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Michael & Abby #1
Michael & Abby #1 October 4, 2010 - ?, 2011: 8 hour original edit
Dvd #1A 10/4 Michael went to Kelly's to meet Kristina for a milkshake. Kristina's friend and schoolmate, Ali, showed up instead, and they started talking. She said that she had not liked Kiefer because he was stuck up, but she had no idea that he had been hitting Kristina. Michael reacted angrily when Ali mentioned his prison time. Michael was quick to apologize and bought her ice cream to make up for his outburst.
She said that she should apologize because she'd spoken without thinking. She said that she was trying to say that she did not blame him for what he had done and that she thought that he had acted heroically. Michael said that he had overreacted and that she was funny and nice to talk to. He said he was not brave or heroic. He said that the events had unfolded so quickly that he had just reacted.
Ali said that Michael's humility did not change her high opinion of him. Michael said it was nice of her to be so kind to her friend's ex-con brother. Ali looked at Michael and told him that she had asked Kristina to get Michael to Kelly's because she wanted to invite him to a party at her house on the weekend. Michael was surprised and flattered that she was interested in him. Michael agreed to be her date, but said that he would have to be home by curfew. When Ali dropped her phone, they both reached for it and made a brief connection when their fingers touched.
10/5 At Jason's penthouse, Sam eavesdropped on Jason and Michael's conversation. Jason was stunned by Michael's request to hire an escort. Michael believed that a professional could help him gain sexual experience, so that he wouldn't mess things up with Ali. Jason didn't understand why Michael couldn't take things slowly by getting to know Ali. "You know why," Michael reminded Jason.
Michael insisted that Pentonville had damaged him, so he couldn't trust himself to be with someone like Ali without fear of hurting her. Jason thought that Michael should give it a chance before turning to a call girl, but Michael disagreed. Michael argued that he wasn't normal and that no one could understand what he had gone through in Pentonville.
Jason suggested that Michael's protective instincts towards Ali indicated that Michael would be careful around her. Jason conceded that the first time with a girl was scary for any guy. Michael insisted that he would feel more comfortable if he were with a woman that he didn't have feelings for because then he wouldn't feel bad if he hurt her. Jason didn't think that calling some random escort was the answer. Michael threatened to find a prostitute on his own if Jason didn't help him. Before Jason could respond, Sam etered the living room.
Sam apologized to Michael as she explained that she needed to have a private word with Jason. Michael agreed to leave, but Jason wanted Michael to promise not to do anything until they had finished their conversation. Michael agreed and then left. Sam immediately admitted that she had overheard Jason's talk with Michael. She was certain that she had a way to help Michael. Jason didn't think that a call girl would help Michael, but Sam disagreed. Jason doubted that a professional would erase what had happened to Michael in jail.
Sam pointed out that Michael wasn't ready to talk to a therapist, so an experienced woman who knew how to be gentle and caring was better for Michael than a young girl who would be just as nervous as Michael. Sam urged Jason to help Michael, but Jason remained reluctant. Sam revealed that she knew the perfect girl. Sam explained that she had worked undercover with a young woman named Candy, who was trying to put herself through college. Sam assured Jason that Candy was beautiful and understanding. Jason was certain that it was a bad idea.
Sam asked Michael to meet her at a hotel room. Sam invited Michael into the room and then explained that she had overheard his discussion with Jason, so she knew about his problem. Michael immediately became uncomfortable. Michael reminded her that it wasn't any of her business. Sam realized that, but she had heard what Michael had threatened to do if Jason didn't help. Michael's discomfort grew when Sam invited Michael to join her on the sofa.
Sam immediately realized that Michael thought that she was offering herself. She quickly clarified that she had a friend named Candy who could help Michael. Sam confessed that she had told Candy about Michael's situation and that Candy was willing to meet with him. Michael seemed to have reservations about it, but Sam assured him that everything would be fine.
A short time later, Candy arrived. Michael was nervous, so Sam offered to send Candy home. Michael was determined to see things through, so he declined. Sam opened the door, introduced Candy to Michael, and then left. Candy acknowledged that it was an awkward situation, so she suggested that they take some time to talk and get to know each other.
Michael started to relax as Candy revealed that her real name was Abigail. However, she added that her friends called her Abby. Michael liked Abby better than Candy, so he asked if it would be okay for him to call her Abby. Abby didn't mind. She scooted closer to Michael on the sofa, but Michael immediately stood up and then walked across the room. Abby noticed, but didn't comment on it. Instead, she asked him about his plans for the weekend.
Michael told her that he had been invited to a party. Abby wondered if Michael danced. Michael chuckled as he admitted that he was a lousy dancer. Abby turned on the radio and then invited Michael to show her his moves. The music was slow, so Michael and Abby stood close as they swayed to the music. Eventually, Abby kissed Michael. Things quickly became heated, but Michael jerked away when Abby tried to run her hands under his shirt. He violently shoved her away as he screamed at her, "Get off me!"
10/6 In the hotel room, Abby turned on the radio and then invited Michael to slow dance with her. Michael and Abby swayed to the music as she gently kissed him. The kiss quickly heated up. However, things took an unexpected turn for Abby when she slid her hands under Michael's shirt. Michael violently shoved her away as he shouted, "Get off me!" Abby landed on the bed, but Michael was horrified by what he had done.
Michael immediately apologized, but Abby assured him that she was fine. She insisted that it had been her fault because she had been moving too fast. Abby thought that Michael was a great guy, so she invited him to join her on the bed. She assured him that they would just talk, but Michael declined because he realized that their encounter had been a bad idea. Abby disagreed, but Michael was worried that she would have bruises on her arms because of him.
Abby revealed that she had dated a guy who had once been in prison. She told him how her ex-boyfriend had moved forward after being released from jail. According to Abby, her ex-boyfriend had credited her for healing him better than anything else had. Michael was sure that she was a wonderful person, but he didn't think that they should continue. Abby tried to change Michael's mind, to no avail. Michael insisted that he was too much of a mess, but he offered to pay her for her time. Abby refused to accept Michael's money; however, she invited him to call her if he changed his mind. After Abby left, Michael sat down on the bed as his eyes filled with tears.
Sam went to the hotel room to check on Michael. Michael explained that things hadn't worked out with her friend. Sam was surprised because Abby had given Sam a different impression. Michael revealed that he had blown it with Abby. Sam thought that Michael was exaggerating. Michael didn't think that Sam could possibly understand what he was talking about, so he left.
Jason arrived home to find Michael sitting in the hallway. Michael was clearly despondent. Jason assured Michael that he was welcome inside whenever he liked. Michael confessed that he had been hoping to avoid Sam and Brenda. Jason revealed that Brenda was sleeping and that Sam had gone looking for Michael. Jason opened the door and then invited Michael inside.
As they sat down on the sofa, Michael revealed that Sam had tried to help him. Michael assured Jason that it had not been her fault that he was a train wreck. Jason was curious what had happened. Michael told Jason about Abby. Michael confessed that he had lost it when Abby tried to take his shirt off; he'd been transported back to the moment in Pentonville when Carter had attacked him. Michael confided that he had been filled with rage, so he had inadvertently hurt Abby when he had pushed her away.
Michael was certain that Abby had been freaked out even though she had tried to hide it. "How messed up is it that I can't even be with a girl?" Michael forlornly asked. Jason didn't think that Michael should be so hard on himself. Jason assured Michael that it was normal to be nervous the first time. Michael disagreed; he would never be normal. Michael had tried to follow Jason's advice by giving it some time, but nothing had gotten better.
Jason insisted that Michael was a survivor who had been through hell. Michael argued that being a survivor meant that he was alive, not that he was actually living. According to Michael, Ali was a sweet girl, but he couldn't let her see who he really was. Jason suggested that bad things had happened to Michael, but it didn't have to define him. Jason vowed that he would not give up on Michael.
10/26 Michael met Molly at Kelly's. Molly was worried about Sam because Jason's supermodel ex-wife had moved into the penthouse. Molly feared that Sam might feel ordinary next to Brenda and a bit neglected because Spinelli was focusing on Brenda instead of the business. Molly wanted Michael to encourage Jason to do something romantic for Sam. Michael suggested that Jason might not be in a romantic frame of mind because he was still dealing with the aftermath of spending time in Pentonville.
Michael suggested that Jason might need someone to talk to more than anything else. Molly realized that Michael had a point. Moments later, Abby entered the diner. Abby was surprised to see Michael, so she stopped at his table to say hello. Molly quickly introduced herself as Michael's cousin. Abby Haver returned the courtesy as she explained that she knew Michael through Sam.
Molly was delighted when Abby revealed that Sam had talked about Molly often. Molly didn't get an opportunity to ask too many questions because her phone rang. After a brief discussion with someone on the phone, Molly announced that she had to leave. Michael offered to escort Molly, but she declined. After Molly left, Abby and Michael sat down to talk.
Michael was surprised to learn that Abby was attending community college to become a paralegal. She explained that she was a stripper because it paid more than a waitress job. Michael was curious if that was why she had agreed to meet him when Sam had called. Abby confessed that she felt terrible for how she had handled things in the hotel room. Michael assured Abby that she hadn't done anything wrong, but Abby disagreed. Abby confessed that she hadn't met Michael because of the money; she had thought that she could help him.
Abby revealed that she had met Sam while Sam had been working undercover at the club where Abby worked. According to Abby, she and Sam had become friends because they had a lot of experiences in common. Abby revealed that one night Sam had been crying after an ugly encounter with a customer, so Abby had taken Sam out back to talk. Sam had told Abby about Jason's decision to go to Pentonville to protect Michael. Abby had been moved by the story.
Michael wondered if Abby had been motivated to offer to sleep with him out of pity. Abby explained that Sam had told her about Michael's problems and the girl that Michael had liked, so Abby had hoped to help him. Michael admitted that it was over with Ally because he had blown her and the party off. Abby was certain that Michael could make it up to Ally.
Abby confessed that she liked Michael, so she wanted to help him. Michael insisted that he was screwed up. Abby assured him that they all were, in some way. Abby then noticed the time. She explained that she was late, so she had to dash off. Michael wondered if she went to Kelly's often. Abby confided that she had stopped by on a whim, but that she might return because she liked the place.
10/28 Michael was pleasantly surprised when he entered Kelly's to find Abby sitting at a table. Abby confessed that she had been hoping to see Michael. Michael readily sat down when Abby invited him to join her. Abby admitted that she'd had a nice time talking to Michael the last time that they had met. Michael felt the same way.
Abby and Michael then began to talk about school. Michael didn't see the importance of an education, since he was an ex-con and he didn't want Sonny or Jax to bribe people to get him into college. Abby was disappointed to hear that because she believed that an education was crucial for a bright future.
10/29 Michael and Abby got to know one another at Kelly's. She opened up and let him know that she'd made mistakes in the past but had finally decided to change her life. She warned Michael not to give in to the mistakes of his past. Michael apologized for attacking Abby on their first date, but she made it very clear that he had done nothing wrong. She admitted that she had crossed a line when she'd tried to take off his shirt and that his reaction to push her away was not an attack.
Michael asked if she regretted working as a stripper. Abby responded that she didn't mind working for the strip club as it paid better than anything else for which she was qualified, and it left her free to attend day classes. Michael said that he realized how easy his life had been. Abby pointed out that, in many ways, his life had been difficult.
11/1 At Kelly's, someone whisked Emma's stroller away while Robin had turned her back on her daughter to fetch a cup of coffee. Robin was horrified when she realized that Emma was missing. Johnny, Ethan, and Michael jumped up to help Robin find her daughter. Moments later, Abby walked up to Kelly's with Emma safe and sound in the stroller. Robin demanded to know what Abby had been doing with Emma. Abby explained that she had seen someone, dressed in a witch costume like Robin's, leave the stroller at a nearby building and then walk toward Kelly's.
Robin made it clear that it wasn't her, but Johnny admitted that he had seen Robin in Kelly's without Emma. Robin assured Johnny that Emma had been within eyesight the whole time. Johnny wondered how Emma could have disappeared if that had been true. Robin conceded that she had turned her back on Emma for just a second; however, Robin insisted that the door to Kelly's had been open. Robin continued to question Abby. Once Abby told her everything that she had seen, Robin realized what had happened. Robin thanked Abby for returning Emma to her and then left.
Abby joined Michael at a table, where Michael apologized to Abby for Robin's hostility. Abby assured him that it wasn't necessary because she understood Robin's concern. Abby reminded Michael that she had been a stranger to Robin, so Robin had no idea if Abby had taken Emma. "But you didn't," Michael argued with confidence. Abby wondered how he could be so sure about her when he barely knew her.
She warned him that she could have been someone who would find it amusing to pull a prank like that. Michael didn't think that Abby would ever use a child to scare a parent. Abby smiled sadly as she reminded him that she was a stripper, and he was just a sweet kid. Michael made it clear that he wasn't sweet. He didn't think a sweet kid would kill his stepmother and then end up in prison. Michael also warned her that he suffered attacks of rage.
Abby refused to see Michael as a horrible person. She enjoyed spending time with him because he was thoughtful and perceptive, and he had a low-key humility about him. Abby was certain that all of the girls at his school were crazy about him. According to Abby, Michael was handsome, gentle, and kind, and had an edge of danger to him that made him irresistible. Michael smiled with embarrassment as he suggested that she didn't mean those things. Abby wanted to stay to convince him otherwise, but she had to leave. Michael wondered if they could meet again soon. Instead of making plans, Abby assured him that she would be around.
11/3 Michael was delighted when he saw Abby enter Kelly's. He quickly invited her to join him at his table and then confessed that he had been hoping to bump into her. He assured her that it was nice spending time with her. Abby noticed the math books on the table. Michael revealed that they were for her; he had hoped to tutor her. Abby was touched by Michael's thoughtfulness. She grumbled because she thought the math classes were a waste of time and money.
Michael imagined it was difficult for Abby to juggle a job and college. Abby assured him that her manager made certain to schedule her shifts around her classes, so it wasn't bad. Abby noticed how uncomfortable it made Michael to talk about her work. Michael denied it, but he thought that it was hard for Abby to take her clothes off for a bunch of drunken guys. "Sometimes," Abby admitted. Michael knew what it was like trying not to feel when a person had to do something that they hated every day. Abby was curious if it had been like that for Michael in jail. "Yes," Michael told her.
Abby felt bad for Michael, but he didn't want her pity. Abby made it clear that she didn't want his pity either. Abby warned him that if he was spending time with her because he felt sorry for her because she had to take her clothes off for a living then she'd rather not see him again. Michael quickly apologized if he had made her mad. Abby assured Michael that she didn't want him to feel worse, so they agreed to stop feeling sorry for each other.
However, Abby wanted Michael to know that she hated that he had been sent to prison. Michael assured her that he was determined to deal with it and then move on. According to Michael, his uncle had told him that Michael might find something special if he moved forward. Abby smiled as she lifted her cup and then toasted to Michael finding something good.
11/11 Michael arrived at the loft after school had let out early. Dante was curious if Michael had seen Lulu that morning. "Yes, briefly," Michael admitted. Dante wondered how Lulu had seemed. Michael explained that it had been hard to tell because Lulu had been in a hurry. Dante confided that he had lied to Lulu about Brenda, so Michael offered to listen if Dante needed someone to talk to.
Michael reminded Dante that they were brothers, which meant that they were there to help and support each other. Dante revealed that he had guarded Brenda for two weeks in 2007, but he hadn't mentioned it to Lulu. Michael sensed that there was more to the story, so he understood why Dante might have been reluctant to tell Lulu about a fling with a supermodel. Dante clarified that he had merely helped Brenda. Michael was curious why Dante had lied if that had been the case. Dante insisted that he couldn't get into it.
11/17 Michael bumped into Abby on the piers. Michael was surprised to see her because she hadn't been around for a while. Abby explained that she had been focusing on her schoolwork, which she couldn't do when she spent time with him.
Michael wanted to be able to call Abby to make plans to meet, so they exchanged cell phone numbers. Afterwards, they sat down on a bench to talk. Michael admitted that he was worried about his mother's determination to punish Dante for telling the judge about Michael's role in Claudia's death. Abby acknowledged that she didn't know any of the parties involved, but she sided with Carly. Abby explained that, as a cop, Dante should have known what would happen to Michael in jail.
Michael was rattled by the statement. He wondered if Abby knew what had happened to him. Abby explained that she only knew what Michael had told her and what she had seen. Abby realized that Michael had been hurt and that it would take time for him to heal from the damage. Michael continued to look uneasy.
11/18 On the pier, Abby tried to get Michael to talk about his time in prison, but Michael refused to open up. Abby continued to push until Michael angrily demanded to know if she were comfortable telling people about how drunken men shoved money in her underwear. Abby was clearly hurt by the question as she admitted, "No." She added that she only talked to Michael about that. Michael immediately apologized for the outburst.
Michael realized that she probably hated him, but Abby assured him that she didn't. "You should," Michael argued. Abby couldn't understand why Michael seemed so determined to hate himself. Michael explained that it was because he was a hateful person. Abby didn't see it; however, she realized that something brutal and awful had happened to him in prison.
Abby didn't think that he should let it define him. Michael wanted to talk to her about it, but he couldn't. Abby urged Michael to find someone to talk to because he was too good of a person to let what had happened to him wreck his life.
11/30 At Kelly's, Abby was happy to see Michael enter the diner. She hoped that he hadn't felt pressured to spend time with her. Michael assured her that he didn't as he took a seat at her table. However, he was curious why she continued to put up with him. Abby wondered if Michael had been glad to see her. "Yes," he assured her.
Abby admitted that she was happy to see him too. She confessed that she thought about him constantly and that he was the first friend that she had made in a long time, which was why she put up with him. Michael confided that he thought about Abby often and that he had regretted his harsh words on the pier. Abby didn't blame Michael; she realized that she had pushed him when he hadn't been ready to discuss what had happened to him in prison. Michael was curious why she kept suggesting that something had happened to him in Pentonville.
Abby didn't know anything about his time in jail until Michael was ready to talk about it. However, she promised to stop trying to get him to open up about it because she didn't want him to feel guarded around her like he was with others. Michael explained that Jason had taught him how to defend himself in Pentonville, which made Michael dangerous when he was angry. Michael realized that the person that he was really trying to fight was already dead. Abby thought it was a good sign that Michael was trying to fight instead of seeking escape with booze or drugs.
Michael realized that Abby understood what it was like to want to avoid the reality of one's life because of her job as a stripper. Abby acknowledged that when things became difficult at work, she found escape by dancing around her apartment. Abby was embarrassed when she realized that she had shared something extremely private about herself. Michael smiled as he assured her that she didn't have anything to be embarrassed about. Abby insisted that it went both ways; Michael didn't have to fear telling her anything that might make him feel embarrassed.
Abby then changed the subject to find out how Michael had spent the holiday. Michael told Abby about his Thanksgiving with the Quartermaines and then opened up a bit about his relationship with his great-grandfather, Edward. Abby noticed that Michael made an effort to hide his true feelings about things as he talked about what his parents had done for Thanksgiving.
She assured Michael that he didn't have to hide how he felt when he was with her. "I know," Michael admitted. Michael confessed that he could talk to Abby in a way that he couldn't talk to others. Abby confided that she felt the same way. Abby noticed the time, so she explained that she had to leave, but she invited Michael to call her any time.
12/6 Michael met Abby outside her apartment. She was on her home after school and had only a few minutes before she had to report to her job as a dancer. While they were talking, one of the bar patrons named Rodney accosted Abby. He started touching her and anticipating a lap dance from her later. Michael overreacted and knocked Rodney to the ground. Rodney was bleeding and threatening to call the cops. Michael called Jason, who hurried to the scene with Sam.
Rodney recognized Jason as Sonny's enforcer and agreed not to call the police. Abby hurried off to work, and Sam went with her. When Jason asked what had happened, Michael said that he'd lost his temper when Rodney insulted Abby. Jason said that Michael had to get control of his temper or he risked getting sent back to prison. Michael said that he would not lose control again.
Back at Sam's office, Jason questioned Michael again. Michael said that he had become angry when Rodney started rubbing Abby's arm and treating her like a piece of meat, so Rodney had deserved what he'd gotten. Michael said he was only sorry that Rodney had stood back up. Jason asked if Abby had asked for help. Michael said that Abby had seemed to be handling the guy. He told Jason that he would not lose his temper again. When Sam got back to her office, Jason was waiting. She told him that Abby was okay, but worried about Michael, who had definitely overreacted. Jason said that Abby was a stripper, and dealing with jerks was part of her job.
Michael was at Dante's, working out with the punching bag, when Abby knocked on the door. She told Michael that he should have let her handle Rodney. She said that Rodney was a jerk, but he tipped well. She said that she needed those tips to stay in school. Michael worried that Abby was mad at him. She said that she was not mad at him and that she had taken the night off work to tell him so.
12/7 At the loft, Abby let Michael know that she had appreciated his help, but it hadn't been necessary. Michael was disgusted by the way the man had touched Abby. Michael claimed that he had recognized the look in Abby's eyes because he knew how it had felt to have someone act proprietary with him. According to Michael, "They can do whatever they want. They can lay their hands all over you. They can talk to you like you're nothing, and they say stuff that makes you want to throw up, but you just stand there and take it. "
Michael started to open up to Abby about Carter and how Carter had put his hands on him. Michael insisted that he had tried to fight, but he hadn't always prevailed. He quietly admitted that when Carter would overpower him, Michael would go blank and then pretend that it hadn't mattered.
Abby confessed that Michael's experience sounded horrible, but she promised him that it hadn't been the same for her. "Yes, it is," Michael argued. Abby explained that it had been her choice to work at the club, so she expected customers to touch her. Abby acknowledged that occasionally customers would approach her outside of the club. She assured Michael that the men were seeing Candy, the stripper, not Abby. Abby revealed that when she stripped as Candy, she went very deep inside her head. Michael knew exactly what she meant because he always detached himself from the students at school and did it at other times too.
Abby was saddened to hear Michael's confession. It was one thing to do it in her line of work or during a fight, but she didn't think that Michael should separate himself from his life. Michael realized that he had a lot of advantages to be grateful for. Abby insisted that Michael was a good person with a big heart and that she liked him. Michael seemed encouraged by the words, so he prepared to ask Abby out, but Kristina knocked on the door. Kristina assumed that Abby was a friend of Dante's. Abby admitted that she knew Kristina's sister, Sam. After Michael introduced Kristina to Abby, Abby decided to leave. Michael followed Abby to the door to ask if he could meet her at the club when her shift was over. Abby thought that it would be best for her to meet him at the loft.
After Abby left, Kristina observed that Abby was older than Michael. "Not by much," Michael defensively argued. Kristina was concerned that Michael liked Abby. Michael didn't feel that he had anything to hide, so he freely admitted that he did enjoy spending time with Abby. He became uncomfortable when Kristina began to ask questions about Abby's career.
Kristina quickly figured out that Abby was a stripper. Kristina was outraged that Sam had introduced Michael to someone like that. Michael insisted that Abby was just a friend. He clarified that Abby only stripped to pay her way through school to become a paralegal. Kristina realized that Michael was lonely, but she didn't want him to get hurt. Kristina admitted that she feared that Abby might be interested in Michael for his money because Abby likely knew that Michael was related to Sonny Corinthos, Edward Quartermaine, and Jasper Jacks. Kristina was certain that Abby was fully aware that Michael would inherit some serious money one day. Michael disagreed, but Kristina was certain that Abby was only interested in Michael's fortune.
12/8 At the loft, Michael assured Kristina that Abby had never asked for anything. "Not yet," Kristina suggested. Kristina insisted that she loved Michael, but she didn't understand why a woman like Abby, who had been around, was interested in hanging out with an eighteen year-old kid. She was certain it wasn't for the lattes. Michael didn't understand how Kristina could make such a judgment about Abby after a two-minute conversation.
Kristina wanted Michael to find someone better than Abby. Michael argued that he was "massively messed up." Kristina disagreed and then revealed that her friend Ali still asked about him. Michael insisted Ali wasn't someone he could be interested in. However, he was adamant that Abby was just a friend. Michael claimed that he could talk to Abby because she didn't make him feel "wrecked" or "broken." Kristina reminded Michael that he had his sister to talk to if he needed someone. Kristina reminded Michael that he was her best friend, not just her brother. She didn't want to see Michael used. "You made your point," Michael snapped at his sister. After Kristina left, Michael began to hit the punching bag in the living room.
Abby dropped by to see Michael a short time later. Michael was surprised by the visit because he had thought that she was working. Abby explained that it had been slow at the club, so she had been able to leave early. After Michael fetched Abby a drink, she wondered what his plans were after his parole ended. Michael admitted that he had considered traveling. Michael explained that his uncle had read to him about far away places when Michael had been a child. He confessed that he would love to visit Egypt, a game park in Africa, and Siena, Italy, to see the horse racing in the streets.
Abby became excited as she admitted that she had heard about Siena's famed horse racing; however, she didn't think that she would be able to go there for a long time because she didn't have money to travel. Michael seemed to grow uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, but he decided to offer to pay for Abby's time. Michael explained that he enjoyed spending time with her, but he understood that she needed money. Abby was offended by the offer and stormed out. Michael started to follow her, but his phone rang. It was Coleman. Coleman suggested that Michael get to Jake's to pick up Dante.
A short time later, Michael arrived at Jake's. Dante chuckled as he realized that Coleman had called Michael. "Well played," Dante conceded as Michael helped Dante out of the bar. At the loft, Michael admitted that he was curious why Dante had decided to get drunk. Dante revealed that he had guarded Brenda earlier that evening and that he had made her laugh in the hopes that she wouldn't notice that he felt the same way about her as he had a long time before.
Dante admitted that he had wanted to be with Brenda in 2007 and that he would have done anything and been anyone that Brenda had wanted. Dante thought that those feelings had been in the past because he had fallen in love with Lulu. Michael helped Dante to bed. Dante was curious if Sonny and Brenda were good for each other. Michael had no idea, but Sonny loved Brenda.
However, Michael recalled that Sonny had once told him that all the love in the world couldn't help two people if they weren't right for each other. Dante was curious when Sonny had made that statement. Michael revealed that it had been before Jason had returned to Port Charles with Brenda. Dante grumbled that Sonny had obviously changed his mind because Sonny and Brenda were working on "happily ever after." Michael finally realized why Dante had gotten drunk.
12/9 At the loft, Michael handed Dante a drink that supposedly could cure a hangover. Dante took one sip of the vile concoction and then decided to use plain old aspirin to treat his headache. Dante realized that he might have said too much while he had been drunk. Michael assured Dante that only he had heard Dante's confession about Brenda. The brothers headed to the living room to continue their conversation. Dante acknowledged that he had been in love with Brenda in 2007, but he didn't want those feelings to mess up what he had with Lulu. Dante confessed that he had been waiting for the feelings to go away, but they hadn't.
Dante questioned Sonny's love for Brenda; he wondered if Sonny truly loved Brenda or if he were trying to recapture the glory days. Michael didn't have an answer, but he suspected that a part of Sonny wanted Brenda back to piss off Carly. Dante appeared surprised by the revelation. Michael explained that Brenda was someone whom Sonny could get serious with because she understood him as well as Carly. Michael believed that Sonny wanted to show Carly that he could have the same happiness with someone that Carly had with Jax. Michael confessed that he had grown up watching his parents use people time and again against each other instead of just being honest. Dante was curious if Michael were suggesting that Dante be honest with Lulu.
On the pier, Michael thanked Abby for meeting him. He immediately apologized for treating her like a "hooker." Michael promised her that he didn't think of her in those terms. Abby assured Michael that it was fine. She realized that she had gotten defensive and overreacted to the situation. Abby understood that Michael had offered to pay her the money because he didn't think that she could like him for who he was. Abby confessed that Michael was one of the nicest guys that she had met. Michael wondered if that included his violent reaction to the club's customer who had approached her on the street. Abby acknowledged that everyone had buttons; his had been pushed when the man had touched her.
Abby offered to help Michael, but she made it clear that it would be for free. Michael relaxed as Abby sat down next to him on a bench. Abby explained that she had gotten upset because she liked him. Abby began to cry as she admitted that she hated the thought of him seeing her as a hooker. She conceded that she was a dancer who was paid to take off her clothes, but she couldn't stand that everyone assumed that she would have sex for money. Michael apologized again. Abby realized why Michael might have been confused, since the whole idea behind their first meeting had been for them to have sex.
Michael reminded Abby that Sam had thought that Abby could help him. He confessed that Abby had turned out to be much more than he could have hoped for. Abby smiled as she admitted that she was glad that he had called. Michael then changed the subject to tell Abby about Dante's situation with Sonny and Brenda. Michael revealed that Dante had once been in love with Brenda. Seconds later, Lulu appeared on the steps leading to the pier.
12/10 Lulu happened upon Michael and Abby at the waterfront. Lulu suggested that the couple hang out with her and Dante some time. Lulu asked Michael if everything was okay with Dante, because Dante wasn't the type to drink to excess. Michael assured her that Dante was okay. After Lulu left, Abby urged Michael to follow his heart. He announced that it was time he told the truth with regard to Sonny, Brenda, and Dante.
Sonny met Michael at Kelly's. Michael expressed his concern over Sonny and Brenda's rocky past. Sonny told Michael that seeing Brenda made Sonny realize they had a second chance. After Sonny left, Abby walked in and took a seat. Michael admitted that he couldn't tell his father about Brenda and Dante. A nervous Michael stuttered and stammered before asking Abby for a date, to which she quickly replied with a yes. Carly arrived and asked Michael who his friend was.
12/13 At Kelly's Carly pounced on Abby and gave her the third degree. Michael took her aside and told her that she was embarrassing him in front of Abby. Carly went back to the table with him, made an excuse to Abby that Morgan needed Michael's help with homework, and then dragged Michael away.
Sam caught up with Abby at Kelly's. They talked about Michael. Abby said that she really liked him and that she was happy that they were going out on a date. Abby left to catch up on schoolwork Michael returned to Kelly's and met up with Sam. He told Sam that Abby was a person he could talk to and he wanted to have a relationship with her. He said that he could have a fresh start with Abby. Sam approved and said that sometimes, family was too close to be objective.
Abby went to the docks in response to a call from Carly, who said she snooped in Michael's cell phone to get Abby's number. Abby listened quietly as Carly warned her to stay away from Michael.
12/14 At Kelly's, Michael sought Sam's advice about his first date with Abby. He wanted to take Abby to an Italian restaurant and then go ice-skating, but he didn't know if Abby would enjoy that. Sam admitted that she didn't know Abby well enough to be familiar with her likes and dislikes. However, Sam didn't think that it was wise for Michael to go out with Abby.
Michael seemed surprised by Sam's comment. Sam feared that Michael might have another run-in with one of Abby's customers. Michael assured Sam that he would be able to control himself, but Sam had her doubts. She was worried that Michael would jeopardize his parole, so she urged him to simply avoid the situation by not going out with Abby. Michael explained that Abby accepted him. He revealed that when he was with Abby, he forgot how messed up he really was.
On the pier, Abby insisted that she and Michael were merely friends, so she didn't understand why Carly was trying to interfere. Carly explained that she hadn't known about Abby and that Michael couldn't see that a friendship with Abby was a mistake, which Michael couldn't afford to make. Abby claimed that she respected Carly as Michael's mother but there wasn't anything wrong with Abby and Michael's friendship. Carly disagreed; Abby was much older than Michael. Abby reminded Carly that Michael was eighteen and legally an adult.
Carly argued that Michael was a teenager. Abby insisted that Michael could fight in a war and vote, so he could choose his own friends. Carly was curious why Abby wanted to hang out with a high school kid like Michael when it seemed clear that Abby could easily get a date. Abby claimed that Michael was kind, intelligent, and perceptive. Carly thought that Abby would realize how inappropriate Abby's relationship with Michael was if Abby truly appreciated Michael the way that Abby claimed.
Abby said that she and Michael enjoyed spending time together and they respected each other, so she didn't see any reason to stop seeing Michael. Carly insisted that Michael was vulnerable. Abby became offended when Carly suggested that Abby might be interested in Michael because of his money. Abby assured Carly that she liked Michael for whom he was and that he was starting to open up to her. Carly insisted that Michael needed to be with kids his own age.
Abby explained that Michael didn't see things that way, but Carly thought that it was important for Michael to go to parties, take a girl to a dance, and spend time with his peers. Carly revealed that she had dated a much older man when she had been Michael's age, so she wanted better for Michael. Carly thought that Abby should let Michael down easy and not see him again if Abby truly cared about him.
Later, Carly thanked Sam for meeting her at Kelly's. As they sat down at a table, Carly explained that she had met Abby, so she wanted to know more about the woman that Sam had introduced to Michael. Sam would only reveal that she had met Abby Haver while working on a case. However, Sam assured Carly that Michael and Abby had hit it off and that Abby was a good person. Carly insisted that she wanted Michael with kids closer to his own age, so she asked Sam to have a talk with Abby. Sam refused to get involved because it wasn't any of her business.
Sam then suggested that Carly stay out of it too. Carly made it clear that she didn't need Sam to tell her how to deal with her child. Sam argued that Michael was not a child and hadn't been one for quite some time. Sam also revealed that other kids were afraid of Michael. Sam believed that Carly should accept that Michael would not have the life that Carly had planned, or she would end up losing Michael.
On the pier, Abby was surprised when Michael arrived early for their date. Michael told her about his plans for the evening, but he assured her that they could change them if she wasn't interested in dinner at an Italian restaurant and ice-skating. Abby smiled sadly as she confessed that it sounded like it would have been a wonderful date, but she thought that it would be best if they didn't see each other.
Michael feared that she had changed her mind because of the man that he had attacked, but Abby assured him that she want to date while she was in school. Michael reminded Abby that she was on Christmas break, but Abby refused to change her mind. Abby told Michael that he was a wonderful young man, but he needed to find someone his own age to date. Abby kissed Michael on the cheek and then walked away. Michael appeared crushed by Abby's rejection.
12/15 Kristina entered Kelly's to find Michael waiting for Abby. Kristina warned Michael that Abby was too old for him. Michael conceded that Abby had said the same thing, but he was determined to talk to Abby anyway. Kristina advised Michael to let it go. She suggested that Michael could date someone like Ali instead. Michael argued that he didn't have anything in common with Ali. Kristina insisted that Michael didn't have anything in common with Abby, either, but Michael disagreed. According to Michael, Abby understood him, and they were able to say anything to each other. Kristina reminded Michael that she had said the same things about Kiefer. Michael was offended by the comparison. He called Kiefer a pig and then stormed out of the diner.
A short time later, Michael showed up at Jason's penthouse. Michael was relieved that they were alone because he wanted to talk to Jason about Abby. Jason was concerned that Michael might have had another run-in with one of Abby's customers, but Michael clarified that he had asked Abby out on a date. Michael was certain that Abby had decided not to go out with him because she was afraid of Michael's temper. Jason wondered if Abby had told him that.
Michael admitted that Abby had claimed that she was too old for him, but Michael didn't believe her. Jason was curious if Abby would lie to Michael. "No," Michael conceded, but he believed that Abby feared that Michael would lose it and then take it out on her. Jason warned Michael not to jump to conclusions; he suggested that Abby might have had personal reasons, which had nothing to do with Michael, for not wanting to get involved. Jason insisted that it was Abby's call to make, so Michael should respect her decision.
At Kelly's, Michael apologized to Kristina for getting upset with her earlier. Bryce started to leave, but stopped to invite Kristina to another party. Kristina claimed that she had plans with Michael. Bryce tried his best to persuade Kristina to change her mind. Michael became annoyed, so he reminded Bryce that Kristina had declined the invitation. Things turned ugly when Bryce made it clear that he hadn't been talking to Michael, since ex-cons weren't invited. Michael let the remark slide, which seemed to fuel Bryce's anger. Bryce was curious whose "bitch" Michael had been while Michael had been in jail.
Kristina pleaded with Bryce not to make such offensive statements, but Bryce ignored her. Kristina's temper flared; she informed Bryce that his attempt to show her that he wanted to be friends was pathetic. Michael invited Bryce to step outside, but Bryce was more interested in goading Michael with insults. Bryce ridiculed Michael for not getting a date. Abby entered the diner in time to hear Bryce's comment, so she walked up to Michael, kissed him on the cheek, and then apologized for being late. Bryce seemed taken aback to see Abby draped on Michael's arm.
12/16 Outside of Kelly's, Abby apologized for sending Michael mixed signals. Michael realized that Abby's performance had been for Bryce's benefit. Abby confessed that she had been furious when she had heard the cruel things that Bryce had said. She insisted that Michael could have girls lined up around the block if he wanted. Michael assured Abby that she didn't have to pretend for his sake; he knew that Abby was afraid that he'd physically hurt her.
Abby was stunned; she assured him that she could never be afraid of Michael because he was one of the sweetest guys that she knew. Abby explained that she had called off the date because she had been afraid that she'd break his heart. Abby insisted that he was just a kid and that someone her age had no business dating him because it was inappropriate. Michael argued that he had stopped being a kid when he had gone to Pentonville. Abby conceded that he had lived through a lot, but she insisted that they were in completely different places.
Michael didn't agree; he argued that she understood him better than anyone else and that he could be himself when he was with her. Michael wanted Abby to just give him a chance. Abby admitted that she liked him too much to start something that wouldn't work. She urged him to try dating girls his own age, but Michael insisted that he wasn't interested in any of the girls at school. Abby was curious if he had dated any of them. Michael explained that he didn't want to date anyone because he liked Abby. Abby finally relented. Michael wanted to go out with her that evening, but Abby had to work. She asked him to give her a call, so that they could arrange a day and time for a real date. Michael was all smiles as Abby walked away.
12/21 Michael entered Sonny’s office. Dante grew suspicious when Michael asked to have a word with Sonny. Sonny assured Dante that it wasn't a conspiracy. Sonny and Michael wanted to discuss the Christmas brunch that Sonny had with his children every year. Sonny invited Dante to join them, but Dante had promised his mother that he would spend Christmas in Bensonhurst with the Falonceris. "Maybe next year," Sonny suggested.
After Dante left, Michael offered to talk to Carly about Morgan going to the Christmas brunch. Sonny assured Michael that he could take care of it. Sonny admitted that he wanted to invite Brenda to join them. Michael was surprised; he realized that things must be serious if his father wanted to include her in such an important family function. Michael was curious what would happen when Brenda returned to Italy. Sonny was vague about Brenda's living arrangements, but he admitted that his life with Brenda was no longer a thing of the past.
12/22 Michael and Molly talked about a ski trip that Molly and Kristina planned to go on. Michael recommended a certain ski run for them to try, but Molly suggested that he join them on the trip. Michael didn't think that the court would give him permission to leave town, but Jason and Sam encouraged Michael to make the request. Jason and Sam thought that it would be good for Michael to take a short vacation.
Moments later, Spinelli returned to the living room, dressed up in a suit. Jason wondered where Spinelli was headed to, but Spinelli refused to tell them anything. After Spinelli left, Molly confessed that she suspected that Spinelli intended to win back Maxie. Later, everyone enjoyed cookies and eggnog as they looked at their handiwork. Molly offered to take Jason shopping for Sam's present, but Jason assured Molly that it wasn't necessary because he had already bought a gift for Sam. Sam insisted that she didn't need a present.
According to Sam, spending time with them decorating the tree had been all that she had wanted. Sam admitted that she had spent most Christmases alone, so she appreciated celebrating the holiday with them. As Sam talked about what their company meant to her, Jason realized that he and Michael needed to do something. Jason ordered Michael to grab a coat because they had to go somewhere.
12/27 During Tracy and Luke's wedding celebration, which was in full swing at the Quartermaine mansion, Edward took a private moment in his study. He was interrupted when Michael and Jason arrived through the terrace door. They told Edward that they were there to wish him a "Merry Christmas." Edward was overjoyed. Edward ranted against Sonny for keeping Michael away, but Jason said it was Jason's fault because he had kept Michael away from his family.
Edward said it was also his own fault because he had tried too hard to keep Jason close. Michael said that Sonny had been a great father and that he took responsibility for his own actions. Edward said that he was proud of Michael and offered him a chance to become a real Quartermaine by taking an internship at ELQ. Michael was not ready and said that he had to think about it. Edward said that the offer was open indefinitely. He thanked Jason for Michael's visit and told them to go enjoy the party.
Inside, the reception proceeded joyously. Michael and Carly hugged while Ethan and Maya assembled the single ladies for the bouquet toss. Tracy heaved it over her shoulder just as Sonny and Brenda walked in. The bouquet landed unerringly in Brenda's arms. Sonny happily announced that he and Brenda were engaged. Michael enthusiastically congratulated Sonny and Brenda. Dante appeared stunned, as did Carly.
12/28 Michael stopped by to congratulate his father on the engagement and to suggest that Sonny ask Dante to be his best man. Michael thought that it would give Sonny and Dante a chance to grow closer. Sonny agreed. Sonny wondered how Kristina and Molly would take the news. Michael was certain that they would be excited to have Brenda join the family. However, Michael was curious if Sonny intended to invite Carly to the wedding. Sonny explained that Carly would try to stop the wedding because she was unable to let go of certain things.
Michael walked in a short time later to let Kristina and Molly know that the judge had approved his request to go on the ski trip. The girls were thrilled that Michael would be joining them. Michael then told them about Sonny's engagement to Brenda. As he had predicted, Kristina and Molly were excited about the prospect of Brenda joining the family. Kristina was curious why Michael seemed less than enthusiastic about Sonny and Brenda's impending marriage. Michael smiled as he explained that they were excited enough for everyone.
12/29 Michael ran into Abby on the sidewalk. She was happy to see Michael, so she invited him to go out for dinner. Michael quickly agreed, but explained that he had to make a phone call. Moments later, Kristina and Molly walked up. Molly was excited about the ski trip, but Michael explained that he had to cancel. Kristina immediately suspected that Abby was the reason for Michael's sudden change of plans. Kristina insisted that Ali would be disappointed because she had been expecting Michael to join them.
Michael reminded his sister that he wasn't interested in Ali, but Kristina argued that he should hang out with people his own age. Abby didn't want Michael to stay behind because of her, so she urged Michael to go on the ski trip. Michael asked to have a private word with Abby, so Kristina and Molly agreed to leave, but Kristina made it clear that she expected Michael to join them. After Kristina and Molly left, Michael explained that he would rather remain in Port Charles with Abby. Abby thought that the trip sounded fun, so she insisted that he go. She promised Michael that they could go out for dinner when he returned.
At the nurses' station, Kristina and Molly were overjoyed when Michael suddenly walked up. The teens discussed their plans for the trip until Steve announced that it was time for everyone to board the bus.
On the bus, Ali hummed her new favorite tune. Olivia recognized it, so she asked Steve to pull out his guitar to sing the song for everyone. Steve began to serenade the passengers with "Hallelujah." Everyone quickly joined in. After the song ended, Morgan decided to call his mother. As they talked, the bus began to swerve.
Carly was horrified as she heard Morgan and others scream before the phone went dead. The bus careened off the road and then down the side of the mountain. Afterwards, bodies littered the ground, but no one moved. At Metro Court, Carly turned to Jason to tell him that she was certain that the bus had crashed.
1/3 At the bus crash site, bodies were scattered over the snowy landscape. Most had been thrown from the bus and plummeted into a deep ravine. Steve was the first to awake He had minor injuries, but nothing life-threatening. He found Cameron, who was also uninjured. Maxie was uninjured, but Matt had a broken arm, which Steve treated with a makeshift sling.
Molly, Kristina, and Ali were okay, as were Taylor and Michael and the rest of the students, but Morgan and Olivia were missing. Because they had been thrown into a ravine, no one could get cell service. They were afraid that they would not be found because the driver had taken an alternate route. Michael, Molly, and Taylor searched for other survivors and found the driver, who was badly hurt. He passed away before Steve could treat him. Molly was distraught because she had not administered first aid, but Steve said there was nothing she could have done to help him.
Michael and Taylor went looking for Morgan, but found Olivia, who was seriously injured. Neither Michael nor Taylor noticed Morgan's cap, which was lying behind a bush a few feet away from Olivia. Michael stayed with Olivia while Taylor went to find Steve. Olivia told Michael not to worry about her, but to keep looking for Morgan.
Michael said he would wait for Steve and then search for Morgan. Olivia told him that Sonny would be proud of him. She said that he was a natural caregiver because he was calm and focused in a crisis. Michael demurred and said he was only calm on the outside. Once Steve arrived and assessed Olivia's condition, she was carried on a makeshift stretcher back to the campsite where Ali had used her scouting skills to build a fire for the group.
Sonny's phone rang. He picked it up and told Carly he was too busy to talk to her. She told him about the crash and said that she and Jason were on the road, looking for the crash site. Carly wanted Jason to drive faster, but he said that the conditions were too severe for high speeds, and that they needed to drive slowly so that they could look for skid marks and evidence of a crash. Carly bemoaned the fact that she had stayed home for her own selfish purposes instead of being with her sons on the ski trip.
Back at the crash site, Kristina freaked out because Morgan had not been found. She went with Michael and Taylor to search the bus, while Ali and Molly stayed behind to tend the fire. The teens did not find Morgan on the bus, but they did hear a truck on the road above. Michael scrambled up the ravine, but there was no sign of a truck when he reached the highway.
1/4 At the hospital, Alexis and Sonny anxiously waited for news about their children. Sam approached the nurses' station, looking for Epiphany, but Epiphany wasn't available. Sam spotted Alexis, so she walked up to her mother to find out what was going on. Alexis and Sonny told Sam about the bus crash.
Abby approached the nurses' station to find out if any of the passengers from the bus crash had arrived. Epiphany explained that there hadn't been any word from the crash site, but the injured would be transported to General Hospital when the bus was located. Epiphany suggested that Abby have a seat in the waiting room.
Jason and Carly were racing along Route 55 looking for the wreckage, but they didn't see anything. Jason realized that they were probably on the wrong side of the mountain, so he turned around. On the other side of the mountain, Brenda and Dante were desperately searching for any sign of the crash. Brenda was concerned because Dante was speeding, but he refused to slow down.
Near the crash site, Michael found Morgan collapsed in the snow with a broken leg. Morgan was in considerable pain, but conscious. Michael realized that Morgan wouldn't be able to walk on his own, so Michael hoisted Morgan over his shoulder and then trekked to the makeshift camp where the other passengers were gathered.
At the camp, Molly wondered why they hadn't heard or seen any helicopters; she feared that no one was looking for them. Frustrated, Molly decided to go in search of Morgan, but Michael suddenly appeared with Morgan. Molly was relieved that Morgan was alive. Her joy was short-lived when it became clear that Morgan was hurt.
Michael settled his brother on the ground and then went to fetch Steve. Steve was trying to keep a gravely injured Olivia awake by talking to her when Michael walked up. Steve went to check on Morgan, so he didn't see Olivia cough up blood a few minutes later. Steve quickly confirmed that Morgan had a broken leg. Steve decided to stabilize the leg, so Molly and Michael kept Morgan still while Steve worked.
Molly was curious if Morgan had a compound fracture, but Kristina ordered her sister to be quiet because they didn't need to know the details. Michael invited Molly to hike to the road with him where they could put Molly's knowledge of Morse code to work by signaling SOS with a flashlight.
As they climbed up the side of the mountain, Michael found a cell phone. He tried to call 911, but didn't get a signal. However, Michael held onto the phone, in the hopes that it would work once they reached the road. Molly thought that it was a shame that Michael wasn't a vampire like the hero in the book series that she had been reading. According to Molly, the cold wouldn't have bothered Michael and he would have super strength, so that he could have easily carried everyone to the road. Michael apologized for not being a vampire. Molly assured Michael that it was okay; she explained that he would have had to die in order to become one, so she preferred that he remain human. Michael decided to keep Molly chatting by asking her more about her vampire books.
A short time later, Michael and Molly arrived at their destination. Molly used her flashlight to signal SOS, while Michael called 9-1-1. He was relieved when the call went through. The operator assured Michael that they would be able to locate the crash site by tracking the cell phone signal. The operator patched Michael through to Lucky. Michael explained that Morgan and Matt had suffered broken bones and that Olivia had been seriously injured, but the rest of the passengers were fine. Michael was frustrated when the call was suddenly dropped.
Moments later, Dante and Brenda pulled up. Brenda stayed on the road with Molly while Michael took his brother to see Olivia. Brenda called Lucky to let him know that they had arrived at the crash site. Afterwards, Brenda assured Molly that help was on the way. On the road, Jason and Carly received word that Michael had managed to make a call. Carly was overjoyed to learn that Michael was okay. Her happiness quickly turned to concern when she was told that Morgan had suffered a broken leg.
Molly confided to Brenda that the crash had happened quickly; one minute she had been telling Michael about her books and then the next minute the bus had swerved off of the road. Molly regretted that she hadn't been reading her first aid book because she might have been able to help the injured.
Carly and Jason arrived. Carly quickly assured herself that Molly was okay, but she was desperate to get to Morgan. Molly told Carly where Morgan was, so Carly took off with Jason close behind her. Carly and Jason reached Morgan and the other kids a short time later. Carly credited Morgan with saving everyone because they might not have known what had happened if he hadn't been on the phone with Carly at the time of the crash. As the sounds of sirens filled the air, Morgan told Carly about waking up alone with a broken leg after the accident. Morgan was grateful that Michael had found him and then carried him to safety. However, Morgan complained because he realized that he wouldn't be able to snowboard for the rest of the year.
Carly assured Morgan that Jax would take him skiing as soon as Morgan's leg had healed. Carly confessed that she regretted that she hadn't been on the bus with Michael and Morgan, but Morgan insisted that Carly couldn't have prevented the crash. Nearby, Kristina shivered with cold as Taylor tried to keep her warm by wrapping his arms around her. Paramedics attended to Olivia and then whisked her off to the hospital.
At the hospital, Robin let Sonny know that she had received word that Morgan had suffered a broken leg. Sonny was relieved to learn that the other kids were okay. Sonny admitted that it had been a fluke that Morgan had been on the phone with Carly at the time of the crash. Moments later, Brenda called Sonny to give him an update. Sonny quickly assured Robin that Maxie was fine. Sonny then confessed to Brenda that it meant a lot to him that Brenda was with his children.
In the waiting area, Sonny sat down next to Abby, unaware that they shared a connection. Abby explained that she was waiting for news on a friend who had been on the bus. Sonny was curious what her friend's name was. "Michael Corinthos," Abby answered.
1/5 Jax arrived at the hospital after he had received a call from Carly about the bus accident. Alexis and Sam revealed that none of the passengers had arrived, but they were expected soon.
In the waiting area, Abby wondered if Sonny knew Michael Corinthos. "I'm his father," Sonny told her. Abby was stunned. Sonny noticed Abby's fishnets and shoes; he revealed that he had once owned a strip club. Abby was surprised because Michael had never mentioned it. However, she confirmed that she was a dancer. Sonny was curious how long Abby had been stripping. "A year," Abby admitted before she explained that she did it to work her way through college.
Sonny assured her that he didn't judge her. He respected Michael's privacy, but he was curious if Abby knew that Michael was on parole. Abby nodded. Sonny explained that Michael had to be careful about where he went and with whom he associated. Abby understood Sonny's concerns, but she insisted that he didn't have to worry about Michael. Sonny revealed that Michael had plans to go to college, so Sonny didn't want Michael distracted from that.
Abby admitted that she'd had a similar conversation with Carly when Carly had warned Abby to stay away from Michael. Abby appreciated that Sonny and Carly wanted the best for Michael, but she reminded him that they didn't have the right to decide whom Michael could see. Sonny assumed that Abby was a good person because Michael liked her, but he didn't want his son hanging out at strip joints, getting into trouble, and fighting. Abby assured Sonny that she and Michael were just friends and that they had never met at her workplace. She promised Sonny that Michael was safe with her.
Olivia arrived by ambulance at the hospital. Patrick explained to Olivia that she was bleeding internally, so they had to operate on her. Moments later, Olivia was rushed into an operating room. Jason, Michael, Brenda, Dante, and Molly arrived. Alexis hugged Molly and wouldn't let go. Alexis learned that Kristina had been transported by ambulance to the hospital because she had been suffering from hypothermia. Jax wondered where Carly was. Jason explained that Carly had decided to ride with Morgan in the ambulance. Molly then began to brag about Michael's heroics and how he had carried Morgan to safety.
Kristina arrived at GH. After Kristina was whisked to a room to recover, a nurse noticed Ali standing at the nurses' station, looking a bit dazed. The nurse decided that Ali should have the bump on her head checked.
Michael joined Dante and Brenda at the nurse’s station. Michael revealed that Steve had kept Olivia talking after the crash to distract her from the pain. Michael let Dante know that Olivia had bragged about Dante the entire time. Brenda reminded Dante that Olivia was a fighter, which gave Dante hope.
Sonny rushed to Morgan's side when Morgan's ambulance arrived. Carly demanded that Epiphany get a doctor to look at Morgan's leg, but Epiphany explained that all the pediatric doctors were busy attending to other patients. Epiphany promised to send a doctor to see Morgan as soon as one was available, but that was not good enough for Sonny and Carly.
Ali bumped into Michael on her way to the cafeteria for a bagel. She invited Michael to join her, but he declined because he had to check on Morgan. Michael took the opportunity to thank Ali for everything that she had done after the crash. Ali didn't think building a fire compared to Michael's heroics, but she thanked him for his compliment.
Ali stopped by to visit Kristina. Ali kept rubbing her head as they talked about Taylor's parents taking him home. Ali revealed that her head had been throbbing since the accident, but it had become worse since arriving at the hospital. Kristina was horrified as Ali suddenly collapsed. Ali was rushed to surgery.
Steve stopped at the nurses' station to see how Olivia was doing. Dante let Steve know that Olivia was in surgery. Steve assured Dante that Olivia was strong and that Michael was the hero of the day. Steve revealed that Michael had found Olivia. As Jason watched, Dante expressed his gratitude to Michael for rescuing Olivia and then hugged him.
Abby left a frantic message for Michael to call her because she was worried about him. After she ended the call, she noticed a group of people nearby who seemed upset. Epiphany explained that one of the passengers from the bus had collapsed, but walked away before Abby could find out the name of the person. Moments later, Abby turned around to see Michael in the hallway. Michael smiled when he saw Abby and then rushed to give her a long hug. Carly was not pleased when she saw Abby and Michael together.
In the operating room, Steve and Patrick worked to save Ali's life. Tragedy struck when Ali suddenly flatlined. The episode featured, "Hallelujah," performed by Jeff Buckley
1/6 Michael paid Morgan a visit. Morgan tried to enlist Michael's help to get Carly to stop worrying about him. Morgan feared that Carly would have him X-rayed from head to toe before he could leave the hospital. Michael smiled as he advised his brother to humor their mother. Carly walked in moments later. She overheard Morgan's complaint, but she refused to apologize for wanting to make certain that Morgan hadn't suffered any other injuries besides the broken leg.
Morgan thanked Michael for saving his life. Michael appreciated his brother's gratitude, but he clearly didn't think that he had done anything special. Carly advised Morgan to get some rest and then led Michael out of the room. In the hallway, Michael assured Carly that Morgan would be okay. Carly clarified that Michael and Morgan would be fine.
Carly then changed the subject by revealing that she had seen Abby in the hospital the previous night. Michael explained that Abby had been concerned about him after she had heard about the crash. Carly confessed that she sensed that there was more to Michael and Abby's relationship than mere friendship. Michael immediately became defensive as he asked his mother when she had become so judgmental. Michael made it clear that Carly didn't get to decide whom he could associate with.
Michael met Abby at Kelly's. Abby told him about how she had learned about the crash and then left work to race to the hospital because she had been worried about Michael. As they talked about the events at the hospital, Abby confessed that she had met Sonny. Abby also admitted that Sonny had quickly figured out that she was a dancer. Michael assured Abby that Sonny "gets it," so he was happy that she had met his father. According to Michael, Sonny just wanted Michael to be happy. Abby was curious what made Michael happy. He confessed that it would please him if she would let him buy her breakfast. Abby quickly agreed.
At the hospital, Carly pulled Sonny into a conference room for a private conversation. Carly thanked Sonny for being there for Morgan and Michael after the crash, but she admitted that she was concerned about Michael. Carly explained that Michael had been seeing a woman who was ten years Michael's senior. Carly had seen them hug, so she was certain that Abby wanted more than friendship from Michael. Carly freely admitted that she didn't like it because she feared that Abby was after Michael's money. Sonny assured her that Abby had a job, so money wasn't an issue. Carly was surprised that Sonny knew Abby. Her shock quickly turned to disbelief when Sonny let it slip that Abby was a dancer at a local strip club.
1/7 In the conference room at the hospital, Carly grappled with the realization that Abby was a stripper. Sonny reminded Carly that they didn't know if Michael was involved with "this girl." Carly insisted that Abby wasn't a girl. "She's a grown-ass woman who takes her clothes off for money," Carly angrily stated. Sonny didn't think it was fair of Carly to judge a person based on what they did for a living. "Of course you'd think that," Carly shot back.
Sonny reminded her that he had known strippers who had been nice kids with bad families. Carly wondered if Sonny were really okay with Michael dating a stripper, because Carly was not. Sonny explained that he had learned his lesson with Kristina, so he suggested that they cut Michael some slack. Sonny admitted that he had met Abby and that she had seemed nice. Carly couldn't believe that Sonny hadn't tried to pay off Abby. She insisted that they weren't Michael's friends; they were his parents, so it was their responsibility to step in when he went down the wrong path.
Later, Carly stormed into McCall and Jackal Private Investigations. Carly demanded to know who "the hell" Sam thought she was to introduce Michael to a stripper and then lie to Carly about it. Sam explained that Abby was a good friend to Michael, but Carly wasn't satisfied. Carly resented Sam meddling in Michael's life because Sam was not Michael's mother. She ordered Sam to keep her "sleazy" friends away from Michael. Sam revealed that Michael had been having difficulty with kids his age because of the time that he had spent in jail. According to Sam, Michael had approached her to ask her to introduce him to an older woman, since girls his age made him uncomfortable.
Sam didn't regret setting Michael up with Abby because Abby was a good person. Carly realized that Michael had difficulty relating to his peers, but she explained that Michael needed support and help to rebuild his confidence, not to meet strippers. Sam defended Abby by revealing that Abby stripped to put herself through college. Carly suggested that Sam and Abby were kindred spirits out to get what they could. Sam was curious why Carly was such a "bitch." Carly explained that Michael was a damaged teenaged boy, so she refused to let Abby wreck his life further. Carly warned Sam to stay out of Michael's life or there would be "hell" to pay.
At Kelly's, Michael revealed to Abby that Sonny was not the type of person to interfere. Abby could understand why Sonny might have objections to her because she was older than Michael and stripped for a living. Michael didn't think that Sonny was in any position to judge. He believed that it was up to them to decide what they meant to each other, not anyone else. Molly entered the dinner, but she barely glanced at Michael and Abby as she made her way to the counter.
Michael found it odd that Molly hadn't stopped to ask them all kinds of embarrassing questions. Abby suggested that perhaps Molly had learned the fine art of discretion. Michael doubted it, but he decided to ignore it. Michael and Abby continued to make plans for their date when Molly suddenly cried out in frustration. Michael decided to check on his cousin. Molly was upset because she couldn't remember her French for an extra credit project. Michael assured Molly that it was understandable after what had happened to her. Molly argued that she hadn't been hurt in the crash. Michael offered to take Molly home, but she didn't want Michael to leave Abby on her account. Abby explained that she had to get to work, so Molly relaxed.
After Abby left, Michael thanked Molly for helping him to score points with Abby by making him look good. Molly seemed surprised when Michael revealed that she had once told him that acts of kindness impressed women. After Michael dropped off Molly, he went to Pozzulo's to talk to Sonny. Michael admitted that he was worried about Kristina and Molly because they still seemed to be in shock from the accident.
Sonny thought that it was understandable given the circumstances. Sonny confessed that he was proud of how Michael had conducted himself after the crash. Sonny could see that Michael was uncomfortable with the praise, so he asked Michael how Morgan was doing. Michael chuckled as he confided that Morgan was milking his broken leg for all it was worth. Sonny revealed that Kristina felt guilty, so he was curious if Michael felt the same way.
Michael admitted that he didn't, but Ali's death had made him realize that he had a lot to be thankful for. Sonny recalled his own near-death experiences; he credited his children for giving him the will to keep going. Sonny thought that it was good to appreciate what was important in life. Michael confessed that he had been doing that with Abby. According to Michael, everything about Abby had been unexpected. Michael thought that she was smart, funny, and beautiful, but most importantly, he felt comfortable around her.
Sonny was curious if Michael had seen Abby at work. Michael warned his father that he didn't want a lecture. Sonny assured Michael that he wouldn't give one, but he thought that it was important for Michael to remember that it would be a violation of Michael's parole to go to a strip club. Michael assured his father that he hadn't been to Vaughn's. Sonny was satisfied, so he moved on to let Michael know that Carly was on the warpath.
Carly arranged to meet Abby at Kelly's. Carly coldly ordered Abby to have a seat and then revealed that she knew that Abby was a stripper. Carly offered to write Abby a check for a large sum of money in exchange for Abby's agreement to take the money, leave town, and never to contact Michael again. Abby was curious what would happen if she refused. Carly vowed to make Abby sorry. Abby suggested that Carly back off, or Carly would regret it.
Abby didn't think that there was a need for them to get in a "pissing contest" over Michael. She assured Carly that she didn't have any intention of taking advantage of Michael. Carly acknowledged that she had once been were Abby was, except Carly hadn't stripped. Carly knew that Abby was willing to do whatever she could to crawl out of the gutter. Carly refused to let it be on Michael's back, so she offered Abby the opportunity for some real money or to continue earning dollar bills for stripping. However, Carly made it clear that the one thing that Abby wouldn't get was Michael.
1/10 In Sonny's restaurant office, Sonny and Michael discussed Michael's relationship with Abby. Sonny said that he would not interfere, but cautioned Michael that Carly was on the warpath. Michael said that his mom wanted him to like high school, but Michael felt he no longer fit in there. Sonny said that Carly was trying to keep Michael safe. He said that Carly's fears had been exacerbated by the recent bus crash and Morgan's injury.
Michael said that he and Abby were friends and that he could be himself around her. Sonny pointed out that Michael had control issues just like Sonny did. Sonny said that if Michael got into a fight at school he would land in the principal's office, but if he got in a fight at the strip club, he could end up bleeding in the parking lot or get sent back to prison. Michael said that Abby had asked him not to go to Vaughn's and that he had never been to the strip club.
At Kelly's, Carly had harsh words for Abby, who stood her ground despite Carly's claim that Abby's striper persona was bad for Michael. Carly offered Abby money to move away from Port Charles and threatened dire consequences if Abby did not immediately remove herself permanently from Michael's life. Abby refused the money. She said that she cared about Michael and that he had promised not to patronize Vaughn's, the strip club. Carly said that Michael had poor impulse control and could not walk away when he was threatened or upset.
When Abby flinched, Carly realized that Abby had seen that side of Michael and said so. Abby said that Michael had lost control only once and that he had regretted it. Carly said that Michael would be sent back to prison if he got caught fighting at Vaughn's. Abby said that she had confidence in Michael. Carly said that Michael could not afford even one mistake. Carly said that Abby was a mistake. Abby got up to leave and said that she had made her position clear. Carly told Abby not to make things difficult and to stay from Michael.
When Abby turned around, she ran into Michael, who could see that she was upset. She said that she had to go to work, but told him not to worry, that everything was fine. Michael sat down with Carly and wanted to know what she had said to Abby. Carly did not pull any punches. She told Michael that Abby was only interested in him because she wanted money. Michael said that he and Abby were friends. He said that Abby understood him.
Carly told Michael that she loved him and wanted to protect him. He said that she should respect him instead. Michael said he was capable of making his own decisions. He told Carly that even though she had made a lot of bad decisions while he was growing up, he had never thrown any of them in her face. Michael told Carly to leave Abby alone. He said that if Carly did not, she was the one he would stop having a relationship with. Carly did not believe him, but Michael reiterated his position before leaving Carly in Kelly's with a tear running down her cheek.
Carly met up with Jason in the restaurant office. She was both livid and tearful after her fight with Michael over Abby. Jason told her that it was a fight that she would not win. He told her that things were more complicated than she imagined. She said that she could not stand by and let anything bad happen to Michael. Carly said that she had made mistakes with Michael. Jason said that they all had. Carly railed against Abby and said that she was emotionally damaged, or she would not work at a strip club. Jason said that Michael was emotionally damaged, but that he had a connection to Abby and was opening up to her. Jason told Carly that they needed to stay out of Michael's way.
At Vaughn's, Abby did a sexy pole dance as Michael, with a tormented look on his face, watched from a dimly lit corner in the back.
1/11 In the office at Pozzulo's, Carly was hurt that Jason hadn't told her about Abby. She couldn't believe that Michael had been seeing Abby since October. Jason believed that it had just been a one-time thing until Michael had called for help after an altercation with one of the club's customers who had hassled Abby on the street. Carly insisted that it was exactly that kind of situation that could send Michael back to Pentonville. Jason assured Carly that he had already warned Michael. Jason revealed that Michael continued to see Abby because Michael felt comfortable talking to her. Carly argued that Michael could talk to them, but Jason disagreed.
Jason confided that even he had difficulty discussing what had happened to him in Pentonville. Jason reminded Carly that Michael wasn't as jaded as Jason and that what Michael had experienced had been far worse. Carly suggested that they find a therapist for Michael, but Jason didn't think that Michael would go. Jason explained that Abby seemed to help, so they needed to respect Michael's choices. Carly wept as she admitted that she was terrified for Michael. Jason realized that Carly would do anything for her children, so he urged her to leave Michael's relationship with Abby alone. He advised her to "stay cool" by not fighting with Michael or forcing Michael to fight her. Carly confessed that being a parent was extremely difficult.
At Vaughn's, Michael appeared devastated as he watched Abby dance around a pole while men slipped her dollar bills. Abby looked up in time to see Michael leave the strip club.
Later, Michael stormed into Pozzulo's to talk to Jason. Michael admitted that he had gone to Vaughn's to see Abby dance, but he had been enraged to see the type of clientele that the strip club catered to. Jason couldn't understand why Michael would go to Vaughn's when it might have jeopardized Michael's parole. Michael ignored the question as he told Jason about the faraway look in Abby's eyes as she danced and how disgusted he had been by the men who had thrown money at her.
Michael confessed that it had made him feel like he had when he had been trapped with Carter in the jail cell. Michael was livid because none of the men in the strip club realized how nice and smart Abby was. According to Michael, the men in the club had reminded him of Carter. Jason insisted that Carter was dead. Michael admitted that he wished that he had killed Carter; however, he realized that the men who patronized Vaughn's weren't Carter. Michael understood that they were just a bunch of guys watching Abby do her job. Jason once again wondered why Michael had gone to Vaughn's.
Michael explained that he had talked to Sonny about Abby. Sonny had mentioned that Michael could never understand what it was like to work in a strip club, so Michael had decided to check out Vaughn's. Michael had been disgusted by what he had seen, but Jason was curious if Abby had ever complained about her work. "No," Michael admitted. Jason suggested that they shouldn't judge Abby for working there. However, Jason was relieved that Michael had been able to walk away instead of giving in to his rage. Moments later, Michael received a text message from Abby.
Sam bumped into Abby on the street. She immediately realized that Abby was upset when Abby asked if Sam had seen Michael. Abby quickly filled Sam in on what had happened. Sam felt terrible; she had never meant for things to get so complicated between Abby and Michael. Abby insisted that Michael was the best thing that had ever happened to her, so she wasn't sorry that Sam had introduced them to each other.
Abby confessed that Carly had strong objections to Michael and Abby and that Carly had reason to question Abby's morality, but Sam refused to let Abby put herself down. Sam was curious if Abby had real feelings for Michael. Abby admitted that Michael respected her and made her feel special, so she refused to walk away from him. Sam was pleased; she didn't think that Abby should give up on Michael simply because Carly didn't like the relationship. Sam promised to let Michael know that Abby was looking for him and then left.
Moments later, a man stepped out of the shadows. "Brandon," Abby greeted the man when she noticed him. She was curious how he had found her. Brandon tried to coax a smile out of Abby as he explained that he had missed her.
Abby was relieved when Michael called out to her on the street. She immediately apologized to Michael for what he had seen, but insisted that he shouldn't have gone to Vaughn's. Michael demanded to know why she hadn't told him how much she had hated dancing in the club. Abby denied that she disliked stripping, but Michael didn't believe her because he had seen it in her eyes while she had been on the stage. Abby reminded him that she was Candy when she was on stage, so she was a completely different person. Abby begged Michael not to let her work affect their friendship. Michael assured her that everything about her was important to him and that he had never felt about anyone the way that he felt about Abby. Abby admitted that it was the same for her. Michael insisted that he needed her. He pulled her close and then kissed her to prove his point.
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