by Gina Scarpa

The Real Housewives of Orange County aren't exactly a group of women that live in peace and harmony - but if Lydia had it her way, they would! This week, she meets up with Alexis to try to get her to give the women another chance. Even if Alexis wanted to, do Heather or Tamra really want to be friends with her or even be in her presence? While I appreciate Lydia's sentiment, it's not exactly a good idea to throw Alexis to the wolves.

Brooks visits Vicki (when Troy and Brianna aren't around) and the pair talk about trying to make their relationship work, despite the fact that he and her daughter can't get along. Perhaps the best thing for these two is a trip away. When Brooks extends the invite, though, Vicki turns it down because she promised to watch the baby for the weekend. Brooks seems quite offended that Vicki would put her grandson before him. Can these two just permanently part ways already?

Gretchen and Slade meet with a fertility specialist and find out that, even though Gretchen seems healthy enough to carry a baby, they should go with in vitro fertilization instead of the traditional method of getting pregnant. This news doesn't thrill them but hey, at least they can have a child of their own. I have to say, I'm having a hard time picturing Gretchen pregnant!

Terry takes Heather out to a romantic dinner to apologize for his behavior lately. He admits that he's been worried about taking on more responsibility with the house and the kids while she pursues her acting career again. Still, that doesn't give him the right to constantly make jokes at her expense and throw around the "d word" (divorce) in fights. He gives her a card that tells her exactly how he feels and that's all she needed to hear. Hopefully, they'll move forward from here.

Lydia has another conversation with her mother about her marijuana smoking and of course, her mother doesn't like to be told what to do. It's been very hurtful to her that Lydia's implied she doesn't like the decisions she's making or even that she wasn't a good mother. Lydia reassures her that's not what she meant. She just wants a mom that isn't high all the time. Is that too much to ask for?

Finally, we learn why Tamra is the way she is. She gives a speech a women's expo where she reveals that she never felt love in her house growing up, and looked for it elsewhere in all the wrong places. She got pregnant at 17, attempted suicide in her 20s, and has been through some truly trying times. However, Tamra has learned to be a survivor of her experiences instead of a victim and is looking to make some changes to her life now and how she relates to others. Though I do love a good Tamra verbal smack down, I can't help but like this softer side.

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Mondays at 9/8c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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