Episode Theme Song "Perfect" Alanis Morissette

Previously on One Day at a Time
- Reese was reunited with his twin sister Madeline, aka Patricia. Reese told Olivia that he had the best Christmas present ever for her. Olivia was unaware that it was Madeline.
- Helen revealed to Adam that she was pregnant. The two bought and house. She started to have dreams with Olivia and her speeding away from a bank.
- Victoria continued to have nightmares of Vinny shooting her. She confided in Chris and Andy.
- Natasha and Shane grew closer as she realized she is in love with him. She and Cory had a fight about his relationship with Robin and her relationship with Shane. After the fight, Cory and Robin made love at the Introspect unaware a camera was snapping photos of the act.
- Daisy told Chris that she knew of his affair with Danielle and that she was leaving him after the holidays. Meanwhile, Trenyce learned that she was pregnant with Chris’ baby.

Scene One -- The Calimo Mansion

A light snow fall sprinkles down on Twin Peaks. It’s fitting that it is snowing on Christmas Day morning. A fresh blanket of white frost covers the city in a beautiful image of white bliss. The air is warm while the snow falls. Something that Robin Navy is happy for as she slowly walks up to the front door of the Calimo mansion. She tries to smile to herself, even though she is secretly dreading spending the day at the mansion. She wishes quickly that her father Dominick had not gone to Europe; she would have rather spend the day with him. Alas, she is at the mansion because her sister Leah invited her. She knows that it will be an awkward day because Cory will be there with his wife Natasha. She thinks back to a few weeks ago at the photo shoot at Wild Night for ‘Introspect‘; her and Cory making love on the pool table afterwards. She smiles to herself. It did felt so good being back with Cory in that way. She had missed him; she is still in love with him. Suddenly the image of Natasha’s face comes into her head and her smile quickly fades. Cory cheated on Natasha; Cory has chosen Natasha time and time again. Maybe this is their final goodbye, she thinks to herself as she approaches the front door. She slowly knocks taking a deep breath and shaking the snow from her jacket.

Sofia opens the door and gives Robin half a smile. Robin quickly realizes that this is the other reason she was dreading the day. She did not want to spend the day with Sofia, the woman who despises her.

“Merry Christmas Sofia,” Robin says forcing a smile to come across her face. “Thank you so much for having me today.”

Sofia allows Robin to enter the mansion. “Oh, it’s nothing Robin. You’re Leah’s sister. No one should be alone on Christmas.” Sofia replies trying to be civil. “And Merry Christmas to you as well.”

Robin smiles back. “I have gifts!,” holding up her hands.

Sofia takes the large bags that are in Robin’s hands. “I’ll put them under the tree. I’ll get Ramona to come and take your coat for you,” Sofia says as the daunting maid enters the foyer and quickly begins assisting Robin with her coat.

Robin soon enters the living room. A fire is roaring in the large stoned fire place and creating a warm glow in the living room. The 8 foot tall Christmas tree is in the corner in front of the window beautifully decorated in red and silver ordainments. Soft classical Christmas carols are playing in the background. Robin quickly scans the room. Sitting on one sofa are Cory and Natasha engaging in small talk; on the other side of the room Kim and Jeff are speaking with Bob; and by the Christmas tree Robbie and Leah sip eggnog from their glasses.

“Merry Christmas everyone,” Robin says loudly to interrupt everyone and make her presence known.

Leah smiles as the sight of her sister. “Oh Robin! I’m so glad you came,” she says as she comes over and hugs her.

Cory quickly looks over at Robin and remembers the last time he saw her; naked on the pool table her body covered in sweat as they just made love. He shakes his head. Natasha quickly notices Cory’s reaction and wonders what is going in his mind.

“You okay?” she whispers to him.

“Yea, I’m good babe. How are you? Big day not being in a wheel chair,” he says noticing her cane resting on the edge of the sofa.

“I’m great. I’m just happy to be home and walking on my own. It’s a really good Christmas,” she says to him holding his hand.

Robin notices the gesture of hand holding and turns away and gulps. This is going to be harder than she thought, she thinks to herself.

Suddenly the doorbell goes. Sofia jumps up. “I’ll get it,” she beams, totally loving the role of hostess.

“Who else is coming?” Robin asks softly to Leah.

Leah shrugs. “I’m not sure. I thought everyone was here already.”

Soon Adam and Helen emerge in the den.

“Helen! I’m so glad you guys could make it,” Natasha says to her friend. Natasha slowly gets up and uses her cane to walk over to everyone.

“Wow! Look at you go sis,” Robbie says to his sister. “You’ve come so far with your rehab.”

Helen hugs Natasha. “I agree! It’s great to see you up and walking around again.”

“Thanks everyone. It’s been a long hard road, but I am finally feeling back to myself. And I am so glad you two are here today,” Natasha replies as she hugs Adam and Helen.

“Thank you,” Adam says shaking Cory’s hand, whom has appeared behind Natasha. “After everything that happened, it’s nice that we can be friends.”

“That’s all in the past,” Cory says. “You guys are always welcome here.”

“I’m glad you feel that way, because we have some news for everyone!” Helen beams, excited to share their news with friends and family.

“Now we are all curious,” Robin chimes in.

“Don’t keep us waiting,” Sofia says taking their presents and placing them under the large Christmas tree.

“We are expecting a baby!” Adam says putting his hand on Helen’s stomach.

“And we are getting married! On New Year’s Eve!” Helen echoes behind Adam’s word.

Natasha embraces Helen again. “This is fantastic news!”

“Congratulations!” Leah replies.

“This calls for a toast,” Bob speaks up from behind the large crowd.

“Ramona! Everyone needs a fresh eggnog!” Sofia calls to the maid, whom quickly appears in the room.

“Natasha, will you do me the honour and stand up for me? I know it’s short notice,” Helen says, looking down not wanting to hear the rejection if it is coming.

“Say nothing no more. I would be honoured,” Natasha smiles back.

Ramona finishes handing everyone a fresh glass of eggnog.

“To Adam and Helen,” Bob begins as everyone raises their glass. “And their wonderful news of starting a fresh new life together.”

“To Adam and Helen,” everyone says as the glasses click together.

Scene Two -- The Michaels Home; Chris, Daisy & Trenyce’s House

Chris and Daisy stand in the kitchen of their large three story home. Daisy is pouring some hot apple cider into some glasses. Chris is finishing the appetizer platter that they have put together. They can hear the banter in the living room of Trenyce, Andy, Victoria and Vinny. A small gathering of friends and family for their holiday season.

“This is nice,” Chris says speaking calmly. “Having everyone here today.”

“Yea, it is,” Daisy says as she finishes pouring the last of the cider.

Chris turns to Daisy and takes her hand. “Merry Christmas,” he says to her, looking into her eyes.

Daisy looks away. “You too Chris.”

Chris moves in and hugs Daisy. “I know what I did was wrong Daisy. But know that I love you, still. I know it may not seem like it based on my actions, but I do love you.”

Daisy tries to right off tears swelling in her eyes. “I guess that’s what makes this so hard. Because for so long, I have loved you too.”

“Please don’t leave. We can work this out.”

“We can’t talk about this now,” she says wiping her eyes. “We have a room full of guests.”

Chris sighs. He knows that she is right. Now is not the time nor the place to discuss the status of their relationship; still he takes comfort in the fact that Daisy didn’t seem completely opposed to not talking things out with him.

He hears Daisy’s voice in the living room and realizes he needs to follow suit and present the food to the guests.

***

Inside the living room, Daisy finishes handing out the fresh, hot apple cider. Chris quickly enters with the plate of food.

“Yay! The food is here,” Andy says loudly quickly grabbing some carrot sticks and munching on them.

“You act as though you’ve never seen food before,” Trenyce quips at him with a sly grin on her face.

“I didn’t eat breakfast,” he says stating a fact.

“Me either,” Victoria replies. “Pass me one of those chicken wings!”

Daisy sits next to Vinny, who takes a sip of his cider. “You okay?” he asks quietly. “You look like you were crying.”

“I’m good,” she replies putting her hand on his knee. “Thanks for being here today.”

“Anytime,” Brett says to his friend, secretly wishing he could be honest with her and reveal his true identity.

Across the room, Victoria sees the subtle embrace between ‘Vinny’ and Daisy and arches her eyebrow. Suddenly she has another memory flash.

[Flash]

Victoria looks into a large bay window. She is outside and there is a light snow fall. A flake hits her nose and she brushes it away. She puts her glove on the glass window and rubs a small circle inside.

The vision inside the home in which she is looking is blurry. She sees a man that appears to be Vinny standing and talking to another man whose face she can not see as his back is towards her.

"Damn it Brett!" the faceless man yells. "We have to stay in control here! This is slipping away!"

Victoria's face becomes confused. Who is Brett? The faceless man is talking to Vinny Victors. Victoria pears into the room again, harder; trying to focus.

Suddenly a white light returns to Victoria.

[Flash]

Victoria shakes her head.

"Hey are you okay? You look pale suddenly," Andy notes to his friend as he is passing her a small plate of chicken wings.

"Yea, I'm fine. I just need some more of Daisy's great apple cider." She says secretly trying to make sense of this new memory flash that she had.

Scene Three -- The Wilkins Estate; Preston, Olivia & Reese's home

The Wilkins family sit in front of the large Christmas tree that has blue and gold decorations on it. A roaring fire blazes in the fireplace across from them. Reese is sipping his eggnog, while Preston and Olivia each have a brandy. Reese finishes texting Andy and slides his phone down.

"Are you ready for your Christmas present?" Reese looks up, a twinkle in his eye. Unbeknownst to his parents, Madeline is in the next room waiting for Reese to present her back to them.

"Already?" Preston asks taking a slow sip of his brandy, noticing the early hour.

Olivia smiles. "You’re obviously excited to give us this great gift."

"You have no idea. Stay here. I have to go and get it..." he says standing up. Reese quickly exits the room.

"Do you have any idea what he is up too?" Olivia asks her husband softly?

"I haven't the foggiest of ideas. Do you?" he replies to her.

Olivia shakes her head and takes another drink of her brandy.

"Ta-da!" Reese announces as he steps back into the living room, with Madeline on his arm.

Preston drops his glass of brandy and it shatters on the tile flooring. "Oh my god!" he says standing up and rushing over to Madeline.

"Daddy!" she says as they embrace, both trying to fight tears.

Tears flow from Olivia's eyes as it is her turn to embrace her daughter. "You're here! You're really here!"

Madeline lets her tears flow too. "Yes, Mom. Dad, I'm home." she says holding both of their hands.

Olivia turns her attention to Reese. "How did you find her? This really is the best Christmas present ever!"

Preston hugs Madeline again. "We have to much to catch up on."

"I know Daddy. I know. Let's just enjoy this day okay? It's Christmas. I'm home. Let's be a family again."

"I've wanted that for so long," he tells her unable to wipe the grin off her face.

"Then after we need to hear where you've been ... and why you ran away," Olivia says trying not to damper the mood.

Madeline tries to chuckle. "The most important thing is that I'm home. And I'm so happy that I'm back. I've missed you guys so much."

Reese hugs Madeline again. "Merry Christmas Maddie. We love you."

"I love you guys too."

Scene Four -- The Calimo Mansion

The dinning room table is covered with Christmas dinner. Turkey, ham, roasted potatoes, gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce, fresh salad, fresh steamed vegetables and wine fill the table. The table is filled with laughter and smiles.

"This is to die for Sofia," Robin says as she takes another bite of her turkey.

"Thank you Robin. I put together the menu myself," she replies proud of herself. “But hats off to the kitchen staff.”

"Could I interrupt for a moment?" Jeff asks, wiping his mouth with his napkin.

"Absolutely Jeff," Bob replies, even though he noticing Robbie's glare from across the table.

"I'd like to just make a toast," he begins as everyone raises their glasses. "This is the first year that we are celebrating this day without someone very special to us all. In his own way Noah changed our lives. He lives in my heart every day, and there's not a day goes by that I don't think of him, love him and miss him. Today let us not only celebrate Christmas, but also remember the little boy that should be here with us," he manages to say without letting a single tear fall.

"I couldn't agree more Jeff. Thank you for that," Leah says with her misty eyes.

"To Noah," the rest of the guests say as their glasses clink together. Robbie and Leah quickly look at each other. She quickly looks back at Jeff.

Suddenly Robin's cell phone goes off interrupting the moment.

"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry," she says turning to her bag and ruffling through it. She finds her phone and looks at the call display. "Oh it's my Dad from Europe. I should take this. Leah you want to come with me?"

Leah looks at Robin. "Just pass the phone to me when you're done."

Robin exits the room. Sofia looks over at Bob worried.

"So what is Dominick doing in Europe this time of the year? Usually he spends it with you two girls," Sofia asks Leah, trying to fish information.

Leah gulps down the bite of food she has in her mouth. "We aren't really sure. Some mysterious adventure that he's always on," she smiles back.

Sofia tries to hide her concern. There's no way Dominick can know of Eva McCloud, she tries to reassure herself. There's no way he would even know what country in Europe she's in. Bob looks at Sofia and realizes that she is worried about something.

"Anyone up for seconds?" Bob asks the crowd, trying to change the subject and lighten the mood.

"I'm stuffed," Kim retorts. "Actually while we are making phone calls, I should call Andy and see how he's doing over at Trenyce's."

"Please give them our love Kimberly," Sofia chimes in as Kim gets up.

"I'll be right back," Kim tells Jeff as she squeezes his arm.

"Okay," he smiles at her.

For a brief moment to Kim it actually feels like her and Jeff are a normal couple again. She sighs softly to herself and walks off smiling.

Scene Five -- The Michaels Home; Chris, Daisy & Trenyce's House

"Hey, this is Kim calling, I have to take this call!" Andy says as the crowded living room continues to banter and enjoy the company of Christmas.

"I'll go check on the ham," Chris says standing up and heading into the kitchen.

Daisy looks over at Vinny. He smiles at her briefly. Victoria catches this innocent appearing act once again.

"I should call Meggan," Vinny says standing up. "Excuse me everyone."

"Since it seems to be break time, I’m going to fill my water glass,” Trenyce says standing up and heading into the kitchen.

She enters the kitchen just as Chris closes the oven door. He turns around and spots her come into the kitchen.

"Ham is almost done," he says perky, trying to maintain a positive attitude for the holidays.

"Good, I'm starving," she says as she pours a fresh glass of water from the Brita.

"Thanks for not saying anything to Daisy and agreeing to stay on good terms," he says to her. "It's nice of you."

Trenyce gets a big smile on her face. "Save it Chris. I don't buy your Mr. Nice act now."

Chris shrugs and begins to walk past her. "I'll be back in the living room."

Unbeknownst to them, Daisy has overheard their conversation. She quickly grimaces as she wonders what her husband and niece are talking about. She quickly walks into the hallway and creeps up the stairs, needing to get away from the crowd for a moment to read adjust herself from what just happened. She arrives at the top of the stairs and slowly walks down the hall way. Was Chris lying to her again? Are there more secrets he had been keeping from her? Now that she thinks of it, both Trenyce and Chris have been acting oddly since coming home from Milwaukee. And then it happens. As she is walking past Trenyce's bedroom, she peers in. She sees the diary on Trenyce's desk wide open to a page. She has seen Trenyce writing in her diary hundreds of times. Before Daisy can comprehend what she is doing, she enters the room and picks up the diary. She scans back and finds a date that shows the day that Trenyce arrived home from Milwaukee. She begins to read the entry.

"Dear Diary,

Last night I completed my long task. I seduced Chris. Finally! After weeks of planning it and trying to get his attention, I did what I wanted too do! I hope my Mom is proud. I did this all for her. I miss her so much. Part of me feels guilty for hurting Daisy, but I had to do this for my mom ..."

Daisy looks up from the page, not able to read anymore. Tears fill her eyes. A single tear drop falls down her left cheek.

"Daisy!" Trenyce's voice calls from the bottom of the stairs. "We are about to open presents! Come on! You won't believe what I got you!"

Daisy calmly sets the diary back down in it's place. She wipes her face. "I'm coming," she says back to Trenyce. She looks in the mirror above her. Her eyes are red, but not too red. She can say the heat is getting to her from the stove if anyone asks. She has to be brave. She has to be in control. She can't let on the secret that she just learned. That her niece slept with her husband. Perhaps this is her Christmas present.

Scene Six -- The Wilkins Estate; Preston, Olivia & Reese's Home

Olivia and Reese are busy in the dinning room adding another place for Madeline to sit, leaving Preston and Madeline alone in the living room.

"I know you said you didn't want to talk about this today Madeline," Preston says in a stern voice. "But I'm pretty sure I know why you ran away."

Madeline's smile quickly fades away. "Daddy, please not today."

"You know, don't you? You overheard your mother and I fighting that night. The same night that Reese came out to us."

Tears fill Madeline's eyes. "Yes. I heard. I know everything. I was ..."

"Shhh, its okay," Preston says hugging her trying to comfort her.

Madeline pushes him away. "Don't pretend that it's all okay. It's not! You and mom have been lying to Reese and I our entire lives. You've been lying to everyone in the city forever! You guys are criminals. You guys got rich not by working hard ... you were bank robbers!"

Preston sits back in the leather sofa. "Let me explain Madeline, please.”

"No I don't want to hear it! You and mom always put so much pressure on Reese and I to be these … perfect children. You wanted us to always get A’s in school, we had to always do well on the sports teams. You wanted us to live your life! All the while..” she says getting more tears in her eyes. “I will never understand. . I never will Daddy. I never will. I was so disgusted I had to get away. I wanted nothing to do with you and your lies."

Preston gulps. Hearing his daughter say it to him like that is a hard pill to swallow. If only he could make her realize why he and Olivia went to that extreme. He looks at her and knows he has to say something. “But you’re home now. So we are a family again. We can start to mend and heal ... Together. Right Maddie?”

Before Madeline can answer, Reese and Olivia appear at the entrance.

"Dinner is ready," Reese says, not picking up on the tension between his twin and their father.
"Good, I'm famished," Preston says. "Plus we have so much to be grateful for this year, right Maddie?" he says winking at her.

Madeline fakes a smile. "Yea."

Scene Seven -- Twin Peaks Jail; Meggan’s Cell

Alone in her jail cell, Meggan lays on her bed. Her back is up against the wall and her legs are stretched out on the small single cot. The walls are damp on her back, even with the orange jump suit on. She has a tiny window on her left hand side. The window only has one solid bar through the centre, to ensure she can not escape. The window, however, is too far high up the wall for her to actually look outside. She concluded some time ago that the window was only there for natural sunlight to come into the cell.

A guard appears at her door. "Dinner time Victors," he says. "You want to eat in here again, or do you want me to take you to the lunch room."

Meggan doesn't move a muscle. Do I even want to eat? she wonders to herself. She can smell the turkey and potatoes. It makes her think of the Christmas dinners she has had in the past with Vinny.

"I'll eat alone," she whispers to the guard, still not moving.

"You sure? You haven't been out in a few days."

"I'm sure," she says back to him quickly and matter of factly.

The guard puts the tray of food on the food and pushes it through the slot on the bottom of the cell. He stands back up and looks at Meggan. "Merry Christmas," he says before he continues to walk down the aisle.

Meggan looks at the plate of covered food. She sighs heavily. She doesn't want to eat a Christmas dinner. She doesn't want to be reminded of what she is missing at home. Still she knows that she is in the right place. She should be in jail. When she thinks of Leah and Jeff and what they must be going through today ... their first Christmas without Noah. Meggan's eyes fill with water.

"I am in the right place. I am a murderer," she whispers as a tear runs down her cheek. "Nothing will ever change that."

Outside, the snow fall picks up as a heavy storm approaches. The town continues to be covered in a new thick white blanket of snow. The wind howls slightly creating some noise. The storm will intensify over the next few hours. Nothing, though, will compare to the storm currently inside Meggan's heart, tormenting her.

Scene Eight -- The Calimo Mansion

The guests have returned to the den of the Calimo mansion as dinner has finished. They are getting settled to open gifts.

Cory looks across the large room and sees Robin looking out the large bay window at the snow fall. He walks over and approaches her from behind.

“Hey,” he says softly to her, not wanting to startle her.

“Hey yourself,” she says as she turns and smiles. “Merry Christmas.”

“Thanks, you too.”

“Natasha seems to be doing well.” Robin says, unsure of why she would mention his wife so quickly into their conversation.

“Yea, it’s great that she’s getting better. Look … we should talk.”

Robin looks around to be sure no one hears her. “It’s okay Cory. I understand. You’re with Natasha … I know. I get it.”

Cory looks over at Natasha. Their eyes meet. Suddenly Natasha wonders what they are talking about.

“I was going to say…” he begins.

“Not now Cory. Go be with your wife,” she says moving past him.

Cory sighs and walks back over to the sofa where Natasha is sitting.

“What was that about?” she asks him rolling her eyes.

“Just wishing her a Merry Christmas.”

“Excuse me for a minute,” Natasha says standing up and slowly walking away. She leaves the den and puts her back up against the wall. For a moment she wishes Shane was there. She would love to wish him a Merry Christmas … more than just over the telephone.

***

Bob and Sofia sit by the tree getting ready for the gift opening. He looks over at her and grabs her hand.

“I love you too,” Sofia smiles at his touch.

He grins back at her. “Do me a favour though darling?”

“Absolutely,” Sofia says back to her husband.

“Relax. Stop worrying about Eva McCloud. No one will ever find out, okay?”

Sofia takes a deep breathe. “I will try. I will try.”

Bob looks up. “Come around everyone! It’s gift time.”

Jeff hands Kim the first gift. She slowly unwraps the box. Underneath the paper is a jewellery box. “Jeff!?” she asks excited.

“Open it!” he smiles at her.

She opens the jewellerybox and finds a diamond necklace.

“Oh my!” Sofia chimes in. “Someone has impeccable taste.”

“It’s beautiful,” Kim says holding it up to her neck.

“Not nearly as beautiful as you,” he says leaning in and kissing her. He moves to hug her. To her ear he whispers, “I really want to make this work with you. New year, new start?”

Kim grins her smile at him. “Of course. Merry Christmas.”

Leah gets up and walks over to the fire after witnessing the exchange. She is unsure why but she feels uneasy. She feels like she has to do something now. She couldn’t sit still for another moment. Robbie approaches his wife.

“Hey, you cold?”

“Yea, a little,” she admits looking at him. For the first time in a long time, Leah looks at Robbie. His skin glows softly in the light of the fire. His dark eyes and dark hair are striking. His broad arms and chest are strong. She feels herself falling into his arms. She holds him tight.

“What’s going on babe?” he asks hugging her back.

“I need you Robbie,” she whispers to him. She leans up and kisses him passionately. Robbie can not remember the last time she kissed him like that. “I know we have been struggling. Or I have been struggling with Noah’s death. Please forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive. I understand,” he says back to her.

“Can we … get out of here? I want you,” she grins to him.

“Yea, let’s go,” he says excited that Leah finally seems to be coming back around.

***

“Helen! This small box has your name on it,” Sofia says pulling another present out from under the tree.

“Oh,” she says looking at Adam. “I thought we agreed no presents this year.”

Adam laughs. “You know me … I needed to give you a little something.”

Helen arches her eye brow as she grins. She rips off the wrapping paper and finds a silver box. “What on earth?…” she begins as she opens the box. Inside is a key on a silver key chain.

“A key?” Bob asks. “Is there a new car in my drive way Black?” he grins.

Everyone laughs. “Not exactly. This is a key … a key to our new house! I got it a couple days ago. We can move in whenever!”

Helen gasps. Everything is really happening; the way they had planned it out too.

“Are you okay Helen?”

“I’ve never been better!” Helen says trying to fight back the tears.

***

Natasha holds the phone to her hear. She hears the ringing on the other end.

“Come on, pick up,” she says to herself.

Finally Shane’s voicemail kicks in.

“Hey Shane … it’s um, me. Natasha. I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas. So … um, have a good day!”

She hangs up the phone. That was lame, she realizes. “And I love you,” she says to herself. A tear falls as she looks outside into the snow. What a mess she is in now. What a mess.

Next on One Day at a Time
- New Year's has some drama in Twin Peaks!
- Daisy hits rock bottom
- Helen remembers!