See Also: General Recap

Ralph
Ralph the dog, not to be confused with the Wichita lineman now seen frequenting the Chancellor Estate by the same name, was owned by Shirley the maid whom Jill Abbott hired in February 1999 to make Katherine Sterling's life miserable. When her job was accomplished, Shirley left town and took Ralph with her.

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New Mexico, June, 1999 - After throwing the evil Chet over a Red Rock Canyon cliff, Victor Newman held a bawling Ramona Caceres tight. "Thank you Victor for saving my life," she sniveled.

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Megan Dennison
It was 1999 when auto mechanic Tony Viscardi began a relationship with Tricia Dennison's sister, Megan. While transporting a car for Tony's boss, Tony and Megan were arrested and charged with auto theft. Eventually, the charges were dropped. Tricia didn't like Tony so she sought Grace Turner's help in undermining the relationship with her sister. Culminating with the 'big bra' planted in the sofa fiasco, their plan failed miserably.

By the next year Viscardi and Dennison were ready to tie the knot but Megan's wedding day ended in disaster when Tricia ran over Tony with a gas-guzzling SUV while backing out of a driveway. A funky wedding ceremony took place at the hospital but Tony died in Megan's arms after the vows were exchanged.

Ryan McNeil wanted his wife, Tricia, to seek therapy for her trauma and intimacy issues.

Meantime, Sharon Newman suspected Tricia killed Tony and wanted the police to reopen the case. The case was opened again but closed due to a lack of evidence. When Tricia finally confessed she was part of a conspiracy with Grace, Megan moved to Boston. Tricia's mental state started to spin out of control and Ryan decided he didn't want her anymore. He denied Tricia's sexual advances and turned to Victoria Newman for support. Rejected, Tricia joined forces with Matt Clark and vowed revenge on Victoria. Their plan fell apart, Clark killed himself and Tricia entered a mental hospital briefly before returning to live at her father's home.

Victoria and Neil
Victoria Newman was baffled when Neil Winters suddenly said he'd decided they should wait before sharing a home together. Later, Neil became upset when Cole Howard asked him to keep an eye on Victoria while he was in Europe seeing Ashley Abbott. In Madrid, Ashley was seeing Rafael, an artist. When Cole arrived in Paris, he had a fit when he found out Ashley was in Madrid.

Carl "Jim" Williams arrived in Genoa City and started having flashbacks of his past life. As Carl and Ruth dined at Gina's, they found themselves seated next to Paul, Chris, Mary and her fiancée, Charlie. Paul spotted Carl, took him aside and asked why he was interfering in Mary's life. Carl said he was remembering things about his past, which surprised Paul and Chris. Meanwhile, Ruth visited Mary, posing as a newcomer to Genoa City. When Paul learned of Ruth's visit, he confronted Ruth. She told Paul she was worried that Carl would resume his life with Mary. Later, Paul told Carl that Mary was marrying Charlie in the spring.

Grace Turner worried for Cassie's well-being after meeting Alice Johnson. She confided her fears to Michael Baldwin, which sparked his fascination with the Newmans. Alice realized that Grace was responsible for returning Cassie to Sharon. She proposed to Grace that she should receive compensation for her grief over losing Cassie. Concerned for her legal rights, Grace hired Michael as her attorney. When Chris learned that Millie Johnson was in the hospital, she tried to visit her, but was interrupted by Alice. Later, Chris learned from Millie that Alice has been trying to locate Cassie.

Nick Newman was angered when Sharon turned down his offer of a romantic trip away together.

Brooke Logan was disappointed when Jack nixed her idea to have Jabot launch a perfume for Forrester Creations. Taking matters into her own hands, Brooke visited Victor and pitched him the idea. When Jack learned of the meeting, he was outraged. Later, Victor secretly met with Brooke in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Phyllis Romalotti seduced Jack in his office, but just as they were about to make love, they were interrupted by Brad Carlton. Later, Jack flirted with Diane Jenkins and they had sex. When Phyllis discovered that they had been together, she told Victor, who promised to reward her financially. Later, Victor shared the news about Jack and Diane with Brad. When Brad disagreed with Victor that Jack was using Diane, Victor said Brad would never have the chance to run the company by himself one day if he didn't offer absolute loyalty. Shortly after, Jack admitted to Victor that he was seeing Diane. Victor advised Jack not to interfere in his divorce from Diane. Victor also announced that he had finalized a deal with Forrester Creations to create a perfume.

Olivia Winters was disturbed when Malcolm Winters turned up missing. Eventually, Malcolm's bruised body was discovered on an isolated road and he was rushed to the hospital. The police told Olivia that Malcolm was probably robbed, but Olivia was convinced that Trey Stark was responsible. Callie tried to visit Malcolm in the hospital, which infuriated Olivia. When Trey learned that his associate, Sam, beat Malcolm, he blasted him. Later, Callie called Trey and vowed to make him pay.

Megan Dennison told Tony Viscardi she was ready to lose her virginity to him, but Tony said they should wait. Later, Tony told Megan he was leaving for a brief trip to Florida.

Tricia Dennison didn't tell Ryan that she was off the pill.

Jill Abbott hired an actress to pose as a twisted maid, with the hopes of making Katherine miserable. It wasn't long, however, before Katherine realized that the new maid, Shirley, was part of Jill's scheme to make her life miserable.

Feb 1999 - Al met with Grace and announced that he and Alice are only interested in cash, not regaining custody of Cassie. Grace insisted Al keep her name out of it. Soon, Alice took Millie home after realizing she was able to talk. Meanwhile, Chris encouraged Sharon to fight for custody of Cassie, but was nervous about the outcome. After Chris drew up preliminary papers Sharon felt less apprehensive. But Sharon got snotty when Chris urged her to let Nick move back in.

Later, Sharon met with Nick and earned that Jack had arranged for Nick to take a job with another company outside of Genoa City. Later, Sharon confided her dilemma to Tony, who agreed with Chris that Sharon should tell Nick the truth about Cassie. Paul posed as a nursing home employee and visited Alice's home in Madison, where he asked to see Millie. But Alice said she was with her aunt. When Al arrived, he ordered Paul to leave.

Back in Genoa City, Tony told Nick that Cassie's adoptive mother wanted her back. Nick asked Sharon if there was anything he could do. Sharon said it would help her case if he moved back home because it would indicate to a judge that they were a stable family. Later, Sharon filed for custody of Cassie. Nick moved back in with Sharon, but she requested they sleep in separate beds. Meanwhile, Michael and Grace met with Al and Alice and Alice admitted to them that she wanted money, not Cassie. After Alice and Al left, Grace confided to Michael that he was worried Alice might be interested in getting Cassie back. But Michael said it didn't matter because he had secretly recorded her statement on video.

Megan threw a welcome home party for Tony. But when Sharon arrived, Tony immediately left with her. Later, Tony apologized and said that Sharon needed a friend. Megan doubted that Tony and Sharon were just friends. To ease Megan's fears, Tony kissed her.

Victor became more anxious to finalize his divorce with Diane. Later, Michael reminded Brad that he expected to be rewarded for his efforts in finalizing the divorce. Brad promised Michael he would be handsomely rewarded, provided he persuade Victor give Diane a seat on the Newman Enterprises Board of Directors. Phyllis interrupted their meeting and asked what they were talking about. Michael insisted it was nothing. Later, Phyllis phoned Victor. Meanwhile, Jack broke into Victor's computer and made it look like Victor had committed $200 million to Forrester Creations. Victor and Diane met with their lawyers to work out the final plans of their divorce. Michael insisted that Diane's settlement include a seat on the Newman Enterprises Board of Directors. Victor balked, but agreed.

With the divorce final, Victor surprised Nikki with a tropical vacation, including a visit to a private island. Jack discovered Phyllis was spying on him for Victor and ended their affair. Phyllis returned to New York City. Jack and Brad arranged a board meeting, with only two members, Neil and Jill. Jack used Victor's alleged business deal with Forrester Creations as proof that Victor was slipping. He suggested a vote, which resulted in a tie, until Diane appeared as the fifth board member. Nick arrived and was surprised to learn of the board meeting. When he learned Jack and Brad were trying to unseat his father he pleaded with Diane not to vote in their favor.

Neil and Victoria ended their engagement.

In Madrid, Ashley was angered when she learned of Rafael's scheme involving forged paintings. Cole surprised Ashley and they spent the night having sex. Rafael stopped by and met Cole. Ashley tried to talk Rafael out of his scheme because she feared it would result in John's learning that he wasn't her biological father. In an attempt to buy back the forged painting, Ashley phoned Jack and asked him to messenger her stock certificates to her broker. Ashley's anxiety was heightened when she discovered Cole had seen the genuine painting in Rafael's studio. Determined to buy back the forged painting, Ashley temporarily left Madrid. Victoria arrived with a disc that Cole needed to continue his writing and was pleased Ashley was away.

When a detective questioned Olivia about Malcolm's beating, she accused Trey of being responsible. In Malcolm's hospital room, Callie told the detective that Trey was responsible. Without firm evidence, the detective couldn't charge Trey. In Detroit, Trey made plans to visit Malcolm. Trey showed up in Malcolm's hospital room and tore up Callie's contract. But Trey added that they still shared an important bond, their marriage. Olivia arranged to have Malcolm stay with Neil after his release from the hospital.

Paul stopped by Gina's and discovered that Mary and Charlie were there, waiting to meet Ruth and her husband, Jim. Mary came face-to-face with Carl and fainted. Paul and Charlie took Mary to Gina's office, where she regained consciousness and said she'd had a wonderful dream that Carl was alive. Carl appeared in the doorway and told Mary he'd been living in Norfolk for the last ten years and had no memory of their life together. Mary told Carl she would help him regain his memory. Later, Mary learned that Carl had been living with Ruth as husband and wife.

Tricia was disgruntled when her pregnancy results came back negative. Meanwhile, Ryan left for business in Seattle.

Despondent over her living arrangements with Jill, Katherine visited a bridge, where she contemplated killing herself.

Mar 1999 - Diane was reluctant to cast a vote against Victor until she heard his side of the story. In order to sway Diane's vote, Jack presented her with an engagement ring. At the next board meeting, Diane cast the deciding vote -- against Victor. She also approved of making Jack and Brad the new CEOs of Newman Enterprises. Soon after, Nick sent an message to Victor urging him to return home immediately. When Victor learned that his private jet had been ordered to return to Genoa City, he boarded a small plane and promised Nikki he would return promptly to their tropical vacation. Meanwhile, Jack and Brad made Michael a member of the board. When Diane became concerned that Jack was only using her, she tested his commitment to her by suggesting he move into the penthouse with her. Instead, Jack invited Diane to live with him at the Abbott house. At the Newman ranch, Nick was horrified to discover that the plane carrying his father had crashed. When Nikki returned home, he broke the news to her. Later, they received word that Victor survived the crash, but was missing. Meanwhile, Victor was rescued by a stranger named Chet, who lived in the New Mexico desert. He helped Victor recover from his wounds. Later, Chet discouraged Victor from leaving by claiming that his truck wasn't working. Determined to return home, Victor assisted Chet in repairing the truck. When a search plane flew overhead, Victor tried to flag it down, but was unsuccessful. He was also furious that Chet didn't help to capture the plane's attention. Ashley returned home and was suspicious of Jack and Brad's sudden takeover of Newman Enterprises.

In Madrid, Victoria was intrigued by Rafael. Meanwhile, Ashley returned to Madrid and informed Rafeal that she was shipping the genuine La Senora Desconsolada back to the States. As they argued, Victoria stood outside the door eavesdropping. Later, Victoria invited Rafael to accompany her back to the States. When he declined, Victoria secretly left behind a plane ticket for him. Later, Victoria was shattered to discover that her father was missing. She was also displeased by news of the takeover.

Mary became determined to help Carl regain his memory. Meanwhile, Mary informed Charlie that their wedding was off.

Malcolm insisted to Olivia that it was time he moved back home. But for Olivia, the spark was out of their marriage, thanks to haunting images of Malcolm making love to Callie. Olivia also accepted a promotion as Director of Residents.

With Katherine missing, Jill wondered if she deliberately staged her disappearance. At a homeless shelter, a staff member grew concerned when he discovered jewelry in Katherine's coat pocket. Katherine grew upset over the staff member expressing his intent to phone the police and fled the shelter. A young girl named Mac arrived at the Chancellor home, looking for Katherine. Jill said she wasn't home. Later, Mac helped Katherine fend off two attackers, not realizing her identity. They returned to the shelter. Soon after, Katherine left a message for Nikki, assuring her that she was safe.

On Sharon's behalf, Chris filed legal papers requesting that Sharon be granted legal custody of Cassie. Meanwhile, Alice followed Grace to the coffeehouse and watched her talking with Sharon. When Grace left, Alice learned Sharon's name from the waiter. Shortly after, Alice arrived at Sharon's home with a police officer, demanding to see Cassie. Nick was disturbed to find Alice in his home. Sharon called Chris, who arrived and prevented Alice from seeing Cassie. The next morning, for Cassie's safety, they agreed to keep her out of school. Later, Sharon informed Cassie that Alice wanted her back. Cassie became frightened, and Sharon assured her that she'd do everything in her power to keep it from happening. Shortly after, Cassie was troubled by nightmares. Alice sought money for legal representation by forcing Millie to give her power of attorney, but was unsuccessful in her attempt. When Michael learned that Chris was representing Sharon, he agreed to act as Alice's lawyer. Michael also advised Alice to marry Al, or dump him. Soon after, Grace was surprised when Michael said he wanted to be more than friends. Grace told Michael she wasn't ready to take their friendship beyond friendship. Grace was worried that Michael was representing Alice. Her primary concern was protecting Cassie. Chris and Michael presented their opening arguments at the custody hearing.

Tony agreed to drive another car back from Florida for his boss. Megan accompanied him on the drive.

May 1999 -Chet Delancy read about the Newman takeover on the Internet. Meanwhile, Victor advised Ramona Caceres she could be charged as an accessory to kidnapping if she didn't help him escape. Ramona begged Chet to set Victor free, but Chet refused, claiming that he wanted to be sure that Victor no longer held any power at Newman Enterprises.

Upset by Chet's preoccupation with Victor, Ramona made plans to leave. Alone with Ramona, Victor asked if he could go with her, adding that he was anxious to gain an update on his company. Ramona told Victor that his company had been taken over. Victor slipped Ramona a note with Nikki's number, and asked her to call. But Chet intercepted the note and ripped it up. Victor broke into Chet's cabin and discovered his computer equipment. Victor tried to send an e-mail to Nick, but Chet burst in, armed with a gun. He explained to Victor his reasons for revenge, noting that his father had come up with a solution to end world hunger. The project was shut down when Victor bought the company.

Meanwhile, Ramona encountered Nick at a diner in New Mexico. She had a change of heart and phoned Victoria to say Victor was alive. Chet released Victor and then pursued him with a gun. Ramona, who drank poisoned tea intended for Chet, disabled his computer, preventing a virus from spreading to other computers. Ramona and Victor were confronted by Chet at the top of a mesa. Victor succeeded in kicking Chet's weapon out of his hand. When Chet reached for it, he slipped and fell to his death.

Nick met with Al and gave him $25,000, in exchange for information about Millie's whereabouts. Later, Paul and Chris had Al arrested for extortion. Nick and Paul went to the address Al gave them, but Millie wasn't there. Chris did find a note from Millie addressed to Chris at Legal Aid. In Madison, Alice thanked Michael for providing her with the money to once again move Millie. In an interview with a social worker, Cassie let it slip that Nick and Sharon slept in separate rooms. Meanwhile, Grace and Michael had sex. Michael thought about turning Alice's case over to another attorney but changed his mind when Alice told him that Paul threatened to have her arrested for kidnapping.

Tony and Megan were booked for conspiracy and grand theft auto. When Tricia arrived at the police station, Tony said he didn't know that the car they were driving was stolen. Tony's boss, Joe, was also arrested. Sharon visited Tony at the jail and said she was still counting on him to be a witness. Tony responded that it might not be a good idea and suggested she ask Grace. Later, Ryan bailed Megan out of jail. Megan was broken hearted when Tony ended their romance.

Tricia became concerned when she saw Ryan kiss Victoria in a hotel. Later, she burst into Ryan's office, interrupting a meeting with Brad, and demanded to know why he was with Victoria at a hotel. Brad instantly fired Ryan.

Cole was surprised to discover that Rafeal was living in the tackroom. When Victoria overheard Ashley and Rafeal having an argument, she went to Cole and claimed to have proof that Ashley and Rafeal were lovers. When confronted by Cole, Ashley and Rafeal explained about the art forgery and that they were not romantically involved.

Callie accompanied Malcolm when he picked up his belongings at Olivia's. She discovered Malcolm still had a medallion she gave him years ago. Meanwhile, Olivia went to thank Neil for his support and they kissed. The next morning, Malcolm found Olivia in Neil's bed. Malcolm jumped to the conclusion that Olivia had been unfaithful, not realizing that Neil spent the night on the couch.

Brooke stopped by Newman Enterprises. In a discussion with Ashley, Brooke explained that Victor committed $20 million to her project, not $200 million. When Ashley confronted Jack, he revealed his intention to regain control of Jabot.

Mac stopped by the Chancellor home, once again looking for her grandmother. When Jill revealed that Kay was an alcoholic, Mac was sad. She talked about her grandmother to Katherine, who finally realized that Mac was her granddaughter. Mac also showed Katherine a letter from her dad, Brock.

July 1999 - The orphan custody case was just about to wrap up and the Crusaders were in a panic. A crucial witness, Millie Johnson, could not be found. As court recessed for the day, Legal Aid attorney Christine "the Bug" Williams summoned Nick and Sharon Newman to the office of detective Paul "Clueless" Williams to lecture them on their odds of gaining custody.

Shallow woman she is, Sharon broke down and threw a hissy fit. Fortunately, the Bug received a telephone call from operative Freddie Fagaga in Madison who reported while following Alice Johnson home she took freeway exit 10 miles from her normal exit. What should Freddie do? The Bug told him to keep following Alice then told the young Newman's "we're close to finding Millie." With that, Sharon broke down again in tears.

In the end, Sharon and Nick were given temporary custody for six months. They have never petitioned the court for full custody. 

August 1999 - Former RoadKill Cafe singing waitress Daisy Mae was seen at the local college campus coffee shop applying for employment. "I love serving coffee and being around college kids makes me feel so young" Daisy told the Genoa City News. "I had to find work because living in a hotel can get expensive." Caffeine Shop bartender, no last name Jay said he expected Daisy will be hired. "She's got a good work history and I hear she sings too." Even though Daisy Mae is still married to Trey Stark she's hot for Malcolm Winters and has agreed to help the photographer find an apartment to live in with her.

Newmans buy coffee shop!
August 1999
The only college campus coffee shop in America where non-student adults hang out on a regular basis, Crimson Lights, (later to be known as Newman Rocks) was experiencing severe monetary difficulties and went up for sale. Young business mogul Nick Newman, growing very restless with the corporate life, was interested in buying the shop. Sharon Newman supported her husband's decision to drop out of Newman Enterprises and indicated she would help out at the shop by working behind the counter.

The current shop owner complained of losing money during the summer because all the high school and college kids were finding other places to hang out and even recently installed computers to attract the Internet surfer types hadn't worked. While the Newman Enterprises business crowd had been spending time at the shop rehashing their problems, they weren't buying anything.

GENERAL RECAP

The great Victor Newman got a divorce from Diane Jenkins by agreeing to give her a seat on the Newman Enterprises board of directors. Now that he was a free man, Victor celebrated by surprising Nikki Newman with a romantic getaway. While the cat was away, Jack Abbott and Brad Carlton plotted to take control of Newman Enterprises.

Nick Newman sent a message to his father asking he return home immediately but Jack and Brad had arranged to make sure the Newman jet was unavailable. Victor put Nikki on a commercial flight but he went alone on a small plane which ended up crashing in the mountains of New Mexico when a sudden storm developed. The pilot died and Victor was found unconscious by a mountain man named Chet Delancy. Chet helped Victor recover but when Chet learned who Victor was he held him hostage.

Chet said he was angry at Victor for the destruction which followed Victor's takeover of Chet's father's small company.

Meantime, Jack and Brad were named new CEOs of Newman Enterprises.

Back in New Mexico, Chet's girlfriend, Ramona Caceres tried helping Victor get free. When Chet found out he held them both hostage. In the end, Victor and Ramona got free but before they could escape from the mountain, Chet found them.
During a fight, Chet fell to his death. Victor returned to Genoa City and tried to get his company back. When Nikki found out about Ramona, she wondered if Victor had an affair.

Jack stepped down as CEO, on the condition Victor return Jabot to the Abbott family. Victor agreed but retained a promissory note.

When Nikki announced she wanted a baby, Victor thought she was feeling insecure about their marriage and refused. He pointed out he couldn't give her a baby because he had a vasectomy. What Victor didn't know was that Diane Jenkins, with Brad's help, obtained a sample of Victor's sperm from a sperm bank. Tired of waiting for Victor, Nikki hit the sheets with Brad.

When Sharon Newman filed for legal custody of Cassie Johnson, Michael Baldwin agreed to represent Alice Johnson in the custody battle. The judge rules that Johnson could have unsupervised visits with the child she had adopted years ago.

While Alice's boy toy, Al, was on the stand testifying for Alice, Christine 'the Bug' Williams exposed him as a child molester even though he had never been convicted. Upset, Alice cut Al off.

When Al contacted Nick claiming to have info about Millie Johnson's whereabouts and tried to extort money he was arrested. Later, Baldwin found out from Grace Turner about her one-night fling with Nick who had recently moved home but was sleeping on the sofa. When Nick got on the witness stand, Baldwin grilled him about the indiscretion. Nick pleaded on Sharon's behalf and helped reconcile their marriage at the same time. As the trial wrapped up, the Bug and Detective Paul 'Clueless' Williams found Millie, who had decided Sharon should get custody. Before the judge made a decision, Alice threw in the towel. She thought Cassie would be better off with her natural mother. When the trial ended Sharon helped Millie and Alice bond.

Nick and Sharon were sad when they found out that Crimson Lights would be closing. The coffeehouse had a special meaning for it was where they first met. They decided to buy the joint. The decision blew Victor away. He didn't want Nick working anywhere else besides Newman Enterprises.

The Bug and Clueless decided the time was right to start a family, but the Bug couldn't get pregnant so she went to Hawaii to attend a three-month seminar. Once back in Genoa City, the Bug agonized with a dissatisfaction with life.

Mary Williams was reunited with the missing Carl Williams. Carl was suffering from amnesia, Mary broke up with boyfriend Charlie and finally accepted that Carl's memory would never be fully restored. Carl left town to resume his other life with Ruth in Norfolk, VA.

Callie Rogers was in Malcolm Winter's life by this time and Winter's and his wife, Olivia, divorced. Malcolm wondered if his brother, Neil Winters and his former wife were having an affair. As 1999 came to an end, Malcolm proposed to Callie and she accepted. But Callie didn't tell Malcolm that she was already married to Trey Stark.

Tricia McNeil dumped her birth control pills and got pregnant. Ryan McNeil wasn't pleased because he has been fired by Jack Abbott and Brad Carlton. But, when Victor regained control, Ryan got a new position and accepted Tricia's pregnancy. Ryan was looking forward to being a daddy but Tricia miscarried and became depressed.

Tony Viscardi returned to Genoa City and began a relationship with Megan Dennison. While transporting a car for Tony's boss, Tony and Megan were arrested and charged with auto theft. In the end the charges were dropped. Tricia, didn't like Tony and enlisted Grace's help in breaking up the relationship.

In Spain, Ashley Abbott found her step-brother and art forger, Rafael. Victoria Newman arranged for Rafael to spend time in Genoa City. She wanted to break up Ashley and Cole Howard's marriage. Unfortunately, Rafael became restless and returned to Spain. At about the same time, Cole was feeling neglected. Ashley was spending all her time at Jabot. When Ashley got a clue she asked Cole to have a baby. Cole axed the idea, accepted a teaching position at Oxford and later divorced Ashley.

Katherine Sterling and Jill Abbott were awarded joint custody of the Chancellor Estate. Katherine was so bummed she disappeared. Eventually, Katherine showed up at a homeless shelter where a teenage runaway, Mackenzie Browning, turned out to be her granddaughter. Katherine returned to the estate with Browning in tow. With the help of detective Clueless she tried to locate her estranged-son, Brock Reynolds, who was working as a missionary in India. When Brock finally returned to Genoa City she sprung his daughter.

Jill was happy when her son, Billy, returned for a visit from New York. Unfortunately, Billy didn't like his mother because she never spent time with him as a child. John Abbott tried to make things better between mother and son but what neither Jill nor John knew was that Billy was drinking a lot of alcohol. Billy's best bud, Raul, developed an interest in Mac when made Billy suddenly see what a baby she was.

Elsewhere, Brett wanted Nina Webster to play house with him but she didn't think their relationship wasn't going anywhere and ended it. Struggling to write her first novel, she discovered her favorite author, Tomas del Cerro.

Jack ended his affair with Phyllis Summer and Phyllis returned to New York. Later, Jack hit the sheets with Leanna Love.

Grace Turner left town as well.

In other events, Mamie Johnson returned from her around the world boat cruise and camped out again at the Abbott residence.

Old maid
Saying she's rich now and wisely invested the money Jill Abbott gave her to leave town, Abbott household guest and former maid Pain-Me Johnson, offered Jack Abbott her financial support in August 1999.

Floundering Newman Enterprises CEO Jack Abbott was seeking funds to purchase Jaw Bow Cosmetics so the company would return to its rightful owner, John "Yawn" Abbott. As it happened, Jill Abbott was surprised to see the old maid back in town and reminded Johnson she was well paid to leave town. Johnson fired back the deal was she would leave while Jill pursued John Abbott. Since the pursuit is over, Johnson claims she is no longer obligated to live up to terms of the agreement and added, "this is my home!"

Cassidy Johnson
by Brent Kellogg

It was July 19, 1999. After much begging and bawling Cassidy Johnson's dream seemed to be coming true. She wanted nothing more than to become "a real family" by being awarded to her biological mother, Sharon Newman and Newman's goofy husband, Nick. Thanks to the free legal service being provided by Christine 'Bug' Williams the custody case finally went to court. At her hearing young Johnson told the sleepy judge, "If you decide to send me with Alice and Millie I will try and be happy."

The reference was to the eight-year-old's adopted mother, Alice Johnson, and Johnson's mother, Millie. Turning to face her grandmother the tyke tried to be reassuring. "Nothing against you Millie but it [living with the Johnson's at their rundown home in Madison] isn't the same as living with my mommy, Nick and Noah."

Turning back to the judge the child went on to say, "I love my family. It was so different living in Madison, Millie tried awfully hard but it wasn't the same. Do you know how it feels to go to school now and be able to tell all my friends about my family? I love them and I want to stay with them."

Aware that the Newmans had been having marital problems before Johnson was given away to total strangers by her grandmother, the Judge asked if the little girl knew of their constant bickering.

"Yes, but everything is fine, I love them so much," Johnson asserted, as the judge ordered her out of the courtroom.

With the kid gone the Judge was prepared to rule. Although the Newman marriage was on shaky ground and they had lied about being a happy family the Judge was moved by the girl's testimony. Therefore Cassidy Johnson was remanded to Nick and Sharon Newman. There was a caveat, however. The custody was for a period of six months during which the Newman's were to be considered "foster" parents. If all went well and the Newmans got a clean bill of health from Social Services they could file for legal adoption.

Sitting in the peanut gallery Nick Newman had tears in his eyes and as always, Sharon Newman was crying a river. Even Millie Johnson was bawling. Learning that her wish had come true the newest Newman kid ran over to hug the Bug.

"I will never ever forget what you did for my family. What a great job you did."

Cassie's praise for the Bug was condescending as the critter barely lifted a claw to be of any help. In fact, it was Mrs. Newman who did all the, um, leg work.

On July 23 Sharon called the Bug to say that for the first time "Cassie went to sleep with a smile on her face" and that everyone couldn't be happier thanks to the Bug's hard work. And because of that "precious" child they had come to learn "how important family is." Better yet, Mrs. Newman said that her husband had shown for the first time in their marriage that family is primary and she was so proud "she fell in love with him all over again."

A week later when Mrs. Newman went to visit Alice Johnson at her mother's home in Madison she found an angry woman. "So, are you here to rub it in?" Johnson sneered.

"You know me better than that," Newman said, when in fact Johnson hadn't know her from a rock. Still, Newman tried to put her best foot forward. "My daughter and I will never forget what you did," she patronized, and noting that the loss of the girl had strained Johnson's relationship with her own mother, offered words of wisdom.

"You should reach out to her so that you two can work things out," Newman suggested

Johnson became livid. "It's too little too late. I've had it. Are you trying to ease your guilt about getting Cassie? What do I get?" Johnson wheezed. Saying that she had been burned one too many times, Johnson let Newman know it wasn't easy giving up the child she had raised from infancy.

Newman said that she knew how it was but that Johnson should be happy that little Cassie is now a Newman. From this day forward the little girl would be spoiled rotten. Johnson wasn't impressed.

Finally, in August, Johnson returned to Genoa City where her mother had been living all this time. Gathered at the Newman ranch Alice told her "maw" how "lonely" she had become and wanted to make another attempt at living with Millie who quickly agreed. Mother and daughter packed their bags and immediately prepared for the long drive back to Madison where they expected to live happily ever after. Before leaving Alice thanked Mrs. Newman for making the reconciliation with her mother possible but hadn't changed her feeling where the little girl was concerned.

Now, nearly five years later, Cassie Newman isn't so sure that being a Newman is all it's cracked up to be. She's said on numerous occasions that she hates her mother and only uses Nick Newman to get what she wants. At twelve, the grass can look greener on the other side of the fence and who knows, when this once precious child makes that all important call to her former adoptive mother what's to say she doesn't find out that Alice Johnson and her biological father, Frank Barrett have gotten married and would like nothing more than for their little girl to come home to her roots?