Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 239,425 times)

[Kpatch]

Ruby's at it again.

I liked the moms commiserating about their children.

[André DiMera]

I love the idea of the parents getting together to do things. Just hope they’re able to conceal this all from Sami.

Glad Claire told Ciara she wants to try to be friends again.

Hopefully Allie actually will try not to be so ridiculous about Ciara.

Looks like Ruby may try to recruit Allie.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 395 - 3
“It was nice meeting you,” Brian said to JJ and Paige. “Always glad to meet more young families in Salem. Don’t you forget, call me if you need a quote for a story.” He grinned.

“Will do,” JJ said. “But now we’re gonna let you guys have some alone time while we check with the sitter.” He took Paige’s hand.

Theresa’s eyes were wide as she watched them walk away. “S-so I guess it’s just you and me. Um, my family wasn’t too much for you, were they? They can come on really strong. Paige is the best of them, but even she…”

“Ssh…” Brain said, putting his arm around Theresa. “I love your family. Working for your uncle was the best experience of my life. And I’m just glad we got to celebrate another year of freedom together.” He kissed Theresa’s ear.

“Me too,” Theresa said. “This was a nice second date.”

“It was,” Brian said. He stroked Theresa’s hair. “Why so nervous? I know there’s a lot of nonsense floating around about cops being invented by Satan and so forth, but it’s not true. I’m just a regular guy who loves his city and loves helping people. In fact, I’ll let you in on a little secret.” He lowered his voice. “I prefer saving kittens from trees to arresting people.”

“I’ll remember that when I want to impress you,” Theresa said. She fidgeted. “Um, if I’m nervous it’s because I really like being with you. The last relationship I was in was a disaster and so far, you’re the opposite.”

“Well, no need to be nervous. I like being with you too.” Brian leaned forward. “Mind if I kiss you?”

“Go for it.”

A stray firework went off in the sky behind them as Brian and Theresa kissed for the first time. Theresa put her hand on the back of Brian’s neck and deepened the kiss, but her eyes were darting everywhere nervously.


“Aunt Theresa’s date seems like a nice guy,” Paige said, “and so far he’s good for her. I hope she doesn’t mess it up.”

“Me too,” JJ said, but there was a distant look in his eyes and his voice was flat. “Um, let’s check in with Alison and Emily, huh?”

“In a minute,” Paige said. “First I want to know what’s going on. You’ve been all jumpy since you met Brian. Don’t tell me you’re scared of cops too.”

“Nah,” JJ said. “I turned my life around a long time ago, nothing to worry about now.”

“Then why are you so worried?” Paige took JJ’s hands. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. You know that.”

JJ squeezed her hand. “It’s not a big deal, or at least it shouldn’t be. Like I said, I’ve turned my life around. But since Theresa’s already freaking out about him knowing her past, the last thing she needs is him realizing that he doesn’t know me from SPN. He knows me cause he was one of the cops who arrested me when I broke that window all those years ago.”

“Oh.” Paige put her hand on JJ’s shoulder. “That was so long ago and you’re a different person now, so I doubt he’d hold it against you.”

“I’m not worried for me! I’m worried for Theresa. If she knew how he and I crossed paths way back when, she might run away screaming and that would be a damn shame.”

Paige rubbed his shoulders. “Are you sure you’re only upset on Theresa’s behalf? I know how ashamed you used to be of what happened back then, so if seeing him is reigniting those feelings…”

“It’s not. I promise.” JJ sighed. “Let’s just call Alison and check in on how our kid is doing.”

Alison and Emily had put Mariposa in her crib and were taking turns reading to her from The Cat In The Hat Comes Back

Emily went first:

This was no time for play.
This was no time for fun.
This was no time for games.
There was work to be done.

“Uh oh,” Alison said. “This sounds serious.”

Mariposa smiled, but then her smile faded and she pointed to the door and said, “Ma ma ba ba.”

“I think she’s trying to say ‘Mama’ ‘Dada’,” Emily whispered. “She wants her parents.”

“She’s too young to put that into words,” Allison said, “but I don’t think they’re usually gone at bedtime.” She turned toward Mariposa. “You miss Mommy and Daddy, huh?”

Mariposa put her hand in her mouth.

“They will be back soon,” Emily said, “but first let’s finish reading this story.”

Alison’s phone rang. “There’s Mommy now,” she said. “Let’s say hi to her.” She put the phone on speaker. “Hi, Paige. We’re just reading Mariposa her bedtime story but we thought she wanted to hear your voice.”

“Hi, sweetheart,” Paige said. “Daddy and I are going to be back very soon. We miss you.”

“Ma ma ma ma ma ma,” Mariposa said. She grabbed onto the bars on the side of her crib and pulled herself up.

Alison gasped. “Oh my gosh,” she said. “Paige, has she ever stood up before?”

“She’s tried to pull herself up when she’s in her crib,” Paige said, “but she’s not strong enough yet. She gets halfway up and gets tired and flops down.”

“Well, she is now,” Alison said. “She just pulled herself all the way up.” Mariposa whimpered and fell back down. “It lasted all of three seconds, but she did it.”

“We’d better hurry home, then,” Paige said. “The festival just ended; hopefully there won’t be a line to get out of the parking lot. See you soon.”


Paige hung up. Her face trembled and she said to JJ, “Mariposa stood up for the first time and we missed it.”

“Better get home so we can see her do it for a second time,” JJ said. He squeezed Paige’s shoulder as they walked off.



Max was helping Roman clean up. “This was nice,” he said. “I’m glad you were able to come back to town.”

“Me too,” Roman said.

“It’s permanent, right? You’re not running off to Kansas again, are you?”

“Nah,” Roman said. “There’s nothing more I can do up there. Orpheus’ trail’s gone cold and his kids are in ISA custody so he can’t get to them. So I figured it was time for me to come back home. I’m just sad that John and Marlena don’t see it the same way.”

“Me too,” Max said. “Any idea when they might head back this way?”

Roman shook his head. “I know Marlena better than anyone except maybe John. When she wants to help someone, she doesn’t quit. And she wants to help those kids of Orpheus’. They’re both in bad shape thanks to both him and Andre Dimera, and they may never be the same. But I hope to God they are for no other reason than Marlena’ll never come back to Salem til they’re healed.”

[Kpatch]

It's too bad neither Alison nor Emily had the presence of mind to video Mari pulling herself up. Then her parents wouldn't have missed it.

I love Brian. I love the way he is with Theresa. I wish she could relax. She needs to come clean with him and move on. Her past won't scare him away.

[André DiMera]

Well at least Brian seems to be a nice guy. Glad Theresa’s having a good time.

With the amount of things he likely sees, I doubt Brian will remember arresting J.J. several years ago. At least, I hope not. It’s unfortunate that Paige couldn’t be there to see Mariposa stand for the first time. Alison and Emily are doing well.

Glad Roman was able to come back!

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 395 - 4
The next morning, JJ had his tablet propped up on a table while he sorted press releases. That way, he could watch SPN’s live coverage of Bev’s custody hearing. It would hurt like hell that he couldn’t be there in person, but at least he could follow what was going on.

A couple of commentators were yammering about what they thought was going to happen and how risky it was for Bev to have gone to trial instead of going through mediation.

Courts almost always side with the mother, and the negative history between these two should give her an edge.

Yeah, but they both have criminal records related to this matter. I was covering her trial five years ago. She didn’t claim rape until she was arrested for conspiracy and she had the baby when she was in prison. The judge may not look any more favorably on her than on the father.

JJ scowled. “Shut up and stop talking about this like it’s a freaking football game!” he snapped. “No wonder my dad preferred print.” He grabbed a bunch of press releases and skimmed them, feeling angrier than ever that he wasn’t allowed to cover the trial himself.


Outside the courtroom, Paige told Bev, “Try to relax. I know, that’s ridiculous coming from me. But if the judge has any sense at all, she’ll see right through Cole and grant you full custody.”

“I hope so,” Bev said. “My dad gave me the best lawyer money can buy, but I doubt he spent extra to influence the judge.” She laughed nervously. “That’s a joke.”

“No, it isn’t,” Paige said, “and you don’t need that kind of help. You’re in the right.”

Ian came up to them. “Listen to Paige,” he said. “You and your dad are giving Mason a stable, loving home and it would turn Mason’s life upside down if the judge were to give Cole custody all of a sudden. Besides, you’re so careful with him. You were hesitant about letting me near him until you were sure that I was safe and that we were going to be more than two people who went on a few dates. I can’t imagine Cole being that way. He probably has an endless supply of women that he uses and abuses. What kind of life can he possibly give our - I mean your son?”

“He is our son,” Bev said, “or he will be someday. Maybe sooner than we think.” She held her arms out as Mr. Berger came down the hall. “There’s my lawyer,” she said to Paige. “In case this doesn’t go well, I want to thank you for being the best friend I’ve ever had despite how I treated you way back when.”

“Of course,” Paige said, hugging her. “You’re my best friend too. But why are you talking like you’re never going to see me again? If the judge makes the wrong decision, I’ll be there for you to cry with or to figure out your next move, whatever you need.”

“I appreciate that,” Bev said. “But if the court gives Mason to Cole, I’m going to be such a mess. I can’t let Cole have him. I can’t.”

“Let’s not think so negatively,” Ian said. “Come on, let’s go in.” He nodded at Paige. “You are staying for the trial, aren’t you?”

“Of course. JJ couldn’t come so I’m the eyes and ears for both of us., and anyway Mr. Berger asked me to be on standby in case he decides to call me as a character witness. I’ll be in in a second; I just want to let JJ know it’s starting.”

Paige watched Bev and Ian walk in, their arms around each other. She said to herself, “What are you really up to, Bev? Nothing stupid, I hope.”

“I hope so too,” a voice said behind her. Paige flinched, then made herself turn around and look Cole in the eye.


“For the last time, Ciara,” Hope said, “no, I am not writing a note to excuse you from school so that you can go to court with Johnny Dimera this afternoon. You have three weeks of vacation coming up after today; you’re not starting it early. Period.”

“I’m not trying to be on vacation early. I’m trying to support my boyfriend!” Hope rolled her eyes and started to walk away. Ciara followed her. “I know you hate that Johnny and I are going out. You would let me go to court if it was any of my other friends, but you think that if you stop me from supporting him, it’ll end our relationship. Well, it won’t.”

Hope turned back around. “Ciara Alice! I have been hearing this tantrum since we got back from the July 4th festival and I have had just about enough of it. Screaming at me and accusing me of wanting to destroy your relationship with Johnny is not going to get me to change my mind. If anything, it’s convincing me more that I’ve made the right decision because you clearly are not able to act like someone who is almost sixteen years old when it comes to him.”

“But - “

“One more word,” Hope said, “and you’ll be grounded for your entire vacation and won’t get to do anything with Johnny or with anyone else. Now get your backpack. It’s time to leave for school.”

Ciara’s eyes narrowed. “Fine,” she said. “But I won’t forget this.” She stormed off to get her backpack.

Hope rubbed her temples and said to herself, “God grant me patience.” She took out her phone and texted the group of women she had talked to during the 4th of July festival:

At my wits’ end with Ciara this morning. Anyone free to get together after I drop her off at school?


In the criminal courthouse, Abe was talking to the court officers. “We’ll need extra security today,” he said. “Olive Miller is one of the leaders of a gang called the Fire Lions. There may be certain of her followers who want to resolve this by forcing us to let her go, while rival gangs might see this as a chance to take her down. I do not want a repeat of what happened at Marcel Simmons’ arraignment. That is why I am loaning you four of my officers.”

“We understand,” the court officers said. “Who will we be working with?”

“Me and Horowitz’ll be helping with security at the courthouse entrance,” Prescott said, coming up to them, “and we’ve got two others watching the courtroom itself.”

“I also have asked the city for permission to search all the bathrooms and make sure no one has hidden a gun this time,” Abe added. “Marcel Simmons’ killer is still at large, and I don’t want her to try again today.”

Chanel had been coming down the hall. She heard what Abe said and took a step back. Please don’t let them catch me, she thought. I was a different person then, God, can’t You let me move on?

[Kpatch]

JJ may be angry but he has no one but himself to blame. It's what happens when you bend the rules.

Poor Paige having to come face to face with Cole. I hope it doesn't start her fears again. Is she going back to her internship at some point. She needs a distraction besides the baby. Meant to say it was really nice to see Paige and JJ together the other day. I don't think they've had many scenes together lately.

Bev is for sure going to leave town if the judgement goes in Cole's favor.

[André DiMera]

This has to be so frustrating for J.J.

Ugh! Cole, go away! I really hope the judge makes the right decision. Glad Paige and Ian are there for Bev.

Glad Hope is already reaching out to the group that got together on the Fourth.

It’s a good thing there will be extra security at the courthouse. Wonder what Chanel will do.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 395 - 5
“I thought you wanted to go to Olive Miller’s arraignment,” Mrs. MacGregor said, walking into the day room, where Chanel was watching the hearing on TV.

“I changed my mind,” Chanel said weakly. “I figured it was better to watch it on TV.” She patted the book that was on the coffee table next to her. “That way I can get some studying in at the same time.”

“That type of multitasking is not good for education,” Mrs. MacGregor said, “and if there is one thing I expect of you girls, it is honesty. Now turn off that television set and tell me the truth. Why did you come back from the courtroom early?”

“Not in here where anyone can hear,” Chanel said.

“Come with me, then,” Mrs. MacGregor said.

As Chanel followed her down the hall, Molly came out from around the corner and tiptoed after them.

In the office, Chanel said, “Remember I told you I did something real bad in the past? It wasn’t just drugs, Mrs. MacGregor. It was far worse than that.”

“I can’t imagine you doing anything worse than what you’ve told me so far,” Mrs. MacGregor said. “What did you do, kill someone?”

Outside, Molly was holding a glass to the wall so she could hear as Chanel said, “Actually, yes. This has to stay between us and it’s not as simple as it sounds, but I shot a man in the back and that’s what the East Salem Police Department is holding over my head.”


“Thanks for coming with me today,” Beth told Hannah as they sat down in the courtroom where Olive Miller’s arraignment was going to be held. “You didn’t have to, but it’s just easier for me to have someone with me so that I can look that… girl in the eye as she walked in in handcuffs and let her know that she didn’t break me.”

Hannah patted her hand. “Glad to do it. I wish we could have got justice when Marcel Simmons kidnapped my boyfriend too. I guess in a way we did because someone killed him, but that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.”

“At least he can’t hurt you anymore. And you’re living your best life. There’s no better revenge than that.”

Hannah nodded but said nothing. Beth smiled slightly as she looked at her.

Beth’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it.

Text from Steve Johnson
I have news related to your search. Call me ASAP.

She stared at the text, wondering if she had time to call Steve before the hearing began.


“What do you want, Cole?” Paige said. “If you’re hoping to use me as a witness, you’re out of luck. Not only am I on Bev’s side, but I can tell the judge lots of stories about you. Like the time you tried to put weed in my purse to interfere with me and JJ. Or the time you helped Jeff Adkins kidnap me.”

“Those are old news,” Cole said. “I bet you won’t tell the truth about modern times. Like, how your friend Bev was so drunk at your wedding your aunt had to take her home and how lucky it was for everyone that her father had already taken Mason back to his mansion.”

Paige’s eyes narrowed. “You wouldn’t want me to talk about that. I know you had someone drug her drink. These games don’t make you look good.”

“It was a beautiful wedding,” Cole said, taking a step closer to Paige. “And now you and JJ have a beautiful baby girl. You’ve been living the good life. You wouldn’t want anything to ruin that, would you?”

Paige’s heart pounded but she looked Cole in the eye and said, “Not only won’t you get custody, but threatening my daughter’ll get you sent right back to prison. So maybe you should cool it”

Cole smiled. “Paranoid, are we? I’m not threatening you. But a basket case like you isn’t going to make a great witness for Bev. Just saying.” He turned and walked into the courtroom.

Paige was shaking, but she pulled out her phone and made a call. “It’s Paige Deveraux. Cole just threatened my daughter to try to stop me from testifying on Bev’s behalf. Can you make sure that he can’t get near her?”


On the third floor, Bev and Ian were sitting with Berger while they waited for the hearing to begin.

“I’m surprised Cole isn’t here yet,” Bev said. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll skip the hearing so that we win by default.”

“It should be that easy,” Berger said, “but I doubt it. Now, this should go pretty smoothly. As I told you last night, it’ll be about two hours and then you’ll have your answer.”

Bev nodded. “I have my father on standby. He’ll want to know right away since he couldn’t be here today.”

Ian reached for her hand. Just then, Cole walked in. He stood at the back of the room, straightening his tie and giving Ian and Bev the glare of death.

Bev turned around and stared at him.

Ian whispered, “Don’t let him get to you.”

“I’m not, believe me,” Bev said. “I’m going to tell the judge all about his attempt to intimidate us.”

Cole’s attorney came in and Cole came and sat down next to him.

“We all set?” Cole whispered.

The attorney nodded. “Hopefully you’ll get custody of your little boy today.”

“And if my bitch of an ex-wife plays games?”

The attorney took off his glasses. He wasn’t just any attorney. He was Orpheus in disguise.

“Don’t worry,” Orpheus whispered. “I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to get you custody of your child, legally or otherwise.” He laughed to himself while he thought about the next step in his plan.


“My mom wouldn’t budge,” Ciara told Johnny as they walked from the buses to the school. “But don’t worry. When you leave, I’ll leave, no matter what she has to say about it.”

Johnny frowned. “You sure? I don’t want you getting into major trouble because of me.”

“It’s not like she expects anything better of me,” CIara said. “When I was in middle school I manipulated this loser boy into breaking into the computers to get Claire enrolled. Ever since, my mom never misses an opportunity to point out how I could have gone to juvenile hall and that I’m probably headed that way anyway.” She rolled her eyes.

“It takes time,” Johnny said. “It’s been years since Rafe got shot cause he was distracted by me showing up at a crime scene, but do you think my mom’s forgotten it yet?” He sighed. “I shouldn’t have had to come to school at all today. I should have been able to be home prepping for trial this morning, but that wasn’t good enough for my mom. Oh no. Hurricane Sami had to shove me out the door with some bull about how I can still get an education if I go for the first half of the day. Like I’m going to be able to concentrate.”

“Maybe I can do something to help.” Ciara put her arm around Johnny and lowered her voice. “I’ve heard I give a really good massage.”

The bell rang. Johnny said, “Hold that thought.” He squeezed Ciara’s hand. “I can’t be late to class, not on the day I’m going to court. All I need is for Romeo’s lawyer to somehow get wind of it and try to paint me as a juvenile delinquent or something.”

“Got it,” Ciara said. “I guess you can be good for half a day.”

“I will if you will,” Johnny said.

“Deal.” The two walked off holding hands.

Allie was watching from a distance. “I will if you will,” she imitated in a high-pitched voice. “God, they’re sickening.”

“Excuse me,” Ruby said, coming around the corner. “Are you okay?”

Allie stared at her, trying to figure out if she knew her or not.

[André DiMera]

Wow! Chanel actually told Mrs. MacGregor part of what happened! Wonder if she’ll tell her the rest.

Glad Hannah’s there for Beth. Can’t wait to hear Steve’s news!

Cole really is delusional. Wonder who Paige called.

Whoa! How did Orpheus get involved in this? And how did he become an attorney? This is a huge shock!

Interested to see what happens between Ruby and Allie.

Can we please have previews, heroicmuse?

[Kpatch]

Ugh. Orpheus.

Allie better be on guard.

I was proud of Paige for standing up to Cole and showing strength, and for having the presence of mind to immediately report Cole's threats.

[heroicmuse]

 Thank you André DiMera and Kpatch for your comments this week.

An exciting week is coming up for our friends in Salem! Check out the spoilers below.


Coming Up on Breaking Ties…

Two important hearings begin as both the custody trial and Olive’s arraignment begin.

Paige is not about to let Cole intimidate her and reports the threat to Berger, but will the judge take it seriously? Meanwhile, Cole and Orpheus, who is operating under an assumed name, have their chance to make their case -- will the judge fall for it? And will Bev be able to stay calm enough to make the right impression?

Meanwhile, Beth is distracted by Steve’s message as the hearing begins. Fortunately, she has Hannah there to give her some much needed support as the bail hearing gets underway.

Mrs. MacGregor is surprisingly understanding and supportive of Chanel, but neither of them knows that Molly is listening at the door.

Finally, Ciara is determined to accompany Johnny to court when he testifies, but neither Hope nor Lucas is having it, Allie makes an attempt to get back in Claire and Vicki’s good graces, and JJ gets a visitor that may make his work situation more difficult.

[André DiMera]

I can’t wait for both of these hearings! Hopefully Orpheus and Cole don’t win, and the judge takes Paige and Bev seriously!

Wonder what Steve’s message is. Hopefully this hearing also goes the right way.

Glad Mrs. MacGregor is supportive. Curious what Molly will do.

Sadly, it’s not surprising that Hope and Lucas don’t want Ciara to follow Johnny to court. Wonder what Allie does. Curious to see who this visitor is, and why they may make things worse for J.J.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

Wonder who visits JJ. I have a feeling it's Nicole.

I just know Molly is going to cause trouble.

If I were Beth, I'd be distracted by that message too!

I'm really proud of Paige. Sadly, I think Cole is going to get partial custody or visitation of some sort.

Thanks for the spoils!

[lumiforeverandalways]

Just caught up on the story

I hope Allie doesn't join the gang

Not surprised that Lucas or Hope aren't having it re Ciara

Cant wait for more to come