"Rachel, that sounds just awful," Chloe said, as they sat together at Crimson Lights.
"I don't think, I have ever been so scared," Rachel said.
"Are you okay?" Chloe said.
"I'm feeling better now," Rachel said, "I really thought that was it, though. I have Adam to thank for saving me."
"Adam?" Chloe said, "Adam Newman?"
"Did I hear my name?" Adam said, walking up behind them.
"Rachel was telling me the harrowing events, of last evening," Chloe said.
"It was intense," Adam said.
"I never got the chance to thank you for saving me yesterday," Rachel said, "I feel like I owe you."
"You don't owe me a thing," Adam said, "I'm just glad, everything turned out well."
"You were a big part of that, so thank you," Rachel said.
"Happy to help," Adam said, with a nod, before walking away.
"At least it's over now," Chloe said.
"How about some good news?" Rachel said.
"Yes, please," Chloe said.
"I got my daughter back," Rachel said, "She's living with me, until Kyle and I smooth out the details of our joint custody arrangement."
"So, you agreed to joint custody," Chloe said.
"I realized it was the best thing for Diana," Rachel said, "And that is what Kyle and I want."
"There's something I haven't seen in awhile," Chloe said.
"What's that?" Rachel said.
"That glint in your eye, when you talk about Kyle," Chloe said.
"We've been getting along a lot better lately," Rachel smiled.
"See, there it is," Chloe said, "Something must have happened."
"It was yesterday, he was really there for me," Rachel said, "When I was held hostage, he offered himself to be held, instead of me. Patty refused, but after I was able to break free, he held me and calmed me down. For awhile, it was just like it used to be. He was there for me and things were the way they should be."
"The way they should be?" Chloe said, "Rachel, please don't tell me, you have some romantic notions where Kyle is concerned again."
"I know he is with Summer," Rachel said, "Only I realize now, that Kyle will be there, if I need him."
"You sound like, maybe you are still in love with him," Chloe said, "Please don't go down that path."
"A part of me will always love Kyle," Rachel said, "But I am living in reality, that he and I are not getting back together. I have made peace with that and finally feel ready to move on."
"This is nice," Kyle said, sitting on the Abbott living room couch, "Able to relax and just be with you like this."
"It is," Summer said, resting against his shoulder.
"Is everything okay?" Kyle said, "You've been really quiet this morning."
Raising her head, Summer said, "I don't mean to be. I can't get what happened yesterday off my mind."
"I know, me either," Kyle said, "I was worried, something drastic might happen. Now, I am concerned about my Dad. The last thing he needed was another broken heart."
"I feel bad for Jack," Summer said, "He didn't deserve to be treated that way."
"I agree," Kyle said, "I hope his spending time with Diana today, will help take his mind off things."
"I also noticed how attentive you were to Rachel," Summer said.
"She was held at gunpoint," Kyle said, "She was really scared. Of course, I did what I could to soothe her."
"I didn't mean to sound insensitive," Summer said, "You're always really sweet with her."
"Are you bothered, Rachel and I are friends?" Kyle said.
"No," Summer said, "As long as that's all it is."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kyle said.
"Kyle, I can see it in her eyes," Summer said, "I think she still has feelings for you."
"Rachel and I will always have a bond, because of Diana, but it's nothing more than that," Kyle said, "You don't need to feel insecure, I am exactly where I want to be."
"It's not insecurity," Summer said, "I just hope Rachel doesn't take advantage of you."
"How would she do that?" Kyle said.
"She might misinterpret your bond as affection and get her hopes up, to draw you back to her," Summer said, "If she thinks she has a chance, she might actively try to make you fall in love with her again."
"Except that I am in love with you," Kyle said, "I don't think Rachel would do that and even if she tried, I am not interested in pursing her. I am with you and that's where I intend to stay."
Summer snuggled into Kyle's shoulder, uneasiness in her eyes.
"That was so much fun," Tessa said, striding into the coffeehouse patio, with Fen following.
"It was intense too," Fen smiled.
"There were so many people," Tessa said, "And they came to see us!"
"Meet and greets are always like that," Fen said.
Looking around, Tessa said, "I wonder where Mariah is. I asked her to meet me here."
"She will be here any minute," Fen said.
"Can you believe our song is doing so well?" Tessa said.
"Of course it is, you wrote it," Fen said.
"I was against putting it out there," Tessa said, "But I'm glad I changed my mind."
"Me too," Fen said, "This calls for a celebration."
"What did you have in mind?" Tessa said.
"Smoothies?" Fen said.
"Oh, big spender," Tessa said.
"I'll be right back," Fen said, walking into the coffeehouse.
As Fen approached the front counter, he heard a familiar voice say, "There he is, the superstar sensation."
Smiling Fen turned to see Rachel and Chloe grinning at him. "Maybe we could ask for his autograph," Chloe said.
"I guess you heard the song went to number one," Fen said.
"I did," Rachel said, "Congratulations."
"It must feel good to have your work validated like that," Chloe said.
"It feels incredible," Fen said, "Tessa and I just had a meet and greet with fans. We connected with some great people and received so many compliments."
"Yet, they still make you buy your own coffee," Rachel teased.
"Someone will soon take our place and the adulations will be directed elsewhere," Fen said, "But I'll enjoy it while it lasts."
"As you should," Rachel said.
Working behind the front counter, Andi, put Fen's order in front of him, and said, "I heard your song, it's really great."
"Thank you," Fen said. Turning his attention back to the ladies, Fen said, "Tessa and I are performing a few songs at a festival just outside of Genoa City in a few weeks. You should come. I can get you some tickets if you want. Bring your families, your kids." Turning to Andi, Fen said, "I can get you some tickets too."
Blushing, Andi said, "That would be nice."
Grabbing his drinks, Fen turned around, coming face to face with Kyle and Summer, as they entered the coffeehouse.
Rachel shifted uncomfortably in her seat, as everyone felt the awkwardness of the moment.
"Hi," Summer meekly said.
"Hey," Fen nodded.
Fen was about to walk away, when Summer said, "I heard about your number one song. That's really exciting, congratulations."
"Thanks," Fen said.
"I guess you and Tessa are becoming a household name," Summer said.
"We are getting some good recognition," Fen said.
"I'm glad things are going so well for you," Summer said.
"If you will excuse me," Fen said, turning to walk back to the patio.
"Hi," Kyle said.
"Hi," Rachel returned.
"I guess Diana is still out with my Dad," Kyle said.
"Yes, they must be having fun," Rachel said.
"I hope so," Kyle said, "My Dad could sure use the distraction."
As Fen returned to Tessa, she said, "That looked tense."
"What did?" Fen said.
"Summer and Kyle walking in," Tessa said.
"We are bound to run into each other," Fen said.
"Yes, but Summer was doing her best to get your attention," Tessa said, "And you just blew her off."
"I have no interest in talking to her," Fen said.
"That's not true," Tessa said, "I can tell you still have feelings for her."
"That doesn't mean I want to spend time with her," Fen said, "She made her choice very clear."
"Don't you want to try and smooth the waters?" Tessa said, "Make an effort to be friends?"
"Being friends shouldn't be such an effort," Fen said, "Summer is part of my past."
"Then why do you keep glancing over at her, like you can't take your eyes off of her," Tessa said, "She's watching you too."
"Seems to me, she only has eyes for Abbott," Fen said.
"You're making excuses," Tessa said.
Fen reached forward and took Tessa's hand.
"What are you doing?" Tessa said.
"Proving you wrong," Fen said, pulling Tessa into a kiss.
Kyle noticed Summer's stare, at the couple's embrace. Someone else's eyes, were watching as Mariah stood, in the open doorway of the patio, shock in her eyes.
"Kyle, can we go?" Summer said, her eyes still on the patio.
"Sure," Kyle said, letting Summer walk past him, before following her to the door.
As they parted, Tessa eyes were down, before shifting them up to Fen and saying, "Don't you ever, do that again."
"I just wanted to kiss you," Fen said.
"Let me tell you something," Tessa said, "I am not a prop, that you can use to make your ex jealous."
"I only…" Fen trailed off, when he noticed Mariah, glaring at them.
Following Fen's gaze, and noticing Mariah, Tessa popped out of her chair. "Mariah…" she said.
Mariah stood shaking her head, tears in her eyes. Realizing she had witnessed the kiss, Tessa said, "That wasn't what you think it was."
Mariah put her hand up, not wanting to hear anymore, before darting out the door.
"Mariah!" Tessa called. Turning to Fen she snarled, "Thanks a lot!" Running out the door, Tessa called, "Mariah, wait!"
Running into the park, Mariah stopped by a park bench. Sitting down, Mariah hugged herself, as a few tears, spilled down her cheeks.
"Mariah!" Tessa said, reaching her side. Mariah stood up her back to Tessa, who said, "If you just let me explain."
"How could you?" Mariah said.
"It wasn't what you think," Tessa said, "He kissed me, not the other way around."
"You weren't putting up much resistance," Mariah said. Catching sight of Fen approaching them, she continued, "Look, here he comes, running after you."
"I'm glad I caught up to you two," Fen said.
"Yes, you found her," Mariah said, "Should I leave you alone, so you can continue what you started?"
"Mariah, please listen to me," Tessa said, "I did not kiss him!"
"I must be seeing things then," Mariah said.
"What she means, is I kissed her," Fen said, "Not because I have feelings for her. It was to make Summer jealous. Completely spur of the moment."
"You see he caught me off guard," Tessa said, "I wasn't expecting Fen to do that."
"It's all on me," Fen said, "It was childish and I'm sorry it happened. Even more sorry that it upset both of you. I will not do that again."
"Nothing romantic is going on between Fen and me," Tessa said.
"Not a thing," Fen said, waving his arms apart.
"Well, that was a rotten thing to do," Mariah said, "To Summer and to us."
"It absolutely was," Fen said, "I apologize."
"Do you understand now?" Tessa said, "You are still the only one I want to be with."
"I'm going to let you two be alone," Fen said, "Tessa, I'll touch base with you later about further promotions."
"Fine," Tessa said, waiting for Fen to walk away, before turning her full attention to Mariah.
"I guess congratulations are in order," Mariah said, in an attempt to change the subject, "I hear you hit number one."
"It's very exciting," Tessa said, "I'm sorry you saw that and got the wrong idea."
"Did I?" Mariah said.
"You do believe me, that nothing is going on with Fen and me," Tessa said.
"That may be," Mariah said, "But you were kissing him back."
"But I told you, he caught me off guard," Tessa said, "I understand how that would make you feel. So, let's go home and I'll show you some real kissing."
"I would prefer to be alone for awhile," Mariah said.
"I didn't do anything wrong," Tessa protested.
"Right now, I have to go," Mariah said, making a hasty retreat.
"As much as I've enjoyed catching up with you," Chloe said, "I should get going."
"Me too," Rachel said, "Diana's play date with grandpa, should be winding down soon."
As Rachel and Chloe, gathered their coats, Andi approached them saying, "Aunt Rachel, I found this wallet." Holding it out to her she continued, "It's Kyle's."
"He's usually more careful with that," Rachel said, tossing her long hair, out of her coat collar.
"I found it on the floor at the front," Andi said, "Since you live right next to his house, maybe you can return it to him."
Taking it from her, Rachel said, "I'll see that he gets it."
Proceeding to leave, Chloe and Rachel headed for the patio, just as Summer and Kyle arrived back at the coffeehouse. Approaching the front counter, Kyle said, "Did anyone find a wallet?"
"Are you looking for this?" Rachel said, from behind him.
Kyle turned around, to see Rachel holding the item out to him. Taking it from her, Kyle smiled and said, "Thank you. I was panicking. I'm glad you found it."
"Andi found it on the floor at the front counter," Rachel said, "She gave it to me, to return to you."
"I thought I put it in my coat pocket," Kyle said, "I should be more careful next time."
"Since you're here, I wanted to talk to you about Christmas," Rachel said.
"It's coming up fast," Kyle said.
"I know," Rachel said, "I was hoping I could have Diana for Christmas Eve. Susie is coming for the night and I'm having a little Christmas party with them. I was going to invite Miranda too and have a girls night with my family. I can bring Diana to the house on Christmas Day, if that's okay."
"Sounds like a good arrangement," Kyle said, "I'll agree to that. It's exciting that it is Diana's first Christmas. I have a feeling Santa will be good to her."
"I have a feeling Santa will spoil her," Rachel said.
"He might," Kyle smiled.
"Hey, I hate to interrupt," Summer said, "But can we get going?"
"We can," Kyle said.
"I'll touch base with you later," Rachel said.
"Will do," Kyle said, with a nod, as Rachel left the coffeehouse. "Okay," Kyle said, "Let's be on our…" Kyle paused as his phone indicated a call coming through. Checking the display he said, "I've been expecting this, I have to take it. I'll just be a few minutes." Connecting, Kyle said, "Kyle Abbott…" Disappearing behind the partition of the patio, Kyle continued his call.
While waiting, Summer approached the front counter, intent on ordering some tasty treats. Addressing Andi, Summer said, "Could a please get a couple of those cookies, and some pastries too."
As Andi put Summer's order together, something about her caught Summer's eye. "Wow, those are nice earrings," Summer said, "Where did you get them?"
Running her fingers across her ear lobe, Andi said, "I don't remember."
"Those are diamond earrings and you don't remember where you got them?" Summer said, "Forgive me, but I don't think you could afford those on your salary."
"They were a gift," Andi said.
"It's interesting," Summer said, "I used to have a pair just like that, and they went missing."
"Are you accusing me of something?" Andi said.
"No, I…" Summer paused when she recognized Andi's bracelet, "Or maybe I should be," Summer finished.
"What does that mean?" Andi said.
"I recognize that bracelet," Summer said, "Let me see it."
"It's mine," Andi said.
"Then show it to me," Summer said.
"I don't know what your problem is…" Andi trailed off as Summer grabbed her arm and whipped the metal bracelet off her wrist.
"Hey!" Andi cried.
Inspecting the engraving on the back, Summer read the inscription of her initials followed by the words, 'With love'. "This is mine," Summer said, recalling her parents gifting it to her, "And those are my earrings then! Where did you get these?"
"I don't…" Andi stammered.
Summer gave Andi a hard stare and said, "It was you. You're the one who ransacked our hotel room!"
Andi stared at Summer, at a loss for words.
"You ruined our belongings!" Summer said, "I'm calling the police."
"No, please don't!" Andi pleaded, "Here, you can have it all back." She took off her earrings and placed them on the counter.
Taking her jewelry back and placing it in her coat pocket, Summer said, "You can't just give things back and make it better! You're going to pay the price."
Summer continued to dial as Andi scooted around the counter and snatched the phone from Summer's hand.
"Give that back to me," Summer demanded.
Reaching for the phone, Summer and Andi began to wrestle for the item. In the midst of the struggle, Andi tried to throw Summer down. Tripping Summer off her feet, causing her to lose her balance, Summer fell forward, hitting her head on a table.
A wound formed from the impact, as Summer raised her hand to it, grimacing at the pain. Attempting to get up, Summer became dizzy and collapsed unconscious to the floor. Andi threw Summer's phone down and smashed the device under her foot.
Surveying Summer, lying on the floor, Andi said, "That's what you get, when you mess with me."
Andi was startled when the sound of Kyle's voice ending his call, reminded her he was still there. Andi dropped to her knees beside Summer, pretending to try and rouse her.
"Okay, now…" Kyle said, stopping in his tracks when he saw Summer in distress. "Summer!" Kyle cried, running to her aid, "What happened?"
"I don't know," Andi said, "She just suddenly lost her balance and fainted."
"Summer?" Kyle said, rubbing her shoulders and the side of her face, "How did she get this on her forehead?" Kyle examined the wound.
"I think she hit her head when she fell," Andi said.
"Summer?" Kyle said, "Come on babe, wake up." Not getting a response, Kyle checked her vitals and said, "Call an ambulance."
When silence greeted him, Kyle looked up, discovering Andi was nowhere to be seen. "Andi?" Kyle called, "Miranda, are you still here?"
Realizing she had left, Kyle pulled out his phone and dialed for help.
"Jack, that really is a lovely tree," Phyllis said, standing in the Abbott living room.
"I'm hoping to have a full house for Christmas," Jack said, "Ashley and Traci are planning to be here for the holidays. I am hoping to convince Abby to bring her husband and new little baby over for some Christmas cheer. Of course, Summer and Kyle and my new little granddaughter, who is celebrating her first Christmas."
"The whole family," Phyllis said, "Sounds wonderful."
"The guest list includes you," Jack said.
"Oh," Phyllis smiled, "But this is the time for family."
"Since when have you not been a member of this family ," Jack said, "You are always included in the Abbott household."
"Well, I will have to check my calendar," Phyllis teased, "I'll see if I can pencil you in."
"I'd be honored," Jack said.
Putting his hands on Phyllis's hips, she reciprocated with her hands on his shoulders. They moved in to share a kiss, when Jack's phone beeping, broke the moment.
The two of them smiled awkwardly, as Jack reached for his phone, checking the display before responding to the caller.
"Kyle," Jack said, "Nice of you to call."
"Hi, I'm trying to reach Phyllis, do you know where she is?" Kyle said, "She's not answering her phone."
"Phyllis is right here," Jack said.
Looking at Phyllis, Jack said, "Kyle's been trying to reach you on your phone."
Rummaging in her purse, Phyllis pulled out her phone and said, "Oh, look at that. I turned it off."
"Dad, this is really important," Kyle said, "Can I speak to her?"
Jack handed the phone to Phyllis. "Kyle, what's up?" she said.
"I'm sorry to tell you this but, Summer has been brought into the hospital," Kyle said, "She had a fall at the coffeehouse and hit her head. She's been unconscious ever since. I'm really worried and think her parents should be here."
"Is she going to be alright?" Phyllis said.
"I don't know," Kyle said, "The doctor is in with her, but no one will tell me anything."
"I'll call Nick and we will be right there," Phyllis said, ending the call.
Seeing the worry in Phyllis's face, Jack said, "Is it Summer? Has something happened?"
Phyllis didn't answer, connecting a call with Nick.
"Phyllis, what can I do for you? Nick said, with a bit of a sigh.
"Summer is in the hospital," Phyllis said, causing Jack's expression to change to worry.
"What happened?" Nick said, "Is she okay?"
"I don't know," Phyllis said, "Kyle called, and she had some kind of fall, and she's unconscious."
"I'll meet you there," Nick said, ending the call.
"I have to go," Phyllis said.
"Of course, I would go with you, but I've got Diana upstairs, until her mother comes back," Jack said.
"I understand," Phyllis said. Pausing to hug Jack, she said, "I'm scared for my daughter."
"She's going to be fine," Jack said, "Summer is a fighter. Please keep me posted."
"I will," Phyllis said, close to tears of worry, as she rushed out the door.
"I'm glad you're back," Jack said, as he closed the front door behind Rachel.
"Diana, wasn't too much trouble, I hope," Rachel said.
"No, she was wonderful to be with," Jack said, "I put her for a nap upstairs."
"I'm sorry, was gone awhile," Rachel said, "It's easier to do some Christmas shopping, without a little one in tow."
"That's fine," Jack said, "I'm anxious to get to the hospital."
"Why? What's going on?" Rachel said. Panic set into her voice as she said, "Is it Kyle?"
"No, Summer's had a fall and she's unconscious," Jack said, grabbing his coat, "Phyllis, was here when she got the call. Kyle's with her too, so I'm going to be with them."
"Of course," Rachel said, "I really hope she will be okay."
Jack nodded as he headed out the door.
"Kyle?" Phyllis said, spotting him at the hospital, "Where is she?"
"What happened to Summer?" Nick said.
"The doctors and nurses are still with her," Kyle said, "I can't get any information."
"You told me she's unconscious," Phyllis said, "Has she woken up yet?"
"Not that I know of," Kyle said.
"I want to know what happened," Nick said.
"We were at the coffeehouse, I went on the patio to answer a business call," Kyle said, "When I came back inside, Summer was unconscious on the floor and the waitress was trying to help her. She told me Summer fainted."
"You didn't see this happen?" Phyllis said.
"No, she was out my sight," Kyle said.
"This doesn't make any sense," Nick said, "Why would she faint, just like that?"
"We need to speak to that waitress," Phyllis said, "She must have seen what happened."
"She was there when I found Summer, but she disappeared, shortly after," Kyle said.
"What is taking so long?" Phyllis worried.
"I'm going to get some answers," Nick said.
Nick turned to walk away, when Dr. Hastings was spotted, walking towards them.
"How is Summer?" Nick said.
"At this time, she is still unconscious," Dr. Hastings said.
"Is she going to be okay?" Phyllis said.
"Summer has a wound on her forehead, nothing too serious and a preliminary exam shows no signs of trauma," Dr. Hastings said.
"Then shouldn't she have woken up by now?" Kyle said.
"I should have some test results shortly that might give us some answers," Dr. Hastings said.
"What are you doing for her?" Nick said.
"We ran a head scan and did some blood work," Dr. Hastings said, "We have made her comfortable and all we can do now is wait. Hopefully she will wake up soon and can fill in some of the blanks."
"What does it mean, if she doesn't come out of this for awhile?" Phyllis said.
"I can't speculate," Dr. Hastings said, "I will let you know as soon as I have some more concrete information."
"Can we see her?" Kyle said.
"Yes, you may go in," Dr. Hastings said, "Please keep the number of visitors, at a time, to a minimum."
"Thank you," Nick said.
"Do you mind if I go see her first?" Kyle said.
"Go ahead," Phyllis said.
Kyle entered Summer's room, his heart breaking, when he saw her so weak and helpless. Walking to her beside, he took her hand.
"Summer?" Kyle said, "It's me. Come on, it's time to wake up. I'm here and your parents are here too. We need to see those pretty eyes of yours, so please come back. I don't know what happened, and I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you, right away. If I had known, I never would have let you fall."
Closing his eyes and kissing her hand, Kyle pleaded, "Please wake up."