Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 240,819 times)

[André DiMera]

I’m glad J.J. pointed out that it’s possible to change, and that he’s proof of that. Wonder what he’ll say about Jeremy’s question.

This is a very complicated situation Alison and Emily are in. Glad Alison’s calling Nicole.

Glad Samira told Dani the truth.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 484 - 4
The weather was unusually warm for the middle of March, so Paige had taken Mariposa for a walk through the park. She was holding her tightly by the hand so that she couldn’t run off as they cut through the grass.

“Paige!” Eve called, coming in the other direction, holding a bunch of shopping bags.

“Gwama E!” Mariposa said, pulling against Paige’s hand because she wanted to run to Eve.

“You can’t let go of my hand when we’re in public,” Paige told her firmly. “It’s not safe.” She picked Mariposa up because it was easier than trying to get her to walk at a normal pace toward Eve.

“There’s my beautiful little granddaughter,” Eve said after she hugged Paige. “May I?”

“Please,” Paige said. “She’s practically jumping out of my arms to get to you as it is.” As she handed Mariposa to Eve, she added, “I see you’ve been shopping.”

“You know me, I can’t resist a sale,” Eve said, “and the stores around here will take any excuse to give us one. Barron’s was having an after-St. Patrick’s Day sale so I just had to buy myself some clothes, and I found the cutest little outfits for this little girl ere. Though I suppose I should try to pull Marlena Evans away from her busy schedule to go dress shopping sooner rather than later, even if I don’t know exactly when the wedding will be.”

“I don’t think anyone’s exactly in the mood for celebrating,” Paige said. “Doug Williams’ death is a big deal and we’re not past the funeral yet.”

“I’m aware. I’m not trying to be selfish, regardless of what you think of me.” Eve bounced Mariposa up and down. Mariposa giggled while Paige glared at her mother.

“I don’t think that,” Paige said. “I just don’t want you to be too anxious to set your date, you know? Let everyone mourn Doug first.”

“Oh I will, believe me. Eric’s helping plan the funeral so I don’t exactly have a choice.” Eve rubbed Mariposa’s back. “But before I change the subject, what would you think about letting Ericka walk this little girl down the aisle and help her distribute the flowers?”


Harris had made Ruby and Jade come out in the living room to talk to Abe. They sat on the couch across from him, their hands in their laps, while Harris closed the blinds so no one who passed by could see they were talking to a cop.

“Relax, girls,” Abe said. “Neither of you is in trouble. I’m here to help, not to take anyone to jail.”

“I’ve explained that to them,” Harris said, coming back. “Ruby’s especially nervous because she’s on probation, and this… waste of space is trying to force her back into a life of crime.”

“Well, that’s why I’m here, to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Abe said. “Tell me exactly what Olive said, Ruby.”

Ruby blinked hard. She was tired of repeating Olive’s threats over and over. “She called from jail,” she said, trying to stall, “a-and she said there was only one way to get the Fire Lions to forgive me for not killing Jess, or whatever her real name was. You know, the undercover cop.”

Abe nodded, aware he couldn’t slip up and give them Joy’s real name. “I know who you are talking about. But go on. What did she want you to do?”

“It was like a ransom request but different,” Jade said. “Ruby told me that Olive said to sneak out to the park after 11 tonight and get some papers taped to the underside of the bench on the south side.”

“Is that what she said, Ruby?” Abe asked.

Ruby nodded. “She said there are two girls who she wants to keep their mouths shut about her friend and I’d find instructions about what to do to make that happen.” Her eyes widened. “I don’t want to do it, Mr. Carver, I swear I don’t.”

“I believe you,” Abe said. “Did she make any specific threats about what she would do to you if you didn’t do what she asked?”

Ruby shook her head. “She just said if I don’t the Fire Lions will put their target back on my back.” She blinked hard. “And she said if I talked to the cops she’d know.” She wasn’t sure that had really happened, but it sounded like something Olive would say, so she went with it.”

Harris said, “I’m thinking a sting operation. Get someone else to get those papers and set something up so the people behind this get caught.”

“That could get complicated, depending on what they’re pushing Ruby to do,” Abe said, “and it could be dangerous. But I do agree that is the best way to catch these people.” He crossed his arms. “She didn’t give you any more information than that, Ruby?”

Ruby shook her head.

Jade said, “I told her I’d go in her place and if you guys arrested me, so be it.”

“Very noble of you,” Harris said, “but no one in this house is getting arrested tonight. Right, Commissioner?”

“Of course not,” Abe said,”but that does give me an idea.” He crossed his arms. “This could put you in the line of fire, Jade, and I don’t want you to agree to anything without being aware of the risks. But how would you feel about being used as bait to catch Olive’s accomplices?”

[André DiMera]

Wonder what Paige will say.

So glad Jade and Ruby are being honest and telling Abe everything. Wonder if Jade will agree to be bait.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

I hope Paige says yes to Erica being co-flower girl with Mari. It's Eve's wedding after all.

[heroicmuse]

Week 484 - 5
Horowitz had met Joy outside the Campus Security office. “Commissioner wants me to help you with the presentations,” she said. “I think you should do most of the talking since you’re closer in age to most of the people you’ll be talking to. Are you clear on what you’re saying?”

“Clear as I’m going to be,” Joy said, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Where are we going first?”

“Grayson Hall,” Horowitz said. “It’s a freshman dorm, so that’s where the most vulnerable students are going to be. We want to make sure they understand how these gangs operate and the kind of recruitment techniques they might use as well as the enhanced security procedures at the dorms and how to keep themselves safe.”

“Right.” Joy bit her lip. “Do you really think the Fire Lions are going to strike here?”

“I don’t know. Right now, they’re focused on trying to intimidate the witnesses against their leader out of testifying in court. But when that fails—which it will, no doubt about it—they’re gonna want to cause as much chaos as possible, get everyone all scared and riled up in the hopes that the city’ll let their girl go to stop the violence. So we have to be prepared for anything.”

Joy nodded, recalling what the Fire Lions had tried to do to Ruby. “Is Ruby Michaels safe?” she asked. “I’d bet anything they’d try to scare her into rejoining them.”

“Commissioner’s taking care of that. Now you gotta get your head in the game here, so take a minute and take some deep breaths and let’s focus on the presentation we have to give, all right?”

Joy swallowed hard as they walked into the building.


Dani had met Alison and Emily in the hallway as she headed to the meeting room.

“Did you find anything out about what this is all about?” Alison asked. Emily had her hands scrunched in her pockets and was hunched over, too nervous to join the conversation.

“Not very much,” Dani said. “Samira said something about gang activity. There’s some bigshot going on trial who’d rather commit more crimes than face up to what she’s already done.”

“Yeah, that’s what I got from my boss too,” Alison said. She shuddered. “I had a run in with the Fire Lions a couple years ago and it wasn’t pretty.” She put her hand over her stomach. “Let’s just say they’re the reason I can’t have kids.”

Dani’s eyes widened. “They did something to you?”

Alison nodded. “I don’t like to talk about it, but yeah. I was waiting for a train to Chicago and, um, they beat me pretty savagely cause I only had $20 on me for them to steal.”

Dani’s heart pounded. “So it’s really not safe downtown,” she said, her voice flat. “I have court-ordered AA and I want to go, but if it’s gonna get me killed…”

“I’m sure it’s not that bad.” Alison patted Dani’s hand. “Especially not if you have witnesses. I’ll go with you, if you want.”

Dani reddened. “Really? But you’re not… are you?”

“My brother is, so close enough Besides, I want to help you.”

Emily’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe I’ll come too,” she said.

Dani didn’t know what that was all about, but she didn’t ask. Maybe after seeing how hard she was trying to stay sober, Emily would forgive her for whatever it was she’d done that she was angry about.

The girls took the elevator downstairs to the meeting room. Dani wasn’t sure if she was welcome to sit with Alison and Emily, but she guessed so since they’d all walked in together.

As she sank into her seat, the cops that were helping to give the presentation walked in. Dani’s eyes widened as a young cop walked in. The young cop was in uniform, but not wearing a cap, and she had long, red hair.

The young cop turned toward the audience and Dani saw her face clearly.

It was the girl she’d seen in the hospital that she’d doubted she’d ever cross paths with again.


Eric shook hands with Father Joe, who was a tall man with white hair and glasses. For a second, Eric’s heart ached for Father Matt. Although it had been almost a decade since Father Matt’s death, he still missed him sometimes, and he was sure Father Matt would have allowed Father Louis to perform the funeral in the church regardless of his status. Father Matt had not been above bending the rules for a good cause.

“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” Eric said, forcing himself to stop thinking about Father Matt.

“Of course,” Father Joe said, smiling gently. “What can I do for you, my child?”

Eric winced internally, hoping he didn’t show it on his face. He wasn’t fond of the style of priesthood that called everyone ‘my son’. He had a father, and it was not this man.

“I have a favor to ask of you,” he said. “As you know, Doug Williams passed away not that long ago. He was close with Father Louis, which makes Father Louis the ideal person to officiate his funeral.”

“I see.” Father Joe sighed. “I trust you are aware of the circumstances under which Father Louis left St. Lukes?”

“That is why I am here.” Eric crossed his arms. “I know it’s not the way the church usually operates, but Julie Williams needs a church service for her husband and she wants Father Louis to do it. We’d be happy to do the service in the garden so that he doesn’t have to set foot in the building. If we do that, is there any way you could let us have the memorial here despite Father Louis’ past?”


In a hotel room somewhere, Nat was talking to someone else. The person gave her pictures of Allie.

“That girl?” Nat said. “She shot a couple of enforcers when they tried to use her and her friend as insurance. She’d never be one of us.”

“Maybe, maybe not. We have a common enemy,” the other person said quietly. “She hates Ruby Michaels as much as you do. So maybe we can get her to work with us to get revenge.”

Nat frowned. “I doubt it. How about you just stand by and wait for my instructions and I think about how we’re going to make sure the Fire Lions stay strong no matter what our enemies throw at us?”

The other person left the room. Nat looked at the photos of Allie, thinking.

[Kpatch]

Thinking? What exactly is Nat thinking about Allie. Enquiring minds want to know!

Hoping Father Joe will make an exception but it may not be his decision to make.

[André DiMera]

I’m sure Joy will do well with making the announcement.

Emily’s definitely jealous! So glad Dani ran into Joy again!

I hope Father Joe agrees.

Wonder who Nat was talking to. Either way, I doubt they’ll get Allie to join them.

Can we please have previews, heroicmuse?

[krw627]

Considering most Catholic churches only allow you to get married in the building and not on the grounds because "it's not God's house" I can't imagine there's be a problem.

Dani needs to focus on her sobriety, not every cute girl that crosses her path.

Allie's not that far gone, I hope.

[heroicmuse]

Thank you André DiMera, Kpatch, and krw627 for your comments this week!


Exciting week coming up. Check below for spoilers.

Coming Up on Breaking Ties...
Harris isn't happy with the idea of Jade using herself as bait. He wants both his nieces safe and sound at home. Jade is upset because she wants to do something to protect Ruby, unlike in the past when she was in jail. Abe comes up with a compromise, but will it be enough to stop the Fire Lions in their tracks? And things take an urgent turn when he gets a message from Shawn about some strange messages Allie has received...

Meanwhile, Dani struggles to focus on the presentation and not on Joy, especially after Horowitz has to leave so Joy is running the whole meeting herself.

Elsewhere in Salem, Paige gives Eve an answer, Eric gets one from Father Joe, and Claire begins thinking about her future while Salem gets ready to say their final goodbyes to Doug.

[André DiMera]

Hopefully Abe can figure something out. Wonder what the messages are.

While it’s important that Dani focus on the meeting, I hope she gets to properly meet Joy.

Looking forward to hearing Paige and Father Joe’s answers. Wonder what Claire’s thinking.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 485 - 1

“That was… something, huh?” JJ said, wrapping his hands around his coffee cup. He frowned as Jeremy nodded slightly. “You okay, man?”

Jeremy shrugged. “It’s not like Stephanie didn’t say anything I haven’t said to myself. What I did to her was horrible and I don’t expect her to ever forgive me for it. I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself.”

“I get it.” JJ took a sip of his coffee.

“Do you?” Jeremy sighed deeply. “I mean, like she said, I’m not that far removed from the asshole who messed your sister up so…”

“Yeah, except that guy’s sitting in a jail cell plotting how he’s gonna get her back if he ever gets out. He’s not sorry about anything except that he got caught.” JJ’s eyes narrowed. “It was six years ago and I remember it like yesterday, her car in pieces on the road and her lying there unconscious. The bastard got away without a scratch on him but my sister, it’s taken this long for her to be anywhere close to what she used to be.”

“I know.” Jeremy sighed. “That’s why I figured you’d be done with me after what Stephanie said. It could have easily gone the same way. It’s just dumb luck it didn’t.” He stared into space. “I don’t even remember it, honestly. I remember a buzzing in my ears and seeing red and then I remember realizing her head was under the water and if I didn’t let her go she was gonna drown.”

JJ nodded. “I actually do hget that, more than you know. When I broke that window it was the same thing. Something just snapped inside me and I didn’t know what I was doing, not really. I mean, there was a part of me that was watching me and telling me to stop but I couldn’t listen.”

Jeremy raised his eyebrows. “And you’re cool with yourself?” He looked away as JJ’s eyes narrowed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean that like, judgmental. What I really meant was, how did you forgive yourself for it? Cause the only thing I can do is not think about it, and that’s kind of hard when I’ve got a new girlfriend I want to be a lot better to and an ex who throws what I did in my face every chance she gets.”

JJ took another sip of his coffee. “Therapy helped, I guess. I mean, my shrink got me to see it happened cause I was stuffing down my anger for so long I just exploded and understanding how I got so messed up made me feel less like it was just something wrong with my brain. And having good people around me who loved me despite what I’d done, that made me able to love myself too, you know?”

“Yeah, I guess I see that.” Jeremy sighed. “I guess I gotta get used to leaning on other people, huh? No way around it, gotta stop worrying about bothering everyone and reach out.” He sighed deeply. “I’ll call Eric and move up my next appointment.”

“”Cool,” JJ said. “And Aiden too, you gotta get your situation straightened out so you can get that electrician job you want.”

“Right.” Jeremy picked up his phone, his eyes wide. He wished he knew why he was so freaked out by something as simple as calling his lawyer.


Harris said, “Hold up a sec. You’re saying you should use my niece instead of a UC?”

“Not instead of. In addition to.” Abe crossed his arms. “The Fire Lions are expecting Ruby to pick up whatever it is they’re taping to the bottom of the bench. Obviously, we are not going to allow her to do that. But Jade looks enough like her sister that she could do it without arousing suspicion.”

“Why not me, then?” Ruby said. “This is my mess, and like you said, they’re expecting me.”

“How about… no?” Harris said. “To either of you getting involved with this? Come on, Commissioner, I didn’t call you down here so you can put my girls in danger.”

“I understand,” Abe said. “It was just a thought. We’ll find another way.”

Jade’s eyes narrowed. “Wait. I’m over 18, so why isn’t up to me?”

“Jade…” Harris said.

“Please?” Jade’s voice shook. “Look, I’ve screwed things up not just for myself, but for Ruby, okay? I-if I’d been around, if I hadn’t been in jail myself… maybe Olive wouldn’t have got her claws in her in the first place. I was supposed to protect her, but I acted like an idiot and got myself arrested and she paid the price. I can’t go back, okay, I can’t stop myself from acting out and doing horrible things that the girls I hurt will never recover from or from failing Ruby when she needed me most. But I can do something for her now. I can protect her the way I should have been doing all along. So please, Uncle Harris, I know you want to protect me, but please let me do this. Let me be a decent sister for once.”

[André DiMera]

If anyone knows what Jeremy’s going through, it’s J.J. Glad they’re becoming close and talking about stuff. J.J. gave good advice.

It’s nice that Jade wants to protect Ruby. Wonder what Harris will say.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

I like how protective Harris is of his nieces ("my girls").

[heroicmuse]

Week 485 - 2

Father Joe sighed as he pushed his glasses further up on his nose. “This is not a simple situation. Father Louis did not leave this parish of his own volition. As you know, he was a troubled soul whose behavior reflected poorly on the church.”

“Does it?” Eric’s voice rose slightly. “Or was he following the example set by our Lord, offering compassion and help to someone who desperately needed it, someone who society had turned its back on? There are many people who rejected our Lord too, many who thought He was bringing shame to their holy places. That is why He said no man is a prophet in his hometown. But in the end, He was following God’s word and we are called to be like Him, not like the Pharisees that mocked and betrayed him.”

“You certainly have a lot of passion for this cause,” Father Joe remarked.

“Of course I do,” Eric said. “Doug Williams loved this church and he loved Father Louis. I believe we should honor his life in the way he would have wanted rather than allow human judgment, which is fallible, to get in the way. And we should have consideration for the wife he left behind after over 50 years of marriage, the brokenhearted widow who would be comforted by holding his funeral in the church garden. Do we want her to feel the church is cold and unfeeling and cares nothing for her pain? We are not even asking to be inside the building, so I fail to see what the problem is.”

Father Joe took a sip of his water. “It is not that simple.  Because Father Louis was fired from this parrish, I would not be able to give you the permission you seek without getting special disposition from the archbishop, even to use only the grounds. I doubt that is something that could happen any time soon. However, what I can offer you is prayer. You know better than almost anyone how powerful a tool that is.”

“I do,” Eric said. “I too, pray this be resolved quickly and fairly.”

Father Joe nodded. As Eric stood, Father Joe said, “By the way, you did leave your vocation willingly, did you not?”

Eric hesitated, then said, “Yes. It was not a decision I took lightly, I assure you. But it is all in the past and it’s clear to me that God intended me to follow a different path. I am getting married and will be setting a date once the dust has settled from this funeral.”

“Congratuations, my son.” Father Joe smiled slightly. “It seems to me that since you left the church on good terms, the Archbishop would not object if I were to allow you to officiate the funeral yourself on church grounds.”

Eric raised his eyebrows. “Are you saying what I think you are saying?”

Father Joe took his time drinking some more water. “I am not sure what you think I am saying. But what I see clearly is a crossroads. On the one hand, you could choose to officiate this ceremony and receive immediate approval from the church to hold it in the garden. On the other, you could insist on Father Louis officiating and wait to see what the archbishop says about this proposal. Pray on it and let me know what you decide.”


Paige said to Eve, “Mariposa would make an adorable flower girl, wouldn’t she?”

“Oh, she would,” Eve said, smiling. “I can just see her in a little dress and those shoes, what do you call them, the black leather ones with a strap? And Erica would be so excited to take her by the hand and walk her down the aisle. She adores her little cousin, you know, and she’d be so honored to help her. And she’d be gentle, I swear she would. She wouldn’t walk too fast or anything like that.”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t,” Paige said. “We’d make sure during the rehearsals.”

“Does that mean you’re saying yes?” Eve’s eyes were wide and her voice was soft.

“As long as it’s not at the same time as Jennifer and Daniel’s wedding,” Paige said, “because they’ll need a flower girl too.”

Eve’s jaw tightened but she said, “Of course not. You tell Jennifer that we’ll be setting a date soon and then she can set hers around ours.”

“Right,” Paige said. “Well, we’d really better go. It’s almost time for Mariposa’s nap.”

“Give me one more second.” Eve touched Paige’s arm affectionately. “Now that that question’s settled, I need to ask you something else. I need a maid of honor, you see, and there’s no one I’d rather have besides my beautiful daughter.”

[Kpatch]

I don't think Jennifer is going to work around Eve's plans. Maybe the other way around.

That's a great solution for Doug's service. Even if it's not Father Louis, I am sure Doug and Julie would approve of Eric officiating.