The Melaswen Paradox (Read 328,926 times)

[fluffysmom]

Stephanie's arrival was a nice surprise.

I liked Mr. Woods's speech.

[Kpatch]

I wonder how long Woods has been an administrator versus being a teacher. He gave a very warm speech.

I'm hoping Stephanie and Philip won't interact during her visit.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 446

SALEM HIGH
WOODS: And now, I am proud to introduce Salem High School’s Class of 2018 Valedictorian, Claire Brady.
The audience and students clapped.
CIARA (whispering): Good luck.
Claire made her way up to the stage. Mr. Woods took a seat with the rest of the teachers as Claire walked up to the podium.
CLAIRE: Thank you, Mr. Woods, and everyone. Good morning. It’s great to be here today. Kind of unbelievable, to tell the truth. I’m gonna start off today by quoting a meme. And, I’m sure I’m about to disappoint every single teacher who’s ever drilled into my head to cite my sources, but it is nearly impossible to cite a meme, since the internet is largely anonymous. I did try, though.
There were a few laughs, even from the teachers.
CLAIRE: Here it goes. “One day, you’ll be taking your last school test, and you’ll be having your last fire drill and report card. One day, you’ll have your last wild and crazy Friday night with the people you’ve made a million memories with. One day, you’ll close your locker and walk out of those doors for the last time. One day, you’ll be standing in an alphabetically ordered line in a cap and gown with people you watched grow up. People who watched you grow up. A lot of these people, you’ll never see or hear of again. One day, you’ll forget about all the people you knew, and you’ll barely remember the memories until you find a picture that reminds you of one. One day, you’ll be packing up eighteen years of your life into boxes, and hugging your parents goodbye. One day, you won’t be in high school anymore. It’s sad, and we’re all ready to leave so soon.”
Claire put down the paper she’d been reading from.
CLAIRE: When I first read that, months ago when I first found out I would be Class Valedictorian, it really hit home for me. I didn’t spend much of my life here. I started at this school when I was fourteen, in my sophomore year, the only people I knew being two of my cousins and the son of a family friend. But over the last three years, I have grown to know and love so many people here. I hope that it’s the same for you. We learned a lot over these years. I mean, yeah, there’s the obvious stuff like geometry, physics and world history. But there’s more to it than that. We learned about life. We learned about love, many of us finding it in these halls. We learned that life doesn’t always turn out the way you think it will. We’ve had to learn about loss. But, we’ve also learned about perseverance. We made friends, and in some cases, found out who our true friends are. We’ve learned that it is possible for people to change, but that, sadly, some people don’t. More than anything, we’ve learned how to be young men and women. We’ve learned to accept ourselves and each other for who we are. I want to thank you all, because you have all helped me become who I am, and I hope it’s the same for you. I’d also like to thank all of our teachers, who guided us through our time here. Especially Mr. Woods. He’s been so amazing. I want to go back to that quote I read, because this is it, guys. This is that moment. That alphabetical line, cap and gown moment. And I’m gonna miss it. I will miss all of you. I love you all. A few minutes ago, Mr. Woods talked about how, in us, he saw the future. Now it’s time to go and be that future. So, let’s do it. Let’s get out there and make it the best future it can be. Thank you.
As Claire got down from the stage, she was met with a thunder of applause, from the audience, teachers and students alike.

[heroicmuse]

I loved Claire's speech! So heartfelt.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Poignant quote and so true. I'm glad Claire's speech didn't turn socio-political. It was lovely.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 447

SALEM HIGH
As Claire returned to her seat, Mr. Woods got up and stood at the podium again. He waited a moment for the cheers and claps to die down.
WOODS: Thank you, Claire. And now, it is with great pleasure that we begin handing out diplomas. When a graduate’s name is called, they will come up to the stage, be handed their diploma, and then return to their seats. Let’s begin.
Mr. Woods cleared his throat. The band began playing the graduation march. CLICK HERE to listen.
WOODS: James Adams.
A young man walked up.
WOODS: Beatrix Alamain.
Nicholas, Vivian, Carly and Ivan, who were all in the audience, clapped, as did Ciara, as Trix walked up onstage. She shook hands with Mr. Woods, then walked back to her seat and blew a kiss to Ciara. Everyone watched as several other people went up to get their diplomas. Then…
WOODS: Ciara Alice Brady.
All of the Bradys and Johnsons, as well as Claire, Trix and Chase clapped their hands as Ciara got her diploma and shook hands with Mr. Woods.
WOODS: Claire Brady.
Claire went up to get her diploma. Again, all of the Bradys, Johnsons, plus Ciara and Chase clapped.
WOODS: Congratulations.
CLAIRE: Thank you!
Mr. Woods and Claire shook hands. Claire blew a kiss to Chase on her way back to her seat. Eventually, Mr. Woods got to the next letter in the alphabet.
WOODS: Theodore Brandon Carver.
Abe, the Bradys, Johnsons and all of his friends clapped as Theo walked onstage, shook hands with Mr. Woods and received his diploma.
CIARA: Well done, Theo!
After several more names were read off, Mr. Woods got to the Js.
WOODS: Chase Jennings.
Again, the Bradys, Johnsons, Claire and Ciara gave a round of applause. Chase got up and got his diploma from Mr. Woods. He waved to Hope, Aiden and Claire on his way back to his seat.
WOODS: Joseph Johnson.
More claps and cheers came from the Bradys and Johnsons, and all of his friends, as Joey got his diploma.
STEPHANIE: Go Joey!
Ciara whistled. Everyone continued to watch as more names were called and more people received their diplomas. Finally, Mr. Woods was getting near the end of the alphabet.
WOODS: Noelle Whelan.
There were a few random claps from members of the audience as Noelle went up to get her diploma. As she walked back to her seat, she thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye. Finally, Mr. Woods came to the last name.
WOODS: Patricia Young.
A girl walked up, got her diploma and went back to her seat.
WOODS: This concludes the handing out of the diplomas. However, before we continue, I wish to say a few words. Students, please rise.
All of the graduating students stood up. Mr. Woods looked out at them, giving them his full attention.
WOODS: As Claire Brady quoted in her speech this morning, it is a sad fact that you will likely never see half of these young men and women again in your lives. This is likely the last time you will ever be with all of these people, many of whom you have likely spent your whole lives around. Take a moment. Look around you. Treasure this.
Many of the students looked around the room at their peers, Claire, Ciara, Chase, Joey, Theo, Trix and Noelle all included.
WOODS: Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to present to you Salem High School’s Class of 2018!
The crowd erupted with cheers! Many of the students threw their caps in the air. They hugged each other and celebrated their accomplishments

[heroicmuse]

That was an awesome graduation ceremony. Serves Noelle right that she didn't have many people clapping for her.

The idea of Vivian and Ivan doing something normal like sitting at a graduation instead of causing trouble is amusing to me.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 448

SALEM HIGH
CARLY: Congratulations, honey.
Carly and Trix hugged.
TRIX: Thanks, gran.
VIVIAN: Yes, you did very well. Now, darling, tell me, which girl is it that was bothering you?
TRIX: Oh, it doesn’t matter.
VIVIAN: Don’t be silly. Of course it does. I’m not going to stand for any of that nonsense. Don’t you worry, Auntie Vivian will take care of everything, just like I always do.
NICHOLAS: Aunt Viv, we really should be going, shouldn’t we?
VIVIAN: Of course. Ivan, get the car, please.
Ivan nodded and walked out.
TRIX: Dad, can I go to the party Ciara’s family are throwing at the Brady Pub?
NICHOLAS: In a little bit. Your grandmother and I wanted to have a little celebration with you first.
TRIX: Okay.
Trix followed Nicholas, Carly and Vivian as they made their way out of the hall.

BRADY PUB
Claire hugged Philip.
CLAIRE: I’m so glad you came!
PHILIP: Are you kidding? My favorite girl graduated from high school. No way would I miss that. I’m proud of you, Claire Bear.
The Pub had been closed early for the graduation party.
STEPHANIE: Congratulations, baby bro.
JOEY: Thanks, Steph.
STEPHANIE: So, what’s next?
JOEY: Dunno, to be honest. I’m still kinda working all that out.
Aiden and Chase hugged.
AIDEN: I’m so proud of you, son.
CHASE: Thanks, Dad.
HOPE: We both are.
Hope and Chase hugged.
CIARA: Same here.
CHASE: Congrats to you, too.
Ciara and Chase hugged, and both went to get some punch.
CHASE: So, I noticed that you didn’t actually participate in Senior Ditch Day like you and Joey had talked about.
CIARA: Only because Mom would flip if I had and she found out.
CHASE: Uh-huh.
CIARA: Okay, maybe it was also because I decided that it probably wouldn’t be a brilliant idea to cut school so close to graduating.
CHASE: So...
Chase held out his hand. Ciara rolled her eyes and dug into her pocket. She put a ten in Chase’s hand.
CHASE: Thank you, please come again.
CIARA: Is it opposite day or something? I never lose bets to you.
CHELSEA: Congratulations, Theo.
THEO: Thank you. But, why do you look sad? I thought graduations were supposed to be happy.
CHELSEA: Theo, I’m not sad. I’m proud of you. You’ve grown up so much.
Theo let Chelsea give him a hug. The door of the Pub opened and everyone turned around as Jade, carrying Emmy, walked in.

SALEM HIGH
By now, many of the students had already left with their families. Noelle walked down the halls one last time. She looked over her shoulder and saw a man walking behind her at a distance. A few minutes later, she looked again. The man was getting closer. At last, Noelle turned around.
NOELLE: Why are you following me?
MAN: I’ve been wanting to see you for a long time.
The man spoke with an Irish accent. The voice sounded familiar to Noelle.
NOELLE: Who are you?
MAN: Oh, you know who I am, Nollaig (Noelle).
The man stopped in front of her and smiled. Noelle’s eyes got wide.
NOELLE: Daid? (Dad)

[heroicmuse]

Oooh now that VIvian is looking into who has been bullying Trix, Noelle had better watch out. Though having to contend with her dad (if that's who that really is and not a doppleganger) won't be good for her either.

LOL at Chase finally winning a bet.

The graduation party is great so far. I wonder what everyone's reaction to Jade will be.

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting! I'm glad you all liked the graduation ceremony!

---

Next week...

Jade just crashed the party.
JADE: Hi, everyone.

But what kind of welcome will she receive?
JOEY: What are you doing here?

Meanwhile, Noelle and her father, Hugh, have been reunited.
HUGH: There's a lot you don't know yet, lass.

And Ivan has a concern.
IVAN: Madame, we need to talk about your nephew.

All this and more next week on THE MELASWEN PARADOX!

[heroicmuse]

I can't wait to see Jade and the new graduates at the party!

I wonder what Hugh wants. A battle between him and Vivian might be interesting.

Meanwhile, I'm glad Ivan will be trying to put a stop to Nicholas' nonsense with Hadley (I am assuming that's what this is about).

Thanks for the previews André DiMera!

[Kpatch]

Catching up after missing a few days.

I really feel like I was at that graduation ceremony. Great job André DiMera. Vivian cracked me up wanting to avenge Trix. Glad Nicholas changed the subject.

Loved the Chase/Ciara interaction and the reminder of their relationship when they were kids. That was brilliant!

[fluffysmom]

I enjoyed the graduation. It looks like Jade's arrival will be interesting.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 449

ALAMAIN MANSION
TRIX: This is so cool!
Ivan, Trix, Nicholas and Carly were standing in the driveway of the Mansion. In front of them was a brand new, red Rolls-Royce Dawn.

NICHOLAS: I’m glad you like it.
CARLY: And, once you’ve finished your driving lessons, you’ll be able to use it.
TRIX: I love it! Thank you both so much!
Trix hugged Nicholas and Carly.
NICHOLAS: You’re welcome. So, if you’d still like to, you can go to Ciara’s party.
TRIX: That’d be great! Thanks!
NICHOLAS: Good. Ivan, would you take her, please?
IVAN: Of course, sir.
TRIX: Awesome! I’ve just gotta grab a few things.
IVAN: I also need to attend to something. It shan’t take more than a moment, Miss Beatrix.
Ivan and Trix went inside. Trix went up the stairs, but Ivan went down the hall. His phone rang. He looked at it, frowned, then went hung it up.

BRADY PUB
JADE: Hi, everyone.
Claire folded her arms. Chase put a hand on her shoulder. Joey walked to the front of the crowd.
JOEY: Jade?
JADE: Hey, Joey. What’s with the robes? Oh...this is...you guys just graduated, didn’t you?
CIARA: Yep.
JOEY: What are you doing here?
JADE: To be honest, I totally forgot that you guys were all graduating. Well, I guess I would have, too, if I were still in school. After having Emmy and having to drop out, I stopped thinking about when I would graduate and stuff. Congrats. I’m sure that’s exciting. Claire, you’re wearing a yellow stole. I guess that must mean you’re class valedictorian. That’s pretty sweet. I figured it would be you.
CLAIRE: Yeah.
JOEY: Answer the question, Jade. What the hell are you doing here?
JADE: Well, since I’m not in protective custody anymore, I thought I’d take Emmy for a walk and then get some lunch.
JOEY: Well, as you can see, we’re kinda having a party here.
JADE: Yeah, I get that. Sorry. Like I said, totally forgot that it was today. My bad. I’ll just be going.
ERIC: You don’t have to.
Joey, Ciara and Chase turned to Eric and raised an eyebrow. Claire continued staring at Jade.

SALEM HIGH
Noelle’s father, Hugh Whelan, stood in front of her. Aside from being a bit more gray than before, he looked the same as he had the last time she had seen him, back in July 2016.
NOELLE: I...I don’t understand. How can you be here? You died.
HUGH: Aye, but I didn’t.
NOELLE: How is this possible? And if you didn’t die, then why did I get sent back to Ireland?
HUGH: There’s a lot you don’t know yet, Nollaig. A lot you weren’t supposed to know. But I think it’s high time that you knew the truth.
NOELLE: I wanna know. I need to know.
HUGH: And you will. I’ll explain everything. But first, let’s get out of here.
Noelle followed Hugh.

[heroicmuse]

I'm suspicious of Hugh. I wonder if this is really him or a doppleganger. If I recall correctly, he had a brother, didn't he? Not that I particularly worry about Noelle, but this would be an easy way to kidnap her.

I'm glad Eric is standing up for Jade. This should be interesting.

I wonder who called Ivan and what he's up to.

Great chapter André DiMera.