Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 240,885 times)

[lumiforeverandalways]

Cant wait for the scenes between Chase and Allie. Wonder how Lucas is going to feel if they date. Great chap

[heroicmuse]

Week 240 - 2

Abe had gone down the block to meet Horowitz and Duncan. “Thanks for coming over to discuss this in person,” he said. “I didn’t like what you told me over the phone.”

“Glad to do it, sir,” Horowitz said. “I hope we parked far enough away that Hannah Martin won’t see us. As it is she gets freaked at the sight of cops.”

Abe nodded. “Hopefully we’re going to change that. I want Hannah to know that we’re standing up for her and that we’re not tolerating any more of this nonsense. But later. Keep it quiet for now so she can enjoy the party.”

Horowitz nodded. Duncan said, “With all due respect, sir, while we’re doing the right thing here, this problem isn’t going to go away with us arresting one narrow-minded idiot who thinks calling the cops on black people for existing is all right. Hannah Martin is in this situation in the first place because someone else did the same thing, and I doubt Hannah’s the only black resident of this city to come up against this. In fact, I know firsthand she’s not.”

“As do I.” Abe sighed. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t worry about Theo. I know the statistics on black men and arrests all over this country, and he has an even worse chance of being treated fairly because of his Autism. But we have to start somewhere if things are ever going to change and I can guarantee you that as long as I’m in charge of the police department, abusing 911 to harass citizens for the color of their skin is not going to be acceptable. That’s all.”

“Prescott and I were talking about setting up some community meetings so that we can learn better what people need, especially in East Salem,” Horowitz said.

Abe nodded. “That’s a good idea also. We’ll talk about it when we’re all back at the station next week. In the meantime, go down the block and arrest this woman who tied up our services complaining about nothing.”


In the kitchen, Julie said to Marissa, “I hope Rory is able to convince David to come in here. He’s taking far too long.”

“Don’t worry,” Marissa said. “Rory knows how to be persuasive. The bigger problem is whether David will run away screaming when he sees you.” Julie frowned and Marissa said, “And that was too direct, wasn’t it?”

“You might say that,” Julie said. She sighed. “It wouldn’t upset me if there wasn’t so damn much truth to it. You’ve had your problems with your mother, Marissa. Tell me, what do I do to bring David back into the fold?”

“Give him lots of space to do what he wants, for one thing,” Marissa said. “And never try to talk him out of loving the person he loves. That’s just annoying.”

“I don’t criticize,” Julie said. “I don’t. I have a right to my opinion, don’t I? Besides, Valerie put a wedge between me and David and - “ She cut herself off as the door opened.

Rory came in with David. “Look who I found wandering around outside,” he said. “Marissa, this is my brother I was telling you about. I’ve known him like, a week, and he’s already way more of a brother to me than Kurt ever was.”

“Right back at you, little brother,” David said. He shook hands with Marissa. “I hope my mother hasn’t been driving you too crazy.”

“Not at all,” Marissa said. “If anything, I’ve been driving her nuts. Anyway, we have something for you.”

Julie handed David a photo album. Rory said, “We made one of these for JJ too last Christmas so he could get to know who the people on that plaque in the park were. You already know but Julie thought you would want some photos of them and stuff.”

“It’s sort of a family photo album,” Julie said.

David opened the album. He found photos of Tom and Alice with their children, then Julie as a child and as a teenager, then Julie with Doug and little Hope. As he flipped, time seemed to pass and he saw Julie with Scotty, and later with him, and of the extended family, Hope’s family and Jennifer’s and their kids.

A bunch of pages had placeholders that Rory had drawn himself, cardstock that had sketches of David and Valerie and Hannah. “That part’s for you,” Rory said. “You can put all the photos you want in there to add to your family story.”

“You drew these yourself?” David asked, impressed.

Rory nodded. “That day you came over with Hannah and her mom.”

“And I thought I was an artist,” David said softly. “Wow.”

Rory blushed. “There’s photos of me with Julie and Doug in there too,” he said. David turned the page and saw them.

“I know nobody really has photo albums anymore, but I’m old school,” Julie said. “I wanted to welcome you back to the family with this book, and my hope is that someday when Hannah is grown up and has children of her own you will pass it on to her for her to add her own photos. Sort of a new Williams family tradition.”

“Thank you,” David said. He had tears in his eyes. “I’ll treasure this. Really.” He kissed Julie’s cheek.

Doug stuck his head in. “There you are, Rory. Stage is all set up. Time for you to grab your bongos and join us.”



A few minutes later, JJ, Chase, and Rory were all up on the patio. It had been cleared off and turned into a stage, with microphones and speakers so everyone could hear.

“Hey everyone,” JJ said into the microphone. “Hope you’re having a happy Fourth. Today’s a real special day for all of us, and not just cause it’s another reason to all get together. We’re lucky to have this huge family that’ll find any excuse to have a party like this, but this year we’re especially blessed cause of the two girls sitting right over there.” He gestured towards Hannah and Paige. “In case you don’t know, that’s my cousin Hannah. Julie’s granddaughter. She was locked up in jail with Paige and neither of them belonged there, but this Independence Day she’s free as a bird.”

Hannah slumped down in her seat as everyone started cheering and clapping. “Not really,” she said to Paige. “Not with this stupid probation.” People were looking at her so she sat up and smiled even though it felt fake.

JJ said, “And on top of that, Paige’s been home a couple months and today’s her birthday. So this first set’s dedicated to her. I hope you like this, everyone, especially you, Paige.”

Paige turned bright red. She didn’t really want to be the center of attention or for anyone to make a big deal out of her birthday.

Doug was passing by. As JJ and Chase started playing, he whispered, “Don’t worry, I’m singing a few quieter songs later.”

JJ and Chase began singing Weird Al’s version of Happy Birthday. JJ was glad to see everyone laughing and clapping along. He’d been afraid the irreverent lyrics might offend some people.

(Jennifer shook her head, a slight smile on her lips. “Only my son would come up with something like that.”

Daniel had Parker on his lap. “Long as this guy doesn’t go around singing it at school.”)

JJ sang the last verse:

I guess you know the Earth is gonna crash into the sun
But that's no reason why we shouldn't have a little fun
So if you think it's scary, if it's more than you can take
Just blow out the candles and have a piece of cake

Happy birthday! Happy birthday to you!

Then without missing a beat, he and Chase went right into the Beatles’ Birthday:

You say it’s your birthday.
Well happy birthday to you!
You say it's your birthday.
Well we're gonna have a good time!

When it was over, everyone shouted, “Happy birthday, Paige!”

Doug called, “How about we get the birthday girl up on the stage?”

People started clapping and cheering. Paige hesitated but Hannah said, “Come on, I’ll go with you.” She grabbed Paige’s hand and practically pulled her onto the stage.

“This next one’s perfect for Fourth of July,” JJ said, “but I’m gonna step back and let Hannah take the lead on singing it.”

Paige’s eyes widened. “You were in on this!” she said to Hannah.

Hannah nodded, smiling slightly. “You were so good to me way before we knew we were kind of related, it’s the least I can do for the only good thing that came out of us getting locked up.”

JJ took a box out of his pocket as Hannah came up to the microphone. For a second, Paige was afraid that he was going to propose to her in front of everyone, but he just opened the box and showed her a necklace. It was silver and the charm was two hearts interlocked. JJ said, “Can I put this on you?”

Paige nodded, too overcome with emotion to speak. JJ kissed the back of her neck and then put the necklace on her. Then he picked up his guitar again and he and Chase played backup to Hannah’s vocals as she sang:

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,
Drifting through the wind,
Wanting to start again?

Paige stared, in awe of Hannah’s voice. She had never heard her sing, ever. But then again, there wasn’t much to sing about in jail.

JJ joined in for the chorus:

Baby, you’re a firework.
Come on show 'em what you’re worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y.

Paige had tears in her eyes as Hannah started the next verse.

When the song ended, JJ said, “Happy birthday, baby. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Paige said, hugging him tight. She and JJ kissed and Hannah kissed Paige’s cheek and said Happy Birthday to her.

Then Julie came up onto the stage, holding a cake with a candle shaped like the number 25, with two wicks that were both lit.

Doug came up to the microphone. “There’s no words for how special this young lady is to all of us. If I can ask you all for one more favor, please join me in singing Happy Birthday to her. The traditional song, that is.”

Everyone did.

“Before you make a wish, darling, here’s our wish for you,” Julie said. “May your future be filled with happiness, for all the days of your life.”

“Thank you,” Paige said. “That means a lot coming from you.” She let Julie hug her. Then she closed her eyes to make her wish.

Paige was standing at the altar in a gorgeous garden. Her hair was piled on top of her head and she was made up more beautifully than she had been in her entire life, and JJ was more handsome than ever in his tuxedo.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Eric said.

Paige opened her eyes, smiling slightly as she blew out her candles.

[André DiMera]

I’m glad Abe talked to Horowitz and Duncan. It sucks that someone would call the cops on Hannah or anyone just for being black.

That was a really sweet surprise! That was great! As was the celebration of Paige’s birthday! I loved all of those songs, and J.J., Chase and Hannah did a great job singing them! That ending was great, too! Nice flashforward (at least, I hope that’s what it is)!

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[lumiforeverandalways]

Good chap

[heroicmuse]

Week 240 - 3

People were standing around socializing and eating cake. “Oh my gosh,” Hope said to Jennifer. “This cake is amazing. This entire party, actually. I think we all really needed this after all the craziness.”

“I think so too,” Jennifer said. “Here’s to less craziness and more good times.” She picked up her wine from her table, which was behind her, and she and Hope clinked glasses.

“Paige seems to be having a good time, huh?” Lucas said, coming up to them. He was holding a bottle of water. “She was a little uncomfortable at first but once she got up on the stage and everyone started celebrating her birthday her face just lit up.”

“I’d love to know what she wished for,” Jennifer said. “I know what my wish for her and my son was.”

“Let me guess,” Hope said. “A huge wedding followed by more grandchildren than you know what to do with.”

“Can I help it if I’m romantic?” Jen smiled slightly. “I do want grandchildren, even if it does make me feel old to be a grandma.”

“Hey, Sami and I are grandparents and we’re younger than you,” Lucas pointed out.

“True.” Jennifer sighed. “I can’t help thinking that if things were different, I’d be helping Abigail with her firstborn by now.” She stared into space.

“At least she’s having a good time,” Hope said. “That’s a blessing, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Jennifer made herself smile.

“And never say never,” Lucas added. “She has a boyfriend now, they seem happy. Plus did you ever think we’d be standing here contemplating the possibility of JJ having Eve Donovan as a mother-in-law?”

Jennifer laughed at that. “I have to admit I was worried about what Eve was going to do when Paige made it clear that her stupid antics with that prostitute didn’t work. I mean, what was next, her trying to seduce JJ herself?”

“Thank God she didn’t think of that,” Lucas said. “I’d hate to have to try to pick up the pieces if she did that to her own daughter.”

“Me too,” Jennifer agreed, “and JJ would blame himself and it would just be a big mess. Anyway, we don’t have to worry about that anymore. I don’t know if it’s her relationship with Eric or what, but she seems to have come around. I mean, she still doesn’t hesitate to twist the knife when she sees me but if that’s what it takes to keep her from blowing things up for JJ and Paige, I’m fine with that.”

“She’ll probably insist on upstaging your toast at the wedding,” Lucas agreed.

“Speaking of weddings,” Hope said, licking some frosting off her fork, “the next party’s probably ours. We’ll be sending out official invitations next week. If Aiden can be separated from his phone for long enough to go over the guest list with me.”

“Uh oh,” Jennifer said. “Don’t tell me the two of you are already having problems before you even have the guest list settled.”

“No, nothing major.” Hope sighed. “Aiden’s a little bit of a workaholic, that’s all. I love that he wants to save the world, but sometimes I need him too, especially while Ciara’s going through this rebellious phase.”

“At least he’s not taking over. That’s what ruined things for Daniel and me for a while. I was jealous because JJ turned to him all the time and shut me out and I just felt like Daniel was undermining me as a parent. I know better now, of course, it’s obvious that my son was grabbing at the only lifeline he had to stop himself from drowning and I should have been grateful. But still.”

“I’d rather have that than putting our conversations about what to do on hold every time the phone rings.” Hope sighed. “Maybe I’m overreacting, I don’t know. But something’s got into Ciara and after being a cop for so long my mind just automatically goes to the worst case scenario. She isn’t taking almost getting expelled seriously, what if this behavior continues and next time the principal calls the police?”

Jennifer patted her hand. “You know what I went through with JJ. But honestly, that night you convinced me to let him sit behind bars until his arraignment was a turning point. When he came out, I saw a difference in him. He was still angry and rebellious but it was… softer, and it was only a few weeks after that he saw Theresa overdose and made the decision for once and for all to get his act together.”

“Right.” Hope sighed. “I just hope it doesn’t come to that for Ciara. The idea of her spending a night behind bars… but if that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes.”

Valerie was passing by just then. “Excuse me,” she said. “I know you barely know me,and it’s probably not my place to say anything, but I couldn’t help overhearing and after what I’ve been through I just have to put my two cents in. I let Hannah sit in jail too. I thought that the fact that she was arrested for an open container when she was barely 18 meant she was going down the wrong path and as her mother it was my job to let her experience some consequences that were breaking my heart. But it blew up in my face. She was sentenced to a year in jail. A year for an open container! And now that she’s home, my baby can barely stand the sight of me. I honestly think if the court wasn’t forcing her to live with me, I’d never see her again.”

Jennifer patted her hand. “It’ll get better, trust me. I’ve been there with JJ too. There was a whole period of time when he hated me so much that he preferred sleeping on a park bench to sharing a house with me, and some of that was because of the serious mistakes I’d made. I sent him to a boarding school he hated so much that his father worried about him hurting himself and I made him stay there even after Jack died. But just like you, I made those mistakes because I thought my son was out of control and that this was the best way to protect him from himself. And it took time, lots of it, but now he understands that and we’re closer than ever.”

“I hope you’re right.” Valerie blinked back tears. “Hannah thinks I threw her away. I didn’t, believe me, no matter what she’d done or what I thought she’d done, I couldn’t…”

“Of course not,” Jennifer said. “You could no sooner give up on her than you could cut off your right arm. She is your daughter, your flesh and blood, and your heart breaks for her when she’s hurt and unhappy, especially when she does it to herself.”

“I’m glad you see that.” Valerie’s voice shook. “Right now it seems like I can’t say anything right as far as she’s concerned. No matter what I say, all I get is her eyes rolled all the way back in her head followed by the glare of death and some sarcastic comment not worth repeating.”

“Me too,” Hope said. “According to Ciara, I think she deserves to have switched places with Hannah and I won’t be happy til it happens.”

“Are you sure this isn’t just teenagers being teenagers?” Jennifer asked. “Not that I’m one to talk, I overreacted to every single thing JJ did and did everything all wrong with him. But you remember what we were like, Hope. You ran away from boarding school. I tried to live on the pier. And now look at us. We’re not living lives of crime. In fact, we’re making Gram and Grandpa proud, carrying on the Horton tradition of making life better for everyone we cross paths with.”

“I don’t know about that. We’ve both made our share of mistakes,” Hope said. “Rafe wanted to follow Bev Walters that night that she and Paige were kidnapped. I wouldn’t listen to him, or to Bev. And I’m supposed to be keeping people safe, not letting them fall into the clutches of knife-wielding maniacs.” Hope drank some more wine. “But I tell you one thing, cuz. Whatever trouble we got into, we didn’t get arrested and then try to convince our parents that it was no big deal. Anyway, even if this is teenage nonsense, Ciara’s only 14. I can’t take another four years of it.”

“I can’t take much more of it either,” Valerie said. “Hannah’s on probation for a year. That means we have 12 months to turn this around because otherwise, I guarantee you that the second she’s no longer in danger of going back to jail if she moves out, she’ll be gone.”

“Nah,” Lucas said. “No one’s letting that happen.” He smiled slightly. “Bet you didn’t know that being a Horton means putting up with people sticking their nose in your business day and night, but it does. Hannah’s one of us now and so are you, and she’s just gonna have to put up with all of us trying to straighten her out if she even thinks of turning her back on you.”

Valerie stiffened. “That’s very kind of you. But I don’t know whether I want to air our dirty laundry in front of this huge family.”

“Too late,” Lucas said, smiling. “You already did.”

“In all seriousness,” Jennifer added, “we’re here for you. Don’t go it alone -- I tried that and it just made things worse.”

“You know what we should do?” Hope added, taking another bite of her cake. “Meet once a week to get to know each other. No kids, plenty of wine to go around, and we can vent as much as we want because what we say stays in the room after we go home.”



Theo had found a spot where no one was standing, in a corner of the yard, and was sitting cross-legged there against a tree, taking apart his cake to make sure there was no jelly in the middle.

Sydney came up to him. “Oh, you already have cake,” she said. “I took an extra piece and scooped the stuff in the middle out for you.”

“That was kind of you.” Theo stared into space, not sure how to tell Sydney to go away without hurting her feelings.

Sydney frowned. “Are you okay?” she asked.

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Cause.” Sydney flopped down next to Theo. “You’re sitting here all by yourself.”

“I like to be by myself.” Theo blinked several times in a row. He did his best to make himself stop since he knew other people found it weird when he did things like that. “Sometimes when there are a lot of people, I need a break.”

“I understand,” Sydney said. “Me too.” She took a bite of her cake. “I bet you’re glad Johnny didn’t come.” She lowered her voice. “Mommy told me not to tell anyone, but he’s in big trouble.”

“Good.” Theo picked at the cake but didn’t eat it. “Do you think my dad is on a date with Nurse Maxine? They’ve been sitting together the whole time and she is all dressed up, though I suppose that could just be because it’s a party.”

“I dunno,” Sydney said. “Is it good or bad if they are?”

Theo shrugged. “She’s not my mother, but at least she isn’t married to someone else.” He threw his fork down. “ICK! It touched the frosting. I don’t like frosting.”

“It’s okay,” Sydney said.

“I hate frosting,” Theo said, rocking back and forth. “It touched my fork, that’s so gross.” He knew that Sydney must be looking at him funny because of how he was behaving and he thought that meant he was embarrassed, but he couldn’t feel it. He just felt upset and anxious about the fork touching the frosting even though he knew other people thought that was no big deal.

Sydney held out her hand. “Give me the bad fork,” she said. Theo whimpered, wanting to stop freaking out but unable to stop himself. Sydney silently took the fork and dumped the frosting onto her plate. Then she gave Theo another fork. “Here,” she said. “Problem solved.”

Theo’s nostrils flared as he breathed deeply, trying to get back in control of himself. “Sorry for being a freak,” he said. “I hope you will stay anyway.”

“Of course I will, silly,” Sydney said. “That’s what I came here for.”

Theo gave her a sad smile. “No one except Ciara ever wants to stay after I have a meltdown.”

Sydney shrugged. “It’s not like I never have tantrums. I almost had one yesterday because my mom punished me for something Johnny did.”

Theo’s eyes widened. “Johnny is mean to you too?”

“Sometimes. Yesterday he tried to trick me into stealing some candy and when I tried to pay for it he told Lucas he was stopping me from taking it.”

“That is not nice.” Theo took another bite of cake. “Are you sure EJ is your father and not Lucas? You are the nicest person I ever met and my dad says that EJ was among the worst of my uncles.”

“That’s what my mom says too. I don’t remember him very well, I was only five when he was killed.”

“My mom died too. I was eight.” Theo’s eyes darted everywhere, looking for the trash. “She was very sick. She had a brain tumor. Dad tried to explain it but he couldn’t because he was too sad. Anyway, I prefer to remember her when she was well. I remember she used to have a soft voice and a big smile. She was patient with me when my brain didn’t let me do things and she always said I could do anything I set my mind to, which is an expression that means if I decide to do something I won’t let anything get in my way.” Theo stared down at the grass. “I miss her.”

“I bet you got your smile from her,” Sydney said. “You’re cute when you smile.”

“Thank you,” Theo said. His eyes widened as he understood suddenly that Sydney had said something that people sometimes said when they wanted someone to be their girlfriend or boyfriend, obviously boyfriend in this case because Theo was a boy. “You know we are cousins,” he said, slowly, “so it would be inappropriate for me to respond to your comment about my smile the way I want to.”

“I know.” Sydney sighed. “I wish EJ was only Johnny’s dad, not mine.”

“Me too,” Theo agreed.

Sydney took a big forkful of cake and stuck it all in her mouth at once. Theo looked away, horrified. Sydney washed it down with soda and then said, “We can still make a pact,” she said. “From now on if Johnny bothers you I’ll stand up for you and if he bothers me you stand up for me. Okay?”

“Deal,” Theo said, “even though I don’t see what you can do.”

“I can do a lot,” Sydney said. “I’m Mommy’s daughter and Mommy Nicole’ll help me too. Anyway, do we have a deal?”

“Deal,” Theo said again. He put up with shaking Sydney’s hand even though he usually hated doing that at all.

[André DiMera]

It’s great to see Hope, Lucas and Jennifer bonding, and adding Valerie into the mix. Hope’s idea sounds good. Sydney is so sweet! So glad she and Theo are talking, and they made that deal.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[lumiforeverandalways]

Loved all of this mostly the stuff between Lucas,Hope and Jen but the stuff with Syd and Theo was good too

[heroicmuse]

Week 240-4
“Well, would you look at that?” Maxine said to Abe. “It looks like Theo found himself a little girlfriend too.”

“What?” Abe said. He turned and looked where Maxine was gesturing. “Oh, no, that’s just his cousin Sydney,” he said. “She has the same misfortune that Lexie did to be related to the Dimeras. Nevertheless, I’m glad to see Theo spending time with someone. He was so anxious about this party and I was afraid he’d isolate himself.”

Valerie and David came back to the table just then. “It’s been lovely seeing you, Abe,” Valerie said, “and wonderful to meet you, Maxine.”

“Taking off already?” Abe asked.

David’s eyes clouded over. “Not by choice,” he said, “but Val’s worried about Hannah missing her curfew.”

“Of course.” Abe stood. “Just so you know, I’m in charge of the police department right now, and I promise you that Hannah will be treated fairly from this point forward.”

“That’s kind of you,” Valerie said, “but I don’t see how you can guarantee that. If she breaks her curfew or drives the wrong car or breaks any of the other rules she’s subject to, your officers can’t be expected to just look the other way.”

“Of course not. I said fairly, not free ride. But if she is taken in on an exceedingly minor probation violation I will most likely send her home with a warning not to do it again, and if I get wind of any officer treating her or anyone else harshly because of prejudice, that officer will be disciplined. Racism will no longer be tolerated at the Salem Police Department, and that’s a promise.”

Valerie nodded. “I don’t know that anyone can really fully eradicate it. Some people are always going to be narrow-minded and hateful, and that’s just how it is. But I appreciate you trying.” She took Abe’s hand and kissed his cheek. “Take care of yourself and that beautiful son of yours, Abe.”

“You too, Valerie.” Abe held out his hand. “David.”

David hesitated before he shook it. He made a point of putting his arm around Valerie before they walked off.

Roman came up to Abe just then. Abe said, “Roman! Happy 4th of July.”

“I’d wish you the same, but first I gotta know something,” Roman said. “That thing you just said to Valerie about how racism’s no longer gonna be acceptable at the department… that mean you think it was when I was in charge?”


Hannah hugged Paige goodbye. “I hope I helped make your birthday special.”

“You did. All I wanted for my birthday was for everyone I love to have smiles on their faces for once. Especially you, you’ve been so down.”

“I know.” Hannah sighed. “My smile might stay a while longer if I could stay over at Grandma’s tonight.”

Valerie cleared her throat. “We’d better make the rounds, baby, we can’t risk you being out past curfew.”

“Like they would know if I walked up the steps at 9:02 instead of 9 on the dot.”

“We are not risking it. Go say goodbye to your grandparents. Now.”

“First I’m saying goodbye to the rest of the table.” Hannah hugged JJ and said, “It was so good to meet you. We gotta sing more sometime.”

“We will,” JJ promised. “Go easy on your mom, okay? She’ll come around.”

Hannah’s shoulders deflated. She turned towards Rory and said, “Bye, Uncle Rory.”

Rory giggled. “Sorry, me being an uncle… never thought I’d hear those words.” He patted Hannah’s shoulder.

Hannah walked off with her mom, shuffling her feet.

Paige frowned. “She’s so depressed, JJ, she wasn’t like this at all when we were in jail together.”

“Maybe she’s just gotta get used to her mom again,” JJ said. “You had a hard time when you first got out.”

“I know, but this is different. I think, anyway.” She took JJ’s hand. “Tell me the truth. Was I in that bad shape when I first got out?”

“Close to it,” JJ said. “It seemed like all the light just went out of your eyes and nothing I said made any difference. It’s only since you started seeing that shrink that you seem anything like yourself.”

Paige nodded. “I guess next time I see her I should push her to go too,” she said, “but I don’t know. I don’t want to offend her.”

“I don’t get it,” Rory said. “I was in and out of juvie when I was a kid and every time I was in I counted down the days til I was out. Why would anyone be sad about not still being locked up?”

“It’s not that, exactly,” Paige said. “I was happy to be home too but I also felt disconnected.” She sipped her soda, ignoring a sudden urge to go get a glass of wine. “Jail is like being frozen in time. Nothing changes in there, really. Every day is the same. You get up, eat whatever they tell you to eat for breakfast, go to your stupid job that they make you work at, eat the lunch they give you, work until 3, and then go to the library or the rec room for a few hours before dinner and then back to your dorm for evening count and bed. And in the meantime the whole world is moving on without you and when you come out everything’s different.” She played with her empty soda can, squashing it over and over. “I felt like I missed so much and worse than that, I felt like all of a sudden I was an alien, like I didn’t understand this world anymore and nobody understood my world, not even JJ. It was the most lonely I’d ever felt in my life and I just didn’t see how it could get any better.”

“That’s how I felt all my life,” Marissa said, “even though I haven’t been to jail.”

Rory took her hand. “Me too til I met you.” He squeezed her hand.

“Way to be selfish,” JJ said. He patted Paige’s hand. “You don’t feel that way anymore, do you?”

“Not all the time.” Paige bit her lip. “It helps that Squeaky’s home because she was in jail too, she knows. A-and most of the time it’s just a bad memory now of a place I never want to go to again. Which I guess is the point, except Squeaky and I both didn’t do anything bad enough to deserve to go there in the first place. Anyway, I think it’s worse for her because her mom is so hard on her.”

“And cause of probation,” Rory added. “I’ve had the kind where you have to follow all the rules or go back to jail. It’s the pits.”

“Yeah.” Paige sighed. “Let’s talk about something happier,” she said. “I don’t want my birthday to end on this note.” She turned towards JJ. “Were you able to enter anything in that contest?”

“It wasn’t my best work, but Alison talked me into submitting that first piece we did on the S-mart manager calling the cops on Hannah cause of being a narrow-minded idiot.” JJ played with his phone. “Dr. Blanton said he’d text me soon as the results are in, but nothing yet so I doubt I made it. But there’s always next year, right?”

“Don’t be so negative,” Paige said. “I doubt the judges are working on it during a holiday.” She smiled. “Who knows, maybe this time next week you’ll be headed to the state competition.”


The woman who had called 911’s eyes flashed as Duncan handcuffed her. “This is ridiculous!”” she said. “I’m telling you, that girl was no party guest. She was a troublemaker.”

“Yeah?” Duncan said. “And how do you know that?”

“I watch the news! That S-Mart manager called you guys because some girl like that was causing trouble in his store. Course those idiot talking heads made her the victim when she was getting off easy, almost a year for intimidating him and trying to steal stuff. Anyway, this girl here was another crossover, looking to sneak into a party she didn’t belong at. You ask Julie Williams, she’ll be grateful I was looking out for her.”

“We will, all right,” Horowitz said, “but I doubt you want us to. The girl you called 911 on is Julie’s granddaughter.”

The woman’s mouth flapped open and shut. “Poor Julie, having a granddaughter like that,” she said. “Though the blame lies with whichever one of her kids tried out the dark meat. I’m sure she’d rather not have people like that in her family.”

“Excuse me?” Duncan said. “You forget I’m in charge of how tight these cuffs are? You must have cause you’re saying hateful things to my face like I’m not just as black as Hannah Martin.”

“You’re not like her. There’s black people and then there’s you-know-what from East Salem.” The woman grimaced as Duncan and Horowitz grabbed her arms. “Just wait til the news gets ahold of this. Arresting people for being good neighbors and letting troublemakers go free.”

“You have the right to remain silent,” Duncan said. “I suggest you use it.” She and Horowitz led the woman away.


Allie could feel Ciara staring at her as she cut her cake into tiny pieces. “What?” she said.

“Nothing.” Ciara crossed her arms. “I just don’t understand why you’re cutting up your food like you’re a baby.”

“Ciara!” Chase said. “Don’t be mean.”

“I’m not. I’m just making a statement. So answer the question, Allie, why are you?”

Allie stabbed her fork into some frosting. “None of your business,” she said. She turned towards Chase. “Or yours either. No one asked you to say anything.”

“I was just trying to help!” Chase couldn’t help his voice rising. Great. Now Allie was going to think he was a crybaby.

“Yeah, well, I have Johnny for a brother, I know how to fight back.” Allie didn’t, really, but Chase didn’t need to know that.

Just then, Lucas showed up. Allie said, hopefully, “Are we going home?”

“I am,” Lucas said. “You’re not. I made arrangements with Hope for you to sleep over so you can have some extra time with Claire and Ciara.”

“Great.” Allie made herself smile. “Sydney too?”

“No,” Lucas said. “We told you last night, Sydney’s going over to Nicole’s. So you and your cousins can stay up all night gossiping without worrying about your sister repeating it back to us.”

“Right.”

Lucas frowned. He looked at Allie’s cut-up cake, “Still afraid to eat adult-sized pieces?”

“I didn’t starve myself,” Allie said, “isn’t that what you wanted?” She grabbed her purse and got up, hurrying away without another word.

“We’d better go after her,” Chase said to Ciara.

“Hold up a sec,” Lucas said. “Both of you. I want to talk to you before you say another word to Allie.”


Emily sat cross-legged on her bed, staring at the dating app on her phone. “Hope,” she said, looking at one profile. “Nope. Hard no.”

She sighed, staring at the closed bathroom door.


“Sorry I’m late,” Alison said. She collapsed onto her bed. “I, um…” She twisted her ring. “Can I talk to you?”

“About what?” Emily put her notes aside, concerned.

“About something you’re totally not going to be objective about but that I really need you to be.” Alison played with her ring some more. “I… something weird happened with Kelsey and I don’t know what to make of it. So can you put aside how much you hate her and give me some advice?”

“Um. Wow. Okay.” Emily bit her lip. “I’ll try to be a good friend. I was once, right?” She smiled nervously. “So what happened?”

“I heard her telling ADA Rubin - or ex-ADA Rubin, I guess… anyway, she told her she was tired of having to push me away for my own good.”

“Oh, so Kelsey’s sort of semi-breaking up with you?” Emily couldn’t help the gloating tone that sneaked into her voice. Alison frowned and Emily said, “Sorry. Um, so what do you think that means?”

“No idea. She changed her major to pre-law and she said Spota was blackmailing her, threatening to expose her as a plant if she didn’t force me off the story when we were trying to find out why Spota was so gung-ho to prosecute Paige. Now Rubin’s trying to put a wedge between us and she’s letting her.” Alison ran her hands through her hair. “I just wish she’d tell me what the hell is going on!”

“Yeah,” Emily agreed. “That’s not cool.” She frowned. “You think Spota’s still threatening you?”

“Maybe. I don’t know. Rubin said something about making sure I’m protected once she gets voted in. Anyway, what should I do? Should I confront Kelsey or what?”

Emily bit her lip. “I don’t know. I mean, you have the right to know if you’re in danger. And if she’s going to be your girlfriend she should tell you things. But at the same time, you don’t want to poke the hornet’s nest, you know? If someone told her to keep her mouth shut and keep her distance or else…”

“I doubt it’s anything like that,” Alison said. She sighed. “I guess our next date might be our last. If I can even get her to go out with me anywhere so I can get the truth out of her.”

“I hope Kelsey doesn’t get her into something she can’t handle,” Emily said to herself now. She picked up her phone again, but she couldn’t focus on the app. She was too worried.

Alison came out of the bathroom. She was all made up and she was wearing a tank top that showed more of her cleavage than Emily wanted to see. “What do you think?” Alison said. “Too much?”

“It’s… nice,” Emily said. “But since when are you into being a sexpot?”

Alison blushed. “I’m not, but Kelsey always wanted to take me to a hotel. So I’m trying to remind her of that. Hopefully this works. I don’t like issuing ultimatums, especially when I don’t mean it.”

“So don’t,” Emily said. “Just tell her how you feel, no game playing.”

“I’m not playing games,” Alison said. “I’m not! I just…” She let her breath out slowly as her phone buzzed.

Text from Kelsey
I have a lot of work to do, but I guess I can spare fifteen minutes for a cup of coffee. Meet me at the place by school?

“Here we go,” she said, and threw her phone into her purse.

[André DiMera]

Of course Roman would get the wrong idea about what Abe said. Personally, I liked it. Somehow, I have a feeling that Hannah is actually depressed. She seems different than Paige did when she first got out of jail. I hope J.J. wins the competition.

That woman is a total idiot!

Glad Lucas is gonna talk to Ciara and Chase.

Kelsey’s being stupid for giving in to blackmail. Glad Emily at least tried to be objective, I agree with her advice to Alison.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[lumiforeverandalways]

Poor Allie.

Loved the scene between Allie, Ciara , Chase, Claire and Lucas

Glad Lucas is going to talk to Ciara and Claire

[heroicmuse]

Week 240 - 5

Victor stared at a photo of him, Maggie, and Caroline that had been taken the last time Caroline had come to visit. “Ah, Caroline,” he said softly. “What I wouldn’t give to be able to hear your voice right now despite the fact that you’d probably have the guts to tell me something I absolutely refuse to hear.” He sighed deeply.

Melissa came back into the waiting room and he hurried to put the tablet away so she wouldn’t see what he was looking at. “Melissa,” he said. “I was just… never mind. Is there any news about your sister?”

“She’s her usual self. Cranky, stubborn, and absolutely unwilling to accept help.” Melissa threw herself into a chair.

“Are you sure you’re describing her and not me?” Victor asked, smiling slightly. Melissa glared at him and he sighed. “I was just trying to lighten the mood, as it were. All joking aside, what can I do to help?”

“You’ve done enough.” Melissa’s eyes were very narrow.

Victor put on his best poker face. “Whatever do you mean?”

Melissa lowered her voice. “I haven’t said anything to Mom and I’m not going to, not until Sarah is out of the woods, if she ever is. But I’m not stupid, Victor. I figured out a long time ago that it wasn’t a coincidence that Sarah was mugged right after she crossed you. The only thing I can’t figure out is why.”

“Why what?” Victor continued to keep his face neutral.

“Why you would hire someone to mug Sarah. I mean, I know she wasn’t nice to you. She wasn’t nice to any of us. But that’s beneath you, so there has to be some other reason.”

“Hire someone to mug Sarah?” Victor said. “You must be out of your mind with grief.”

“Maybe,” Melissa said, “or maybe I don’t have the same rose-colored blinders that Mom wears around me.” She crossed her arms. “If you really wanted to help, you’d go home and be with Philiip. He actually wants you around.”

“Your mother does too,” Victor said, “and I don’t think she’d appreciate you throwing around baseless accusations no matter how upset you are about Sarah’s condition.”

“I’m not so sure they’re baseless, but whatever. Sarah’s the same as ever, so I guess your plan didn’t do her any harm. But that’s not saying a lot.”

“No, it isn’t.” Victor opened his tablet again, watching Melissa out of the corner of his eye to see what she’d do. After a second, he put the tablet down. “I did it to help her,” he said under his breath.

“Help her? How in the world - “

“She had to hit rock bottom. I’ve heard Maggie say that enough times and every time she’s been right. Anyway, she was headed there to begin with, I just accelerated her fall so she can get to the people patting her on the shoulder and congratulating her on going to her first meeting phase sooner.”

Melissa’s lips curled with disgust. “So you mugged her so she’d get scared into quitting drinking? Victor! She could have been killed.”

“That is a charming imitation of your mother, but you are overreacting. Sarah was not in any danger. I made sure of that. I wanted her to get knocked out in the hopes it would knock some sense into that thick skull of hers! No more, no less.”

Melissa crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows at him.

“What?” Victor said. “It’s the God’s honest truth.”

“No,” Melissa said. “The God’s honest truth is that Philip needs you and you’re too busy playing God with my sister’s life to care. If I were you, I’d just fly home now. That might convince me you actually have a heart.”

“I assure you, I do. But your mother needs me right now, like it or not, and I suspect if you dig deep into the scariest, darkest recesses of your mind, you will find that you need me too.”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” Melissa hesitated. “When I was married to Pete, I learned a lot about how to be devious. So I don’t feel guilty about this, exactly, since it’s for a good cause. Two good causes, actually. One is that it gets you away from me and the other - “

“Get to the point, woman! What the hell are you trying to say?”

“Philip needs you,” Melissa said again, “and if you fly back tonight I’ll be extra careful not to let it slip to Mom that the same man offering her all this comfort over Sarah’s condition is the man who put her in the hospital in the first place.”



Julie made the rounds, telling everyone, “If you want to stay and watch the fireworks, you’re welcome to. We’re close enough to the Square that you can see them in the distance.” She offered people blankets in case they wanted to sit on the grass to do that.

When she got to Rafe and Nicole, she looked Rafe up and down and said, “Even you, I suppose.”

“Thanks, I think,” Rafe said. He took the blanket Julie handed him. “Talk about a warm welcome, huh?” he said to Nicole.

“This is nothing,” Nicole said. “Stick with me, you’ll see what being the town pariah’s all about.”

Rafe frowned. “People still giving you a hard time over what you did to Eric all those years ago?”

“Nah, they can find more recent nonsense to be judgmental about. I can’t tell you what, mostly because I don’t listen to gossip, even when it’s about me.”

“Good,” Rafe said, “cause anyone who sees you as less than the most gorgeous woman in Salem needs their eyes checked.” He patted the blanket as Nicole reddened. “Come on. Let’s watch the show together.”

“Watch the show?” Nicole said. “I thought I WAS the show.” She smiled slightly as she took her wine glass off the table and sat down next to Rafe, leaning against him as he put his arm around her.

“Nice clear night,” Rafe said. He rubbed Nicole’s shoulders. “When I was a kid I loved lookin’ at the night sky. Mami said once that the stars were so far away that what you were lookin’ at happened already 10 or 20 or even a hundred years ago. It was like time traveling, looking up at at that sky, and I’ll tell you a secret.”

“I’m good at keeping those,” Nicole said.

“I know you are.” Rafe kissed the top of her head. “When my dad left I was way too old to be thinking like that anymore, but I used to stare at the sky and pretend he went off to one of those planets and that’s why it was gonna be so damn long before we saw him again.”

Nicole patted his hand. “You pretended your dad was up in the stars while I wished I could send mine there, get him the hell away from me.”

“Yeah. Almost makes me sorry there isn’t time travel. I’d go back in time and stop him from messing with you.”

Nicole shrugged. “They say your worst experiences make you who you are.”

“Nah. It’s your best ones that do that.” Rafe hugged Nicole, stroking her hair. “Enough of this heavy talk. You and me are sitting here watching a clear night sky, about to see some fireworks. What do you say we - “

Just then, Sydney came running up. “MOMMY NICOLE!”

Rafe and Nicole exchanged glances as they pulled apart.



“It was a nice party, wasn’t it?” Valerie said to David as they walked towards the car.

“It was,” David agreed. “By the way, I have something to show you both when we get home. My mother and brother put together a photo album for us. It’s full of pictures of my childhood and of my mother’s childhood, and there’s space for us to put our own photos in. Maybe we can make a family project out of that.”

Hannah’s eyes lit up. “Can I see it now?”

“Daddy said when we get home,” Valerie said. She pressed the button to unlock the doors. “Anyway, how did you like the party?”

“It was fine til we had to leave,” Hannah said. “I still don’t see why -”

“Don’t start,” Valerie said. “The rules are the rules, baby, no matter how unfair they are you have to follow them.”

Hannah’s eyes flashed. “I didn’t get in trouble because I didn’t follow the rules!” She pulled the back door open, hard.

“Be gentle with that,” Valerie told her. “The car’s old, it can’t take you beating it up.” She frowned as Hannah threw herself into the back seat. “What in the world is going on next door?”

Hannah turned and looked. There was a police car parked next door and two cops were leading a woman out of her house in handcuffs, a white woman with a round face and a hard look in her eyes.

Hannah stared at the top of the police car.

The cops practically threw her against the police car. “Get your hands on the roof and spread your legs!” one of them shouted. “NOW!”

Hannah slammed her hands onto the roof of the car, frustrated.

Her eyes widened and she said, “Who cares? Can we go already?”

“She’s Julie’s neighbor,” Valerie said. “We really ought to - “

“No, we ought not to,” David said. “My mother minds enough of other people’s business without getting into this woman’s. Besides, we have Hannah’s curfew to think about.”

“Right,” Valerie said. She handed David the car keys. “I had two glasses of wine, maybe you’d better drive.”

David nodded. He started the car as the cops opened the back door of the police car. The woman turned her head. Her eyes met Hannah’s for a second and Hannah wasn’t sure if she mouthed something or if it was her imagination. All she knew was she could feel pure hatred coming from her.

“Hurry up, Daddy!” Hannah said. “Let’s get out of here.”

“It won’t do for us to be seen speeding away from a police car,” David said.. “Relax, darling, the cops aren’t interested in us, all we have to do is stay calm so we keep it that way.” He clicked his seatbelt into place before he pulled away from the curb.

Hannah bit her lip, not wanting to say anything, but her eyes were wide with fear.


In a deserted warehouse, Paula was scrunched against the wall, hugging her knees to her chest. She had just taken a hit of cocaine and it was making her feel paranoid.

Paula ran through the woods, three cops chasing after her. The cops’ commands echoed through the forest. “Stop...stop...stop. Police...police...police....”

She ducked behind a tree as the cops closed in on her. Time seemed to freeze. She felt like the world was turning backwards, it was weird. Then the cops kept going, right past the tree she was hidden behind, and were gone.

She pushed herself further against the wall. “Shouldn’t have messed with that little girl,” she mumbled, barely able to speak because of the way the cocaine hit her brain. “But she was tied to that asshole reporter, one who wants to ruin things for - “

The door rattled like someone was trying to open it. Paula gasped, staring at it.

“Paula?” The voice was distorted, but it sounded like Mama. “I know you’re in there, baby, let me in.”

Paula reached for her crack pipe. All of a sudden, she began shaking uncontrollably. That happened sometimes, she tried to tell herself. “I’m not gonna die,” she mumbled. “I’m too tough for all that.”

But by the time Wanda had thrown herself against the door, busting it open, Paula was passed out on the floor. Wanda gasped. She knelt down and felt for a pulse. Then she pulled out her phone.

A few minutes later, Wanda was in her car, far enough away she wouldn’t get caught. She watched through her binoculars as an ambulance pulled up to the warehouse. She watched til she was sure they were loading Paula into the ambulance and that Paula was alive. Then she made another call.

“Alan, it’s me,” she whispered. “I need your help. Paula overdosed and she's on her way to the hospital but if they figure out who she is the three of us are sunk."

[lumiforeverandalways]

Good chap

[André DiMera]

While I agree that Philip does need Victor, so does Maggie. And Melissa is only saying this for less than pure reasons. I’m not surprised she doesn’t trust Victor, though.

That was a sweet scene between Nicole and Rafe! I loved them talking about their parents. Even though I’m glad Nicole and Sydney are gonna spend time together, it kinda sucks that Sydney unintentionally stopped what looked like a moment.

I don’t blame Hannah for being scared. I’m glad the cops were arresting that idiotic woman!

Honestly, I hope the cops figure out exactly who Paula is and that she, Wanda and Thorpe get exactly what they deserve.

Can we please have previews, heroicmuse?

[heroicmuse]

Thank you André DiMera, Kpatch, and lumiforeverandalways for your comments this week!

I had a lot of fun writing the 4th of July/Paige's birthday party scenes, but all good things must come to an end and the party ends next week, but the drama continues. Here's a sneak peek.

Coming Up on Breaking Ties



Hannah is excited to see the photo album David got from Julie, and she comes up with an idea that combines her love of filmmaking with her desire to learn more about her dad’s family. And even better, David tells her he is planning on staying in Salem for a long time. But her mood quickly plummets when Valerie again blames Hannah’s old friend Nat for Hannah having been arrested and she loses her temper with her mother. Somewhere in the middle of their war of words, Hannah accuses Valerie of paying far too much attention to Abe, and an incensed Valerie sends her daughter to her room to think about treating her with more respect. Valerie is eager to talk to David about how to handle Hannah’s behavior, but an insecure David first wants to know if there’s any truth to the suggestion that Valerie has feelings for Abe.

Valerie does her best to reassure David that there is nothing going on between her and Abe, but she and David end up arguing while an upset Hannah listens from her room and wonders if she’s to blame for her parents’ inability to get along.

JJ and Paige have a much happier evening, as they decide on a private, intimate celebration of her birthday in their bedroom. After making love, they feel closer than ever, but when Hannah texts Paige to complain about her parents, Paige is worried and cuts the after-sex cuddling with JJ short to try to comfort her friend. JJ knows his cousin needs Paige right now and does his best not to be upset, but will Paige again get overly involved in someone else’s problems to the detriment of her health...and her relationship with JJ?

Meanwhile, Hannah isn’t the only one dealing with a major conflict, as Abe has to try to explain his complicated perspective on Roman’s behavior and Roman’s feelings are hurt. Abe does his best to reassure his old friend that he doesn’t consider him a racist even though he’s not sure that race didn’t play into Roman’s decisions on some level. When their conversation is cut short by Abe being called away on official business, Roman offers an olive branch: an offer to look after Theo until Abe returns. Will Abe take it, and will their friendship survive Roman’s part in Hannah’s arrest?

Across the lawn, Sydney is excited that Rafe and Nicole are together, though they are less so when they realize that Sami doesn’t know -- and they would prefer her youngest daughter not be the one to blurt it out. The couple sneaks in a few more seconds of alone time after sending Sydney to get herself a soda and then Nicole takes Sydney home for the evening. When Nicole tucks Sydney in at bedtime, Sydney confides in her that she wishes EJ wasn’t her dad. Sydney claims it’s because she has a crush on her cousin Theo, but is that the whole story? In any case, the pre-teen is crushed when Nicole tells her there’s no possibility that EJ isn’t her father and becomes determined to prove her wrong, but is she just dreaming of something that can never come true?

Lucas talks to Chase and Ciara about being kind to Allie. He expects them to respect her special needs and not make fun of her, and warns them that he and Sami are not going to take it lying down if they hear about any bullying. After Lucas goes, Ciara tells Chase that it’s super obvious he has a crush on Allie and that Lucas will never accept it, but is she right? Later, Chase is disappointed when Hope tells him he can’t watch a movie with Ciara, Claire, and Allie and doubly so when Allie doesn’t join Claire in standing up for him. A heartbroken Chase goes to play checkers with Aiden, who offers him some fatherly advice about how to proceed, but will Chase take it?

Meanwhile, at home Lucas and Sami prepare for an evening alone together, but Sami tells Lucas that Johnny is still causing trouble and in fact she locked him in his room earlier. Lucas and Sami decide to go ahead with their date even though Lucas is concerned about this latest development, but they don’t know that Johnny is trying desperately to find a way out of his room so he can run away altogether…

Elsewhere in Salem, Philip and Chloe get a surprise as they are about to leave for the hospital with Charley, while in Nashville Melissa is disappointed in Victor’s response to her attempt to blackmail him but the two declare a truce… for now. And at Salem University Hospital, Kayla informs Abe that they have a Jane Doe who nearly died of a drug overdose, while in the parking lot Thorpe and his girlfriend plot to stop Paula from going to jail and taking them down with her.

[lumiforeverandalways]

Cant wait for the stuff with Chase and Allie or the Lumi scenes