Friday, December 1, 2006
In her therapy session, Stephanie admitted to Taylor her recollection that her father had physically abused her. Taylor tried to get Stephanie to connect the dots between what her father did to her years ago and her current anger and rage issues today. Stephanie welled up with tears when Taylor voiced the truth to Stephanie, who defended her father as merely disciplining her when she did something wrong. "You were a little girl who was...powerless." Stephanie bristled at the notion that what happened to her was "abuse," and downplayed what happened as her father merely "occasionally losing his temper." Stephanie conceded that sometimes she wouldn't take her gym class out of embarrassment of revealing her marks and bruises. Taylor asked Stephanie if she ever told her sister or mother about her abuse. Stephanie headed for the door, saying, "This isn't leading anywhere." Taylor told Stephanie if she's ending the session she needs to answer one final question: Did she cry at her mother's funeral? Stephanie recoiled, and said told Taylor she had something to share with her, but had to promise to keep it completely confidential. Taylor reminded Stephanie of their doctor/patient confidentiality. Stephanie revealed her mother is really alive, but just "dead to her." She said she hasn't spoken to her mother in over 30 years, since her father died. Stephanie cut her mother out of her life because her mother didn't do anything when Stephanie went to her about her father's abuse. Taylor declared that the only way Stephanie can resolve her anger and control issues is to confront her mother. Stephanie was aghast at the idea, but relented when Taylor persisted. Stephanie called her mother and sister's residence in Chicago. Her sister Pam answered, and Stephanie made awkward small talk before rushing off the phone. Taylor insisted that if Stephanie is serious about changing things and saving her marriage she needs to fly to Chicago and see her mother while she's still alive, before it's too late. Stephanie broke down. Meanwhile, Pamela told their mother of Stephanie's call.

At Forrester, Nick met with his staff and introduced Jackie as the company's new president and Donna as its lead model. When one of the employees spoke out about the Forresters, Nick fired him and challenged anyone else who harbored conflicted loyalties to leave now. Many other staffers walked out in revolt, leaving only a handful. Nick gave them a pep talk and new marching orders and sent them on their way. Then Clarke arrived on the scene, saying he got Nick's fax. Clarke accepted Nick's offer to become Forrester's new lead designer.

Thorne and Ridge marveled at how many flowers and plants they received from their vendors and others in the fashion industry who were expressed their support and sympathy. An angry Eric entered and told them that Stephanie was having another therapy session with Taylor, but dismissed the effort as fruitless. When Thorne and Ridge shared their ideas with Eric on how to start over, Eric expressed a cynical and defeatist attitude. Eric said he doesn't want to start a new full-blown company; he'd prefer to focus on a high-quality limited line. Eric gave his blessing to Thorne and Ridge to take jobs elsewhere in the industry if they wanted. Thorne and Ridge rejected Eric's offer and declared their loyalty to Eric, who was moved by their love and support.

Thursday, November 30, 2006
Eric and Stephanie's "love fest" ended and they resumed their argument over selling Forrester. Stephanie accused Eric of being a pushover. As Eric stormed out, Stephanie tried to apologize. Eric passed Taylor on the way out the door and smirked at Taylor to help Stephanie. Ridge called Eric on his cell and asked him to stop by to discuss business. An irate Eric told Ridge he's in no mood right now because Stephanie is driving him crazy.

Taylor tried to help Stephanie again. Stephanie said she wanted to discuss her marriage, whereas Taylor wanted to discuss Stephanie's childhood. Stephanie remarked that she's afraid of losing her marriage. Taylor agreed that it's a real possibility and asked Stephanie what she's willing to do about it. Stephanie agreed to try therapy again and returned to Taylor's office with her. Taylor asked Stephanie to analyze her feelings. Stephanie identified them as rage and anger, then was surprised at how she characterized her feelings. Taylor tried to probe Stephanie about her childhood again. Stephanie said her childhood was very cut and dried, black and white; you either did something right or wrong and you knew it. Taylor asked Stephanie if she ever did anything wrong. Stephanie acknowledged her father and her younger sister, Pamela. Stephanie said she was a tomboy and definitely "her father's daughter." Taylor struck a nerve when she inquired about Stephanie's mother and Steph tried to change the subject. Taylor noted the disconnect between Stephanie's characterization of her childhood and the anger and rage she concedes that she harbors. Stephanie shared that her father was very strict. Stephanie had a flashback: As a young girl, she accidentally ripped the fabric on her father's pool table while trying to make a shot, and her father flipped out and beat her with his belt. Stephanie was upset by the recollection, and was bewildered by what happened to her back then. "How do you hit your own child?" she asked in disbelief.

Ridge and Brooke discussed Eric and Stephanie's problems. Brooke had some ideas for a new company and fashion line. Their business talk quickly turned to flirtatious seduction and the two made love. Eric visited Jackie and vented his anger over everything that's happened. Jackie expressed sympathy for Eric being booted out of Forrester Creations. Eric, in turn, expressed his apologies for what happened to her. Jackie said he had no reason to apologize — it should be Stephanie apologizing. Eric remarked how Stephanie is consumed by anger and rage and won't find peace until she undergoes some kind of self-examination.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006
At Forrester, Taylor asked Stephanie if she's avoiding her because she doesn't want to continue therapy. Stephanie denied she was avoiding therapy, even though Taylor said it's common for patients to back out of therapy when they start to cover uncomfortable territory. Stephanie had a flashback of being reprimanded harshly by her father when she was a young girl. Eric arrived to supervise the rest of the move. The movers hauled the Forrester's belongings out of their offices. Stephanie told Taylor she thinks Eric knows she is trying to work on her issues. Taylor warned Stephanie that she needs really do the work itself and not just get Eric to think so, if she's truly serious about saving her marriage to Eric. The rest of the clan arrived. Stephanie tearfully reminisced about their time together as a family and as a company. Stephanie thanked everyone for their sacrifices on her behalf, and apologized that things had to end this way. Stephanie and Eric hugged everyone as they all filed out of the office, leaving the two of them alone. Stephanie asked Eric for his forgiveness. Eric told Stephanie she is his wife, and he will never not forgive her. Stephanie told him she doesn't want their marriage to be over, and she's very proud to be his wife. They consoled each other as they left the executive suite and closed the door to it for the last time.

Over tea, Nick revealed to Jackie that he's now the owner of Forrester Creations, and that Brooke sided with the Forresters. Jackie was flabbergasted by Brooke's choice. Nick then told Jackie that he wants Bridget to work for him at the new Forrester Creations. Nick arrived at Forrester and surveyed his new domain. While he was sitting behind the CEO desk Bridget entered, and begged him not to do this. Bridget said he knows how sorry Stephanie is. Nick said sorry isn't enough this time. Nick asked her to work for him at Forrester. Nick told her with the baby coming he could give her flexible hours. Bridget said it won't be necessary — she lost the baby. A shocked Nick offered his condolences. Bridget rejected his overtures and said her place is with her family. Bridget asked if the honest and decent man she fell in love with still existed, and warned Nick not to lose himself in all of this. In the Forrester lobby, a saddened Eric addressed the staff and thanked them for their dedication, and vowed to reclaim their position in the fashion industry and to one day get the company back. Later that night, Stephanie returned to the Forrester offices and confronted Nick, warning him that he's made an enemy for life, one who understands his weakness: Brooke. As Nick and Stephanie traded barbs, Stephanie reached for the fireplace poker. She asked Nick what the "F" in the stained glass windows stands for now that he owns the company, and proceeded to smashed the windows. Nick vowed that until her dying day he will make sure that her company will always remain in his hands.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Brooke and Ridge were happy to wake up in each other's arms. After many kisses, they both reluctantly agreed they needed to start their day. Brooke headed downstairs and found Bridget, who was overdosing in self-pity. Brooke told her daughter she never stopped loving Ridge...just like Bridget would never stop loving Nick. (Elsewhere, Nick gave Donna a position at Forrester as main model and spokesperson.) Bridget assured her mother she didn't feel the way she used to about Nick. "He took our family company away," she reminded Brooke. Brooke told her child she knew she'd do the right thing and then left. Once alone, Bridget was surprised when Nick called to summon her to his house. She wasn't happy but agreed to see him. When she arrived, she berated Nick for his recent behavior. "I don't care what your family thinks, you matter to me," Nick wooed. He wanted to her to remain in his life somehow. "I can't," she said, and walked out.

Sally, Felicia and Eric shared memories of Forrester Creations. Later, while packing up, Eric was troubled with memories from his previous discussion with Stephanie. Ridge took his mind off of his problems when he arrived and announced he was back together with Brooke. "At least somebody in this family has a healthy relationship," Eric mused. (Editor's note: No comment.)

In her therapy session, Stephanie admitted to Dr. Taylor, "I'm scared to death, but I don't know why." Taylor got her to open up about her childhood, and Stephanie told stories about her mother, father and sister. She stated everything was wonderful and ordinary, "except my father always wanted a son." Taylor dug a little deeper and Stephanie shared about how while playing sports, her dad would play rough. Then Steph flashed back to a time where she spilled milk on the floor and her father went ballistic. When Taylor questioned the memory, Stephanie just shook her head, smiled and assured Taylor her childhood was no different from anyone else's.

Monday, November 27, 2006
At Forrester Creations, Stephanie attacked Eric once she learned he signed the company over. She was beyond furious. "Never will I forgive you of this! Not while I draw breath!" Eric defended himself, stating he did what he did to protect her and because he still loved her. When she couldn't see that, it was Eric's turn to lash out. He claimed they'd been nothing but partners all their years of marriage, not lovers. Eric opened up, stating he wished he could have gotten into her heart. "I do care," she assured him. "And I certainly don't want you feeling like you're alone in this marriage." Eric wished he could believe that, but he couldn't. He worked so hard to be a good father, friend and husband, but he failed time after time. Regardless, he could look in the mirror and not hate the person he saw. He didn't believe she could do that. When she assured him she loved him, he yelled, "Then why can't you show it?!" As Eric started to leave, Stephanie stopped him. "I don't want to lose you," she opened up. "Who else would have me?" Then she shocked Eric by thanking him for selling the company. Eric smiled and told her he'd see her at home. Once alone, Stephanie phoned Taylor. Yup, folks, she's finally seeking professional help.

Nick flashed back to Brooke walking out on him, but Donna walked up and brought him back to reality. Donna respected Nick for finally putting Stephanie in her place and offered to stand by his side with the business. However, she couldn't help but wonder if he was still hoping Brooke would "see the light" and come back to him. After Donna's pep talk, Nick boasted: "I've got to treat this company like it's my own."

Brooke, Ridge, Hope and RJ gathered as a family to read a fairy tale bedtime story. Ridge noted that sometimes fairy tales even happen in real life. After tucking the kids in, Brooke and Ridge were joyful over finding their love again and celebrated with what was sure to be a love fest of a night.

2005 recaps