Janet, Steve and Kelly by Shari, Brandon and Dylan by DC, Carly, and Lexi by Val, Val and Jen by Shae and Heather, Donna, David, and Brenda by Scott

Group by Val

Lexi

Lexi opened her eyes to the sound of the phone ringing. She picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Good morning. Merry Christmas to you Lexi!" her secretary at Sterling-Conway perked into the phone.

She sighed. "Hey Alicia; what's up?"

"Don wanted me to give you the thumbs up for that new model. Jade Larickson is her name I think," she replied her mouth full of eggs.

Lexi smirked. "Great thanks! Merry Christmas, sweetie."

Alicia laughed cheerfully, "See you on Friday."

Lexi hung up the phone and sat up. She had to do some last minute Christmas shopping and Now Wear This was the best place to go. Let's see, she thought. She need Megan, Jane, Brenda, Sara, and Michael. She walked over to her closet and looked through for an outfit. She decided on a light blue skirt with a white tank top. She decided to get an early start and go out on the prowl.

Carly

"Good morning, sweetheart!" Nat said as Carly opened the double doors to the Peach Pit.

"Hey Nat. Merry Christmas," she said as they exchanged a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"How's Zach?" he asked.

"Right here!" Zach yelled, coming inside.

Carly looked at Nat for an okay. "I was in a jam and Leah's away for the holidays so I figured why not bring him to work!? He's borrowed Daniel's gameboy, so he's all set."

Nat touched her shoulder. "Of course Carly; he's family."

Carly smiled. "Thanks Nat." She turned to Zach and pointed her finger at him sternly. "You behave. I have a lot of work to do."

Zach rolled his eyes. "You're treating me like a child, mom!"

"Zach, you are one. Just behave, please." He nodded and Carly walked into the back to get started. She was hungry, again, and she didn't want to do what she had to do with Zach there. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Brenda

Brenda and Traci were on the set of 'Class of Beverly Hills', running lines with each other. They had their lines down cold and were amusing themselves by coming up with obscene interprations of them.

Suddenly, a man's voice spoke, "Well, well. Traci Locke."

A sudden look of alarm appeared on Traci's face, "Beck," she whispered. Then the look of alarm was replaced by hatred.

Brenda turned around to get a look at Mr. Beck. He was a heavy-set man wearing an obvious toupee and a suit that he looked like he oozed into. He was smirking at Traci.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?," he asked Traci.

"I suppose I have to," Traci said grudgingly, "Brenda, the stench you're no doubt noticing belongs to Rex Beck. In case you only read the important part of the paper, Beck is what is called a gossip columnist. . ."

"I prefer the term entertainment journalist," Beck interrupted, still smirking.

"Gossip columinists are usually a bunch of sleazy parasites," Traci continued, "Mr. Beck is beneath them."

Beck grinned, " Now, now. Is that nice? Especially when I'm on the verge of a major career change?"

"Oh?" Traci commented contemptously, "That sewer rat position finally open up?"

"No," Beck responded, "I will shortly be leaving you infantile actors behind forever. I will be starting a position at the California Review of Books."

Dylan had mentioned the California Review of Books to Brenda once. He had told her that, basically, it was a magazine designed to show how much smarter its staff was than anybody who actually wrote a book.

"There's just one little bit of business I have to attend to before I start there."

"Oh?" Traci asked, "Whose career do you want to ruin?"

Beck smiled a shark's smile, "Yours, Ms. Locke. You crossed me once and I couldn't do anything about it because you were a nobody. You're not a nobody anymore." Traci's face was impassive. Beck laughed,"Everybody has something to hide, Ms. Locke." He walked away.

When he was out of earshot, Brenda quickly asked Traci, "Who was that? What was he talking about?"

Traci said nothing for a minute. Then she said calmly, "I'm going to need to be alone for a little while, Brenda."

Brenda was really starting to get worried, "Are you okay?" she asked.

For the first time, Traci smiled a little, "I'm okay. And I will tell you everything. But not right now. I've got to pull myself together. They're going to need us in a few minutes and I refuse to let that creep make me give a bad performance."

Brenda respected Traci's wishes and left her alone. But she was very worried about her friend.

Steve

Janet paced back and fourth in the foyer, Maddy in her arms.

"Why aren't they hear yet?", Janet whined.

Steve walked in from the kitchen, "Honey, it's only 10 o'clock. They said ten to ten-thirty. Calm down. You're going to drive yourself crazy. In fact, you're driving ME crazy!"

Janet bit on her lip, "Well. . .I'll try."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

"That must be them!", Janet excitedly said, "I didn't even hear a car."

"Probably because you were too busy whining," Steve said, taking Maddy from Janet.

Janet glared at him and then opened the front door. A warm smile appeared on her face as she saw Taylor standing there with April.

"Hi. Come in," she said.

Taylor smiled uneasily and walked in.

"Hey Taylor," Steve said. Spending some time with him at the orphanage in the last few weeks seemed to ease the transition. . .somewhat. "Taylor, this is our daughter, Maddy. Maddy say 'hi'."

Taylor let out a little laugh at the sight of Maddy licking Steve's cheek instead.

Steve chuckled, "You'll grow to love her."

April checked her watch, "I need to be getting back to the orphanage." She hugged Taylor, "I'm going to miss you. I'm sure all the girls at the orhpanage will miss you too," she joked.

"Bye April," Taylor replied.

"Let's not forget Taylor's bags," Steve said, putting Maddy down and following April outside.

"C'mon," Janet pointed to the stairs, "I'll show you your room. Would you mind holding Maddy?"

"Sure." He picked up Maddy and headed up the stairs, her licking his cheek the whole time.

Jen

After waking up, Jennifer went into the kitchen to get some breakfast. She poured herself a big bowl of Special K with some strawberrys. She sat down at the table and read a magazine while she ate. Jen was putting off the whole getting proof that David was the father of her baby. She thought he should just take her word for it. She decided that she was going to call and make an appointment for the paternity test for after the holidays.

Janet

"So that's my room," Janet pointed out before heading further down the hall, "And here's Maddy's room," They walked in, "You can put her in the playpen. I don't want her to lick your cheek off or anything."

Taylor laughed, "Thanks."

Janet led Taylor through the bathroom and into the connecting room, "And this is your room. We didn't decorate it much. We figured we could take you shopping and you can choose what you want. Think of it as a Christmas gift."

"Thanks."

Steve walked in carrying a suitcase, "Here ya go."

"We didn't decorate our tree yet. We figured it would be something nice to do together," Janet said, "I'm going to take the ornaments out."

Once she left and was out of ear shot, Steve pulled open a draw in the desk and took out a rolled up poster.

"Here," he handed it to Taylor.

"What's this?"

"Something I wish I was given at your age. . ."

Taylor unrolled the poster to find a woman in a very see-through outfit. "Wow."

Steve laughed, "Tell me about it."

Janet suddenly walked in, "I'll be taking that!" She took the poster and rolled it back up.

"Aw, mom!", Steve said. Taylor laughed. "Come down when you want, Taylor."

Taylor nodded and started to open his suitcase.

Kelly

"Finally, we're going to see the oncologist," Kelly said to Brandon while stopped at a red light, "I was so upset when she cancelled, forcing me to wait even longer for the first visit."

"I know, but at least you've been patient about it," Brandon replied.

She mumbled to herself, "On the outside."

"What?"

"Nothing. . ."

"Kel, what's going on?"

"You want to know what's going on, Brandon?" she said frustratedly, "My brain is on overload. I have been working, trying to keep my mind busy, while inside, wondering if I'm going to die anytime soon."

"Kel. . ."

"Brandon, please, just let me be right now."

Brandon did as she asked. It wasn't worth the fight. But one thing was worth saying. It was always worth saying.

"I love you," he said. Kelly didn't reply.

Donna

It was the day before her birthday and Donna was alone in the bungalow. She really didn't mind being alone. David was visting Valerie in rehab and Donna knew that the two of them needed to be alone. There weren't any romantic feelings between them any more but there was a very close friendship. And that was okay. Val needed close friends.

Donna felt bad that she hadn't been more help when Val had been spiraling. Val and she had had a lot of ups and downs but she was family. And really a good person, despite herself.

And David had been so out of it that he seemed to be a million miles away even when he was right next to her. It had become pretty obvious over the past couple of weeks that Jen wasn't going to crack and that she was really pregnant. David was still in massive denial, talking about anything other than Jen. The strain was really getting to her.

Just then, the phone rang.

Donna picked it up, "Hello?"

"Happy pre-birthday, darling!", a familiar voice rang out.

Donna sighed inwardly, "Hi mom."

"So," Felice asked, "What's going on?"

For one insane minute, Donna actually thought of telling her. Well, mother, another woman is pregnant with my husband's child. How's everything with you? And then she pictured her mother exploding. She silently giggled. Then sanity kicked in. Her mother was a lot more likely to send a hit man after David than she was to explode.

"Nothing much," She decided she'd better change topics, "How are things at the country club?"

Suddenly, her mother sounded like the wrath of God, "You would not believe what that Betty Anderson witch is trying to do now!"

Donna knew that this would be a topic that her mother would want to talk about. Felice Martin was the queen of her country club. She spent most of her time dealing with threats to her throne. There were probably minefields that were more relaxing than her country club politics.

Donna sat back and let her mother tell her about her latest rival. It beat thinking about David and Jen.

Steve

Taylor unpacked his belongings. It certainly wasn't a lot. He had some clothes and that was really about it. When he would go back to the orphanage from a foster home, the foster family usually didn't let him take anything. Taylor hoped that this time it would work out.

Steve walked in, "I couldn't salvage the poster," he said but Janet told me to give you these. He put a dress shirt and pants on his bed. "We're having a Christmas party tonight. Partly for the holidays, mostly to introduce you to everyone."

Taylor nodded, "Got it."

Steve headed for the door.

"Steve?", Taylor caught his attention, "Listen, thanks for you know. . .letting me stay here."

Steve smiled, "No thanks necessary."

David

David's mind was spinning as he neared the rehab center. This thing with Jen wasn't going to go away. He had been so sure that this was some sort of crazy scheme of Jen's. But it wasn't. His stupidity caused this death blow to his marriage. No! He couldn't believe that. Not after all he and Donna had been through.

Focus on Val, he told himself. She's been working really hard at rehab but you know Val . She needs all the encouragement she can get. Maybe I should talk to Val about Jen, he thought. Remind Val that she's still a part of all our lives and someone whose opinion we respect.

He parked his car in the rehab center parking lot and headed for the reception desk to meet Val.

Kelly

Kelly and Brandon sat nervously in Doctor Safa's office. A test had been conducted and it confirmed that Kelly did have two tumors on her ovaries. The question of whether they were cancerous still remained.

"So where do we go from here?", Brandon asked, breaking the silence.

"Well," Doctor Safa began, "With any tumor, anywhere, surgery is usually conducted to find out if it's cancerous."

"Surgery?", Kelly was startled by the thought.

"Yes. During the procedure, known as a laparotomy, we examine the cyst to see if cancer is present. If the cancer diagnosis is confirmed, we determine what stage the cancer has progressed to. There are four stages, 1 being the least mild, and 4, well. . .", her voice trailed off.

Kelly was confused, "But how is the cancer taken away and treated?"

"If the cancer is discovered during the surgery," the doctor explained, "right then and there the surgeon will perform surgical debulking, which is taking away as much of the cancer as possible. When there is a tumor on both ovaries, which there is in your case, we remove the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, nearby lymph glands and the omentum."

Kelly gasped, "But doesn't that mean I won't be able to have children?"

The doctor nodded sadly, "According to your record you the condition known as endrometeriosis. While one thing has nothing to do with the other, if you're chances of getting pregnant are already slim, you may want to remove your reproduction organs anway. Of course, that decision is up to you."

Kelly's headed flooded with millions of different thoughts. There was so much to think about; so much to consider!

The doctor continued, "After surgery, you would be given various drugs and most likely chemotherapy. But we're not even at that point yet. Let's just take it one day at a time."

Brandon agreed, "It's the best way to go."

"Um," Kelly said distantly, "There are a lot of things I need to think about before I do anything. Do you think maybe I can think about this for a little bit and come back later and we can take it from there? I just need a breather right about now."

"Surely," she smiled, "I'll be here."

Carly

Carly was still at The Peach Pit with Zach. She was taking a customer's order over the phone when Gina walked in. She shot her a quick glare and hung up the phone when the order was in.

"Hello," Carly said as polietly as she could.

Gina smirked, "Hi. I ordered some food for Dylan and myself."

"Right. It'll be another 20 mintues or so," Carly said waiting for a reaction.

Gina checked her watch aggrivatedly, "But I talked to Nat and he said it would have been ready a half hour ago." She wanted to spend a nice breakfast with Dylan before going to work.

Carly nodded, "Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Willie and Nat are just really backed up in the kitchen."

"Yeah, and I can see your puking isn't helping," she bellowed.

Carly glanced at Zach across the room. He hadn't heard. "Could you please refrain from your bitching for a few minutes while my son is around?" she said rudely yet in a soft tone.

"You need help Carly. I went through this and it isn't a joke. If Adam is pressuring you, you definetly need to end it," she said, making it sound like she was a friend.

"I think you should stay out of my life!" she said. "Here's your order," she replied handing her the bag. "Goodbye."

Gina shook her head. "Get over yourself Carly and admit that you have a problem." She grabbed the bag and left.

Valerie

Valerie woke up in time to catch the late breakfast. She walked down the long narrow hallway to the double doors that opened up to the cafeteria.

She went on line and saw the food. She made a squeamish face and grabbed some OJ. She sat down at a table and took a sip of the juice. It was so gross that a look of disgust appeared on her face.

Just then, a woman sat down next to her and said "That bad, huh?"

"Yeah."

"You don't mind if I sit here, do you?" She said, placing her tray down.

"No."

"The food here isn't that bad," She gulped down some watery oatmeal.

Val made another queasy face.

"I'm Paige," She extended her hand.

"Valerie."

"Are you new here? I've never seen you at any of the group meetings."

"Kinda. I have been here for a couple of weeks. I don't really enjoy the whole group scene, so I basically stay out of it."

"Oh I did that when I first came here. But I found that when you go, you make a lot new friends."

Val was not up for some addict she just met giving her a lecture so she went into bitch mode, "Ya know, I have all the friends I need. I'm not planning on making any new ones," she got up from the table.

"If you weren't such a hostile person, I'm sure you would get through this a lot faster."

"Who the hell do you think you are? You don't know me," Val snapped.

"Honey, I know you better then you think. I was just like you."

"If you are so reformed, what are you still doing here," she smirked and walked away.

As she was walking out of the cafeteria, she thought about what Paige had said about her being hostile. Was she really like that?

Donna

Donna entered the store cheerfully. Gina was already there, waiting for her.

"Hi," Gina greeted her, "Ready for the 'Day Before Christmas' shopping frenzy?"

"Uh-huh," Donna responded, "I'm looking forward to it!"

Gina looked at her stunned, " My God. You are! Why?"

"Because I have just spent well over a hour listening to my mother complain that everybody in her country club is out to get her. Compared to that, crazy shoppers are a vacation!"

Gina laughed and shook her head.

Then Donna grew more serious, "You know, I still haven't told her about the whole thing with David and Jen. I wish I could talk about it with her but I know she'd just lecture me about sin and wouldn't help at all."

"That reminds me," Gina said, "There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

Donna was immediately attentive.

"Whatever happens with David and Jen and the baby, don't take it out on the kid, okay? The kid didn't ask for any of this. It just wants to be loved."

Donna looked at her sister for a moment. This whole thing must have been reminding Gina of some of her own demons.

"I'm not my mom, Gina," Donna said gently, "If David and I have a child, it's not going to wait twenty-three years to find out that it has a brother or sister."

Gina smiled, a gentler, more innocent smile than usual. She obviously really needed to hear that.

People were starting to gather outside the door.

"Time to open up," Gina said.

"All right," Donna said gravely, "At my command, prepare to unleash hell."

She signaled Gina to open the door. Gina did and the mob poured in.

Kelly

Brandon and Kelly left the doctor's office and decided to have a quick lunch at the bagel place next store. They ate their lunch in silence until Kelly decided it was time to discuss things.

"So. . .", she said, "What do you think?"

"Don't you think it matters more what you think?", he asked.

"Brandon, we're a couple. This stuff is life-threatening, it can change my life. Your life. Our life. We need to make this decision together," she touched his hand, "I'm sorry for not saying 'I love you' earlier. I do love you, you know what, don't you?"

"I know you do. You don't have to say it, I know you do, Kel. Just, I think. . .I think. . .I don't know what I think."

"There's not much room to think. There's only one way to go, I guess. Surgery. My life is at stake here. Cancer or not, I'm never going to know if I don't have the operation. I can't risk it."

"I can't either," he said, "I can't lose you, Kel. Not again, not from this", he looked her in the eyes.

Kelly felt her heart breaking, "You won't," she tried to hold back the tears, "You won't." Deep inside, she really didn't know. No one did. She just had to be safe and not sorry. They finished their lunch in silence, the same way it had started.

Janet

Steve had the Christmas tree situated on a small, round red rug to the right of the fireplace. Janet had box after box of ornaments lined up on the couch, ready to be hung on the tree. In the last box, there was only one ornament. A glass angel to put on the top. It shined in every which way and was crafted with extreme detail. It had been in Janet's family for ages.

Not long into the decorating of the tree did Taylor appear on the step into the living room.

"Hi," Janet said warmly, "Would you like to help us?"

Taylor nodded and walked over to her.

"You can put up some ornaments from the boxes over there," she pointed to the couch.

He looked through the boxes, checking out all the different ornments. He took a couple and hung them on the tree, "How's that?", he asked.

"Looks great!", Steve said as he walked in and patted him on the back.

Lexi

Lexi walked into Now Wear This and saw Donna behind the counter.

"Goodday, Lexi," Donna said polietly and went back to her books.

Lexi placed a false smile on her face, "Hello." She went about the store looking for something that would strike her eye to get for Megan. She walked towards a rack and saw a light pink knee-length skirt with diamonds on the side. She picked it up and checked the size. Wayyyy to big, she thought.

"Excuse me, Donna?" she asked.

"Yes?" she replied.

"Can I have this in a 3?" she asked her, walking towards the counter with the skirt.

Donna thought for a minute, "Umm. . .I think we have one in the back. Gina's back there. She should be able to find it.," she walked into the back.

During the few minutes she was alone, Lexi pondered a bit. She wanted to do something special for the holidays. Just then, Donna came back out.

"Find it?" Lexi asked.

Donna nodded and handed her the skirt, "Here ya go."

"Thanks. I guess that'll be all," she said.

Donna rang her up and Lexi left the store, a shopping bag in her hand. She decided to stop for a cappachino at the coffee shop.

Valerie

Before heading back to her room, Val stopped off at a vending machine and got a Snicker bar. She was munching on it when she opened the door and, to her surprise, saw David standing there.

"David!?" Val said in shock.

"Hey Val," he said, giving her a hug.

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to visit you. I wanted you to know that even though I wasn't there for you when all this went down, I'm here to help you through it," he said and smiled.

"Thanks David. It means a lot to me."

"So, tell me how are you doing. How is rehab?"

"I hate it here. I hate the people, the food sucks, and I'm seriously going crazy here."

"Val, isn't there any positives about his place?"

"Well, my counselor. She's pretty cool."

"Good, because I was really worried about you. I thought I almost lost you."

"Yeah, I was worried about myself too. I have to admit, it got more out of control then I thought I would let it. I never realized how deep I was getting myself in."

"Yeah, I know what you mean," He said, looking down.

"So tell me about you. I heard you and Donna retied the knot."

"Yeah we did," he said sadly.

Val noticed the sadness in his voice, "What's wrong? You can tell me."

"Oh, nah, its nothing. I'm not going to burden you with my problems"

"David, I'm your friend. Let me help you."

"Its Jen."

"Oh no. What did she do now?" Valerie rolled her eyes.

"She's pregnant."

"What?!?"

"Yeah, and it might be mine."

"Might be? David, are you for sure? I mean, Jen has been with a lot of guys this summer and past few months."

"I know, but she says she's positive. At first I thought it was just a joke to get me back. But I'm starting to believe that she is serious."

"Have you told Donna?"

"Yeah. She is heartbroken"

"She must be."

"I don't know what I'm going to do. This will definitely kill my marriage."

"Well, if there is anything I can do. . ."

"Well, maybe you could talk to Jen for me. See if she is really serious or if she's just scamming me."

"Yeah, I'll try, David."

"Thanks, Valerie. I'm going to get going though. But if you need me, for anything, I'm only a phone call away."

"Thanks and don't worry so much about this. Just enjoy your Christmas."

"I'll try, but I don't know if I can."

"Do it for me, okay?" she smiled softly, reaching out and touching his hand.

"Take care," He said, kissing her on the forehead. He turned around and left the room.

Lexi

Lexi sat down with her bag and cappachino. She took a sip. Just then, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to see Jane and Kyle.

"Hey Lexi!" Jane said pulling up chairs for both her and Kyle.

Lexi was surprised, "Hi guys. What brings you here?" she asked, taking another sip of her drink.

Kyle sat down. "Well, we were looking for Christmas presents, of course."

Lexi nodded, "Ahh. . ." she replied.

"So what are you doing tonight?" Jane asked.

Lexi shrugged, "Michael and I will probably sit home."

Jane laughed, "Well that's no fun! Why don't you guys come over to our house?" She shot a quick glance at Kyle who didn't seem to approve.

"Jane. . ." Kyle said.

Lexi smirked, "No it's fine. We'll be okay."

Jane started to glare at Kyle, "No, I totally insist. You, Michael, Megan, Ryan, and Sarah can come over. What the hell, Jen too!" she said, determined.

Lexi laughed, "If that's what you want."

David

David was feeling a little better as he drove back home.

Val looked good. She had a long, hard road ahead of her, but he had no doubt that she would make it. Val was strong, much stronger than she realized. He could tell that Val was serious about gettinh her life together. And when Valerie Malone was determined to do something, it got done!

And he was also feeling a little better about the whole Jen thing. He still couldn't believe that he was the baby's father but he knew, that whatever the truth was, Val would find it out.

Once again, when the chips were down, Val had come through for him.

He and Val were never meant to be lovers. But you couldn't ask for a better friend.

It would be nice if , someday, Val realized how special she was.

Jen

Jen was sitting on her bed, puttiing on her black boots. She was on her way out when the phone rang. She ran to get it.

"Hello?" She answered out of breath.

"Hey Jen. It's me, Jane."

"Oh, hi, Jane. What's up?"

"I'm calling to invite you to an X-mas dinner at my place tonight."

"Aww; thanks. That's nice of you."

"It's no problem. Just bring a dish of some sort, okay?"

"Alrigjht. I'll bring something chocolate."

"Oooh!! That sounds good."

"Oh yeah; I forgot you always had a sweet tooth."

"You know me, I got a huge one," She laughed, "Well, I'm going to let you go. See you tonight."

Steve

Many ornaments later, the tree was almost covered from head to toe. On it's branches were everything from tintzle to popcorn on string to an ornament that Steve had made as a kid.

Taylor moved along from one box to the next. Lastly, he got to the one that contained the angel. He thought it was just like any other ornament, so he picked it up and was going to hang it on the tree.

He walked over to the tree, looking up as he walked. He didn't see the bowl of extra popcorn sitting on the floor and he tripped over it. The angel went flying into the air as Taylor went flying towards the floor. Luckily, in the position he fell, his hands were open and stretched out just as the angel fell into them.

Whew, he thought, That was close. He didn't even know how much sentimental value the angel contained, yet, just the thought of breaking anything of Steve and Janet's made him extremely nervous.

He got up off the floor and placed the angel back in the box. Better to wait for Steve and Janet, he decided.

Lexi

Lexi walked into her apartment and dropped her keys on the table. She started to check her messages.

"Hi Lexi, it's Jen. I heard about Jane's tonight. Are you guys going? Call me soon; I'm going out shortly."

She went to the second one.

"Good morning, Ms. Sterling. It's Don. I wanted to let you know again that the model is okay. We'll need your investments by Tuesday. Happy Holidays."

Lexi smiled. She was planning on bringing a lot of money in on this model. She picked up the phone and dialed Jen's number.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hey, it's me. Yeah, Mike and I are going," she stated.

"Oh. . .Okay. I just wanted to ask 'cause, you know, it might be awkward with Kyle and all. . ." she went on.

Lexi laughed, "No, it's okay. He okayed your invite. Be there at 6:30. Remember you gift for Sarah."

"Crap; I need to go shopping. I have so much to do today," she said, "Gotta go; love ya. Tell Mike I said 'hi'," Jen hung up the phone quickly. She didn't want anyone to know about this pregnancy yet, so she decided to act completely normal.

Kelly

"Have you come to a decision?", Doctor Safa asked as Kelly and Brandon sat down in the chairs opposite her desk. They had returned to the office not too long after finishing their lunch.

"Surgery," Kelly said, "It's the only way to go."

"I'm glad you realize that," she smiled, "Okay, let's schedule it then. Well, we obviously have to wait until after New Years. How about the following week, at Whilshire Memorial?"

"Uh uh. No way, " Kelly said.

Brandon and the doctor exchanged looks. "Kel, do you care to share what you mean?" Brandon asked.

She turned to face him,"I don't want to have at Whilshire, or Cedars-Sinai or any other hospital in the area, for that matter," she turned back towards Doctor Safa, "I was wondering if I could have it somewhere other than LA. I really don't want my friends or family to know what's going on. There's no need to worry them when it may not even be cancerous."

,FONT size=3>"Are you sure?", Brandon asked.

"Yeah, I am. If it's effecting me this much, imagine what it's going to do to my mother. I can't tell her. Not yet, anyway. Brandon, please. I don't want to have it here."

Brandon reluctantly went along with it, "Whatever you want, Kel."

"Okay," Doctor Safa sighed, "I suppose we could have it in San Francisico. There's a great hospital out there."

"Sounds great," Kelly said said as postive as possible. .

Jen

Jennifer was in her black Honda Civic, driving to see Val. She pulled into a parking space at the rehab center and unbuckled her seatbelt. She took Val's gift out of the car and started walking into the building.

She was hoping that it wouldn't matter that she didn't call and make an appointment. She took an elevator up to the second floor, figuring it wouldn't be a good idea for a pregnant woman to walk the stairs. Once there, she proceeded to walk over to the receptionist's desk. She unpatienly waited in front of the glass mirror waiting for someone to say something. Finally, she got fed up and knocked on it loudly, "HELLO!"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone was there," said the middle-aged woman.

"Ugh, yeah. I've only been waiting here for five minutes," she said rudely.

The lady ignored the comment and smiled, "How can I help you?"

"I would like to see Valerie Malone."

"Down the hall, on the right."

"Thanks for nothing," she mumbled as she headed down the hall. There were ten doors on the right side of the hallway. She took a guess and knocked on the 4th door. Val, suprisingly, opened it.

"Merry Christmas!" She hugged Valerie.

"Come in."

"I've missed you," Jen said, sitting on her bed.

"Why haven't you called?" Val asked suspiciously.

"Well, I've been going through some things. I just wanted you to get help and not worry about my own problems."

"Thanks, I guess. So when do you start your communtiy service?"

"After the holidays," Jen pouted, "Oh, I brought you a gift." She handed her the package.

"Jen, you shouldn't have," She said, taking the box. She opened it up to find a frame picuture of her, Ginger and Jen. "Wow. Thanks, Jen."

"Do you remember the night we took that?"

"Yeah. We had a blast that night."

"We had a blast every night!"

"So what's been up with you lately?" Val asked, changing the subject.

"Nothing really."

"Jen, talk to me."

"Who told you?" she asked.

"David."

"He did?"

"Yeah. So what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to keep the baby."

"Really?" Val was a little suprised.

"Yeah. I mean, all my life I have run away from my problems and taken the easy way out. I've decided that now I will actually deal with the consequences."

"I'm proud of you, Jen" Val smiled.

"I knew you would be."

"But I think you should go easy on David. I mean, he just got back together with Donna. This is something that can totally screw up his marriage."

"Well Val, what about me? Don't you think my baby should know who his father is and have a life with him? I can't support him on my own, either. David needs to help, ya know. "

"Yeah, if he's really the father. I mean Jen, you were sleeping with guys while you were sleeping with David. How do you know for sure that it's David's?"

"I just know, Val. I'm not trying to hurt David."

"Good, then prove it. Get a paternity test."

"I will. I'm going to make an appointment as soon as possible."

"I really didn't mean to jump on you, Jen," Valerie said remorsefully.

"Its okay. I have to get going. I need to make a dessert for this X-mas party I'm going to. It's at Jane's."

"Have fun."

"Thanks. It was nice seeing you," Jen hugged her.

"You too. Bye Jen."

Kelly

Brandon unlocked the door to his apartment and walked in. Kelly followed behind him.

Kelly scheduled the operation for January 10th, a Thursday. She was really nervous and had nobody to turn to. Of course there was Brandon but she needed someone else, too. Brenda and Donna would be perfect right about now, but she couldn't bring herself to tell them and ruin their Christmas and Donna's birthday.

"I'm going to lay down for a little while before I have to get ready for tonight," Kelly said.

Brandon nodded. He wouldn't mind some alone time. He had a lot of thinking to do himself.

Valerie

Valerie walked around her room, over and over. She was bored out of her mind and it was Christmas Eve. She couldn't believe that she was going to spend it in rehab, all alone.

She left her room and walked around the hospital. She knew they were having an X-mas party in the cafeteria so she headed there. When she walked past, she saw Paige and immediatly retreated the other way. She found a phone and called Noah.

"Hello?" He answered.

"I want to go home," she sadly said.

"Valerie, we talked about this."

"I know we did. Tell me again why I need to stay here?"

"To get better. Come on Val; only a couple more weeks."

"I know. It's just that I'm so lonely here. Will you come see me tonight?"

"You bet. I just have to make an appearance at Casa Walsh and then I'll be over."

Val thought in her head, Aww. Casa Walsh. She missed Brandon, Steve, Kelly; all of them. She was mad that she wasn't able to be there and share the joy of the holiday season.

There was a long silence.

"Val, are you still there?"

"Yeah, I'm here," She said trying to hide her sadness, "But I'm going to go back to my room now, okay?" She told him.

"Alright. I'll see you tonight."

"Okay. Bye," she hung up the phone.

Brandon

Brandon had decided to give Kelly a little space. Before he left, she had started to watch a TV program, but was asleep before the opening credits were finished.

“Poor thing,” he said as he switched offf the TV. He then left the apartment.

Brandon was on his way to see Valerie. They didn’t exactly last see one another on the best of terms, so he thought he should drop by and let her know that she's in his thoughts.

He parked in the Visitors parking lot and signed in at the front desk. They had Brandon waiting along with other people visiting some other family members that were having a hard time, just like Valerie was. They buzzed the visitors in. Brandon went looking around and finally found Val in what appeared to be her room, sitting on a window seat. She didn't seem to be expecting anyone.

“Figured it’s been a while since you’ve seen a good movie,” he said, standing at her door. “So I brought along an oldie-but-a-goody.”

She turned with surprise and rushed to give him a hug. “I didn’t think I’d get any visitors today and here you are my third!”

“Noah?”

She shook her head no. “David. He’s been a real help.”

“Yeah, Silver’s a good guy.”

"And Jen."

"Don't get me started on her. . ." They both laughed.

"So what’d you bring me?” she asked as if she were a child expecting her father home from a business trip.

“Well, I think that being lost in thought is over-rated when inside these places. So I thought it would be better to bring you something to numb your mind.”

“Oh,” she said excitingly, “What’s inside the bag?”

“We have. . .Magazines and tabloids,” he said pulling out the first items, “And a couple of books. And this.”

“What is it?” she took what was in his hands: a book that had a pen attached to it. She opened it. “It’s blank.”

“It’s a journal. I thought it might help you through some of this.”

She didn’t say much after that. Then finally, “I see one more thing in there,” she noted.

He pulled out a copy of Breakfast At Tiffanys. “Ta-da. . .”

“I love this movie!”

“Like I said. . .An oldie-but-a-goody. I didn’t know if you had access to a VCR. If not now, when you’re out. I promise.

Jen

Jen returnted to her apartment with an armful of bags. She emptied them out onto the kitchen counter. She was baking a chocolate cake for dessert tonight. As she was getting a bowl and the other ingredients out, the phone rang. It was Michael.

"Hey Jen."

"Hey Michael. I'm in the middle of something. Can I call you back?" She poured the mix into the bowl.

"Oh, sure. What are you doing?"

"I'm making a cake."

"For Jane's party?" He asked.

"Yup and if you don't let me go, I'm going to be late," She said before hanging up the phone.

Valerie

Valerie headed towards her counselor's office, hoping she would still be there, even though it was Christmas Eve. She knocked on the door and walked in.

"Hi. Do you have time to talk?" Val asked.

"Always. Come in; sit down," Stephanie said.

"Thanks."

"So, what's on your mind?"

"I'm lonely," Valerie stated. "Well, I can see why. No one wants to be here during the

holidays. But I heard you had some vistors today."

"I did and it just made me feel even lonelier because they all left, headed to parties. Parties that I would have gone to; may have even hosted. I miss my freinds; I miss my boyfreind."

"And how does that make you feel? Besides lonely."

"I don't know. In a way, depressed. Its just like everyone else is moving on with their lives and mine is standing still. Do you get what I'm saying?"

"Yeah, I do."

"So what am I supposed to do about it?"

"Wait it through and trust that your family and friends are waiting for you to get better and return to them. Then you can go and host the all those parties in the future," Stephiane smiled

Valerie smiled back, "Thanks. I think I can do that."

Brenda

Shooting for 'Class of Beverly Hills' had finished for the day. Everyone was busy wishing each other a 'Merry Christmas'. Brenda was looking for Traci. She'd been fine acting-wise all day. Her character, Hayley, and Traci's character, Karen, had been having a comedic arguement about who would do better on the SATS. Traci was unbelievably funny. But, after every scene, Traci would sit by herself and brood.

She found Traci standing by herself in front of the make-up trailer.

"Are you okay?" Brenda asked her.

"I guess," Traci responded.

Brenda fumbled for words, "Are you still coming to the Christmas party tonight?"

Traci smiled ruefully, "You sure you still want me there? I haven't exactly been a bundle of joy today and I haven't even told you why."

"You don't have to," Brenda said firmly, "You're my friend. I respect your privacy. You don't ever have to tell me."

Unexpectedly, Traci's smile became genuine, "But I want to. Not here, though. There's a park a few blocks from here. Let's go and I'll tell you everything."

Carly

Carly and Zach walked into their apartment after a long day. "Zach, I want you to get ready for Steve and Janet's, or we'll be late!" she said, closing the front door. She went over to the answering machine and hit the 'play' button. Adam's voice came out of the speaker.

Hey Carly, I wanted to give you a hello. We can go out maybe, tonight! Call me back.

She deleted the message instantly. He was constantly telling her to change her looks and last week he had told her she needed to diet. She started to believe him. What was he doing to her? She needed help. . .Gina was right. She picked up the phone and dialed Steve and Janet's number.

"Hello?" Janet answered.

"Hey Janet, it's me, Carly," she said hesitantly.

"Hey Carly. What's up?"

Carly sighed, "Do you think I could drop Zach off at your place a little early? There is something I need to do. I'm so sorry to spring this on you at the last minute," she pleaded.

Janet thought for a second, "That's fine Carly," she replied with a smile.

Carly smiled, "Thanks Janet. I knew you would come through for me. So how is Taylor?"

"He's. . .well, Taylor. Steve is watching TV with him in the living room. Ooh, I gotta go. Maddy just woke up from her nap."

"Bye, Janet and thanks again." She hung up the phone after Janet said her goodbye. She walked into Zach's room to tell him the plan.

Brenda

It was still light out so, luckily, the park was still open. Brenda and Traci started to walk around the park.

"I suppose the first thing I should tell you is why Beck and I hate each other," Traci began, "You know the singer, Jenny Huston?" Brenda nodded. "She's a friend of mine," Traci told Brenda, "She did an episode of 'The Love Family' before she realized that she sings better than she acts. We hit it off and we became friends."

"Anyway," Traci continued "a couple of years ago, for some reason we never figured out, Beck took a real dislike to Jenny. He started slamming her in every column and started to make up really nasty lies about her. Nothing you could ever take him to court about, it was all inference and insinuation. It made her look like a real creep. All the other sheep columnists started taking shots at her, too. The late-night comedians started taking digs at her. . .you know how it is in Hollywood; one person with power decides something and all the other drones decide that that's what they think too. All this was really starting to get to Jenny."

Traci stopped her story to tell Brenda, "This was when you were still in England so you probably didn't know about it."

Brenda nodded, "English gossip columnists usually prefer to trash the local talent."

Traci laughed and continued with the story, "The thing that finally got to Jenny completely was when Beck started implying that she and her brother had always hated each other. Jenny really loved her brother. She didn't want her family to be humilated by the media so she was going to quit singing entirely. Her family didn't want her to and I was the one who talked her out of it. I told her she couldn't let Beck win, that if she rode it out sooner or later, he'd have to move on. Somehow, Beck found out I was the one who talked her out of quitting--we were backstage at the time. I guess he bribed a stagehand--and he hated me for it because I was right and Jenny did ride it out. I wasn't a working actress then, so there was no point in going after me. Now, he can.

"Is there something he can get on you?" Brenda asked, concerned.

Traci nodded. They reached a park bench. Traci sat down. Brenda sat down beside her.

Traci took a deep breath, "When 'The Love Family' was canceled, I didn't take it well. You know all those screwed-up child stars you see on the talk shows? That was me, except I was never a star. But I acted like I had been, anyway. I was so determined to bury 'Christine Love', the good girl character I played and I can't even tell you why now. It just seemed like I had to prove that I wasn't a sweet little girl-next-door and that I was really this ultra-jaded, ultra-cynical burnout who was way too cool to ever enjoy anything. I hung out with people who were as jerky as I was and I did everything that had any chance of harming me. Cigarettes, booze, drugs--there wasn't anything I didn't do," Traci took another breath, "And then, I got caught. I was never more scared in my entire life then I was at my trial. I guess the judge saw that and decided to give me a second chance. He sentenced me to community service at a local center for troubled teens. It turned my life around. When you see enough kids whose parents use them as ashtrays or punching bags or sex toys, you stop thinking that being an unemployed actress is a big tragedy. I gave up trying to be Ms. Cool and started living. And life got pretty good."

"I was a nobody when I got sentenced, so my conviction didn't make the papers. For a couple of years after that, I didn't act so the whole thing kind of got buried. I did tell the Spelling people about it when they hired me. They just said 'What do we care about old stuff like that? We want you to make money for us now.'"

Brenda smile and then became serious, "But you're afraid that Beck is going to dig all of this up and make it national news?"

Traci sighed," Yeah. I hate all the stuff I did back then and I'd give anything not to have done it. But he's going to make it look I'm still Substance Abuse Queen." Traci said nothing for a minute. Then she said, "I hope that what I've just told you doesn't make you think less of me. Like I said, I was a real jerk back then and I'm not proud of who I was."

Brenda took Traci's hand, "Traci," she said very gently, "When you're at the party tonight, ask my friends about all the jerky things I've done in my life." Traci laughed. "Now go home, get ready for the party, and forget all about creepy gossip columnists," Brenda told her.

"Boy, you're bossy!" Traci said as she got up.

"It's part of my charm." Brenda said modestly.

Donna

David went home to get ready for the party. Donna was already there, running about in her usual pre-party frenzy. She stopped when she saw David walk in.

"Hi, honey," She gave him a peck on the cheek, "How's Val?"

David made a face, "She's Val. She's convinced that she doesn't need to be there. I can tell. But, knowing her, she's probably going to prove that she's right and everybody else is wrong by pulling herself together single-handedly."

Donna smiled, "Just as long as she gets herself back together. She's a handful but she's a good friend."

David agreed, "Yeah. She's going to do us a favor, too." Donna looked quizzical. "She's going to talk to Jen and find out once and for all if she's telling the truth."

"And if she is?" Donna asked.

David sighed, "I'll take a paternity test. I still can't believe that it's mine. But if it is, I'll deal with it."

"We'll deal with it," Donna said quietly but firmly, "It won't be easy but we'll deal with it."

No more words needed to be said. They held each other and, for the first time in what seemed like forever, they felt like a couple; a married couple.

Then they separated, "We really better start getting ready for the party," Donna said. David agreed.

As they started to get ready, Donna reminded him, "Remember to set the VCR to tape Buffy and Roswell."

David smiled. It was great to hear Donna making everyday conversation with him again. Yes,whatever happened, they'd handle it, together. .

Janet

The living room and dining room were all set up for this evening's party. The horderves were almost ready and everyone was dressed. Just one thing was still missing.

Steve walked into the kitchen where Janet and Taylor were waiting for the horderves to finish cooking.

"Honey, don't you think it's time for the stockings?", Steve asked.

"Oh, I almost forgot," she turned to Taylor, "Come with us."

The three walked into the living room, following Steve's lead.

Maddy was sitting by the tree, shaking the different presents.

Steve reached into a box that was behind the couch and took out four stockings. He handed one to Janet, one to Taylor, and kept two for Maddy and himself.

"When Steve and I spent our first Christmas together after being married, we started a new tradition," Janet explained, "Instead of taking the easy way out and buying some stockings that were made by some children in China, we decided to make our own. We bought the felt and the glue, and wrote our names on it with glitter."

Steve decided to take over the conversation, "Now that we have a new addition to the family, we needed one more stocking," he pointed to the one in Taylor's hand, "It already has your name on it. Janet made it last night."

"I don't know what to say," Taylor said.

"You don't have to say anything," Janet smiled, "Let's hang them up on the fireplace."

Lexi

Lexi walked out of her bathroom. She was almost getting ready. Just then, the phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered it quickly.

"Good Evening, Lexi. This is Judge Mills," the judge said into the phone.

"Oh, good evening, sir. How can I help you?" she asked.

He started to look through his datebook, "We booked your court case for January 7th, at 2:00."

She nodded, "That's fine. Thank you again."

"No problem. We'll see you and your attorney there an hour earlier," he hung up the phone.

Lexi formed a smile on her face. Yes!, she thought. She was going to nail John Sails if it was the last thing she did. Just then, Michael walked into the apartment with a large shopping bag.

"Hey," he said and set the bags down.

Lexi smiled seductively and went over to him,"Hey," she said and starting kissing him.

Michael kissed her back, until she pulled away. "This will have to wait. I just did my hair and makeup."

Michael looked at her, "Well you look beautiful," he checked his watch, "Well get changed so we can go or we'll be late."

She nodded and started to walk to her room, "Oh, what's the bag for?"

He shrugged. "Just some last minute gifts."

"Who did you buy for?"

He started sifting through the bag, "You. . .Jen. . .You. . .You. . .Ryan. . . Kyle. . . You. . ." he said.

She laughed, "I think thats a lot of 'you's. I only got you one you."

Michael had a confused look on his face, "Huh?"

She rolled her eyes, "Nevermind," she said and closed her door.

She went to her closet and pulled out her red dress with a slit on the right side and put it on. She slid on her black heels and grabbed her purse. She came out of her room. "Let's go."

Kelly

"Ho, ho, ho!", Brandon said, walking into Casa Walsh with Kelly behind him.

"We're in the living room!", shouted a voice that sounded like Steve's.

"We've got gifts!", Kelly said, trying to hold all the shopping bags.

Zach ran over to Kelly, "Any for me??!!"

"You'll just have to wait until later to find out. . .", Kelly teased.

Brandon walked over to Maddy, "Where's my hug?" Brandon squatted down to her height. Maddy let him embrace her and in return, licked his cheek.

Steve walked over and slapped him on the back, "Don't worry. It's just a phase. She'll grow out of it."

Lexi

Lexi and Michael walked into Kyle and Jane's.

"Hey guys!" Megan said, "Merry Christmas!" She gave them both a kiss and a hug.

"You too," Michael replied.

Lexi smiled, "Hey Megan. Here's your gift," she said going through the shopping bag. She pulled out a gift wrapped in blue wrapping paper with snowflakes on it.

Megan laughed, "Thanks," she said, taking the gift from her, "Sarah, you want to help mommy open this?" she asked.

Sarah nodded and ran over to her. Megan handed her the box and she ripped it open. Sarah looked disappointed, "It's clothes."

Megan loved it. She pulled the skirt out of the box and smiled, "Thank you guys," she said getting up to hug Lexi and Michael.

"Hey what's going on in here?" Jane asked, coming in from the kitchen, "Where's my gift?" she joked. The two brothers also entered.

"We may as well hand them all out," Michael said. He pulled one out from the bag, "This is Sarah's," he said reading the name tag. He tossed it to her.

They continued opening their gifts, waiting for Jen's arrival, so they could start dinner.

Carly

After dropping Zach off at Casa Walsh, Carly needed to go see someone. She pulled into Dylan's driveway and rang the doorbell.

Dylan came to the door, "Hey Carly," he said.

She smiled shyly, "Hi."

He moved aside, "Come on in. You look beautiful."

She walked in and he closed the door. She thought about what he said. People hadn't been telling her that a lot lately. It was nice to hear it from a friend.

"Thank you. Is Gina here? She said she was staying here. . ."

Dylan smiled, "Yeah right in the kitchen. I'll leave you two to talk." Dylan headed to his bedroom.

Gina was in the kitchen putting tinfoil over some brownies she made for the party at Casa Walsh. Carly didn't say anything when she walked in. She just stood in the doorway. Gina sensed someone in the room and turned around.

"What do you want?"

Carly stood there not knowing what to say. Tears started to swell up in her eyes.

"Gina, I'm sorry. You were right," A tear rolled down her cheek and she quickly wiped it, "I need help."

Gina was speechless until Carly started to completely break down. The little tears rolling down her face suddenly turned into rivers, "I'm so sorry. . .I really am. Help me, please. I need help."

Gina went over to her and hugged her, "It's okay. I'll help you Carly. I'll help you."

Carly wiped her eyes, "What do I have to do?"

Gina pulled out of the hug, "The first thing you have to do is dump Adam."

Carly nodded and a small smile tugged across the corners of her face, "You're completely right."

Gina shook her head, "No, I think you were right. You knew it all along but you just needed me to point it out," She paused for a few moments, "Come on. I'll get Dylan and we can all go to the party together."

"I need to call Adam first."

Gina nodded as if she understood, "The phone is on the desk," she pointed to it.

"I'll leave you be." She went into the back of the house.

Carly picked up the phone and dialed Adam's number.

"Hello?" Laney answered.

"Hello," Carly said, "This is Carly. Is your daddy there?"

"Hold on." she said and smiled.

"Hello?" Adam answered after picking up the phone.

"Hell-o," she said snottily.

"Nice of you to call," he shot back in a half-sarcastic tone of voice.

Carly ignored him, "So tell me. Do you hate me? Do you not want to be my friend? I never asked you for any of that. In fact, all I did was love you and I really wouldn't say that's a crime, unless of course, you would. It was always about you; you know that? Always. And I can't for the love of God decide whether I wanted you or who I thought you were. Although I do know that whatever I wanted, I wanted it with a passion. Do you not love me because I'm ugly? Is that it? Because I know I am. God just didn't give me beauty; and for one thing, I don't care. I can't help not having innocent eyes and a perfect figure just as you can't help being the asshole that you are. Born that way, I guess," she continued without letting him get one word in, "You hurt my feelings last week and just about everyday before that. And I'm fairly sure that you didn't even realize it. Just something you said on impulse that was forgotten about a second later. But when I got in the car to go home, I still hadn't forgotten it. It's the way you are. I never gave a damn about what anyone thought about me, and then you go around changing it. It's like . . . well, let me just say that I'm looking forward to the day you leave my life. And I can't wait for the rest of my life when I never have to see you or hear your voice again. Because I'm going to be something. And now, you see me, and think I'm no special person. You see me and make your judgements . . . your decisions. But it won't always be that way. Because tomorrow you'll see that I may not be pretty. . . but I will be beautiful," she hung up the phone and felt completely proud of herself, leaving Adam stunned.

Gina and Dylan were standing by the kitchen table.

"You ready?" Dylan asked.

Gina smiled, "I think she is."

Brenda

It was always weird going to Casa Walsh as a guest. Brenda hadn't lived there in years but it still seemed odd thinking of the house as belonging to Steve and Janet rather than her parents. She wondered if Brandon found it weird, too.

Traci pulled up just as Brenda got out of the car. Brenda waited for her to get out of the car.

"Hi," Traci said as she walked up to Brenda.

"Hi," Brenda responded, " Ready to meet the rest of my friends?"

"Bring them on!" Traci looked like she was in a much better mood than she had been in the park, "I decided I'm not going to let Ebenezer Beck ruin my Christmas!"

"That's the spirit!" Brenda took the lead and walked to the doorbell.

She rang it and Janet opened the door. Janet immediately gave Brenda a Christmas hug.

After they separated, Brenda introduced Traci, "This is the friend I told you about, Traci Locke."

Janet turned her attention to Traci. She smiled, "Nice to meet you," she told Traci.

As she showed them in, Janet was already engaging Traci in a conversation.

Donna

"I'm so looking forward to this," Donna said excitedly as she and David parked their car at Casa Walsh, "I can't wait to find out who my Secret Santa is!"

"What makes you think you have one?" David teased.

"David!" Donna play-punched David in the arm, "You're getting a lump of coal for Christmas, I hope you know."

David grinned, "Maybe, but I bet I clean up on Hannukah!"

Donna shook her head and laughed, "Uh, Hanukkah already passed, David." She rang the doorbell, still laughing at her husband.

Janet was obviously pleasantly surprised to see David and Donna in such a good mood, "I guess you two really have the holiday spirit."

"Yeah," Donna said, still giggling, "And David has a lump of coal!" David was laughing, too.

Janet decided to not even bother to ask and just let them in.

Lexi

The group of friends had given each other their gifts and were ready to eat since Jen had arrived.

"Mmm this roast looks delicious," Michael said.

Megan took a sip of her wine, "Definetly the best I've ever seen," she said.

"Thanks," Jane said with a smiled, "But before we cut it, I want to make a toast. Throughout everything, it's amazing that we are still here and together. I know we miss those of us who couldn't be here; Amanda, Peter, Jake, Billy, Allison, Blair. . .and the list goes on. Hell, even some of us miss Coop," she looked towards Lexi who nodded.

Lexi did miss Coop. He was once the love of her life. She missed Peter too, but he had the Princess Bitch, Amanda.

"I want to say that you guys are my best friends, regardless of what has happened in the past," Jane continued.

"I completely agree," Kyle said. "When I was in deep shit you guys were there, even you Lexi," he joked.

Megan glared at him for cursing while Sarah was at the table.

Kyle realized his mistake and mouthed, 'I'm sorry'.

Jen smiled, "I can drink to that. I can drink to anything!"

Everyone laughed and thought about the loved ones they'd lost and the one's they had gained.

Carly

Carly, Dylan, and Gina entered Casa Walsh. Everyone was in the dining room serving themselves from the table of food lined up against the wall.

Janet turned around, "Hey you guys, you're just in time for dinner," she said making a plate for Maddy.

"Hi guys," Donna said cheerfully as she walked over to them, "Merry Christmas," she said giving Gina a hug. Then she hugged Carly and gave Dylan a quick peck on the cheek.

"You too," Carly said. "Where's Zach?" she asked.

"I think he's over there," Gina said pointing to the right corner of the table.

Carly smiled, "Thanks," she walked over to Zach who was sitting with Taylor, "Hi Zach. Hi Taylor."

"Hey mom," Zach said looking up from his gameboy.

"Hi," Taylor said, shyly.

Carly extended her hand, "Nice to meet you. I'm Carly."

He shook her hand, "You too."

Carly smiled, "I'll leave you two alone."

She walked over to Steve who was serving himself some potatoes, "Hey Steve. Merry Christmas," she said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Steve smiled and pulled her into a hug, "Merry Christmas Carly. I'm glad to see you're doing better."

Carly nodded, "Yeah. I dumped Adam. He can find someone else to manipulate!"

Steve smiled. "That's great news."

Carly held up her shopping bag, "Hey, where should I put the gifts?" she asked.

Steve thought for a second, "Umm. . .bring them into the living room."

"Okay." Carly walked into the living room and heard someone following her. She turned around, "Hi," she said, setting down the gifts.

"Hi," Kelly said, "How are you?" she asked with a lot of concern and sympathy in her voice.

Carly swallowed, "I'm fine. You know I never thought I'd say this but, Gina made me realize something," Kelly didn't respond. She just let Carly go on, "I have been through a lot this past month. I've been bulimic, Kel," she blurted out, "But now I realize that I'm beautiful and Adam is the one who needs help."

Kelly nodded and hugged her, "I'm so sorry honey," she said. "I knew Adam was bad news. I should have voiced it."

"You all were telling me. I just didn't want to hear it."

Kelly smiled, "Come on," she said taking her hand, "Let's go eat."

Carly

Everyone was seated at the table eating dinner; Noah, Donna, David, Kelly, Brandon, Brenda, Tracy, Carly, Zach, Taylor, Steve, Janet, Maddy in her high chair, Gina, and Dylan.

Carly raised her glass, "I'd like to make a toast." The gang waited patiently for her to go on. "This past month I've had a lot of difficulties. I'm sure most of you remember Adam. . ." she started. They nodded. "Well he was constantly comparing me to to other women, wishing I was as thin as they were. Gina was one of them. You guys always tried to tell me he wasn't good news, but I didn't listen to you. Finally it got so out of control I started becoming bulimic."

"I'm so sorry Carly," Janet said. "I had no idea it went this far."

"It's okay. . .you guys tried to warn me. This is my fault. It took a while, but finally I knocked some sense into myself. I dumped Adam, for good," she said feeling proud.

Slowly, smiles appeared across the gang's faces and the Christmas spirit was now truly with them.

"I'll drink to that," Dylan said and raised his glass.

"Cheers," they all said raising their drinks.

David

As he looked around the dinner table, David noticed that everybody seemed to be having a good time. But something wasn't right. Suddenly, he realized what it was.

David tapped his spoon on a glass. Everybody stopped talking.

"Before we go any further," David told everybody,"I think it would be a good idea if we stopped for a minute and said a little prayer for a very dear friend who's spending Christmas alone this year. She's trying to put her life back together and we all hope that she succeeds because we all want to spend many more Christmases with her. To Valerie Malone!"

"To Valerie Malone!" everyone in the room echoed.

Lexi

Lexi, Michael, Jen, Megan, Ryan, Jane, and Kyle were gathered around the table still talking, while Sarah was asleep on the couch.

"So Lexi, how is Sterling-Conway now that you're back?" Megan asked.

She smiled. It was nice to see they cared, "It's okay, I guess. I hired a new model."

Kyle nodded before changing the conversation into one about him and Jane, "Guys, I have an announcement to make," he started looking towards Jane. She nodded, "We do. . .well Kyle, do you want to tell them?"

"No, you go ahead," he said.

Jane smiled. "Okay. . .Kyle and I decided to renew our vows."

"Congratulations guys," Michael said.

"Yeah I'm happy for you," Jen said.

Jane smiled, "Thanks guys, it means a lot to us."

Megan checked her watch, "We better be heading home now. Santa Claus needs to get the presents ready," she joked.

Ryan stood up and pushed in his chair, "Yeah. Thanks for the great dinner."

"Goodnight," Lexi said.

"Night," Ryan said. He went and picked Sarah off the couch to take her home. Megan opened the door for him and they walked out.

Janet

Everyone was lounging in the living room, extremely full from dinner. Brenda left Traci's side for a minute and walked over to Janet.

"Dinner was great. You're a wonderful cook!", Brenda said to her.

"Especially when I follow the step-by-step instructions Nat gave me!" They both laughed.

"So where's Taylor?"

Janet looked around the room and didn't see him, "Hmmm. . .I don't know."

"He seems kinda shy. He hasn't spoken much to any of us."

"Yeah, I noticed. I'll be right back," Janet said and walked out of the living room.

She was about to continue into the kitchen when she saw Taylor sitting on the stairs.

"Why are you sitting at here all alone?" she asked him.

He shrugged his shoulders.

"Everyone's been asking about you. They want to get to know you. C'mon, why don't you go show them who Taylor is."

"Okay. . ." he said shyly.

Janet walked back into the living room and got everyone's attention, "Since this isn't only a Christmas party, but a Welcoming party too, I figured it was time for all of you to get to know Taylor."

Taylor stood at the living room enterance, staring at all the faces that filled the room. He was nervous and began sweat. "Umm. . .I. . .I," he stuttered, "I. . .I can't do this. I can't be someone I'm not." He ripped off the clip-on tie he was wearing and ran out of the house.

Janet looked across the room at Steve with a pleading expression on her face.

"I'm going, I'm going!" he said.

Brenda

Steve going after Taylor had left Brenda lost in thought. Amazing, she thought. Steve Sanders, Brandon's dorky friend and professional screw-up, a guy she had always thought would completely fall apart in the real world was doing okay. He was a successful small businessman, married to a wonderful woman, who for some unknown reason adored him, was a responsible father and he had just taken on the responsiblity of being a father to a kid who seemed to really need it.

If Steve can turn out this way, then there's hope for all of us, she thought. Not a bad thing to remember this time of year.

Steve

Steve drove up and down the neighboring streets looking for Taylor. He spotted him walking on the sidewalk, only a block from Casa Walsh. Steve drove up next to him, and slowed down to the same speed he was walking.

"You know," Steve shouted so Taylor could hear him, "this may be LA but it is December. Why don't you come in the car and get warm?"

Taylor stopped walking and thought for a minute. He walked around to the other side of the car and reluctantly got in.

"I'll turn on the butt warmer," Steve said.

"The what?!?", Taylor let out a little laugh.

"The butt warmer. I just flip this switch and heat comes up through the seats and warms your butt. A butt warmer."

Taylor laughed again, "Whatever you say."

"So. . .why did you run out like that?"

Taylor looked out the window as if he didn't hear the question.

"Taylor, you can talk to me. That's what I'm here for."

"I don't know. Everyone was staring at me. There was just. . .so much pressure."

"Pressure to do what?"

"For everyone to like me; accept me."

"Taylor, they're going to like you and accept you no matter what."

"I don't know about that. All those other foster families didn't. They didn't like me and I really didn't like them."

"Oh, so you're going to tell me that you didn't like anyone in there?"

"Well. . ."

Steve cracked a smile, "C'mon. Be honest."

"Noah was kinda cool. And that Kelly. Now she's something I could get used to seeing. She wouldn't happen to have a sister by any chance?"

"Actually," Steve said, "She does."

"Really? That's great."

"Uhh, not great. She's 8."

"Oh."

"So just because you only liked Noah and Kelly, you think we don't like you?"

"No. I liked everyone and I think they don't like me. That's how it is. I get put in these homes with people who think they can make a difference in my life. Well they did. They make me ever lonlier than I already was. They didn't let me be myself. They didn't like who I was. And I ended up getting sent back to the orphanage. I can't go through that again."

"Taylor, what makes you think you will? I don't know much about those other familes but Janet and I. . .we're not them. We can and will love you unconditionally. We understand. If it helps, I'm adopted."

"You are?"

Steve nodded, "Yeah, I am. And personally, I think it was the best thing that ever happened to me. It can be for you, too," Steve smiled, "Ready to go home?"

Taylor smiled back, "Yeah, I think I am."

Janet

Janet ran into the foyer at the sound of the front door opening.

"Oh, thank god!", she said with her hand across her chest when she saw Taylor and Steve walk in. She went over and hugged Taylor. It felt nice, Taylor thought, to be hugged by someone who cared for you.

The three of them rejoined their friends in the living room.

"Let's start over," Janet said, "Everyone, this is Taylor."

Brenda

Brenda turned around after hearing sounds of Kelly, Donna and Traci all laughing together. She was glad, although not surprised, to see that Traci seemed to be fitting in well with her friends.

"What are you guys laughing about?" Brenda asked curiously.

"Well," Traci said, obviously trying not to laugh again, "I decided to take some advice you gave me and ask your friends about some of the dumb things you've done over the course of your life. . ."

Uh-Oh. Brenda was suddenly very nervous.

"Tell me," Traci continued, "Were you really ready to marry a guy you'd only been dating for a few weeks?"

Brenda turned bright red and buried her head in her hands, "Well, he was really cute. . ." she muttered.

Everybody cracked up again but it was obvious that it was a sign of affection.

Now, Brenda thought, if I can just figure out when to kill Kelly and Donna. . .

Carly

The gang was gathered in the living ready to start exchanging gifts. Everyone was dying to know who their Secret Santa was.

"Ooo let me go first!" Brenda said excitedly. She grabbed her shopping bag and handed it to Brandon. She gave him a kiss on the cheek,"Merry Christmas."

Brandon laughed and shook his head, "The odds of you getting me. . .and you do! Figures!" he said.

He took the bag out of her hand and unwrapped the tissue paper to reveal a teddy bear. He looked at her and smiled,"How appropriate," he joked. It had "Brother Bear" written on it in red script on it's stomach. "I love it. Thanks Bren," Brandon said and pulled her into a hug.

Brenda smiled and hugged him, "You're welcome."

Kelly stood up excitedly, "Who's next?" She was anxious to get her gift.

David walked up to her with a gift in his hand. "You," he said.

"Yay!" Kelly said and ripped open her gift anxiously. She found a frame with a picture of her, David, and Erin in it. "Aww David, thank you. . .this is the best gift I could ask for," she gave him a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

Just then, Noah handed a large wrapped box to Gina, "Here you go. Merry Christmas," he said.

Gina smiled, "O, you had me? I know it must be good!" she laughed and winked at him. She opened the gift to find a beautiful black, cashmere sweater. "Noa,h it's beautiful!" She quickly hugged him and ran over to Dylan. "Look," she said showing him the sweater. Dylan nodded and laughed, not knowing anything about women's sweaters.

"I'm glad you like it," Noah said with a smiled. "Like it? I love it!" Gina said.

"Well, I might as well this over with," Carly said shyly and pulled out her gift. She handed it to Noah and gave him a hug and a kiss. "Merry Christmas."

Noah smiled, "You too," he took the gift and opened it. There were a couple of CDs in there that he told Val about over a month ago. He had wondered why she was asking since she didn't get them for him. Underneath that was a gift certificate.

"I didn't know what you wanted so I got you a gift certificate to the mall, " she confessed. There was a long pause while Noah was looking at the stuff. "So do you like it?"

"It's great Carly. Now I can save the money I was going to use on the CDs and I can buy that colonge I wanted," he said and laughed, "Thanks," he said and hugged her again.

"Your welcome." She glanced over at everyone. They all looked so happy. . . but she wasn't happy being alone. She wasn't really alone. . .she had Zach and that was all that mattered. She'd find someone some day.

Group

"My turn," said Kelly. She pulled out a small gift and handed it to Dylan. "Merry Christmas."

Dylan laughed. "You got me?" She nodded. "Well I'm glad; you're the one that knows me best."

Gina shot Kelly a flash of jealousy as Dylan started to open the gift. He found a silver picture frame with a picture of Kelly, Brenda, and him in the middle. He smiled; they must have taken it back in 1993. It brought back some good memories.

Kelly and Brenda each handed Dylan cookies. "Here," Kelly said. "What's this?" he asked. "Whichever one you eat first is who you choose," Brenda said. He studied the cookies. One had a K on it and the other a B. He spent the afternoon lifting each of them up about to eat them, but not going through with it.

He smiled and shook his head. "Thanks Kel," he hugged her tightly.

Gina didn't know what to say. She just shot both Dylan and Kelly an evil look. Dylan could tell she was mad. He didn't want to start anything so he pretended he didn't see it and took a gift out of his coat pocket.

"Merry Christmas, Carly," he said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

She smiled. "You too. Thank you," she took the gift from him. She opened the small box and found a gift certificate to The Moonlight Cafe, her favorite resturant. "Dylan, thank you!! I'll probably end up using this tomorrow night, I eat there so often!" she said. She hugged him.

He laughed, glad that she really liked it. "Your welcome."

Meanwhile, Donna was in the corner of the room getting a gift out of her shopping bag. She brought the large, retangular box over to Janet.

"Merry Christmas!" she said excitedly.

"Thank you," Janet said with a smile. She opened the gift and found a white sweatshirt with the words 'World's Greatest Mom' written on it in pink. Janet laughed. "This is sooo cute!"

Donna nodded. "I couldn't resist! David and I were doing our shopping when I. I knew I had to get it."

"Aww thanks, Don." They hugged. "I may as well go next, then," Janet said. She went over to the coffee table and picked up a gift. She handed it to David. "Merry Christmas!"

He took the gift and opened it to find a black, leather jacket. David didn't say anything. Janet was afraid he didn't like it.

"What? Don't you like it?"

"Are you kidding? I love it. . .it must have cost you a fortune. Thanks a lot!" he said giving her a hug.

Steve walked over to Traci with a gift in his hand. "Here you go, Traci," he said, feeling awkward. He handed her the gift.

Traci blushed a little. "Steve--," she started.

"No buts; just open it!"

Traci laughed. "Okay!" She opened the small envelope to find a card. Inside, it said, 'You have earned yourself a free, 2 year subscription to The Beat on the Street'.

"Brenda showed me the paper and I loved it. Thank you Steve!"

"Good. I was nervous because I don't really know you that well. As long as you like it. . .," he said, "Now what did you want to say?"

She smiled. "That I picked you too." She handed him a package.

Steve smiled and opened it. Inside was Appleworks Publishing Software, Version 4.0.

"This is great! I could really use an updated version" he exclaimed. "Janet take a look at this!"

Janet laughed and nodded. "Thank you, Traci!"

She smiled. "Your welcome."

Brandon walked over to Donna and Janet. "I guess I should go next," he handed Donna a box.

"Ooooh; thank you," Donna said. She ripped it open and found a pair of gold hoops. "Thank you Brandon! These are beautiful!" she said.

He hugged her. "I'm glad you like them."

Gina went over to Brenda with a present. "Here you go, " she said, handing it to her.

Brenda looked shocked. She took the gift and gave a small smile. She opened it and found a book with 'An Actress' Scrapbook' printed on the cover. "Wow thank you, Gina," Brenda said really liking the gift.

"It's what I would have wanted in your position. You can put your first script in there, or your first TV Guide cover in it. . ."

Brenda hesitantly pulled her into a hug.

"Awww," Dylan went over to them. Gina nudged him in the ribs and laughed.

Just then, Brandon walked over and took a snapshot of the three of them. This one was going in the record books.

Kelly

"Now that all the adults have exchanged gifts, it's time to give the kids something," Donna said.

Zach immediately perked up, "You mean there's something for us, too?!?"

Kelly laughed, "Of course. How could we leave you out?" Kelly went digging through her purse, "Oh, here they are."

Kelly handed each Zach, Taylor and Maddy an envelope, "Here you go."

Zach opened his, "A gift certificate to the arcade? Wow, thanks!!"

"A gift certificate to 7250," Taylor read off the piece of paper in his envelope, "What's 7250?" he asked with a confused face.

Everyone laughed. "It's a small shopping mall with cool stores," Noah told him.

"In fact," Donna said, "I happen to own one."

"Well, thanks everyone," Taylor said.

"Um, why don't I open Maddy's before she starts licking it," Janet said. She struggled to get the envelope from Maddy, "Maddy, if you give me the envelope you can lick Brandon's face again. . ."

"Hey!" Brandon said, causing everyone to laugh.

Maddy instantly let go of the envelope and ran over to Brandon. "Now look what you've done!" Brandon said as Maddy climbed up on his lap.

Janet ignored him and opened envelope, "Geoffery Dollars from Toys 'R Us. Thanks guys!"

If you looked around the room, you would see everyone talking and smiling, truly in the Christmas spirit.

Steve

Steve walked back into the living room after putting Maddy to sleep. It was getting later and later yet nobody seemed to care; nobody wanted to leave. But Steve didn't mind. He loved being with his friends, especially during this time of year. The time of year when, usually, things went sour for him. But not this year.

He smiled at the sight of Taylor and Zach talking. It's going to be nice having a boy around the house, Steve thought. He started daydreaming about the things they could do together, all the things Steve could teach him.

His thoughts were interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Noah with his coat on.

"I'm outta here, man. Thanks for a great night," Noah extended his hand.

"No problem. We're just glad you could come. You going home?"

"Actually, I have a stop to make first."

"Okay," Steve said, "Goodnight."

"Later."

Valerie

Valerie walked around her room in circles, waiting for Noah to arrive. She didn't know where he was and what was taking him so long. It was almost 11 o'clock. She thought that maybe he decided not to come because he was having so much fun at the party.

She sat down in her favorite spot in the room, the window seat, and stared out the window. She forgot how it felt to be out there; outside the rehab. She had been cooped up in there for almost 3 weeks. She couldn't wait for it all to be over.

Finally there was a knock at the door and Noah walked in.

"Hey," he said.

"I thought you forgot about me."

"About you? Never," he smiled.

"So what took you so long?"

"Well, the party lasted a little bit longer then I expected. You would have loved it; it was great. Janet and Steve took in a foster kid, Taylor. Steve was hilarious as usual and Maddy kept licking everyone's faces. Some 'phase' she's going through," as Noah went on, he could see the hurt in Val's eyes. He could tell that she really wished she could have been there. "Well, it was an okay night."

"I'm glad you had fun."

"Thanks, but I'm here now. And I have something for you."

"Really?" she stood up.

"Really."

"Well, I have something for you too," she went and opened the drawer in her nightstand. She pulled out a box, "Merry Christmas," she said handing him his gift.

"Merry Christmas to you, too," he handed her the gift, "Open yours first."

Val ripped open the wrapping paper and opened the small box. It was the snowglobe he had given to her when he first came to town. During their third breakup, Val had threw it at him as she kicked him out, "I'm surprised you kept it."

"How could I not? It made a huge bruise on my arm. Anything that powerful, I figured, should be kept for self-defense," he joked.

"I love it. Thank you," she kissed him.

"Okay, my turn," he started to look through the bag. Beneath all the tissue paper, he found a picture of the two of them framed. Engraved into the bottom of the frame was:

Valerie and Noah 11/3/01

"I know it's not much, but I kind of maxed out my credit card and that was the only thing I brought here that I could use as a gift."

"Are you kidding me? I love it!"

Jen

It was getting late and Jen was still at Jane's. With everyone busy cleaning up, she figured it would be the perfect oppurtiny to slip out. As she went into the spare bedroom to get her coat, she saw Lexi getting hers, too.

"You're not trying to leave without saying goodbye, are you?" Lexi sarcastically said.

Jen wasn't really in the mood but faked a smile, "I've got to get up early tomorrow morning. Michael and I are going to take a drive out to Malibu to visit our mother."

"Yeah. He told me about that."

"Are you coming?"

"I don't know; maybe"

Oh, great, Jen thought in her head but she simply faked another smile, "Well, see ya later."

"Goodnight."

Carly

The gang had mostly left but Carly, Dylan, Gina, Steve, and Janet were cleaning everything up.

"You know something," Steve said to Carly and Janet who were helping him throw out the paper plates and cups.

"What?" Janet asked him.

"I think this was the best Christmas I've ever had," he said full of the holiday spirit.

"Steve," Zach said entering the room. "You say that every year."

The four of them laughed at the comment.

"I better get going! Santa Claus might miss us!!" she said, eyeing Zach.

"Goodnight Carly," Janet said.

"Goodnight," Steve replied.

Carly walked into the living room where Dylan and Gina were, "Are you guys ready?"

Dylan nodded. "Yeah let's go; it's getting kind of late. You got all your presents, man?" Dylan asked Zach.

Zach was carrying a gigantic shopping bag that was pratically weighing him down. "Yeah."

Gina and Carly laughed. "Lets go then," Gina said.

Lexi

Lexi and Michael walked into her apartment. Michael closed the door gently.

He sighed, "So did you have fun?" he asked her pulling out a chair and sitting down.

She nodded, "Yeah, it was okay. I mean, I'm not really into the whole family scene but it wasn't as bad as I thought."

Michael laughed and agreed, "Yeah it was pretty fun. It's great to see everyone doing so well." He took off his shoes and threw them to the side, "Well I'm going to turn in," he said walking into Lexi's bedroom.

"Me too," she replied going into the room with him. Michael sat on the bed and turned the TV on. He laid back; he wanted to relax before changing into his nightware and going to sleep.

Lexi crawled over to him and started to kiss him. He kissed her back and went on top of her. Lexi switched off the TV and threw her shoes off. They undressed each other and made love. It was the perfect holiday. . .nothing could go wrong.

Brandon

Brandon and Kelly just got home from Christmas dinner at Casa Walsh. They were sitting on the couch watching the tail end of It’s a Wonderful Life for about the third time this week. The movie ended and the TV got turned off. They sat there cuddling on the couch; each not wanting to ruin the moment by the day’s events.

“I love that movie,” Kelly said.

“And to think,” Brandon started, “before you started running with the Walsh family, you had never taken the time to sit down and watch it.”

“But you showed me the error of my ways,” she told him. She gently kissed him and they decided not to sleep in the bed that night. The couch was doing just fine.

Lexi

Lexi was awake, impatiently waiting for Michael to get up. Finally, Michael woke up.

"Let's go open the gifts," Lexi said grabbing his hand and dragging him out of bed.

He yawned and followed her lead into the living room. Lexi looked under the Christmas tree that was on a stand in the living room. There was a whole new collection of presents under it, that weren't there last night.

"Looks like Santa came," Lexi said and kissed him passionately.

Michael laughed and kissed her back, "He did. . .he did."

Lexi pulled away and picked up a gift from under the tree, "Is this for me?" she asked.

He nodded, "Yep. The one's for my mom and Jen are over there," he said, pointing to a separate pile in the corner of the room.

She excitedly ripped it open and found a maroon bra strap tank top, "Wow. This is nice." She checked the name of the brand and nodded in approval, "Jen?"

He laughed, "How'd you know?"

She picked up a large box and handed it to Michael, "Here's one of yours."

He took it from her and opened it. He found a very nice-looking suit in the box.

"I figured you could wear it today. I've been through your closet and everything seems to be a bit outdated. . .," she said with a smile.

"Thanks, honey. I love it," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek, "Here; this one is really special," He picked up a small, tightly wrapped box and handed it to her, "Merry Christmas, baby," he said.

She opened the retangular, navy blue velvet box. Inside, there was a beautiful diamond necklace with silver on the edges.

"Oh my god," she exclaimed, "Michael, it's beautiful!" She was shocked Michael would get her something this expensive.

He nodded, "It was my mothers. She told me to give it to someone I love," he kissed her, "The first time, I wasn't sure. . .but now it's official. That person is you."

Lexi kissed him back, "I love you too Michael."

Carly

Zach woke up and ran out of his room. He threw open Carly's door. "Mom, get up!"

Carly opened her eyes slowly; she was prepared for this. She quickly got out of bed. She took Zach's hand as he led her to the gifts.

"Santa came!" Zach yelled estaticly.

Carly laughed, "I guess he did. Which one do you want to open first?"

Zach looked around the large pile of presents. He surveyed them all and picked up a medium sized gift, "This one."

Carly went over to the counter, picked up her camera, and sat down on the couch. He ripped open the gift anxiously and found a Sony Playstation 2.

"OH MY GOD! MOM, THIS I S A PLAYSTATION 2 WITH OVERRIDING CONNECTING CABLES!" he exclaimed, extremely happy and excited.

Carly laughed, "I'm glad you like it. That one was from Santa." Zach hugged her. "What's next?" she asked, used to the drill by now.

"I want to give you your gift," he handed her a large heavy box wrapped in a decorative paper with Candy Canes on it.

Carly smiled, "Are you sure?" she asked. He nodded. "Thank you, sweetie." She opened the box and found a snowman made out of sandart. "Aww; Zach, thank you," shegave him a hug.

"I figured it could go on top of the Christmas tree. Ya know, instead of the angel or the star; they are so normal. I thought we'd be different," he said.

Carly smiled and gave him another hug. This was her best Christmas in a long time.

Jen

At around 9am, Jen went over to Lexi's apartment, where she was meeting up with Michael.

"Hey," he said as he let her in, "Merry Christmas!"

Jen pouted, "Merry Christmas to you, too."

"Come on, Jen. Be happy. It's the hap-happiest season of all!", he sang.

"Whatever," she sat down on the couch, "Are we ready to go?"

"We're just waiting for Lexi."

"Michael, you better have not told her," she said sternly, in regards to her pregnancy.

"Don't worry; I didn't."

"Good!"

"But I don't see what the big deal is. I mean, everyone's gonna know soon enough."

"Just shut up. . ."Jen grumpily said as slouched back on the couch.

Janet

Not too late on Christmas morning, Janet, Steve, Maddy and Taylor were all sitting in the living room, opening gifts.

"Here's another one for you Maddy!", Steve said, handing her a small gift. Just about every gift that was under the tree was for Maddy.

Maddy ripped open the wrapping paper and placed it atop of her head. They all looked at her confused, wondering just what was going on inside that little brain of hers.

"No, Maddy, you have to open the box," Janet said, "Like this."

Maddy lifted the cover off the box to find a snow suit.

Steve looked puzzled, "Uh, Janet, why did you get her a snowsuit when there's no snow in California?"

"I know. But I couldn't help myself. It's just so cute!!", Janet took it out of the box held it up, smiling, "See?" Steve and Taylor nodded, pretending to agree.

"Aren't you going to thank Mommy?" Steve asked Maddy.

Maddy slid off the couch and walked over to Janet who was sitting on the opposite couch. She climbed up on the other couch and next to Janet. Then she licked the side of Janet's face.

Janet was shocked, "Maddy!!"

"Um, Maddy, that's not quite what I meant," Steve said, "I told you to thank her. Not lick her."

Maddy made a confused face and then licked her mother again.

"Uh, Maddy that is gross! I really don't like that." Janet responded.

"Join the club!", Steve sarcastically said, making Taylor laugh.

Janet changed the subject, "Oh Taylor, we have something for you too." She handed him a gift.

He opened it to find a Pinball CD-Rom game for the computer.

"We know it isn't much," Steve said, "but I figured why not introduce you to my favorite game?"

"Thanks." Taylor smiled, "Never played it before, but I'm sure I'll like it."

Carly

Carly and Zach walked into The Peach Pit.

"Hey Carly," Nat said with a Santa hat on, "Merry Christmas!" he gave her a big kiss on the cheek.

Carly smiled,"You too Nat." She spotted Joan and Frankie sitting at a table.

"Hi Frankie," Carly said to the four year old in a babyish voice. "Merry Christmas, Joan," she said polietly.

"Hi everyone," Zach said, saving himself the trouble of saying multipe 'hellos' and 'Merry Christmas'.

Carly got to work and fed all the homeless people that came in for the free Christmas breakfast, like every year. Seeing all the happy faces made her realize that she didn't need a man to be happy.

Steve

Steve and Taylor walked into the kitchen to install the CD-Rom. Taylor looked around the computer quizzically.

"Uh, Steve. How do you turn the computer on?"

"You rub up against it," Steve joked.

Taylor laughed, "You really are funny, you know that?"

"And I'm handsome, too!"

Taylor stopped laughing, "Okay, now you're just scaring me."

"Sorry. There ya go," Steve said, turning the computer on.

Taylor sat down in the chair in front of the computer desk, "Thanks."

Janet walked in carrying Maddy, "She's getting so heavy!"

"Here, let me have her," Taylor said. Janet placed Maddy on his lap. "She can help me install the game."

Janet walked over to Steve and stood next to him.

"Oh my god," Steve said, "With Taylor moving in and all, I totally forgot to get you a gift!"

"It's okay," Janet said, she looked over to Taylor and Maddy, "I already got mine. . .Plus, I didn't get you one either."

Donna

Donna woke up feeling very comfortable. She realized that she had fallen asleep in David's arms. David was already awake and happily watching her.

"Good morning, sleepy-head," David said amusedly, "How's the birthday girl feeling?"

"Ready to open her presents!" Donna said, purring with contentment.

David laughed, "Before we do that, I just thought we should go over the day. Now, I know we have to go to your mother's tonight for your official birthday dinner but before we do that, I thought I'd make us breakfast. And then we'll open our presents and then we'll just snuggle up on the couch and watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer together."

"I love Rudolph," Donna agreed.

"And then," David finished, "Since we've already gotten our Christmas presents, I'd say we can risk being a little naughty." He looked at Donna suggestively.

Donna giggled mischeivously. "Yeah," she responded, trying very hard to sound wicked.

They hadn't forgotten Jen or the threat that her baby posed to the stability of their marriage. But for today, this one day, there was no Jen. There was just the two of them, as it should be. Always.

Brandon

Kelly woke up late Christmas morning. At some point during the night they had moved onto the floor. Brandon came into the living room with hot cocoa and her robe. This was the first morning in a long time that she had felt good about the day ahead of her.

“Let’s get started on these gifts,” Brandon said with excitement. He handed Kelly her first present and noticed she was staring off into space. “Something wrong, honey?”

She snapped out of her daze, looked at Brandon and gave him a warm smile. “No,” she replied. “There’s nothing wrong at all.”

Lexi

Lexi, Michael, and Jen were eating an early lunch with Mrs. Mancini.

"How do you like it?" Mrs. Manicini asked in regards to her infamous egg salad.

"It's great mom," Michael said giving her a kiss on the cheek, "Thanks for inviting us."

Lexi nodded in agreement, "It's delicious Mrs. Mancini," she said in her fake, sweet voice.

Jen was really quiet for most of the meal. "Umm. . .can you excuse me for a moment?" she asked nervously and somewhat anxiously.

Her mother looked at her strangely, "Sure, Jennifer."

Jen got up from the table and pushed her chair in. She had a horrible stomachache. She got to the bathroom just in time. This pregnancy definitely wasn't going to be easy.

Brenda

Brenda wandered around her apartment feeling a little lost. She was going to help serve Christmas dinner at a nearby homeless shelter but that still left her with a whole day to kill.

The holidays were rough for her. This was the time of year that she missed Matthew the most. She was moving on but she wished that she could share just a little bit of Christmas with him.

She sighed and decided to go back to the book she was reading. She sat down on her couch and suddenly her TV turned on. That was weird. Oh, she sat on the remote control.

A voice came from the television, "Coming up next on American Movie Classics: Love Story."

Brenda's jaw dropped. The last thing she and Matthew had done together was act in the theatrical version ofLove Story.

She must have left the TV on the AMC Network the last time she had it on. Althought she had never watched AMC in her entire life.

"Thanks, Matthew," she said as she prepared herself to spend two hours reliving some very special memories.

Valerie

Valerie was in her room looking out the window, it was raining, and she felt extremely lonely. She heard the nurses caroling in the hallway, she got up and went to her door and slammed it shut. She wasnt in the mood for Christmas, this year, especially if it was alone. The night before Noah offered to come by but she said that she wanted him to go visit his Mom and half sister. She told him not to worry, and that she would be fine, but truthfully Valerie was looking forward to next week, when she was getting out of there.

We Would Like to Dedicate this Episode to Everyone Who Has Been Effected by the World Trade Center Tragedy.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year!