Stolen Lives, Loss Of Innocence - A Days Fanfic (Read 11,467 times)

[heroicmuse]

Wow. I actually felt sorry for Theresa. I felt some of the bullying was karma, but Celia pissed me off as much as Theresa does when she acts that way.

[sevenna92]

Well, considering the atrocity of the episode I had to witness today, that's an accomplishment. Seriously, the more the writers try to make Theresa unlikable and unrootable, the more determined I am to make her rootable and sympathetic. Kind of funny how that works.

Yeah, I did not originally intend to write Celia that way but somehow it just came out that way and I went with it. I was really surprised with how much I enjoyed writing Celia and Theresa's confrontation and I kind of felt horrible that I had to have Anne fire Theresa in this scene, (it had to be done though, since how many more chances can Theresa possibly get, and well, why not fire her for not turning in the W-2 forms that she tossed away the other day?), because I would've loved to write more scenes with them. Maybe I might be able to do just that. Salem's like a small town and people bump into each other all the time.

Speaking of which, how did you like how I wrote Will & Sonny's break-up?

And FYI, in case you were confused with how Maxine, Jason and Celia were related, Maxine is Valerie Grant's aunt so by extension Jason and Celia are her grandnephew and grandniece. 

[heroicmuse]

Haha I'm the same way. The more the writers trash my favorite characters, the more sympathetic I try to make them.

I liked how you handled Will and Sonny. It sounded just how they would handle it.

Loved Anne and Theresa's scene. Anne genuinely felt bad. I hope she and Theresa will continue a friendship.

[sevenna92]

Really? I kind of thought it might have been OOC and a bit over the top, but okay. Especially the last part where Sonny said that he would consider taking custody of Arianna and Will screams, "You're not taking my daughter!"

I'm sure Anne and Theresa will continue to be friends even though Theresa's no longer working for her. Yeah I always got the sense that there was a part of Anne that really liked Theresa. Otherwise, why would she even put up with her so much?

[heroicmuse]

I don't know, Will tends to be that way when it comes to Ari. Anyway the writers on the show have gone way OOC with him so idk who he is anymore lol

Oh yes, Anne definitely liked Theresa. That's another reason I enjoy her scenes other than the hate Jen club stuff.

[sevenna92]

Yeah, you're right. He's not the same Will he was last year. I can't even stand him anymore. I was hoping he wouldn't cheat on Sonny but now this just makes him look like a hypocrite considering how he reacted when his stepfather cheated on his mother.

One thing's for sure: Will & Sonny are going to be apart for a long while.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 7 – HORTON TOWN SQUARE, MID-AFTERNOON

By now it was snowing heavily as a flurry of snow was blustering through the square with at least 5 feet of snow. Theresa then shivered and covered her chest with her arms as she struggled to keep warm. She had on a black wool sweater, a heavy dark blue leather jacket, a dark blue scarf, earmuffs, gloves and a black beanie hat.

“Wow, is it me or has it become really, really cold all of a sudden?” Theresa muttered to herself. “This feels like living in New York.”

Just then Theresa got hit by a snowball and she nearly got knocked down to the ground. She then turned around to see Natalie holding a snowball in her hand, laughing. She was wearing a heavy and fluffy white coat, a red scarf, a white hat, and a pair of red gloves.

“Hey!” Theresa growled as she scooped up a snowball and tossed it at Natalie. Natalie then dodged it and ran as she scooped up two more snowballs. She then threw them at Theresa as they pelted her in the face.

Theresa then narrowed her eyes darkly as she scooped up even more snow in her hands, preparing to make the biggest snowball she can.

“Oh you’re gonna get it, kid,” she growled. She then molded it in her hand and launched it right at Natalie.

Natalie then screamed as she stumbled and bumped right into J.J. The two then fell down as Natalie landed on top of him.

Theresa then gaped in shock as she laid eyes on J.J.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” she growled angrily.

“Oh my God, I’m sorry!” Natalie quickly apologized as she and J.J. got up. J.J. then glared at the older redhead woman and brushed himself off.

“What are you doing here?” J.J. retorted sharply.

“Just playing in the snow,” Theresa scoffed as she made a side eye at Natalie. Natalie then recoiled nervously as she watched the exchange between Theresa and J.J.

“Really?” J.J. scoffed with a laugh. “It’s so funny I almost forgot to laugh. Since when do you like to play in the snow?”

“I don’t know,” Theresa shrugged casually. “I thought it would be a nice change of pace for once. Besides, I’ve had a rough day anyway today. I got fired from the hospital and now I have to look for another job.”

J.J. then burst out laughing as Natalie glanced at him confusedly. “What’s so funny?”

Finally J.J. stopped laughing and then crossed his arms, exhaling heavily.

“Oh, that is rich, Theresa. Serves you right for all of the trouble and mayhem you caused.”

“Shut up,” Theresa sneered. “Don’t you dare rub it in my face! It’s bad enough I’ve had this stupid woman named Celia call me a trailer trash tramp. I don’t need you joining in!”

“Well maybe now you’ll know how it feels to have someone treat you the way you’ve been treating everybody,” J.J. retorted.

“J.J., what’s going on?” a female voice called and J.J. turned around to see Myrna walking towards him. The two then hugged and Myrna smiled sweetly.

“Hey, tough guy,” she said as she punched him playfully. She then turned to see Theresa.

“J.J., who’s this?” she asked.

J.J. then glanced over at Theresa briefly before he turned back to her.

“Myrna, this is Theresa. We used to hang out while I was dealing and using drugs. We were pretty much in the same scene,” J.J. replied.

Myrna then looked over at Theresa suspiciously and Theresa stared at her darkly with a thin line.

After a few minutes she spoke up. “So is this your new girlfriend? Wow, you must have moved on pretty fast from my niece. I hope you treat her much better this time around.”

“What is she talking about?” Myrna inquired to J.J. and J.J. sighed. “I’ll explain later. But not now. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“You better be careful, Myrna. Hopefully he won’t use you and quit you at all once just like he did to Paige!” Theresa barked as J.J. and Myrna turned to walk away.

Theresa then rolled her eyes and turned to Natalie. “Let’s leave those losers alone. We don’t need them to spoil our fun.”

“Theresa, are you okay?” Natalie frowned. “How are you going to find a job now?”

“Don’t worry, darling. I’ll find a way,” Theresa assured her. “Maybe I can go work at Victor’s new club or something. I have some magic tricks still up my sleeve, if you know what I mean. I don’t exactly like the guy but it’s not like I have much of a choice.”

“I’m sure you and Victor can work something out,” Natalie replied.

“Perhaps,” Theresa mused. “Maybe I’ll dazzle him so much that he’ll shut up and give me a job.”

She then took in a deep breath and blew out an ice stream. Within a matter of minutes she created a snow cone and it quickly turned brown. Theresa then handed the cone to Natalie and then she stuffed it in her mouth. Natalie then swallowed the cone whole and giggled softly.

The two women then looked at each other as Natalie blushed softly and her eyes trailed off. Theresa then grabbed her hands and rubbed them deeply yet tenderly. Natalie then peered deeply into her eyes and leaned closer to her face as if she was about to kiss her.

Theresa then kissed her softly on the cheek and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

“Let’s get home. It’s getting rather cold and now would be a good time for some hot chocolate.”

“I can’t,” Natalie frowned. “I need to go to temple for a bit.”

“Temple?” Theresa retorted quizzically and then her eyes dawned with a realization. “Oh that’s right. You’re a Jew.”

“Yeah,” Natalie nodded. “My mom is though. My dad converted from Catholicism when he married her.”

“All right then,” Theresa sighed, rubbing her hands. “Go make peace with your god or whatever. I’ll see you when you get home.”

“Yeah,” Natalie beamed. “Save some hot chocolate for me.”

“Sure thing,” Theresa chimed.

Natalie then walked out of the square as she headed north.

Theresa then took in a deep breath and started to head back to her apartment. She then jumped at the sight of a familiar sight. It was none other than Madame Serenity!

“What in the world?!” Theresa screamed. “What are you doing here? Quit stalking me!”

“I was observing your progress with your new powers,” Madame Serenity explained. “Apparently you seem to be taking to your new situation quite well. It is almost like you’re a natural with your superhuman abilities. However, your quick and hot temperament is rather troublesome, so let me hand you a piece of advice: use your powers wisely. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment. Let cooler heads prevail.”

“Sure thing, lady witch,” Theresa retorted sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “I’ll be a good girl.”

“You seem to hold such a disdain for pretty much everyone in this town,” Madame Serenity.

“Why do you seem so surprised?” Theresa scoffed. “I don’t like them and they don’t like me. It’s that simple.”

“There is one person that you seem to hold a special fondness for: Ms. Natalie Callaway,” Madame Serenity retorted.

“So? She’s the only person that can apparently stand me and she seems very funny and charming. Not to mention a very brilliant and witty person. She is quite good company if I do say so myself. And it doesn’t hurt that she’s cute and attractive. Sometimes I just want to kiss her.”

She then noticed the older gypsy woman staring at her and then she shook her head furiously. “But I can’t. I already got a boyfriend. And he’s everything that I dreamed about. But I can’t shake off these feelings I have for Natalie. And the entire town’s talking about it. I’ve already gotten people asking me if I’m sleeping with her. I’m not! And I’m not about to ruin the only good thing I have left in my life by going to bed with her. But I don’t know how much longer I can hold off my feelings for her.”

“I don’t think it’s good for you to bottle up those feelings that you have,” Madame Serenity replied. “I suggest that you be honest with her. You must find out for yourselves where you want your relationship to go. If you truly want to sleep with her, what’s stopping you?”

“But what about Clint? I can’t just cheat on him!” Theresa insisted and Madame Serenity gave her a cold, smoldering look. Theresa then groaned as she stared right back with a pouting, sulking expression and rolled her eyes. “Are you serious?”

“Do you honestly expect me to believe that you love this man? I believe you’re using him to run away for your feelings for yet another. I think you’re scared of the feelings that you have and you just don’t know how to deal with them. I suggest that you take a good, long, hard look at yourself. The more you run away from yourself, the harder it’s going to be in the long run.”

“Well, all right,” Theresa sighed. “I’ll consider your advice. I’ll go home, make some popcorn, make some hot chocolate, feed Kerra and then watch a movie on Netflix. Then I’ll wait for Natalie to come home and then I’ll surprise her with chocolates.”

Madame Serenity then raised an eyebrow with a laugh.

“What?” Theresa scoffed. “You think I’m stupid enough to forget Valentine’s Day? This year I have something worth celebrating about, despite of everything that has been going on lately! Why wouldn’t I rise to the occasion with a nice gift?”

“You really are something, Theresa,” Madame Serenity retorted.

“And you’re something else too,” Theresa laughed. “It’s been nice talking with you but I gotta run. Maybe we can hang out again at the square later, when it’s not so cold?”

“Of course,” Madame Serenity smiled. “And perhaps you can bring Natalie in as well.”

“I’ll think about it,” Theresa smirked as she walked away. “So long.”

Madame Serenity then watched Theresa leave the square and shook her head wistfully. “That girl really is something, that’s for sure.”

[fluffysmom]

Natalie's dream was very interesting. I wonder if she will find out more about her mother.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 8 – TEMPLE OF JERUSELUM SYNAGOGUE, MID-AFTERNOON

Meanwhile, in the synagogue, Natalie was kneeling in a small room, praying. There were a couple of lamps lit on a small table as she heard some men singing in Hebrew from a distance. She then stopped praying for a minute as she looked around to see a couple of Jewish women kneeling in prayer in separate rooms across the hall from her.

The young dark-haired woman shivered and clasped her hands tightly, pondering on what else to do. She then looked up in the air wistfully.

“Lord give me strength. I’ve been having strange dreams lately. I don’t know for sure if the woman that appears in my dreams is my real mother but I’d like to know that she is. Sometimes I’m afraid that I won’t ever know the truth behind my origins. I’d like to know where I came from. If you can give me some sort of sign, anything to go on.”

She then took in a deep breath and continued praying. “I’m worried about Theresa. I feel like she’s in a bad place and I don’t like the crowd she’s hanging around with. I’m afraid that this guy named Clint would be nothing but trouble to her. I wonder about the dreams she’s having too.”

“She told me that she thought she was going to have Brady’s baby but it never came to be. But I don’t know why she’s been having these strange reactions whenever she’s around babies. I can’t explain but perhaps there might be more to them than I thought. Maybe I’m overthinking it too much but why does she keep on having those nightmares? Help me help her, O Lord. I feel like I’m the only friend she has and she needs your loving guidance.”

“Still thinking about that Donovan girl, Ms. Callaway?” a deep, gruff male voice importuned as Natalie spun around to see a scruffy-looking, stocky yet thin old man with a long, fluffy, white beard, sunken, hollow, piercing, dark gray eyes and a pronounced, hollow, worn out face. He was dressed in overflowing, dark red robes and a hat.

“Rabbi!” Natalie exclaimed as she curtseyed.

“Natalie, it is so good to see you in the temple,” the old man replied with a gentle smile. “How are things?”

“They’re fine, Rabbi Elijah,” Natalie answered. “But I do have some pressing matters on my mind.”

“I figured just as much, my daughter,” Rabbi Elijah remarked crisply. “You are worried about that Donovan girl.”

“I know, Rabbi, and I care so much for her. She means the world to me. I really want the best for her. But lately, my feelings go much deeper than friendship, and I’m afraid,” Natalie explained.

“Oh my dear child,” Rabbi Elijah said as he placed an arm around Natalie tenderly. “It is good for you to have so much compassion and love for other human beings, as God has commanded us to do. But I would advise you to not act on your feelings, seeing as she is a very vulnerable woman and is with another.”

“I know, and I’m trying really hard to fight my feelings. But they just keep on coming back up to the surface. Even more troubling for me is what kind of family have I been born into? I hardly know the family that has birthed me and I’ve spent most of my life with the ones that have adopted me and raised me as their own,” Natalie replied empathetically.

“I understand, my child. But do not forget the ones that raised you with all of the love and affection they have. They are your family, regardless of any blood ties. And even though you may be biologically a DiMera, how can you possibly consider them family? You do not even know them,” Rabbi Elijah admonished sternly.

“I know, Rabbi. I love my mother and father and my siblings, and I’ll never forget them no matter what. But I need to know the whole story of where I came from and I won’t rest until I solved that mystery. What if I want to tell my children of their linage?” Natalie frowned tersely.

“At least I want to really know what I’m up against and try to understand better why my mother gave me away. I wouldn’t want my offspring to get sucked into my uncle’s criminal world, be it as it may. I also want to know if my mother really loved and cared for me.”

“I’m sure your mother loved you very much and she cared enough to give you up to a loving home,” Rabbi Elijah assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “She must have realized that she wasn’t capable of bringing you up in the environment that she was. And I’m sure she would have wanted you to live a happy and carefree life away from all of the evil and destruction.”

“I know, Rabbi,” Natalie replied softly. “I just want to put my mind at ease.”

“You will get answers in due time, my daughter,” the rabbi replied. “God works in mysterious ways. Remember that. And I’m definitely sure that there will be a man that will come your way that will treat you and revere you like the jewel you are. Just be patient.”

“Thank you, Rabbi,” Natalie smiled.

“And I know that your heart is in the right place, but I suggest that you must put an end to those foolish and sinful thoughts you have of that Donovan girl,” Rabbi Elijah scolded her firmly. “Do not let your feelings of compassion and concern lead you to temptation. That girl will lead you to nothing but ruin and destruction if you do not watch out. She lives in darkness and will likely remain there unless she repents and beseechs God for forgiveness.”

Natalie then lowered her head sadly and shamefully, averting her gaze. “I understand, Rabbi.”

“Good,” Rabbi Elijah smiled as he walked out of the room. “Now carry on.”

Natalie then watched the door slam shut and she looked ahead with a determined look on her face.

“I better come clean to Theresa sooner or later. I can’t repress my feelings for her forever or this is going to turn out uglier than it has already. I know that it may be a sin but I can’t help how I feel. May God forgive me but I love that woman.”

She then got up and said a brief prayer in Hebrew as she opened the door and walked out of the room. “And Clint is going to put his hands on her over my dead body! I’d rather die than allow that to happen!”

[André DiMera]

I really like Natalie! I'm glad that Theresa has a friend like her! I really hope she finds out who her birth mother is. It's only natural for someone to wonder about that.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 9 – SALEM PARK, MID-AFTERNOON

Ben was sitting all alone on the bench in the middle of Salem Park with his chin on his palms. He then observed several people walking right past him and sighed deeply, shaking his head.

It was then that a, tall, strapping, buff-looking blonde-haired man with a rugged, angular, clenched jaw, intense, piercing, cold dark green eyes, and dressed in a wife beaters, a denim blue jacket, and a pair of ripped jeans approached him. Ben then glanced up and was surprised to see him.

“Uncle Caleb?” he murmured.

“Ollie, my boy!” the blonde-haired man crowed in a hearty, booming, deep voice as he grabbed Ben and pulled him into a bear hug. Ben then tentatively hugged him back and Caleb pulled back with a soft smile.

“I am so sorry about your dear old daddy. I know that he was very hard on you and your sister at times but he only wanted the best for you two. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you.”

“Yeah,” Ben sighed as he stared at Caleb intensely. “Uncle Caleb, can I ask you something?”

“Sure thing, Ollie. Anything,” Caleb nodded.

Ben then inhaled deeply and exhaled forcibly before he spoke up. “Jordan claimed that Dad raped her when she was 15. Do you know if that’s even true or not?”

Caleb then pursued his lips and knitted his eyebrows. “Now why would you say that, boy?”

“I just want to know the truth. Jordan wouldn’t lie about something as serious as this. And I just don’t know how to feel about this. Sure Dad would beat us and he was a terrible, mean drunk when we were kids but as far as I know, he didn’t do anything else. And it seemed like he really wanted to change and do right by us by going to see Dr. Evans and setting himself straight,” Ben explained.

He then frowned and let out a deep sigh pensively. “I know Dad’s trying to change. I know he is. He would never do anything that Jordan claims that he did, would he?”

“Now listen to me, son,” Caleb retorted authoritatively, crossing his arms. “Tammy Sue is not in her right mind. She never has been since her momma died in that horrible accident. And I’m sure she’s saying those awful lies to cover up her promiscuity. Now don’t you listen to a word she says. She’s nothing but a liar and a tramp. I know my brother and he ain’t sick like that. He’s not a pedophile. He may be a lot of things, but he would never put his hands on his own flesh and blood.”

“But Clyde’s not even her real father,” Ben interjected.

“I know, but he raised you two as if you were his own, especially since her own daddy drank himself to death,” Caleb nodded. “Your daddy and his family have always been good to me. I was raised as one of their own from the time I was a wee little boy when my own parents died from a bear attack and I ended up on their doorstep.”

At this point he then sat down next to Ben and folded his hands together, gazing intently at Ben.

“Now I need to ask you a favor.”

“What?” Ben quipped.

Caleb then brushed his hair and exhaled deeply. “I understand your daddy was providing you funds so you can go to school and get an education.”

“Yes, sir,” Ben nodded.

“Now, I won’t mind helping pay your way so you can continue to get your degree. But I would like you to offer you a job so you can gain some experience. How would you like to shadow me as an enforcer to make sure we receive and distribute shipment on the docks?” Caleb proposed.

“Ummm… I don’t know…” Ben replied hesitantly.

“You want to be like your daddy, don’t ya? Make him proud to call you son?” Caleb shot back aggressively. “And if you’re worried about dear ol’ Tammy Sue, don’t you worry. I’ll take care of that for you. Now think about it son. You can be paid about $500 an hour and have a week’s worth of salary totaling up to $1,000. By year’s end you’ll be set for life. And you can even buy a bigger apartment for you and your sister, maybe even for your lady friend.”

Ben then rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “So what exactly do I need to do? That sounds like a whole lot of money for a beginner’s worth.”

“I know, son. But it would at least be enough for you to get by,” Caleb replied. “All you have to do is to wait at the docks and meet with the suppliers bringing in the goods. Then you drive that truck all the way to a local warehouse near the woods and deliver them there.”

“Sounds simple enough,” Ben remarked. “I’ll take that job.”

“Excellent, my dear boy!” Caleb grinned. “Now just show up right here at the docks at the crack of dawn for our weekly meeting and we’ll get down to business. We will then inspect the goods and have them delivered as soon as possible.”

“Okay,” Ben nodded. He then embraced the older man. “Good to see you, Uncle Caleb.”

“You too, Ollie,” Caleb smiled. Ben then smiled back and walked away.

Caleb then looked around and picked up his cell phone. He then dialed a number and held it up to his ear.

“Hey, Jeremiah?” he retorted.

“What is it, Caleb?” Jeremiah retorted back. “Where are you?”

“I’m at the park. I just talked to Ollie about giving him a piece of the business. And he is none the wiser. He seemed pretty earnest to start the job. I just have to make sure that Tammy Sue doesn’t know the truth,” Caleb answered.

“All right then. It’s good that boy is going to take his place in the business. I’ve been waiting a long time for this. It will only be a matter of time before he becomes the top dog,” Jeremiah remarked.

“Okay then. I have to make sure that Tammy Sue doesn’t interfere,” Caleb mused. “I’ll make sure to dispose of that trampy, neurotic wench. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.”

Just as he hung up, he turned around to see Jordan marching up to him.

“What is going on here?” she growled and Caleb smirked at her.

“Your brother is one of us now. He just accepted a job working at his daddy’s own trucking business. I am going to be the head honcho now that he’s gone, with Jeremiah as my right man.”

“I can’t believe that you tricked Ben into distributing drugs! It’s going to be a matter of time before he discovers what you’re up to and he’s going to want out!” Jordan shouted.

“Oh yeah, and then what?” Caleb smirked evilly. “And besides, who’s going to believe you anyway? A poor, sad, screwed up woman who sleeps around with the entire town.”

“Excuse me!” Jordan snarled.

“Don’t you dare tell Ollie any more lies about my big brother! He ain’t a pedophile! You are clearly doing this out of petty revenge because you’re so ungrateful about everything he did for you! I’ll bet you’re jealous because you think your daddy loved your brother more than you!” Caleb shot back.

Jordan then drew back with a gasp, incensed with rage. “How dare you?”

“Stay out of my business, woman. Or you’re going to get it,” Caleb sneered as he shoved her roughly and walked away. Jordan then watched him leave with a horrified look on her face.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 10 – MT. OLYMPUS CLUB, MID-AFTERNOON

Author's Notes:

Just a quick note here: the song that is featured in this scene is "I Still Believe" from the Broadway musical "Miss Saigon". The parts in italic are sung by Natalie and the parts in bold italic are sung by Theresa. 

The electronica music was blasting loudly inside the club as Theresa and Natalie entered the premises. Theresa had on a coiffed and tightly curled hairdo tied in a bun and a dark fuschia dress with a dark blue denim jacket. Natalie also had a white turtleneck top with a denim jacket and a pair of dark black jeans with boots. They soon walked over to the bar to order some drinks. Ben then popped out behind the counter.

“So what can I get you ladies?” he asked. “The usual?”

“Yes, I’d like a margarita,” Theresa answered.

“And some strawberry vodka,” Natalie replied.

“Coming right up,” Ben replied as he walked out.

“So no chocolate milk this time, huh?” Theresa chuckled, smiling at her friend.

“Nah, that’s only in the morning,” Natalie replied with a laugh.

“Hello ladies,” a gruff, drawly voice spoke and the two women turned around to see Rafe.

“Um, hey Rafe,” Natalie grinned.

“Can I help you two tonight?” Rafe inquired.

“Nope, we’re good,” Theresa answered casually. “Thanks for asking anyway.”

“Okay then. Enjoy your time,” Rafe replied and then he turned to Natalie. “Nice outfit by the way, Natalie.”

“Thanks,” Natalie grinned as she admired her outfit.

Rafe then smiled at Natalie and then walked away.

“Wow, he looked pretty interested in you,” Theresa whispered to Natalie as she shrugged. “I suppose so. I don’t know what he sees in me anyway though.”

“Natalie, stop being such a wet blanket. I’m sure you can get any guy on your arm if you want to,” Theresa scoffed with an eye roll.

“I’d say the same about you,” Natalie retorted with narrowed eyes. “Besides, I’m sure you’re better looking than I am.”

Theresa then laughed hysterically.

Just then Natalie looked over to see a small stage with a karaoke machine. Her eyes lit up with interested as her face filled with excited glee.

“Oh wow! They have a karaoke machine? I’ve never really seen one before. I’d love a spin on it,” she squealed as Theresa looked over to examine the area too.

“Huh. I never noticed that one before. Maybe they added that one recently,” she said. “But if you want to use it, I think you might want to ask the club owner.”

Natalie then leaped off her seat and dashed off. She stopped in the middle of the club and started looking around confusedly.

“Hello? Does anybody know where the owner is? Anyone?”

She then pursued her lips and decided to move on and find his office. Natalie was about to continue on her mission when she suddenly bumped right into Victor. Natalie then stepped back, a bit dazed, and then looked up to see who it was. She was surprised to see the older Greek man standing right in front of her.

“Oh my God! Victor!” Natalie exclaimed and Victor smirked, chuckling.

“Well, well, well. I’m surprised to see you here, Ms. Callaway,” Victor retorted crisply. “Enjoying my new club?”

“Of course! It’s off the chains!” Natalie cried in an excited voice, jumping up and down. She then stopped, laughing nervously. “Anyways, I was kind of hoping that you’d allow me to use the karaoke machine to sing. I like to sing.”

“Perhaps,” Victor mused, scratching his chin. “I have been considering hiring a professional singer as part of the live entertainment. It might boost some revenues here. You’re interested in signing up?”

“Sure, if you want me to,” Natalie nodded.

Theresa then growled as she spotted Victor and Natalie together and then she got off her seat and marched up to the duo.

“Hey!” she screamed and Victor turned around to see her.

“Well, look who the cat dragged in.”

He let out a hearty chuckle and gazed at Natalie inquisitively.

“You’re actually hanging out with that conniving she-devil?”

“Of course! I like her. And she’s my friend,” Natalie frowned petulantly.

“Well, I’m not surprised then. Even as naïve and innocent as you may seem, you still have that treacherous DiMera blood running through your veins,” Victor remarked briskly.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Natalie growled, her eyes glowering with anger.

“You remind me of what Chad used to be. He was just like you. Then he went to Boston and when he came back, he turned out to be just like his father. I’m sure that if you spend some time with your beloved uncle, you’ll end up the exact same way,” Victor remarked.

“I know the story, Victor. I know what a horrible jerk my cousin can be. But I can assure you I am nothing like them,” Natalie insisted firmly.

“I should hope so,” Victor replied with a short chuckle as he made a pointed look at Theresa. “If that temptress doesn’t corrupt you first with her siren song.”

Theresa then snarled furiously and Natalie suddenly grabbed her arm as to prevent her from lunging at him. She then looked at the older man right in the eyes with determination.

“I’ll take that singing job you’re offering. But I’d also like to ask you to offer a job for Theresa.”

“Really?” Victor laughed stoically. “You want me to give that wretched woman a job? In my club? Now why would I do that?”

“Because she lost hers and she has nowhere to go,” Natalie replied pleadingly. “Please, sir. I know you don’t have any reason to like her and I understand you’re wary of her because of what happened with your grandson Brady. Just give her one chance to prove herself, and if she fails, she’ll gladly search elsewhere. Meanwhile, I’ll accept your job as the main singer here regardless of what happens here. What do you say?”

Victor then tilted his head and paused deeply in thought. Natalie then gazed at him anxiously and then looked at Theresa, who shrugged anxiously.

“You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Callaway. That’s quite noble of you. All right. One chance. But no more. And if you can also prove yourself as a singer, I’ll also give you the job on the spot.”

“Oh, thank you so much! I promise you, you won’t regret it!” Natalie beamed as she hugged Victor, causing him to be taken aback. She then moved away and she turned to Theresa. “Come on, let’s go on the stage.”

“Wait… what?” Theresa retorted in shock. “You want the both of us to sing?!”

“Yeah, it’s gonna be fun! Now come on!” Natalie chimed as she grabbed her hand and hauled her over to the stage.

“Oh goodie. This is going to turn out to be one night I’d rather forget,” Theresa muttered to herself. “I’m going to be the laughingstock of the entire town. I may need a drink after this.”

Natalie and Theresa then climbed up to the middle of the stage as a technician went over to set up the karaoke machine. After a couple of minutes, he handed both of them microphones and turned on the machine. He then looked over at a shelf full of CDs and smiled as he eyed one particular one.

“Aha! This is perfect,” he said as he took it out of the case and inserted it into the machine. The machine then began to whirl as it prepared to play the song.

Natalie then took a deep breath, shaking her arms in an attempt to relax. Theresa then gawked over at the crowd nervously as she noticed a large crowd of people staring at them. She then gasped sharply in horror as she spotted Eve among the crowd, smirking at her while sipping on a tequila.

“Great. I’m about to embarrass myself in front of my sister,” Theresa hissed to Natalie. “She is never going to let me live this down. God, please kill me now.”

There was a brief murmuring within the crowd before they settled down for the show. Brady then glanced over to see Theresa and Natalie and immediately grew curious. Melanie then looked over at the duo and was also intrigued.

“Hey, what are Theresa and Natalie doing on stage?” she inquired.

“I don’t know, but this could be interesting,” Brady remarked crisply.

Just then the music began to play as the melody sifted through the dead air. The audience waited with anticipation as the technician whispered in Natalie’s ear and then backed away. Then just as the first verse was about to play, Natalie then took in a deep breath and prepared to sing just as the first phase of the instrumental was about to end. Then just as it stopped, Natalie opened herself, steeling herself for the crowd’s reaction.

Last night I watched him sleeping, my body pressed to his.

And then he started speaking,

The name I heard him speak was Kim.

As Natalie was singing, Paul watched intently with a soft smile on his lips.

Eve was also watching Natalie with interest.

Natalie then turned back to face Theresa with tenderness in her eyes.

Yes I know this was years ago

But when moonlight fills my room I know

You are here still

I still, I still believe

You will return

I know you will

My heart against all odds

Hold still…

Yet still.. I still believe

I know as long as I can keep believing, I live

I believe my love cannot die

You will return

You will return

But I alone know why

“Wow, she sings really well,” Melanie whispered to Brady with awe. “I didn’t know that she had such singing prowess.”

“Yeah,” Brady nodded.

Theresa then glanced over at Natalie, took in a deep breath and then begins to speak.

Last night I watched you sleeping

Once more the nightmare came

I heard you cry out something

A word that sounded like a name

And it hurts me more than I can bear

Knowing a part of you I’ll never share…

Never know…

As she sung this part, Theresa looked right at Brady with a look of sadness and regret in her eyes. Brady also looked at her with wide eyes as he was shocked to his core at the sound of Theresa’s voice. Theresa then turned to see Eve watching with her mouth gaped open in shock. She then turned back to face Natalie with a smile that brightened her face.

But still… I still believe

The time will come

When nothing keeps us apart

My heart forever more… hold still…

It’s all over; I’m here

There’s nothing to fear

Chris what’s haunting you?

Would you let me inside, left somewhere to hide

I need you too…

Natalie then opened her mouth and pushed in her voice as deep as she possibly could.

Hold still…

(I’ll hold you all night; I’ll make it all right)

You are safe

(I still believe)

That you can tell what you don’t want to tell

(As long as I can keep believing I’ll live)

Would you help me…

(I believe you will return…)

I can save you now

(I know why)

I know why now

(I’m yours)

For life…

Natalie and Theresa then turned towards each other with a smile.

Until we die!

As soon as they stopped singing, everybody got up one by one and started clapping loudly.

Theresa and Natalie then held hands and bowed. They soon straightened up again and watched everybody clap some more.

“Wow. I can’t believe they liked us,” Natalie remarked in a stunned voice.

“I can’t believe I didn’t become the joke of all of Salem,” Theresa muttered.

She then turned around to face Natalie with an astonished look. “I can’t believe you actually have a set of pipes on you.”

“I can’t believe you do too,” Natalie retorted back.

“You really think my singing voice is great?” Theresa scoffed.

“Yeah,” Natalie smiled. “You have a gift.”

Natalie and Theresa then stepped off the stage as Victor walked over to them.

“Well, consider me impressed,” he announced as he turned to Theresa. “You win this round for now.”

He then turned to face Natalie. “Congratulations. You two are now officially working with me. You get to work on Fridays nights starting at 6 p.m. all the way to midnight. Don’t disappoint me.”

“We won’t,” Natalie grinned. Victor then nodded as he gave both of them dirty looks. “I’m watching the both of you.”

He then walked away as Brady and Melanie approached the pair.

“That was really great, Natalie. You should sing more often,” Melanie chimed.

“Thanks, Mel,” Natalie grinned.

“You were wonderful out there too, Natalie,” Brady added. Theresa then cleared her throat and Brady and Melanie glanced over to see her. Brady raised his eyebrow.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You were good too, Theresa,” he said.

“Really? That’s all you have to say?” Theresa scoffed.

“That’s all I have to say,” Brady nodded as he then turned to Melanie. “Come on; we’re leaving.”

He and Melanie soon walked away and Theresa scowled in fury.

“Ugh! I cannot believe that guy!” she growled. “Him and his stupid, perky, little teeny-bopper girlfriend!”

She then threw up her hands with a groan as she started pacing around.

“I really need a drink,” she muttered as she turned to Natalie. “So are you game for some bar-hopping?”

“Sure,” Natalie shrugged. “I’m in the mood for celebrating.”

“Good,” Theresa smiled. “Let’s move out.”

[heroicmuse]

Aww! I got chills at that song. Great chapter sevenna92!

[sevenna92]

Thanks, heroicmuse! It was really fun to write. I am pretty sure I probably screwed up some of the lyrics because I was listening by ear as I wrote them. I always wondered how JL would handle this song if she could sing it. It would be really awesome.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 11 – CLUB TBD, MID-AFTERNOON

Over an hour and a half passed as Natalie and Theresa were sitting in a booth drinking heavily. Natalie then giggled as she took a large gulp of a mimosa and wiped her mouth. Theresa also gulped down a large portion of her mojito and exhaled deeply.

“Wow, that really hit the spot,” she said as she put the glass down.

“Um, Theresa. I think you’re on to your third glass already,” Natalie frowned. “You really should slow down.”

“Why should I stop now? The party’s just getting started,” Theresa laughed as she kept on drinking her margarita. As soon as she finished up her glass, she let out a burp and giggled.

“Come on, kiddo. Loosen up a little. Have some more of those mimosas.”

“Okay,” Natalie replied as she took a large gulp of her mimosa and finished the glass.

Theresa then whistled and waved over to a waiter.

“Hey, waiter! Give us a dozen more mojitos and mimosas here!”

“I wonder if they have chocolate cake in here,” Natalie mused.

“Are you kidding me?” Theresa laughed. “Why would they serve chocolate cake here? If you’re so hungry we can go to a bakery.”

“Sure,” Natalie grinned. “I wouldn’t mind.”

“Let’s finish up those drinks, honey. We can’t let them go to waste,” Theresa declared as she and Natalie began drinking the glasses straight up.

“Hey, girls!” a voice hollered and Theresa and Natalie turned around to see Sonny walking up towards them.

“Hey, Sonny!” Natalie waved.

“You guys were really great out there! That was a really nice song,” Sonny commented. “By any chance do you know what the name of that one was?”

“Sure,” Natalie as she burped and rubbed her chin, hiccupping. “I think it was ‘I Still Believe’ from the Broadway musical ‘Miss Saigon’. It was about the Vietnam War and a love affair between an American GI and a native.”

“So it was a tragedy?” Theresa scoffed as she rubbed her temple. “Oh God.”

“Yeah, the lady-“ Natalie began to say but then Theresa clamped her mouth shut with her fingers. “Uh! Spoiler alert!”

Sonny then chuckled as he rubbed Natalie’s head. “Well, have fun you two.”

He then jumped the moment he saw Paul entering the club. His face quickly changed into a scowl as he frantically looked around and took off the other way. Theresa and Natalie watched him leave anxiously and then focused their attention on Paul. Paul then walked over to their table and leaned over.

“So ladies. That was a very riveting performance you gave,” he said. “I wouldn’t mind if you two sang more often.”

“Thanks, Paul,” Natalie grinned. “It was awfully sweet of you to say that.”

“Yeah, Natalie. Your voice was very angelic and musical. So wonderful to listen to,” Paul remarked with a sigh. His face then dropped as he became very troubled. He then glanced over to see if Sonny was still around and saw him talking with T. He then shook his head wistfully.

“What’s wrong, Paul?” Natalie frowned.

“Oh, God. I made a terrible, awful mistake,” Paul groaned. “I slept with Will and now Sonny’s furious with me and Will.”

Natalie’s jaw dropped. “What?!”

“You idiot! How could you do that to my cousin?!” Theresa growled angrily.

“It was a mistake, okay!” Paul exploded at Theresa. “I was the one who still wanted to be with Sonny, but even after I kissed him, he still wanted nothing to do with me. And I thought I lost my chance with him forever. But now to have had a one night stand with the man who married the love of my life…”

He then shook his head sadly. “What a mess. I don’t know what to do now. But I can’t get rid of these feelings for Sonny. I still love him, dang it. I was worried that my career was going to go down the drain, and that’s what happened anyway. I just wish I still had Sonny with me. We would be the ones married with children now.”

“Paul, I think it’s best you forget about Sonny. He’s with Will now and he chose him for a reason. You need to find someone that loves you for you,” Natalie remarked briskly.

“I would tend to agree with Natalie,” Theresa said as she took a sip of her mojito.

“You guys really think so?” Paul quipped.

“Sure,” Natalie nodded.

“Listen, Paul. I’m sure there are plenty of good looking guys that would want you. You just need to find them. Go to Mt. Olympus or any other club. Go party with some gorgeous looking guys and have some fun. You don’t need to be tied down to anybody. You’re just too beautiful to be wasted on one relationship,” Theresa quipped in a snarky manner.

“Just go and enjoy life right now. And however you can make things right with Sonny,” Natalie added.

“You know what?” Paul declared determinedly as he eyed both women. “You’re right! I’m going to fix things with Sonny and then maybe I’ll find someone to be with for a while until I get him back. Thanks for the advice, ladies.”

He then walked off as Natalie sighed deeply.

“I just remembered something. I got to drop by to see Chad. I won’t be long,” she said.

“Really?” Theresa whined. “But this party’s only haven’t been on for even a full three hours. You’re no fun.”

“I’m sorry, Theresa,” Natalie frowned. “I really would like to party with you but I can’t just go and drop everything whenever.”

“Okay, whatever,” Theresa rolled her eyes, sipping on her mojito. “Do what you want. I’ll meet you at home later. I got some errands to run when I get out of here anyway. I have some things to pick up.”

“Really? What are they?” Natalie retorted curiously.

“You’ll see. It’s a surprise,” Theresa grinned. “I think you’ll like it.”

“Cool! I can’t wait!” Natalie squealed as she got up. “Okay. I’m gone. I’m off to Chad’s and then I’ll stop by and visit Dr. Evans to see if she’s learned any more info about my potential long lost mother.”

“Good luck on finding your mother then,” Theresa chimed and Natalie waved. “Bye!”

Theresa then sighed and kept on drinking more of her mojito. “Why can’t Natalie just stop being so much of a goody two shoes and party some more for once? Then maybe it wouldn’t be such a drag to get bombed alone.”

A smile then crossed her face as she rested her fist on her chin and she chuckled, swishing her mojito glass thoughtfully.

“I think two boxes of chocolates will suffice nicely. Sure it’ll get Natalie even more fat and possibly give her diabetes, but I’m sure she’ll appreciate the gift. Perhaps I’ll buy some more champagne and orange juice for mimosas and buy her a new set of pajamas. I’ll even buy her a stuffed animal too. Or I can just skip all of that payment stuff and just steal everything I just mentioned. I doubt she’d know the difference anyway. A gift is still a gift anyway, right?”

Theresa then sighed deeply and closed her eyes. “Giving a gift may be one thing… but to actually open myself up to Natalie… I’m not sure I’m ready for that. What if this thing with Natalie doesn’t work… Maybe Brady can still come back to me… Maybe if I can somehow prove to him that I’m so sorry about what happened with his dad… maybe he might consider forgiving me and taking me back. If only that would work…”

Theresa then swished her mojito glass slowly in circles as she stared at her drink, thinking.

“I don’t want to lose her. I already lost Brady and I will not lose another person that I love. I can’t mess this up. I just can’t. I love that woman. I can’t help it but God help me I love that woman.”

She then lifted up the glass and drank silently as she stewed with even more thoughts about Brady and Natalie.