Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 239,941 times)

[Kpatch]

Wonder what Mike is calling about.

[heroicmuse]

Thank you André DiMera and Kpatch for your comments this week.

Very excited for next week, especially some news about Mike.

Coming Up on Breaking Ties ...

The fight to stop the Fire Lions is heating up with the cops questioning Allie and Ciara about those messages, Rafe and Will trying to warn Ari, and Roman and Abe discussing their next move.

Allie and Ciara are not happy to have to talk to the police or that Claire told Shawn about the messages, but Shawn makes it clear that there will be consequences if either of them picks on his daughter. Later, Ciara says they will forgive Claire on one condition...

Meanwhile, Ari is upset that Will thinks she'd ever join a gang, though the conversation sheds light on the bullying she's experiencing at school.

Elsewhere, Harris seeks help after his concerns about Ruby continue.

Finally, Mike tells Jeremy he is coming to Salem and JJ hopes it isn't a mistake after he tells Jennifer about Steve and Stephanie's attitude toward Jeremy.

[André DiMera]

Glad the cops are talking to Ciara and Allie, even if they aren’t. Wonder what the condition for them forgiving Claire is.

Thank goodness Ari opens up about being bullied at school.

Wonder who Harris will talk to.

Can’t wait to see Mike again! Wonder how Jennifer will react to what J.J. tells her.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

I too am looking forward to Mike's visit. I hope Mike and Steve interact. That should be interesting.

[heroicmuse]

Week 488 - 1
Ari said, “Wow. You really think that little of me that you think I’d join a gang?”

“No,” Will said, “I don’t. But sometimes gang members pretend to be kids’ friends, especially kids who have had a rough time in life.”

“Your dad is right,” Rafe said, coming into the room. “That’s how Ruby Michaels got sucked in.”

“Who’s that?” Ari asked.

“Girl just a little older than you,” Rafe said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. “She had it even rougher than you. Her mom was dead and her dad was no good, and the only person she could trust was her sister, but she went to jail.”

“And that made Ruby very lonely and scared,” Will said, “so when some people who were in this gang called the Fire Lions acted like they were her friends and would give her everything she needed she fell for it, and pretty soon they were telling her that she had to rob someone at gunpoint as a test, so she ended up holding up your cousin Ciara.”

“Well, that was dumb,” Ari said. “Why did she listen to them?”

“That’s complicated,” Rafe said. “Like I said, the girl that recruited her pretended to be her best friend. Gave her food and gifts, compliments too. Told her she was worth more than the way she was being treated and that she knew how to help her feel better. Problem is, by the time she realized what they wanted her to do was hurt other people, it was too late to get out cause the gang had given her so much stuff that if she didn’t do what they said they’d hurt her to get it back.”

“So?” Ari crossed her arms. “I mean, it sucks, but that has nothing to do with me. I wouldn’t fall for something like that and if someone tried to make me do something I don’t want to do they’d be sorry.”

Rafe and Will exchanged glances. Rafe said, “You’re just like your mama, that’s for sure. But your mama, she got tricked by someone too. His name was Nick Fallon and he hurt her real bad.”

“That’s the man Mama killed,” Ari said. “That’s why she was in jail for a long time.”

“That’s right,” Will said. “See, Nick hurt her very badly, and she was afraid that he would keep hurting her or even worse, that he would hurt you. So she felt the only way to keep everyone safe was if she got a gun and shot him dead.”

Ari swallowed hard. “Was Nick in a gang?”

“I don’t think so,” Will said, “but the point is — “

“Well, I’m not going to join any gang, so this conversation has no point.”

Will slapped his hands against his thighs, “Would you stop acting like you know everything and listen to us? This is very important, Ari. This is about your life, okay?

Ari scowled. “Why are you yelling at me?”

“Cause I’m scared!” Will said. “Last summer when you almost got arrested at camp…”

“I didn’t almost get arrested! I got kicked out!”

“They wanted to press charges, Ari,” Rafe said. “That’s why you had to have a lawyer.”

Ari swallowed hard. “I didn’t almost go to jail. I didn’t!”

Will put his hand on her shoulder but she pulled away. “I’m not gonna join a stupid gang, and I hate that you think I’m the kind of bad person who would do something like that.”

“I don’t,” Will said. “What I’m trying to tell you is to be very careful of new people who try to befriend you. Some people will act like they’re your friends when they want to hurt you and you need to know the difference between a real friend and someone who is giving you all sorts of things to make it hard for you to escape once they turn evil.”

Ari reddened. She looked away from Will, embarrassed, and mumbled, “I can tell the difference.”

“Hope so,” Rafe said. “We’d appreciate it if you’d stop talking back and listen for a few minutes so we can tell you what to watch out for. Will you do that, please?”

Ari’s face trembled. “Okay. But only cause you asked.”

Rafe ruffled her hair, but then his face got serious. “All right,” he said. “Listen closely.”



Ruby was sitting at her desk, staring at her phone and thinking about Olive’s earlier call and Harris promising to protect her. Her eyes filled with tears.

“Olive better not take my new life away from me,” she said to herself. “I hope she didn’t mean it about the Fire Lions going after me if I don’t cooperate. She sighed.

Harris knocked on the door. “You decent?” he called.

“Y-yeah,” Ruby said. She put her phone down and took a deep breath, hoping Harris couldn’t see how close she was to tears.

Harris came in. “It’s gettin’ late,” he said, “so you need to finish up whatever you’re working on and get ready for bed, okay?”

“K,” Ruby said. She swallowed hard. “Did the police catch whoever is helping Olive?”

“Not yet,” Harris said, “but they will. If they don’t soon, I’ll go down there and offer to help them. Seems to me some of the skills I picked up in the Navy would work just as well for gang detection.” Ruby shrugged and Harris said, “Hey, don’t worry, okay? I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.”

“I know.” Ruby sighed. “It’s just, I wish I could take back everything I did when I was trying to get in the Fire Lions.” She opened her desk drawer and took out a chain. “Um, this belongs to the girl I robbed. She begged me not to take it cause it was her grandma’s who died.”

Harris frowned. “Seems like maybe giving it back to her might be a good idea.”

“She hates me so much she wouldn’t listen for long enough for me to do it if I tried,” Ruby said, her voice flat. “She and her friends will hate me forever and that’s my fault.”

Harris sat down next to her. Ruby flinched as he put his hands on her shoulders. “Sometimes there’s not a way to apologize,” he said, “but you can still be the best person you can be from now on. Tell you what. How about I give this to Commander Carver next time I talk to him and he can give it back to the girl it belongs to?”

Ruby hesitated. “Um, will I be arrested all over again for having it?”

“Doubt it,” Harris said. “I’ll check with your lawyer first and if it’s okay with her, I’ll return it for you, okay?” Ruby nodded and Harris said, “Now you go on and brush your teeth and whatever else you girls do to get ready for bed. Things’ll look better after a good night’s sleep. They always do.”

“Hope so,” Ruby said. She got her nightgown out of her dresser drawer and went into the bathroom.

“Guess that’s my cue to get out of her way,” Harris said, shaking his head slightly. He put the necklace carefully away in his pocket and left the room.

In the hall, he texted Belle to ask her about whether Ruby could return the necklace without getting in trouble. Then he made another call.

“Sorry to call so late,” he said, keeping his voice low. “I need to see someone ASAP. Long story, but I’ve got a niece who was abused by her dad and now that she’s with me, I want to make sure I do right by her.”

[André DiMera]

Glad Rafe eventually got Ari to listen. I like how he and Will explained what Nick did to Gabi.

It’s a good idea for Harris to take the necklace to Abe so it can be returned. Wonder who he called.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

The Harris in this story is so much better than the one on air.

[heroicmuse]

Week 488 - 2
Allie and Ciara had taken out their phones and were looking at Ruby’s PalPage.

“So that’s the girl that held me up, huh?” Ciara said, staring at Ruby’s photo. “She doesn’t look nearly as scary as she did that night.”

“That’s cause she’s not holding a gun.” Allie shuddered. “I hate guns,” she said. “I’ll never forget how Nick looked after Gabi shot him a-and then when those guys held guns on me and Vicki…” She blinked hard. “I wish I hadn’t had to shoot Ruby to get out this but I couldn’t let them take Vicki somewhere…”

Ciara patted her hand. “You did the right thing. If it helps any, my mom would havce done the same thing if she’d been there.”

Allie nodded slightly, but there was a faraway look in her eyes and she couldn’t help remembering that Fire Lion, his hand over VIcki’s mouth while he pressed his gun into her side and tried to drag her away… and then the sound of a gun going off… and then Allie staring at the one in her hands and realizing she’d shot someone…

“I’m lucky there wasn’t a crazy DA who wanted to press charges against me for what I did,” she said.

Ciara said, “Aiden wouldn’t have let that happen. He would have made mincemeat out of anyone who tried.”

“I guess.” Allie sighed deeply. “Let’s just focus on putting Ruby in her place.”

“K,” Ciara said. “What did you have in mind?”

“That’s what I’d like to know,” Horowitz said, coming into the room. “What do you girls think you’re going to do to Ruby Michaels?”

Allie’s eyes darted back and forth, lighting on the cuffs hanging from Horowitz’s belt.


Rafe said, gently, “What we’re talkin’ about isn’t just about the Fir Lions, Ari. There are people in this world who love to get a smart, feisty girl like you in their trap. The Fire Lions are only one example.”

“Why?” Ari asked, twisting a lock of hair around her fingers nervously.

“They’re bullies, that’s why,” Will said, “and they see a girl as full of life as you and they want to make you feel small and weak.”

Ari swallowed hard, recalling what had happened in school on Friday.

Ari was sitting at a table in the cafeteria eating her lunch when a girl came up to her. “Hey Ari,” she said. “Elijah said to tell you he likes you.”

“Yeah, right,” Ari said.

“He does, I swear. Go talk to him.”

Ari got up slowly, not sure she believed this. She went up to Elijah’s table. He was a short kid, with light brown skin and big brown eyes, and she had to admit he was cute. He was also surrounded by a million other kids.

Ari said, “Um, so Lisa said you like me.”

Elijah snorted. “Yeah, right. As if I’d ever be into someone as ugly as you.” He and his friends all doubled over laughing.

Ari said flatly, “I know all about bullies. But they don’t trick you, really. They say mean things in front of everyone to embarrass you.” Her voice shook.

Rafe frowned. “You run into some bullies recently?”

“Every day,” Ari said sadly. “They find lots of reasons to make fun of me.”

“Like what?” Will said, crossing his arms.

“Lots of reasons,” Ari said. “But it doesn’t matter. Like I told Mama, it’ll be better next year when I go to middle school. Anyway, what did you mean about people tricking me, Tio Rafe? They don’t keep it secret they hate me.”

Rafe sighed. “There’s some people in the world who make it their mission in life to make people lose their smile. Instead of acting like bullies straight off the bat, first they act like you’re the most special person they ever met, and it’s only when they get you where they want you that they show their true colors.”

“And that’s what the Fire Lions do,” Will said. “They give you lots of expensive presents, like paying for your food, maybe giving you money to stay in a hotel, and later on they tell you that you owe them and make you do things you don’t want to do.”

Ari’s eyes were wide. “SO anyone who’s nice to me could really be a bad guy?”

“Not necessarily,” Rafe said, “but if they’re going overboard right when they met you, it’s the case.”

“Daddy Sonny and I will talk about the exact rules we want you to follow,” Will said, “but for now, if anyone gives you money or other gifts, we want you to tell us about it, even if it’s only $5 to get something from the Burger Barn stand in the cafeteria.”

“As if I could get something for that little,” Ari said.

“Not the point,” Rafe said. “Listen to your parents about this. If someone gives you money, it could be they’re being a good friend or it could be they’re trying to trap you. Comprendes?

Ari nodded. Will exchanged glances with Rafe, hoping they’d done a good enough job of getting through to her.

[André DiMera]

Allie’s definitely not over what happened, which makes sense. Wonder what she and Ciara will tell Horowitz.

Rafe and Will gave Ari good advice, hope she listens. That girl was a jerk, as was Elijah.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

I think they scared the daylights out of poor Ari.

[heroicmuse]

Week 488 - 3
“Who was that?” Chanel asked Jeremy when he got off the phone.

“My dad,” Jeremy said. “He’s coming to Salem and he wants me to pick him up at the airport.”

“That’s good news, isn’t it?” Chanel patted his hand. “I mean, you look like you’re about to die of fright but I thought you get along with him okay now.”

“I do,” Jeremy said. “It’s just out of the blue, you know? A-and if I do have to go back to Africa and turn myself in, I have no excuse for waiting, cause when my dad goes back… I could go with him and right to the police station.”

“Stop talking like that,” Chanel said. “Look, I had to turn myself in for murder and I’m walking around free, and what you did was a lot less bad. So there’s no way you’re going to have to do time in another country.”

“I hope you’re right.” Jeremy sighed deeply. “I gotta let my aunt know that my dad’s coming in and make sure she’s cool with me using her car to get him.”

“If she is, can I come with you?” Chanel asked. “Unless, you know, you’re embarrassed to introduce your dad to me.”

“Of course I”m not,” Jeremy said. “He’ll ask you about a billion questions, though, so be prepared.”

Chanel shrugged. “It’s nice you have a dad to ask. I’ve never known one, ever.”

“Your bio-mom’s not still married to your dad?"

“He died a long time ago.” Chanel sighed. “At least I have my mom now though, right? And she didn’t give me up on purpose so there’s that.”

Jeremy squeezed her hand. I can’t lose what I have here, he thought. If I can’t clear this warrant without doing time, I don’t know what I’ll do.


JJ was as quiet as possible as he opened the door to Jennifer. “Mari’s sleeping,” he whispered, “and so’s Paige.”

“I’ll be quiet, don’t worry,” Jennifer said, her voice low. “I just wanted to give you some news in person.”
JJ took her hands in his. “Everything all right?”

Jennifer nodded. “Julie set the funeral for the day after tomorrow,” she said, “so I wanted to make sure you and Paige have your calendars clear.”

“I’ll tell her,” JJ said.

Jennifer said, “You have babysitting, honey? Or are you planning on bringing Mari?”

“We hadn’t decided,” JJ said. “Tomorrow when everyone’s awake, we’ll figure it out.” He patted Jennifer’s hand. “I’m always glad to see you, but I gotta get ready for bed myself now.”

“Of course,” Jennifer said. As she hugged JJ, her phone buzzed. She glanced at it and said, “Oh!” A smile spread across her face. “Your Uncle Mike’s coming in tonight. Jeremy wants to go get him.”

“Good.” JJ sighed deeply. “Um, speaking of Jeremy…” He double checked her had his keys and then went out into the hall and closed the door behind him. “Stephanie’s on the warpath cause he’s in town,” he said quietly. “She went ballistic when she saw me and Jeremy having coffee earlier and when that didn’t get me to disown him, she went tattling to Uncle Steve and he showed up here trying to convince me and Paige both that Jeremy’s lying about turning his life around.”

Jennifer shook her head sadly. “Jeremy did some horrible things to Stephanie,” she said, “so I guess it’s hard for her and Steve to get over. But if you want, I can talk to Kayla. She might be able to get the other two to see sense.”

“Nah,” JJ said. “I don’t wanna make a big thing out of it. It’s just, Jeremy’s pretty down on himself. Like I was after I broke that window. I don’t want them to keep harassing him til he breaks, you know?”

“I’ll make sure they don’t,” Jennifer said.

“What’s that mean?” JJ asked.

“Like I said, I’ll talk to Kayla,” Jennifer said. “But not yet, because I have to go make sure the spare room is ready for your uncle.” She hugged JJ again before she left.

JJ watched her go, hoping he hadn’t made a mistake by telling her about the way Stephanie was treating Jeremy.

[Kpatch]

I don't think Jennifer should talk to Kayla. This just exacerbates the situation. Everyone is talking to everyone except the people who should be talking about it.

Mike should have made it clear to Jeremy that he's coming to Salem for Doug's service. Jeremy's normal state is paranoid so he automatically thinks it's about him. I hope Mike will set his mind at ease.

[André DiMera]

Hopefully Jeremy won’t have to go back to Africa. Glad Chanel’s being supportive, and wants to meet Mike.

I hope Jennifer talking to Kayla about the situation with Jeremy doesn’t make things worse.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 488 - 4
Allie crossed her arms. “Nothing illegal, so…”

“Did I say you were breaking the law?” Horowitz came all the way into the room. “Look, we know about the messages you got online today, Allie, and we have real reason to believe that they came from a Fire Lions operative who wants to lure you to the park to pick up where they left off when they tried to kidnap you last year.”

Allie’s eyes widened, but she said, “How? Did Claire snitch?”

“Does it matter?” Shawn said, coming up behind Horowitz. “Dangerous people are trying to get ahold of you, not to mention that I’m sure your parents have rules against talking to anonymouse strangers online, especially after what happened to Johnny.”

Allie bit her lip. “I wasn’t going to meet whoever that was. I’m not stupid.”

“You didn’t block them either,” Shawn said.

Ciara slid over so she was partially blocking the cops’ view of Allie. “Why are you guys interrogating her? She didn’t do anything wrong.”

“We’re trying to keep both of you safe, believe it or not,” Horowitz said. “And I heard you talking about getting revenge on Ruby Michaels, which could cross into illegal territory, so it’s better we stop it before we start.”

Ciara’s eyes were very narrow. “My stepdad’s a lawyer so I know we have the right to remain silent.”

“You do,” Shawn said, “but you guys are minors that we’re responsible for tonight, so maybe I need to call Sami and tell her what Allie’s been up to and then call our mom and see what she thinks of you encouraging her to get revenge on the girl who robbed you instead of leaving it alone.”

Ciara’s eyes flashed. “I guess blackmail isn’t illegal when you’re a cop.”

Horowitz held her hand up. “Everyone take a breath. This doesn’t have to be ugly. In fact, it shouldn’t be. How about we tell you why we’re so concerned? If after that, you guys still think we’re the enemy, I guess we can’t do anything about that, but maybe you’ll see we’re all on the same side here. So sit tight a minute and listen.”

“Fine,” Ciara said, “but if Shawn calls my mom I won’t forgive him, ever.”

Allie put her hand on Ciara’s shoulder. “It’s fine. Let’s just hear them out so they can go away and we can get back to our private conversation.”

“Claire might as well hear this too,” Horowitz said. “It saves me saying it twice.”

“And this is her room and you are her guests, so you are going to be fine with her being in here and you are going to be nice to her,” Shawn said. “Any bullying and I call Sami to take Allie home.”

Allie mumbled under her breath, “My mom would be proud of me for standing up to a loser like Ruby.”

“Excuse me?” Shawn said.

“Nothing.” Allie let her breath out slowly as Shawn beckoned Claire to come into the room.

“Now,” Horowitz said, “listen up, all of you. There’s a lot of Fire Lion activity going on lately and we don’t want anyone getting hurt…”

By the time the cops had finished, the girls were sitting quietly, staring at their feet. Horowitz said, “So now do you understand why we were concerned?”

“Yes,” Allie said quietly. “But I’m not going to go to the park tonight. I promise.”

“Good,” Horowitz said. “And if you get any more strange messages, forward them to Claire’s dad so that we can find out where they’re coming from.”

The cops left. Claire said, nervously, “I hope you guys aren’t really mad at me. I didn’t know that my dad would make such a big deal out of this but those messages Allie got really scared me.”

“I understand,” Allie said.

“Yeah,” Ciara said. “We’ll forgive you, on one condition.” She lowered her voice. “We’re not going to the park tonight but we are getting revenge on Ruby. If you keep your mouth shut about our plans we’ll forget this incident ever happened.”


In his office, Harris had got on a video chat with Marlena, who was in her home office.

“Thanks for seeing me so late,” Harris said, keeping his voice low. “When I said I needed to see you as soon as possible, I expected your receptionist to tell me to come first thing in the morning.”

“Well, you did say it was urgent,” Marlena said, “and it happens I was available. Now, what can I do for you?”

“I don’t know. I don’t suppose there’s some magic pill that’ll make my niece realize she’s not gonna get abused like she did when she lived with my brother.”

“I’m afraid not,” Marlena said, “but with time and hard work, things will improve. But how about you begin at the beginning. I take it you’re responsible for your niece now?”

“For both of them, actually,” Harris said, “but Jade’s an adult and she seems like she’s in better shape even though she’s been in jail for four years for beating up a girl during a robbery. Ruby ended up doing time too. She’s fourteen and well, long story short my brother abused both his girls and after Jade went to prison, Ruby fell in with a local gang and also committed armed robbery, so she was in juvie a year. They’re both out now, they both want to start over, but Ruby’s having a real hard time.”

“It sounds like traumatic experiences influenced the girls to make choices that hurt others, and they likely experienced more trauma while behind bars,” Marlena said. “Now I have some more questions about Ruby’s behavior, but first I want to know, are you looking for therapy for yourself or for her?”

[André DiMera]

Glad Horowitz and Shawn eventually got the girls to listen. Well, mostly. Of course Ciara still wants to get revenge on Ruby.

Interesting question. I wonder what Harris will say.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!