Robin tries to convince Jason and Sam that Manny is a changed man. Jason visits Manny, who apologizes for shooting him. Sam confronts Alexis for defending Manny. It is a high profile case and Sam doesn't want Alexas to win. Ric cuts down a Christmas tree while Alexis works on her case. Jax manipulates Courtney to get what he wants. Emily asks Dr. Kim to release Carly. Lulu refuses to be an elf at the hospital's Christmas party but has a change of heart after hearing Luke talk about Laura.
Ric: Hey, Kristina, you know what? Mommy and I drove up here last year to find the perfect Christmas tree, yeah, even though it was snowy and cold and we searched all through the woods, but we finally did. We found the perfect Christmas tree, so daddy Ric chopped it down. Alexis: I chopped it down. Ric: I chopped it -- we both chopped it down, but you know what happened when we tried to bring it back to the car? We got stuck in a blizzard. Yeah. It was so cold. I and it was freezing. We found our way into this little cabin, and you know how mommy and daddy stayed warm? We had to burn our perfect Christmas tree. But you know what we found that night that was even better, hmm? We found love. Yeah. Aw. Yeah, that's why mommy had us drive all the way up here instead of getting a tree in town. That's why she wants us all to hike same place in the snow to find that perfect Christmas tree, all of us, together, as a family. Are we ready? Alexis: Yes, yes. Kristina: Yes. Alexis: Just give me two seconds. I've just got one more thought. Ric: Kristina, didn't mommy say that she wasn't going to work today? Alexis: Mommy has no choice because mommy is forced to construct a defense for Manny Ruiz. [SCENE_BREAK] Georgie: Oh, my God, Dillon? Dillon? Dillon: Oh, hi. Oh. Georgie: What are you doing? Dillon: I'm sorry I scared you. I thought you were my mom. Georgie: You what? Dillon: Yeah. The plan is I'm going to drive her so crazy she's going to beg me to go back to the dorms. Georgie: Dillon, what you're doing is dangerous. Look at this. Dillon: No, no, no, it's not, it's not. Check it out -- got a little harness and everything. I actually got the idea from a movie -- Georgie: Oh. Dillon: This guy is in love with this older lady, so -- check it out. Georgie: Was that guy, I don't know, sitting under a mistletoe? Dillon: Why? Oh, hey, look at that. Do you want to come up and kiss me? Georgie: Uh-huh. Dillon: Come here. Come here. Georgie: All right. Lulu: Hey, whatever floats your boat. Georgie: Oh, wait. Hold on just a second. I have something for you. Lulu: Oh, no -- no way. No, thank you. Georgie: Wait. Lulu, hold on just a second. It's not that bad. Wait. Lulu? Oh. [SCENE_BREAK] Courtney: Hey. Mike: Hey. Well, you seem awfully chipper this morning. Courtney: Well, I love this time of year. You know, I've got all my shopping done -- Mike: Hey. Courtney: Getting the house ready and I am dropping off my presents early. Mike: Well, thanks, princess. So, you leaving town for Christmas? Courtney: You know, I'm not sure. Nikolas said that he has very special plans for me. Mike: Well, that sounds exciting. Courtney: Yeah, he's on his way home from Europe right now. I can't wait to see him. [SCENE_BREAK] Jax: I'll wire the money to your account. A job well done. [SCENE_BREAK] Sam: You know what I'm going to say. Jason: I'm so tired of being in this bed. Sam: I know, but you need to get some rest. Jason: Well, I can rest at home. Sam: Not according to Patrick Drake, and if you mess up his surgery, I'll bet you he's going to sue you. Jason: I appreciate that you're trying to help me, but even with you staying here, I cannot stop hating this place. The windows don't even open. Sam: Ok, ok, listen, I hate to do this, but -- Jason: But? Sam: I am under doctor's orders and I have to keep you in bed by any means necessary. Jason: Oh. Sam: Yes. Robin: Good morning. Sorry to disturb you, but I need Jason's help. [SCENE_BREAK] Mike: Uh -- uh -- uh -- uh -- Courtney: Would you -- Mike: Ooh. Courtney: Would you stop it? You're going to break it. Mike: Oh, well -- well, that means it's breakable. Courtney: Well, either that or it's in five million pieces. Mike: Ah. Yeah. You know, you -- you are awfully cheery. I mean, I'm a little surprised. I heard that there was a near brawl here the other day -- Courtney: Oh -- Mike: Between Jax and Nikolas. Courtney: Dad, I'm sorry about that, really. It's -- Mike: Well, you weren't fighting. Why are you apologizing? Courtney: Well, there's just a lot of tension between Nikolas and Jax right now for obvious reasons. Mike: Well, honey, try not to worry about it. Courtney: I'm not anymore -- well, at least I'm trying not to. Now Nikolas and I, we have our own lives and we're not buying into Jax's control thing or giving into his demands. No, we have decided to be totally reasonable and nice about everything. Mike: And you always are, princess. Courtney: No, Nikolas and I are really going to enjoy this Christmas and the whole experience of having this baby. No one -- no one is going to spoil that for us. Mike: Hey. Hi. Courtney: Hi. Emily: Hi. Courtney: Hey. Emily: So, are you and Nikolas going to the hospital Christmas party? Courtney: Oh, no, not this year, but we sent in donations, so -- Emily: Oh, great. Well, we just need to grab the party stuff and the care package for Jason. Mike: I've got everything ready to go. Courtney: So, you ready for Christmas, sweetie? Michael: Well, the tree's all decorated and dad is taking us on a real sleigh ride on Christmas, and tonight, we're making a big dinner with Emily. Courtney: That sounds wonderful. [Phone rings] Courtney: Oh. Sorry. Excuse me. Michael: Sure. Go ahead. [Ring] Courtney: Nikolas. Hey. Are you at the airport? You're kidding. [SCENE_BREAK] Jax: Just keep them coming. Waitress: Yeah. Skye: Well, given the hour of the day, I wouldn't say you're celebrating. Jax: Have you ever done something that you thought was a good idea at the time and then late in the game you realized that it's just not? Skye: That would be the story of my life. Jax: I shouldn't talk to you about this. Skye: Jax, I'm over you, you know. I have been for a long time. Jax: Well, thanks, I guess. Skye: So what's this all about? Jax: Courtney. She's deter-- determined to stay with Nikolas, which means he will see more of my child than I will. Skye: So what's the plan? And this doesn't count. Jax: Yeah, well, I've tried everything else. Skye: Can you say "compromise"? Jax: I won't compromise on what's best for my child. Skye: So you want to risk being shut out completely? No, come on. Forget about trying to control Courtney. That doesn't work. You're this great guy who wants what's best for his child. Now, quit being a jerk about it. Jax: Yeah, but why can't Courtney realize that -- that this romance with Nikolas is temporary, ok? Now, he will go back to Emily eventually. He will. I mean, it'd be so much easier for everyone and the child if she would just come back to me now. Skye: So why not work out an amicable custody agreement? Jax: Oh. Skye: Give her room to breathe. Jax: Come on. Skye: Let her see the great guy that she fell in love with. Hey, look, you know, that's just me talking, and we both know I don't have a great track record, so -- Jax: No, no, no. No, no. You know what? You may have been more helpful than you realize. Skye: Really? Jax: Really. Skye: Good. Huh. Jax: Huh. Skye: All right, well, good luck. Jax: Thanks. Skye: Ok. Jax: Take care. Skye: You, too. [SCENE_BREAK] Tracy: All right, sweetheart. Georgie will probably want you to spend Christmas Eve with the Scorpios, but you will spend Christmas Day here with your family and you will behave appropriately. Lulu: I won't do it. Georgie: Please, Lulu? It's for a good cause. Lulu: And I don't care. Georgie: It's really not that bad. I've done it. Lulu: I am not going around the hospital -- Alan: Hi. Lulu: Prancing as an elf. Monica: Hello, Dillon. It is hospital tradition. Alan: And Bobbie is counting on you. Georgie: And what about the children? Can you imagine being in the hospital over Christmas not knowing if you're ever going to get out? Please, they need you. Lulu: It's not going to happen. Monica: You know, think of all those Christmas parties that you went to at the hospital when all the girls dressed as elves just to make you happy. So, now it's your turn, ok? Tracy: Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh. You will tell your miserable offspring that she will spread Christmas joy, damn it, into the hearts of sick little children or else. [SCENE_BREAK] Lainey: Enjoy the holiday. Nurse: Oh, you, too. Lainey: I'm counting on it. Nurse: Uh-huh. Lainey: Whoa. I'm late to pick him up. Justus: I thought -- I thought Dr. Winters was working through the holidays. Nurse: Oh, she's not on call. Justus: She mention who she was going to pick up? Nurse: No, but she's definitely in a hurry to see him whoever he is. [SCENE_BREAK] Alexis: And you have to admit this is an interesting case legally speaking. I mean, this guy is an anomaly and -- Ric: Wasn't it your idea, your mission per se, to come up here, you know? Wasn't it you that insisted that the whole family come up and search for the perfect Christmas tree together? Alexis: Yes, yes -- Ric: Yeah? Alexis: And I promise we'll do it. I'm just wrapping this up. Ric: Yeah, I know. You're just trying to look for precedents in order to help keep a p-s-y-c-h-o out of j-a-i-l. Alexis: No, I would rather be looking for trees with my family, and we don't know that he's a p-s-y-c-h-o. Ric: His father told me that he was, you know, right before Manny s-h-o-t him in the b-a-c-k. Alexis: They're saying that he could have been like this since child-- childhood. Ric: "Childhood" -- Alexis: Yeah. Ric: Oh. You know, and speaking of which, aren't we supposed to be creating memories for our own children here? Alexis: Yes. Ric: If I recall, you did pinky swear me -- Alexis: I know, I know. Ric: That you were going to do all the work -- Alexis: I know, I know, I know -- Ric: You were going to cut down the tree? Alexis: I know. I know. Ric: Huh? Alexis: Listen, listen. Hey, I got a good idea. Ric: What? Alexis: Why don't you two go scoping out some of the big trees and then Molly and I will be out in just a little bit anyway -- Ric: What do you mean, "scoping?" Alexis: Because I got to change her. Ric: Ok, fine. Alexis: Ok? Ric: Fine. Fine. Alexis: Thank you. Ric: Fine, fine. Alexis: All right, babe. Ric: Kristina, come on. Here we go. Alexis: Oh, you got it? Oh, good girl. Ric: Lots of fun, lots of fun. Alexis: Now, take her coat, please. Ric: Here you go, honey. Watch yourself. You got your coat? Alexis: Yep. Ric: There we go. All right. Alexis: Ok. Ric: That's right, Kristina. Alexis: Go on now. Ric: You and I are going to go find mommy's -- Alexis: All right -- Ric: Perfect Christmas tree. Alexis: Oh, I'll be right there. Ric: Ok. [Phone rings] Alexis: This is Alexis. Yeah. I want you to go through as much as you can. Go as far back as the records -- that's right. Thank you. [SCENE_BREAK] Robin: Manny Ruiz is a completely different person after the surgery. Jason: We saw Dr. Drake on the news, but I -- Sam: Ok, wait a minute. That is bull. There is no way that Manny has just instantly transformed. Robin: Well, it's not, because I saw the A.V. malformation with my own eyes. It was cutting off the blood supply to Manny's brain, and Patrick did a wonderful job on the repair. Sam: Yeah? Well, he should have just done a lobotomy. Robin: He actually would have done that years ago, but these days an A.V. repair isn't that uncommon. Jason: Why do you need my help? Robin: You've always been able to tell if someone's lying. I was wondering if you would visit Manny and tell me what you think. Sam: What? Jason, ok -- he just got out of brain surgery. He can barely move. You want him to push himself to go visit some freak who tried to kill all three of us, by the way? Robin: You have a unique perspective on the situation. Sam: Oh. Come on. This guy is obviously trying to get away with murder. Robin: Ok, you can't fake a congenital A.V. malformation. And the location of Manny's would increase aggression. There have been surgeries that have made huge changes in people's lives just like this one. Sam: You don't just have some sort of a brain malfunction, have it repaired, and automatically become a different person. Robin: Well, sometimes you do. I know that you never knew Jason Quartermaine, but he was completely different than Jason Morgan. Sam: Yeah, well, Jason Morgan happens to be a great person. He is not a freak who likes to watch people suffer before he kills them. Robin: Look, you have every reason to hate Manny. And I understand if you don't want to get involved. But I do value your opinion and I would appreciate any help that you could give me. Sam: Come on. Manny has to be faking the transformation. This can't be possible. [SCENE_BREAK] Mike: Let me -- Michael, let me get the door, ok? I have the door. All right? Emily: Thank you. Michael -- Mike: Oh, very good. Bye, grandson. Michael: Bye. Mike: Bye. Emily: Bye. Courtney: Wow. Michael's really growing up, huh? Mike: Yeah, he's acting just like Sonny. So what happened to the Christmas cheer? Courtney: Well, that was Nikolas on the phone. He's -- he's stranded in Europe. Oh, there's something wrong with the plane and he can't get another flight out this close to the holiday, so it looks like Nikolas won't be here for Christmas after all. Mike: Oh, I'm sorry, sweetie. Listen, why don't you spend Christmas with Sonny? Courtney: Hmm. Well, Sonny and I, we've been arguing a lot over me and Nikolas and, you know, Emily will be there, so, I don't know. Mike: Well, you could hang out with your old man, make a nice meal, build a fire, listen to some Christmas carols. Courtney: Yeah. Thank you. Mike: Heh, you're not alone, honey. You're not alone. [SCENE_BREAK] Dillon: Oh. Tracy: You lay around the house lapping up the booze doing absolutely nothing. Alice: He puts up with you, doesn't he? Luke: Thank you, sunshine. Tracy: You and Lulu are living the good life, for which I ask precious little in return. Skye: Oh. That's debatable. Luke: Thank you, Blaze. Tracy: Oh, my goodness. The Children's Christmas Party at the hospital was very dear to my mother. This family always shows up and always pitches in. Monica: That's what being part of a family means. Tracy: And if this family wants you to be an elf, you'll be a damn elf. Alan: Georgie and Emily survived the elf costume. So did Elizabeth. Lulu: I'd rather sleep on the streets. Tracy: That can be arranged. Luke: It's your call, kid. Lulu: No. Alan: Oh. Georgie: Fine. You take the costume back, you call Bobbie, explain why you're not going to be there -- you don't care if those kids have a nice Christmas and that you're just too cool to help out. Come on, Dillon. Let's go. Tracy: Of all the selfish brats -- Lulu: You know what? If you want me to be an elf so bad -- Tracy: I have ever known -- Lulu: Why don't you put the costume on yourself? Alan: You know, Emily actually enjoyed -- Monica: No, Emily liked the parties. She hated the costume. Alan: No, but the costume. When she had that costume on -- Monica: Oh, forget it, Alan. Alan: There was a whole new aura about her. I really liked it. [SCENE_BREAK] Skye: So, you want to tell me what's really going on with you? [SCENE_BREAK] Ric: Right there. Ok. Hey. Alexis: Hey. Ric: Oh, we got a tree. Alexis: Oh, oh. Ric: You ok? Alexis: You ok? Ric: Yeah. Come on, watch it. Back up. Back up. Alexis: Wow. Ric: Huh? Alexis: Huh. Ric: Isn't it great? Alexis: That's -- Ric: Yeah. Alexis: A tree. Ric: Yes, it is. Alexis: Didn't we agree on a huge tree? Ric: We like this tree, don't we? Yeah. Alexis: I thought you told mommy you wanted a big giant tree. Ric: Well -- Alexis: She did. See? She wants a big tree. Ric: Ok, well, but if mommy wants her perfect Christmas tree, then mommy needs to put down her laptop and come help us look. Alexis: Mommy would love to put her laptop down and come help you look, but mommy's been court appointed to defend a man with a bulging vessel in his brain. Ric: Ok, then mommy needs to be happy with the tree that we found. Alexis: I got an idea. How about we give this one to the kids at the hospital that can't go home? Good idea? Kristina: Yeah. Alexis: Good. I think that's a great idea because it's a nice thing to do for Christmas, anyway, to give to other people who don't have things that they really need. Good idea? Kristina: Yeah. Alexis: Ok. Ok. Problem solved. You guys just, you know, find -- we can find a bigger tree and I'll come help chop it down with you. Ric: I am not going to chop down every tree in this forest and bring it back to the car for mommy's approval. Alexis: Ok. I know. Look. Right over there. There's a few right there. We can just, you know, pick one of those out and I'll come help you chop it down. Ric: We could have done this at the tree lot. Alexis: I'll be right there. Ric: Uh-huh. Alexis: I'm going to chop it down for you like I said, I promise. Pinky swear, see? Ric: Mm-hmm. Alexis: I'm going to. Ric: Pinky swear. Alexis: Ok. Go pick out the one you like. Ric: Come on, Kristina. Kristina: Ok. Alexis: All right? Ric: Let's go. Here. Alexis: You guys -- Ric: Watch that. Come on, honey. Alexis: Have fun. I'll just sit here and come up with groundbreaking precedents. [SCENE_BREAK] Jason: Hmm? Sam: Help distract me. Come up with something for me to focus on. Jason: Ok. Well, you can think of a few ways to keep me in the hospital -- Sam: Ok. Jason: Because I don't want to go home. Sam: Well, you're not going home because that's not happening, and you are going to stay in this bed. And as long as you are in this bed, you're mine. Jason: Oh. Michael: Merry Christmas -- ew. Were you about to kiss? Jason: Um- Emily: Michael, where are your manners? Sam: Hi, guys. Emily: I'm sorry. We should have knocked. I'm sorry. Jason: Yeah, thanks. Michael: This is a care package from Grandpa Mike. You can go and open that. Jason: Really? Michael: Yes. Sam: Wow. Jason: That's a lot of cookies. Michael: Yes. Jason: I don't think I can eat them all by myself. Would you like one? Michael: Sure. Well, these are just to tide you over. Emily made a ton of great stuff, and dad is making us a giant dinner. Jason: Hmm. Michael: I'm so glad you're going to be there. Sam: Actually, Michael -- Michael: Well, mom's stuck in the stupid hospital and you're not, right? Jason: I thought Carly was coming home. Emily: No. Michael: Nobody's going to make you stay in the hospital. I mean, you're way too tough and you're almost better anyway, aren't you? Jason: Not everybody thinks so. Michael: Please, Jason. It isn't Christmas if you aren't there. [SCENE_BREAK] Ric: Come here, honey. Alexis: Whoa. Wow. That's a tree. Ric: Yeah, better? Alexis: That's wonderful. Ric: Ok. Alexis: Hey. Nice going. Ric: Yeah, why don't you -- Alexis: Nice going, honey. Ric: Why don't you help me --? Alexis: Isn't it great being out here together? Ric: Honey, could you help me get the tree up on top of the car? Alexis: Oh, yeah. Ric: I'm going to back up the car against the rocks, and then I'll scoot it up, ok? Alexis: Ok. Ric: All right? Alexis: All right. Ric: You got it? Alexis: I'll help you. Ric: Ok. Alexis: Come on, sweetie. We'll help. Or stay out the way, right, so he doesn't -- Kristina, come over here, sweetie. Be careful. There's ice, dear. Doesn't it smell good? Kristina: Yeah. Alexis: Take a big whiff -- mmm. [Car ignition fails] Alexis: Oh, my gosh, that smells great. Did you cut it down or did Ric? You did it all by yourself? Ric: Alexis. Alexis: Something wrong with the car, honey? Ric: Have you been running your laptop off of the car battery this whole time? Alexis: Is that a problem? Ric: Your cell phone as well? Alexis: Yeah. I've made a few calls. Ric: Yeah? Well, you k-i-l-l-e-d the battery. [SCENE_BREAK] Skye: Why do you care if Lulu's an elf or not? Luke: I don't. Skye: Then why are you drinking? Luke: Because this place pours the best booze in town. Skye: Whatever it is, it must really hurt. Luke: Well, it won't for long. Skye: Well, alcohol definitely kills the pain, but it also kills everything else, too. Luke: Sorry, Blaze. I can't do the 12-step cha-cha tonight. I'm not in the mood. Skye: So how much booze is it going to take before this memory goes away? Luke: I'm not sure I want it to. Oh. I had just come back to Port Charles after living in Florida. It was Christmastime. It was so cold. Anyway, I went to the hospital to see my sister, and she wasn't anywhere around, so I went looking for her. Somehow I ended up in pediatrics. And there she was in this ridiculous elf costume -- the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. She was, I don't know, 15, 16, tops -- incredible. And she was laughing and passing out candy canes to all the kids, and that's when it all started, right there. Hmm. Laura always loved Christmas. She'd always find something to decorate, no matter where we were. This one time -- one time she wrapped tinsel around a rock. Where was that? Ireland or Portugal -- I don't know. And when we were in Marrakech, she found a big dried-up palm frond and covered it with twinkling lights. I don't know where she got the lights. She must have carried them with her in that big old carpet bag she lugged everywhere. But she always decorated something because she loved Christmas. And every year, she'd turn and smile at me and I'd see her in that stupid elf costume all over again. [SCENE_BREAK] [Knock on door] Courtney: Jax. Jax: Hi. Courtney: What are you doing here? Jax: Oh. I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. [SCENE_BREAK] Jason: Oh, ok, buddy, I have some good news, and then I have some that isn't so good. They say I'm going to get well. Michael: That's the good news. Jason: That is the good news, yes. But the bad news is that I can only get well if I stay here, in the hospital, a little while longer. Michael: Can't you just come home for one day? Jason: Well, I -- trust me, I want to get out of here, and I've tried, but the doctors -- they say no. They think if I leave, I might hit my head and mess everything up. So I -- I won't be at your house for Christmas. Michael: Oh. Jason: And I know that you really wanted your mom there. Michael: Well, she promised. Jason: I know. I know. I'm sorry. You must be really disappointed. Michael: Yeah, kind of. But Morgan doesn't get it at all. Jason: What? Michael: He thinks that mom's going to be really lonely. Jason: Well, I don't -- I don't think she's going to be too lonely. Michael: What will mom do on Christmas morning? Jason: She -- she'll be fine, you know? She's going to feel a lot better knowing that Morgan's having fun. So he's really going to need your help this year. Michael: Ok, but what do I say to him? Jason: Well -- well, you can just, you know, make sure he understands that your mom loves him. Michael: Uh-huh. Jason: Ok, and that she's doing everything she can to get better so she can get back to you guys. And you know what? I want you to have some fun, because that's really going to help Morgan, all right? He looks up to you. You need to be a good big brother. You need to give him all his Christmas presents, and don't try to steal one. And you need to put all the batteries in it and do everything he needs. Michael: Uh-huh. Jason: Ok, and you need to take a lot of pictures, for your mom, because your mom's going to feel better if she knows Morgan's having fun, and that's going to help her get well and get home. Michael: I'll see what I can do. Jason: Ok, I appreciate that. Emily: Well, how about you start right now? You can make sure Morgan has a good time at the Christmas party. Michael: Ok, I'll do that. Jason: All right. Come here. Thanks. Emily: Bye. Jason: Hey, call me on Christmas. Michael: I will. Jason: Yeah, do that. Thanks. Sam: Thank you. Jason: For what? Sam: For what? For staying in this hospital when I know you would rather be anywhere else. Hey, this is the best Christmas present you could have given me. [SCENE_BREAK] Ric: Let's try this again. Alexis: Ok. Ric: Come on. Alexis: Catch it? Ric: Yeah, got it. Alexis: Ok. If I do one more of these poles, the tree should be tied down good. Ric: Ok. Alexis: Ok? Ric: Alexis, we're not going to be done, though. Ow! Ow! Ow! Whoa, whoa! What are you doing? Alexis: What's wrong? Ric: You -- honey, why are you pulling the rope? Alexis: I told you, I just need to tie this one more time, and that way it'll get secured down there. Ric: Yeah, but you know what? So do I. Alexis: Ok. Ric: Ok? Alexis: Sorry. Ah -- Ric: Oh -- Alexis: What'd you do that for? Ric: Ok? Oh, sorry, sorry. Alexis: All right. Ric: Come on. Come on. Alexis -- Alexis: You know what? Ric: What? Alexis: You're wrecking our pretty tree. Ric: Oh, ok, all right. You know what? Alexis: What? Ric: Just -- just tie up your end, I'll tie up my end. [Vehicle approaches] Ric: Ok? Alexis: Ok. Ric: Thank you. Alexis: Hey. Girls -- Ric: Oh, all right. Alexis: Help is on the way. Ric: Yeah. That's the auto club. Alexis: Hi. Whoo-hoo. Ric: Hey. Alexis: Hey. Officer: You folks all right? Alexis: Yeah. Ric: You called the forest ranger? Alexis: No, but I'm glad he showed up. Listen, we're out here getting a tree, and our car is dead, so we need a little jump, if you don't mind. Ranger: And I need $500. Alexis: What? Ric: Excuse me? Alexis: You're going to extort $500 from us on Christmas? Ric: Oh -- Alexis: With our children in the car? Ric: Wait a minute. We're both attorneys, sir, ok? I wouldn't really recommend you trying to rip us off. Ranger: You can't cut trees down in a state forest. Alexis: Not even for Christmas? Ranger: You cut that poor little tree down, too? Kristina: But it's for the sick kids in the hospital. Alexis: It's for the sick kids in the hospital. Ric: Yeah, in the hosp-- you know what? You're right, sweetheart. Absolutely. Christmas is a time for giving, but rules are rules so -- was it $500 a tree then, right? It's $1,000? Let me just get my checkbook. Ranger: It's Christmas. Forget the fine. I'll go get my cables. Alexis: Aw, now, that's a guy. Thank you very much. Merry Christmas. Ric: Atta girl. Alexis: Well done, counselor. Ric: Well, thank you. Alexis: Isn't he wonderful? He's a patient and wonderful guy, isn't he? Ric: Hmm -- Alexis: And mommy promises she won't use her laptop on the way home. Ric: That would be nice. Alexis: You want to tell us a story again? About how we went out into the woods and chopped down our own very first Christmas tree? [SCENE_BREAK] Lainey: Oh. I thought you'd never get here. Man: Yeah, so did I. Lainey: Yeah? You hungry? Man: I'm starving. Lainey: Yeah. Man: What are we having? [SCENE_BREAK] Jax: I -- I don't know what I'm doing here. Courtney: Did you drive? Jax: No, I don't think so. I just took a walk. Clear my head, you know? Courtney: Mm-hmm. Jax: I should go. Courtney: No, no. Hey, you're in no shape to be wandering the streets, Jax. Just come in. Jax: No, you know what? This is probably not a good idea. Courtney: You need something to eat. Jax: Ah. Courtney: Yeah. Jax: Well, I've had a little too much to drink, I'm afraid. Courtney: Yeah. I noticed. Come on. Jax: I might wind up saying something -- like I still love you. [SCENE_BREAK] Ric and Alexis: Oh what fun Alexis: It is to ride Ric: Where are you going? It's the wrong floor, wrong floor. Alexis: I'll be right back because I have to see my client. Hey I'll be right back. Ric: Jingle bells jingle bells [SCENE_BREAK] Jax: I loved you from the beginning. I really did. I loved you from the time we made the bet through the surrogary -- the surr-- surro-- Courtney: Surrogacy. Jax: The surrogacy. I loved you all the way through that. And I tried to stop loving you when you left me for Nikolas. But I was a fool. I mean, I drove you away while I still loved you, because my -- because of my stupid pride. My stupid pride wouldn't let me say the words. But now, we -- we've made this baby together, this miracle that we thought could never happen. And I can't help thinking that -- that you conceived this child for a reason. So I have to, you know, put my pride aside and I have to try to find a way to win you back and make things right between us. I -- I can't stop dreaming about you. I -- I dream about you and I'm hoping that you'll come back someday. You know? I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm, you know, way too drunk for this -- I should be -- I'm so emotional, and I should just go, just get in a cab. Courtney: No, Jax, it's all right. Jax: No, you know what? It's not all right. You and Nikolas have probably got plans, right? And I don't want to spoil your holidays. Courtney: Well, actually, Nikolas got stranded in Europe for Christmas. [SCENE_BREAK] Alexis: Yours is a difficult case, but it's not one without precedent. You have a reasonable chance of acquittal. Manny: But I'm guilty. I caused the train wreck that nearly killed you. Shouldn't I have to pay for that? Alexis: There are medical conditions affecting your actions. Those are very strong mitigating circumstances. It's possible I may be able to convince a jury that you aren't responsible for your crimes, and if that's the case, you'll be free to start a new life. Manny: Because of you. Alexis: No, not because of me, because of the law, and don't confuse the two. The law states that everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense and equal protection. That's the law. And as your attorney, it is my job to see that you get them. [SCENE_BREAK] Dara: You both will be subpoenaed to testify against Mr. Ruiz. Sam: Well, that's not a problem. Dara: Well, D.A. Durant wants to rehearse your testimony so that you don't get tripped up on the stand by Alexis Davis. Sam: Huh? Jason: Alexis is defending Manny? Sam: But he nearly killed her and her child during the train collision. Dara: Mm-hmm, well, Ms. Davis -- Sam: That doesn't make any sense. Dara: I know. Ms. Davis doesn't seem to care. This is a high-profile, potentially career-making case. Ms. Davis is determined to win. [SCENE_BREAK] Courtney: Ok. Jax: Oh, thank you. Courtney: Why don't you get some sleep? Jax: You know, I just had this vision. I had this vision of us a year from now. And, you know, we'll flip a coin to see who gets the baby on Christmas morning and to see who gets the baby on Christmas Eve. Ok? Deal? Courtney: I think we can do better than that. I'm going to get you a blanket. Well, I guess you're not as drunk as I thought you were. Lulu: Dad? What do you think? Luke: You remind me so much of your mother. [SCENE_BREAK] Emily: Dr. Kim. Hi. I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Emily Quartermaine, Michael and Morgan Corinthos' aunt. Dr. Kim: Are you here to visit Carly? Emily: Actually, I'm here to ask you to release her. Dr. Kim: It's far too soon. Emily: I've known Carly for years, and I respectfully disagree. Dr. Kim, Carly's ready to get back to her life, and her kids need her home for Christmas. [SCENE_BREAK] Sam: How could you defend that murdering pig Manny Ruiz? Alexis: I have defended any number of problematic clients in my life, including Sonny and Jason. Sam: Sonny -- there is no comparison there. Alexis: Everyone is entitled to a defense, Sam, including Manny. Sam: Right, but you want to get him acquitted to help your own career. Alexis Davis, super lawyer, can get anyone acquitted, even the guiltiest of clients, right? Alexis: I was appointed, ok? I didn't choose this. Sam: But you still want to win, don't you? Even if it means letting a killer free? [SCENE_BREAK] Robin: I need you to tell me what you think about Manny, if he's faking it or if he's sincere, because I can't really tell. He seems like a different person to me. All right? Jason: Yeah. Robin: I brought you a visitor. Manny: Hi, Jason. You look good. Look, I know I shot you, man, and I'm sorry. [NEXT_ON] Santa: Merry Christmas, boys and girls! Merry Christmas. Jax: I love you. Nikolas: Merry Christmas. I love you. Jason: Merry Christmas. Child: Over there! Michael: Mom! Carly: Michael! Oh!