December 7, 2004
Alexis sits in court looking forlorn about the inevitable outcome of the trial. She points out no one ever wins against Sonny, but she had to at least try. Alexis reiterates Kristina's favorite meal (chicken hot dogs); favorite toy (play kitchen); favorite stuffed animal (lamby pie). She says that sometimes she plays "When You Wish Upon A Star" as her bedtime lullaby and that Kristina doesn't mind when she sings along. Ric points out that no judge will give a two-year-old to a stranger over a mother that loves her. Sonny shows up in the courtroom and informs Alexis that she hates him too much to raise his own daughter so unfortunately he's going to have to go for full custody. And P.S. -- we *all* know who's gonna win.

December 8, 2004
Alexis, with a possible haircut, wearing a new suit and a crimson undergarment, thanks Ric for going out on a limb for her. The judge walks in and he looks to be about ninety. Everyone is all worried by this change in judges. Alexis clasps hands with Nikolas. The Really Old judge says the other judge got called away. This one wants to throw the book at this arrogant young man with wealth and privilege who chose to murder an elderly family member in a most callous and brutal manner, who couldn't be bothered to plead self defense and wouldn't lower himself to trial by jury. This judge sentences Nikolas to death penalty. Apparently it's too late to take back Nikolas's confession so he'll have to file an appeal. Tracy cheerfully points out that'll take years. Ric adds that they'll all have to act as character witnesses and they should know when they do that Nikolas's life is on the line. Alexis tells the judge about how crazy Helena was. The judge reminds Alexis that she killed Luis and that the Cassadines, as a family, seem to be really into murder. Alexis calls Emily Cassadine to testify next. The judge asks Nikolas if he had it all to do over again if he'd still kill Helena. Nikolas says if it meant protecting Emily, then yes.

December 9, 2004
The judge sentences Nikolas to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Nikolas is taken away as Emily cries for her husband. Alexis tells Nikolas they have excellent grounds for appeal. Mac shows up to announce the guards are there to take him away. As Nikolas is leaving for the police station he tries to make a getaway and is shot in the process.

December 10, 2004
Ric and two guys carry Nikolas to the desk. He seems to be passing out. Alexis calls his name to get him to stay conscious. Suddenly paramedics show up about thirty seconds after the shooting. Emily and Elizabeth arrive at the hospital before Nikolas. Nikolas is wheeled into an operating room as Emily melodramatically shouts "I love you Nikolas". Alexis shows up and tells Emily that Nikolas ran. At the hospital Emily tries to rationalize what made Nikolas run. Ric shows up and Emily berates him. Alexis announces that Ric saved Nikolas's life -- he, in all his medical capacity, worked on Nikolas before the paramedics got there in order to make him keep breathing. The doctor shows up and tells Emily that while Nikolas needs surgery he has to stabilize before he can get it and that may not happen. If it doesn't? It's permanent lights out for her husband. The doctor tells Alexis that Nikolas might die. Nikolas apologizes to Emily and she says there's nothing to be sorry about. She tells him he has to live so that they can be together. They profess their Great Love before the doctor kicks her out. Jason shows up with Sonny and embraces Emily. Alexis has her hand on the small of Liz's back. Sonny shows up. At the hospital Sonny and Jason conspicuously eavesdrop on the doctor's conversation with Emily. She heads off to the chapel. Alexis stands up from her position beside Liz and leaves it open for Ric to sit down. Ric says he doesn't get why Nikolas ran. Sonny approaches Alexis and says he's sorry about her nephew. She jumps about six inches when he speaks. She says that Nikolas is in there bleeding to death because of one single gunshot wound and that's why she doesn't want him to get custody of Kristina. Sonny tells Alexis that he'll do anything to protect his children. She says that she knows he loves Kristina by the way he looks at her, but that he has to do better by letting her go. He says he'd do anything for her, just not that. Ric asks Sonny why he wants Kristina so much. He says that Ric has always questioned why Adela chose Sonny over him, the way Sonny has questioned why Mike left. He says his daughter will never have those questions. Ric says he understands all of that except the part where he could get Kristina killed. Steven tells Alexis that Kristina can maybe go home next week. She heads into her daughter's room and tells her she has tough choices to make and none of them are good. Carly and Steven talk by the elevators as Alexis is frantically pushing the button as she tries to make off with her daughter (clothed in the brightest colored red/orange possibly velvet outfit that I've ever seen).

December 13, 2004
Alexis tries to get Kristina out of the hospital but the elevator doors won't close because Carly won't quit pressing the button. Alexis lies to the doorman at Jax's apartment building. He lets her and Kristina in. Speaking volumes about her commitment to her latest marriage, Alexis promises Kristina that as soon as Jax gets home they'll borrow his plane and alone they'll go far, far away to somewhere safe. Alexis turns on the TV and sees storm warnings. She promises Kristina that she and Kristina will get on the plane and leave before the storm hits and soon they'll be over the ocean and far, far away. Alexis calls the hospital to get word on Nikolas's condition. Ric shows up and says he flashed the doorman his badge in order to get in. He asks if Alexis is taking Kristina out of the country on Jax's jet. Alexis asks if he's there to berate them or to come along. ('Cuz you know, if he hadn't shown up unexpectedly, an invitation would not have been forthcoming.) Alexis tells Ric that she will never stop worrying about Kristina's safety when Sonny's around. Ric says the danger isn't as dire as she believes it to be. Alexis doesn't agree. She asks if he will come with her. He says he wants her to stay. She asks if he'll use his resources to help find Jax. He says no. He says he managed to get Sonny to give him an hour to get her back. Hurt and angry, Alexis tells Ric he had no right to bargain with her daughter's life, especially not with Sonny. Ric tells Alexis that life on the run will not be a good experience for Kristina. Alexis tells him she just wants her daughter to survive. Ric suggests that Alexis is putting her daughter's life in jeopardy because the illness compromised her immune system and if she gets sick she won't be able to recover. Jordan points out that it's been an hour; Alexis isn't back with Kristina. Suddenly Alexis is back with Kristina. Ric tells her to go into the room. Alexis puts Kristina down. Jordan, unable to wrap her oh-so-convincingly-real lips around the word "health", announces that Ms. Davis put Kristina's life in danger by taking her out of the hospital. Alexis emerges to hear Sonny announce that tomorrow he'll win full custody of his daughter.

December 14, 2004
Alexis tells Kristina she's done everything she can to keep her safe but they have to go to court today and she's afraid it's not enough. Alexis says that Sonny's lawyer will rip her to shreds and it will be easy to prove she's an unfit mother. Ric calls Alexis to the stand. In court Alexis testifies about the Mistletoe Massacre, 2000. She says she doesn't want her daughter with Sonny the next time he gets gunned down. She speaks of her devotion to her daughter and about the fact that Kristina's too young to have her heart broken by being taken away from her mother. Jordan cross-examines. She stands up and is wearing some kind of Brenda-like monstrosity of an outfit. She asks Alexis why she'd rather raise Kristina as a fugitive than have her be with Sonny. In court Jordan brings up the whole Alcazar over a balcony incident. Interestingly enough no one mentions this was an *isolated* incident of violence as opposed to the regularity with which violence follows Sonny around. Alexis says that all she wants is for her daughter to grow up without dying. In court Sonny proves he knows little about his kid -- but only because he hasn't spent time with her. He says he believes Alexis is a good mother and that she didn't keep Kristina's paternity a secret out of sheer malice. When asked what he believes is best for Kristina he says joint custody. Everyone is shocked. Alexis cries.

December 15, 2004
When the judge asks Alexis how she feels about joint custody she says "I find it totally unacceptable". Alexis, her voice barely above a whisper, tells the judge that Sonny has lied to her and he's lied to this court. He's not a coffee importer; he's a mob boss and he's going to get Kristina killed. Sonny says that he doesn't want sole custody; he wants joint custody. Jordan, having trouble remembering Alexis's name, points out that Sonny's been accommodating and Alexis has been the opposite. The judge calls a recess. Alexis leaves the courtroom. Ric asks if she can face the possibility of losing total custody of Kristina if the judge sends her to live with Sonny. Ric urges Alexis to compromise. She asks what will happen if she compromises and Kristina gets shot. They are called back into court. Alexis comes face to face with Sonny.
Alexis tells Ric that whatever she does might make it worse for Kristina but she has to try.
Alexis tells the judge that despite her well-founded worries about her daughter's safety she'll agree to share custody. The judge says Kristina will split the time 50/50. Sonny says that isn't fair to Kristina and that he will agree to let her live with Alexis as long as he gets unlimited visitation. Jordan says that should include overnight visits and vacations too. Alexis agrees. Alexis says that every second that Kristina will be with Sonny she'll be afraid. Alexis, on the brink of tears, tells Sonny she'll call him to set up a visitation schedule. "Schedule," he scoffs. "That's not what the judge said -- I get to have her whenever I want. And I choose now". Sonny leaves. Alexis crumbles. Kristina's parents go to visit her at the hospital. Alexis picks Kristina up and says someone's there to see her. She thrusts her towards Sonny and says "here's your dad," as she walks off, looking back to see Kristina and Sonny together.

December 17, 2004
Sonny's thrilled that Kristina's being released because it means she can come home with him. Alexis says that this isn't about the two of them -- it's about Kristina and she can't let him take her home. Sonny's got Jordan on a very short leash -- the moment she senses there might be a way to get Alexis in trouble she comes running. And she's wearing another blouse from 1983. Alexis tells him that she will agree to letting Kristina visit for a few hours to get to know Michael, Morgan and the penthouse, and then she will be able to sleep in her own bed. Alexis brings Kristina, in glasses, out to the hospital lounge. Alexis thanks Steven for saving Kristina's life and kisses him on the cheek. Sonny takes Kristina out of Alexis's arms. Carly watches Kristina and Michael and Morgan and can't get out of the penthouse fast enough. Alexis watches Michael helping Kristina out of her coat. Sonny says he'll drop her off when he drops off Michael and Morgan. Alexis says no. Ric points out that Alexis doesn't want Kristina riding in Sonny's cars. Alexis adds that this is on account of their tendency to blow up. Sonny says that's fine for now but Kristina will be riding with him on the way to her christening. Alexis tells Sonny she can't believe he's getting Kristina baptized. Sonny calmly points out that it's not as though she's religious; there's little chance Kristina would've been raised any other way, so why not embrace Catholicism? Alexis says she agrees to nothing. Sonny says he won't fight with her now. Alexis reassures Kristina that she'll have a wonderful time with her brothers. She then decides that Sonny's trying to buy Kristina's love with Christmas, so she has to out-Christmas the mobster.

December 21, 2004
Alexis and Ric show up to get a Christmas tree. She wants to pick the very best tree for her daughter. Ric chooses one but Alexis thinks it's too small. "Too small for what?," he asks, exasperated. "Rockefellar Center?" She insists on perfection. Alexis spots the perfect tree. Ric's horrified at its size. Ric is unable to finish cutting the tree down himself. Alexis takes over and it's down in a number of seconds, knocking Ric over in the process. She pulls the tree off him and they realize they're lost in a blizzard.

December 23, 2004
Ric and Alexis stumble into an abandoned cabin. He heads towards the fire while Alexis tries dragging the tree in on her own. She says that Sonny's probably teaching Kristina how to launder play money. Ric says that Sonny's already won. At the cabin Ric says he's been jumping through hoops to try to be the perfect husband to her but she hasn't seemed to notice. He says a two year old does not equate love with material possessions but only she would think that Kristina would do such a thing. Alexis tells him it's not a real marriage anyway -- it's not as though they consummated it. Ric gleefully suggests that they should have it annulled. Alexis happily agrees. Alexis and Ric are so eager to NOT be married that they write out the annulment agreement on the tablecloth. They write out the annulment using her lipstick on a tablecloth. Ric says that once they get back to town they shouldn't have anything to do with one another. Alexis thinks that's a great idea. He heads out to find something to burn so they don't freeze to death. Ric says there's nothing in the cabin to burn. He looks at the tree and decides to burn it. Alexis hops on top and insists he's not going to burn her tree. He finds a quilt and tells her that she can have her tree but he's snuggling up under the quilt. Ric agrees the only humane thing to do is to share his quilt. Ric tells her he's an obstinate ass. Alexis admits she's difficult. They consummate their marriage.

December 24, 2004
Alexis wakes up in a panic because she fell asleep and that Kristina spent the night with Sonny and that he's having her baptized today. Alexis says that it'll be their luck that they freeze to death together and that it would suit Sonny just fine. She berates him for being a man and still not being able to locate the car. He says it's her fault for zig-zagging around and losing their way. Alexis talks about how her childhood was anything but idyllic and that there was no joy. Ric echoes her sentiments; he had a crappy childhood too. She says that's why this Christmas meant so much to her -- and how she's sad that Ric burned their perfect tree. They hear a noise outside and suddenly Sonny and Jax show up to rescue them. Sonny says that he would never have his child baptized without its mother present. (Kind of like Jason did with Michael when Carly was in Florida? ) Alexis tells him that she doesn't want Kristina's faith decided for her before she's old enough to understand. Sonny says that he has no problem with her exploring other religions when she's old enough to do it on her own, but for now he would like her to be raised Catholic.
Leticia gives Kristina some juice and says that she's been asking about her mother all morning. Carly tries to kiss up to Kristina but she's not buying. Alexis shows up and about knocks Carly down trying to get to Kristina. Alexis coos at her daughter and says she missed her so much while Sonny looks on, smilingly genuinely. Courtney & Jason show up with the gown and tell them it's from Sam and that she didn't feel right about coming there uninvited. Alexis says she has to go home and change. Sonny says there isn't time. Carly, who's been watching Sonny watching Kristina and Alexis together, says that maybe she has something in her closet that she could borrow. Alexis responds with, "I haven't worn a size 2 since I've been twelve". Carly responds with "maybe I've got some old maternity wear". They head upstairs grudgingly. Ric tells Sonny it is the season for giving. He just shakes his head. Sonny tells Alexis that he's decided that Carly and Jason will be Kristina's godparents. She tells him she knows he has a truckload of issues with Ric, as she does with Carly, but she wants him as the godfather. Sonny can't stop smiling as the priest baptizes Kristina. Alexis, on the other hand, seems just a little amused at how much this means to Sonny. The priest makes the sign of the cross on Alexis's forehead and she seems shocked. She tries not to pull Kristina away as Carly makes the sign of the cross on her daughter's head. The priest asks the assembled crowd if it is their wish for Kristina to be baptized. Alexis just kind of nods. The priest baptizes her Kristina Adela Corinthos Davis. In "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" montage we see Mac hugging Georgie and Felicia; Diego giving Brook a piece of tacky jewelry as Ned looks on; Dillon giving Georgie a Hollywood screen kiss; Lucky showing Cameron a Hershey kiss; Alexis showing Kristina the flowers at the church; Sam lighting a candle for her daughter as Jason looks on; Mike comforting Courtney; Michael handing Kristina a flower and giving her a kiss; Alexis looking on with pride at how her daughter is being accepted by her brother; and then, smiling, at Sonny, Sonny realizing she's accepted the situation and is happy, and smiling back at her.

December 29, 2004
Alexis tells Viola she's going to take out the trash. She opens the door to find the trash trying to find its way back inside -- Ric's there to move in. Alexis looks at Ric like he's on crack after he tells her of course he's moving in. She thinks it's not the greatest idea he's ever had. Alexis tries to reject the second man in less than fifteen months who shows up on her doorstep demanding to live with her. Unfortunately for her, it doesn't appear to be working any better this time around than it did earlier. Alexis calls Ric's shirt tragic before tossing it into the fireplace. She begins
looking at the rest of his stuff. She can't believe he has weights. "Just for the days I can't get to the gym," he says. Ric's a little shocked that Alexis can't remember when she last went to the gym. (January 14, 2002, I believe). She then surmises that he thinks she's fat. Ric then smugly asks her to admit she wants him. She tries not to gag. "A moment of weakness in a snowstorm" is how last week's little cabin snafu is referred to. Ric suggests he should just leave and let Alexis get on with her life, just the way she likes it.

December 31, 2004
Alexis's hair looks darker than usual; her bangs slicked back. In a red outfit, she says maybe it's not such a great idea for Sonny to stay with Kristina. Carly tells Sonny they'll be back to pick up the boys in the morning. She leaves and tells Steven that there is justice in this world because Sonny's stuck with all his children while she's going to a party. Kristina will be picked up between 1:00-2:00. Alexis says she feels ridiculous; that she feels like a stuffed peacock. Ric calls her a drag. She corrects him. "No, I'm dressed in it". At the party Alexis tells Ric he's a good dancer. Suddenly Emily walks in and Ric and Alexis wonder who she's with that looks so much like Nikolas. Emily introduces Alexis to Connor. Alexis continues to drink alcohol and finds herself growing increasingly happy.

January 3, 2005
Suddenly from outside we hear a noise. It's Alexis trying to push past Max and get into the penthouse. He says that Sonny's not to be disturbed but Alexis enters anyway. She spots Carly in a robe and sighs. "Honestly. Have the two of you no shame?" she asks. Alexis points out that Sonny and Carly's relationship is quite often on-again/off-again. She brings up the fact that he had their divorce revoked and wonders if one is actually allowed to do that. Carly tells Alexis that she and Sonny did not make love, but that she twisted her ankle. She points out the ice pack and refers to Alexis as "drunkie". Alexis wonders if Kristina has seen them having sex and is therefore scarred for life. Alexis says she's there to pick up Kristina. Sonny mentions that Alexis has an unnatural fascination with the sex life of he and Carly, and that he thinks it's best if Kristina spends the night with him. Alexis gives her husband a loving kiss on the cheek. Ric agrees that it's best to pick up Kristina in the morning. Ric romantically dances Alexis out of the penthouse.

January 4, 2005
Alexis, in glasses, is preparing for her day. Ric nuzzles her neck. She says she has things to do. He tells her that he's cleared things with her secretary and they're free to take a two-week honeymoon. Alexis tells Ric that the sex in their marriage is good. She then thanks him. He tries to convince her to go away with him. She agrees until she learns his plans are for a skiing vacation. At this time she says she'd rather stay home and regrout the bathroom tile. Alexis runs into Carly outside Kelly's and asks if it ever bothers her that Sonny's taking the children on vacation. She wonders if Carly wonders if she'll never see them again. Carly tries to alleviate Alexis's fears that Sonny will take a child away from its mother. She says that when they were trapped and she told him the truth it was because she was worried that Kristina wouldn't be raised by a father who loved them -- now she will. Carly points out that if Alexis was that worried she ought to have thought twice before getting pregnant. Alexis returns home and opens packages full of summer clothes for Kristina. Ric comes home and Alexis smothers him with kisses of gratitude for all he's done for her daughter. Suddenly she discerns that the clothes were from Sonny and that he wants to take their daughter to his godforsaken island. Ric points out that since the island is outside of the U.S. the contract is null and void. Jordan points out another clause and Alexis asks her if she honestly believes her and Ric don't know how to read a contract. Alexis then tells Sonny that Kristina has other obligations.

January 5, 2005
Alexis tells Sonny that Kristina has an interview today at pre-school. Alexis says that Kristina's education is more important than building sandcastles with her brothers. Alexis and Ric leave. Jordan tells Sonny that Alexis is more highly strung than Marcia Cross's character on "Desperate Housewives". Sonny says that she's just high-strung. Outside, Alexis thanks Ric for backing her up. He mentions that she doesn't actually have an appointment for Kristina. Alexis can't wait for Kristina to become part of Salisbury Circle's Class of 2021. Ric isn't sure this can be pulled off.
Kristina and Alexis head to the school. She's shocked to find Sonny, sitting at a tiny table, is already there. She wonders what he's doing there. He says he needs to find out how the school stands on prayer in the classroom. Alexis says that if he ruins this for their daughter she'll kill him. The principal shows up and Alexis can't seem to get Kristina to turn around to meet her. Alexis tells her to feel free to ignore everything Sonny just said. Alexis tells the principal that she shouldn't let Sonny and his bodyguards influence her decision. They can, like, hide behind the swingset or something. However, Principal Buckley has agreed to admit Kristina, sight unseen, whenever she's ready. Why? Because Sonny's given a generous contribution which will allow the school to renovate its playground. At home, Alexis tells Ric that she can't believe the way Sonny called the principal by her first name, Jean. She says this is just the first step -- eventually he'll run Kristina's entire life. Ric says she should let him handle Sonny.

January 6, 2005
Alexis is cleaning up the apartment, laundry basket in hand. Ric tells her about the most perfect house in the world. He tries to sell her on it because they need a bigger place. She just wants to know if he's spoken to Sonny about not taking Kristina out of the country. Ric returns home and tells his wife that he got Sonny to agree not to take Kristina. Immediately suspicious, she wonders what he had to give up. He tells her he didn't have to give up anything. Elated, she thanks him with kisses.

January 7, 2005
Alexis informs Ric that Sonny bought the house right out from under them. Carly is leaving a message for Steven at the hospital when Alexis shows up with Kristina. Alexis congratulates Carly on doing the blended family thing very well. Carly makes mention of the fact that she seems to be having a spot of trouble with it. Alexis says it wouldn't be so bad if Sonny didn't deliberately provoke her and Ric, such as buying Greystone right out from under them. Carly informs her, just for her information, that Sonny bought the home Michael picked out. Steven shows up and after a quick exchange with Carly, he takes Kristina. Alexis is amused upon realizing Carly is dating Steven. Carly asks if she has a problem with this. Alexis finds it odd that every aspect of her life is interwoven with her and Sonny. Just then, Sonny and Ric show up and announce that Sonny's lawyer has been attacked. Alexis says this is further proof that any association with Sonny is dangerous. Alexis asks how many bodyguards; limo drivers and accountants Sonny's gone through. He points out that she just can't let it go. Jordan denies that her accident was anything other than random. Sonny can't take his eyes off Alexis as she says that is the same story she used to tell herself when she worked for him. Carly says Alexis would like to believe every crime in the world has ties to Sonny. Alexis exits. Alexis shows up and cheerfully informs them that Emily's been granted conjugal visits with Nikolas. Emily and Connor look uncomfortable.

January 10, 2005
Alexis tells Emily it's time for some sex! She and Nikolas have been granted a conjugal visit. Connor doesn't think it's a good idea but Emily decides to go. Alexis gives Connor one last furtive glance, then takes off with Emily for the jail. Jeff the lab tech shows up at Alexis's apartment. She's clearly uncomfortable and asks him to call her office. He tells her that her husband just threatened to murder him. Alexis is sitting alone in her apartment, several lights dimmed. Ric returns. Her voice devoid of emotion she explains that she never thought she'd be able to identify with Sonny in the way that Carly lied to him every morning over coffee, but now she can. She announces that she now knows that he's known for months about Kristina being Sonny's daughter. She realizes she was nothing more than a tool for him to wield in the battle against his brother, and that he used her. Ric, confronted by the truth, realizes it's over. He's been caught and he just can't fix it.

January 11, 2005
Alexis asks Ric if he ever planned on telling her the truth. He says no, because he wasn't looking forward to this conversation. He says that the reason he wanted to be with her is because he wanted to rest secure in the knowledge that he was bringing up his brother's child and it didn't matter if Sonny knew the truth or not. Alexis says that she's embarrassed and humiliated that she fell for his games and his lies. He says he's grown to care for her a lot. She remarks that she's grateful, actually, that he didn't use the word love, because that would make things even worse. Ric suggests that she must be, on some level, happy that this occurred because it gives her that way out she's always looking for. Ric asks Alexis when it would've been a good time to tell her the truth. She accuses him of using this old lawyer trick called hypothetical, and says it won't work with her this time. When he asks how she found out she mentions that it's not good practice for the district attorney to threaten to commit murder. She asks if the lab tech will wind up dead. She asks how he can think she'd let him stay with her after this; they're right back where they were when they started. Ric seemingly suggests that Alexis lacks the capacity to find herself in another relationship -- he says that this time around she'll wake up all alone. In keeping with our theme for the decade, everything that's happened is all because of Alexis. Ric says that if things hadn't soured between them because of this, she would have manufactured some other reason for them to break up. He says that in the end, what Alexis wants more than anything else is to be by herself. He tells her to tell Kristina that Uncle Ric said goodbye. Alexis silently rocks Kristina back and forth. She says that Ric is gone now and it's not because of anything Kristina did. She tells her daughter that there will be no more third parties; that it's just going to be the two of them against the world from now on. Alexis rocks Kristina back and forth. She tells her daughter that she's a smart woman but she doesn't understand men. She goes on to say that from now on they will be together, just the two of them. But she wishes Ric were there.