Days' Same Old Lang Syne (Read 6,100 times)

[Kpatch]

Even Santa is learning the meaining of Christmas.

A six-pack of Diet Coke! I thought it was gonna be beer, but this works better. Love it.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 5

CAR
J.J. walked in.
J.J.: Got it.
He took out two bottles, handed one to Paige, and opened the other.
PAIGE: Thanks.
They clinked their bottles together.
J.J.: So, tell me, what's been going on in Salem for the last two and a half years?
PAIGE: Well, you haven't missed much. My mom married some millionaire, who finally distracted her from going after your mom.
J.J.: That's good.
Paige nodded.
PAIGE: And, I've found a job as a nurse over at Salem University Hopsital.
J.J.: Nice.
PAIGE: Yeah, it's okay.
They both took a drink. J.J. noticed something shine on Paige's hand.
J.J.: What's that?
Paige took another drink.
PAIGE: What's what?
J.J. took a drink.
J.J.: That, on your finger.
Paige showed J.J. her hand. J.J. whistled.
J.J.: Whoa!
PAIGE: What?
J.J.: Look at that rock!
Paige chuckled.
PAIGE: It's just a ring.
J.J.: Jus-just a ring?! Are you kidding me? This is huge! Who got this for you, if you don't mind me asking.
PAIGE: My, um...my husband.
J.J. blinked and took a drink, as did Paige.
J.J.: You're...married?
PAIGE: Yeah.
J.J.: Who to? Anyone I know?
PAIGE: Probably not. His name's J.T.
J.J.: Sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it.
PAIGE: He's an architect. He built the house we live in, actually.
J.J.: Wow!
PAIGE: Yeah.
J.J.: Not trying to pry or anything, but I hear architects make good money.
PAIGE: He makes a nice amount. It's nice. We're secure and safe, and dry. I l...
Paige hesitated.
PAIGE: Never mind.
J.J.: You what?
PAIGE: Never mind.
J.J.: No, really. What were you about to say?
PAIGE: It's nothing. Really. Never mind.
J.J.: Okay.
Both took another drink.

SMALL HOUSE – IRAQ – FLASHBACK
Santa watched on as the young soldier slept underneath his poncho.
SANTA (to himself): This young man, here, so willing to fight. So willing to give up his life for his country.
Santa thought of all of the other families he saw that night, this was one of his last stops.
SANTA (to himself): Tomorrow morning, the children will wake up and open their presents. Families will be together and celebrate. But, what of the soldiers, like this young man? He has a family, too. A family that I am sure he misses.

[fluffysmom]

I like Santa thinking about what it's like for the soldiers.

I wonder if Paige's husband is the JT I remember. Seems like there's a lot Paige would like to say to JJ.

[heroicmuse]

Wow this is interesting. Its always awkward going back to someplace you used to live, and you captures that perfectly here. Love the Santa scene too.

[Kpatch]

I know what Paige is going to say next, according to the song. But I won't spoil it.
fluffysmom, I also wonder if JT is the same person that Bo and Hope were originally raising before they found out he was Glen and Barb's child.
Such a sad image of the soldier spending his Christmas alone and cold.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 6

SMALL HOUSE – IRAQ – FLASHBACK
SANTA (to himself): Yes, he must miss his family. They all, all of them must miss their families. All of these families. All of the people I see tonight...we all owe soldiers so much.
Santa took a deep breath.
SANTA (to himself): All of the people back in his home country that I see, they're all safe and warm, because of soldiers like this one. They all enjoy freedom. How many...
Santa paused. His voice became shakey.
SANTA (to himself, shaking voice): How many more are there like this? How many people are like this brave young man? Away from the ones they love on Christmas Eve. The other side of the world.
Santa took off his hat.

CAR
J.J. and Paige opened two more bottles of Diet Coke.
J.J.: So, when did all of this happen?
PAIGE: What's that?
J.J.: When did all of this happen? You getting married to J.T., the architect, I mean.
J.J. took a drink.
PAIGE: About a year ago. We met shortly after you left for New York.
J.J.: A year ago?
J.J. and Paige took a drink. Paige nodded.
PAIGE: Yep.
J.J. took a drink.
J.J.: So, you must really love this guy.
Paige took a drink.
PAIGE: Why do you say that?
J.J.: Well, because, within a little less than two and a half years, you've gone from meeting the guy to being married for a full year.
PAIGE: Yeah?
J.J.: Yeah. Congrats, by the way.
PAIGE: Thanks.
J.J.: All I'm saying is, you really must love this guy.
Paige looked down at her shoes. She had a feeling J.J. already knew the truth, and she didn't like to lie, especially to him. J.J. took a drink.
J.J.: You okay?
Paige nodded.
PAIGE: Yeah, I'm fine.
Paige took a drink, as did J.J.
J.J.: You look like you're doing well.
PAIGE: I'm doing okay, thanks.
J.J.: I know. I can tell. Especially from your eyes.
PAIGE: What about my eyes?
J.J.: Nothing. They're just really pretty. I've always thought you had really pretty eyes.
Paige smiled.
PAIGE: Thanks.
J.J.: No, I mean it. Ever since I first met you, I've loved your eyes. Those two little brown balls...they're beautiful eyes.
Paige blushed.
PAIGE: You're very sweet.
Paige and J.J. looked each other in the eye. Paige's eyes were showing what she hoped was gratitude, and though J.J. could see that, he wasn't sure if it was actually gratitude or doubt.

[Kpatch]

Got the chills when Santa took off his hat in respect for the soldier.

Sounds like Paige's marriage may have been a bit of a rebound from JJ.

Thanks for the weekend chapters André DiMera!

[fluffysmom]

It doesn't seem like Paige is deeply in love with her husband.

It's sad thinking of soldiers alone so far from home at Christmas.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 7

CAR
PAIGE: Enough about me.
Paige and J.J. took a drink.
PAIGE: Let's talk about you.
J.J.: Me? I'm not very interesting.
PAIGE: I doubt that. Come on, in two and a half years, you've become famous throughout the U.S. as a singer and songwriter. That's gotta be awesome.
J.J. grabbed a third drink and handed one to Paige.
J.J.: It's cool. It's very cool.
PAIGE: You must be doing really well. I see your music all the time in the music stores. And they play it all the time at the hospital.
J.J.: Well, that's because my aunt is the Dean of Medicine there.
The two smiled.
PAIGE: That's not the only reason. You're good, J.J. You're really good. So, what's New York like?
J.J.: Busy. People are always running places. There's a reason they call it the City That Never Sleeps. But, I'm only in New York part of the time, when I'm recording an album. Most of the time, I'm on the road, touring.
PAIGE: That must be fun. You get to see all sorts of places.
J.J.: Yeah. The “You Don't Know Jack, Jr.” tour is the first world tour I'm going on.
PAIGE: Really? That's awesome!
J.J. looked down.
J.J.: Yeah.
PAIGE: It is, isn't it?
J.J.: Of course it is. It's great. I love making music and sharing with people around the world...but, sometimes, I miss being home. I miss not being able to stay in one place. Don't get me wrong, I love the music. And I love doing the concerts. But, it's like heaven and hell, you know?
PAIGE: Not really. What do you mean?
J.J.: My audience is great. The people that listen to my music, that's who I do this for. I do it for them, because of how much I love sharing music with them. Seeing how music touches people's lives, and knowing that I can make a difference, even if it's just a very small difference to someone's life, that's like heaven. The audience is heavenly. It's the traveling that's hell.
PAIGE: What do you mean?
J.J.: Let's put it this way: this is the first time since I left that I've been able to go back home. I've been on the road or making an album the last few years. And, as much as I love doing music, I miss my family sometimes. But, I still love doing what I'm doing. I guess you just gotta take the good with the bad.
Paige nodded in agreement.

SMALL HOUSE – IRAQ – FLASHBACK
SANTA (to himself, voice breaking): All of these men and women alone on Christmas Eve, so far away from their families. It's not fair.
Santa dropped to his knees, tears forming in his old eyes. He began to cry. It was the sound of a cough that shook him out of his sadness. The poncho in the middle of the room moved. The soldier, a young First Lieutenant Philip Kiriakis, sat up.
PHILIP: Santa?

[heroicmuse]

Aww! I love this!!! Wonder what's going to happen with JJ and Paige. I'm glad JJ has retained his modesty with all that fame he's experiencing. I wonder if he's been to visit London and run into anyone he knew from boarding school.

Can't wait to see how Phillip's story develops.

[Kpatch]

The Santa scene was heartbreaking and funny all at once. I laughed when Philip said "Santa?"

JJ is homesick. It sounds like a "be careful what you wish for" situation.

They are drinking so much pop. I keep hoping there's a restroom close by. LOL.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 8

SMALL HOUSE
Philip sat up and looked at Santa.
PHILIP: Santa? Man, what's going on?
SANTA: I'm sorry. I did not intend to wake you..
PHILIP: It's okay. I'm a light sleeper,. I was about to wake up in an hour, anyway. So, what are you doing here? And why are you crying?
SANTA: I'm here because it's Christmas Eve. The answer to your second question..is because it's not fair.
PHILIP: What isn't fair?
Santa motioned to the room.
SANTA: This. This isn't fair. Millions of people all around the world get to be with their families on Christmas Eve. But you don't. You have a beautiful family who love you, and you aren't able to spend time with them because you're over here in this terrible war.
PHILIP: I see. Here's the thing, Santa, I'm here because I want to be.
Philip motioned the same way that Santa had.
PHILIP: This. This is my choice. I come from a country that gives you the choice to do things like this. Other people aren't fortunate enough to have that freedom. That's why I'm here. I believe n freedom. And I want everyone in the world to share that same freedom. The freedom to choose what they want to do with their lives. And, I'm not alone. All of the other soldiers that you've seen, and still will see tonight, we're like a family. They're my brothers and sisters in arms.
SANTA: And I am so thankful for people like you.
PHILIP: I appreciate that. But, that's not why I do it. It's nice to know that we're appreciated, but we don't do it for the tanks. We do it because we feel the call to do so. Uncle Sam has called the nation into action, and we have answered. I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more. My life is my God, my country, my corps.
Philip laid back down and rolled over.
PHILIP: Don't be sad for me, Santa. Be sad for the ones who don't have the right or ability to choose.
Santa had been so moved by what Philip had said, that tears were beginning to form in his eyes again.

CAR
J.J.: That's really all there is to tell you.
Paige nodded.
PAIGE: Cool.
Both took a drink.
PAIGE: Can I ask something?
J.J.: You just did.
J.J. smiled and chuckled, as did Paige.
PAIGE: Okay, smartie.
J.J.: Go ahead.
PAIGE: Okay. So, I met J.T. Did you ever meet anyone?
J.J.: Nope. I've been too busy. One day, though. One day.
PAIGE: It'll happen for you.
J.J.: I know. But, I'm not in any rush.
J.J. laughed.
PAIGE: What?
J.J.: Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about Christmas three years ago. You remember, that horrible toast I made.
Paige laughed.
PAIGE: Oh, yeah. I remember that. It wasn't that bad.
J.J.: Yeah, sure. Hardly the most eloquent toast ever.
PAIGE: How did it go again?
J.J.: Just a second. Let me think.
J.J. thought for a moment, then lifted his bottle.
J.J.: Oh, yeah. “A toast. To the past, the present, the future. A toast to now. To time in general. And a toast to innocence, that we may keep ours in the coming year and all the days of our lives.
Paige laughed and lifted her bottle.
PAIGE: Here, here!
The two “clinked” bottles and finished their drinks, then continued laughing.

[Kpatch]

Great toast JJ! It was heartfelt.

Philip's speech was amazing. He doesn't feel like he's doing anything special or making any sacrifices.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 9

CAR
J.J. and Paige were still laughing.
J.J.: ...so the power goes out halfway through the set.
PAIGE: And?
J.J.: Well, I wasn't sure how we were gonna finish the show. But, then someone hollared out that they had a new idea. By this point, I was desperate to continue the show. So, I had him bring it up, and it was one of those “Mr. Microphone” things.
J.J. and Paige laughed.
J.J.: You remember those things?
PAIGE: The ones that when you spoke into them it sounded like you were talking into a tin can?
J.J.: Yep, those. And I actually did the rest of the concert like that.
Paige and J.J. laughed.
PAIGE: That's horrible!
J.J.: Well, it was definitely the most interesting concerts I've ever done.
PAIGE: I can imagine.
After a while, the laughter died down. The two looked at each other.
PAIGE: Well...
J.J.: Well...
PAIGE: Yeah...
J.J.: Quite...
PAIGE: So...
J.J.: And, uh...
After a few minutes of awkwardness, Paige finally spoke up.
PAIGE: This was, um...this was nice.
J.J.: Yeah. Yeah, it was.
PAIGE: So, you're...you've leaving before New Year's, huh?
J.J. nodded.
J.J.: Yeah. A few days after Christmas.
PAIGE: Oh.
J.J.: Yeah.
Paige looked at the clock on the dashboard.
PAIGE: It's getting late.
J.J.: Yeah. I should be getting home. Mom and Abby'll probably be wondering where the milk is.
PAIGE: Right.
Paige started up the car. The ride back to the S-Mart was uncomfortably quiet. Finally, the car pulled into the parking lot, and Paige stopped it next to J.J.'s car.
J.J.: Well, uh...thanks for the ride.
PAIGE: Yeah. Thanks for the drinks.
J.J.: Sure.
PAIGE: You know, if you're ever in town again...
J.J.: Right. Same if you ever get up to New York.
PAIGE: Uh-huh.
Paige and J.J. stared into each other's eyes, neither one wanting to be the first one to unlock the door. After staring intently at each other for a moment, Paige leaned in and kissed J.J.

SMALL HOUSE – IRAQ – FLASHBACK
Santa knelt on the ground near where Philip was sleeping. It was now early morning, but still very dark out.
SANTA (to himself): I know I should go, but I don't want to leave him. This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.
Santa wiped his brow.

[Kpatch]

Oh my. A kiss! That was a cute story about the Mr. Microphones.

Santa can't bring himself to leave Philip! So poignant.