EPISODE 34: MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2010

Episode 34 – Monday, December 20, 2010

DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK: http://yrfanfic.110mb.com/Episode34-12-20-2010.doc

Scene 1

Nicholas and Phyllis Newman are preparing for the custody hearing of their nephew, Reed Hellstrom, set to take place later that morning. “I’ll tell you, it sure does bring back memories,” Phyllis confides in her husband, “First of my son’s custody hearing… the one where he was ripped away from me. And second, of Kyle’s custody hearing. Where I was raked over the coals again over everything that happened with Daniel.” “You know, you don’t have to go,” Nick tells his wide. “No, I want to,” Phyllis decides, “I think it’s important to show my support to Victoria, seeing as I know how hard it is for a mother to go through.” “So are we going together then?” Nick asks. “Actually, I’m gonna drop Summer off with Gabby,” Phyllis answers, “That way, she can spend the day with Reed.” “And I actually have to stop by the office first,” Nick responds, “so I’ll meet you there.” He gives Phyllis a kiss on the cheek and heads out the door.

Scene 2

Victoria Newman and her lawyer Michael Baldwin are already at the Court House. “Just relax,” Michael reminds Victoria, “Remember what I told you… you’ll do fine.” “Are you sure about that?” Victoria asks, her confidence clearly shaken. “Yes, as long as you control yourself,” Michael tells her, “Listen to me, Victoria… You have got to come across as rational, responsible… JT and Alex, and probably Mackenzie, are going to be saying things about you, to make you come across as irresponsible… or even unfit. But you cannot let that get to you. You cannot have any outbursts. You remain calm until it is our turn to present our side of the story. This is what we’ve been working towards for months. Now let me do my job. Do you understand?”

Suddenly, JT Hellstrom approaches Victoria and Michael. “Michael, can we have a minute?” he requests. Michael hesitates a moment. He looks at Victoria, who subtly nods. “Sure, just don’t kill each other,” Michael replies.

“A part of me thought you might have changed your mind, but here we are,” Victoria states. This angers JT. “Well, you know what, Victoria? I actually was thinking of working this out with you yesterday and avoiding the hearing,” he informs her, “but I don’t like to see you passed out on the couch in some guy’s trailer. That really shows me what a responsible parent you are!” “It wasn’t some guy’s trailer!” Victoria snaps, “It was Billy’s trailer. Your friend Billy.” “What business do you have with Billy?” JT asks, “You two hate each other!” “Maybe you don’t know all there is to know about me anymore,” Victoria tells her ex and she storms away. JT has a confused look on his face. “What’s that supposed to mean?” he asks aloud.

Scene 3

Inside the courtroom, Michael and Alex Perez take a moment to size each other up. “Well, are you ready for what could be one of the ugliest battles you’ve seen in a long time?” Alex asks. “I’m definitely feeling the pressure,” Michael admits. “I remember what it’s like to work for the Newmans,” Alex comments. “Frustrating, demanding, totally exhausting,” Michael lists, “but it has its benefits too.” “As long as you’re able to come through for them,” Alex adds. “Which I will…,” Michael insists. “Don’t be so sure of yourself,” Alex tells him.

Michael laughs. “Did I mention how happy I am that you’re back in town?” he finally says. “Are you trying to butter me up so that I go easy on you?” Michael smirks. “Would that work?” he asks, but Alex doesn’t answer. “Just don’t make me look too bad in there,” Michael requests. “I’ll try,” Alex responds.

JT comes inside. “JT,” Alex calls out as he approaches him, “Where’s Mackenzie?” “She’ll be here,” JT informs his lawyer, “I’m still not crazy about involving her in this…” “Because of the stress it could cause to the babies?” Alex asks. “Yeah,” JT nods. “I understand your concerns, but Mackenzie’s testimony is extremely important to your case,” Alex emphasizes, “She knows that. You know that. And Michael knows that…” “Well, like I said, she’ll be here,” JT repeats. “Good,” Alex says, “Now come and take a seat. The judge should be here in any minute…”

Scene 4

Victor and Nikki Newman arrive at the Court House and approach Victoria. “Mom, Dad,” Victoria greets them with a hug, “Thanks for coming.” “My sweetheart, you know we’ll always be here to support you,” Victor assures his daughter, “I promised you that you would leave this courtroom with Reed and I intend to keep that promise.”

“Speaking of Reed, where is our grandson?” Nikki inquires. “With Gabby,” Victoria answers, “I didn’t want him exposed to any of this.” “No, of course not,” Nikki answers.

Michael peaks his head outside of the courtroom door. “Victor, Nikki… hi. Are you all coming inside?” he asks, “We should be starting soon.” “Alright,” Victor nods, as he and Nikki head for the door. Michael holds it open for them and then turns to Victoria, who is walking behind her parents. “You think about one thing only when you are in there and that’s Reed,” Michael reminds her. “That’s all I have been thinking about,” Victoria insists. She glances around and sees Roseanne Ryerson, the Guardian Ad Litem, entering the Court House. They exchange looks.

“Victoria, come on,” Michael urges her. “No, there’s something I have to do first,” Victoria says. She walks over to Roseanne.

Scene 5

Jeffrey and Gloria Bardwell are at Crimson Lights Coffee House. “What about a Valentine’s Day wedding?” Gloria asks her fiancé, “or is that too cliché?” “Whatever you want, Snookums,” Jeffrey replies.

At the counter, Jack Abbott is waiting for his order of coffee. He sees Gloria and Jeffrey. Gloria spots him immediately. “Jack, how very nice to see you again,” she calls out, trying to ruffle his feathers. Jack approaches them. “Gloria, how very unpleasant to see you again,” Jack quips. “Oh, don’t worry, Jack,” Gloria continues, “Even your clever little comments aren’t enough to get me down on a day like today. Why don’t you pull up a seat and celebrate with us?” “And what joyous news are you two celebrating?” Jack asks out of obligation. He clearly has no real interest. “Gloria and I are engaged to be married again,” Jeffrey reveals as Gloria proudly shows off her ring. Jack nods. “My condolences,” he says sarcastically.

Scene 6

At the Court House, Victoria approaches Roseanne. I hope you’re prepared to recant your statements,” Victoria says coldly, “after Michael proves everything you said about me wrong.” Roseanne remains calm. “I’ve already made my recommendations. Whether or not the judge agrees depends on you, Victoria, not me,” she replies, “Know that with every word you say, if you say the wrong thing, it could cost you your son…” “In your dreams,” Victoria says with conviction. She turns away and heads into the courtroom.

Roseanne turns away and Phyllis, who has just arrived at the Court Room, bumps into her. “Oh, excuse me!” Phyllis apologizes, “I’m so sorry… that was my fault.” “Don’t worry about it,” Roseanne replies, a strange smile on her face, “No harm done.” Phyllis hurries off.

“Yes, it was your fault, Phyllis,” Roseanne whispers aloud now that she’s alone, “but I’ll pay you back. Sooner than you think…”

Scene 7

Nick has just arrived at the Court House parking lot. He gets out of his car and opens the trunk so that he can store his briefcase. Suddenly, a vehicle pulls up beside him and a group of men jump out. “What the hell…?” Nick manages to say as two of the men accost him. One of them grabs Nick from behind and places a cloth over his mouth so that he can’t shout for help. The two men struggle with Nick, eventually getting him into the trunk of their car. They jump back into their vehicle and drive off before anyone has any idea what just happened…

Scene 8

Noah Newman is on a mission. He’s at Walnut Grove Academy, intent on dealing with the news that his girlfriend Eden Gerick cheated on him with his nemesis Kyle Abbott.

“Have you seen Kyle?” Noah asks a random classmate. “Yeah, he’s out at the oak tree at the front of the school,” the classmate replies. “Thanks,” Noah says as he heads off in that direction.

Noah approaches Kyle Abbott from behind. He taps him on the shoulder. Kyle turns around and without warning, Noah punches him in the eye.

Scene 9

Back at the Court House, Alex and JT take a seat on the plaintiff’s side of the courtroom. “We should be starting any time,” Alex informs JT, “How do you feel?” “A little nervous,” JT admits, “But the law’s on my side. I’ve already won custody of Reed before… and with you defending me…” Alex laughs. “Right answer,” she says, “Believe me, you haven’t seen nothin’ yet until I play my Trump Card.” “It’s that good?” JT asks her. “Trust me, it’s damn good,” Alex confirms.

The bailiff enters the courtroom. “All rise,” she speaks, “Court’s in session. Come to order, please…” The judge follows and gets right to the point: “Ms. Perez, let’s begin with your opening statement,” he says, “Tell me what this case is all about…”

Alex stands up. “Your Honor, this is a case about a father. A father who’s concerned about the well-being of his son, so concerned that he feels he has no choice but to file for sole custody. Your Honor, during these proceedings, we intend to show that, through a series of events that we will describe here, the child’s mother, Ms. Victoria Newman, has proven herself to be rash and irresponsible, and incapable of putting the needs of her son ahead of her own selfish desires. Furthermore, as a result of Ms. Newman’s inability to adequately provide for her son, Mr. Hellstrom, not Ms. Newman, always has been and to this day remains the child’s primary caregiver.

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. And in this case, the power, the wealth, the image, associated with the Newman name has corrupted Victoria Newman’s ability to be an effective parent for her son. That’s why we are certain that, Your Honor, you will do what’s in the best interests of the child, and what Roseanne Ryerson, the Guardian Ad Litem assigned to this case, has already recommended – you will grant sole custody of Reed Hellstrom to his father, Jeffrey Todd Hellstrom.”

Scene 10

Gloria approaches Ryder at the front counter. “You’re really working hard today,” she states, noting how busy the Coffee House is. “Yeah, the tips are really helping,” Ryder informs her, “Plus, Kevin’s given me some extra shifts. Money’s been tight lately… I’m trying to get out of that dump motel room, but I still can’t afford anything else.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Gloria tells him, “But I know a way to solve your problems…” “You do?” Ryder asks. “Yes,” Gloria repeats, “Why don’t you move in with Jeffrey and me?”

Scene 11

Meanwhile, Michael is beginning his opening statement in the courtroom.

“This is not a case of a father simply trying to protect his son,” Michael argues, “No, that’s not it at all. This is a case of a father trying to erase his son’s history. If I may, let me relate the situation to one of our not-so-proud moments in American history…”

Alex interferes. “Objection! Your Honor, is this an opening statement or a history lesson?” she asks. “Mr. Baldwin, get to the point,” the judge orders. “Getting there, Your Honor,” Michael informs the judge. “Get there fast,” the judge orders.

“Well, as you know, I’m sure, tens of thousands of American Indians were removed from their homes, taken away from their families, and sent to residential boarding schools where they were essentially stripped of their identities and cultures. The idea was to kill the Indian within the child, but save the man. And Mr. Hellstrom’s actions as of late show that his agenda is one and the same: to kill the Newman within the child.”

“Objection!” Alex shouts again. “Overruled,” the judge decides, “I want to hear what Mr. Baldwin has to say.” “Thank you, Your Honor,” Michael says, “As I was saying, Mr. Hellstrom’s filing for full custody is nothing less than a blatant attempt to ‘de-Newmanize’ his son by taking him away from his mother and the Newman family, who has been the only loving extended family the boy has known… That’s right… It seems to me that Jeffrey Todd Hellstrom is trying to deny his son a right to his heritage – his Newman heritage.”

“…And at the conclusion of these proceedings, we are certain that you will agree that what we have here is nothing more than a case of a bitter father, angry about all the luxuries that the Newmans can provide his son that he can’t, angry about all that wealth that he lost when he and my client divorced…”

Scene 12

At the Coffee House, Ryder responds to Gloria’s invitation to move to the Penthouse with her and Jeffrey. “Mrs. Bardwell,” he begins. “Gloria, please…,” she interrupts him. “Gloria, look, I appreciate the offer, but I’m not gonna move in with you,” Ryder explains, “You just got engaged… You have your wedding to plan… I mean, you have enough to worry about already. You don’t need to look after me.” “Nonsense, I insist,” Gloria pushes. “No, I insist,” Ryder says, “Gloria, you’re not my mother… stop acting like you are.”

Scene 13

Phyllis casually steps out of the courtroom into the foyer. She dials a number on her cell phone. “Nick, baby, where are you?” she asks quietly, “The hearing has already started… I thought you would be here by now…”

She then hangs up and dials another number. Jack answers. He’s still at the Coffee House. “Hey, Jack! Um, listen, you haven’t, by any chance, seen Nick, have you?” Phyllis asks. “No, I haven’t,” Jack answers, “Why? Is everything okay?” “He was supposed to make it to the Court House,” Phyllis explains, “But he hasn’t shown up.” “Oh, that’s right. Reed’s custody hearing’s today…,” Jack realizes. “Yeah, and you know how close Nick and Victoria are,” Phyllis continues, “That’s why it’s not like him to miss something as important as this.” “Don’t get worried yet,” Jack tries to reassure her, “I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.” “Yeah, I hope so,” Phyllis replies, “But if you do see him…” “Yep, I’ll let him know,” Jack agrees, already knowing what Phyllis is going to say. “Thanks, Jack,” Phyllis responds appreciatively. “Anytime, Red,” Jack says.

Scene 14

A dark abandoned warehouse. Nick is tied up in a chair, struggling to free himself. “Help! I need help!” he shouts at the top of his lungs, “Anybody! Help me!” He continues to try to loosen his hands. “I can’t believe this is happening to me! Today of all days, when Vick needs me,” he says aloud, “I gotta get out of here… What is this about? What the hell am I doing here? Where the hell am I? Answer me!!” He realizes that he won’t be able to unit himself. “Help! Help! Damn it!” he curses, “Nobody? Help!”

Scene 15

Meanwhile, inside the Coffee House, Abby Carlton approaches the front counter to get a cup of coffee. Ryder comes out of the back room to take her order. There is an awkward silence when they notice each other. “Hi,” Ryder says tentatively. “Hi,” Abby replies, waiting to see what Ryder says next. “What can I get for you?” he asks. That’s not the response Abby wanted. “Is this what we’ve become?” she asks, “That’s all we are to each other? Just strangers?”

“What do you want me to say? That I saw the pictures of you and Ricky in Restless Style?” Ryder admits, “I’m sure that’s what you were hoping.” He’s clearly upset. “So what? You don’t want me, but nobody else can have me either, is that it?” Abby snaps. “Yes! No… I don’t know!” Ryder stutters.

“If you’d have me, I’d drop Ricky in a second, and you know I would,” Abby confesses, “But I’m not gonna wait around forever for you to grow a brain and realize how much I want to be with you, so you brought this all upon yourself. If you want to blame someone, look in the mirror.” Ryder is speechless. “You don’t wanna talk and I don’t have time to talk,” she says, “I’m on my way to the Court House. I’m already late… so keep the change. Consider that my Christmas present to you. If you won’t take my affection, at least take my money…” She throws a large bill in his face and runs out of the Coffee House.

Scene 16

At Walnut Grove, Kyle recollects himself after Noah’s punch. “Do you really wanna start with me?” he asks Noah. “I didn’t start this. You did,” Noah retorts, “by insulting my mom, and now by sleeping with my girlfriend!” “She was askin’ for it,” Kyle brags, “and after I finished with her, she probably couldn’t even remember who you are. I have that effect on girls…”

“Do you want a black eye in the other eye too?” Noah asks, “Because I can arrange it.” “No, you had to catch me off-guard to get that first shot in ‘cause you know you don’t stand a chance now,” Kyle trash-talks. “Yeah, right,” Noah replies. “Oh, really? Then come on, Newman,” Kyle urges him, “Show me what you got.”

Noah takes a step forward. “I’ve whooped you twice already, and I can do it a third time,” Kyle tells him, “I’m sure we can find another window for you to go through…” “This time it’ll be you going through a window,” Noah promises. “Are you sure about that?” Kyle taunts him and the two of them lunge at each other and resume fighting.

Scene 17

Abby quietly sneaks into the Court House and takes a seat behind Victor. JT’s girlfriend, Mackenzie Browning, follows, looking very pregnant…

JT is up on the witness stand. “Are you Jeffrey Todd Hellstrom, the plaintiff in this case?” Alex asks. “Yes,” JT confirms. “And where do you live?” Alex follows up. “You mean, my address, or…?” JT clarifies. “Your living arrangements… is it a house, apartment…?” “Yeah, it’s an apartment,” JT answers, “It’s not The Ranch, but it’s in a nice neighbourhood; we’ve got a park right across the street…” “Sounds like a lovely place to raise a child,” Alex comments, “and let me just clarify… it’s only the two of you, you and your son, living in this apartment? Is that right?” “That’s right, although my girlfriend, Mackenzie Browning, spends quite a bit of time with us,” JT admits. “And there’s enough room for the three of you in that one apartment?” Alex questions. “Definitely,” JT says, “Reed has his own room and there’s still an extra bedroom on top of that.”

Scene 18

Gloria rejoins Jeffrey at his table in the Coffee House. “What was that I saw going on between the two of you up there?” Jeffrey questions Gloria. “I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about,” Gloria answers coyly. “The conversation looked pretty intense,” Jeffrey states. “Alright… I asked Ryder to move in with us,” Gloria admits. “You what?” Jeffrey reacts. “That’s right! He needs a real place to stay,” Gloria insists, “The Penthouse has an extra room. It’s never used unless Fen’s staying over. It’d be perfect for Ryder.” “We are supposed to be restarting our life together. Just the two of us,” Jeffrey says, “I don’t want your ex’s bastard son hanging around.” “Jeffrey, he’s been trying so hard to turn his life around,” Gloria defends Ryder, “And he has no one. Imagine if no one had been willing to give my Kevin a second chance…” “Not my problem!” Jeffrey shuts her down. Gloria pouts. “You get your wish, for now…,” she tells her fiance, “Ryder turned me down. For exactly the reasons that you said…” “He’s smarter than I thought,” Jeffrey comments.

“Anyway, I was thinking about our honeymoon, Sugarlips,” Jeffrey changes the subject, “What would you think about a two-week cruise of the Bahamas?” “No, I won’t do that,” Gloria immediately shoots down the idea. “And why the heck not?” Jeffrey questions. “Because John and I first got married on a cruise!” Gloria answers, getting emotional. Jeffrey shakes his head. “I’m not gonna go through another round of this John Abbott nonsense with you,” he informs his fiancée. “It’s not nonsense!” Gloria shouts. “You better think long and hard about what you want, Gloworm,” Jeffrey tells her, “Do you want some ghost or do you want the real thing? Because if you continue to pine away for your dead husband, I’m outta here, and you know from the face cream, Sweetcheeks, that I don’t make empty threats.”

Jack, who is now out on the patio, sees Gloria and Jeffrey having a dispute. Jeffrey gets up and storms out of the Coffee House.

Scene 19

By now, a crowd has assembled around Noah and Kyle as they continue to fight one another. Both have bloody lips and noses. “You could have had any girl in this school… any girl in Genoa City,” Noah finally says as he takes a break to catch his breath, “Why did you have to pick Eden when you know she’s with me?” “That’s exactly why I did it!” Kyle admits, “And let me tell you, once you go Abbott, you don’t ever go back.” After that comment, Noah lunges at Kyle again.

A middle-aged man gets in between the two teenagers to break them up. “Both of you… my office!” the principal orders, “Now!!”

Scene 20

In the courtroom, Phyllis checks her cell phone for any messages. “Still nothing from Nick,” she whispers.

Across the room, Roseanne is watching Phyllis, who is clearly anxious. Roseanne steps out of the courtroom and makes a phone call. “Is it finished?” she asks an unknown man. It’s one of the kidnappers. “We have him,” the man informs her. “Good,” Roseanne says, “Keep him there until I say so.” She hangs up.

“This should keep Phyllis occupied for a while,” she says aloud, a big smirk across her face.

Scene 21

Back in the courtroom, Michael prepares to cross-examine JT. “Mr. Baldwin, your witness…,” the judge says. Michael stands up and approaches the bench.

“Mr. Hellstrom, how long have we known each other?” Michael inquires, catching JT off-guard. “About 10-11 years,” JT estimates. “And we have mutual friends, acquaintances… would you say that’s true?” Michael follows up. “Yes,” JT acknowledges. “And we attend the same events, parties, social gatherings?” Michael continues. JT nods. “Occasionally,” he answers. Michael nods. “Occasionally?” he repeats, “That’s interesting. Because in all of that time, the 10-11 years that we’ve known each other and crossed paths around town, at social events, and such, I’ve never once heard you talk about your family. Or even mention them.” “Your Honor,” Alex interjects, “Defense cannot draw conclusions based solely on his own interactions with my client.” The judge glances at Michael, who relents.

“I’ll rephrase,” Michael agrees, “Mr. Hellstrom, do you ever discuss your family with your close friends?” “Not really,” JT admits. “And why is that?” Michael probes. “We’re not very close,” JT says. “Why don’t you tell us who you’re not very close to… is it your mother? Your father? Who?” Michael demands. “My parents,” JT answers, “Tom and Martha Hellstrom, and my younger sister, DJ.” “So if you aren’t close to your parents and your sister, how does that affect your son? Has he been allowed to develop any kind of relationship with his grandparents and his aunt?”

Scene 22

Jeffrey has just left the Coffee House. Jack takes the opportunity to approach Gloria and gloat. “Trouble in paradise?” he asks, a big smirk across his face. “Oh, Jack, nothing for you to worry about, that’s for sure,” Gloria replies, trying to keep her cool. “Hmm, of all your husbands, Jeffrey seems to be the lucky one,” Jack continues, “So far he’s the only husband of yours who’s managed to escape unharmed… and alive. I don’t know why he’s taking his chances by marrying you again.” “Jeffrey loves me,” Gloria states matter-of-factly. “Are you sure about that?” Jack questions, He didn’t look too lovestruck when you two were fighting just now.” “We always fight. That’s what brought us together in the first place,” Gloria explains, “It’s our relationship…” “Well, I hope he comes to his senses,” Jack says, “Because you are certainly not worth dying for.”

Scene 23

Michael continues to cross-examine JT. “They talk on the phone,” JT says, in response to Michael’s question about how often his parents see Reed, “They send cards and money for holidays.” “When is the last time your son has seen your parents?” Michael follows up. JT hesitates. “It’s been a while,” he admits. “How long is a while?” Michael asks, “A month? Six months? A year?” “Closer to a year,” JT confesses, a hint of frustration and worry in his voice.

“And you think that’s healthy for your son?” Michael asks, sounding harsh. “It is what it is,” JT answers, not wanting to give Michael any more leverage. “You’re right, Mr. Hellstrom,” Michael begins, “It is what it is… it’s irresponsible, to be perfectly honest.”

“Your Honor!” Alex shouts. “No, I’m sorry, Your Honor, but if Mr. Hellstrom is allowing his personal feelings towards his family to interfere with his son’s ability to have a strong, healthy relationship with his grandparents and his aunt, then that’s irresponsible,” Michael insists. “Do you have anything else, Mr. Baldwin?” the judge asks.

“Actually I do, Your Honor.” Michael answers as he turns back to JT, “Not only are you intentionally keeping your son from knowing his grandparents and aunt on your side of the family, but now you also want to keep him from his mother and her side of the family too? Do you want your son all to yourself, Mr. Hellstrom?” “Objection!” Alex interferes yet again, “We’ve already established Mr. Hellstrom’s reasons for making this request.” Michael smirks. “I’ll withdraw the question, Your Honor…,” Michael concedes, “I think we already know the real answer…”

And with that, JT walks back to his seat on the plaintiff’s side of the courtroom. As he does so, Victoria and Victor both stare at him, daggers in their eyes. Alex and Michael glare at each other. Roseanne is fixed on Phyllis. The battle is far from over… In fact, it’s only just begun…



Next Time on The Young and The Restless

The opening speeches are finished and JT has been cross-examined but the custody case is far from over. The battle heats up as Mackenzie and Victoria take the stand and shocking revelations threaten to shake things up more than expected.

The story continues Monday, December 27th.

DIRECT DOWNLOAD LINK: http://yrfanfic.110mb.com/Episode34-12-20-2010.doc

DISCLAIMER: This alternate reality story is intended as a fan fiction and is not affiliated with CBS, Sony, The Young and the Restless or any of their sponsors or affiliates.