Stolen Lives, Loss Of Innocence - A Days Fanfic (Read 11,459 times)

[sevenna92]

SCENE 18 – THERESA’S APARTMENT – AN HOUR LATER

“Natalie! Where are you?” Theresa bellowed as she was dressed in a thin pair of red pajamas and her long and silky hair hung down on her shoulders. She then looked around the living room as she searched under the couch and walked through the living room.

“Natalie? Natalie?” she cooed sweetly as she let out blowing kisses and whistles and slowly trudged over into the kitchen. She then slowly swept her gaze all over the kitchen and then ducked under a table. She noticed that Natalie wasn’t there and then ventured out into the bedroom.

She then looked under the bed and into the closet as she continued searching for Natalie. But unbeknownst to her, Natalie was hiding behind the bedroom door holding a huge bag of Doritos. Natalie then surreptitiously peered behind the door and noticed Theresa looking in the other direction.

Then when she knew for sure she wasn’t looking, she bolted out of the room and ran into the living room. Theresa then heard Natalie’s giggling and spun around to see her running away.

“Aha! I got you!” she cheered triumphantly as she ran right after her. Theresa then chased Natalie all over the apartment as she tried to catch her and the young woman ducked behind couches, seats and under tables. Finally she cornered her in the living room as Natalie climbed onto the couch. She hugged the Doritos bag to her chest, giggling and laughing.

“Hey! Hand over those chips!” Theresa barked fiercely as Natalie started jumping around on the couch, still laughing. “Not if you catch me first!”

Theresa then lunged at Natalie and tackled her on the couch as they started to wrestle over the bag of chips. Natalie struggled to get the chips away from Theresa as she maintained a tight grip.

“Let – go – of – my – chips!” she growled.

“Hey, those are mine!” Theresa growled.

“I want to eat those chips!” Natalie whined as the two women continued to struggle and wrestle with the Doritos bag. Finally the bag ripped open as they gawked at it in horror. They jumped off the couch to make sure no chips flew out of the bag and to their relief the area was clean.

“Oh, thank God,” Natalie sighed as Theresa scooped up a couple of chips and stuffed them in her mouth. “Mine.”

“You know, we can both share. I’m hungry too,” Natalie glowered.

“I know, but I just like messing with you,” Theresa remarked as she continued eating the chips with a smirk.

Natalie continued to look at her with a furious look on her face and Theresa glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. She then laughed and patted her on the head before she offered her the bag.

“You’re so cute when you’re mad,” she said as Natalie started to stuff her mouth with the Doritos.

Just then the doorbell rang and Theresa ate one more chip and swallowed.

“Who could that be?” she muttered as she got up from the couch and walked over to the door.

She then grabbed it and opened it as she then saw a muscular, stocky yet thin man with dark brunet hair and sharp, piercing, dark brown eyes. He also had a strong chin and a wide, staunched yet dashingly handsome face. He also had a thin yet long nose and wore a brown shirt with blue jeans and sneakers.

Theresa’s eyes opened in horror as she nearly collapsed onto the doorway in shock.

“Andrew?!” she screamed.

“Hello, Jeannie. We meet again,” the young man declared with a cocky smile.

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Author's Notes:

Okay! This is the very last scene for this chapter. After this I will release the next set of previews and then another new chapter will begin. In the next couple of scenes you'll find out why Andrew, Victor Junior, Joseph and Alexander are in Salem. 

SCENE 19 – CLUB TBD – AROUND THE SAME TIME

Meanwhile, Sonny was standing behind the counter as his friend T brought over a couple of drinks and served them to some patrons. He was wiping the area clean as he was getting ready for the early morning rush.

A group of men soon came over to a table and sat down. T then looked over at the trio and then glanced over at Sonny. “Don’t worry, I got this,” he said as he walked over to the group.

He then approached them with a smile as one of them looked at him. He was a muscular, slender yet thin looking man with long, dark black hair and had big, wide dark black eyes. He had a very rugged, angular yet scruffy looking face with a little bit of a mustache and he had on a blue jersey with blue jeans and a white shirt inside.

Accompanying him were his two younger brothers, with one having short, dark brown hair, oval-shaped, narrowed, dark brown eyes, thick dark brown eyebrows, and a round, youthful-looking face and a bit of a stub on his protruding chin, and the other having short, dark chestnut brown hair, shimmering, bright, beady green eyes, and an angular, pronounced, long face with a pointy, long nose.

“And how may I serve you today?” T inquired.

“Yes I would like black coffee please,” the oldest of the brothers informed him.

“Okay,” T nodded as he looked towards the other two brothers. “And what would you two like?”

“I would like a cappuccino,” said the dark brown haired man.

“I would also like a iced mocha coffee please,” said the chestnut brown haired man, smoking a cigarette.

“Sure thing, dude. Coming right up!” T declared as he walked over to where Sonny was.

The chestnut brown haired man then scoffed and rolled his eyes, turning his intense gaze at the other two brothers.

“Who does this punk think he is?” he retorted sharply.

“Calm down, Vic. Just be nice to the supervisor,” his twin brother tried to mollify him.

“Supervisor?” the man laughed sardonically. “He doesn’t look old enough to be a supervisor.

“This looks like a very small town,” the dark black haired brother mused.

“Yeah, doesn’t look very much,” the chestnut brown haired man snorted disdainfully. “I don’t really see why Uncle Victor would want to live here anyway. What good could Salem offer us?”

“Maybe Uncle Victor could give us some really good jobs at his company. We’ll be making good money before we know it!” the brown-haired man suggested.

“Yeah,” the chestnut brown haired man smirked evilly, rubbing his chin. “Once we prove that we’re worthy to be our uncle’s heirs and are declared his true successors, then we are set for life.”

“Yeah,” the oldest brother smiled. “Imagine that.”

Just then Sonny walked over to the table with their drinks.

“Thanks, dude,” the oldest brother muttered as he and his brothers took their orders and started drinking.

It was not long before the oldest brother glanced up to see Sonny and nearly choked on his coffee.

“Sonny?”

Sonny turned around to face the older man. “Yeah. That’s me, why do you…”

He then suddenly stopped in mid-sentence as he looked over at the group in front of him and an astounded expression formed on his face. Sonny’s jaw dropped open in surprise as he struggled to get the words out.

“Alex? Joe? Vic? What are you guys doing here in Salem?”

Alex, Joseph and Victor Junior’s faces beamed with pride as they looked upon their younger brother’s face for the first time in many years.

[sevenna92]

And now here are the previews!

Next time on "Stolen Lives"...

Theresa and Melanie decide to make a tentative truce while they both perform vigils over Brady, who is now on life support.

Rhonda makes a huge mark at the Titan T.V. station and Nicole quickly takes notice.

Alyson meets Jason and Celia, but the encounter doesn't go quite as planned.

Theresa is astounded when she comes across some old friends.

Theresa has a tense confrontation with Andrew.

Natalie’s family arrives in Salem eager to know what is going on in their daughter’s life.

Alexander and Will get into a huge confrontation when Alexander learns of Will’s infidelity.

Joseph is drawn towards Celia and Jason becomes suspicious of the young Kiriakis.

Sonny petitions to legally adopt Arianna as his own child even as Paul continues to pursue his affections.

Andrew joins the Salem PD as a liaison agent for the ISA and immediately butts heads with Joel and J.T.

Tori is anxious to get Paul back home to San Francisco and is mortified when she comes across a familiar face.

Will becomes suspicious of Tori and decides to look into her past.

Natalie asks Paul to pose as her boyfriend in a bid to impress her parents.

Tori meets Liza and the two women scheme to pair their children up together.

Myrna is determined to get to the bottom of who’s been spreading rumors about her.

[sevenna92]

Chapter 4

SCENE 1 – THERESA’S APARTMENT – CONTINUED

“Andrew what are you doing here?!” Theresa screamed angrily as she stepped back with her eyes burning with rage.

“Mom and Dad sent me here, that’s why. They wanted to make sure their little princess was doing okay,” Andrew answered in a cold yet calm voice as he entered the house in a casual yet confident swagger.

“I don’t need any help, Andrew. I’ve been doing fine on my own no thanks to you,” Theresa retorted defensively. “Besides, whatever happened to your assignment with the ISA?”

“I’m being transferred to the Salem Police Department to assist in the recent crime spree that’s going on in this town. Dad helped pull some strings and I think Uncle Roman could use the help since the department is in short supply,” Andrew explained as he looked at his sister intently. “You look well.”

“Thank you,” Theresa remarked curtly as she sat down on the sofa.

“So how has life been? You’re still going out with your never ending string of loser boyfriends?” Andrew asked her calmly.

“Not really. My last boyfriend dumped me and fled town. I’m just hanging out by myself,” Theresa answered casually, not sure if she really wanted to drop the bombshell on her brother that she was now in a relationship with her roommate/best friend.

“Hello there,” Natalie announced cheerfully as she appeared while still munching on the Doritos chips.

Andrew then chuckled as he could see the cheese powder smeared all over her mouth and fingers.

“Jeannie, who is this?”

“Oh her?” Theresa answered as she glanced over at Natalie nervously. “This is my friend, Natalie Callaway. She’s staying with me.”

“Oh you finally found someone that won’t run away just from the sight of you,” Andrew laughed scornfully. “How precious.”

“Well, at least she’s the only person I can actually stand to be around,” Theresa snapped with an eye roll. “And besides, she makes really great company.”

“Really, what does she even do for you?” Andrew scoffed with a jeering laugh.

“Well, for one, she actually makes me laugh,” Theresa answered as she watched Natalie continue to eat the Doritos with a smirk. “And we actually have great conversations together.”

“Somehow I find that really hard to believe since I doubt you’re even smart enough to even hold a single intelligent conversation,” Andrew sneered coolly.

Theresa then narrowed her eyes and ignored his comment. “You’d be surprised at what comes out of this lady’s head,” she said. “And for another thing, she’s actually a big sweetheart and she’s one of the most loving and kindest people I’ve known.”

“Whatever you say, Jeannie,” Andrew shrugged as he lit up a cigarette and took a long drag.

He then glanced over at Natalie and added, “I’m sorry you’re stuck with such that loser, pathetic, no good sister of mine.”

“I don’t mind,” Natalie shrugged. “And I don’t think she’s a loser.”

Andrew then burst out laughing hysterically. “Either you’re naïve or a stupid fool. I don’t think you know my sister as well as I do.”

“Excuse me?” Natalie growled angrily. “How dare you presume that I don’t know her that well?”

“How long have you even been living here?” Andrew snickered tauntingly.

Natalie then paused, nibbling on yet another Dorito chip. “Um… a couple of months at least.”

Andrew then continued to laugh sardonically as he took another drag of his cigarette. “Case closed.”

“You know, Andrew, if you’re just going to stand here and insult me and my friend, you better get out now,” Theresa retorted angrily with an akimbo.

“Fine, I will,” Andrew scoffed as he turned to leave. “I didn’t even want to come by and see you but I didn’t want to disappoint Mom and Dad.”

“Oh look at you. Such a good boy you are. You were always Mom and Dad’s shining star, their golden boy,” Theresa taunted him disdainfully with a slight eye roll.

“Yeah, and you were always the girl that nobody wanted,” Andrew retorted with a sneer. “Dad didn’t even want to be anywhere near you for the first year of your life.”

Theresa then recoiled with horror and disgust as her eyes were filled with hurt and pain.

“That’s not true!”

Andrew then burst out laughing at his sister’s reaction. “Of course it isn’t. But you wouldn’t know it because you’re just a spoiled little brat! You should have seen the look on your face!”

“Screw you, Andrew!” Theresa snarled.

“You know, sometimes I wish Mom aborted you or that you were one of those babies that she lost. Then maybe I won’t have to deal with such a pathetic person like you.”

He then stormed out of the apartment and slammed the door shut.

Theresa then grabbed a beer bottle and threw it against the door. She then collapsed onto her knees and started bawling.

“I hate him!” she screamed as she cried into her knees.

“Oh my God, Theresa. That was very cruel of Andrew to say that,” Natalie frowned as she went over to her and hugged her tenderly.

She then cradled her in her arms as Theresa started to sob quietly.

“Has it always been like this with Andrew?” Natalie asked the younger auburn haired woman.

“Yeah,” Theresa sniffled. “We’ve always been fighting practically non stop ever since we were little kids. Andrew would always pick on me every chance he got. It’s like for some reason he can’t stand the sight of me.”

“Don’t pay attention to him. From what I saw, he’s nothing but an enormous jerk. And you were right to throw him out. He had no right to treat you like that. You’re his sister and he still should love you no matter what you’ve done. Blood is supposed to be thicker than water,” Natalie advised her.

“Yeah, but you haven’t met my parents. You’re going to understand why my life’s so screwed up when you do,” Theresa sniffled.

“Looks like what I got was a preview,” Natalie remarked crisply.

“You got it,” Theresa muttered as she gazed tenderly at her. “Now go be a dear and fetch me a drink.”

“Um, okay,” Natalie replied hesitantly as she went over into the kitchen to find something to drink.

Theresa then groaned as she held her forehead.

“If my brother is staying here permanently then I’m going to be doing plenty of drinking just to deal with him. Ugh can things get any worse?”

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SCENE 2 – CLUB TBD – CONTINUED

“Sonny, my man!” Alexander exclaimed as he got up from his seat and threw his arms around his younger half-brother. “How’s it going? It’s been a long time!”

“It’s been going okay for the most part,” Sonny answered casually as he looked at his siblings. “My God… I didn’t realize you guys were even here. Mom never said anything about you being in town.”

“We just came here a couple of days ago,” Alexander explained. “We were wondering if we were ever going to find you. You were basically in the wind.”

“We just want to apologize for not being able to attend your wedding to Will last year. You know, work commitments,” Joseph replied with a shrug.

“It’s okay, guys. I’m not terribly upset about it,” Sonny assured his brothers.

“So how’s your business, Sonny?” Victor Junior asked briskly.

“As well as it ever could at this point,” Sonny sighed. “I’ve actually been struggling a lot with this club ever since Uncle Victor opened up his own. I got to say, it’s a lot more impressive than mine right now. And he’s getting new customers almost every night. I honestly don’t know how much longer I’m going to sustain this place. I’m actually considering closing it down altogether.”

“Wow, Sonny, that’s awful,” Joseph frowned sadly. “We’d hate for you to lose your club.”

“Yeah, I actually tried to open another club on the south side but it just went completely bust. I don’t know how many other options I have left,” Sonny explained with a forlorn expression.

“You know, Sonny, we could actually help you,” Alexander proposed. “I can actually give you some adequate funding and perhaps what you might need to do is to renovate your club so it would be more attractive towards patrons.”

“Really? How am I going to do that?”

“We can reinvent it as a sports bar and grill. Joe and I can open another sports merchandising store and sell all kinds of merchandise for all of the fans,” Victor Junior added.

“That… actually sounds very good. But I’m not sure how many sports fans in Salem might actually flock to your store,” Sonny remarked.

“You’d be surprised,” Victor Junior answered with a smirk.

“What about the menu? Who’s going to do that?” Joseph retorted worriedly.

“I’m sure Sonny will take care of that. Mr. Big Important Man must have some good folk that will provide the goods,” Victor Junior rejoined to his older his twin brother.

“So how is your computer software engineering business going, Alex?” Sonny queried.

“Oh, it’s going really well. I have a lot of high ranking colleges and businesses buying my products for Macs and it’s really amazing how much technology is evolving,” Alexander replied. “I am also in the process of trying to design some apps that not only provide entertainment but also provide some practical uses as well. We’re looking into what we can offer for IPads and other tablets.”

“That sounds very interesting, Alex,” Victor Junior mused. “At least you have a very lucrative job back in Phoenix. Why even come to this slummy little town to work for Uncle Victor?”

“Well, I believe I have a lot to offer to him and I can provide a lot of resources that will revolutionize Titan as a company,” Alexander remarked.

“You know, there’s something I always wondered, Sonny. How come you don’t want to be the face of Titan?” Victor Junior inquired curiously.

“Yeah. Why don’t you want to be Uncle Victor’s heir?” Joseph interjected. “You’re smart and independent. You can easily replace him if you want to.”

“Well, I just want to live my own life. I’ve always done whatever I want to do and I basically want to pursue my own interests. I don’t need Titan to make something of my life,” Sonny answered. “Besides, I got a family now to support.”

“Speaking of family, how are Will and that precious little angel Arianna?” Alexander questioned Sonny with a smile. “I just can’t believe she’s almost two years old and yet she’s getting so big.”

Joseph then narrowed his eyes suspiciously as he noticed Sonny’s face darken considerably. “Is there something wrong, dude?”
“I’m afraid so,” Sonny blurted out as he looked right at his brothers and exhaled sharply. “I honestly don’t know how to tell you this but… Will and I are having some major problems right now. He cheated on me with a man I dated a couple of years ago. He was a famous baseball player and he came here to Salem for shoulder surgery. I still want to be in Arianna’s life and I don’t want to lose her. I still love Will but I don’t know if this marriage can ever be repaired. He wants to make sure that I never get to see her again.”

“The nerve!” Victor Junior growled furiously.

“I can’t believe this!” Joseph gasped in shock. “And here I thought you two were so happy and you have a daughter together.”

“First Dad… And now you and Will…” Alexander grumbled darkly as he hung his head low and put his hands under his chin. “This is so much to take.”

“Aren’t you doing anything about the divorce and custody case?” Joseph demanded sternly.

“Where are you even living?” Victor Junior interjected.

“Right now I’m living in the Salem Inn. I’m trying to find a good place right now and T is helping me find a good place,” Sonny explained.

“Why don’t I offer you my place to stay in the meantime?” Alexander proposed and Sonny gawked at him. “You’d really do that?”

“Of course!” Alexander nodded. “You’re my brother and your happiness means the world to me. I know I wasn’t exactly supportive when you first came out to the family but I am more than willing to make up for that now. And no scumbag is going to get away with breaking my kid brother’s heart, I promise you that. I am going to find Will and wring his scrawny little neck.”

“Count me in too!” Victor Junior immediately volunteered.

“Let’s not get hasty, folks,” Sonny admonished his brothers. “Will’s grandfather is the Commander of the Salem Police Department.”

“Screw him,” Victor Junior smirked evilly. “I would spit all over his face if I wanted him. Those Bradys aren’t worth the ground we walk on.”

“You’re going to hand Will’s behind in court to show that Arianna belongs with us, not that weaseling, cowardly, sniveling, rotten dirt bag,” Alexander added determinedly.

“Thanks, guys,” Sonny said with a smile. “Your support means a lot to me.”

“Yeah, and now we have a much bigger reason to stay here. Looks like we got our work cut out for us,” Joseph replied as the brothers soon finished their coffee and handed the empty cups to Sonny.

“Why don’t we all get together at Uncle Victor’s mansion and have a big old family reunion later? It would be fun,” Victor Junior suggested.

“Sounds good,” Sonny nodded. “It would be a great distraction for all of my problems and we can actually catch up some more.”

“Sorry to take up so much of your work time, Sonny,” Joseph sighed. “We’re just so glad to see you. And sorry about you and Will.”

“It’s fine, Joe. It’s fine. I’m just glad to see all of you,” Sonny replied assuredly with a smile. “It’s good to catch up like this.”

“Well, gotta run, Sonny,” Alexander announced as he, Joseph and Victor Junior got up from their table. “Got some unfinished business to attend to. See you around.”

“Okay, Alex. Bye, guys,” Sonny nodded with a smile as he watched his brothers leave. He then walked back towards the counter as he muttered to himself, “I just hope Will doesn’t get himself seriously hurt. He has no idea what he’s walking into.”

[sevenna92]

SCENE 3 – MANDALAY CAFÉ – CONTINUED

“Mom, what are you doing here?” Paul demanded as he gawked at his mother in shock. “I thought you were in San Francisco.”

“Honey, I just wanted to see you,” Tori replied as she hugged her son tenderly. “I got a copy of your article and I found out that you were having surgery here in Salem and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Yeah, Mom. I’m fine,” Paul answered. “I mean, sure, I’m not going to be able to play baseball anymore, but I’m fine.”

“Oh, Paul, it must break your heart to know that you’ll never be able to pitch again,” Tori frowned sympathetically.

“I know, Mom. It’s been really rough, believe me,” Paul nodded in agreement. “It was nice while it lasted.”

“My son, I hope someday you’ll find a better purpose in life and another person that you can spend the rest of your life with,” Tori replied sadly.

“Yeah, me too,” Paul replied with a sad sigh.

“Paul, what’s wrong?” Tori frowned as she noticed her son’s dejected and morose expression.

“Oh, Mom, I made a terrible, terrible, terrible mistake,” Paul groaned, shaking his head. “When I first got here, I ran into an old boyfriend of mine.”

“Sonny,” Tori whispered in astonishment.

“And we reconnected. But then I met up with his husband Will, who was doing an article on me and I had no idea he was with Sonny, let alone married. We ended up sleeping together and now Sonny knows about me and Will. They’re in the process of splitting up and possibly fighting over their daughter.”

“Oh my God, Paul…” Tori gasped in horror. “How could you do that? I raised you better than that!”

“I know, Mom! I never wanted this to happen, all right? I’m not going to deny that I still love Sonny but I would never break up a marriage deliberately,” Paul shot back angrily and Tori shrunk back in fear and concern.

Paul then exhaled sharply. “I’m sorry, and you’re right. I just feel so awful about it and I don’t know what to do about it.”

“You must leave here tonight. You have to leave Sonny and Will alone. Let them solve their own issues in their marriage. You can’t get yourself involved any more than you already have. You must walk away,” Tori admonished him sternly.

“I wish I can, but I already made some commitments here in town. I’m already set to make a couple of more T.V. interviews, including one for Titan T.V., and I’m going to have a four day charity event to raise anti-bullying awareness,” Paul replied sorrowfully and Tori nodded. “All right, Paul. I won’t pull you away from your commitments but after that we’re heading straight home back to San Francisco. No ands, ifs or buts.”

“Understood, Mom,” Paul nodded.

“I’ll be right at the hotel if you need me,” Tori said as she kissed her son goodbye and walked away.

Paul then sighed deeply and rolled his eyes. “I’m going to get Sonny back by any means necessary. I know he still loves me no matter what. I’m sorry that I’m breaking up that little girl’s family but I will not rest until Sonny is back in my arms. I am not going to lose him again.”

[sevenna92]

SCENE 4 – HORTON TOWN SQUARE – EARLY AFTERNOON

Meanwhile Skylar, Sylvia and Joel were sitting on a park bench together in the square having sandwiches. Two other people have now accompanied them. One was a shapely, muscular yet thin woman with dark bluish green eyes and wavy, straight, silky shoulder-length reddish brown hair. She also had a round, long face with dimples and wore a white blouse with pink flowers and some blue jeans. Her name was Alyson.

The other woman had wavy, curly, shoulder-length red hair with dark brown eyes, an angular, oval-shaped face and a slender, petite and thin build. She also wore a pair of glasses and a red turtleneck sweater with a black jacket and a pair of blue jeans. Her name was Rhonda Saunders.

“This is a really nice place, Joel. I’m glad you picked it,” Alyson said to Joel.

“Thank you, Aly. It’s a very nice day out and now that we’ve found each other I thought it would be nice for all of us to sit here, have lunch and reminiscence about the good old days,” Joel replied to her crisply.

“So how are your jobs going?” Rhonda asked the gang. “Anything exciting yet?”

“Nope, nothing yet,” Skylar answered. “We’re just doing patrol work. Might not sound exciting but at least we get to meet new people.”

“Although I’ve been hearing Roman and the other officers talking about Detective Black’s son being shot and stabbed and now lying in a coma at Salem University Hospital. And they also mentioned something about some guy named Clyde Weston being killed and how he might be involved in some shady dealings,” Sylvia added.

“Do you think we might end up getting that case?” Skylar retorted.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Joel shrugged coldly. “We still have to prove our worth to the police department.”

“So what about you Alyson and Rhonda?” Sylvia questioned Alyson and Rhonda as she looked right at them. “Have you done anything exciting?”

“I’ve started my new job today as one of the new residents at Salem University Hospital. I’ve had to deal with a couple of annoying interns though. Their names are Jason and Celia and they act like they run the entire place. And get this: their great aunt is one of the nurses that work there and her name is Maxine Landis. I’ve talked with her and apparently their mother was a doctor who used to live here decades ago,” Alyson replied.

“I haven’t started my job yet but I’m really excited and nervous at the same time,” said Rhonda. “I really hope I make a good impression and I don’t screw it up.”

“No, honey, you’re not going to screw up,” Skylar tried to reassure her.

“Yeah, you’re one of the smartest people I know. I’m sure you’ll ace that first day at the T.V. station and the boss will surely take notice,” Sylvia quipped supportively.

“Oh, thanks, guys,” Rhonda replied with a smile.

“Doesn’t anyone notice who’s missing?” Skylar commented.

“Yeah… Jeannie,” Alyson mused suspiciously.

“I wonder if she’s still at work,” Rhonda retorted curiously.

“Could be,” Joel shrugged. “Her shift probably ended.”

“Huh, I think she works in human resources or something,” Alyson replied. “Apparently Celia and Jason like to talk trash about her.”

“Hhhey eveeeryyybooodyyy,” a female voice slurred and everyone turned around to see Theresa stumbling around in the square with a wine cooler in her hand.

She then turned around to see the gang congregated on the bench and looked puzzled for a minute. Then her eyes widened and she gasped.

“I ddon’t bbbelieve it. Isss it reeeallly you guuuys?” she mumbled as she clumsily strolled over to Joel and grinned.

“Oooh myyy Goooddd. Joooel Collltooon. I caaan’t belieeeve iiit’s yooou. You’vvve gotteeen eveeen mmmore handsooommme by thhhe daaayyy. You arrre so ssssexy annnd cuuute.”

She then giggled uncontrollably and blew kisses at him and then turned to Skylar.

“Oh, Skylaaar. I caaan’t beeeliiieeeveee yooou llloook evennn morrre beauuutifffuuul aaand attraaactiiiveee. I wisssh III coooulddd havvve yooou riiight nnnowww.”

“Oh my God. Are you drunk?” Alyson gasped in horror.

“Hey Sylllviaaa. You are ssso sssexy! I lllike your haaair. You arrre ssso gorgggeouuus. I fffind you ssso atttractiiive right nnnowww. And hhhi theeerrre Alysssonnn. You weeere alwaaays the smaaartie panttts offf alll off usss. And you theeere, Rrrhooondaaa…”

“Theresa, go home right now. You are in a bad way. You can’t be out here in public wasted like this,” Joel scolded her sternly.

“Whhhyyy, Joooelll?” Theresa whined petulantly. “I waaannna seee yooou riiight nnnooow. Iiit’s been sooo looong.”

“Oh God,” Joel groaned. “Somebody take Theresa back to her house.”

“I’ll do it,” Sylvia volunteered as she got up and grabbed Theresa as she escorted her out of the park.

“Goodbyyye, everyyybooodyyy.”

“Wow, what a waste,” Rhonda sighed sadly.

“Yeah, she could’ve been something. She was a very smart girl. Sad what drugs and alcohol do to you. She truly is a hot mess,” Alyson remarked crisply.

“I just hope she finds her way somehow,” Skylar frowned.

“Well I doubt it. The way she’s going right now she’ll be dead before the year’s out. She might be lying on the ground dead from a drug overdose or even alcohol poisoning,” Joel commented dryly.

“How could you say that, Joel?” Rhonda gasped in shock.

“What? It’s the truth,” Joel shot back.

“Anyways, I think she’s very attractive and pretty,” Rhonda added as Skylar and Joel looked at her, puzzled.

“You really want to go out with her?” Joel scoffed.

“Yeah, why not? Even if she’s a hot mess, it doesn’t mean I don’t want to go out with her,” Rhonda giggled.

“You always had a thing for people on the wrong side of the tracks, Rhonda,” Alyson sighed.

“Yeah,” Skylar replied. “Be careful. Who knows what kind of person Theresa is now.”

“Oh don’t worry, Sky. I’m not stupid,” Rhonda scoffed with an eye roll.

“Okay. But don’t say we didn’t warn you,” Alyson shrugged.

“Let’s all shut up and eat,” said Joel as the gang fell silent and continued to eat.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 5 – SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL NURSES STATION – EARLY AFTERNOON

Meanwhile, Jordan was walking through the nurses station with a clipboard in hand when she ran into Alyson. Alyson then smiled as she looked up at her.

“Hey there. You must be Jordan Ridgeway,” Alyson replied as she held out her hand.

Jordan then smiled as she shook it. “Yes I am. You must be new here. I haven’t seen you around before. What’s your name?”

“The name’s Alyson Hayes. I’m a resident here. I’m training to become a full fledged doctor,” Alyson explained.

“Cool, I’m actually a physical therapist myself,” Jordan replied. “So how long have you been working here?”

“Oh, I just started today,” Alyson replied.

“How is it so far?” Jordan asked plainly.

“It’s all right. Many of the people here seem to be really nice, although there is one particular woman here that seems to be quite an ogre,” Alyson answered and Jordan nodded.

“You’re talking about Anne,” she said. “She had an assistant who worked here but she was fired very recently.”

“You mean Theresa?” Alyson inquired. “Yeah,” Jordan nodded. “Do you actually know her?”

“Yeah,” Alyson answered with a nod of her own. “She and I used to be friends back when we were in elementary school together back in California.”

“Wow, I had no idea,” Jordan nodded in astonishment. “You two definitely go way back huh?”

“Yep,” Alyson nodded. “I was always an honor roll student and I made the Principal’s Honor List five years in a roll. My mom was also a child psychiatrist for the LAPD and she worked with kids who were abused or neglected and also those with mental illness. My dad was also an Air Force drill sergeant and he traveled to a bunch of places.”

“That sounds really awesome,” Jordan replied with intrigue.

“So what about you?” Alyson retorted plaintively. “What’s your story?”

“Oh, well… I just come from very humble beginnings and my brother and I have been living on our own since we were very young. My mom died in a car accident when I was a teenager and my dad drank himself to death when I was a little girl. Then after his death my mom remarried to this guy named Clyde and they had Ben.”

“Then why did you and Ben run away from home?” Alyson frowned.

“Clyde and I just never got along, that’s all,” Jordan replied with a shrug. “I just didn’t like the way he disciplined me and Ben and that’s why I ran away.”

“Um, okay,” Alyson pursued her lips skeptically, not sure if she believed Jordan. But she didn’t get to point out her suspicions when suddenly Celia and Jason walked right into the area.

“Hey, numb nuts! Get back to work!” Celia barked as she glared at Jordan. “Your patient is waiting for you in Room 51. Get going!”

“Fine,” Jordan rolled her eyes as she stormed off.

Alyson then turned around and glared at Celia. “Why did you have to go and barge in on us like that?!”

“Because you have to go and do your job!” Celia snarled at her. “Now stop being such a lazy butt and get moving!”

“Hey, you don’t talk to me like that! I’m not your subordinate, you know!” Alyson yelled back angrily. “And besides, I know how to balance work and play! I’m not some irresponsible idiot you know!”

“Yeah,” Celia rolled her eyes. “You better get going to your patients before I report you to Mr. Burns. And he’ll have you out of here immediately, just like your dumb friend Theresa. Scum, both of you.”

“Get out of my face,” Alyson sneered as she stormed off and Celia scoffed. “What a egomaniac loser.”

“Hey, sis, what’s going on?” Jason retorted as he walked up to Celia. Celia then rolled her eyes and glared at her brother.

“Nothing, Jason. Just dealing with a bunch of idiots, losers and dweebs. The very scum of the earth,” Celia sighed. “I really wish the President would legislate a law mandating that certain people are forbidden to breed. Then maybe we won’t have to deal with people like Ms. Donovan or even Ms. Hayes.”

“Yeah,” Jason nodded. “Only the most worthy and prestigious of people should be entitled to breed. It’s only fair for our species’ existence.”

“Hey, Jason,” Will greeted his new friend as he turned around to see him. “Oh, hey, Will.”

“So, is that Mt. Olympus date still on?” Will inquired.

“Sure, whatever you want, Will,” Jason replied with a smile as he held his hand tenderly.

“Great. I already talked with Victor and he was very gracious to arrange the date for me,” Will explained. “We can go as soon as possible when you’re done with work.”

“Well, well, well,” a male voice interjected and Will turned around to see who was addressing him.

Alexander then stood right before him with his arms crossed. “Why it isn’t that little scrawny punk that broke my kid’s heart.”

“Wait, what are you talking about?” Will demanded, confused.

“Don’t pretend that you haven’t done anything!” Alexander yelled at him fiercely, walking up to him with his fists balled up. “Sonny deserves better than a little weasel like you. My baby brother has already walked out of your life and already you’re moving on with someone else. Shows how little he really meant to you.”

“Wait, please, hold on! We can talk this out!” Will stammered as Alexander grabbed him by the neck and slammed him against the wall. Celia then gasped as she rushed over to grab Kayla and Jason gawked at the two in astonishment and incredulity.

“Um, what is going on here?” he queried as Alexander aimed his fist at Will.

“You got some nerve cheating on the guy that you claim is the love of your life!” Alexander screamed indignantly as he then socked Will right in the face. Will then screamed and yelled in agony as he tried to block the punches.

“I’m sorry; it was a mistake! I would never do anything to hurt Sonny!” he pleaded fearfully.

“Sonny did everything for you! He put a roof over your head, he took care of your daughter and raised her as if she was his own, and he sustained a business just so he can bring in money and support you! And this is the thanks you give him, you ungrateful, worthless, pathetic…”

He then continued to punch Will repeatedly in the face as Will kept on yelping and pleading for mercy.

“Please stop! Please stop!” he begged.

“You are so disgusting, you worm,” Alexander sneered with a scoff. “You are such a sissy little momma’s boy. You always have your mommy and daddy and your grandma cleaning up your little messes and always covering for you. You never were able to face the consequences of your actions. You wouldn’t know how if it stared you right in the face!”

He then punched Will again hard in the face, creating a huge bruise on his cheek and nearly snapping his nose in half. Will then coughed hard as he stared right at him.

“But Sonny is more of a man than you. He was able to sustain himself and be an independent, strong person. He surely didn’t allow Dad and Mom to assist him in any way. He was traveling all over the world and experiencing life for himself by the time he was 18! And he even has his own business too. What have you done with your life? Knocked up a girl and now you’re going to have to deal with the responsibility of fatherhood all by yourself?”

“P-Please leave me alone,” Will choked with a gasp as he winced.

“I will if you promise to never bother Sonny or any of us ever again,” Alexander snarled as he then lifted him up and dumped him on the ground. “And we’re going to get custody of that little girl Arianna whether you like it or not. There is no way that you’re going to take her away from the father who truly loves her.”

“That’s not true. I love Arianna and I’m her father!” Will shot back as he held up his hands and curled up into a ball fearfully.

“If you really loved her then you wouldn’t have cheated on my brother and ripped her family apart…” Alexander sneered just as he was about to kick Will down and Kayla soon burst into the room with Celia.

“What’s going on here?!” Kayla demanded as she turned to look at Alexander. “And who are you?”

“I’m Alexander Kiriakis, Sonny’s older brother. And this little p***k here cheated on him with another douchebag. If I ever get my hands on him, I’ll-“

“You will do no such thing,” Kayla retorted firmly, crossing her arms. “I’m going to ask you to leave.”

“Fine,” Alexander sighed with an eye roll as he turned to look at Will as he struggled to get up. “If I ever run into you or your boy toy ever again, you’ll be sorry.”

He then turned away from him and walked out.

Jason then grabbed Will and pulled him up to his feet. “Whoa, that was brutal, man.”

“Thanks, Jason,” Will groaned. “I kind of deserved that.”

“Don’t worry, Will. The next time I see him, I’ll deal with him myself,” Jason retorted as Will nodded.

Kayla then sighed as she went over to Will and peered at him with concern. “I’m going to get you fixed up.”

She then turned to Celia and Jason. “You two have to file some paperwork for me. Get right to work.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Celia sighed as Kayla handed her and Jason some papers and they soon left the nurses station.

[sevenna92]

Author's Notes:

Well, here we are! Another musical number, and this time it's a song called "I Know Him So Well" from the musical "Chess". I thought it was pretty fitting for Theresa and Melanie because Theresa obviously screwed up badly with Brady and now that she's developed feelings for him, she feels like it may be too late and now she's dealing with the what-ifs. As for Melanie, she also loves Brady but now she's dwelling with the possibility that he may never wake up and/or he could possibly die and now she must cope with the loss of a life she could have had with him. The song is about two women in love with the same guy that are dealing with feelings of regret and loss as they muse over what they could have done differently and their mistakes, and so in this context I think it fits. 

There is one verse that was supposed to be sung by one singer entirely but I decided to split it into two so Theresa could sing one part and Melanie could sing another. Makes more sense I guess.

Enjoy and let me know what you think of this story so far! 

SCENE 6 – BRADY’S HOSPITAL ROOM – EARLY AFTERNOON

Sometime later, Theresa walked into Brady’s hospital room with a bouquet of daisies and tulips in her hands. She then approached his bed as she placed them on top of a small table and looked over at her ex.

A sad smile crossed over her face as she leaned over towards him and caressed his face. Theresa then exhaled sharply and closed her eyes, her body shaking in soft tremors as she tried not to cry.

“I’m sorry, Brady. I am really so sorry. I know I’ve done wrong to you and your family and I know what a horrible person I really am. Even though a part of me knows that maybe I don’t really deserve you, I still care about you. I wish you were awake right now so I can tell you how I really feel. Please wake up, Brady. I don’t want you to die.”

“Theresa, what are you doing here?” Melanie demanded as the young auburn haired woman turned around to see the older redhead woman facing her.

“I’m just here visiting Brady. Is that a crime?” Theresa scoffed, holding up her hands defensively.

“No but I’d rather you not be here right now. I’m going to ask you to leave,” Melanie demanded sternly, glaring at her.

Theresa narrowed her eyes and stormed up to Melanie, sneering at her. “I wasn’t even doing anything to him. I was just talking to him.”

“Yeah but I don’t think you should be here anyway. You’re his ex-girlfriend and it’s not like he cares about you anyway,” Melanie retorted briskly and Theresa growled.

“How dare you insinuate that he doesn’t care about me? I know I haven’t been the best person towards him, but I’m trying to make it up to him now,” she insisted.

“Well you can start by leaving and leaving us alone!” Melanie yelled as Theresa stepped back with a short, cynical laugh.

“I don’t believe this. So just because you’re his girlfriend you get to call the shots?”

“Yep,” Melanie nodded.

“Wow, it must be awesome to be daddy’s little princess and having the run of the entire hospital,” Theresa cackled scornfully with an eye roll. “You know, I sometimes wonder why I ever thought I was going to be friends with you. Now I see that it will never clearly happen. You’re the beloved princess of the town, and I’m the outcast that everybody steers clear off. I’m done wasting my time with you. I’ll see myself out.”

She then walked promptly out of Brady’s room as she stood in front of the doorway and added, “By the way, this is not over. I’m going to visit Brady as often as possible and you’re not going to stop me.”

She then left the room and Melanie sighed as she advanced towards Brady’s room. She then knelt down beside him and held his hand.

Melanie then looked over at his face and sighed. “I’m sorry, Brady. I just don’t know what’s gotten into Theresa. Why is she so insistent on coming here to see you? I thought she just didn’t care about you before and that she hated you. And now that she’s making such a big fuss about coming over here for visits…?”

She then paused and rubbed his hand tenderly as she glanced over at the I.V. monitor nervously. Melanie then turned back to face Brady as a tear fell down her face.

“What if Theresa’s actually in love with you? What am I going to do then? I’m at such a loss. This wasn’t supposed to happen like this, Brady. Not like this. We were supposed to be happy together and get married and have kids. Not having you lay in a coma on your deathbed and me wondering if you’re ever going to wake up or not.”

Melanie then wiped her eyes and then walked towards the window and looked outside. It was a blissfully sunny day as a small flock of birds were gliding across the sky. Even though the sight before her was beautiful, the young redhead woman couldn’t bring herself to smile. She then sighed deeply as she continued to watch the world before her as she went through her memories of her long friendship with Brady, up until the time of his attack.

Nothing is so good it lasts eternally

Perfect situations must go wrong

But this has never yet prevented me

Wanting far too much

For far too long

Theresa was then walking through the park dressed in a black sweater, a pair of black boots, a pair of red mittens, a red scarf and a red cap and earmuffs as the trees were blowing listless in the wind without any leaves. Squirrels scattered all over the snow and scurried up trees as they quickly jumped back into their holes to store more acorns.

A couple of birds flew by Theresa as one hovered slightly over her head. It then rested on her hand and chirped before it flew away. Theresa then sat down on the bench solemnly as she began to recall the turbulent and chaotic relationship she had with Brady and the horrible mistakes she made that caused her to lose him. Theresa then remembered many of the arguments she had with Brady, including the one she had at Club TBD shortly before Brady was injured and sent to the hospital.

Looking back

I could have played it differently

Won a few more moments

Who can tell?

But it took time to understand the man

Now I know

At least I know him well

Theresa and Melanie then begin to sing together as Theresa was still on the bench and Melanie was still by the window.

Wasn’t it good

(Oh so good)

Wasn’t he fine?

(Oh so fine)

Isn’t it madness

He can’t be mine

But in the end

He needs a little bit

More than me

More security

He needs his fantasy and freedom

I know him so well

Theresa then started to walk further through the park as it began blowing snowflakes heavily and everything was covered with snow, including the trees and bench. She then found herself in the middle of the square alone as she looked up at the statue of Tom & Alice Horton and leaned against it.

No one in your life is with you constantly

No one is completely on your side

Melanie is walking by herself in a desolate, open land as the sun was setting and there were cracks on the ground. She then looked around to see Brady standing on top of a mountain as the mountain began to move away from her and she felt him drifting away from her.

And though I’d move my world to be with him

Still the gap between us is too wide

Theresa and Melanie then merged together as they were now walking together through the same scene wearing black dresses, with the sun now rising and setting with them.

Looking back

(Looking back)

I could have played it differently

(I could have played it some other way)

Learned about the man

Before I fell

(I was just a little careless)

But I was ever so much younger then

(Maybe so much you…)

Now at least I know

I know him well

The scene then turns dark as the spotlights shine on Theresa and Melanie.

Wasn’t it good

(Oh so good)

Wasn’t he fine

(Oh so fine)

Isn’t it madness

He won’t be mine?

The scene then started to spin around slowly as Melanie and Theresa stood back to back next to each other.

Didn’t I know

How it would go

If I knew from the start?

Why am I falling apart?

The scene then gradually stops to a halt as it splits in two and the two spotlights are still focused on the women.

Wasn’t he good

Wasn’t he fine

Isn’t it madness

He won’t be mine?

But in the end

He needs a little bit

More than me

More security

He needs his fantasy and freedom

I know him so well…

Theresa and Melanie went their separate ways and the backgrounds soon changed back to normal as the song ends.

It took time to understand him…

I know him so well…

Theresa then sighed deeply and rubbed the surface of the statue tenderly. “I’m sorry, Brady,” she whispered but then she heard a voice yell after her.

“Hey, Theresa, are you okay?!”

Theresa spun around to see Natalie running up to her in her white coat and a fluffy hood on with a red scarf and mittens.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said.

“You look really pale, T,” Natalie retorted with a frown as she patted her on the shoulder. “You need to come back inside.”

“Yeah,” Theresa nodded. “I feel weak all of a sudden.”

She then stumbled and grabbed onto Natalie as Natalie held her and supported her on her left shoulder.

“Come on. I’m making you some soup and I’m putting you in a nice, warm bed,” she said as Theresa shivered and she carried her back to the apartment.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 7 – TITAN T.V. STATION – MID-AFTERNOON

Meanwhile at Titan T.V., Nicole was sitting behind her desk as she was examining some paperwork. Sally then approached her as she leaned over the desk with a smile.

“Hey, Nicole,” she greeted her.

“Hey, Sally, what’s up?” Nicole greeted her back with a brief glance before she turned back to her paperwork.

“Mile’s going to be coming down here in a couple of minutes. He says that we got a new employee coming in and we need to make her feel welcome,” Sally explained and Nicole raised her eyebrows with a curious expression.

“Oh, really? I haven’t heard anything about Miles bringing in new people.”

“Neither have I, but this must be really short notice,” Sally replied with a shrug.

“Everyone, listen up,” a male voice boomed and Miles soon walked into the room with Rhonda next to him.

Nicole then focused her attention on Rhonda and narrowed her eyes.

“This is Rhonda Saunders. She has come all the way from California and she has been here for only a couple of weeks. Now I’d like for all of you to make her feel welcome and show her the ropes. But in the meantime we better get to work. Today we have the privilege of having Mr. Paul Narita visit our very own T.V. station for a candid interview. And I would like Ms. Saunders to be the one to conduct this interview for her first on air assignment.”

“What?!” Nicole hissed in shock and astonishment.

Miles then looked around at the room and added, “As you are.” He then left the room and Rhonda rung her hands nervously, glancing around the room.

She then looked at Sally and Nicole and smiled politely. “Hi, I’m Rhonda.”

“We know,” Nicole retorted bluntly but then cleared her throat and held out her hand in an attempt to be friendly. “I’m Nicole Walker.”

“And I’m Sally,” Sally answered warmly as she and Nicole both shook Rhonda’s hands.

“So you’re from California, huh?” Nicole inquired. “What brings you over here to this small town of ours?”

“Well, I thought living in Salem would be very nice and I just wanted to get away from L.A. It’s just too crazy with a bunch of gangs, violence and drugs,” Rhonda explained. “I have been losing a lot of friends to the L.A. streets.”

“Wow, that’s interesting,” Nicole replied. “Sorry about your friends.”

“It’s fine. So what about you?” Rhonda quipped. “You’ve been living here long?”

“Yeah, I’ve been living here a very long time,” Nicole replied. “I have been in Salem for so long it’s basically my home now.”

“Cool,” Rhonda said with a smile. “I think you’re real pretty anyway.”

“Really? Thank you,” Nicole remarked with a smile of her own as she brushed her hair.

“Rhonda! Mr. Narita’s waiting for you in Room 7!” a male voice hollered as Rhonda turned to face the women.

“Nice meeting you. Catch up with you two later,” said Rhonda as she soon walked out of the room.

“Wow, when was the last time anyone has complimented on your good looks, Nicole? Dr. Dan?” Sally retorted with a laugh.

“Yeah, it’s been a while,” Nicole replied with a sigh. “I think it’s been a while since I’ve been with any decent guy.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll find him,” Sally reassured him calmly.

“And I thought Eric was going to be my prince charming,” Nicole commented grimly.

“Oh, forget about him, Nicole! He’s just a momma’s boy, not to mention a big ol’ sour puss!” Sally chuckled.

“Well, I don’t blame him since he’s clearly been through a lot,” Nicole retorted sternly.

“I know, but he’s not even a priest anymore. He needs to let go and move on with his life,” Sally snapped.

“I hope Rhonda does well,” Nicole said as she looked over in the direction of a hallway where the other rooms were.

“Yeah, hopefully she doesn’t screw up on her first day. I would hate for her to be in Miles’ line of sight,” Sally sighed.

“Yeah, me too,” Nicole remarked.

“I think she might be a lesbo though,” Sally quipped as Nicole turned to look at her incredulously. “Seriously, Sally?”

“Come on, Nikki. Think about it. What woman just casually gives you a compliment on the spot?” Sally retorted with a dry laugh.

“I think it’s refreshing to see women like her be honest like that,” Nicole replied briskly.

Rhonda then entered a green screen room as she noticed that there were several cameras and a desk sitting before her. She also noticed two sofa chairs sitting next to each other and that Paul was sitting on the left chair.

One of the technicians then walked over to Rhonda.

“Ms. Saunders! You’re here just in time. We’re about to get started,” he said as he escorted her over to where Paul was.

“Oh, okay,” Rhonda gulped as she looked over her notes.

Rhonda then finally reached the interview area as Paul rose up to greet her.

“Hey there. You’re Rhonda, right?” he asked as he held out his hand.

“Yeah,” Rhonda answered as she shook it. “Paul Narita, right?”

“That’s correct,” Paul said as he sat back down and Rhonda took her seat.

“Okay, we’re right about to start rolling!” the cameraman hollered.

“So you’ve been working here long?” Paul asked Rhonda as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Actually, it’s my first day today. My boss just told me that I have to do an interview about how you’ve been doing since you have officially came out and also learn any info about your affair with Will Horton,” Rhonda explained nervously.

“Wait? Affair? What affair? What are you talking about?” Paul demanded incredulously.

“Um… there appears to be some rumors going around that you had an affair with him, and his marriage to Sonny does appear to be on the rocks as of right now,” Rhonda retorted, fiddling with her fingers. “If you’d like to answer any questions about that, of course.”

“Really? Well I guess we may need to put them to rest now, shall we?” Paul retorted crisply as the cameraman spoke up again.

“Okay, ready to roll! Three, two, one, action!”

The spotlight then shined on the two as Rhonda turned towards the teleprompter and took in a deep breath.

“Good afternoon, Salem, and welcome to Titan T.V. News! My name is Rhonda Saunders, and I will be joining the program for the hour! Today I’m going to be interviewing the world famous MLB pitcher, Paul Narita!”

She then turned to face Paul with a wide smile. “So Paul, how has life been going for you since you’ve officially come out? And how has your experience been in regards to people responding to your decision?”

“Well, so far my life has been going really good. I have a lot of fans that are very supportive of what I have done and they are glad that I am there as some sort of role model for those that feel isolated, oppressed or different in any way. It’s really amazing how far this world has come as far as perceiving those that are gay or otherwise,” Paul explained.

“So what have you been doing in town so far?” Rhonda inquired.

“Well, besides on going on a bunch of interviews, I’m also going on this four day charity event for kids to raise anti-bullying awareness by selling baseball merchandise and having kids play baseball. We need to learn how to respect those that aren’t exactly like us and also to be a lot more compassionate, kinder and open-minded people. I think if we open our hearts and minds to others, then this world might be a much better place.”

“So what advice would you give for your fans out there?” Rhonda quipped.

“I would tell them to always be hopeful and to never give up. They should never pay attention to any negative thing anyone says about them and to just be true to themselves. If they allow themselves to be whoever they are, they will be a lot happier with themselves and they will lead more fulfilling lives.”

“You’re a pretty charismatic and astounding guy and you’re such an inspiration to many sports players and sports fans everywhere. What do you hope to do after you leave Salem?”

“Well, I think I might go back to San Francisco and join a baseball youth camp and be a mentor to kids there. Maybe even find a love of my own,” Paul replied.

“Is there anyone that catches your fancy?” Rhonda quipped with an eyebrow.

“Well, there is one guy…” Paul answered. “To be honest, Rhonda, there’s one man I still care for deeply. His name is Sonny Kiriakis but out of respect for his marriage I’ve decided to leave him alone. I’ve had my chance with him and I blew it, and that’s a decision I regret every day.”

“So you have no idea on what may be causing issues in Sonny’s marriage to William Horton right now?” Rhonda questioned him gently.

Paul then paused and took a deep breath. “Well, I can’t comment too much on this but I hadn’t the faintest idea. I wish both of them well.”

“Well, thank you so much for your time, Paul. Hope to run into you soon,” Rhonda said as she stood up and she and Paul shook hands.

“No problem, Rhonda,” said Paul.

“And tune in next time for next week’s segment when I interview the current girlfriend of the CEO of Titan Brady Black, Salem University Hospital’s Dr. Melanie Jonas, about his current condition and what his prognosis might be,” Rhonda announced as a bell rang loudly and the cameraman yelled, “Cut!”

Rhonda then walked over into the newsroom as many people clapped their hands and cheered.

“Nice work, Rhonda,” Sally said as she walked over to her.

“You did a pretty good job, Rhonda,” Nicole confessed to the young redhead woman. “You were very charismatic and professional.”

“Excellent, Rhonda!” Miles declared as he appeared and walked over to Rhonda. “This broadcast should bring us good ratings. Although I would have liked it more if we actually got some juicy scoop out of those rumors dogging Mr. Narita.”

“I know, sir. I’m sorry I didn’t get anything more sustainable than that,” Rhonda apologized.

“Don’t apologize, Saunders. When I say get some juicy scoop, I mean it!” Miles barked angrily at her. “Don’t fail me next time or you won’t be here for long!”

“Yes, sir,” Rhonda replied affirmatively as Miles soon left.

Rhonda then sighed as she turned to Nicole and Sally. “I’m not sure how I’m going to squeeze the truth out of him. It just seems odd that he basically admitted his feelings for Sonny right on national television. I feel like there’s a lot more going on with Paul than he’s willing to admit.”

“So get the scoop, kid. Go talk to him. Get him to open up by any means necessary,” Nicole suggested.

“Um, okay,” Rhonda retorted while biting her lip.

“You’ll figure it out. I think you’re very smart,” said Sally.

“Thanks,” Rhonda smiled as she walked off. “I better get going. See ya.”

“I think Rhonda’s got good potential as a reporter. She seems very well put together. But I can’t afford to be complacent. I need to get on top of my game,” Nicole muttered to herself as she watched Rhonda leave. She then turned away and headed back towards her desk.

“Things are going to get very interesting in here, that’s for sure.”

[sevenna92]

SCENE 8 – ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – MID-AFTERNOON

Meanwhile, in an old red abandoned warehouse many miles away from campus, J.J. and his new band were busy trying to practice.

Dennis was busy playing on his saxophone with his fingers quickly moving up and down and Ethan was plucking away with his electric bass. Ritchie was watching the others while sitting on the piano and tapping his fingers softly on the surface.

Eddie was tapping away on the drums softly and Melvin was also strumming away on the guitar. J.J. was also standing in front of the microphone and was waiting for the song to start.

J.J. then turned around and looked at Ritchie with a glare. “Ritchie! Why aren’t you playing?”

“I just don’t think my part fits in this particular song, J.J.,” Ritchie complained.

“Well, just play anyway. Try to follow along with Melvin over there,” J.J. explained, gesturing over to Melvin. “Besides, it’s just practice so we can get better and then we can go and try to perform with an original song.”

“But none of us can even write original songs anyway. How are we ever going to participate in Battle of the Bands?” Ethan griped.

“We don’t have to use an original song, but it’s recommended. We can still do a cover song if necessary,” J.J. answered calmly.

“And how do you even know this?” Dennis raised an eyebrow.

“I double-checked the bulletin for the Battle of the Bands. I thought we had to do an original song but apparently it’s not mandatory. It would be nice though if we want to increase our chances of winning,” J.J. explained.

“So, go find someone who can write songs, dude,” Ethan proposed. “Maybe your girlfriend can kick off a lyric or two.”

“She’s not my girlfriend!” J.J. yelled as Ethan flinched. J.J. then sighed, face-palming himself.

“But anyways, I could ask her if she can write songs or if she knows anyone that can write songs.”

“Excellent, dude! Hope on to it!” Eddie cheered.

“I will, as soon as we actually complete one round of practice!” J.J. exclaimed as he then started snapping his fingers again. “Okay, a one, a two, a three, go!”

The music then started playing back up again with 80s techno synthesizers as Melvin and Ethan started strumming up their guitars. Ritchie then started moving up his fingers along the black keys as Eddie tapped on his drumsticks alternatively.

J.J. then took in a deep breath and opened his mouth as he began to sing.

I wear my sunglasses at night

So I can, so I can

Watch you weave then

Breathe your storylines

And I wear my sunglasses at night

So I can, so I can

Keep track of the visions in my eyes

Ritchie then began to play along the white keys as the sound was made much lighter. Melvin and Ethan continued to strum hard on their guitars as they produced a hard, deep sound.

While she’s deceiving me

It cuts my security

Has she gotten control of me

I turn to her and say…

Melvin then strums hard on his guitar and tilts it hard.

Don’t switch the blade

On the guy in shades

(Oh no)

Don’t masquerade with

The guy in shades

(Oh no)

I can’t believe it

You got it made

With the guy in shades

(Oh no)

Melvin and Ethan continued to play the guitars as Ethan was now tapping on the black keys again. J.J. held onto the microphone tightly as he started shifting his feet from side to side and began dancing around, moving his arms and shoulders.

I wear my sunglasses at night

So I can, so I can

Forget my name

While you collect your claim

J.J. then performed a couple of spins as he then put on some shades. He then continued to glide and dance across the stage gracefully on his feet as he bounced his shoulders up and down with a couple of more spins and twirls.

And I wear my sunglasses at night

So I can, so I can

See the light that’s

Right before my eyes

While she’s deceiving me

She cuts my security

She got control of me

I turn to her and say…

Melvin then strums hard on the guitar again as J.J. started to tap hard on his feet as he continued sashaying to and fro. He then leaned back as he let out a loud scream at the top of his lungs. He then took two more spins as he began dancing wildly and lightly and whipping his head around.

Don’t switch the blade

On the guy in shades

(Oh no)

Don’t masquerade with

The guy in shades

(Oh no)

I can’t believe it

Cuz you got it made

With the guy in shades

(Oh no)

Melvin then launches into a guitar solo where his riffing becomes more intense and rapid and the crescendo becomes louder and higher in pitch. Dennis then started to play on his saxophone as it also becomes more pronounced and intense and he started moving around with his fingers dancing away. Eddie also began to drum harder and faster with quick and deep pounds.

While she’s deceiving me

She cuts my security

Has she got control of me

I turn to her and say…

J.J. then took out an electric guitar as he began strumming and plucking on the strings frantically and began to jump around the stage with spins and hops.

Don’t switch the blade

On the guy in shades

(Oh no)

Don’t masquerade with

The guy in shades

(Oh no)

Don’t be afraid

Of the guy in shades

(Oh no)

(It can’t escape you)

Cuz you got it made

With the guy in shades

(Oh no)

I said

I wear my sunglasses at night

I wear my sunglasses at night

I wear my sunglasses at night

I cry to you

I wear my sunglasses at night

I wear my sunglasses at night

I wear my sunglasses at night…

The song then gradually fades out as the guys soon stop playing and J.J. lifts up his mike in triumph.

“Yeah, that was a great set, guys!”

“Yeah, you were awesome, J.J.!” Eddie praised his friend, with Ritchie rolling his eyes.

“And that was a great solo you pulled out too, Melvin!” J.J. said to Melvin as he smiled.

“Thanks, dude.”

“Next time, J.J., can we get a song that’s not so cheesy and lame from your parents’ era and get something more modern?” Dennis laughed as J.J. picked up his guitar case and turned to face him.

“Sure, I’ll try to pick a good one.”

“Okay, boys, let’s go home,” Ethan announced as the guys left the warehouse.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 9 – SALEM U RACE TRACK – MID-AFTERNOON

Meanwhile, Myrna and the rest of the girls were standing out in the starting line of the racetrack as Coach Alabaster blew on her whistle.

“Okay, girls. Listen up! We will be doing five laps today. I want to see if you can finish each lap by the time allotted. The first lap will be 30 minutes. Then another lap will be 25, and then 20, 10 and even 5 minutes. Got it?”

She then held up the stopwatch in her hand with the thumb resting on a large square button.

“Now when I start this stopwatch I want you to run. If you do not finish all of the laps when time runs out, I want you to give me 100 pushups and sit-ups. Got it?”

“Yes, Coach,” Alyssa answered.

“Yes, Coach,” all of the other girls responded.

“Good, now get in your starting positions,” Coach Alabaster ordered as all of the girls stood together in front of the starting line and got into position.

Penny then looked at Joanna and said, “I’ll bet you that you won’t finish before me.”

“We’ll see about that, Penny,” Velma growled.

“Oh, please, Velma. How could you even do a 30 minute lap when you’re about 100 pounds overweight?” Alyssa rolled her eyes as Velma shoved her.

“Stop it!”

“Knock it off!” Myrna barked as she glared at the two and then glanced back at Coach Alabaster.

She then raised up her thumb, preparing to push the button.

Myrna then turned to look back at the racetrack before her and took in a deep breath.

“Okay, this is it, Myrna. You can do this. You were able to run a 50 mile lap in less than an hour back when you were in high school,” she muttered under her breath.

She then crouched down on her knees and took in another deep breath. She then glanced over at her teammates, preparing to sprint out of the line.

Coach Alabaster then clicked on the button and blew loudly on her whistle. Myrna then bolted from the line as she started to dash madly through the track. Gertrude then galloped up to her and grinned as she was trying to keep up with her.

“You’re pretty fast, Delaney, but I’m faster.”

She then zipped past her as she flew speedily up ahead. Joanna, Penny and Alyssa also ran right by Myrna as they tried to keep up with her. Myrna then took in deep breaths as she increased her speed and advanced wildly towards the girls.

“Yo, girls, wait up!” Velma panted as she was sweating profusely and was falling far behind.

“You better keep up if ya don’t wanna do push-ups and sit-ups, Velma!” Clara bellowed as she and Shayna went past her.

“Not fair!” Velma whined as she fell on her knees and panted deeply and shakily. She then got up and started running again as she tried to go as fast as she could, but she was too tired and heavy.

“I hate running track!” Clara whined as she was right ahead of Shayna but quite behind Alyssa.

Joanna then tripped on a rock and fell as she winced in pain. She then tried to get up and yelped, holding her ankle. Clara then stopped and ran over to her aid.

“Joanna, you okay?” she asked and Joanna squeezed her eyes shut, still clutching her ankle.

“I think I sprained my ankle.”

“Somebody help!” Clara yelled as she, Shayna, and Penny went over to Joanna and grabbed her before Clara put Joanna over her shoulder. They soon carried her back to where Coach Alabaster was.

Some 30 minutes later, Myrna and the rest of the girls made it back to the starting line as Coach Alabaster clicked on the stopwatch button and smiled.

“Good job, girls. Now do the other laps.”

“Is Joanna going to be okay?” Myrna asked Coach Alabaster.

“She’ll be fine. She just sprained her ankle and just needs a couple weeks worth of recovery. I made sure that Clara, Shayna and Penny are going to do sit-ups and push-ups for me since they did not complete the lap. Now go and finish this lap before I make you do sit-ups and push-ups too,” Coach Alabaster explained.

“Yes, ma’am,” Myrna sighed as she raced out towards the track and continued her laps.

Coach Alabaster then watched the girls run and she put on an akimbo with a smile. She then took out a cigarette, lit it up and took a drag.

“That Delaney girl is something special, isn’t she?”

Myrna and the rest of the girls were now racing wildly on the track as they were heading towards a jumping pole. Myrna then ran ahead of the girls as she leaped into the air and vaulted over the pole. The rest of the girls followed suit except for Clara, who got stuck on the vault and rolled down on the ground to catch up.

“Come on, Clara! Keep up!” Gertrude yelled as the girls then jumped from tire to tire and continued their jog.

Gertrude and Myrna were now racing from side to side as they were heading towards another jumping pole.

“I’ll bet you can’t get past me,” she said as they soon cleared another pole and headed for another one.

As they advanced towards two more poles, Myrna then clenched her jaw as she prepared to make the jump. Myrna then reached the poles as she crouched down and hurtled into the air.

But just as she glided over the air, her ankle caught the top of one of the poles and she fell down on her knees, tipping it over. Myrna then got up to her feet and watched Gertrude move past her, smirking. Myrna then looked down at her knee and noticed blood on the skin. She then winced in pain as she hopped weakly through the track.

Finally the girls reached the starting line again as Coach Alabaster noticed Myrna moving feebly.

“Delaney, what’s wrong?”

“I think I skinned my knee, Coach,” Myrna answered as Coach Alabaster examined her knee.

“Alyssa, take Myrna to the office,” she said as she turned to the rest of the girls. “The rest of you, finish the laps. Those of you that have skipped the laps will do 200 sit-ups and push-ups next time.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Penny nodded as the girls continued their laps.

Later, Myrna emerged from the nurses’ office with a band aid on her knee as Gertrude walked up to her.

“Hey, Delaney, that was great stuff,” she said and Myrna smiled. “Thanks, Gertrude.”

“Sorry about your knee,” Gertrude replied and Myrna smiled. “It’s fine.”

“You know, Coach says that you’re the best in the team. You might just help us win the championship,” Gertrude retorted as Myrna gawked at her in shock.

“Really?”

“Yeah, and I agree with her. You are indeed something special,” Gertrude remarked.

“I think you’re very cool too, Gertrude,” said Myrna. “You’re a pretty great basketball player yourself.”

“Thanks for the compliment, Delaney,” Gertrude replied with a smile. “Anyways, see ya later.” She then waved goodbye and left. Myrna then smiled and watched her leave as she left the nurses’ office.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 10 – MT. OLYMPUS – MID-AFTERNOON

Meanwhile, Jason and Celia were sitting in the bar together having drinks. Celia then took a sip of her vodka and looked at her brother with a smirk.

“What?” Jason retorted crisply.

“So your new lover boy is going to come here or what?” Celia chuckled sardonically, taking more sips of her drink.

“He’s not my lover boy, Celia!” Jason retorted crisply with a scowl. “He’s just a friend, okay?”

“Sure, whatever,” Celia rolled her eyes as she continued drinking her vodka.

“And what’s with you anyway?” Jason frowned sternly as Celia put down her drink and looked at him.

“A hard day at work from having Dr. Brady breathing down our necks and that Dr. Dan watching our every move. Can’t a girl have her drink in peace?” Celia groaned.

“Whatever, sis,” Jason grumbled as he held up his finger. “Bartender, I’d like a lemon vodka please.”

Ben then nodded as he walked out to get his drink.

“So you’re going to join me in getting bombed tonight?” Celia snickered.

“Maybe,” Jason answered.

“Jason!” a male voice hollered as Jason turned around to see Will approaching him.

“Hey, dude. How you been?” Jason replied with a smile as he got up to greet him. The two men then clasped hands together and hugged. “I hope that Kiriakis dude didn’t hurt you too much.”

“Nah, I’m fine,” Will answered as he sat down next to Jason.

“So can I offer you a drink?” Jason inquired.

“Sure, why not?” Will shrugged and Jason turned to face Ben as Ben arrived with Jason’s lemon vodka.

“Hey, barkeep! Would you get my friend over here a drink?” he retorted.

“I’d like a beer,” Will answered as Ben nodded and walked away.

“Just beer, Will?” Jason laughed as he sipped on his vodka. “I could’ve gotten you Scotch on the rocks. At least try it.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Jason,” Will retorted hesitantly. “I’m just in the mood for beer.”

“Nonsense!” Jason chuckled as Ben returned with the beer. “I’d also like to order some Scotch on the rocks.”

As soon as Ben disappeared again, Will frowned at Jason worriedly.

“Are you sure you can afford all of these drinks?” Will retorted flatly.

“Yeah,” Jason smiled. “Celia and I are living off of our Aunt Maxine’s allowance. We have plenty to simply get by.”

“Okay,” Will mused, fidgeting with his fingers. “If you say so.”

“Stop worrying so much and just enjoy the drinks,” Jason laughed as he took a chug of his vodka and then he raised it towards Will.

“To good friends, good drinks and a good life.”

Will then picked up his beer, nodded and they clanged together their drinks. Will then downed a large quart of his beer and wiped his mouth as he turned to see another man enter the premises. His back shivered with fear as he laid his eyes on a seemingly familiar figure.

“Oh God…” he muttered under his breath as Jason whipped around to see the man approaching them.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think it’s another one of Sonny’s brothers,” Will stammered fearfully, taking another gulp of his beer.

“If that p***k is coming here to beat you up again, I’m going to give him a peace of my mind,” Jason snarled as he got up from his seat and went over to confront the man.

Joseph was heading over to the bar table as he saw Jason advance towards him. He looked surprised to see the irate young man facing him down.

“Hey, moron!” Jason snarled as he glared at him angrily.

“Hey, dude, what gives?” Joseph scoffed as Jason grabbed him by the shirt and aimed his fist at him.

“You got something to say to Will Horton, you better go through me!” Jason sneered furiously as Joseph gulped.

“Calm down, man. I’m not looking for any trouble, I swear. And I’m not even going to cause any more ruckus with Will either. My brother already took care of that,” he stammered as Jason’s expression grew darker with hate and rage and he pushed him down.

“If I ever find your brother here or you, or your other brother, I am going to beat you to a bloody pulp and smash your face in…” Jason snarled as he trembled with fury and he was about to lunge right at him when suddenly J.T. barged into the scene and separated the two.

“Hey, break it up! Break it up, you two!” he yelled as he then glared at Jason sternly. “Step away from him, sir.”

“Who are you?” Jason scoffed at J.T.

“The name’s Officer J.T. Reiber,” J.T. answered and Jason laughed. “It’s Officer Reiber to you.”

“So Commander Brady has sent in yet another one of his lackeys to watch this dump?” Jason cackled snidely. “Pathetic. You looked like you just got out of college. Why would they send out someone so green like you here anyway?”

“I’m not going to warn you again, sir,” J.T. rebuked him firmly. “If you insist on going after this gentleman here I may have to arrest you.”

“Fine,” Jason sneered and then he scoffed at Joseph with a glare. “I better not catch you here ever again.”

He then stormed off back to where Will was and Ben handed him a Scotch. He then gave Will the drink and Will sipped on it slowly.

“Huh, not bad,” he said. “Thanks for saving me.”

“No problem,” Jason smiled. “You know, I like you, Will. I definitely want to hang out with you more.”

“You want to go on another date?” Will cocked an eyebrow.

“Sure,” Jason smiled. “If you’d like to, of course.”

“Ummm… sure. Why not?” Will shrugged.

Celia then sighed as she drank some more of her vodka and was watching Joseph sitting all alone in a table. She then shook her head and got out of her seat to approach him.

“Hey,” she said and Joseph glanced over to see her walking over to him.

“Hey,” he whispered, taken aback by the sight of her.

“Sorry about my brother. He can be such an idiot sometimes,” Celia replied.

“I can only imagine,” Joseph sighed. “I just wanted to hang out here and have some fun. I didn’t want to get into any beef with Will or his cronies.”

“Yeah, figures,” Celia chuckled as she sat down next to him. “I don’t get why everybody bows down to those Bradys anyway. They’re nothing but trailer trash. I don’t quite understand what Jason sees in Will anyway. He’s about as pathetic and useless as his cousin Theresa.”

“Yeah, I don’t understand why Will would betray him,” Joseph replied with a frown. “Sonny really loved him. I thought they were happy. I thought he was happy.”

“Don’t overthink with that pretty head of yours,” Celia cooed softly, holding his chin tenderly. “Don’t even mind the Bradys and Hortons. They might think they’re all that but they are nothing but a bunch of dysfunctional, immoral, low down, good for nothing hypocrites. Their lives are rifled with sin, debauchery and licentiousness. You’re too good for them.”

“You think you’re too good for them too?” Joseph retorted curiously.

“Yeah. I’m glad my mother never married that man David Banning. His mother was an awful, disgusting, horrid woman. Running around with a man and sharing a daughter with him that he sired with her own mother. What was her mother possibly thinking? What her dear old grandmother must have felt?”

“I never would want to be associated with a family like them. And yet this entire town worships them. At least my dad was a good man from a respectable, morally sound and prosperous family with an excellent business. It’s a wonder my mother was able to support us for all these years with my father’s money.”

“I’m sure my parents had their own demons too. Nobody’s perfect,” Joseph retorted crisply and Celia smiled demurely.

“That may be true, but surely you’re not gullible enough to hang with the wrong crowd?”

“I don’t believe so,” Joseph remarked curiously. “You’re a very strange woman.”

“And you’re a very handsome and interesting man,” Celia purred with a giggle.

Jason had just ordered his third vodka when he had turned around and was secretly watching Celia and Joseph. A grim expression formed on his face as he felt the hairs on his back stand on edge.

“I’ve never had a woman like you be so interested in me,” Joseph remarked crisply and Celia kept on smiling widely, playing with her hair. “Oh really?”

“Yeah,” Joseph nodded. “My twin brother Vic and I spent so much time at our sports merchandise store that I never had time for dates.”

“Well that needs to change,” Celia replied determinedly. “You need to go out more, see the world. Perhaps I can take you out for a spin.”

“You really believe so?” Joseph blushed shyly and Celia leaned closer to his face. “Yes I do.”

She then kissed him on the cheek and Joseph pulled away bashfully.

Jason nearly retched in his vodka glass upon seeing this and looked at Will.

“I don’t believe this,” he muttered.

“What?” Will frowned.

“My sister is now flirting with that p***k just to spite me,” Jason sneered.

“She wouldn’t do that,” Will remarked in disbelief.

“You don’t know my sister, man. She’s got a mind of her own. She’ll do whatever she wants no matter what anyone else thinks,” Jason muttered, shaking his head. When he downed yet another shot of vodka, Will grabbed his hand.

“Slow down, Jason. The vodka’s not going anywhere. I think you’ve had enough,” he said and Jason glared at him.

“Don’t tell me when I can and can’t have more drinks,” Jason growled fiercely.

“I was just trying to help…” Will pointed out and then Jason gripped on his wrist hard.

“Then don’t. Just leave me be, okay?” Jason shot back as Will pulled back, unnerved.

The other patrons looked up to see what was going on and Jason groaned, putting down his glass.

“I’m going home. I’ll call you in a few hours,” he replied as he got off his seat and left.

Will then groaned and put his head down.

“You okay, Will?” a female voice remarked and Will glanced up to see Alyson drinking a Scotch in her hand. Sitting next to her were Jordan, Sylvia and Jaden.

Jaden then smirked as she was too drinking a Scotch of her own and she and Sylvia were giggling and conversing among themselves.

“Yeah,” Will sighed. “What a day. First my soon to be former brother-in-law barged into the hospital and beat me up and now my new friend got into a fight with my other brother-in-law. And his sister is flirting with that same person.”

“It’ll get better, trust me,” Alyson reassured him and Will groaned. “How would you even know? My husband is going to take my daughter from me and I’ll never see her again.”

“And what makes you think he might actually do that?” Alyson remarked curiously, sipping from her Scotch.

“I uh…” Will stammered, biting his lip. “He clearly loves her. He’s been her whole life since he’s born. I figured since he might be afraid that he’ll lose her forever if we divorce, he might try to make a move first before I do.”

“You are going to need to think of a way to co-parent civilly and maintain a united front for your daughter, even if you are no longer married. Your daughter is going to need both of you to be responsible, mature adults no matter what happens between you,” Alyson explained.

“Thanks for the pep talk,” Will mused and then he gazed at her. “You remind me of my grandmother Marlena. You might want to think about becoming a psychiatrist.”

“Maybe, but I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and I’d like to accomplish that dream first,” Alyson answered.

“Okay, just think about it,” Will said and Alyson nodded.

“Hey, ladies,” Andrew bellowed as he strolled into the club with a haughty swagger and Sylvia glowered at him.

Jaden then grimaced and put a protective arm around her.

“Ugh! What a loser!”

“Mind if I offer you a drink?” Andrew said to Alyson and Alyson glared at him. “Get your own drink.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I offend you, Miss…” Andrew retorted curtly.

“Ms. Hayes,” Alyson interrupted him coldly, her eyes shimmering with annoyance. She then sipped more on her Scotch and Andrew smirked at her.

“You must be a sexy, beautiful, confident woman. I like that. Nothing like my promiscuous, good for nothing, ditzy sister of mine,” he purred seductively as he sat down next to her, caressing her shoulder.

“Excuse me?” Alyson scoffed as she jumped back, offended that Andrew could be saying such horrible things about her childhood friend.

“I always knew you were a smart woman, Alyson. I wish I had gone out with you in high school. But of course I was too busy playing the field, if you know what I mean.”

Alyson remained silent and rolled her eyes, continuing to drink.

Andrew then nodded as he glanced over at Ben. “Barkeep! Get me a Guinness!”

Ben then went over to grab Andrew’s drink and he turned back to face Alyson. “So how’s life treating you?”

“Very well, I might add,” Alyson answered curtly. “I’m working at Salem University Hospital as a resident. It’s a good job so far.”

“Really? Of all of the hospitals you could pick, you picked that one?” Andrew cackled and Alyson scoffed. “Don’t tell me it’s to reconnect with my loser sister, is it?”

“Even if it is, is it any of your business?” Alyson sneered. “And stop insulting Theresa.”

“And why would I do that?” Andrew scoffed contemptuously. “It’s true that Theresa’s a loser. It’s a miracle that she’s been around this long. I was hoping she would drop dead by now. Wouldn’t you?”

“Listen you scumbag, if you don’t stop with the insults and put-downs, I’m just going to walk out of here right now!” Alyson exploded angrily as she stood up and faced down Andrew.

Andrew then tugged at his shirt nervously and began to panic as Ben handed him a drink.

“Come on, baby! Don’t be like that! We can talk this out!” he pleaded and Alyson shook her head and she finished her drink. She then turned and started to walk out and Andrew started to follow her as he then blocked her.

“Look, I’m sorry, all right? I know I shouldn’t have said those things in front of you. Okay, I’m sorry! Please don’t leave! I really like you a lot!”

Alyson then put on an akimbo with narrowed eyes, a bit miffed.

“You’re very persistent, aren’t you?” she queried.

“I wouldn’t have made it to where I am today if I wasn’t,” Andrew remarked confidentially with a gentle smile.

“So what is it exactly you want to do, Mr. Donovan?” Alyson retorted curiously.

“Well, for starters,” Andrew answered as he grabbed her hand gently and pulled her closer to him. “I’d like to take you out to dance.”

“Really?” Alyson quipped skeptically.

“If that’s what you would like to, of course,” Andrew added.

Alyson then glanced over to the dance floor as the song “You Can Do Magic” by America started to play. She then turned back to face Andrew and smiled.

“I don’t see why not, if you’re really serious about this.”

“I am serious about this. Why wouldn’t I when I’m standing next to a beautiful woman like you?” Andrew replied and Alyson chuckled. “All right.”

Andrew then took Alyson to the dance floor and he held her in his arms as they began to waltz around.

Sylvia then finished her drink as she was becoming tipsy and Jaden petted her hair.

“Want to go on the dance floor, baby?” she asked and Sylvia nodded. “I don’t see why not.”

The two women then joined Andrew and Alyson as they began to dance and move slowly to the beat of the music.

J.T. then walked over to Jordan as she was sitting all alone.

“Hey, you don’t have to sit all by yourself, you know,” he said and Jordan glanced up to see him.

“And may I ask who you are?” she asked crisply.

“Yeah. My name is J.T. I just got hired by the Salem Police Department and I’ve been living in Texas for much of my life. I’m actually friends with Detective Brady and she and her ex took care of me when I was a baby many years ago,” J.T. answered.

“May I ask what J.T. stands for?” Jordan inquired.

“J.T. stands for John Thomas,” J.T. replied and he gazed at Jordan curiously. “What about you?”

“The name’s Jordan Ridgeway. I’ve been living here for a while and I’m a psychical therapist at Salem University Hospital,” Jordan answered.

“That’s awesome,” J.T. smiled. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

“I did but not now. He and I broke up a couple of days ago,” Jordan explained sadly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude,” J.T. frowned, stepping back.

“It’s fine,” Jordan reassured him.

“Would you like to dance?” J.T. asked as he held out his hand. Jordan then grabbed it and walked over to him.

“I’d love to.”

Jordan and J.T. then walked over to the dance floor and J.T. took her in his arms and began to spin around with her.

Celia then groaned and glanced up and the ceiling, shaking her vodka glass.

“Dumb music. I want to bolt,” she muttered and Joseph smiled at her. “I think it’s nice. I’d love to dance with you if you want.”

“You do?” Celia remarked confusedly and Joseph nodded. “Sure. It doesn’t matter where I am as long as I’m with you.”

“Okay, if you say so,” Celia sighed as they held hands and went over to the dance floor.

“Let’s go.”

[sevenna92]

SCENE 11 – MANDALAY CAFÉ – MID-AFTERNOON

Natalie approached one of the small tables in Mandalay Café as she saw a group of people sitting there, drinking coffee.

“Momma! Poppa! Petey! Hilary!” she exclaimed as she raced over to them, clutching her purse.

A middle-aged woman then turned around to see the young woman running over to her and beamed proudly. She had dark, short, scruffy hair, dark brown eyes, a slender, heavy build with broad shoulders, and an angular, pronounced face with a long nose. She was dressed in a black power suit with a diamond lavaliere and a pair of diamond earrings. She also wore some mascara, eye shadow and red lips. Her name was Liza.

Sitting with her was a man with a broad, heavyset face, a couple of sideburns and a muscular and stocky build, a younger woman with a petite yet shapely frame, a dimpled, oval-shaped yet bony face and a huge mess of dark brown curls and dark sapphire eyes, and a younger, slightly dark skinned man with dashing, handsome, boyish good looks and a nice stubble on his face. He also had dark hazel brown eyes and spiky, short hair with large biceps and a muscular yet stocky build. Their names were Nate, Hilary and Pete.

“And here I thought Nattie forgot all about us,” Pete chuckled.

“Oh, my little girl!” Liza exclaimed as Natalie jumped into her arms and embraced her. “I’m so glad to see you!”

“Momma, it’s such short notice!” Natalie said as Liza hugged her daughter back and smiled. “It’s never too early to see you, my darling.”

“So where’s your lady friend?” Hilary remarked crisply, sucking on a lollipop.

“Oh, Theresa?” Natalie quipped, raising an eyebrow. Hilary then raised an eyebrow at her and stared right at her little sister.

Natalie grinned nervously and rubbed her hands. “She’s at home, not feeling well. She’s coming down with something.”

“Bull,” Hilary laughed, chewing on her lollipop.

“What? It’s true, I swear,” Natalie shot back, raising her hands.

“Don’t mind your sister, Natalie,” Liza retorted sternly.

“It’s just that she’s been blabbing nonstop about this ‘Theresa’ chick that I’d like to see what exactly has gotten my lil sis so cra cra about her,” Hilary retorted back to her mother. “That’s all.”

“Whatever, Hilary,” Natalie rolled her eyes with a scoff, trying to pretend that she didn’t care about her sister’s passing comment. However, she was nervous about raising her mother’s suspicions, and the last thing she wanted is to for Hilary to open her big mouth and put her in the hot seat.

“Oh, please, Nat, don’t pretend like you don’t care. I know when you really like someone, or something,” Hilary laughed with an impish grin. “Momma, remember this one time when we were eating out in the mall and Natalie couldn’t stop gawking at a video game some kid was playing?”

“It was Pokemon! I love Pokemon!” Natalie griped, frowning.

“We know, Natalie,” Pete groaned, face palming. “God, you’re such a weirdo.”

“Petey!” Liza snapped, causing Pete to flinch. “Sorry, Ma, but it’s true.”

“Peter Jeffrey Callaway!” Liza roared angrily, slamming her hand down on the table. Natalie jumped and tensed up her shoulders in terror. “Show some respect to your sister. Apologize to her.”

“Sorry, Ma,” Pete sighed as he turned to Natalie. “Sorry, Natalie.”

“It’s fine, Pete,” Natalie smiled.

“So what is life like living with those DiMeras?” Hilary questioned Natalie with a smug smirk.

“It’s no big deal,” Natalie shrugged. “It’s just like living with any other family. Besides, I do hang out with Chad, Uncle Stefano’s son, and he’s super cool. Although he can be a real jerk sometimes.”

“Natalie, I’m not so sure your mother and I are comfortable with you associating with those DiMeras,” Nate informed Natalie crisply.

“But they’re my blood family. I need to get in touch with who I am,” Natalie shot back firmly.

“We know, sweetheart, but we’re your family and that’s what matters. You need to remember who raised you and not where you came from,” Liza admonished her gently and Natalie nodded.

“I know that, Momma, but I don’t even know who my mother is yet,” she frowned.

“Ugh! Again with your mother?” Hilary groaned with a scoff. “Natalie, why are you so obsessed with finding out who your mother is? She’s just a dumb broad that didn’t want you and left you out to the wolves.”

“Take that back, Hilary!” Natalie yelled angrily, snapping her head towards her older sibling. “That’s not true!”

“Hilary, enough!” Liza snarled at her older daughter, sipping on her coffee. “That is no way to talk about Natalie’s birth mother!”

“But what if it is true?” Hilary frowned.

“Even if it is, which it’s not, you still should refrain from making such comments,” Liza chimed sternly and Hilary grimaced.

“What do you mean it’s not true, Momma?” Natalie retorted curiously.

Liza then turned around and looked at her family before she turned to face Natalie. “Your mother was a poor, desperate woman that didn’t have a lot of options. She felt that it was best that you didn’t stay with her. She didn’t think she was capable of raising you. And that’s all you need to know right now.”

She then turned back to face the rest of the gang as she added, “And this is not the time or place to speak of this.”

“Okay, enough about the DiMeras or that Theresa chick…” Hilary interrupted, waving her hand.

“Hey, I wanna know about that Theresa chick,” Pete shot back, cutting off his sister.

“You do?” Natalie quipped at her brother.

“Yep. So tell me, is she hot?” Pete growled with a wide, boyish grin, making a side glance.

“Petey!” Hilary gasped in horror.

“What?” Pete frowned, knitting his eyebrows. “I can’t even make a casual comment on how hot Natalie’s friends are without you people jumping on me? Sheesh.”

“I don’t think your girlfriend would appreciate your comments, you know,” Hilary growled sternly.

“Gee, Hil. You need to stop being so uptight,” Pete rolled his eyes. “It’s a wonder your fiancé didn’t want to come down here to Salem to see Natalie.”

“Shut up, Petey,” Hilary narrowed her eyes at her brother. “Liam just wanted to take care of some business for the wedding. What about your girlfriend?”

“Aw, come on, sis! It’s not like Vanessa can pull her kids out of school just to come here!” Pete groaned with an eye roll.

“Hey, Petey. How are Vanessa and the kids?” Natalie asked her brother.

“She’s going good, Nat. Thanks for asking,” Pete answered with a smile. “Milan actually won a huge football game against a rival high school.”

“That’s great, Petey,” Natalie sighed with a smile as she turned to Hilary. “What about you, Hilary? How’s Liam? How is that case with that deadbeat dad going?”

“Not good. The guy lawyered up and we tried to get him to pay child support to his ex-wife but to no avail,” Hilary answered with a sigh. “We had to arrest him for defaulting on child support payment and now we have no choice but to prosecute him.”

“That’s terrible,” Natalie frowned.

“So what about you, Natalie?” Pete asked. “How’s your job?”

“Good, nothing important to say,” Natalie shrugged.

“I don’t understand how you can work with these Catholics, Nat. I’ve never understood their obsession with Jesus anyway,” Pete retorted with a grim expression.

“Yeah, Natalie. Why don’t you transfer to Salem High if you want to work with kids so much?” Hilary quipped.

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Natalie confessed. “But I feel like St. Luke is where I fit in anyway.”

“It’s not too late to change your mind about switching schools…” Hilary interjected.

“Or switching careers. Natalie, you can do so much more than just teach. You’re too good just to be stuck in a low level job,” Pete retorted.

“Thanks, guys, but I’m happy just where I am,” Natalie remarked.

“So… Nattie…” Pete leered, leaning close to his sister. “You still haven’t told us about whether or not your friend Theresa is hot.”

Natalie then pursued her lips as her eyes fell on her family. She steeled herself as she inhaled deeply and prepared to answer, nervous of what she should say.

“I think she’s really pretty, pretty like an angel. She may not be exactly one of the nicest people in the world, but I can’t help but be drawn to her.”

“Do you have a picture of her?” Hilary queried and Natalie paused, trying to remember.

Her eyes then lit up as she dug into her purse and took out her IPhone. She then turned it on and pushed on the Apps button. She then pushed on the camera icon as she scrolled through pictures until she found a selfie of her and Theresa lying on the sofa together.

“Here we are,” she said and she handed the phone to Hilary. Hilary and the rest of the Callaways examined the photo curiously for several minutes and Pete grinned widely. He then chuckled deeply, beaming from ear to ear.

“Whoa, look at that,” he whistled as he eyed Theresa lying next to Natalie, sticking out her tongue and bogging out her eyes. “Hot babe. You got quite a find, little sis.”

“Why on earth did you have to make that face, Natalie?” Nate frowned as he saw that in the selfie that Natalie had her eyes closed and her nose thumbed up.

“I was just being silly, Poppa,” Natalie frowned.

“So when can we see her?” Pete asked Natalie.

“Soon, when she gets better,” Natalie answered. “We can go out to Mt. Olympus and have lunch there.”

“And while we’re at it, we need to meet that boy you’re seeing too,” Liza interjected and Natalie nodded.

“Yeah. I think you’ll like Paul. He’s a very nice guy.”

“I would hope so, Natalie,” Nate replied softly. “You deserve to have a man who would treat you right. I really hope that baseball pitcher realizes what a jewel you are.”

“I know, Poppa, but I’m sure Paul’s a good guy,” Natalie tried to reassure her father.

“If you say so,” Nate sighed, clearing his throat.

“I would hope Paul’s a good guy too, Natalie. If he’s as handsome as I think he is…” Hilary remarked with a wide grin and she made an excited squeal.

“Shazam!” Pete exclaimed as he and Hilary high fived each other. “Our little sister is a chick magnet.”

“You guys!” Natalie laughed and Nate petted her head. “My beautiful little girl. I hope one day I get to give you away at your own wedding.”

“I’m sure you will, Poppa,” Natalie replied gently. “But not too soon.”

“I hope not. Not until your mother and I get to meet Mr. Narita himself,” Nate announced determinedly and he hugged Natalie.

“Well, we better get back to our place and unpack our luggage,” Liza declared as she and the others got up.

“I’ll go with Ma and Pop and help them,” Pete volunteered.

“In the meantime, you and I are going shopping!” Hilary declared, putting her arm around Natalie, grinning.

“Okay,” Natalie sighed, not feeling terribly enthusiastic about going out on a shopping trip.

“Cheer up, Nat. We’re going to spend some time together,” Hilary reassured her sister and squeezed her arm. “Come on. Maybe we’ll find something for your friend.”

“Okay, but I’ll warn you. She has very expensive tastes,” Natalie quipped as Hilary laughed. “Okay. I know just the place.”

Natalie then laughed back as she then descended into her thoughts.

I’d love for Poppa to give me away for my wedding… but what if that person I’m going to marry is Theresa?

Natalie then sighed deeply as she then started daydreaming about her fantasy wedding.

Natalie imagines herself standing in front of the altar with several members of both hers and Theresa’s families sitting in the pews. She then turns to see her parents sitting at the front and focuses on her father. She could see that even though he was outwardly smiling, his eyes conveyed a barely concealed hint of sorrow. His face was scrunched up and his lips were puckered tightly like he was trying to hide his displeasure.

Natalie’s face dropped as she can’t help but feel guilty for putting her father through this. But then her face became brighter and happier as she then turned to see Theresa approaching her in a dark blue dress and walking up to her. The young women smiled at each other and Theresa beamed at her, examining her.

“You look beautiful,” she said, brushing her hair.

“So do you,” Natalie replied.

“So you’re ready to do this?” Theresa inquired expectantly.

“Yep, I couldn’t be happier,” Natalie grinned. “I’m finally going to spend the rest of my life with someone I truly love.”

“And now if there is any reason why these two should not be wed, speak up now or forever hold your peace,” the minister announced.

Natalie’s body then tensed up with anxiety and fear as her eyes scanned the entire congregation. Any minute now one of her family members was going to speak up and humiliate her in front of everybody, making her feel even more guilty than she already did.

But then a voice did speak up, but it was not whom she expected.

“I object!” a voice cried out as a man burst right into the church and Natalie’s eyes popped out the moment she saw a familiar figure racing towards her. She nearly gasped out loud upon seeing Brady approach her and Theresa.

Theresa’s eyes flared with rage as she turned towards her ex-husband.

“Brady, what are you doing here?”

“You can’t marry Natalie!” Brady demanded angrily.

“And why not? I’m finally moving on with my life!” Theresa yelled. “I don’t need you, or your stupid money. I finally have someone who actually loves me!”

“Stop running away from your responsibilities! You need to take care of your child!” Brady cried as Theresa stared at him blankly. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about our daughter!” Brady shot back as he held up a pink bundle and uncovered it, showing a small newborn baby girl, shrieking wildly and loudly.

Natalie then froze as she looked right into the baby’s eyes.

“Natalie? Natalie? Natalie?” Hilary quipped as she waved her hand in her face and snapped her fingers.

Natalie then shook her head, blinking.

“Are you okay, girl? You kind of spaced out for a minute.”

“I-It’s nothing,” Natalie insisted and Hilary looked at her suspiciously.

“Are you sure?” she raised an eyebrow.

“I’m sure,” Natalie snapped. “Let’s just go shopping, okay?”

“All right, fine. Geez, I don’t know what’s wrong with you today,” Hilary groaned as she and Natalie soon left the café.

[sevenna92]

SCENE 12 – THERESA’S APARTMENT – MID-AFTERNOON

Theresa opened her eyes slightly and saw that she was surrounded in a sea of darkness. She saw a couple of people dressed in scrubs with a particularly creepy looking man standing near her with a syringe in hand.

Theresa could barely sit up as she lay weakly in bed and she saw the world spinning around her. She then heard the sound of a baby cry and she turned to see another man walking away with a small white bundle.

“Hey, come back!” she screamed. “Where are you taking my baby? Give me back my baby!”

“Mama! Mama!” a small tiny voice echoed as Theresa screamed at the top of her lungs.

“NOOO!”

“Give me back my baby! Give me back my baby!” the young woman shrieked as she was kicking and thrashing in her bed and a woman was holding her arms down.

“Theresa, calm down!” a female voice yelled as Theresa breathed deeply and snapped her eyes open to look up at the person addressing her. She saw Madame Serenity peering down on her while sitting on the side of the bed.

“Oh, God,” Theresa whispered, holding her forehead. “Why do I feel dizzy?”

“Just lay down, Theresa,” Madame Serenity informed her gently. “I’ll go and get you some crystals.”

“Crystals?” Theresa scoffed.

“Yes, crystals,” Madame Serenity nodded. “I sense that you have great emotional turmoil and that is causing a great upset in your spirit and mind. Do not trouble yourself with that man or your lost child.”

“I don’t understand. How is this possible? Has this got to do anything with my powers?” Theresa demanded sternly yet incredulously.

“Yes. When you are troubled by something that greatly concerns you, your body responds to the stress by releasing negative energy throughout your entire system,” Madame Serenity explained. “As a result, you may feel slow, sluggish and exhausted. These crystals I have can transfer positive, pure energy through your body that can purge out the negative energy and restore balance.”

“That sounds a lot like New Age junk,” Theresa snickered. “But I suppose anything’s good at this point if I want to get better.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say that,” Madame Serenity chuckled as she reached into her satchel and took out a glowing bluish clear crystal. She then placed it on Theresa’s heart and held it there as it began to glow and hum softly.

Theresa admired the crystal and stroked it gently with her fingertips. “It’s quite beautiful,” she said. “Where did you get them?”

“I get the crystals from some of the shamans from some of the oldest tribal villages in Africa, Brazil, India and even Australia. I would trade in some of the rarest and priceless jewels to obtain the crystals,” Madame Serenity answered.

“Where would you get the jewels?” Theresa inquired curiously.

“I would go on expeditions with a special team in South and Central America and we would go on remote locations in order to find them. Sometimes I would accompany my cousin Serena in search of rare and special jewels and artifacts,” Madame Serenity replied and Theresa’s eyes popped open in shock.

“Wait… Did you say Serena?”

“Yeah, why?” Madame Serenity shrugged nonchalantly.

“That’s the name of that girl Eric’s dating right now,” Theresa answered in an astonished voice and she eyed her suspiciously. “How exactly do you know her?”

“Truth?” Madame Serenity quipped as Theresa nodded with a firm line.

The older dark-haired woman then sighed sadly and exhaled heavily.

“She’s my cousin on my mother’s side. But my aunt and my mother don’t speak much and I haven’t seen my family in years. We don’t quite see eye to eye because of my profession. They don’t take kindly to psychics.”

“I don’t think you’re that bad,” Theresa replied gently, holding the crystal to her chest. “I think you’re actually pretty interesting.”

“You think so?” Madame Serenity raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah,” Theresa nodded and the older psychic woman blushed. “I think anyone with that kind of magical power is very sexy.”

“Of course. You’re a woman that’s attracted to power,” Madame Serenity remarked crisply and Theresa smirked. “I’m not one that wouldn’t appreciate inner beauty either.”

“I wouldn’t expect any less,” Madame Serenity purred tenderly as she held up her chin and the younger woman giggled.

The older psychic woman then smiled tenderly, caressing her reddish brown hair.

“I have a confession to make.”

“What?” Theresa smirked, batting her eyes seductively. “You want to sleep with me?”

Madame Serenity them smiled back at her, petting her hair and not saying anything. Finally she leaned towards her face and kissed her deeply and tenderly in the lips.

Theresa was taken aback by this sudden gesture but decided to respond anyway by kissing her back.

She then pulled back and looked at her, breathing softly.

“You love me?”

Madame Serenity then caressed her gently as she peered into her eyes and kissed her again. She then embraced her tightly in her arms as they continued kissing heavily and passionately. It was not long before they lay down together and continued making out heavily.

Sometime later, Theresa opened her eyes as she found herself lying in Madame Serenity’s arms. She then sat up and looked down at the sleeping form of the older psychic woman with a tender smile. She then gently stroked her face and chuckled softly.

Theresa then turned around to see Madame Serenity’s satchel lying on the ground and became curious.

“I wonder what she has in that bag over there,” she mumbled softly as she got off the bed and sat down next to the satchel.

She then opened up the bag and began rummaging for crystals and other valuable items. She then took out a dark amethyst crystal and held it up in the air, examining it. Theresa then stroked it tenderly and turned it over slowly, watching the transparent surface gleaming brightly in the light. She then put it back in the satchel and continued digging for any more finds.

Theresa then took out a deck of cards and began shuffling them in her hands. She then placed them on the ground and began piling them together one by one. The young redhead woman saw various images flash before her eyes, including a dark new moon, a wolf, a dark blue energy sphere and even an image of death with a scythe.

Theresa continued to shuffle and play with the cards as she became more interested in their meaning. Then finally she reached into the satchel again and took out a couple of more crystals, many of them green, blue, red and purple.

She then put the crystals together as they gave off a bright glow and their energy hues combined together to make a rainbow. Theresa gasped in astonishment as the rainbow light shined in her face and the entire room was filled with its light. Theresa then glanced up and watched the light beams shimmer all over the walls and ceilings with a gleeful smile.

“This is amazing. I wish I could be a psychic,” she whispered softly and glanced down at the crystals. “Then maybe I can predict my future, or even change it.”

Theresa then put all of the stuff back into the satchel and glanced back to see if Madame Serenity had stirred. To her relief, the woman appeared to be still sleeping.

“Maybe she has a spell book I can use to practice my skills,” Theresa muttered as she then reached back into the satchel.

But then to her surprise she pulled out a wallet and began taking out old photos. Theresa then held up the photos in her hand as her jaw dropped in shock and her eyes widened in horror.

She saw that there was a skinny yet stocky built man with short, dark hair and a boyish, dashingly handsome face wearing a white blue striped shirt and khakis at a beach. There was another photo with the same man putting his arms around two other men and another photo with the man at a family reunion. She then saw another photo with the man dressed in a white cap and gown and appearing to be in his early to mid 20s.

Theresa then narrowed her eyes and she turned over the picture to see if there was an inscription. She was stunned when she saw a handwritten inscription in blue. It read, “Alan Baxter. Class of 1988.”

Theresa then focused back to the image of the man and examined it for several minutes. She then turned back to look at Madame Serenity and stared at her intently before she turned back to the photo. After several minutes of changing focus to Madame Serenity and back to the photo, Theresa nearly dropped the photo in astonishment.

“Oh my God… it can’t be…” she whispered, shoving the photos back into the wallet and dropping it into the satchel. “No…”

“Hello, darling,” Madame Serenity yawned deeply as she got up and stretched her arms. “I hope you slept well.”

She then looked at Theresa and she grew concerned upon seeing her shaken and rattled expression.

“Theresa? What’s wrong?”

“Y-You’re Alan Baxter, aren’t you?” Theresa stammered as she turned around to face her, her face pale white and her eyes gawking widely. “You’re not really Madame Serenity.”

“Oh, God!” Madame Serenity gasped in horror, covering her mouth with her hand. “I’m so sorry you had to find out this way.”

Theresa’s face then contorted into a grimace as she could barely conceal her disgust and disbelief.

“What is wrong with you? How could you deceive me like this?” she demanded angrily.

She then stared at Madame Serenity and she started shaking violently, her jaw trembling and her eyes shimmering with anger and disappointment.

“How could you do this to me? I thought you were a woman, and now to find that you used to be a man… Why would you carry such a big secret like this?”

“All right, you want to know the truth?” Madame Serenity sighed dejectedly.

“Yes, I think I deserve to know the truth,” Theresa demanded angrily, tears now dripping down her face.

“Very well, sit here,” Madame Serenity sighed as she patted on the bed and Theresa walked over towards her and sat down next to her.

Madame Serenity then sighed sadly and petted her hair tenderly. Theresa then sniffled and shook in sobs.

“I was born Alan Baxter in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was a real geek back when I was a kid. I had a knack for science and I used to win first prize at the science fair every year starting when I was in fourth grade. But other than that and liking to watch sports on T.V., I didn’t really have what people would call male oriented interests.”

“When I was in my teens I actually had interest in women’s fashion and I would collect women’s fashion magazines all of the time. I would also dress up in my mother’s clothes and pretend to be her friends. I actually borrowed my mother’s sewing machine and I would gather up old fabric and make clothes out of them.”

“I also had a lot of gal pals and I actually felt more comfortable around them than I was with men. I would get teased and bullied a lot in school because I wasn’t considered to be a real man since I was not tough or aggressive enough.”

Madame Serenity then exhaled heavily, lit up a cigarette and took a long drag. She then shook her head sadly as she continued to smoke.

“My father was so disappointed in me. He wanted a son that was going to be a football star and go on to the NFL. But I suppose it wasn’t meant to be. He and my mother split up when I was 15.”

“Wow, that’s pretty awful,” Theresa whispered in shock.

“Yeah,” Madame Serenity nodded. “I also gained an interest in astrology and magic and I eventually decided to become a psychic who specialized in reading tarot cards, manipulating reality and spell casting. I also decided that I needed to create an identity and thus Madame Serenity was born. I named myself after my cousin Serena.”

“I actually had an ongoing act where I would do traveling shows all over the world and I would tell people’s futures and perform magic spells. And people really loved it. I also loved being Madame Serenity so much because I felt like I’ve finally found my place in life and I was somewhere where I truly belonged. But as time went on, Alan Baxter ceased to exist and Madame Serenity took his place. I’ve practically forgotten who I used to be.”

“So why do you keep those old photos of your old self around?” Theresa asked inquisitively.

Madame Serenity paused, taking another drag.

“To keep a hold on the past, I guess.”

“So you’ve been living as a woman for years? And nobody in your family knows about this?” Theresa retorted skeptically.

“Except for Serena,” Madame Serenity added. “She still knows me as Alan.”

“Wow… this is just weird… too weird…” Theresa shook her head, laughing incredulously.

“I don’t expect you to accept me, Theresa and I’ll understand if you’re disgusted with me. This is not something I reveal to everyone,” Madame Serenity remarked crisply.

“You’re too funny,” Theresa laughed hysterically, shaking her head. “You know, I honestly don’t care if you’re dressed as a woman or a goat or whatever. You live your life and I’ll live mine.”

“Y-You’re not angry at me?” Madame Serenity stammered in surprise.

“Not that now you’ve actually explained yourself,” Theresa remarked briskly. “But then again, it’s not like I should care either way. I still think you’re cute.”

Madame Serenity then smiled and chuckled. “You never fail to be charming, Ms. Donovan.”

“And you never fail to amuse me,” Theresa giggled as she snuggled close to the older woman.

Madame Serenity then smiled as she watched Theresa lean against her and then got up.

Theresa then fell on her side as Madame Serenity went over to pick up her satchel and started digging into it.

“What are you looking for?” she asked as Madame Serenity took out a light bluish-green crystal necklace and then sat back on the bed.

“Wow, that’s beautiful,” Theresa whispered as Madame Serenity held it up in her hands delicately. “I’d like for you to have it. It’s one of the only copies I have.”

“Really? You sure?” Theresa quipped uncertainly as Madame Serenity nodded. She then gave her the crystal necklace and placed it around her neck.

Theresa then admired it lovingly and turned back to face her.

“Thanks. It’s a really nice gift. You didn’t have to do this,” she said and Madame Serenity caressed her hair. “I wanted to.”

“So what does this crystal do?” Theresa asked, still admiring the necklace.

“It’s for good luck,” Madame Serenity explained. “It will protect you from great harm.”

“This should prove useful,” Theresa smirked as she slipped the crystal necklace into her green tank top and looked over at Madame Serenity.

“You can stay here if you want to,” she replied.

“You’re sure about that? What about your lady friend?” Madame Serenity frowned worriedly.

“Oh, she’ll be fine. I’ll talk to her about it and I’ll let her know,” Theresa assured her.

She then leaned closer to Madame Serenity and kissed her tenderly.

“I think we should get to bed,” she said as she lay down and closed her eyes. “I’m going to get some sleep.”

“All right then, good night, Theresa,” Madame Serenity remarked as she lay down next to Theresa and wrapped her arms around her. She then nuzzled her and the young woman giggled.

“Night, Madame Serenity,” she whispered and then she yawned deeply.

It was not long before Theresa drifted off to sleep and Madame Serenity closed her eyes as she too fell asleep.