The Melaswen Paradox (Read 296,099 times)

[heroicmuse]

I'm curious about what happened between David and Trish.

Also wonder if Nicholas knows that is really Andre and if he has some sort of plan here.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 733

HORTON BACKYARD
Jennifer, Julie, Doug, Tommy, Marie and Bill were setting up for the Horton reunion/Fourth of July party. Since Tommy owned the house next to Jennifer’s, they had decided to use both backyards for the party. The back gate opened, and Hope, Aiden and Chase walked in.
HOPE: Hi, everyone!
JENNIFER: Hey, cuz! Good to see you!
HOPE: You too! Where can I put this?
Hope gestured to a bowl she was carrying.
JENNIFER: Does it need to be refrigerated?
HOPE: Probably wouldn’t be a bad idea.
JENNIFER: Come on, then.
Jennifer led Hope inside.
DOUG: Aiden, Chase, good to see you again!
AIDEN: You too, Doug. Julie.
CHASE: Thanks.
Aiden and Doug shook hands.
JULIE: Hello, Aiden.
Tommy and Bill were putting up a banner on the back of the house. It was red, white and blue and read “Happy Reunion and Fourth of July!”
TOMMY: What do you think?
BILL: Looks a little low on your side, to be honest. Marie, what do you think?
Marie, who had been helping Julie put tablecloths on, looked up.
MARIE: It needs to be a little higher. Try scooting back about half an inch, both of you.
Tommy and Bill moved their ladders back a short amount, then got back up and put up the banner.
TOMMY: Now?
MARIE: Perfect! That looks great!
Inside, Hope and Jennifer were putting dishes into the refrigerator.
HOPE: Looks like you guys have got an early start.
JENNIFER: We did. Everyone showed up here a few hours ago to start getting things ready. Now we’re just putting up banners and tablecloths.
HOPE: Everything looks great, cuz.
JENNIFER: Thank you. So, I’m surprised Ciara didn’t come with you.
HOPE: She’ll be here in a little bit. She and Trix wanted to stop by the cemetery for a minute.
Jennifer nodded.
JENNIFER: How’s she doing?
HOPE: Okay.
JENNIFER: How are you doing?
HOPE: I’m good. Of course, today will always hold special memories of Bo, it was his favorite holiday. But, we are surrounded by family and are going to celebrate that and freedom, two things that Bo loved.
Jennifer and Hope hugged. There was a knock on the door.
JENNIFER: Just a second!
Jennifer and Hope both went to the door and found Melissa on the other side.
MELISSA: Hey, cuzzes!
HOPE: Melissa!
JENNIFER: Good to see you!
MELISSA: You too!
Hope and Jennifer hugged Melissa.
HOPE: You look great! When did you get in?
MELISSA: Thanks, you too! Sarah and I both got in the other night. She’s coming with Maggie and Victor in a bit, but I wanted to come early and see my two favorite cousins!
JENNIFER: I’m so glad you did!
HOPE: We both are!
JENNIFER: Come on, I’ll show you where we’re putting the food.
Melissa followed Hope and Jennifer into the kitchen.
HOPE: You know, aside from funerals and weddings, I don’t remember the last time the three of us were together for a party.
MELISSA: Me either. It’s been so long!
HOPE: But now that we are back, and celebrating our family history, you know what we’ve got to do, right?
MELISSA: Embarrass ourselves and potentially our children by showing a certain video we made as teenagers for Gran’s birthday?
HOPE: What do you mean “embarrass ourselves”? That video was fantastic!
JENNIFER: Oh, that video?
MELISSA: That’s the one!
JENNIFER: Okay, that needs to make a comeback!

[heroicmuse]

If it's the video I'm thinking of, it definitely needs to make a comeback.

Loving these reunion scenes!

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

I can't wait to watch that video!

BTW, I loved your preview graphic with all the characters.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 734

HORTON BACKYARD
Most of the people invited had arrived at the party. Tommy, Marie and Bill stood up by the back of the house.
BILL: I think we’re gonna need a bigger backyard.
Bill, Tommy and Marie chuckled.
MARIE: Oh, Bill. Should we make the speech now?
TOMMY; Might as well. Pretty much everyone’s here.
Bill whistled, and everyone turned their attention towards them.
BILL: Thank you for coming, everyone. We’ll try to keep this brief, as we all want to spend our time celebrating.
MARIE: We wanted to start off by saying that it is so good to see all of you! We knew the Hortons are a big family, but we’re truly amazed by how many of you were able to come.
TOMMY: Today is about family and celebrating those around us, as well as the freedoms we have in this nation.
BILL: But the three of us couldn’t do this alone. It was a team effort. Doug and Julie, Jennifer, Hope, and all of you have contributed in some way.
MARIE: Whether it was by bringing food, helping with set up, or just being here to celebrate the day. We’ll be bringing the food out shortly, but in the meantime, please help yourself to refreshments.
TOMMY: That being said, welcome to the annual Horton/Brady Fourth of July party/Horton Family Reunion!
Everyone clapped, then went back to talking.
JULIE: I trust your father behaved himself on the way over.
SPENCER: Dad is doing fine, Aunt Julie. I have to say, I really do think he’s changed.
JULIE: Well, I certainly hope so.
SPENCER: But, he’s not the only one who wanted to see you.
JULIE: Oh, who else have you brought?
SPENCER: Turn around.
Julie looked behind her as two young women, both in their late 20s/early 30s walked into the backyard.
JULIE: Well, my goodness!
SPENCER: I know they’ve grown up quite a bit since you last saw them, but I’m sure you remember Benny and Mattie.
JULIE: Of course I do! Girls, it is so good to see you!
BENNY: You too, Aunt Julie.
Julie hugged Benny and Mattie.
JULIE: When did you get into town?
MATTIE: Just now. Benny picked me up from the airport on her way up.
BENNY: And since I live in Chicago near Dad, it wasn’t that far of a trip.
Ciara and Trix came through the gate and walked over to Claire and Chase.
CLAIRE: There you guys are!
Claire and Ciara hugged.
CLAIRE: How’d it go?
CIARA: It was good. The headstone is still looking nice. He’d like it.
CHASE: That’s good.
CLAIRE: So, you guys ready for an awesome party?
CIARA: Definitely! And, I plan on remembering this one, unlike last year.
TRIX: We both do.
Daniel handed Nicole a drink.
DANIEL: Enjoying the party so far?
NICOLE: I am. It’s better than reporting on Fourth of July parties for Miles. Then again, anytime I get to spend with you is perfect.
Daniel and Nicole kissed. Then she noticed Benny and Mattie.
NICOLE: Who are those two?
DANIEL: I’m not entirely sure, but I think, I think that they are the granddaughters of Julie’s brother. Why?
NICOLE: No reason, really. The older one looks kind of familiar.

[Kpatch]

Like Nicole, I was wondering about Benny and Mattie too.

[heroicmuse]

I wonder where Nicole has seen one of the girls before.

So excited for this party!

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 735

HORTON BACKYARD
DANIEL: Where do you think you know her from?
NICOLE: No idea. Maybe she just has one of those faces.
Nathan walked in the gate and went over to Melissa.
MELISSA: Hey!
NATHAN: Hey, mom! Jen, Hope. Sorry I’m late.
HOPE: Don’t be silly, Nathan. You’re right on time.
JENNIFER: We’re just about to show our tribute to Gram from when your mom, Hope and I were in our late teens/early 20s.
NATHAN: You guys did a tribute to Great-Grandma?
MELISSA: Oh, we did! Just wait.
HOPE: Can I have everyone’s attention, please?
Everyone turned to look at Hope, Jennifer and Melissa.
HOPE: Thank you! So, as you all know, it’s been a long time since all of us were together.
JENNIFER: And, as you may remember, when we were kids, Hope, Melissa and I were inseparable.
BILL: Oh, I certainly remember!
MAGGIE: me too!
DOUG: No doubt about it!
MELISSA: So, for one of Gram’s birthdays, probably a big one, we did a special song for her. And no, it’s probably not the song you’re thinking of. Someone was smart enough to make a video of this song for posterity.
JENNIFER: Thank you, Aunt Maggie!
HOPE: Let’s roll the video.
There was a screen and projector off to one side of the yard, which had been showing pictures of the Horton family throughout the years. Melissa walked over to the computer next to the projector and pressed a few buttons. The slideshow stopped and was replaced by a video. Click here to watch.
MAGGIE: Oh, I remember this video!
JULIE: So do I!
NATHAN: Wow!
ABBY: Well, that was something.
CHAD: That was great!
AIDEN: You’ve been holding out on me, Commissioner. I didn’t know you had moves like that.
HOPE: Oh, you’ve seen moves better than that. And I can show you more later, if you’d like, Mr. Jennings.
Hope and Aiden kissed. Sandy walked over to Tommy.
TOMMY: Sandy.
SANDY: It’s okay. Just like the other day, I come in peace.
TOMMY: Well, good. I’m glad of it.
SANDY: I just wanted to say...it has come to my attention that I may have overreacted...to a lot of things. And, while I can’t say I completely understand a lot of the things you’ve done, I realize that I also haven’t made some of the best choices. And I will try to be more understanding.
TOMMY: Well, I appreciate you saying that. Sandy, no matter what’s happened over the years, you are my firstborn. My angel. And no matter what happens, I will always love you. Nothing will ever change that.
Tommy and Sandy hugged.
MARIE: It’s so good to have you home again.
JESSICA: It’s good to be home. Joshua sends his love, he’s sorry that he couldn’t make it.
MARIE: Well, I’m sure I’ll be able to come out to Ohio and visit you two soon.
JESSICA: Or, maybe we can come back here soon. Joshua has some time off coming up, and we’ve talked about visiting. Since I’m already out here...
MARIE: That would be wonderful, as well!
JOSHUA: I doubt you’ll have to wait that long.
Marie and Jessica turned around as Joshua walked into the backyard.
JESSICA: Joshua!
JOSHUA: Hey, Jess. Ma.
Joshua hugged Jessica and Marie.
MARIE: Good to see you again!
JOSHUA: You too.
JESSICA: I’m so glad to see you! But, what are you doing here? I thought you couldn’t get off of work.
JOSHUA: I didn’t think I could, either. But, we got our project done early, so I told my boss that I was starting my vacation early and got on the next flight out here.
Off to one side of the yard, people were taking pictures. Variations of immediate families, cousins and other relatives would go over and have pictures taken together. Maggie, Melissa, Sarah and Nathan were gathered together.
SARAH: Hey, bro! Get over here! You know you’re basically an honorary Horton!
Daniel walked over.
DANIEL: Hey, sis. How are you?
SARAH: Great!
DANIEL: Good. So, the infection’s all cleared up, then?
SARAH: Definitely! I’m just bummed that I had to miss your wedding.
DANIEL: Hey, Nicole and I, we completely understand that you were ill. But we are so glad, so glad that you are better.
MAGGIE: We all are.
PAIGE: You guys are doing music this afternoon, aren’t you?
J.J.: Yeah, Doug talked the three of us into performing some stuff during the fireworks.
CLAIRE: I can’t wait! This is gonna be awesome!
CHASE: Me too!
WILL: It’s so great to have so much family around.
LUCAS: Yeah, it’s pretty awesome. The Hortons are a big family.
ALLIE: It seems like it! Looks like Ari’s enjoying playing with her cousins, especially Thomas.
SONNY: Yeah, she’s having a great time.
MIKE: David, Carly. Good to see you.
DAVID: You too.
CARLY: Hi.
MIKE: You know Trish Clayton’s back in town?
DAVID: Yeah, we ran into her the other night.
SCOTTY: Didn’t you and her have a thing years ago?
MIKE: A lot of years ago. I doubt she even remembers that.
SPENCER: So, you’re my grandmother’s namesake?
ADDIE: Yep. Dr. Addie Horton.
SPENCER: Spencer Olson.
ADDIE: Good to meet you.
LILY: Wow, we have a lot of cousins, don’t we?
SHAWN-D: We sure do. Thanks again for all the help you’ve been doing for my sister.
LILY: No problem. I’m just glad I’m able to help.
As the day became evening and the sun went down, Tommy once again went to the front of the house. Bill whistled and everyone turned their attention to the front.
TOMMY: All right, everybody. The fireworks will be starting in just a moment, so please make sure you’ve got a good spot to see them from.
Everyone turned and tried to find a good place to watch the fireworks at. Just as the fireworks began, J.J., Claire and Chase began playing some patriotic music, while Doug did a reading of the Declaration of Independence. (Click here to listen) After the reading was over, the music continued playing in the background, and everyone continued watching the fireworks.
BILL: Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

[heroicmuse]

Happy Fourth of July!

It was wonderful seeing that old video again. I miss when DAYS used to do things like that just for fun and family instead of being totally driven by violent plots.

Speaking of which, I loved seeing so much family at this celebration! Great to see JJ and Paige again. I'm glad that Sandy is coming around.

I hope Sarah really is better. I'm a little worried.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 736

HORTON BACKYARD
MIKE: So, how are things at Hopkins’?
NATHAN: Pretty great. I recently became head of the surgery department.
MIKE: That’s great, man! Congrats!
NATHAN: Thanks. How’s Africa?
MIKE: It’s beautiful. I love getting to work with my Dad and all the research we’re doing is fantastic.
STEVEN: So, your father tells me you’re into sports.
MATTIE: Yeah, I am. Mostly baseball. I play for a minor league team, the Windy City ThunderBolts.
STEVEN: Well, once I’m able to travel in a few weeks, I’ll have to come down and watch a game.
MATTIE: That’d be awesome, Grandpa! I’d love that!
Nicole went to get a water bottle. A hand reached in at the same time as hers. She took her hand back, looked up and saw Benny was the other person. She had pulled her hand back, too.
BENNY: Sorry about that.
NICOLE: No, it’s all good. Go ahead.
BENNY: No, you first.
NICOLE: Okay.
Nicole got a bottle of water, and Benny did just after her.
NICOLE: So, I know this is gonna seem totally weird, and I promise, I’m not crazy or anything, but you look so familiar. Have we met?
BENNY: You know, I’ve been wondering about that myself. I’m Bernice Olson, but call me Benny, everyone does.
NICOLE: Nicole Walker. Well, Nicole Jonas, now.
BENNY: From Titan TV?
NICOLE: That’s the one.
BENNY: No way! That’s why you look familiar, I watch Titan TV’s 6 o’clock news when I’m not working.
NICOLE: Oh, cool. That still doesn’t explain why you look familiar to me, though. Do you work around here?
BENNY: No, I work in Chicago, actually. At a D.N.A. lab.
NICOLE: DDC? The D.N.A. Diagnostics Center?
BENNY: That’s the one.
NICOLE: That’s where I know you from! Earlier this year, I was there with this teenage kid with black hair and we were trying to find out if we were sisters.
BENNY: Oh, yeah! I remember that now! How are things with you two? Sorry, it’s none of my business.
NICOLE: No, it’s fine. We’re...getting there. It’s taking time, but we’re adjusting to being in each other’s lives.
Tommy, Bill and Marie went back to the front of the yard. Bill whistled.
TOMMY: Thank you once again for coming, everybody. It’s so nice to see all of you here, together.
MARIE: Before we end the party, we just wanted to do one more thing. Now, many of you will remember that there was a special song that our parents, Tom and Alice Horton, the ones who started all of this, had.
BILL: Years ago, at their 50th anniversary, we all sang it for them. And while they may no longer be here physically, we know that they are always with us.
TOMMY: So, let’s do it again. This is for Mom and Dad. Doug, could you start us off, please?
Doug came to the front and took a microphone from Tommy.
DOUG: Well, I’d be happy to, but I could use a bit of help. J.J., Claire, Chase, would you care to join me?
J.J.: You got it.
CLAIRE: Oh, this is gonna be so much fun!
J.J. and Chase grabbed their guitars while Claire went back to her keyboard that she’d set up back when they were doing patriotic music earlier. The three started playing, and Doug walked around the yard. (Click here to listen)
DOUG (singing): Ev'rything went wrong, and the whole day long, I'd feel so blue. For the longest while, I forgot to smile, Then I met you. Now that my blue days have passed, now that I've found you at last...I'll be loving you…
DOUG & JULIE (singing): Always.
DOUG (singing): With a love that's true…
TOMMY, BILL & MARIE (singing): Always.
DOUG (singing): When the things you've planned need a helping hand, I will understand...
MAGGIE & VICTOR (singing): Always.
DOUG (singing): Always. Days may not be fair.
SANDY & LILY (singing): Always.
DOUG (singing): That's when I'll be there…
ADDIE (singing): Always
DOUG (singing): Not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always.
STEVEN & SPENCER (singing): Always.
DOUG: Let’s go for another round! (singing) I'll be loving you…
BENNY & MATTIE (singing): Always.
DOUG (singing): With a love that's true…
DAVID & CARLY (singing): Always.
DOUG: When the things you’ve planned
SCOTTY & BILLIE (singing): When the things you've planned need a helping hand…
HOPE & AIDEN (singing): I will understand. Always.
SHAWN-D & BELLE (singing): Always.
DOUG: Days may not be fair.
CLAIRE & CHASE (singing): Days may not be fair. Always.
CIARA & TRIX (singing): That's when I'll be there. Always
MELISSA & NATHAN (singing): Not for just an hour
SARAH (singing): Not for just a day
DANIEL & NICOLE (singing): Not for just a year
MIKE & ROBIN (singing): But always.
SAMI & LUCAS (singing): Always.
DOUG: One more time!
WILL & SONNY(singing) I'll be loving you…
WILL: Wanna try it, Ari?
WILL, SONNY & ARI (singing): Always.
DOUG: Beautiful!
ALLIE & SYDNEY (singing): With a love that's true…
DOUG: Come on, Johnny!
ALLIE, SYDNEY & JOHNNY (singing): Always.
JENNIFER (singing): When the things you've planned…
ABBY & CHAD (singing): Need a helping hand…
J.J. & PAIGE (singing): I will understand.
J.J.: Give a try, little dude.
ABBY, J.J., PAIGE & THOMAS (singing): Always.
JESSICA & JOSHUA (singing): Always.
DOUG (singing): Days may not be fair. Always. That's when I'll be there. Always. (talking) Let’s have the siblings finish it off!
TOMMY (singing): Not for just an hour
TOMMY & BILL (singing): Not for just a day
TOMMY, BILL & MARIE (singing): Not for just a year
ALL(singing): But always!
Everyone cheered and clapped as the song came to an end. As the three eldest Hortons, Tommy, Bill and Marie, looked out at everyone hugging, laughing and enjoying each other’s company, they couldn’t help but think about their parents, the two that had started it all. They could definitely feel their presence. And as they looked at the crowd, they for a moment almost thought they could see Tom and Alice beaming at all of them.
ALICE: It’s a lovely family, isn’t it, Tom?
TOM: Think we should quit while we’re ahead?
Tom and Alice chuckled and embraced.

[heroicmuse]

Aww I always love hearing Always! Such a sweet scene.

It's interesting that Bennie works at the DNA lab Nicole used to find out if she's related to Jade. I wonder what the significance of that is.

Glad Mike is catching up with his family.

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting, heroicmuse and Kpatch. I’m glad you liked the Horton Family Reunion!

---

Next week...

The Horton Family Reunion has come to an end.
TOMMY: Well, that was some party, eh?

But not everyone will be returning home right away.
JESSICA: I thought we might stay for a little bit.

And one must return to Chicago almost immediately.
SPENCER: Here we go.

Plus, Nicholas may already regret his deal with a DiMera.
NICHOLAS: What if it wasn’t...oh god!

All this and more next week on THE MELASWEN PARADOX!

[heroicmuse]

I'm looking forward to the rest of the reunion.

Interesting that Jessica is staying! I wonder what she will get up to.

Sorry that Spencer has to go.

Looks like Nicholas has realized that Tony is Andre...too late.

Thanks for the great previews André DiMera!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 737

HORTON BACKYARD
All too soon, the party was over, and it was time for people to go back to their homes, or hotels if they were visiting. However, most of the people stayed to help with the cleanup.
JENNIFER: That was always Grandpa and Gram’s favorite song.
MELISSA: It was. Felt great to sing it together with the whole family.
Hope nodded.
HOPE: So how long are you in town for?
MELISSA: Only a few days, unfortunately. I’ve gotta get back to work.
JENNIFER: Well, I’m glad you were able to come!
HOPE: Me too. It was nice, all three of us getting together again.
CARLY: Thanks for inviting me to this. I had a great time tonight, seeing all of your family together.
DAVID: Yeah, it was nice for me, too. I’m glad you came.
SARAH: Mom, I love you, but you don’t have to keep watching me. I’m fine.
MAGGIE: Oh, I know, dear. I just can’t help but be concerned.
SARAH: I’m fine. The infection got cleared up months ago, the doctors cleared me to travel. I’m good.
MAGGIE: I know. I just can’t help but be concerned. You have no idea how much I wanted to be with you earlier this year to help you through all this.
SARAH: I know. I wanted to be with you, too. But, we’re together now, at least.
Maggie nodded.
MAGGIE: For a few days, at least. I’m happy to spend any amount of time with you.
SARAH: Me too. And, actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.
TOMMY: So, I hear from Spencer that you’re a doctor.
BENNY: That’s right. A geneticist. I work at a D.N.A. lab in Chicago.
TOMMY: Wonderful. It’s always good to have another doctor in the family.
BILL: So, where is my favorite great-granddaughter? Man, it feels weird to say that.
Bill and Will chuckled.
WILL: I can only imagine. Sonny took Arianna home shortly after we finished the song. It’s way past her bedtime, and it was showing.
BILL: Ah, that makes sense.
WILL: You should come by and see her sometime before you go back to Africa. I know there were a lot of people here tonight, and she spent most of the night playing with Thomas, but I’m sure she’d love to see her Grandpa Bill.
BILL: I’d like that, as well. And I’ll be in town for a little while longer, so we’ll have to all get together soon.
WILL: That’d be awesome!
The sound of the gate opening got people’s attention.
CARLY: Oh my god!
DAVID: Carly, what is it?
Everyone looked over as Lawrence entered the backyard.
JENNIFER: Lawrence Alamain.
LAWRENCE: Hello, Jennifer. It’s good to see you again. Well, this looks like quite the party.
JULIE: Well, the party’s over and you weren’t invited!
LAWRENCE: Such a shame. I see so many faces that I recognize. There’s Beatrix with her lady friend.
Trix put an arm around Ciara.
CIARA (whispering): That’s your grandpa?
Trix nodded.
CIARA (whispering): He’s even creepier than you described him.
LAWRENCE: And, of course, my dear Katerina.
Lawrence walked over to Carly.
LAWRENCE: You look just as lovely as always.
DAVID: Carly, what’s going on here? What’s this guy talking about?
LAWRENCE: I’m sorry, who are you?
DAVID: Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m David Banning, Carly’s date. Who the hell are you?
LAWRENCE: Well, David Banning, I’m sorry to tell you but Carly certainly isn’t your date. Not while I’m still her husband, anyway.

[heroicmuse]

UGH. Go away, Lawrence! I loved Julie's response to seeing him. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Sad that Melissa is only staying a few days, but it was good to see her.

Something is going on with Sarah. This infection has been mentioned too many times for it to really be over.

Great chapter André DiMera.