Episode 4, originally published 27-Oct-96

Prize Surprises, Sir!

Nikki and Josh attend a small, formal costume party thrown by Katherine Chancellor. As with most Genoa City parties, odd arrangements of cast members find reasons to attend, fill space, and pretend to get along. The men wear tuxes, the women hoop dresses (Nikki's a familiar daisy print that was probably a tablecloth on some recent day), and all wear masks or carry them on thin staffs. As they enter the party and move around, Joshua's eye catches on something that freezes him in his tracks. Nikki, immediately aware of Joshua's sudden change, asks "What is it? You look like you've seen a ghost." Joshua insists that it is nothing, but asks if she could "wait here a moment" because there's a small matter he needs to attend to. He will be right back. Nikki, well familiar with the drill, nods and watches as Josh pushes his way into the cluster of party attendees who have arranged themselves into what appears to be a large crowd in exactly the direction Josh wants to go.

Mary has made dinner for Paul and Christine. She grumbles as she serves it up that there are empty places at the table which Paul and Christine should be trying to fill. Paul stands as if he is going to say something and then grabs Cricket by the wrist and practically yanks her out of the chair, leaving the room in a huff. But he hasn't left for the front door and soon we hear huffing and puffing and bumping and grinding noises from immediately offstage as Mary sits alone trying to eat without being distracted by the swaying of the chandelier and the way her glass of wine keeps moving around the table with every thump. A few moments later, both emerge from the bathroom and sit themselves back at the table. After what can only be described as a pregnant pause, Paul glares at his mother and asks "Any other topics of conversation you'd like to suggest, mother?"

Kut to Katherine's Kastle where Kurt-with-a-K Kostner's in the Kitchen. Joshua enters purposefully and the two lock glances. "Hi, guy..." says Kurt. "I suppose you expect me to say the same to you," Josh replies kurtly. "What ARE you doing here?" Josh continues. "Well, I was just passing through town. Wanted to check up on you, so I was scouting out the rich folks houses to see if you'd found a nest for yourself yet," Kurt chuckles. "I'm happy and settled, thank you. Now be on your way." Kurt smiles mischievously, "With a REAL woman this time, I do hope you checked. You were so disappointed on our wedding night, I thought for sure you were going to drown me right there in the bathtub." Josh glares back. "Oh, don't worry. After you, I've taken to checking really thoroughly before I get involved. Now will you just get gone before--" But the kitchen door kreaks open and Katherine kackles, "Ah, I see you've met my new groundskeeper."

At Mary's, the Bugs are again chatting amiably with Mary. Ding Dong. It's April, who's finally told Heather about her real father. "Heather wanted to come visit dad Paul and gramma Mary," April explains. Mary invites them in. As they are about to sit back down, the doorbell rings again. Mary goes again and opens it. "Patty?" she asks as if unsure. "Very funny, Grandma. I'm Matty, Patty's daughter, and these are your great grandchildren. Patty and my brothers are parking the car--they'll be here soon." Mary goes to get folding chairs from a closet to seat them. The doorbell again. "We'll get it, Mom, it's probably Patty," Paul shouts as he and Cricket head for the door. It's a man Paul's age. Paul turns guiltily to Cricket. "Uh, did I ever mention to you that I had a brother? This is Steve, and this must be his wife and their--uh-- triplets." All exchange hugs and are about to head into the house when they are interrupted by the voice of Carl from behind. "Hey, any hugs left for your old father?" he asks. "And these are the children I've had while I was away--their mothers were all killed in tragic police incidents." He points to a carload of seven little munchkins. ANOTHER doorbell. This one is different than before and keeps ringing. Fade to Mary, prone on the couch mumbling "No, no, no, there just aren't enough chairs!" as she realizes she's been dreaming. It's Paul at the door. He forgot his sweater after dinner. Mary apologizes for having given him such a hard time about children and adds "Actually, it's no hurry at all really." Paul looks perplexed but grateful. "Whatever you say, Mom."

Victor is at his apartment sulking. Victoria enters, "Dad? Are you still sad about what I said about you and Mommy?" Victor looks resolute. "About Nikki? No, she has evidently made her choice and I am no longer important to her. And now, my daughter, you have taken up with a punk." "Oh, Daddy," Victoria says, "I never meant to hurt you. I love you Daddy." She gives him a big hug, burying her face in his shoulder so the camera can get a good view of her tears from the other side. "And I love you too, my sweetheart," he explains. He draws her back and holds her face in his fingertips so that they are eye to eye. "Don't you see that? Don't you know that family is the most important thing to me? Ryan is not worthy of you ... not like I am." He kisses her-- deeply! And after a confused moment she returns the kiss. Then, just as suddenly she draws back, realizing what she has done, "Oh, Daddy, what are we going to do?" "Listen to me," he says, "this family is full of secrets. Your brother and I share secrets all the time." She gives him a queer look as he continues mumbling, "This will be our secret--yours and mine, ahright?"

That's all for this episode. Hope you learned something. Don't miss Episode 5!
If you missed any older episodes, see the index.

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