Days of our Haiden (Read 6,331 times)

[ihearthaiden]

Days of our Haiden

Season 1: Episode 5

Aiden sat in the interrogation room as he waited for the lawyer he hoped Chad would come through with. He wasn't sure if Chad's threat to Stefano had worked or not. Andre was also a wild card. He didn't know if Andre would stop Chad from getting him a lawyer. Aiden was also worried about Chase. He was going to have to get through to Hope that Chase needed protecting. Even if he got nothing else through to her that was the one thing he needed to get through to her.

The door opened, and in walked Hope.

Aiden sighed in relief. "Thank God you're ready to listen!" he said.

Hope's glare was cold as she sat down in front of him. "Was everything Chad said true about you doing what you did to protect Chase?"

Aiden nodded. "I didn't know what to do! Andre said he would kill Chase if I didn't give Andre the money I owed him."

"You may want your lawyer here before you go any further," Hope stated.

Aiden nodded. "I know how it works. You know that. I want to talk to you alone before he gets here—if he even gets here."

Hope shrugged and turned on her tape recorder. "If you say so."

"I knew that you didn't have the money to bail me out even if I went to you," Aiden continued.

"But if you killed me, my life insurance policy would not only pay off your debt, but let you live pretty comfortably," Hope said coldly.

Aiden shook his head, his eyes tearing up. "You don't understand! I had no choice! There was absolutely no other way of getting that money. It was either kill you and protect my son, or let you live and have my son get murdered by the Dimeras."

Hope narrowed her eyes at him. "There's always a choice, Aiden. You should have trusted me. I'm a cop for goodness sake! Did I not keep your secret about—" Hope stopped, not wanting to talk about it on tape.

Aiden sighed. "Hope, my son's life was on the line. If I went to the police, Andre would find a way to make Chase pay for my sins. Heck, Andre even threatened to kill me as well. Now I'd gladly die for you, but I'm sorry, Hope, it's my job to protect my son at all costs." Aiden looked away, a tear falling down his cheek.

"You should have trusted me to help you come up with the money at the very least. Heck, I could have helped you protect Chase!" Hope had tears in her own eyes, and her voice cracked a bit as she asked, "Did you even love me at all?"

Aiden looked her in the eyes. He tried to grab her hands, but she quickly pulled them back.

"Don't touch me!" she snapped.

"I'm sorry. Baby, I—"

Hope cut him off. "I'm not your baby anymore." She narrowed her eyes coldly at him. "And I never will be again."

Aiden felt his heart sink. "Hope, I loved you with all my heart and I still love you with all my heart! Trust me, if I had to do it again, I would be smarter. I would go to you. I would never try to kill you. I just… For the longest time, Chase had been my whole life. I've been trying to protect him since the day he was born. When his life was threatened…. I couldn't think straight. I couldn't see any other way out. Ba— Hope, it was tearing my insides apart thinking about what I had to do to you, and then when I thought I had actually killed you… I couldn't go on! It was then that I realized how horribly wrong I had been."

Hope crossed her arms over her chest. "Yet, you still tried to kill Bo."

"It was a tangled web! I had to get rid of him so that I could protect Chase. If I let him live, he'd have turned me in. If I were in jail, and if I hadn't been able to pay Andre back after all that… Chase would be dead after all," Aiden explained. "Trust me, Hope. Now that I'm thinking clearly, I see how weak and pathetic of a man I really was."

"I did trust you, Aiden, and look where it got me," Hope said, her eyes cold as ice and still narrowed at him.

"Remember how the night before our wedding I came to you in tears and tried to call it off? I said I couldn't do it. I wanted you to leave me and forget all about me. I didn't want to kill you; I didn't think I could. I told you I do love you, and I told everyone at our wedding that I do love you. 'I do love you' as in, I do love you even though I was about to kill you. I only did it to save my son. If I could have killed myself instead to protect him, trust me, Hope, I would have, but it had to be you or my son would still be in danger." Aiden looked her in the eyes. Her eyes were filled with tears, but still filled with anger. He looked down at the desk, no longer able to stand looking into her eyes. They were so full of hurt and anger. It was all because of him, and he hated himself for that.

Hope was quiet as she said, "Yeah, well you didn't give Andre the money, and Chase is still alive. Look at that."

"That's because he had the satisfaction of torturing me to distract him." Aiden looked up at Hope. "Please make sure Chase is safe. Now that I've escaped, I'm worried for his life again."

"I know how to take care of my son, thank you," Hope said angrily, her voice back to being firm and her arms crossed over her chest once again.

"I'm glad you consider him your son," Aiden said.

"Trust me, it has nothing to do with you. I love him because he grew to be like a son to me," Hope said simply.

"Well, either way, I'm glad," Aiden said. He then looked into Hope's eyes again. "I love you so much my heart feels like it will burst, Hope! Please forgive me. I'm not the insane lunatic I was a year ago. I promise! I never want to be that guy again."

"We'll let the judge and jury decide that now, won't we?" Hope asked. "Anyway, I'm with Rafe now. He's a real man who loves me and would never even try to kill me, let alone attack me and ignore my pleas for my life!" Her voice became angrier a she ended the sentence.

"I might as well have been strangling myself because I wished for death to myself as I was attacking you. And when I thought I had killed you, I swear if it hadn't been for Chase I would have killed myself right then and there," Aiden said, staring deep into her eyes.

Hope's eyes softened just a bit, and her bottom lip trembled.

For the briefest of moments, Aiden thought he had finally gotten through to her. But before Hope could say anything more, the door opened, and in walked Frank Walker. Aiden recognized him. Frank was one of those rare lawyers who had a perfect record; he never lost a case. Aiden never knew he worked for the Dimeras. He supposed he should have known. He was the best criminal lawyer in the country.

"Why are you questioning my client without my consent?" Frank asked.

Hope glanced at Aiden, then at Frank. "It was his choice to talk to me without you."

Frank looked at Aiden. "Well, from now on, that stops. There will be no talking to anyone without me being present."

"That's okay." Hope turned off her recorder. "We're done here anyway." She glanced at Aiden coldly. "For now." She opened the door, and looked at the cop waiting outside of the door. "Ramirez, take him down to the holding cell." She looked at Aiden as detective Ramirez re-cuffed Aiden and stood him up. "Your bail hearing is set for tomorrow at noon. I wouldn't count on getting any bail though. As far as I'm concerned, you belong behind bars for the rest of your life!" She then took off without looking back.

Aiden sighed.

"Don't worry. I'm going to do my best to get you off without any jail time. We can go for the temporary insanity plea. The threat of his son's life is enough to make any man go insane," Frank assured him. "Another option would be attempted voluntary manslaughter. The jury may be sympathetic when they find out the reason why you did it. The mitigating factors should get you a much lighter sentence."

Aiden nodded. "Whatever you feel would be best. I just need to stay out of jail. I need to be able to protect my son."

"Don't worry. I don't have a perfect record for nothing. I've got this," Frank said.

"Thank you," Aiden said.

"Come on. Let's go," Detective Ramirez barked before practically shoving Aiden out of the room to take him down to the holding cell.

Aiden sighed. He was going to get out of this, and when he did, he was not only going to protect his son, but he was going to win Hope back. He didn't know how he was going to do it yet, but he would win her back. And when he did, this time, he was never going to let her go.

*This love came back to me.*

"Hey," Rafe said, pulling Hope close when she came back to her office. "I just heard about Aiden. What did that son of a bitch have to say for himself?"

Hope sucked in a breath and slowly let it out; trying to calm herself. "Apparently, he was blackmailed into killing me. He owed Andre a whole lot of money. Aiden had a gambling problem and owed a lot of money to a bookie. Andre and Stefano paid the bookie off, but of course that meant—"

"Aiden now owed them the money instead," Rafe continued for her.

Hope nodded. "They said if he didn't repay them, then they were going to kill his son and then him. He didn't know any other way to get the money except through my life insurance policy. He knew I didn't have that kind of money alive."

"So he decided to kill you instead of trusting you to help him. He could have even gone to me, or any cop on the force. He had plenty of chances. But no. He chose to kill you instead." Rafe started to leave. "I'm going to go down to the holding cell and strangle him myself!"

Hope quickly reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him back toward her. "No. Rafe, don't. You have to play this by the book. I don't need you getting thrown in jail for assault or murder. You're not Aiden."

Rafe looked at her, his eyes cold. "You're right. I'm nothing like that bastard."

"Let's just let the justice system do their job the legal way, okay?" Hope asked, pulling him into a hug.

Rafe gently rubbed her back. "How are you holding up? This must be dredging up things you wanted to forget."

Hope sighed. "It is, but in a way I'm glad. At least now I know he had a reason to try to kill me, as deluded as it was. He didn't just try to kill me for no reason other than to pay back a gambling debt or because he was psycho. He tried to kill me because he felt it was the only way to save his son's life."

Rafe held her at arms' length. "You're not honestly thinking of forgiving him, are you?"

Hope made a disgusted face. "What? No!" She smacked his chest and shook her head. "No way! He tried to kill me on my wedding night instead of trusting me to help him. There's no forgiving that."

Rafe nodded. "Well, good! As far as I'm concerned, no matter what his reasoning was, he is still a psycho. But I'm glad you were finally able to get the answers and closure you needed.

Hope straightened his shirt collar. "Me too." She then sighed. "I have to go find Chase and tell him that his father is alive before he finds out some other way."

Rafe raised an eyebrow. "Do you want me to come with you?"

Hope shook her head, then pat his chest. "Thanks, but I think this is something that is better off I do alone."

Rafe nodded. "All right. I understand. Take all the time you need."

Hope kissed him softly on the lips. "Thank you. I'll see you tonight?"

Rafe smiled and nodded. "You can count on it!"

Hope smiled as well, and they kissed one more time softly on the lips. Then, she took off to go find Chase.

Rafe watched her leave, and sighed. He then headed out of the office. There was something he had to do that was also, better off done alone.

*This love came back to me.*

"You have a visitor," the guard grumbled.

A moment later, Chad came up to Aiden's cell. "I got you the best lawyer I could find. Don't worry. You're in really good hands with him. I'm fitting the bill, so don't worry about that either."

"Thank you. I know how good he is. He's never lost a case!" Aiden said.

Chad nodded.

"I don't much like being in even more debt, but at least if it had to be to another Dimera, it's you. I know you won't make me kill anybody for it," Aiden said. He was trying to make a joke, but after his conversation with Hope, his heart just wasn't in it.

Chad shook his head. "Unlike you, I can afford it. Don't even worry about paying me back. Whether or not you think I owe you one, I do feel like I owe you one, so this makes me feel even."

Aiden sighed. "Thank you. I truly appreciate it."

Chad shrugged. "Any time. It's the least I can do." He nodded toward Aiden. "Judging from the glum look ok your face, things didn't go too well with Hope?"

Aiden clung to the bars and looked down to the floor. "She hates me."

Chad shrugged again. "She'll get over it. Before all this happened, I saw how in love with you she was. Do you know how many horrible things my brother and Sami did to each other? And that was just to spite each other; not because it was to protect their son! Sami even shot EJ in the head, yet he forgave her. They loved each other so much that no matter what horrible things they did to each other, they always came back to each other. I know Hope will come back to you eventually too."

Aiden looked him in the eyes. "She's dating your 'bestie' as you call him. I'm surprised you're even on my side."

Chad grabbed the bars underneath Aiden's hands. "I'm on the side of love. I know how much you love Hope, and like I said, I saw how in love with you she was. If she loved Rafe so much, or at least more than you, she never would have fallen for you. She would have fallen for him right from the beginning."

Aiden nodded. "True I guess." He looked up at Chad. "But I doubt she still feels that way."

Chad looked into Aiden's eyes. "She will. Right now, she is just hurting and in shock. Just give her some time. As for Rafe, he is resilient. A broken heart never lasts long with him. He'll move on with Lani, or Nicole, or someone new. He will mend. He deserves someone who isn't someone else's woman! I know where Hope's heart belongs and it is with you. You weren't close enough to see, but I saw a glimmer of happiness in Hope's eye when I told her you were alive. It was only for a split second before it changed and she looked like she wanted to kill me, but it was there."

Aiden smiled weakly. "Thanks. You've been a really good friend to me even though we haven't known each other all that long."

"It takes one to know one," Chad said with a smile and a wink.

"What are you doing here?" Rafe asked, coming down to the cell. He nodded at Chad as he asked.

Chad looked at him. "I'm the one who found him. I got him a lawyer."

"Why the hell are you helping him?" Rafe asked, nodding at Aiden now, but keeping his eyes locked with Chad's.

"Because he helped me, and because he was treated wrongly by my family. I want to help make it right," Chad answered.

Rafe crossed his arms over his chest. "He tried to kill Hope. Your family may have pressured him into doing so, but they didn't hold a gun to his head."

Chad crossed his arms over his chest as well. "Yeah, well they practically held a mental gun to his son's head. Sure he should have gone to the police, but I know firsthand the police don't always listen, and they can't always protect people. No offense."

"I guess we're just going to have to agree to disagree then," Rafe said.

Chad nodded. "I guess so." He turned his attention to Aiden. "I'll see you tomorrow at your bail hearing."

"Wait upstairs for me. I need to question you about finding him," Rafe said to Chad as started to walk away.

Chad didn't look back as he left, but he put his hand in the air and slapped the air. "I know, I know."

Rafe watched Chad leave, then turned his attention to Aiden. "I think it's time you and I got a little something straight," he said, his tone hard.

Aiden nodded, his eyes as cold as Rafe's as their eyes locked. "I'm glad you think so, because I think so too," he said coldly.

*This love came back to me.*

Hope entered the house, and was relieved to see that Chase was alone. He was watching TV on the couch. She shut the door behind her. "Oh, good! You're home." She walked over to Chase and sat down beside him on the couch. "Are you alone?"

He looked and her and nodded. "Yeah. Ciara and Theo at a movie, and Claire is home studying with a girlfriend of hers."

Hope took the remote and clicked the television off.

Chase turned to her. "Is something wrong?"

Hope sighed. "Depending on how you look at it. I'm sure it might make you happy," she said.

"What?" Chase asked.

Hope took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "Well, this is going to come as quite a shock to you. I'm just hoping you can take this news. It's hard for me to even say."

Chase placed his hand over top of hers. "Mom, just tell me. I can handle it. Besides, you said it's good news, right?"

Hope nodded, trying to smile to be strong for him. "Let's hope you see it that way."

"Mom! Just tell me already, please!" Chase said.

Hope sighed then took Chase's hands in her own and looked him in the eyes as she said it. "Chase, I found out today that your father didn't die."

Chase's face contorted into confusion. "Huh?"

Hope sighed again. "Chase, Honey, your father was found alive today," she said before pulling Chase into a hug. She felt like he was going to need one.

Chase's expression turned into shock as he weakly hugged Hope back, not saying a word.

[heroicmuse]

OMG what a cliffhanger! I can't wait to see how Chase responds to this news.

I'm glad Aiden tried to explain himself and that Chad is on his side. I was laughing hysterically at Chad's description of EJ and Sami.

[gapeach]

Wonderful chapter!!! You are doing a fantastic job with ALL the characters!!

[ihearthaiden]

Thank you so very much! I really appreciate that.

[gapeach]

Don't know if it because I tried to read it on my phone or not, but the bottom of each page was cut off. Will try it on my computer when I get home.

[ihearthaiden]

Days of our Haiden

                                                                                            Season 1 Episode 6:


Chase pulled away from Hope. "What do you mean my dad is alive?

"I found out today he didn't die. Stefano and his son Andre had kidnapped him and held him captive for a year. Their doctors were able to save your Dad's life," Hope explained.

"But I thought he died here; that he couldn't be saved," Chase said, still confused.

Hope shrugged. "Everyone thought he was dead, but apparently, it just appeared that way. The Dimeras are very powerful people. They have people everywhere working for them. The EMTs were working for them."

Chase stood up. "So, where is he? Where is my dad? I wanna see him."

Hope looked away, suddenly feeling guilty even though she had only been doing her job. "He's in jail."

"What?" Chase asked; surprised. "How did he get there?"

Hope looked at him and sighed. "Chad found him in one of Stefano's secret rooms. He freed him and brought your dad to me so that he and I could talk."

"So, you arrested him," Chase said, not needing Hope to say it.

Hope nodded. "It did. He had tried to kill me, Honey. I had no choice but to arrest him."

"Did you at least try to hear him out first?" Chase asked.

"As a cop, it is my duty to arrest a criminal. I had to arrest him," Hope said, really wishing Chase would understand.

"Why didn't you listen to him? Screw your duty! Don't you wanna know why he did what he did?" Chase asked, his hands balled up into fists at his side, and his voice raised.

"Chad explained to me why he did what he did, and I let your father tell me himself once we had him in custody," Hope said calmly.

"Why did he do it?" Chase asked.

Hope sighed. She knew that when she told Chase he was going to blame himself and be angry with her for arresting his dad even after she knew the truth.

"Hope, why did he do it? I'm in son. I have the right to know," Chase said coldly. He squeezed his hands into tighter fists.

Hope pat the seat beside her. "Come sit down next to me, and I'll tell you everything."

Chase hesitated for a split second, then reluctantly sat down beside her. He faced her. "I'm sitting. Now tell me."



*This love came back to me.*


"I want you to leave Hope the hell alone. You've already caused enough damage to her and I'm not going to let you cause even more," Rafe said to Aiden from the other side of the bars.

"I never would have tried to kill Hope if I didn't feel like it was the only way to save my son," Aiden said cooly.

"Yeah, well either way, you never should have tried to kill her. You had so many opportunities to tell Hope, or even me for that matter, but you didn't. You didn't trust the woman who was supposed to be the love of your life, and who happened to be a policewoman trained in situations like this to protect your son." Rafe shook his head. "You don't deserve someone as beautiful and perfect as Hope."

Aiden nodded. "That may be true, but neither do you. You go about your life acting all high and mighty. You act like you're better than everyone else when in fact, you're just the opposite. Hope had just gone through what she had gone through with me, and then she lost her other husband all within a matter of days. Yet, it didn't take you long to swoop right in and try to push her into a relationship before I or Bo was even cold."

"How would you even know anything about it when you were held captive by the Dimeras?" Rafe asked crossly. He crossed his arms over his chest.

Aiden's eyes bore angrily into Rafe's. "Stefano and Andre loved to torture me with stories of where you and Hoe were in your relationship. They told me how you were all over her like a shadow from the moment Bo was out of the picture."

"I was just looking out for her. Bo asked me to look out for her and take care of her," Rafe said, his tone angry.

"Don't you think Hope is capable of protecting herself?" Aiden snapped.

Rafe raised an eyebrows, and grabbed the bars. "Apparently not after what you tried to do to her."

Aiden nodded. "Fair enough. Even so, I'm sure she would want to pick out her own man. Heck, she wasn't in the right mindset to even think about dating someone new. She had just been strangled by the man she loved and married, then she found out that her first husband hadn't abandoned her and was alive and well, but wait, he has a brain tumor and dies after all. You didn't stop to think how that might affect her. All you could think about was getting into her pants. What? Did you think it was okay because you had Bo's permission? Well, let me tell you, Hope Brady doesn't need anyone telling her who to move on with or when to move on with them!"

"It wasn't like that at all!" Rafe snapped.

A guard started to come over since both their voices were at yelling level now.

Rafe held his hand up to the guard. "We're fine. We're just having a little bit of a heated conversation is all." He turned back to Aiden and spoke a little more quietly, getting his face a little closer to Aiden's. "Look. I don't know what Andre or Stefano told you, but it wasn't like that like at all. I was there for her as friend and it grew into more. No one forced her into anything."

"Well, the last time I checked, friends don't act like stalkers. You pressured her into a relationship before she was ready, and you know it!" Aiden snapped.

Rafe rolled his eyes, his arms still crossed over his chest. "Yeah, well, think what you want. I don't even know why I'm trying to explain myself to you. I don't owe you a damn thing."

"Don't you have a witness to question? Chad doesn't like to be kept waiting," Aiden said coldly.

"I don't want you talking to Hope and filling her head with lies anymore. You hear me? You stay away from her," Rafe warned.

Aiden shook his head. "See? There you go again, trying to make choices for Hope that she is fully capable of making herself. I'm not going anywhere obviously, but if she comes to me, there's no way in hell I'm not talking to her."

Rafe eyed him up. "Yeah, well, we'll see about that." He then took off to question Chad.

Aiden sighed, and sat down on his cot. "There's no way I'm letting that undeserving bastard have Hope," he muttered to himself. "And I'm sure as hell not going to stay away from Hope either."


*This love came back to me.*


Hope finished explaining everything to Chase.

Chase was quiet; unspeaking and looking down at his lap.

Hope placed a hand over his shoulder. "Chase, Honey, are you okay? I want you to know, none if this is your fault. Stefano and Andre blackmailed him. Your father didn't react the way he should have, but he did it out of love for you. Never feel bad about your father's love for you. Parents love and protect their children. It's just what we do."

Chase looked up at her with tears in his eyes. "I don't blame him; I blame you!"

Hope was surprised to say the least. She placed a hand over her heart. "You blame me? Why? I was the victim here, remember?"

Chase narrowed his eyes at her. "You arrested him even though you knew he only did it because he was blackmailed into it!"

"Honey, no matter his reasoning, he still tried to kill me. He has to answer for his crimes now," Hope said softly.

"So loving your son and trying to protect him is suddenly a crime now?" Chase snapped, jumping off the couch and staring at Hope angrily.

Hope nodded. "When you try to kill someone over it, then yes, it is!"

Chase shook his head. "No! He was just trying to protect me. You just said yourself that all parents protect their kids. Anyway, you should have seen the signs. You should have seen that he was upset about something! You were his fiance for goodness sake! You spend more time with him than I did!"

Hope looked at him sadly. "He should have gone to me, Rafe, Roman, or anyone on the force instead of trying to kill me! He was supposed to love me, not try to murder me!"

Chase crossed his arms over his chest and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, sorry that his son came first. He created me and knew me far before he even met you, Hope. You know what? You're a hypocrite! One moment you talk about how protecting their children is what parents do, and about him doing it out of love for me, then next you act like he is some horrible monster! You don't make sense!"

Hope shook her head. "I don't know what else to say to you," she said quietly, looking and sounding like she could cry at any moment.

Chase headed for the door.

Hope stood up. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to see my father. You know the man you locked up for trying to protect his son?" Chase asked.

"I'm going with you!" Hope said, grabbing her purse and rushing after him.

"Whatever," Chase said, leaving the door open for her, but not stopping to wait for her.

Hope sighed. She locked and shut the door behind her, then ran off to catch up with Chase.


*This love came back to me.*


"I'd like to see him alone, thank you," Chase said to Hope, his tone filled with annoyance.

Hope's face fell a bit, but she nodded. "All right." She turned to Detected Rodriguez. "Please bring him down to Aiden Jennings in the holding cell."

Detective Rodriguez turned to Chase. "Follow me."

"I'll be here for you when you get back," Hope said to Chase.

Chase looked over his shoulder at her. "Don't bother."

Chase knew he wasn't being very kind to her, but right now, he really didn't care. He headed down to the holding cell. A part of him was so eager to see his father again after he hadn't seen him for a year. Another part of him was a little nervous. It wasn't for the reason one would think. He didn't care that Aiden had tried to kill Hope. He wasn't afraid of his dad. He knew Aiden would have never done what he did if he hadn't been forced into it. Besides, after his dad had made such a sacrifice for him, Chase knew that his father's love for him meant that Aiden would never hurt him. He was nervous because he was afraid that Aiden would resent him now. After all, for the last year, Aiden had supposedly been through hell. Chase knew Aiden would never admit to it, but would Aiden now blame Chase for all of this and hold just a little bit of resentment inside toward him?

He was about to find out.

"You have ten minutes then visitor hours are over," Detective Rodrigues told him.

"Thank you," Chase said. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out, then headed over to the holding cell.

Aiden's eyes got wide when he saw his son, and he quickly got off his cot and ran over to the bars. "Chase!" he said happily.

Chase smiled weakly, and walked over to the bars. "Hello, Dad. Long time no see."


*This love came back to me.*


"Hey," what are you doing here? I thought your shift ended," Rafe asked, kissing Hope's cheek.

"Hey," Hope kissed his cheek. "I came down with Chase. I didn't want him to be alone."

Rafe nodded. "I guess he must be happy, seeing his dad. How did he take the news about why Aiden did it?"

Hope sighed, and sat down at her desk. "Well, he's angry with me. He blames me for not seeing the signs earlier. He is also not too thrilled with me for arresting his father."

Rafe shrugged. "He didn't see the signs either. None of us did. Anyway, you were just doing your job. Regardless of his reasonings, Aiden still commuted a crime, and needs to pay the price."

Hope nodded. "I told him that, but sadly, he will only ever see Aiden as his dad. Chase can't seem to look at it from a cop's point of view."

"Well, I'll try having a talk with him," Rafe said.

Hope shook her head. "No. Please don't. You'll only make it worse. He's not exactly your biggest fan right now anyway."

Rafe sighed. "True enough."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Lani popped her head in. "Rafe, I need to you come take a look at something regarding the Davis case."

Rafe nodded. "I'll be right there."

He turned to Hope. "I'll see you after work."

Hope got up from her desk. "Actually, how about we just get together tomorrow instead? I have a feeling Chase is going to need me tonight."

Rafe nodded. "I understand. I'll see you tomorrow."

Hope kissed him. "Thank you for understanding."

He smiled at her. "Of course!" He then took off to see what it was Lani wanted him to see.

Hope then sat back down at her desk. She sighed as she picked up a framed picture on her desk of Ciara and Chase hugging each other and smiling at the camera. She couldn't help but wonder how things were going with Chase and Aiden's reunion.


*This love came back to me.*


"How much do you know?" Aiden asked.

"Everything," Chase confessed. "Dad, why didn't you just go to Hope? I mean, I know how much you love me, and that you were just trying to protect me, but trying to kill your new wife—my new stepmom— Why?"

Aiden sighed. "I know it was stupid. I know that now. But, Chase, when your life was threatened, all I could think of was finding a way to save my son's life. Hope didn't have the money. I certainly didn't have it. The Dimeras always avoid prison. They have their resources, and I had no doubt in my mind that they would find some way to get to you. Or, at least, that is what I felt like back then. Now, I don't know."

Chase's eyes grew wide. "Do you think I'm in danger now?"

Aiden shook his head. "I know Hope and even Rafe will protect you. Plus, Chad won't allow his father or brother to bring any harm to you."

"Chad's the one that found you and rescued you, right?" Chase asked.

Aiden nodded. "He is also the one paying for my lawyer. My lawyer is an even better lawyer than I am. He's never lost a case!"

"So you will be able to get out," Chase stated it more than questioned it.

Aiden sighed. "That's the plan. My lawyer has never lost a case, but I supposed there's a first time for everything."

"Hope never should have arrested you. I told her what a hypocrite she was," Chase stated.

Aiden looked his son in the eyes. "Chase, that wasn't very nice to talk to your mother that way."

Chase looked his father in the eyes in return. "She's not my mom! Well, not my real mom."

Aiden shook his head. "Blood doesn't make a parent. You know Hope loves you as if you were her own, and I know you love her."

Chase nodded. "I do. I'm just so mad at her right now!"

Aiden went to sit back down on the cot. "She was only doing her job. You have to remember that, no matter what the reasoning, I tried to kill her on our wedding night. That's not something you can just get over."

"Still, she could at least be somewhat understanding," Chase muttered.

"Chase, do me a favor. I want you to apologize to Hope, then be nice to her. Don't make this any harder on her than it has to be. All right?" Aiden asked.

Chase sighed. "All right, fine." He was looking at the ground.

"Hey, look at me," Aiden ordered.

Chase looked him in the eyes. "I love you. I'm going to do everything in my power to get out of here and back to you,"Aiden assured him.

Chase had tears in his eyes. "I missed you, Dad. When you died—or supposedly died—I was so lonely. I didn't understand why you did what you did. I thought you had abandoned me."

Aiden had tears in his eyes. He got up off the cot and walked back over to the bars. "Chase, I love you. I would never leave you if I could help it."

Chase sniffled. "I know that now."

Aiden put his arms out of the bars. "Come here. This will have to do for now."

Chase smiled, and walked over to the bars. He put his arms out and hugged his father the best he could with bars between them.

"So, where do we go from here?" Chase asked.

"Well, the preliminary hearing is tomorrow at noon. "I'm sure I won't get bail, and I will more than likely get sent to trial. My lawyer assures me he's got this, so let's hope he does. With a Dimera on my side, I should be okay." Aiden sighed. "As a lawyer myself though, I know nothing is cut and dry. We'll just have to take it one day at a time."

"Times up," the guard said, coming over to Chase.

Chase sighed. "I have school tomorrow, but I can skip it for your hearing if you want."

Aiden shook his head. "No, don't do that. It's barely even necessary to have it. I know I'm going to trial. You just remember what I told you about being nice to Hope, and I promise I'll do whatever it takes to get back to you."

"And Hope?" Chase asked.

Aiden nodded. "And Hope."

"Good because I'm not fond of Rafe anymore," Chase said as the guard led him away.

"Neither am I son," Aiden said quietly. "Neither am I."


*This love came back to me.*


"How did it go?" Hope asked when Chase entered her office.

"Dad wants me to apologize to you," Chase said.

"You don't have to," Hope assured him.

Chase shook his head. "No, I want to. I'm sorry I called you a hypocrite, and that I blamed you."

Hope got up from her desk and walked over to him. She hugged him tightly. "Oh, Honey, I know. You really don't have to apologize."

"I'm also sorry I got angry with you for arresting him. I know you were just doing your job. But can you promise me one thing?" Chase asked.

Hope held him at arms' length and looked him in the eyes. "What is it, Honey?"

Chase sighed. "Please don't go to my dad's bail hearing or trial to testify against him. Please tell the judge and or jury that you understand why he did what he did, and that he truly seems remorseful to you."

Hope sighed as well. "He does seem remorseful to me, but I can't say for sure he would never try something like that again."

Chase pulled away from Hope. "But he wouldn't, Hope! He only did it to protect me! He loves you! I know he does!"

"Honey, your father gets himself into certain situations that are dangerous, and he doesn't know how to handle them," Hope said calmly.

Chase crossed his arms over his chest. "Well, now he's learned from his mistakes Hope. He knows what he did was wrong and he deeply regrets it. He told you such I'm sure."

Hope reluctantly nodded.

"Please, Hope, I'm begging you. I promise he will never try to kill you or anyone else ever again. I need my dad, Hope. Please don't deny him and I a second chance to be together," Chase pleaded.

Hope was quiet for a moment. "I'm going to need some time to think things over," she said.

"Fine." Chase turned around to leave. "Don't expect me back for dinner. I'm going out with Claire." He then left without looking back, and without another word to Hope.

Hope sighed, then sank back down into her desk chair, her face buried in her hands.


*This love came back to me."


Aiden lie on his cot, his eyes opened as he thought about Hope being with Rafe. He was going to get that smug son of a bitch away from Hope, and then they would all be a family again—him, Hope, Chase, and Ciara, And this time, he wasn't going to ruin it. Now all he had to do was get out of jail. He sighed. He sure hoped his lawyer, or at the very least Chad, had something up their sleeves, for right now, he had no plan B.

[heroicmuse]

Great chapter. I love the tension! Good setup for a conflict and an actual triangle, and Chase has good reasons for how he feels too.

[ihearthaiden]

Surprise bonus chapter! I will still be posting one on Friday. I am not a lawyer or judge and simply could never understand all the layer and courtroom stuff so please bear with me. I'm sure I probably got a lot of things wrong with how a preliminary hearing goes, but I tried my best to at least make it sound believable.

Days of our Haiden

                                                                                              Season 1 Episode 7:



Rafe and Lani rang the doorbell at the Kiriakis mansion. Now that they had gotten Chad’s full statement about what he had found in one of the secret rooms, they had to investigate. Hope was sitting this case out and Lani was Rafe’s partner on this case instead. Both Roman and he agreed that this case was too personal for Hope since it had involved her.

Harold answered the door and Rafe and Lani both flashed their badges.

“Salem PD.” Rafe pulled out a warrant and handed it to Harold. “We have a warrant to search the premises.”

Harold nodded and stepped back.

“Thank you for your cooperation” Lani said to Harold as Harold closed the door behind them.

“What is the meaning of all this?” Stefano asked when he saw Rafe and Lani enter the living room.

“They have a warrant Mr. Dimera.” Harold handed Stefano the warrant.

Andre came into the room then and looked over Stefano’s shoulder. “Well, what can we do? They have a warrant. We must let them search.”

Stefano nodded. “Do as you wish.”

Rafe eyed them both suspiciously. “Thank you.” He knew they had something up their sleeves and he was more than sure they had already wiped the place clean, but he still had to look in case they missed something.

“Chad said the room was behind the fireplace. That seems weird,” Lani said.

Rafe headed over to the fireplace and took out the gate. He set it aside then leaned in and pressed the bricks where Chad had instructed him to press. Sure enough, the back wall turned into a doorway as the wall pushed backward revealing a set of stairs.

Rafe looked over his shoulder at Lani. “Everything involving the Dimeras is weird.”

Lani looked shocked. She nodded. “Fair enough.” She regained her composure and followed him into the fireplace. They then headed down the stairs.

The door was closed. Rafe tried the knob and it opened right up. He looked at Lani. “They’ve been expecting us.” He then opened the door and walked in.

Lani headed in behind him, and they both surveyed the room.

“You gotta be kidding me,” Lani stated.

Rafe crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head.



*This love came back to me.*



Hope lie in bed tossing and turning. She kept thinking about hers and Aiden’s wedding night. They were so happy and in love. Or so she had thought. She remembered making love with him only to have him strangle her almost to death shortly after. She thought of him apologizing to her, tears in his eyes over what he had done. She thought of Chase’s plea to not testify against him. She knew she had to testify, but could she find it in her to plead with the judge and possible jury to go easy on him? Could she tell them that he only did it because he was forced into it? Did she herself even buy that reasoning? Could she ever forgive Aiden for turning on her and trying to kill her—on their wedding night nonetheless? Did she really think he wouldn’t try to hurt someone else? Did he kill his ex-wife after all? Was this just something he did—get women to fall in love with him and marry him and then kille them for their life insurance policies?

She sighed, and rolled over to her other side. She pictured the nights she spent with Bo in this bed, and the nights she spent with Aiden. Bo had been her one true love for as long as she could remember. Then Aiden had come along and she had fallen in love when she had thought she’d never fall in love again. She had fallen hard for Aiden, and she had thought he had fallen just as hard for her. He claimed it had been real love, but now she wasn’t so sure. Then there was Rafe. He was there for her as a friend when she was going through all the crap she had to go through with what Aiden had done to her and then Bo dying. Then it quickly grew into something more. She loved Rafe. She did. Did she love him like Bo? Not even close! However, Rafe meant so much to her as both a lover and a friend. She loved him. As for Aiden, she honestly wasn’t sure how she felt about him. She had loved him so much she had been willing to spend the rest of her life with him, but look how that had turned out. No matter what his reasoning was, the fact remained that he had still tried to kill her—on her wedding night at that!

She sighed again, and turned to her other side. She honestly didn’t know what she was going to do the next day at the hearing, and frankly, right now she was just too tired to think any more on the matter. She closed her eyes and let sleep overtake her.



*This love came back to me.*



Rafe and Lani looked around every inch of the room but it was no use. It had been wiped clean. There was no IV stand or IV. There was no gurney table, ball, chain, or any other sign that someone had been chained there. Even the walls had no signs of having had chains attached to them. All that was in the room were shelves filled with boxes of old family pictures and a lot of cleaning supplies and toiletries. There was also a working toilet and sink.

“Seems odd to me that they would have a working toilet in here if all this room is used for is storage,” Lani quipped.

Rafe nodded. “I wanna get this place dusted for prints, but I have a feeling there won’t be any since they went through all the trouble to make it look like no one was here.”

“Chad wouldn’t have made up a lie to help Aiden would he have?” Lani asked.

Rafe shook his head. “No. Chad wouldn’t do that. He’s not like the rest of his family. Anyway, how else would Aiden have been fixed up, and where would he have been for the past year? He definitely had a serious gunshot wound. That couldn’t be faked. The Dimera doctor saving his life and then Stefano and Andre keeping him captive here is the only thing that makes any sense. I know the Dimeras. They’re just really good at covering their tracks.”

Lani nodded in understanding. She opened her fingerprint dusting kit. “Well, even though they more than likely had this place wiped clean, it’s still better to be safe than sorry right?”

Rafe nodded. “Right!”

They got to work.



*This love came back to me*



“What’s the matter Detectives? Didn’t you find anything?” Andre asked, feigning surprise an hour later.

Rafe scowled. “You already knew that.”

“Poor Mr. Jennings isn’t right in the head imagining things that didn’t happen,” Andre said, shaking his head in mock pity and making a clicking noise with his tongue.

“You son corroborated his story,” Lani replied.

Andre shrugged. “My brother has never been that fond of me. It doesn’t surprise me that he is making up stories.”

“Why was there a toilet down there if all you seem to use the room for is storage?” Lani asked.

“We let the servants use that bathroom. My father and I don’t like to make a habit of sharing our private bathrooms with the help,” Andre said simply.

“Are you going to be charging us with anything?” Stefano asked.

Rafe glanced from Stefano to Andre, to back to Stefano. “No. I have no evidence to charge to you with anything.” He knew he could call Andre and Stefano in for questioning, but it was late and he didn’t feel like dealing with the paperwork. Besides, what good would it do? It was Chad and Aiden’s word against Stefano and Andre’s. Andre and Stefano had people on the inside that would have them back in their cozy beds within the hour.

“You win,” he said looking at both Dimeras with distaste. “For now.”

Rafe then left with Lani leading the way.

“Well, that was a big waste of time,” Lani said.

Rafe nodded at the fingerprints they had managed to find and collect. “I can guarantee those fingerprints you collected are only going to belong to the servants—possibly Andre or Stefano as well— but let’s get them to forensics then we can call it a night.”

Lani nodded. “Sounds good, Partner. I don’t know about you but I am more than ready for this night to end.” She yawned.

Rafe nodded. “You and I both.”



*This love came back to me.*



It was 11:45 the next day and Aiden and his lawyer were sitting in the court room waiting for the preliminary hearing to start.

They had had a long discussion prior to the hearing and finally decided on pleading guilty to attempted voluntary manslaughter. There was no use in pleading not guilty when Hope was just going to prove him wrong anyway. Not to mention there were doctor’s reports of Hope’s strangulation that would no doubt be given to the judge as evidence. Anyway, Aiden knew that lying about it was not the way to win Hope back. As for the insanity plea, Aiden had known what he was doing even if the circumstances didn’t allow him to thoroughly think through the consequences. Both Aiden and his lawyer Frank, felt that maybe he would get some leniency not only because of the unusual circumstances he was under, but also for admitting to his wrong doings.

Aiden looked around the courtroom. Chase wasn’t there. He had gone to school as Aiden had instructed him to. Roman was there, and of course being the DA, Justin was there. Lani was there, as was Chad. Hope and Rafe were yet to be seen.

Aiden glanced at the clock on the wall. It was now ten minutes until the hearing started. He didn’t know whether he was surprised that Andre and Stefano weren’t there or not. He definitely wasn’t surprised that they hadn’t been arrested.

“Hey” Chad said coming up behind him. “Do you know anything about this judge? I was hoping we’d get a judge my father knows. Then maybe I could have persuaded him to see things your way, but sadly, this one doesn’t work for us. Then again, knowing my brother and father, that may be a good thing.”

Aiden nodded. “He’s fair.”

“He has a son around Chase’s age. This could be a very lucky break!” Frank said.

“You’re thinking he might sympathize with Aiden when he hears his story,” Chad stated.

Frank nodded. “Exactly!”

Chad clapped a hand over top of Aiden’s shoulder. “Here’s hoping. Good luck, Buddy!”

Aiden looked over his shoulder at him and nodded. “Thanks.”

Chad then took his seat.

The courtroom doors opened then. Aiden looked behind him to see Rafe walking into the room with Hope by his side.

Rafe made eye contact with him, his eyes cold, and his lip curled in a slight snarl.

Aiden sighed. He wished he could punch him in the face.

Hope met his gaze then. Her expression was unreadable. She looked away as soon as they made eye contact.

Rafe and Hope took a seat.

Aiden sighed again.

The bailiff came into the room. “All rise for the Honorable Judge Evan Winters is now presiding.”

Everyone rose while the judge came in and took his seat. The judge had small round wire-framed glasses and a full head of gray hair making him look a lot older than the fifty years that he was.

“The court is now in session. You may be seated,” the bailiff finished.

Everyone took their seat.

Judge Winters surveyed the courtroom. “I’m a very busy man, and I haven’t got all day, so I am going to move this right along. I have reviewed the case.” He turned his attention to Frank. “Mr. Walker, how does your client plead?”

Frank stood up. “Guilty of Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter your Honor.”

“I’d like to hear the reasoning behind such a plea,” Judge Winters stated.

Frank nodded. “My client would like to take the stand to explain himself.”

“Very well then,” Judge Winters agreed.

The bailiff called Aiden to the stand and swore him in.

Aiden placed his right hand on the Bible and swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth then he took his seat.

“Tell me now, Mr. Jennings, why did you try to kill your wife; the supposed love of your life?” Judge Winters asked.

Aiden sighed. “I owed a lot of money to a bookie. The Dimeras paid him off without my permission, and then expected me to pay them back. I had no way of paying them back, so they threatened to kill my son if I didn’t pay. The only way to get the money and protect my son was to kill Hope for the life insurance money. Several times I wanted to back out. I couldn’t go through with it! However, every time I told them no they threatened my son’s life. At one point, Mr. Andre Dimera threatened to kill both my son and me if I didn’t kill Hope and get them their money.”

“Your Honor, may I ask the defendant a few questions?” Justin asked.

Judge Winters nodded. “As long as you keep it short. Remember this isn’t a trial.”

Justin nodded. “Of course.” He walked over to Aiden. “Mr. Jennings, why didn’t you just go to Detective Brady about this? Or you could have gone to your best man, Detective Hernandez. Heck, you could have come to Commissioner Brady, or even myself! You loved your fiancé so much you wanted to marry her, yet you couldn’t trust her with a problem like this?”

Aiden glanced at Hope, who looked sad. She wouldn’t meet his eyes.

Aiden sighed. “I couldn’t think straight. Trust me, I did not want to kill Hope. I begged and pleaded for Andre and Stefano to let me pay them off any other way!”

“Please just answer my question,” Mr. Jennings,” Justin said coolly.

Aiden managed to look Justin in the eyes. “I was a fool. I was worried that if I went to the police, Andre or Stefano—or both—would find a way for my son to be killed. I just couldn’t think straight! I know now how foolish it was of me, but honestly, all I could think about at the time was the surefire way to save my son that would leave no what ifs. I could make sur everyone thought it was the necktie killer, no one would ever know it was me, and I’d get the money to protect my son.”

“Didn’t you take into consideration how you would be leaving poor Ciara without a mother? She had thought her father abandoned her, now you were going to kill her mother too? And Shawn’s? What about Hope’s parents and relatives? They have all already been through so much in life, but you didn’t even care about that or stop to think about that, did you?” Justin asked.

Aiden felt his heart sink. He looked down at the floor for just a moment.

“Objection, Your Honor, the DA is badgering the witness!” Frank objected.

“Your Honor, I’m just seeing if he can truly grasp the consequences of what he tried to do,” Justin explained.

“Overruled. Answer the question Mr. Jennings,” Judge Winters ordered.

Aiden looked at Justin. “I knew Ciara would have plenty of family to take care of her. Shawn is all grown up now. I knew it was still so wrong, but I had to think about the more important consequence, which was my son’s life. With Hope dying, her kids would be fine. With Hope not dying, my son would be dead.”

“So, the life of the woman than you loved didn’t matter just so long as your son lived?” Aiden asked.

Again, Aiden looked down to the floor. “I would handle things better this time. Now that I’ve had a year to think of it, held prisoner in a—whatever kind of room that was—her life did and does matter.” He looked at Justin again. “My son’s mother died when my son was very young. All his life I’ve had to protect him. He depended on me his dad to take care of him and protect him from harm. It is my job as a parent to protect him. That was all I could think of doing when I tried to kill Hope. Now, however, I could never hurt Hope, let alone try to kill her. I know now that what I did was terribly wrong, and that I should have just gone to the police and let them do their jobs.”

“All right. That’s easy for you to say now, but how do we know that you wouldn’t do it again if you were put in the same position?” Justin asked.

Aiden shook his head. “Honestly, you don’t. But I know I wouldn’t. The moment I thought I had killed her, I would have killed myself had I not needed to stay alive to protect my son. I knew then that I what I had just done was so incredibly wrong, and that I could never do that or anything like it again. Ever. I couldn’t hurt or try to kill anyone, let alone the love of my life. It’s not the way to protect my son.”

“How do we know you didn’t kill your first wife; that this isn’t something you do on a regular basis—find a woman to woo and get to marry you, then kill her, come up with a story, and take her life insurance policy?” Justin asked.

Aiden narrowed his eye at him. “I did not kill my wife.”

Frank stood up and slammed his hands on the desk. “Objection, Your Honor! My client is not on trial for the murder of his first wife. That was ruled an accident besides.”

Judge Winters nodded. “Sustained. DA Kiriakis, please stay on topic.”

Justin held up his hands. “You’re right. My apologies Your Honor. I’m through with my questioning.”

“Mr. Walker, do you have any further questioning?” Judge Winters asked.

Frank shook his head. “No your Honor, but I would like to call to the stand Mr. Chad Dimera.”

“All right, you pay proceed,” Judge Winters agreed.

Chad walked to the bench and got sworn in, then he sat down.

Frank walked up to him. “Please, Mr. Dimera, share with the courtroom what it was you saw when you first found Mr. Jennings alive.”

Chad then told the story of how he had discovered Aiden, and how he had Aiden had worked to escape from Andre and Stefano. He also made sure the court knew that he had heard his brother and father confess to what they had done to Aiden. He also told them about Andre having told him there would be another killing the night Aiden tried to kill Hope.

“My brother made Aiden do it so that everyone would think that he was the necktie killer and therefore I would be released from jail,” Chad explained.

“Did you tell anyone?” Frank asked.

Chad nodded. “I told the guard but he wouldn’t listen. He just thought I was trying to get out of jail. I didn’t know that Aiden was who my brother was going to make pose as the necktie killer, nor did I know that he was going to try to kill Hope.”

“Thank you. That is all the questioning I have for you,” Frank said.

The judge asked Justin if he wanted to cross-examine but, Justin declined.

Aiden knew it was more than likely because Justin knew that Chad had been telling the truth on that part. Surely Justin must have heard Chad’s warning that night, but like the guard, Justin hadn’t believed him and therefor did nothing. It was just a guess, but Aiden was pretty sure of it.

Over the next half hour, Rafe and Lani both testified on the stand about having found nothing when examining the Dimera mansion. The fingerprints they had collected belonged to the maids and Harold—no one else. Rafe admitted that there had been a report that Chad had said there was going to be another murder but no one believed him. But he had only confessed that when Frank asked him straight out about it.

Aiden smirked. Rafe couldn’t lie on the stand. He had been forced to tell the truth even though it meant helping him.

Rafe also described the scene when he arrived at Hope’s house after Aiden had tried to kill her and Aiden had ultimately had the final battle with Bo. Rafe told the court that Aiden did appear to be dead, and that his story about being kidnapped by the Dimeras and treated by their surgeon was the only possible explanation of how Aiden was still here today. Of course, that was just circumstantial; nothing that could put away Andre or Stefano.

“Do we have any more witnesses before I decide whether or not this goes to trial?” Judge Winters asked.

“Yes. The DA would like to call to the stand Detective Hope Brady,” Justin said.

Aiden felt his heart pound. He knew this was coming, now here it was.

Hope walked to the stand and got sworn in before sitting down. Her eyes locked with Aiden’s, and this time she didn’t look away right away.

She didn’t look angry to Aiden, but at the same time, she didn’t look at him with the love in her eyes that she always used to look at him with. Not that he had expected her to look at him with that love. That would take a while to see that again, he knew. Even so, Aiden couldn’t read her expression. Was she angry? Sad? Disappointed? Out for revenge?”

He looked away as the DA began to question her. He guessed he was about to find out.

[heroicmuse]

Great chapter! I think the courtroom scenes were realistic enough. The show has done worse

I can't wait to see what Hope does when she testifies!

[ihearthaiden]

Thanks! I did a little research on preliminary hearings but I didn't understand all of it. I'm mainly going from what I've seen on TV. Haha...

[gapeach]

Can't wait to hear what Hope has to say!

[heroicmuse]

Dec 22, 2015 18:24:13 GMT -5 ihearthaiden said:

Thanks! I did a little research on preliminary hearings but I didn't understand all of it. I'm mainly going from what I've seen on TV. Haha...

Psst... all of my cop/lawyer scenes are mainly based on how things are done on TV too... lol

[ihearthaiden]

Days of our Haiden

                                                                                            Season 1 Episode 8:


“Detective Brady, please tell us what happened the night Mr. Jennings allegedly strangled you,” Justin ordered.

Aiden couldn’t allow himself to look at Hope as she explained the horrifying night. He felt the guilt all over again. It seemed like she was describing some scene out of a horror movie; like she was referring to the villain in a movie. He’d never felt more despicable in his life other than that night of course. She wasn’t describing a horror movie, and she wasn’t describing a movie villain. She was describing an actual horrifying even that took place. She was describing him, and the horrible villainous thing he had done to her on their wedding night. He was ashamed of himself.

When Hope finished recounting the night, Justin asked next, “Did he seem aware of what he was doing?”

Aiden dared to glance at Hope.

Hope nodded, and looked at Justin. She actually looked sad to Aiden, unless he was just seeing what he wanted to see. “Yes. He seemed determined to strangle me to death.”

“That is all the questions I have for her, Your Honor,” Justin said taking his seat.

“Do you wish to cross-examine?” Judge Winters asked Frank.

Frank nodded. “Yes, Your Honor.” He walked over to Hope. “Detective Brady, what was the last you remember of his demeanor before you ultimately lost consciousness?”

“Besides pure determination?” she asked. “Toward the end it sounded like he was tormented a bit, but I really couldn’t say for sure. My back was to him for the most part, and once I was on the floor, it didn’t take long for me to pass out. I really don’t remember much clearly.”

“Did he show any signs of malice toward you at any time in your relationship?” Frank asked next.

Hope thought about it for a moment. “We had our arguments like all couples do, but it was nothing serious. He always treated me like…” Hope stopped speaking for a moment.

“He always treated you like what, Detective?” Frank pushed.

“Like I was his world,” Hope said quietly. This time, the sad look in her eyes was undeniable.

“Did he show any signs of suspicion the night before the incident?” Frank asked.

Hope nodded. “He came to my cottage after his bachelor party. He was a little drunk. He was in tears, and he told me he couldn’t go through with it. He said I should run far away from him as I could. Or something like that. I don’t remember his exact words. I thought he was having cold feet on marrying me, but he assured me he still wanted to marry me.”

“So what was it, do you think, that he couldn’t go through with?” Frank asked.

Hope sighed. “Looking back on it now, obviously it meant he was having second thoughts on killing me.”

“Do you believe that Mr. Jennings would still try to kill you or anyone else if he was in the same position again?” Frank asked next.

Hope was quiet for a moment. This time, Frank gave her time to collect her thoughts.

“Objection, Your Honor. This is hard on her, and she is not on trial here. She shouldn’t have to answer that question. How is she even to know the answer to that?” Justin objected.

“I’ll allow it if she wants to answer the question,” Judge Winters replied.

Hope nodded. “It’s fine. I’d like to answer the question.” She looked at Aiden, then at Frank. “Honestly, with all due respect, I’m not psychic. The only one who could say for sure is Aiden. As for my personal opinion…” She looked at Aiden. “No. I don’t think he would. I’ve spoken to him since the incident, and I truly feel that he is sincere in his regret and his apologies. He was faced with an impossible choice at the time, and, as a parent, I can honestly say that I understand the state he must have been in at the notion of a threat to his son’s life. I also know how being so torn up about something can drive you to do thing you wouldn’t normally do. When my husband Bo died, I went insane trying to get revenge. Years before that even, I was on medication to help me cope with a problem I was going through at the time. The medication paired with what I was going through made me snap and try to kill all the men in Salem, as you might remember Your Honor. So, yes, I understand that the mind is a very complicated manor, and sometimes our actions, no matter how despicable they might be, aren’t always cut and dry.”

“Are you saying you forgive Mr. Jennings?” Frank asked next.

Hope paused again before slowly answering. “Do I forgive him? I’m not sure how I feel about that yet. Do I understand why he did what he did? Yes. That is all I have to say on the matter.”

“One more question, if you would,” Frank pressed. “Did Mr. Jennings show any kind of malice toward you when trying to kill you?”

“He did knock me over the head in the fight,” Hope confessed, “but he didn’t call me any degrading names or do any more than he had to to get the job done. I did find it odd that he didn’t want me to see who he was. He was begging me not to take the mask off, and he did look completely upset when I did. I don’t know. Most of it was a blur. But before that night, never had Aiden ever tried to hurt me, nor had he shown any hatred toward me of any kind.”

“Thank you, Detective Brady. You’ve been very helpful,” Frank said. “That is all the questions I have for you.”

Hope left the stand, and headed over to Rafe. Rafe put an arm around her, and rubbed her arm, but didn’t look happy.

“Are there any closing words from either of you?” Judge Winters asked, eyeing both Frank and Justin.

“I don’t think people change overnight. If Mr. Jennings was willing to kill once, I have no doubt in my mind that he would be willing to kill again if the need to save his son, or even the need so save his own butt ever arrived again,” Justin stated.

Frank then took his turn. “My client has had a year to think about it and has learned from his mistake. He was just in an impossible place, and he made a very bad decision to say the least. However, from that mistake, he learned that he was wrong. I think everyone deserves a second chance when they are truly remorseful like my client is. Also, even the victim confirms there was absolutely no malice when trying to kill her. He did it to protect his son, and no other reason. I know it’s still wrong but it’s not like he did it out of hatred. I ask that you please take these circumstances into consideration when coming to a conclusion on whether or not this goes to trial. “Thank you.”

“I’m going to retire to my quarters. We will take a fifteen minute recess, then I will be back with my decision.” Judge Winters banged his gavel. “The court is adjourned for now.”

Everyone rose as they waited for Judge Winters to retreat to his quarters, then they were free to talk amongst themselves.

Aiden sighed. “So, how do you think that went?” he asked Frank.

Frank smiled. “I can’t say for sure, but Hope’s testimony went well. I think it’s safe to say we can stay hopeful.”

Aiden smiled weakly, but he couldn’t get himself to feel good until he actually got the good news that he was free—if that even happened.



*This love came back to me*



“I don’t know why you had to tell the judge that you understood why Aiden did what he did,” Rafe said to Hope.

Hope shrugged. “Why not? I was on stand, and it’s the truth. I had to.”

“You honestly understand why Aiden did what he did?” Rafe asked, sounding a little annoyed.

Hope shrugged. “I wouldn’t have said I understood if I didn’t.”

“How can you defend that guy after what he did to you?” Rafe asked.

Hope sighed. “Rafe, I know him a lot better than you do. I know he meant no malice toward me when trying to kill me.”

“Hope, do you even hear yourself? The guy tried to kill you for goodness sake! That’s not normal!” Rafe exclaimed.

Hope put her hand over Rafe’s shoulder. “Rafe, you don’t have a child, so I know you can’t understand the bond between a parent and a child. I’m not saying what he did was right; it wasn’t. It was absolutely despicable. But I truly believe it was a one-time thing. He just went temporarily crazy trying to protect his son. The thought of his son being killed made him go mad. I can totally understand that. I know better than anybody that no matter how good of a person you might be, you can still be pushed over your limit. It doesn’t make you a bad person. People make mistakes in life. The question is, do we learn from them or keep repeating them, and I know in my heart that Aiden had learned from his mistakes.”

“For starters, that was more than a mistake; it was a crime. Second, how can you say for sure he learned from his mistake and wouldn’t do it again?” Rafe asked.

Hope glanced over her shoulder at Aiden, who was talking to Chad. She then looked back at Rafe. “Like I said, I talked to him. I know him. He meant it when he said he learned from his mistake.”

“Yeah, well, he fooled you before, and I’m pretty sure he’s fooling you again,” Rafe said unconvinced, his arms crossed over his chest.

Hope glanced at Aiden again, her expression slightly distraught. “Yeah, well, we’ll just agree to disagree.”



*This love came back to me.*



Fifteen minutes later, the bailiff had them all rise again, and in came the judge.

They all sat down.

Judge winters spoke. “I have come to a decision. Will the defendant please rise.”

Aiden stood with Frank. Justin stood as well.

Judge Winters continued. “I have decided that this case will not go to trial.”

Aiden grinned widely at Frank as a murmur was heard on the DA’s side.

Judge Winters banged his gavel to silence the room. “But there are speculations. Mr. Jennings, you will do 1,000 hours community service, and pay a 100,000 fine. The court will work with you if you need time paying it off, but the longer you take to pay off your fine, the more interest will accumulate. Also, I am requiring you to not only get a psychiatrist for your own mental well-being, but also I need you to get help with your gambling addiction. In addition, I want you to work with a financial advisor. All of these professionals will be instructed to come to the authorities if you show any signs of slipping back into your old ways. Do I make myself clear?” Judge Winters asked.

Aiden nodded. “Yes, Your Honor. Thank you.”

Judge Winters continued. “Having a son myself, I can sympathize with your dilemma. But take this as a warning, Mr. Jennings. If you show any signs at all that you are still a danger to this community, I will not be so gentle on you next time.”

Aiden nodded. “Yes, Your Honor, of course.”

“You will be hearing from the court concerning what and when your community service will be, as well as what you plan to do as far as playing your fine.” Judge Winters banged his gavel. “Court is adjourned.”

They all rose while the judge went back to his judges quarters, then they were dismissed.

“Chad placed his hand over Aiden’s shoulder. “Congrats, Man! Don’t worry. I’ll have that fee paid in full by tonight. You have enough on your plate as it is. I will also see to it that Andre and Stefano don’t bother you or your son any longer.”

Aiden hugged Chad. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you.”

Chad pat his back. “Don’t even worry about it. That fine is nothing to me.”

They released from their hug.

“Thank you,” Aiden said sincerely. “You’re a good man, Chad. I truly appreciate all you have done for me and my son.”

Chad smiled. “Hey. At least one of the Dimeras has to be good, right? Besides my son of course.” She smiled and winked at Aiden.

Aiden smiled and winked back at him.

Aiden and Frank then shook hands. Aiden thanked him, and Chad promised Frank his check would be in the mail tomorrow.

Frank then left to attend to another client, and Chad had to get back to Abigail.

“I hope you supporting me doesn’t get you in trouble with Abigail. I know Hope is her first cousin once removed, or whatever it is you call it,” Aiden said to Chad.

Chad shook his head. “Hope understands why you did it, and I know Abigail does too. Now go be with that son with yours and make up for lost time. And good luck with Hope!”

Aiden pat his shoulder. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime. But now, we’re even,” Chad said.

Aiden laughed. “You bet we are!”

Chad then left with a wave.

Aiden looked over at Hope; debating on whether or not he should go talk to her. When Rafe stepped aside to take a call, he decided he should.

He walked over to Hope, who was waiting for Rafe to get off the phone.

“Hi,” he said to her.

She smiled weakly. “Hi.”

“I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me on the stand. I want you to know, you won’t regret it. I will never try to hurt you or anyone else ever again,” Aiden promised.

“I did it for Chase. He asked me to speak on your behalf,” Hope replied.

“Did you at least mean what you said?” Aiden asked.

Hope shot him a look. “Of course I did. I wouldn’t lie on the stand—not even for Chase.”

“Unless it was to protect our secret about…” Aiden trailed off.

Hope nodded. “Of course! I promised I’d never tell, and that hasn’t changed.”

“My love for you hasn’t changed. I still love you Hope. I know you don’t love me anymore, but I’m never going to stop loving you,” Aiden told her.

Hope looked like she wanted to believe Aiden.

“I swear on my own life I’ll never hurt you again. I swear on my own son’s life I’ll never hurt you again, so you know I mean it,” Aiden told her.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t go swearing on lives,” Rafe said, coming back from his call. He nodded at Aiden. “I thought I told you to stay away from her.”

“You can’t tell me who I can and cannot see,” Aiden said coldly.

Rafe started toward him. “Wanna make a bet?”

Hope held Rafe back. “Rafe! Stop it! Aiden and I were just talking. I can decide on my own who I do and do not talk with.”

Rafe glanced at her. “You can’t tell me you honestly believe his lies, can you?”

Hope sighed. “I’m trying to keep the peace for Chase’s sake. Aiden’s not going to hurt me. I wouldn’t have spoken up for him under oath if I didn’t truly believe that.”

“He’s messing with your mind. Don’t let him do it, Hope,” Rafe warned.

Hope looked at Rafe with shock. “Excuse me, but I am a cop. I’m capable of knowing when someone is messing with my mind.”

Rafe shrugged. “You didn’t when he tried to kill you.”

Hope’s mouth dropped open. “I can’t believe you just said that! As if it were my fault!”

“I didn’t say that,” Rafe said slowly.

Hope crossed her arms over her chest.

Aiden cleared his throat. “Do you think it would be all right if I met Chase at school after school lets out? I don’t know if he has certain people he’s allowed to leave with or not.”

Hope nodded. “I’m sure he’d be happy to see you. You’re his Dad. You have every right to pick him up. Anyway, you weren’t charged with anything.”

“I know, but I still…” Aiden trailed off, not even wanting to mention what he did.

“Just go. I’m sure Chase will be thrilled,” Hope said quietly.

Aiden nodded. “Thanks again, Hope. For everything.” He then left, not wanting to deal anymore with Meat Head Rafe and his stink eye.

He couldn’t help but smile as he was out of eyesight though. Rafe and Hope were already fighting because of him. Winning her back would be a piece of cake.



*This love came back to me*



When school was out, Aiden waited for Chase to exit the building. When their eyes met, Aiden grinned

Chase grinned as well. “You’re out?”

Aiden held his arms out. “I’m not going to jail!”

“Ah man, yes!” Chase ran to his father, and they hugged tightly.

“Hope spoke up for me. I got 1,000 hours community service, and a hundred thousand dollar fine, but Chad is going to pay the fine off for me. I also have to get a therapist and get help with my gambling and money managing, but other than that, I’m a free man!” Aiden explained.

“That’s great!” Chase said; excited.

“I can’t believe my mom spoke on your behalf after what you did to her,” Ciara said, suddenly appearing behind Chase.

Chase turned to her. “I told you he did it for me.”

“I know why you did it, but it doesn’t make it any less despicable,” Ciara said to Aiden, staring at him the same way Rafe had.

Aiden’s expression softened. “Ciara, I’m sorry. I—”

Ciara cut him off. “You’re sorry? You tried to kill my mom and all you can say is, ‘I’m sorry’? Are you kidding me?” She shook her head. “You know what? Save it! Just stay the hell away from me.” She stormed off. “And that goes for my mom as well!” she yelled while still walking away.

Aiden sighed as he watched her storm off.

“Don’t worry. She’ll come around,” Chase promised.

“I hope so,” Aiden said.

Chase grinned. “Now let’s go get something to eat. I’m starved! While we eat, you can tell me all about the trial, and what Hope said. Then we can work on a plan for you to get her back.”

Aiden grinned at his son. He didn’t know if he could get Hope back as quickly as Chase was hoping, but it still wouldn’t hurt to talk about it. Besides, he would welcome this time with his son. It had been a long time coming. “Sounds good to me.” He placed his arm around his son, and they headed off to find a place to eat.

[heroicmuse]

Wow. I'm glad Aiden was able to get a second chance. Now let's see what happens.

Rafe risked his career to protect Gabi. Not exactly the same thing, but still, he should have SOME inkling into what Aiden was going through. It looks like Ciara agrees with Rafe and Hope is kind of ambivalent. It should be interesting to see what happens next.

[ihearthaiden]

Days of our Haiden

                                                                                              Season 1 Episode 9:



As glad as Aiden was no be alive, being supposedly dead for a year had caused a lot of problems. Not only did he need to be put back into the system as still alive, but he had zero money to his name. He was even more broke than he was the last time. Thankfully, his sister had wired him some money to get him started with his life again. He hated borrowing from her. She was married to a guy who was well off financially, but even so it wasn’t like the guy was rich. He and his sister made enough combined to live comfortably, but they certainly weren’t at Dimera status as far as money went, or even at Hope’s status. He planned on paying his sister back once he had gotten his life in order. He even owed Chase some money, for he had borrowed money from him to stay at the Salem Inn the first night. Now, he was still staying in the Salem Inn compliments of his sister and her husband. He had his own bank card, but no credit cards. His financial advisor wouldn’t allow him to create any more debt. In the meantime, he needed to get back to his job—that is if he even still had a job.

He now had an appointment with the Bar association and the DA about his job. He was nervous, but he had hopes that since he wasn’t convicted of anything, they would only punish him with a suspension. Of course, he wished he wouldn’t be suspended at all, but he didn’t want to get his hopes up. He entered the building hoping for the best.



*This love came back to me.*



“Mom, I need to talk to you about something,” Chase said, coming over to sit down next to Hope who was sitting on the couch.

Hope put down her phone, and angled her body to him, giving him her full attention. “What is it, Honey?”

“It’s about Thanksgiving. I know you wanted to have Thanksgiving together, but I don’t want my dad to be all alone.”

Hope smiled weakly at him. “Honey, I’m sorry, but it would be too awkward to have your father joining us under the circumstances.”

Chase shook his head. “That’s not what I meant. I mean, I want to spend Thanksgiving with him; as in just me and Dad.”

Hope’s face fell a bit. “Oh.” She pushed some hair behind her ear. “That’s fine. Where are you going to eat?”

Chase shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably just in the hotel. I’m sure room service has turkey or something. Anyway, I don’t care what we eat. I just want to spend some time with my dad.”

“You could always go to your aunt’s,” Hope suggested.

“My aunt says she doesn’t mind paying for us to fly down, but my dad already feels bad taking the money she already gave him. He doesn’t want to make her dish out more just for one night. It’s expensive to fly out this time of year, and he doesn’t have a car yet since his old one was sold at the auction,” Chase explained.

“Well, I can give you the money. I’d be willing to do that for you so that you can have a nice Thanksgiving,” Hope said, gently stroking his hair.

Chase shook his head. “My dad refuses to take any more money from you. He already took that money from you to pay off his debts last year. He refuses to take anything more from you than he already has.”

“I’d be giving the money to you,” Hope reminded him. “Yes, there would be enough for your father’s plane ticket too, but it’s your money. You will be the one to decide to give half the money I give you to him. Not me.” Hope winked at him.

Chase smiled weakly. “Nice try, but my dad will never fall for that reasoning. Really, Hope, I don’t mind staying in the hotel. For the past year, I thought my dad was dead. Now I find out he is alive. Mom, just being able to spend Thanksgiving with him is enough for it to be the perfect Thanksgiving.”

Hope kissed the top of his head, not caring that he was no longer eleven. “You’re a good boy. One thing your father did right was raise you.”

Chase smiled. “I appreciate that. So, what are we doing for lunch?”

“Well, I have off, so why don’t we go to the mall, eat in the food court, and see a movie?” Hope asked. “Ciara and Claire are out spending the day together, so why don’t you and I do the same? It’s not often we get to hang out together just the two of us.” Hope grinned at Chase and winked at him.

Chase smiled and nodded. “Sounds good to me. But I’m not seeing any chick-flick.”

Hope laughed. “What exactly constitutes as a chick-flick?”

“Anything sappy and romantic,” Chase replied.

“All right. How about a comedy?” Hope asked.

“The new Adam Sandler?” Chase asked hopefully.

“You got it!” Hope said.

They then left the house, both happy to be spending time together.



*This love came back to me.*



Aiden was surprised that it didn’t take long at all for it to be decided that he would not be barred from practicing law. Due to the circumstances he had been under, and due to the fact that Hope had testified on his behalf at the hearing, and that he hadn’t been tried or convicted, they agreed that there was no need to disbar or suspend him. It also helped that he had had no malice when trying to kill Hope, and that is wasn’t a recent happening. However, he was warned that they would be keeping an extra close watch on him.

“I think they are going a bit easy on you, but you may still have your job. I know I would do anything to protect my son, and I can see how the threat to Chase’s life caused to you not be able to think straight. That being said, I still think what you did to Hope was despicable. Trying to kill the woman you love on your wedding night is unthinkable no matter what the reasoning. You should be ashamed of yourself,” Justin had said to him.

Aiden had hung his head. “Believe me, I am.”

“Don’ get too happy. You may still have your license, but we’ll just see what clients will still want you as their lawyer after hearing what you tried to do to your then wife,” Justin had said before walking off without another word to or glance at him.

Now, as Aiden was headed into the parking lot, he had new hope. Things were looking up for him. Maybe he could now finally start to turn his life around. He would be a better man this time around. He wouldn’t be so weak. Most of all, he would be the kind of man Hope needed him to be; the kind of man he should have been to her to begin with.



*This love came back to me.*



Weeks passed, and it was Thanksgiving. Chase wished Hope, Ciara, and Claire a Happy Thanksgiving, then headed out to his father’s hotel room.

He knocked on the door, and when Aiden opened the door, Chase got a whiff of turkey. “Did you order it already?” Chase asked.

Aiden nodded. “I timed it perfectly to arrive when I knew you should be arriving. It just arrived a minute ago.”

Chase walked into the room, and Aiden shut the door behind them. They then hugged.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Dad.”

“Happy Thanksgiving, Son.”

They sat down at the table and Chase took off the metal lid that was covering his food platter. There was white meat turkey and gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, stuffing, and a dinner roll on his plate. There was also packets of salt and pads of butter on the table as well.

“This looks and smells really good,” Chase said.

Aiden nodded. “It sure does!” he said as he took off the cover to his tray and sat down across from Chase. “I have a confession to make. I took a peak before you got here, and almost started without you. In fact, I would have, but you knocked on the door before I could take a bite.” He grinned at Chase.

Chase grinned too. “Well, then I guess it’s a good thing I got here when I did, huh?”

“I know this will sound weird coming from the man who tried to kill his wife, but we should say grace before we eat,” Aiden said.

Chase nodded. “I suppose it wouldn’t quite be right if we didn’t thank the good Lord for our food on Thanksgiving of all days.”

So they bowed their heads, and Aiden gave a quick prayer to thank God for their food, then they ate up.

“So, I did a little work on getting Hope and you back together,” Chase said as they ate.

Aiden raised an eyebrow. “What did you do?” He took a sip of his water.

Chase grinned. “I told Hope that I wasn’t sure the Inn would even have pumpkin pie, and that I wished you and I could have some of Maggie’s delicious pumpkin pie together that Maggie likes to make.”

“So, you’re thinking Hope will bring some over?” Aiden asked.

Chase drank his water as well, then nodded. “I’m hoping. Mom’s good-hearted. I think it will bother her too much, thinking about us going without pumpkin pie. Well, at least me.”

“Whatever gets her over here. But don’t be too disappointed if she doesn’t show though,” Aiden said. “I just don’t want to get your hopes up.”

Chase nodded. “I know. But it was worth a shot.”

Aiden nodded, then took another sip of his water before moving onto his dinner roll.



*This love came back to me.*



Hope sat talking, joking, and laughing with Rafe, his family, the Hortons, and the Bradys. They were all having a nice Thanksgiving together in the Brady Pub. Hope wished Chase could be with them, but she understood him wanting to have dinner with his dad. Despite what Aiden had done to her, it had been to protect him, and Hope knew personally how strong a father-son bond was. In her case, a father-daughter bond, which she knew was not any different when it came to the bond.

They finished their food, and Caroline, Jennifer, and JJ helped clear the plates. The Kiriakises were having their own Thanksgiving meal at the mansion, but Maggie had been nice enough to send a few of her pumpkin pies over to them to have at their Thanksgiving meal as well.

Hope’s heart sank a little as she thought of how Chase was missing out on his pie. She thought of just bringing a piece home for him to eat later, but she was sure he would like to have it with his dinner. Also, he had told her wanted to enjoy some with his father. She had her pie with the others, then headed went back into the kitchen, gathered a paper plate up, and placed two slices of the pumpkin pie onto it. She then covered it with foil. She knew Rafe wouldn’t approve of her brining Aiden pie, but he didn’t have to know. She had never been one to let anyone tell her what she can and cannot do—especially not a man. Rafe was no exception.

She set the pie plate down on the counter, then walked back into the dining area of the pub.

She headed over to Rafe. “I have to run an errand. I’ll call you later.”

“What? Now? What errand could you have to run on Thanksgiving?” he asked.

“I want to go stop by the mansion and say Happy Thanksgiving to Aunt Maggie and Victor,” she said, thinking quickly. “It’s got to be hard on them, their first Thanksgiving without Daniel.”

“I’ll come with you,” Rafe offered.

Hope shook her head. “No, it’s all right. You stay with your family. I’m kind of tired anyway. I think the tryptophan from the turkey is already kicking in.” She yawned for show. “I’m just going to go home and take a nap after I talk to them anyway.”

Rafe still looked unsure, but he slowly nodded. “All right.”

They kissed quickly on the lips.

“I’ll call you tonight,” Hope said before leaving. She headed out the front door, then around the pub and back in through the kitchen where she then grabbed the pie plate. Finally, she headed out the back of the pub.

As she got into her car and headed to the Salem Inn, she couldn’t help but think how silly it was, sneaking around just to bring her son and his father some pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. She hated lying to Rafe and sneaking around, but even though she wasn’t afraid of him knowing that she wasn’t going to not do something just because he didn’t want her to, she didn’t feel like getting into it. So, she was just going to have to go behind his back. After all, what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him, and it would spare her the headache.



*This love came back to me.*



“Should we order the pumpkin pie now?” Aiden asked once they had finished their meal. “I don’t think your mother is coming.”

Chase sighed, looking a little bit down. “I suppose so. Dang, I really thought she would come!”

“We need to give her some time. Regardless of my reasoning, I did try to kill her. It’s going to take her some time before she can trust me again. It’s not like I simply took some money from her wallet and didn’t return it,” Aiden said as he began dialing room service.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Aiden put the phone down and raised his eyebrow at Chase as if to silently ask, “Could that be her?”

Chase shrugged, then headed over to the door. He peered out the peephole. He then turned around and smiled at Aiden, giving him the thumbs-up sign.

Aiden grinned, and Chase opened the door, trying his best to look surprised. “Mom, you came!”

“I wasn’t going to, but when the pie came out, I kept thinking of you being here without any pumpkin pie. You have to have pumpkin pie with your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s tradition, right?”

Chase hugged her. “Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate it.”

Hope kissed his cheek with a loud, “Muah!”

Aiden headed over to the door then, and smiled at Hope. “Hello, Hope. Happy Thanksgiving.”

She smiled weakly at him. “Hello, Aiden. Happy Thanksgiving to you too.”

Chase took the pie plate from her, and headed over to the table.

“It was really nice of you to bring some by. Thank you. Chase and I both appreciate it. And before you say anything, I know you did it for Chase and not me. Still, thank you,” Aiden said to her.

Hope nodded. “You’re welcome. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Maggie makes one heck of a pumpkin pie.”

Aiden nodded. “I know. I had some out first and only Thanksgiving together.” He pat his stomach. “No other pie can compare.”

Again, Hope nodded, looking a little awkward. “Well, I’m going to be headed back now. I think I’m going to stop by and wish Maggie and Victor a Happy Thanksgiving.”

“All right. Thanks again for the pie,” Aiden said.

“Yes, thank you!” Chase said, his mouth already full of pie.

Hope laughed, then nodded at Aiden. “It looks like you better hurry up and eat your slice before Chase eats it all on you.”

Aiden looked over his shoulder then back at Hope. “I think so!” he agreed. He paused then slowly leaned in and kissed Hope’s cheek. “Again, Happy Thanksgiving.”

Hope looked at him in surprise, but quickly hid it. “Happy Thanksgiving,” she mumbled before taking off down the hall then disappearing into the elevator.

Aiden closed the door behind him.

“I can’t believe you kissed her,” Chase said.

Aiden sat down at the table, and slid his slice of pie toward him. “I couldn’t help it. I needed to kiss her.”

“Well, at least she didn’t push you away,” Chase said with a shrug.

Aiden nodded, “Indeed.” He took a bite of his pie. It was delicious. He had forgotten exactly how delicious it was.

“But I bet if you had tried kissing her on the lips, she would have decked you,” Chase continued.

Aiden took a sip of his water before replying. “I have no doubt. But give it time. That will change. Good things come to those who wait.”

Chase nodded his agreement, and went back to eating his pie.



*This love came back to me.*



Hope touched her cheek as she drove to the Kiriakis mansion. She should have told Aiden off for trying to kiss her. Except, it wasn’t really that big of a deal. Rafe would have cried bloody murder had he seen it, but he was never going to know about it. It was just a friendly peck and nothing more. Aiden had just been wishing her a Happy Thanksgiving. There was no use in blowing things out of proportion.

She sighed. So what if her heart had fluttered a bit at the touch of his lips? It meant nothing. They were nothing more than friends now—if you could even call it that—and that is what they were going to stay.

She put her hand back on the wheel, and drove the rest of the way to the Kiriakises, pushing Aiden Jennings and his kiss out of her mind.