The Melaswen Paradox (Read 328,879 times)

[fluffysmom]

I hope Tony convinces Chad.

There are lots of exciting events coming up for the teens.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 434

SALEM HIGH
TRIX: The Last Blast? That's your end of year dance, yeah?
CIARA: Yep. Best night of the school year!
CLAIRE: And, if I recall correctly, you came right around the time of last year's Last Blast.
TRIX: I think so, yeah. School had ended by the time I got here, so that's likely.
CIARA: Well, thankfully, you'll be able to join in on our final Last Blast.
JOEY: It's kinda weird, though, isn't it?
CIARA: What is?
CHASE: That this is our last year of high school.
JOEY: Exactly. I mean, I remember when we all started here as freshmen.

DIMERA MANSION
CHAD: Well, what are you still doing standing there? Get out of here! Now!
ANNA: Chad, be sensible! If this man were really André, then why would I be with him? And, after all, I would know. I'm one of the only people who can tell the difference between Tony and André!
CHAD: I don't know. I don't presume to know the way your mind or André's works. Maybe he's brainwashed you.
TONY: Well, that would be up André's ally, look what he's done to you.
CHAD: Oh, just because I escaped your evil plan last time. Well, your charades won't work on me anymore!
TONY: Chad, surely we can talk about this calmly. We're all civilized people here. Just tell us, what is going to take to convince you that you've been lied to? I am Tony, and the man who's been claiming to be me for several months is really André.
Chad hesitated.
CHAD: All right. Fine, I'll play along. Let's just say, just for kicks, that you are the real Tony. We met before I met André, before Stefano had your death faked. So tell me one thing that the real Tony would know about me that André wouldn't.
Tony walked over to Chad and whispered in his ear. Chad took a step back, his eyes wide.
CHAD: My god, it is you!
TONY: Indeed.
Chad and Tony hugged.
CHAD: Man, I am so sorry, but I had to make sure.
TONY: That's all right. It's not the first or last time something like that's happened. And, at least you only threatened to throw me out. Others have tried to shoot me.
CHAD: No, I wouldn't do that. So, what the hell is going on here? When did you leave? And when did André take over?
MELANIE: But, without Theresa, that means there are only two of us now. Brady, Theresa and that Eugene guy escaped, and E.J.'s...well, you know.
REX: Three of us. Just because Cassie's on special assignment doesn't mean she's not still an important part of the plan.
ANDRE: Quite right, Rex. Cassie is essential to the plan, as are you all. Though it is a pity to lose three pieces of the plan, I have found that they were surplus to requirements. As I am sure the two of you know, I am always ready with a backup plan. Thankfully, the three of you will be all that is needed.

[heroicmuse]

I wonder what Tony said, and how does Chad know Andre didn't learn that information somehow?

Of course Andre has a back up plan.I wonder what it is, and I hope the escaped pod people ruin it.

I love end of school year stories! I hope there's lots of flashbacks and reminisces as they all prepare to graduate and take the next step in their lives.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[fluffysmom]

I'm glad Tony convinced Chad.

I hope no one causes trouble at the dance.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 435

SALEM HIGH - FLASHBACK
It was the first day of school. The first day of high school. A young Ciara, Chase, Theo and Joey walked in.
CIARA: Whoa! This place is huge!
CHASE: Totally! It makes Junior High look small!
JOEY: I didn’t think it was this big!
THEO: We’ve been here before. We had registration a few weeks ago.
JOEY: Yeah, but it’s not like we got a good look at the place or anything.
THEO: I did.
CIARA: Well, the rest of us weren’t that lucky.
THEO: It had nothing to do with luck. It was because-
But Theo was interrupted by a girl calling Joey’s name.
JOEY: I’ll meet you guys in class.
Joey walked over to his locker, where a young Jade was standing.
JADE: Hey. Did you miss me?
JOEY: Are you kidding? Of course I did.
Joey and Jade hugged. Ciara held out her hand.
CIARA: What’d I tell you? Fifteen minutes here and she’s already got her claws in Joey.
CHASE: You were right.
Chase put a ten dollar bill in Ciara’s hand.
JADE: At least they were smart enough to put our lockers together. Too bad we gotta go to some boring assembly on our first day. Lame.
JOEY: Yeah.
JADE: Wanna skip? We could hang out in one of the empty teacher’s rooms and make out.
Ciara walked over.
CIARA: Joey’s not going anywhere with you, Jade.
JADE: Mind your own business, Brady. Who asked you? Joey’s a big boy, he can do what he wants. But, he’s gonna do the smart thing and hang out with me and not you losers.
A bell rang and the voice of Principal Woods came over the P.A. system.
WOODS (V.O.): Attention, students. That is your five minute warning bell. On normal days, that sound means you have five minutes to get to your first class. However, because this is the first day of class, that means get to the gymnasium for the opening assembly.
THEO: Actually, according to that clock on the wall, there are four minutes and nineteen seconds.
CIARA: Regardless, we better get to the gym.
Ciara, Chase, Theo and Joey started walking.
JADE: Joey!
Joey turned back to look at Jade, who had her arms crossed. Joey walked over to her.
JOEY (whispering): It would look suspicious if we didn’t show up at the assembly. Let’s just go, and after a while, we can leave.
JADE: Whatever.

SALEM HIGH
JOEY: I honestly don’t know what I ever saw in her.
TRIX: Sounds to me like you were blinded by love.
CIARA: Or hormones.
JOEY: Still, thankfully, I got away from her. Even if it did take two years and her hurting one of my friends.
Chase put his arm around Claire.
CLAIRE: We’re glad you got away from her, too.
TRIX: So, since I’ve only been here a year, I don’t really know much about all of your time at this school. Any other stories?
CLAIRE: A lot’s happened in the time we’ve been here. You’ll hear some of the stuff in my valedictorian speech. But, you guys talking about your first day reminds me of mine.
TRIX: You mean you didn’t start the same time as everyone else?
Claire shook her head.
CLAIRE: I spent most of my life on my parent’s boat being homeschooled. Then, my mom got a job working for Chase’s dad, and we moved out here during our sophomore year.

[heroicmuse]

Aww I love the flashback! I can't wait to hear more stories. I especially loved Chase losing a bet to Ciara...again.

Jade was a problem from the beginning. Lol

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

Nice walk down memory lane.

[fluffysmom]

The bet was vintage young Ciara.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 436

SALEM HIGH - FLASHBACK
Claire was walking out of Mr. Woods’ office.
WOODS: Remember, if you need anything, just let either myself or one of the other teachers know. I look forward to seeing you in class.
CLAIRE: I will. Thanks, Mr. Woods.
Ciara was there waiting for her.
CIARA: How’d it go?
CLAIRE: Pretty good. It’s just gonna take some time to get used to this place.
Ciara put an arm around Claire.
CIARA: Well, luckily, we have mostly the same classes, so I can show you exactly where you need to go.
CLAIRE: Thanks. I’m glad me and my parents moved back to Salem, and that we’re in the same grade. I hope we become best friends.
CIARA: Oh, there’s no doubt about that.
CLAIRE: So, is there any kind of music program here? Like I said at Thanksgiving, I love music!
CIARA: I’m sure there are music classes you can take as electives. We also have a theatre group that do musicals every year. I think the one coming up this summer is Evita.
CLAIRE: Oh my gosh! Evita is my favorite musical!
CIARA: Well, you should totally go for it, then! I bet you’d get the lead.
CLAIRE: Yeah, right. I’d be happy if I was an extra. Besides, I’m new and a sophomore. The role of Eva Peron’s not gonna go to the new girl.
CIARA: We’ll see.
The two got to their lockers. Chase was already there. He closed his locker. Claire smiled.
CHASE: Claire, Ciara, hey.
CIARA: Hey.
CLAIRE: Hi.
CHASE: Welcome to Salem High.
CLAIRE: Thanks.
CHASE: How’s your first day going so far?
CLAIRE: It’s good. Really good.
CHASE: Cool.
A bell rang.
CHASE: Well, I better get to class.
CLAIRE: Okay. See you later.
Claire watched as Chase walked away. Ciara waved a hand in front of Claire’s face.
CIARA: Earth to Claire? Hello?
Claire snapped out of it.
CIARA: Man, you’ve got it bad.
CLAIRE: What?
CIARA: Oh, you know. I saw that look you were giving Chase.
CLAIRE: What look?
CIARA: You know the look.
CLAIRE: I’m not giving him any particular look.
CIARA: Uh-huh. Sure. Admit it, Claire, you like Chase.
CLAIRE: I mean, he’s a nice guy. But, I don’t even know him. We only met last weekend.
CIARA: Sure. That’s why you couldn’t stop talking about him all night during our sleepover.

SALEM HIGH
CLAIRE: I’m so glad I eventually told you how I felt.
CHASE: Me too.
Chase and Claire kissed.
CLAIRE: And we wouldn’t have gotten there if Ciara hadn’t pushed us to tell each other that we liked each other.
CIARA: What can I say? I’m a romantic, at heart.
Ciara kissed Trix.
TRIX: What other memories do you guys have?
JOEY: Way too many to list.
A bell rang.
CLAIRE: And, they’ll have to wait until later, because we’ve only got five minutes to get to our next class.
THEO: Technically four minutes and fifty seconds.
CIARA: Close enough. Let’s go.
Everyone threw away their trash from lunch, then headed to their classes

[heroicmuse]

Those are some great memories! I loved Chase and Claire's first meeting.

I was sad the bell rang.

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

Thanks for the backstory André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 437

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
Nicholas was cleaning up his desk for the night. Hadley knocked on the door of his office. Nicholas looked up and motioned for her to come in.
HADLEY: Is there anything I can do for you before you clock out, Mr. Alamain?
NICHOLAS: No thank you, Hadley. I believe I have everything that I need tonight. Just a reminder, I won’t be in the office tomorrow, and my phone will be on silent for the weekend. If you need anything, call Ivan, he’ll sort it out.
HADLEY: Of course, sir. I remember you mentioning that. Something special planned, sir?
NICHOLAS: My daughter’s graduating high school this weekend.
HADLEY: Oh, that’s wonderful. Congratulations.
NICHOLAS: Thank you.
HADLEY: Well, I’ll leave you to it, then. Have a nice weekend, Mr. Alamain.
NICHOLAS: You too.
Hadley turned to leave, but then turned back. She pushed her glasses up slightly and pushed back a lock of her hair.
NICHOLAS: Something you need?
HADLEY: This is gonna sound totally crazy...but, would you like to go for coffee sometime?
Nicholas let out a breath.
NICHOLAS: Hadley, I’m your boss.
HADLEY: I...I didn’t mean like that. I meant, like, just as co-workers. I mean, I’m your assistant. I want to get to know you better. Sorry, stupid idea. Nevermind.
Hadley turned away.
NICHOLAS: Hadley.
She turned back.
NICHOLAS: I said I was your boss, I didn’t say no. I just want to make sure you understand the positions here.
HADLEY: Oh, I totally do. Like I said, I was just thinking that it would be a nice way for me to get to know you better so I can be the best personal assistant you have.
NICHOLAS: We’ll schedule something on Monday.
HADLEY: Great. Thanks. Um, have a good weekend.
NICHOLAS: You as well.
Hadley walked out. A moment later, Ivan walked in, his arms crossed.
NICHOLAS: What? Don’t give me that look. This isn’t like the last time.
IVAN: If you say so, Mr. Alamain.

DIMERA MANSION
TONY: You remember the party we threw on New Year’s Eve?
CHAD: How could I forget? It’s the day E.J. showed up with André and his army of people who are supposed to be dead and tried to start a hostile takeover.
TONY: Exactly. It was that evening. After we had, to my knowledge, settled things down, I retired to bed.
ANNA: I stayed behind to make sure everything got cleaned up.
TONY: When I awoke, I was in bed, but Anna wasn’t next to me. In fact, nobody who should have been in town was, barring Erebus, Thomas Banks and Drew.
CHAD: So, you mean André’s been in charge this whole time?
TONY: Unfortunately.
CHAD: Well, that at least explains why you were so quick to want to bargain with E.J. It wasn’t you, at all. It was him, and E.J. was already on his side. To be honest, I thought you’d gone crazy.
TONY: No, thankfully, I have not. Though I cannot say the same thing for the man who shares my face.
ANNA: He’s always been crazy.
TONY: Indeed.
CHAD: So, what now? Where the hell is André now? For that matter, where’s E.J.?
TONY: Well, those are the million dollar questions, aren’t they? I suspect we’ll find out the answer to the former sooner rather than later. Now that I’ve returned, I’ve no doubt that André will reveal himself. And if we do find André, we’re likely to find Elvis not terribly far behind.

[heroicmuse]

Nicholas deserves that look. LOL. I wonder where this thing with him and Hadley is going.

I'm glad Chad knows the whole story now. LOL at Anna saying Andre has always been crazy.

Did Andre sleep with Anna while pretending to be Tony? I hope not! Though I'd think Anna would have noticed a long time ago something was off if he tried.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

I hope Hadley is on the up and up. I think she would be good for Nicholas.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 438

SALEM HIGH
This was it. The last day of school. The last day of high school. Later this evening would be the Last Blast Dance, and classes ended early so that everyone could go home and get ready in plenty of time. And so we find many of the students clearing out their lockers. Joey had just finished packing up his gym locker. Coach Jeffries entered the locker room.
JEFFRIES: All right, gentlemen, it’s been a good year. I’ll be seeing most of you next year, but for a few of you, this is the end of the line. Thank you all for making the Salem High Lions a fantastic basketball team. You’re dismissed. Johnson, stay back a minute.
As all the other boys left, Joey walked over to Coach Jeffries.
JOEY: You wanted to see me, Coach?
JEFFRIES: I did. You’ve been a good player, Johnson. I’ll miss having you on the team.
JOEY: Thanks. It’s been a lot of fun.
JEFFRIES: I wish you nothing but the best.
JOEY: Thanks, Coach.
Joey and Coach Jeffries shook hands. Meanwhile, Claire walked down the theatre hallway and knocked on one of the office doors. She heard a voice tell her to enter. She opened the door and was greeted by Miss Schuler, the Theatre director.
SCHULER: Well, this is a nice surprise. Claire Brady.
CLAIRE: Hi, Miss Schuler. I wanted to come by one last time before graduation.
SCHULER: I’m glad you did. It’s good to see you again.
CLAIRE: Thanks. You too. And, I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. These last three years, you’ve helped me a lot.
SCHULER: Well, I was very glad I could be of help. You’ve done very well, and you should be proud of yourself. I know that I am proud of you. I can’t wait until the day I can buy your first album or come see you in concert.
Claire blushed slightly.
CLAIRE: Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me. I’ll really miss being in your class.
SCHULER: And I shall miss teaching you.
Miss Schuler patted Claire’s hand.
SCHULER: Take care of yourself, Claire. And good luck. As they say in showbiz, break a leg.
CLAIRE: I will. You take care too, Miss Schuler.
Claire picked up her backpack and walked out. Chase was waiting outside for her.
CHASE: Ready?
CLAIRE: I think so.
Chase put an arm around Claire, and the two walked down the hallways until they got to their lockers. Ciara, Trix and Theo were waiting for them. They each opened their lockers and began putting all of their things into the backpacks. Joey joined them after a few minutes. Finally, all of their belongings safely tucked inside their bags, they turned to each other.
CIARA: Well….
CHASE: Well…
CLAIRE: This is it, isn’t it?
JOEY: Yeah.
CLAIRE: I kinda feel like Rory at the end of the Gilmore Girls specials from a couple years ago, where she’s sitting with Lorelai on the steps of the gazebo, and she says “I wanna remember it all. Every detail”.
CIARA: Me too.
TRIX: I think we all do.
A few of them sniffled. Chase kissed the top of Claire’s head. Trix and Ciara hugged. Then, they all took a deep breath.
CIARA: Well, here we go.
CLAIRE: Yep.
Everyone picked up their backpacks, closed their lockers, and went home to get ready for their final Last Blast Dance