document: Alexis: Oh, good, you're home early. We have plenty of time.
  Ric: For what?
  Alexis: To go into the woods and cut down our Christmas tree.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Courtney: Hey.
  Nikolas: Hi.
  Courtney: Wait till you see what I got for Carly's new house. So great. Look at that.
  Nikolas: That's nice.
  Courtney: Thanks. Oh!
  Jax: Oh! You ok?
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Michael: Christmas is pretty soon. Is mom coming home today?
  Carly: You know what? It occurred to me that I checked myself in to Roselawn voluntarily, which means I can check myself out whenever I want.
  Lainey: That wasn't our agreement, Carly.
  Carly: Well, it is now, because I'm going to go see my kids and you can't stop me.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Tracy: Excuse me. How many times have I told you not to touch the family cars?
  Lulu: I was just --
  Tracy: How many times?
  Lulu: I don't know, 20 or 30.
  Tracy: What's the problem, learning disability?
  Lulu: I am not going to stay cooped up in this mausoleum all the time.
  Tracy: Fine, take the bus. I'll pay.
  Lulu: Thanks, but the Bentley's more my style.
  Tracy: If you touch that car ever again, I will ground you from here to eternity.
  Lulu: Try that and my dad will leave you flat.
  Tracy: I'm not afraid of you or your father, and if you cross me again, I will make your life miserable.
  Emily: Ignore Tracy, Lulu. I'll handle her.
  Lulu: Enjoy.
  Tracy: That girl is out of control.
  Emily: Why don't you try a little kindness, Tracy? Lulu might actually respond.
  Tracy: That's such a cliché. You are so naive. Dillon, darling!
  Dillon: You could've given me a little warning, mom.
  Tracy: It's so nice to have you home. How are you? How's the arm? Are you in pain?
  Dillon: Yeah. Yeah, I am in pain -- I'm in a lot of pain -- but it's not from the gunshot. That was only two stitches.
  Tracy: Well, I certainly hope that you're --
  Dillon: I got evicted from the dorms, mom, because you didn't pay my rent or my fees, and now they tell me that I can't come back until you cough up the balance.
  Tracy: I know, and that's because you're moving back home to keep an eye on Lulu.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Robin: How are you feeling?
  Manny: I feel tired. And I feel dizzy.
  Robin: Well, that is to be expected.
  Manny: I'm sorry I hurt all those people. It's almost like it happened to someone else, though.
  Patrick: That's a side effect of the A.V. malformation, the brain condition you had.
  Dara: Excuse me. How soon can Mr. Ruiz be transferred to the infirmary at Pentonville prison?
  Manny: Please, don't let them take me. I don't want to go --
  Robin: Don't worry, it's not going to happen.
  Dara: The man is facing criminal charges.
  Patrick: That's not my problem. He's recovering --
  Robin: Let's discuss this outside.
  Patrick: I won't let you jeopardize my work by moving the patient too soon.
  Dara: The infirmary has seen prisoners in worse shape than Mr. Ruiz.
  Robin: Yes, but if Manny's behavior was caused by a brain anomaly, you can't just ship him off to prison.
  Dara: He caused the Glencoe Tunnel crash, among other spectacular crimes. Manny Ruiz is high-profile, and D.A. Durant intends to convict him.
  Patrick: You can tell the D.A. that Manny's staying at General Hospital under my supervision until he's recovered.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Ric: I am not going out and chopping down a Christmas tree.
  Alexis: It'll be fun.
  Ric: Alexis, please, we've been through all of this already, ok? I know that you want to go back to the place where Molly was first conceived. I think that's beautiful, I think that's wonderful, but you fail to realize that you weren't really all that excited about getting lost in the wilderness and staying in that Godforsaken place when it actually happened.
  Alexis: It was so romantic.
  Ric: Yeah, we spent hours arguing, Alexis.
  Alexis: And then we had a wonderful time making up.
  Ric: Yeah, look, I got a much better idea. Listen, listen, why don't we take the kids and we go down to the local Christmas tree lot, ok, we get a tree that's already been cut by men who have been paid to do it. You know, we get a big noble fir, we put it on top of the car, we strap it down, we bring it here, we set it up. You know, it's a couple hours, tops.
  Alexis: You are so cute, and you are so missing the point.
  Ric: Alexis, a tree is a tree.
  Alexis: No, it's not, but we don't need to get into a discussion about that. See, it's a family tradition.
  Ric: Ok, family -- I have a deposition calendar, I have briefs to write. I'm trying to rebuild my law practice, in case you haven't noticed.
  Alexis: You can do work later, after the holiday. The sun is shining, the sun is shining, and Kristina is -- she's looking forward to this.
  Ric: Alexis, I'm the one who likes the snow. You hate it.
  Alexis: No, I like the snow. I just don't like being cold.
  Ric: Oh, ok.
  Alexis: I'm all bundled up, though, I'm ready to go.
  Ric: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Look, you know what? I'm going to be real brutally honest with you here. You're not the outdoorsy type.
  Alexis: Yes, but I am willing to make an exception for the joy of being with my family.
  Ric: That is, until you get out there and you start complaining.
  Alexis: Oh, don't be ridiculous.
  Ric: Oh, really? "Oh, oh, is that a tree branch that scratched my face? Oh, the snow's too deep! Oh, it's getting cold because the sun's going down!"
  Alexis: I'm not going to say that. All right, pinky swear, pinky swear.
  Ric: I'm not pinky-swearing anything with you --
  Alexis: Pinky swear.
  Ric: When it comes to chopping down a tree. See, you baited me right into that.
  Alexis: I won't complain, ok? I won't complain. I'm going to do all the work. I'm going to cut down the tree myself.
  Ric: Uh-huh. Really?
  Alexis: Ok, I'm going to hire someone to cut down the tree for me, and you won't have to do any work at all.
  Ric: That's --
  Alexis: All you have to do is watch the kids, that's it. How does that sound?
  Ric: I think that we need to make a family tradition at the Christmas tree lot.
  Alexis: Oh, bah, humbug. You don't want to go? Fine. I'll just take the kids myself.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Justus: Hey, Sonny?
  Sonny: Yeah? Hey.
  Justus: How you doing?
  Sonny: Good.
  Justus: Why don't you sign these papers --?
  Sonny: Ok.
  Justus: So we can close that deal on the warehouse. I got to get those things down to the courthouse before they close for the holidays.
  Sonny: Ok. See your pen?
  Justus: Where's your Christmas tree, man?
  Sonny: Uh, Michael wants to wait until Carly comes home. You know, it's kind of a tradition to decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.
  Justus: You think Carly will make it for Christmas?
  Sonny: Well, she's determined to make that happen.
  Justus: One way or another, right?
  Sonny: You know Carly.
  Justus: The rest of the place looks great, man. I like the wreaths, the candles. Smells great in here.
  Sonny: Yeah, well, you know, Emily and the kids, you know, they were stringing, like, cranberries and putting ribbons on the tree. They were just having all kinds of fun, you know?
  Justus: She's great with the boys, isn't she?
  Sonny: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, she is. The boys are sad that she had to go back to the Quartermaines'. By the way, have you been by? Is Emily, is she all right?
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Carly: You can't legally stop me from leaving.
  Dr. Kim: You're right. But it's much too soon for you to be released, and if you go, I'll call a judge and get a restraining order to keep you away from your children.
  Carly: What are you talking about? Do you think I would hurt my kids?
  Lainey: Dr. Kim is acting in your best interests.
  Carly: No, he's not acting in my best interests! Keeping a mother away from her kids at Christmas? Gee, doctor, that's therapeutic.
  Dr. Kim: You're not ready to be with your boys yet.
  Carly: That's a crock. I may have broken some rules here at Roselawn, but I am not dangerous.
  Dr. Kim: My decision is final.
  Carly: I promised my boys that I would be home.
  Dr. Kim: I'm sorry, Carly.
  Carly: Doctor, listen to me. Look, listen to me!
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Ric: Yeah, reschedule the deposition.
  Alexis: Don't forget your gloves.
  Ric: Yeah, and also clear my schedule for the rest of the day. I'm not coming back to the office. Probably never. Nothing, nothing. Thanks. Bye.
  Alexis: All right, you're going to think I'm really brilliant, but I bought us a compass so we won't get lost.
  Ric: Know how to read it?
  Alexis: Sure I do. You just look at the arrows and they point in all different directions.
  Ric: Mm-hmm.
  Alexis: Why is this thing bobbing like that?
  Ric: You need to hold it still. It always points north.
  Alexis: I knew that.
  Ric: Yeah, sure you did.
  Alexis: Look, I'm a Cassadine. Cassadines don't camp, they don't go hiking, they don't roast marshmallows, no singing "Kumbaya." Why are you grinning?
  Ric: Nothing. I just was imagining you and Helena roasting smokes.
  Alexis: Let's get the girls.
  Ric: Yeah, good idea.
  [Knock on door]
  Alexis: I'll get it.
  Dara: Hi.
  Alexis: Hi.
  Dara: John Durant sent me. He's been trying to reach you. You've been ducking his phone calls.
  Alexis: Oh, well, tell him I'm busy.
  Dara: This is business.
  Alexis: I checked my calendar. There's nothing that necessitates a court date against John Durant, thank God.
  Dara: There's been a change in plans. You've been appointed to defend Manny Ruiz.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Dillon: Mom, I am in college. I am a film student. I am not a babysitter.
  Tracy: Think of it as a family obligation. You're going to be a supportive stepbrother.
  Dillon: Oh, this is a low blow. You know that, right, even for you.
  Tracy: Lulu is like fingernails on a blackboard. I am rapidly losing my sanity. I need you in this house to keep an eye on her.
  Dillon: I am not going to be your spy.
  Tracy: Hope you change your mind because I'm not paying for college unless you do.
  Dillon: You. Emily, tell -- tell her that she's not going to get away with this. Go ahead.
  Emily: Dillon, I'm sorry.
  Dillon: Ok, all right, ok, here's, um -- you pay for my tuition, and then I pay you back whenever I can. How's that?
  Emily: Lulu does need support.
  Dillon: You're siding with my mom?
  Emily: Her methods are wrong --
  Tracy: Ok, thank you, Emily. Dillon, I'll have Alice make up your room.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Jax: I'm glad you ran into me. I wanted to apologize to both of you for my behavior the other night. Fighting, you know, won't solve anything.
  Nikolas: We both got a little heated. Whatever.
  Jax: Yeah, perhaps we can all agree to, you know, resolve things in a more civilized manner in the future.
  Nikolas: Sure. Sounds reasonable to me.
  Jax: Ok. Well, enjoy your meal.
  Nikolas: Do you want to leave?
  Courtney: No, I don't. I don't want to hide from Jax.
  Nikolas: Good, then I won't have to cancel those bowls of chili I just ordered.
  Courtney: So, what are you up to today?
  Nikolas: Oh, not too much. I have a few business meetings, that's it. Nothing too exciting. What about you?
  Courtney: I figured I'd go up to Roselawn and visit with Carly.
  Nikolas: Yeah? How is she?
  Courtney: Hmm, she's pretty much acting like her old self again, ordering all the nurses around and, you know, still annoyed that she hasn't been released yet.
  Nikolas: Mm-hmm.
  [Phone rings]
  Nikolas: Nikolas Cassadine. Yeah, that's why I told you to acquire the company. No. No, if it's an emergency, I trust that you can handle it. I can't fly to Europe. No. Well, you tell the C.E.O. that I'll come after the holidays. Right. Ok. All right, I'll fly there tonight, but you have to tell him that all business has to be completed before Christmas, ok? I have very special plans.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Carly: That was an accident, Lainey. You guys saw that was an accident.
  Dr. Kim: You wouldn't want your children to see you have that kind of mishap. I'm afraid it's further proof you're not ready to leave Roselawn.
  Carly: He's acting like that's a huge disaster. It's a Christmas tree.
  Lainey: You didn't mean to do it, but it shows how emotional you are.
  Carly: Yes, I'm emotional! Is that so horrible?
  Lainey: You need to gain your equilibrium, Carly. You came here to learn how to stand on your own two feet and not be dependent on anyone. Do you honestly feel like you're there yet?
  Carly: I promised my boys that I would be home for Christmas, and I'm not going to disappoint them.
  Lainey: I know. But the goal has always been to get you healthy. You lost sight of that and you tried to outsmart the system, and that set you back. Carly, do you agree to stay here?
  Carly: I don't know. I'll think about it.
  Lainey: Well, while you're thinking about it, try to focus on what's best for both you and your sons.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Sonny: So I'm just curious, I mean, are the Quartermaines treating Emily well?
  Justus: Well, I mean, you know, they're feuding as usual and, you know, of course, Emily has to play peacekeeper.
  Sonny: So they take advantage of her because she's too kind-hearted to say no.
  Justus: You know, I thought -- I thought Emily liked it here.
  Sonny: Yeah, she loved it here. You know, it's just that, I mean, Carly's coming home for the holidays, and there's no reason why Emily would stay here anymore.
  Justus: You know, Carly's doing real well under Lainey's care.
  Sonny: Lainey seems to be pretty much the only one that can handle her, right?
  Justus: She's amazing at what she does. I mean, she's so, so compassionate, so understanding, and incredibly intuitive, you know?
  Sonny: Are you -- you're starting to like her a little bit?
  Justus: Well, I mean, what's not to like, you know?
  Sonny: Yeah?
  [Phone rings]
  Justus: I got to go, man. I got to get these papers downtown --
  Sonny: Oh, are you sure? All right.
  Justus: Before they close for the holidays.
  Sonny: All right, Merry Christmas.
  Justus: Happy Holidays, man.
  Sonny: All right.
  [Ring]
  Sonny: Yello?
  Carly: Sonny, it's me. I can't come home for Christmas.
  Sonny: What?
  Carly: Lainey and Dr. Kim don't seem to think that I'm ready. Can you please tell Michael and Morgan that I'm really sorry, and will you make sure that they have a happy Christmas?
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Alexis: No, I'm not representing Manny Ruiz. I refuse.
  Dara: Look, I'm just the messenger. Apparently, the judge appointed you to defend him as punishment for the many contempt-of-court citations that you've been served with.
  Alexis: Ruiz is psychotic.
  Dara: Are you saying he doesn't deserve a defense?
  Alexis: No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying that it's a conflict of interests because I was a victim in the Glencoe Tunnel crash.
  Dara: The judge is confident that you can put aside any personal bias and act in Mr. Ruiz's best interests.
  Alexis: Really? Really? And how did the judge come to that conclusion?
  Dara: As I understand it, he's impressed with your sterling reputation. I also tend to think that he resents being called a "fossilized blowhard."
  Alexis: Judge Bryant.
  Dara: Yeah, he remembers you well, and this is nonnegotiable, this appointment. D.A. Durant told me to convey to you that either you represent him or you will be arrested yourself.
  Ric: Oh, come on, Dara, this is clearly about ego. Durant wants a high-profile conviction, and then he wants to try to get the added glory of beating Alexis.
  Dara: Ok, well, I'll see you in court.
  Alexis: Oh --
  Ric: Ridiculous.
  Alexis: Oh, I got to figure a way out of this.
  Ric: Judge Bryant. Isn't that the judge you also told --?
  Alexis: I can -- I can fix this in a single visit to Manny.
  Ric: Oh, no, no, no, I don't want you anywhere near that maniac.
  Alexis: What's he going to do to me? He just had brain surgery; he's in the hospital.
  Ric: Well, I'd rather you didn't find out what he might do, Alexis.
  Alexis: No, no, Ric, please, just get the girls, meet me at the hospital. We'll go get the tree as soon as Manny requests a change of attorney.
  Ric: Alexis --
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Courtney: Hey.
  Carly: Hey. Hi. Good to see you.
  Courtney: Your new house is coming along, all right? All the furniture is almost there. The rest of it's coming soon.
  Carly: Uh, Lainey and Dr. Kim don't want to let me out for Christmas.
  Courtney: Oh, no.
  Carly: Yeah.
  Courtney: Carly, I'm sorry.
  Carly: Dr. Kim's a little insulted. He says I've been bending the rules a little.
  Courtney: Well, does Lainey agree with him?
  Carly: Oh, she gave me a whole bunch of reasons to why she thinks I should stay at Roselawn, too.
  Courtney: And do any of them make sense to you?
  Carly: I'm not crazy anymore, and I'm real clear about not wanting to be dependent on Sonny or any other man.
  Courtney: Yeah, well, I guess the doctors aren't convinced.
  Carly: I could force the issue. They legally can't keep me here. But Dr. Kim and Lainey, they would push this on and on, and they would talk to Sonny and Lorenzo, and then they would try and tell me I should be here, so I might as well stick it out and finish this whole stupid thing, huh?
  Courtney: Is there anything I can do?
  Carly: Finish my house? Because I'm definitely going to be living there soon. And could you please spend Christmas with the boys, I mean, and fill in for me? Please, could you do that?
  Courtney: Yeah, sure.
  Carly: Well, are you sure?
  Courtney: Yeah. No, no, of course.
  Carly: But?
  Courtney: Well, I have plans, but I can change them. It's fine.
  Carly: If your plans are with Mike, bring him. I mean, he's the boys' grandfather, and Sonny would love to see him.
  Courtney: Actually, um, it's Nikolas. I mean, we were planning to spend the day together and, you know, Nikolas and Sonny can't stand each other.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Emily: Oh, hi.
  Nikolas: Hi. I just stopped by to drop off Lulu's Christmas present. I was going to come by tomorrow, but I'm going out of town, so I just --
  Emily: Oh, that's considerate of you. Come on.
  Lulu: Nikolas!
  Nikolas: Hey.
  Lulu: Hi.
  Nikolas: Little sister, I brought you your Christmas present.
  Lulu: Thanks.
  Nikolas: You're welcome.
  Lulu: What a perfect day to bring it by.
  Nikolas: Mom's birthday.
  Lulu: I always try to call, but I never get let through or anything, but --
  Nikolas: Yeah, I know. Well, the nurses told me that they always get the cards that we send, and then the staff takes them and hangs them up all around the room.
  Lulu: Mom has no idea what day it is.
  Nikolas: I know. Still, I like to think that she can feel our love somehow, you know?
  Lulu: Yeah.
  Nikolas: Yeah.
  Lulu: It's nice to think of it that way.
  Nikolas: Yeah. Anyhow, I just thought that this would be an appropriate gift, given it's mom's birthday. Enjoy.
  Lulu: Thank you.
  Nikolas: You're welcome.
  Lulu: Thank you so much.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Sonny: Have a seat, buddy. I want to talk to you about something. Um, I spoke with your mother.
  Michael: Is she coming home today?
  Sonny: The doctors say she's not ready to leave. She's going to have to stay at Roselawn a little while longer.
  Michael: It isn't fair.
  Sonny: I know it isn't fair, and I'm sorry, your mom's sorry, and she wanted me to tell you that she's doing everything she can to get better.
  Michael: Well, she was fine when she visited us earlier. I'll call the doctors and tell them.
  Sonny: You're not going to call the doctors because it's the doctors' decision. I mean, your mom -- your mom just, you know, she doesn't want you to be sad about it because it's Christmas, a special day, and she wants us to have fun.
  Michael: We don't even have a tree. We were going to wait for her.
  Sonny: Yeah, I know. What do you want me to do? We love your mother, right? We love each other. We have to make the best of it, ok, because that's what your mom would want us to do.
  Michael: Well, since mom's not coming home for Christmas, I got to get a special present, a surprise for both you and Morgan.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Alexis: Mr. Ruiz, my name is Alexis Davis. I'm an attorney. The judge has appointed me to defend you.
  Manny: It's good to meet you, Ms. Davis.
  Alexis: I'm going to be blunt. I think you're sick, I think you're evil, and I am thoroughly convinced of your guilt. D.A. Durant intends to obtain a death- penalty conviction against you, and I hope that he succeeds. You were responsible for a crash that nearly killed me and my newborn child, and I look forward to you being punished to the full extent of the law. Now, I assume that you will want to have me removed from your case. It won't be a problem. The judge will appoint another attorney. It will take another day.
  Manny: I want you.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Courtney: Hey. I just spoke with Carly.
  Sonny: She's not going to be getting out for Christmas.
  Courtney: Yeah, I know. She's pretty upset.
  Sonny: Michael and Morgan, too. You know, what are we going to do?
  Courtney: Well, you know, Carly wanted me to fill in for her for Christmas, if that's ok with you.
  Sonny: Oh, the boys would love that. I'm cooking Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. Come by, we'll have a great time and everything.
  Courtney: Um, actually, Nikolas and I have plans that night.
  Sonny: Christmas day would be, you know, fine.
  Courtney: Yeah, um, I told Nikolas that I'd spend Christmas with him, so I'd be bringing him with me.
  Sonny: You know what? He took advantage of Emily and you, and I'm not going to have him in my house.
  Courtney: Come on, Sonny, don't do that.
  Sonny: Don't do what, Courtney?
  Courtney: Put me in a position where I have to choose.
  Sonny: Well, you don't have to choose. You go be with Nikolas, and me and the boys will be alone here.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Lainey: Do you still feel our decision to keep you here was unfair?
  Carly: Yeah, I know it was.
  Lainey: Carly, it's not appropriate to go through life breaking the rules and taking shortcuts. I'm hoping that you'll leave Roselawn with better options.
  Carly: Lainey, if I would've followed the rules, I'd still be sitting in a trailer park in Florida.
  Lainey: Are you happy with the choices you've made in your life so far?
  Carly: Are you? I've made some really great choices and, you know what, I've made some really bad ones, but isn't that true for just about everyone, Lainey?
  Lainey: I'm suggesting that --
  Carly: Can we just stop playing games here? Can we? I'm being punished because I didn't work within the system. I don't think it's fair to punish my boys, too.
  Lainey: I'm sorry about your children.
  Carly: Yeah.
  Lainey: Hopefully, Emily will be there to help out over the holidays.
  Carly: I do not want Emily around Michael and Morgan, ok? She's already spent enough time as it is.
  Carly: I don't want my boys loving Emily more than me! Do you understand?
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Lulu: So what is it?
  Nikolas: I'm not telling you what it is.
  Emily: Oh, come on, just a hint?
  Nikolas: No, you can open it up tonight. How's that?
  Lulu: Is it a C.D.?
  Emily: A P.D.A.?
  Lulu: Oh, it's keys to a new Porsche.
  Nikolas: I guess you'll just have to be patient, now, won't you?
  [Doorbell rings]
  Lulu: What fun is that?
  Michael: Emily.
  Emily: Michael. What are you doing here?
  Michael: Max drove me by and, well, since my mom's not going to be home for Christmas, my brother's going to be really sad, so can you please come back, just for Christmas? Please?
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Alexis: Why do you want me to defend you when you know I believe you're guilty?
  Manny: Because I know I did terrible things.
  Alexis: It's a little late for remorse.
  Manny: I didn't have any. I wanted to hurt people. But the doctors did this brain operation, and now everything's different.
  Alexis: How is it different?
  Manny: It's like someone else did those crimes. I mean, I know I did them, but it feels like it wasn't me.
  Alexis: It's a little late for the insanity defense. It's not going to work.
  Manny: I don't want one. And I'm not trying to pull any tricks.
  Alexis: What do you want, then?
  Manny: Just to tell people I'm sorry for what I did.
  Alexis: So you're having some sort of epiphany, is that it?
  Manny: Look, I don't know where this is going, and I don't know why they did this brain operation if they just want to kill me, anyway.
  Alexis: I'll be right back. I've just been in to see Manny Ruiz. Is it possible that his criminal behavior was caused by a brain anomaly?
  Patrick: There was a physical reason for his violence and aggressiveness. The problem's been solved.
  Robin: So from a medical standpoint, he is a different person than he was before.
  Alexis: So he no longer has any criminal intent?
  Robin: That's right, and he shouldn't be held responsible for the crimes that he did prior to the surgery.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Carly: My kids mean more to me than anything in the world. You asked me if I was happy with the decisions that I've made. My biggest regrets are the mistakes that I've made as a mother. There you go.
  Lainey: Every mother makes mistakes.
  Carly: Yeah, well, Lainey, mine have been whoppers, starting with the time I had postpartum depression and I left Michael for a month.
  Lainey: Postpartum depression is a medical condition.
  Carly: I left my son. I left my son. And now I've left my children again because I'm stuck in here, and Emily is taking my place.
  Lainey: The boys know Emily's not their mother.
  Carly: Oh, come on. Emily is patient and Emily is kind and Emily is sweet and Emily doesn't raise her voice. Emily can sew. Did you see the pilgrim costume she made for Morgan at thanksgiving? If I would've done that, it would've looked like a potato sack. Tell me what child wouldn't rather have Emily as a mother than me. Who?
  Lainey: Ok, Carly, ok. So you've admitted your shortcomings as a mother. Great. Tell me what your strengths are.
  Carly: I'm -- I'm strong, I'm resilient, and I'm enthusiastic, and every time the boys and I are together, we always laugh.
  Lainey: Carly, these are wonderful qualities, and they're ones that you can work on. A full recovery is the best gift you can give your sons.
  Carly: I just hope it's not too late.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Courtney: So what are you saying, Sonny? What, if I'm with Nikolas, I'm not welcome in your home?
  Sonny: Yeah.
  Courtney: Nikolas is the man that I'm with now.
  Sonny: Nikolas is a spoiled rich kid who doesn't care about anybody but himself.
  Courtney: That is not true.
  Sonny: Courtney, Emily was raped. All she needed was sympathy and support. Did Nikolas help out his wife? No. Why? Um, maybe it was too much trouble? So he ditches Emily and he moves on, and you welcome him with open arms, Courtney.
  Courtney: You don't even know what you're talking about.
  Sonny: I don't know what I'm talking about? It's the facts.
  Michael: Hello.
  Courtney: Hi, sweetie.
  Michael: I brought my Christmas surprise.
  Emily: Hi.
  Courtney: Hi.
  Emily: Courtney.
  Michael: Yeah, Emily said that she'd stay for Christmas.
  Sonny: Right.
  Michael: So we can decorate the tree and surprise Morgan.
  Sonny: You ok with this?
  Emily: Yeah, I'm thrilled to be here. I can't think of a nicer way to spend Christmas than with the three of you.
  Michael: This is going to be cool.
  Emily: All right, so where should we put the tree?
  Sonny: Right about over here.
  Emily: Ok.
  Sonny: All right.
  Emily: Good idea. Did you get the ornaments?
  Michael: Yeah, they're right in the living room.
  Sonny: Ok, well, let's get over here then, right?
  Emily: I think we should put the breakable ones up high, huh, so Morgan doesn't hurt himself.
  Sonny: Yeah, you know what? You actually are a pretty good brother. A little bit. I mean, you know --
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Courtney: Sorry I'm late.
  Nikolas: Oh, that's ok.
  Courtney: You ready to go to the airport?
  Nikolas: Yeah, I'm all set. Thanks for driving me.
  Courtney: I'm just being selfish. I want to spend every last minute with you until you leave.
  Nikolas: How was Carly?
  Courtney: Yeah, not so good.
  Nikolas: No? You mean she wasn't happy about being stuck at Roselawn for the holidays?
  Courtney: How'd you know?
  Nikolas: I took a present over to Lulu at the Quartermaines', and Michael stopped by to ask Emily if she'd come back for Christmas.
  Courtney: Yeah, that's why I was late. I told Carly that I would fill in for her over Christmas, and I went over to Sonny's to tell him, and then Michael showed up with Emily, so I guess they're all set. You know, Sonny and the boys don't need me now that Emily's back.
  Nikolas: Whatever. Well, I just get you all to myself, then.
  Courtney: Yeah?
  Nikolas: Yeah.
  Courtney: You sure this is ok?
  Nikolas: Yes.
  Courtney: You don't want to include any family or anything?
  Nikolas: Family? We are including family, right here. I'll be home tomorrow, ok?
  Courtney: I can't wait. You better sleep on the plane, so you're ready for the tree-trimming.
  Nikolas: Amongst other things.
  Courtney: Mm-hmm.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Man: I can do what you want, but it won't be cheap.
  Jax: Money's no object, as long as it's taken care of.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Dillon: You know, the idea, generally, is to wait until Christmas.
  Lulu: What are you, the present police? Oh, my God, I can't believe Nikolas remembered.
  Dillon: What?
  Lulu: When I was 5, I asked Santa for a real diamond necklace, and I was bummed when I didn't get it. My mom said I was too young, but when I was older Santa would bring me a real diamond. And my brothers always kidded me every year, asking me if I wanted real diamonds. And now I got one, on my mom's birthday. You probably think I'm a geek.
  Dillon: No. I think your mom would be happy you finally got your diamond.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Robin: You're doing well. Blood pressure is good, vitals are strong. Just keep resting and I'll be back soon to check in on you.
  Manny: Thank you, doctor.
  Patrick: Even murderers get to bask in the famous bedside manner of Dr. Scorpio.
  Robin: If Manny's violent behavior was caused by the brain anomaly, he's not responsible for his crimes and, therefore, he deserves a chance to start over.
  Patrick: It's a pattern with you, isn't it, almost a personal crusade.
  Robin: What's that supposed to mean?
  Patrick: Well, you couldn't save Jason's life. Now you're trying to compensate by saving Manny.
  Robin: Well, at least I care. You don't, and that's why no matter how gifted a technician you are, you will never be a great doctor.
  Patrick: Watch and see.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Dara: Hey, hey, hey. I take it you've been consulting with your client?
  Alexis: If you're referring to Manny Ruiz, yes, I've paid him a visit.
  Dara: Well, your next one will be at Pentonville. Durant wants to have him transferred to the prison infirmary ASAP.
  Alexis: Yeah, well, that's not going to happen, nor is a hearing or an arraignment until my client is ready.
  Dara: I'm not sure that was the response Durant was expecting.
  Alexis: I'm sure it wasn't. I'm sure he wanted me to go through the motions so that he could give him a death-penalty bounce. He should know that there are circumstances mitigating against a capital conviction.
  Dara: Durant's going to hate this.
  Alexis: Good. I hope he chokes on it. He's the one who wanted me on this case. Well, now I'm on it, so now it's my duty to see that he gets due diligence. I'm a defense attorney, so it's also my duty to see that he gets acquitted.
  Dara: Ok, Alexis, it's your career. If you want to throw it away by defending a wall-crawling nut job, go right ahead, it's your choice.
  Ric: Hey. What happened to your plan of ditching Manny as a client?
  Alexis: He won't release me. There also may be something to this. I have looked over medical records. This is a very interesting legal situation. He may, in fact, not be guilty.
  Ric: Are you serious?
  Alexis: I can't talk about it now. I have a hearing; I have a deadline on an O.S.C. I've got to --
  Ric: Oh, no, no, no, wait a minute, wait a minute. You asked me -- rephrase that -- you insisted that I clear my calendar and that I reschedule my depositions so that we can go get the tree. Now you're going to work --
  Alexis: I know. I have no choice. Honey, mommy is so sorry. I've got to work. Is it ok if we go do this tomorrow?
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  ["Silent night" plays]
  Carly: Look at us, Sonny. We're together. It's Christmas. We're happy, we're healthy.
  Sonny: We got a lot to be thankful for, buddy, ok? You know that, right?
  Michael: Yes, I do. I think Morgan wants to see the tree.
  Carly: Well, I think we can make that happen. Come on, baby. Look at that. Whoa. Come on. Come on.
  Sonny: You see this snowflake right here, buddy? A million of those make a snowball, and one of these days I'm going to teach you how to throw a snowball, and you can hit your mom on the face.
  Michael: And this is Santa. We may even get to see him on Christmas Eve.
  Sonny: Aww.
  [SCENE_BREAK]
  Michael: And -- did you get that done? That's perfect.
  Sonny: That's perfect?
  Michael: We did a good job.
  Sonny: No, yeah, you did a good job, buddy.
  Michael: I'm going to go get Morgan.
  Sonny: Ok.
  Emily: Ok, good idea.
  Sonny: Oh. It would've been a very lonely Christmas here without you.
  Emily: Mm-hmm, well, the truth is I'd rather be here with you and Michael and Morgan than at the Quartermaines' refereeing their squabbles.
  Sonny: You've made Michael and Morgan very happy.
  Michael: See that tree, Morgan? Isn't it the best tree that you've ever seen?
  Emily: Hi, guys. Look, Morgan, look at the snowflake. Look how beautiful that is, huh?
  Sonny: Like that?
  Emily: You see? You like the sparkles? You love them.
  Sonny: Yeah.
  [NEXT_ON]
  Monica: It is hospital tradition.
  Georgie: It's really not that bad.
  Alexis: Mommy is forced to construct a defense for Manny Ruiz.
  Ric: Didn't mommy say that she wasn't going to work today?
  Courtney: Nikolas has very special plans for me.
  Robin: Good morning. Sorry to disturb you, but I need Jason's help.
summary: Alexis and Ric start to head out to cut down a live Christmas tree, but they are interrupted with news that Alexis has been assigned to Manny's case. Dillon is kicked out of the dorm thanks to Tracy's failure to pay his dorm fee so that he will be forced to come home and watch Lulu for her. Manny appears repentant over his actions. Jax apologizes to Nik and Courtney. The doctors oppose Carly's plan to check herself out of Roselawn. Sonny queries Justus about how the Quartermaines are treating Emily. Carly's family learns she can't come home for Christmas. Nik runs into Emily when he drops off Lulu's gift on Laura's birthday. Alexis is stunned to find out that Manny really has changed. Carly says she wants Emily no where near her kids, and Sonny refuses to let Nik come to the house with Courtney. Michael gets Emily to spend Christmas with Sonny and the kids. Alexis decides to win.