Abby's Choice

“Abby’s Choice” is the eleventh episode in Season 4 and the sixty fourth episode overall.

Written by Oliver Clark

Directed by Joseph B. Wallenstein

It aired in USA on December 16, 1982.

Plot[]

Abby is deep in thought as Brian and Olivia fight over sand castles. Karen sits by Diana’s bedside as Mack comes in to help Karen lift her spirits as they wait for Abby’s test results. Abby tells Gart that Karen only asked her to help Diana to show her up. Gary doesn’t believe that. Abby hopes she doesn’t pass the test or give up her kidney. Valene and Lilimae feel bad for Diana being strapped to machines but Lilimae knows Abby is too selfish to even donate her kidney to help Diana. Chip shows up to Cjij’s apartment with a birthday present for her, but Ciji wasn’t home. Laura is still upset over Richard signing a contract with Abby. Richard assures Laura that as long as he pays on time, Abby won’t foreclose. Ciji overheard the argument and tries to tell Laura has everything going for her. Ciji also tells Laura that she’ll be 25. Kenny runs into Andy Moore who tells Kenny a rumor about Jeff Munson taking over Kenny’s label regarding Cjij Dunne. Abby passed the test which makes her a suitable donor. Dr. Gilbert tells Abby that if she doesn’t agree, Diana will have to be kept alive with restrictions and put on a waiting list for other donors. Dr. Gilbert also says that Abby can live with one kidney instead of two. Abby wants to know about the restrictions for Diana. Abby Abby initially refuses to donate her kidney because she lost her brother Sid and she doesn’t want Brian and Olivia to be orphans. But as much as she loves Diana, she can’t donate her kidney. Abby tells Gary that her kidney is suitable for donating. Gary asked Abby about Diana living without a transplant. Abby worries about Diana committing suicide if she has to be strapped to machines for the rest of her life. Abby tells Gary if she refuses to save Diana’s life, she’ll regret it. Gary says she has to make her choice, Diana or her pride. Abby tells Diana she’s a suitable donor for her, but Diana feels guilty getting Abby involved. Diana tells Abby how close they are. Abby finally decides to give Diana her kidney. Kenny and Ginger offer to babysit Brian and Olivia while Abby and Gary are at the hospital. Kenny asks Gary if it’s true about Jeff Munson taking over the label. Gary assures Kenny that he’d never cut him out of the partnership and the deal with Munson is just a rumor. Abby is given a room at the hospital as Karen visits her. Abby tells Karen she’s only doing it for her Diana, her brother’s child, and to prove to Karen she cares about her niece, but she’s not doing it for Karen. Eric visits Diana before the surgery. The doctors explain to Eric and Diana how the surgery will be done. Richard calls Laura from the hospital and says he’ll be working late. Laura has invited Ciji over and wants her to keep her company. Karen fears that she’ll outlive Diana, but Valene tells her that Diana will live. Karen says losing Diana will be losing Sid all over again. Chip tries locate Ciji, but has no idea that she’s with Laura. Mack sees Diana and she thanks him for being there, especially for Karen. Chip tells Diana he loves her and presents her with a necklace, which was originally for Ciji. Gary sees Abby before surgery and they declare their love for one another. Abby and Diana were each wheeled into surgery where the doctors proceed with the operation. Everyone sits in the waiting room. Laura and Ciji become close friends. Richard comes home and finds both women drinking coffee. He noticed Ciji wearing his pajamas since she spent the night. Gary steps out as Karen remembers that she forgot Diana’s book. Chip offers to go and get it. The doctors remove Abby’s kidney. Chip searches Diana’s bedroom for the book and he reads it. Valene talks to Gary and she sees how much Abby means to him. Ciji drove Laura to the hospital. Ciji tells Gary it will work out as the transplant continues. Chip brings Mack and Karen the book and he calls Ciji, promising to be with Ciji on her birthday. Ginger brought Olivia to the hospital. Chip recites a poem he read from the book. Olivia is upset thinking that Abby could die. Valene assures Olivia that Abby is doing a brave thing for Diana. Valene tells Olivia that Abby is a hero for giving her kidney to Diana and they’ll both be fine. The doctors tell Karen and Gary that the surgery went well and both Abby and Diana are in recovery. Laura brings a birthday cake over to Ciji’s apartment so Ciji wouldn’t have to celebrate her 25th birthday alone. Gary sees Abby in recovery, while the Fairgates and Mack see Diana. The kidney transplant was a success. Karen sees a sleeping Abby and thanks her for saving Diana’s life.