That Summer (Read 11,802 times)

[fluffysmom]

I hope everyone finds a safe place to take shelter.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 52

NOTE: when something appears in parenthesis within this chapter, it is a translation, as there will be at least a few lines of dialogue in Welsh.

SALEM U
Sydney and Ceri were walking around. Sydney had an arm around Ceri. Every so often, the lights would flicker, and Ceri would flinch.
SYDNEY: It's okay. We're okay.
After a little while, it was getting very dark out.
SYDNEY: Hey, it's getting kinda late. Do you wanna call your dad?
Ceri nodded.
CERI: Rhiannon, too.
SYDNEY: Okay.
Sydney went into her pocket, pulled out her phone, and handed it to Ceri. Ceri dialed a number.

DEVERAUX HOUSE
J.J.: You can use the spare room for tonight.
RHIANNON: Thanks.
Rhiannon's phone rang.
RHIANNON: It's Ceri.
Rhiannon picked up the phone.
RHIANNON: Helô? (Hello)
Pause.
RHIANNON: Hey, how are you?
Pause.
RHIANNON: I know, chwaer (sister), I know.
Pause.
RHIANNON: Well, I'm glad she's there with you.
Pause.
RHIANNON: Oh, I'm fine. I'm over at J.J.'s.
Pause.
RHIANNON: Okay. You should call tad (dad), too.
Pause.
RHAINNON: Okay. Hey, you'll be okay. Sydney will help you with whatever you need.

SALEM U
CERI: I know. She's amazing.
Pause.
CERI: Okay. Rwy'n dy garu di (I love you).
Pause.
CERI: Nos da (good night).
Ceri hung up the phone.
CERI: I'm glad she's safe.
SYDNEY: Yeah, that's good.
CERI: I'm gonna call my dad, too.
SYDNEY: Okay.
Ceri dialed the phone again.

ALAMAIN MANSION
Nicholas was sitting in bed, reading a book, when his phone rang.
NICHOLAS: Hello?
Pause.
NICHOLAS: Ceri, I'm glad that you called. I tried reaching you on your cell, but it went to voicemail.
Pause.
NICHOLAS: I see.
Pause.
NICHOLAS: I'm at the Mansion. Where are you?
Pause.
NICHOLAS: I see. How are you?
Pause.
NICHOLAS: Understandable. But, it'll be okay.
Pause.
NICHOLAS: Okay. That sounds good.
Pause.
NICHOLAS: I love you, too, beautiful. Good night.

SALEM U
CERI: Good night, daddy.
Ceri hung up the phone and handed it back to Sydney.
CERI: Thanks.
SYDNEY: No problem. Do you feel any better?
CERI: A little.
Sydney hugged Ceri.
SYDNEY: Come on, let's keep walking.
CERI: Sounds good.
The two kissed.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 53

BRADY PUB - STORAGE ROOM
Shawn-D, Belle, Claire and Tony had all packed in to the little storage room in the back of the Brady Pub. Shawn-D, Belle and Claire held the three babies.
SHAWN-D: A cupboard? Really?
TONY: Do you have any other suggestions you'd like to share?
SHAWAN-D: Honestly? No.
TONY: Well, then a cupboard it is.
BELLE: Guys, the important thing is that we're all safe in here.
CLAIRE: Yeah, and so are the girls.
BELLE: I just hope their parents are okay.

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
The tornado sirens were also going off at the hospital. The scene is utter chaos, with doctors and nurses running trying to get to patients.
DANIEL: We have to get these patients moved.
CHELSEA: Some of them can't be. They're too sick.
DANIEL: The beds have wheels, don't they?
CHELSEA: Yes. Some of them do. But, not all of them.
DANIEL: We'll find a way.

SALEM U
The night was dragging on. Many of the students had shuffled into the cafeteria, where they would sleep for the night. Max was one of the chaperones, watching over them.
MAX: Luckily, I don't have class tomorrow morning.
FEENY: Thank you for filling in for us, and being a chaperone, Mr. Brady.
MAX: No problem. I'll see you in the morning.
Max and Mr. Feeny shook hands. Mr. Feeny walked out. Max whistled.
MAX: Everybody, listen up!
The students quieted down.
MAX: Thank you. Some of you may already know me. My name is Max Brady. You can call me Max. Now, we're all here because of the weather conditions. We're all in the same boat. I know that things are rough right now, but I don't want any fighting. If I see any, I will inform Principal Feeny. Now, it's getting late. I'll give you all twenty minutes until lights out. So, go about your business for twenty minutes. Thank you.
The students began talking amongst themselves once more. In a far corner of the cafeteria, Ceri, Sydney and Ciara were getting ready for bed.
CIARA: I'm sure that by tomorrow things will be better.
SYDNEY: They will.
Sydney sat down next to Ceri on her cot.
SYDNEY: When you were talking to your sister, what did you call her?
CERI: Chwaer. It's Welsh. It means sister.
SYDNEY: Cool. I don't think I've heard you talk in Welsh that much.
CERI: I don't know much of it. The part of Wales I lived in used English more than Welsh. I know how to say a few simple phrases like "hello", "welcome", "I love you", and I know most familial words.
SYDNEY: Gotcha. So, how do you say "I love you" in Welsh?
CERI: Rwy'n dy garu di.
SYDNEY: Okay. I may need you to write that one down.
Sydney chuckled. Ceri smiled and chuckled.
CERI: Don't worry. It's a hard language to learn.
SYDNEY: Hey. You'll be okay.
CERI: I know. I have you. I'll always be okay when I'm with you.
Ceri and Sydney kissed. Sydney pushed her cot up next to Ceri's.
CERI: Good night, my love. I love you.
SYDNEY: I love you. Sleep good.
Sydney and Ceri laid down next to each other. After a few minutes, all of the other students were on the cots. Max turned off the lights, and everyone drifted to sleep.

THE PIER
The wind was the strongest on the pier. Possibly because it was right on the lake. The wind brought the water up from its depths. The rain started to swirl. The water from the lake rose and mingled with the rain. Soon, a water spout had started.

[fluffysmom]

Uh oh. It looks like the storm is getting worse.

[gapeach]

André DiMera, you have such a way with words, I can actually picture the water spout.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 54

O'HAIRE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
It was now the next morning. The water spout had been sighted, and the tornado sirens were going off like crazy. Brady, who was supposed to have left for a business meeting yesterday, had had to sleep at the airport. He was currently on the phone.
BRADY: Look, Mr. Kasamatsu, I know what time it is.
Pause.
BRADY: No. What you need to understand is that Salem and the surrounding area is under lockdown right now. No planes are flying in or out of Chicago. I cannot leave.
Pause.
BRADY: Yes, I'm fine with doing a conference call. That's why I'm calling you right now!
Pause.
BRADY: Okay. Fine. You do that.
Pause.
BRADY: Yeah, bye.
Brady hung up the phone and shook his head. He went over to the window and looked out. The sky was a very dark, eerily green color. Brady had never seen the sky that color, not many had. It was very unsettling to look at. As Brady looked out, he saw something in the distance.
BRADY: Oh, no. You have got to be kidding me.
P.A.: Attention, please. We are asking that all personnel in the airport, whether you be crew, employees or travelers, please go into the basement as quickly as you can. Our flight attendants and TSA members will be directing you to shelter. Please stay calm.
Brady ran in the direction of the flight attendants. He had seen enough to know what was coming next. What he had seen was a second water spout. One that was heading right for the airport.

SALEM U
The lights in the cafeteria were turned back on. Ceri had woken up a little bit ago and was watching Sydney sleep. Soon, Sydney's eyes opened, very slowly. She winced slightly and then closed them again.
CERI: Hey.
SYDNEY: Hey.
CERI: How'd you sleep?
SYDNEY: Okay, I guess. You?
CERI: Good.
Sydney winced again.
CERI: You okay?
Sydney shook her head "no" slightly.
SYDNEY: I don't feel good.
CERI: Is it a migraine?
SYDNEY: Yeah.
CERI: Oh, I'm sorry.
SYDNEY: What about you? Are you okay?
CERI: Yeah, I'm good. I'm not as freaked as I was yesterday. But, I'm more worried about you.
Ciara walked over.
CIARA: Hey. How's it going?
CERI: Hey. I'm good. Sydney's not doing so great, though.
CIARA: I'm sorry.
Ceri rubbed Sydney's back.
CERI: It's gonna be really noisy in here soon. In fact, it kinda already is. Do you wanna go to the nurse's office and lie down?
SYDNEY: That'd be nice.
CERI: Okay. Come on. Ciara, can you help us here?
CIARA: Sure thing.
Ciara and Ceri stood up. Together, they lifted Sydney up. Sydney leaned on Ceri, and Ceri put an arm around her. Sydney was rather pale. Slowly, the three walked out of the cafeteria.
SYDNEY: Is there a bathroom nearby?
CIARA: Right over here.
CERI: Oh, boy. Come on. Let's get in there.
The three entered the girls bathroom.
CERI: I've got her from here.
Ceri and Sydney entered a stall. Sydney knelt in front of the toilet. Ceri crouched down and pulled Sydney's hair back just as she began to be sick.
CERI: Ciara, how far is the nurse's office?
CIARA: Down the hall eight doors to the right.
Once Sydney finished being sick, Ceri handed her a paper towel and helped her wipe off her mouth. She flushed the toilet.
CERI: Think you can make it to the nurse's station, or do you just wanna sit here for a little bit?
SYDNEY: I can make it.
CERI: Okay. Let's go.
Ceri stood up and then helped Sydney up. Together, they and Ciara walked down to the nurse's office.

[fluffysmom]

Poor Sydney.

[gapeach]

Wonderful chapter. Hope Sydney feels better soon and everyone at the airport is okay.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 55

SALEM U
Ceri and Ciara walked Sydney into the nurse's office. The nurse was sitting at her desk and looked up when they entered.
NURSE: Hello.
CIARA: Hi, Nurse Larson.
NURSE: Who've we got here?
CIARA: This is Ceri Alamain and Sydney DiMera.
NURSE: What's going on?
CERI: Sydney has a migraine.
NURSE: Okay. Have you taken any medication, Sydney?
Sydney shook her head.
NURSE: Are you on any migraine meds?
SYDNEY: I take ibuprofen when I need to, but I didn't bring any with me.
NURSE: Okay. I have some in back. You wanna lie down for a while?
Syndey nodded.
NURSE: Okay. Follow me.
Nurse Larson led the girls to a room filled with beds. Sydney laid down on top of one of them.
CERI: Nurse Larson, is it okay if I stay for a while, keep Sydney company?
NURSE: As long as you don't make too much noise, I don't see why not. And, 0lease, call me Paige.
CERI: Okay. Thanks.
PAIGE: I'll be back in a minute with some water and two ibuprofen.
Paige left the room. Ceri sat down towards the top of the bed.
CIARA: I gotta go. I got class in a few.
CERI: That's okay. I'll be here.
CIARA: Okay. Good luck. I hope you feel better, Syd.
SYDNEY: Thanks.
Ciara walked out. Sydney put her head on Ceri's lap and closed her eyes. Ceri slowly ran her fingers through Sydney's hair.
CERI: You'll be okay, sweetie. You'll be okay.

O'HAIRE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The group of people in the airport were all herded downstairs into the basement. Along the way, Brady ran into a familiar face.
BRADY: What are you doing here?
BILLIE: Just got into town. Came to see my daughter and three beautiful granddaughters. I got in just before the storm hit. But, I stopped at the sbarro for a slice of pizza. By the time I got my bags, the airport was under lockdown.
BRADY: Does Chelsea know you're in town?
BILLIE: Yeah, but she's stuck at the hospital.
BRADY: Still, nice to se a familiar face.

BRADY PUB
Belle had both Holi and Georgia in her arms. Claire was eating a can of peaches. Every other peach, she gave to Belle.
CLAIRE: That's the one good thing about staying in the storage closet. At least we have plenty of food.
BELLE: I just hope we have enough baby food. Who knows how long the storm will last.
Tony walked in just as she had finished saying this.
TONY: Well, the end's nowhere in sight, unfortunately. The sky's an even deeper green than last night. And, according to the news, a second water spout was sighted at the airport.

SALEM PLACE
The first water spout was not travelling very fast. Despite this, it had done massive damage to the Pier. Now, it was looking for its next victim; and found it in Salem Place. The twisting tower of swirling water crashed through the Java Café, and continued its path of destruction into the very heart of town...

[fluffysmom]

Must be hard to focus on class. Or maybe it's a welcome distraction from the storm.

I like Brady running into Billie at the airport.

The storm seems to be getting worse.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 56

O'HAIRE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
BILLIE: Yeah, it's nice to see a familiar face, but it would be nice if the situation were a bit different.
BRADY: I'll give you that.
BILLIE: So, since we're still stuck down here, what do you wanna do?
BRADY: Not sure. You?
BILLIE: No idea. How's things at Titan?
BRADY: Well, crazy, actually. First we thought that Philip came back from the dead. Then, it turns out it was Nick Fallon in disguise.
BILLIE: Nick Fallon? Joshua and Jessica's son, Nick Fallon?
BRADY: The very same.
BILLIE: So, he's not dead.
BRADY: Seems that way. How's Countess W's European Office?
BILLIE: Much better since I rebooted it. We're actually making profits, rather than losing them.
BRADY: Good to hear.
BILLIE: Is that a new suit?
BRADY: Yeah. I have a meeting at the Japanese office of Titan. Well, I should say, I had a meeting. It's over by now.
BILLIE: I like the suit. It looks nice.
BRADY: Thanks.

DEVERAUX HOUSE
J.J. was up already, making breakfast. Rhiannon walked downstairs.
RHIANNON: Hey.
J.J.: Hey.
J.J. and Rhiannon kissed.
J.J.: How'd you sleep?
RHIANNON: Okay. You?
J.J.: Pretty good, considering the near constant claps of thunder.
J.J. pulled out a spatula the flipped over the contents of his frying pan.
J.J.: Want some eggs?
RHAINNON: Sure. Thanks. Got a message from Ceri a few minutes ago.
J.J.: Oh?
RHIANNON: Yeah. She's a lot better. Wish I could say the same for Sydney.
J.J.: Why? What's up with her?
RHIANNON: A migraine.
J.J.: Ouch. That's rough.
RHIANNON: Yeah. So, how are the storms looking?
J.J.: Not that good.
There was a loud clap of thunder.

BRADY PUB
The clap of thunder sounded all over Salem.
BELLE: At least the girls are still asleep.
SHAWN-D: If they can sleep through this, they can sleep through anything.
Then, they all heard the clattering of metal. Claire inched closer towards her parents.
SHAWN-D: We're safe in here. Just hold on tight to something.
The room started rocking.

[fluffysmom]

I hope Shawn, Belle, Tony and the kids will be okay.

I wonder if Brady and Billie will go close through this experience.

[gapeach]

Wow! This storm sure is lasting a long time. Sure hope everyone is okay.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 57

BRADY PUB
After what had seemed like at least an hour, but was really only less than two minutes, the room stopped shaking.
CLAIRE: What's going on?
BELLE: We're okay.
SHAWN-D: We survived.
BELLE: How the girls didn't wake up during that, I have no idea.
SHAWN-D: Like I said, they can sleep through anything.
CLAIRE: So, what was that, anyway?
TONY: A water spout.
Suddenly, there was a very loud squelching sound.
CLAIRE: And that?
SHAWN-D: No idea.
TONY: I'm going out to check.
Tony left the room.
SHAWN-D: Strange.
BELLE: What is?
SHAWN-D: I don't hear the sirens anymore.

SALEM PLACE
The two water spouts were coming close. They were on a collision course. Soon, they hit each other. However, rather than creating one larger one, the force of the two water spouts destroyed themselves. A flood of water flew over all of Salem. The wind died down.

SALEM P.D.
BO: What do you mean, collided together and then stopped?
JEANNIE: I mean what I said. The two water spouts collided into each other and were destroyed.
BO: Is that even possible?
JEANNIE: Obviously. Since it just happened.
BO: Any other news?
JEANNIE: The wind's died down. And the rain's turned into a drizzle.
BO: No sign of any other tornadoes?
JEANNIE: Nope.
BO: Very well. Turn off the sirens, then.

O'HAIRE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
BRADY: So...
BILLIE: Yes?
BRADY: If we make it out of this alive, wanna go for a coffee or something later?
BILLIE: Sure. That'd be nice.
P.A.: Ladies and gentlemen, we have been informed that the tornado sirens have been turned off. We assume that it is now safe for people to go back upstairs. There will still not be any flights today until we can completely confirm that the weather conditions are safe.
Everyone made their way back upstairs.
BRADY: Whoa!
BILLIE: What?
Brady and Billie walked over to a window.
BRADY: That.
The water spout had gone. And, though the sky was still dark, it was no longer a dark green, but a more natural color for the sky to be. There were raindrops, but nowhere near as hard as they had been. They were more of a drizzle than anything. The worst was finally over.

[gapeach]

Thank goodness everyone made it through okay.