber at his NYPD precinct and shared concerns about Hattie's possible role in her father's death! Nathan promised to look into the case for her.

Working on his other case, Det. Nathan Weber returned to Aviva Reynoso's apartment feeling like there might have been more evidence that they had missed. Searching again, hoping to find more linking Aviva to the drugs in Eleanor's system at the time of the stabbing, notices a weak panel in the back of Aviva's coat closet wall. Investigating, Nathan knocks the panel loose and finds that there's a whole fixture behind the closet. Upon further inspection, Nathan realizes it's a shrine to Ramon/Rachel's torture! There's numerous photographs of Ramon and Rachel, separately, with the eyeballs cut out of each one, there's a receipt for a sample of pig's blood dabbed with the blood itself, which reminds Nathan of the note in blood on Rachel's bed that had her so shaken. As Nathan puts the pieces together that Aviva was the one behind Rachel's stalking, a freshly-returned Aviva knocks Nathan unconscious with a paperweight and takes him prisoner in her apartment, so she can continue to exact her revenge on Ramon and Rachel!

Invitations traveled all over town for the Day of Compassion Charity Bachelor Auction, and there were mixed reactions. Rod refused to go, not wanting to be surrounded by reminders of his father's impending death. Fiona was appalled at her brother's reaction, and urged him to think about the pain he's in knowing their father is going to die from this disease. Fiona wants Rod to think about how all this money going to research is in the hopes that other people won't need to lose a father, a child, a lover to AIDS. "Stop being so selfishly wrapped up in your own pain and start thinking about preventing someone else from going through what you've been these last few weeks," Fiona said.

The Day of Compassion Charity Bachelor Auction gets underway and Eleanor begins her hosting duties to the sold-out event. First, Eleanor recognizes Henry Von Stadt for not only underwriting the entire event, but for donating a staggering $2 million in Terrence Applewhite's name. Terrence joined Eleanor on stage to thank Henry for his generous donation. Terrence makes a speech about the importance of AIDS research. Eleanor then relays that Henry is also going to be matching every final bid, $2 for every $1.

Eleanor explains that the tickets for the Auction were purposely inexpensive so that more of the guests' money could go toward bidding on their crop of bachelors! Eleanor acknowledges that while she can't enforce it, she requests that anyone who has a significant other up for bid NOT bid on them. The purpose is to meet someone you don't know, or don't know very well, and sit down for an evening of open communication, to learn something new. Eleanor reinforces that knowledge is power, and if there was more tolerance and open communication, they could potentially slow, and maybe even stop, the spread of HIV and AIDS.

The bachelor auction begins, and the results are shocking!

• Eleanor announces Nathan Weber, whom Eleanor is dismayed to discover is a no-show for the event (since he's being held hostage by Aviva!). Eleanor's sure he was called away on police business. Julia is disappointed he couldn't attend.
  
• Fiona bids on her boyfriend's father, Henry Von Stadt.
  
• Dominic bids on his foster brother's lover, Terrence Applewhite.
  
• Edina bids on the object of son Eddie's affection, Shawn Marks.
  
• Jenna bids on new half-brother Eddie Dawson.
  
• Rachel goes against rules to bid on her sometimes-lover Ramon Valdez.
  
• Rebecca bids on her boyfriend's big brother James Baldwin.
  
• Tiffany bids on her school rival's boyfriend Thomas Baldwin.
  
• Hattie bids on her partner-in-crime Rolo Valdez.
  
• Julia bids on her former patient, Theodore Baldwin.
  
• No one bids on Evan Royale, so Eleanor takes pity on him and snags him for $5!
  
• Crystal had secured the bidding on Christian, until Rod crashed the party and bid on him too! Crystal was stunned. Crystal and Rod engaged in a bidding war over Christian, and Rod won. Crystal was so furious and somewhat hurt over Rod bidding (and winning) Christian, that she bid on last option Leo Von Stadt.

Fiona & Henry: Fiona and Henry sit down to dinner, where Fiona ends up questioning him about his business practices. Fiona insinuates that whatever legal issues his company may face in the future, Fiona will do everything in her power to help (insinuating that she knows VSI is in the drug business) if some of VSI's pharmaceuticals work to prolong her father's life. Henry is impressed with Fiona's upfront handling of her situation, and despite her essentially blackmailing him, he remains sympathetic to her plight... so he agrees to give Fiona what she wants.

Dominic & Terrence: "I have to say I'm surprised," Terrence admitted, going on to explain he didn't think Dom would spend his hard-earned tip money on the old, useless man that Christian's been wasting his time with. Dominic admits that he doesn't fully "get" Christian and Terrence's relationship, but Christian's made it clear that it's the real deal, at least for Christian. Terrence wants to know why Dom bothered to bid on him, then. Dominic wants to be sure it's the real deal for Terrence too. "Is it a fling? Some mid or late-life crisis? Catching up for all the time he lost pretending he was straight and happily married?" Terrence clarifies that he was happily married, just not happy with himself. Terrence hoped that Emma would accept Terrence for who he really was and form a new, even stronger bond. Dom casually lets it slip that he doesn't care about how Terrence felt for some wife who didn't raise the flag for him anymore... Dom cares about Christian. "Christian is really all I've EVER had," Dom shared, "foster home to foster home, shelter to shelter, Christian was the only person who ever felt like real family, and they became invested in each others' happiness." Dominic wants a promise from Terrence that no matter what happens with his illness, Christian's heart is a priority for him. Terrence has no hesitation about making that promise.

Edina & Shawn: "Do you practice safe sex?" Edina asks with a terrified seriousness. Shawn is so shocked by the question he can't even register whether it offends him or not. Shawn tells her that he does practice safe sex. Edina tells him that she knows Eddie cares about Shawn very much... and given what she knows now about Shawn's lifestyle and his relationship with Jenna, Edina doesn't think it's a very smart thing for Eddie to care so much for Shawn. Shawn can't really disagree with her. Edina also knows that the heart is never known for being a "smart" organ. Edina has lived in a glass house for as long as she can remember, so she doesn't throw stones about peoples' choices in life, but Edina does encourage Shawn to think long and hard about whether he's really pleasing anyone in the situation in which he finds himself. Edina makes no secret of the fact that she finds Shawn deplorable for trying to have his cake and eat it too, and he may even think he's found the perfect system to a fulfilling life... but when he lays his head down to sleep at night, he knows in his heart of hearts that he hasn't lived a truly honest day in his entire life. "Maybe the heart knows more than it lets on, after all," Edina says, leaving him with that thought and abandoning her untouched dinner.

Jenna & Eddie: Jenna notices Edina has left Shawn at the table. "Maybe your mom's not into black guys," Jenna speculates. "I doubt that's the reason... some people just aren't intended to get along," Eddie says, though possibly talking about his present situation, not his mother's. Jenna tries to probe Eddie and asks about his type. Eddie sidesteps the small-talk, asking why Jenna really bid on him. "Just want to get to know my new brother!" Jenna gushed, unconvincingly. Jenna's certain there's a way they can all co-exist as one big happy family. Jenna asks what Eddie does for a living, and Eddie scrambles to answer that he's an entertainer. Jenna isn't surprised, New York is just brimming with actors, it seems. Jenna jokes that Shawn likes to role-play with her, if Eddie can catch her meaning... Eddie certainly could, he replied. Eddie asked about the nature of Jenna and Shawn's relationship, wondering if it was love. Jenna's still waiting to hear a satisfactory definition for a word like "Love". Jenna describes her relationship with Shawn as them being the perfect power couple. Driven, Ambitious, Attractive, Successful... all those things only magnified by being together, running parallel through life, straight to the top. Eddie decides that Jenna and Shawn are only using each other to advance professionally... but isn't sure if that makes him feel better or worse about Jenna and Shawn's relationship.

Rachel & Ramon: Ramon reminds Rachel that the point was to bid on someone you don't know that well. "I've come to realize you don't know me at all, you only think you do," Rachel reveals. "Are you ever going to stop thinking of me as some slut in a bar?" Rachel's question exposes some of her insecurities to a surprised Ramon. Ramon asserts that people show you who they are through actions. Every move Rachel makes proves she's a hateful person, hating Aviva because Aviva's life is everything she ever wanted. Ramon's analysis is like a knife in Rachel's heart... only because of how accurate it is. "I hate Aviva," Rachel admits, "but don't you think it was an act of hostility on your part to cheat on her with me in the first place?! What do you think that says about how much you care for Aviva?" Rachel sees Ramon pretty accurately too. "I'm amazed," Rachel continues, "that people like Aviva and you can walk around with your head in the clouds thinking life is meant to be perfect and unfold the way mommy and daddy tell you it's supposed to, and nothing should ever be complicated or surprising or unexpected. Sometimes you meet your match when you're already with someone that you THOUGHT was your match. Sometimes a person unlocks a part of you that you didn't know was there," Rachel insists. "And sometimes it's a part of you that you wish WASN'T there," Ramon fights back, "I'm trying to be a better man, and all you want to do is pull me down in the mud with you." Ramon leaves the table, and Rachel feels one more knife in her heart.

Rebecca & James: 'You're sweet and all, kid, but aren't you like, jailbait?" James asked. Rebecca laughed, "I'm 20. And I'm happy with Thomas, so I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not looking for a hookup James." James wouldn't blame her for wanting to trade up from his kid brother. Rebecca wondered how James developed such a negative opinion of his little brother without spending more than a family dinner with him before coming back to town last year. James tells her they're just not the same. Rebecca wonders if James and Jenna are the same, since they get along so well. James insists Jenna's different... they're very much not the same, but he knows what Jenna's capable of. "And you don't know what to expect from Thomas, so you don't like him?" Rebecca struggles to understand. James can't put it into words, "It's like... It's... Look. I grew up knowing how to function in every situation. Instinct. What pass to make when I was a Quarterback. Which tests I really had to study for, and which I could coast through. Which girl likes to be romanced, and which girl is just out for a good time. I'm good like that. I'm never wrong. Thomas... he's an anomaly," James declares, impressing Rebecca with his vocabulary, considering she didn't think he had it in him. James continues, "Thomas is smart. Too smart at his age. He could do a lot more at Von Stadt International than what he's doing. But he's had everything handed to him. He's never left the nest, he's never had to work to earn a living, he's never had to pay for an education while still trying to get an education. He's never had to watch his mother slowly die. He's unreal, because reality hasn't happened to him yet... I mean I might be further along in my life if I'd had it as easy as... Look, whatever happens with Jenna and Thomas, that's their business. Anything she does to him was going to happen to him eventually. I'm staying out of it. Thomas thinks I just want my dad's money and that I don't care that he almost died. You think I don't know him, or I haven't tried? Maybe you're right. But take a look at your boyfriend because he hasn't made one effort to really learn about me either. If someone's dumb enough to take me at face value, then they deserve a dose of reality eventually." Rebecca is surprised by James's outpouring, and that there are all those layers to James beneath the quiet, glib, shallow exterior.

Julia & Theodore: "How have you been Mr. Baldwin?" Julia asks, as his doctor. Theodore reports a strong recovery, due to Julia's expert care, of course. Theodore had been hoping that he'd be seeing her more around his home as things progressed with her and James. Julia admits that she has cooled things off with James. "We just don't look at life the same way," Julia explains. "Life would be terribly boring if we all did," Theodore counters. Julia continued that her work is difficult, takes her to some dark places sometimes, and James just doesn't take life seriously enough to understand that about her. "My son is many things, but he's not too naive to understand the harsh truths about life and death," Theodore defends his son, continuing, "I've come to believe that for whatever reason we are put on this earth, ultimately all we ever do is learn... from our own experiences... from each other. It's all we can do, is listen and learn. So maybe you're supposed to rub off on my son a little bit. And maybe he's supposed to rub off a little bit on you. You know what he told me when you came back from your date to the baseball game? That you two really connected," he shared with Julia, who was taken aback. "He said that?" Julia asked, in disbelief. Theodore confirmed to her again, adding, "Does that sound like someone looking for a cheap thrill? Don't fear change, my dear, it comes in its own time, when it's supposed to."

Hattie & Rolo: "Aren't you supposed to be some brilliant puppet master?" Rolo condescends to Hattie, "It's hardly 'below the radar' to buy your accomplice at a public bachelor auction, when he's like one-fourth your age..." Hattie is offended at Rolo's math, "Listen Chico, for all anyone knows I could be interrogating you about your carnal interest in my innocent, young daughter," Hattie defends herself. "Your daughter's as innocent as you are, lady. But you didn't buy me tonight to talk about my carnal interests, you just want to make sure your little plans are shaping up the way you want." "You mean our little plans, don't you?" Hattie reminds Rolo of his willing participation. Rolo reassures her that Aviva's guilt is solid and her bizarre behavior lately is only making her look more suspicious. Hattie is optimistic that one of her plans may finally be working after all.

Tiffany & Thomas: Thomas is surprised Tiffany bid on him. Tiffany seems distracted by her mother's conversation with Rolo. "What could they have to talk about?!" Tiffany wondered aloud. Thomas suggests she go find out, in Thomas's attempt to extricate himself from Tiffany. Tiffany realizes she's ignoring her date, and refocuses. Tiffany doesn't see why Thomas is surprised she bid on him. Thomas tells her she's barely said two words to him in the time they've been attending Hunter College together. Tiffany has been a social butterfly but Thomas figured he hardly rated as one of the popular crowd, that Tiffany would deem "worth knowing." Tiffany's stunned that's the way Thomas views her. Tiffany noticed Thomas first, because he wasn't a jock or a nerd or fell into any cliché category. Tiffany talked with Rebecca about him early on when she transferred to Hunter. Tiffany figured she wasn't the type Thomas would associate with. Tiffany figured Thomas wanted to associate with a girl like Rebecca; beautiful, intelligent, gracious, stable... Tiffany doesn't see herself falling into many categories with Rebecca. Thomas wonders how Tiffany sees herself. "I don't know... not stable... I don't know what I am. I'm too new to be popular. Too insecure to be self-involved. I've been lied to too many times to know who I am and where I really come from. And too scared to admit that whatever security I ever believed I had, never really existed at all." Thomas realizes Tiffany may be an innocent victim of her mother's manipulations.

Eleanor & Evan: "A lovely event you've thrown together," Evan compliments host Eleanor. Eleanor's flattered and proud that it all came together so quickly. Evan continues, "So what do you say we continue to celebrate your success back at my suite?" Eleanor is offended by Evan's overtures. "Mr. Royale," Eleanor starts, until Evan interrupts her, "Call me Sir Evan..." he smirks. "You've been knighted?" Eleanor is surprised, but Evan clarifies, "No, I just like women to call me by certain titles... gets me in the mood," Evan smirks with a dirt

May 2008 (Sweeps)
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<<<

Previously on Beyond the Horizon, secret plots continued to unfold for many characters in April...

• Crystal (Kerry Butler) and Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) worried for their mother Eleanor's (Catherine Hickland) mental state and her growing connection to Henry Von Stadt (Sebastian Roché).
  
• Hattie (Kate Collins) visited her not-so-"dead" mother Esther (Kathleen Widdoes) at Shady Glen Sanitarium.
  
• Jenna (Kari Wuhrer) launched a new plan to sabotage half-brother Thomas (Bobby Steggert) by tampering with his investigation into potential VSI client Lauren Sapphyre's background.
  
• Dominic (William Shew) begins to regret the choices that have led him to where he is in his life, and tries to detach himself from the various shady dealings he is performing for Leo (Jeff Branson), Henry and Von Stadt International... to no avail.
  
• Carina (Natalia Livingston) is ready to let go of the past and reclaim her life.
  
• Wily Esther Wilson switches fellow patient Eleanor's medication with some anti-psychotic pills!
  
• Evan (Ian Buchanan) arranged for Henry to become Eleanor's legal guardian, furthering Henry's plan for the unsuspecting Eleanor.
  
• Crystal became alarmed to see boyfriend Rod (Forbes March) becoming too comfortable at his job in the gay bar and using his looks to garner more tips out of the lusty male patronage.
  
• Eleanor revealed some inner demons in therapy at Shady Glen.
  
• Julia (Melissa Archer) tried to distance herself from her mother's drama by taking James Baldwin (Alec Musser) on a date to a baseball game.
  
• Rachel Marks (Sherri Saum) struck a deal with Thomas Baldwin to land office space in the VSI building.
  
• Thomas found a way to avoid using his father Theodore's (John Ingle) money to hire the private investigator.
  
• Gunman Ford Collins (David Chisum) beat up Dominic to ensure himself a cut of Dom's illegal VSI drug sales.
  
• Tiffany (Ambyr Childers) followed her mother Hattie to Shady Glen Sanitarium, where Tiffany discovered her grandmother was not dead after all!
  
• Detective Nathan Weber (Jason Thompson) was on the scene to investigate when Rachel Marks received another ominous and greusome warning on her bed at home.
  
• Eleanor is released from Shady Glen Sanitarium into Henry's care, and he moves her into the Von Stadt penthouse.
  
• Christian (David Evan Smith) lures Rod into taking it all off for the crowd during a provocative karaoke performance at Large Bar.
  
• Aviva (Christina Chambers) receives another note about who she trusts, and begins to suspect it's in regards to Ramon (Kamar de los Reyes).
  
• Rolo (Ignacio Serricchio) learned his scholarship had been revoked, and needed some fast cash in order to continue his college education in the Fall.
  
• Hattie pressured Rolo into spying on Eleanor at the Von Stadt penthouse for money.
  
• Fiona (Connie Fletcher-Staton) spotted Dominic and Leo together at the gym and wondered how they knew each other.
  
• Terrence (Walt Willey) and Christian made the difficult decision to suspend Aurora (Jeffrey Carlson) from "Angels in America" because Aurora's drug problem was interfering with production.
  
• Aurora's dependency on Dominic's VSI drug supply intensified, culminating in an overdose.
  
• Dominic felt responsible for Aurora's drug use and urged Shawn Marks (Tobias Truvillion) to reach out to Aurora.
  
• Tiffany introduces herself to her grandmother Esther at Shady Glen Sanitarium, and Esther tells her that she's only locked up in the asylum because she can prove Hattie killed Tiffany's father, Larry Lawless!
  
• Hattie realized that a vengeful Aviva may be the perfect cover for Hattie's next plot against Eleanor.

>>>

Opening Sequence (UPDATED to include Ilene Kristen as Edina Dawson!)


<<<

Terrence continues fighting his cold, so Christian splits his time between nursing Terrence back to health and starring in Terrence's hit show. The performace of Aurora's replacement in "Angels in America" causes the play to suffer, and a week into the run of the show, bad reviews threaten to shut down the show.

Shawn takes Aurora to the hospital and leaves him on a gurney in the Emergency Room, sneaking away so as not to be seen. Dr. Julia Lawless treats Aurora and ends up saving his life. Unsure of who to notify, and feeling sympathetic to Aurora, Julia finds "Mom" in Aurora's cell phone and calls her, to tell her of Eddie's condition.

At Shady Glen Sanitarium, Tiffany is shaken by her grandmother Esther's claim that her mother killed her father! "Oh, dear, I'm so sorry to have just blurted it out like that," Esther apologized. Esther explained that she's been locked up for years, and everyone she tries to tell about being unfairly institutionalized just chalks her up to being crazy! Esther warns Tiffany that her mother is a menace, and says she did her best to raise Hattie right, but she could tell when Hattie was very young that Hattie was going to be "troubled". Esther tried to convince herself she could help Hattie, that medication or a facility might not be necessary, because Esther wanted more than anything to be able to save her daughter, but all that delusion just gave Hattie the opportunity to turn the tables and lock Esther up so that Hattie could remain free to do her damage. Esther warns Tiffany not to make the same mistake of convincing herself she can help her mother. Tiffany appears confused and conflicted with all the information Esther has given her, and races off. Esther confidently sits back in her folding chair, telling herself "she'll be back..."

Hattie, in dark glasses, has a secret rendezvous with Rolo Valdez on a park bench in Central Park. Rolo finds her a little ridiculous and inquires about why Hattie is behaving like they are into some covert operations. "We are," Hattie informs him. Hattie offers Rolo more money to go through with the next favor she will ask of him. After accepting the envelope of cash, Rolo agrees, and Hattie passes him a bottle of medication. Hattie instructs him to switch the pills out with the regular medication Eleanor is currently taking. Rolo is hesitant, reminding her that Eleanor is his boss at Large Bar, and she's helped him out for several years. Hattie coldly points out that Eleanor hasn't been in any position to help him out lately, especially with his scholarship revoked, so Rolo needs to think about self-preservation right about now. Rolo once again looks at the cash Hattie just gave him and snatches the bottle of unidentified pills, begrudgingly accepting Hattie's directions.

Hattie returns to VSI and asks Leo where Henry has been, and Leo informs her that Henry took the day off to help Eleanor with some personal issues. Hattie is infuriated that her boss didn't even call to tell his assistant that he was taking the day off! Meanwhile, Eleanor returns to her own home to collect some belongings to take back to Henry's penthouse. Henry is at her side as Eleanor starts getting sentimental, realizing how much in the house belonged to Charles. Henry compliments his late employee's taste. Eleanor impulsively decides to get rid of Charles's belongings, purge them, because the memories are too much for her. This decisions seems to alarm Henry, and he urges her not to make such a hasty decision. Henry offers one of his many extra rooms as a storage room. Eleanor can have all Charles's belongings sent there, and when some time has passed, and Eleanor's developed some perspective, Eleanor can go back to them and decide what she wants to keep. Eleanor doesn't want to impose any further than she already has. Henry insists it's no imposition and offers to arrange for some movers to take all Charles's belongings to the penthouse first thing in the morning. Later, at the Von Stadt penthouse, Rolo swaps out Eleanor's medication with the pills from Hattie and narrowly misses getting caught by Leo.

Rebecca stops by Thomas's desk at VSI to wish him a happy 21st birthday! Thomas is shocked she remembered, they didn't even know each other back on Thomas's last birthday, and he's always very low key about his birthday. Rebecca admits she got a gentle reminder after class, from her Professor Baldwin (Thomas's dad, of course). Rebecca notices that Thomas seems particularly happy, and he excitedly tells her that his mother just called and she's coming to New York for a short visit, unfortunately she couldn't make it for the actual birthday, but booked a flight for Friday. Rebecca is excited to meet his mother. Rebecca gifts Thomas with an old ballpoint pen that belonged to her father. Thomas is touched, and noticed it was engraved with the initials "CS" (for Charles Halperin). Rebecca explained it was passed down from her grandfather to her father, and luckily they both had the same initials. Rebecca went on about how her father only used that pen, claimed it was his lucky pen, and he was pretty well respected around VSI it seems, so she hopes it will hold the same luck for Thomas. Thomas is touched, and they share a sweet kiss.

Fiona becomes suspicious of Leo's connection to Dominic and starts snooping at Leo's office. Fiona recalls that her boss, Evan Royale represents the Von Stadts, so if there are any incriminating cases against them, they would be found at the Royale & Klein law offices. Fiona digs at her office, and asks Evan about the Von Stadt file. Fiona mentions Leo wanted her to get some dates from the file for him. Evan mentions the Von Stadt file isn't at this office, but is held elsewhere, and if Leo needs anything, he can contact Evan about it directly. Fiona feels defeated.

Aurora regains consciousness and finds himself on suicide watch at the hospital. Dominic is waiting by Aurora's bedside and apologizes for contributing to where Aurora has ended up. Aurora decides to try to get off the drugs. He doesn't want to keep playing with his own life like this. Dominic is glad to hear it. Aurora asks how he got to the hospital, and Dom assumes Shawn brought him in, since Dominic told Shawn that Aurora could really use him. Aurora is buoyed to know Shawn saved him and wants to see him again to thank him.

Fiona notices a jittery Dominic visited Aurora in the hospital, and Fiona wonders if Dom gave Aurora the drugs. Putting two and two together and connecting Leo to Dominic and Aurora's possible connection, Fiona then wonders if VSI is really a drug trafficking front company!

Theodore orders Jenna and James to be in attendance to celebrate Thomas's 21st birthday, and though initially disinterested, Jenna recognized it as a good opportunity to appear to care for their half-brother in Theodore's eyes. Jenna and James attended Theodore's small dinner at The Redeye, and Jenna became quietly furious the more Theodore praised the man Thomas has grown up to be. Jenna excused herself and bribed a waiter to dump Thomas's free slice of birthday cake on his head when the waiter arrived at the table with it. An accidental twist of the waiter's ankle landed the cake all over Jenna instead! James couldn't help but laugh, and Thomas realized it really must be his birthday if a wish like that had been granted.

Dominic stops by Shawn's office at VSI to thank him for saving Aurora. Shawn tells Dominic that no one can know of Shawn and Aurora's connection, so Dominic must stop visiting him about Aurora. Dom tells Shawn that Aurora needs him, more than Shawn has given him so far, and that Shawn owes it to Aurora to make sure that Aurora is okay.

Crystal confides to her little sister Rebecca that she feels like her life is collapsing around her. Rebecca shares her concerns about Eleanor hiding from her grief by getting wrapped up with Henry. Crystal admits it's not just that. Crystal reveals that she caught her boyfriend shirtless at the gay bar singing Tina Turner's "Private Dancer". Rebecca bursts out in laughter, downplaying the situation and trying to get Crystal to realize she's blowing things out of proportion. Crystal swears she can't shake the feeling that Rod is slipping away from her. Rebecca decides that if Crystal feels he's slipping away, then she needs to stand up and get him back!

Shawn goes back to the hospital and signs in as "Mark" to visit Aurora. Aurora wakes up at Shawn's arrival. Aurora insists he owes Shawn a thanks -- and an apology. Shawn's confused. Aurora claims to be a fraud. All that confidence, all that bravado, all that self-assuredness... it's all part of the show, part of the character. Eddie is lonely, insecure, a little desperate, and hopelessly in love with Shawn. Shawn is surprised and admits he hasn't been deserving of Eddie's love. Eddie reveals that he grew up watching his mother live her life alone, a single mother, Eddie never knew his father, and Eddie always felt that love was revealing a secret side of yourself to that one special person. Eddie feels like Shawn has let him see a side of him that no one else knows. Eddie doesn't understand why Shawn seems so resistant to true happiness. Shawn reveals how challenging it's been as a black man in the corporate world, all he's had to do to get to where he is, how frustrating to know he can do Leo Von Stadt's job better than Leo can. To be openly gay would still have him in the mailroom. Eddie doesn't understand why Shawn wants to be a part of a world he believes doesn't want him. Shawn doesn't understand why he should give up on the career of his dreams, that he's so good at, because of whoever he sleeps with. Eddie sees his point, but still thinks they could find ways to make it work. Eddie doesn't want the drugs to fill the emptiness where Shawn used to be... where Shawn is supposed to be. Eddie wants Shawn. Shawn kisses Eddie, promising they can work it out, but not if Eddie wants to kill himself with drugs.

Eddie is surprised by his next visitor... his mother Edina!

"I can't believe you came," Eddie said, bewildered at the sight of his mother after years apart with no contact. "I almost didn't come, when they called me," Edina (Ilene Kristen) admitted, sitting at Eddie's bedside, getting lost in the machines in Eddie's room, the I.V. drip, the chart at the side of his bed... "I was mad," Edina continued, "I figured this was the life you chose when you left us to come to New York. I figured you wanted the crossdresser performances and the drinking and the partying and the sex and the drugs and everything this city had to offer. And if that's what you wanted, then that's sure as hell what you got. All I ever did was try to love you and give you a good life. I didn't have much, I couldn't give you the father that you wanted. I couldn't send you to that performing arts school you wanted to go to. When the whole drag thing came up, I didn't know what to do. So I let you go. And I tried to stop thinking about you. Tried to convince myself that Eddie... my little boy... was gone. All that was left was Aurora freakin' Borealis. But no matter what, I couldn't get myself to believe it. I figured you'd come back. But days turned into weeks, turned into months, turned into years. And you never looked back. So for me to get this call... that you nearly killed yourself with some hot-to-trot illegal designer pills... What am I to do? You turned your back on me, didn't want my love or support. I tried my best. And my grandmother's voice kept echoing in my head. You remember how she always seems to guide me? She kept telling me, "your son almost died... and there's a reason he didn't..." so I knew then that I had to come. I had to make sure my little boy was okay."

Crystal and Rebecca treat their mother Eleanor to a private dinner at The Redeye for Mother's Day and to celebrate her homecoming. The girls subtly fish for information about Henry and their mother's new "arrangement" with him. Eleanor is amazed at how much Henry's done for her, and when Crystal and Rebecca wonder what Henry Von Stadt wants in return, Eleanor says "absolutely nothing," and she actually believes it. Eleanor surprises her daughters with her plans to return to work managing The Redeye and Large Bar, effective immediately.

Terrence still hasn't shaken his cold, and when he learns of Aurora's overdose, Terrence feels guilty, as if the suspension from the show drove Aurora to it, and then Terrence passes out! Christian revives him, worried, and notices a bruise on Terrence. Terrence doesn't remember getting the bruise, but assumes it was from when he passed out. Christian thinks it was too soon after Terrence's fall to have formed that bruise, so he must have had it longer. Christian and Terrence decide to go to the hospital to get Terrence checked out.

After leaving Shady Glen Sanitarium, Tiffany raced to find Julia to tell her the latest on Esther, but Julia, sensitive about what she suspects is wrong with Terrence Applewhite, coldly and abruptly shuts Tiffany out, telling her there is a big world out there with real drama and problems greater than the ones their mother's insanity creates. Tiffany is hurt by her sister's rejection, but decides to cook for Hattie... for Mother's Day.

Crystal wants Eleanor to be sure she's not taking on too much too quickly. Eleanor insists she's not, and is eager to return to the work that gave her such good memories. Eleanor gets nostalgic and tells Crystal and Rebecca the story of how Charles decided to buy The Redeye for Eleanor to run because it was the spot where he proposed to Eleanor and she accepted, and the restaurant was in danger of being torn down. When Crystal was in elementary school, and Eleanor wanted to return to the work force, Charles brought Eleanor to The Redeye where he revealed it was his Mother's Day gift to her. Together, they renamed the holiday "Working Mother's Day." It was then that Eleanor had to tell Charles that she would love to manage the restaurant... but she might need to go on maternity leave in about six months... since she recently found out she was pregnant with Rebecca. Crystal and Rebecca hadn't realized how many milestones and happy memories were tied to the family establishment.

Tiffany hoped to get to the truth about Esther and Tiffany's father over the Mother's Day dinner Tiffany prepared, and Hattie was sufficiently surprised that Tiffany had cooked for her. Tiffany reminded her mother than it's one thing Hattie had drilled into her head growing up that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Tiffany begins talking about her grandmother Esther, claiming that Mother's Day has Tiffany thinking about the generations. Hattie is vague about the kind of person Esther was, and how she "died." Driven to the edge by what sounds like lie after lie from Hattie's mouth, Tiffany explodes, revealing that she knows Esther isn't dead and has seen her in the flesh, face-to-face at Shady Glen Sanitarium!

Edina couldn't understand why Eddie would turn to drugs. Eddie admitted that he was sad and felt alone, felt he wouldn't ever find that unconditional love... that he would die alone... and it became so strong, that he lost sight of what dying would really mean. Edina wished things had been different. Eddie is glad for the way things are. Things are the way they're supposed to be, you just have to figure out why they need to be that way. Eddie asks about his sister. Edina reports that Didi is still working at that coffee house. Didi's still the same. Eddie asks if she's happy. Edina says Didi's no less happy than she ever appears to be. Terrence and Christian stop by to visit, and meet Edina, who is uncomfortable to meet some of Eddie's New York City friends. Terrence and Christian are shocked to meet Edina, and Christian jokes that they hadn't heard anything about her. Edina figured as much. Terrence speaks highly of Eddie, telling about Eddie's role in "Angels in America" and how Eddie's replacement can't really do the role justice. Eddie is grateful to still have Terrence in his corner, after the way the drugs affected Terrence's play. Terrence insists his friendships are forever. Edina excuses herself, to try to come to terms with this life Eddie has built without her. Pacing in the hospital hallway, Edina is shocked to hear a familiar voice...

"So I check out alright, Dr. Beautiful?" Theodore Baldwin reaffirms with Julia after their follow-up appointment. Julia confirms Theodore has recovered from his heart attack quite well, but must stay on his diet and exercise routine. Thomas is thrilled that his father is still on track. Julia excuses herself to visit another patient, while Edina Dawson peeks her head around the corridor to spot Theodore and Thomas and is hit hard the moment she lays eyes on them. "My boys..." Edina's shaky voice breaks the silence, and Thomas and Theodore are elated to see her. "MOM! What are you doing here?!" Thomas is stunned. Edina scrambles, producing a story that she was visiting an old friend and quickly shifts the conversation to why Theodore and Thomas are at the hospital. Learning the whole story about Theodore's lottery winnings and his heart attack, Edina is furious that neither of them called her to tell her that Theodore nearly died. Theodore took the blame for that one, and admitted he stopped Thomas from calling. Thomas was thrilled to have his mother back in town, especially for mother's day, and invited her to stay at their new brownstone while she was visiting. Edina was unable to say no to "her boys".

Rod and Fiona Applewhite tried to contact their M.I.A. mother Emma for Mother's day, to find her phone is no longer in service. They reflect on missing her, but acknowledge that they are finally past the anger at their father for the way Emma left. They're glad they're still close with Terrence because it really could have been the end of their family. Terrence returns home and hears from Rod and Fiona that Emma's phone is disconnected.

Hattie was floored by Tiffany's declaration. Hattie stammers, but soon insists that whatever Esther told her was a lie, and that she's pathological. Tiffany corrects her mother that she is pathological, and every word from Hattie's mouth is a lie. Tiffany reveals a bag she's already packed and tells Hattie she can't live with a dangerous woman that she can't trust. "Guess you've lost both your daughters now... Happy Mother's Day!" Tiffany leaves Hattie and later shows up on Rolo's doorstep needing a place to stay because she can't trust her mother. Tiffany cries on Rolo's shoulder about the lies her mother has told and Rolo's mind wanders back to taking money from Hattie to make the switch on Eleanor's medication. Rolo's secret work for Hattie weighs heavily on his conscience.

Terrence is stunned when Dr. Julia Lawless calls him with his test results and tells him he is in Stage 2 of AIDS. Devastated by the unexpected news, Terrence has no idea what to do, how to tell Christian or his kids. Terrence is given a "cocktail" of meds and hides them.

James has big plans to take Julia out to a sweepingly romantic picnic in Central Park, and Julia shuts him down. Julia's in no mood after the kind of day she's had with her patients. James thinks it's all the more reason to go out and live and put the day behind her. Julia explodes that he doesn't understand... will never understand, holding these peoples lives in her hands, telling them news that will be the final word on whether they will grow old or die next week. Julia can't just go on and drink champagne in Central Park when she just told someone today that they will be dead within four months. Julia storms off and James feels he was being insensitive.

Hattie calls on Evan Royale to set up a transfer of Esther to another institution across the country, in California. Hattie then visits Esther, determined to find out what Esther told Tiffany. Esther plays dumb, as if she doesn't know who Tiffany is. Hattie isn't having it, and reminds her mother she will do whatever it takes to protect her daughters... a trait Hattie definitely inherited from her mother. Esther, worried that Hattie now has plans for her, manages to get a phone call to Julia at the hospital, introducing herself as Esther and wanting to see her granddaughter! Julia is shaken and unsure of what to do.

Ramon returns home and barely recognizes the place... it has women's clothes strewn all around the apartment! Ramon's bewilderment turns to shock when he walks in on Rolo having sex with Tiffany! After Tiffany excuses herself to cover up, Ramon orders Rolo to get their apartment cleaned up and send Tiffany packing. Rolo further infuriates his big brother by informing him that Tiffany is going to be staying with them for a little while. Ramon refuses, believing Hattie Wilson was really behind Eleanor being framed for Carina's hit-and-run, and not wanting any ties to Hattie invading his home. Rolo fights back that he pays rent on their apartment as well, and Tiffany stays as long as he wants her to. Privately, Rolo stews over the fact this his side job spying for Hattie Wilson paid some of that rent Rolo mentioned.

Terrence withdraws into himself and tells Christian to go out and have a drink for him. Christian would rather stay home with Terrence, but Terrence insists he won't be any fun and it would be a waste of a beautiful night if Christian stayed in. Christian goes out, and Terrence puts his prescription bottle in the back of his sock drawer and stares at himself in the mirror, still in shock.

Ramon had trouble adjusting to his new roommate Tiffany. Continually messy around the apartment, Ramon is done picking up after her and has the opportunity to confront her right after she finishes her shower. Another thing Ramon can't deal with is Tiffany's freeness with her body, since she has no problems strolling around the apartment in her towel after her shower, while Rolo isn't home! Aviva lets herself in as Ramon is scolding Tiffany, and immediately gets the wrong idea catching Ramon with Aviva's towel-clad student! Ramon can't catch up with Aviva, and this leads Ramon to have another fight with Rolo when Rolo gets home, about the problems Rolo and his little girlfriend have brought into Ramon's life. Rolo didn't think Ramon was so problem-free before Tiffany moved in, asking if the name Rachel rings a bell...

Aviva turned to her sister Carina with the news of finding Tiffany at Ramon's apartment in their compromising situation. Who Ramon is sleeping with isn't Carina's concern, Carina insisted, since Carina just found out she was terminated from the hospital on a technicality while she was comatose! Aviva is shocked and wants to hire Carina a lawyer to get her job back, or sue for wrongful termination. Carina refuses and vows to land on her feet. She wants none of Aviva's help either! Carina explodes that she's hated her life for years anyway... hated her life, hated her job, she even hated her sister! Aviva is terribly upset by Carina's outburst and suddenly slaps Carina! Carina is rendered speechless that her "sweet" sister would ever raise a hand to her! Though shaken by Aviva's uncharacteristic behavior, Carina doesn't take it lightly, and a full-on catfight ensues!

Julia decides to visit Esther at Shady Glen Sanitarium, only to find Esther's been transferred to another facility across the country! Julia pulls her doctor card, demanding to know where Esther was sent, and acquires the information. Realizing she wants to know her grandmother, Julia calls Tiffany to let her know that Julia intends to bring Esther home.

Rachel thinks her brother Shawn wanted to run her out of town with the threatening messages. Rachel notes that Shawn had the opportunity to leave the messages around their home, and recalls that Shawn was harrassing her about finding her own place before the last message ordering her to "move it out". Shawn swears he would never do such a thing, terrorizing his own sister, and tells her not to let whoever this is make her paranoid. Unfortunately, Detective Nathan Weber has no new leads on who could be leaving the threatening messages for Rachel.

Julia goes to the Royale & Klein Law Offices to tell Evan Royale that she knows he moved Esther Wilson to another mental facility, but Julia wants to know her legal options in bringing Esther back. Evan's curiosity is piqued by the info regarding Hattie's family, and he finds Julia to be "quite fetching." Julia realizes Evan is a bit of a sleaze, but turns on the flirtatiousness to get him to take her case and file a petition for legal guardianship of Esther.

Jenna Baldwin is furious to meet Edina Dawson, Theodore's second wife, and Thomas's mother. Edina sees Jenna as every bit the woman Thomas said she was. "Is that a compliment?" Jenna laughs. "You'd probably take it that way," Edina responds with the non-answer. Jenna eyes Edina as yet another obstacle to her inheritance, and shares as much with her trusted brother James. Jenna used Shawn's clout at VSI to break into Rachel's office a second time to alter her research on Thomas's project, Lauren Sapphyre, and this time Rachel caught Jenna at the door (as Jenna was locking up behind herself when she was done)! Instantly suspicious, Rachel accused her of trying to break into her office, but Jenna claimed she had just knocked. Jenna wanted to apologize for the way things went before when Jenna made Rachel that offer (to sabotage Thomas's file). Rachel was suspicious, and didn't quite believe Jenna's gracious offer to bury the hatchet, considering Jenna is always far from gracious.

Rachel went into her office, investigating every corner of the room to see if Jenna had been there. Suspecting that some items are out of place, Rachel calls her brother Shawn. "Put a leash on your bitch, little brother. Jenna was snooping around my office and if I find that she's been in here, her name will be the first that I give to Detective Weber at the NYPD," Rachel threatened. Shawn confronted Jenna about Rachel's accusation, and Jenna admitted she was there... making a few alterations on the file Rachel has for Thomas. Shawn tells Jenna that Rachel's been having issues with someone leaving threatening messages for her, and Jenna's behavior has landed Rachel's suspicious eye squarely on HER. Jenna didn't realize, but now has to worry about covering her tracks so that Thomas doesn't find out Jenna's trying to kill his VSI project.

Eleanor was faithfully taking her prescribed medication, and starting to get used to being with Henry at his penthouse. Eleanor was also settling quite nicely back into work overseeing The Redeye and Large Bar. Crystal, Rod, Rolo, and Dominic were all a supportive staff to help her transition back into the life that she had been derailed from. After a night closing The Redeye, Eleanor returned back to the Von Stadt penthouse to find all of Charles's belongings had been delivered and put into one of the spare rooms. Eleanor was surprised to find Henry in the room looking through the belongings. Questioning him, Henry covered, claiming to be making sure nothing was damaged in the move from Eleanor's place to the penthouse. Eleanor believed Henry, but was slightly thrown when seeing Henry holding one of Charles's old books gave her a weird flash of Charles holding the book. Disoriented from seeing Charles as if he were alive right in front of her, Eleanor thought it best to go right to bed and get some rest. Leo wondered to his father if maybe Eleanor should have stayed locked up at Shady Glen, but Henry snapped at his son, defensively, assuring Leo that Eleanor is sane and just getting used to her life again. Leo warned his father to be careful... it sounded like he was almost starting to care for Eleanor.

Crystal concocted a plan to get Rod's attention. Chatting with her sister Rebecca, Crystal realized she was probably making things worse by openly doubting Rod's sexual orientation to him, probably leading him to feel emasculated and creating more distance between them. Crystal lured Rod to a hotel suite and apologized for her doubts about him. Rod understands she's been under a lot of pressure keeping the family businesses afloat while her mom was going through her issues. Crystal's glad he understands, and with her mom back home and back to work, Crystal hopes they can have more time to reconnect. Rod seems receptive to Crystal's advances and they begin to make love. Crystal takes a quick break to grab some protection, but also takes a moment to pierce the condom through its wrapper with a pin.

Within a week of watching Terrence take different pills, Christian becomes suspicious and finds his stash of various pill bottles. Christian demands to know what's going on, they've already seen Aurora go through this, and Christian hopes Terrence isn't doing any special drugs. Terrence finally breaks down that he has AIDS. Christian is horrified and very much thrown for a loop... but wants clarification of HIV positive... or AIDS. Terrence confirms its dire. Terrence was told by his doctors that it's very aggressive, and has been in his system for a long time. Dr. Julia Lawless speculates that Terrence may only have four months to live.

Christian is devastated by Terrence's news and finds it hard to play scenes in "Angels in America" when AIDS is a heavy theme of the show. Christian formally quits Terrence's show. Realizing that "Angels in America" can't be the focus of his life right now, and with Aurora and Christian no longer a part of the cast, Terrence decides to shut down production and everyone (the cast, crew, and the media) is a flurry of speculation over why Terrence Applewhite's newest show has gone dark. Was it Aurora's overdose? Lackluster reviews? Romantic problems for the star and the producer? Why has Terrence disappeared from the public eye? Rod wonders what's going on, and if Terrence and Christian really were having troubles.

Hattie, meanwhile, believing that mother Esther is no longer a factor, quickly gets to work... blackmailing Rolo with the work he's been doing for her, to "convince" Rolo to make Tiffany give her another chance. Rolo is furious but realizes he can't quit and Henry Von Stadt is a very powerful man who could make him disappear for his betrayal. Rolo starts to urge Tiffany to reconnect with her mother, but Tiffany is devoted to finding out the truth about her family history.

Julia continues to flirt with Evan to get her guardianship of Esther and the court approves it after Evan calls in a few favors, and drops Henry Von Stadt's name. Hattie is shocked when Julia visits Hattie's desk at VSI to drop the bomb that Hattie no longer has legal control over Esther, and Julia is bringing Esther back to Shady Glen Sanitarium!

Worried that her plans will be undone, Hattie takes quick action. Calling upon Rolo, she gives Rolo another bottle of pills and orders him to call Aviva to The Redeye and talk to her about his revoked scholarship, while distracting her enough to slip the bottle of pills into Aviva's purse. Rolo refuses to drug his brother's girlfriend. Hattie doesn't expect Aviva to take the pills or even know they are in her bag. Rolo realizes Hattie wants to frame Aviva for drugging Eleanor. Hattie holds Rolo's previous deceit over his head to force him to arrange the meeting on a day Hattie knew Eleanor would be working.

Rolo and Aviva met, and Rolo was alarmed to see Aviva -- it looked like she'd been in a fight. Not wanting to get into the details, Aviva was curious about why Rolo wanted to meet her. Rolo asked her help in getting his scholarship back, and Aviva suddenly lashed out at Rolo, telling him he can't cut corners through life, and his scholarship was revoked for a reason. Any doubts Rolo had about following through on Hattie's assignment were quickly wiped away by his defensiveness about his performance in college, and when Aviva was distracted by Eleanor's arrival to work, he tossed the bottle of pills into Aviva's purse.

As Eleanor started to get to work, Aviva decided to confront her! Aviva took Eleanor to task for just picking her life up where she left off, and informed her that it wouldn't be so easy for Carina, who lost her job, and months of her life thanks to Eleanor's recklessness. Eleanor tried to remind Aviva that she wasn't driving the car, but Aviva wouldn't hear of it. All that means is Eleanor was passed out drunk while some unknown assailant mercilessly ran Carina down. If Eleanor had been more aware, perhaps they would know for sure who was really driving the car, or the whole incident wouldn't have had a chance to happen in the first place. Eleanor is sorry for her part in it all, but Aviva doesn't want apologies, she wants Eleanor to really feel the effects of what she's done to those around her.

Rolo was shocked by Aviva's aggressive edge. Rolo then sent a text to Hattie confirming that her assignment was completed. Now Hattie had to figure out what to do about her mother Esther! Meanwhile, Rolo went to Ramon and warned his brother that something is up with Aviva. "Not only did it look like she was in a brawl, but it looked like she was ready to start another one with Eleanor at The Redeye." Ramon is surprised at Rolo's news and didn't think Aviva sounded like she was acting like herself.

At the same time, Eleanor's behavior at work seemed to only grow more bizarre. She was dropping things, losing her train of thought, often appeared confused, and was even caught talking to thin air (while no one else but Eleanor could see her dead husband Charles standing before her). It was Henry's arrival that seemed to jar her back into the here and now, but soon Eleanor was having two simultaneous conversations with Henry -- AND Charles! Henry was alarmed when Eleanor started talking over his shoulder to Charles, when obviously there was no one there. Henry couldn't hear Charles verbally abusing her and calling her a tramp for getting involved with his boss so shortly after his death. "Charles" continued to berate Eleanor with hurtful commentary about her, until she grabbed a carving knife, threatening to silence Charles for good! Eleanor didn't realize that Henry was the man she was waving the knife in front of.

Jenna's suspicions about Edina being another golddigging vulture are confirmed when Theodore buys Edina an expensive jacket as a surprise gift. Edina immediately thought the gift was too extravagant and she didn't deserve it. Jenna couldn't agree more. Privately, Theodore confesses to Edina that he still feels she was the one that got away. Theodore wants to know if Edina could find it in her heart to try again. Edina obviously wants to say yes, but is held back by something.

Christian has trouble dealing with Terrence's condition and goes to get tested himself. As he waits for his HIV test results, Christian finally breaks down to Dominic about Terrence's situation and Dominic advises Christian to bail... Christian didn't sign up for this. Christian is shocked at Dominic's suggestion and refuses to even consider that -- he loves Terrence.

Eddie is released from the hospital and invites his mother to lunch at The Redeye. Eddie wants his mother to stay in New York. Edina seems uncomfortable with the idea. Eddie insists she think about it. Shawn and Jenna sit at a nearby table, and don't see Eddie or Edina. Eddie does, however, see Shawn with Jenna, and notices Shawn being physical with her. Like a knife through his heart, Eddie can't help but have a reaction. Edina can't help but notice. Inquiring about who the man is, Edina is stonewalled; Eddie doesn't want to talk about it. Edina speculates that Shawn is the man that drove Edie to drugs and she wants to march over and give Shawn a piece of her mind! Eddie begs her not to, the situation is more complicated than that, and only Eddie drove Eddie to drugs. Edina soon realizes Jenna is with Shawn and it makes Edina unexpectedly nervous.

Edina suggests they leave The Redeye for Eddie's apartment. On their way out, Jenna and Shawn spot them. Shawn didn't know Eddie was released from the hospital, and Jenna is so wrapped up in seeing Edina and wondering who the young man was that was with her, that she doesn't notice Shawn's reaction. Shawn is curious as to what Jenna's interest in the woman is. "She's my father's second wife," Jenna bitterly informs him, and Shawn becomes instantly nervous that this new mysterious woman somehow links Aurora to Jenna.

Eleanor brandished the knife in front of Henry, who tried to talk her back to reality. Eleanor heard Henry's words, but in a much more antagonistic tone, and in her dead husband Charles's voice. As Henry reached to take the knife from her, Eleanor lunged the blade at "Charles" and stabbed Henry! Eleanor watched Charles/Henry sink to his knees, and then passed out herself shortly thereafter.

Both Eleanor and Henry were brought to the hospital, where Dr. Julia Lawless was shocked to learn the circumstances of what had happened. Julia treated Henry for his stab wound, while ordering a full battery of tests on Eleanor. Leo can't believe Eleanor stabbed his father, and calls Fiona for some moral support. While sympathetic, Fiona isn't sure what would drive Eleanor to do such a thing. Fiona wondered if Eleanor was trying to defend herself. Leo got upset at the notion and defended his father, talking about how much Henry has done for Eleanor since she was widowed. Fiona went to check on Crystal and Rebecca, who were fretting over their mother's latest "episode". Crystal hoped that the dark days were behind them all. Rod tried to support Crystal. At the hospital lab, Julia receives the test results and learns there are a heavy amount of anti-psychotic pills in her system -- a drug Julia knows Eleanor shouldn't have been prescribed.

At Eddie's apartment, Edina probes about Shawn. Eddie opens up about his history with Shawn and urges Edina not to blame Shawn for Eddie's drug problem. Edina opens up as well that she's only upset that Shawn broke Eddie's heart. Eddie continues to defend Shawn, saying that Shawn never lied or tried to pretend what they had was different than what it was. Eddie built up too many dreams in his head about what he wanted their relationship to be. Edina admits that she knows they never had a conversation about Eddie being gay, and it's not particularly the life Edina wanted for him but she wants him to be happy and doesn't think Shawn can facilitate that. Eddie's spent his whole life wanting to be noticed, seen, recognized for something special. And Shawn saw, noticed, and recognized Aurora from the start. Eddie was afraid that Shawn only wanted Aurora, but was glad Shawn could connect with Eddie too. Shawn sees all sides to Eddie and understands them, and Eddie understands the various sides to Shawn too. Edina asks about the woman he was cozy with at The Redeye. That woman looked like a fact of Shawn's life that Eddie hadn't yet dealt with. Eddie didn't know about the woman. Edina urges Eddie to make sure he knows all the sides to Shawn before putting his heart on the line for him. Edina says that everyone has sides they keep to themselves.

Ramon was concerned to see Aviva after her fight with Carina and verbal assault on Eleanor, and Aviva bizarrely brushes it off, claiming not to remember too many details of either altercation. Ramon is perplexed by Aviva's renewed cheery mood. Aviva claims to have realized she misinterpreted what she saw between Ramon and Tiffany, and she knows Ramon wouldn't cheat on her. The guilt weighs on Ramon's shoulders.

Julia immediately suspects her mother Hattie having something to do with Eleanor's latest episode. But needs proof. Julia recalls there was a discrepancy in the prescription inventory at the hospital and researched it, only to learn that several bottles of the same medication found in Eleanor's blood had gone missing from the hospital weeks earlier. Detective Nathan Weber arrived to question his ex Julia on the circumstances and look at the lab results. The conclusion is that Eleanor was drugged to behave the way she did. But by whom?

Theodore confesses to Edina that he has everything... money, a great job, wonderful children... but not love. Theodore wants Edina to stay, give their love another chance. Edina is hesitant, but is bending to Theodore's suggestion. Still, she resists, "There are so many reasons... ones you don't even know, that we wouldn't work, reasons we didn't work last time..." Edina hedges. "I don't care!" Theodore responded, "I don't care about the past. When I had my heart attack, it refocused me, it put all this money in perspective, it brought all my children home to me, and it made me realize what I've been missing since you left." With Theodore's heart on the line, Edina once again couldn't say no... and agreed to move to New York.

Esther Wilson returns to Shady Glen Sanitarium, and Julia meets with her grandmother for the first time in years. Esther's amazed at how much Julia's grown and fakes getting emotional that she's missed so much of her life with her grandchildren. Julia wants information about her father's death, but Esther clams up. Esther must get out of the institution where she's been held prisoner. Julia is wary to trust her, but agrees to get an independent doctor to evaluate Esther's case and Esther's relieved, since Hattie's convinced all the doctors (or paid them to believe) Esther's crazy.

Eleanor was appalled to learn from Rebecca what she'd done to Henry, but luckily Henry pulled through and suffered injuries not nearly as severe as they could have been. Eleanor didn't know what was going on with her, but Detective Weber told her it seems she was drugged, over a period of time, with pills that inspired Eleanor's delusions. Gathering statements at The Redeye, Det. Weber learns from several sources that Aviva Reynoso had a very public argument with Eleanor at the restaurant shortly before Eleanor's assault on Henry. Det. Weber decided to bring Aviva in for questioning.

Thomas was over the moon that his mother agreed to move to New York and would be moving in with his father. It's what Thomas had wished for for years! He couldn't wait to call up Rebecca to share the good news with his girlfriend. Rebecca was happy that Thomas had a second chance of getting the family he wanted. She couldn't help but feel bittersweet because any chance she had of that same thing died with her father. Jenna, however was not so happy that another interloper was angling in on Jenna's rightful inheritance. "Don't you mean OUR rightful inheritance?" James reminded his greedy sister. "I guess, whatever, you know what I meant," Jenna shrugged.

Dr. Alvin O'Connor, a colleague of Julia's from the hospital, evaluates Esther, and after the performance of Esther's life she is deemed sane! Esther is released, before Julia can show up to bring Esther to Julia's place, and Esther immediately turns up on Hattie's doorstep. Hattie is horrified to see her mother back in New York and free as a bird. "Well my darling little girl... why don't you give me one good reason I shouldn't let you twist in the wind for your beloved Larry's murder?" Esther grinned from ear to ear with a deceptive sweetness.

Jenna talked Shawn's ear off about her father's second wife, Edina, and wondered if Rachel was "over" hating her yet. Shawn wasn't sure, but Rachel didn't sound too happy. Jenna needs Rachel to get over it quickly because Jenna wants to hire Rachel to find out any dirty little secret Edina may have in her closet. Jenna's gone easy on Thomas because Theodore trusts him so much, but Theodore and Edina already have one broken marriage behind them, so it shouldn't be so tough to give Edina the boot. Shawn discouraged Jenna from hiring Rachel, hoping to keep the connections between Jenna and Aurora to a minimum. Obviously Edina was a link, but if Jenna found out anything pertaining to Aurora, it could lead right back to Shawn's bedroom door!

Fiona asks Rod if Rachel Marks would be able to investigate Fiona's boyfriend Leo. Rod doesn't see why not and passes along Rachel Marks's business number. Fiona sets up an appointment with Rachel, and surprises her by plunking down a tall stack of cash. "I need you for a potentially difficult job," Fiona warns her. Rachel's curious. "I need you to investigate your new landlord, Leo Von Stadt." Rachel's surprised by Fiona's request, "Isn't he your boyfriend?" Rachel clarifies. Fiona confirms that much is true. "But... he may also be an international drug lord. Don't you owe it to yourself to know who you're renting office space from?" Rachel's stunned by Fiona's allegation, but can't help but be intrigued to find out more. Especially for the amount of money that Fiona just landed on Rachel's desk.

Thomas insisted on a celebratory dinner at The Redeye with both his parents, and Theodore once again ropes Jenna and James into the action. Jenna's all too happy to come along this time, hoping to gather new information (ammunition) on Edina... any she can get her hands on. Jenna demands Shawn escort her to the function. Shawn reluctantly agrees, not seeing a decent way out of it. The Baldwin clan (plus Edina, plus Shawn) gathered for a meal at The Redeye, where Thomas's toast to his parents nearly made Jenna's eyes roll all the way to the next table. Despite sour Jenna and indifferent James, Edina was happy to be dining with "her boys" Theodore and Thomas. Shawn excuses himself to the restroom and Jenna does too, catching Shawn before he got to his destination and demanding he help her rid her father of "that overbleached wench" Edina. Back at the table, Edina was sharing a laugh with her boys, until she was stunned to be interrupted by a confused Eddie. "Hey," Eddie interrupts, "Care to introduce me to your friends?" The Baldwin men are curious that Edina knows anyone else in Manhattan and introduce themselves by first name. "And you are?" Theodore inquires. "I'm Edina's son... Eddie," he informs them, while his mother gets that "dear in the headlights" look and Thomas's jaw drops to the floor, confused at how it's at all possible.

Ramon finds Carina at The Redeye and confronts her about the fight, asking what provoked it. Carina tells Ramon she didn't spill his dirty secret, if that's what he's worried about. Aviva actually thinks he was dallying with her student Tiffany. "If she only knew, huh?" Carina smirked.

Ramon left Carina, and it was revealed around the corner that Aviva was listening, but not appearing at all surprised by their conversation. Aviva's mind wanders and she remembers sealing the envelopes containing the notes that she herself "found" regarding Ramon, that were supposedly sent anonymously. Aviva flashes to hanging the doll resembling Rachel from the ceiling of Rachel's apartment for Rachel to find. Aviva flashes to fingerpainting in blood, wearing gloves of course, the message on Rachel's bed. Aviva says to herself in a decidedly menacing voice "If they only knew..." Obviously Aviva isn't so sweet and has had a trick or two up her sleeve!

Terrence notices Christian has been spending many nights out. Terrence tries to break up with Christian, Terrence knows Christian didn't sign up to be with a old, dying man. Christian is furious and refuses to be dumped. Christian elaborates that he didn't quit the show to escape Terrence, he quit the show to devote more time to Terrence. Christian doesn't think Terrence is meant to die. Not for many years to come. Christian vows that they will get through this -- together -- and Terrence almost believes it.

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Stay Tuned for scenes from the next Beyond the Horizon

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Coming in June, on Beyond the Horizon:

Suspicion is successfully cast on Aviva in regards to Eleanor's latest incident.
An arrest is made in connection to Henry's stabbing.
Eleanor offers to return to Shady Glen Sanitarium.
Ramon realizes something is wrong with Aviva.

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Julia and Tiffany are perplexed by Hattie and Esther's relationship.

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Shawn's world is rocked by Eddie's connection to Edina.
Jenna's problems go from bad to worse.
Eddie finds the first reason ever to hold back a part of himself.
Rachel gets the goods on Jenna's dirty deeds.
Jenna plans a fashion show to show New York City what she's made of.

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Ford continues being a menace on Dominic's life.
Rod and Fiona learn the truth about Terrence.
Most of the town gathers for a benefit on the national AIDS Day of Compassion.
A charity bachelor auction makes for some strange pairings.
Fiona shocks Henry Von Stadt with an offer.
Crystal and Rod engage in a bidding war -- over Christian!
Edina Dawson bids on Shawn Marks!

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Someone issues a surprise marriage proposal!


STAY TUNED, the drama never stops unfolding!

April 2008
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<<<

Previously on Beyond the Horizon, numerous people reached their breaking point in March...

• Masked gunmen Dominic (William Shew) and Ford (David Chisum) held Christian (David Evan Smith) and Rod (Forbes March) hostage at Large Bar while searching for something. The hostage crisis escalated into Rod being shot!
  
• Tiffany (Ambyr Childers) started to realize that her mother Hattie (Kate Collins) may be unbalanced and dangerous.
  
• Crystal (Kerry Butler) realized that the shooting at Large Bar created a new dynamic in the relationship between Rod and Christian.
  
• Leo (Jeff Branson) was behind the scheme with the gunmen at Large Bar, and didn't approve of the fact they shot his girlfriend Fiona's (Connie Fletcher-Staton) brother Rod.
  
• Julia (Melissa Archer) asked James (Alec Musser) to use his car knowledge to help her clear Eleanor (Catherine Hickland) of guilt in Carina's (Natalia Livingston) accident.
  
• Carina emerged from her coma, much to Aviva's (Christina Chambers) excitement and Ramon's (Kamar de los Reyes) dread.
  
• Thomas (Bobby Steggert) overheard that Tiffany knew some secret about her mother Hattie's "accident", while Henry Von Stadt (Sebastian Roché) heard the entire sordid story on the office intercom!
  
• Dominic was revealed as Christian's foster brother from when he was growing up, and Terrence (Walt Willey) invited Dom to stay in the Applewhite home.
  
• Fiona decided to move out of the Applewhite home to solidify her independence.
  
• Ramon accused Rachel (Sherri Saum) of writing the warning letter to Aviva in order to force their affair out into the open. Rachel swore she didn't, but Rolo (Ignacio Serricchio) happened to stumble upon their conversation and learned his brother Ramon was a cheater!
  
• Julia called in a favor with an old flame, NYPD Detective Nathan Weber (Jason Thompson) to let her investigate the car that ran down Carina. Det. Nathan inspired some jealousy from James!
  
• Henry posted Eleanor's bail and became her legal guardian, necessitating her moving into Henry's penthouse... where Henry pledged his love and they had sex!
  
• James and Julia assessed the damage to the inside and outside of the car that hit Carina and determined that Eleanor was in the passenger seat at the time of impact! But Julia still couldn't prove her mother Hattie was driving.
  
• Aviva escorted "pal" Rachel home when Rachel discovered a doll resembling herself, hanging by a noose in her living room!
  
• Julia was thrilled to have her friend Carina back from her coma.
  
• Jenna (Kari Wuhrer) investigated Shawn (Tobias Truvillion) because of her suspicions that he was sleeping with another woman.
  
• Jenna accused Shawn of lying that Rachel was his sister, and suspected Rachel was the woman Shawn was sleeping with!
  
• Dominic landed a job serving drinks at Large Bar while Rod wanted Rachel to investigate Dominic's background and connections to Christian.
  
• Thomas hit a wall investigating Lauren Sapphyre's background for his VSI project, so his dad Theodore (John Ingle) offered to loan him money to hire a private investigator to help! Jenna and James were certain this was finally Thomas's first outright attempt to go after their father's money!
  
• A frustrated Eleanor stole Henry's handgun from his penthouse to confront Hattie at VSI for the truth! Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) tried to reason with her mother, but it was Henry providing Hattie with a (fake) alibi that finally defused the situation!
  
• Dominic exposed Aurora (Jeffrey Carlson) to some designer drugs, and Aurora decided Shawn wasn't a healthy choice of man for him.
  
• Carina confessed to Ramon that she hates her sister, but denied being the one to send the note to Aviva.
  
• Henry admitted to being impressed by Hattie's manipulative skills, but warned her to stay in line and do only as Henry instructed... or else!
  
• Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan) won the case when Eleanor was acquitted of the hit-and-run charges, but she was remanded to Shady Glen Sanitarium for a week of in-patient psychiatric evaluation.

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Opening Sequence


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Tiffany drops the newspaper on the kitchen table in front of her mother in their cramped little studio apartment. Hattie's glad Tiffany has taken to reading the paper. Tiffany's just making sure her mother's name doesn't pop up in one! Tiffany points out that Eleanor was acquitted and that Henry has been appointed her legal guardian. Tiffany reminds her mother that all her work was supposed to be to drive Henry and Eleanor apart. Hattie isn't discouraged, since it's not guaranteed that Eleanor will be released from the sanitarium after a week... or ever. Tiffany asked why Henry Von Stadt lied to give Hattie an alibi. Hattie admitted that she wasn't sure... but it could only mean that he's starting to see that they could be a very good team together. Hattie could barely contain her excitement over Henry's new understanding of her. Tiffany wasn't sure if being appreciated by Henry Von Stadt was a good thing or a bad thing.

Dominic's off work from Large Bar for the night and wants Christian to come out partying with him. Dominic tries to tempt Christian to return to his partying roots and cut loose with some of Dom's favorite designer drugs, but Christian is beyond that part of his life and wants to stay on his current path, with Terrence, which he's sure will be much more rewarding. Dominic still doesn't understand the Christian/Terrence relationship.

Eleanor is a nervous wreck the day she is supposed to be taken to the sanitarium. Henry assures her it will only be for a week. Eleanor doesn't understand why Henry is sticking by her side through all this. Henry already told her -- he's falling in love with her. Henry and Eleanor share a tender kiss, surprising Crystal and Rebecca. Crystal and Rebecca are hit hard when the police escort Eleanor out to the car that is destined for Shady Glen Sanitarium. Rebecca admits to Crystal that she's afraid their mother won't be released in a week. Crystal is scared too, but they have to trust she will come back home. Rebecca then voices her concern that Henry seems overly invested in their mother's care, believing their romantic connection evolved very quickly. Crystal is grateful that their mother has someone as powerful and influential as Henry Von Stadt in her corner, and hopes it will mean Eleanor will be returned to them more quickly. Rebecca is still hesitant... and wonders if Henry wants more from Eleanor than her love.

Meanwhile, at Shady Glen Sanitarium, Hattie is signing in as a visitor, and the staff seems to know her and is friendly with her. Hattie seems polite and calm, unlike her usual, fidgety, uncomfortable self. Hattie sits down in "the game room," across a table from an older, heavy-set woman with unstyled, curly hair, who happens to be playing checkers with herself. Esther, the woman, wins the game of checkers and relishes in her victory against herself. She then realizes Hattie is sitting before her. "Am I actually watching you on TV, or have you gained another ten pounds?!" Esther (Kathleen Widdoes) asks with a hostile edge.

Thanks to his father's urging, Thomas tells Theodore he's decided to hire a private investigator to find out Lauren Sapphyre's backstory. Overhearing, Jenna is certain that Thomas is finally trying to access their father's money. Jenna confronts Thomas privately, calling him a hypocrite, since Thomas was biding his time before dipping into their father's cash. Thomas says he doesn't want Theodore's money and if he does hire a Private Eye, he will cover it with his own savings. Jenna warns Thomas that P.I.'s are expensive, his lunch money may not be able to cover it. Thomas assures his sister he's quite resourceful and not willing to take advantage of his own father to get what he wants.

Rachel Marks finds Ramon having a drink at The Redeye, so she grabs it and throws it in his face! Avoiding a scene, Ramon takes her by the arm and drags her to a corner where Rachel says she's been more than generous by not blowing Ramon's life apart with their secret, but all bets are off if he wants to leave all those threatening messages around. Ramon doesn't know what she's talking about, but Rachel tells him about the hanging doll that she found in her living room. Ramon didn't send it, and he feels this is getting out of hand. Rachel wondered if Carina sent it, but Ramon didn't think she'd be able to manage that from her hospital bed, with no friends to help her. Rachel tells Ramon that Aviva saw the doll too, so she might put both messages together and figure out there's a connection. Ramon accuses Rachel of setting the doll up herself! Fed up with Ramon's accusations, Rachel points out that if she wanted to ruin his life, she'd have done it already. But she knows if she did, she'd lose him completely. Swearing she has no motive, Rachel storms off and Ramon seems to see her point.

Dominic doesn't find what the Von Stadts were looking for in the Large Bar safe, and wants to strike a deal -- If the Von Stadts bury the fact that Dom was a part of Rod's shooting, Dom will work quietly at Large Bar and keep his eyes and ears open, and continue pushing VSI's designer drugs for them (this is the first the viewers learn that VSI works in the drug trade). Leo refuses Dom's deal and demands Dominic finds what Henry and Leo need or Dom will go down for Rod's shooting. Dom regrets his part in it and doesn't want his best friend and foster brother Christian to lose faith and respect for him.

At Shady Glen, it's clear Hattie and Esther don't get along, but that Hattie takes her opinion very seriously. Esther inquires about the woman, the pretty blonde, if Hattie took care of her the way she suggested. Hattie tried, but things got a little out of hand. Esther's quite sure they did, Hattie always had a talent for screwing things up. Hattie is hurt by that, but argues that things actually turned out better because Eleanor is about to be admitted to Shady Glen for a week. Hattie asks her mother Esther's help in ensuring Eleanor remains a patient at Shady Glen permanently.

Rachel Marks shows up at VSI to ask her little brother Shawn for his help in finding an office in New York City to handle her growing client base. Shawn doesn't know how he can help, and Rachel mentions there is office space available in the VSI building. Shawn panics that his sister will be living and working with him and it will leave him no privacy. Shawn encourages her to find a realtor, since she's obviously also had trouble finding her own apartment since moving to New York. One month with Shawn has turned into six! Rachel laughs, shocked that her brother isn't enjoying their time together. Rachel doesn't seem to take Shawn's concerns seriously.

Julia visits Carina to check on her progress and Carina is getting restless. She hates being in her hospital bed, at the mercy of her sister, Ramon, and anyone else who wants to talk her ear off about stuff she doesn't care about. Julia's sorry Carina's been through all this. Julia admits to Carina that she thinks her mother Hattie ran Carina down to frame Eleanor! Carina thinks that would be pretty twisted, but Julia tells Carina that's par for the course for Hattie. The one thing Julia can't figure out is Henry Von Stadt giving Hattie an alibi. Carina appreciates Julia's concern, but shocks Julia when she says she doesn't really care who did it, she's just ready to reclaim her life! Julia's blown away by Carina's ability to just let go of things. Julia can't seem to do that this time. Carina warns Julia not to get sucked into her mama's drama, reminding Julia that was the whole point of Julia uprooting herself and escaping to build a new life in New York. Julia realizes Carina is completely right!

Thomas Baldwin overheard Rachel Marks's plight at VSI and remembered her from the Baldwin's family Christmas dinner as being a private investigator. Realizing Rachel could be a great help to the Sapphyre project, Thomas comes up with a plan and finds Rachel's phone number in Shawn's rolodex. Thomas phones Rachel and asks her to meet with him to discuss her real estate options. Rachel and Thomas meet, and Thomas makes her a proposal. Thomas will get her a reduced rent on an office in the VSI building if Rachel will offer her investigative services at half price. Rachel's willing to do Thomas's job for free if he can secure her an office at VSI. Thomas is thrilled!

Eleanor is admitted to Shady Glen, and Esther immediately recognizes her by Hattie's descriptions. Esther befriends Eleanor (much like Hattie did, originally) and Eleanor is surprised that Esther doesn't seem... "Crazy?" Esther laughs, claiming to be one of the patients who are just old and there because of stress, not because of psychological issues. In Eleanor's room on her first night, Eleanor can't sleep from all the wailing and crying out by the other patients, causing Eleanor to end up crying herself to sleep over the state of her life.

Henry visits Evan Royale to ask how to be appointed Eleanor's legal guardian. Evan tells him he can volunteer to be if Eleanor's doctors decide she needs one. Henry will take care of the doctors. Evan wonders why Henry is going to so much trouble to maintain ties to Eleanor, whom Evan can only see as a liability for Henry. Henry reminds Evan that he doesn't pay Evan to ask questions, only to find answers.

Thomas Baldwin stops by Leo Von Stadt's office to propose that Rachel Marks would make a fantastic in-house private investigator for all the corporate intrigue that goes on and she's willing to work for a reduced rate on retainer if she can have office space in the VSI building. Thomas negotiates that she would make all VSI cases top priority over her independent work. Leo finds the offer very attractive, and agrees to give her office space at VSI. Thomas quickly phoned Rachel to give her the terms, which Rachel found pleasing. They've all got a deal!

At Large Bar, Rod begins to use his looks and fan base to garner more tips. Crystal is alarmed to see that Rod knows some of the regulars and is even casually flirting with them for tips. Rod brushes it off, claiming that he's just working his crowd, knowing his audience, just like he did when he worked at The Redeye. When Crystal seems genuinely upset by Rod's new flirtatious behavior, Rod gets angry and lashes out, wondering if Crystal is accusing Rod of being gay. Crystal admits that it's silly, and apologizes. But in the back of Crystal's mind, she feels Rod is too comfortable in the Large Bar environment.

Hattie did some research on the internet and then showed up at the hospital inquiring about her daughter Julia. Julia wasn't working, but Hattie found the pharmaceutical closet and saw an orderly stocking up the cart. Praying the cart held what she needed, when the orderly returned to the closet for more drugs, Hattie looked quickly and grabbed two bottles of pills that matched the drug name she had scribbled on a scrap of paper. Hattie scurried off without being seen.

Rod gets even more comfortable around Christian and Crystal is upset to come into the bar after closing time to find Rod (still shirtless after his shift) chatting over drinks with Christian. Rod decides to let go of his investigation into Christian's background and releases Rachel Marks from her assignment on Christian and Dominic. Terrence is pleased to see Rod starting to come around and be accepting of Christian.

Rachel took another meeting with young Thomas Baldwin and Thomas set her on her investigation into Lauren Sapphyre. Rachel resolved to sink her teeth in right away. Meanwhile, Jenna Baldwin was visiting VSI for a business lunch with Leo when she decided to stop and visit Shawn. Through Shawn, Jenna learns that Thomas hired Rachel as his private investigator. Jenna immediately started working on a way to undermine Thomas's investigation. Talking later with her trusted brother James, Jenna revealed her plan to pay Rachel to feed Thomas false information on Lauren Sapphyre to sabotage Thomas and make it look like he's squandering Theodore's money on a substandard professional.

At Shady Glen, Eleanor has her first session with a doctor and shares all her grief over her husband, her confusion about who to trust, and her feelings of being lost and unsure of who she really is. Henry visits Shady Glen, and Eleanor admits to him that she feels like she's going crazier around all the crazy people. Henry reassures her and encourages her to hold it together. Henry's next stop is the Chief of Staff's office, where he offers to fund a new wing to be added to the sanitarium if they recommend Eleanor be released into the care of a legal guardian. The doctor isn't sure Eleanor should be released within the week. Henry clarifies that Eleanor will be released, and with a legal guardian. The doctor is eventually convinced. The next day, at Eleanor's next session with the doctor, Eleanor confesses she's considered taking her own life!

Julia resolves not to get sucked into her mama's drama and even calls James Baldwin to invite him on a date! Julia surprises James by being a big sports fan, and impresses James with her baseball knowledge. Julia shows up for their date to a Mets baseball game in a baseball jersey and baseball cap. James makes fun of Julia because she judged him for being athletic, and she obviously has a respect for sports. Julia said she was won over and realized he does have substance, and it's not easy for her to admit she was wrong about him. James and Julia go to the baseball game, and between innings, Julia recalls that when she was seven years old, her father took her to her first Chicago Cubs game and she had the time of her life. It was the first time she remembered really spending time with her father away from her mother, and he seemed like almost a different person -- completely worry-free and happy. He taught her about baseball during the game and Julia decided she was a big Mets fan. She was too young to know she was "supposed" to be a Cubs fan if she lived in Chicago, but her father said she should love whatever she loved. Julia was a Mets fan for life, and it was actually a secret part of the reason she wanted to move to New York when she decided to leave her mother. James apologizes for Julia having lost her father, and they share a romantic kiss.

Jenna created an opportunity and invited Rachel Marks to lunch. Jenna probes about Rachel's cases, but Rachel prides herself on her confidentiality. Jenna says her brother Thomas recently hired her. Rachel refuses to confirm or deny. Jenna has had it and cuts to the chase, offering to pay Rachel double what Thomas is paying, if Rachel will feed Thomas false information on Lauren Sapphyre. Rachel says that even if Thomas was her client, that would be unethical. Jenna is furious that Rachel is being less than cooperative, and puts a quick end to their lunch date!

Ford Collins, the gunman that worked with Dominic and was responsible for shooting Rod Applewhite passes through Large Bar and stops to chat with Dominic. Ford says he was fired by Henry Von Stadt and wants to know how things went between Henry and Dominic. Ford wonders how Dominic ended up at Large Bar, supposing Dom is still working as a mole for the Von Stadts. Dom first advises Ford to take it as a stroke of luck and disappear. Wanting his cut of money for his troubles, Ford says he's not going to be scraped off Henry's shoe like dirt. So Dominic advises him to make himself appear useful to Henry, Leo, and VSI in some other way.

Terrence and Christian put their final touches on their production, Angels in America, and make a vow to find all of their successes in life together. Terrence starts to get a cold, and Christian laughs that it's just Terrence's luck to be home sick while his best production takes the world by storm.

Eleanor's doctor decides she should be on medication to help her with her depression. Eleanor confides to "sweet" Esther that she's afraid of the medication and that it proves she's unstable. Esther vouches for pills, assuring Eleanor that people get a little out of balance sometimes and that the pills tend to help restore that balance. Eleanor starts on her medication.

Sneaking around VSI, Jenna Baldwin steals a key from Shawn's office to get into Rachel's. Jenna locates the file of Rachel's project for Thomas on Rachel's computer. Jenna edits the information and changes key details, as well as deleting vital portions of the file! Meanwhile, Rachel arrives home to find a note in blood on her bed, telling her to "pack it up, and move it on". Rachel is horrified and calls the police.

Aurora visits Dominic at Large Bar to score his next bag of pills for the week. But Dominic didn't know Ford was watching! Ford confronts Dom and demands a cut of the profits. Dom explains that Ford will need to answer to Henry and Leo as to why Dominic's profits take a sudden dip while cutting Ford in. Ford thinks that sounds like Dominic's problem to work out. Ford makes it clear that Dominic has no idea what Ford has done in his life or what Ford is capable of. Ford sucker punches Dominic in the stomach and proceeds to give him a severe beating, leaving him in a heap in the alley near Large Bar, so Dom can have time to consider Ford's offer. Dominic always thought being between a rock and a hard place sounded sexy, but now... not so much.

Tiffany goes to visit Hattie at VSI, only to learn Hattie's just left. Tiffany catches up with her, following her all the way to Shady Glen. Tiffany is surprised to see her mother sit down with a familiar looking older woman. Tiffany then realizes why the woman is familiar... she looks like her grandmother! But Hattie always said Tiffany's grandmother was dead! Tiffany can't hear what's being said, and didn't even see Hattie slip Esther a stash of pills, but followed Hattie back to VSI and watched Hattie resume her work. Tiffany then headed home to dig up a photo of her grandmother. Confirming that the woman she saw was Esther Wilson, Tiffany heads over to the hospital to talk to her sister Julia!

Julia brings James into the ER at her hospital after their date -- he got hit in the head with a foul ball! James didn't find it as funny as Julia did, but eventually came to find the humor in it and enjoyed seeing Julia laugh. Tiffany interrupts Julia and James to ask Julia what she knows about their grandmother. Julia doesn't know much, just that she's been dead for years. Tiffany reveals that she just saw Esther Wilson, alive and well, at Shady Glen Sanitarium! Meanwhile, back at Shady Glen, Esther proves after all that she's not quite well, when she swaps out Eleanor's new medication with the stolen pills that Hattie just gave her during her visit!

Detective Nathan Weber arrives on the scene at Rachel and Shawn's apartment and questions Rachel on any enemies she may have made. Rachel is a private investigators, she could have any number of enemies. Nathan's forensics tests determine that pig's blood was used for the note on Rachel's bed!

Christian stops for a drink at Large Bar and notices Dominic's injuries. Inquiring about them, Christian's met with little explanation. Dominic claims he had a rough night with a lover. Christian knows Dominic fairly well and doesn't really buy Dom's story, but Dominic insists he isn't in any trouble.

Eleanor is surprised when Henry and Evan come by Shady Glen with the judge from her case at the end of the week and even more shocked by the news that she is being released. Henry informs her it will be best for her to live with him until the three month evaluation, but she will still need to have regular sessions with her doctor and will need continued medication. Eleanor is just thrilled to be released and is willing to do whatever is required.

Julia shocks Tiffany by saying she no longer wants to be involved when it comes to their mother. Tiffany can't believe her ears. It's their grandmother, who they thought was dead... who's locked up in an insane asylum and may be as much a victim of Hattie as anyone. And Julia just wants to leave it alone?! Tiffany's ashamed of her sister and storms off, while Julia is torn over what to do.

Dominic tells Aurora that the prices of his pills are going to go up. Aurora immediately gets angry, accusing Dominic of trying to get him hooked on the drugs through their friendship. Aurora insists he won't buy into that extortion ploy and swears he isn't addicted and doesn't need the drugs. Attempting to go cold turkey, Aurora experiences withdrawals and appears to be coming down with a flu.

Henry brings Eleanor back to her home where she is reunited with Crystal and Rebecca. They are both disappointed and concerned that she must pack a bag to move in with Henry for at least three months. Eleanor goes through her belongings and gets sentimental, remembering the simpler life she shared with Charles. Henry promises life can be simpler again, this is the first step in putting this mess behind her.

At Aurora's karaoke show at Large Bar, Aurora has to dismiss himself early as host because of the withdrawal symptoms. Rod takes over as host and Christian convinces him to perform a song to liven up the night. Christian challenges him to sing a song with Christian choosing the song secretly for him. Christian chooses "Private Dancer" by Tina Turner, and the crowd starts to respond, especially when Christian takes Rod's shirt off during the performance. By the end of the song, Rod has gotten into it and starts working the crowd, providing Crystal Halperin with food for thought when she comes into Large Bar to find her shirtless boyfriend singing Tina Turner to the crowd!

Aurora, meanwhile, needs to get money together for the drugs, unable to go cold turkey. Aurora notices a drunk patron in the crowd at Large Bar and offers to get him a cab. Once he hailed the cab, Aurora takes out the drunk's wallet to tell the cab driver the man's address, but ends up taking the man's cash too. Aurora sends the drunk off in the cab, dumps the drunk's wallet in the Large Bar lost and found, and goes back to Dominic to buy the pills. Dominic has an attack of conscience and almost doesn't want to sell to Aurora anymore. Convincing himself that Aurora may be forced to go score drugs from someone else on the street, someone not concerned with his welfare, Dominic sells to Aurora to keep him close. Ford comes to Large Bar and squeezes Dominic for his cut of the sales, and pushes past Rod when walking out. Rod and Christian noticed that Ford and Dominic's conversation seemed tense.

Aviva receives another anonymous letter, slipped under her door at home during a night with Ramon. "Who's really in your bed?" the note reads. Perplexed by the note, Aviva feels the note is about Ramon. Ramon becomes agitated by the notes and Aviva wonders what it's all about. Aviva wants to know if Ramon is keeping secrets from her, or if he's not who he claims to be. Ramon insists that obviously the notes are intended to undermine their relationship, and Aviva shouldn't play into their hands by doubting him. Aviva doesn't understand why anyone would do such a thing, since they don't have any enemies or jealous parties. Aviva asks Ramon point blank if there's a chance another woman is interested in him. Ramon swears that whoever is sending these notes is no one that he's aware of.

Tiffany is feeling alone and turns to Rolo, who makes some time for her. Tiffany doesn't know who to trust, what to do, who to turn to. They make love. Rolo encourages Tiffany not to rest until she has her answers. Get all the information she can, and decide with her heart. Afterwards, Rolo receives a phone call and learns that because of his failing grades, Rolo's sports scholarship has been revoked and the next semester of his classes will not be covered.

Hattie is upset to learn from Evan Royale that Henry has sprung Eleanor from Shady Glen and has taken her into his home to live! Hattie resolves to come up with a new plan. Hattie overhears Rolo telling Tiffany of his financial difficulties from his revoked scholarship and after Tiffany leaves, Hattie privately approaches him, offering him money to spy on Eleanor while he does his landscaping work at the Von Stadt penthouse. Hattie tells Rolo it must be kept a secret from Tiffany. Rolo isn't sure at first, but Hattie manages to sway him with the cash.

Aurora gets loopy on the latest pills Dom sold him and Dominic takes Aurora back to Aurora's apartment where a high Aurora admits to missing Shawn. Dominic tries to convince Aurora to stop taking the drugs, stop trying to escape his loneliness and sadness with the pills, and Aurora passes out. Dominic feels responsible for what's become of Aurora.

Dominic runs into Leo at the gym and asks if he can stop distributing VSI's drugs, and just continue as a mole at Large Bar. Leo won't hear of it, Dominic has been very profitable, and if he stops being useful to VSI, there's no telling what might happen to him, Leo warns. Dominic is thoroughly intimidated. Fiona spots Leo and Dominic in their tense conversation and wonders how they know each other.

Henry organizes a romantic dinner at the Von Stadt Penthouse to welcome Eleanor to her new (albeit temporary) home. Eleanor hopes that she's not imposing and if Henry ever feels that her drama is more than he bargained for, he is free to put an end to their arrangement, Eleanor will understand. Henry opens up about Leo's mother, Sabrina. Henry confides that when Sabrina died, Henry was lost, and a piece of him died too. He dove into his work to pull himself out of his depression, but he knows what its like to forget who you are when you became so much because of the person you loved. Eleanor is comforted to know Henry understands how she feels. Henry sets Eleanor up in a guest room, not wanting to be presumptuous or blur a line in the guardianship arrangement. Eleanor appreciates it and retires early that night to get her first good night's sleep in ages. Leo returns from the gym late that night and asks for an update on Eleanor. Henry tells him things are on track for their plan.

At the "Angels in America" dress rehearsal, Aurora makes a scene and breaks down. The dress rehearsal is postponed and Terrence and Christian privately tell Aurora he is suspended from the show. Aurora is devastated, feeling as if everyone is abandoning him, taking everything away from him, feeling more lost and alone than ever. Terrence and Christian insist that they love him as a dear friend and want to help, but Aurora needs to take a step back from the life he has right now in order to gain perspective on his choices. Aurora storms off and goes home, and accidentally overdoses on the drugs. Meanwhile, Dominic gets his hands on Shawn's phone number and alerts him to what shape Aurora has been in. Shawn can't help but feel responsible, and goes to visit Aurora's apartment to find Aurora on his living room floor after the overdose.

Tiffany goes to Shady Glen and visits Esther... introducing herself as her granddaughter! Esther claims to recognize Tiffany anywhere! She's so glad Tiffany found her! Tiffany's hoping Esther can tell Tiffany about her father's death. Esther stuns her, saying that Hattie killed him and locked Esther up in Shady Glen because Esther is the only one who can prove Hattie's guilt!

Rolo, who was leaving his landscaping shift at the Von Stadt Penthouse as Henry and Eleanor were just sitting down to dinner, phoned Hattie (while she was dining at The Redeye) to let her know of the romantic night Henry organized. Hattie was furious! Every passing night Eleanor spends with Henry is sure to begin outweighing all the time Hattie has with Henry at VSI. Hattie overheard at the table behind her was Aviva Reynoso talking with her boyfriend Ramon about how uncomfortable she was even eating at Redeye knowing it's Eleanor's establishment. Aviva went on about how sad it is that Eleanor became unhinged and fell apart after her husband's death, but still holds no sympathy for the woman who was a menace on her sister Carina's life. Aviva can't believe Eleanor was released from Shady Glen considering all the issues she still has to work out. Hattie realized that a potentially vengeful Aviva might be the perfect cover for Hattie's next plot against Eleanor.


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Stay Tuned for scenes from the next Beyond the Horizon

>>>

Coming in May, on Beyond the Horizon:

Hattie forces Rolo to do her dirty work at the Von Stadt Penthouse.
Esther plays on Tiffany's desires to get to the truth about her family history.
Tiffany convinces Julia to meet Esther.
Julia and James's connection deepens.

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The Baldwin family is rocked by an earth-shattering secret from Theodore's past.
Jenna realizes her problems are compounding by the minute.
Thomas has to reconcile the facts of his father's past.

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"Angels in America" opens to mediocre reviews... thanks to the recast in Aurora's role.
Fiona pieces together connections between Dominic, Aurora, and Von Stadt International.
Terrence's cold seems to get worse.
Julia has shocking news for Terrence.
Christian is thrown for a loop.
Ford continues being a menace on Dominic's life.
Crystal confides in Rebecca that she feels Rod's slipping away from her.
Eleanor returns to work managing The Redeye and Large Bar.

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Aurora's overdose brings his mother, Edina Dawson, to town, and Aurora gets plenty more than he bargained for.
Shawn tries to help Aurora from a distance.
Jenna becomes more demanding on Shawn.
Thomas starts building his file with Jenna's false, planted information on Lauren Sapphyre.
Rachel feels something's fishy in her Sapphyre file.
Jenna makes more alterations on Rachel's computer.
Jenna's deceptions may have dire consequences for her future with VSI.
The two halves of Shawn's life are on a collision course.

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Carina is released, but finds she's still down on her luck.
Aviva grows suspicious of Ramon.
Rachel feels like she's being followed.
Carina refuses Aviva's help, hurting Aviva's feelings.

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Henry encourages Eleanor to move more of her belongings to the penthouse so she'll feel more at home.
Eleanor wants to purge Charles Halperin's belongings, but Henry wants her to hold on to them.
Eleanor's medications don't have the intended effects... thanks to Rolo.

STAY TUNED, the drama never stops unfolding!

March 2008
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<<<

Previously on Beyond the Horizon, Valentines Day 2008 was a turning point for many couples...

• Hattie (Kate Collins) claimed to have never before met Eleanor (Catherine Hickland), which drove Eleanor to the brink of madness, and made Eleanor sure that Hattie was responsible for the hit-and-run of Carina (Natalia Livingston).
  
• Carina opened her eyes, but still faced a long road to recovery.
  
• Thomas (Bobby Steggert) dove into his internship at Von Stadt International, eager to become familiar with all the company's inner workings.
  
• Tiffany (Ambyr Childers) confronted her mother Hattie about the charm bracelet Tiffany found at the scene of the hit-and-run accident. Hattie convinced her youngest that she didn't intend for Carina to get hurt, and Hattie was only trying to secure their future as Von Stadts. Tiffany promised to keep her mother's secrets, but began to be eaten up with guilt.
  
• Jenna Baldwin (Kari Wuhrer) hosted a scandalously saucy lingerie-clad business meeting with VSI's Board of Directors.
  
• Rod (Forbes March) used Crystal (Kerry Butler) in efforts to sabotage his father Terrence's (Walt Willey) Valentines Day getaway plans with Christian (David Evan Smith), only for Rod's plot to backfire.
  
• Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) and Thomas finally consummated their sweet romance on Valentines Day.
  
• Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan) had a fantasy-filled Valentines Day at the office.
  
• James Baldwin (Alec Musser) learned that Dr. Julia Lawless (Melissa Archer) found her father's body years ago after his apparent suicide on Valentines Day.
  
• Aurora/Eddie (Jeffrey Carlson) held out hope for a surprise visit from Shawn (Tobias Truvillion) on Valentines Day, and was devastated that he never showed.
  
• Jenna secured Shawn's guarantee that he will sink young Thomas's internship at VSI.
  
• Ramon (Kamar de los Reyes) continued to have sex with Rachel (Sherri Saum) behind Aviva's (Christina Chambers) back, even ducking out for a few minutes during Ramon and Aviva's Valentines Day dinner!
  
• Rod called out Christian's name during sex with Crystal, in the freudian slip of the century!
  
• Crystal suspects Rod of having feelings for Rachel, after seeing them together, and Rachel pretends to have an interest in Rod to keep it a secret that she's investigating Christian for Rod.
  
• Aviva receives an anonymous warning to be careful who she trusts.
  
• Rebecca asked Thomas to keep an eye on Hattie Wilson through his internship at VSI, in the hopes of clearing her mother Eleanor of the charges against her.
  
• Tiffany began asking big sister Julia questions about why Julia left the family when Tiffany was so young, and Julia tried to protect her sister for once by keeping quiet about her suspicions about their mother's involvement in their father's death.
  
• Henry Von Stadt (Sebastian Roché) began growing suspicious of Hattie due to Eleanor's certainty that Hattie was framing her for the hit-and-run.
  
• Thomas realized Shawn was lying to Jenna about working late.
  
• Shawn bedded Aurora/Eddie, who didn't admit how upset he was about Valentines Day.
  
• Eleanor realized Julia was Hattie's older daughter, while Julia learned that Hattie may have been responsible for her friend Carina being the victim of the hit-and-run!
  
• Shawn assigns Thomas the Sapphyre project, hoping his failure with it will justify Thomas's termination.
  
• Rod misses Eleanor's day in court because he and Christian are being held up by masked gunmen hired by Leo Von Stadt (Jeff Branson)!

>>>

Opening Sequence


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The robbers locked Christian and Rod in the office while they ransacked Large Bar. Their time alone forced Rod to admit Christian was not that bad. Rod opened up about the type of family they had before his mother left and admitted he resented Christian because he was proof that the family was never again going to be the way it used to be. Christian is sorry that Rod lost the family that he had but tries to explain how hard it's been for Terrence, living a lie through most of his life. Rod says he understands that more than Christian knows. Christian isn't sure what Rod means. They are interrupted by the gunmen who demand they open the office safe. Rod tried to lie that he didn't know the combination, but they threatened his "boyfriend" with the gun. Rod worked on the safe with the guns trained on him, but Christian tried to take the gunmen by surprise. The gunmen turned their weapons on Christian, when Rod jumped in and struggled with the gunmen until the gun went off and Rod was shot! Panicking, the gunmen fled, and Christian applied pressure to the wound (Rod's stomach) and called for help.

Eleanor went to court and Evan Royale entered a plea of Not Guilty by reason of temporary insanity. Evan's plea created an uproar in the courtroom, especially from Aviva. Ramon wasn't in the courtroom to calm her down, since he was on his EMT shift. The judge accepted the plea and adjourned for the day.

Tiffany visited Hattie at Von Stadt International and wanted to know what happened years ago to make Julia leave their family. Hattie was taken by surprise to hear the question. Tiffany could tell it flustered Hattie. Hattie claimed that Julia was devastated by her father's suicide and simply couldn't stay with their family anymore. Tiffany wants to know why they didn't pull together out of their shared grief, but Hattie said she had mixed emotions about it and they didn't see eye to eye. Tiffany had no idea how Hattie could have had mixed emotions about her husband's suicide. "Don't you dare judge me!" Hattie exploded in anger. Hattie explained that Larry cheated on her for months with his secretary and Hattie was certain that his own guilt was what led him to take his own life. If Larry felt so bad about it, certainly Hattie was justified to hold a grudge. Tiffany felt like her mother was a stranger... and a dangerous one, at that.

EMT Ramon responded to the emergency call from Christian at Large Bar. Rod was taken to the hospital. Christian stuck by Rod's side, claiming to be family, while he waited for Terrence and Fiona to arrive. Crystal's calls from the courthouse remained unanswered and Christian didn't even think to notify her. The police question Christian about the gunmen, but he remembers nothing, they wore masks, but one of them sounded to be in his early/mid 20s and nervous, like he'd never done anything like it before, and one sounded older, 30s, and more experienced. Terrence and Fiona arrived. Fiona thought to call Crystal, who rushed over since court had just adjourned for the day. Upon her arrival, Crystal blamed Christian for trying to stop the gunmen and triggering the shooting. Christian said he and Rod were BOTH trying to protect HER mother's business while Eleanor was on trial and couldn't protect it herself. Christian did blame himself, but Terrence reassured that the only ones to blame were the gunmen.

Back in jail, Eleanor swore to Henry that she wasn't crazy, and furthermore she was certain that his secretary Hattie was wrapped up in the accident somehow! Henry promised to look into it, but either way, he vowed that he didn't intend for Eleanor to go to prison over this.

Tiffany sought solace in Rolo's arms (and his bed), but Rolo could tell Tiffany was distracted. Tiffany asked Rolo if he ever felt like his mother wasn't who he thought she was. Rolo revealed that he never really knew his parents, he's only really ever had Ramon. Tiffany thinks Rolo might have been better off. Rolo thinks that if Tiffany knows her mother, it's more than some people ever get. Rolo also says no one is perfect and loving someone should include all their imperfections. Tiffany didn't think Rolo had such depth. "I'm just full of surprises," Rolo smirked.

Aviva and Ramon sat at Carina's bedside, and Aviva was holding her sister's hand. Aviva couldn't stop thinking about that weird note that was sent to her home about being careful who she trusts. Ramon urged her to put it out of her mind, it was probably some harmless prank from a student that missed seeing Aviva every day. Aviva can't believe Ramon is being so non-chalant about it, it could be a threat, or even a warning. Ramon didn't think they should be discussing this in front of Carina, but Aviva didn't see why not. Ramon wasn't sure how much Carina understood right now, it might upset Carina's condition to think her sister's being threatened by mail. "Or warned," Aviva reiterated. Then, Carina stirred, and her eyes opened and she looked directly at Ramon!

The gunmen turned up unmasked at Von Stadt International to report in to Leo Von Stadt. The younger was Dominic Soletti (Will Shew), the older was Ford Collins (David Chisum). The gunmen were shook up over the shooting, and Leo was furious since no one was supposed to get hurt. Leo was even more upset they didn't even find what they were looking for. Leo realized Rod was the man that was shot, and just then Fiona called her boyfriend Leo for emotional support. Leo rushed to the hospital to help Fiona, terrified of losing her brother. "I know we don't spend enough time together," Fiona sobbed to Leo, "but it's good to know that I can count on you in times like this." Leo comforted her, unable to ignore the irony that he set this chain of events into motion.

Jenna surprises Shawn at his apartment and strolls in, even though Shawn tells her he might be late for work. Jenna tells Shawn he works too hard and can afford to take a few extra minutes for himself. Jenna mentions calling for Shawn and being told he was out of the office even though Shawn had sworn he'd be working late. Shawn covers, claiming it was a late dinner meeting. Jenna claims not to be worried, because she's a mature woman, she knows that if Shawn wanted a different arrangement, he'd be man enough to tell her so, rather than sneak around behind her back. Jenna gives him a kiss and wishes him a great, productive day at work.

Dr. Julia Lawless saved Rod's life, despite Rod losing a lot of blood. Later, Rod woke up to a worried Crystal, and Crystal was confused and jealous when Rod asked her to find Christian and send him in! Crystal sent Christian in and watched from the window. Rod wanted to make sure Christian was okay! Christian was shocked that Rod cared, considering their history, and Christian teared up a little, admitting he felt guilty that Rod was shot. Rod doesn't blame Christian and actually admired the risk he took. "The kind of courage people write books about." (Rod's a writer) Christian is glad Rod's okay and touches his hand... which Crystal isn't at all happy about!

Julia surprises James Baldwin at his garage and asks him to do her a personal favor and inspect the car that hit Carina Reynoso, for anything that might clear Eleanor Halperin of the charges against her. James agrees, if Julia is willing to go on another date. Julia gets mad and tells James to forget it, he really must be as selfish and shallow as she originally thought. Offended, James lets Julia storm off, and Julia resolved to get her answers on her own.

Jenna returns to the Baldwin brownstone to find both Theodore and Thomas lounging and watching "Jeopardy!" together and bonding over it. "Does no one have any job to go to today?" Jenna snarks, hoping to bust up the bonding moment. "I never have classes on Tuesday, dear, don't you remember?" Theodore asks, and Jenna pretends that she knew her father's schedule and it just slipped her mind. Jenna asks Thomas if he's been sacked from Von Stadt International already for burning someone's coffee. Thomas fires back that he's been granted time out of the office to research the project that he's been assigned by VSI. Jenna fakes interest in Thomas's project, but Thomas decides to keep it top secret. Thomas wonders if Jenna has any VSI executives to throw herself at today in exchange for a bigger investment. Thomas then jokes that maybe Shawn's out of the office again. Jenna tears into Thomas for being so petty and childish as to try to create problems and spin lies. Thomas swears he'd never tell a lie... "Oh go chop down a cherry tree," Jenna spat, storming off in a huff and insecure about whether Shawn really is seeing another woman.

"My sister is coming back to us!" Aviva beamed, and Ramon tried to muster enthusiasm about it, though he feared what it might mean for the secret Carina discovered before her coma. What's worse, Ramon hadn't particularly done a good job of staying away from Rachel since the accident either! Though alert, and engaged with Aviva and Ramon, Carina appeared woozy and to be having trouble understanding what was happening. Aviva encouraged Carina to get more rest and they'd talk soon. Ramon suddenly had to leave and check in with his supervisor. Getting on his cell phone the minute he was out of Carina's room, Ramon ordered someone to meet him at the 66th St. entrance to Central Park right away.

Henry Von Stadt posted bail for Eleanor and offered legal guardianship for Eleanor until her trial, so Eleanor is released into his custody. Meanwhile, Hattie called Tiffany back to VSI to make sure Tiffany is still planning to keep what she knows of the car accident a secret to protect their family. Thomas Baldwin walked by the office just in time to overhear Tiffany reaffirming her commitment to protecting her mother by keeping quiet about the accident, but Tiffany makes it clear that she doesn't trust her mother like she once did. While Thomas only heard a snippet of the conversation through the door, Henry Von Stadt heard every juicy detail on the office intercom from his office! Knowing Hattie's whole scheme, Henry weighed his options on how to play things from now on. Either way, this was the first he was learning of Hattie's true colors!

Terrence halts production on Angels in America for a week until Rod is released. Meanwhile, gunman Dominic turns up on the Applewhite doorstep, and Christian is thrilled to see him! Christian explains to Terrence that he and Dominic were foster brothers for years, and bonded over being young, gay, and without their biological parents. Dominic says he's new to town and hopes to live in NYC. Dominic found Christian from an article in the paper about the shooting at Large Bar. Dominic is happy Christian is pursuing his acting and is has found love with Terrence. Gracious Terrence offers to let Dominic stay at the Applewhites and offers to talk to Eleanor/Crystal about getting Dom a job at Large Bar serving drinks. Dominic is grateful and phones Henry Von Stadt that he should have inside access to Large Bar within a week.

With Dominic moving in, Fiona felt it was the right time to announce she was moving out! Fiona felt the need to spread her wings, and while she would be available for any future exciting family dinners, she was going to be taking an apartment downtown, near SoHo, where she'll be closer to the Royale & Klein offices. Terrence was disappointed, but understood, it was time for Fiona to leave the nest and embrace her own life with open arms.

Rachel met with Ramon at the entrance to Central Park, where Ramon explained a public place was the only way to make sure they wouldn't end up having sex again. Ramon confronted Rachel with the letter that Aviva received, and accused Rachel of writing it to ultimately force their secret out into the open. Rachel reads the brief letter and claims to have had no part of it and to have never seen it before. Ramon doesn't believe her, and labels Rachel twisted and obsessed before ordering her out of his life, for good this time. Rachel leaves frustrated, and then receives a call on her cell phone -- Aviva. Aviva's got news about Carina and wants Rachel to meet with her immediately. Rachel can't wait to see Aviva. Meanwhile, Ramon spins around and finds his brother, Rolo, who has just now heard all about Ramon and Rachel's affair!

Julia visits Detective Nathan Weber, a handsome cop with the NYPD who worked the hit-and-run crime scene. Julia calls in a favor. Julia had done some medical examiner consulting for the NYPD before, and she and Nathan dated *briefly*. Nathan lets Julia in to look at Eleanor's car and James arrives to help. Julia claims not to want or need his help anymore, and Nathan is assisting her just fine. James learns that Julia used to date Nathan and James tries hard to cover his jealousy. Once James and Nathan start in with some macho posturing and competitive attitudes, Julia tires of their male egos and agrees to let James help her, so she can return her focus to the most important issue at hand.

Eleanor settled in at the Von Stadt Penthouse as a condition of her bail, and Eleanor's first night with Henry is awkward. Realizing what a mess her life has become since Charles's death, Eleanor breaks down in Henry's arms and then recoils, admitting that she still feels like she's cheating on her husband by having feelings for Henry. Eleanor thanks Henry for being so great and supportive throughout everything that's happened. Eleanor asks why he's done so much for her, especially since she hasn't been able to give him anything in return. Henry is surprised Eleanor didn't already know... Henry's falling in love with her! Affected and vulnerable, Eleanor gives in to Henry and they make passionate love.

James and Julia investigate the damage to Eleanor's car and James notes the damages, differentiating the impact of the lamppost from the impact of Carina's body. James checks out the interior of the car and notices a dent in the dashboard, on the passengers side. This triggers a memory for Julia, who recalls that Eleanor had a friction burn on her neck that a seat belt would make, but the burn was on the right side of her neck. This could only mean that Eleanor had to have been in the passenger seat at the time of either impact! Julia realizes she needs more info before coming forward, and needs to prove her mother Hattie was the one driving the car that ran down Julia's best friend.

Aviva brings Rachel back to Aviva's apartment, raving about how great it is that Carina is coming back around. But Aviva wanted to get Rachel's opinion on something. Aviva starts explaining to Rachel about the weird letter she received in the mail, and as Aviva looks around on the table for it, she can't find it. Aviva can't understand where it would have gone, but explains that the letter warned her to be careful who she trusted, and Ramon kept telling her to forget the letter, and was sure it was a prank. Aviva wanted Rachel's objective opinion. Rachel tends to believe that if the person who sent her the letter had anything to say, they would have said it by now, so Aviva shouldn't worry. Aviva appreciated the objective opinion, and offered to walk Rachel home, since Aviva was headed that way.

Julia returned to the hospital the minute she got word that Carina was awake. Carina smiled at the sight of Julia. Carina revealed she could talk too, but made Julia swear not to clue in her sister Aviva. Julia laughed. "Didn't miss her one bit while you were asleep, huh?" Julia asked. "How could I, she didn't leave me alone throughout my whole coma! I thought they were supposed to be a peaceful sleep..." Carina groaned. Carina asked how Julia's family has been, and Julia sidesteps the question, just labeling her situation as "hectic". Carina wondered if it's possible to get a restraining order on her own sister to keep her out of the hospital room. Julia and Carina share a laugh, and Julia admits how much she missed her friend. Carina didn't realize how good it would feel to be missed.

Rolo is surprised Ramon had it in him to be a cheater, and Ramon insists that Rolo didn't understand what he was hearing. Rolo thinks it's pretty insulting to try to use a line like that on his grown brother. Ramon admits he doesn't really know how it all started, it just kind of snowballed into a whole situation. Ramon admits Rachel has some kind of sexual power over him. Ramon doesn't even really like Rachel, he says! Every time he has tried to cut off all ties, something takes over and they end up having sex again. Rolo swears he's not judging, he thinks Rachel's hot and he was always annoyed by Aviva as a professor anyway. Rolo claims to have no intention of spilling the beans. He's just surprised Ramon had it in him. Ramon is weighed down even more with guilt now that Rolo knows.

Jenna, overwrought with suspicion, breaks into Shawn & Rachel's apartment with spare key that is usually left under the mat, and heads to Shawn's room. Rummaging through his datebook she finds nothing. Jenna decides to check his laundry, and is taken aback to find lipstick on Shawn's collar in his laundry. "A hideous shade I wouldn't be caught dead wearing... Couldn't he have at least slept with a woman that had some taste?!" Jenna is disgusted. Replacing the laundry as she found it, Jenna storms out.

A short while later, Aviva and Rachel return to Shawn & Rachel's place, and upon entering, they discover an african-american barbie doll that looks like Rachel (same wild curly hair) hanging by a noose from the living room light, with the word "slut" written in red across the doll's naked stomach. Rachel is shaken and tries to cover, spinning a story about how her brother Shawn saw her kissing a guy at the apartment, so he was just teasing her about it in his own demented way. Aviva laughs skeptically, but acknowledge that her sister Carina has a dark humor when it comes to her as well. After Aviva leaves, Rachel wonders if the doll was Ramon's way of threatening her.

Jenna slinks into the legal office at VSI and flirts with a nerd at the desk to gain access to her distribution contract with the company. Getting the legal department nerd to verify that her contract is iron clad, regardless of how Shawn Marks feels about her, Jenna then visits Shawn in his office. Jenna accuses Shawn of lying that Rachel was his sister and accuses Rachel of being his live-in girlfriend, swearing Rachel looks like the kind of "slut" (same term as written on the doll) that a man would cheat with (Ha! If only Jenna knew about the Ramon situation!). Shawn is shocked at the overreaction and verifies that Rachel really is his sister and isn't sure where all this is coming from. Jenna explains about finding the lipstick on his collar and wants to confirm that even if she's not the only one in Shawn's life, that she is at least his "Number one". Shawn reaffirms commitment and that Jenna turns him on completely. Especially when she's jealous... Jenna is won over by Shawn's declarations and they end up have sex on Shawn's desk!

Rebecca surprises Thomas at his family's brownstone with his favorite dish from their usual Chinese takeout restaurant. Curious about Thomas's project, Rebecca offers to help. Thomas doesn't really need assistance, but he's been dying to share the details of the project with someone. Rebecca swears to secrecy about the project, and Thomas reveals he's trying to figure out the best way for VSI to partner with Lauren Sapphyre. "The cosmetics mogul?" Rebecca recognizes the name. Thomas is impressed, because Lauren seems to be quite secretive. Thomas shares that Lauren may not even be her real name! The rumor in the business world is that Sapphyre was an alias derived from the greek poet, Sappho, whose works are largely "lost" and the subject of continued debate and rumor. It's the perfect template to craft one's image after if you want to be a distant mystery to the public.

Terrence introduces Dominic to Crystal, who's running both Large Bar and The Redeye while Eleanor is facing criminal charges. Short staffed, Crystal hires Dominic. Dom proves social and popular with the Large Bar crowd, and hits it off with the staff. Rod is finally released and meets Dominic at the Applewhite home, also learning he will be working alongside Dom at Large Bar. Rod finds him to be familiar, Rod isn't sure why. Rod is suspicious of Dominic and wonders if he's Christian's lover behind Terrence's back. Rod has Rachel Marks start researching Dominic's background and his history with Christian.

Eleanor was remorseful about sleeping with Henry, but was still comfortable around him. But Eleanor was soon shocked to uncover a handgun in Henry's office in his penthouse! Eleanor confronted Henry about the gun, but Henry swore it was for his own protection. As wealthy and powerful as he is, there were a lot of people who would want to get their hands on what Henry has, so he owns the gun. Henry swears he has never fired it, and Eleanor believes him. When Henry leaves for work that morning, Eleanor has nothing to do but roam Henry's penthouse and stew over her situation. Eleanor grows increasingly frustrated thinking of Hattie's lies and manipulations, and finally Eleanor goes back and retrieves Henry's gun!

Thomas hits a wall with Lauren Sapphyre's past, not able to track where she came from before her first big job. Thomas can't locate refrences, education, or ANY history for Lauren Sapphyre before that first big job back in 1982. Overhearing his youngest son's plight, Theodore suggests hiring a private investigator, and offers to pay for it. Jenna and James are privately furious and as soon as they leave the room they are fuming about their half-brother. Jenna and James feel Thomas is just beginning to try to muscle in on the money they've been working so hard for these last few months! Thomas considers the private investigator angle.

Dom asks Christian what he's really doing with "Old Man Apple-polisher," since Christian has such a sweet deal with that sugar daddy. Christian swears it's love, but Dominic doesn't buy it. Dom figures Christian must at least have a threesome going on with the son. Christian admits he has noticed Rod is attractive, but Christian is devoted to Terrence. Dominic is still not convinced, given what he knows about Christian's partying past.

At VSI, Henry and Hattie are in the boardroom at the end of the workday. Hattie is telling Henry he's gone above and beyond for Eleanor, but he should really distance himself because Eleanor is likely going to be found guilty. Henry is just studying Hattie, trying to figure her out, when Eleanor bursts in with Henry's gun, demanding the truth from Hattie! Henry tries to contain the situation, Hattie is terrified, but manages to hold to her original story. Eleanor threatens Hattie, becoming further infuriated when Hattie sticks to her lie, and dares to tell Eleanor not to make the situation worse for herself. Henry tries to lie that there are no bullets in his gun, but Eleanor already checked and even fires a shot at the wall as a warning! Thomas Baldwin heard a gunshot from the other end of that floor and snuck over to the boardroom to find Eleanor holding Hattie at gunpoint! Thomas calls his girlfriend Rebecca to warn her about her mother having completely gone over the edge.

Rod asks Dom probing questions about Christian while they work together at Large Bar. Dom tells Rod if he wants to know about Christian, to take Christian on a date and ask him himself. Dom wonders what kind of straight guy works at a gay bar anyway? "Cute ones who hold no prejudices and like good tips," Rod replied sternly.

Rebecca raced to VSI to talk Eleanor down. Eleanor grows increasingly frustrated until Rebecca and Thomas burst in to try to defuse the situation. Hattie tells Eleanor she shouldn't be allowing her daughter to see her this way. "You made me this way!" Eleanor shouted back at Hattie. Rebecca assures her mother that the truth will come out and Eleanor will be exonerated. Eleanor wants answers now. Just then, Julia and James arrive to confront Hattie and are startled by the scene they interrupted. Julia tries to get Eleanor to calm down, sharing her suspicions about the seat belt friction burn as proof that Eleanor was in the passenger seat. Eleanor is elated and demands Hattie 'fess up! Tiffany arrives as well to discover the confrontation and Thomas then reveals to the room that he overheard Tiffany knew something incriminating about Hattie. On the spot, Tiffany didn't know what to do.

Henry finally stepped in and said it wasn't possible that Tiffany could know anything incriminating because Hattie was with Henry on New Years! Hattie is stunned that Henry lied to be her alibi, but goes along with the lie for the rest of the room. Everyone is shocked at Henry's revelation. Henry explains that they pulled and all-nighter at the office and Henry was impressed with Hattie's dedication on New Years. Henry swears it's all verifiable by the building's security tapes. So Henry agrees Eleanor was most likely framed, but it couldn't have been Hattie driving the car that night.

Dominic and Aurora developed a tentative friendship, as Dominic played it as though he was intimidated to be living in a big city where the gay scene was so "in your face". Aurora offered to show Dominic the ropes, and Dominic revealed that the only way he could liven up the gay scene in all the small towns that he's lived in was with the aid of some designer drugs. Aurora expressed curiosity about the drugs effects, and Dominic assured Aurora that they were safe and very effective. After a successful test run of Dom's designer drugs, Aurora decided that Dominic and he could party together on a regular basis. With Aurora's being exposed to a new carefree partying lifestyle, Aurora tried to be hands-off when it came to Shawn, deciding Shawn wasn't healthy for him. After two unanswered phone calls, Shawn stopped in briefly to see Aurora, and Aurora, high on some of the drugs, told Shawn he never wanted to see him again. The confrontation caught Dominic's eye... and so did handsome Shawn.

Ramon visits Carina while she's sleeping. "Looking for a pillow to put over my face?" Carina startles Ramon by speaking, and that she's awake and alert. They engage in a private confrontation where Carina mentions what she knows about Ramon's dalliance with Rachel, and that she doesn't need to see it with her own two eyes to know Ramon would have probably preferred it if she didn't wake up. Ramon knows a thing or two about Carina as well. He knows she hates her sister and would love to use this kind of info to shatter her. Carina tells him she doesn't intend to tell Aviva... at least not right now. Ramon inquires about the note to Aviva, thinking Carina might have sent it to torture her sister. Carina laughs when reading it. Carina thinks Ramon has bigger problems than her, because Carina didn't send the note, so someone else must know about his wandering eye.

Henry had Leo take a distraught Eleanor back to the Von Stadt penthouse, while Henry and Hattie were finally left alone. Hattie still tried to play innocent, thanking Henry for the alibi, even though she didn't need it since she hadn't done anything wrong. Henry laughed as Hattie scrambled to stick to her story, and warned her to save it. Henry revealed that he's known about Hattie's true plot for a while, since he heard her over the office intercom when she was talking to Tiffany. Hattie didn't know what to say. Henry admitted he was impressed with Hattie's drive, her determination, and her originality. Hattie was flattered, and even more when Henry alluded to the possibility that Hattie's scheming mind could be of great use to him and VSI. Hattie was practically salivating at the notion, but Henry quickly reeled her back in. "You listen carefully, Ms. Wilson," Henry warned her, "You are walking a tightrope between being an obstacle and a help to me. So until you hear instructions from me otherwise, you sit at your desk, answer phones, get me coffee, and switch the diabolical part of your brain off until I call for it. I am a powerful man, Ms. Wilson, and better than you have learned the hard way not to try to put anything past me. Are we clear?" Henry towered over her, equally intimidating Hattie and turning her on... "Crystal clear," Hattie gulped, putting on some reading glasses and peeling herself away to return to her desk and start right away on answering those phone calls. "And don't even think of involving the authorities over Eleanor's little indiscretion today, because the alibi I gave you will be retracted faster than you can type," And with that, Henry returned to his office, satisfied with his results.

When Eleanor returned to court to face the verdict, that was finally reached after much deliberation, the courtroom erupted in chatter when Eleanor was found Not Guilty by reason of Temporary Insanity. Eleanor is given a court order to undergo one week of in-patient psychiatric observation at the Shady Glen Sanitarium to determine her mental state and whether she is still a danger to herself or to others. Her drivers license is revoked and Eleanor is also ordered to join an Alcoholics Anonymous program. Eleanor is shocked and while relieved the plea worked, she doesn't want to be admitted for psychiatric observation. Aviva is outraged, feeling like Eleanor got off with a slap on the wrist, and demands that something more should be done about this. Ramon tries to calm her, but Aviva refuses to take comfort from him given his divided allegiances lately. Aviva storms out of the courtroom. Crystal and Rebecca try to assure their worried mother that it shouldn't even take a week for the Sanitarium to determine she has all her mental faculties.

<<<

Stay Tuned for scenes from the next Beyond the Horizon

>>>

Coming in April, on Beyond the Horizon:

Hattie visits a relative at the Shady Glen Sanitarium, where Eleanor is admitted.
Henry pays off the doctors to release Eleanor, even though they deem her unstable.
Henry hopes to gain full access to all Eleanor's belongings through trickery.
Tiffany wants to find out more about her father's death.
Julia and Tiffany wonder who Hattie sneaks off to visit periodically.
Hattie uses Julia's connections at the hospital to get her hands on some hallucinogenic drugs.
Hattie's diabolical plans for Eleanor continue behind Henry's back.

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Ramon begins to grow paranoid about the warnings and threats being issued.
Aviva receives another note.
Rachel receives an even scarier message than the hanging doll.
Hattie hires Rolo to spy on Eleanor when she is again released into Henry's care.
Julia admits to Carina she thinks Hattie ran her down.
Carina wants to reclaim her life.
Hattie thinks a vengeful Aviva may be her perfect cover.

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Thomas decides to hire a private investigator, and looks to Rachel Marks.
Rachel makes moves to secure an office for herself.
Jenna uses ties with Shawn to get Rachel to share info about her investigation for Thomas.
Jenna hopes to plant false information to corrupt Thomas's investigation into Lauren Sapphyre.
Aurora relies more heavily on Dominic's drugs, affecting his work in "Angels in America".

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Dominic tempts Christian to return to his partying roots.
Dom tries to strike a deal with Henry and Leo.
Ford Collins tries to make a deal as well.
Crystal is unsettled by Rod's comfort at Large Bar.
Rod decides to let go of his investigation.
Fiona is surprised to discover Leo and Dominic know each other.
"Angels in America" is set to open.

STAY TUNED, the drama never stops unfolding!

February 2008 (Sweeps)
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<<<

Previously on Beyond the Horizon, New Years 2008 changed lives everywhere...

• Hattie (Kate Collins) was "innocently" trying to frame Eleanor (Catherine Hickland) for Driving Under Intoxication when she accidentally ran down hospital orderly Carina Reynoso (Natalia Livingston)! Hattie had no choice but to pin that crime on Eleanor too!
  
• Tiffany (Ambyr Childers) found a familiar charm bracelet at the scene of the car accident and swiped it before Rolo (Ignacio Serricchio) saw it.
  
• Henry Von Stadt (Sebastian Roché) nearly decided to let Eleanor's (and the Von Stadt International) secrets die with her in her hospital bed, but couldn't bring himself to end her life.
  
• Carina's sister Aviva (Christina Chambers) was horrified to learn Eleanor had run down Carina, and couldn't understand boyfriend Ramon's (Kamar de los Reyes) sympathy for his former boss Eleanor.
  
• Eleanor woke up from the accident only to be arrested minutes later for hitting Carina Reynoso!
  
• Henry hired Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan) to oversee Eleanor's defense in court. But does Henry really want her to go free or go to prison?
  
• Von Stadt International offers to handle distribution for Jenna Baldwin's (Kari Wuhrer) fashion label, but the catch is that Jenna must produce the line with her own funds. Of course that means she still needs her father Theodore's (John Ingle) lottery millions!
  
• Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) tried to lose her virginity to boyfriend Thomas (Bobby Steggert) to distract herself from her mother's legal troubles, but Thomas put on the brakes.
  
• Jenna rented The Redeye to throw a party in honor of her own success, and invited half the town (the half that could do something to further her career, of course).
  
• Rod (Forbes March) and Fiona (Connie Fletcher-Staton) are certain that Christian's (David Evan Smith) starring role in their father Terrence's (Walt Willey) new play was what Christian was after all along. Terrence overheard and issued Rod and ultimatum to accept Christian or move out!
  
• Julia (Melissa Archer) agreed to attend Jenna's party with James (Alec Musser), and delighted in flaunting James in her disappointed (and crazy!) mother Hattie's face.
  
• Rachel Marks (Sherri Saum) used Carina's accident to get closer to her rival Aviva and find out details about Aviva's life that might come in handy in the future.
  
• Halperin sisters Crystal (Kerry Butler) and Rebecca bonded over how Jenna Baldwin treated them like "the help".
  
• Christian thought he recognized Shawn Marks (Tobias Truvillion) at Jenna's party, making Shawn nervous that his time at Large Bar would need to come to an end.
  
• Shawn arranged for Thomas Baldwin's VSI internship to place them in direct contact at work.
  
• Scrambling to cover her tracks as Eleanor's case garnered more press, Hattie decided to act as though she and Eleanor had never met!
  
• Christian reaffirmed his feelings for Terrence.
  
• Aurora/Eddie (Jeffrey Carlson) questioned whether he could have anything substantial with Shawn, but agreed to have Shawn over to his apartment.
  
• Ramon confronted Rachel over her insinuating herself into Aviva's life, and it exploded in another heated sexual encounter! While, across town, Carina opened her eyes!

>>>

Opening Sequence (UPDATED to include Ian Buchanan as Evan Royale!)


<<<

Rehearsals begin for Angels in America, and Rod hopes the strain of living and working together will prove overwhelming to Terrence and Christian's relationship. Unfortunately it has the opposite effect and they are brought closer together.

Evan finds Hattie at work at VSI, and asks her about Eleanor. Hattie clarifies that he means Eleanor Halperin. Evan is already encouraged. Hattie says that she knows of her, since Henry has had Hattie call her to schedule their dates before, and of course through all the horrible press lately, but you can hardly say you know someone from what you've read about them. Evan is surprised to hear from Hattie that they had never met. Evan isn't sure how that's possible. Eleanor was so specific about Hattie! Hattie speculated that Henry probably mentioned Hattie to Eleanor a few times. Hattie paints a picture of a lonely, grieving widow so broken by her husband's passing that she even constructed imaginary friends that she could talk to, maybe fixating on the calming sound of Hattie's voice when Eleanor would get a call from Hattie to schedule an appointment with Henry. Evan started to wonder if Eleanor was completely in touch with reality.

After Ramon and Rachel's "confrontation sex," Ramon tells Rachel he never wants to see her again and she had better stay away from Aviva as well. Ramon leaves, and Rachel is more convinced than ever that she has a hold on Ramon. Aviva finally gets in touch with Ramon, after attempting to call him several times with no answer, and she tells him that Carina opened her eyes! Ramon claimed he was working and races to the hospital. Concerned that Carina might have already said something to expose Ramon's affair, Ramon is privately relieved to learn that Carina still seemed unresponsive, and that her eyes were an involuntary motor function. Aviva refuses to believe that it was involuntary, and thinks it's a sign that Carina is coming back.

Making photocopies and filing forms, Thomas immerses himself in Von Stadt International's acquisitions, astonished at how rapidly-growing VSI has always been. Thomas takes every opportunity to learn from Henry, asking strategy questions during every brief, passing moment he gets with the CEO. Henry jokingly warns him that he's not ready to take over any divisions just yet, but stay on his path, strongly focused on business, and he should go far. Thomas is assigned to report directly to Shawn (at Shawn's request).

Evan visits with Eleanor again, while Henry was present, and informed her that Hattie says they have never met. Eleanor becomes irate, not understanding why Hattie would lie so blatantly. Eleanor swears they have seen each other, and she describes Hattie physically. Henry is curious now, and goes with Evan to question Hattie again. Hattie sticks by her story and wonders if maybe Eleanor saw them together at The Redeye on one of their many business lunches, and added Hattie's image to Eleanor's delusions! Evan starts to believe Eleanor is unstable since her husband's death and thinks he can use this to get her acquitted of the charges -- but she may end up in an institution after the acquittal. Music to Hattie's ears! Henry isn't so sure and is curious as to whether Hattie may have a more significant part in it all than anyone knows.

Dr. Julia Lawless visits with Ramon and Aviva to give them an update on Carina's condition. Julia believes it's encouraging that Carina's eyes have opened, but until she starts responding to the outside world and speaking, they can't determine if there's any memory loss or permanent damage. Ramon holds out hope that Carina may not remember seeing Ramon and Rachel together.

Shawn Marks tries to impart some business knowledge to Thomas by discussing the nature of a pitch meeting, and Thomas catches on quickly and takes Shawn's concept for the meeting a step further. Thomas asks Shawn for a project... some difficult or hesistant affiliate of VSI, or a troubled division of the company. Thomas feels he understands people and the way they think and work, and believes he can take a small or struggling project and make it into a success. Shawn says he will look over one of the less time-sensitive projects on his agenda and get back to Thomas, so he can work on it over time. Thomas is grateful and looks forward to sinking his teeth in.

Hattie felt she dodged a bullet with Evan and Henry's questions, but soon realized she didn't have her charm bracelet! Terrified that she last remembered wearing it at New Years, Hattie panicked that it would have been recovered at the scene of the crime. Tiffany came home from class to find Hattie frantically looking for something, but Hattie wouldn't say what it was. Hattie started to sweat, but Tiffany produced the bracelet! Hattie figured Tiffany borrowed it to wear, but Tiffany said she found it in the car when she came upon an unconscious Eleanor after the New Years accident!

Jenna Baldwin held her next meeting at VSI to display her risqué line of lingerie to the entire VSI Board of Directors. Each of the 12 board members (including Henry and Leo) got their own personal tray-carrying girl, each clad in a different skimpy negligeé by Jenna's design, offering finger foods and shots of tequila! Thomas was appalled at Jenna's tactics to sell herself and her "trampwear." But with the Board of Directors, the girls were a hit!

James Baldwin wouldn't stop hounding Dr. Julia for another date since he had great fun with her at his sister Jenna's party. Julia continues to shoot him down, stressing that she can't help her friend Carina bounce back from her New Years Accident. James offers to show Julia a special Valentines Day, and Julia has a strong reaction to the mention of the holiday. Julia says she doesn't want to date him, she didn't even enjoy herself at Jenna's party and just used James to upset her own mother. James doesn't believe her and says he knows he's given a good time to enough women to tell when they are having one. Julia stops taking his calls.

>>

The Valentines Day Episodes (Thursday 2/14 - Monday 2/18)

Rod learns Christian and Terrence are planning a romantic Valentines Day getaway at the secluded Applewhite cabin. Rod is furious, so he invites Crystal to the cabin, pretending not to know Terrence and Christian were planning the trip there as well. Rod whisks Crystal away to be at the cabin before Christian and Terrence arrive. Christian learns from drag queen Aurora Borealis that Rod took Crystal to the cabin and Christian then develops a plan. Christian and Terrence drive up to the cabin but run out of gas and are stranded in a snowstorm. Christian and Terrence have a romantic Valentines night picnic inside the car.

Thomas Baldwin is buoyed by his positive experience at VSI and has Rebecca to his home for a romantic, Valentines night in. Thomas hopes to celebrate his VSI internship and Rebecca apologizes over the dinner Thomas cooked for her. Rebecca feels sorry that she can't keep her mind off her mother being in jail and especially the pain and the drinking that put her there. Thomas is sorry he hasn't been more sensitive to Rebecca's troubles. Rebecca swears he's been perfect with her and she wants to hear more about his VSI work. Thomas goes on about Jenna's over-the-top business meeting and gets Rebecca laughing again. Rebecca thanks Thomas for being the bright spot in her life, and they start to kiss. After their several botched attempts, Thomas and Rebecca finally make love tenderly for Valentines Day!

Fiona was forced to cancel plans with Leo Von Stadt because Evan Royale ignored her request to have Valentines Day off from work. Fiona was furious, but threw herself into her work... albeit ignoring Evan all day out of spite. Evan certainly doesn't get much work done, however, because his Valentines tradition is to spend his work day fantasizing! In Evan's first fantasy, Fiona continues giving Evan the cold shoulder until that finally gives way to the passion that has been burning inside Fiona for the entire time they have been working together! Fiona confesses that she has known how much Evan has wanted her since she applied for the internship, and she can no longer contain her desire for him... Evan takes her roughly on his office desk and makes passionate love to her!

Ramon tries to get Aviva's mind off Carina for Valentines Day and takes her to The Redeye for a romantic dinner. Rachel turns up there and Aviva doesn't understand why Ramon has such a strong reaction. Rachel briefly catches up with Aviva about Carina and then returns to her seat at the bar. Aviva wants to know why Ramon seems to get so upset when Rachel is around. Ramon says he just doesn't like her. Aviva defends Rachel, saying she's been a good friend since Carina's accident, and urges Ramon to give Rachel a chance.

James arrives at the hospital for Valentines Day and tells Julia he knows she had the day off and chose to come in to work anyway. Julia refuses to see him. James can tell she's having a bad reaction to Valentines Day. Julia tries to lie that it's concern for Carina, but James considers Julia a bad liar and senses there is more to it than that. James pesters her until Julia finally breaks down and admits that it was on Valentines Day, ten years ago, when Julia found her father dead. Julia shared the story of her father cheating on her mother with his secretary, and hearing Hattie threaten him over it when she found out. Julia found her father hanging by a noose in their apartment on Valentines Day. Julia said Hattie claimed he must have felt so guilty for his affair that he took his own life, but Julia always suspected that Hattie killed him and made it look like a suicide... but Julia could never prove it. James was sympathetic over everything Julia had to endure back then. James asks Julia to meet him at his garage.

Tiffany demanded to know what Hattie's involvement in the accident was, and Hattie tried to dodge the questions but finally broke down and confessed all to her youngest daughter! Hattie made sure to tell Tiffany she never intended for anyone to get hurt, it was only a DUI that Hattie was trying to orchestrate. Hattie explained that Eleanor wasn't worthy of Henry, and Hattie was acting to secure their future as Von Stadts! Tiffany understands her mother's motives and believes things got out of control. Though horrified by her mother's actions, Tiffany also doesn't want to lose her mother, so she agrees to keep her mother's secret and back Hattie's story that Hattie and Eleanor had never met.

Evan sits at his desk thinking of the start of Eleanor Halperin's trial and considers the possibility of running into Aviva Reynoso, the victim's sister, in the courtroom as he prepares his defense before court is in session. In the fantasy, Aviva approaches him, sharing her sad story of watching her sister wither away in a hospital bed. Evan defends Eleanor, claiming she is mentally ill and then refusing to discuss the case any further. Aviva is sure there is something she can do to ensure Evan sees the case the way Aviva does. Aviva then proceeds to seduce Evan in order to get him to agree to throw Eleanor's case and let her fry for Carina's accident!

Jenna wanted Shawn to take her out for Valentines Day, and wanted to know how invested Shawn is. Shawn reaffirms his commitment, and Jenna tells him to show it by ruining Thomas's internship. Shawn tells Jenna that her kid brother is actually really smart and could be a good help to her if she changed the dynamic of their relationship. Jenna was certain she didn't need "that twerp's" help, and he only lives to see her fail. Jenna wants Shawn's assurance that Thomas is the one that will fail. Shawn decides he will give Thomas the Sapphyre project, which has been years in the making and is virtually hopeless. When he fails at it, they will be able to dismiss Thomas from VSI. Jenna is delighted, and they celebrate by making love...

Aurora Borealis performs her Valentines show at Large Bar and is devastated to not find Shawn in the audience. Aurora felt so close to Shawn at the end of January. Rushing to check his phone after the show, Eddie was crushed not to have even heard from Shawn on Valentines Day. Eddie refused the offer of free drinks from some party boys at Large Bar, and went home, even lighting some candles in the hopes Shawn would surprise him... but Shawn never showed. Eddie stayed on the couch, curled up, listening to "All By Myself" on the stereo on Valentines night.

Evan gets a call from a nervous Eleanor, and after calming her by assuring her he'll do his best to get her released, Evan fantasizes about the day that he goes to the jail to tell Eleanor she can go home to her family and she's free. Eleanor was so grateful to Evan for giving her her life back that she had to thank him in the only way she knew how... Evan thought it might be dangerous for them to give in to their desires in this "so very dirty" jail cell, but Eleanor threw caution to the wind "Let them lock me up and throw away the key if it means I'll know what it feels like to be your lover!" And with that, Evan made love to Eleanor in her jail cell!

Rachel sends Ramon a page after his dinner with Aviva and intercepts him near the back area of The Redeye. Rachel seduces him and he ends up having sex with her in the men's bathroom! Rachel returns to the bar quite satisfied, and orders another drink. Ramon then returns to the table and tells Aviva they should order dessert!

Rod can't relax as he anticipates Terrence and Christian's arrival to the cabin. Crystal urges him to let go and enjoy himself and their time together, and she's determined to get his mind off Christian and Rod's father's troubles. Rod assumes that Christian and Terrence canceled their trip since they hadn't yet arrived, and gives into Crystal's romantic overtures. That night, Rod makes mad, passionate, animalistic love to Crystal on a bearskin rug in the middle of the living room. In the heat of passion, Rod mistakenly calls out CHRISTIAN'S name instead of "Crystal", just as Terrence and Christian come through the door and catch them in the act! Terrence was embarrassed to catch his son in the act, Christian got an eyeful and was shocked to hear Rod calling out his name during sex. Crystal was mortified to be seen by Terrence and Christian and had no idea why Rod was shouting Christian's name in bed. Rod had to make sense of his freudian slip.

Evan is going over the details of Eleanor's case and looks over the latest update of Carina's medical condition. Evan has a fantasy of going to visit Carina and confessing to the comatose girl about how difficult it is, wanting to see justice for Carina but believing Eleanor is just a lost woman who needs help in dealing with her grief. Just then, Carina wakes up, healthy and strong! Evan is shocked, and offers to get the doctors, or Carina's sister Aviva. But Carina wants him to stay. She tells Evan how strange it was, locked in her own body and not knowing if she was awake or asleep, unable to communicate or feel anything for certain. But now that she's awake she needs to feel alive again. Carina asks Evan to make love to her, make her feel truly alive again, set all her senses on fire! As Evan is about to comply, Fiona barges into Evan's office, jolting him out of his sleaziest fantasy yet. "It's 5pm, I'm leaving!" Fiona said, thrilled to be done for the day. Realizing that she caught Evan daydreaming, she asks if he's gotten any work done today. "It was actually one of my most productive Valentines Days yet, Fiona. Have a good evening," Evan smirked, causing Fiona to roll her eyes as she left the office for the day.

Julia meets James at his garage, where he set up a romantic evening in the hopes of creating new Valentines Day memories for Julia. James believes that Julia is so guarded because no one has tried to give her good memories to counteract the bad ones, but James is going to start giving her good memories today. Julia is affected by James's effort, and starts to see James in a different light.

The snowstorm gets worse and strands all the lovers at the Applewhite cabin. Rod covers with Crystal that he said Christian's name because he saw him coming through the door. Crystal was sure the name was called BEFORE Christian came through the door. Crystal tried to put it out of her mind. Rod tried to rekindle again that night but Crystal claimed she was tired and froze Rod out. Terrence went to bed as well. Shirtless Rod was sitting in the dark living room remembering his name mix-up and Christian confronts Rod calmly and quietly, telling him he knows Rod booked his getaway intending to ruin Christian and Terrence's Valentines Day. But they arrived late because Christian wouldn't let Rod ruin it for them. Christian challenged Rod to examine why he's so consumed with ending his father's relationship and why Christian is on Rod's mind so much. There is thick tension in the room that just might be sexual.

<<

Evan tries to get Eleanor to plead temporary insanity, but Eleanor swears she isn't crazy. Eleanor is certain she knows Hattie and can't figure out why Hattie would lie -- unless Hattie is trying to cover her own tracks. Henry and Evan go way back, so Henry asks Evan what Eleanor's best chance is. Evan is sure that it's an insanity plea. So Henry tries to talk Eleanor into going through with it! Eleanor is insistent that she's not crazy, and demands to see Hattie in person.

Once the Applewhite party returns to NYC from the cabin, Rod demands more from Rachel Marks on her investigation into Christian. Spotting Rod and Rachel together, Crystal confronts Rachel about her interest in Rod. Rod doesn't want Crystal to know he's still investigating Christian. Rachel plays along that she does have an interest in Rod, but Rod reaffirms his commitment to Crystal, and she's secure.

Julia catches Tiffany in the throes of angst over the discovery of what Hattie has done to Carina and Eleanor. Tiffany lies that she's having issues with a boy at school, nothing Julia would understand. At college, Tiffany runs into Rebecca and makes a casual effort to chat with her. Rebecca plays it smart as well, fishing to get information about Hattie and Eleanor's relationship. Tiffany says she's never met Eleanor before, she only found her in her car the night of the accident. Rebecca thought for sure Hattie and Eleanor would have come into contact around Henry's office. Tiffany said Hattie never mentioned Eleanor, but Tiffany also tunes out whenever Hattie gushes about work. Tiffany felt guilty that in keeping her mother safe and close, she's robbing Rebecca of her mother.

Ramon drops Aviva by her apartment to check her mail and Aviva has received a letter with no return address. Curious, Aviva opens the letter and scrawled out messily on the page is the brief note "Be Careful Who You Trust...". Aviva isn't sure what the letter means and shows it to Ramon. Ramon urges her to forget it, he's sure it's just some prank or a student of Aviva's who has too much time on their hands while Aviva's on personal leave. When Aviva gets her belongings together to head to court, Ramon slips the anonymous letter into his pocket. Meanwhile, Carina is lying in her hospital bed, eyes wide open, and mutters the name "Ramon"!

Feeling closer and stronger about each other than they ever have, after making love on Valentines Day, Rebecca Halperin and Thomas Baldwin can't stop calling each other. Thomas mentioned how overprotective Henry Von Stadt's secretary is at work, and then Rebecca realized that Thomas has access to Hattie Wilson through his internship at VSI. Rebecca asks Thomas to keep an eye on Hattie and to let Rebecca know if it seems like Hattie is hiding anything. Thomas promises to keep his eyes and ears open.

After a disappointing Valentines Day, Aurora Borealis calls Shawn's office, but intern Thomas answers the call. Aurora tells Thomas to tell Shawn that Aurora called. When Thomas relays the message, Shawn's strange reaction makes Thomas curious. Shawn changes the subject by giving Thomas his assignment -- the Sapphyre project. Shawn wishes him luck! The project hinges on a business mogul that they have been trying to get under the VSI umbrella for a long time and she refuses to even take a meeting to discuss it. The only reason that VSI hasn't completely given up is because it would be an amazing coup if they were able to land her. Thomas is thrilled at the possibility of showing VSI what he could bring to the table.

Tiffany goes to the hospital to find Julia and asks Julia why she left the family when Tiffany was so young. Julia said it was complicated. Julia found it hard to stay after their father died. Tiffany wanted to know more. Julia didn't want to dredge it all up. There was something that went on that broke the relationship between Hattie and Julia, and it most likely will never heal. Julia knows she never knew Tiffany very well, and never did much for her as a sister, but if nothing has broken between Hattie and Tiffany, then not ruining that can be what Julia can give her sister. Tiffany wonders if maybe it is broken and she just doesn't know it. Julia asks if Hattie has done something. Tiffany gets flustered and tells Julia to forget it.

Evan and Henry ask Hattie to come meet Eleanor. Hattie is resistant to contribute to Eleanor's delusions or become a target in case Eleanor is dangerous. Henry assures Hattie she will be safe and Hattie agrees, feeling like she could make Eleanor look even crazier with an in-person visit. In person, Hattie fakes having never met Eleanor, who is driven to the edge since she's unable to prove they know each other. Defeated, Eleanor started to listen to Evan about the insanity plea. Evan said if she pleads guilty, Eleanor could get court appointed grief counselling/therapy, mandatory AA meetings for the drinking, and maybe some community service. Eleanor agreed, finally, and was escorted out by police to visit the hospital and then head to court!

Before going to court, Eleanor is escorted by police to the hospital for a quick follow-up checkup. Eleanor admits to Julia that she's afraid to lose her kids, so soon after they lost their father. Julia understands how hard it can be without a father, but Julia had to tell herself life was going to work out anyway. Eleanor asks about Julia's mother and Eleanor learns her mother is Hattie. Julia asks what Eleanor's relationship to Hattie is, and Eleanor says Hattie may have framed her for Carina's hit-and-run! Eleanor is taken directly to court, and Julia is shocked at the revelation -- but it makes a whole lot more sense out of Tiffany's strange behavior!

Shawn Marks leaves his office for the day, but Thomas wants to stay to gte a jump on the Sapphyre project. Late at night, Jenna calls, wanting to speak to Shawn. Thomas tells his big sister that Shawn isn't there, but Jenna orders him to stop lying, she knows that Shawn is working late at the office tonight. Thomas doesn't want to get Shawn in trouble, so he says he is probably at a dinner meeting, but he left the office hours ago. Thomas apologizes if there were any misunderstandings, but secretly takes great pleasure in the notion that Shawn is lying to Jenna. Jenna is embarrassed to look as though she's being lied to in front of her rival half-brother. Jenna then tries Shawn's cell phone, but Shawn doesn't answer. That's because Shawn is at Aurora's apartment, trying to make up for Valentines Day! Eddie didn't want to show Shawn how upset he was over Valentines Day for fear of scaring Shawn away completely, so Eddie just gave in and slept with Shawn again, hoping to show Shawn how he strongly he feels about him.

Crystal is concerned when Rod misses her mother Eleanor's court date. But Rod is actually stuck at Large Bar with Christian in a robbery! Henry Von Stadt has sent two masked thugs to hold up Large Bar, looking for something in Eleanor's safe!

<<<

Stay Tuned for scenes from the next Beyond the Horizon

>>>

Coming in March, on Beyond the Horizon:

Eleanor takes desperate measures with Hattie in order to clear her name.
Henry learns the truth about Hattie's motives!
Julia employs James to get to the bottom of Hattie's involvement in Eleanor's troubles.
Tiffany tries to bury her guilt over her mother's actions.
A verdict is rendered, which resolves problems for some, but creates problems for others.
Hattie fears the repercussions of her actions.

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The mysterious notes that started with Aviva begin enveloping more people.
Rolo learns of his brother Ramon's deception.
Aviva and Rachel's "friendship" progresses.
Carina's condition continues to improve, heightening Ramon's suspicions.

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Thomas begins researching the mysterious Lauren Sapphyre for his VSI project.
Jenna suspects Shawn is sleeping with another woman.
Thomas's internship at VSI allows him to gain access to many secrets around the office.
Aurora makes a friend of a new hire at Large Bar.
Aurora hopes to fill her loneliness with other distractions.
Henry and Leo will stop at nothing to reacquire something that belongs to them.

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Fiona makes a moving decision.
Rod and Christian face armed gunmen, and fear for their lives!
The hostage situation changes Rod and Christian's dynamic... and then someone is shot!
A face from Christian's past emerges with a secret agenda of his own.
Crystal realizes that Rod and Christian's brush with death has bonded them.

STAY TUNED, the drama never stops unfolding!

January 2008
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<<<

Previously on Beyond the Horizon, as the clock struck twelve at midnight, New Years 2008...

• Rod (Forbes March) shattered a champagne glass in his hand as he witnessed his father Terrence's (Walt Willey) New Years kiss with Christian (David Evan Smith). Thanks to Rod's preoccupation, Crystal (Kerry Butler) missed out on her New Years kiss.
  
• Shawn (Tobias Truvillion) and Aurora (Jeffrey Carlson) let their guards down at midnight and shared their real first names... which culminated in a very real first kiss!
  
• Carina (Natalia Livingston) witnessed her sister's boyfriend Ramon (Kamar de los Reyes) in a compromising position with Rachel (Sherri Saum) and dashed out of the hospital armed with the damning information right before getting mowed down in the street by...
  
• Hattie Wilson (Kate Collins), wearing a blong "Eleanor" wig, while Eleanor (Catherine Hickland) lay passed out drunk in the passenger seat, unaware she was being framed by her "friend" Hattie for drunk driving in order to eject Eleanor from the life of their mutual object of affection, Henry Von Stadt (Sebastian Roché).

So as we enter the new year:

• Carina lays at death's door, and may take Ramon's dirty cheating secret to her grave with her, while her life is in Ramon's hands.
  
• Eleanor has no idea that Hattie is about to pin everything on her!
  
• Aurora might just get what he's hoping for in 2008... true love.
  
• Rod must decide how much he can accept his father's choices, and how much he can REALLY trust Christian.

>>>

Opening Sequence


<<<

Crystal Halperin immediately starts tending to Rod's wound from the broken champagne glass before he even realizes he's cut himself. Crystal wants to know why Rod is so worked up. Though heated, Rod claims it's because he's been thinking of his mother Emma over the holidays. Rod also says he doesn't blame his father's need to be true to himself. Then a deliriously happy Terrence calls the whole bar to attention to announce that he is going to be producing "Angels in America" this year, which Aurora Borealis has agreed to appear in, and the production will also STAR Christian Avery Field.

Hattie Wilson struggled to regain her composure after realizing she ran a woman down with Eleanor's car. A fair distance down the road from the hospital, Hattie drives the car erratically until crashing into a lamppost. Acting quickly, she checks for witnesses, and seeing no one around, she pulls a passed-out Eleanor into the drivers seat and presses Eleanor's hands firmly around the wheel to leave fingerprints. Hattie, of course, had prepared herself with gloves. Hattie scurries off into the darkness and takes a subway train home.

"THE STARRING ROLE, two months into dating my father?!" Rod explodes, "Are you KIDDING me?!" Crystal and Fiona (Connie Fletcher-Staton) try to calm Rod. Rod's suspicions that Christian is using his father to further his career and reputation are renewed and Rod is further infuriated when Crystal and Fiona try to give Christian the benefit of the doubt. "What more evidence do you need that Christian has a plan, and it's WORKING!" Rod was insistent.

Tiffany (Ambyr Childers) and Rolo (Ignacio Serricchio), fresh from their New Years Eve celebration at a bar in the area of the car accident, find Eleanor slumped over the steering wheel of her car, and believe she just drove drunk into a lamppost. Tiffany calls an ambulance and secretly notices a familiar charm bracelet on the floor of the drivers seat. Tiffany pockets the bracelet without letting Rolo see it and she and Rolo travel with Eleanor to the nearby hospital, where Eleanor is treated. The police tow the car and run tests on it to determine if it's associated with the hit-and-run just reported by Ramon Valdez.

Crystal and Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) raced to the hospital when they were notified about their mother's condition, and arrived as Eleanor was being treated for a concussion and alcohol poisoning by Tiffany's older sister, Dr. Julia Lawless (Melissa Archer). Fortunately, Eleanor pulls through. Crystal notified the staff at The Redeye and Large Bar of Eleanor's car accident and Aurora (as Eddie) shows up to support his close friend Eleanor. Rod arrived to support Crystal, and as Eleanor's best friend, Terrence came to the hospital as well, with Fiona and Christian arriving with him. Thomas (Bobby Steggert) arrived to support Rebecca, as any decent boyfriend would do.

Ramon called Aviva (Christina Chambers) to tell her that her sister was hit by a car, and Aviva was devastated! Aviva was slightly relieved, though, that Ramon was quickly on the scene and was at the hospital already. Upon her arrival at the hospital, Aviva can't imagine how this could have happened to Carina, on New Years Eve, no less. Aviva assumes it was some drunk partygoer that had too much to drink for New Years. Aviva hears about Eleanor's accident and since Eleanor is the mother of Aviva's best student Rebecca, and Ramon's former boss, Aviva wants to go offer her support. Ramon holds off on telling her that he believes Eleanor ran Carina down until the police came up with something conclusive.

Henry Von Stadt arrives in the middle of the night as Eleanor remains unconscious. Speaking to himself, Henry wonders if rather than seducing Eleanor to get the information he needs from her, if he should just silence her permanently, and let the secrets that she holds the key to die with her. Henry caresses Eleanor's I.V. drip with an eerie calm, but looking at Eleanor in the hospital bed, it seems Henry can't bring himself to do what he feels he should. Just then, Eleanor opens her eyes. Eleanor looks around, wondering what happened, why her head hurts so much. Henry just tells her to rest, and everything will be okay, and Eleanor drifts off to sleep again, since she is heavily medicated.

Carina lingers in a coma, and Aviva sits vigil at her bedside. Aviva tried to get in touch with their parents (who are divorced), but couldn't reach either of them. Aviva has trouble coping with this tragedy because nothing like this has ever happened to her before. Ramon is there to support Aviva, and Rolo stops by. Not sure what to say to make Aviva feel better, Rolo apologizes to Aviva for his behavior in her class. Obviously that is little comfort to Aviva while her sister is comatose. Rebecca also stops in to visit her professor, and extends her prayers to Carina. Outside Carina's room, Ramon is questioned by the police as a witness to the accident, and reluctantly fingers Eleanor as the driver of the car (admitting he saw a platinum blond behind the wheel of Eleanor's car).

Eleanor wakes up the next morning to overjoyed and relieved friends and relatives. Everyone's joy is soon dashed when a policeman arrives to question her about her car and license plate number. Eleanor doesn't understand and her memory is fuzzy. After Eleanor confirms her car, the police place Eleanor under arrest in her hospital bed for drunk driving and vehicular assault!

Aviva (and pretty much everyone!) is horrified to learn that Eleanor was the driver of the car that ran down Carina, and Aviva demands justice. Ramon sympathizes with Eleanor, believing she was grief-stricken over her husband's death when she got drunk and got behind the wheel. Aviva doesn't care what motivated Eleanor and is furious with Ramon for caring, considering what happened to Carina.

Eleanor tries to process what's going on, not remembering anything after she started drinking New Years Eve. Fiona calls Royale & Klein, the law firm where she works, in order to try to secure legal representation. "Is she fetching?" Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan) asks. "Excuse me?!" Fiona doesn't get it. "Is she attractive, Fiona, yes or no?" Evan persists. "What does that have to do with ANYTHING, this woman's life and future is at stake!!!" Fiona can't stand her boss. Evan refuses the case if Fiona won't give an answer to his question, and hangs up on her. Fiona growls in frustration at her phone.

Eleanor, in handcuffs and a hospital wheelchair, visits Aviva at Carina's room and is taken aback to see Carina's condition and is devastated that she could have caused this. Eleanor apologized for everything, but also doesn't remember that anything happened, and if Eleanor wasn't responsible, she promises to help Aviva find the culprit. Aviva won't hear of it and orders Eleanor to get her life together before she does anyone else as much damage as she did to Carina. Eleanor leaves Carina's room in shame, feeling like her life really has collapsed since her husband Charles's death.

Fiona is shocked when Evan Royale DOES show up offering Eleanor his legal representation, and Fiona believes Evan has redeemed himself by caring about the case and not how beautiful the client is. Evan laughs, saying he cares about the money -- Henry Von Stadt hired him to represent Eleanor. Evan looks through the window of Eleanor's hospital room and remembers that he ran her husband's will reading, and scolds Fiona for holding out on the fact that Eleanor is QUITE fetching... Fiona is disgusted.

Leo (Jeff Branson) is confused as to why his father hired Evan Royale to defend Eleanor in court, when Eleanor may be armed with information that could bring down Von Stadt International and their entire empire. Henry revealed that not only does Evan have the potential to lose the case and get Eleanor sent away for a long time, but if Eleanor is acquitted, then Eleanor would owe Henry a great deal. Leo would rather let Eleanor go to jail and be done with it, but Henry is disappointed that as usual, Leo is missing the big picture.

Shawn Marks set up a meeting between Jenna Baldwin (Kari Wuhrer) and Henry and Leo Von Stadt to pitch her design label to Von Stadt International. Walking in like she owned the place, Jenna's considerable charm (and talent... kinda) impressed Henry and Leo and after some consideration and a few looks at her portfolio, they decided to give Jenna a shot. VSI offers to oversee distribution for Jenna, but Jenna must produce the line with her own funds... meaning Jenna still needs daddy's millions! Nevertheless, Jenna is thrilled to have her foot in the door at VSI and wants to throw a party to celebrate her success.

Crystal struggled to maintain The Redeye, while trusting Rod with most of the business at Large Bar, while her mother faced her legal troubles. Crystal was equal parts excited and nervous when Jenna Baldwin called to rent out The Redeye for a lavish party to celebrate her successful pitch to VSI. Crystal confided to Rod that she wasn't sure she could handle a party of Jenna's standards without her mother's expertise, but Rod offered to help out. Meanwhile, Jenna sent out invitations to Henry and Leo Von Stadt, Shawn and Rachel Marks, and as many other movers and shakers Jenna could track down in NYC! Jenna also managed to toss an invitation in the direction of her brother James. Jenna failed to invite her father (and chief investor!) Theodore (John Ingle), but when Thomas overheard Jenna and James discussing the party, Thomas made sure to mention it, forcing Jenna to invite her father. Jenna claimed she figured the party might be too much stimulation for her father as a recovering heart patient, and so she chose not to invite him.

Aviva prays hard for her sister's recovery, but when Ramon tells her that perhaps it's better that Carina stay comatose for now, so the body can recuperate, Aviva lashes out at Ramon, telling him he sounds like he doesn't want Carina to wake up at all! Ramon gives Aviva her space and goes out to that floor's waiting area, where he encounters Rachel. Rachel seems genuinely concerned for Carina and feels responsible for her part in Carina's accident. Ramon outwardly blames Rachel for the accident and rejects her, furious that she ever steamrolled her way into his life. Ramon regrets ever meeting her! Rachel is hurt, but takes it as a sign that Ramon is more attracted to her than he wants to be or can control.

Henry Von Stadt admired Jenna Baldwin's nerve when he received an invitation to her party at The Redeye. Henry tosses the invite in the trash, due to Eleanor Halperin's legal woes, but Hattie fishes the invite out of the trash and advises Henry to attend the party for the sake of the press. Hattie even offers to go as his replacement date! Henry still refuses, and tells Leo to go and represent the company.

James Baldwin invited Dr. Julia Lawless to his sister Jenna's party, and Julia turns him down once again, this time because he just spent Christmas with Carina, Julia's co-worker and friend, who lingers in a coma while James is selfishly attending a party and inviting another woman. James explains that he only agreed to date Carina because Julia turned down James's initial date proposal! James tries to convince Julia that he genuinely likes her and she should give him a chance. Julia finally gives in and agrees to attend Jenna's party with James.

Rebecca broke down to Thomas that she was afraid of what might happen if her mother is convicted and sent to prison for hitting Carina Reynoso. Thomas lends a supportive ear and Rebecca tries to bury her fears by getting lost in the beginnings of lovemaking with her boyfriend. Thomas pulls back out of respect, thinking that Rebecca would regret any major decisions she made while conducting her life in fear. Thomas thought taking Rebecca to Jenna's party would be a good distraction.

Terrence stopped home early to overhear another discussion between Rod and Fiona about Christian's new role in Terrence's next play. Terrence is offended that Rod thinks his father is being played for a fool and confronts his son. Terrence swears he gave Christian the role because he's a talented actor. Rod doesn't doubt that Christian is a talented actor, but he doubts that Christian is ever NOT acting. Terrence accuses Rod of not accepting the fact that his father is gay. Rod admits it took time to come to terms with it, but he did. It's Christian he doesn't trust. Terrence tells Rod to get over it, or get out.

Rod's remarks weighing heavy on Terrence's mind, he asks Fiona what she thinks of Christian. Fiona honestly doesn't know. For Fiona, their age difference is alarming, but age is just a number, and she's witnessed no solid reason to doubt Christian. Fiona tells her father to trust his gut and if he's got doubts, he needs to explore them. Terrence decides to invite Christian out to dinner.

Leo invited Fiona to Jenna Baldwin's party, and Fiona thought to invite her family, in order to get a better handle on Christian and his mysterious motives. Rod went as Crystal's date, even though she was busy professionally, hosting the party. At Jenna's party, Jenna generously understands Henry declining the invitation, and even goes so far as to make an offer to Leo to speak to the press in support of Eleanor for the sake of VSI (as if Jenna's really "anybody" in the eyes of the press)!

Hattie also attended the party (dateless) to support VSI and noticed her daughter Julia was in attendance with a handsome man. Hattie probed about James, who quickly turned Hattie off by revealing he was a mechanic. Hattie took Julia aside to encourage her to doing better for herself than some "grease monkey", and Julia savored the fact that James wasn't the kind of man her mother wanted for her. Julia then took the initiative to put some moves on James that Hattie would rather not have seen!

Rachel passes by Carina's hospital room to extend her condolences to Aviva, claiming that she saw the story in the papers (considering that the press is all over the story since prime suspect Eleanor Halperin is dating the very high-profile Henry Von Stadt. Aviva appreciates Rachel's concern and was glad there were still people in the world who cared about victims. Rachel inquired about Aviva's boyfriend, and Aviva shared her frustrations about Ramon with Rachel... and Rachel ate up every last detail.

Jenna meets Terrence and mentions that she did some acting in college. Christian and Jenna get a big kick out of each other, which completely offends Crystal Halperin, who Jenna has had no problems treating like "the help" all night. Rebecca definitely sympathizes with her sister Crystal, since Jenna treated Rebecca like an underling at Thanksgiving dinner. Jenna wears a Jenna Baldwin Original to the party, and the dress is a smash hit. Terrence Applewhite asks if she'd be interested in designing the costumes for his upcoming play. Flattered, Jenna agrees to think about it, if she has any time, but warns Terrence she'll be so busy launching her label! Walking off, past James, Jenna privately jokes that she'd never bother with the costuming of some "little play."

Discovering Rod is a writer, Jenna wondered if they should set up a meeting, to see if he is any good at ad slogans for her line. Crystal continues to feel overshadowed as "the help", as Jenna keeps handing Crystal all her empty champagne glasses throughout the night! Christian couldn't shake the feeling that he'd seen Jenna's date, Shawn Marks, somewhere before, but can't place him. Jenna's certain Christian would have seen Shawn in the newspaper at some point. Shawn grew nervous, fearing that his time at Large Bar would catch up with him. Jenna's party is officially deemed a success, and Jenna debuts another dress, which is also a hit.

Evan Royale finally took a meeting with Eleanor in her hospital room, and remarked that she looked absolutely stunning, given the circumstances. Evan was quite the lecherous lawyer! Eleanor admitted that she didn't remember the night of the accident, which Evan declares could either mean she is very innocent, or very guilty. As Hattie had hoped, Eleanor's brush with the law (to put it mildly) was front page news, drawing plenty of negative press, but Hattie was expecting it to create distance between Henry and Eleanor, not make Henry more protective of Eleanor! Furthermore, since Eleanor's case was snowballing into such an important story, Hattie feared her connection to Henry and Eleanor would be exposed and her manipulations would prove the end of her! Hattie knew she had to cover her tracks somehow.

As the next semester at college began, Aviva decided to take time off for Carina's sake, not knowing when Carina would be back to her normal self. Meanwhile, Theodore Baldwin finally returned to teaching for the first time since he won the lottery and had his heart attack. And Thomas Baldwin started his next semester as well as his internship with Von Stadt International, that his half-sister Jenna was not at all happy about. Certain Thomas only wanted the internship to ruin her chance at success through VSI, Jenna began putting pressure on Shawn to sabotage Thomas's internship before it really had a chance to begin. Shawn decided to keep his friends close and enemies closer, so if he WAS going to put an end to Thomas's internship, then he would need to work with Thomas directly.

Ever since their New Years kiss, Aurora was dreamily getting her hopes up about something serious developing between her and Shawn. But Shawn, after his close call at being recognized from Large Bar by Christian at Jenna's party, decided to visit Large Bar to tell Aurora he couldn't attend her shows anymore. Shawn arrived during Aurora's strip show while Aurora was trying to recruit participants, and when the spotlight lands on Shawn, he flees! Aurora fears she ruined things with Shawn for good.

Hattie started to think back to whether she left any kind of paper trail. Was there any physical evidence linking Hattie to Eleanor? Hattie doesn't have credit cards, so she always paid cash at The Redeye. None of Hattie's family had ever seen her with Eleanor, and Hattie was careful to make sure Henry was unaware of their connection. Deciding she had plausible deniability, Hattie came up with an idea to gaslight Eleanor, making her appear unstable, which would not only cover Hattie's tracks, but hopefully put Eleanor away for good!

Christian was charmed when Terrence took him to a romantic dinner at The Redeye. But soon realized Terrence was looking for reassurance, to reaffirm his relationship with Christian. Terrence opened up about his fears that there's no reason Christian should love him out of all the younger, hotter, more sculpted options he has out there in the gay community. "I don't care about flings, with pretty young things," Christian assured him, "I love you, Terrence, because you see me more accurately than anyone ever has. You support me... believe in me... and you've provided me with unconditional security and support. It's something that I haven't had in my lifetime, Terrence. You make me feel safe and confident and loved. You don't see how I should love you for that?" Terrence felt immensely better and more secure about their deepening relationship after Christian opened up.

Aurora (in everyday clothes as Eddie Dawson) runs into Shawn at The Redeye and Shawn almost didn't recognize "Aurora"! Shawn behaves differently, since Shawn had never met "Eddie," but as they spoke (and after Eddie apologizes for the spotlight attention at Large Bar), Shawn realizes it's Eddie that Shawn is attracted to, not just Aurora. Eddie says that if Shawn can't come to Large anymore, then the two of them should meet for dinner or drinks elsewhere. Shawn agrees, but Henry Von Stadt interrupts, inquiring about Shawn's friend. Shawn scrambles, and lies that Eddie is his personal shopper, making comments to Henry about how Shawn knows nothing about style like "these people" do. Eddie is embarrassed, but goes along with the lie.

Eddie has brunch with his good friend Terrence and shares that he feels like whatever he has with "this man" (not using Shawn's name) will forever be a secret. Terrence wonders if Eddie will be able to live like that, considering how publicly Eddie chooses to live his life. Eddie decides not to call Shawn, to see if Shawn will call him. Several days later, after Shawn spent a night in Jenna's bed, Shawn called Eddie and asked to come over to Eddie's apartment for drinks. Eddie got excited despite himself, and started setting up his tiny apartment for a date while blasting "I Wanna Come Over" on the stereo.

Once Eleanor was recovered from her injuries, she was transferred to jail to await her court date. Evan worked with her, trying everything to try to get her to remember that fateful night. But Eleanor finally realized -- she was drinking with Hattie that night! Evan hopes Hattie Wilson might be able to shed some light on what really happened that night, so Evan goes to visit Hattie at VSI and interview her.

Shawn arrived at Eddie's apartment and they talk over glasses of wine. Eddie is dressed as Eddie and wants to know about Shawn. Initially guarded, Shawn opens up and tells Eddie about his bratty sister that he's stuck living with at the moment, and their parents. Shawn reveals that his mother is a well-known fashionista and his father is a world class con artist, which led to a very rocky childhood up until his parents divorce. Eddie asks if anyone has ever known Shawn was gay, and Shawn refuses to be considered gay or closeted, he just enjoys sex. Shawn makes fun of Eddie's cramped apartment, and Eddie teases back that he doesn't need to overcompensate for anything by having a big expansive home. Shawn promises he doesn't need to overcompensate for anything either, and their flirtation leads them to kiss passionately... until they begin to start taking each other's clothes off!

Rachel continued visiting with Aviva, and supporting her as a "concerned friend," all the while gathering information on her secret rival and developing a growing hatred for Aviva's (up until recently, at least) charmed life. Later, Ramon tries to make amends with Aviva, who rebuffs him, telling him she needs time. Ramon doesn't want Aviva to have to go through this by herself. Then, Aviva mentions that Rachel, who they met at the Baldwins during Christmas, has been coming by to support her. Ramon is furious and wonders exactly how obsessed Rachel is with him. Finding her at Shawn's apartment, Ramon launches a heated confrontation... which finally explodes in passionate, angry, and dirty sex all over the room! Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Aviva sees a ray of hope when Carina opens her eyes!

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Stay Tuned for scenes from the next Beyond the Horizon

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Coming in February, on Beyond the Horizon:

Hattie claims she has never met Eleanor before!
Evan Royale wonders if Eleanor is completely in touch with reality.
Hattie realizes she lost her charm bracelet.
Tiffany learns how far her mother will go to get what she wants.
Evan enjoys some Valentine's Day fantasies...
Eleanor goes on trial!

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Carina's recovery is just beginning
Ramon wonders why he can't stay away from Rachel.
Ramon tries his best to devote Valentine's Day to Aviva.

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Thomas and Rebecca reach a turning point on Valentine's Day.
James pulls out all the stops to redeem V-Day for Julia Lawless, who faces painful memories from the holiday.
Thomas impresses Shawn and Henry at VSI, making Jenna very nervous.
Eddie is devastated not to hear from Shawn for Valentine's Day
Jenna wants to know exactly how invested Shawn is in her.

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Rod hopes that the stress of working and living together will be the end of Terrence and Christian.
Rod uses Crystal to try to ruin Christian and Terrence's Valentine's Day plans.
Rod makes a very crucial Freudian slip at a very unfortunate moment!
Rod wants Rachel back on the Christian investigation!
Crystal wonders if Rod is having an affair.
Rod and Christian's lives are placed in danger.

December 2007
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<<<

Opening Sequence


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Rodney Applewhite (Forbes March) was just finishing a long, hot shower, and stepped out while Christian (David Evan Smith) was coming into the bathroom! Catching full glimpse of Rod, Christian appeared not to be bothered with what he saw. Rod was embarrassed and furious, accusing Christian of their accidental run-in not being such an accident. Christian thinks Rod's mind is too suspicious, and Rod shouldn't worry, especially since Rod obviously has nothing to be embarrassed about. Rod couldn't help but think the shower surprise was planned and wondered exactly how devoted Christian was to Rod's father Terrence (Walt Willey).

Eleanor Halperin (Catherine Hickland) confided in her good friend Terrence about her wonderful date with Henry Von Stadt (Sebastian Roché) at the opera, but felt she might have been betraying her husband's memory. But Eleanor felt conflicted, because, not knowing if Charles was trying to abandon her and the girls when he died, Eleanor isn't so sure she owes her husband's memory anything.

Ramon Valdez (Kamar de los Reyes) was thrilled when a letter came to his apartment. It was about the courses he was taking to become an Emergency Medical Technician. Ramon passed, and could now work as an EMT! Rolo (Ignacio Serricchio) was happy for his brother, since they both knew how stressful it was to balance work and school. Now, Ramon no longer had to work for Eleanor Halperin managing Large Bar and bartending at The Redeye! While Eleanor knew that losing Ramon was a possibility, she didn't think it would happen so quickly, so when Ramon quit, Eleanor was left shorthanded, and wasn't quite sure what to do.

At Von Stadt International, Leo Von Stadt (Jeff Branson) was somewhat comforted by the very maternal attitude his father's new secretary Hattie Wilson (Kate Collins) had taken towards him. It had been years since a woman prepared him a sack lunch daily! Leo passed his lunch off to Shawn Marks, however, when Leo had a date with Fiona Applewhite (Connie Fletcher). Despite their hectic schedules, Leo's full days at VSI and Fiona's time split between classes at law school and her internship at Royale & Klein law firm, Leo and Fiona still managed to find time between appointments at least once a week for a romantic "power lunch". Things hadn't gone very deep between them, but neither of them were looking for, or even had the time for, deep soul-searching and staring into each others' eyes.

Shawn Marks (Tobias Truvillion) worked through lunch at VSI to "add elements" to Leo's scheduled presentations for the week. He hadn't been asked to, and no one knew Shawn was doing so, but Shawn knew the value of the clients that Leo was trying to bring in under the VSI umbrella and wanted to see the company succeed. Shawn's dedication went seemingly unrecognized, which contributed to Shawn's need to get away to some kind of sanctuary. That sanctuary became Aurora Borealis's (Jeffrey Carlson) weekly performances at Large Bar.

James Baldwin (Alec Musser) was thrilled to tell his father that he had found the perfect location for his new auto body repair shop. Theodore (John Ingle) was eager to support his son's new venture, especially if it meant his son was going to be putting roots down in New York City. Theodore dragged Thomas (Bobby Steggert) along with him to see the location James found, against Thomas's will. Thomas was eager to challenge his older half-brother, and couldn't help but wonder how James intended to run a business, with limited business knowledge and questionable knowledge about auto body repair. James proceeded to blow Thomas away with his knowledge of cars, but admitted that he didn't know everything about running a business but was reading up on it. Thomas was surprised James could read. Theodore intervened to keep the peace between the half-brothers.

Shawn was caught off guard one night, when his sister Rachel Marks (Sherri Saum) found him in the crowd at Large Bar! Rachel was there to collect a payment from her client, Rodney Applewhite, but Rachel couldn't figure out for the life of her why her brother was sitting in a gay bar watching a drag performance. Shawn covered, claiming he was entertaining a VSI client, and since the meeting just ended he couldn't wait to get out of the bar -- since it made him so uncomfortable. Aurora noticed Shawn explaining himself to the pretty woman, and saw Shawn hastily leave with her, leaving Aurora so flustered with jealousy she cut her show short. Aurora wondered if Shawn was bisexual or just a closeted gay man.

Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan), of the Royale & Klein law firm, scheduled an appointment with Eleanor Halperin for the reading of her husband Charles's will. Eleanor and her daughters Crystal (Kerry Butler) and Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) mustered up the courage and strength to face what Charles had left them with. Unsure what they would discover through the will reading, the ladies prepared for the worst. But even in preparing for the worst, they would have been content to at least finally have an answer about whether he was planning to abandon them or not.

Evan revealed that there was a bulk of Charles's money left in a trust to Rebecca to pay for her continued college and grad school education. Crystal received a trust as well, but it was stipulated that it was to pay for the cost of Crystal's wedding to Rodney Applewhite (even though Crystal and Rod had never even discussed an engagement), and the costs of starting a family together. At first Crystal was excited and flattered at the show of support from her father over her relationship with Rod. But soon Crystal realized the amount of pressure the notion of marriage and having children would place on her relationship with Rod. Eleanor received full ownership of Large Bar and The Redeye, paid in full, to run as she saw fit. Eleanor felt empty after the will reading, not feeling any resolution or hints towards Charles's feelings about them before he drove away to his death. Eleanor commisserated over drinks with her friend Terrence at The Redeye, who couldn't help but notice Eleanor was ignoring phone calls from Henry Von Stadt, lobbying for another date.

After finally seeing how much work Rod had been handling at The Redeye while Eleanor was dealing with her husband's death, Eleanor decided to refocus on her work, and offered Rod an opportunity to make money at the job he'd already been doing -- managing a bar. Rod wasn't sure he could manage Large Bar, given that it was a gay establishment. Eleanor offered to still be the general manager and involved in the dealings, but Rod would be the main presence at Large Bar, but would still bartend and oversee all orders and deliveries, and day to day running. He would make a great deal more money for his added responsibility. Rod had to think about it, but once he realized how often his father and Christian go out to Large Bar, Rod saw the greater opportunity in Eleanor's offer. Claiming to Terrence that he wants to express his support of his father's lifestyle, and "get a better understanding of who Christian is," Rod revealed he would be transferring to Large Bar full time. Crystal was devastated that she wouldn't be able to work side-by-side at Redeye with Rod anymore, and hoped not too many men would be flirting with her man.

Aviva Reynoso (Christina Chambers) organized a surprise party for Ramon at The Redeye, celebrating his EMT certification, and Ramon was touched. Though he swore he wouldn't attend, Rolo put aside his hostile feelings for his professor, Aviva, in order to support his brother. Rolo invited sexy Tiffany Lawless (Ambyr Childers) as his date to the party, and the two students couldn't keep their hands off each other! Rolo and Tiffany snuck off to the restroom and had their own private celebration. During the party, Ramon has a memory of his illicit tryst with Rachel Marks.

Before Thomas and Theodore left James's future shop, Thomas had bragged that he was a business major in college and would be starting an internship at the prestigious Von Stadt International next semester. James was nervous that Thomas was plotting against him and Jenna, and called his sister to warn her about Thomas's upcoming job at VSI. Jenna (Kari Wuhrer) wasn't concerned and doubted that Thomas would have any effect on her fashion label from his position as a lowly intern. James warned Jenna that just by working at VSI, Thomas would have access to information, so she should watch her back. "I always do," Jenna reminded her brother.

On his last night at The Redeye before transferring to Large Bar, Rod was surprised that Crystal chose to close early to share an intimate dinner with him. Hinting around the idea of Rod being a father someday, to gauge his reaction to the news of Crystal's inheritance, Crystal was dismayed when Rod spoke of establishing himself as a writer before ever settling down. Not only was Crystal upset that Rod wasn't considering settling down anytime soon, but also that he didn't even imply that when he DID settle down, that it would actually be with HER! Furthermore, Crystal couldn't bring herself to be mad at Rod for too long, because his passion and drive for his art was one of the first things that attracted Crystal to him. Crystal instead was jealous, because it shone a light on the fact that Crystal didn't have many (or any!) dreams of her own that she wanted to pursue before "settling down," and Crystal was growing to resent the fact that her father placed all her value on a marriage to some man.

Rod, meanwhile, experienced a true initiation into Large Bar, and wasn't used to seeing so much of gay lifestyle, the public displays of affection, and especially the flirting from customers. Chatting with Rolo, who worked there as a barback, Rolo advised Rod to embrace it and turn it to his advantage. The customers didn't need to know for sure if the staff was straight or gay, but the tips are a lot better if they can believe the staff is gay.

At the hospital, Carina Reynoso (Natalia Livingston) delivered the fourth message to Dr. Julia Lawless (Melissa Archer) from Julia's mom Hattie. Julia can't believe her mother's behavior... or rather, she can believe all too well, considering how obsessive Hattie can be. Finally giving in, Julia agrees to visit Hattie's office job to see how well Hattie is getting her life back together. Carina offers to be available for drinks later, once Julia's ready to rejoin the club of "those who yearn for freedom from their families." Julia promises to take Carina up on her offer.

Julia arrives for a lunch date with her mother at VSI, but is infuriated when Hattie tries to parlay it into a last minute lunch date between Julia and wealthy young Leo Von Stadt. Leo is amused, but gently lets Hattie down, telling her he's already seeing someone. Hattie tries a harder sell, advertising Julia as a successful and independent doctor, not like all the other golddigging tramps out there in the world. Julia is thoroughly embarrassed and pulls her mother aside, warning Hattie that she needs to keep focused on holding herself together and continuing to function in reality, rather than trying to marry her daughters off to wealthy men. Julia tells Hattie that if she EVER tries to meddle in Julia's life again, romantic or otherwise, it would be the guaranteed last Hattie sees of Julia.

Rod's transition to Large Bar continued to be a bumpy one, when during one of her weekly strip show contests, Aurora Borealis lured Rod into the show, and got him to take it all off! An awkward stripper at the start of his performance, the strong reaction from the lusty crowd slowly wore Rod down into submission and he ended up enjoying himself and working the crowd! Down to his underwear, Rod won the strip show contest, had quite a few dollars tucked into the waistband of his undies, and Terrence and Christian seemed to thoroughly enjoy the show. Terrence thanked Rod for choosing to really embrace Terrence's lifestyle and it shows more support and love than Terrence could have hoped for from his son. Privately, Christian teased Rod about his dancing, and Rod was actually surprised to share his first non-hostile moment with Christian.

Eleanor gave into Henry Von Stadt's continuous calls about another date, and were surprised by the press, who interrupted their dinner by snapping photos of the latest bombshell on multi-millionaire Henry Von Stadt's arm! Eleanor hadn't even thought of how high-profile Henry Von Stadt was, and what it might do to her to be in the public eye while still grappling with her husband's mysterious death. Henry's secretary (although she prefers the term "Executive Assistant") Hattie was furious to see Henry and Eleanor's next date made the society pages of the New York Times, with the columnist talking Eleanor up as the "sophisticated, gorgeous, and independent woman," and decided that it was time for her plan to eliminate Eleanor to be kicked into high gear.

Slowly becoming more comfortable in the gay scene, Rod worked behind the bar shirtless sometimes. On one of the nights that Christian went to Large Bar without Terrence, Rod spied Christian being social with strangers all around the bar, but in one of the conversations that Rod was able to overhear, Christian turned down a man's advances because he said he was seeing someone he was very serious about. Rod was surprised and wondered if he was wrong to question Christian's devotion to his father.

Hattie found Eleanor stressed out over her dilemma about dating Henry Von Stadt and drowning her frustrations in liquor. Hattie cleverly manipulated Eleanor to drinking more, and fed Eleanor's insecurities about opening up to Henry. While getting a window into Eleanor's uncensored thoughts as Eleanor continued to get more drunk, Hattie formulated a plan of how to get rid of Eleanor and make it so Henry never wanted to see Eleanor again!

With Christmastime approaching quickly, Terrence worked quickly to arrange a surprise for Christian. Over a romantic dinner, Terrence surprised Christian with a gift box. Curious, as December 25th was more than a week away, Christian tore into the present impatiently, and discovered it was a personalized Christmas tree ornament. Terrence explained that everyone in the Applewhite family has one of their own personalized ornaments, and it wouldn't have felt right to Terrence if their tree didn't hold an ornament for Christian. Overwhelmed to receive the token practically welcoming him as a part of the family, Christian became emotional and expressed his gratitude to Terrence for all that Terrence has added to Christian's life.

James Baldwin invited his father's heart specialist, Dr. Julia Lawless to Christmas dinner at the Baldwin residence. Due to her own issues (with her wacky mother and bratty sister), Julia declined. James sulked, not wanting to have to settle for any of the other shallow hotties that have been hinting about wanting to spend the holidays with him. Theodore encouraged his son not to give up on Julia, admitting that once upon a time Theodore had to convince James's mother to finally give him a chance, and that worked out for the best, giving them two children together, Jenna and James.

Aviva visited her colleague Theodore at his brownstone, to see how he was recovering from his heart attack and to find out when Theodore would be returning to teaching at Hunter College. Theodore looked forward to returning to work next semester. Aviva learned Theodore's son James would be dateless for Christmas, and offered to set James up with her sister Carina, who was also dateless. James agreed, for the simple chance to meet someone new.

Rod and Fiona were eager to begin the Applewhites' yearly ceremony of trimming the family Christmas tree, and Terrence was all the more excited to share the ceremony with Christian. Rod and Fiona, for the sake of the holiday, kept mum about their reservations over their father's relationship, but couldn't stay silent when Terrence offered to not hang their mother Emma's personal ornament from the tree this year, for fear of offending Christian. Seeing how upset the notion made Terrence's offspring, Christian played it generously, and acknowledged that Emma was and is an important part of the Applewhite family, and he isn't threatened by reminders of her. The tree-trimming ceremony grew even more tense when Emma called while the family was hanging ornaments, and Christian was the one who answered the phone!

Emma had an obvious bad reaction to learning about Christian, Terrence's new live-in lover, and Fiona jumped on the phone to try to calm her absentee mother. Emma got off the phone before speaking with Rod, so Rod had a renewed feeling of hostility over losing his mother. Terrence apologized for how he hurt Emma but didn't regret finally being true to himself and especially since it gave him the chance to meet Christian.

"Absolutely not!" Carina refused to go on a blind date for Christmas. Not only did she not want the pity from her sister, who has never been dateless for a holiday in her life, but Carina also thought Christmas was way too big of a day to meet someone for the first time. Carina continued her protest by refusing to reinforce the stereotype that people need to have a date for the holidays, and was about to continue, but then realized that the alternative was spending the holiday with her sister. Carina admitted to herself that she'd rather spend the day with strangers, it had to be less nauseating than spending Christmas with her perfect sister.

Jenna Baldwin invited her main squeeze, Shawn Marks, to Christmas dinner to meet her family for the first time. Jenna warned Shawn about her younger half-brother Thomas and their rivalrous history, and that he'd soon be working at VSI as an intern in January. Thomas, meanwhile, invited his girlfriend Rebecca Halperin to dinner. Rebecca told her mother Eleanor that she was flattered by the invitation, but didn't want to leave Eleanor alone on the first Christmas since dad's death. Eleanor was touched at Rebecca's thoughtfulness, but encouraged Rebecca to go to the Baldwin family Christmas. Eleanor preferred to be alone with her thoughts and her memories for Christmas this year. Theodore invited Aviva Reynoso over with her boyfriend Ramon, so that Carina wouldn't end up in a house full of strangers for the holidays. Aviva agreed to bring Ramon, and thought it would be fun to attend a big gathering for Christmas.

Rachel Marks continued to settle in in New York City, and hoped to have a small Christmas dinner with her brother Shawn at a nice restaurant. Shawn, having already agreed to join Jenna and her family, asked if it would be okay to invite his sister along as well, since she had no other family in town for the holidays. Jenna, hoping to get to know Shawn and his family better, agreed, and Rachel was invited to the Baldwin Christmas as well.



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The Holiday episodes:

Crystal joined the Applewhite family for Christmas and primarily had to focus on keeping Rod calm and in the holiday spirit, even though Rod's mind was on Christian and the fact he didn't know where his mother was staying during the holidays.

Christmas dinner at the Baldwin brownstone began, and a gloomy James was encouraged to discover when Carina arrived that she was very pretty. Carina was relieved to find that at the very least, James was attractive. Aviva and Ramon arrived shortly thereafter, and Carina was upset that her attempt to avoid seeing her sister for the holidays backfired and she now had to deal with her perfect sister AND an awkward blind date for Christmas. Aviva and Ramon thanked Theodore for the invite and marveled at his new, beautifully decorated brownstone. Jenna took credit for the decorations and passed out business cards advertising her upcoming fashion label. Thomas welcomed Rebecca, and Jenna was catty with her, offering fashion and style advice, which Rebecca "obviously" needed. Shawn arrived with Rachel and Ramon was shocked to once again be faced with the woman with whom he cheated on his girlfriend Aviva. Rachel cleverly pretended to meet Ramon for the first time, and if not for the deviously sexy twinkle in Rachel's eye, Ramon himself might have believed they had never met before.

Carina picked up on some odd tension between Ramon and Rachel over dinner, while Rachel became quite social and friendly with Aviva, and Ramon was quietly sweating it out. Over dinner, Shawn mentioned Thomas's upcoming internship at Von Stadt International and offered to take him under his wing. Thomas impressed and/or irritated the party (depending on who you ask) with in-depth business questions about VSI, ranging from the company's profit margin, employee turnover, and rate of expansion and growth. Shawn thinks Thomas would have a promising future considering how much Thomas already knows about business. Jenna and James were equal parts furious and nervous. After dessert, while everyone said their goodbyes, Carina noticed Rachel Marks laying a flirtatious hand on Ramon.



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Jenna called Shawn to thank him for coming to her family gathering for Christmas and apologized for her little brother Thomas's behavior. Shawn had to admit that Thomas really seemed to know his stuff when it came to business. Jenna agreed, which was why she wanted Shawn to promise to do whatever it takes to end Thomas's internship with VSI, hopefully before it even has a chance to begin. Not wanting to come off as overbearing, Jenna quickly changes the subject to making plans to party on New Years, but Shawn pulls back, telling her he needs to get some work done before the end of 2007.

Hattie had bought herself a peculiar Christmas present -- a long, platinum blond wig. Hattie got a call from Eleanor, who was struggling during the holiday season as her feelings about her dead husband Charles and her new love interest Henry were wearing on her. Hattie told Eleanor to order a drink, and she'd be right over. Hattie met Eleanor at the Redeye and once Eleanor is sufficiently drunk, Hattie offers to give Eleanor a ride home from The Redeye. Leaving the bar with Eleanor, Hattie dumps Eleanor in the passenger seat of Eleanor's car, and Eleanor promptly passes out. Hattie gets in the driver's seat, and pulls the platinum blond wig from her purse. Putting the wig on and fixing it around her face, Hattie eyes herself in the rearview mirror and dials her cell phone, calling the police. Working herself up into a nervous rant, Hattie tells the police that she thinks her friend is driving drunk, and she isn't sure of the license plate number, only the color and type of car, and that she refused to take a cab home.

At the hospital, as it neared the end of her shift, Carina noticed Ramon coming off the elevator. Rachel Marks tracked Ramon down on his EMT shift, and Carina was startled to learn that they knew each other better than either of them implied over Christmas dinner at the Baldwin home. Carina overheard Rachel tell Ramon how hot it was being so close and not being able to act on their desires. Before Ramon could resist her, Rachel shoved him into a hospital supply closet... which was also spied by Carina!

Eleanor and Rod had brainstormed a big New Years Eve bash for Large Bar, which Rod was managing and Aurora Borealis was hosting. As all the gays gathered at Large Bar for the New Year festivities, the drinks flowed and true colors emerged. With Redeye closed for New Years Eve, Crystal was able to sneak over to Large Bar, hoping to snag a New Years Kiss from Rod. Shawn Marks showed up at Large Bar as well, to catch Aurora's performance of Auld Lang Syne, minutes before the ball was supposed to drop. Aurora spotted "Mark" (Shawn) in the crowd and followed him outside into the alley behind Large Bar. Snow was gently falling on this New Years Eve night.

Carina lingered around while Rachel and Ramon savored their quickie in the closet, and it was obvious what they had been doing when they emerged from the closet adjusting their clothes. Ramon wiped Rachel's red lipstick from his mouth as he spotted Carina nearby. Before he could catch up with her, Carina's look of shock at what she witnessed turned into excited anticipation over what she might do with this information. Carina dashed into the hospital elevator, and Ramon ran after her to explain. Rachel realized that their affair might be exposed, but couldn't help but let a slick smile cross her makeup-smudged lips.

Aurora noticed that "Mark" hadn't been to Aurora's last two performances. Aurora admitted to not enjoying to perform as much anymore, when she looks out into the audience and doesn't see "Mark" there. "Mark" opened up about expectations from the people in his life, and how hard it can sometimes be to live up to the expectations everyone has for you. Aurora could definitely identify, explaining that being a famous New York City drag queen didn't quite fit the expectations that Eddie Dawson's mother had for him. They shared a tense moment when Shawn faced a dose of reality, learning Aurora's real name. Feeling closer to Aurora, Shawn admitted that his name wasn't really "Mark," that he was really Shawn Marks. Their walls from the world temporarily torn down, Shawn and Aurora shared a passionate kiss, hot enough to make the snow melt at their feet.

As the clock struck twelve at Large Bar, Crystal expected a passionate kiss from Rod, only for him to be more caught up in his father's New Years kiss with Christian! Crystal misses out on her own New Years kiss, and Rod breaks his champagne glass that he's holding as he watches the Terrence/Christian kiss.

Hattie, in her Eleanor wig, drove Eleanor's car erratically, with Eleanor slumped down in the passenger seat passed out. Hattie was gleefully plotting to get Eleanor arrested for Driving Under Intoxication, hoping the press would attack Eleanor so much that Henry would be forced to distance himself from the grieving mess, Eleanor. Hattie's carefully laid out plan goes awry, when passing by the hospital, a woman dashed out into the street, in front of the car! Not seeing her at first, Hattie plowed into the young woman, and the woman tumbled entirely over the car, falling into a lifeless heap in the street as Hattie regained her own composure in the face of this twist. Ramon Valdez was horrified that his girlfriend's sister Carina was just run down by what looked like his former boss Eleanor's car! Bleeding from the nose and ear and completely unconscious, Carina was barely breathing and Ramon had to put his EMT training to good use to try to save her life... as the clock struck midnight, and January 1st, 2008 dawned.

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Stay Tuned for scenes from the next Beyond the Horizon

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Coming in January, on Beyond the Horizon:

Hattie panics as she must figure out how to frame Eleanor for more than just drunk driving.
Tiffany and Rolo are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Eleanor's family and friends are shocked to learn she was in a car accident.
Hattie scrambles to cover her tracks.
Hattie sets a dangerous plot against Eleanor in motion.

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Carina hovers near death's door at the start of 2008.
Aviva wants justice for her sister.
An arrest is made in Carina's hit-and-run.
Evan Royale is retained to defend the accused.

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Rod has a renewed suspicion of Christian when Terrence announces his next directorial project!
Terrence asks Fiona if she believes he should trust Christian's feelings.

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Jenna holds a formal meet at VSI with Henry and Leo regarding her fashion label.
Thomas and Rebecca's sexual tension grows.
Thomas begins his internship at VSI, and ends up working closely with both Henry and Shawn.
Dr. Julia Lawless has a surprising reaction to learning James spent Christmas with Carina Reynoso.

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Rachel refuses to release Ramon from her web.
Aurora gets her hopes up after her New Years kiss with Shawn Marks.
Shawn runs from the spotlight at Large Bar.
Shawn fears that his life at Large Bar and his life at VSI are on a collision course.

November 2007 - Sweeps - Premiere Month
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Opening Sequence


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Terrence Applewhite (Walt Willey), a famed theatre director/producer in his 50s, had already made one big leap in his life: coming out of the closet to his wife Emma and their two grown children, Rodney (Forbes March) and Fiona (Connie Fletcher). Emma didn't take it well and promptly abandoned the Applewhite family for parts unknown, devastated and humiliated that her husband of over 30 years was gay. Luckily, Rod and Fiona stuck by their father, recognizing how difficult his decision to come out must have been. In some ways, even though Emma had left, the Applewhite family was stronger than ever. But when Terrence found his first real love, he didn't expect it would come in the form of Christian Avery Field (David Evan Smith), who happened to be an aspiring actor in his mid-20s. Despite the age difference, love blossomed between the men, and within months, Terrence decided to ask Christian to move in with him. But first would come the difficult task of introducing Christian to Rod and Fiona... who both happened to be older than Terrence's lover.

Terrence arranged an introductory dinner for the Applewhite family to meet Christian. Fiona, who interned at the law offices of Royale & Klein, postponed her dinner plans with new boyfriend Leo Von Stadt (Jeff Branson), in order to be home for her father's "big announcement." Rod didn't have much going on that evening, he was spending the afternoon rolling around in bed with his girlfriend since college, Crystal Halperin (Kerry Butler), and invited Crystal along when word came from Terrence that there would be a mandatory Applewhite family dinner that night. Crystal called her mother Eleanor Halperin (Catherine Hickland), to let her know that she wouldn't be able to work that night at The Redeye as hostess, and Rod wouldn't be able to tend bar, since there was a "super-important" family dinner at the Applewhites.

Leo Von Stadt mentioned to his father, President and CEO of high-powered conglomerate Von Stadt International, Heinrich "Henry" Von Stadt (Sebastian Roché), that he would be dining with Fiona the next night, rather than that night. Henry couldn't believe his son's irresponsibility, given that he had a video conference call with the Olin Publishing Company the next night. Leo shrugged it off, preferring to delegate the call to VSI executive Shawn Marks (Tobias Truvillion). Henry reminded his son Leo that it most likely wasn't smart to let their business affiliates in every corner of the world know that Shawn Marks was more qualified for Leo's position than the Von Stadt heir himself. Leo fought back that having a girlfriend who works in a law office could come in very handy in the future, should any of his father's dirty secrets ever become public. Henry refused to back down, reassuring Leo that Henry makes sure that all of his secrets remain secrets. Their relationship was obviously tense.

Shawn Marks, working late at VSI, got word that he would be handling the conference call the next night and quickly canceled plans with Jenna Baldwin (Kari Wuhrer), who he had met days earlier and intended to go clubbing with. Jenna was disappointed, but figured it was for the best -- she should be at the hospital, at her elderly father's bedside, as he recovered from his heart attack.

Jenna's hunky brother James (Alec Musser) called her back to the hospital room, since their father Theodore Baldwin (John Ingle) was awake again. Aside from Jenna and James, their 19 year old half-brother Thomas (Bobby Steggert) was seated at Theodore's bedside. Jenna was glad her father's been getting his rest. Theodore couldn't get used to having all three of his children with him at one time... while he runs up a huge hospital bill. James assured him he'd have no problem paying it with his lottery winnings. Jenna marveled at how lucky her father was to be the only winner of a 350 million dollar jackpot. Theodore thought the greater purpose was that it brought his two wayward older children back home to him. Jenna and James revealed plans to move back in with him and encouraged him to think about buying a bigger home now that he could afford it. Thomas couldn't believe that his half-siblings were home for all of five minutes before they started plotting and planning how to spend their father's money. But Thomas was very defensive of his father Theodore. After all, it has just been the two of them for Thomas's entire life. Thomas never knew his mother or his older half-siblings.

Dr. Julia Lawless (Melissa Archer) called the children out of Theodore's room to give his children a progress report, and James was instantly smitten. Thomas attentively listened as Julia gave them instructions about diet and exercise restrictions, while Jenna kind of fiddled with her frilly blouse, and James stared into Dr. Julia's big, beautiful... eyes. Thomas snatched the printout of the restrictions from Julia's hand and returned to his father's room, while Jenna stepped away to make a phone call and James tried to get Dr. Julia's phone number. Sensing James was an immature playboy and citing that she had no time in her busy schedule for something (and someone) so frivolous, Julia warned James that he shouldn't waste his time. Julia walked off, but it seemed from James's face that he welcomed a challenge.

Julia returned to the nurses station of the hospital to look over other charts, and orderly Carina Reynoso (Natalia Livingston) delivered the third message from Julia's mother that week, asking Julia to call her back. Julia told Carina to let her mother know that Julia's transferred to another hospital, but isn't sure which one. Carina wished she had a mother as attentive as Julia's. Julia assured Carina that if Carina knew Julia's mother, she wouldn't be so quick to say that.

Rod, Crystal, and Fiona curiously speculated what Terrence's big announcement was, that couldn't wait. Rod couldn't help but hope, in the back of his mind, that his mother Emma had come back home, since there was seating for five. It had been nearly a year since she'd left. Upon Christian's arrival to dinner at the Applewhites, Rod and Fiona had difficulty taking Terrence and Christian's relationship seriously. Rod was certain it was some kind of practical joke. Not only was Christian young enough to be Terrence's son, but he was an aspiring actor as well! Rod saw Christian as a young man determined to use Rod's father for all the money, fame, and power Terrence had to offer. Fiona, ever the family peacemaker, hoped to approach the situation with more of an open mind -- trust her father's heart and instinct -- and believe that even though there was an age difference, Terrence and Christian's relationship was based in love. But even Fiona had to admit that Rod was right... Christian definitely stood to gain a lot more from this "relationship" than Terrence did.

Eleanor got her other bartender, Ramon Valdez (Kamar de los Reyes) to take Rod's shift at The Redeye that night, and Eleanor would fulfill hostessing duties herself. Eleanor was eager for anything that would take her mind off of her recently deceased husband. Eleanor had lived what she thought was an idyllic life with her husband Charles Halperin. One day, everything changed when word came that he had died in an automobile accident. Even more disturbing, however, was that all evidence pointed to the fact that Charles was in the process of leaving her and their two daughters for good when he perished. Charles's car was packed with his belongings and he was on his way out of town, without a word to his family, when fate stepped in and he was gone for good. Now Eleanor had to decide exactly where to go from here? Continue raising their daughters Crystal and Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) and running their two bars, The Redeye and Large Bar as if nothing had happened? How could Eleanor continue to mourn a husband who was apparently walking out on her when she had no idea there was anything wrong in their marriage?

Theodore told Thomas to take a break from standing guard at his hospital bedside and go call his new girlfriend. Thomas asked if Theodore wanted him to hide his credit cards in case James and Jenna came back while he was gone. Theodore laughed and asked Thomas to cut his siblings some slack. Thomas doesn't know James and Jenna well, but Theodore is certain they came back home because they were concerned with his health, not because of the lottery winnings. Thomas marvels at how deeply his father loves. Thomas steps out to call his girlfriend Rebecca Halperin, who is relieved Thomas's father is going to pull through. Rebecca's trying hard to get her head together to prepare for her professor's pre-finals test in her Psychology course. Thomas just wanted to check in, so he gets off the phone so Becky can get back to her studies.

Ramon called his younger brother Rolo Valdez (Ignacio Serricchio) and asked if he was bartending at Large Bar that night. Rolo was, and they made plans to meet up after their 1am shift ended. Ramon then called his girlfriend Aviva Reynoso (Christina Chambers), who was busy grading papers for her English Literature course she teaches at Hunter College, and invited her to keep him company on his surprise shift at The Redeye. Aviva thought that sounded nice and could use the relaxation that a drink after work would offer.

Terrence was furious at Rod's jokes and assumptions about Christian, and asked that he be respectful. After all, they would have plenty of time to get to know each other, since Terrence has asked Christian to move in with them all! Rod immediately protested, believing it was too soon, and certain that Christian was seeking to be supported financially while still using Terrence to gain fame in the acting profession. Privately, Fiona worried as well that Terrence would end up getting his heart broken by his "first love."

Aviva roped her younger sister Carina into drinks at The Redeye, since they hadn't seen each other since Labor Day. It was obvious that Carina hadn't missed seeing her sister and wasn't eager to spend the evening watching Aviva coo across the bar at her boyfriend. Aviva didn't take "no" for an answer before hanging up. Carina reluctantly joined her sister, who was dying to know what's been going on in her life since they last saw each other, but Carina had to admit that not one thing in her life had changed or gotten interesting since Labor Day. Everything was exactly, monotonously the same. Aviva's unrelenting cheer didn't help matters, since everything was blissfully perfect in her life. Aviva was a successful, bright, beautiful, well-respected college professor, while Carina was a virtual unknown, faceless orderly in a sea of doctors and nurses at the hospital.

Christian moved in on the one year anniversary of when Emma Bailey Applewhite abandoned the family. The coincidence shook Rod and Fiona, and Terrence apologized that Christian ended up moving in on such a sensitive day.

Thomas Baldwin returned home to find his greedy half-siblings Jenna and James going through their father's clothing and throwing out whatever they deemed "expendable". Thomas saw his half-siblings as nothing more than money-hungry jackals only out for themselves. This was further proven when, upon their father Theodore's release from the hospital, he revealed that Jenna and James had convinced him to buy a three-floor brownstone for them all to live in, moving out of the small apartment where Thomas had lived with his father for most of his life. Thomas thought Jenna and James needed to get their own places with their own money!

Jenna and James agreed that Thomas played concerned for their father, but is only cleverly trying to protect his own inheritance. Jenna tried to appeal to Thomas, swearing they didn't want to spend their father's money, only help him enjoy it. Thomas didn't quite believe his half-sister. Jenna, meanwhile, continued to expand her wardrobe with her father's money, and James decided to buy a hot new car!

Christian couldn't bear another night of staying home and dragged Terrence out to a night at Large Bar, the local gay bar with no attitude and plenty of fun, eventful nights (also owned and run by Eleanor Halperin). Terrence had never been much for bars, and wasn't feeling up to going out. Christian intuitively wondered if Terrence was insecure about going out in public with him. Terrence assured Christian that he wasn't ashamed of him at all, and loved him completely. Christian didn't think Terrence was ashamed of him, he thought Terrence might look like a foolish old man going out with young Christian. Terrence admitted that maybe he wasn't so eager to receive the stares from those judgmental gays about their age difference. Christian thought it was all the more reason to go out and show them that love can happen at any age between any two people. Terrence was won over by Christian's free spirit, and agreed to go out.


Shawn Marks handled the VSI conference call with the Olin Publishing company masterfully, and decided to celebrate by going for a late night drink -- at Large Bar?! Shawn sat in a dark corner and ordered a martini, while others like Christian and Terrence took seats near the stage for that night's drag show. Aurora Borealis (Jeffrey Carlson) was the biggest attraction at Large Bar. The Canadian-born drag queen did musical numbers, comedy, hosted the weekly karaoke night, and usually had a talent for getting boys to come up on stage and strip out of their clothes! That night, Aurora performed "Fever" to the crowd, who loved every second. Shawn Marks was definitely entertained by Aurora's act, and made plans to see it again. Eleanor Halperin always made sure to catch her biggest entertainment attraction Aurora's act, and while Aurora always did lift Eleanor's spirits, Eleanor was starting to drink more and more during the nights she was working at her bars.

Hattie Wilson (Kate Collins) impressed Henry Von Stadt in an interview, and was hired as his secretary at Von Stadt International. Hattie was thrilled to be working for one of the most influential international businessmen of our time! Hattie couldn't wait to share the news with her daughters. Hattie returned to her small studio apartment to share the news with younger daughter, Tiffany Lawless (Ambyr Childers), and then dragged her to the hospital to tell older daughter Dr. Julia, that not only have they moved to NYC permanently, but Hattie is finally making steps to get herself together, by landing a job as secretary to Henry Von Stadt at VSI! Julia was shocked to see her mother and sister show up at the hospital, and contemplated leaving town to avoid getting sucked into her mother's drama again. After chatting with friend Carina, Julia realized she worked too hard to establish her life in NYC, and decided instead just to freeze her mother out.

Another person Julia didn't particularly care to see was James Baldwin, who was still frequenting the hospital even though his father had already been discharged. James was more and more attracted to Julia the more Julia refused to go on a date with him. James certainly loved a challenge, but Julia had seen men like him before, coasting on their looks and charm with ultimately no direction or maturity. "So you'd only be willing to date me if I had no looks or charm?" James smiled... Julia's cold exterior cracked ever-so-slightly. James promised he had substance, but Julia continued to brush him off.

Thomas confided in his girlfriend, Rebecca Halperin, in between classes at Hunter College. Rebecca always had smart and strategic answers for Thomas when it came to dealing with his half-siblings. Thomas and Rebecca felt close the minute they met, and only grew closer when Rebecca's father was found dead and Thomas's father suffered a heart attack soon after. Thomas and Rebecca's connection was cemented by the reality of their fathers' mortality. It was coming time in their relationship that they'd be thinking about sex. They had been dating for two months, and that was longer than anyone usually waited to have sex at their age. But being that Rebecca's mother Eleanor was urging her not to give herself as freely to a man as she did, Rebecca wondered if sleeping with Thomas would mean he'd lose interest in her.

Everything changed for Rebecca when she met Tiffany Lawless, a new transfer student to Hunter College. Tiffany just moved to NYC, but seemed the perfect fit for the city. Tiffany was more open with her sexuality than anyone Rebecca had ever met. Rebecca was equal parts intrigued by Tiffany and jealous of her, since Rebecca wasn't nearly as experienced. Chatting about boys after class, Tiffany thought Thomas looked like he'd be a tender and sensitive lover. Rebecca lied that he was the most sensitive and sensual lover she'd ever had. What Rebecca didn't anticipate was that rumors got back to Thomas that he was a sensual lover, and wondered why Rebecca would have lied that they slept together when they hadn't. If sex wasn't in the forefront of their minds before, the thought was sure hanging heavy over their relationship now.

Thomas urged his father to put all his money in a trust (establishing a will) with stipulations, hoping it would stop Jenna and James from spending it through. Theodore wasn't sure that was necessary. While Thomas took an afternoon to consult with Fiona Applewhite at the Royale & Klein law firm about Theodore's money, Jenna and James decided to take a different route, asking for loans to start businesses and access their father's money that way. It would sort of force Theodore to invest in his children in the long run.

Hattie developed a bit of a fixation on her handsome and charming boss, Henry Von Stadt. He was just as amazing and charismatic as the press always portrayed him to be, besides being dashing and obscenely wealthy! Hattie was away from her desk when Eleanor arrived at Von Stadt International to clean out her husband's old office. Eleanor let herself into Charles's office and broke down in tears over a picture of herself on her husband's desk. President and CEO Henry arrived to meet Eleanor, and offered his condolences to the emotional widow. Henry offered to buy Eleanor dinner sometime, in case Eleanor ever wanted to talk. Eleanor agreed that sounded nice. Hattie definitely didn't agree, when Henry told Hattie to call Eleanor to schedule an intimate dinner at an expensive french restaurant.

Rod decided that the only way to be certain about Christian's intentions toward Rod's father was to hire a private investigator. Rod found the best in the business, fiercely determined Private Investigator Rachel Marks (Sherri Saum), and hired her to investigate exactly where Christian Avery Field came from. Rachel ran a background check on Christian and learned he had been shuffled through several adoption agencies and foster homes throughout the years, until he was 18, and his adoption records were sealed. Rod was intrigued by this information and immediately believed Christian had something to hide. Rod connected Rachel to his sister Fiona, hoping Fiona could use some connections at the Royale & Klein law offices to open up Christian's sealed adoption records. Fortunately, Fiona is a talented performer as well, and one well placed phone call managed to open up just what information Rod wanted to know.

Eleanor met Henry for dinner and Henry offered his sincerest condolences. Henry spoke highly of Charles Halperin and said he would have a difficult time replacing him. Eleanor, drinking champagne too quickly, misinterpreted that Henry was trying to replace him in Eleanor's life, but Henry clarified that he meant replacing Charles at VSI. Eleanor was embarrassed and apologized... she has had a little too much champagne and Henry is very intimidating. Henry was taken aback by being called intimidating and wondered where anyone got the notion that he didn't go home after work and watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune like everyone else. "Would that be on your home theater system with full-size projection screen?" Eleanor teased. Henry said if she was really curious about how he lived, he would be willing to give her the full tour of his home sometime. The champagne and candlelight continued to go to Eleanor's head and she fell victim to her own vulnerabilities. Eleanor broke down, admitting that Charles appeared to be abandoning her and their children when his body was found, and Eleanor wasn't sure whether she should be heartbroken, or embarrassed, or devastated or angry. Henry advised her not to think about how she SHOULD be feeling, and just allow whatever feeling that comes. In a weak moment, Eleanor fell into a kiss with Henry that turned passionate. Immediately regretting the kiss, Eleanor fled the dinner date and ran home, pouring herself a glass of scotch when she got there.

Thomas was outraged when he learned from his father that Jenna and James were taking loans to start businesses and Thomas knew what his half-siblings were up to immediately. Thomas tried to stop Theodore, but Theodore liked each proposal and decided to invest. Jenna would be using the investment to design and launch her own clothing line, while James plans to open an auto body repair shop in downtown Manhattan.

Rachel informed Rod that Christian was placed with the Fields at 13 years old and spent three years as their foster son. As soon as the formal adoption went through, the Fields died in a mysterious auto accident. Rod jumped to the conclusion that Christian was waiting until he was a viable heir to whatever money they might have had, and somehow killed them!

Henry Von Stadt had secretary Hattie continue to call Eleanor... but little did Henry know that Hattie was only pretending to call. Hattie was certain that whoever this Eleanor is, she's not worthy of a man of Henry's influence. Since Hattie's already proven she had a place in Henry's world, it's Hattie that Henry was destined to fall in love with. Eleanor called VSI to apologize to Henry for her behavior, but Hattie told Eleanor that Henry was not taking personal calls. Eleanor realized she made a mess of herself again, and poured another drink.

Jenna began spending her father's "investment" on the most expensive materials and a down-payment on a pricey loft in a New York City skyscraper, while James took a chunk of the investment and nabbed a hot, spacious property way down on the Lower East Side for his repair shop. Thomas sat his father down for a heart to heart and finally got Theodore to agree to drawing up contracts to make his investments "official" and protect Theodore's interest and ensure a return on his investment. Theodore agreed, to appease Thomas, and Thomas was relieved.

James used some of his seed money to grow another opportunity -- his potential date with Dr. Julia Lawless. James rented out an expensive rooftop restaurant for the sole purpose of wooing Julia, but while Julia was a little impressed that someone would go to the trouble for her, Julia hid her feelings well. Julia challenged James at every turn, from his choice of attire to his choice of champagne, but it only attracted James more. James tried to prove he had direction by telling Julia of the new auto body repair business he was going to open up.

Tiffany Lawless told her mother Hattie about her new friend Rebecca Halperin. Tiffany boasted that Rebecca's mother Eleanor owns and runs two of her own bar/restaurants. Hattie realizes that this Eleanor is the same one Henry was trying to date, and Hattie takes it upon herself to "befriend" Eleanor. Hattie showed up on Eleanor's doorstep to introduce herself as Tiffany's mother. Eleanor hadn't even heard of Tiffany before, but Hattie didn't allow that to get in the way. Hattie struck up conversation about how their daughters don't confide in them anymore, since they're all grown up going to college. Eleanor, just happy to have a sensitive ear to talk to, opens up to Hattie about her recently deceased husband, and wonders if that's why her daughter Rebecca isn't sharing as many details about her life anymore. Hattie latches on to this information and turns the conversation toward how difficult it is to lose a husband and father, and it will only get worse as the issue arises about whether Eleanor should start dating again. Eleanor confesses that her husband's boss, Henry Von Stadt, recently took her to dinner and she made a fool of herself. Hattie tells Eleanor it's too soon for Eleanor to start dating and urges Eleanor to ignore any overtures from Henry and focus on Eleanor's own healing right now. Eleanor takes Hattie's advice to heart.

Shawn Marks was surprised to be visited at his office at VSI by his big sister, Rachel Marks! Rachel stunned Shawn with the news that she was in NY on an investigation, and she decided to move to NY! Rachel needed a place to stay while she looked for her own place, so she asked to crash with Shawn. Shawn grew nervous about having his sister stay with him, since she never knew that he liked to hang out at "certain" kinds of bars, and she was an ace private investigator... how long before she figured out his secret? Seeing no way to turn her down, Shawn agreed to let Rachel stay with him until she found a place, but knew that keeping his secret life a secret just got a lot more complicated.

Certain he would never graduate college, Rolo contemplates dropping out to work full time. Rolo then met new transfer Tiffany Lawless, and when they were partnered on an assignment together in class, Rolo decided to postpone his plans to drop out. Soon after, Hattie dragged Tiffany with her to receive a tour of the Von Stadts' home, and Tiffany was bored out of her mind until she came upon Rolo, who she learned had a weekend job as the Von Stadt landscaper. Turned on by watching Rolo work on the garden patio shirtless, Tiffany seduced him and they had sex right there on the Von Stadts' garden patio while her mother was elsewhere getting the grand tour! Tiffany later told gal pal Rebecca of her hot encounter with Rolo, and Rebecca couldn't believe the kind of stuff Tiffany had no hesitation about doing! Rolo received another failing grade on a test in Aviva's class, and Tiffany decided to boost his spirits after class by sexing him up right there on Aviva's desk! Rolo and Tiffany apparently couldn't get enough of each other!

Shawn Marks attended the same show by Aurora Borealis the following week, and Aurora couldn't help but notice the handsome Shawn in the audience this time. After the show, Aurora joined Shawn at his table in the darkest corner of the bar, and wanted to know his story. Shawn lies that his name is "Mark" and he just likes good solid entertainment. Aurora is flattered. "Mark" admires how comfortable Aurora is on stage, in her own skin. It took Aurora a lot of time to get that comfortable, Aurora admitted. Aurora had a lot to sort out before realizing that the only way to live life was out loud. "Mark" told Aurora to keep doing what she was doing... and "Mark" would be right there to see it, every time. Aurora makes "Mark" promise to be at her next show.

Ramon and Aviva's relationship remained harmonious until Rolo got his grades back from Aviva's class. Rolo had failed! Ramon was furious and defended his brother to Aviva, arguing that Rolo works long hours at Large Bar and can't always work to his potential because he's tired. Ramon and Aviva don't see eye to eye and Aviva thinks Rolo needs to reprioritize if he's at all concerned with his future. Their argument sends Ramon for a drink at The Redeye. Brooding Ramon catches a sexy Rachel Marks's eye. Rachel makes conversation while also making it painfully obvious that she finds Ramon attractive. Dirty girl that Rachel is, she is eager to find out how good he is in bed!

Drunk, Ramon tells Rachel he has a girlfriend, but Rachel doesn't care about all that, and takes a fairly willing Ramon back to her place, and they have a scorching hot night together. Ramon is actually left with a few scratches and bruises! Ramon snuck out of Rachel's place while she was still sleeping, with no intention of calling her ever again. Guilt-ridden, Ramon tries to put the night behind him and lies to Aviva that the marks left on his body are from breaking up a fight at the bar the night before. Somehow, Rachel isn't so easy to get out of his mind. Still racked with guilt, and starting to fantasize about Rachel, Ramon is driven to side with Aviva about Rolo's poor grades, and Rolo is furious that his brother chose his girlfriend's side over his.

Thomas invited Rebecca to Thanksgiving dinner at the Baldwin family brownstone to meet his father. Rebecca had known him from around the halls at Hunter College, but never formally met him. Thomas was sure that Jenna and James weren't the type to attend a family dinner for the holidays, so Thomas figured it would be a nice intimate setting to introduce Rebecca to his father. Surprisigly, Jenna and James took charge of Thanksgiving dinner and organized an elaborate feast at their new family brownstone. Theodore then surprised Jenna and James with the legal contracts over Thanksgiving dinner. Jenna and James reluctantly signed the contracts, in order to appear legitimate about the business loans. Jenna knew that she and James won the battle, but to win the war... they would need to shake Theodore's trust in Thomas. After dinner, Rebecca and Thomas went to Thomas's mini-apartment in the basement and talked about why Rebecca lied to her friend that they had had sex already, and Rebecca admitted that she felt she was missing out. Rebecca confessed she was a virgin. Thomas admitted that he was as well. Rebecca and Thomas began to make love, but fell off the bed! Thomas bumped his head against the headboard and Rebecca's hair got caught in her own necklace. Thomas and Rebecca broke out in laughter, and figured maybe they should wait a little while longer before taking the next step, and they quietly fell asleep in each other's arms.

Rod took the initiative to plan the Applewhite family's Thanksgiving dinner and did his best to make Christian feel welcome for his first Applewhite family holiday. Rod invited Crystal, and once Crystal learned Rebecca was dining with the Baldwin family, Crystal invited her mother Eleanor to the Applewhite Thanksgiving. Christian shared his hopes with Terrence that his children might end up accepting their relationship after all. Halfway through Thanksgiving dinner, Rod begins asking probing questions about Christian's family, which Christian's not too forthcoming about. Christian will only share that he didn't have the most ideal childhood and wants to focus on the family he's been welcomed into now. Terrence intervenes and asks that Rod respect Christian's privacy. Rod wished he could, but wouldn't be comfortable not letting Terrence know that Christian's adoptive parents were mysteriously killed in a car crash. Christian was obviously affected by the reveal, but puts Rod in his place. Christian revealed that being formally adopted by the Fields was the happiest day of his life, and that's the day he chose to come out of the closet to his new parents. Unfortunately, the Fields were so unprepared for the news that they lost control of the car and were tragically killed. The day Christian felt closest to his family, the day he felt like he was a part of someone's life, he lost them. He was to blame, but it wasn't murder.


Terrence revealed that he knew about the Fields' deaths already, and was so hurt that Rod would go to such lengths to try to force Christian out of his life, when Rod knew how happy Christian made him. Crystal and Eleanor were horrified that Rod chose Thanksgiving dinner to make a spectacle of his father's lover. Rod felt remorse for what he had done because Christian's story seemed genuine, but still didn't quite trust Christian's motives with Terrence. Terrence issued Rod an ultimatum -- Either accept Terrence and Christian's relationship or move out! Rod was shocked at his father's ultimatum, and even more shocked when Christian stepped in to call a truce. Christian knew that Terrence's children would have a tough time accepting the relationship and didn't want Terrence to be forced to choose between love and family. Christian offered to move out, but Terrence wouldn't hear of it. Terrence held Christian up as an example of selfless love, versus Rod's display of selfish love. Terrence forced Rod to agree to try harder to accept Christian, while Christian promised to prove to Rod and Fiona that he was worthy of Terrence's love.

Jenna Baldwin met with Shawn Marks for drinks at The Redeye and asked his help in establishing a design label for herself. Jenna hoped Von Stadt International would be interested in backing the label and helping with distribution. Shawn saw potential in Jenna, and agreed to put his all into helping her dreams come true. Jenna and Shawn went clubbing afterwards, and Jenna didn't know how to thank him for all that he had to offer... so she took him to bed.

Henry confesses to his son Leo that he feared he lost his opportunity with Eleanor Halperin because Hattie hasn't been able to schedule a new date. Leo relished in the opportunity to remind his father how important Eleanor might be to keeping their secret. Leo urged his father to take more personal initiative and pursue Eleanor more directly -- rather than having his secretary keep calling. Henry saw his son's point and made an effort with Eleanor which paid off. Eleanor agreed to attend a night at the opera with Henry that Friday. When Henry told Hattie to cancel his appointments for Friday because he had a date, Hattie had to work quickly to intercept and derail Henry and Eleanor's evening. Hattie runs out on her lunch break to buy an audio tape of Henry's favorite opera.

Hattie "innocently" called her pal Eleanor, who was already second-guessing her decision to go on another date with Henry. Hattie advised Eleanor to stand Henry up, because it's still too soon after Eleanor's husband's death, and this man was obviously not respecting Eleanor's need for space. Eleanor struggles with the decision but ends up standing Henry up. Hattie arrived at the opera dressed to impress and delivered a message to Henry that Eleanor changed her mind. Henry told Hattie she might as well stay when he realized how much she loved that opera (little did he know she had only bought the tape of it two days earlier to train herself to be a fan!) Hattie impressed Henry with her knowledge of his favorite opera.

Hattie's scheme backfired during the intermission when Eleanor arrived! Eleanor had changed her mind again, and apologized to Henry for almost not showing up. Henry was glad that Eleanor came, and Hattie was forced to sneak away so Eleanor didn't see her. Hattie was furious that her date with Henry was cut short, and realized she needed to take more drastic measures to end Eleanor and Henry's flirtation. Leo called his father after the opera to check on how the date went. Henry revealed the date almost didn't happen, and if he can't get Eleanor under his thumb -- and soon -- the truth about her husband's death could ruin them.

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Stay Tuned for scenes from the next Beyond the Horizon

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Coming in December, on Beyond the Horizon:

Evan Royale (Ian Buchanan) reads Charles Halperin's will, and it alters the lives of all the Halperin women.
Crystal's inheritance makes her reflect on the value of her life.
Hattie tries to push daughter Julia off onto Leo Von Stadt.
Hattie sees red when the press raves about Henry Von Stadt's gorgeous and sophisticated date Eleanor.
Hattie sets a dangerous plot against Eleanor in motion.

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Shawn Marks begins to realize how valuable he is to VSI.
Rachel catches little brother Shawn at Large Bar!
Shawn becomes further wrapped up in Jenna Baldwin's life.

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Carina gets an eyeful at Christmas dinner... and afterward.
Ramon sweats it out over Christmas dinner that he's sharing with Aviva AND Rachel...

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Christian and Rod have a steamy encounter in the shower!
Rod goes to great lengths to keep an eye on Christian.
Christmas turns out to be a sensitive time for the Applewhite family.
Emma phones her family for the holidays, and Christian answers the phone call!

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James lands a spot for his new auto body shop.
Jenna's plans to go to VSI for support of her new fashion label hit a snag when she learns Thomas will be interning at VSI starting in January.
The Baldwins share a tense Christmas dinner with several colleagues and friends.

2007 - November (Sweeps) - Series Premiere
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Beyond the Horizon's debut episode is brought you with limited commercial interruption, thanks to sponsorship by XES Lounge!

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"I'll be damned if I'm going to lose you... and I will do whatever it takes to make sure that won't happen," said a young, 20-something, dark, long-haired man to the beautiful ingenue. "And... scene!" said the 50-something director, calling the rehearsal to a close for the day. The long-haired actor and his scene partner departed the stage and the actor, Christian (David Evan Smith), met up with the director, Terrence (Walt Willey). Terrence complimented the scene, citing that he definitely felt the love shining through. Christian said it was easy to express love, since the man who taught him what love really meant was sitting in the director's chair. Terrence and Christian, despite their age difference, appeared to be blissfully in love.

Terrence took a break to call Fiona at her law office internship, and she struggled with an armful of case files as she held her cell between her ear and her shoulder. "Your presence is requested at dinner tonight, no excuses," Terrence demanded of Fiona (Connie Fletcher), the red-haired woman in her late 20s. Fiona could never say no to her father, so she agreed to postpone her dinner plans with the new man she'd been seeing, Leo. "And round up your brother too!" Terrence demanded, smiling.

Fiona dropped her case files and decided to text, rather than call her brother Rod (Forbes March). "Dinner 2nite at 9 with Dad... apparently he's got some kind of big announcement." Reaching over his lover, Crystal (Kerry Butler), Rod grabs his phone to read his text from his little sister. Rod was less than thrilled, since the last big announcement his father made was last year -- that he was gay -- which caused his wife/their mother Emma to divorce Terrence and abandon the family, never to be seen again. Attempting optimism, Crystal tried to reassure Rod, "At least whatever his new announcement is couldn't be nearly as earth-shaking." Refusing to give it much more thought, "I'll show you earth-shaking!" Rod smirked, tossing his phone and taking Crystal back into his arms.

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Opening Sequence


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"Can't make it 2nite, reschedule 4 2morrow?" Fiona's text to Leo Von Stadt (Jeff Branson) read. "Sure, see you tomorrow" Leo texted back from his desk at VS (for "Von Stadt") International, the high-powered conglomerate. Leo mentioned to his father, President and CEO of VSI, Henry (Sebastian Roché), that he was dining with Fiona tomorrow instead of tonight. "You know you have the video conference call tomorrow night with the Olin Publishing company from Korea. Why would you be so foolish as to schedule a dinner date when your focus should be on work tomorrow?" Henry lectured. Leo told his father to just give the conference call to Shawn Marks, who is more than qualified. "Do you want our associates from every corner of the world to know how much more qualified Marks is than you are when it comes to these things? I'm trying to groom YOU to take over the company when I'm too old and frail to run it anymore, not Marks. Get your focus back, son." Leo continued growing more heated, but calmly reminded his father that dating Fiona might come in handy for both of them someday.

Shawn Marks (Tobias Truvillion), the handsome executive in his office at VSI, receives an E-Mail that he will be expected on a video conference call tomorrow night from 9pm-11pm with the Olin Publishing company discussing VSI's agenda in the buyout. Shawn seems excited to be thrown this conference call, and promptly calls his girlfriend, Jenna Baldwin (Kari Wuhrer) to cancel their date for the club. Jenna is disappointed, but realizes it's probably for the best... she should stay at the hospital and tend to her elderly father Theodore (John Ingle), recovering from his heart attack.

"Dad's awake again," said Jenna's hunky brother James (Alec Musser) from the doorway of their father's hospital room. Jenna gets off the phone to rejoin her siblings at Theodore's side. Aside from Jenna and James, their 19 year old half-brother Thomas (Bobby Steggert) is seated at Theodore's bedside. Jenna was glad her father's been getting his rest. Theodore couldn't get used to having all three of his children with him at one time... while he runs up a huge hospital bill. James assured him he'd have no problem paying it with his lottery winnings. Jenna marveled at how lucky her father was to be the only winner of a 350 million dollar jackpot. Theodore thought the greater purpose was that it brought his two wayward older children back home to him. Jenna and James revealed plans to move back in with him and encouraged him to think about buying a bigger home now that he could afford it. Thomas angrily lashed out, "is this all you can talk about... this freaking money? What about Dad's diet, his exercise routine... which is probably too strenuous for him at his age??" Theodore excused James and Jenna's talk of the lottery winnings explaining that they weren't around for a long while, and it's natural for them to be caught up in the big events like winning the lottery. Thomas feels that the heart attack is a bigger, more important event than the money. It was clear that Thomas didn't see eye-to-eye with his older half-siblings.

Dr. Julia Lawless (Melissa Archer) called the children out of Theodore's room to give his children a progress report, and James was instantly smitten. Thomas attentively listened as Julia gave them instructions about diet and exercise restrictions, while Jenna kind of fiddled with her frilly blouse, and James stared into Dr. Julia's big, beautiful... eyes. Thomas snatched the printout of the restrictions from Julia's hand and returned to his father's room, while Jenna stepped away to make a phone call and James tried to get Dr. Julia's phone number. Sensing James was an immature playboy and citing that she had no time in her busy schedule for something (and someone) so frivolous, Julia warned James that he shouldn't waste his time. Julia walked off, but it seemed from James's face that he welcomed a challenge.

Julia returned to the nurses station of the hospital to look over other charts, and orderly Carina Reynoso (Natalia Livingston) delivered the third message from Julia's mother that week, asking Julia to call her back. Julia told Carina to let her mother know that Julia's transferred to another hospital, but isn't sure which one. Carina wished she had a mother as attentive as Julia's. Julia assured Carina that if Carina knew Julia's mother, she wouldn't be so quick to say that.

Theodore told Thomas to take a break from standing guard and go call his new girlfriend. Thomas asked if Theodore wanted him to hide his credit cards in case James and Jenna came back while he was gone. Theodore laughed and asked Thomas to cut his siblings some slack. Thomas doesn't know James and Jenna well, but Theodore is certain they came back home because they were concerned with his health, not because of the lottery winnings. Thomas marvels at how deeply his father loves. Thomas steps out to call his girlfriend Rebecca (Lindze Letherman) who is relieved Thomas's father is going to pull through. Rebecca's trying hard to get her head together to prepare for her professor's pre-finals test in her Psychology course. Thomas just wanted to check in, so he gets off the phone so Becky can get back to her studies.

Becky's mother Eleanor (Catherine Hickland) wanted to check in as well. Eleanor sat on the bed and asked if they could swap roles for a minute. Eleanor opened up to her daughter about missing her husband too much. Eleanor just had no idea how something as tragic as his death could have occurred. Rebecca consoled her mother, and warned her that they'd never know how he died or why he'd packed the car with his belongings and appeared to be leaving for good when he drove off the road over the embankment. "I just hate the idea that the last thing your father was trying to do was abandon me... abandon all of us," Eleanor cried.

"Rod and I can't make work tonight, Mom... super-important dinner with Mr. Applewhite," Crystal texted her mother Eleanor, who tried to compose herself and used Crystal's text to distract her from her vulnerable state. Eleanor compartmentalized and strategized her way into finding bar coverage for her nightclub since her oldest, Crystal, and bartender Rod, wouldn't be able to make it for work.

Eleanor called Ramon Valdez (Kamar de los Reyes) and told him he needed to take over bartending duties at The Redeye that night. Ramon was upset by the short notice, but didn't allow Eleanor to know about it, and "happily" took the shift. Ramon called his younger brother Rolo (Ignacio Serricchio) and asked if he was bartending at Large Bar that night. Rolo was, and they made plans to meet up after their 1am shift ended. Ramon then called his girlfriend Aviva Reynoso (Christina Chambers), who was busy grading papers for her English Literature course she teaches at Hunter College, and invited her to keep him company on his surprise shift at The Redeye. Aviva thought that sounded nice and could use the relaxation that a drink after work would offer.

Rod and Crystal arrive amorously at the dining room of the Applewhite brownstone. The dining room is decorated for an elaborate dinner, with seating for five. Rod immediately notices how many seats compared to who he knows was invited. "Looks like your father has a very big announcement," Crystal says, from the look of things in the room. She notices a hopeful look in his eye, that is quickly dashed. Crystal asks him about it, and after some reluctance, he admits that he thought maybe his mother had decided to come back. Rod doubted that his parents would ever get back together, but Rod wished his mother hadn't left town the way she did. Fiona arrives, echoing the sentiments that it's not likely the extra seat was for their mother. Fiona greets her brother's girlfriend sweetly. Terrence arrives suddenly and tells them all will be explained shortly, and to get comfortable. The four of them sit, Terrence at the head of the table, Fiona at his right, Rod next to her, and Crystal across the table from Rod... for the best view into his eyes by the candlelight, of course. Terrence was glad to have both of his children together for once and wished it happened more often in everyone's busy lives. Terrence was also happy to see Crystal, as always. As the first course of the meal arrives, Rod impatiently wants to know what inspired his father to call this family dinner to order...

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Beyond the Horizon will continue in a moment.

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"Why do I have the feeling this will be as big or bigger than your last announcement over dinner?!" Rod speculated. Terrence admitted to his son that the reason behind tonight's dinner was related. Terrence thanked Rod and Fiona for being supportive of him when he came to terms with who he was and decided to live his life for himself. Terrence knew it could have gone an entirely different way and he could have lost everyone that he loved. The fact that Rod and Fiona stuck by him proves that they love him and want to see him happy. Rod's still skeptical, "So where are you going with this, Dad?" Terrence smiles at his son's nervousness, and meets that with nervousness of his own. "Well, son... and Fiona... and Crystal too..." Terrence doesn't know how to say it, "... I've met someone." Terrence studies his children's expressions, and Crystal pays close attention to Rod's, concerned for how he might take it. Fiona and Rod's eyes can't help but grow wide with surprise.

Carina is returning to the nurses station at the hospital to answer the phone. "Just who I was calling for!" Aviva Reynoso cheerfully greets her younger sister. Carina seems less than excited to hear from Aviva, "Oh hey. What's up." Aviva confirms that Carina is off her shift soon, and then invites her to join her for drinks at the Redeye. "Ramon ended up working tonight and invited me, so it'd be a chance to catch up with my gorgeous little sister." Carina's mood doesn't lighten, "Hm, a whole evening across the table from my sister while she stares doe-eyed at her boyfriend over the bar. That sounds so FUN!" Carina's voice is heavy with sarcasm. Aviva's cheer is unflappable on the other end of the phone. "Come on, it's decided... you're coming! I want to hear what's going on with you!" Aviva hangs up her phone, smiling. Carina, thrilled with the decision just made for her, lets the phone dangle in her hand until it falls into the receiver. "Splendid. Can't wait," Carina tells herself.

At The Redeye, Aviva settles into her barstool and Eleanor tells her Ramon isn't in for a few minutes. Eleanor asks how her daughter Rebecca is doing in Aviva's English Literature class at Hunter College. Aviva tells her Rebecca's one of her most promising students! Insightful and clever, and fantastic at putting her thoughts on paper. Aviva asks how Eleanor is doing. Aviva knows that Rebecca took her father's death very hard, and Aviva can't imagine what Eleanor must be going through. "Well it's just one day at a time, you know? I have to go through each day and remind myself not to call him to add something to the grocery list. It's hard to think that I'm now the only person that our children have to look up to now. My husband was always a little more together about life than I am. Smart about people, better at reading them than I ever was. I always trust people until I have a reason not to... and that's been a mistake before, but it never was when it came to trusting him. At least... while he was alive. Now that he's gone, I don't know if I ever knew him at all."

Thomas returned to his father's home to find James laying on their father's bed and Jenna going through their father's closet. "What the hell are you two doing in here? Get out!" Thomas lashes out at his older half-siblings. Without their father around to see, Jenna and James are far less concerned with being nice to Thomas. "Oh run along and play, little Tommy, don't worry about us," Jenna smirks at him dismissively as she continues to rifle through their father's closet. "What are you doing?" Thomas demands to know. "I'm picking out a handsome outfit to bring Daddy home in," Jenna explained. Thomas reveals that his father wants his track suit, "the comfortable one that he always wears on the weekend," Thomas states, determined to prove he knows their father better than his half-siblings do. "You mean that hideous navy blue velour monstrosity? I threw that away, it was full of holes and barely being held together by the laws of physics." Thomas is outraged that Jenna threw away their father's favorite tracksuit. Jenna off-handedly promises to buy him a new one, a nicer one, and with much better craftsmanship. "With his money, that's so generous of you," Thomas snipes. "Hey, don't you have some porn to watch on your computer or homework or something?" James interjects, tossing a small foam basketball into the air and catching it over and over again as he fills their father's bed. The good thing about the two of you coming back like this... is that you're so freaking transparent that dad is going to see right through you and kick you both out on your high maintenance asses," Thomas exhales in frustration as he storms out. His warning seems to echo for Jenna, "He might be right, James. We have to figure out how to play this, because that little twerp of a half-brother has it in for us."

Dr. Julia stops into Theodore Baldwin's room to check on her favorite patient. Vital signs are good. Looks like Theodore will be going home this week. Theodore's thrilled and promises to take it easy. Theodore apologizes in case his children were a bit too much to handle. "I'm sure they bicker because they all love you in their own ways," Julia assures Theodore. "I was more referring to James... he has a weakness for strong and beautiful women," Theodore smiles. Julia laughs, "Honestly I didn't pay much attention. Your son is very handsome but doesn't sound like he and I would have much in common." Theodore speaks up for his son, "Well don't sell him short... He was always a smart student, an athlete, and the life of the party. I suppose his only drawback is that he's not the most in touch with his emotions. But perhaps that's where you come in, my dear?" Julia smirks at Theodore's attempt at matchmaking, grips his arm warmly and leaves to return to her rounds.

Henry Von Stadt tells his son Leo that his dalliance with Fiona better have payoff for them in the long run, but he hopes they will never need her services. Leo is about to leave work for the day and asks what's on his father's agenda tomorrow. "Interviewing personal assistants! My favorite part of the job," Henry groans. Leo reminds his father that whatever secretary he hires, he had better find one good at keeping secrets. "Absolutely, and you'd do well not to forget who you're talking to, son. I can manage myself very well," Henry reminds him. Their relationship is obviously tense.

"Well that's wonderful!" Fiona expresses enthusiasm, looking to Rod, hoping it will catch on. It doesn't. "You called us here to tell us you're dating someone?" Rod asks, not seeing the point. "I called you here because I'm in love with someone. And you two are the most important people in my life and I wanted you to meet him," Terrence says cautiously optimistic. "Dad, isn't this a little early to be in love? You've been out of the closet for what, not even a year yet?" Rod objects. "So when do we meet him?" Fiona tries to continue on the path her father was trying to take with the dinner. "Tonight, if you like. He's here." Fiona shows interest in meeting this man and Crystal grips Rod's clenched fist and tries to speak for them both by saying it would be a lovely night to meet the man Terrence cares so much for. Terrence, nervous, calls Christian into the room. Christian, looking obviously younger than both Terrence's children, but nicely dressed, with his long hair slicked back and pushed behind his ears, enters, and sits in the empty chair at Terrence's left. "Fiona... Rod... it's so good to finally meet both of you," Christian smiles. Fiona's face turned from forced enthusiasm to shock and awe. Fiona couldn't keep her jaw from sagging and Rod couldn't keep the grin off his face. Rod was grinning in disbelief, not thinking it could have gotten as ridiculous as it just did.

Carina arrives at The Redeye, hoping to not hate the drinks she's about to share with her big sister, Aviva. Aviva jumps out of her chair at the sight of Carina and gives her a big happy giggling kiss. Carina's offering a half-hearted smile at most. "So my darling sister... what's been going on with you? I haven't seen you since... Labor Day? Toiling away long hours at the hospital? Or have I not seen you because you've found yourself a MAN..." Aviva teases, trying to brighten her sister's mood... which doesn't work. "No, no man. Just work. There's actually nothing going on in my life. At all. Absolutely no changes since I saw you for Labor Day," Carina says, hardly believing it herself. "Oh there's Ramon. Let's go sit at the bar, he'll give us free drinks." Carina's prophecy came true... now Aviva will spend all her time staring at her boyfriend. Aviva drags Carina to the bar and they sit on the stools, Ramon and Aviva instantly cooing at each other over the bar. Ramon serves them drinks -- cosmopolitans. Ramon turns to Carina and reminds her that they're $5. "So much for free drinks..." Carina says under her breath and Aviva feels horrible that Ramon is charging Carina for hers. Aviva digs into her purse to pay for her sister's drink, but Carina refuses her money. "No, he obviously doesn't want your money, so keep it. He'll take your drink out in trade, I'm sure," Carina mock-teases. Aviva can (finally!) tell Carina's in a seriously sour mood.

Julia sits down with her laptop in the on-call room at the hospital and sees four e-mails, all from her mother. She blows through them, and the last one reads "I'm on my way to NYC!" Julia's look instantly transforms from irritation to worry.

Christian tries to make an effort to jump start conversation to kill the awkward silence filling the dining room at the Applewhite home, "Okay, so let's talk about that elephant in the room. Yeah, there's an age difference," Christian admits, knowing there was no way of getting around the subject. Rod jumps on the topic ferociously, "Yes, what grade are you in?" he smugly asks. Terrence shoots him a harsh glare. Christian swallows Rod's animosity and continues in a civilized way, "I'm 23 years old. And believe me, Terrence and I both had concerns entering into this when it came to the age gap between us. But we both see the world the same way, we can laugh at the same things... we connect, and without age entering into it, that's a pretty amazing thing these days when everyone is usually so consumed with looking for that next best thing around the corner," Christian speaks confidently of his relationship with Terrence, and Rod has lost track of the fact that the smirk hasn't left his face.

"Forgive me if I don't ask when the wedding is," Rod smiles. "That's enough, Rod," Terrence shuts down his son's sarcasm. "I hope that if you can't find it in yourself to be supportive you can at least be civil to Christian just because he's a guest in our home." Rod decides to respect his father's wishes, "Sorry. I can be a jackass sometimes." Christian is surprised at the turnaround, "It's fine," Christian responds, "So can I, sometimes." Fiona tries to continue the ease of tension, "So Christian, what do you do for a living?" Christian announces he's an actor, and has done some television, one very bit part in a independent film, and generally works in theatre. Rod nearly chokes on his champagne. Before Rod can make a crack about it, Terrence acknowledges that was how they met, through a theatre project. And that falls under the category "things they have in common". Rod looks to Fiona with a skeptical look, and she meets his look with one that is meant to pacify him. Fiona then throws a sympathetic smile to her father. "Well... you will have plenty of time to ask Christian anything you like and get to know him better," Terrence informs his kids, "since I've asked Christian to move in here with me. With all of us." Crystal looks to Rod again, nervous for what this revelation might do to him. Fiona almost has to break her quiet support at this point, since moving in together seems like a huge leap since the Applewhite children just met this boy tonight.


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This November, on Beyond the Horizon:

Eleanor Halperin advises her daughters to protect their hearts when it comes to men.
Rebecca Halperin befriends sexy classmate Tiffany Lawless and feels pressured to hide the fact she's a virgin.
Eleanor meets her dead husband's boss, CEO of Von Stadt International, Henry, who works his charms on her.
Hattie Wilson, Tiffany and Dr. Julia's off-kilter mother, takes a job as Henry's secretary, and sets her sights on the wealthy businessman.
Hattie can tell Eleanor will be a significant roadblock in her quest for Henry's heart, so she works to undermine Henry and Eleanor's growing connection.

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Shawn Marks is both thrilled and somewhat nervous when his Private Investigator sister Rachel decides to put down roots in NYC.
Shawn hopes to continue climbing the corporate ladder at VSI and backs girlfriend Jenna's pitch for her own design label.
Shawn hides a major secret from everyone in his life.

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Rolo Valdez performs poorly in Aviva's class at Hunter College, leading to tension for his brother Ramon's relationship with Aviva.
Ramon makes a drunken mistake that won't be so easily forgotten.
Rolo's interest in classmate Tiffany Lawless makes him postpone his decision to drop out of college.

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Rod hires a private investigator to dig up what Christian Avery Field is really all about.
Rod plots to expose Christian's secrets at Thanksgiving dinner, but his plan promptly backfires.
Terrence issues his family an ultimatum over Christian.

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James and Jenna convince their father Theodore to buy a large brownstone with some of his lottery winnings so the entire Baldwin family can live together.
James hopes to use his newfound wealth to get closer to Dr. Julia Lawless.
James and Jenna win the battle, but know they will have to work harder to win the war with younger half-brother Thomas.