Stolen Lives, Loss Of Innocence - A Days Fanfic (Read 11,458 times)

[sevenna92]

SCENE 4 – BRADY’S HOSPITAL ROOM, LATE EVENING

John, Marlena, Victor, Maggie and Melanie were all standing around Brady’s bed as he lay there peacefully with I.V.’s attached to his arms and tubes shoved down his nose. John was kneeling beside his bedside with a sad smile as he watched over him. He then felt a hand touch his shoulder and turned around to see Marlena.

“Hey, Doc.”

“Hey, John,” Marlena said with a smile. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just hope he wakes up soon,” John sighed. “I can’t stand to see him like this.”

“Well, maybe we might get some good news,” Marlena shrugged.

Just then they turned around to see the door open and Kayla walked in with a clipboard in hand. She then sighed deeply with a deep frown, facing the group directly.

“John, Marlena… everyone…. I’m afraid I have some bad news…” she announced.

“Oh God. Is Brady going to be okay?” Maggie frowned fearfully.

“He’s stable for now but unfortunately he’s in a deep coma. We’re very lucky that we got some blood transfusions in time to save his life. He lost a lot of blood,” Kayla explained.

As she was saying this, Theresa was hiding behind the doorway listening in. Her eyes widened in horror at Kayla’s words.

“What? Brady is in a coma? How can that be?” Melanie demanded angrily.

“I’m not quite sure, Melanie,” Kayla sighed.

“Is he ever going to get better?” Victor inquired.

“He might, or he might not,” Kayla answered sadly with a sympathetic smile. “He could be in a coma for days, weeks, months or even years. Who knows when he might wake up? All we can do now is hope that he will recover.”

“No,” Maggie whispered and then Victor put his arms around her and hugged her. John and Marlena then looked on at Brady sadly as John put his arm around Marlena and hugged her.

Theresa then turned her back to face the doorway and exhaled sharply. She started shaking slightly, her entire body about to collapse, her eyes welling up in tears.

“Brady’s never going to wake up? Oh my God…”

Kayla then walked out of the room and turned to see Theresa, who was sitting on the floor. She was hugging her knees and burying her face in her arms, crying.

“Theresa? Are you okay?” Kayla asked.

Theresa then lifted up her head and wiped her eyes quickly so her aunt wouldn’t see that she had been crying.

“Yeah, I’m perfectly fine.”

“You sure?” Kayla asked.

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Theresa nodded as she got up and inhaled deeply.

Kayla then looked at Theresa intently, not sure if she should believe her.

“So what brings you here so late at night anyway?”

“Well…” Theresa’s voice trailed off nervously as she brushed off a piece of hair off her forehead. “I was just here visiting a friend.”

“A friend?” Kayla inquired curiously, raising an eyebrow. She then widened her eyes in realization. “Oh, you mean Natalie?”

“Yeah,” Theresa nodded and her face melted into a dreamy look. Kayla then appeared puzzled as she noticed her young niece’s expression.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“What?” Theresa retorted quizzically.

“Is there something going on between you and Natalie?” Kayla queried.

“Why do you care if there’s anything going on between me and Natalie? Are you going to tell her to stay away from me too?” Theresa snapped angrily.

“What…. I just want to know,” Kayla frowned. “It just seems that you’re really fond of her company, that’s all.”

“Well, I like her all right, Aunt Kayla,” Theresa scoffed caustically. “And I don’t care what you or anybody else thinks. She may be a DiMera, but she’s still my friend. She’s not like any of her family members. I love her, and you are not going to take her away from me.”

Kayla then gawked at Theresa in shock, wondering how the young woman became so overprotective and possessive over someone she had only known for such a short time. She stood there in silence as Theresa’s grey hazel eyes glared right through her.

Theresa then spoke again, this time her voice more forceful and deadly. “That’s right. I love her. You may not believe that I do, but she’s actually made me feel alive for the first time in years. I feel like I actually have something to look forward to in life and that I have someone to cherish and spend time with. I feel safe and secure with her and I know she loves me dearly. She doesn’t judge me or spite me like everybody else does.”

“That’s really great you have such a good friend, Theresa. I just hope you’re happy,” Kayla replied softly.

“Oh I’m happy all right, Aunt Kayla,” Theresa remarked with a smile. “Natalie has given me my soul back. I feel like my life has real meaning now thanks to her.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Kayla replied with a nod. “So you’re going home now?”

“Yeah,” Theresa answered. “Oh and if you want to know, Natalie was the one that donated blood for Brady.”

“Oh,” Kayla whispered.

“You can thank her when she wakes up in the morning,” Theresa added as she walked away.

Kayla then watched her niece leave and then sigh deeply.

“What am I going to do with that girl?”

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SCENE 5 – SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL NURSES STATION, THE NEXT DAY

The very next day, Theresa arrived at the nurses’ station carrying a small bouquet of tulips in hand and she was wearing a fuschia dress with black high heels. She then exhaled deeply and turned to face the room that Natalie was in. She was about to walk inside to greet her new lover when Celia intercepted her.

“Hello short stuff. Where do you think you’re going?” she sneered.

“Celia, what are you doing here?” Theresa snarled.

“Awww, is that for me?” Celia cooed mockingly as she caressed one of the tulip petals admirably for a minute. Her grin then widened as she glared at her intensely.

“Is that for your new girlfriend?” she snickered.

“Even if it is, why is it any of your business?” Theresa retorted brusquely.

“Natalie needs to know what kind of trash she’s dealing with, that’s all,” Celia replied as she deliberately blocked her way and stood in front of her.

“Get out of my way, Grant,” Theresa snapped as she tried to push out of her way but Celia just stood there and refused to let her pass.

“No, you just step aside if you know what’s good for you,” Celia growled darkly as she shoved her back.

Theresa then growled angrily as she shoved her hard. Celia then shoved her back even harder, sending Theresa tumbling onto the ground. Theresa then landed on her left side and the bouquet dropped right next to her.

Celia then laughed evilly just as Jason and a couple of other guys walked over to where they were. One of the men picked up Theresa and tossed her over his shoulder.

Theresa then squirmed and kicked her legs violently as she pounded on the man’s back. “Get your hands off me! Put me down!” she yelled.

“Take her to the john, boys,” Celia ordered as she, Jason and the other men carried Theresa out of the nurses’ station and into the ladies’ room. Melanie then popped out around the corner dressed in scrubs and noticed that Theresa was being hauled away.

“What in the world?” she muttered confusedly and then she dashed over to follow them. “Hang on, Theresa!”

Celia and the boys soon barge into the bathroom with Theresa as they rush over to one of the stalls. As soon as the man carrying Theresa enters one of them, Celia was standing outside ready to give orders.

The man then held Theresa over the toilet as Theresa looked down in fear. She then screamed shrilly and began thrashing wildly.

“Put me down! Put me down right now! Let me out of here!” she cried.

“Dunk her, Jeffrey,” Celia barked and then the man dumped Theresa’s head into the toilet. Theresa then continued to scream as her head was submerged. The man then pushed down the lever to flush the toilet as Theresa’s screams rung in the air.

Just then, Melanie burst into the bathroom. “Hey, put her down right now!”

“Or what, pipsqueak?” another one of the men snarled as he turned around to sneer at the redhead woman. “Would you like me to shove my fist in your face?”

“Get your hands off her right now!”

“Hey, I ain’t playing, girl!” the man roared as he grabbed her neck and lifted her off the ground. “Do you want to join little riff-raff next?”

“If you don’t stop this right now, I’m going to call Dr. Brady and have her put an end to this,” Melanie threatened.

“Make me,” the man scoffed and then he tossed Melanie aside roughly and she fell on her face.

Just then the door opened and Kayla stepped in. “What’s going on here? I’m hearing all that screaming.”

“Um, nothing boss,” the man stammered nervously and then Kayla turned her attention to the stall where Theresa was held.

“Theresa?” she whispered and then she marched into the stall and then glared at Jeffrey.

“May I ask what you’re doing with my niece?” she demanded angrily.

Jeffrey then pulled Theresa out of the toilet and then Theresa coughed and sputtered with her hair and face all drenched.

“Aunt Kayla, I need a little help here!” she gasped deeply as she kept on coughing.

“We were just playing a little game, that’s all, Dr. Brady,” Jeffrey explained.

Kayla then crossed her arms and glared darkly. “I suggest you better put her down right now. And all of you better get to my office. I think it’s time we had a little chat.”

She then turned to look at Celia with fury in her eyes as she added, “If I see anything like this again, I’ll have all of your heads and your jobs. Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” Jason gulped.

“Now follow me so I can discuss all of your punishments,” Kayla added as she led Jason, Celia and the others out of the bathroom.

Theresa then got up slowly and breathed in deeply. She then continued to cough loudly and pounded and banged on her chest. Melanie then put her arm around her and led her to the sink.

Theresa then rinsed off her face and hair and then dried herself off. She then turned to face the older woman with a puzzled look on her face.

“Why did you save me? I thought you hated me.”

“I just couldn’t stand to see the way Celia, Jason and the others treated you. I’m not the type to just stand around and watch other people get pushed around,” Melanie answered.

“Oh,” Theresa lowered her head and looked down at the ground. “Thanks for saving my butt back there. I just didn’t think anybody cared enough to stand up for me.”

“Well, Theresa, you just need to give other people a chance, that’s all. You need to open yourself up and perhaps you might make new friends,” Melanie explained.

“I suppose I could follow your advice,” Theresa sighed reluctantly. “Maybe it would be a good idea to make more new friends.”

“Yeah, that’s’ the spirit,” Melanie smiled. “Go out and spread your wings!”

“Yeah, again… thanks. I better go,” Theresa sighed as she turned around and headed out the door. “I’m grateful for you saving my butt but it’s best if we keep our distance, especially for Brady’s sake.”

“Wait, Theresa! Don’t go!” Melanie exclaimed. “I need someone to talk to, especially now that Brady’s in a coma.”

“What about Serena? Isn’t she your best friend?” Theresa scoffed.

“Yeah, but I haven’t seen her around lately. I don’t know what she’s been doing with her time,” Melanie frowned.

“Huh, strange,” Theresa shrugged and let out a sigh. “Anyways, even if I wanted to be friends with you, your dad would never let us. So what’s the point?”

“A lot of people are against your relationship with Natalie and yet you still decided to get together with her,” Melanie interjected.

“That’s because I don’t hate her,” Theresa pointed out. “I’m sorry, Melanie. I don’t believe we can ever be friends. It’s not possible. So just leave me alone.”

She then stormed out of the bathroom and was gone.

Melanie then sighed sadly and shook her head, biting her lip.

[sevenna92]

Author's Notes: 

Thank God I'm finally done with school! Now with my graduation this Saturday, I have more free time to work more on this story! Depending on whatever else I have going on in my life and how long it takes for me to write a single scene, I am intending to upload at least once or twice a week, if not more. This upcoming scene may be kind of filler, but it's a set-up to one of the subplots that will happen throughout this story. Also it might serve as one of the main sources of conflict between Theresa and Natalie. 

SCENE 6 – LAFAYETTE’S, NOON

Theresa found herself inside a local nightclub with electronic music blasting loudly in her ears. She then looked around as she saw several women crowded on the dance floor. Some of them were sitting in small booths with martinis and mojitos in hand. Theresa saw a couple of lights tilting from side to side, washing the entire interior in a light shade of blue.

“Interesting décor,” Theresa mused and then she turned her attention to the bar just several feet from her. She noticed a couple of women all huddled up in stools while being served drinks. A smile crossed her face and she ran her hand through her hair.

“Now this is going to be fun,” she declared as she walked over to the bar.

Once she took a seat and then sat down, she then looked up at a muscle-bound woman with silky dark hair, a half-Mohawk, black lips, a nose ring, a black tank top with black straps and khakis. The woman glared at her with a sneer.

“Hello, grumpy face,” Theresa chuckled, playing with her hair. “I’d like a martini please.”

“Coming right up,” the woman scoffed as she stormed away.

“So what brings you here, pussy cat?” a smooth, husky voice intoned with a British accent as Theresa turned to see a slender, thin, strapping young woman with a black ponytail, hard, piercing blue eyes and an angular, oval-shaped face with dimples.

“Oh, just enjoying the view,” Theresa answered crisply.

“I’ve never seen you here before,” the woman remarked suspiciously as she sipped on her Scotch.

“Well, I’ve decided it was time I expanded my horizons,” Theresa explained with a shrug. “As much as I love men, and believe me, I love them, I think women are pretty interesting too.”

“So you swing both ways, don’t ya?” the woman retorted with a smirk, her eyes glowing with mischief and intrigue.

Theresa fidgeted and looked away abashedly, flattered by the attention the woman was giving her. “You can say that.”

“What’s your name, love?” the woman offered with an outstretched hand.

Theresa then stared at her hand for a couple of minutes before she took it. “Theresa. Theresa Donovan.”

“My name is Tracey. Tracey Whittaker. I’m with my girlfriend Lulu Ellington,” the woman replied as she kissed it, causing Theresa to flinch in shock. Tracey then smirked as she held up her hand.

“You have such lovely hands.”

“Um, thanks?” Theresa retorted in a bemused tone, taken aback by Tracey’s forwardness. Tracey then continued sipping on her Scotch, her eyes still on her.

“So you’re obviously not from around here.”

“No, I’m from Manchester. My girlfriend is from the West End. She’s such a roaring drunk and insane brawler though. She loves to get into fights with other women.”

“You don’t say,” Theresa mused dryly as a redhead woman with soft, gentle dark brown eyes, a pronounced, heavyset face, and wearing a loose blouse, denim jeans and a brown headband with a brown ascot barged in between the two women, stumbling about clumsily.

“Come on, lovey!” she yelled, slurring, as she nearly fell on top of Tracey. “The music’s rocking! I’m itching for yet another round of dancing!”

“Lay off the drink, Lu. Take it easy,” Tracey groaned with an eye roll.

“Don’t you dare tell me to take it easy, Trace!” Lulu roared in a belligerent tone. “I can do whatever I want!”

“Um, maybe I better get going,” Theresa stammered nervously as she slipped off the stool and prepared to leave.

Lulu then glared at Theresa and stood in her way. “Lovey, who is this?”

“Lulu, meet our new friend Theresa Donovan,” Tracey announced in a proud voice.

Lulu then examined Theresa intensely and tilted her head carefully. “You don’t look like much. You’re just a wee little girl.”

“Well I’m a lot more than my size, you know,” Theresa retorted aggressively.

“Aye, want to prove your mettle with me? Well, get on with it then!” Lulu grinned excitedly as she clenched up her fists and got into a fighting stance.

“Are you serious?” Theresa scoffed as she held up her fists and also got into a fighting stance. “Let’s get this over with.”

Lulu then looked right at Theresa before she threw a punch right at her face. Theresa then stumbled uneasily as she was taken aback by the blow. Lulu then lunged right at her as she kept on assaulting her with a series of punches. Theresa then blocked off as many of the blows as she possibly could and then plunged a bolt of lightning into her stomach.

Lulu then screamed as she fell on her hands and then looked up at her new friend in horror.

“Oh my God, what are you?”

“I don’t know what I am, but you better not mess with me!” Theresa snarled fiercely.

“Aye, if it’s a fight you want, a fight you’ll get!” Lulu retorted sharply as she grabbed a stool and then tossed it right at her.

Theresa then dodged it and then grabbed another stool. She then began swinging it around as she and Lulu began fighting with the stools. Lulu then did a leg sweep and then Theresa smacked her face on the stool before she fell on the ground. Theresa was about to get up again when Lulu pounced on her and pulled on her hair.

“Ah ha! Give it up, loser!” she cackled hysterically.

“Enough, Lulu! We’re leaving! You’re getting out of control!” Tracey yelled angrily at her girlfriend.

“Shut up, Tracey! Me thinks I’m about to win this one!” Lulu shot back defiantly.

A crowd of onlookers had gathered around to see the spectacle as a tall, slinky yet shapely woman with sullen, brooding, dark hazel green eyes, straight, wavy auburn hair, and an angular, pronounced, yet oval-shaped face materialized out of nowhere. She was wearing a tan yellow blouse with jeans and open sandals and a black talisman around her neck. She then noticed that Lulu was wrestling with Theresa and walked over to break up the fight.

“Hey, leave her alone!” she barked and Lulu glared at her sullenly.

“Yeah. Who’s gonna make me?” Lulu sneered and then the woman narrowed her eyes.

She then slugged her right in the face as Lulu nearly bowled over from the impact and then she sneered at her.

“That’s it. You’re going down,” she growled. She then flew at her as she tackled the other woman to the ground and they began to tussle.

Just then a couple of security guards descended upon the brawl as they separated the two women.

“All right, that’s enough!” one of them yelled as he held back Lulu and she was thrashing and screaming in her arms.

“Let go of me! Let go of me! I want to get her good!” she shrieked as the security guards then escorted Lulu, Tracey, Theresa and the other woman out of the nightclub.

Moments later, the four women were tossed out into the street as the security guards headed back inside.

Theresa and the others soon got up to their feet and Tracey glared at Lulu.

“This is all your fault! You had to go in and cause some stupid fight!” Tracey snapped at Lulu, who then rolled her eyes and glared at the other woman. “She started it.”

“Come on; we’re going home,” Tracey sighed as she turned to Theresa. “I am so sorry about this. I wish we could have hung around a little longer. Here, I’ll give you my number and you can call me.”

Tracey then reached into her purse and took out a piece of white paper and pen. She then scribbled down her number and handed it over to Theresa. Theresa then took out her phone and installed the number. She then smiled at Tracey. “Thanks. At least it didn’t turn out to be a total bust.”

“Yeah. You’re a very lovely and beautiful young woman. I’d like to hang out with you some other time,” Tracey added with a smile.

Theresa then frowned in confusion. “But what about your girlfriend?”

“Oh, don’t worry about her,” Tracey laughed, waving her hand. “Lu and I are in an open relationship. We can be with whomever we choose just as long as we know about it. How about you? Are you single?”

“Yeah,” Theresa nodded shyly as she looked down at the ground.

Tracey then peered closely at Theresa with a smile. “So do you have someone on your mind?”

“Yeah… sort of…” Theresa stammered nervously and she glanced up, blushing, her eyes lowered down. “There’s this girl, Natalie Callaway. I love her dearly and maybe I can invite her to come with me to see you and Lulu.”

“Oh, that would be quite nice dear, but she doesn’t have to show if she doesn’t want to,” Tracey purred softly.

“Yeah, maybe,” Theresa mumbled. “There’s another guy named Brady but he’s in a coma right now. I can’t stop thinking about him no matter what I do. I want him so badly but he’s with another woman. I know that I was so awful to him and I did want his money but now I’m not so sure if that’s what I really want anymore.”

“So you now developed feelings for this man and it may already be too late,” Tracey remarked empathetically.

Theresa then dropped her head, sighing. “Yeah.”

“Cheer up. There’s plenty of other fish in the sea,” Tracey whispered gently as she gave Theresa a tender kiss on the lips and then walked away with Lulu.

Theresa then looked down again and closed her eyes. “But I don’t want another guy. I want Brady.”

“Hey there. Theresa, isn’t it?” the woman quipped and Theresa spun around to see her.

“Yeah, that’s me. So you’re that lady who got into a fight with Lulu earlier.”

“Yeah. Jaden. Jaden Goodwin. I’m a frequent customer around these parts,” the woman replied as they shook hands.

“Pleasure to meet you,” Theresa replied back. Jaden then smiled sweetly yet seductively as she brushed her hair.

“I’ve never met quite a gorgeous woman in my life like I have you. You’re like an angel that has descended down to Earth.”

Theresa then burst out laughing as she covered her mouth. “Wow. Was that supposed to be corny or something?”

“Sort of. I know it’s not exactly original, but I think it works.”

“You are hilarious,” Theresa snickered.

“I’m glad you think so, Theresa,” Jaden replied as she placed a hand on her shoulder. “I like your sarcastic and witty bite.”

“Wow, and the compliments keep on coming,” Theresa giggled.

“And did I mention how you have the most ravishing and splendid eyes?” Jaden added as she stroked a stray lock of hair with her fingers and caressed her face.

“Wow, no mercy,” Theresa laughed. “You are quite the smooth talker, aren’t you?”

“I’ve had years of practice,” Jaden explained as she flipped up her hair.

“Wow, sexy,” Theresa purred. “So… would you like to come to my place and hang out? I mean, I got nothing else to do at the moment.”

“Sure. We can have some cheese and wine and even watch some movies,” Jaden proposed.

“That sounds really great,” Theresa answered. “You can party at my place anytime. When I’m not working of course.”

“Oh. Where do you work?” Jaden inquired.

“I work at Mt. Olympus as their local lounge singer along with my best friend Natalie. Although I think we’re sort of a couple right now, but not really official,” Theresa explained.

As she said this, she put her fingers on her lips, remembering the moment when she kissed her.

“So you’re just going to go party and sleep around with a whole bunch of people too? Interesting,” Jaden mused, smiling. “I rather not get too attached to anyone myself. Why settle for one boring dud when you can have the whole buffet?”

“I know, right?” Theresa laughed. “Maybe when I actually do find another lover we can all party together. Although I wouldn’t want to drag Natalie into my shenanigans if I can help it.”

“So you really do care for her, don’t you?” Jaden cooed softly, leaning closer to her face.

“Yeah, she’s my only friend in town right now,” Theresa sighed. “I’m pretty much an outcast.”

“Well, you’re in luck then. Between me, Tracey, Natalie and also Lulu, you have all of the friends you need. Why need anyone else?” Jaden smiled as she pulled Theresa close to her.

“Yeah,” Theresa nodded and she breathed deeply, grabbing her hand. “Come on. Let’s get going. I have plenty of things we can do together at my place.”

“I can hardly wait,” Jaden retorted with a smirk.

[billiereed]

I just started reading. This is incredibly well-written! I like it a lot.

[sevenna92]

Author's Notes:

Hello again, everyone! I want to apologize for not updating. I've currently taken up Spanish right now and it's just really difficult right now. Also I've been fighting through a very bad depression and it's been tough for me to write. But now I've gotten back on track and as soon as I've done my two hours of Spanish I'll write as many scenes as possible. Also this weekend I'm going out of town to visit my brother and his fiancee so during that period I won't be writing much if at all. When I return on Sunday I'll start again. 


SCENE 7 – THRESA’S APARTMENT – AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER

The door opened and Theresa and Jaden entered the living room. Theresa then kissed Jaden tenderly in the lips and Jaden looked around.

“Whoa, cozy place you got there.”

“Yeah, it’s not much, but it’s better than nothing I guess,” Theresa remarked crisply as Jaden went over to the sofa and sat down. “Now do you want anything to drink?”

“Yeah. I’d like a glass of vodka right about now.”

“Okay, vodka coming right up,” Theresa chuckled as she walked over to the kitchen. Just as she was about to enter the area, she stopped right in her tracks the moment she saw Natalie. Natalie was dressed in a white apron and had a plate of cookie dough in her hands.

“Oh my God. Natalie?”

“Theresa?”

“When did you get here? I thought you were at the hospital?” Theresa retorted confusedly.

“I was. I was released a little over an hour ago. I decided that I wanted to make you something when you came back home,” Natalie answered.

“That’s nice, kid,” Theresa smiled. “Anyways, we have a guest.”

“Who is it?” Natalie retorted curiously.

Theresa then smiled widely. “Her name is Jaden Goodwin. I picked her up from Lafayette’s, a local lesbian nightclub.”

“Really?” Natalie retorted as she bit her lip to avoid bursting out into laughter. “Is she British?”

“Um, no,” Theresa answered, pausing. “But funny you mention that because I also ran into a British couple there too. I got a number from the one with dark hair. I think she’s real sexy.”

“Glad you like her, Theresa,” Natalie quipped as she turned around. “I have to get back to my baking. As soon as I’m done, you can go and have me acquainted with our guest more.”

“All right,” Theresa sighed as she walked into the kitchen.

Several minutes later, she re-entered the living room with two glasses of vodka and gave one to Jaden. She then sat down next to her new friend as she looked at her.

“Thank you,” Jaden commented as she lifted up the glass and took a sip. “So I take it that your little friend is busy?”

“Yeah, apparently she’s in a baking mood, which is weird because she’s not too keen on cooking,” Theresa mused.

“Maybe she wanted to make you something special,” Jaden suggested as she continued to sip on her drink.

“Yeah,” Theresa remarked with a soft smile. “You know, I never had anyone this nice to me before. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s pretty much been kind of my fault. But I just don’t know if acting differently would make any difference.”

“Well, you got me and Tracey and Lulu now, don’t you? Although I really don’t like Lulu too much myself,” Jaden retorted briskly.

“Wow, and I thought I had issues,” Theresa whistled.

“Well, she definitely has you beat for sure!” Jaden laughed and Theresa also chuckled along with her.

“Yeah, definitely,” she grinned. “I think if I was really still deep in my party ways I would have loved to hang out with her for sure.”

“Wait, you were on drugs?” Jaden inquired curiously.

“Yeah,” Theresa sighed. “I did a lot of stupid stuff while I was high, some of which I really regret to this day. And there was this guy that I was with and I thought I was going to have his baby but… that didn’t turn out to be the case.”

“Sorry to hear that,” Jaden replied gently in a sympathetic tone.

“Yeah…” Theresa muttered with a sorrowful look on his face and she looked at Jaden. “Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Maybe I’ll find someone else and have his baby and build a family with Natalie.”

“You and Natalie serious?” Jaden quipped directly.

“Well,” Theresa cocked her head uncertainly with a frown. “I’m not sure if I want to put a label on our relationship yet. We’re not exactly seriously and I’m still into guys despite of me being attracted to her. I’m still waiting for my knight in shining armor to come in and sweep me off my feet so he can take care of me and Natalie.”

“Oh, I get it,” Jaden nodded. “I’m not really a monogamous type of person either and I just like to fool around too. But I’m down for any party and adventure. I’m always looking for something that really excites me and gives me any kind of thrill.”

“Me too,” Theresa smiled as she looked into her eyes. “I’m not afraid to get wild.”

“Sounds like my kind of girl,” Jaden purred and she scooted closer to Theresa.

“Yeah,” Theresa smirked as she leaned towards her and was about to kiss her.

But just then Natalie arrived with a tray of warm baked cookies and stopped right in her tracks upon seeing both Jaden and Theresa.

She then cleared her throat and Jaden and Theresa quickly turned around to see the petite, dark-haired woman standing right behind them.

“I see you two are getting acquainted quite nicely,” she said in a flat, sarcastic tone as she set down the tray of cookies on the table.

Jaden and Theresa then started eating the cookies as Natalie walked back into the kitchen to put away her apron. A few minutes later she came out again and then walked over to the sofa before she sat down next to Theresa.

“Wow, these are great,” Jaden chuckled as she kept on chewing the mushy cookies in her mouth.

She then swallowed and turned to face Theresa. “You never told me she was a great baker.”

“I had no idea she could bake at all,” Theresa mused in amazement, laughing.

“Well, I guess she needs to bake more often,” Jaden replied with a smile. She then wiped her mouth with a napkin as she picked up her glass of vodka and sipped some more.

“That’s my little miss homemaker,” Theresa quipped with a laugh as she patted Natalie’s hand.

“Yeah,” Jaden grinned as she swished the vodka glass pensively. “I can see it now. Natalie the little miss homemaker raising your offspring and Theresa the breadwinner bringing home the bacon.”

“Really?” Natalie chuckled as she gave Theresa a side eye. Theresa then smirked at Natalie.

“You know, I can kind of see her point. I definitely see you as more of the mommy type. I wouldn’t mind doing my part as the provider just so I can support our growing family.”

Natalie then blushed as she looked right at Theresa. “Oh, Theresa…”

“So anyways… what’s your story?” Theresa inquired curiously.

“Well, it’s a long story,” Jaden shrugged as Theresa went up to grab another vodka bottle and then poured some more into her glass.

“I never really knew my father. He left the picture long before I was even born and he was in and out of prison throughout much of my early life. My mother abandoned me as a child and I lived with my spinster aunt for a couple of years. Then I ran away when I was 13 and lived on the streets for a long while. I’ve been in a long string of relationships with men and women and when I hit my 20s I started turning tricks. I also trafficked, sold and did drugs, most notably cocaine and heroin. I still like to do some coke. Also during my spare time I would vandalize places and even set some on fire.”

“Wow, and I thought my life was bad,” Theresa chuckled dryly.

“What’s the matter? Got daddy issues?” Jaden scoffed as Theresa gave her a dirty look.

She then turned to Natalie. “So what about you, princess? What about your life?”

Natalie then glanced back and forth at Theresa and Jaden nervously before she spoke up.

“I-I got a mom and dad.”

Theresa then glanced at her friend briefly before she turned right back to Jaden.

“She’s adopted.”

“Awww, lucky you,” Jaden retorted with a cruel, wry sneer. “Not everybody wants an unwanted brat that gets dumped out into the street.”

Natalie bristled angrily as Theresa turned back to look at her with a sympathetic, comforting smile.

“Her uncle is a man named Stefano DiMera who is one of the most famous crime lords in the world. She really has no idea who her real mother is. For all I know she could be a floozy her dad picked up on the side of the road and just dumped off like yesterday’s news.”

Natalie then directed an ugly glare at her as Theresa flashed an uneasy grin at her as she added, “On the other hand that might not be the case. Who knows?”

“I guess you’re right,” Jaden shrugged as she downed the last of her vodka and got up. “Well, I better get going. I’m heading back to my place.”

“You sure you’re not staying the night?” Theresa queried with a raised eyebrow as Jaden headed out the door.

She then turned to look at a grim-looking Natalie. “Maybe another time.”

She then opened the door and went out of the apartment and was gone.

Natalie then exhaled deeply as she turned to Theresa. “Now I know you like being snarky and all but it won’t kill you to lay off the insulting remarks regarding my mother.”

“Okay, okay, Natalie. Just relax. You’re right. It was a stupid thing to say and I’m sorry and I shouldn’t have said it,” Theresa retorted with her hands raised, trying to reassure her.

Natalie then nodded uncertainly and then sighed deeply.

Theresa then stared at Natalie intently with a quizzical look on her face. “Are you jealous?”

“Why would you ask that?” Natalie queried.

“You were looking at Jaden like you couldn’t even stand her,” Theresa explained. “You had a hint of envy in your eyes, I could tell.”

“You really think I want to watch the woman I love making out with another woman?” Natalie retorted angrily.

“It really bothers you that much seeing me with Jaden?” Theresa retorted curiously.

Natalie then looked down glumly as Theresa grabbed her hands and looked right at her.

“Baby, you mean the world to me. You are very precious to me. Sure I act like a complete idiot sometimes and I can be an impulsive fool, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. I consider myself very lucky to have you in my life. All those other girls… they’re just for fun and I’m just doing whatever woman my age would be doing. But you’re very special to me. Women like you show up just once in a lifetime. And I don’t want to lose you. I don’t have anything else in my life that is just as worthy as you are.”

Natalie then smiled tenderly as she looked at Theresa directly with love in her eyes. “That’s so sweet.”

“I think that’s probably the most I’ve ever opened up to anyone,” Theresa sighed as she petted her hair.

“Yeah,” Natalie replied as she and Theresa lay down on the couch and Theresa threw a blanket on top of them.

She then wrapped her arms around her body and nuzzled her deeply.

“I love you,” Natalie whispered.

“I love you too,” Theresa whispered as she kissed her.

“I would like to have your baby,” Natalie whispered as she stroked her face.

Theresa then smirked as she petted her hair. She then kissed her again as she put her finger on her lips.

“You’re going to have your baby someday. You don’t need one right now. Just enjoy your life of being a free young woman. If you don’t want to accompany me on whatever parties I may have with these other women, that’s fine. I’d want you to be happy.”

“So do I, Theresa,” Natalie replied softly.

Theresa then kissed her again and then looked at her, smirking. “Don’t talk.”

The two women then wrapped their arms around each other tighter as they started making out heavily.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 8 – THERESA’S APARTMENT – TWO HOURS LATER

Two hours have passed as strong rays of sunlight settled over the apartment. A couple of heavy shadows covered the two women as they lay sleeping in each other’s arms.

It was then that Natalie’s cellphone started ringing and Natalie stirred from her sleep. She gently nudged Theresa off her as she sat up on the couch and reached for the phone. She then tapped on the green “Answer” button and held it to her ear.

“Hello?” she inquired.

“Hello my little Nattie!” a high-pitched, nasally voice chimed as Natalie nearly flinched from the sound of her voice.

“Momma?” Natalie gasped in a hushed voice.

“Don’t you remember your dear old momma? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about your own family already now that you’re a big, important DiMera!” the older woman crowed in a sharp voice.

“Of course I haven’t, Momma! Being a DiMera isn’t such a big deal anyway. And besides, I still love you and Poppa and Hilary and Petey!” Natalie groaned with an eye roll.

“I know you do, sweetheart. Besides, never mind a word that man says anyway. I wish to God that you haven’t been born a DiMera but you know, you can’t choose your own fate,” the woman remarked sadly. “It doesn’t change the fact that we still love you as our daughter no matter who you are.”

“I know, Momma,” Natalie replied with a smile.

“So are you attending temple like a good little Jewish girl? Saying your prayers? How’s your job? Have you made any new friends yet? Found a nice boy?”

Natalie winced at the last question as she took a deep breath. “Of course I’ve been attending temple, Momma, and I have been saying my prayers. And my job’s been doing well although it hasn’t paid much.”

“Darling, I hope you have found a good place to live. I wouldn’t want you living in a rathole,” Natalie’s mother frowned worriedly.

“I’m not living in a rathole, Momma. I’m actually living in a very nice apartment with another girl. Her name’s Theresa and she and I have become really good friends,” Natalie answered exasperatedly.

“Theresa? What is she? Is she Italian?” Natalie’s mother raised a curious eyebrow.

“Actually… no…” Natalie’s voice trailed off as she glanced over at Theresa, who was still sleeping. “I’m pretty sure she’s not Italian. I think she’s at least Irish and I think… British? Scottish? Her grandmother owns a pub here in town.”

“That’s awfully nice, darling,” Natalie’s mother smiled widely. “Now tell me. Haven’t you met a nice boy yet? I would like nothing more than for you to settle down and get married.”

“Actually, Momma…” Natalie frowned as she paused and tried to think. She wasn’t really interested in any boy, and she really didn’t have the heart to tell her mother she was intimate with another woman, especially over the phone. She knew it would break her heart. But then her mind flashed back to Paul, and a smile crossed her face.

“There is one boy I really like. His name’s Paul Narita and he’s from Japan. He used to be a baseball player but his shoulder injury pretty much ended his career. But he’s a very nice guy anyway and he’s a really good friend.”

The phone went silent for a couple of minutes as Natalie waited anxiously for her reaction. Then her mother let out a loud excited scream as she started babbling in Yiddish.

“My little girl is finally going to get married and give me grandchildren! Oh, happy day!”

“Oh my God, what’s going on here?” Theresa mumbled as she stirred from her sleep and sat up, groggy.

Natalie then shushed her and turned back to the phone. “I’m so happy that I made you happy, Momma. I can’t wait to introduce you to all my friends. So far they’re very nice people. I’d even introduce you to Chad, my cousin.”

“Darling, do not introduce me to any of the DiMeras. I want absolutely nothing to do with them. You are not a part of that evil, diabolical clan. You are with this family; make sure to remember that!” Natalie’s mother rebuked her sternly.

“Yes, Momma,” Natalie sighed.

“Now, before I go, I have some very important news to impart,” the older woman added.

“What’s wrong, Momma? Is it about Hilary or anyone else in the family?” Natalie frowned.

“No, nothing’s wrong. In fact, your father and I have made plans for all of us to come down to Salem to see you! We also would like to see that nice boy you’re courting right now and his family too.”

“Wait… what?” Natalie stuttered in astonishment.

“We should be in town hopefully by the end of this week, if not the following week,” Natalie’s mother remarked briskly. “Now be a good girl and keep your nose clean. Momma loves you oh so much! Ta-ta!”

The phone line then went dead and Natalie tossed the cell onto the table. She then threw herself onto the sofa with a big sigh as Theresa looked at her.

“So that’s your mother?” she inquired curiously.

“Yeah,” Natalie sighed.

“Oh God help us all. If she’s anything like my mom… I have a feeling both of them will immediately hit it off…” Theresa groaned with an eye roll.

“My mom’s usually a very nice person but she can be very overbearing sometimes. She seems to have an agenda for how my life is supposed to be. I know that she wants me to have a normal life just like everybody else but I also want to choose how I live my life. Besides, I don’t want to get married right now. I want to marry someone I love when I feel it’s the right time, not when my mother says I should.”

“So do you need my help on that?” Theresa quipped while crossing her arms.

“Yeah, I need you to do me a favor,” Natalie answered with a nod. “Whenever my mom’s around, we need to act natural, like we’re just best friends. We cannot give any indication to my mother that we’re anything more than that. She’ll get awfully suspicious.”

“Oh right. I’m sure it won’t be too hard. I’ll find another guy to pose as my boyfriend,” Theresa remarked crisply.

“But what about Clint?” Natalie frowned.

“Well, this is your mom, and since you’re the first real friend I’ve had in God knows how long, I really want to impress her. So I’d rather find somebody that is at least decent looking so I can make a really good impression on her,” Theresa explained pithily.

“Wow, that’s really sweet, Theresa,” Natalie smiled.

“Well, anything for my girl,” Theresa smiled back. “By the way, what’s the deal with you and Paul?”

“Momma thinks Paul is some guy I’m dating right now. She doesn’t even know that I’m gay or he’s gay or that I’m even seeing another woman. I don’t want my mother to become disappointed if she ever learns the truth. I rarely ever disappoint her and I’m not about to start now,” Natalie replied nervously.

“So you’re going to ask Paul to be your boyfriend?” Theresa scoffed with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Natalie shrugged with a sigh. “That seems to be my only option now. I just hope Paul goes along with it. I am going to do whatever it takes to make sure my mother never learns about my secret love life.”

“Don’t worry, kid. Your secret is safe with me,” Theresa replied with a smile. “I’ll do everything possible to help you too.”

“Thank you so much, T,” Natalie remarked with a smile of her own as she glanced over at her watch. “It’s still kind of early on in the day. Wanna grab some lunch at the Pub?”

“Sure,” Theresa replied. “Let’s head out.”

Theresa and Natalie soon walked out of the apartment and left for the Brady Pub.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 9 – SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT – LATE AFTERNOON

John walked right into Abe’s office as Abe was sitting in front of his desk. He then looked up to see his old friend.

“Hey, John.”

“Hey, Abe,” John replied with a smile. “So how goes the case?”

“Ugh, not so good,” Abe sighed. “We really don’t have too many leads. Rafe and I have been asking around town but so far we’ve got nothing. We’ve even asked Victor if he knew anything and he denied having any sort of involvement.”

“But do you think he’s lying?” Abe inquired.

“Probably. Something tells me that there’s something fishy going on but I don’t have any proof. He seems to have some henchmen around too. I’ll see if I can’t tail them,” John replied.

“Actually I’ve seen some very shady people lurking around in the park at night lately,” Rafe announced as he walked into the room. “It appears that they are carrying some suspicious looking items. I think they should be investigated further.”

“I agree,” John nodded. “But we really don’t have enough resources or even manpower to get to the bottom of this issue.”

“Which is why I’ve hired these fine men and women for our esteemed police squad,” Roman declared as he walked into the police station and a trio of police officers walked right into the room.

“And who are these people, Commander?” Rafe asked.

“These are our new recruits: Joel Colton, Skylar Caldwell and Sylvia Gates. They are all from Los Angeles, California and they just graduated from the police academy. And Skylar’s parents in particular used to be friends with Kim and Shane,” Roman explained.

“Oh really?” John cocked an eyebrow as he walked over to the trio and shook each of their hands. “A pleasure to meet you all.”

“We’re pleased to meet you too, Detective Black,” Skylar spoke up with a pleasant smile.

She had a shapely and thin build, a full and oval-shaped face, gentle, soft, brilliant dark blue eyes, and half of a wavy, silky, dark hair tied in an up do bun and the other half hanging loose on her shoulders. She also had a thin nose and had a white blouse with a black jacket and a pair of dark jeans.

Joel had an angular, staunched and pronounced face with a large double chin and short dark hair. He also had a stocky, muscular build and was clean shaven. He had a brown suit with a dark black tie and a pair of brown pants with a hat. He also had a pointy and long nose.

Sylvia had a smooth, angular, oval-shaped face with light, milky skin and pronounced cheekbones. She also had shimmering, cold, dark green eyes and a slender, shapely build. She also had a pointy and thin nose. Sylvia also wore a dark blue dress with black shoes and a golden medallion around her neck.

“So what do you want us to do, sir?” Joel asked in a calm, dry voice.

“Well, Officer Colton, since you and Officers Gate and Caldwell are new, we’re going to get your feet wet a little bit. For now we would like to assign you to patrol. You are to patrol around the square, café and the park and make sure there aren’t any crimes and if you see any in progress to go and deal with them,” John explained.

“As soon as we know for certain that you can handle police work, then we will let you handle the big guns,” Abe added.

“Sure, thanks, Commander Carver,” Skylar replied with an eager nod as she and the rest of the gang walked away.

“Well I hope I did the right thing by bringing them in,” Roman muttered with a sigh.

“Well, we do need a couple of extra helping hands, and these kids may be the best we got,” Abe replied with a sigh.

“Let’s just hope they don’t screw up,” John added.

“Wow, I can’t believe it! Our very first case!” Skylar exclaimed as she, Sylvia and Joel stepped out of the door.

“Calm down, Skylar. It’s just patrol work. Nothing special,” Joel reprimanded her sternly.

“Oh, Joel, don’t be such a sourpuss,” Skylar retorted with an eye roll. “I think we should consider ourselves fortunate that Roman got ourselves jobs here at all. Considering that he’s Ms. Brady’s brother and Jeannie’s uncle.”

“Speaking of which, doesn’t Jeannie live here now?” Joel inquired.

“And also doesn’t she have a different name now too?” Sylvia remarked briskly. “What is it now… Theresa?”

“Theresa? I wonder what ever happened to her to go through such a drastic change?” Skylar muttered pensively, rubbing her chin and playing with her hair.

“Who knows? People change,” Sylvia shrugged. “Get used to it.”

“She’s right about that,” Joel replied. “But let’s not worry about Jeannie now. Let’s just focus on our patrol. Sylvia, you take the park, Skylar, you take the café, and I will take the square.”

“Me? I have to take the park by myself? Why? Do you realize how many crimes have occurred within the last six months? I’ve heard that some people have been kidnapped, mugged and even murdered there,” Sylvia barked back angrily.

“You’re a big girl. I’m sure you can handle yourself,” Joel waved his hand dismissively as he turned his back to her.

“Sylvie’s right, Joel. The park’s not safe. Maybe I should switch and patrol with her in the park,” Skylar suggested.

Joel then spun around to face Skylar with a look of fierce, cold anger in his eyes and an ugly snarl on his lips.

“My orders. My rules. Sylvia gets the park, and that’s final.”

“Okay, tough guy, have it your way,” Skylar sneered fiercely.

She then stormed off as she headed in the direction of the café. Sylvia then scoffed as she headed off for the park. Joel then rolled his eyes as he headed off for the Mandalay Café.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 10 – HOPE’S APARTMENT – AROUND THE SAME TIME

Meanwhile, Hope was sitting in the kitchen table with Ciara as they were going over a homework assignment. Ciara was reading a book called “Beezus and Ramona” with a disgruntled expression.

“This sounds like a really dumb book,” Ciara grumbled while rolling her eyes.

“Now Ciara, stop complaining. Your teacher was the one that assigned it so you have to read it,” Hope scolded her daughter sternly.

“I know, Mom, but why couldn’t she assign a much cooler book? Like Twilight or even the Hunger Games?” Ciara sighed dejectedly.

“Ciara, you know those books are too violent and too intense for a girl your age. You have to wait until you’re a little older to read them,” Hope explained with a sigh.

“Whatever, Mom,” Ciara groaned with an eye roll.

Just then there was a sudden knock at the door. Hope sighed deeply as she got up from her seat and headed for the front door.

She then opened it and was surprised to find a scrawny, skinny looking young man standing right in front of her. He had a very gawky and hollow face, a long and thin nose, and dark brown eyes. He also had dark scruffy black hair that was a bit long and ran down the back of his neck. He was wearing a blue shirt, a pair of khakis and some sneakers.

“Hello? How may I help you?” Hope inquired.

“Is this the house of Detective Hope Brady?” the young man asked.

“Yes this is the right place. Who’s asking?” Hope inquired.

“My parents said it would be okay to come down here and visit. I wanted to meet with the woman who used to take care of me when I was just a little baby. I’m really sorry for intruding and I know you’re awfully busy, but I’m just trying to find the right person.”

“May I ask what your name is?” Hope asked him suspiciously.

“Sure,” the man nodded. “The name’s John Thomas Reiber.”

“John Thomas?” Hope scrunched up her face, trying to recall the name before her. Then a memory dawned on her and her eyes flew open in astonishment as a series of memories came flooding right back. She remembered many years ago when she and Bo took care of a baby boy they named J.T. and she thought that John was his father.

Then it turned out that Lexie was instrumental in a baby switch with him and Hope and Bo’s real son Zach, then known as Isaac, and J.T.’s parents Glen and Barbara later found out the truth. The two babies were soon returned to their rightful families and J.T.’s parents were so grateful to Hope and Bo that they kept the name they gave him.

“Oh my God. I don’t believe it… J.T.?” Hope whispered in shock.

A smile then crossed her face as she then threw her arms around him. “It is you! I can’t believe you actually came back after all these years!”

“Okay, lady. You’re really starting to creep me out,” J.T. grunted as he squirmed in her arms.

Hope then quickly pulled back with a sheepish grin. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just that… it’s been so long and I honestly thought I was never going to see you again. You can come in and stay for a bit until I find a nice place for you.”

“Thanks, ma’am,” J.T. replied with a nod as he walked inside the house.

“Mom, who is that?” Ciara asked as she turned around to see Hope and J.T. approaching her.

Hope then glanced over at J.T. and then at Ciara. “Ciara, this is J.T. Your daddy and I used to take care of him years ago when he was just a baby. He’s visiting town now and wanted to stop by and see us. J.T., this is my daughter, Ciara.”

“Nice to meet you, kid,” J.T. replied with a smile.

Hope then looked at Ciara sternly. “Ciara, go back to your homework. I’ll be taking J.T. on a tour of the apartment.”

“Okay, Mom,” Ciara sighed as she turned back to her book report.

“So that’s your daughter, huh?” J.T. chuckled and Hope nodded. “Yeah.”

“She looks a lot like you,” J.T. mused observantly. He then looked around for a couple of minutes, expecting to find another person. “By the way, where’s your husband, and your son?”

“Oh, you mean Zach?” Hope raised her eyebrow as J.T. nodded. Hope then inhaled deeply and clasped her hands in silence, pausing for a bit. Finally she turned back to face him with a solemn look on her face.

“I don’t know how to break this to you, J.T., but Zach’s not around here anymore. He passed away a couple of years ago in a horrible hit and run accident,” Hope explained sadly.

“Oh,” J.T. drew back in amazement and then looked down on the ground glumly. He then circled the floor with his toe, pensive. “Wow. I’m… sorry. I seriously had no idea… I thought…”

“It’s all right, J.T.,” Hope assured him as she placed a hand on his shoulder. “It’s fine. It’s been very difficult to get over and some days I wonder what life might be like if he were still here.”

“Does she know?” J.T. inquired as he gestured over to Ciara, who was still reading.

“Yeah, she knows,” Hope answered with a nod. “All I told her was that he got hit by a car and died. She doesn’t really know the whole story.”

“Okay, I’m not going to pry,” J.T. declared, holding his hands up. “This must be tough enough for you to handle to begin with.”

“How considerate of you, J.T.,” Hope replied with a smile. She then turned towards the living room and beckoned him to follow her. “Come, have a seat.”

Hope and J.T. soon entered the living room as the two of them sat down.

“So how has your life been?” she asked. “How are your parents?”

“Oh they’re doing just fine. I have two younger brothers and one younger sister now, all adopted. My mom got help for her drinking and she’s been sober for many years now. We’ve been living on welfare for a long time and also off my father’s social security benefits and disabled benefits.”

“My dad had a horrible accident at work when I was 12 where he severely injured his back and he couldn’t work anymore. I’ve been dealing with severe learning issues and I have had trouble reading and writing. I spent many years in special education and I really didn’t have that many friends. I used to have a horrible stutter when I was younger but it’s barely noticeable now. I only stutter when I get nervous. I actually used to get teased because of my appearance and my stutter. I also used to wear glasses because my eyesight was so bad too.”

“Really?” Hope remarked curiously. “Do you wear contacts now?”

“No, I got laser eye surgery, so I’m good,” J.T. answered. “Anyways, I got pretty mediocre grades in school and I barely passed high school. It wasn’t until I went to college that I actually got a lot of help and my grades got better. I also joined the academy and I also graduated with some assistance. I may not be good with books but I’m very good with my hands, especially with guns.”

“Guns, huh?” Hope chuckled with a smirk.

“Yep,” J.T. replied with a smile. “My daddy used to teach me how to hunt when I was younger. I won a lot of medals in several hunting competitions all over my hometown.”

“That sounds great, J.T. So are you actually visiting or are you planning to stay here for a while?” Hope queried.

“I’m actually going to be here for a while,” J.T. answered. “In fact, I’m planning to join the Salem Police Department as a detective. If I get accepted I want to start right away.”

Hope’s jaw dropped in shock. “Wow… You actually want to be a police officer?”

“Yeah, I decided I wanted to be like you and Mr. Brady,” J.T. explained. “Speaking of which, where’s Mr. Brady?”

“Well, Bo has been away for a mission for the last two years. I have no idea where he is and he hasn’t responded to me in months. He has essentially abandoned me and Ciara. I decided it was best to file for divorce,” Hope answered.

“That’s awful. How could he do that?” J.T. retorted angrily. “You deserve better, Mrs. Brady!”

“I know, J.T., but I’m fine now. I found a new man. His name is Aiden Jennings and he’s a lawyer. He also has a son that is Ciara’s age,” Hope replied assuredly.

“I’m glad to hear it, ma’am,” J.T. replied with a smile. “He sounds like a really great guy. I’d love to meet him when I have the chance.”

“Oh I’m sure you will, J.T.,” Hope replied. “Anyways, if you want, I can talk to Roman about getting you a spot on the force. I’m sure we need plenty of more helping hands. He actually told me that he hired three new members today, so you’re going to be in the same boat as them. I’m sure you’ll be making many new friends.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Brady. I appreciate the offer,” J.T. smiled warmly.

“Well, I better get dinner started. I’m making some salmon with rice today. Hope you’re hungry,” Hope said as she got up. “Also anything you want to drink, just ask. I’ll even show you where you will sleep later tonight.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Brady,” J.T. remarked gratefully. “That would be splendid. I’m starving enough as it is.”

Hope then walked away as she went towards the kitchen. She then stopped and turned around to see J.T.

“Make yourself comfortable. This is your home now. Whatever’s mine is yours.”

She then disappeared into the kitchen as J.T. then lay down on the couch. He picked up the remote and turned on the T.V. as he started flipping through the channels.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 11 – SALEM U GYMNASIUM – AROUND THE SAME TIME

Meanwhile, a chubby, blonde middle-aged woman blew loudly with her whistle as she watched a bunch of girls run around the basketball court. A couple of them were yelling taunts and laughing at their teammates as one of them lunged for the basket. Two other girls leaped right at her as one of them managed to successfully smack the ball out of her hand.

The woman then turned around to see Myrna walking towards her dressed in an orange T-shirt and a pair of blue shorts.

“Hello, ma’am. Is this the women’s basketball team tryouts?” she asked.

“And just who you might be?” the older woman scoffed.

“Myrna Delaney. Like I said, I’m here for the tryouts,” Myrna answered in a calm and matter of fact voice.

The woman then peered at Myrna curiously for a few minutes. She then pulled back, biting her lip.

“Okay, kid. If you can prove that you can hold your own against the rest of the girls, then you can join the team,” she said.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Myrna replied with a nod and she raced over to where the other girls were.

As one of the girls jumped and managed to make a successful basket, one of the other girls spun around and saw Myrna advancing towards her. She then smirked and walked over to meet her.

She had thick, curly dark hair with light olive skin and had on a white T-shirt with blue shorts.

“Hey, kid. Wanna play?” she inquired.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m here for,” Myrna answered confidentially.

“Okay, get ready to be creamed,” the other woman smirked devilishly as she started to straddle and dance around and caught the ball.

Myrna then bent down slightly and began move about as the other woman did her best to block her while dribbling. She was then taken aback as Myrna grabbed the ball right out of her hands and charged right for the basket. Three other women ran right for her as two of them were running in her way.

Myrna then jumped and threw the ball right at the basket. One of the women attempted to intercept the ball but it flew right over her head and it slammed right into the rim.

The ball then fell off the basket and then dribbled down onto the ground. The dark skinned woman smirked at Myrna as her stomach dropped.

“Tough break, kid,” she said as she walked away from her.

Myrna then narrowed her eyes as she ran for the ball and began to dribble it. After staring at the basket for a couple of minutes she then flew up and pushed the ball towards the basket. This time the ball tumbled right into the basket. The woman then spun around just in time to see the ball fall into the basket and was amazed. She then turned to look at Myrna, her eyes wide.

“So you can play. Girl, you got some moxie in you, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” Myrna declared, her eyes glaring darkly at her.

“Okay,” the woman said as she faced her down. “Best two out of three, then maybe Coach Alabaster might consider you.”

“Okay, fair enough,” Myrna nodded and then an Asian woman tossed the ball over to her.

“Get her, Gertrude. Show her who’s boss!” she yelled.

“Yeah!” a pale-skinned Native American woman cheered, pumping her fist. “Don’t let her upstage you.”

“All right then,” Gertrude announced. “One, two, three, go!”

Myrna then started to dribble the ball back and forth as she tried to keep it away from Gertrude. Gertrude then slapped the ball from her as she spun around and hurtled it right at the basket. Myrna then jumped and blocked the ball, causing it to fall to the ground. She then grabbed it, dribbled it and then threw it upwards just as the Asian woman lunged at her. The ball then ricocheted off the basket and then fell inside.

“Why I don’t believe it!” Gertrude gasped in astonishment.

“Nice playing girls!” Coach Alabaster yelled as she approached the gang. She then turned to face Myrna, beaming. “And you, Delaney, nice work. You’re in the team. Now remember, practice is every Tuesday and Friday afternoons starting at 5. You can buy the official women’s basketball jerseys in the student life office whenever possible. You must be in uniform to play. No uniform, no participation. Got it?”

“Yes, Coach,” Myrna nodded.

“Good. Looking forward to be seeing more of you, Delaney. Have a nice afternoon,” Coach Alabaster nodded as she walked away.

Myrna then looked over at the rest of the girls as they crowded over her.

“Nice shot!” the Asian woman exclaimed. “You really had some nice moves.”

“So your name really is Myrna Delaney?” a thin, petite Hispanic woman queried.

“Yeah. I’m from New York. My family just moved out here recently,” Myrna explained.

“Did you play basketball in high school?” a much darker skinned, shapelier and more slender woman importuned her.

“Yeah, I did, and I really had a great time with it. I actually was a forward point and my team won several games against our rival high school. We even won a couple of championships on the statewide level; we were that good. I thought it would be fun to play on the collegiate level,” Myrna explained.

“Well, we’re glad to have you on the team,” another woman with dark red hair, a shapely yet muscular build and a pigtail announced, patting her shoulder. “I’m Penny.”

“I’m Joanna,” the Native American woman interjected, brushing aside her long, wavy bangs.

“And I am Clara,” the Asian woman added, fidgeting with her glasses. She had a pudgy build and a heavyset, dimpled face with short, dark hair. She then turned towards the other girls, gesturing towards them. “And this is Alyssa, Velma, and Shayna.”

Alyssa was a thin and skinny girl with chestnut brown hair and freckles. Velma was the only other darker skinned woman that was slightly heavy yet muscular with a big head and small, beady eyes. Shayna was also the only Hispanic woman on the team and had very heavy Mexican features.

“And I’m Gertrude, but we already met,” Gertrude added as she went over and held out her hand. “I’d also like to extend my welcome to the team.”

“That’s very nice of you,” Myrna replied as she shook her hand.

“So would you like to hang out with us now? We know a really great bakery and ice cream parlor right around the corner,” Penny offered.

“Sure, I’m in the mood for some sweets,” Myrna replied for a smile. “Besides, I’m going to need something to keep me high on alert for all of that late night studying.”

The girls burst out laughing and Gertrude chuckled. “Yep, we all know that one.”

“It’s very nice of you to join us, Myrna. We’re going to love having you on the team,” Shayna replied.

“Yeah, me too,” Myrna grinned and then she turned around and saw J.J. standing there.

“Oh who’s that? Is he your boyfriend?” Velma asked curiously.

“No, we’re just friends,” Myrna confessed as she ran right over to him.

“Hey, J.J.!” Myrna hollered.

“Hey, Myrna. I was wondering if you’d like to go out and have pizza with me,” J.J. said to her.

“Oh, J.J., I’d really love to, but I already made plans,” Myrna frowned sadly. “You see, the girls on the basketball team offered to take me out for ice cream and I accepted. I made the team already.”

“Wow, that’s great, Myrna. I’d love to see you play,” J.J. replied.

“Yeah, I’m going to practice every Tuesday and Friday now so you can come down whenever you’d like,” Myrna replied.

“Cool. Well, see you around,” J.J. smiled and waved goodbye as he walked off.

Myrna then turned away and walked back to her group as her face fell with fear.

What is this I’m feeling? Do I really like this guy? I mean, we’ve known each other for a couple of weeks now. We’re only just friends right? It’s not like we’re dating. I mean, should I even ask him out now if I even wanted to? He’s just broken up with his other girlfriend and now I got to deal with her. Do I even want to?

Myrna then sighed deeply, brushing her hair up.

I think he’s a really nice guy. I just hope he isn’t too good to be true. I really do.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 12 – PAIGE’S DORM ROOM – AROUND THE SAME TIME

Paige was sitting in her dorm room on her computer as she was surfing around on social media.

“Hey, Paige, what are you doing?” Joy asked as she approached her and looked over her computer.

“Nothing. Just looking at tweets,” Paige answered nonchalantly.

“So how is your plan for getting revenge on Myrna going?” Joy queried.

“Oh yeah, it’s going really well. Look I already uploaded some pages with pictures with her and her dopey boyfriend from New York,” Paige remarked with an evil grin as she minimized a page.

Moments later another webpage popped up as “The Salem U Social Network” as Paige typed in the name “Myrna Delaney” on the search engine. Shortly after Myrna’s page appeared with various photos of her and her old college boyfriend Jose Fuentes at several school parties and events. But her face was cut out and superimposed with an image of Reagan from the Exorcist.

The message below the pictures read, “Beware of Myrna Delaney. She is a psycho, obsessive stalker who has been harassing many of her boyfriends at Hudson State University and has been reported to the police at least 20 times for breaking and entering, hacking into their social media, harassment, vandalizing property and theft and terroristic threats. If you see her in the hallway, steer clear of her. She is bad news and if you get caught into her seductive web, she will ruin your life too.”

Also on the page were seemingly genuine police reports with Jose and Myrna’s names on it along with many of the other men Myrna had been involved with and also the fabricated tweets supposedly sent by her to their Twitter pages. There was also a poster of a baby wrapped in a blanket. Beneath it was a caption saying: “Beware if she tries to trap you by claiming that she’s carrying your child.”

“There. That’s about it,” Paige declared.

Joy then looked over at the page and rolled her eyes. “I still can’t believe you’re going through with this.”

“Anything to get J.J. to see that Myrna is not the girl he thinks she is. Then he’ll be all mine again,” Paige interjected with dark, narrowed eyes and a determined voice.

“Okay, whatever, Paige. It’s your funeral,” Joy sighed as she walked away.

Paige then examined the webpage very carefully as her evil smile grew wider. “Look out, Delaney. Your days on this campus are about to be numbered.”

[sevenna92]

SCENE 13 – J.J.’S DORM ROOM – AROUND THE SAME TIME

“Hey, J.J.!” a male voice crowed as J.J. entered the room and saw a couple of men sitting on the floor playing a game called “Batman: Arkham Origins” on an Xbox 360.

A blonde haired, scruffy looking man named Ethan turned over to see J.J. approaching the group.

“Hey, J.J., my man!” he yelled with a smile as he got up and slapped his hand. He then gave him a bro hug and J.J. nodded.

“What’s up, Ethan?” J.J. smiled as he hugged him back.

“So you’ve gone to see your girl Myrna?” a shaggy brown haired man named Dennis with a blue T-shirt, khakis and a dark blue cap commented as he started pressing buttons haphazardly while waving his arms around.

On the screen Batman was countering every one of Deathstroke’s moves as he tried to land a hit. When Deathstroke swung at him, he countered it and then whacked him. Deathstroke then disappeared and then Batman turned around to see him lifting up a can. The moment Deathstroke tossed the can at Batman, Batman tossed a Batring at him and yanked the rope, causing the can to explode.

The men then cheered when Deathstroke took a huge hit from the explosion.

“Yes!” Dennis yelled as the other men started howling and screaming in excitement. Only one man with reddish brown hair and freckles remained silent, sipping on his beer. His name was Melvin.

“Yeah, I saw her. And she’s not my girl. We’re just friends,” J.J. replied as Dennis rolled his eyes. “Sure. You can say that all you want. We all know you like her, right boys?”

“Yeah, dude. She a real nice girl,” a black skinny yet thin man with a double chin chimed as he flashed out a smile with a hole in his tooth.

“Eddie’s got a point, Jay. Myrna’s a real nice catch. So much better than that dull, boring Paige,” Ethan added.

“And at least you won’t have to deal with that crazy mom of hers either anymore either,” Melvin added with a snort.

“Yeah,” J.J. sighed, lowering down his head and averting his gaze.

Dennis then turned around to look at J.J. with concern. “Hey, dude. You all right?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” J.J. flashed an assuring grin at him and the man pursued his lips disbelievingly. “Okay, dude. Whatever.”

“Seriously dude. Myrna is a hot, sexy lady. And with all of the brains she has…” Ethan chimed and a short blonde haired man named Ritchie gave him a dirty look.

“Can it, Ethan. It’s his girl you’re talking about.”

“Myrna is not my girl!” J.J. yelled angrily as he stared intensely at Ethan, who then flinched. “I already told you she’s just a friend.”

“Okay, dude. Take it easy.”

“Yeah, J.J. Sit down and play with us,” Eddie offered as he tossed an Xbox controller at him.

J.J. then sighed as he went over to the group, sat down on the floor and then looked right at the T.V.

For the next several minutes the gang were sitting in front of the T.V. trying to defeat Deathstroke. After Batman lost the battle, Dennis turned around to face the rest of the group.

“You know… I was thinking… why don’t we start a band? J.J. can play the guitar and sing, I could play the saxophone, Ethan could play the bass, Eddie could play the drums, Melvin could play the electric guitar, and Ritchie could play the piano. It would be really cool. Besides we can even participate in this year’s Battle of the Bands.”

“Hmmm… that sounds very interesting and a lot of fun,” Eddie mused.

“Is it really a good idea, Dennis?” Ritchie queried. “I mean, what if we’re not that great of a band? We might set ourselves up for disaster.”

“Maybe not,” Melvin replied. “And besides, if we don’t try who knows? I think J.J. should lead the band anyway. He could be the main star.”

“So how is this thing going to work?” Ethan inquired.

“We can practice in that old abandoned warehouse across the street after school and hone our skills. We can start with cover songs. Then eventually if we get really good then we can go with an original song. We’re going to need to write one anyway if we’re going to be in the Battle of the Bands and win,” Dennis answered.

“Okay. That sounds good, Dennis,” J.J. nodded as he swept his gaze all over the gang. “So does anybody know what name we can give our new band?”

The boys then fell silent as they pondered on numerous names they could bestow on their band. After some time Dennis spoke up.

“I know. How about we call ourselves The Flaming Steeples?”

“I’m not sure if I like that name,” Eddie frowned. “It sounds so stupid.”

“I got another suggestion,” Ritchie interjected. “How about Red Hot Revolution?”

The boys then pondered on the new names and rubbed their chins.

“I guess we can go with that,” Ethan shrugged.

“Then it’s settled. Red Hot Revolution it is,” J.J. declared. “We’ll meet every day after school in the abandoned warehouse and practice. I’ll come up with a song we can perform and go from there.”

“Okay, dude,” Eddie shrugged.

“Well, I’m off to bed. Good night, dudes,” Dennis announced as he stretched himself and went over to his room. The rest of the gang soon turned off the game, took out the CD and put it back into the case, and switched off the console. They then headed off to their rooms to go to sleep.

J.J. then sat down on the couch and grabbed the guitar from the sofa. He then picked it up and began to strum it gently while humming quietly.

[sevenna92]

Author's Notes:

Wow! This is the third scene I've uploaded today. Well, this is because I've written like four scenes within the past two days or so. Sorry if they're kind of short but whatever. There will definitely be more coming up on the weekend. 

Enjoy! 

SCENE 14 – MYRNA’S DORM ROOM – THAT SAME EVENING

The door opened as Myrna stepped right into her dorm room.

“Hey, Mare. Had a great night?” a woman emerged from the kitchen holding a beer. She had light tanned skin, dark, silky, wavy yet shoulder-length hair, big, hollow, piercing dark green eyes and a shapely, thin yet muscular build and wore a white T-shirt and a pair of blue jeans.

“Yeah,” Myrna answered as she turned to face her roommate. “I went to this really great ice cream parlor and I had a great time with the girls. We talked a lot about our families, our classes and even a bit about Coach Alabaster. She really seems like a harsh taskmaster but I think she’s pretty nice.”

“Well, you better watch out with this lady,” Suzanne admonished her. “She does not play around. You’re going to see how hard she pushes you. This woman is not the top champion of women’s basketball in the entire state for nothing.”

“Okay, I’ll take your word for it, Suzie,” Myrna laughed as she sat down in front of her computer and entered the Salem U Social Network website. She then attempted to log in but her password was denied.

“What in the world?” Myrna whispered in confusion as she attempted to log in a couple more times. After yet another failed attempt Myrna typed in her own name into the search engine and soon accessed her page.

Myrna then pushed back in her chair in horror as she looked right at her own webpage.

“Jeez Louise…” she muttered. “Suzanne, you gotta come and see this!”

“What is it?” Suzanne quipped dryly as she took a swig of her beer and walked over to look at her webpage. She nearly choked in surprise as she stared at the monitor. “Oh my God…”

“Who is this sicko that has posted all this nonsense on my webpage? And making these outrageous claims that I’ve stalked and harassed my boyfriends back at Hudson? How ridiculous! And that I’m also the type to trap men by getting myself pregnant on purpose?” Myrna exclaimed angrily.

She then looked more closely at the pictures of her boyfriend Jose and grimaced.

“Somebody obviously photoshopped this. And somebody obviously hacked into my webpage and into my Twitter account. I’m going to call campus police.”

“Well, why don’t you do it in the morning? It’s kind of late,” Suzanne suggested.

“You’re right,” Myrna conceded. “But I’m going to report this to the authorities first thing in the morning. I am going to get to the bottom of whoever is trying to smear my name and reputation on this campus.”

“Great idea,” Suzanne nodded with a smile. She then turned towards her room. “Good night.”

“Night,” Myrna smiled as she and Suzanne went over to their separate rooms and turned in for the night.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 15 – WILL & SONNY’S APARTMENT – THAT SAME EVENING

Will was standing in Arianna’s room near her crib as he was rocking her to sleep. He was humming a soft lullaby as Arianna was cooing and fussing softly. Just then Sonny entered the bedroom and stood in the doorway, watching the two. His eyes fell on Arianna and a sad smile crossed his face. He felt horrible for walking away from Ari since he considered her to be his own flesh and blood, but he knew what must be done.

Will then turned around to look at Sonny with a surprised look on his face.

“Oh, Sonny. I didn’t expect you to be here this late. How was work?”

“It was fine. Business as usual,” Sonny answered as he walked over to Will. “I just came here for my things. I’m packing up and moving into the Salem Inn for the night. I’ll go and search for a new place to live in tomorrow with T. I’m also going to call Aiden and set up divorce proceedings. If I were you, I’d find an attorney too.”

“So that’s it? You’re just going to leave just like that?” Will scoffed angrily.

“Yeah,” Sonny nodded as he moved towards Ari. Will then pulled her away from Sonny with a furious glare.

“You are going to stay away from Ari. You will not go anywhere near her.”

“Says who?” Sonny demanded.

“Says me! I’m her biological father!” Will yelled furiously. “You have no rights to her at all!”

“I’m her father just as much as anybody! I was the one that brought her into the world! I was the one that supported you and Gabi until she went to prison! I was the one that has been supporting you and Ari for all of this time! She’s my daughter and I am going to make sure I continue to be a part of her life. Besides our divorce proceedings, I am going to file a petition to adopt her as my own. And you’re not going to stop me.”

“Just watch me. I’ll make sure you’re never getting your hands on my little girl. Now get out of my house,” Will snarled angrily.

Sonny then directed a nasty glare at him before he stormed out of the room.

Arianna then began crying loudly as she whimpered and fussed uncontrollably. Will then cradled her and tried to calm her down by shushing her.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 16 – SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL – THE VERY NEXT MORNING

The hospital was bustling with a lot of activity by the time Will walked through the nurses’ station. He then accidentally bumped into a female nurse as she gave him a dirty look. “Sorry! Excuse me!” he yelled as she walked away.

Will then ran into Melanie as she was passing through in scrubs.

“Hey, Mel,” Will greeted her.

“Hey, Will. How are things going with you and Sonny?” Melanie asked him.

“Not so great,” Will sighed. “Sonny already moved out of the apartment when I woke up this morning and now it’s just me and Ari. And now he wants to get custody of her. I am not going to lose my little girl.”

“Will, I don’t think Sonny is going to do anything to keep your daughter from you. He loves her too much,” Melanie said to him.
“I’m the only parent she has. Her mother is in jail and Ari would likely be in her teens by the time she gets out. I’m not about to let Sonny take her from me,” Will growled angrily.

“Will, I think you’re blowing all of this out of proportion. You and Sonny need to think about what’s best for your daughter,” Melanie frowned sternly.

“Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’m going to hire a lawyer after I talk to Grandma Marlena,” Will declared determinedly.

“This is so awful, Will. I really thought you and Sonny were happy together,” Melanie sighed sadly.

“I thought so too,” Will replied sadly in agreement.

Just then, Celia approached Melanie and Will with a deep frown.

“Jonas! What are you doing just standing there! Get back to work!” she yelled.

“You’re not the boss of me!” Melanie shot back.

“Just because your daddy is the super god doesn’t mean you get to shirk work around here,” Celia sneered fiercely.

“You know, if I remember correctly, you and your brother are supposed to be to be running errands for Dr. Brady. I hope you’re not intending to cause any more trouble,” Melanie quipped in a snarky manner.

“Oh don’t worry, I won’t, at least not now,” Celia scoffed disdainfully. “And just so you know, Dr. Brady is not going to get away with this, and neither will you or that trailer trash tramp Donovan.”

“Theresa is not trailer trash,” Melanie shot back.

“Really? How delicious. Of course she is. Why else would she be having her way with just about every guy and gal in town?” Celia snickered. “Let’s face it; she’s a loser who needs to kill herself.”

Melanie’s glare intensified as she put on an akimbo. Celia then laughed evilly as she walked away.

Will then shook his head and turned to Melanie. “I’ll get going. I’ll go eat something at the Brady Pub and then I’ll stop by to see Grandma Marlena later.”

“Okay,” Melanie nodded as she turned to walk away.

“Hey there, handsome,” a male voice purred and Will turned around to see who it was. He was surprised to see Jason standing right behind him.

“I haven’t seen you around here before. What’s your name?”

“The name’s Will,” Will said as he held out his hand.

“Jason. Jason Grant,” Jason answered as he shook his hand. “I take it you’re related to Dr. Brady?”

“Yeah. You can say that…” Will replied, rubbing the back of his head. “She’s my great aunt actually. She’s my grandpa’s sister.”

“You must be lucky to be part of such a prestigious family,” Jason remarked coolly.

“What about you?” Will inquired.

“Well, Maxine is mine and Celia’s great aunt. Our mother is Dr. Valerie Grant, who used to work at this hospital. Aunt Maxine was the one that helped us secure this job in the first place,” Jason explained.

“Huh… Valerie Grant…” Will mused as he paused and tried to think. “Nope. Doesn’t ring a bell.”

“It’s fine,” Jason shrugged. “Anyways, Mom used to tell us and Celia that she dated this guy many years ago. Some dude named David Banning or something.”

“Oh, cool,” Will replied.

“Anyways, are you seeing anyone?” Jason queried.

“Well, I am having some problems at home. My husband is filing for divorce and is suing for custody of my daughter Arianna. She’s almost two years old and her mother is in prison,” Will answered sheepishly.

“Oh, that’s fine,” Jason laughed. “I don’t mind kids.”

“You don’t?” Will raised an eyebrow curiously.

“Yeah, and if she’s anything like you, I bet she’s a real cutie,” Jason continued with more chuckles.

“That’s nice to know,” Will quipped with a laugh of his own. “Thanks for the compliment.”

“Well, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to take you out for lunch when I’m done working on my latest shift,” Jason offered.

Will then jumped in surprise as he gawked at his new friend.

“Are you serious?” Will frowned hesitantly.

“Of course I’m serious! I really like you and I want to take you out to go get something to eat,” Jason.

“Are you really sure about this? This is all so sudden and my husband just walked out the door!” Will retorted questioningly. “I’m not so certain I should jump into another relationship this quickly.”

“Oh relax, Will! It’s just lunch and we’re going to hang out. Besides, what’s the harm? I mean, it’s not like your husband really wants you anyway,” Jason rolled his eyes with a smirk.

Will then lowered his head down and pondered on his proposal. It was so soon after Sonny had just left the house and had decided to end their marriage. As scared as Will was, he was also very lonely for some company and he just wanted someone to talk to.

Finally he looked right at Jason and said, “All right, I’ll meet you at Mt. Olympus later. I’ll make a reservation for the two of us with Sonny’s Uncle Victor.”

“Great! I’ll talk to you later. I got to run,” Jason said as he walked out of the nurses’ station. “See ya, Will!”

Will then watched Jason leave with an astonished look on his face. “Oh my God. Looks like things are finally looking up for me once again.”

[sevenna92]

SCENE 17 – MANDALAY CAFÉ – AROUND THE SAME TIME

Meanwhile in the café, Sonny was sitting at a table drinking some coffee. He looked up to see Paul approaching him.

“Hey, Sonny,” he greeted him as Sonny glared at him with a curt and aloof expression.

“Paul,” he replied coldly and turned back to his coffee.

Paul then glared at him angrily, bristling. “Hey, what gives, Sonny?”

“Oh gee, I don’t know,” Sonny scoffed contemptuously. “How about the fact that you slept with my husband and you broke up my marriage!”

“Look, I’m sorry, okay? I never intended for any of this to happen. I would never do anything to hurt you intentionally. Now I know it’s too much for me to ask you for forgiveness but I really want to let you know that I’ve never been more sorrier in my life,” Paul shot back angrily.

“Why don’t you just leave?” Sonny exploded as he stood up and glared with narrowed eyes at his former lover. “Just go. Get out of Salem and never come back!”

“But Sonny…” Paul pleaded and then Sonny grabbed his shoulders and his eyes burned with rage. “Go!”

Paul then pulled back, looking disappointed and defeated. He then stepped back with a pained and saddened expression with his eyes still on Sonny.

“I will never stop loving you Sonny. I never have. I have always loved you even though we’ve been apart. I wish I were brave enough to accept your proposal then. I wish I wasn’t such a coward and run off in the opposite direction. Then maybe we would still be together. Maybe that baby could be our child. Maybe we would be happy now.”

“Well it’s too late, Paul. I’m married to the one I love. I’m happy,” Sonny retorted sternly.

“Are you Sonny? If you were truly happy, you wouldn’t have moved out of that home you shared with Will and you wouldn’t be fighting over your little girl right now,” Paul scoffed skeptically.

“Well that’s our problem we need to work out by ourselves, and you shouldn’t interfere,” Sonny snapped.

“Tell me, Sonny. Why did you kiss me in the closet at the hospital?” Paul asked determinedly.

Sonny then stopped as he looked at Paul with a firm expression. “It was a mistake. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“But you felt something, didn’t you?” Paul prodded.

“Even if I did, that doesn’t change the fact that I’m still a married man. I am not about to cheat on my husband,” Sonny shot back.

“But you still love me, don’t you? Even if you’re married to Will. Why did you even marry him?” Paul insisted.

“I married him because I thought he was the man for me and I was going to spend the rest of my life with him and our daughter. Guess I was wrong,” Sonny sighed dejectedly.

“How could you say you love Will but still have feelings for me? How could you stand being married to another man yet still long for another?” Paul retorted fiercely.

“You know what, I’m done,” Sonny announced as he stood up and grabbed his coffee. “Goodbye, Paul. Just stay away from me and my daughter.”

He then walked out of the café as Paul took a seat and let out a big sigh. He then put his head in his hands and groaned in disgust and frustration.

But just then he hears a female voice cry out to him.

“Paul? Is that you?” she yelled and Paul turned around to see a homely, sweet-looking woman with dark hair and heavy Japanese features walking towards him. She then gasped in shock as her face filled with joy. “Paul, my son!”

“MOM?!” Paul screamed in shock and disbelief as the woman he set his eyes on was none other than his mother.