Opening the front door of her house, Rachel, stepped inside followed by Billy. Carrying her suitcase inside, Billy said, "Welcome home."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "I appreciate you picking me up and driving me home."
"My pleasure," Billy said, "You must be relieved to be back."
"It feels a little surreal," Rachel said, "The whole time I was away, I wanted to come home, but somehow I'm a little nervous."
"If you are worried about what other people will think, there's no need," Billy said, "All the people who love you, missed you and will be happy to see you."
"It's my girls, I'm anxious to see," Rachel said, "Do you know if they were told I'm coming home today?"
"I'm not sure," Billy said, "But I know they can't wait to see you."
"Did Diana tell you that?" Rachel said.
"Yes, just the other day, I saw her and when I mentioned you, she got really excited," Billy said.
Rachel laughed softly. "I don't want to hold you up," she said, "I'm sure you need to get back to the office."
"I have some time," Billy said, "In fact, why don't you join me for lunch."
"And where would we have this get-together?" Rachel said.
"Society," Billy said.
"I appreciate the offer," Rachel started, "But I don't think I can go out with you."
"It's friends having lunch, not a date," Billy teased.
"I don't know, that I can show my face at Society," Rachel said, "Not after the way I behaved last time I was there."
"First of all, that was not your fault," Billy said, "You were not well. Now, you are better and it's all the more reason to go out and show everyone, you feel yourself again."
"You know, I think I'm just going to get settled in here and get in touch with Kyle and Kevin, so I can see Diana and Susie later," Rachel said, "I will just make myself something to eat here. You don't need to baby-sit me."
"I really wish you would re-consider," Billy said, hopefully.
"Oh, no," Rachel said, "Don't tell me."
"Tell you what?" Billy said.
"There's a surprise welcome home party at Society," Rachel said, "Am I right? Is that why you are being so insistent?"
Billy paused before he said, "It was Susie's idea." Rachel sighed, as Billy continued, "She wanted your first day back to be special and a cause for celebration."
"I don't know if I'm up for this," Rachel said.
"She got Kevin to reserve the entire restaurant and it's supposed to be decorated," Billy said, "Complete with your favorite foods. Just Susie, Kevin, Chloe, Lily and best of all me." He smiled at her.
"I don't have to deal with Kyle and Summer?" Rachel said.
"I don't believe they were invited," Billy said, "There will plenty of time for you to see Diana afterwards. You can't say no. You will have to act surprised when you get there."
"It looks that way," Rachel said, "Just give me some time to freshen up."
As Rachel darted up the stairs, Billy smiled as he texted, "On our way."
Unlocking the apartment door, Austin stood in the open entranceway and called, "Honey, I'm home!"
Walking over from the kitchen, wiping her hands with a dish towel, Lola smiled with a laugh.
"I've always wanted to say that," Austin smiled. Walking towards Lola, Austin took her hand and pulled her towards the hallway, saying, "Come with me, quick!"
Once outside the apartment, Austin lifted Lola off her feet. "Austin, what is it you are doing?" Lola said.
"Carrying you over the threshold of our new apartment together," Austin said.
"I already live here," Lola said.
"Yes, but I figured this would be easier than you picking me up," Austin said, with Lola breaking into laughter, as he carried her inside.
"Welcome home," Lola said, as he kissed her.
"Do we have enough napkins?" Susie said, checking over the setup for the party.
"There is plenty," Chloe said.
"I hope Mom likes the party," Susie said.
"I'm sure she will love it," Lily said.
"The chef knows, no mushrooms on the pizza right?" Susie said.
"Oh, I thought it was extra mushrooms," Kevin said.
"Dad, you know she doesn't like them!" Susie fretted.
Kevin chuckled, as Chloe said, "He's kidding."
"Is this the right place for a party?" a voice spoke from the front of the room.
Everyone turned at the sound of the voice, Susie exclaiming, "Fen! You came."
"I was invited, of course I'm here," Fen said.
"Come on in," Chloe said, "Billy has let us know, they are on their way."
"The place looks great," Fen said, "That's lots of ribbon and balloons."
"This whole thing was Susie's idea," Chloe said, "She had a say in most of the decorating."
"She's so excited to see her Mom too," Lily said.
"Speaking of which," Chloe said, looking towards the window, "I see our guest of honor arriving!"
"Everyone hide," Susie said, pulling Kevin by the hand, away from the entrance.
Billy and Rachel entered the restaurant, with Rachel saying, "It's dark, are you sure they are open?"
Lights were turned on and shouts of, "Surprise!" filled the room.
"Oh, my goodness," Rachel said.
"Mom!" Susie exclaimed, rushing to hug her.
Rachel spread her arms out, taking her daughter into them.
Tossing his duffle bag onto the floor, Austin took Lola in his arms and kissed her.
"This bag you just tossed on the floor," Lola said, "Is that all of your belongings?"
"That's just my hair products," Austin joked.
"Yeah, with you I wouldn't be surprised," Lola said.
"Are you saying my hair is not perfect?" Austin said.
"Of course it is," Lola said, "Flawless."
"Okay, I was going to say…" Austin said, breaking into a smile. Walking to the hallway he retrieved a small suitcase on wheels, pulling it inside and shutting the door. "This is everything."
"That's it?" Lola said.
"You remember how tiny, my apartment was," Austin said, "I didn't have a lot of room for knick knacks. Compared to my old apartment, this place is a mansion."
"Welcome to the Grand Estate," Lola said, spreading her arms apart.
"What is that incredible smell?" Austin said.
"I have a roasted ham in the oven for later," Lola said.
Taking Lola in his arms, Austin said, "What else is on the menu?"
"Glazed ham with mustard cream sauce, glazed carrots, creamy scalloped potatoes, complimented with fresh baked rolls," Lola said.
"You know you're very sexy when you talk about food," Austin said.
"Then there is a very…" Lola paused to kiss his neck, "Sweet…" she continued kissing the other side of his neck, "Cranberry…cheesecake…for dessert."
"I love desserts," Austin said, "It all sounds delicious, I can hardly wait."
"I hope you will like it," Lola said.
"No doubt I will," Austin said, "By the way, if you're here and I'm here, who's minding the restaurant?"
"We are closed for a private party," Lola said.
"Anyone we know?" Austin said.
"Rachel is coming home today and her family wanted to throw her a celebration," Lola said.
"She was gone for thirty days," Austin said, "It's not like she went to war."
"Actually, she kind of did," Lola said.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Austin said.
"I just hope for her sake, it was worth it," Lola said.
As champagne glasses were handed around, Rachel said, "You all didn't have to do this."
"It was Susie's idea," Kevin said.
"Now I know why Billy suggested we come here," Rachel said. Billy winked at her.
Rachel shared hugs with all the guests, with many welcoming her home.
"I made you the welcome home sign," Susie said, pointing to the banner.
"It's lovely," Rachel said, "Did you say you made that?"
"Our daughter is becoming quite the artist," Kevin said.
"I can see that," Rachel said, "I wonder where she got that from, because it wasn't me."
"I don't have those skills either," Kevin said.
"How are you?" Susie asked the obvious question on everyone's mind.
Looking around at everyone, Rachel said, "I am in a good place. I've done a lot of reflection on myself and learned how to handle my emotions. I'm happier than I have been in awhile. It's a work in progress, but I am getting stronger every day."
"On that note, it's time for a toast," Billy said, "To Rachel, it's good to have you back in the world, to see that beautiful smile and to know you are healthy and we are all here to help you stay that way. Welcome home, Rachel."
Rachel smiled, as Billy tipped his glass to her. Others echoed Billy's sentiments, taking sips of drinks, in appreciation. Lily joined in, but she paused after her sip, when she noticed something flicker between Rachel and Billy's eyes.
Laughter and conversation filled the room, while the festivities continued. "How is school this year?" Rachel said.
"It's okay," Susie said.
"That's it?" Kevin said.
"It's the same as last year, just another grade higher," Susie said, "We learn, we do homework and then they test us."
"What's your best subject?" Fen said.
"I'm pretty good at math," Susie said.
"I'd call grade A, pretty good," Kevin said.
"Something else she gets from her father," Rachel said.
"You must be good at it to work in I.T.," Fen said.
"Yes, but I am not a mathematician like these two," Rachel said, gesturing to Susie and Kevin.
"So Fen, what's going on with you?" Chloe said.
"I've got something exciting in the works," Fen said.
"Like what?" Chloe said.
Fen glanced at Rachel, before saying, "We don't have to talk about it."
"First it's exciting and now you don't want to talk about it?" Billy said.
Noticing the way Fen was glancing at her, Rachel said, "You don't have to be careful what you say around me."
"It's the song," Fen said, "The one that you and I were going to record together."
"I told Devon to cancel my contract," Rachel said.
"He did," Fen said, "Then he brought Tessa on board, so her and I recorded the song."
"That's great to hear," Rachel said, "I am glad you were able to move forward with it."
"That is exciting," Lily said, "Do we get to hear it?"
"It's being released next week," Fen said, "It's called "Hope" and I like the way it turned out."
"I am happy for you," Rachel said.
"I'll bet it's really great," Susie said.
"Well, if you want, I can send you an advance copy," Fen said, "You just have to promise not to share it, before release date."
"That would be amazing!" Susie said, "And I promise to keep it a secret. I wouldn't want to get you into trouble. Wait until Faith finds out, I had an advanced copy all along!"
"You made her day," Rachel said.
"I thought she would like that," Fen said.
"Thank you for coming," Rachel said, "I appreciate your support."
"That's what friends are for," Fen said.
Rachel gave a little laugh, prompting to Fen to say, "What was that about?"
"I was just thinking," Rachel started, "When I first met you, I had quite a bad opinion about you. Of course I was just going by what Kyle told me. Then I found out you are an okay guy."
"Okay?" Fen said, "I'm tons of fun."
"My mistake," Rachel laughed.
Noticing Fen was not laughing with her, Rachel saw his gaze was fixated at the front of the restaurant. "Speaking of mistakes," he said.
Rachel looked to see Summer and Kyle, who was holding the baby.
"Diana," Rachel said, getting up from her chair.
"No," Kevin said, pointing to the exit, "You have to go."
"Society is closed for a private party," Billy said, "You're not invited."
"Okay, we didn't know," Kyle said, "We can go somewhere else."
"No wait!" Rachel said, rushing over.
"Rachel," Kyle said, surprise in his voice, "Welcome back."
Everyone paused, until Rachel continued, "I haven't seen her in so long. Can I please hold her?"
"Of course," Kyle smiled.
Rachel took the baby from Kyle, and holding her close, she hugged her daughter. "Diana, mommy has missed you so much," Rachel said, a few tears of joy, spilling down her cheeks, "Look how big you are. I'm sorry, I wasn't here for you. But I am back now and we are going to spend lots of time together, to make up for everything. I hope you were good for daddy."
"She was very good," Kyle said, "And she has a new milestone to share."
"What's that?" Rachel said.
"Diana has her first tooth," Kyle said.
"You do?" Rachel gasped to the baby, "How about that." Looking at Kyle, Rachel said, "I know that's painful for a baby. Was she okay?"
"She was a little fussy, but once we discovered the cause it was an easy fix," Kyle said, "There was a little fever, but we took care of that too."
"It means so much to see Diana again," Rachel said.
"I know you're happy to see her," Kyle said, "But we can take her and go, so you can get on with your party."
"You can stay," Rachel said, "I've got my baby back, so nothing else matters."
"Back?" Summer said, looking at Kyle, before continuing, "Rachel, you realize she's still coming home with us."
"She can come back home with me," Rachel said.
"Except that we agreed I would look after her," Kyle said.
"That was before," Rachel said, "I am better equipped to take care of her now."
"Maybe so," Kyle said, "But it's your first night back. Perhaps it would be better if you got settled in and had a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we can talk about an arrangement between us for Diana."
"Can anyone else talk some sense into him?" Rachel said.
"Rachel, I'm not trying to be difficult," Kyle said.
"Maybe he's right," Billy said, "Just for tonight, Diana can stay with Kyle. I'm sure you can see her tomorrow."
"Absolutely," Kyle said.
"Mom, I can stay with you tonight," Susie said. Susie looked at Kevin, who nodded.
"Now, you won't be alone," Billy said.
"I didn't want to take Diana, just so I wouldn't be alone," Rachel said, "But okay, she can stay with you Kyle. Thank you Susie, it will be nice to have you with me."
"We can stay if you want to visit with her for a while longer," Kyle said.
"I would like that very much," Rachel said.
"Well, this ought to be fun," Summer quietly said, to Kyle.
"You know there's some pepperoni pizza with extra cheese over there, if you want some," Rachel said.
"Pizza?" Kyle said
"Susie planned the party, right down to the menu," Rachel said, "There's also chips, cookies and cake. I'm glad to see she has such good nutritional values."
Kyle and Rachel shared the laugh. "Please help yourself to anything," Rachel said.
"Thanks," Kyle said.
As Rachel walked across the room, Kyle took Summer's hand and said, "Come on, let's go see what they have."
"Are you sure I'm allowed to join you?" Summer said.
"Why not?" Kyle said.
"Rachel, practically ignored me," Summer said, "With her, help yourself to anything Kyle." Summer put on a sultry voice, in imitation.
"She meant both of us," Kyle said.
Summer followed Kyle to the food selections. As Kyle handed her a paper plate, Summer caught Fen's eyes watching her, which were quickly averted. Summer looked away and glancing back again, Summer saw Fen talking to Susie.
"Why do you still bother with her?" Susie said.
"I'm not," Fen said, "It's still a bit hard for me to see her."
"Do you still love her?" Susie said.
"A part of me always will," Fen said.
"Then, maybe you should tell her," Susie said.
"She's made her choice to be with Kyle," Fen said.
"They're not married," Susie said, "If you love her, she should know."
"When did you become the expert?" Fen said.
"Since you looked away and she was still watching you," Susie said, "Maybe she loves you too."
"My chance with Summer has passed," Fen said.
"You never know until you try," Susie said.
Fen looked over at Summer, where Kyle was making her laugh.
"I believe we are making her smile," Chloe said, holding Diana, "Yes we are. She's happy to see her Mom."
"At least she didn't forget me," Rachel said.
"How could she?" Chloe said.
"Excuse me, Rachel?" Fen said, "It's time for me to get going."
"Thanks again for coming," Rachel said, giving him a hug, "I really appreciate it."
"It was my pleasure," Fen said, "Take care."
Noticing Fen was leaving, Susie rushed over to Summer. "Hi," Susie said, popping in beside her.
"Oh, hi," Summer said, "You put together a nice party."
"Thanks," Susie said, "Listen Fen told me he wanted to talk to you."
"Excuse me?" Summer said.
"He was thinking of you," Susie said.
"Why would he tell you that?" Summer said.
"Because he's a little shy about talking to you," Susie said.
"One thing I know about Fen, he is never shy," Summer said.
"But he's leaving and you will miss your chance," Susie said.
Watching Fen head for the door, Summer ran after him. Catching him just outside the front door, she said, "Fen!"
Turning around, Fen said, "Summer, what are you doing out here?"
"I hear you wanted to talk to me," Summer said.
"Come again?" Fen said.
"Susie, said you wanted to talk," Summer said.
Fen half laughed and said, "I think Susie is playing matchmaker. She tried to get me to talk to you, but I never said I wanted to."
"Oh, I see," Summer said.
"If I wanted to see you, I would tell you, not someone else," Fen said, "Goodnight."
"But can we talk?" Summer said.
"You should go back inside," Fen said.
"Fen, I hate this," Summer said, "I miss our friendship. I miss you. I know I hurt you and I will forever be sorry for that. Isn't there any way we can get past this?"
"I don't see a way forward for us," Fen said.
"Don't you wish things were different for us?" Summer said.
"Every damn day," Fen said.
"Maybe if we just try and spend some time together," Summer suggested.
"Do you know what I see when I look at you?" Fen said, "I see the love of my life with someone else! The woman I would have done anything for, the person I still love, doesn't want me! Time and time again, every chance we have, you end up running to Kyle Abbott! Even on our wedding day! I'm not going to do it anymore Summer. It hurts too much. So there is no friendship to salvage. The best thing you can do for me, is stay out of my life."
Fen began to walk away, when Summer called, "I'm sorry!"
Sighing Fen turned around and said, "Unfortunately, sorry doesn't fix it."
Summer broke down in tears, as Fen made a hasty retreat.
Having put Summer and Fen in each other's orbit, Susie went to work on Kyle. Saddling up to him she said, "Hi, Kyle."
Kyle hesitated before he said, "Hi Susie."
"I wanted to say I'm sorry, for the way I spoke to you at the coffee house," Susie said, "I was upset and I took it out on you. Which I shouldn't have."
"I appreciate the apology," Kyle said, "Thanks."
"I know you and my Mom are trying to be friends, maybe we can too," Susie said.
"I would like that," Kyle said.
"She looks really happy today," Susie said.
"Yes, she does," Kyle said, "Nice party, by the way. I hear you put it together. Have you seen Summer anywhere?"
"Do you still love my Mom?" Susie said.
"I will always love her," Kyle said, "We share a child."
"Have you told her that you love her?" Susie said.
"Yes, I have," Kyle said.
"But that was before," Susie said, "Now, that she's in a better frame of mind, it might mean more if you tell her again."
"Your Mom knows, I care about her," Kyle said, "Did she ask you to talk to me about this?"
"No, I just want her to be happy," Susie said, "And the last time she was this happy was with you."
A look of realization, came into Kyle's eyes, prompting him to say, "Your Mom and I are not getting back together."
"I know she loves you too," Susie said.
"This may be hard for you to understand," Kyle said, "But sometimes when you love someone, the best thing you can do for them, is let them go."
"But did you even try to work things out?" Susie said.
"Susie, I don't feel comfortable talking to you about this," Kyle said, "If you have these kinds of questions, talk to your Mom. Now did you see where Summer went?"
"I saw her go out the front door," Susie said, "I think she left with Fen." Susie walked away from him.
Kyle walked to the front where he found Summer, sitting in the foyer crying. "Summer?" Kyle said, "Babe, what's wrong?"
Summer reached out for Kyle, and cried on his shoulder. "I would like to go home," she whimpered.
"Okay," Kyle said, "Just let me get Diana and tell Rachel we are leaving. Then when we get home, I want you to tell me what has you so upset." Summer nodded.
Summer's heart was aching, for the pain she had caused Fen. As Kyle drove them home, he kept glancing, with concern, at Summer. No matter how hard she tried, Summer was unable to quell her tears, the entire drive home.
"It looks like this party is winding down," Billy said, "Lily and I are going to take off. Rachel can I give you a lift home?"
"Thanks, Billy, but Kevin and Chloe have offered," Rachel said, "But before you all go, I have something to say."
The others gave Rachel their attention, as she spoke. "They say you know who your friends are and all of you here today are truly mine. I feel badly for subjecting those of you to my breakdown and for letting things get so out of control."
"No apologies necessary," Billy said.
"We've all been there," Kevin said, "We understand."
"Of course we do," Chloe said.
"I owe you all an apology," Rachel said, "Especially, you Chloe. I never should have pushed you the way I did. I'm so sorry."
"Sweetie, it's forgotten," Chloe said, "I would never hold it against you."
"I'm so thankful you are my best friend," Rachel said.
"Me too," Chloe smiled.
"Lily, you and I don't know each other that well," Rachel said, "But still you were willing to help me that day and I appreciate your kindness so much."
"I'm glad I was there to help," Lily said, "And maybe we can get to know each other and become better friends."
"I would like that," Rachel said.
"And you," Rachel said, focusing on Billy, "You saved me."
"Come on," Billy said, "I don't know about that."
"You did," Rachel said, "You stopped me from doing something drastic. You took care of me, at my at my lowest point. You got me the hospital and that led me to the treatment I needed. I don't know what I did to deserve your friendship, but you are always there for me. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"We are always friends," Billy said, "And you did all the hard work. I'm proud of you for finding your way back. You're an inspiration to me."
"I don't deserve you," Rachel said.
"Of course you do," Billy said, "Everyone needs a Billy Abbott in their lives."
"Oh boy," Lily sighed, with a laugh.
"Sure we do," Chloe sarcastically said.
"Like we need a lump on our heads," Kevin said.
"I know you say that with love," Billy said. Kevin rolled his eyes.
"I like you," Susie said, "You're funny."
"Thank you," Billy said, "Finally someone appreciates me."
"Okay, weren't we leaving?" Lily said.
"Thanks again everyone," Rachel said.
Lily gave Rachel a hug, then Billy moved in, where Rachel lingered in his hug.