From: Marni Centor <marni@panix.com>


GUIDING LIGHT UPDATE -- THURSDAY, OCT. 26, 1995

                       WHAT PRICE, FAMILY?

Highlights:
* For their families' sake, Matt & Amanda agree to leave the past alone.
* Annie plays Mommy with the Reva's kids.
* Alan doles out parental advice.
* Amanda opts into the family business.
* Reva bids Goshen good-bye.

Just another working day in Springfield, USA...

LAWYER DEFUSES LOVE-FEST: Ross steps aside while Vanessa & Amanda catch 
up. They seem less than delighted to meet again. Meanwhile, Matt & 
Amanda exchange some meaningful eye contact. Ross closely observes the 
genteel sparring. Amanda mentions that Alex misses Alan terribly. "No-
body else does," notes Van. She's surprised to learn that Amanda has 
Alan's Spaulding stock. Ross interrupts the "love-fest" to get going on 
reworking Peter's guardianship papers. Van introduces Matt to Amanda. 
They shake hands & Amanda learns that Matt is Van's husband. Van joins 
Ross in his inner office, leaving Matt & Amanda alone. Amanda says life 
is full of surprises. Matt thinks Amanda is as beautiful as ever, "but 
your name wasn't Spaulding last we met." [Odd phrasing for Matt I've-
Got-A-Hammer Reardon, but poets lurk in the most unlikely places.]

ALEX GUARDS THE FAMILY JEWELS: AM is gazing at Lucy's photo on his desk 
when Alex interrupts. She understands that AM is very focused on Lucy's 
problems right now, as he should be. She doesn't want him to have to 
worry about Amanda "running amok" with Alan's stock, so she's hired 
Laird Becker, Slick Attorney, to get Alan's stock back. "Are you out of 
your mind?" shouts AM. No, says Alex, but Laird will prove that Alan is.

I'LL SHOW YOU MINE: In Annie's apartment, Josh & Annie kiss & remove 
each other's clothes. Josh talks about what a jerk he's been, while 
Annie takes part of the blame on herself. But when she saw him at the 
door, her heart stopped. Josh vows never to let Annie go again.

OH MY GOSHEN: Reva runs into her cabin & excitedly tells Charlotte & 
Abigail about her 2 wonderful children that she just remembered. [Dylan 
must be living in her Dead Zone.] Alan watches disapprovingly. Reva runs 
out, shouting for Max to bring the wagon around. She says Alan is taking 
her back to Springfield right now.

BETTER WEAR A FACE MASK: Alex knows that AM has more important things to 
worry about, but it doesn't reduce the danger from Amanda. AM accuses 
Alex of imagining intrigues between Alan & Amanda. Alex says AM is being 
foolish & short-sighted. AM gets peeved at Alex, but she says should be 
angry at Amanda. AM points out that Alex is the one driving him crazy. 
He refuses to be dragged into the "power-plays that pass for Spaulding 
family amusement." Alex wants free reign to handle Amanda, but AM 
refuses. She warns him that he can hide his head in the sand, but burly 
men are dropping off boxes at the mansion & Amanda is back for good.

MARLER-AT-LAW: Amanda pinpoints her branch on the Spaulding family tree, 
then turns the talk to Matt. He still has a thing for rich, older women, 
but she wouldn't guess that he was Van's type. Matt gets defensive about 
his true love, but Amanda doesn't buy it. She knows him too well, she 
insists. Matt says things have changed since California & if she doesn't 
buy it, that's her problem. Amanda can see Van is very special to Matt. 
Matt says he plans to spend the rest of his life with her. [Could get 
kinda grisly if Van goes 1st, but that's true love for you.] Matt says 
people can change more than their names. Amanda is willing to accept 
this & says she's changed too. "I can see we've come a long way from 
Malibu." Matt suggests that they "leave back there, back there." 

GOSHEN-A-GO-GO: Reva can't shut up about her kids. Martha-Sarah-Marah... 
Shayne, Shayne, Shayne. Charlotte & Abigail humor her. "What about 
Abigail?" Charlotte finally asks. Reva apologizes for getting caught up 
in her memories. Of course, they will bring Abigail to Springfield with 
them, where Dr. Rick & the Cedars Specialists [now appearing at the Roxy 
for 2 nites only --get your tickets now!] will make her feel groovy. 
Charlotte balks at Reva's taking over--she & Max have not agreed. Reva 
stresses how important it is for Abby to get help. Charlotte realizes 
this is true, but doesn't want to send her away to strangers. Also, she 
doesn't think Max will approve--he's so old-fashioned. 

Reva says Charlotte should come too. Charlotte can't really see herself 
leaving Goshen. Reva says children & their parents should never be 
apart. She thinks Max will understand. While she talks, she packs. 
Charlotte asks why she's taking so much--does she not plan to come back? 
Reva just knows that she will have a chance to see her children & 
Charlotte has a chance to help hers. Charlotte asks Abigail if this is 
what she really wants. Abigail signs yes, & Charlotte agrees to talk it 
over with Max. She & Abigail leave.

Alan gives Reva a hard time. What will she do when she gets to Spring-
field? Will she just pop in & say, "Hi kids! Guess what? Mommy's not 
dead after all!" Reva blanches.

WHO DID YOU DO IN MALIBU?: Matt labels Malibu a "non-topic." Amanda 
doesn't understand why--he was so popular there. "I was young & stupid; 
what's your excuse?" he asks. If Amanda is serious about starting a new 
life, then what they did & who they knew in Malibu is off-limits. Amanda 
promises to be discreet. She understands that they both want the same 
thing: a nice life, someone to love, & lots of money. Matt says he 
doesn't care about money anymore. "Then you're still young & stupid," 
she replies. "Money makes our dreams come true." Matt says it depends on 
your dreams. Amanda only wants her Spaulding birthright--gorgeous 
clothes, lots of cars, countless servants & that enormously big house on 
the hill. Matt wishes her good luck--with Alex there, she'll need it.

Amanda quips that dragons aren't only in fairy tales & calls Alex a 
"scrappy old thing" who lies & cheats to get what she wants. Amanda 
explains that it's only Alan's Spaulding stock that's gotten her through 
so far. She's come to Ross to enlist his help in the fight against Alex. 
Matt asks if she's trying to show Thomas Wolfe that you really can go 
home again. Amanda says she's agreed to stay out of Matt's business & he 
should do the same for her.

Ross & Van emerge from his office. He promises to have the work done in 
a few days. Van says good-bye to Amanda & starts to leave with Matt, but 
Amanda says she hasn't gotten an answer to the question she asked yet. 
"What question is that?" asks Van. Matt looks at Amanda inquiringly.

BEDTIME FOR BONZO: Josh & Annie roll around on the bed under a pink 
sheet, accompanied by a soprano. From the look on Annie's face, Josh is 
apparently very good at whatever he's doing down there out of sight. ;-)

AND THE PARENT OF THE YEAR AWARD GOES TO: Alan warns Reva that she can't 
just barge in on her kids without any preparation. Is she planning a 
one-time visit or does she want to stay in touch with her kids? "I don't 
know!" cries Reva in exasperation. Alan says that's exactly his point & 
it proves she's not ready yet. Reva thinks Alan is in no position to be 
doling out advice on parenting. [Score 1 for Reva.] Alan says kids need 
to trust that their parents will always be there, but once that trust is 
broken, it's hard to get back. He says Marah & Shayne may be angry with 
Reva for leaving them. Reva says she didn't mean to. Alan says they're 
too young to understand that--all they know is that their mom deserted 
them. Reva is being selfish if she doesn't think about them. 

Alan says people's lives were destroyed when she disappeared--does she 
want her reappearance to do the same thing? He urges her to think out 
her return very carefully. Reva comes up with a plan: She will go to see 
Josh first, then the 2 of them will go together to see Marah & Shayne. 
Alan doesn't think Josh & Annie will welcome Reva with open arms. 
"They've gone on with their lives. They don't want you or need you 
anymore." Reva insists, "My kids love me. I'm their mother. They need 
me!" You hope, says Alan. Reva says he's just jealous because her kids 
love her & his hate him. Alan says that's because he put his feelings 
before his kids'. Reva insists that she's not doing that. Alan says it 
will scar her kids if she goes in without warning. "Do you want that?"

SISTER ACT: AM reminds Alex that she invited Amanda to stay with her. 
For a visit, not for life, clarifies Alex. Then kick her out, says AM. 
No, Alex wants to know what Amanda is up to. Then ask her, suggests AM. 
Not Alex's style. She'd rather drive everyone nuts. AM says it's not 
important to him & he'll deal with it if it becomes an issue. He thinks 
Amanda has been very nice so far & she saved them big bucks on the 
satellite deal. AM declares the subject closed until Alex has something 
concrete. Alex announces that Amanda has had "her hand in the till."

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS ARE OUT THIS YEAR: Amanda said she asked Matt if, as 
a fellow newcomer, he thought she'd have any trouble making a lifestyle 
change. Matt can't imagine why she would. Van seems a little dazed & 
Matt has to kind of drag her toward the door. She stops & asks Amanda 
whether she needs a lift anywhere, but Amanda declines, saying she's not 
through with Ross yet. Van leaves. 

Ross is glad to see that Amanda & Van were civil. Amanda says she's more 
worried about Alex than her "old rival." She is very grateful for Ross's 
help & says the Spaulding stock is all she has. "I thought you didn't 
care about the money," says Ross. She doesn't, but she still wants to 
make a big life for herself & the stock is her ticket. She wants to 
prove herself to Alan & help AM. Ross tells her the ground rules: He 
will help her keep what is rightfully hers & that's all. The days of his 
being her white knight are all over. Amanda knows that. "You're a 
married man now, which makes what you're doing for me mean all the 
more." Blake, at the door, wonders exactly what Ross is doing for 
Amanda. Amanda takes this as her cue to leave.

At the risk of sounding like a jealous wife, Blake asks what Amanda was 
doing with Ross. He says she is a new client. Blake is angry to hear 
that Ross is getting involved with the Spauldings again & wants to know 
what Amanda offerred him.

TRICK OR TREAT: In a post-coital snuggle, Annie runs her fingers through 
Josh's chest hair & asks him to repeat everything he said to her in 
Mexico, so she can say it back. He remembers a bunch of gushy stuff he 
never said. She still can't believe they're back together. It's either 
that or very overactive imaginations, says Josh. Annie says she loves to 
touch Josh, feel his heartbeat, lay in his arms. "They say you really 
can't appreciate something until you lose it. This proves it 110%." Josh 
says the whole thing made them both stronger. Annie says they can 
survive anything & promises to make him the happiest man alive. Josh 
wants to get married as soon as Rick gets back with the divorce papers. 

Josh remembers Marah's glee at hearing they were back together. Annie 
jumps out of bed, remembering that she promised to buy Marah a Halloween 
costume. Josh tells her to calm down, but Annie thinks there will be a 
run on Pocahontas outfits & if she doesn't get to the store right away 
it will be too late. Josh thinks she's overreacting, but she reminds him 
that Shayne never forgave him for the power hero fiasco, & Josh changes 
his tune. He says Annie will be a great mom. She tells him to hurry & 
put his pants on, or they will both be in "deep gitchy-goomy."

SPEAKING OF GITCHY-GOOMY: Reva cries that she never wants to hurt her 
kids. She imagines that Marah is reading by now. She never heard Shayne 
say Mama or take his 1st steps. She doesn't even know what color his 
hair is now. Alan says Shayne is just a typical little boy. Reva thinks 
Marah must be very smart & asks Alan to confirm. He says he's seen them 
once or twice, but doesn't really know them. "The babies I remember are 
gone," cries Reva. "In their places are 2 little kids that think their 
mama's dead. How could I have done this to them?" Alan says she mustn't 
blame herself for things she can't change & should just concentrate on 
doing the right thing now. Reva cries about forgetting her own children. 
Alan holds her & tells her not to worry. "I'll help you." 

Alan wants to go back to Springfield with just Charlotte & Abigail. 
He'll get Abby started on treatment at Cedars & check up on Josh & 
Annie, then send for Reva. Then they'll figure out the best way for Reva 
to see her kids. Reva's not sure whether to trust him, but he's all 
she's got. He promises not to let her down. He says he loves her & wants 
to take her away, but it should be of her own free will. They're going 
to do things the right way--his way.

STUPID RED RIDING HOOD: Annie passes out Halloween costume boxes & the 
kids frown. Marah's got Little Red Riding Hood & Shayne's got a pirate. 
Annie apologizes, but Pocahontas & the Power Heroes were all sold out. 
Marah says Red Riding Hood is stupid--she can't tell the wolf from her 
own grandma. Shayne says he hates his costume too. Josh is flustered, 
but Annie comes through. "Trick or treat!" The store-bought costumes 
were the trick. The treat will be one-of-a-kind, home-made costumes. 
Marah whispers to Shayne that it's another trick. Annie says it will be 
a group project & Josh takes the kids upstairs to get supplies. Annie 
looks skyward & gives thanks for having Josh back in her life. "Now, 
could you just teach me how to sew?"

Van & Matt enter & ask if everything is OK. Annie explains the whole 
situation & how she was praying for help. Van is very understanding. 
Matt volunteers that he knows how to sew--remember the sail outfit he 
made for her? Josh lugs down a trunk full of stuff & they start sorting 
through it. Matt puts on a black cowboy hat while Van looks for some-
thing big & white she can use to make Peter into Caspar. [Ever consider 
a sheet?] Annie dons a sparkly black cloche with veil. Van mentions that 
they ran into Amanda. Annie's interest is piqued. Josh explains that he, 
Ross & Amanda were in business together with LTA, but he & Amanda were 
just friends. It was Ross who was smitten with Amanda. Van remembers 
Amanda being the smitten one. Matt listens with interest. Van tells 
Annie that Amanda is one of those women who pretend to be frail & 
vulnerable, but are really tough as nails.

IT TAKES ONE TO KNOW ONE: Alex says Amanda took money from her desk. AM 
asks how much. Alex says it's cash today, Spaulding tomorrow. AM asks 
again how much Amanda took. $50, says Alex. AM feigns shock & dismay. 
Alex says it's not the money, it's the signal it sends about things to 
come. AM asks whether Alex actually saw Amanda take the $. No, admits 
Alex, but she's sure it was Amanda. AM says there is such a thing as 
petty cash & Amanda probably just borrowed the money. Alex predicts that 
AM will rue the day he opened his arms to his sister. 

Amanda enters & wants to talk to AM. She's surprised to see Alex. "Con-
trary to popular belief, I do go out in the daylight sometimes," replies 
Alex. Amanda says it's a shame they haven't been able to spend more time 
together. Alex promises that they will, now that Amanda's moved in. 
Amanda tells AM that she hasn't been around long enough for him to trust 
her. Or to mistrust you, AM adds. Amanda says they both know the kinds 
of games Alan plays & it wouldn't be surprising if they thought she was 
Alan's spy. "You're not the only one who's been burned by his kind of 
love." Amanda says the stock was a surprise to her, but she plans to 
make good use of it & help herself in the process. She'd like to come to 
work at Spaulding. AM's not sure. Amanda says she's helped run things 
before & is familiar with the business. Plus, she's also a major stock-
holder. AM asks what title she wants. She doesn't want a title--just a 
chance to prove herself & to feel like she's part of the family. She 
promises AM that he won't be sorry. Alex looks suspicious.

OH, BABY: Ross says Amanda needs his help. Blake doesn't want to see 
Ross pulled back into the Spaulding Den of Vipers(tm). Ross says his 
experience with the Spauldings is what Amanda needs. He knows what he's 
doing. "So does she," Blake replies darkly. Ross changes the subject to 
Holly's sonogram. Blake relates the wonder of seeing the baby floating 
around in her mother's stomach. [Holly's got problems already. That 
stomach acid's going to do a number on Little Red's face.] Blake wants a 
baby ASAP. She tells Ross she's having fertility tests done. "A watched 
pot never boils," quips Ross, but promises to be tested himself if Blake 
turns out fine. He advises her to not put so much pressure on herself. 
This is supposed to be fun. "No pressure," agrees Blake.

SPAULDING DEN OF VIPERS(TM): "No pressure," promises Amanda. If AM 
doesn't want to give her a job, she'll understand. "Oh, I will too," 
adds Alex. AM welcomes his sister to Spaulding. He wants it to be a 
family company. If she does her job, he has no problem with her. If she 
doesn't, she's out of there. Amanda hopes Alex approves, too. Alex puts 
on a big smile & says they're going to be one big happy family. "I'm 
just so glad Alan had the good sense to turn over his stock to someone 
so capable before he went stark-raving mad." 

HUG AT YOUR OWN RISK: Reva can't wait for Alan to set the stage. It's 
too important. She's going with him. He agrees reluctantly. Reva thanks 
him & says maybe fate brought them together so he could take her home. 
She says it will be hard to leave this wonderful place & people who 
always accepted her without question. Alan asks if she's ready to face 
the "self-righteous" of Springfield. "I'll do whatever it takes to see 
my children," she vows. "What about you?" Alan thinks it'll be interest-
ing to see what's happened. Reva's always been one for grand entrances, 
& this will be her best yet.

Charlotte returns with Max, who has agreed to let her & Abigail go with 
Alan & Reva. Reva gives Max a big hug, which he does not welcome. Reva 
apologizes; she forgot herself in all the excitement. Charlotte says 
Abigail can hardly wait & their bags are outside. Alan tells Reva to say 
good-bye to Goshen. She asks him to help Max load the wagon with their 
bags & promises to be right back. 

LEWIS SHOP OF HORRORS: Matt stares into space while Annie & Josh & the 
kids make costumes. Van tickles Matt to get his attention. He was think-
ing how happy he is to have such a wonderful family. She asks if he'd 
rather be knocking around the country, living moment to moment. "There's 
only 1 thing I`d rather be doing & costumes are optional," he grins. 

Meanwhile, Annie has managed to manufacture a Pocahontas outfit, 
complete with headdress, while Shayne has been transformed into a Power 
Hero. "Thank you, Mommy," exults Marah, before chasing Shayne around the 
room. Annie hugs Josh, incredibly touched at being called Mommy. "Pretty 
soon you'll be my wife. Finally, everything is perfect," says Josh. Hah!

GOSHEN GOOD-BYE: Reva climbs a hill, thinking how hard it is to leave 
this wonderful, safe place. She isn't looking forward to a life where 
she has to fight. She thinks her children would like it here. They could 
run & play & laugh & learn what she's learned. But what if they don't 
want to come? What if they don't want me? She prays for strength to face 
what will come & to find her way back, as the screen fades to black.


--Marni (marni@panix.com)



