The miracle of Phoebe!

Chapter seventeen!

The next day, Ridge gathered the entire family at the hospital for a family meeting. Everyone was wondering what Ridge wanted to talk to them about so badly. Brooke in particular was more than surprised when Ridge specifically asked her to bring Rick to this meeting as well. Rick was extremely shocked when his mother told him about Ridge's plan. He hadn't told her yet about the incident in Phoebe's hospital room and was afraid Ridge would confront him in front of the entire family. Brooke approached him about his fears and tried to calm him down.

"I know you think it's about Phoebe and the accident. But Ridge told me himself that she still doesn't remember anything."

"So what else could Ridge want from all of us?" Rick asked his mother tensely. However, she didn't know the answer to that either.

Everyone came together in a small conference room. Bridget had organized it all. She had immediately offered her help when Ridge had told her about his plans. She still felt guilty about Phoebe's breakdown. Bridget herself also attended the family meeting. Thomas and Steffy were also there, only Phoebe wasn't with them. Everyone asked the two if they knew anything more specific, but they denied it. They only suspected that it probably had something to do with Phoebe's returning memory, but they didn't know anything for sure.

Ridge and Taylor approached the conference room. Just before they entered, Taylor stopped him.

"Are you really sure you want to go through with your idea?!"

"Yes, of course! Do you have any concerns? Don't say you suddenly feel sorry for Rick?!"

"No, definitely not. But the whole thing is pretty tricky and Brooke certainly won't be happy about it!"

"I can't take that into account now. I'm still of the opinion that the entire family has a right to know what a lousy act Rick is pulling here. I'm really looking forward to his explanation! And now come on, they're waiting for us!"

Indeed, everyone looked at Ridge and Taylor with expectant eyes as the two also took their seats. Brooke eyed them both disapprovingly. She didn't like that Ridge and Taylor were teaming up again. No matter what this family meeting was about, Taylor was obviously already in on it and that really bothered Brooke. Ridge spoke up.

"I asked you all to meet us here because we need to discuss something important with you. Unfortunately, to this day, Phoebe can't remember anything concerning the accident or the last few hours before and the doctor has prepared us for the possibility that maybe Phoebe's memory might not come back at all."

"That sounds horrible!" Stephanie interfered.

Everyone else also showed very worried faces. However, Ridge and Taylor watched from the corner of their eyes, Rick and Brooke too, rather seemed relieved. Thomas and Steffy, on the other hand, stared at their parents totally confused. They didn't understand what was going on here. Steffy was about to say something when Taylor discreetly nudged her and made clear signals to her and Thomas not to say anything and just to play along.

"Nonetheless.." Ridge continued. ".. Phoebe has a lot of questions about the accident. However, the doctor says we shouldn't overwhelm her, especially now in the recovery phase. We have to be very sensitive and think carefully about what we tell her. To hear the whole truth at once, would be too much for her to cope. For this reason, we want to sit down with all of you so that we can discuss together how much we're going to tell Phoebe for now. It is extremely important that everyone is on the same page and that none of you accidentally spill the beans when you visit Phoebe."

Everyone nodded in understanding. Ridge pulled out some documents and turned to Rick with a forced smile.

"Would you please be so kind as to tell us once more how the accident happened?" Rick raised his eyebrow.