Xander Burdens Marlena With the Philip Secret — Which [Spoiler] Also Learns!

As the teens prepare to head to the dorms with their parental figures, Aaron teases Cat about being in love with Chad, Holly learns Maggie is ready for her own adventure, Ari almost catches Gabi eavesdropping on Philip and Xander (via her pen recording device that’s hooked up to her phone), and Tate tells Brady that Sophia is willingly giving them the adoption papers.

Dorm Life

On campus, Holly and Ari squeal as they join each other in their dorm room. They run off to check things out, giving Maggie an opportunity to invite Gabi to JJ’s birthday party. Gabi politely declines since she and JJ are no longer dating. Plus, there’s Julie. Although, it is nice that she found someone to hate more than her: Cat Greene. The girls return, and Gabi and Maggie say a tearful goodbye.

In the teens' dorm room, Gabi embraces Ari while Holly and Maggie fondly look on.

Meanwhile, Cat and Brady help Aaron and Tate move into their room. When the boys run out, the adults discuss Cat taking a job with EJ after she lost hers when Marlena took a leave of absence. Brady balks at the idea but, as a board member, offers to help should EJ give her any trouble. After the adults leave, the boys plan to check out the campus and find a kegger. But first, Tate wants to check in with Holly.

Off Ari’s suggestion, Holly enrolls in the same film class that Tate and his “stalker” Sophia are in. Tate bounds into their room, prompting Ari to head to the bookstore, leaving the lovebirds to make out and then christen her twin bed.

Recognizing her from senior night, Aaron stops Ari as she passes him in the hallway and invites her into his room to play a video game. She reluctantly accepts, considering her room is otherwise occupied.

Anger Management

Gabi runs into Philip in the Square, and they coyly recall what a great time they had the other night. Gabi quips they can’t let HR find out, but Philip says it won’t matter if he quits. He’s had enough of Xander, but he doesn’t want to leave her, or the other employees, of course, in a lurch. Gabi urges him to do what makes him happy. Just don’t do anything rash. “Me? Rash?” Philip says, pulling one of his classic faces.

Philip and Gabi grin at each other in the Square.

At the townhouse, Marlena reads her newly purchased book, Calm the Mind, when Xander, fresh off a bickering session with Philip, arrives for their session. He starts by reflecting on how he wants to be the hero that Victoria sees him as. No one looks at him the way his daughter does. Well, Sarah used to, but not anymore. He knows he’s nothing but a thug. He might wear expensive suits and run a corporation now, but most of his life was making people bend to Victor’s will — and he was good at it. Marlena reminds him Victor is gone, and Xander can be anybody he wants to be.

Xander doesn’t think that’s possible, considering people who lie, scheme and cheat make him want to pound someone into oblivion. He expects that from Philip, but not Sarah. Ensuring confidentiality, Xander confides in Marlena about Philip’s forged letter and how Sarah found out, but kept it from him. Philip’s presence only serves as a reminder of the intense pain and rage inflicted by him and Sarah.

Talk to the Pen

Upon returning home, Cat finds flowers outside her apartment door. The card reads, “Looking forward to another round or two… of mini golf that is.”

Brady comes home to a somber Marlena after Xander’s left. She says sometimes the burden of keeping other people’s secrets is too much.

On the penthouse couch, Marlena solemnly regards Brady. She holds a book titled, Calm in the mind. A Salem Book Club bag sits between them.

In her kitchen, Gabi listens in as Xander returns to Philip at the office. Holding the recording pen, Xander relays that he and Marlena discussed what happened between them: that Philip claimed half the company using a forged letter. In her kitchen, Gabi’s gasp turns into a sly smile.

Next on Days of Our Lives, Philip tests Xander, and Chanel returns to the idea of adoption. Get more Thursday soaps spoilers in our gallery below!

Related articles

Beth & Rip Spinoff: Cole Hauser Reveals ‘Yellowstone’ Star He Will Miss the Most After Major Update.

Yellowstone spin-off series focusing on Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly most likely won’t feature one-favorite after latest update. Actor Cole Hauser emerged as a fan favorite during…

Christine Shares Devastating Experience From Her Honeymoon With Kody & How He Took Her Virginity!

Sister Wives star Christine Brown’s bedroom dreams as a virgin bride were shattered by Kody Brown when he left her in pain. Well, she might have imagined…

SHOCKING TRUTH REVEALED!! General Hospital unveils the real identity of the individual who truly shot Drew, and surprisingly, it’s not a member of the revenge group, but… Willow!!! What was her motive for shooting him?

General Hospital Reveals the True Identity of the Person Who Actually Shot Drew—and It’s Not Anyone from the Revenge Alliance, But… Willow!!! Why Did She Shoot Him?…

SHOCKING TWIST!!! Mack escapes John’s clutches in Emmerdale ITVX release but a twist follows

The following article contains spoilers from an episode of Emmerdale that hasn’t aired on ITV1 yet, but can be viewed on ITVX. Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) successfully managed to…

SHOCKING TWIST!!! Coronation Street hit with 55 Ofcom complaints for episode with twist

Coronation Street has stirred up a fresh dose of viewer backlash after airing a steamy scene that some fans branded a step too far for the soap’s…

SHOCKING NEWS!!! All 11 Coronation Street pictures for next week as lives are at stake

Though there is one less episode of Coronation Street set to air next week, that doesn’t mean that there is any less drama ahead, as our new gallery of…