The Melaswen Paradox (Read 319,145 times)

[Kpatch]

I don't remember why Claire is on immunosuppressants, unless it goes back to her illness at birth. Even if it is the flu, they need to get her to a doctor immediately. Too many people have died from the flu this season.

[mae00]

Hope they figure out what's wrong with Claire soon. The flu is horrible and I hope they catch it early for her.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 387

SHAWN-D & BELLE'S HOUSE
Chase knocked on the door of Claire's bedroom, even though the door was open, and came in.
CHASE: Hey.
CLAIRE: Hey.
CHASE: Feeling any better?
CLAIRE: Not really.
CHASE: Aw. I'm sorry.
Chase kissed Claire on the cheek.
CLAIRE: Thanks for letting me borrow your Salem High Lions hoodie. Wearing it makes me feel like you're holding me even when you're not here.
CHASE: Well, that's where I want to be.
Chase went into his backpack, pulled out a small package and handed it to Claire.
CLAIRE: What's this?
CHASE: Open it up and you'll see.
Claire opened up the package. It was a CD with Stevie Nicks on the cover.
CLAIRE: Oh my gosh! You got me a new copy of Bella Donna!
CHASE: Well, I know it's one of your favorite albums, plus your old copy died a few months ago.
CLAIRE: And it's the deluxe edition with a bunch of clips from the 1982 tour. Aww! I love it! Thank you!
Chase hugged Claire gently.
CHASE: You're welcome. Happy Valentine's Day.
CLAIRE: Happy Valentine's Day. I have a present for you, too, but I didn't get to wrap it before I got sick. It's in the third shelf in my closet. Smallest thing on the shelf.
Chase went into the closet and pulled out a flash drive.
CHASE: A flash drive?
CLAIRE: I put all of your favorite songs on it, plus our songs, and one or two that I wrote for you.
CHASE: That's awesome! Thank you so much!
CLAIRE: There's one other little surprise on it, too.
CHASE: What?
CLAIRE: Grab my laptop from the desk and you'll find out.
Chase got Claire's laptop, then sat on the bed next to Claire. He put the flash drive in, opened it and clicked on the file marked “Open Me”. A video popped up.
CLAIRE: It's from a year and a half ago. Around the time of our first Last Blast Dance.
The video started with Claire sitting on her bed, her guitar in front of her.
CLAIRE: So, I'm not sure if I'll ever put this on my YouTube page or not, as this one's kind of personal. So, if you're watching this, then you're likely either me, or the person I'm gonna mention next. There's this guy I met on Thanksgiving when my parents and I came back to Salem. He's really cool and sweet and I just really love spending time with him. The other night was the Last Blast Dance and, for the most part, it was great, until this really mean girl did something to me. But, this guy was so nice and helped me. He made me feel so much better. Whenver I'm around him, everything seems right. The only thing is, I haven't quite worked up the courage to tell him yet. I mean, I told him I liked him at the dance, but what I didn't tell him is that I love him. And I probably will, I'm just not sure when. I'm not gonna say his name, but if he's watching this, then he already knows who he is and how I feel. So, the whole thing about me not telling him made me think of a song, which I'm gonna play now.
Claire began strumming her guitar. CLICK HERE to listen to the full song.
CLAIRE (singing): Am I dreamin' or stupid? I think I've been hit by cupid, but no one needs to know right now. I met a tall, dark and handsome man, and I've been busy makin' big plans, but no one needs to know right now. I'll tell him someday, some way, somehow. But I'm gonna keep it a secret for now. I'm not dreamin' or stupid, but boy have I been hit by cupid! But no one needs to know right now.
She stopped strumming.
CLAIRE: But, like I said, if you're watching this, you already know. And I love you.
Claire blew a kiss to the screen.
CHASE: Claire, that was beautiful!
CLAIRE: Thanks! I love you, Chase. Happy Valentine's Day.

DIMERA MANSION
Tony walked downstairs. Anna was waiting for him.
ANNA: Good morning, darling.
TONY: Good morning, my dear. And I believe today is a rather special day, isn't it?
ANNA: Is it?
TONY: Indeed.
Tony pulled a bouquet of roses from his suit coat. He handed them to Anna.
TONY: Happy Valentine's Day, my love.
Tony pulled Anna into a kiss.

BRADY PUB
Meanwhile, the Brady Pub had been set up for the annual Valentine's Day party. CLICK HERE to listen to the music that's playing. Ciara and Trix hugged.
CIARA: Happy Valentine's Day.
TRIX: You too! Thanks for the vegemite. I didn't think you had it here.
CIARA: We don't. But, I called in a favor. Thank you for the chocolate roses.
TRIX: You're welcome.
There was a section of the Pub put aside for some dancing.
AIDEN: Happy Valentine's Day, Commissioner.
HOPE: Happy Valentine's Day, Mr. Jennings.
AIDEN: Gotta say, the Pub's done up really nice.
HOPE: That was all Max and Ciara. They did a great job. And, I am so glad that we made it back in time for this.
AIDEN: Me too. A year ago, we were just getting engaged. Look where we are now.
HOPE: Yep. And it's just gonna keep getting better.
CHELSEA: You and Ciara did a great job with the decorations.
MAX: Thanks. I love you, Chels.
CHELSEA: I love you, too.
KAYLA: Look at those two.
Kayla nodded to J.J. and Paige, who were also dancing.
STEVE: Yep, looks like Happy Jack Junior inherited both the Johnson and Brady family moves. But, I gotta tell ya, Sweetness, right now, the only one I see here is you.
Kayla and Steve kissed.
All the rest of the Bradys, Johnsons, Hortons and anyone else who was at the Brady Pub enjoyed dancing and spending time together. They all agreed that it was a really Happy Valentine's Day.

[heroicmuse]

Aww what a sweet Valentine's Day chapter!

I loved Chase and Claire's gifts. I hope there really isn't anything seriously wrong with Claire.

So great to see an ALIVE Tony being romantic with Anna.

The dance at the Brady Pub was so sweet.

Great chapter André DiMera

[André DiMera]

Chapter 388

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Belle and Claire sat in one of the exam rooms at the hospital. A small bowl sat next to Claire that, thankfully, had not been used yet. After they had waited a few minutes, a doctor who looked to be in his late 40s, with a pleasant smile walked in.
BELLE: Dr. Kirshner.
KIRSHNER: Good morning, Mrs. Brady, Claire.
CLAIRE: Hi.
KIRSHNER: So, Claire, how are you feeling?
CLAIRE: Horrible. Kinda like I have the flu, but worse.
KIRSHNER: How so?
CLAIRE: For the last couple of days, my stomach's been hurting really bad, and I can barely keep anything down. My back hurts, too. And I've just been feeling really weak and I get dizzy when I stand.
KIRSHNER: I see. You say this started a few days ago?
CLAIRE: My stomach started hurting on Friday, but I thought it was just cramps because I was on my period. Then, Tuesday morning I started throwing up and my back started hurting.
KIRSHNER: And when did the dizziness start?
CLAIRE: The same day. Tuesday.
Dr. Kirshner started checking Claire's vitals.
KIRSHER: Okay. Have you been under a lot of stress lately?
CLAIRE: Not really. Not more than I would guess most high school seniors are.
KIRSHNER: Good. Next up, have you been taking all your medications as prescribed?
CLAIRE: Yes. Twice a day, with food.
KIRSHNER: Excellent. Please open your mouth and say “Ah”.
Claire opened her mouth while Dr. Kirshner shone a light in it. Next, he looked at Claire's eyes.
KIRSHNER: Claie, have either you, or you Mrs. Brady, noticed any yellowing around Claire's eyes?
BELLE: No, I haven't.
CLAIRE: Neither have I.
KIRSHNER: All right, because I'm noticing a little bit, which means you're a bit jaundiced.
CLAIRE: Is that what's wrong with me?
KIRSHNER: Well, it's definitely part of it. Though, it's likely more than that. Jaundicing is a sign of a potential number of things.
Dr. Kirshner took out his stethoscope.
KIRSHNER: Take a few deep breaths, please, Claire.
Claire took a few deep breaths as Dr. Kirshner listened through his stethoscope. Then, he placed it on her back and listened more.
KIRSHNER: Okay. You say your stomach has been bothering you the longest. Is it in one specific area, or your whole stomach?
CLAIRE: My whole stomach.
Dr. Kirshner nodded. He put the stethoscope down by Claire's stomach and listened. After a moment, he took off the stethoscope.
KIRSHNER: Have you been around any animals for a prolonged period of time?
CLAIRE: Not that I'm aware of.
Claire scratched her shoulder slightly.
KIRSHNER: Okay.
BELLE: Claire, try not to scratch, honey.
Claire stopped.
KIRSHNER: Have you felt itchy the last few days?
CLAIRE: Every now and then.
KIRSHNER: Any particular place?
CLAIRE: Not really, my skin just kind of itches at times.
Throughout the examination, Dr. Kirshner had been writing things down on a pad of paper. He set the pad down.
KIRSHNER: I see. So, here's what I'm thinking. I've definitely narrowed it down, but before I can give you a definitive diagnosis, I would like to run a few tests. Namely a blood test, a urine test, and I'd also like a biopsy of your liver.
Claire gulped and put the bucket between her legs.
CLAIRE: My liver?
KIRSHNER: Just to be safe, and so I can give you a proper diagnosis, yes. I'll have Nurse Maxine give you the tests and prep you for the biopsy in a moment.
BELLE: Thank you, Dr. Kirshner.
Dr. Kirshner nodded and walked out. Belle sat down next to Claire and put an arm around her.
BELLE: Hey, it's gonna be okay.
CLAIRE: I don't feel so good.
Belle held Claire's hair back as she was sick into the bucket. Then, Belle gently rubbed her daughter's back as Claire leaned into her.

[heroicmuse]

It definitely sounds like a problem with Claire's liver. I hope Dr. Kirshner can get to the bottom of it and there's a quick solution.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Lovely Valentine's Day chapter!

I'm nervous for Claire!

[mae00]

Valentine's day was so sweet!

Oh I hope it's not Claire's liver but it sounds like the doctor is on top of this which is a good thing.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 389

SALEM HIGH
That afternoon, Ciara and Trix were getting their things from their lockers.
CIARA: So, you have practice tonight, too?
TRIX: Yep. Coach moved added another day of swim practice. You gonna hang out?
CIARA: Of course. I'll always hang out to watch you swim.
Tripp walked over.
TRIPP: Don't know why when you could be watching me and your cousin play basketball. I mean, yeah, swiming's cool and stuff, but b-ball is way cooler.
Ciara rolled her eyes.
CIARA: Well, let's start with the fact that I have no interest in basketball. Or you. And I've gone to Joey's games hundreds of times. Besides, I'd much rather be watching my girlfriend.
TRIPP: Whatever. I was just thinking, it's been a while since I've seen you. You're still as gorgeous as ever.
TRIX: She's also still as taken as ever.
TRIPP: What, you're gonna let her speak for you now?
CIARA: No, I can speak for myself, but my girlfriend is right. I'm still taken. I don't know how to make this more clear. I am not interested in you.
TRIPP: You say that now-
CIARA: I've been saying that since the first time you asked me out in my freshmen year. I've tried to be polite about it in the past, but after four years of this, I'm at the end of my patience with this.
TRIPP: You keep telling yourself that, but we both know the truth.
CIARA: Look, we have to go. Don't want Trix to be late for practice.
TRIPP: See ya later, then.
Ciara and Trix closed their lockers, took each other's hand and walked away. Tripp let out a breath.
TRIPP (thinking): One way or another, Ciara Brady, you will be mine.

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Later, Claire and Belle were in one of the rooms. The tests and biopsy had been done, and Claire was lying in a bed, sleeping. Shawn-D arrived.
SHAWN-D: Hey. How're we doing?
BELLE (whispering): Ssh. She's resting. Dr. Krishner took a biopsy of her liver a little while ago, and she's still kind of drowsy. She should be awake soon, though.
SHAWN-D: Gotcha.
A few minutes later, Claire stirred. Her eyes opened. Shawn-D walked over to the bed and gently rubbed Claire's back.
CLAIRE: Dad?
SHAWN-D: Hey, Claire Bear. How you feeling?
CLAIRE: Still not very good. But, what are you doing here? I thought you were working.
SHAWN-D: I got off a little bit ago.
CLAIRE: Oh. That's good.
Dr. Kirshner walked in. Claire slowly sat up in the bed.
KIRSHNER: Good afternoon, Claire, Mr. and Mrs. Brady.
SHAWN-D: Dr. Kirshner. Good to see you again.
KIRSHNER: How are you feeling Claire?
CLAIRE: The same as before. My stomach still really hurts, so does my back.
KIRSHNER: That makes sense. You'll probably have a bit of pain near your liver from the biopsy.
BELLE: Speaking of which, did you get the biopsy results?
KIRSHNER: I did.
Dr. Kirshner sat down near Claire.
KIRSHNER: I had my suspicions when I examined you this morning, and the blood tests and biopsy confirmed them.
CLAIRE: What did you find out?
KIRSHNER: You are suffering from organ rejection.

[heroicmuse]

OH NO!!!! I wonder why Claire's body is rejecting the liver after all this time.

Tripp go away. Go hang out with Peter from my story, he's the only one who can tolerate you. LOL

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[Kpatch]

I don't remember Claire having a liver transplant. Now she needs a new one I guess.

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting, everyone! I'm concerned about Claire, too!

---

Next week...

Claire just received a difficult diagnosis.
BELLE: Why would this happen after so long?

This week, what can be done?
KIRSHNER: There are a few options that we can go over.

Meanwhile, Tripp gets called to the Assistant Principal's office.
WOODS: I need to speak with you for a few minutes.

And Vivian has a question for Nicholas.
VIVIAN: What on earth is she still doing here?

All this and more next week on THE MELASWEN PARADOX!

[heroicmuse]

I hope that Tripp is being called to the office for a lecture about not sexually harassing Ciara!

And hopefully Claire's liver problem is treatable (and not due to someone poisoning her or something)

Yay! Glad to see Vivian again.

Great previews André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Worried about Claire.

I'm looking forward to seeing Vivian again!

[fluffysmom]

I hope Claire will be okay.

I'm glad Hope and Aiden made it home safely.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.