The Melaswen Paradox (Read 328,938 times)

[Kpatch]

That's quite a car for a teen!

It's good that Eric is there to intercede on Jade's behalf.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 450

ALAMAIN MANSION
Ivan walked futher down the hall and knocked on the door at the end.
VIVIAN: Come in!
Ivan walked in.
VIVIAN: Ah, Ivan. Wonderful to see you. Tell me, did Beatrix enjoy her present?
IVAN: She did.
VIVIAN: Excellent! I wish I could have seen her face when her father showed it to her. Of course, that woman decided to take part, as well. I know, she’s Beatrix’s grandmother, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
IVAN: Indeed.
Ivan cleared his throat.
IVAN: Madame, we need to have a little talk.
VIVIAN: Oh? About what?
IVAN: About your nephew.
VIVIAN: Of course. I miss him as well. Lawrence would have loved to see how Beatrix has grown, and what Nicky’s doing with the company.
IVAN: I’m sure that he would, Madame. However, it is not the late Mr. Alamain that I wished to talk about, but his son.
VIVIAN: Nicky? What about him?
IVAN: Madame, I have reason to believe that he is falling back into old habits.
VIVIAN: What do you mean?
Ivan pulled out his phone and showed Vivian a picture of Hadley.
IVAN: This is his new assistant at the company.
VIVIAN: I see. She’s not unattractive.
Vivian handed Ivan his phone back.
VIVIAN: So, you believe that he is interested in her, then?
IVAN: I suspect that he is, though I do not have concrete proof, as yet. I tried to warn him to be careful, but-
VIVIAN: But you don’t hold the pull with Nicky that I would.
IVAN: Precisely.
VIVIAN: Very well. I shall get to the bottom of this.
Ivan bowed.
IVAN: If you will excuse me, I am to take Miss Beatrix to her young lady’s friends party.
VIVIAN: Very good. Thank you, Ivan.
IVAN: Of course, Madame.
Ivan kissed Vivian’s hand, then walked out. Vivian shook her head.
VIVIAN (thinking): Oh, Nicky. It looks as though it’s up to me to clean up your messes all over again. I will not let what happened the last time happen again.

BRADY PUB
JOEY: Are you freakin’ kidding me here?
ERIC: Joey-
JADE: It’s fine. Joey has every right to hate me. I made his life a living hell. I’ll just go.
ERIC: Like I said, you don’t have to.
JADE: Eric, it’s fine. I don’t want to cause any more trouble than I already have. Believe me, it’s best this way.
Jade turned to leave.
ERIC: Jade-
CLAIRE: Stay.
Everyone turned to Claire. Even Jade stopped, turned around and looked at her.
JADE: W-what?
CLAIRE: If you wanna stay, you can stay.
JADE: You’re sure?
CLAIRE: Yeah.
JADE: Wow. Thanks, Claire.
JOEY: Well, if you’re staying, then at least stay away from me.
Joey walked off.
STEPHANIE: Joey.
Stephanie followed him.
Claire turned around to get some punch. Chase walked over to her.
CHASE: Wow. That was unexpected.
Claire shrugged.
CLAIRE: I didn’t want her or Joey causing a scene.
CHASE: Still, it’s kinda surprising. I mean, out of all of us, you have more reason than anyone to hate Jade.
CLAIRE: The thing is, I don’t. Not really, anyway. I hate what she did to me, and to Joey. I’m not sure I can ever trust her, and I definitely don’t wanna be friends with her or anything. But, that day when she came to me, on the verge of a breakdown, and told me what Jan Spears was planning on doing to me and my parents...I don’t know. I saw something in her. Something different. Like I said, it’s not like I want to be her friend, I just don’t want to spend our graduation day being mad and watching people fight.
CHASE: You know something, Songbird? You amaze me sometimes.
Chase put his arms around Claire.

[heroicmuse]

That was sweet of Claire to extend an olive branch. I wonder if it will cause a rift between her and Joey, and what Stephanie has to say to Joey.

Vivian's way of taking care of things is always... interesting. I wonder what she's going to do about Nicholas and Hadley.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[fluffysmom]

It was kind of Claire to let Jade stay at the party. I hope it doesn't ruin the day for Joey.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Vivian does about Nicholas and Hadley.

[Kpatch]

I can't remember why Joey is mad at Jade. Something about a video I think but it was a long time ago.

This Hadley business at least gives Vivian something to do. LOL. Maybe Vivian will actually like Hadley. I picture Hadley looking like Baker from Blue Bloods.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 451

BRADY PUB
Stephanie had followed Joey to a room in the back of the Pub.
STEPHANIE: Joey, wait up.
JOEY: What?
STEPHANIE: What is going on with you?
JOEY: Steph, don’t you get it? That girl out there is Jade freakin’ Michaels. Remember, I told you about her?
STEPHANIE: I remember. And now it’s starting to make sense.
JOEY: I don’t get why Claire would let her stay. And did you see the way Eric defended her?
STEPHANIE: I did, yeah.
JOEY: And?
STEPHANIE: And I’m not really surprised. I don’t really know him that well, but from what Mom and Papa have told me, Eric’s nice to everyone.
JOEY: Well, I’m more shocked about Claire. She has more reason than anyone to hate Jade. She made Claire’s life a living hell!
STEPHANIE: I know. I don’t understand it, either. But, Joey, you can’t let one person ruin what is supposed to be one of the best days of your life so far.
JOEY: Then what am I supposed to do? What would you do if some manipulative ex of yours showed up on the day you graduated? Oh, wait, you don’t have any of those, because you’re perfect.
Stephanie laughed.
STEPHANIE: Kid, I am far from perfect. And if you wanna talk manipulative exes, remind me to tell you about Jeremy Horton sometime.
JOEY: Who?
STEPHANIE: One of my less than stellar exes, but that’s a story for another day. Anyway, in answer to your question, yeah, I would probably be upset. However, I would also try to take the high ground.
JOEY: How so?
STEPHANIE: The best way to get revenge on an ex is to ignore them. But, if they get persist in bothering you, show them how much better you’ve got it now that you’re not together anymore. Now, from what Mom’s told me, since you and Jade broke up, you’ve been doing way better at school, and you’re getting it together. I’m proud of you for that. Now, you go out there, and ignore Jade, but if she does try to start something, just show her that you’re the better person.
JOEY: Yeah. You’re right. Yeah, I have got my life together since I broke up with her. Thanks, Steph.
Stephanie and Joey hugged.
STEPHANIE: Anytime, little bro.

HUDSON STREET DINER
Hugh and Noelle had gotten a booth in the back.
HUGH: There we go. Was hoping to take you to that pub, get some real Irish cooking in you, but it looks like they’re closed for a party.
NOELLE: Makes sense. Two of the girls in my class have the last name Brady. It’s probably their families.
HUGH: Aye.
NOELLE: So, you said you wanted to talk. Let’s start with this, how is it that you’re still alive, and why did I have to go stay with Nan until I begged her to let me come back here?
HUGH: I don’t blame you for being upset. The fact is, I had no choice. Even if I wanted to come back, I couldn’t.
NOELLE: Why not?
HUGH: It’s a long story. As I said, Nollaig, there’s a lot you don’t know. So, let’s start at the beginning. You remember Eirnin (Ernan), I trust?
NOELLE: My uncail (uncle)? Aye, I remember him.
HUGH: Well, here’s something you don’t know. He wasn’t really my brother. Nor was he even Irish. But, he’s still your uncle. Also, you’re only half-Irish, even though you were born and raised in Ireland.
NOELLE: I don’t understand.
HUGH: He is your uncle, ‘cause he was actually your mum’s brother. But his name wasn’t Eirnin. His real name was Peter Blake

[fluffysmom]

Finding out Peter Blake is Noelle's uncle is a big surprise. Does this mean her Mom is Kristen??

[Kpatch]

Loved the Jeremy Horton reference. Nice tie-in!

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Stephanie gave Joey that advice. I hope he's able to take it.

Wow. So Ernan was Peter Blake. I wonder what other skeletons are in Noelle's family closet.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 452

BRADY PUB
The door opened and Trix walked in. Ciara ran over to her and hugged her.
CIARA: Hey.
TRIX: Heya.
CIARA: How was your celebration with your dad?
TRIX: Yeah, it was alright. I’ll have to show you what I got for graduation later.
CIARA: Sounds good.
TRIX: How’s the party going? Looks like there’s a lot of people here.
CIARA: It’s cool. I’m glad you’re here, though.
TRIX: Me too.
Ciara looked over at the bar. Off to the side hung a picture of Caroline with Roman, Kimberly, Kayla, Bo, Frankie and Max that had been taken a few Christmases ago. Trix put a hand on Ciara’s shoulder.
TRIX: You okay?
Ciara turned back to Trix.
CIARA: Yeah, of course.
TRIX: You sure?
CIARA: Yeah, always.
TRIX: Good.
Chloe hugged Claire.
CHLOE: I’m so sorry that I missed the ceremony, sweetheart. How was your speech?
CLAIRE: It was okay.
CHASE: She’s being modest. It was awesome!
Claire kissed Chase on the cheek.
CLAIRE: Oh, I totally forgot. Aunt Chloe, this is my boyfriend, Chase. Chase, this is my Aunt Chloe. She was my Mom’s best friend in high school.
CHLOE: Nice to meet you, Chase.
CHASE: You too.
Chase and Chloe shook hands.
CHLOE: Speaking of which, where is your Mom?
Two hands covered Chloe’s eyes.
BELLE: Guess who.
Chloe turned around and hugged Belle.
CHLOE: Belle! It’s so good to see you!
BELLE: It’s great to see you! Welcome home!
CHLOE: Thank you! So, how is everything?
BELLE: Everything’s great! How’s it with you? How’s the tour?
CHLOE: It’s really good! I’m glad to have a few days off to visit with you guys, though. Is everyone coming to the karaoke night tomorrow?
Philip walked over.
PHILIP: Yep, everybody. Even me.

HUDSON STREET DINER
NOELLE: Why couldn’t he just use that name, then? Peter’s an Irish enough sounding name.
HUGH: Aye, but he was technically in hiding, at the time. When I first met Peter, we were both in lock-up. The reasons don’t matter, but let’s just say that I haven’t always done the right thing. Anyway, he and I were cellmates. Got to know each other real well. As it happens, our release dates coincided with each other. He was picked up by his sister, your mum, and introduced us. Your mum and I had a brief fling, which resulted in you, but then she left. Said something about having to take care of her father in Italy. Peter was kind of the black sheep of the family, and refused to go with her, mostly because your granddad felt he had betrayed the family.
NOELLE: That’s why you and my uncle raised me. You never told me what happened to Mum before.
HUGH: I didn’t think you were ready. Thing about Peter is, he had a knack for gettin’ himself into trouble. Despite his lack of relationship with their father, he and his sister remained in touch. One day, a few months after you were born, he got in a bit deep with a faction of the Irish mob. Beat him up pretty badly. Your mum’s last act before leaving to be with her father was to call in one of her father’s special doctors. German bloke, thick accent. He patched Peter up. Gave him reconstructive surgery. At Peter’s request, he wanted to look more like me, blend in. This doctor changed his face to look like me, but older. He also implanted him with a chip that would give him an Irish accent. And thus, Peter Blake became Eirnin Ó Faoláin (Ernan Whelan

[heroicmuse]

That is some interesting backstory. I wonder if Kristen is still alive. It sounds like it.

I'm glad Chloe and Belle reunited. Interested to see what happens with Chloe and Philip.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

So Kristen is Noelle's mum.

Karaoke should be fun.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 453

BRADY PUB
CHLOE: Philip.
PHILIP: Chloe.
CHLOE: You look well.
PHILIP: You too.
CHLOE: So, you’re coming tomorrow night, then.
PHILIP: Certainly sounds that way, doesn’t it?
BELLE: Guys, be nice.
PHILIP: Oh, we will be. After all, Chloe and I are both adults. There’s no reason for us not to be at least civil.
CHLOE: Exactly.
Mimi walked in.
MIMI: Sorry I’m late.
BELLE: Mimi!
Belle and Mimi ran to each other and hugged.
BELLE: It’s so good to see you!
MIMI: You too!
Claire ran over and hugged Mimi.
CLAIRE: Aunt Mimi!
MIMI: Hey, Claire Bear! Congrats on graduating!
CLAIRE: Thanks!
BELLE: Honey, could you get your friends, please? We want to talk to all of you.
CLAIRE: Okay.
Claire walked away. Shawn-D, Hope and Aiden walked over.
SHAWN-D: Hey, Meems.
MIMI: Hey.
Shawn-D and Mimi hugged.
HOPE: Everyone here?
BELLE: Sure are.
MIMI: Hi, Mrs. Brady.
HOPE: Hi, Mimi. Oh, I don’t think you’ve been introduced officially. Mimi, this is my husband, Aiden Jennings. Aiden, this is Mimi Lockhart, Belle’s best friend since...oh, how long has it been?
MIMI: Kindergarten.
AIDEN: Well, very nice to finally meet you, Mimi.
MIMI: Nice to meet you, too.
Claire, Ciara, Theo, Joey, Trix and Chase walked over.
CLAIRE: Okay, we’re all here.
JOEY: What’s going on?
BELLE: Well, first for a few introductions. Mimi, I’m sure you’ll remember Shawn’s little sister, Ciara, as well as Abe’s son Theo and Steve and Kayla’s son, Joey.
MIMI: Yep. Hey, kids.
CIARA: Hey.
BELLE: And this is Chase Jennings, Aiden’s son and Claire’s boyfriend. Guys, this is my best friend, Mimi.
MIMI: Nice to meet you.
CHASE: You too.
Chase and Mimi shook hands.
CIARA: And this is my girlfriend, Trix Alamain.
MIMI: Good to meet you, as well.
TRIX: Cheers. You too.
BELLE: So, Shawn, you wanna do the honors?

HUDSON STREET DINER
NOELLE: That still doesn’t tell me how you’re alive when I thought you were dead.
HUGH: I’m getting to that. So, Peter and I raised you as brothers. Then one day, a couple years ago, Peter got word that his father had died. He figured now that the old man was dead, it’d be safe to go to Salem again. So, we did. Only, it wasn’t safe. The old man’s favourite nephew, André, had taken his place, and he was just as bad as the old man, if not worse. So, Peter stayed in character as Eirnin. Only, André worked it out fairly quickly. Under the guise of making a deal with the Irish mob, André hired Peter. However, he soon had one of his cronies confront him, disguised as me. He killed him. He kept me around, though. Said he could make use of my...talents. I haven’t always been straight with you, Nollaig. Y’know how my boss used to show up at a lot of parties.
NOELLE: Yeah, he was at my confirmation and most of my birthdays.
HUGH: Aye. He wasn’t doing out of the goodness of his heart. He did it because I am his right hand man. He’s the Godfather.
NOELLE: Yeah, I know he’s my godfather.
HUGH: No, not your godfather. The Godfather. Of a chapter of the Irish mob that runs out of Dublin. Anyway, André thought that, by keeping me around, he’d be able to strike a deal with the Godfather. But I hated him. Spending all those years together, Peter and I’d grown close. So, I confronted him, under the guise of Peter. I had that family doctor of his make me a mask to look like him. And that is when André sent me to the island.
NOELLE: What island?
HUGH: Melaswen

[heroicmuse]

All this talk of Peter makes me think he's going to show up again too sooner or later.

I wonder what Shawn and Belle have to say.

Will there be previews André DiMera?

[Kpatch]

As I recall, the last time Chloe was in town, she and Philip were quite civil to each other. Wonder if something happened in the meantime.

I'm glad to hear Belle and Meems are still close!