Taylor was devastated to learn that homeless Frank Gorshin had died of tuberculosis. Ridge tried to calm her down but she was a big chocolate mess. What to do? What to do? Of course, go to the 24 hour HIV, sonogram and TB testing clinic and visit evil Dr. Wilson. Ol' Sawbones listened as Taylor told of her encounter with the Riddler. He told her that the chances of her contracting the disease from such limited contact were very slight. Taylor wanted to anticipate the worst and asked how the disease could affect her unborn children. Dr. Wilson told Ridge and Taylor drug therapies could help if anyone were infected. Taylor said she wouldn't take strong drugs until her children were born. Ridge gave Taylor a pep talk and told her to think positive thoughts. Now there's an idea!

Brooke prepared her overnight bag for her trip to Big Bear in her office. Stephanie was about to pounce from behind the changing screen when Megan came back to Brooke's office to give her the keys to the cabin. Foiled again, thought Stephanie.

Brooke arrived at the cabin and started a fire in anticipation of Thorne's arrival. Thorne phoned and told Brooke he wouldn't be coming to join her. He also warned her that his mother knew the truth about their relationship. Thorne suggested that Brooke stay at the cabin for a couple of days until Stephanie cooled off.

But Stephanie had heard Megan and Brooke discuss the cabin while hiding behind the changing screen. Stephanie jumped in her car and headed to Bit Bear to confront her nemesis. As she drove, it started to rain, thunder and lightening. Can you say ominous and foreboding? As the rain poured on her windshield Stephanie remembered all the evil things Brooke had done to her family and all the times Brooke had gloated about them. (We were treated to many flashbacks utilizing clips from several years ago. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane. It also served as a cavalcade of Katherine Kelly Lang's hairstyles through the years.) Stephanie told herself that Brooke had attacked her family for the last time. It would end that very night. Stephanie called Eric on her cell phone and told him she had been thinking about how happy their years married to each other had been. She told her ex-husband that she still loved him and always would. Eric asked where she was, but she hung up before telling him.

At the cabin, Brooke heard a knock on the door. She assumed it was Thorne. As the knocking became more insistent and aggravated she asked who it was. When there was no answer she looked out the window and came face to face with an irate Stephanie. Brooke screamed in horror at the sight of Stephanie soaked like a drowned rat.

Kimberly knocked on Brooke's front door. She told herself she had to say something to Brooke about trying to steal Thorne from her sister, Macy. Rick answered the door and explained that he had come over to drop something off for Bridget (whom we conveniently didn't see.) Rick told Kimberly that his mother wasn't home. He thought she might be on a date, although he didn't know in whom she was interested. Kimberly pumped Rick for information on the mystery man but backed off when he asked why she had come to talk to Brooke. Kimberly covered that she wanted to discuss her modeling career. Kimberly then noticed a framed photo of Brooke and Thorne. (The photo was taken on the bed in Brooke's office. Don't you kind of wonder who took that photo since no one knew the two of them were an item?) When Kimberly asked about the photo, Rick told her Thorne and Brooke had been friends for years. He wasn't surprised that his mother had a photo of her best friend. Rick told Kimberly that she was his best friend. Kimberly was touched and told Rick it was amazing he had turned out so well. She left him with a kiss on the cheek.

Thorne tried to call Stephanie from his office but couldn't reach her anywhere. Megan entered and was surprised Thorne had not yet left for Big Bear. Thorne deduced that Megan knew the truth. She admitted that Brooke had told her about the relationship. Megan told Thorne not to give up on Brooke. Megan said that Brooke was finally happy. Thorne had helped Brooke get over Ridge. Megan explained that women want a man who can be their friend - and Brooke had found that in Thorne.

Meanwhile, at the cabin, Stephanie demanded Brooke let her inside. Brooke was visibly frightened and told Stephanie she wouldn't let her in until she calmed down. Stephanie disappeared from the window. Brooke was frightened out of her wits when she heard a window break in the bedroom. She assumed it was Stephanie breaking in so Brooke ran out the front door only to run right into Stephanie! Ouch!

Stephanie, soaked to the bone, stormed into the house and read Brooke the riot act. Stephanie wasn't happy that Brooke had turned the cabin into her "personal bordello." Stephanie picked up a fire place poker and smashed the champagne bottle and glasses Brooke had set out for Thorne. Brooke offered to leave but Stephanie wouldn't let her. Brooke explained she had not seduced Thorne, he wanted her. At that sentence, Stephanie punched (not slapped, but punched with a closed fist) Brooke on the chin. Brooke tumbled over the couch and landed on the floor.

"He wants you like a $2.00 hooker." Stephanie taunted. She continued her assault on Brooke by telling her she would never hurt the Forrester family again - not after tonight. She wouldn't hurt Eric, Ridge or Thorne again. She also told Brooke she was a horrible example for Rick and Bridget. Brooke was nothing but a whore and she had to be stopped.

Brooke ran for the door but Stephanie stopped her. She reached up and began to choke Brooke with her bare hands! Brooke was terrified and smashed a nearby vase on Stephanie's shoulder. It didn't seem phase Steph in the slightest as she continued to strangle Brooke!

Such drama! I love it. I love it. Why can't tomorrow come sooner?

Tawny changed Little Eric's diaper and we were treated to yet another view of the incriminating heart-shaped birthmark on his hiney. Amber told her mother that she loved her perfect life with Rick but worried that that Becky might someday see the birthmark and learn the truth. Amber then explained her plan to get Becky a job with Forrester International in Paris (she was sure to specify that it was Paris, France.) Tawny wasn't sure that Becky could make it in Paris. Becky just wasn't sophisticated enough. Amber agreed, but knew she couldn't let Becky get too comfortable in Los Angeles. Becky returned from her date with CJ. (My, it's been a long night. I had forgotten this was the same night when Amber and Rick had been to gone to Café Ruse.) Becky was on Cloud 9. She told her cousin and aunt she and CJ had really hit it off. They had so much in common. Amber expressed surprise at that fact. Becky said she and CJ had gone to a fancy restaurant (Mannequins?) and then gone "clubbing." That's funny, I don't recall them going clubbing. Much to Amber's chagrin, Becky exclaimed how much she loved LA! Oh oh, now she'll never get rid of her cousin.

Eric showed up at Stephanie's house looking for her. Helen, the new housekeeper (where the heck is Connie?), told Mr. Forrester she had no idea where the lady of the house could be. Eric pondered the telephone call he had received from Stephanie earlier and worried about where she was. Eric looked over the framed family photos in Stephanie's living room. (Oh, that was a treat. First he looked at a photo of the entire family. Windsor Harmon's head was so obviously superimposed over one of the other actor's faces that had played Thorne it was laughable. Next we saw a cheesy photo from a point-and-shoot camera of Ridge and Taylor's wedding. Wouldn't a family with as much money as the Forresters hire a professional photographer for a big event like a wedding? I think they would.) Eric thought about how much Stephanie loved her family and how she'd do anything to protect it. (If you only knew how far she'd go, big guy.) Helen came back and told Eric how Stephanie had often told her about the good times when Eric and Stephanie were raising their children? (What? Stephanie has little heart-to-heart chats with her new maid? I highly doubt it.) Eric told Helen not to worry. He knew Stephanie would be all right.

At the cabin in Big Bear, Stephanie continued to strangle Brooked and made her beg for her life. Brooke passed out. Stephanie relented and released Brooke. Brooke came around and called Stephanie crazy. Stephanie agreed that Brooke had driven her crazy. Stephanie seemed disoriented but stupid Brooke couldn't leave well enough alone. She taunted Stephanie and told her she and Thorne loved each other. That infuriated Stephanie all over again and she lunged for Ms. Logan. Luckily, Thorne, in a soaking wet shirt (of course) burst through the door and restrained his mother. Stephanie accused Brooke of wanting to destroy her family. Brooke retorted that Stephanie had done that all be herself. Thorne ordered Brooke to wait in the bedroom while he talked with Stephanie.

Thorne told his mother she was out of control. He told her to take some aspirin and calm down. (Aspirin?!? Take a valium, will you Steph?) Thorne opened a prescription vile and gave Stephanie the pills. (You read my mind, man.) Thorne told her the "aspirin" would help.

"The only thing that will help is if that trollop falls off the face of the earth." Stephanie told him. She begged Thorne not to fall for Brooke and then passed out on the couch.

Thorne went into the bedroom and told Brooke he had given his mother sleeping pills and she would be out for the rest of the night. (He explained he had trouble sleeping at the cabin and kept the pills in the kitchen. Don't most people sleep better when they are way in a vacation home? Just a thought.) Thorne told Brooke he would try and take his mother home that night. Brooke said she had feared for her life. She then asked Thorne to stay the night with her. They moved in for a kiss.

But the bedroom door was ajar. Stephanie was in the next room sleeping. But wait - she started to come out her drug-induced stupor and opened her eyes. Look out, Brooke!

Episode Date: Thursday, August 5, 1999

Becky told Amber and Tawny that she was the happiest she had ever been in her life. She was overjoyed that CJ seemed to like her. Amber didn't want to encourage Becky because she didn't want her to want to stay in Los Angeles. Amber told Becky that CJ was dating Kimberly. Becky said CJ had told her about Kimberly but didn't think they could be too serious since CJ had made out with her (Becky) all evening!

Amber hit the ceiling! She stormed into the bedroom and called CJ. She told him that she didn't appreciate him taking advantage of her cousin. CJ told her to chill out. They only had a little fun. Amber told him not to get attached to Becky. "No more making out. Got that Romeo?" she scolded. Amber told him that as soon as Becky got a job she was going to be leaving town. CJ wondered what was going on.

Becky wondered why Amber was so upset. Tawny tried to tell her that Amber was only concerned for her well being. Amber returned and apologized for making a scene. Amber told her cousin they have a lot of work to do and she doesn't want Becky to get sidetracked. Becky said that she really felt good about herself since a hot guy like CJ liked her. Don't limit yourself, broaden your horizons Tawny and Amber encouraged. Amber said that today they would conquer LA and then they would get Becky a job with Forrester International in Paris. Becky couldn't believe her ears.

At the cabin in Big Bear Stephanie was having a fitful rest on the couch. Thorne had slipped her a mickey and the drugs caused her to have nightmares. Stephanie dreamed she, Eric, Thorne and Ridge were all dressed in drab gray tones in front of a clouded back drop. Brooke was there, too, dressed in a red, hooded, silk robe. (Not too subtle of a reference to Satan, eh?) In the dream, Brooke told Stephanie she had finally won. Brooke had taken everything from Stephanie - her company, her family, her husband. Brooke said she could have Eric or Ridge anytime she wanted by just snapping her fingers. (She demonstrated this by snapping her fingers. Ridge and Eric appeared to kiss her ear lobes.) Brooke then tossed the two elder Forresters aside and called for Thorne. Stephanie begged Thorne not to fall for Brooke. Stephanie awoke in a cold sweat.

In the bedroom Brooke told Thorne his mother was dangerous. Thorne tried to comfort Brooke but said he understood where Stephanie was coming from. Brooke said it was like Stephanie was trying to get revenge for all the bad things in her life. Thorne told Brooke that they had to stop their relationship because it was hurting too many people Brooke wouldn't allow it. She told Thorne she loved him. She said love was a driving force in her life and she always followed her heart. Brooke told him to forget about Macy and Stephanie and follow his heart as she fondled his chest. Thorne couldn't resist Brooke's charms any longer. They kissed passionately during a huge clap of thunder. He carried her to the bed and they made out like bandits. They were just about to get jiggy wid it when a sweaty, groggy Stephanie stumbled to the bedroom door. She had trouble focusing on the writhing couple, but I'm sure no good can come of this.

Just a note. There was a huge, fresh floral arrangement in the bedroom of the cabin. How did it get there? Does Helen drive up there each day to clean and pick wild flowers? Did Brooke pick them up at the Piggly Wiggly on her way up the mountain? I'm just saying it doesn't make a lot of sense. Wait, what was I thinking? It's the Bold and the Beautiful. What would a vacation home be with out fresh flowers in every room? I can be so silly sometimes.

Becky told Amber and Tawny that she didn't think she could hack it at Forrester International. She reminded her family that she couldn't type, she didn't have any skills and she didn't speak French. (Yep, I'd agree that her career opportunities are somewhat limited with that resume.) Besides, she said, she liked Los Angeles. She planned to get settled and then look for her baby. Becky told Amber that she didn't want to appear ungrateful, but she didn't like this idea. Amber tried to persuade Becky to move to Paris. Becky became suspicious and accused Amber of insisting on this plan or she wouldn't help her. Amber told Becky she was pushing so hard and investing so much in helping her cousin because Beck was worth it! (Oh puh-leeze! That's pouring it on a little thick, don't you think Amber?) Tawny convinced Becky to go to Stephanie's house and sleep on it. After Becky had left, Amber glared at her mother and said they had to find a way to get rid of Becky.

After chatting with Rick, Kimberly returned to Macy's house for further discussion. Macy was glad that Kimberly had not told Rick that his mother was chasing Thorne. Remembering Brooke's past with the Forresters, Macy said "She tore through that family like a tornado." (Nice image, Macy.) Macy related to her little sister how Brooke stole Eric from Stephanie and then tossed him aside for Ridge. Kimberly commented that it must be horrible for Rick to be married to a woman like Amber and have Brooke for a mother. Ouch!

Macy said she'd like to "knock some sense into (Brooke's) empty blond head." Kimberly told her sister not to stoop to Brooke's level. Macy then told Kimberly that Stephanie was a good woman and a wonderful mother. Macy speculated that Stephanie would do just about anything to protect her family. Macy was impressed that Mama Forrester had never lost control with Brooke, but she wasn't sure how much more the matriarch could take. (Such foreboding, Macy. It's almost if you had some premonition of what was happening at the cabin….or perhaps you just read the script.)

At the Big Bear cabin, Stephanie stood at the bedroom door and spied Thorne and Brooke making out on the bed. Stephanie thought she was dreaming and groggily stumbled around the cabin mumbling about the evil Brooke had done to her family. She found her way into the kitchen and picked up a large butcher knife. It was apparent that something bad was going to happen because the camera started following Stephanie around the cabin with all sorts of weird camera angles. Ooh, spooky!

In the bedroom Thorne pulled away from Brooke and said he couldn't betray Macy and his mother. Brooke poured on the feminine charms and convinced him to live for the moment. Thorne weakened - yet again! He meant business this time because he took off his shirt. (That's a surprise.) Brooke asked him to make

Stephanie held the knife in the air as Brooke scrambled from the bed and cowered in the corner. Thorne grabbed his mother and convinced her to drop the knife and cradled her in his arms. (That's it?!? That's how it's going to end? No accidental stabbing? No struggle to the death? How disappointing.)

Brooke called 911 and told the police someone had tried to kill her. Thorne grabbed the phone and told the cops it had been a misunderstanding. He implored Brooke to keep all that had happened a secret. Throne drug Stephanie's limp body to his car and took her home.

Thorne sat vigil at his mother's bedside until she awoke. He explained that he had given her sleeping pills to calm her down at the cabin. They had a bad effect on her. Stephanie remembered several bad dreams she had while under the pill's influence. Thorne told his mother that the attempt to stab Brooke with the butcher knife had not been a dream. She had really tried to kill Brooke! Thorne blamed her actions on the drugs. Stephanie wasted no time in blaming Brooke for her actions. Stephanie begged Thorne to stay away from Brooke.

But back at the cabin Brooke mused to herself about Thorne. "He belongs to me now." she purred. Ooh, she's evil, so evil.

Meanwhile Taylor worried that she had contracted tuberculosis from the Riddler. Ridge tried to reassure her that everything would be fine. Taylor insisted she had symptoms of the disease (coughing, fever, night sweats, fatigue…) They discussed TB and how poor, homeless Frank Gorshin had no one to help him. Ridge said this experience was "an eye opener", "a real message", and "a real sign." He said that after they had dealt with Taylor's prognosis, he was going to change the system. I can just see it now - "Mr. Ridge Goes To Washington."

Taylor decided not to take the antibiotics the doctor had prescribed as a precaution until they determined if the she had developed TB. She didn't want to do anything to harm her twins. Ridge checked on his wife after she had fallen asleep. She was all gross and sweaty. "Night sweats" said Ridge as he worried about his wife. (Did I mention that Ridge was shirtless during these tense scenes? I'm glad he has his priorities straight.) love to her. They tumbled on the bed and began some sweet lovin'.

Suddenly, a huge lightening bolt flashed! The door to the bedroom flew open! Stephanie stood in the doorway and raised the butcher knife! Brooke took her eyes off Thorne's glorious pectoral muscles for a split second and caught the gleam of the knife blade and screamed just as another bolt of lightening flooded the room!

I'm not sure how much more of this I can take.

Rick was attending orientation at an unknown university. He was hanging out with a group of three poorly written day players when CJ and Kimberly showed up. Rick and Kimberly stared at each other like love sick sea otters. As the group chatted, CJ was quick to mention that Rick wouldn't be living in a dorm because he was married and had a child. Rick was embarrassed. Kimberly felt sorry for him. Isn't that sweet?

Taylor and Ridge waited in the doctor's office for her TB test results. Taylor was a big, chocolate mess. You could tell how upset she was by the way she kept running her hands through her hair. Dr. Wilson arrived and urged Taylor to chill out when she told him she was "scared to death." Dr. Wilson read her skin test and confirmed that Taylor had indeed contracted tuberculosis. He told the couple she would have to be put in an isolation room and treated with drugs until the threat of being contagious had passed. It could take between two weeks and two months he told them. Taylor was devastated by the news and ran her hands through her hair several more times. Ridge reassured his wife they would get through this. He knew they would beat it. Such drama.

Amber and her mother discussed getting Becky a job at Forrester International. Amber had to run off and talk to Eric about that possibility. Tawny offered to help Becky get ready for the interview by doing her hair and make-up. Amber was dubious of such an offer but made her mother promise to keep it conservative. Becky showed up and thought the suit Amber had left for her was boring. Tawny agreed and they decided they would try something different. While Becky showered Tawny mused to herself "I'm going to turn you into Employee of the Year, Miss Becky. My daughter's marriage depends on it."

At Forrester Creations Amber barged into Eric's office as he was conducting an interview for the very position Amber wanted to procure for Becky. (I was shocked to see that Eric was interviewing Brooke English's adopted daughter from All My Children, Laura. She called herself Shannon now for some reason, and had gone to college and had a double major in marketing and French. She was looking fierce, too. I guess leaving Pine Valley for Los Angeles was good for her.) Eric invited Amber to sit in on the interview. She was not to happy to see the competition for Becky's intended job. After Laura, I mean Shannon, left the office, Amber suggested that Eric talk to Becky about the job. Eric didn't think Becky would be appropriate for the position at all, but Amber talked him into at least talking to Becky. And what do you know? At that very moment Megan arrived to tell them Becky was outside waiting. Megan showed her in and Amber looked like she had just smelled Little Eric's three day old diapers!

Of course we didn't get to see Becky, but I know it's going to be worth the wait until tomorrow. You can bet I'm going to Becky as a video capture for that update.

Becky showed up for her interview at Eric's office dressed like a cross between a cowgirl and a prostitute. Amber tried to get her out of the office before Eric could see her, but it was too late. Becky acted far too familiar and chomped on a wad of chewing gum like a cow chewing on her cud. She propped her feet on the coffee table and told Eric that she had no experience and had been fired from her job as a motel maid in Furnace Creek. Amber was embarrassed and tried to help Becky as much as she could. Once Becky left the office, Amber begged Eric to give her cousin another chance. Amber insisted she could turn Becky into Forrester International material in a couple of days. (This I've got to see.) Against his better judgement Eric agreed.

Becky returned to the guest house on cloud nine. She told Tawny the interview had gone very well. Tawny and Becky were celebrating when Amber stormed in the door and told them the interview had been a disaster.

Taylor lashed out at Dr. Wilson. She told him that it was his job to keep her babies safe. She did not intend to take any drugs or undergo any procedures that might endanger the unborn twins. The once evil sawbones was unusually comforting today. He told Ridge and Taylor they would do nothing that might hurt their unborn children. The doctor insisted that Taylor take care of herself and do everything in her power to get well. The girls were depending on her to keep them healthy. He noted that Taylor had lost ten pounds in the last week. (Ten pounds in the last week!?! Taylor just encountered the Riddler yesterday! I know that soap opera time doesn't always make sense, but it was yesterday she met the once arch villain. How can she have already developed tuberculosis and lost ten pounds. It was just yesterday for crying out loud. OK, I'm better now.) Taylor told the doctor she would do anything to take care of her babies. (We know that isn't true. She already avoided taking the drugs she was supposed to swallow.) Dr. Wilson told them the odds were definitely on their side. He gave Taylor a mask to wear on her trip to the isolation room. Once in the special hospital room where Taylor will have to stay by herself until she in no longer contagious, she and Ridge shared a heart tugging goodbye. Ahh.

Rick hung out in the university dormitory room. He had planned on spending the night in the dorm (overnight orientation, apparently.) Kimberly came into the room and invited him to a party on campus that night. Rick declined the offer and started to pack to go home. He felt he shouldn't have even come to the dorm. He wasn't like other college guys - he had a wife and son. Kimberly wanted Rick to have some fun like normal teenager. Rick gently told Kimberly he wasn't a normal teenager. Kimberly said she understood, but she didn't like it. Rick told Kimberly to listen to something important he had to tell her. But instead of telling her anything, they just sat on the bed and stared at each other for about 30 seconds while sappy music played. I guess Rick forgot what he was going to say.

Stephanie stood on her terrace and looked into the night sky. She marveled that she actually could have killed Brooke. Stephanie told herself that she had to find a way to stop Brooke from doing further damage to her family. Ridge arrived with the devastating news that Taylor had contacted tuberculosis. Ridge told his mother the entire story of now the former Barman villain had coughed on Taylor and then croaked. Ridge related how much he loved his wife and son and how he wanted their regular life back. Stephanie suggested they go to the hospital immediately to cheer Taylor.

Meanwhile, in her isolation room, Taylor refused to take her antibiotics until she got to see Thomas. Dr. Wilson told her the only way she could get well was to take the drugs. Taylor once again voiced her concern that the drugs could be harmful to her unborn twins. The doctor (who has obviously been working on his bedside manner since we last saw him) said it would be much worse for the babies if she didn't take the drugs. Taylor relented and swallowed the pills. After the doctor left, Taylor talked to her babies. She told them she missed their brother. No sooner had she said those sad words than Stephanie and Ridge showed up behind the glass isolation screen with Thomas in tow. It was a joyous family reunion.

Rick must have remembered what he wanted to tell Kimberly because their conversation had resumed. (Let me make a note here. Yesterday when Rick and Kimberly were chatting in the dorm room it was sunny outside. We could see the view from the window - which, incidentally, was the same fake backdrop from Thorne and Macy's old apartment terrace. Now it's dark outside all of a sudden. How did that happen? Did it take Rick that long to from his sentences?) Rick told Kimberly that he had grown up doubting his potential because he had an absentee father. Rick would not allow that to happen to his son. Rick advised Kimberly to use a condom when having sex so she didn't get into the pickle that he had found himself in today. Kimberly told him that she didn't want to hear his words of warning. It didn't matter to her because if she couldn't have Rick, she didn't want anyone. (Reminds me of the great Yvonne Ellerman hit from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. If I can't have you, I don't want nobody baby. If I can't have you, oh, oh, oh.) She (Kimberly, not Yvonne) said she would wait for Rick until he told her he didn't want her.

They were interrupted by CJ knocking on the door. It looked like CJ tried to open the door, but it was locked. He asked if Rick was going to attend the party and if Rick had seen Kimberly. Rick answered no to both questions. After CJ split, Rick advised Kimberly to move on with her life. She told him Amber was not worthy of a good man like him. Rick called Kimberly "Honey" as he asked her to stop talking about the entire matter. Kimberly was moved and asked Rick to kiss her just one more time. He was tempted but pulled away and told her to leave. Kimberly's eyes filled with tears as she left the room. (And the door was mysteriously unlocked as she left.)

Amber went off on her mother and Becky for screwing up the interview with Eric. Becky said she knew the whole thing was a mistake. She could never get a job. Amber tried to back peddle, but Becky gave up. Tawny used some reverse psychology and told Becky she was right, she should go back to Furnace Creek and hang out with truck drivers. Becky said she really did want the Paris job. She said it would be "righteous." (Righteous? Did the writers have another 70's flashback?) Amber said she knew people who could turn Becky into a lady. They had helped Amber get a ticket to the good life and they could help Becky too. (I'm all excited. Does this mean Lauren and Phyllis Diller are going to be on the show soon? I can't wait!)

Taylor was thrilled to see Stephanie, Ridge and baby Thomas come to visit her. She was further excited to see that her father, Jack, had arrived. Stephanie explained that she had called him and told him of Taylor's illness. No one else seemed as shocked as I was by Jack's new, dark hair color. (I'm not exactly sure where Jack lives these days, but Taylor has gone to visit him a couple of times over the last year. When she does, she's gone for a few days. So how is it that Stephanie can give him a call and within an hour's time Jack is in Los Angeles?) Taylor told all of her visitors that she felt so much better now that her loved one's were near. Ridge told his wife she must take her medication in order to stay healthy and keep their unborn twins healthy as well. Taylor then pulled a Bible from her nightstand and gave a dramatic reading of her favorite Psalm.

CJ and Kimberly attended the college orientation dance. CJ wowed the crowd (of two people) with his knowledge of the university. CJ asked Kimberly to dance to a particularly funky song and she turned him down. He got mad that she was once again spoiling their time together by thinking about Rick. She admitted that she was ruining his evening. Kimberly told him to find other girls to dance with because she was leaving.

Rick sat alone in the dorm room and bemoaned his fate. There was a knock on the door and Kimberly entered (perfectly backlit, as always). Kimberly told Rick that she wished she had his strength. Rick admitted what she perceived as strength was actually fear that he might let his son down. Kimberly reverently told Rick that she admired him. He admitted that her words of encouragement made him feel warm, just like the first time they met. He wished he could make those feelings stop. Kimberly said they shouldn't stop. She thought it could work between them. Rick said he had made a commitment to Amber and his son. Kimberly reminded him of Amber hiding the truth about the baby's paternity. Amber had trapped him with lies and deception. "You and I have suffered long enough because of Amber." Kimberly said. She then rocked Rick's world by telling him it was time to divorce Amber. You go, girl.

At Stephanie's guest house we were treated to yet another scene of Amber changing Little Eric. His tiny butt was sticking up in the air so we could get the 403rd viewing of the heart-shaped birthmark. Becky walked into the room and surprised Amber, but she managed to conceal the tell-tale sign. Becky wanted to hold the baby but the doorbell rang just in time to stop her. Tawny and Helen (Stephanie's maid) arrived to cart the baby away. Amber had made some phone calls to help Becky land that Forrester International job.

Who should show up next but Phyllis Diller as Gladys the beautician! I love it when Phyllis Diller makes a guest appearance! This time she had some chick named Sylvia with her. Sylvia was apparently a finger nail specialist. Gladys was thrilled to see Amber. Gladys took one look at Becky and decided this project would be "quite a challenge." Tawny wasn't impressed with Gladys' demeanor and questioned her ability to tackle this assignment.

"Listen, pancake," Gladys retorted "I could even help you if I had a week to scrape the make-up off your face." I think that was a little harsh, but let's face it Tawny, you were the perfect example of the pot calling the kettle black.

Gladys got to work on Becky by saying "Come with me, my little Pop Tart." With the use of some tricky special camera editing, time passed quickly. Gladys made Becky look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I'd like to know where all the clothes and accessories came from that Becky was wearing. Does Gladys drive around in a van filled with costumes? Tawny and Amber didn't like the look so Gladys had to start all over again. On a second attempt Becky was transformed into a bookish librarian. Amber and Tawny nixed that idea right away. Gladys tried again and was pleased with her results. Becky revealed herself as a glamour girl. Amber was duly impressed and said it was the perfect look for Forrester international. I don't know what the big deal was. It looked like they had done nothing more than comb her hair and covered the dark circles under her eyes. What took so long to think of that? I could have done that in a couple of minutes.

Amber said they were ready for the next step in the transformation. There was a knock on the door. Who could it be? Lauren - please, please, please let it be Lauren.

Stephanie and Eric slammed down a couple of martinis in her living room. They discussed Rick starting college. Housekeeper Helen arrived with Little Eric to say good night. Helen said something was happening with Becky in the guest house and Amber didn't want the baby around. Helen didn't think Amber wanted Becky to be around the Little Eric at all. Eric commented that he felt Amber was trying to get the International job for Becky to put distance between them. Eric told Stephanie he knew she would discover what was going on between the cousins.

Lauren had arrived in the guest house (and unfortunately, Phyllis Diller was gone.) Lauren quickly noticed how rough around the edges Becky was. Becky started to flip attitude when Amber suggested Lauren could help her image. "I am who I am and there's nothing wrong with that." (I wasn't aware Becky was able to paraphrase show tunes from La Cage a Faux so well. Add a disco beat, honey, and you've got a hit.)

Lauren agreed there was nothing wrong with her, but she sounded like a "girl from Hicksville." Lauren told Becky she could do anything she had ever dreamed of with a little help and coaching. Becky begged Lauren to teach her. Becky's first lesson was to walk across the guest house with a book on her head. I'm no finishing school scholar, but I think I might have started with a few fundamentals in grammar before jumping into poise and posture.

Amber and Tawny went into the bedroom to have a private chat. As Tawny was closing the door we heard Lauren and Becky uttering French phrases. (OK, I think that's just pushing it a little too far. How could Becky have learned such a beautiful French accent so fast? French kissing CJ must have given her an edge.) Amber said, for the umpteenth time, that Becky had to leave Los Angeles or else she would eventually figure out that Little Eric was her child because of the incriminating birth mark. Amber worried because she now felt that Little Eric was truly her child and she could never lose him.

In the university dorm room across the city Rick was shocked to hear that Kimberly thought he should divorce Amber. Kimberly said it went against all she believed in but Rick was not doing his child a favor by allowing him to be raised by a mother that was a liar and a father that was miserable. Kimberly reminded Rick that he couldn't trust Amber. Kimberly then apologized for confusing Rick's emotions. He told her it would never happen for the two of them.

Kimberly then further rocked Rick's world by saying she wanted to spend the night with him - it might be their only chance. Rick told her he wanted it too. Rick turned on some sweet lovin' music. (Where did the boom box come from?) Kimberly lit two votive candles. (From where did she pull those?) He handed her a huge, over-sized T-shirt to wear. (What on earth was he doing with that?) He stripped down to his silk boxers. (Oh, a shirtless Forrester male. What a surprise!) They laid down together on the bed. (It was the biggest dang dorm room bed I've ever seen… and I've seen my share.) Kimberly and Rick agreed this moment was too good to be true. Rick said he felt like they were truly making love - with out having sex. It was better than sex (and he would know.) Kimberly said "I could die tonight and be a fulfilled person."

They tenderly kissed.

"Good night, Rick. I love you."

"Good night, Kimberly."

"Good night, John Boy."

A new day dawned and Rick returned to the dorm room in a robe and woke Kimberly. She told Rick not to feel guilty because nothing happened between them last night. He told her he had no regret, in fact he was grateful. Kimberly then recounted a dream she had. She and Rick were in a boat on a scary lake. They stood and danced in the boat until it capsized. They fell into the water but she wasn't afraid because she was with Rick. (What did she have for dinner last night? I suspect it caused her some indigestion if she had a dream like that?) Rick started to speak but Kimberly stopped him and asked him to hold her. Rick paid no heed to her desires and spoke anyway - just like a man. He told her he knew he could achieve his dreams because of her, but he had to do the right thing and stay with his child and wife. Kimberly admitted that she was selfish and wanted Rick. Nothing would be worth having without Rick in her life. Kimberly told him she would never give up on her dream of being together. They shared a sweet, sloppy kiss. She left to change and told him she would return to walk with him to the student union.

Stephanie entered her kitchen and shared a cup of coffee with Becky. Stephanie was impressed with Becky's new look. Becky told Stephanie she was excited about the prospect of going to Paris, but she'd miss Little Eric. Becky admitted to Stephanie that she had given her own baby up for adoption. Becky explained that spending time with Amber's baby made her feel like a better person - that she would have been a good mother. Becky told Stephanie that she thought about her son every day and that she was dismayed that Amber wouldn't let her spend time with Little Eric. Stephanie took Becky's hand and they bonded. Stephanie told Becky that Amber had asked her to baby-sit that evening and Becky could help her if she liked.

Amber, meanwhile, hugged Little Eric in the guest house. She and Tawny remembered (via flashback) Amber burying her stillborn baby in the desert. (That took a lot of time from the episode.) Amber told her mother she still missed her son, but Becky's baby had helped ease the pain. She said there was no way she could ever lose Little Eric.

Rick arrived home early. Amber was happy to see and left to wake the baby to greet his father. Rick wandered onto the front porch and gazed wistfully into the distance.

Kimberly returned to the dorm room and found Rick had left. She walked to the window and also gazed blankly.

Through the magic of split screen technology we were treated to puppy dog eyes from both of them. Ahh!

Amber and Stephanie chatted in the kitchen. Amber asked Stephanie to talk to Eric and put in a good word for Becky. Amber made it clear that it would be good for Amber for Becky to go to Paris. Stephanie was puzzled by Amber's attitude.

Amber returned to the guest house just as Rick returned from the pool with the baby. Amber told her husband about Becky's job interview with Eric. Rick blew up! Rick felt uneasy about asking his father to help Becky find a job. He also told Amber that he thought Becky was totally unsuitable for a job at Forrester. Rick changed his tune when Tawny and Becky walked through the door. Rick was impressed with Becky's new look. Becky wanted to hold Little Eric for good luck before her job interview. Amber freaked out because she had just stripped the baby's buttocks to change him. Tawny explained that Becky shouldn't hold Little Eric. He might make a mess on her suit. Becky pleaded to hold the baby, but Tawny and Amber fought her tooth and nail. Rick tried to intervene for Becky to no avail. Becky even went so far as to talk about how she wanted to see the baby's cute butt! Oh my, this is getting sticky. Tawny hustled Becky out the door for the interview.

Stephanie talked with Eric in his office. She told him about Becky having given her baby up for adoption. Stephanie urged Eric to give the young woman a chance. They agreed Becky might surprise him.

Becky, Amber and Tawny arrived at Forrester Creations. Amber could tell Becky was nervous and worried that her cousin might screw up the interview. Megan called Becky into Eric's office. He was impressed by Becky's transformation. Amber and Tawny fretted outside. Amber said Becky had to leave Los Angeles that week or she'd surely figure out the truth about Little Eric.

Stephanie went to visit Rick at the guest house. He told her about Amber not letting Becky around Little Eric. As they admired the baby's cute birthmark Stephanie wondered what was really going on between Amber and her cousin.

Those were a couple of mighty slow days, I'd say.

Episode Date: Thursday, August 19, 1999

A nurse told Dr. Wilson that Taylor's fever had not broken. In fact, it had risen a half a degree. The doctor worried.

Ridge was in the isolation room visiting Taylor. She complained that he wasn't wearing a mask. Ridge explained since he was taking antibiotics the only thing she could give him was a hard time. (Isn't that cute?) Taylor looked liked hell. They were both concerned about her health. Taylor drifted off to sleep and Dr. Wilson asked to speak with Ridge outside the room.

Ol' sawbones told Ridge he had spoken with the coroner and learned that Frank Gorshin had indeed died of a particularly strong strain of tuberculosis. In order to fight the disease, they would have to administer stronger drugs. Those drugs, however, could cause birth defects in the Taylor's unborn twins. The only way to ensure the children's safety would be to let their lungs develop enough and then induce labor. Dr. Wilson estimated that would be in about a month. However, without the strong medications to combat the TB, Taylor could only survive from one to four months. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Ridge pulled out the acting stops and exploded with rage (well, OK, he really only got a little upset.) He said the doctors had to do something and save Taylor and the babies. He could not lose Taylor!

Eric talked to Becky about the position at Forrester International. Although he admired her change in attire and attitude, he told her it would take more than a new suit to do the job. Becky told Mr. Forrester she could do whatever it took to do the job. She knew other candidates had more experience, but none would work harder than she would. Eric reminded her that it was not an entry level position. Becky told him she had faced many challenges in the past. Eric told her that Stephanie had told him about Becky giving her baby up for adoption. Becky explained that admitting she couldn't take care of her son was admitting that she was a failure. She wanted the position at Forrester to prove herself. She knew it would be hard but not as hard as what she had already been through. Eric seemed impressed by her spunk - and the fact that she could now comb her hair.

Amber and Tawny waited outside the office and worried. As you can well imagine Amber told her mother, yet again, that Becky had to get the job and leave the country or she'd figure out that Little Eric was her son. They listened at the door and were startled when Becky walked out. Becky said she didn't think she had gotten the job but Eric was being nice and didn't want to hurt her feelings. Amber flipped out when Becky said she had discussed her baby with Eric. As Amber was chastising Becky for turning her job interview into a "therapy session" Eric opened the door and asked all three of the ladies into his office. He told them he had chosen a candidate for the Paris position.

At least he said he had made a decision. He didn't tell them his conclusion. Instead they just kind of looked at one another in anticipation. Oh, I get it. It's a dramatic pause. A 23 ½ hour dramatic pause.

Ridge visited his mother's house and told Stephanie that Taylor had contracted Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. Ridge explained the dangers in the drug therapy required to treat it. Taylor would have to decide between her health and the health of their unborn twins. Stephanie offered her son comfort and support.

Ridge left and went to visit Taylor. He found her kneeling in prayer at her bedside with her Bible. Dr. Wilson had told her about the super-TB she had contracted. Taylor told Ridge she would not take the stronger drugs and would not deliver the babies until they were strong enough to be born. The twins were counting on her. Ridge cried that he and Thomas needed her too.

Rick sat at Insomnia and worked on that song he sang a few months ago "Nothing Left to Say." Kimberly joined him at his table. She told Rick she missed him at the student union. Rick explained that he had to get home to see Little Eric and Amber. They thought it ironic that his first night away from his family was his first night with Kimberly. (OK, they didn't say it was ironic, I did.) Kimberly thought Rick might have regretted the time they spent together since he didn't continue the campus tour. She told him how wonderful it was to wake up in his arms. (Excuse me, they did not fall asleep or wake up in each others' arms. They fell asleep back to back and Rick had gone for a shower and returned when Kimberly woke up. I think they were both dreaming.) Rick mentioned that Amber was helping Becky get a job at Forrester International. Kimberly thought Amber was acting strangely again. Rick changed the subject to his song. He told Kimberly he wrote it for her. She read the lyrics and said it sounded like a love poem. He told her it was a sad song about fate - how the right thing happened at the wrong time. They agreed their meeting was a wonderful event and they were good friends, but Rick lamented they could have been so much more. (Kimberly should have lamented that her hair was so flat today.)

Eric tormented the Moore women long enough that even Tawny begged him to tell who he had chosen for the job in Paris. Eric gave the position to Becky because he had no room for "dreamers and thrill seekers." He needed a person with passion, a "self-motivated go-getter." Tawny, Amber and Becky were ecstatic. They rushed to Stephanie's house to tell her the good news. Stephanie was happy for Becky but distracted thinking about Taylor's health.

Becky lied to Amber and told her she was going to pack and go to bed early because she would be leaving for Paris the next day. Alone with Stephanie, Becky planned to help La Forrester baby-sit Little Eric when Amber and Rick went out to dinner.

In the guest house Tawny told Amber to stop worrying. Becky would be leaving on a jet plane (don't know when she'll be back again) the next day and would never see Little Eric's birthmark-riddled behind again. At the main house Becky hugged a portrait of the baby and looked forward to being close to him on her last night in the country.

Oh, my! There's going to be big trouble. I can just tell!

In the hospital isolation room Taylor coughed and coughed. Ridge told her that she had to take the medicine or the tuberculosis would kill her. Same old story - Taylor replied that she wouldn't take the chance of the drugs harming her unborn twins. She told Ridge that she would have an amniocentesis every three days to test the levels of a hormone in the fetuses. When the level of the hormone was high enough (PG positive) they could induce labor. She told Ridge to have faith because that was all she had at that point. The babies were depending on her. Taylor explained that she could never live with herself if she delivered the babies early and anything went wrong.

At Stephanie's guest house Tawny prepared to leave because she had to go back to work at the toll booth (such glamour). Amber worried about Becky's last night in Los Angeles but Tawny was confident Becky would not discover Amber's secret. Alone, Amber dressed Little Eric in a ridiculous baseball uniform (complete with cap- gag!) and told her son "Just one more night then scary cousin Becky will be gone."

Amber took Little Eric over to Stephanie's and instructed the matriarch not to let Becky come downstairs. Amber told Stephanie that she wanted Becky to get plenty of rest before her big travel day tomorrow. Stephanie was suspicious of Amber's motives.

Upstairs Becky packed for her big trip to France. She thought about moving to Paris and leaving all her friends and family behind. She remembered giving birth to her baby and giving him away. Amber came to tell her good bye and instructed her cousin to stay upstairs, get plenty of rest and not bother Stephanie as she baby-sat Little Eric. After Amber left, Becky wondered why Amber wanted to keep her away from the baby.

At Insomnia, Kimberly asked Rick why Amber was so anxious for Becky to move out of the country. Rick accused Kimberly of looking for trouble. Kimberly replied that Rick was the one who couldn't see the truth. She told him to "stop pretending the marriage was going to work." Kimberly told Rick she knew he didn't feel for Amber the way he felt for her. Rick reminded her that he had made a commitment. Kimberly told him she knew that commitment was getting harder to keep. Amber called Rick on his cell phone and asked him to come home right away. There would be a surprise waiting for him. After Rick left Kimberly chastised herself for keeping her hopes alive. She told herself that Rick would never divorce Amber.

Rick arrived home and found the guest house full of candles and a small, round dining table he had never seen before. Amber appeared and told him they were going to celebrate the first night of the rest of their lives together. All their worries were now behind them, she said. As they embraced Amber was ecstatic and Rick looked mortified.

Don't count your chickens just yet, Amber. Stephanie changed Little Eric on her nice white couch just as Becky came downstairs. Stephanie left to check on dinner and Becky stayed with the baby. Becky hugged Little Eric and asked him why she felt so special when she was around him.

"Oh, gee, I don't know" he replied "Maybe it's because you're my mother!" All right he didn't speak. He's only a few months old, but that's almost eight years in soap opera time.

Thorne strolled onto the deck of his beach house wearing the smallest Speedo I've ever seen - and I've seen my share. He was talking to Ridge and told his brother he would visit Taylor tomorrow. After he hung up there was a knock on the door. Thorne pulled on a pair of shorts, answered the door and found Brooke standing there. Now that's a surprise - NOT! They only said about two sentences about Taylor's condition before Brooke started fondling Thorne's exposed chest. Thorne pulled away and put on a little cover-up. Thorne explained that Macy might visit that evening Brooke expressed concern Macy and Thorne might bore each other to death. She told Thorne that he and Macy were not right for each other. He tried to pull away but Brooke continued her seduction. Thorne told her that "touchy feely time was over." He said he was determined to resist her every night.

"Sweet little Macy Mae will never satisfy you. Make love to me Thorne, please." Brooke cooed. Thorne dove right in and they started kissing passionately. Oh, I get it. Don't. Stop. Don't. Stop. Don't stop. Don't stop.

Amber prepared for her big dinner with Rick at Stephanie's guest house. She once again recapitulated the entire baby switching story to herself (as if she hadn't heard it enough already) and expressed her pleasure that Becky was leaving the country tomorrow. Rick entered from the bedroom and Amber apologized for being less than attentive to him since Becky had been in town. She told him that Becky had been given the Forrester position in Paris. Now that Becky would be leaving Amber told Rick she would devote her full attention to her husband. Rick asked if the problem between Amber and Becky involved Little Eric. Amber told Rick Becky's obsession with their baby wasn't healthy. The best thing that could happen to Becky was getting a job out of the country. Several times during their conversation, Amber mentioned that she was certain Becky was up in her room packing and studying French.

But over in Stephanie's living room Becky was bonding with Little Eric. The costumer had put a tiny, fake diaper on the poor tyke so we could see that heart-shaped birthmark when Becky picked him up. When we returned from the commercial, the baby was wearing a regular-sized diaper. What's up with that? When Stephanie returned Becky thanked her for letting her spend time with Little Eric. Stephanie told her she understood Becky's emotions after giving up her own baby and wanted to help Becky through her hard time. Stephanie left to get some tea and Becky fed Little Eric a bottle. As she held her second cousin, Becky remembered giving her own baby away to Sarah the midwife. Becky cried but Stephanie encouraged Becky to keep holding the baby. Becky told Stephanie how much Little Eric reminded her of her own son. She told La Forrester she remembered everything about her baby - even his special birthmark.

BIRTHMARK? Stephanie asked. She was totally perplexed.

Thorne pulled away from Brooke as they were kissing passionately. She seemed really miffed.

"You're hot and you're very sexy and I'm really turned on. You haven't lost your touch." Thorne told a panting Brooke. He said he couldn't continue with their tryst because of a combination of reasons. Brooke ruled out Macy and work and deduced that Thorne didn't want to hurt his mother. She was really miffed now.

"She's so selfish." said Brooke. "I don't care about her and neither should you." Oh, that's real nice talk, Brooke.

Thorne noticed that Brooke was kind of cute when she got angry. She then proceeded to kiss his "cute" parts. "…your cute biceps, your cute deltoids…." Brooke started by kissing his arms. She then moved on down his body. "Your sumptuous pectoral muscles, your luscious abs…." Brooke was almost on her knees when Thorne pulled her up and made her stop and leave his house. Brooke was none to happy about it, either.

I doubt I'd be too happy either if some writer made me say things like "sumptuous pectoral muscles and luscious abs." It's a good thing I have a strong gag reflex.

At Stephanie's guest house Rick finished Amber's delicious meal and was stuffed to the gills. Amber got a little frisky and offered to help relieve his discomfort by unbuckling his belt. That Amber, she's always so thoughtful. He suggested they talk on the couch for a little while. They discussed how much they loved Little Eric. Rick reminded her she had never described giving birth to him. Amber told her husband she didn't like to talk about it. Rick guessed that it was because of all the pain she endured. She agreed, but her eyes told us it was a different kind of pain than Rick was thinking. Rick told her the pain was worth it when they saw their son.

Amber left the room and returned with Rick's dessert. She was wearing a tawdry silk lingerie set that I guess we're too assume came from the Brooke's Bedroom line. I was thinking it looked more like the Jaclyn Smith Collection from K-Mart. She slunk over to Rick and said "This is the first night of our new life together and I'm going to give you something to remember it by." Rick looked dismayed. Yeah, right. I don't care how he feels about Amber. I find it hard to believe that any 18 year old male is not interested in having sex.

Sarah stopped by Tawny's trailer and learned the good news that Becky had landed the job in Paris. It was dark outside and Tawny said "Tomorrow morning at this time she will be on a plane and out of my daughter's life - permanently." How does that work Tawny? Tomorrow morning at this time - 8:00PM? I think she flubbed that line. Tawny was happy that Amber could stop worrying. Tawny told Sarah of her plans to move to Los Angeles and live in a big house that Amber would buy for her. Tawny was glad that both Amber and Becky had wonderful lives to lead. Sarah agreed that everything had worked out so well.

But has it? I think not. Stephanie was about to mention that Little Eric had a birthmark like the one Becky remembered on her son's buttocks when Little Eric interruptted them by dumping a load in his diaper. Stephanie suggested Becky change her first diaper. Becky jumped at the suggestion. Yeah, right. Stephanie remarked that it was surprising how close Becky had become to Amber's baby. Becky said she couldn't have been closer if she had given birth to Little Eric herself. Becky was all excited to change the diaper (perhaps a little too excited) when there was an urgent knock on the door. Brooke charged into the living room and demanded to talk to Stephanie. Becky said she would take care of the baby. Stephanie and Brooke went into the den to talk.

Slowly, Becky unfastened the diaper. She remarked how much Little Eric looked like her own baby. As Becky flipped the baby over to execute the wet nap procedure she added "Except my baby had a birthmark on his……"

She looked up in shock after seeing Little Eric's heart-shaped birthmark!

Tomorrow can't come soon enough.

Upon entering Stephanie's den, Brooke requested she leave the door open for her safety. Stephanie told Brooke to stay away from Thorne - in fact she would do whatever it took to keep Brooke away from her younger son.

"Go home, leave Thorne alone and I promise to forget what a slut you really are." Stephanie taunted. Oh, that was a really good one, girl.

Brooke announced she was going to marry Thorne. Stephanie refused to talk about the matter. She told Brooke she was responsible for taking care of Little Eric. Brooke said Becky could handle the baby. Stephanie told Brooke that Amber was uncomfortable having Becky around the baby. Brooke found that very suspicious. Stephanie was forced to agree.

Amber turned on the charm to try and seduce Rick. She promised that it would be just the three of them from that night forward. Amber helped Rick disrobe and massaged his tense shoulders. She apologized for neglecting him for son long. Rick said he was sorry that he didn't pay more attention to her needs. He wished he had known about all the problems between her and Becky but she didn't open herself up to him. He told Amber he didn't feel like he even knew her. Amber avoided the issue and plied Rick with more massage. She told her husband she wanted him bad (didn't she mean badly?)

"I want to share myself with you." I assume that means she wanted to do the big nasty. Apparently Rick wasn't "responding" as Amber had hoped. She thought perhaps he was nervous that Stephanie might return with Little Eric. She offered to go over to the main house and pick up their baby. Oh Oh.

Becky was stunned to see the birthmark on Little Eric's behind. At first she covered it up with a diaper and refused to believe it existed. She then took another look. She couldn't believe it. What was happening? Could this possibly be her baby?

Becky went to the source and called Sarah, the midwife that delivered both of the babies. Becky told her she had a few questions to ask. Sarah was stunned and shocked to hear from Becky.

"Where did you take my baby?" asked Becky. Sarah hesitated and mumbled out some lame answer.

"Do you remember my baby had a birthmark? I memorized the tone, color, shape and size. Isn't it odd that Amber's baby has the same one?" insisted Becky. Sarah feigned no such knowledge.

Becky demanded to know the truth and threatened to contact the police and search every orphanage and adoption agency in the state. "What happened to Amber's baby?" Becky demanded.

Sarah broke down and admitted Amber's baby had died and Sarah gave Becky's baby to Amber. She tried to explain that Becky didn't want her baby and Amber needed a baby but Becky hung up the phone.

Becky picked up Little Eric and hugged him tightly. She cursed Amber for keeping her and her son apart. "You're not going to have him any longer." she said. Becky picked up the diaper bag and her son and headed for the door. "We're leaving this place forever. They're never going to see us again." Becky vowed as she walked out the door with the baby.

There's big trouble a brewin' now. That's all I've got to say.

Kimberly picked up a graduation photograph of CJ and Rick in Sally's office. (Why she was in Sally's office is still a mystery.) Sally entered and they both commented on what a nice photo it was. Kimberly mentioned that although Rick and CJ had been friends for such a long time they were very different people. Sally made note of the fact they had the same taste in women. Sally deduced that Kimberly still had feelings for Rick. She told the teen that one's first love was very hard to forget. Kimberly admitted she really needed someone to talk to about her emotions. Sally offered a sympathetic ear, but doubted Kimberly's prediction that Rick and Amber's marriage would soon end.

Amber left Rick alone in the guest house while she went to retrieve Little Eric. By himself, Rick thought about his son and how he wished he could make Kimberly understand how strong his commitment to the baby was. He realized he was being unfair to Amber. She was trying so hard to make tonight a perfect evening and he could only think of Kimberly. He decided that he'd pull out an old memory of his true love. We were treated to a re-broadcast of the black and white video montage of his famous song "Nothing Left to Say." This video holds special meaning to this writer. It played the day I wrote my first recap for this web page - an anniversary of sorts.

And as it turns out, Kimberly was viewing the same video in her mind's eye. After the final credits ran, she called Rick and asked if they could spend another day at the beach. (WHAT?!? That black and white video really happened? I think not. First of all, we never saw them go to the beach together. Second, the clip was just a little too MTV stylized to make it real. That really gets my goat.) Kimberly suggested they take Little Eric next time the film a video, I mean the next time they go to the beach. Rick agreed. Oh, that's a real smart move, boy.

In Stephanie's den Brooke tried to figure out why Amber would want to keep Becky away from Little Eric. Stephanie confided in Brooke the story of Becky giving birth and handing her baby to an adoption agency. Stephanie was shocked when Brooke took Amber's side on the issue. Stephanie said there was nothing more to discuss about Thorne and returned to her empty living room.

Amber walked through the front door and asked where her baby was. Stephanie was forced to admit that Becky had been caring for the baby and wasn't in the room. Amber rushed upstairs and found no sign of Becky or Little Eric. Amber began to panic. Brooke left to check for Becky's car. Stephanie tried to calm Amber by saying her cousin must have taken Little Eric to the pool. Stephanie said she and Brooke had gone into the den for only a few minutes while Becky was changing the baby's diaper. Hearing this news, Amber's face contorted as if she had ridden a wild roller coaster immediately after eating a jumbo hot dog with sauerkraut! Brooke returned and verified that Becky's truck was gone!

Meanwhile Becky was tooling down the highway in her vehicle with the baby on the front seat. (No car seat?!? Bad move, writers. I don't care how badly you wanted to show Becky in a hurry. There is no excuse to show an unrestrained infant in a moving car. It would have been so easy to show the baby in one of those carriers that turns into a car seat in Stephanie's house. Showing children in a car without proper protection is irresponsible. OK, I'll get off my soap box now.) To her credit, after nearly wrecking her truck a couple of times while attending to the baby Becky pulled off the road and found a flea bag motel.

Becky was her old sassy self as she bartered with the desk clerk for a cheap room. In her motel room, Becky figured out that Amber had wanted to send her to Paris to keep her from learning the truth of Little Eric's paternity. Becky looked at her son and said "Amber will have nothing without you. No fancy car, no big house. She can kiss it all good bye."

In a second bit of technological magic for today Amber stood on Stephanie's balcony and swore to find Little Eric and bring him home on half the screen while Becky mothered her new-found son on the other half.

Ripped from today's headline's - two mothers, one son. I'm thinking I love this a little too much.

In her lovely trailer home, Tawny looked at a photo album of Amber, Rick and Little Eric. Tawny marveled at how she had helped Amber keep Little Eric. Not so fast, lady. Tawny heard screeching tires and ran to the door. A hysterical Sarah came running into the mobile home and told Tawny the gig was up. Tawny interrogated Sarah and found out that Becky had seen the birthmark on the baby's buttocks, called Sarah and forced the midwife to tell the truth. Tawny was shocked but immediately tried to think of a plan to save Amber's marriage. Sarah told her it was no use. Becky had threatened to call the police. Tawny told Sarah to stop her whining.

"The only way Becky is going to get that baby is over my dead body." Tawny intoned.

In Stephanie's living room Amber was beside herself with worry. Brooke was suspicious of Amber's reaction and told her daughter-in-law she was acting as if she knew the reason Becky had left. Amber denied any such knowledge as Rick walked in the door. After learning of Becky and Little Eric's disappearance he said he understood why Amber had been saying she would be glad when Becky was gone. Brooke asked Amber if Becky was dangerous. Amber said she was not and that she would never hurt the baby. Brooke told Amber that Stephanie had told her about Becky giving her own baby up for adoption. Brooke wanted to know if Becky had abused her baby or if social services had taken it away.

Stephanie urged everyone to remain calm. She was certain there was a simple explanation to the mystery. Stephanie was certain Becky would return at any minute with Little Eric. Brooke eagerly awaited Becky's return so she could get to the bottom of it all. (Get it? Bottom of it all? Little Eric's birthmark? Yeah, I know, if I have to explain it, it really isn't funny.)

Amber left to wait by the phone at the guest house in case Becky called. Rick then berated his mother for being so hard on Amber when she was so obviously upset. Brooke told Rick that Amber's reaction was beyond that of a concerned mother. She was genuinely terrified. Stephanie and Brooke blamed each other for leaving Becky alone with Little Eric. Brooke asked Rick if he thought Becky was strange. Rick told his mother he thought Becky was fine but she certainly got to Amber. He didn't want to think about it just then. He just wanted his son back.

Amber ran to the guest house and wailed at the loss of her son and marriage. Tawny called and Amber told her Becky had run away with the baby. Amber wanted to drive around and look for her baby. (Oh, that sounds like a good idea, Sherlock. Maybe she could call Angela Landsbury of Murder She Wrote fame to solve this mystery. I don't think she's doing much these days.) Tawny instructed Amber to stay put. Becky might try to contact her. Amber dissolved into tears.

In the tacky motel room Becky talked to her baby and told him how much she had missed him, how sorry she was she had given him up and how much she loved him. She lamented that Amber had no heart and had kept them apart. Becky realized she needed supplies. They baby had no diaper to wear, so Becky left him alone in the motel room and went to the store. Upon her return she unpacked diapers, formula, a baby bottle and a couple of beers. (Now that's my girl, Becky.) She changed Little Eric and popped open a beer. (I suppose she's not really looking to get nominated for Mother of the Year, eh?)

Just as Amber was leaving to start her single handed search of California for her baby, Becky called. Amber wanted to know where she had taken Little Eric. Becky said they had just gone out for a little drive.

Amber insisted Becky bring the baby back home. "I don't take orders from you anymore." Becky retorted. "I've been an idiot." Becky told her cousin she now knew why Amber was being so helpful and wanted her to get the job in Paris. Becky was really mad. "You stole my baby. How could you do that to me?" Hell hath no fury like Becky Moore learning her cousin Amber Moore Forrester was raising her baby as her own.

Episode Date: Tuesday, August 31, 1999

Amber and Becky continued their phone conversation. Amber insisted she did not steal Becky's baby. Amber suggested that lots of babies had birthmarks, perhaps their babies birthmarks were similar because it ran in the family.

"You are sick." accused Becky. "You lie like you breathe." (That's a good one. I'll have to remember it.)

Amber hinted that she might call the police, but Becky laughed at that notion because Amber would then have to tell the truth. Becky said Sarah had admitted the entire baby switching scheme. "He didn't get adopted, he got stolen." Becky screamed.

"He needed a home." cried Amber.

"No, you needed a home." Becky replied. She told Amber that without her son, Amber would lose everything. "You are going to have to live with your conscience, but you are not going to live with my son. I can guarantee that." Becky promised. "Payback's a bitch, isn't it?" she added.

Amber begged to know where Becky and Little Eric were. Becky only laughed and told Amber she now knew why Amber had been so nice to her. Amber only wanted to keep Becky away from her own son. "I think you are the lowest form of life on this planet and I never want to see you again." Becky said as she chugged some more beer and hung up the phone. (That was a damn fine scene. I always loved those kind of exchanges between Brooke and Stephanie. Now the torch has been passed to a younger generation.)

Amber worried that she would have to tell Rick the truth. Their baby was gone. Not so fast, sweetie darling, Mama Tawny is on the horn. Amber explained to her mother that Becky had taken the baby and wasn't coming back. Tawny told her daughter to dry her tears and shape up. She had devised a plan. Amber said she could not tell anymore lies, but Tawny said it was her only hope. Tawny suggested Amber tell the Forresters that Becky had driven to Furnace Creek to say good bye to her parents before leaving for Paris and had impulsively taken Little Eric with her. (That is perhaps the stupidest plan I've heard of in long time, Tawny.) Amber made no promises.

Jack, Taylor's father, stopped to visit Ridge after seeing his daughter in the hospital. Ridge told his father-in-law that both he and Thomas had tested negative for tuberculosis. Ridge remained optimistic that Taylor would recover after giving birth to their twin girls. Jack gently explained that Ridge should accept the possibility that Taylor could die. He suggested Ridge be sure to tell Taylor all the things he wanted to say to her before it was too late. Dr. Wilson called and told Ridge he had better come to the hospital right away. Ridge, Jack and Thomas rushed to the isolation room just in time to see Dr. Wilson give them a menacing look. (Oh, I see the evil doctor is up to his old tricks again.)

Back in Stephanie's living room Brooke asked Rick if he knew anything about the adoption of Becky's baby. Brooke knew there was a secret being kept and it might tell them why Becky had left with Little Eric. Rick told his mother he had no knowledge of Becky's life and was tired of Brooke constantly trying to dig up dirt on Amber. Brooke was ready to call the police when Amber walked through the door.

Amber told Brooke, Stephanie and Rick that Becky had called although she didn't say where she was or when she was coming back. Brooke surmised something was amiss. She demanded that Amber tell them the truth and tell them now. Amber said she would tell them everything.

Yeah, right. Amber's going to come clean. I think not. She does have 23-and-a-half hours to think about it, though.