EJ Sets Johnny Free and Gets an Unexpected Visit From Belle — and Xander Pays Philip a Visit

Father’s Day Gifts

At the mansion, EJ opens a Father’s Day card from Sydney. His smile fades as he recalls Johnny pointing a gun at him.

Johnny finds a wrapped gift at home. An already distracted Chanel grabs it and says it was supposed to be his first Father’s Day gift. He tells her to keep it, promising it will happen someday. He invites her to pancakes before he goes to work, but she has to get to Sweet Bits. However, once alone, Chanel calls Felicity, reminding her she won’t be in until later.

After Chanel has left, EJ comes to the apartment to apologize to Johnny. Johnny curtly assumes he’s referring to his grandfather’s death. As they discuss him, EJ says Johnny’s more like John than he is his own father. Johnny disagrees, considering what he did “that night.” EJ muses that he was justified. He knows he’s been trying to force Johnny into forgiveness, and it’s selfish. So, he’s there to set him free.

EJ loves him with all his heart, but sometimes loving someone means letting them go. So for Johnny’s sake, he’ll never bother him again. If that’s what he wants. As much as Johnny hates EJ for what he did to Sami, he can’t deny that he’s been a good dad. They agree not always, but Johnny’s always known that he’s important to him. After losing Grandpa John, he’s not sure he can handle another loss. EJ urges him to take his time and think it over. He’ll accept whatever his answer is.

At the hospital, Chanel runs into Paulina, who’s there for her yearly physical. Now, she plans to speak at graduation and then celebrate her anniversary with Abe. As for Chanel, she’s there for a follow-up after her cancer surgery. She didn’t tell anyone, so Paulina wouldn’t freak out, and Johnny wouldn’t have one more thing to worry about. She also wants to ask Sarah if they can try for another baby, and she doesn’t want Johnny to feel pressured.

Philip Sticks to His Story

Xander finds Sarah in an empty hospital room to point out that he was exonerated for Philip’s assault. Sarah snidely states that doesn’t change anything between them. Xander scoffs. He’s not there to reunite. He’s there to get shared custody. Sarah will never agree to that. “Then we’ll do this the hard way,” he says and storms out.

Belle brings Philip a smoothie at the hospital and asks him to go over his statement again. Philip sticks by his story that a random person he’s never seen before beat him up. Belle doesn’t believe him. She fears Xander will want to finish him off, and she can’t lose one more person she cares about. Confused, Philip wonders who else she lost.

After Belle tells him about John, Philip expresses how sorry he is. He blames himself for John being at that meth lab. Belle assures him it was just a terrible accident, but what happened to Philip was not. She won’t give up until she proves he’s lying.

Later, Xander comes to Philip’s room. A flashback reveals Xander warning Philip that if he turns him in, he’ll lose his stake in Titan and his inheritance. In present day, Xander reminds his brother that if they don’t find a way to make their relationship work, they both stand to lose everything. Philip isn’t sure he can work with him. Xander earnestly apologizes, listing all the things that led up to his rage bubbling over. He deeply regrets it. Philip, in turn, apologizes for his actions. Xander’s glad he told him Sarah knew about the forged letter, but she can never know Philip was the one who exposed her.

Chanel’s Disappointment

In an exam room, Sarah gives Chanel the all clear health-wise, but advises her to wait to try and have a baby. Being pregnant would make it hard for them to detect a recurrence of cancer. Waiting will give her the best chance at a successful pregnancy. As Chanel later fills in Paulina, she says she’s not sure Johnny’s ready anyway. However, she is glad he’s taking the steps to get EJ out of their lives.

When Sarah examines Philip, she asks if he told Xander she knew about the forgery. He emphatically insists it wasn’t him.

Xander runs into Paulina in the hospital lobby. He plans to contest the board’s vote on the sale of the hospital, now that he’s been cleared in Philip’s attack. He’d like Abe’s support because this is very important to him. Paulina counters that his wife and daughter are what’s important. He shouldn’t lose sight of that.

Chanel comes home, surprised to see Johnny still there. He explains about EJ’s visit. She thinks EJ setting him free is good news, but Johnny isn’t sure he can lose anyone else in his life. Plus, he doesn’t like who he is when he’s this angry. He needs to find a way to let go of the past and let his father back into his life. Chanel stares off, distraught.

What’s Wrong With Marlena?

In her living room, Marlena discovers wilting flowers in a vase. “I’m sorry. I can’t be around any more death right now.” She tearfully throws the flowers. She takes John’s Yankee ball cap off a shelf and smells it. Stifling sobs, she clutches it to her chest.

Belle comes home and notices Marlena’s tear-stained face. She embraces her mother, and they sit for tea. When Marlena asks about Belle’s life, she admits she’s been having second thoughts about EJ since John’s death. Marlena has her own reservations about EJ, but encourages Belle to do what she wants. Marlena falters when she stands, chalking it up to getting up too quickly. When Belle leaves for work, Marlena chokes back tears. She falters again and leaves a message for Sarah to call her.

New Beginnings

At the DiMera mansion, EJ plays chess alone when Belle enters. She’s realized that despite her fear and confusion, she needs to follow her heart. “I love you, EJ.” EJ returns the sentiment kisses her.

Rafe comes to the police station to give Jada information on EJ’s shooting. Jada is aghast to learn he planted a camera at the mansion, but will overlook his breaking and entering. They need to find that memory card. As they bounce ideas off each other, Jada notes it feels like old times. Maybe in the future, they can be friends. Rafe would like that.

Next on Days of Our Lives, Brady fills in EJ, and the teens prepare to graduate.