That Summer (Read 11,812 times)

[fluffysmom]

Looks like Sydney and Ceri may be staying in Salem.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 45

SALEM U
By now, the rain was coming down harder. There were claps of thunder in the distance. The girls, both wearing hoodies, ran from their car into the college as fast as they could. When they finally got in, they lowed their hoods.
SYDNEY: Whoa!
CERI: That's some rainstorm out there! Reminds me of Wales, except with a harder downpour.
SYDNEY: Is it like this a lot in Wales?
CERI: Not like this, no. It's gloomy a lot, and rains a lot, but it's not heavy like this.
SYDNEY: I like rain. It has a soothing sound to it. Plus, I like how it smells after the rain.
CERI: I'm used to it. I think being from Wales has made me crave the sun, though.
SYDNEY: Understandable. But, we needed this rain. Salem's practically been in a drought ever since late spring, so it's nice that we're getting this. Anyway, welcome to Salem U.
CERI: Thanks. Where is everybody?
SYDNEY: It's summer break, so most of the people are doing stuff. There'll still be some students and professors here.
CERI: Do you know any of them?
SYDNEY: Only a handful. Allie only went here one year, so I know the few teachers she had then. Come on, I'll show you around.
Hand in hand, the two girls walked the halls of Salem U.

BRADY PUB
Belle was sitting in a booth by the window, watching the storm outside. Claire, with baby Mel in her arms, walked down the stairs.
CLAIRE: So, I've decided that I want to come with you guys and see Uncle Philip. I'll wait until Max and Chelsea get back before I come. You guys can go ahead.
BELLE: I don't think we're going just yet.
CLAIRE: What? Why not?
BELLE: I've been listening to the weather on the Pub's radio. This storm's just gonna keep getting worse. We'll go once it passes.

SALEM P.D.
Bo sat in his office, looking over files. There was a knock at the door.
BO: Enter.
The door opened and Jeannie walked in. Her hair and clothes were wet.
BO: Bit wet out there?
JEANNIE: You can say that again.
BO: Bit wet out there?
JEANNIE: Okay, I didn't mean literally. But, yes, it is a bit wet out there. Actually, no, it's very wet out there. I was taking care of a prisoner, and someone took the last umbrella with them.
Bo went into a drawer, pulled out a towel, and handed it to Jeannie. She began drying off her hair.
BO: How are the roads?
JEANNIE: Not great. But not too terrible yet.
BO: Well, yet might be the operative word. Take a look at this.
Bo handed an iPad over to Jeannie.
JEANNIE: Doughnuts Unlimited? Really?
Bo took back the iPad.
BO: Oh, sorry. Wrong app. Try this one.
Bo handed the iPad back to Jeannie.
JEANNIE: Ouch. That's not a pleasant forecast.
BO: Tell me about it. An 80% chance of rain every day for the rest of the week, and half of next.
JEANNIE: This could get nasty.
BO: Or very wet.

[André DiMera]

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Due to poor weather, today's chapter will be shorter, and will feature previews for the rest of the week. There will be a full chapter again tomorrow.

Chapter 46

SALEM P.D.
Bo sat in his office, looking out the window. Jeannie walked in.
BO: Is the situation any better?
JEANNIE: I wish. It's getting worse out there.
BO: I got a call from Officer Horton. He says that the roads are terrible.
JEANNIE: Well, they were bad when I was out. He left before me. They've only gotten worse.
BO: I can imagine.
JEANNIE: It's gotten so bad that a flash flood watch has been set. The whole of Salem's in danger.
BO: Hm.
JEANNIE: Do you think it's time?
BO: I hate to say it, but I think so.
JEANNIE: So, you're authorizing me to execute Order 372?
BO: Isn't 372 impossible without a raw chicken, two hourglasses, and a rabbi?
JEANNIE: Sorry, I meant Order 373.
BO: Oh, that one, definitely.
Jeannie picked up the phone from Bo's desk.
JEANNIE: This is Agent Jeannie Donovan of the International Security Alliance.
Pause.
JEANNIE: We have a Code Aquamarine in Salem.
Pause.
JEANNIE: That's right. Bring out the sandbags. Shut down all buildings. Get everyone inside. We're putting Salem under lockdown.

Later this week...
CERI: What's going on?

The Storm rages on.
PRINCIPAL: Seek shelter immediately.

And as Salem is put under a lockdown...
SHAWN-D: Get the girls.

...people are forced to stay together.
ARI: You're not serious?

This and more is coming later this week on THAT SUMMER - The Storm.

[gapeach]

WOW! Sounds like Salem is in for the storm of the century. Thanks for the previews Andre'

[André DiMera]

Chapter 47

SALEM U
Sydney and Ceri walked the halls of Salem U. Soon, they ran into a familiar face.
CIARA: What are you guys doing here?
SYNDEY: Hey, Ciara. We're just looking around. We're thinking about coming here after senior year's over. What are you doing here?
CIARA: I'm taking a summer class here.
An old man walked up. He walked with a cane. His hair and mustache were grey, and he spoke with a slight Brooklyn accent.
MAN: You forgot your paper, Miss Brady.
The man handed him a paper.
CIARA: Oh, sorry about that. Thanks, Mr. Feeny.
SYDNEY: Mr. Feeny? Allie's history teacher?
FEENY: I believe I do recall a young woman who went by that name. Who might you be?
SYDNEY: I'm Allie's half-sister, Sydney DiMera. And this is Ceri Alamain.
FEENY: Pleasure to meet you both. I'm Principal George Feeny.
Mr. Feeny shook hands with both Sydney and Ceri.
SYDNEY: I know who you are. Allie took two of your history classes while she was here. You were her favorite teacher.
FEENY: Well, that's very kind of her to say. Though I do not have favorites per se, I could tell that Miss Horton was an exceptional student. So, will you two be joining us in the Autumn?
CERI: No. We're still seniors in high school. We might come here after that, though.
FEENY: I see.
There was an announcement over the P.A.
P.A.: Principal Feeny, please report to the Main Office. Principal Feeny to the Main Office.
FEENY: Well, I must be going. Good to meet you two. Study hard.
CERI: Thanks, Mr. Feeny.
SYDNEY: We will.
FEENY: Miss Brady, I'll see you again tomorrow at 11.
CIARA: Have a good afternoon, Mr. Feeny.
Mr. Feeny walked away.
CIARA: So, how long are you guys here for?
CERI: Dunno. We're just checking out the place.
CIARA: I can show you around, if you'd like. My next class isn't for a few hours.
SYDNEY: That'd be awesome!
CERI: Sounds good to me!
CIARA: Well, follow me, then.
Ciara led Ceri and Sydney on a tour.

WILL & SONNY'S HOUSE
Sonny and Ari sat on the couch in the living room, in the middle of a game of Timeline. Will was on the phone in the kitchen.
WILL: You're sure?
Pause.
WILL: Okay. Thanks for letting me know.
Pause.
WILL: Yeah. Bye.
Will hung up the phone and walked into the living room. Ari put down a card.
ARI: 1976.
Ari flipped over the card.
ARI: Are you serious? Tell me you're not serious.
SONNY: Hey, what can I say? The movie might have been made in 1976, but the novel "Carrie" was first published in 1974.
ARI: Okay, your turn.
Will sat down on the couch.
SONNY: What was that all about?
WILL: That was Uncle Bo. The weather's changed for the worse. Torrential downfalls are expected from today through the rest of the week. They've officially declared it a state of emergency. Salem's in lockdown.

BRADY PUB
Shawn-D walked in, soaking wet.
CLAIRE: Where have you been?
SHAWN-D: Taking out the trash. Man, it's coming down hard out there.
BELLE: I've been listening to the radio. We won't be able to see Philip today. They've just put Salem under lockdown, declared it an emergency.
SHAWN-D: I can understand that. I practically had to swim to the garbage can and back. How are the girls?
CLAIRE: Holi and Georgia are sleeping. Mel got woke up by the thunder, so I brought her down here. It looks like she's gone back to sleep, though.
SHAWN-D: That's good. Where are Chels and Max?
BELLE: Well, since Salem's in lockdown, I don't think they'll be home anytime soon. Chelsea's working at the hospital, and Max is filling in for a teacher at Salem U.
SHAWN-D: Gotcha. Well, I'm gonna go upstairs, take a shower, and change into some dry clothes.

[gapeach]

Man oh man... this is gonna be bad!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 48

SALEM U
Sydney, Ceri, and Ciara sat in the cafeteria of the college. All three were eating.
CERI: This school is huge!
SYDNEY: Compared to Salem High, totally.
CERI: I feel like I could get lost in it.
Ciara laughed.
CIARA: I know what you mean. I felt like that my first few months. Once you guys start here, though, you'll get used to it.
CERI: So, this is what Uni's like, eh?
CIARA: Yep. Well, I've shown you the history wing, the math wing, the theatre wing, and the communications wing. What other parts do you wanna see?
CERI: I'd like to see the English wing. What about you, Syd?
SYDNEY: That'd be cool. I'd also like to see the library.
CIARA: That's on the way to the English wing. After we finish lunch, I'll take you guys down there.
Then, a bell went off.
CERI: What's going on?
CIARA: Oh, that's just a bell that goes off whenever Mr. Feeny's about to make an announcement.
Sure enough, the Brooklyn accent of Mr. Feeny came over the P.A. system.
FEENY (over P.A.): Attention, all students and faculty. Your attention please. This is Principal George Feeny speaking. I have just received a call from the Salem P.D. The weather conditions are worsening by the hour, and will only continue in strength for the time being. The good people of the Salem Police Department have declared a state of emergency. They are asking everyone to seek shelter immediately, and the town is going into lockdown. As such, I request that all of you stay inside until we are notified that the lockdown is over.
Ceri took Sydney by the hand.
SYDNEY: You're okay.
CERI: I know.
FEENY (over P.A.): I will keep you updated as the situation continues. This is Principal Feeny, signing off.
The bell went off again.
CIARA: Well, I guess we'll have plenty of time for the tour.

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Chelsea was on the phone.
CHELSEA: No, I haven't had the time. Have you talked to them?
Pause.
CHELSEA: And they're all fine?
Pause. Chelsea sighed with relief.
CHELSEA: That's good.
Pause.
CHELSEA: Doesn't look like it. How are things at the college?

SALEM U
Max was on the other end of the line, walking down the hallway.
MAX: So far so good. It's all science classes that I'm teaching, so that's nice.
Pause.
MAX: Yeah, Feeny just made the announcement here.
Pause.
MAX: Well, it makes sense.

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
CHELSEA: I know. Look, I gotta go. My break's about to end.
Pause.
CHELSEA: I'll keep you updated, too. I love you.
Chelsea hung up the phone and walked to her next shift.

[gapeach]

Can't wait to see what happens during the storm. Something bad ALWAYS happens on shows during storms!!!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 49

SALEM U
The three girls were walking down the hallway. Ceri still had her hand in Sydney's.
SYDNEY: You okay?
Ceri nodded.
The lights began to flicker. Ceri's grip on Sydney tightened. Sydney pulled Ceri in and wrapped an arm around her.
CIARA: Well, this doesn't look good.
SYDNEY: Electrical failure?
CIARA: Either that or a blown fuse.
SYDNEY: I'm sure the lights will stay on.
CIARA: Oh, they will. Even if we lose power, Salem U's got a huge amount of generators. They could keep the school lit for a while, just with generators if they had to.

DEVERAUX HOUSE
J.J. was sitting on the couch, watching the storm outside. Rhiannon walked over and sat down.
RHIANNON: That was my dad. He says I can stay over, since the storm's so bad.
J.J.: Cool.
RHIANNON: Yeah. I wish I knew where Ceri was, though.
J.J.: Doesn't she have her cell?
RHIANNON: She forgot to take it with her when she went to Sydney's. I saw it connected to the charger at home.
J.J.: I'm sure she'll be fine.

BRADY PUB
Shawn-D came down the stairs in a t-shirt and jeans.
BELLE: You look clean.
SHAWN-D: I feel clean.
Shawn-D and Belle kissed.
SHAWN-D: I checked on the girls. They're still sleeping.
BELLE: That's good. So, since we're stuck inside, what do you wanna do?
CLAIRE: You guys wanna play Spoons?
SHAWN-D: Spoons?
CLAIRE: Yeah. It's this awesome game. Ciara and I learned it during our trip a year ago. It'd be more fun with more people, though.
BELLE: Sounds interesting.
SHAWN-D: It does. I'll check in back and see what other games we have. Then, we'll vote on the game.
CLAIRE: Sounds good.
Shawn-D went into the kitchen, where he was surprised to find somebody.
SHAWN-D: What are you doing here?

SALEM P.D.
Jeannie walked into Bo's office.
BO: Please, give me some good news, Jeannie.
JEANNIE: Wish I could, Uncle Bo.
BO: At least tell me it's something small. Something manageable.
JEANNIE: Again, I wish I could. But, it is my duty to inform you of this.
Jeannie handed Bo a piece of paper.
BO: Oh, great.

[gapeach]

Wonder what was on the paper Jeannie handed Bo... hope we don't have to wait all weekend to find out!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 50

SAMI & LUCAS' HOUSE
Sami was on the phone. Lucas was sitting on the couch.
SAMI: No, sweetie. We're fine.
Pause.
SAMI: Are they getting this much rain in Wisconsin?
Pause.
SAMI: That's good.
Pause.
SAMI: Okay. Good luck on your test.
Pause.
SAMI: I love you too. Bye.
Sami hung up the phone.
LUCAS: She sounds good.
SAMI: Yep. Well, that's two of my children I've heard from so far.
LUCAS: Johnny's still in England with Susan, so we might get a call from them, but not until later at night.
SAMI: Well, Will, Johnny and Allie aren't the ones I'm worried about.
LUCAS; Sydney will be just fine. She's with Ceri up at Salem U.
SAMI: I know. It's just, I can't help worrying about her.
LUCAS: I know. If she needs anything, she'll call. Heck, even if she doesn't, I'm sure she'll call just to check in.

SALEM U
Ceri, Sydney and Ciara were still walking the halls. The bell noting that the principal was coming on rang.
FEENY (over P.A.): Attention, students and faculty. Attention. This is Principal George Feeny. I have been informed that the lockdown shall be continuing into the night. As a result, we are all forced to stay here. For those of you who live in the dorm rooms, this won't be a problem. However, those of you who do not, will have to find somewhere to stay. We will be setting up mats in the cafeteria as well as the SAC. If you know somebody of your same gender who lives in the dorms, you may ask them if you could stay with them for the night. Please stay safe, everyone. Have a good evening. This is Principal Feeny signing off.
Ceri gripped Sydney's arm.
SYDNEY: It's okay. You're okay.
CIARA: Well, I don't live in the dorms, so do you guys wanna go to the SAC or the cafeteria?
SYDNEY: We'll figure that out in a little bit.
Sydney brushed a lock of Ceri's hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. A tear rolled down Ceri's cheek, and she held tightly to Sydney's arm. Her breathing became slightly heavy.
SYDNEY: Hey, look at me, sweetie. You're okay. It'll be okay.
CERI: I'm getting that feeling again, Sydney.
SYDNEY: I know. I know. It's okay. We're gonna be okay. I promise. Do you want me to hold you?
Ceri nodded. Sydney put her arms around Ceri.
CIARA: Everything okay?
SYDNEY: She'll be okay. She's just not a fan of the idea of not being able to get out.
Sydney kissed Ceri's forehead.
SYDNEY: But, it'll be okay, I promise. We'll be okay.

BRADY PUB
Shawn-D walked back into the main part of the Pub.
SHAWN-D: Look who I found.
Behind him walked in Tony.
BELLE: What are you doing here?
TONY: I was cleaning up a mess I made. Nasty spill, very nasty. Then, it started to rain, and I figured it would be easier to stay here until it cleared it.
BELLE: How do we know it's the real you?
SHAWN-D: I checked.
BELLE: You're sure.
TONY: There's no way André would be able to know the information I gave him.
BELLE: Okay. Well, in that case, it's good to see you.
TONY: And you.
Just then, Shawn-D looked up.
SHAWN-D: Belle, get the girls.
BELLE: What?
SHAWN-D: Get the girls, as fast as you can. We have to go downstairs.
TONY: Shawn, we can't go downstairs.
SHAWN-D: We have to.
TONY: There's a flood warning in effect. We need to stay on the high ground.
SHAWN-D: Well, we can't stay up here.
CLAIRE: Why not?
SHAWN-D: Can't you hear them?
BELLE: Hear what?
SHAWN-D: The sirens.
Sure enough, the tornado sirens were buzzing in the background.

THAT SUMMER - The Storm shall continue Friday, July 11th.

[gapeach]

Oh no. Hope everything is okay Andre'!!!

[fluffysmom]

Just got caught up. I wonder what will happen when the storm hits.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 51
THE STORM

BRADY PUB
BELLE: The sirens?
SHAWN-D: Yeah. I can hear them.
There was dead silence for a moment. The sirens grew slightly louder.
TONY: So can I.
BELLE: We all can.
CLAIRE: So, what do we do?
SHAWN-D: We need to find shelter. As quickly as we can. You and Belle, go upstairs and get the girls. Tony and I will look for shelter.
Claire and Belle ran up the stairs.
TONY: While I was in the back, I found a good place. It's far away from any windows.
SHAWN-D: How many can it fit?
TONY: Well, it will be a bit of a squeeze, but we should all be able to fit.
SHAWN-D: We'll just have to get cozy, I guess.

DEVERAUX HOUSE
Rhiannon and J.J. sat on the couch. J.J. had an arm around her. He was on the phone.
J.J.: Yeah, we will be.
Pause.
J.J.: Okay. Tell Abby hi from me.
Pause.
J.J.: I love you, too. Bye.
J.J. hung up the phone.
J.J.: Well, mom and Abby are fine. They're both up in New York.
RHIANNON: That's good.
J.J. started twirling a lock of Rhiannon's hair.
J.J.: Hey, you okay?
Rhiannon nodded.
J.J.: What's wrong?
RHIANNON: It's nothing. I'm just...I'm really worried about my sister.
J.J.: Because of the storm?
RHIANNON: That, and the lockdown. Ceri doesn't do well when she can't get out of someplace.
J.J.: I see.
RHIANNON: The one good thing is that she's with Sydney. They're spending the whole day together.
J.J.: Do you have her number? Maybe you could call her.
RHIANNON: I did, but I got a new phone this morning and my contacts list was wiped. The only numbers I had memorized were yours, Ceri's and my dad's.
J.J.: Gotcha.

SALEM U
CIARA: Hey, I'm really sorry to have to do this, but I gotta go to my next class. Are you guys gonna be okay until I get back?
SYDNEY: Yeah, we'll be fine.
CIARA: Okay. I'll see you guys in a few hours. Meet me in the cafeteria.
SYDNEY: Bye, Ciara.
Ciara walked away. Sydney kissed Ceri on the forehead.
SYDNEY: How about we go for a walk, huh? That sound okay?
Ceri nodded.
CERI: That sounds good. Just don't let go of my hand. Please, don't let go of me.
SYDNEY: Sweetie, you don't have to worry about that. I'll never let you go.
Sydney wiped a tear from Ceri's eye, and hugged her.

[gapeach]

Sure hope everybody is going to be okay.