The Webber Family: 1976

Steve's first new innovation as Chief of Staff is to institute a Mr. and Mrs. Intern Program. He decides to offer this deal to a young couple who happen to be the son and daughter-in-law of a late friend of Steve's, Lars Webber. Steve goes to see Lars' daughter Terri Arnett to see if she has Jeff's address. Thanks to Cameron Faulkner's funding, the place where Steve goes to see Terri is her new Supper Club, Terri's Place. Terri tells Steve that Cameron backed her on Lesley's word alone (Lesley and Terri are old friends) Monica and Jeff Webber, the first inductees into Steve's Mr. and Mrs. Intern program, have arrived in town. They are not only bringing their stethoscopes and other medical supplies, to General, but also a whole caseload of personal problems as well. General Hospital holds some fond, and not so fond, memories for both Monica and Jeff. Jeff is afraid he will be constantly compared, and finish a poor second, to his brother Rick, a first-class surgical resident, at General, who died recently, flying to a medical mission in Africa. Jeff knows he lacks the self-assuredness that came so easily to his brother. Monica remembers the happy, and not so happy, moments she and Rick shared (Monica was Rick's woman before she married his kid-brother) while she was a medical student at General. Steve doesn't want any snags in his Mr. and Mrs. Intern program. He calls Jeff into his office for a little talk. He asks Jeff to tell him straight what's troubling him. Jeff replies that he's uptight about Rick. He sees him everywhere. He's afraid he won't be able to live up to his big brother's image. Steve tells Jeff he doesn't have to live up to anyone's image. All he has to do is to be as good a doctor as he can be. This little chat seems to help Jeff. He resolves to Monica to earn the right to be called Dr. Webber on his own.

Rick Webber, lover to Monica and brother to Jeff, is not dead! He is being held captive by a band of revolutionaries in Africa. They believe him to be a spy. They won't buy his story that he's a doctor sent on a mercy mission. They find that a little hard to take when he can't produce any proof. (Rick told his captors repeatedly that his papers were burnt up along with the plane, but they just believe this to be the cover story the CIA told him to relay) Rick's a strong man. He's been in captivity for over 10 months and he hasn't yet broken. Opening Night at Terri's Place: Terri is savoring the glory of her successful opening when she gets a handed a telegram. It's from the American Consulate in Africa. It says: "Dr. Rick Webber is alive. Details will follow." Terri breaks into tears of joy.

A Letter Haunts Monica and Rick: Rick's last letter to Monica, the letter in which he told her he would never marry her, is causing grief and regrets to both these ex-lovers. It's bringing home the lie that Monica told Jeff and Terri over 10 months ago, when she first received that "love note". She couldn't face the fact that Rick was dumping her, so she told them that Rick proposed marriage in the letter. It's a point of irony that it's now Monica's lie that Rick wishes was the truth. Rick tells the Missionary who's accompanying him on his journey home, that it was the thought of Monica that kept him going all these months. He wishes he had never written Monica that letter. He now realizes he can't live without her, but he's afraid she may have followed his advice and found herself another man. "When I first met Monica", Rick adds, "She was a fourth year Medical Student and I was a Resident. She was wandering the halls of General like a lost lamb--and she really was one. Monica was brought up in a Foundling Home and she was the kid no one wanted. I was her first real love, but being a very selfish 29 year old, I didn't know how to make her happy. I just attacked rather than helped her."

Monica's White Lie: Monica knows she has to get to Rick first. She decides to meet his plane when it arrives in New York. Monica adopts as her cover story, that she has to fly to St. Louis to see the head of her Foundling Home. No one doubts her word since they know Monica was, and still is, quite close to Dr. Adamson.

Rick Arrives Home: Rick is quite stunned, to say the least, to see Monica waiting for him at the New York airport. He's even more perplexed by her nervous and tense appearance and the urgency in her voice. Monica sees the questions in Rick's eyes and answers them at once. She tells him she needs his help. She asks him to go along with her lie about the letter. She says if Jeff founds out the truth, he will feel Monica married him on the rebound, which isn't so. Monica married Jeff because she loved him. At first Rick refuses to conspire with Monica saying he never deceived his brother in his life. Jeff is a sweet, trusting guy, and Rick doesn't want to lie to him, especially about his wife. Monica doesn't take no for an answer. Monica keeps at her ex-lover until Rick relents and agrees to confirm her story. Rick also agrees not to tell anyone that Monica met him in New York. Rick's work has always been his sanctuary and now he needs it more than ever. He craves some refuge from this guilt and repressed love (Rick plays it quite cool with Monica) he's now carrying. It's quite a burden, even for the remarkable Dr. Rick Webber. Will General supply the solace he seeks? Unfortunately no, for after Rick observes a surgical procedure, he convinces himself he has lost his skill. Rick later tells Audrey he felt he was a beat behind the surgeon.

Brotherly Love? Jeff has found out the truth. (He learns from the Horse's Mouth---a fair palomino called Monica) that she was in New York with Rick. (It was pretty hard to hide the truth after Jeff reads an inscription on Monica's present to Rick: Engraved on the Pencil Holder is "New York International Airport") Jeff is angry and hurt to be deceived by the two people he loves most in the world. Jeff confronts Rick and tells him he doesn't trust him anymore. "As far as I'm concerned, the brother I said goodbye to, never came back" These words hurt Rick deeply. He never wanted to lie to Jeff and if it wasn't for Monica (and the love he feels for her) he never would have. Rick releases his anger, and frustration by slamming his fist down, hard, on his desk. The office seems to vibrate with pounding. It's a wail of pain and anguish that Rick is unable to vocalize.

When two brothers are as close, or were as close, as the Webber brothers, it's pretty hard to hide things from one another. Rick is trying to do this with Jeff and it's not working out. The only thing he achieves from it is Jeff's animosity. Jeff now totally distrusts his brother. He has forgiven Monica but he can't find it in his heart to do the same for Rick. Holding Monica close, Jeff says, "Rick is hiding something. I don't know what it is, but I have a feeling Rick is holding something back; and I can't forgive him for not telling me."

Dr. Monica Webber and Dr. Rick Webber emerge from the Operating Theater. Monica's eyes are glowing and Rick has a confident, happy smile on his face. Pulling Monica close, Rick says, "We did it. We saved that little boy's life." "You saved him, Rick", Monica says. "All I did was make the diagnosis."But if it wasn't for your diagnosis", Rick continues, "Joey wouldn't have made it to the Operating Room." Monica shyly accepts Rick's praise and then says, "Rick, I've made a decision. I want to be a surgeon. I now know it won't be enough for me just to make a diagnosis, I want to be able to correct what I find." She continues, "I'm going to ask Steve if I can transfer to your service."Rick wonders how this decision of Monica's will affect Jeff. They both know how Jeff feels about him (he thinks Rick still desires Monica) and surgery. Jeff gets sick at the sight of blood. Monica says she'll handle Jeff. He'll understand.

Monica is sobbing hysterically. She has just witnessed the death of her first patient, the little boy Rick had operated on a few days ago. She remembers with great pain the events that took place just moments before: the noise and the scurrying as Rick and the Cardiac team tried to pump life back into little Joey, and the exact second when Rick turned to her and told her Joey was dead. The other moments following Joey's death are not so clear. She just knows that somehow she had now found herself standing in the middle of Rick's office. The room's in a blur as she turns around and is locked into immediate eye contact with Rick. She notices something in his eyes, something she thought died for him a long time ago, and she responds instantly to that unmistakable glow. Rick returns her stare with equal fervor, and unable to repress his love any longer, takes Monica in his arms and kisses her long, hard, and passionately. They break from their embrace and the realization of what they have done---what they may have started, hits home.

Rick reacts quickly and sands the flames before they're allowed to grow higher. There's too much at stake. It would be selfish if they were to pursue what is in their hearts and in their souls. Rekindling their romance would be hurting a person they both care very much about, his brother--her husband, Jeff Webber. Monica doesn't agree with Rick's quick-and-easy solution to their problem. She doesn't want to hurt Jeff. She IS in love with him, but she doesn't want to be without Rick either. Monica's frustrated and torn, but determined not to let Rick get away.

Heather Grant is a young woman of 20 who is suffering from a rather extreme case of the "blahs". She's looking for advanture and excitement and decides (once she sees Dr. Peter Taylor's photo on the cover of Men and Women Magazine) that the eminent--and sexy---Dr. Taylor may be able to provide the thrills she seeks. heather is quite resourceful. She manages to wrangle herself a job as a mother's helper to Peter's wife, Diana. Heather blissfully awaits the start of her "new life". She can now kiss her "blahs" goodbye.

While balancing her checking account, Dr. Leslie Faulkner comes across a very interesting cancelled check. The check is for $25,000 and it's made out to Barbara Vining! Cam's check has somehow found its way to Leslie's statement. The room goes into a spin Leslie hangs on to the couch for support. She steadies herself then takes account of her situation. She now knows she has no other choice. There's no more hiding from reality. Cam is possessed by a demon (his possessiveness) and she has to leave before it kills them both. Lesley's plans are thwarted by Cam's untimely appearance. Cam reacts quite violently to Leslie's packed bags. He tells her she's not going anywhere. He's not about to lose on an investment--in face he feels it's about time he got some dividends on this stock! Cam then hurls Leslie on the couch and violently takes possession of her body. The horror isn't over yet. After raping Leslie, Cam tells her he's taking her to their mountain retreat---and she's not leaving until she becomes the "perfect wife!" It looked as though Leslie was in for a long and grueling seige until fate stepped in and gave Leslie her freedom. (Cam is killed instantly when the car they're riding in crashes into a tree). Leslie is rushed to General Hospital.

Monica's soul is aflame with jealousy. She has just learned from Terri that Rick was once very infatuated with Leslie. He even had a pet name for her, he used to call her "Dutchess". At first Monica refuses to believe that another woman could have captured Rick's heart, but when she walks into Leslie's room her worst fears are confirmed. Her heart cries out with pain when her eyes behold this very tender scene: Rick is comforting Leslie, cradling her in his arms and saying softly over and over: "Don't worry Dutchess everything is going to be all right".

Dr. Rex Pierson is out for revenge. He's going to repay Dr. Rick Webber for the sock to the jaw Rick gave him. (Rick punched him after he caught Rex attacking Terri).

Rex's payment is brutal. He induces Mrs. Galvin to slap a malpractice suit on Rick and Monica. (Mrs. Galvin is the mother of the little boy who died. It seems Joey died because Monica failed to notice a blood clot on his leg. It also appears that Rick intentionally didn't note this fact on his medical report. Now Rick's cover-up and Monica's missed diagnosis may result in Rick and Monica going to trial).

In her increasing effort to "better herself", Heather Grant has managed to permanently situate herself in the Taylor home. Diana buys Heather's poor little waif routine (Diana sees a lot of herself in Heather's "act") and Heather capitalizes on Diana's compassion. She knows Diana would hate to lose her and would like nothing better than to help make her life comfortable and happy. It wasn't too hard for Heather to trick Diana into letter her become a live-in mother's helper. Heather is now on her way to that better life she always craved. This "better life" also may include Dr. Jeff Webber. She is very attracted to this tall and handsome doctor--and he fits perfectly into her plan for the good life. A comptuer couldn't have chose a more perfect mate. Watch out Jeff! Watch out Monica! Heather is on her way.

Can Rick and Leslie be the new romantic duo at General? Things seem to be pointing that way. Leslie's trauma seems to have revived Rick's old feelings for her. Rick is providing many hours of comfort and strength for Leslie. He even offers to be with her when she returns to the penthouse--he knows that may be one the the most difficult things Leslie will ever have to do. Will Monica fade into the background? No way! She vows to to give Rick up to that woman. One way or another she's going to part of Rick's life (Monica seems to be forgetting she's a married woman. Jeff may soon be out in the cold)

The old feelings are being revived between Dr. Rick Webber and Dr. Leslie Faulkner. It seems that each passing day brings these former lovers closer and closer together. Rick's friendship and concern has helped Leslie to come to grips with her past--mainly her marriage to Cam. Leslie is very thankful that Rick was the one to help her get through this painful and turbulent time of her life.

Leslie decides to express her thanks by finding Rick an apartment. Leslie is delighted when she learns there is a vacancy in her apartment building. Leslie's heard beats with breathless anticipation as she shows Rick the apartment. She finds it hard to contain her joy when Rick says, "I'll take it." It will be great having her dear friend as a neighbor.

It should come as no surprise that Monica is none too happy to learn that Rick is moving into Leslie's apartment building. Rick's sister-in-law (and past paramour) is quite jealous of Dr. Faulkner. She keeps trying to break Rick and Leslie up, but all her meddling does is get Rick quite angry. He tells her to mind her own business. He's free to do as he pleases. Rick's harsh words do little to stop Monica's scheming. She is very determined that Leslie is never going to have Rick.

Dr. Monica Webber's professional problems may be over for the while (the malpractice suit against her and Rick ahs been dropped), but it seems like her personal problems are just beginning. Her husband, Jeff, has the annoying (to Monica anyway) notion that the time is right for them to have a baby---and he keeps harping on the subject any chance he gets! Monica doesn't share her husband's enthusiastic dream of parenthood. She's madly in love with Jeff's brother, Rick, and if she has any baby it's going to be Rick's. Monica knows it's not going to be an easy matter getting Rick back. Though his heart still beats fast and furious for her, Rick has also told Monica (repeatedly) that he wants her to let their love die. He doesn't want to cause his brother any pain---and that's what will happen if they rekindle their romance. Monica will not go along with Rick's request. her love for him is just too great, and too important to destroy. Monica plots how to get Jeff out of her life.

Jeff wants a house (a little love nest for two); Monica wants a divorce (a cutting of the bonds that keep her from Rick). Jeff is not yet aware, (either is Rick) of Monica's plans. She has given an assumed name to the lawyer with whom she plans to discuss the grounds for a no-fault divorce. Monica feels in her very passionate soul that if she were free of Jeff, Rick would instantly take her back--he wouldn't waste a minute running to her hungry and waiting arms, not to mention the cool crisp sheets of her bed!

Monica may get some unexpected help in her plan from a young attractive woman, who is very anxious to get her "social climbing" hands on Monica's husband. Heather Grant has managed to secure Monica's "Kiss-off" letter from Rick. It's a very informative bit of correspondence, because it not only contains Rick's final good-bye to Monica, but it also states his undying love for this woman--how he'll never be able to get her out of his soul. Heather finds the fact that Rick and Monica were former lovers very interesting. She plots to use this information to her advantage.

Heather now waits for the wheels to turn. She has done her "good deed". She has anonymously passed on to Jeff, Monica's old love letter from Rick (the letter, Monica told Jeff she destroyed). Heather feels Jeff deserves better than a woman who carries around in her purse a love letter from an old boyfriend. She craves to be that "better someone," and hopes that now she'll get the chance. It may not be long now, Heather. The Webber marriage is definitely entering the danger zone and Monica is doing nothing to veer it from this course. She wants Jeff out of her life as much as Heather wants him in hers. Monica is even going so far as to pit brother against brother! (Monica is a wise woman. She knows Rick will never come back into her life as long as he is still very close to Jeff). Monica shows Rick a bruise on her arm. She tells him Jeff physically abused her (the truth is during an argument instigated by Monica, Jeff just grabbed her arm roughly; he didn't realize he was hurting her that much). Will this action of Monica's turn Rick against Jeff?

Oh no! Poor Leslie: It should be a happy moment in a woman's life. It should bring a smile to her face--not fear to the pit of her stomach--when she hears the doctor say the words: "You're going to have a baby." Dr. Leslie Faulkner wishes she could feel joy, she could feel contentment, but knowing that the father of her baby was such an evil man; Leslie feels nothing but revulsion. It also doesn't help when she realizes, with a shudder of remembered horror, that this baby was conceived by rape--the last evil (violent) act Cam did before he died. Leslie contemplates about what to do with this new life growing in her body.

Heather Grant is not a patient young woman  She wants to reach the top of that social ladder in record time.  She wants to have all the power, position, respect (not to mention excitement) that goes with being Mrs. Jeff Webber. Never mind that Jeff is still married, it doesn't take a dummy to realize his marriage to Monica is in trouble.  To trap Jeff, Heather knows all she has to do is be everything Monica isn't--and every chance she gets, Heather is pointing out this difference to Jeff. Jeff's wrung-out emotional state makes it very easy for him to be conned.  It's quite a refreshing change to be with a woman who understands him.

A Grueling Decision for Leslie:  Her heart (and her feelings of what is right) tells her one thing; her mind tells her another.  What is she to do? Leslie fears if she has Cam's baby it will be born inheriting her dead husband's evilness and depravity. She couldn't bring another life like that into the world--but the question is: can she actually destroy a life!  Has she got the guts and the courage to go against her own very strong moral code her very strong belief that; every child has a right to be born.  Leslie's torment is written alll over her face. Her very good friends, Dr. Peter Taylor and Dr. Steve Hardy, spot this anxiety and advise Leslie to go slow on this decision. Don't have an abortion until she's absolutely certain it's the right choice for her.

In the course of one night, Monica and her husband Jeff both have had intimate relations with two very willing members of the opposite sex.  Unable to resist anymore, Rick was very ripe for Monica's pickings.  He fell completely for her "I-was-nearly-attacked-by-my-husband" routine (how was poor, innocent <dumb> Rick to know that Monica ripped her own blouse right before she entered his apartment). Rick was no match for Monica's bravura performance.  Hysterically crying, and shivering with fright, Monica "acted" her way right back into Rick's bed.  She begged Rick not to send her home and he did exactly as she asked. Rick wanted to come clean with Jeff right away (the next morning to be precise), but Monica fearing (quite rightly) that her lie would be found out told Rick she would handle it.  It would be better if Jeff heard the news from her. Rick put his faith in Monica's judgment.  He agreed not to talk to his brother--even though he still felt in his heart, this decision was wrong. What about Jeff?  While his wife and his brother were snuggling in bed, Jeff had his own thing going.  He was soothing his wounded pride and spirit by having intimate relations with Heather.  Not one to miss an opportunity, Heather sensed this was the right time to make her move---the right time to start becoming a very vital part of Jeff's life.  It was obvious he was craving affection--as well as other things--and who better than Heather to give it to him.  Who knows, if she plays her cards right, maybe he'll soon be giving her a lot more.

After their night of passion, Rick tells Monica it could never happen again....not as long as she's still living under the same roof with Jeff.  What does Monica do?  She moves into the Intern Quarters of General Hospital.  She tells Rick Jeff's brutish behavior drove her there.  She says she'll speak to Jeff about a divorce, but she'll have to wait for just the right time.  Jeff may no longer love her, but his very strong ego may not allow him to give her up.  What Monica tells Rick and what is true is another thing.  Jeff still loves Monica, he will never divorce her. Monica plots how to get Jeff to give her what she wants.

When Rick learns his good friend, Leslie, is about to have an abortion, he flies out immediately to New York to stop her.  He knows she can never live with the guild of that decision. Using a bit of psychology (he shows Leslie the newborn babies in the nursery), he proves to Leslie what a wrong move a abortion would be.  Leslie is very thankful to Rick for helping her to make the right decision.  She now looks forward to having her baby!