Rachel blinked her eyes open, as she woke up in unfamiliar surroundings. She was lying down in a bed, in a small room. She looked around and noticed the I.V. attached to her hand. A nurse was standing close by, with her back to her.
"No it can't be," Rachel thought to herself, fearing she was back at Fairview. Panic set in as Rachel tried to sit up, moaning, "No…"
The nurse rushed over, saying, "Now everything is okay. Just lie back and rest."
"No," Rachel said again, "I'm not supposed to be here!"
"You're in the hospital," the nurse said.
"The hospital?" Rachel repeated, calming down.
"Yes," the nurse said, "Genoa City Memorial."
Her panic settling, Rachel said, "Why am I here?"
"The doctor will be in soon, to answer all of your questions," the nurse said, "In the meantime, there is a gentleman waiting to see you."
"Kyle," Rachel softly said as the nurse went to the door, motioning for someone to come in.
As the visitor entered her room, Rachel was surprised to see it wasn't Kyle, but Billy who approached her.
"Hi there," Billy smiled, "How are you feeling? You look better than yesterday. Your color's back."
"How long have I been here?" Rachel said, "The nurse won't tell me anything."
"It's only been overnight," Billy said, "I brought you in yesterday."
"You did?" Rachel said, "What happened to me?"
Their conversation was interrupted as Dr. Hastings walked in. Smiling he said, "I'm glad to see your awake."
"I feel really groggy," Rachel said.
"That would be the sedative, it will wear off soon," Dr Hastings said.
"You gave me a sedative?" Rachel said, "Why? I don't understand what I'm doing here. Can you please tell me what's going on?"
Summer was fixing her hair in the mirror, when Kyle came out of the adjoining bathroom, with a towel wrapped around his waist. Summer observed him walk across the room, pulling underclothing on and proceeding to rub his hair dry with the towel. Checking the baby monitor, Kyle smiled, as Diana babbled in conversation, with her stuffed animals. Kyle pulled on a pair of jeans and a shirt, before putting the finishing touches on his hair. When he approached the door, Summer said, "Kyle? Where are you going?"
"Diana's awake and probably hungry," Kyle said.
"Are you upset with me?" Summer said.
"Not at all," Kyle frowned.
"Then why are you giving me the silent treatment?" Summer said.
"I didn't mean to," Kyle said, "And let me rectify that by giving you a proper good morning." Kyle walked back towards her and pulled Summer into a kiss.
"Good morning to you too," Summer smiled, "I was a little surprised to see you up so early, you were pretty restless last night."
"Sorry, did I keep you awake?" Kyle said.
"I wasn't having the most restful night anyway," Summer said, "I think I know what was on your mind, because it was on mine too."
"I put her in the hospital," Kyle sighed.
"You have to stop punishing yourself over Rachel," Summer said, "She is in the hospital because she needs help. She's sick Kyle and that is not your fault."
"Then whose fault is it?" Kyle said, "Certainly not Rachel's. She's the victim here."
"She had an emotional breakdown," Summer said, "It's been coming on for weeks. Anything could have set her off. This is not on you."
"You don't have to say that," Kyle said.
Going to Kyle and rubbing her hand against his face, Summer said, "Please stop torturing yourself. You did not do this to her."
"Yeah," Kyle said, taking her hand, "I did." Letting go, Kyle walked towards the bedroom door.
"Kyle…" Summer pleaded. Kyle left the room, with Summer looking wistfully after him.
"Perhaps it would be better if we talk privately," Dr. Hastings said.
"If you have something to say to me, you can say it in front of Billy," Rachel said
"Alright," Dr. Hastings said, "You are here, because last night you had a manic episode."
Rachel stared at the doctor. "What did you say?"
"Do you remember any of it?" Dr. Hastings said.
"You were at Society," Billy reminded.
Rachel paused and then it all came back to her. She closed her eyes as the events of the past evening flashed through her mind. "I remember," Rachel said, "I know what I did."
"Tell me what you remember," Dr. Hastings said.
"I saw…Kyle and Summer," Rachel started, "The looked so cozy together and it just spun me. I was convinced they were the root of all my pain and I had to confront them. I could feel this jealous rage building up inside of me and it was like I couldn't control myself. I did a lot of yelling at them and then…" Rachel looked at Billy, "Tell me I didn't hurt anyone."
"No, you didn't," Billy said.
"I was going to," Rachel said, "But you were there to stop me. I can't believe I almost went there. This can't be happening to me again."
"This is not like last time," Billy said, "Believe me, it was much worse then."
"How do you feel now?" Dr. Hastings said.
"You mean other than mortified over my behavior?" Rachel said, "My anger is gone, but I still feel a little shaky. Dr. Hastings, am I going back to Fairview?"
"That is not an option I have considered," Dr. Hastings said, "However, I would strongly recommend an assessment from an emotional trauma specialist."
"A psychiatrist," Rachel said, "If I talk to one of them they will send me back."
"The last time you were remanded to Fairview, you had caused bodily harm and were arrested," Dr. Hastings said, "You were declared unfit to stand trial. This time around is not the same circumstances. A specialist can make a clear diagnosis and medication, therapy or a combination of both may be prescribed to help you."
"Sure sounds like Fairview," Rachel said.
"I assure you, no one is going to have you committed," Dr. Hastings said, "There are many treatment options available to you, which we will discuss." Rachel nodded.
"On that note, I am going to have to go," Billy said, "I glad to know, you will soon be on the mend."
"Thank you for being such a good friend, when I needed one," Rachel said, "I owe you so much."
"You can repay me, by getting stronger and putting your life back together," Billy said.
"You know, for the first time, I feel like I can do that," Rachel said.
"I know you can," Billy smiled at her, giving her hand an affectionate squeeze.
Rachel sat up in her hospital bed, contemplating her conversation with Dr. Hastings, regarding her treatment options. She was uncomfortable with any of the courses of action, they had discussed, but Rachel had made her decision and was determined to see it through.
Rachel was lost in her thoughts, not even noticing someone appear in the entranceway of her room, until a voice spoke. "Rachel?"
"Kyle?" Rachel said.
"Hi," Kyle said, "Is it okay if I come in?"
"Yes, of course," Rachel said, "I'm surprised you would want to see me after the way I behaved yesterday."
"I know that wasn't really you," Kyle said.
Nodding Rachel said, "It was me and I apologize for my outburst, for yelling and getting so angry with you. I'm also sorry for lashing out at Summer."
"I appreciate you saying that," Kyle said, "But this was not your fault, it's mine."
"Why would you think that?" Rachel said.
"I started you down this path, when we broke up," Kyle said, "I should have thought of a better way to handle it, but everything just spun out of control so fast."
"What's true, is that I was hurt," Rachel started, "I went through shock, anger and sadness. However, the way I dealt with it all, or didn't deal with things, Kyle none of that is your fault."
"Rachel, I know if we had stayed together, you wouldn't be in this predicament right now," Kyle said, "This is all on me."
"No," Rachel said, "This is no one's fault. I have a sickness, a condition, that I thought was under control. When I came out of Fairview, I did the worst possible thing. I fell in love with you."
"Ouch," Kyle sighed.
"Having said that, I don't regret one moment we spent together," Rachel said, "My time with you, are memories I will cherish forever. Coming back into the community, I should have learned to stand on my own feet and take care of myself, before starting a romantic relationship with anyone. But there you were, this sweet, handsome guy, being so nice to me. A week later, you kissed me, under the stars."
"I remember," Kyle said, with a half-smile.
"That magical moment, I started to rely on you, instead of myself," Rachel said, "Please stop blaming yourself. I don't blame you."
Kyle nodded. "I still feel somewhat responsible," he said.
"Couples have nasty breakups all the time," Rachel said, "The truth came out a way we didn't expect."
Kyle and Rachel linked a few fingers together, as Kyle said, "Where do we go from here?"
"Well, you go and be with Summer and Diana," Rachel said, "And I will go to Fairview."
"What?" Kyle said, shock in his eyes, "Now, I do feel bad. I never wanted this for you."
"Kyle, it's okay…" Rachel said.
"Rachel, I am so sorry," Kyle said.
"Hold on," Rachel said, "I should have explained this better. I am going for a 30 day treatment program at Fairview. Then I come back home and continue therapy as an outpatient."
Kyle exhaled as he said, "Oh, I am relieved to hear that. I was afraid…"
"That I was going away for years and years?" Rachel said, "I am not that far gone. This is different than the last time. I'm not being sent there as an inmate, this is not court mandated. It's completely voluntary."
"You're okay with this?" Kyle said.
"I'm not overjoyed," Rachel said, "It's isolation from the outside world and the people in it. It's only a month though, not so bad."
"I'm glad to hear you will be getting the help you need," Kyle said.
"Are you okay waiting to sort everything out between us?" Rachel said, "I know this puts things off, all of four weeks."
"If it's going to benefit you, I don't mind the wait," Kyle said.
"This won't affect my job will it?" Rachel said, "It will still be there when I get back?"
"Of course," Kyle said, "If you need a leave of absence for health reasons, Jabot will fully support you."
"So, Diana will have to continue to stay with you," Rachel said.
"You know, I have no problem with that," Kyle said, "I'm enjoying being a full time father."
"Summer is helping out too?" Rachel cautiously, said.
"She is," Kyle said, "Her and the baby are slowly bonding. Diana is getting so big, we can't call her a baby much longer." Noticing the despondence come into Rachel's eyes, Kyle said, "Maybe I shouldn't talk about her right now. I know it is hard being away from her."
"No, I love hearing about Diana," Rachel said, "I just wish I had a chance to see her before I have to go. I would have hoped to see Susie too."
"When are you leaving?" Kyle said.
"In a matter of hours," Rachel said, "I check in today."
"That soon?" Kyle said, "I guess the sooner you get started, the better. I would be happy to drive you."
"Thank you very much," Rachel said, "It's not necessary, the hospital is arranging transportation. Just give Diana a big hug and kiss from me. Tell her I love her and will see her soon."
"Will do," Kyle smiled. "I should get going, so you can get ready."
"Kyle, I hope you know, it wasn't me who messed up your hotel room," Rachel said.
"I know," Kyle said, "You can't blame Summer for being suspicious."
"I suppose not," Rachel said, "I hope you find whoever was responsible."
"We will," Kyle said, "Don't worry about that."
Kyle went to stand, when Rachel grabbed his hand. "Even after everything that has happened between us," Rachel said, "I am so thankful, that you are a part of my life."
"I'm happy you are part of mine," Kyle said, giving Rachel a hug, "Good luck."
"Thank you," Rachel said. They shared a smile, and Kyle had only taken a few steps with Rachel said, "Kyle?"
As he turned to face her, Rachel said, "I truly hope you and Summer will be happy together."
Kyle paused, before he said, "Thank you."
"You can pass that on to her," Rachel said.
"I will," Kyle said, "Take care."
Rachel watched Kyle leave with tears in her eyes. Once he was out of sight, Rachel took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she exhaled.
"Thank you," Summer said, as the waitress handed her a coffee, at the front counter of Crimson Lights. Turning around and walking to the patio, Summer almost walked into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Summer said, pausing when she realized it was Fen.
They stared at each other for a few seconds, Fen muttering, "Sorry," before walking past her.
"Fen?" Summer said. Fen stopped in his tracks, but refused to turn and face her. "I was hoping we could talk."
Turning sideways, Fen said, "I don't think we have anything to say."
"I do," Summer said, "I know I hurt you and I'm so sorry."
Looking at her, Fen said, "I don't want to talk about the hurt, about how happy you are with Abbott. I don't want to talk to you at all."
"I can't stand that we are not friends anymore," Summer said.
"You ruined any chance of that, when you left me on our wedding day," Fen said.
"I told you, I was still willing to marry you," Summer said, "You were the one who refused to go through with it."
"Because you are in love with another man," Fen said, "It would have been more than awkward to have you as my wife, under those circumstances."
"I wish we could go back and start that day all over again," Summer said, "Go through with everything like we planned."
"Are you not happy with the love of your life?" Fen said.
"Of course we are happy," Summer said, "I just hate that you and Rachel got hurt so badly."
"Speaking of Rachel, I have to go meet her," Fen said, "We are recording today."
"I guess you haven't heard," Summer said.
"Heard what?" Fen sighed.
"Rachel is in the hospital," Summer said.
"Why?" Fen said, "What happened?"
"Rachel had a mental breakdown in the middle of Society," Summer said, "It was so bad, Billy took her to the hospital."
"Is she going to be okay?" Fen said.
"I don't know," Summer said, "Kyle went to check on her this morning, but I haven't heard anything yet."
"She had a breakdown?" Fen said.
"Yeah, she was screaming at us and crying," Summer said, "She completely lost control."
"I hope she is going to be alright," Fen said.
Spying Kyle, walking in through the patio doors, Summer said, "Here comes your answer."
Kyle stopped when he saw them. Stepping closer cautiously, Kyle said, "Hey."
"Hi," Summer said.
"Is everything okay over here?" Kyle said.
"I was just telling Fen about Rachel," Summer said.
"I hear you went to see her," Fen said, "How is she?"
"Better than yesterday," Kyle said, "She's going to some 30 day program at Fairview. I really think she is determined to get better now. She was much more level headed this morning than I've seen her in weeks. She profusely apologized for everything she said and did last evening."
"As long as she is getting help, that's the main thing," Summer said.
"If she feels, she needs help, then she should get it," Fen said, "Well, this is going to put a crimp in our recording plans."
"You know, her mental health, is more important, than a budding music career," Kyle said.
"Of course I know that," Fen said, "I want her to get well."
"Maybe we could all sit and have a coffee," Summer said, "If we try, we could smooth the waters, between us."
Kyle stared at Summer, while Fen said, "You will excuse me, it I don't feel like being buddies with either one of you. I have to go see Devon."
"There's something we have to take care of," Kyle said, talking a step away, noticing Summer was not following.
Kyle looked to see Summer's pensive stare, as she pondered the direction Fen had walked out from.
"Summer?" Kyle said, lightly touching her arm.
Coming out of her trance, Summer jerked her attention to Kyle. "You okay?" he said.
"Yes, fine," Summer said.
"Come on, there's something I want to do and we don't have much time," Kyle said.
Rachel finished pulling some clothes on, when someone appeared in the entranceway to her room.
"Chloe?" Rachel said.
"Rachel, I've been so worried," Chloe said, "Are you okay?"
"I'm am much calmer now," Rachel said, "You don't have to be concerned about me."
"But I was," Chloe said, "I owe you such an apology."
"You?" Rachel said, "I am the one who should apologize. I remember what I did. The way I shoved you down, I'm surprised you're even speaking to me. I am very sorry, Chloe."
"I know you were not yourself," Chloe said, "I am not angry about that. It's my fault for insisting we went to Society. The second I saw Kyle, I should have taken you somewhere else."
"You and Kyle were not responsible for my episode," Rachel said, "I realize any kind of stress could have triggered it."
"I've been there, I should not have forced you to go out when you weren't ready," Chloe said, "I will be a better friend from now on and help you through this difficult time."
"So we are still friends?" Rachel said.
"Always," Chloe said, "Besties for life." Chloe and Rachel shared a warm hug.
"Look at you," Chloe said, "You seem ready to be discharged. Can I drive you home?"
"Thank you, but I am not going home," Rachel said, "I'm checking into Fairview today." Detecting the shock in Chloe's eyes, Rachel said, "It's only for 30 days, then I will be back."
"Oh, of course," Chloe said, "If you need that intensive therapy."
"Unfortunately, I do," Rachel said.
"I wish you the best of luck," Chloe said, "I am glad you are going in voluntarily. It makes such a difference in the effectiveness of treatment, if you are not forced into it."
"I am just sorry it took a public breakdown and a physical altercation with a friend, to make me realize I need help," Rachel said, "I really am sorry Chloe."
"It's forgotten," Chloe assured.
"I need a favor," Rachel said.
"Just ask," Chloe said.
"I am hoping you can talk to Susie and explain to her where I am and why," Rachel said, "Please make her understand, that I will be okay and back home soon."
"I would be happy to," Chloe said, "But I don't think it will be necessary."
Rachel looked questioningly at Chloe, who gestured for Rachel to look behind her. Rachel turned to see, Kyle with Susie and Diana in tow. The sight of her children, brought tears to Rachel's eyes, as she smiled in delight.
Susie walked up to her mother and gave her a hug. "I was so scared, when Dad told me you were in the hospital," Susie said, "I didn't know if you were okay."
"Kevin and I explained it to her last night, the best we could," Chloe said.
"I am going to be just fine," Rachel said, "But I have to go another hospital to get completely better. I will only be gone for a few weeks."
"Can I visit you?" Susie said.
"Oh, I wish you could," Rachel said, "But I am not allowed to have visitors at the other facility. I will be thinking about you though and home before you know it. We will get together as soon as we can."
"I love you," Susie said, giving her mother another hug.
"I love you too," Rachel said.
Kyle smiled at Rachel as she turned her attention to Diana. "You said you wanted to see them before you left," Kyle said.
"I didn't mean you had to bring them over here," Rachel said, "But I am so glad you did."
Kyle handed Diana off to Rachel, who held her daughter close. Watching Rachel's joy, Chloe looked across and Kyle and smiled with a nod.
"Diana, Mommy has missed you so much," Rachel said, tears falling, "Look how big you are." She gave the baby a gentle kiss on the forehead.
"I have to go away for awhile," Rachel said, "But I will be seeing you soon. So, you be good for Daddy and Summer, okay?"
Shifting her eyes to Kyle, Rachel said, "Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me to see them today."
"It was my pleasure," Kyle smiled, "They needed to see you too."
Holding Diana in one arm and reaching out to Susie with the other, Rachel shared a group hug with her daughters.