Now alone in the car, Adam hears Connor’s voice in his head; begging to come home. He tells the driver that there’s a change of plans – I won’t be heading straight home after all.
You and I are ready for this, Billy lists reasons why he and Lily should run CW together. He appreciates her loyalty to Devon but he’s a lone wolf who doesn’t play well with others. He’s not a dreamer (like us)
When Chelsea arrives at CW, Billy explains that he and Lily were just discussing the future of CW. With a few kind words of support for Chelsea, Lily leaves her to hug Billy.
Chelsea’s in her suite, sketching a dress when a deflated Adam comes knocking. No words are needed as he seeks comfort in her arms.
At the club, Nick and Lily chat briefly about their kids before deciding to have lunch together. After much talk about the unpredictable world of business, Nick asks – how are things with Daniel? He’s back with Heather, Lily informs.
On the patio, Chelsea tells Billy all about dropping Connor off – things are more complicated than we expected.
Why are you back already? Sally asks Adam. They made us leave, he seems pissed about it.
The facility’s impressive – welcoming – there were boys there Connor’s age who seemed at home there, Chelsea tells Billy.
Adam has a different opinion of the facility – it’s what the website promised – good on the surface but they’re selling their elite brand of therapy for top dollar. They have a stellar reputation, Sally points out. You can buy a reputation, Adam doesn’t want to say why he and Chelsea had to leave. Connor had his first session with the OCD specialist – with diplomas all over the wall that might be forgeries.
Chelsea’s version differs – they met with the highly decorated, highly educated OCD specialist and therapists – they were kind and knowledgeable – it was encouraging – until the doctors strongly encouraged them to leave Connor for a couple of weeks – they say Adam and I trigger Connor’s OCD.
Adam rants to Sally – they blamed everything on us – according to them, we did this to our son!
Nick’s sorry – he’s been on both sides of the equation (with Adam and Sally) Things have gotten better – they’re happy and Nick’s moving on. At least you don’t have to endure family gatherings, he tells Lily that adds salt in the wound.
Sally’s indignant – how can they blame you and Chelsea? A furious Adam doesn’t believe a word that comes out of the therapists mouth.
Why do they think you and Adam trigger Connor? Billy gently asks. Because that’s what Connor told them, Chelsea adds that her psychotic break down caused him trauma and guilt – Connor blames himself for my suicide attempt.
After a minute and a half, the doctors concluded that Connor sees himself as a bad son and that he blames himself for all his parents problems, Adam rants. Sally wonders (correctly) if that came from Connor. They said so but Adam doesn’t believe it. It’s basically a money grab. No, this is about you hurting, Sally comforts him.
Billy’s supportive and empathetic. Right here is where it starts to get better. Do you think Connor’s in good hands? Yes, Chelsea does. Trust your instincts, Billy suggests that time apart may rule out that she’s a trigger. Chelsea’s devastated – my son’s in so much pain – because of me.
Easy for me to say, Nick’s had time to accept that Adam’s with Sally. It’s still raw for Lily’s situation with Daniel/Heather. The heart is resilient. I’ll shut up now, Nick’s sorry – you know the drill. Lily will focus on CW and not waste the opportunity she’s been given. Nick’s glad to see that she’s not wallowing. Chuckling, Lily mentions Billy saying she has a ‘fighting spirit’. He has some insane ideas. Anything can sound crazy until you’re ready to hear it, Nick states.
Chelsea explains the next step – ERP treatment. Exposure Response Prevention. In a controlled environment, Connor will slowly be exposed to his fears (and taught how to deal) It sounds intense, to Billy. Yes, it’s overwhelming – Chelsea hates that her son has to be in agony in order to get better. Billy’s supportive – they won’t give Connor more than he can handle and he’ll be better equipped when he comes home. Billy won’t let Chelsea go through this alone.
Continuing to rant and rave, Adam wonders how the condescending doctors would feel if they were banned from seeing their kids. He wanted to take Connor out of there and sue them all! Sally calms him down – your energy and focus needs to be on your son. She thinks Adam should be proud that he didn’t ‘explode’. Am I wrong? he asks. Could they be right? What if I failed my son? What if he’s better off without me?
Billy asks how Adam’s managing. He’s barely holding it together. And, Chelsea’s devastated. I’m being told the only way I can help my son is by staying away from him.
Adam thinks maybe Connor’s better off without him – maybe I was never meant to be a father. Look at me, Sally’s firm – you were meant to be Connor’s father – who else could love him more than you? No one – everyone knows he’s your heart and soul. I’d die for him, Adam chokes up. Then live for him – be his champion, Sally’s support continues.
Sitting on a bench outside the facility, a worried and lonely looking Connor taps his water bottle a few times, then washes his hands.
Next Week: Lily’s cold with Daniel – Lucy forgave you – Heather’s back in your bed again – Princess Louisa served it’s purpose – now it’s just another game – and I own it….. Diane at his side, Jack says – So, we’re waiting for Ashley – she is the topic isn’t she? Traci’s scared to death for her sister…. Nikki beams at Victor – 40 wonderful, complicated, exciting years since we were first married – no one can spoil this night for us, they kiss.