Days of Our Lives Recap September 1: Holly Is Attacked as Marlena Warns Johnny About EJ

Maggie and Holly at the Kiriakis Estate

Maggie connects with Holly at the Kiriakis Estate. Holly hopes Xander will find a way for them to stay in the house. Maggie admits she wishes that were possible too, but reminds Holly that, as much as they love the Kiriakis mansion, it is still only a house.

Maggie then gives Holly a special gift that Daniel once gave her: a matching necklace and ring set. Maggie says she has no idea where the ring is, but Holly is overcome with joy by the thoughtful gesture. Maggie tells Holly that her father, Daniel, would be so proud of the woman she has become.

Holly doubts that, believing Daniel would be disappointed because of all the mistakes she has made. Maggie reassures her granddaughter that Daniel would absolutely be proud of her. Holly then catches Maggie up on what happened at the cabin, including becoming sick and her belief that EJ had something to do with it. Maggie warns Holly to be extremely careful when dealing with EJ.

Marlena, Lani, and Paulina Help Prepare the Nursery

Marlena, Lani, and Paulina are at Johnny and Chanel's apartment, helping prepare the nursery for the newest baby girl in the family. Lani asks Paulina whether working on the nursery is a good distraction for her. Paulina admits that she is a mess.

Paulina confesses that she does not believe Abe needs her in his life. She reasons that if he really wanted her, he would reach out to her. Marlena asks if Paulina is angry with Abe, and Paulina admits that she is still hurt and angry that Abe chose Lexie, making her feel like she was always his second choice.

Marlena explains that what Paulina and Abe shared was different from what Abe and Lexie had, but that does not make their relationship any less meaningful. Paulina, however, admits she cannot get past the fact that Abe chose Lexie and ultimately made her feel like second best.

Paulina appreciates Marlena being such a good friend, but she has another favor to ask. She wants Marlena to speak with her grandson, Johnny, about covering for his father, EJ — not only regarding the secret that Lexie was dying from Theo and Abe, but also EJ drugging Holly and making everyone believe Holly was using drugs. Marlena agrees to speak with Johnny.

Abe and Julie at Horton Square

At Horton Square, Julie offers Abe her condolences over losing Lexie for the second time. She asks about Theo, and Abe assures her that Theo is strong.

Julie invites Abe and Theo to the Horton home for a meal. She also recommends a grief book club that she believes could help Abe as he continues to deal with his loss. Abe appreciates Julie's kindness and the suggestions.

Maggie Returns to Salem

At Horton Square, Lani welcomes Maggie home. Maggie asks Lani what she plans to do now that her children are starting kindergarten. Lani admits she is not sure how she will occupy her time.

Later, Maggie has a sweet reunion with Julie. Julie asks Maggie where she plans to live now. Maggie explains that she intends to get a suite at the Salem Inn.

Julie immediately insists that Maggie move back into the Horton home. Maggie agrees, but only on the condition that Julie tell her if she ever feels Maggie is overstaying her welcome. Julie assures her that she could never tire of having Maggie Horton in her home.

Abe, Lani, and the Missing Cream

Abe stops by Horton Square and chats with Lani about meeting Oliva Alexandra and being happy he is still considered her grandfather. Lani assures him that he and Theo are family no matter what happens. Lani asks her father if the signature drink measures up to Chanel’s classic drink. He notices that a signature beverage is missing cream that Chanel would add. Lani heads off to get some cream.

Holly Is Attacked

At Horton Square, Holly purchases a sociology textbook from Julie. A new man named Mason approaches Julie because he also needs a sociology textbook. Julie remarks on the coincidence.

Holly gives Mason her full name, and his demeanor suddenly changes. He becomes angry and abruptly walks away. We then see another man following Holly as she leaves Horton Square.

When Holly arrives outside the Brady Pub, the strange young man approaches her. Holly immediately asks if EJ DiMera sent him. The young man tells Holly that he wants only one thing from her — and he wants it in broad daylight. Her necklace.

Holly refuses to give it to him. She explains that the necklace was a gift from her father and that she is not giving it up without a fight. The young man pulls a knife and demands the necklace.

Suddenly, Lani comes out of nowhere. She rushes the attacker and tackles him to the ground. Holly stands there in shock as Lani tells her to call the police. Mason happens to come across the confrontation. He remarks on how talented Lani is and asks if she is an agent. Lani explains that she is a former police officer.

Mason looks suspiciously pleased by this information and asks if she needs help dealing with the creep. Lani tells him she has everything under control while Holly finally calls the police. Holly tells Mason that she was the one who was attacked and assures him that she is okay. Mason ignores her and simply walks into the Brady Pub.

Good News for Johnny and Chanel

At the hospital, Johnny and Chanel receive wonderful news from the doctor. The placenta is healthy, and the tumor has shrunk by 60%.

The doctor recommends a lumpectomy. Since both Chanel and the baby are doing well, they are cleared to go home that day. Abe arrives at the hospital to meet his new granddaughter.

Johnny and Chanel introduce him to Olivia Alexandria DiMera. Abe says that Lexie would be honored to share her name with such a beautiful angel.

Abe is emotional and admits that he is no longer sure whether he is supposed to be Grandpa Abe or simply Abe. Johnny and Chanel reassure him that he will always be Grandpa Abe to both Trey and Olivia. They encourage Abe to talk to Paulina.

Marlena Confronts Johnny

Johnny and Chanel return to their apartment, where they run into Marlena and Paulina. Chanel is happy that they have finally gotten the nursery finished.

Paulina takes Chanel into the bedroom to show her the nursery, giving Marlena an opportunity to speak privately with Johnny. Marlena demands that Johnny confess what he has done to cover for his father.

Johnny insists that he does not know for certain whether EJ was responsible for what happened to Holly. Marlena tells Johnny that she can protect him, but only if he does the right thing. She warns him that continuing to cover for EJ could put his entire family at risk.

Paulina and Chanel Discuss Johnny and EJ

While looking at the nursery, Paulina tells Chanel that she knows Trey will eventually love being a big brother to Olivia.

Paulina then gets emotional and says she wishes she and Lani could have grown up together. She explains that all she ever wanted was to protect her daughters from powerful, egotistical men. Chanel asks if she means men like EJ.

Paulina takes the opportunity to explain how unhappy she is with Johnny for keeping the secret about Lexie's illness. Chanel agrees and admits that it worries her to see how close Johnny and EJ are becoming.

Paulina encourages her daughter to insist that Johnny distance himself from EJ. As Chanel walks back toward the living room, she overhears part of the conversation between Marlena and Johnny.

Marlena tells Johnny that by continuing to cover for his father, EJ, he could be putting his entire family at risk.