The Melaswen Paradox (Read 292,915 times)

[Kpatch]

I wasn't expecting to see Nathan. I think you managed to include e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. I'm amazed. I loved hearing Doug sing Always. I ALWAYS do.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 738

HORTON BACKYARD
DAVID: Husband? What are you even talking about, man?
LAWRENCE: Oh, didn’t she tell you? Katerina and I are still married. Well, in the legal sense, anyway.
DAVID: And that’s the other thing, you keep talking about Katerina-
LAWRENCE: Katerina von Leuschner, the woman standing next to you. Better known to the people in this town as Dr. Carly Manning. I’m not surprised that she didn’t tell you her real name, she tells so few people. But I know the truth.
DANIEL: Look, Lawrence, this is not, this is not the time or the place. We’re supposed to be celebrating and you are not welcome here, not at all.
LAWRENCE: And you must be Dr. Daniel Jonas. I was wondering when I’d see you. Though, is it just me or does one member of our party seem to be missing?
Lawrence looked around the crowd.
LAWRENCE: Hm. Indeed she does. Tell me, where is your frog spawn, anyway?
CARLY: It’s none of your business where Melanie is! Now get out!
LAWRENCE: And leave the party so soon?
JENNIFER: The sooner the better. As my cousin said, you weren’t invited here. This is a private party, and you’re trespassing. I’m sure our relatives and good friends at the Salem P.D. would be interested to know that not only is Lawrence Alamain alive, but disturbing the peace.
Lawrence chuckled slightly.
LAWRENCE: My, my, Jennifer. You certainly have grown since we last saw each other.
JULIE: You take one step closer to her and-
LAWRENCE: And you’ll what?
TOMMY: Excuse me!
Lawrence and several others looked over at Tommy. The normally gentle doctor had spoken more loudly than most people had ever heard from him before.
TOMMY: As two of my nieces and several others have been kind enough to mention, you are not welcome here. This is my house, and you are trespassing. You have two options. Either you can leave now without another word, or I will not hesitate to inform the police that you are trespassing on private property.
Hope and Shawn-D pulled out their walkie-talkies and held them up as if they were about to speak into them. Lawrence shook his head slightly.
LAWRENCE: I’ll go, for now. But you will see me again.
Lawrence turned and walked out of the yard. Hope and Shawn-D put away their walkie-talkies. There was a sigh of relief through the backyard.
TOMMY: Well, that was some ending to the party, wasn’t it?
MARIE: Thank goodness Hope and Shawn didn’t have to do anything with that man.
DAVID: What that Lawrence guy said, is that true? About him being your husband, I mean?
CARLY: Well, he was. And, to be honest, I’m not sure.
DAVID: How are you not sure?
CARLY: It’s complicated.
DAVID: How so?
CARLY: Yes, Lawrence and I were married, but it was a very unhappy marriage. Especially towards the end. About ten years ago, I-I thought Lawrence had died. He was officially declared dead. But then recently, he came back. I’ve no idea how, but he did.
David sighed.
DAVID: Wow.
CARLY: Yeah. Because he was pronounced dead officially, I don’t know what his return means for me, whether I’m still married to that s.o.b. or not. I certainly hope not.
DAVID: Yeah, I hope not too. From what little I saw of him, and what you’ve just told me, he sounds like a real a-hole.
CARLY: Oh, he is.
David and Carly both side.
CARLY: So...where does this leave us?

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Lawrence was taken care of for now. I'm sure this is not anywhere near over.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 739

HORTON BACKYARD
DAVID: The way I see it, it leaves us right where we were before that creep showed up.
CARLY: Do you think so?
DAVID: Totally. Like I said, the guy seems like a piece of trash. And even if you are still married to the guy-
CARLY: Which I hope to god I’m not! Believe me, David, I want nothing to do with Lawrence anymore.
DAVID: I do believe you. As I was saying, even if you are still married to the guy, we’ll work things out. I like you, Carly. I like you a lot, even though we’ve only been on a few dates so far.
CARLY: I like you, too.
DAVID: I could kill that guy for whatever he did to you.
CARLY: It’s a very long list. But, don’t say things like that.
DAVID: Yeah, I guess.
Jennifer walked over.
JENNIFER: Hey, how are you?
CARLY: Well, you know. Just saw one of my least favorite people in the world, so there’s that.
JENNIFER: I understand completely. Hi, David.
DAVID: Hey, Jen. Carly, I’m about to get some water, do you want anything?
CARLY: Water’s fine with me, too, thanks.
DAVID: Jen?
JENNIFER: I’m good, thanks, David.
David nodded and walked away.
JENNIFER: Well, Lawrence turning up was certainly unexpected.
CARLY: You’re telling me. I hate that he’s still alive and in this town. But, I didn’t say that.
JENNIFER: Hey, I feel the same.
CARLY: Let’s just change the subject and not let Lawrence Alamain ruin the evening.
JENNIFER: Sounds good to me. So, I see you came with David Banning. How long has this been a thing?
CARLY: Technically since Halloween. We started talking at the Hospital and went to the Halloween party together. But, it’s been kind of off and on. We aren’t even really official yet.
JENNIFER: But you want to be, I can tell.
CARLY: Oh, can you now?
JENNIFER: Carly, you’re one of my best friends, and I see the way you look at David when he’s in the room. You should totally go for it.
CARLY: Well, we have had a good time tonight, and on the other dates we’ve been on.
JENNIFER: See what I mean? I think you two would be a good couple.
CARLY: We’ll see.
TRIX: Well, now you’ve officially met all of the crazy members of my family. At least, as far as I know. Dunno if I’ve got any cousins via Aunt Viv.
CIARA: So your grandfather was actually raised by Vivian?
TRIX: I dunno if he was actually raised by her. I know my Dad was. As far as I know, my Granddad was just Aunt Viv’s favourite member of the family, ever since he was a kid. And that she basically groomed him in her image.
CIARA: Wow. That’s crazy. So, how are you doing with all this?
Trix shrugged.
TRIX: I don’t really know my Granddad that well, but from what little time I’ve spent with him, he gives me the creeps.
CIARA: I can see why.

[heroicmuse]

I have this feeling Lawrence might end up dead for real. Too many people are saying they wish he was and then worrying about saying that in public. lol

I'm glad Ciara is there for Trix.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 740

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
Nicholas sat at his desk, drinking a cup of coffee. He had had a rather rough night. He hadn’t been interested in going home to have another fight with his father, so he stayed overnight at the Salem Inn. It was quicker from there to work, anyway. He kept thinking about the meeting he had had the day before. And in a short time, he would have a meeting with a lawyer to discuss potential loopholes that would mean Lawrence couldn’t take the company from him.
NICHOLAS (thinking): If Tony keeps his word, that is.
There was a knock at the door.
NICHOLAS: Come in.
Nicholas’ secretary, December, walked in.
DECEMBER: There’s a man here to see you, sir.
NICHOLAS: Thank you. Send him in.
December nodded, then walked out. A moment later, Tony walked in. Nicholas looked up from his papers and did a double take.
NICHOLAS: Well, this is a surprise.
TONY: Well, you did call me. I’m sorry that I’m a few days back to you. Anna and I were off in Switzerland visiting family.

MARTIN HOUSE
Spencer walked in.
SPENCER: Well, that’s Benny and Mattie off, then.
DOUG: It was very good to see them. I just wish they could have stayed longer.
JULIE: Me too, but they’ve promised to visit soon.
SPENCER: Right. So, ready to go, Dad?
STEVEN: I certainly am. Finally, we can put all of this behind us.
JULIE: Will we be seeing you soon?
STEVEN: Of course. I’ll be back in a day or two. Once I get this hearing with the parole board over with, I’m coming back.
DOUG: Well, good. Best of luck to you, Steven. I’m sure things will go well.
Steven and Doug shook hands.
STEVEN: Thanks, Doug. Julie.
JULIE: Good luck.
STEVEN: You too.
Julie and Steven embraced.
JULIE: It’s good to see you, as well, Spencer.
SPENCER: You too, Aunt Julie.
JULIE: Next time, don’t make it so long between visits.
Spencer chuckled slightly.
SPENCER: I’ll make a point of it. Especially since Dad’s planning on staying up here.
DOUG: We’re very glad to hear it. Good having you, Spence.
SPENCER: Thanks, Uncle Doug.
Doug and Spencer shook hands.
SPENCER: Well, here we go.
STEVEN: Indeed. I’ll call after the hearing’s over and let you know how things turn out.
JULIE: Please do.
DOUG: We’ll see you two later.
Julie and Doug waved as Steven and Spencer left. Julie sighed.
JULIE: Well, some things never cease to amaze me.
DOUG: What’s that, dear?
JULIE: My brother. I didn’t exactly believe it when Spencer first told me, but it seems like Steven really has changed for the better.
DOUG: Well, you and I both know that that is entirely possible.
Julie nodded.
JULIE: Perhaps him being back in town more permanently won't be so bad.

BRADY PUB
Ciara and Claire sat at a table.
CIARA: I’m glad Shawn and Belle let me stay overnight last night.
CLAIRE: Me too. I always love having sleepovers with you. I’m sorry that Trix couldn’t come.
CIARA: Me too. But, it’s okay. Once we start school again, hopefully we’ll get to room together.
CLAIRE: Yeah, that’ll be nice.
Ciara nodded. Claire touched her knuckles with her own.
CLAIRE: Hey. What’s going on in there?
Ciara shrugged.
CIARA: I have therapy in a little bit. Even though I’ve already had one session, I’m kinda nervous. God, that sounds stupid saying it, doesn’t it?
CLAIRE: No. You’re going through some intense stuff. It makes sense that talking about it would be hard.
CIARA: I guess.
CLAIRE: Hey, it’s okay. I know it’s hard, but you’ve got this. You’re one of the strongest people I know.
CIARA: Thanks.
CLAIRE: If I didn’t have work in 15 minutes, I’d come with you.
CIARA: I appreciate it. It’s okay, though. Trix is gonna meet me there. She was tired from the party, so she slept in.
CLAIRE: Gotcha. Well, good luck.
CIARA: Thanks. Good luck at work.
CLAIRE: Thanks. Text me later?
CIARA: Of course!
Claire and Ciara hugged. As Ciara left, Claire put on her apron.

KIRIAKIS MANSION
Henderson brought some suitcases downstairs. Maggie, Melissa, Nathan and Sarah followed closely behind.
MAGGIE: You’re sure you can’t stay a few more days?
MELISSA: Oh, I’d love to, Mom. You know I would. But I have to get back to work.
MAGGIE: Oh, I know. I just love having all of us together again.
MELISSA: Me too. But, I will be back soon, I promise.
MAGGIE: Well, good.
Melissa and Maggie hugged.
MAGGIE: It’s been wonderful having you home, darling.
MELISSA: It’s been great to be home!
Next, Nathan and Maggie hugged.
NATHAN: Good to see you, Grandma.
MAGGIE: You too! Take care up at Johns Hopkins.
NATHAN: I will.
Melissa and Sarah hugged.
MELISSA: Good to see you, sis.
SARAH: You too. Have a good trip back. And thanks for everything.
MELISSA: Of course. It’s been good having you around. The house is gonna be empty without you.
SARAH: And a lot quieter.
Melissa and Sarah laughed, then Sarah hugged Nathan.
SARAH: Good to see you, kid.
NATHAN: You too, Aunt Sarah. Take care of yourself.
SARAH: I will. You too.
NATHAN: For sure.
Maggie and Sarah followed Melissa and Sarah our to the car and watched as they drove away. Then, Maggie put her arm around Sarah and the two walked inside.
MAGGIE: So, you said you wanted to talk to me last night about you staying, but we didn’t get the chance before the interruption. What’s going on?
SARAH: Well, I was thinking...if you wouldn’t mind, of course, I was thinking about staying in Salem for a while.
MAGGIE: Mind? Sweetheart, of course I don’t mind! I’d love it if you stayed!
SARAH: Thanks. I just spent so long being stubborn about stupid stuff, and then I was sick for a while, so now that I’m healthy and I came back here...being back home is amazing!
MAGGIE: I’m so glad you feel that way! Victor and I would love to have you! Honey, you know your room is always ready for you here. Please, stay as long as you want.
SARAH: Thanks! I love you, Mom.
MAGGIE: I love you too, darling.
Sarah and Maggie hugged.

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Sarah is staying! Now hopefully we'll find out the full story about that infection (and why she stayed away so long)

Sad to see so many leave. It was good to see them for a few days!

Ha! Nicholas now sees too late that he did not deal with the real Tony before. Can't wait for what happens next.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 741

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Scotty and Trish walked into the building.
TRISH: Well, it sounds like you had fun at the party.
SCOTTY: I did. Billie and I both did. You should have come.
TRISH: No, my dear. It was a family party.
SCOTTY: Mom, you know the saying, “Once a Horton, always a Horton”.
TRISH: Did your father have a nice time, as well.
SCOTTY: I think so.
TRISH: I assume he brought that doctor with him.
SCOTTY: Dr. Manning, yes.
TRISH: Hm.
SCOTTY: What’s that look?
TRISH: What look?
SCOTTY: You know the look. Mom, what are you thinking?
TRISH: Nothing. I’m happy for David, if that’s what he wants.
SCOTTY: What does that mean?
TRISH: It means I’m happy for him.
SCOTTY: Okay, Mom. Okay. Well, thanks for joining me for breakfast. How long are you in town for?
TRISH: I haven’t decided just yet. Possibly a while. Anyway, good luck at work, dear. I’ll see you tonight.
SCOTTY: Thanks.
Scotty and Trish hugged. Scotty watched as Trish walked to the elevator and went to leave.
SCOTTY (thinking): Oh, you’re up to something, Mom. And I plan to find out what.

ST. LUKE’S
Marie was showing Jessica and Joshua around the church.
JOSHUA: Well, you’ve kept this place up nice.
MARIE: Oh, it’s a team effort. But, I’m glad you like it.
JESSICA: It looks wonderful, Mom.
MARIE: Thank you, dear.
Father Louis turned the corner.
MARIE: Father Louis, there you are. I’d like you to meet some people. This is my daughter, Jessica, and her husband, Joshua.
LOUIS: Ah, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.
JESSICA: You too.
JOSHUA: Good to meet you.
LOUIS: You’re in town for the reunion, I expect?
JESSICA: That was the original reason, but we thought we’d stay in town for a little bit.
LOUIS: Wonderful. We’re all very glad to have you here.

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
NICHOLAS: Switzerland?
TONY: That’s correct, yes.
NICHOLAS: How...No, that’s not possible.
TONY: It is possible, because that’s where I was.
NICHOLAS: No, no. You were here. The other day, I mean. You and I met at the Blue Note.
TONY: No, I’m very sure that we didn’t. Though, the Blue Note is a particularly nice club that I would like to revisit at some point.
NICHOLAS: No, but you were there. We talked. I told you about the issues I’ve been having with my father. You told me that you would look into connecting me with a lawyer who could help me find a loophole to get my father out of the company.
TONY: Well, if you are looking for a way to get your father to leave, that’s certainly something we could discuss. I’m very sorry to say this, Nicholas, but the person you met at the Blue Note just before the Fourth of July was not me. However, it may have been someone like me.
NICHOLAS: But if it wasn’t you, that means...it was…
TONY: André.
NICHOLAS: Oh god!
Nicholas’ phone rang.
NICHOLAS: Excuse me.
TONY: Of course. May I…?
Nicholas nodded as he answered his phone, and Tony took a seat.
NICHOLAS: Nicholas Alamain. Aunt Viv.

ALAMAIN MANSION
VIVIAN: Nicholas, I think you should come home right away. Something’s...it’s your father. Come quick.
Vivian hung up, then put a hand over her mouth. She looked down. Lawrence lay sprawled out on the floor in front of the stairs, a knife sticking out of his back.

[lumiforeverandalways]

Good chap

[heroicmuse]

I knew Lawrence was gonna end up dead!

Glad Nicholas fonally figured out Andre tricked him.

I dont trust Trish either.

Glad Jessica and Joshua are staying longer.

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting, heroicmuse, Kpatch and lumiforeverandalways! Glad you’re enjoying the story!

---

Next week...

Lawrence Alamain is dead!
NICHOLAS: Oh my god!

And as the news goes throughout Salem, who could the murderer be?
CARLY: He what?

Plus, Scotty has news for his father.
SCOTTY: I’m not quite sure if I should tell you this.
DAVID: Tell me what?

And Steven has his parole hearing.
STEVEN: Thank you.

All this and more, next week on THE MELASWEN PARADOX!

[heroicmuse]

I love a good whodunit. Whoever did it, I suspect Andre was behind it somehow. But we'll see.

Wonder what Scotty has to say to David and what will happen with Steven's parole hearing.

Thanks for the great previews André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 742
Several Hours Earlier

ALAMAIN MANSION
It was late at night. Quite late. But not so late that there weren’t still people setting off fireworks. Then again, on the Fourth of July, they were known for setting them off at all hours. It was perhaps this that had woken Vivian from her slumber. She had enjoyed watching the fireworks with Ivan and Lawrence earlier that night, but this was getting a bit ridiculous. There was a particularly loud one, which had woken her. She got a glass of water from the bathroom connected to her room and went quickly back to sleep. Little did she know that it was not the fireworks that had woken her, but a noise from inside the mansion. Moments earlier, at the other end of the hall, just at the top of the stairs, Lawrence had been in an altercation with a hooded figure. Though Vivian did not know this yet, the noise that had caused her to wake up in the middle of the night was not a firework, but the end of the altercation, which had seen Lawrence being pushed down the stairs. The figure walked down the stairs and looked around. They ran into the kitchen and grabbed a knife from the block, then ran back to the foot of the stairs where Lawrence’s body lay, and stabbed him with it. They wanted to make sure he was dead. Then, the figure took one last look around and ran out the front door, quietly shutting it behind them.

Now

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
NICHOLAS: What do you mean?
VIVIAN (over phone): Just come home as quickly as possible!
NICHOLAS: Aunt Viv, what’s going on?
VIVIAN (over phone): This isn’t the sort of thing to tell you over the phone. Just get here!
Nicholas heard the phone click. He sighed and shook his head.
TONY: Is everything alright?
NICHOLAS: I’m not entirely sure. I’ve only ever heard Aunt Viv sound like that once before, and that was when...Nevermind. I’m sorry to have to cut this short, but I’ve got to see what the problem is. We’ll pick this up later.
TONY: Yes, of course. Is there anything you need? A ride perhaps?
NICHOLAS: Thank you, no. I’ll have Ivan bring the car around.
Tony nodded.
TONY: I do hope everything turns out alright, Nicholas. If you do need anything…
NICHOLAS: Thank you. I appreciate it, Tony.
Nicholas and Tony shook hands, then both men got up and left the office. On his way down, Nicholas touched his watch.
NICHOLAS: Ivan, bring the car around, Aunt Viv says I need to come home immediately.
Nicholas stood outside waiting. He waved goodbye to Tony as he got into his own car. A moment later, Nicholas’ car pulled up and he got in.
IVAN: Home, sir?
NICHOLAS: Yes. Ivan, you were with Aunt Viv this morning, yes?
IVAN: That is correct.
NICHOLAS: I ended up staying at the Salem Inn last night, as you know. Did something happen this morning? Aunt Viv didn’t sound quite like herself when I spoke with her a few minutes ago.
Ivan hesitated slightly.
IVAN: I think, perhaps, that is something you should speak with Madame about in person.
NICHOLAS (thinking): So something is going on. If that really was André I spoke with the other night...what have I done?

[heroicmuse]

I do think Andre is involved but I don't think it's Nicholas' fault.

The question is...who will be falsely accused?

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

I think Nicholas is going to get blamed, but I don't think he's capable of murder, especially not his father. I also think Lawrence will rise again, just like Stefano always did.