Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 240,259 times)

[heroicmuse]

Week 442 - 4
Kayla smiled at Nan and Malcolm as they came in. Nan said, “This is my brother, Malcolm Woods. I asked him to sit in with me, if that’s all right.”

“Of course,” Kayla said. “You’ll have to sign this form giving me consent to talk in front of him, but as soon as you do, I can share the test results with you.”

“Whatever you need,” Nan said. “Just make it fast. I can’t take the suspense.”

Kayla got her the form. “This is a basic consent form, stating you give me permission to share your DNA test results with your brother. Put his name in here and sign here and we’re done.”

Nan signed it quickly/

“That’s a first for her,” Malcolm said. “Usually she rereads everything three times to make sure she knows exactly what she’s getting into.”

“I trust you and this doctor,” Nan said. “And I just want to know the truth already.” She handed over the signed paper. “So. Now that this is out of the way, what’s the story? Is Chanel my long-lost daughter or not?”


Chanel tried again to study, but she was just as restless as before. She threw her pen down, aggravated. “Maybe I’m studying too much,” she said to herself. “Maybe I just need a little break.” She grabbed her keys and left the room.

Outside, she planned to just walk around the block, but Jeremy was still across the street, standing as still as a statue with his head tilted back so that he could stare at the power lines.

“Is this some weird electroshock treatment or something?” she said, coming up to him.

Jeremy flinched. “Oh. Hi.” He lowered his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess I gave you another reason to think I’m a weirdo, huh?”

Chanel shrugged. “I was in a bad mood last time I saw you. I’m sorry.”

“Therapy’ll do that to you, I guess. I wasn’t feeling great after my session either.” Chanel raised her eyebrows and Jeremy said, “Don’t worry. Eric didn’t tellme any of your business. He just said not to take it personally and got to work digging around my brain instead.”

Chanel smirked. “You have a brain?” Jeremy’s eyes narrowed and she said, “Just kidding. I hope I didn’t hurt your feelings.”

“I’ve heard worse. And done worse. If you knew the things I’ve done you’d probably run away screaming, and you’d have the right to.”

Chanel shrugged again. “Not like I’m anything close to a saint. There’s a reason my home’s called the Second Chance Home, know what I mean?” She crossed her arms. “So… what did you do?”

Jeremy shook his head slightly. “You don’t want to know, trust me. At least… not til I’ve proven I’ve changed. Besides, I’d rather tell you why I was standing here gaping at the power lines like an idiot.”

“The thought did cross my mind.”

“Right. Well, here goes.” Jeremy stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Some days having to get my GED gets to me. I’m far from stupid and if I had my records from when I lived in Israel I wouldn’t need to do this at all. But here I am, way too old for high school, doing it all over again and worse, finding it hard. I barely managed to graduate the first time. The only thing I was good at in those days was going to class stoned.”

“I can relate,” Chanel said. “So you were, what, praying to pass the test?”

“No. I’m not that religious. The thing is, the whole reason I’m taking my GED is I want to be an electrician. I don’t know if I can get an apprenticeship with my record. Maybe, maybe not. But what I do know is I can’t get it at all if I don’t have that damn GED. So, on days like today when I want to throw in the towel, I come here and look at the power lines I saw some guys putting in after that big storm last fall and remind myself, this is what I’m doing this for.” He looked away. “Dumb, huh?”

“You said it, not me. I think it’s cool.” Chanel sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know for sure what I want to do. I mean, I know getting a GED will help me turn my life around. Mrs. MacGregor says I’m smart enough for college too, but I don’t know what I’d study, and if I don’t go, I have no idea what kind of job I want. Maybe that’s why I’m so squirrelly today. Cause as soon as I take the test, it’s over. If I pass, which I’m sure I will, I just don’t know what comes next and it’s kind of scary.”

“I get it.” Jeremy smiled slightly. “Not to be too forward, but maybe if we studied together we could stay on track better. Want to go to the library with me?”

“Sure.” Chanel smiled. “Let me just run and grab my books.” She started to go, then turned her head over her shoulder and said, “The only reason I’m not inviting you up is I could get kicked out for having visitors when it’s not visiting day. But don’t go anywhere, okay?”

“I’ll be right here waiting,” Jeremy promised. He smiled to himself as Chanel ran off.

“Hmm,” Vivian said to Ivan as she looked something up on a computer. “From what our dear imprisoned girl told us, Ethan Dimera or Harp or whatever his last name is, is being held at a maximum security ISA facility. That means nobody in or out without permission.”

“If anyone can figure it out, it is you, Madame.”

“I appreciate the vote of confidence, though I don’t need it. I already have a plan, you see.” Vivian took out her phone. “Drew, darling, how are you? It’s Vivian Alamain. You know how you owe me a favor? Well, my dear, it’s time for you to cash in. Now listen carefully. This is what I want you to do.”

[Kpatch]

For a minute, I thought Vivian was talking to Jeremy and Chanel. LOL.

I'm dying for Nan to get those results too.

[André DiMera]

Can’t wait to find out the results!

Glad Jeremy and Chanel were so open with each other.

Drew? Oh no, I really hope Vivian isn’t talking to Drew Donovan!

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 442 - 5
Sally looked over Nicole’s shoulder. “Rachel Blake? Is that a name I should know?”

“No,” Nicole said. “But it’s a name John Black should know. In fact, I suspect it’s an alias for someone I know and hate.” She crossed her arms. “The last time I heard that name, it belonged to Kristen Dimera’s mother, who, as far as I know, is long deceased. But I wouldn’t put it past Kristen to have adopted it as her own.”

“Why?” Sally said.

“Well, I don’t know for sure, but where Kristen goes, trouble follows, and Eduardo Hernandez is definitely in trouble. Gabi’s instincts were right when she suspected someone is keeping her father from getting out of that coma. He probably has information that Kristen doesn’t want anyone knowing -- he was working on finding out who was behind the black market baby ring that took my son when he disappeared.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Sally agreed. “But at the same time… Rachel Blake seems like a common name. Not as common as John Smith, but still. Couldn’t it all be a coincidence?”

“Hmm,” Nicole said. “So Eduardo is sent to a long-term coma rehab facility that seems sketchy, where the nurses don’t want to let his own daughter visit for too long and he’s not making the progress he should be making, and that facility is owned by someone who just happens to have the same name as the dead mother of my worst enemy, who may have been implicated in a black-market baby ring that Eduardo was investigating at the time he was kidnapped and tortured into ill health. Yeah, it’s all a coincidence.”

“All right, all right. No need to turn that snark machine on me. I was only asking.”

“Me not be snarky? You have met me before, haven’t you?”

“You have a point.” Sally smiled slightly. “All right, Nicole Walker. You’ve landed yourself the biggest story of your career. So it seems to me I’ve been asking the wrong question here. Now that you’ve figured out who’s behind this mess, what’s your next move?”


Nan swallowed hard as Kayla took an envelope out of her drawer. “This is the hard copy of your DNA results,” Kayla said, “but before I give them to you, I want to go over them so that everything makes sense.”

“I’d rather you just answer the question, but all right,” Nan said.

“When we run DNA tests for paternity, it’s best to have both biological parents to run against the potential child,” Kayla said. “That yields the most accurate results, because if the child’s genes match a combination of both parents’ genes, it’s most likely she is their child. But in your case, your late husband’s DNA wasn’t available, so we had to run Chanel’s DNA against yours. The test found that approximately 50 percent of her DNA matched yours, which does suggest a strong match. In fact…” Kayla opened the file on her computer and turned the screen around. It said:

Test Subject A: Nan Hansen
Test Subject B: Chanel Dupree

Likely Parent-Child

Nan’s eyes filled with tears. “So I was right. She… she’s my daughter. She’s Brianna.”

“It certainly seems that way,” Kayla said.

“But why…” Nan swallowed hard. “How could someone take her from me like that, especially if they were only going to toss her around from person to person like so much trash? I-I could almost understand if it was a woman who lost her baby. When I lost, or I guess thought I lost, my little girl, I was so beside myself that if I’d been alone with someone else’s baby… well, I don’t know what I might have done. But to steal a child and tell the mother her baby is dead, only for that child to end up a victim of the foster care system… why would anyone do that?”

“I don’t know,” Kayla said softly. “Um, my husband is a private investigator and if you’d like to look further into who did this to you and your daughter, he’d be happy to help you. He’s in the waiting room; I can call him in if you’re interested in speaking with him.”

Nan glanced at Malcolm. “Should we? Or is it better to let sleeping dogs lie?”

“I don’t know the answer to that,” Malcolm said. “A grave injustice has been done to you and to Chanel. Um… Brianna. Which name do we call her?”

“That’ll be up to her,” Kayla said. “She’s been known as Chanel Dupree for 25 years so she might not want to change it.”

“Or she might be glad to be rid of that name,” Nan said. “She told me a social worker named her axfter a bottle of perfume she saw in a hospital bathroom. That name doesn’t mean anything. Brianna means ‘exalted.’ Kevin and I chose that name because we wanted to show our daughter how very wanted she was. And then someone took her from us and made her feel the opposite.” Nan scowled. “Send that husband of yours in here. Whoever did this needs to pay.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Malcolm said. “I agree, we need to find out how this happened. But shouldn’t we also decide how we are going to approach your daughter about this? It’ll be a shock to her system, and she’s already suffered quite a bit. And we also have to decide what we are going to tell the other children, especially Vicki. With her autism, it may be challenging for her to accept a suddenly undead sister, and Chanel may be equally resistant to being brought back into the family.”

“All of which are valid points,” Kayla said. “I don’t know that I have the answers to any of this. As far as telling Chanel, I think you should speak with her guardian at the Second Chance Home, Elinor MacGregor. As for the rest of it… I just don’t know.” She patted Nan’s hand. “I want to let Steve talk to you, but first I need to ask you one more question.”

“Anything,” Nan said. She took a tissue off Kayla’s desk and dabbed at her eyes.

Kayla said, “Some time ago, we ran a similar test on Chanel. She wanted to know who her birth mother was.”

“I know that. She told me it was inconclusive.”

Kayla nodded. “It was. We didn’t have your DNA at the time. But we did have your son’s, and, well, the question I want to ask… the test suggested Kenneth might be Chanel’s half-brother rather than her full brother. Now, results like that aren’t necessarily correct. Sometimes other relationships get mistaken for half-siblings when the match happens to be different enough to confuse the test. Full siblings, cousins, and half-siblings can all look the same. That’s why we rendered it inconclusive. This is probably none of my business, and you can tell me so, but I was curious… is the test wrong or is Kenneth’s parentage more complicated than it seems?”

Nan looked at Malcolm, not sure whether she should tell the truth or not.

[André DiMera]

Oh man, I didn’t even think about Kristen! That makes sense! Especially after hearing her mother’s name. Can’t wait to see what Nicole does!

So glad we finally know that Chanel is Nan’s daughter! Wonder what she’ll do now, and how she and Malcolm will answer Kayla’s question.

Can we please have previews, heroicmuse?

[sevenna92]

Oh, wow, Kristen is involved in this situation with Eduardo? I didn't see this coming!

So now we know that Chanel is Nan's daughter. I wonder if Nan and Malcolm are going to tell Kayla about what is going on with Kenneth's paternity?

[Kpatch]

I'm relieved that Nan finally knows the truth. Can't wait for Chanel to find out too. I love the way this is unfolding. But I don't think it's any of Kayla's business about Kenneth. Kayla's job was to help with the DNA test. Her role in this is over.

[lumiforeverandalways]

so chanel is nan's

nice talk jen and ciara had

[heroicmuse]

Thank you André DiMera, Kpatch, lumiforeverandalways, and sevenna92 for your comments this week. 

Who else can't wait for the next step now that Nan has learned that Chanel is her daughter? I certainly am!

Coming Up on Breaking Ties...
Nan doesn't tell Kayla the truth about Kenneth, but it does trigger a conversation with Malcolm. Nan and Malcolm discuss the past and want to know why someone took Brianna only to dump her in foster care. Fortunately for them, Steve is on the job and ready to go to work to find out the truth.

Meanwhile, Chanel and Jeremy aren't getting much studying done, but Chanel is touched by Jeremy's reaction when she tells him about her past. When Jeremy asks her out on a real date, will she accept?

Elsewhere, the latest in Victor's will causes some drama for Sonny and his brothers. Sonny's willing to give Victor the benefit of the doubt, abscribing good intentions to his decisions about who he gave what to, but his brothers aren't so positive, especially Alex.

Finally, Nicole and Sally discuss their next steps, Eric and Eve become concerned when they realize they haven't heard from Theresa about their wedding, and Belle worries when Shawn tells her he has to take care of something at juvenile hall before Claire's party.

[André DiMera]

So glad Steve will be looking into what happened! Can’t wait for Nan and Malcolm to talk!

Hopefully Chanel will say yes to Jeremy!

Wonder what Victor left Sonny and his brothers.

Curious to see what Nicole and Sally do. Guessing Eric and Eve will find out about the situation with Theresa. And Belle might find out about Shawn’s situation with Joy.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[sevenna92]

So I guess Steve will be investigating what exactly happened with Chanel and why she was basically stolen from her parents.

Looking forward to Chanel and Jeremy's date.

I guess Eric and Eve are starting to notice that something is really wrong with Theresa. I wonder if someone is going to tell them about whether or not she's still alive or she might be dead by now.

[Kpatch]

I hope there are no more unpleasant surprises in Victor's will.

Please free Theresa soon.

[lumiforeverandalways]

wonder what chanel will say

interested to see what shawn has to take care off

[heroicmuse]

Week 443 - 1
“It’s complicated,” Nan admitted, “but it’s also got nothing to do with this situation here. So if you don’t mind…”

“Of course,” Kayla said. “It’s only really important in terms of knowing Kenneth’s family medical history, but if he was adopted or he wasn’t your husband’s… that’s really your business.” She patted Nan’s shoulder. “I’ll get Steve for you and you can discuss your next steps as far as finding out how this happened, okay?” Nan nodded and Kayla added, “You know, it might be best to get some input from a therapist who deals with these type of situations before you decide how to broach this subject with Chanel or with your children. If that’s something you’d be interested in…”

“I’m seeing someone for the first time tomorrow,” Nan said, “and Lord Almighty, will I have a lot to talk to her about.”

Kayla nodded. “Be right back.”

Kayla left. Nan said to Malcolm, “Maybe I should have told her, but I’m not in the mood for explaining a decision we made years ago right now. Chanel turning out to be my Brianna is enough for us to deal with. We can tell Kenneth he’s her cousin another time.”

Malcolm nodded. “I had no idea it would get this complicated. We should have sat Kenneth down and told him the truth a long time ago.”

“We should have,” Nan agreed, “but there was never a good time. He was five years old already by the time Vicki came along and you know how difficult she was to take care of.” Nan sighed deeply. “I did a lot wrong, Malcolm. I knew something was off about our baby girl but instead of getting her tested, me and Kevin decided to deal with it at home as best we could and have Kenneth help out. So where was there time to tell him the baby sister he’d been taking care of all his life wasn’t his sister at all?”

“Vicki is his sister in all the ways that count,” Malcolm said. “It doesn’t matter that biologically, he’s her cousin. He may be mine biologically, but he’s your boy in every way that matters. I just wish I’d been part of his life more, that I’d seen him more often than on Christmas and Easter during his formative years.”

“I know.” Nan sighed again. “I was afraid it would have been too confusing for him and too painful for you, watching me and Kevin raise your boy and hear him calling you Uncle Malcolm and Kevin Daddy But now I’m starting to see that I took from you what should have been yours.”

Malcolm shook his head. “Wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been such a mess after Regina died. It wasn’t Kenneth’s fault that she didn’t survive giving birth to him but I couldn’t look at him without feeling like he took her from me, at least not at first. If you hadn’t stepped in, he’d have suffered the same fate Brianna did, being bounced from person to person and thinking his parents never loved or wanted him. But he didn’t. He grew up in a loving home, even if he did grow up too fast between Vicki’s condition and Kevin’s death And for that, I am eternally grateful.”

“I love that boy as if he were my own and I do not regret for a minute that I stepped in to raise him, only that I cut you out.” Nan sighed. “But what I want to know is, why didn’t Brianna have the same opportunity? How could someone be so cruel as to take her from me and leave her to fend for herself in the foster system?”

“I want to know that too,” Steve said, coming in. “Sorry to interrupt what sounds like a private conversation. But my wife told me that you two are eager to find out who the hell took your little girl from you and made you suffer, so if we’re gonna do that, I gotta start by getting some info from you about the day she was born.”


Roman and John were having clam chowder at a back table in the Pub where they wouldn’t be disturbed. “So?” Roman said. “Tell me everything. Was our friend amenable to our terms?”

“He… wasn’t happy,” John said, “but I think he knows he doesn’t have a choice.”

Roman nodded. “So he agreed.”

“For now,” John said. “But I’ve been around long enough to know that there’s never going to be any miraculous change of heart on his part. He wants his daughter back and maybe he’ll be grateful for, oh, a millisecond, once she’s safe. But after that… we’re gonna have to watch our backs, partner.”

“Understood,” Roman said. “But in the meantime, we have to work with him. So… what’s the plan?”


In a hidden location, Drew Donovan leaned his phone on his ear. “I beg your pardon?” he said. “Take my dear brother’s place?” He laughed. “I’d love to, but I don’t see how even you could pull this one off. Shane is busy crying crocodile tears over my lovely niece’s disappearance. Oh, how heartbroken he is! He rushed off straight away to try to save her. Always having to play the hero, he is.”

“Don’t you see?” Vivian said. “This gives us a perfect opportunity to get what we want. Your brother is busy playing James Bond in parts unknown, so the chicken coop has been left wide open for a certain devious fox to sneak in.” Vivian’s voice hardened. “And you will do that. Do I need to remind you of the magnitude of the favor you owe me?”

“Of course not,” Drew said. “I’m happy to do it, believe me. I just don’t understand how - “

“Leave that to me. Listen very carefully, and follow my instructions precisely. And don’t take your time thinking it over, either, because there’s nothing to think over. I want you to do what I tell you to and I want Ethan Harp taken from that ISA compound and delivered to me by tomorrow evening.”

[André DiMera]

So glad Malcolm and Nan are talking about this! Can’t wait for them to talk to Steve!

Glad John and Roman are on the same page about Orpheus.

Oh no! It IS the Drew I thought it might be! He and Vivian as a team will be fascinating!

Great chapter, heroicmuse!