Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 252,163 times)

[heroicmuse]

Mar 13, 2015 9:53:17 GMT -5 Kpatch said:

Great Friday chapter. Can't wait to see what Marissa and Paige are going to say to each other, if anything. Previews please?

I actually have them done early Here they are.


Coming up on Breaking Ties...

-Victor makes Daniel an offer regarding Parker’s treatment.
..but will Daniel take it?
-Cole orders Bev to keep track of someone she'd rather not spend time with.
-Marissa and Paige issue each other warnings.

-Paige decides she’s ready to move on with one of the guys who seems into her.

-FLASHBACK ALERT: Chloe tells Nicole the story of how she and Philip re-connected

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the early previews heroicmuse! It all sounds good. I'm eager for the flashback.

[Kpatch]

I'm eager for the flashback too. Thanks in advance for writing that!!!

This all sounds so good. I wish this was what was being shown on air. Do you know how often I get confused with what is currently airing? That's because you are so true to character and story.

[unavitasegreta]

I can't wait to find out what Victor has to offer ... and what strings come attached to it!

[heroicmuse]

Paige advanced towards Marissa. “So you’re JJ’s new girlfriend.”

“Not yet,” Marissa said coldly, “but I will be.” She crossed her arms and glared back at Paige.

“Oh, I don’t care what he does,” Paige said. “In fact, if you want him, you’re welcome to him. See, JJ’s a great guy, as long as he stays sober. When he was doing well last summer, he made me fall in love with him. But I’ve learned the hard way that sooner or later, he’s going to slip back into the way he used to be, and when he does, he breaks people’s hearts.”

Marissa took a step towards Paige. “I think if I can handle being held at knifepoint and tied to my bed, I can handle a night of JJ being stoned. Unlike you, I don’t see the world as so black and white. The guy who broke into my room--he’s a bad guy. A guy like JJ who has a lot of good in him but also sometimes smokes or drinks...he’s not.”

Paige’s face softened. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t know. So you’re the girl in Daphne’s dorm...well in my dorm.”

“Yes, that’s me. Now I bet you feel bad about coming after me with a lot of garbage about JJ.”

“I wasn’t trying to upset you,” Paige said. “I just wanted to warn you. See, JJ, he’s easy to fall in love with, but when you fall off of cloud nine, it really hurts.” She turned her back to Marissa. “He didn’t just get drunk or high or whatever. He cheated on me. He says he was drugged, that it was an accident, that he can’t remember… I just hope if he has one of those slips or whatever, he doesn’t do the same thing to you.”

“JJ cheated on you?” Marissa was surprised. “I mean, you know him better than I do, but that seems weird.”

“Yeah, it does. And even weirder, the girl he did it with is back in town, and she’s pregnant. JJ says it’s not his but I’m not so sure.” Paige shook her head. “It just goes to show you never know a guy’s true colors til you’ve been with him a while.” She picked up a bottle of ibuprofen. “I’d better get back. If you still want to be with JJ, maybe it’ll be better for you than it was for me. Just… be careful.”

“You be careful too,” Marissa said. “The guy who attacked me… the cops can’t find him.”

Paige turned white but she just nodded and went to pay. Marissa thought, Too bad she’s JJ’s ex. Under other circumstances, I might have actually made a friend. Her phone buzzed and she sighed as she went to get her medication.

Cole slipped out of the bedroom soon after Bev left. “I wouldn’t trust her, boss,” he said under his breath. “There’s one thing I know about Bev, and that’s that she’s only in it for herself.”

Jeff crossed his arms. “Oh, I don’t trust her. She has something we can use, that’s all. Besides, she was right, keeping her imprisoned here would be more trouble than it’s worth right now, especially if we don’t want to get caught.”

Cole nodded. “So what’s the plan for Rory and JJ, dude? Another robbery?”

“Nah. Too obvious. Besides, robberies aren’t big enough for what I want to do. The cops, they noticed for about 30 seconds, but now that there hasn’t been one for a day or two, they’re gonna call the crime wave a done deal and move on to something else. I want to make a bigger impression, especially on the people who crossed me.”

“Like what?”

“Every minute of every day of the rest of their lives, I want them to think of me and realize what a mistake they made. I want them to hurt the way they hurt me, especially JJ.” Jeff’s eyes blazed. “He took my job from me and he doesn’t even care about journalism, and he’s gonna know soon what it feels like. Cause I’m gonna take everything from him that he cares about. I just need to do a little digging to find out who and what he loves the most.” Jeff turned the anger off all of a sudden, grinning at Cole. “So what’d we gain from your girl’s things?”

“A fat wallet, man. Wish I had a dad who gave me hundreds of dollars. A couple joints of weed that haven’t been tainted by Rory’s germs yet. And this.” He handed a phone to Jeff. “She has the fanciest, latest smartphone. Spoiled bitch.”

“Good job,” Jeff said, going through the phone. “This’ll come in handy if we need to get in touch with our enemies. Empty out her wallet and go give her back her purse. I wanna make sure she hasn’t forgotten our deal.”


After their conversation with Parker, Daniel went to check with Kayla about the exact medications Parker would be on. He went to his office to research them, planning to tell Maxine himself exactly how they were to be administered to Parker.

It seemed like there was a knock on the door almost the second he settled into his seat. “Come in,” he called.

Victor came in. “I take it you don’t want to be in the same room as that tramp you used to be married to either, since Chloe is sitting with Parker by herself.”

Daniel held his hand up. “Spare me the venom about Chloe. She’s still a friend of mine, and more importantly, still Parker’s mother.”

“I had been hoping she’d be one of those absentee mothers who parents via Skype from now on.”

Daniel’s eyes narrowed. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

“All right, all right. It’s your office so I guess I can respect your request. Actually, I was hoping to see Parker today so I wanted to check the calendar for when his mother wasn’t going to be in the room.”

Daniel crossed his arms. “I could take her out for a cup of coffee while you sit with him. Or, and I know this is rough, you can swallow your pride and tolerate Chloe’s presence while you look in on him.”

“You know, you’re probably about the only man who could get away with talking to me that way. But you’re right, I suppose. I learned a long time ago that wishing away distasteful facts never gets you anywhere.” Victor turned to go, then turned around again. “Speaking of swallowing your pride, I have a proposition for you.”

“About…”

“About Parker’s care. Now, I know you know what you’re doing, but I’m not so sure about the other doctors around here. I mean, this is a no-name hospital, not a heart care facility.”

“The cardiologist has 12 years of experience with cases like Parker’s.”

“And I’m sure she’s a fine doctor for the false alarms and minor heart murmurs Salem sees when a parent gets overly anxious, but Parker’s ailment is the real thing. Anyway, I still have contacts with that heart clinic in Switzerland. Just say the word and I can have any one of the world’s top heart specialists in Salem within a day.”

“Victor, I appreciate the offer, but - “

“Now who’s not swallowing their pride? I know you wish you could handle Parker’s case yourself, but since you’ve been demoted from surgeon to parent, you might as well take advantage. Let me make a call.”

“Tell you what,” Daniel said, realizing Victor was not going to give up. “Why don’t I think about it while you go look in on Parker?” He stood. “Come on, I’ll take you down the hall to him. I promised I’d be back in his room soon so I’m on my way there anyway.”

“All right,” Victor said.. “I guess that’s the best I can hope for, but when you’ve had a chance to come to your senses, the offer still stands.”

[Kpatch]

Paige seemed to really want Marissa to know about JJ's history. But I love what Marissa said about Paige seeing things so black and white.

Jeff scares me. He is dangerous. I didn't realize that he doesn't know the JJ-Paige connection, but I think he's going to use it to his evil advantage.

I think Daniel should take Victor up on his offer. It couldn't hurt and it could help.

[unavitasegreta]

Oooh, I love how Victor pointed out that Daniel has been demoted from surgeon to parent! I hope Daniel listens to Victor. If it helps Parker, then do it.

[fluffysmom]

I think Daniel should take advantage of Victor's offer.

It wasn't Paige's place to reveal so much information about JJ to Marissa.

[heroicmuse]

Chloe took out the hospital set that that psychologist had left them to try to show Parker what was going on. “Look,” she said, putting a doll of a child in one of the hospital beds, “this little boy is sick in the hospital too.”

“I want that,” Parker said, pointing to an ambulance in the box for the toy.

Chloe handed it to him. He drove it all over his nightstand, making ambulance siren noises. “Truck takes Parker home,” he said.

“Talk like a big boy,” Chloe told him wearily.

The door opened. Chloe turned to see Nicole, who was holding a big balloon. “Oh,” Nicole said. “I didn’t realize you were having a private moment with him. I’ll come back later.”

“Wait,” Chloe said. Nicole turned around again. “Look,” Chloe said, “I didn’t mean for you to get kicked out of here the other day. You’ve been good to Parker, and to Daniel. You deserve to come see him any time you want.”

“Thanks.” Nicole played with the string attached to the balloon.

“We good?” Chloe asked.

“I guess.” Nicole glanced over at Parker. “I mean, we have to be for his sake, right? But look, Chloe, I thought you were about the only one left who didn’t judge me, and I really appreciated that. Here in Salem, rubbing in my face what I did to Eric is pretty much a citizenship requirement.”

“Come on, Nicole, don’t you know me better than that? I don’t care about some stupid shredded papers that you forgot to mention for a few months. If that’s what passes for scandal these days, Salem must be more full of saints than I remember. Besides, I think I’ve done a lot worse than that.”

“So have I. Including to you. And to Daniel. That’s why both of your friendships mean so much to me.” Nicole smiled. “So if it wasn’t that, then what was up with the bitchiness the other day?”

“It didn’t have anything to do with you at all. It was just… everything seemed like it was slipping out from under me. I’d just gotten the news, I’d driven all night… then some doctor I never saw before made it sound like Parker was…” Chloe glanced at her son. “...well a lot sicker than he is. If I was mad at anyone, it was God. And probably Daniel. He got the same news I did and he disappeared. I got more comfort from Jennifer Horton than I did from him.”

“Yikes. Salem’s patron saint stopped by to soothe you?” Nicole made a face.

Chloe laughed for the first time since she’d gotten the news. “You know, I really missed you.”

“Me too! Salem hasn’t been the same without the two of us taking to the streets together.”

“I was a rotten friend yesterday though,” Chloe said. “But how about I make it up to you? Let me tell you something I haven’t told anybody here yet.”


“Here,” Eve said, pressing the key into Jill’s hand. “I guess I can see things your way, even if you did tell my daughter a little story behind my back.”

“Hey,” Jill said, putting the key on her ring, “I had to think of something. I mean, I was in the lobby when she came in and she was going to ask questions anyway. I didn’t exactly want to tell her the real reason I’m staying with you, though if that’s what you want…”

“What I want is for you to stay out of her way. When she’s here--like she will be in a few minutes--make yourself scarce.”

“I’m going, but only because I have someplace to be. I have a baby to think of, you know. By the way, that boy you had me drug… do you know, like, his parents or anything?”

“That boy you decided to drug is out of my daughter’s life for good, so now you can leave him alone.”

“I don’t think so. See, I have a baby to provide for, and since we’ve decided he’s the daddy, that makes me entitled to some help from him, doesn’t it?”

Eve thought for a minute. She’d never meant for JJ to get seriously hurt, and she felt bad that Jill had gone too far in an attempt to follow her directions. But then again, she couldn’t wait to see the look on Jennifer’s face to hear her precious son was the father of a prostitute’s baby. “You’re right,” she said. “You certainly are, and I happen to know that his mother is just rolling in money.”

[Kpatch]

I just love Nicole's sense of humor. "Here in Salem, rubbing in my face what I did to Eric is pretty much a citizenship requirement.” So glad to see Nicole and Chloe picking up their friendship, and I can't wait to hear what Chloe is going to tell Nicole!

Eve just sank to a new low, foisting Jill on Jennifer and JJ, when JJ was the innocent victim and is not the baby's father. Oy.

[fluffysmom]

I'm glad to see Nicole making Chloe laugh. Chloe needs some time with a friend to help her recharge.

I don't think Eve wants to hurt JJ but she can't pass up the opportunity to torment Jennifer. Jennifer is going to freak out.

[heroicmuse]

Mar 17, 2015 8:02:41 GMT -5 Kpatch said:

I just love Nicole's sense of humor. "Here in Salem, rubbing in my face what I did to Eric is pretty much a citizenship requirement.” So glad to see Nicole and Chloe picking up their friendship, and I can't wait to hear what Chloe is going to tell Nicole!

Nicole is my favorite character to write for. She's so much fun! The writers of the show really don't know what they're missing with the lame-o non-storylines they keep giving her.

[unavitasegreta]

I'm glad Nicole and Chloe are good again! Nicole needs a friend so badly. So does Chloe right now!

I love Jill so much! I can't wait to see her with Jennifer!!!

[heroicmuse]

Paige meant to go straight back to Eve’s to give her mother her headache pills and collect her stuff, but her conversation with Marissa had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. For one thing, she’d expected JJ’s new girlfriend to be a total bitch like Bev, who had been the one before her, had been. Marissa seemed like a perfectly decent girl, one she might have been friends with if they hadn’t had JJ in common, and she felt terrible about what had happened to her. Plus, Marissa was right--the robber was still out there and he could attack Paige and Daphne just as easily as he had her.

I can’t let my mom see me like this, Paige thought, and pulled into the Club TBD lot instead.

She almost decided to go to Brady Pub instead when she saw that idiot Cole sitting at a table. Cole had once tried to steal her phone out of her purse, and she found out later that Bev had put him up to it to scare her away from JJ. She took a deep breath. That was another lifetime. She wasn’t going to let Cole, or anyone else, scare her away.

“Hey Paige,” Ben said as she came up to the bar. “What can I get you? Soda or ice tea today?”

“Lime soda,” Paige said, “and if T’s here, could you ask him to come over for a second? Not that there’s anything wrong with you,” she added quickly. “I just owe him something from the other night.”

“Coming up,” said Ben, and went in the back to find T.

Cole watched as T came up to the bar, playing with Bev’s purse and hoping he’d run into her here soon. Taking her phone meant he couldn’t get ahold of her very easily, and he’d wasted a lot of time already trying to find her.

“You actually wanted to see me?” T said to Paige. “To what do I owe this honor?”

“I don’t know,” Paige said. “I guess I owe you an apology. A real one. I was afraid if you and I got to be friends, sooner or later I’d forget about JJ.”

“And now?”

“Now I want to forget him.”

(Cole’s ears perked up at the mention of JJ’s name. He pulled out his phone and texted something quickly.)

“Oh man,” T said. He wiped the counter as he went on talking to Paige, making himself look busy. “Wait, I’m not your...what do you call it, your rebound dude, am I?”

“No,” Paige said in an annoyed tone. “You’re just the one I almost let get away because I was too wrapped up in the past.”

Cloe’s phone buzzed. Jeff had texted back: Perfect! Put you-know-who on stalker duty.

Just then, Cole saw Bev walk past the club, probably on her way to get high with that loser Rory. He ran outside, hoping to catch her before it was too late.


JJ had taken his guitar out again, but he put it back when he saw Marissa coming. “Hey,” he said. “What’s up?”

“Um…” Marissa pushed her hair behind her ear. “I’ll tell you in a sec. I just need to get my thoughts together.”

“Okay…” JJ’s stomach tightened. Paige used to do that same thing with her hair when she was upset with him. Were all girls like this? he wondered. “Well, why don’t you sit down, anyway?”

Marissa nodded. She sat down next to JJ and said, “It’s good to see you. I always imagined someday I’d be sitting with a boy and his guitar.” She smiled slightly at him. “It’s been a hell of a day.”

“I bet.” JJ squeezed his hands together nervously. “So um, what’d Hope want?”

“I’ll get to that. Kind of working up to it.” Marissa glanced at JJ, then away. “Is it okay if I ask a really dumb question first?”

“I guess.”

Marissa turned towards him. Her eyes were wide. “That pregnant girl that I’ve seen at the park a couple times… um… you don’t have anything to do with how she got that way, right?”


“Bev!” Cole said, running to catch her. She sighed but she turned around, knowing she had no choice.

“I’ve been trying to catch you all afternoon,” Cole went on, gasping to catch his breath. “Here, you forgot this at my apartment.” He handed her the purse. Bev took it and opened it. Her eyes widened when she saw how empty her wallet was. “You forgot my phone,” she said.

“Beggars can’t be choosers. Come into the alley with me. We need to talk.”

“Can’t it wait?”

“I thought you were good at following orders.”

“All right, fine.” Bev followed Cole into the alley behind the club.

[fluffysmom]

Paige and T could be cute together.

Bev is mad!

I wonder what JJ will say about Jill.