Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 248,964 times)

[Kpatch]

I think I know what Rory and JJ are up to.

[heroicmuse]

Week 239 - 3

Abe stood. “Maxine,” he said, clearing his throat. “Uh… what brings you here?”

“I happened to be passing through.” Maxine sighed. “Now and again I miss Carl so much that I have to come pour my heart out to him. Sometimes I think it’s him calling me, telling me he needs me.” She looked Abe up and down. “He was definitely calling me tonight, but not for him. Looks like you could use some company.”

“I’m all right. I was…” Abe gestured towards the gravestone. “This is my wife. Lexie.”

Maxine nodded. “Carl’s right over there.” She smiled slightly. “Look at that, they’re practically neighbors.” Abe said nothing and Maxine said, “I couldn’t help overhearing you’re having some problems with Theo.”

“I wouldn’t say that. It’s more just a bump in the road.”

“I see. Well, Deputy Commissioner Carver, if you’d like to talk to someone who’s had more than her share of experiences driving over and around bumps in the road, I’ve heard I’m a real good listener.”

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine.” Abe turned to go. “Are you going to Julie’s party tomorrow?”

“I would, if I were invited. I’m a lot of things, but I am certainly no party crasher.”

Abe smiled slightly. “Well, consider yourself invited, if you’d like. I will be there and hopefully Theo will be too.”

“Oh, Theo will be.” Maxine smiled too. “That boy is all bark and no bite, all you have to do is tell him he’s going and he’ll get himself up and out, you’ll see.”

“I don’t think it works that way with him, but maybe. Thank you for the advice, though. And now I really am off.”

Abe turned to go. Maxine said to herself, “Oh, I will be at that party, all right. You can count on me being there with bells on.”


Hannah lived in a small apartment building in East Salem, not far from the hospital. There were a lot of people out on the street as Valerie pulled up to the curb. Kids were running up and down the block and people were milling around just talking.
Paige could feel all of those people staring at her as she followed Hannah and her family to the apartment building. The building was small, maybe three stories high, and the buzzers were on the outside; there was no lobby.

Paige stuffed her hands in her pockets while Valerie fumbled with the lock. It seemed like it was taking forever and the more they stood here, the more people were staring at them.

“Is it just me, or are everyone’s eyes on me?” Paige whispered as Valerie finally got the lock open.

“Maybe,” Hannah said. “Or maybe they’re staring at Daddy.” She sighed as Valerie finally got the door open. “Well, here we are. Home, sweet home, if you can even call it that.”

David poked Hannah with his elbow. “Hey. It’s better than jail, right?”

“Not by much,” Hannah said. Valerie’s eyes narrowed and Hannah said, “I’m sorry, but it’s the truth. Our house isn’t much bigger than a jail cell and everyone thinks bad things about us cause we live in this part of town. You’re a doctor and Daddy’s a graphic designer, we could afford something way better than this. And if we couldn’t, Grandma would let us stay with her and she probably would buy us a house of our own.”

“We do not want your grandmother buying us a house,” David said. He looked around as they came into the building. There was an inner door to go through, and then a hallway leading to ground floor apartments and stairs going up to the second and third floor. “No elevator, huh?”

“Nope,” Hannah said before Valerie could answer. “Mom says it’s better that way because it makes us exercise but if you ask me she’s just trying to make it sound less crappy.”

“Hannah!” Valerie said. “Stop all this. This apartment is perfectly nice. We do not need something more and I’m not spending money just for the sake of spending it, especially not when the hospital is willing to pay our rent here. Now cut out the negativity. You could be sitting in a jail cell tonight and you’re not. Be grateful for that.”

Hannah looked at Paige, who said, “Your mom’s right, even if it’s small at least you can come and go as you please.”

“You can. I can’t.” Hannah sighed. “Nine o’clock curfew, remember?”

Paige patted her hand. “JJ had one of those when he was out on bail. It’s annoying, but eventually it’ll be over. Come on, I want to see what the inside of your apartment looks like.”

“Hope you like hiking, then,” Hannah grumbled. “We’re all the way on the top floor.” Valerie gave her a look but said nothing as the girls started to climb the steps.

When they got upstairs, Hannah stood frozen in the doorway. Her face trembled and she suddenly remembered all the times she used to sit on that same beat-up old couch that was in the living room now, eating popcorn and watching movies with her mom or sometimes flipping through channels with Nat when Mom wasn’t home to tell her she was supposed to be doing her homework.

“You okay?” Paige asked her.

Hannah nodded. “I guess this place is more home than I remembered.” She came all the way in. “Mom and I had some good times here before I was arrested.”

Paige squeezed her shoulder. “You will again. Come on, show me around.”

“There’s not much to show,” Hannah said, kicking off her shoes. Valerie raised her eyebrows at her and Hannah picked them up and put them in a rack by the door.

“Should I take my shoes off too?” Paige asked.

“Nah,” Hannah said. “I just don’t like wearing them, Mom put that rack up cause I’m always leaving them in the living room.”

“Because I was tired of tripping over them when I came home from work at 3 in the morning,” Valerie said.

“3 AM?” David asked. “Is it safe at that hour?”

“I’m still standing, aren’t I?” Valerie said.

“ANYWAY,” Hannah said, “if you walk behind the couch you can see the world’s smallest kitchen. There was nothing separating it from the living room, that’s what the couch is for.”

“I’ll take a peek,” Paige said. “I’m sure it’s not nearly as small as you think.” She went behind the couch and saw the kitchen really was small. A table by the window took up half the room and a microwave took up one of the two counters next to the sink. The stove was on the other side of the sink and there was just enough room for one person to walk past it to get to the table.

“That is small,” she agreed, “but I’m sure your mom makes it work.”

“It felt too big while Hannah was gone,” Valerie said. “I had too much room to myself.”

There was an awkward pause and then Hannah said, “Come see my room! You too, Daddy, you might as well pass by yours and Mom’s. Unless you’re sleeping on the couch.”
David reddened. “Your mother and I will talk about that later. Let’s go.”

Hannah took them down a small hallway. “That’s the bathroom,” she said, pointing to a door on the right. “Hope you like showers, Daddy, cause we don’t have a tub.” She hurried past the bathroom. “Door on the right’s me, door on the left’s Mom,” she said. She opened her bedroom door and gestured. “Hopefully we all fit in here.”

Paige slid in first. The bedroom was smaller than hers, but Hannah wasn’t sharing it with anyone so she didn’t think it needed to be any bigger than it was. The only thing she didn’t like was that Hannah’s window looked out at some alley like the one Jill was found in instead of anything nice. But Hannah’s bed was bigger than the ones they were given in jail and she had two pillows. And she had a desk with a built-in bookshelf like Paige had had in the dorm room she shared with Daphne all that time ago. The shelf was full of books about movies. Some of them were about screenwriting and directing and some of them were technical books that Paige didn’t think she’d understand if she read them. Hannah had some motivational posters on the walls too and Paige realized suddenly they were all from famous film directors.

“You’re really into movies, huh?” she said, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Hannah reddened. “Yeah. I want to make them someday. I was going to go to film school out in LA but I still would have been a million miles from Daddy and Mom said she couldn’t afford to send me someplace I’d have to live at.” She bit her lip. “Not that it ended up mattering, after I was arrested that dream went poof anyway.”

“Don’t give up!” Paige wasn’t sure if she was talking to Hannah or herself. “If Salem U doesn’t have a film program, I bet some schools in Chicago do.”

“LA’s the place to be, though,” Hannah said. “LA or New York. Not some tiny little apartment in nowhere, USA that’s just as much jail as jail is.”

“I really wish you would stop being so negative, darling,” David interjected. “I know it’s not exactly what you want, but you’re here with both your parents now. We’re a family again. Can’t you be happy about that?”

“I’m trying,” Hannah said. “This probation’s got me all tied up in knots, though.”

David looked concerned, but all he said was, “I guess I’ll go check out my room.”

Hannah’s shoulders slumped after he left. Hannah said, “I’m not trying to be a downer, I’m really not. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, I wanted to be out of jail all this time and now that I am I’m not any happier than I was when I was in.”

Paige put her arm around her. “Probation’s really got you down, huh?”
Hannah nodded. “This isn’t like me, I swear. I mean, you know me, Tweener, you saw how positive I was even when we were locked up together. But I don’t know, after you got out jail started to wear on me and then when they sent me to the hole…” She swallowed hard, then lowered her voice. “I...I got so low for a second hanging myself seemed like a good idea.”

Paige’s eyes widened while she struggled not to show any fear on her face, knowing that Squeaky needed to know she could trust her. “I’m glad you didn’t do it,” she whispered back. “Don’t ever, okay? If you ever feel like that again, you call me even if it’s the middle of the night.”

“I won’t. It was just a one-time thing and I knew you and Angel would be heartbroken if they found me dead in the stupid cell they put me in so I left it alone.”

“Still, though.” Paige squeezed Hannah’s shoulder. “You know I’m here for you now that you’re out, right?”

“I know.” Hannah bit her lip. “So, um, you really think I could get into some film school here even with probation hanging over my head?”

“I don’t see why not,” Paige said. “I told you, JJ was scared he wouldn’t get into reporting school because of his record but he got a scholarship and everything. Talk to him at the party, he’ll help you see there’s life after going to jail.”

“I will.” Hannah made herself smile. “You got a computer I can borrow later so I can get an idea of the applications?”

“I have to finish my essays, but maybe you could come over tonight - “

“Can’t. I’m not allowed out after 9, remember?”


“Right.” Paige squeezed Hannah’s shoulder again. “I’ll bring mine to the party tomorrow and we’ll look into some applications for you then, okay?”

Hannah nodded but she had tears in her eyes.


Ciara sat cross-legged on her bed, hugging her pillow. “Nice to knock first,” she said when Hope came in.

“I’m your mother. I don’t need to knock,” Hope said. She sighed. “And… I just sounded like Julie, didn’t I?”

“Except she’s not your mother.” Ciara picked at a stitch on her pillow. “Why did Grandpa marry her when he was married to her sister?”

“That’s a complicated question.” Hope sat down on the edge of the bed. “And not one we’re talking about tonight. Uh uh. Right now we have more important things to discuss.”

“Let me guess. I didn’t learn anything, I should be in military school, I’m lucky it wasn’t me up there in chains, blah blah blah.”

Hope raised an eyebrow. “You missed the last two weeks of school because you were suspended for something you could have gone to juvenile hall for!”

“I know that!” Ciara’s voice rose. “And the only reason I didn’t was because you talked Mrs. Smith out of it. I. got. it.”

“You’d better start taking that seriously, Ciara Alice. This isn’t a path you want to go down.” Hope crossed her arms. “However, I didn’t come in here to have the same old argument.”

“Then what did you come in here for?”

“To ask what happened to my little girl. You were always a mischievous child, but you were a happy one, and now you seem to be so angry and defiant and it’s not like you.” Hope played with her wedding ring. “Is it Aiden? Is us getting married making you miss your dad?”

“Not exactly. It’s not like he was ever here anyway.”

“That’s not exactly true. The last few years of his life he was gone, he was killed in action while he was undercover, as you know. But before that… he was around a lot and either way, just know that he adored you.”

Ciara nodded, but said nothing. Hope said, “By the way, we’re going to a party at Julie’s tomorrow.”

“For July 4th?”

“That, and to welcome Hannah and Valerie home. And celebrating Paige’s birthday. Can I count on you to be on your best behavior so you can come with us?”

“As good as always,” Ciara said.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Hope smiled slightly. “Allie will be there, maybe you two will have a chance to catch up.” Hope’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it. “Oh. I’d better take this.” She ruffled Ciara’s hair. “Good night, honey.”

Hope left. Ciara said to herself, “Like I want to catch up with Allie.” She threw herself on her bed and glared at the ceiling.


Sami and Lucas met in the doorway of the kitchen. Sydney had fallen asleep while she was waiting, her head on the table. Sami said to Lucas, “I really was so hard on her, but I had to be. I needed her out of the way so we could resolve things with the twins.”

“She’ll get over it,” Lucas said. “Let’s wake her and apologize.”

“In a minute. I want to know first...what did you get out of Allie?”

“Not much. She’s scared of Johnny, that much is obvious. She stammered through a lot of non-answers so I had to read between the lines, but what she didn’t say told me that Johnny was threatening her somehow.”

“I figured as much. He tried to pin the whole thing that happened last summer on her. He tried to tell ME that his sister knowingly encouraged him to give her friend something she was allergic to. He probably told her to keep her mouth shut or he’d tell the cops the same thing.”

Lucas nodded. “You’re really going to skip the party to babysit him?”

“What choice do we have? We can’t leave him alone. And my father is so bound up in guilt over getting Paige locked up, not that he ever had any all the times I went to jail, he won’t skip her birthday party for anything.”

“I hate to skip watching the fireworks with you,” Lucas said.

“So dump the kids to be someone else’s responsibility for a little bit and sneak back here,” Sami said. “It may not be what you have in mind, but there’ll be fireworks all right. In fact…” She shook Sydney’s shoulder.

Sydney jerked away. “Mommy,” she said, blinking. “I’m sorry I was rude.”

Sami waved that away. “I’ve heard worse. I’ve SAID worse to Grandma. But listen, how about we forget all that? I was thinking, if Mommy Nicole’s free, how would you like for her to take you to her house for a sleepover after the party tomorrow?”

“Really?” Sydney’s eyes shone with excitement. “Can you call her right now? Or can I call her?”

“You go ahead,” Lucas said to Sydney. “If she needs to talk to a grown-up, I’ll talk to her.”

Sydney ran to use the landline. Sami said, “One down, one to go. I’ll call Hope and see if I can sweet-talk her into taking Allie for the night. After all, Allie and Ciara are cousins, I’m sure she’ll want to let the girls bond.”

[Kpatch]

It's nice of Sami to refer to Nicole as "Mommy Nicole."

So happy to see Maxine!

[André DiMera]

Glad Maxine gave Abe some advice, and that he invited her to the party!

So glad Paige talked to Hannah, and tried to make her feel better. It’s nice that she got to see where Hannah lives.

Sounds like this may be, at least partly, to do with Bo.

I hope Lucas is able to watch the fireworks with Sami. Glad she’s letting Sydney stay with Nicole after the party.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[lumiforeverandalways]

Great few chapters

Love the scenes between Lumi and also Lucas and Allie

[heroicmuse]

Week 239 - 4 (July 4th)

“Are you ready?” Abe asked, walking into Theo’s room, where Theo was again reading a book. The clothes Abe had laid out on the bed for him had not been touched.

“I don’t know what you think I should be ready for,” Theo said, not looking up. “I am aware today is the day of Julie’s party, but I already told you I was not going.”

“I know you did. But whether you like it or not, you are only 14 years old and there are times you have to listen to your father.” Abe pulled up a chair and sat down next to Theo. “Please don’t make me use the dad card. That is not the kind of parent I want to be. But it is important we go to this party and you are just going to have to endure the discomfort for a few hours.”

“Why is it important?” Theo turned a page.

Abe gently pushed the book down. “First of all, you are being impolite. When you talk to someone from behind a book, it gives the impression that you’re not truly interested in talking with them.”

“It’s not that. I see no need for this conversation when the matter has been settled.”

“It has not been settled,” Abe said firmly. “Now put the book down.”

Theo sighed but he did what he was told. “Fine, I am listening. But you did not answer my question. Why is it important we go to this party, besides your desire to see Valerie again?”

“First of all, that is not the primary reason I’m going. It is Paige’s birthday, Theo, and I know that this is hard for you to understand, but I feel it is very important for us to help make it a special day for her.”

“Why? It’ll be her birthday whether I’m there or not.”

“For a lot of reasons, son. For a lot of reasons.” Abe sighed deeply, playing with something in his pocket. “As you know, a number of months ago I was forced by circumstances to arrest Paige for a crime that she turned out to be innocent of. Because of that arrest, she spent three months behind bars, and I helped put her there. I was wrong to do that, and part of how I want to apologize to her is by being there to celebrate that she is free on her birthday.”

“It is also the birthday of our country today,” Theo said.

“That’s true too, and is another good reason to go to the party. Plus Julie considers us family and is looking forward to seeing us. Now, those are my reasons for going besides wanting to celebrate that Valerie’s daughter is also free this Independence Day. What are your reasons for not going?”

Theo hesitated. “Two words. Johnny Dimera.”

“Johnny again. What happened now?”

“Nothing since the last time, but he is sure to be at the party. His mother is Samantha Brady who was not only married to my Uncle EJ at one time but is now married to Lucas Horton, who is a cousin of Julie’s. Therefore they are going to tell Johnny the same thing you are telling me and insist he go to the party.”

“That is likely to be the case,” Abe agreed. “But we don’t deal with bullies by running away, by withdrawing from the world so that they have no chance to hurt us. I want you to walk into Julie’s backyard with your head held up high today. There will be other people your age there. Ciara and Chase will be there, and if Johnny is coming so are Allie and Sydney, and I am sure John and Marlena are coming with Claire. Spend time with all of them and ignore Johnny. And if he bothers you...let me know and I will take care of it.”

“I am too old for you to fight my battles.”

“Be that as it may, I will always help when it comes to bullies. Now will you please get dressed so we can go?”

“All right,” Theo said. “But I need privacy.”

“Of course.” Abe left the room.

Outside in the hall, he smiled to himself and said, “Maxine was right. I just needed to be a little firmer.” He pulled out his phone and sent a text.


In their backyard, Julie leaned on Doug’s shoulder. “It is such a beautiful day for a barbecue!” she said. “And we have our granddaughter coming, and so much other family. Oh, this is going to be the most wonderful July 4th celebration we’ve had in years.”

“Amen to that!” Doug smiled. “Grill’s cleaned and ready to go.”

“And we have dessert!” Jennifer called. She, Daniel, and Parker had just come into the backyard. Jennifer was holding a tray in one hand and Parker’s hand in the other. “I made two batches of Gram’s donuts. That should be enough, I hope.”

“Do you have a pool?” Parker interrupted.

“That is one thing we don’t have, young man,” Doug said, “but you know what we do have? Live music.” He turned towards Jennifer and Daniel. “JJ’s bringing his guitar and I heard a rumor he’s going to pull Paige on stage for a special song. And I might even dust off the old vocal cords myself.”

“He’s been warming up in the bathroom all morning.” Julie smiled. “So where’s Abigail this morning?”

“She,” Jennifer said, trying to keep her voice even, “insisted on letting T drive her and since she’s almost 30 years old and insists on being treated like it regardless of her disability, I didn’t argue.”

Julie frowned. “Do you really think that’s a good idea? We all love Abigail but you know she’s - “

Daniel cleared his throat and said loudly, “Abigail! T! Glad you guys made it.”

“I had the best navigator,” T said. “My stupid phone turned the GPS off in the middle of driving but Abigail remembered exactly how to get here.”

“My memory isn’t always… you know, when it doesn’t work, but I’m trying to say sometimes it does,” Abby said.

Daniel nodded. “Certain types of memory are stored in a different area of the brain, probably your spatial orientation wasn’t affected. Anyway, come on in.”

“JJ’s coming too, isn’t he?” Abigail asked Jennifer after she said hello.

“Wouldn’t be much of a party if he didn’t bring the guest of honor,” Doug said. “It’s Paige’s birthday.”

“That’s right.” Abigail said. “I hope I don’t forget to say happy birthday to her.”

“I’ll remind if you do,” T said, and put his arm around her.


Meanwhile, Paige came out of Hannah’s apartment with Hannah and her parents. They came up to JJ’s car and Hannah said, “You sure there’s room for all of us?”

“It’s okay if there’s not,” David said. “Val and I don’t mind going separately, do we?”

Valerie’s eyes narrowed. “As long as they know Hannah can’t drive, it’s all right with me.”

“Mom!” Hannah said. “You think I want to go back to jail? I’m going to follow the rules without your constant reminders, I swear.”

“Let’s not talk about jail out on the street,” David interjected. “And we do trust you, Hannah, that’s not what Mom’s trying to say. We just don’t want you to get caught up in the excitement of going to this party and forget you’re not supposed to drive your cousin’s car, that’s all.”

“Well, I won’t,” Hannah said. “I’m not covered by the insurance anyway.”

“I know, but…” Valerie sighed. “Never mind. You’re almost 19, you have to make your own choices.”

Hannah crossed her arms. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” David said, “that Mom and I are going to go in her car so that you can spend time with your friends like any other girl your age. Right, Val?”

“Right.” Valerie’s voice was flat. She played with her necklace, then took a deep breath and said, “Have fun. We’ll see you over there.” She and David left.

“ARGH!” Hannah said. “Why’s she gotta be like that?”

“Cause moms don’t get it right away you’re an adult,” JJ said, “especially once you get yourself in trouble with the cops. I’m a couple months shy of 25 and sometimes I still gotta put mine in her place.”

“But it’s a lot better than it used to be,” Paige added. “After JJ and I moved out of her house things started to improve.”

Squeaky’s shoulders slumped. “I can’t move without telling the court. But I’m telling you, if it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t come back here tonight after the party or any other night.” She put her hand on the door handle. “Let’s go, I guess.”

Paige turned towards JJ. “Do you mind if I sit in the back with Squeaky? I want to talk to her.”

“Actually,” JJ said, “I was gonna take the back while you two sit up here.” He held out his car key even though Paige already had one. “I was thinking, today being Independence Day too… maybe it’s time you get behind the wheel again. What do you say?”

Paige swallowed hard.

A cop came up to the car window, holding a flashlight. Shining it in Paige’s face, he said, “I know your friend here is on probation, and you too. I’m going to have to ask both of you to step out of the car.”

“What’d they do?” JJ demanded.

The cop looked at him. “Stay out of this, sir, I could arrest all three of you and impound the vehicle.”

“Don’t, JJ,” Paige said. “It’s not worth it. We’re coming out. But we want our lawyers.”

She shuddered, now. “That’s not going to happen,” she said to herself. She took the key and said, trying to pass it off as a joke, “I just hope I don’t get us pulled over.”

Hannah’s eyes widened. JJ said, “Don’t worry, Hannah. We’re way safer with Paige driving, she’s never even got a ticket.” He pulled open the passenger side door. “Here, you get in first, maybe that’ll convince her.”

“Come on, Tweener,” Hannah said. “You’re always telling me not to be afraid, you gotta take your own advice too.”

“I guess there’s no getting out of it, huh?” Paige smiled sadly. “Okay.” She took the key from JJ and got in the driver’s seat. “Ready when you two are.”



Julie came to say hello to Valerie and David. “There’s wine on the table over there and beer in the cooler,” she said.

“Wine sounds lovely,” Valerie said. “Thank you.”

Julie frowned. “Where’s my granddaughter?”

“She wanted to ride with the guest of honor,” David said. “The other guest of honor, I mean. They should be here soon.”

Julie nodded. “Well, hopefully JJ won’t decide to be fashionably late. It’s not a party without the girls. Excuse me. I need to check on something.”

“Nice to see you too, Mom,” David said under his breath as Julie walked off.

Valerie patted his hand. “Oh, stop. Of course she’s glad to see you. She’s just more excited about Hannah because she’s all new to her, that’s all. Come on, let’s see who else is here.” She gestured as Abe came into the yard with Theo. Theo was holding Abe’s hand like a little boy even though he was 14 years old. “Look,” Valerie said. “There’s Abe. And he brought his son.”

“So I see,” David said. “All right, let’s head over that way.”


“I see Allie and Sydney with Lucas, but no Johnny,” Theo said to Abe.

“Maybe today will be your lucky day, then,” Abe said.

“I don’t believe in luck.” Theo frowned. “A woman who I am supposing is Valerie started to come this way but she got distracted by someone stopping to talk to her.”

Abe could feel how tense Theo was by how tight he was holding Abe’s hand. “Why don’t you go say hello to Allie and Sydney?” he said. “I will introduce you to Valerie later if you want.”

“I won’t,” Theo said, “but thank you.”

“Go talk to your cousins,” Abe told him. Theo left and Abe watched him go, frowning.


Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Julie said to Rory, who was doing something on the counter with Marissa, “Hurry up with the surprise for your brother. He’s here already and Hannah isn’t yet, so this is the perfect time to give it to him.”

“I’m working as fast as I can,” Rory said. “I’m not good at this kind of stuff.”

“It’ll be okay,” Marissa said. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, right?”

Just then, Doug’s voice carried from the backyard. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”

In the yard, Doug was standing on a makeshift stage, holding a beer. “I know this party is mostly to celebrate two special young ladies who we are blessed to have as part of our family. But since they aren’t here yet, I thought this might be a good time to celebrate the other meaning of this day. As you know, today is Independence Day, the anniversary of the birth of our country.” He turned towards Theo, who was standing with Ciara and Claire. “Can one of you young people tell me what the meaning of this day is?”

“I can!” Theo said. “On this day in 1776, the people who are now known as our Founding Father signed the Declaration of Independence. This document was considered radical at the time because it declared that people who lived in colonies of England had the right to break away and become their own country.”

(“If Johnny was here he’d call Theo names for talking like that,” Sydney whispered to Allie. “We need to help him fit in better.”)

“That’s correct,” Doug said. “Now, I know our newborn country wasn’t perfect. Many of the founders owned slaves and it would take another hundred years to reverse that and still another hundred after that to declare that people should be treated equally regardless of the color of their skin. But nevertheless, this was the first place in the history of the world to promise a new type of freedom for all people, and even though we’re still working on getting there, we can still celebrate that promise.” He pressed a button and the outdoor music system began playing patriotic music. Doug said, “I’d like to invite whoever would like to join me as I read the Declaration of Independence aloud.”

Doug put on a hat like George Washington used to wear before he began to read.


JJ, Paige and Hannah could hear the music and the reading as Paige pulled up to the curb. “So?” JJ said. “How’d it feel getting us here?"

“Okay, I guess,” Paige said as she turned the car off. “I mean, I feel kind of stupid about being afraid.”

“Nah,” JJ said. “After I got in trouble for texting and driving I didn’t want to either, remember? If you hadn’t pushed me we’d be sunk cause neither of us would be willing to get behind the wheel.” He patted Paige’s hand.

Hannah let her breath out slowly as the three of them got out of the car. “That’s a whole lot of people in there, huh?”

“Don’t worry,” Paige said. “We can slip in the back, no one’ll notice us until after Doug’s finished reading and then everyone’ll go their separate ways to talk to whoever they want.”

“Besides,” JJ said, “there’s no one here who’s gonna wanna do anything but get to know you.”

“Great.” Hannah’s voice was flat. She took another deep breath. “Okay, let’s do this, I guess.”

She could feel someone’s eyes on her as she followed JJ and Paige into the yard, but when she turned her head over her shoulder, there was no one there.

She, JJ, and Paige slipped into the yard just in time to read aloud with everyone else:

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, chief among
them the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

[André DiMera]

I’m glad Abe was a bit firmer with Theo, but also that both got to explain their side of the story. Thankfully, Theo agreed to go!

I see Julie isn’t a fan of T. Hope she keeps that opinion to herself. Personally, I’m glad to see T and Abby together!

Glad J.J. is pushing Paige to start driving again. Though I can understand why she’d be hesitant.

Could do without Julie’s comments about J.J., but I’m glad she’s so excited about the party! I don’t think Theo needs to worry, Johnny won’t be showing up to this party. Sydney is so sweet wanting to help him feel better. Glad Paige, J.J. and Hannah got there. I can’t wait for her to meet more of her family. Doug made a great speech, and I loved the reading of the Declaration of Independence!

Great chapter, heroicmuse! Happy Independence Day!

[heroicmuse]

Week 239 - 5
Maxine came up to Abe as he was getting a beer. She was wearing an off-the-shoulder purple dress and her best earrings. “Theo looks like he’s having a good time,” she said.

Abe smiled slightly. “He does. He just needed that little push. For which I really thank you. You were right, I was holding back on putting my foot down because of his Autism and that was doing him a disservice.”

“Glad to hear it.” Maxine smiled too. “I have to say, you look mighty handsome in that light gray suit.”

“Well thank you. I hope you don’t mind me complimenting you on your dress too.”

“Not at all. That’s what I wore it for.” Maxine took a sip of her wine. “What do you say we sit down and enjoy ourselves?”

“I’d like that,” Abe said.

Valerie and David came around the corner as Abe and Maxine sat down at one of the tables Julie had set up. Abe and Valerie’s eyes met, then Valerie looked away. Her eyes were shiny and she looked like she wanted to cry.

“What’s wrong?” David asked.

“Nothing.” Valerie let her breath out slowly. “It looks like Abe brought a date. Let’s go over there and say hello.”

David’s eyes narrowed as Valerie strode across the grass to where Abe and Maxine were sitting. Something didn’t feel right about this. “Val - “ he began.

Just then, Rory came up to him. “Dude! Come meet my girlfriend.”

“I was…” But David didn’t want Rory to think he was being paranoid. There was no reason to be jealous of Abe, especially since he clearly was here with some other woman. “Never mind,” he said. “Let me just tell Valerie I’ll be a minute.”

David went over to Valerie. Rory watched him, frowning. “Good thing we got this special gift for him,” he said to himself. “He’s wound up way too tight, he needs to relax before he messes everything all up with that lady he’s with.”


“I understand what you’re going through,” Hope said to Lucas. He’d just told her about Sami having to stay home with Johnny. “I really do. Ciara hasn’t exactly been an angel either lately.”

Lucas frowned. “Ciara? No way. What’s going on with her?”

“I wish I knew.” Hope shook her head sadly. “She missed the last two weeks of school and she was lucky not to be expelled. Or arrested. But try telling her that and you get some sort of sarcastic, angry response. I considered keeping her home too but I thought maybe after two weeks of misery being with family would be good for her.”

“Sounds like she and Johnny are on the same wrong path. What is in the Salem drinking water?”

“That’s what I’d like to know. Anyway, I’d be glad to take Allie tonight so that you and Sami can have some time alone. In fact, I’ll ask John and Marlena if Claire can come over too. Maybe a sleepover will be good for all the girls.”

“I hope so. Oh, you might as well know. Allie has this thing about being afraid of choking. A friend of hers back in LA had a serious allergic reaction to something she ate and it kind of freaked her out, she has to be pushed to eat anything at all and she needs it cut up in small bites like a two-year-old.”

Hope raised an eyebrow. “And you and Sami let her insist on that?”

“Better than her starving herself. She was acting anorexic for a while.”

“Maybe this sleepover ought to be at Marlena’s,” Hope said, her tone light even though she was half serious. She sighed. “It sounds like all our kids could use some prayers.”

“That’s for sure.” Lucas crossed his arms. “So I heard there’s a new addition to the family.”

“There is,” Hope said. “Hannah Martin, David’s daughter. I haven’t met her yet either, maybe we should go over there and introduce ourselves.”


Meanwhile, JJ, Paige, and Hannah had all got themselves sodas and were sitting at a table together. “I wanna explain to you about my sister before my mom brings her over here,” JJ told Hannah. “She, um, her brain’s all messed up from a car accident.”

“Messed up how?” Hannah asked.

JJ sighed. Paige took his hand, massaging his knuckles, as he said, “She doesn’t remember stuff. Half the time she can’t talk cause she forgets the words and she’ll ask you the same question a billion times.”

“Wow. All that just from a car accident?”

“Not just any accident,” JJ said thickly. “Her freaking asshole of a boyfriend was drunk and trying to outrun the cops. He crashed right into them, sent her into a coma and he walked away without a scratch. She woke up the next day with her brain all scrambled.” He blinked hard. “Sometimes her old self breaks through but most of the time she’s like a different person.”

Paige put her arm around him, rubbing his shoulders.

“I’m sorry,” Hannah said. “You sure the doctors can’t do anything for her?”

JJ shook his head. Paige said, “She’s getting better, though, she goes to a day program at Salem University Hospital and it’s been really good for her.”

“That’s good, I guess. What happened to the guy who messed her up?”

“He’s in jail,” JJ said, “and he’d better pray he never comes out cause…” He hit his palm with his fist.

Paige shuddered. “Don’t say things like that. If he ever turns up dead the cops’ll blame you.”

“Hopefully that won’t happen.” Hannah made herself smile. “One false murder charge per family.” She stared down into her soda. “I’m glad the cops were good for something, though, most of the time they seem like they just like wasting time locking up all the wrong people.”

Just then, Lucas came over to them. “JJ!” Lucas said, holding out his hand. “Staying out of trouble, I hope?” His eyes sparkled.

“Course,” JJ said. “Keeping these two busy instead.” He said to Hannah, “This is my Uncle Lucas, my mom’s brother.”

“Hi.” Hannah looked away shyly. Hope came up behind Lucas and JJ said, “And this is my cousin Hope. She’s marrying Aiden, you know, the dude who helped get you out.”

“She’s a cop,” Paige added, “but don’t worry, she’s one of the good ones. Most of the time, anyway.”

“Thanks, I think,” Hope said. She turned towards Hannah. “Your grandma Julie is my stepmother. I have a daughter a few years younger than you who I’m going to try to get to come meet you a little later.”

Hannah nodded, hoping she could keep all that straight.

“I was just explaining to Hannah about Abigail,” JJ said. “My mom’s probably gonna wanna bring her by, I figured she should be prepared.”

“How is Abigail?” Hope asked.

JJ shrugged “Same, as far as I know. She’s got a boyfriend now, Mom’s all freaked out about it.”

“So I’ve heard,” Hope said. “I’d better go track your mom down and see if she needs a listening ear.” She patted JJ’s shoulder and said to Hannah, “It’s very nice to meet you, Hannah. Welcome to the family.”

“Thanks,” Hannah said.

Lucas and Hope left. Hannah let her breath out slowly.

“Feeling overwhelmed?” Paige asked.

“A little,” Hannah admitted. “It’s weird, going from almost no family except my mom to a hundred million people.”

“I understand,” Paige said. “You want to - “

“Don’t look now,” JJ interrupted, “but Roman Brady’s coming this way.”

“Who?” Hannah asked.

“The cop that got it in his head I killed someone,” Paige said. She bit her lip. “It’s okay,” she told Hannah, “I forgave him and everything and he’s probably not coming over here to do anything but say hello.”

“You have a lot of cops in your family, don’t you?” Hannah’s voice shook.

“Believe it or not, it comes in handy sometimes,” JJ told her. “Long as you’re keeping your nose clean you want Hope on your side, she’ll give everything she’s got to keep you out of trouble if someone gets an idea in their head.”

Roman came over just then. “Happy birthday,” he said to Paige. He smiled at Hannah. “And this must be the young lady you helped get out of jail.” A shadow crossed his face and Hannah swallowed hard, sure he didn’t like her.


Meanwhile, over at the police station, Horowitz hung up the phone. She turned to Duncan and said, “Just got a call that’s probably a false alarm.”

“Paula Jefferson sighting?”

“I wish.” Horowitz sighed. “Someone just called 911 saying they saw someone who clearly didn’t belong there going into Julie Williams’ backyard. Now, Julie’s having a party today, Commander Carver took the day off to go to it, so if there was any trouble he’d be on it.”

“Right. They give any description?”

“Yep. Tall dark-skinned girl who they said was following a white girl with long dark hair who was going to Julie’s.” Horowitz crossed her arms. “If you ask me, the description matches Hannah Martin and Paige Larson.”

Duncan scowled. “So some racist piece of trash…” She let her breath out slowly. “Sorry. I know that’s unprofessional but it gets to me sometimes.”

“Course it does. And they deserve it, whoever they are, wasting police resources on harassing a girl who’s not doing anything wrong. Now, technically they called 911 so we gotta go out but we both know Hannah wasn’t doing anything but accompanying Paige to that party, and if the probation department gets wind of cops questioning her even if we know it’s nothing…”

“They could violate her probation,” Duncan said. She crossed her arms. “Let’s call Commander Carver and let him know about this so-called report. Like you said, he’s there. Maybe he can take care of this off the record, take Hannah Martin aside or something, so whoever called us over nothing doesn’t get to ruin her life this time.”

[André DiMera]

So glad Maxine came. I’m sure she and Abe are gonna have a great time! Nice to see Hope and Lucas talking. This sleepover idea sounds good. I’m sure meeting all these people must be overwhelming for Hannah. Glad J.J. explained about Abby. I hope nothing happens with Roman there.

So glad Horowitz and Jamie aren’t gonna let some racist idiot ruin Julie’s party!

Can we please have previews, heroicmuse?

[heroicmuse]

Thank you André DiMera , Kpatch and lumiforever for your comments. The July 4th/Paige birthday bash is just beginning and there's more to come!

Coming up on Breaking Ties...




The celebration continues!

Not everyone is in the best of spirits, as Abe and Maxine both miss their late spouses, while Valerie is annoyed that David suggests she change jobs the second he learns that Maxine works in a better part of town. However, Maxine doesn’t want to dampen the party spirit and the group ends up talking about Theo instead and how glad they are that he seems to be having a good time despite his reluctance to come to the party. And luckily for Valerie, Rory calls David away to the kitchen, where he, Marissa, and Julie have a touching surprise for him that they hope he will share with Hannah.

Over at JJ’s table, JJ is more in an investigative mood than a celebratory one when Roman comes over to meet Hannah. The young reporter gets Roman to drop a potential bombshell about Thorpe and how he might fit into what’s going on, but Roman fears it is more gossip than truth. He suggests JJ talk to Rafe if he wants more information, and JJ is set to do just that despite Hannah’s fear that someone will retaliate by arresting her all over again. However, just then Doug is ready for him to take the stage so his investigation has to wait.

There are several surprises in store for Paige as JJ and Chase begin performing a special birthday show for her. Paige feels awkward and embarrassed at first, especially when Doug calls her up to the stage, where she is relieved that a super public marriage proposal isn’t part of the plan. JJ does give her a special gift and she is even more surprised when Hannah helps perform a song for her, revealing talent that Paige never knew she had when they were in jail together.And Julie and Doug have a birthday wish for Paige that really touches her as well as presenting her with her cake and candles. Paige makes a wish of her own before blowing out the candles so that everyone can have some cake.

Hope, Jennifer, and Lucas spend time together while sharing cake and Valerie joins them, offering some advice for Hope about Ciara based on her difficulty re-connecting with Hannah now that her daughter is out of jail. Jennifer tries to reassure Valerie that things will work out between her and Hannah, leading Hope to an idea for the three of them.

Meanwhile, there is plenty of drama for the younger set at the party, as Claire is frustrated and disappointed that Chase only seems to have eyes for Allie, while Allie and Ciara don’t seem to be getting along any better than Allie and Johnny usually do. And an overwhelmed Theo hides from the party in a secluded spot, but when Sydney finds him the two begin to bond.

Eventually, all good things must come to an end, especially for Hannah, who is subject to a 9 PM curfew. Valerie is watching the time and makes sure to say her goodbyes so that she and David can get Hannah home on time, which puts a damper on the better mood Hannah is in now that she’s helped make Paige’s birthday special. Hannah is upset that she can’t stay over at Julie’s and falls back into depression now that she has to leave, worrying Paige, who thinks Hannah needs help but doesn’t want to offend her by saying so. And Hannah’s dilemma inadvertently causes drama elsewhere, as Roman overhears Abe tell Valerie that now that he’s in charge, racism will not be acceptable at the Salem PD and wonders whether Abe thinks his old friend condoned prejudice on the part of the cops.

What Roman doesn’t know, however, is that Abe’s claims are being tested right this moment, as he has given Horowitz and Duncan orders to arrest the woman who called 911 on Hannah for no reason, and when they do it becomes clear that some people have sided with the S-Mart manager after seeing him claim on the news that Hannah was a gang member. Can Abe and his officers really do anything to eradicate the racism in Salem before Hannah gets caught in the crossfire?

And finally, in Nashville, Sarah’s doctor has an idea after talking to Maggie, while Melissa tries to convince Victor to go home and support Philip.

[lumiforeverandalways]

Cant wait - whats coming up sounds great

These last two chapters have been good

[André DiMera]

I can’t wait to see what the surprise for David is! Glad to hear J.J. is gonna get closer to the truth about Thorpe, or at least that’s how it sounds. Talking to Rafe is a good idea. All of these surprises sound great! I can’t wait to see what they are! Hope Paige has a great birthday! Nice to see Hope, Jennifer and Lucas spend time together. Interested in what Valerie’s advice is. Sydney is so sweet! Can’t wait to see her and Theo bond! It really sucks that Hannah can’t stay for more of the party! I’m so glad Abe has Horowitz and Duncan arrest the loser who called the cops on Hannah just now!

Wonder what the doctor’s idea is. I hope Melissa can convince Victor.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 240 - 1
Maggie had gone to see Dr. Lowder in his office. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do for my daughter,” she said, blinking back tears. “She’s dead set on drinking herself into oblivion and there’s no changing her mind. In fact, she’s got this paranoid delusion that the liver scan you showed her is fake, manipulated somehow to scare her into not drinking.”

“So she’s in the excuse-making stage still. Did she give you any indication at all that she might be open to giving up alcohol?”

“Not really.” Maggie sighed. “She talked a good game, she’s going to quit drinking on her own, she’ll stop until her liver shrinks back to its normal size, and on and on and on, but she is dead set against going to Alcoholics Anonymous. She absolutely wouldn’t hear of it, she insisted she can quit all by herself and we both know where that goes.”

“That’s… actually good news,” Dr. Lowder said. “It’s not ideal, we’d like her to decide she wants help to kick her drinking habit for once and for all, but the fact that she has a desire to quit - “

“But is it a real desire when she doesn’t want to do anything about it?”

“I don’t know. But it’s something, and when it comes to a patient with the beginning stages of alcohol-related liver disease, we take anything we can get.” Dr. Lowder picked up his phone. “Now that Sarah is starting to consider the possibility that drinking isn’t the best idea, we need to put our foot in that door, do what we can to get her to keep thinking about it and hopefully accept treatment. I’m going to have an addictions counselor drop in on her, if that’s all right, and let’s see if we can get her to not only admit she needs to stop drinking, but that she needs help to do it.”



“This is Maxine,” Valerie said to David as he approached. “She’s a nurse at Salem University Hospital.”

“And Abe’s date for the evening, I see,” David said. He smiled slightly. “I’d love to get to know you, but my brother just asked me to come meet his girlfriend and he’s pretty insistent. I’ll be right back.” As he turned to go, he added, “By the way, do you know if there are any openings at Salem University? I’ve heard good things about that hospital, unlike the one my wife works at.”

“David!” Valerie said.

“Never hurts to ask,” David said. He left.

Valerie said to Abe and Maxine, “I’m so sorry about him. He has some wrongheaded ideas.”

“Men,” Maxine said. “No offense, Abe.” She turned back to Valerie. “You just have to know how to handle them. Make sure that foot is put down real firm, he’ll fall in line.”

“I hope so.” Valerie sipped her wine. “For the record, I’m perfectly happy at East Salem Med. Is it the most glamorous hospital there is? Of course not, but who needs glamour? I’m saving lives, helping people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get the help for their heart they need. We’re a public hospital, we serve mostly low-income people who have all sorts of problems that could be prevented if they could afford to see the doctor when it isn’t a matter of life and death. I’m half heart surgeon, half teacher. I run a lot of free workshops about heart health, including low-cost food options that won’t kill you and how to get your exercise in when you can’t afford to join a gym.”

“That’s a noble pursuit,” Abe agreed. “Wouldn’t you say so, Maxine?”

“Mmm hmm.” Maxine sighed. “My husband Carl died of heart disease. He never would take care of himself the way he needed to, eating all sorts of things the doctor told him not to and I never met a man so allergic to exercise in all my life.” She shook her head sadly. “He was married to a nurse, but you think that made one bit of difference? Uh uh. He did just what he wanted to do til it killed him.”

“I’m so sorry,” Valerie said.

Abe patted Maxine’s hand. “Lexie’s death was hard enough. She rejected any more chemo after it seemed not to be working. It was a hard decision given that we knew it meant accepting that the bell was tolling for her but it seemed it was the best we could do. But to actively watch someone die of something completely preventable… I can’t imagine how you got through that.”

After a few seconds, Maxine said, “Come on, y'all. This is supposed to be a party! Let’s can the funeral talk.”

“Yes, let’s,” Valerie agreed. “I saw you come in with your son, Abe?”

Abe nodded. “Theo had to be convinced to come but so far he seems to be having a good time with a few friends.” His phone rang. “Oh. That’s one of my officers. Excuse me a second.” He answered his phone. "What's up, Horowitz?" His eyes narrowed and he frowned.


Chase had his eye on Allie as he tuned his guitar. She was across the backyard, talking to Theo. She was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen in his life, he thought as she smiled at Theo and pushed her hair behind her ear. It was a shy little gesture that Chase thought was super cute, especially combined with her soft smile and the way her blue eyes lit up.

Allie was watching as Chase and JJ got up on the stage so they could play, her eyes wide with admiration. Chase focused on her smile, a goofy grin spreading across his face. He showed off, playing some riffs on his guitar he’d never done before for anyone.

When he was finished Allie rushed to the stage while the crowd was giving him and JJ a standing ovation. “Wow,” she said. “I’m not usually this kind of person, but I have to do this.” She leaned forward and kissed him.

“So you’re playing today?” a voice said, but it wasn’t Allie. It was Claire.

“Yep,” Chase said, “but keep your voice down. It’s a surprise for Paige.”

“How can it be a surprise? She came with JJ, didn’t she? So she has to know he - “

“It just is.” Chase tried to make it look like he was looking at Claire, but really he was trying to look over her shoulder at Allie.

“Right.” Claire’s voice was flat. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. “I know! I’m a really good singer, I could join you guys.”

“You have to ask JJ,” Chase said. “Excuse me a sec.” He walked away.

Claire crossed her arms. “He hates me,” she said to herself. “How am I ever going to change that?”



“Hannah,” Roman said. “I wanna apologize on behalf of the Salem Police Department. From what I hear, you lost a hell of a lot of time over what amounted to nothing and if my leadership contributed to that, I personally am sorry.”

“Thanks.” Hannah’s voice was flat. “Um, nice to meet you, I guess?”

“It sure is,” Roman said, holding out his hand for Hannah to shake. “Like I said, you got a raw deal, and I’m just glad to see you out and about.”

Hannah hesitated, then shook his hand.

“Hey,” JJ said to Roman. “I got a way you can make up for locking Hannah up and Paige too.” He gestured with his head. “Come over here with me and tell me what you know about Wanda Jefferson and her loser of a daughter.”

“I don't know a hell of a lot, but what I do know I got no problem saying in front of anyone.” Roman crossed his arms. “I haven't seen Wanda since our school days. Back then she had a real good heart but was tough as nails. So I wasn't surprised she went into running a prison. All this stuff you keep asking about her being less than pure...I find it hard to believe but it’s been a good 30 years since the last time I talked to her. “

“So you don't know anything about her relationship with Alan Thorpe?”

“Nothing that’s not gossip and I’m not gonna repeat rumors, on the record or otherwise.”

“Like what?”

“Like stuff I’m not repeating. Come on, JJ, no one knows better than you how fast lies travel around the world and how much they hurt. Don't ask me to help someone do that to Wanda Jefferson just cause you don't like -”

“Don't like her?” Hannah demanded, her voice rising. “Don't like her? She had the guards plant drugs on me just so they could drag me to the hole and she told me if I told that reporter anything she’d make sure I got more charges pinned on me. She’s real good at spreading lies about other people so how about you give her a taste of her own medicine?”

Paige put her arm around Hannah, who suddenly realized she was standing. Roman said, “You really think Wanda Jefferson was behind planting something on you?”

“She told me she did!” Hannah said. “I’m not lying!”

Paige said, quietly, “Of course you’re not. Don’t…” She turned towards Roman. “Squeaky’s telling the truth just like I was when I told you I didn't kill Jill. But it’s her word against the warden’s and if you don’t even believe her, she doesn’t stand a chance if we go public with this. So if you know anything that might help us prove that the warden’s corrupt, you have to tell us. Hannah was lucky enough to cross paths with me in jail but the next person the warden messes with won’t be, the next person might not have anyone who can help her. So for her sake, please tell us what you know.”

“All right, all right. This stays between us, don't go spreading it all over town, but years ago when Wanda was pregnant, there were rumors a judge got her that way and now that Rafe’s been questioning Thorpe in relation to someone threatening Judge Walston’s family, the rumor mill’s been making twice as much noise about it.”

“So Thorpe could be Paula’s father?” JJ asked.

“Didn't say that. All I said was there’s rumors.”

“What's this about Judge Walston?” Paige asked.

“That you gotta ask Rafe. Lucky for you, he and Nicole just got here.” Roman excused himself and walked away.

“I’ll ask him, all right,” JJ said. He hit his phone against his hand. “It all makes sense. Thorpe’s Paula’s dad so he lets her off easy and in the meantime he wants to do something for his girlfriend so he starts sending prisoners her way who he’s got no reason to lock up.”

“I don't know,” Hannah said. “Sounds like something out of a bad movie. You think so too, Tweener?”

“I’m not sure. The warden is up to no good, that’s for sure. She let Gina sit in the hole when she knew Tiana was the one who planted that knife and then Tiana nearly killed us, why would she do that?”

“I don't know, but she was desperate to hide it, that’s why she messed with me.” Hannah fidgeted, turning her hands inside out and back again. “Um, JJ, can you do me a favor and be real careful til I’m off probation? Last thing I need is you pissing off the wrong people so I end up locked up all over again.”

JJ nodded “Don't worry. Me and Paige aren't gonna let you get screwed over again and neither is anyone else in the family. If you thought Julie was fierce at your hearing, you don't wanna know what she'll be like if they try it again.” He gave her what he hoped was an encouraging smile and got up.

Before he could get too far, Chase called him. JJ turned around again. “Hey, buddy. Listen. I was about to say hey to Rafe and Nicole. You wanna hang with Hannah and Paige til I get back?”

“No. I mean yes, I want to, but I can't and you can't either. Doug sent me over. He’s ready for us.”

“Ready for you to do what?” Paige asked.

“You’ll see,” JJ said. “Keep her busy a sec, Hannah, we gotta go set up a birthday surprise.”

Paige reddened. “You don’t have to…”

“No, but I want to. You’re special to me, Paige, let me make your birthday the most special one ever, okay?” JJ kissed Paige. Chase was watching so he couldn’t go as deep as he wanted. “Be back soon,” he said. Paige turned towards Hannah and JJ sneaked his guitar out from under the table before he followed Chase.

[André DiMera]

While Dr. Lowder’s idea is good, I doubt it’s gonna work. But, we’ll see.

It’s interesting that both Abe and Maxine lost their significant others to something completely preventable. Glad Abe got that call. Aw. We know Chase doesn’t hate Claire, he was just distracted by Allie. So glad Roman told J.J. what he knows (or at least what he’s heard). Can’t wait to see the surprise!

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

Aw. This is going to be such a sweet birthday surprise.