That Summer (Read 11,805 times)

[gapeach]

Thanks Andre'... can't wait for all the fun to unfold!!

[terry]

Henderson has a son and his son works for Brady, imagine that? So Brady has seemingly taken over Titan ever since Victor's death? What about Philip, Victor's son I would have thought that he would take over Titan or that Philip would take over the family

[André DiMera]

terry - Philip actually died in an earlier story I wrote called The Autumn Effect. He was killed by André. A link to that and the previous stories in this series can be found on the first page.

[fluffysmom]

I wonder what Ari is up to.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 11

WOODS
Brady stood in the woods, waiting for the caller to show up.
ARI: Bice night.
Ari walked up to him.
BRADY: Ari? What are you doing here?
ARI: Oh, just taking a walk. What are you doing here?
BRADY: Waiting for someone.
ARI: Who?
BRADY: I don't know yet. But, someone's been sending me strange phone calls lately. I'm here to see what that's all about.
ARI: Cool.
BRADY: So, how come you're not still at school? I thought you wouldn't get out for another two weeks.
ARI: They let us out early.
BRADY: Nice try. Now, tell me what's really going on.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
At an unknown location, two men were standing in the shadows.
MAN 1: The calls have been made, sir. He shall know of your return tomorrow night. I have arranged it with him.
A hand with a wedding ring and a picture in it moved.
MAN 2: Excellent.

[gapeach]

Interesting that Brady and Ari showed up at the same place, at the same time. Wonder if they are meeting the same person? Wonder who the two men are??? Dang I am wondering a lot of things aren't I??? Oh well, I know my questions will be answered sooner or later...

BTW, this was an awfully short chapter!

[fluffysmom]

I'm wondering if it's a coincidence they ended up at the same place. Looking forward to seeing who has returned.

[André DiMera]

I agree, gapeach, it was a short chapter. Which I why I'm giving you all this:

Chapter 12

WOODS
ARI: What do you mean?
BRADY: Why are you out of school?
ARI: I told you, they let us out early.
BRADY: Yeah. I'm not buying that.
ARI: Why not?
BRADY: Because I wasn't born yesterday. I can tell when I'm being lied to.
ARI: Can you really?
BRADY: Yes. A few years back, not so much. But now, yes, I can tell when I'm being lied to. So, kid, what's really going on here?
ARI: I can't tell you.
BRADY: Why not?
ARI: Because you'll tell everyone else and I'll have to go back there.
BRADY: What's wrong with that school? It's a great boarding school. I went there.
ARI (under her breath): Makes sense.
BRADY: What was that?
Ari coughed.
ARI: Um, nothing. Nothing.
BRADY; Come on, kid. Tell me what's going on.
ARI: Okay, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else. Especially not my dads.
BRADY: I can't promise that.
ARI: Well, then I can't tell you.
BRADY: Ari, what are you even doing out here? It's late. You shouldn't be out this late.
ARI: I was taking a walk. I stopped to say hi because I hadn't seen you in a while. That, and I'm kinda lost. It's been a while since I've been in Salem, and I don't remember my way around.
BRADY: Okay. Well, if you're okay with hanging out for a few more minutes, I'll walk you home.
ARI: Sure, that'd be cool.
BRADY: Okay.
After a few minutes of silence, Ari spoke up.
ARI: Okay, I'll tell you.
BRADY: What's that?
ARI: I'll tell you why I'm not in school.

UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
MAN 1: The connection was rather unstable, sir. I don't know that Mr. Black heard us correctly. I think he might be of the belief that our meeting with him is tonight, and not tomorrow.
There was a groan from the second man.
MAN 1: Shall I correct him, sir, or are you okay with making our visit tonight?
MAN 2: Tonight shall do.
MAN 1: Very good, sir. I'll get the car ready.

[fluffysmom]

I wonder if Ari will tell Brady the truth.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 13

SAMI & LUCAS' HOUSE - SYDNEY'S BEDROOM
Sydney was on the phone with Ceri.
CERI (over phone): I'm just so excited, you know?
SYDNEY: Me too. I don't know how I'm gonna get any sleep tonight.
CERI (over phone): You need to try to, at least. Finals start tomorrow.
SYDNEY: I know. I would just feel better if you were next to me.
CERI (over phone): Me too. But, we'll be together tomorrow. And soon, we'll be together forever. Just think about that.
SYDNEY: I have been ever since you accepted my proposal last week. I love you.
CERI (over phone): I love you.
SYDNEY: Well, I don't wanna hang up, but I guess I should try to get some sleep.
CERI (over phone): Sounds like a good idea. I'll have my own little surprise for you tomorrow.
SYDNEY: Ooh, what is it?
CERI (over phone): If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?
Sydney giggled.
SYDNEY: I guess. I can't wait to see it.
CERI (over phone): You're gonna love it. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night, sweetie.
SYDNEY: Good night.
Sydney hung up the phone.

WOODS
ARI: I left school because I wanted to get away for a while.
BRADY: And why's that?
ARI: I just don't like school. It's boring.
BRADY: I can agree with you on that. But, you shouldn't have left.
ARI: I know.
BRADY: So, how are you?
ARI: Okay, I guess. It's been kind of a rough year.
BRADY: I understand. You know that if you ever need anything, you can call, right?
ARI: Yeah, I know. Thanks.
BRADY: Anytime.
Brady and Ari hugged.
ARI: So, where's this person you were supposed to meet?
BRADY: I don't know, but it doesn't look like he's showing up. Shame, really. I was kinda wondering who it was.
ARI: Sorry.
BRADY: Happens. Anyway, time to walk you home.
ARI: Thanks.
Brady and Ari walked away. Just a moment later, one of the men from earlier walked into the woods.
MAN 1: Curses. I knew we should have left earlier.
The man got out his phone and dialed a number.
MAN 1: We've lost him, sir.
Pause.
MAN 1: I mean, he's not here. He must have understood more of your phone call than we thought.
Pause.
MAN 1: Well, I'll try again for tomorrow.
Pause.
MAN 1: Don't worry, sir. Everything will work out. You shall see Brady Black again.

[gapeach]

Can't wait to find out who it is!!! Glad that Brady is there for Ari!!!!!

[fluffysmom]

I wonder who the mystery person is.

It seems like there's more to Ari's story.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 14

ALAMAIN MANSION - BEDROOM
Ceri and Rhiannon were getting ready for bed.
RHIANNON: So, finals start tomorrow.
CERI: Yep. You ready?
RHIANNON: I think so. You?
CERI: Yeah.
Rhiannon stretched.
RHIANNON: Ceri, can I talk to you about something?
CERI: Sure, sis. You can talk to me about anything.
RHIANNON: I, um...I think I miss J.J.

WILL & SONNY'S HOUSE
Will was pacing around the room while Sonny sat on the couch.
WILL: She's not answering her cell phone.
SONNY: They haven't seen her at the Pub, either.
WILL: This is just crazy! I mean, where did she go?
SONNY: I wish I knew.
There was a knock on the door. Will opened it to find Brady and Ari.
WILL: Brady. Ari.
BRADY: I think this is yours. I found her walking around in the forest.
ARI: Hi, dad.
WILL: You and Sonny and I need to have a little talk.
Ari walked past and sat on the couch across from Sonny.
WILL: Thanks for bringing her home, Brady.
BRADY: No problem. See ya, kid.
ARI: Bye, Brady.
WILL: Thanks again. See you later.
BRADY: Bye, guys.
Brady walked away. Will shut the door. He sighed and sat down on the couch next to Sonny.
WILL: Well?
ARI: Well what?
WILL: Where have you been?
ARI: I went out for a walk.
WILL: Where did you go?
ARI: Why does it matter?
WILL: It matters because it is way past curfew.
ARI: Well, sorry. I won't do it again.
Ari got up and walked away.
WILL: Arianna Grace Horton, sit down!
Ari walked back and sat down.

[fluffysmom]

I wonder if Ari will ever be honest with Will and Sonny.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 15

ALAMAIN MANSION - BEDROOM
CERI: You miss J.J.?
RHIANNON: A little, I guess.
CERI: Then tell him.
RHIANNON: I can't. He's at school right now.
CERI: He's coming home at the end of the week. When you see him, talk to him.
RHIANNON: I guess I could do that. But, what if he's moved on?
CERI: Even if he has, you two can still be friends.
RHIANNON: That's what everyone says. No one means it, though.
CERI: Look, Rhian, J.J. loves you. He did when he left for college. And I'm sure that eight months haven't changed that.
RHIANNON: Eight months is a long time.
CERI: True love can withstand any amount of time. And I really believe that that's what you and J.J. have.
RHIANNON: I hope you're right.

WILL & SONNY'S HOUSE
WILL: Look, all we want is the truth. I don't think that's unreasonable.
ARI: I just...I needed to clear my head, so I went for a walk. I didn't actually go anywhere specific, I just wandered around Salem Place and, when that closed, I went to the woods.
Ari coughed.
ARI: I also went past the cemetery.
WILL: I see.
Will sat down next to Ari.
ARI: I thought that coming home would make things better. I know you guys were worried and I should have left a note or something. I just needed to get out for a while. Everything in this town reminds me of her.
Ari sniffled. Will put an arm around her while she leaned into his shoulder.
WILL: I know, sweetie. I know it's hard.
ARI: I'm sorry I worried you guys.
WILL: It's okay. The important thing is that you're safe.
After a few minutes of being held by Will, Ari sat up.
ARI: I'm really tired. I think I'm gonna go to bed.
WILL: Okay. Want me to walk you up?
ARI: No thanks. I'm okay. Night, daddy.
WILL: Good night, sweetie.
Ari kissed Will on the cheek. She then got up and hugged Sonny.
ARI: Good night, Sonny.
SONNY: Night.
Ari walked upstairs. When she walked into her bedroom, she looked in her mirror, wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled.
ARI: Well, i got outta that easily. This is gonna be fun.

KIRIAKIS MANSION
Brady's phone buzzed. It was a text from an unlisted number. It read: "You missed our meeting tonight, I believe". It was from the same number that had been calling him the last few weeks. Brady typed his response.
BRADY: Who is this?
Then, there was a knock at the door.
BRADY: I'll get it, Henderson.
Brady walked over, opened the door, and nearly dropped his phone in surprise.
BRADY: What the hell?
Standing in front of him, looking very much alive, was Philip Kiriakis.