Holly and Tate greet each other with a kiss in the square, all lovey dovey. And that’s about to change fast. Tate breaks the news that he’s not

going with her. Yada, yada, family’s miserable, Rachel’s in an asylum, etc. Holly’s understanding, but then he keeps the bad news rolling and explains he’s on academic probation. He’s gonna take classes over break.

 

 

Holly’s still remarkably understanding, so they head back to her room for a little make out sesh. Actually, a little sex sesh. Good lord, they better be using triple protection after the past year.

Can Belle Get Through to Brady?
Belle stops by the mansion to visit Brady, who launches right into a “We may lose Titan, the house and everything, Merry Christmas!” spiel. Then he moves onto Rachel being stuck at Bayview for Christmas, continuing the holiday cheer. (We also learn that there’s a skeleton crew at Bayview right now… Who wants to bet Sophia’s taking advantage of that?)

 

 

The good news is, Rachel’s improving, and Belle can sympathize, what with her daughter being a reformed sociopath. She suggests Brady talk to mom about everything, resorting to a little guilt trip about disappointing their dad if he doesn’t forgive. Plus, she explains how Kristen pushed Marlena to keep the secret.

They get on to what they should be doing — supporting each other — and Marlena ponders the possibility that mental illness runs in the family, from Rachel, to Kristen to other Rachel. But they can still help her. Not together, though. Brady still thinks it’s time to find his own place.

Is Peter Behind the Kidnappings?
Kristen collapses from her fever, and the commotion wakes EJ and Tony. Finally! The DiMeras are all together! Oh happy day! Well, not so happy. Maybe DiMera Happy? Peter accuses EJ of trying to kill them all and tells him not to touch Kristen when he wants to help.

Peter launches off on how everyone should hate EJ for all he’s done to them, cutting Chad off when he tries defending EJ and letting everyone know that he’s followed ALL the family drama for years. Like, even EJ sleeping with Abigail family drama. Which, we learn, Chad has never forgiven EJ for. Welp.