The Melaswen Paradox (Read 328,956 times)

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting, everyone! Glad you enjoyed the graduation and party!

---

Next week...

Hugh finishes telling his backstory.
HUGH: So, there you have it.

And Shawn has an announcement to make!
SHAWN-D: All right, everybody, listen up.

And later this week, another party begins in Salem...
BELLE: You guys ready for this?

While another begins in Washington D.C.!
TARRINGTON: Welcome to the Headquarters of the International Security Alliance.

All this and more next week on THE MELASWEN PARADOX!

[heroicmuse]

I am so curious about Shawn's announcement and the rest of Hugh's backstory!

The parties should be great, especially the ISA party.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[fluffysmom]

I wonder why Philip and Chloe aren't getting along. Karaoke night will be interesting.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 454

BRADY PUB
SHAWN-D: Sure, I could. Hey, everybody! Listen up!
Shawn-D whistled and clapped his hands together. Everyone turned to the front of the Pub. Shawn-D gestured to the graduates.
SHAWN-D: Come on up here, guys.
Ciara, Claire, Chase, Trix, Joey and Theo came up to the front.
SHAWN-D: You guys have done it. You’ve made it through high school. We’ve watched you all grow up. Most of you, we’ve known since before you were born. I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we are so, so proud of all of you. Well done, guys. Let’s have a big hand for Ciara, Claire, Chase, Joey, Theo and Trix, everybody!
Everyone in the Pub clapped, many of whom stood up. All of the teens said a variation of “thank you” and hugged their loved ones. Then, the six of them took some pictures together. Both with each other and their families. At last, Max had gathered everybody together in front of the bar.
MAX: Okay, everybody, squeeze in.
Everyone stood next to each other, making sure that the graduates were front and center.
CLAIRE: Uncle Max, you have to get in the picture, too.
Jade walked over to Max.
JADE: I’ll take the picture, if you want.
MAX: Okay, thanks.
Max joined the rest of his family. Jade held up the camera.
JADE: Smile. Say cheese.
Everyone said “cheese” as Jade pressed the button. The camera flashed. The picture taken, the various families in Salem got into a group hug. Afterwards, the teens got a table together.
CLAIRE: Well.
CHASE: Well.
TRIX: Yep.
THEO: Why is everybody saying “well”?
JOEY: We’re kinda at a loss for words, dude.
CIARA: Yeah. I mean, what do you say after all of this?
THEO: Claire thought of a lot to say during her speech.
CLAIRE: True. So, now that we’ve made it, are you guys ready for the next adventure?
CIARA: Totally!
TRIX: Yep.
JOEY: Most definitely.
THEO: Yes.
CHASE: Always.
Each put their hand in the middle of the table.

HUDSON STREET DINER
NOELLE: You mean...it actually exists?
HUGH: Oh, it exists, all right.
NOELLE: Ciara tried to tell me that that’s where she and her family were for months. I didn’t believe her...but it’s true.
HUGH: It is. I was stuck there for over a year. I saw them. Well, I saw the boat they were getting on, anyway. I tried to catch up with them, but by the time I got to the Pier, the ship had already left. So, I waited. Then, André started repopulating the island. Some Brit, a mobster and another guy took over. I convinced them that I could work for them. So, they gave me a go. Then, the Brit’s identical twin showed up with the full power of the ISA. They captured me and took me in. I convinced them that the three main guys had intimidated me, threatened me into compliance. So, they let me go. And here we are.
NOELLE: So, that’s everything, then?
HUGH: Yep. That’s the whole story.
Noelle got up.
HUGH: Nollaig-
She put her arms around Hugh.
NOELLE: I’m so glad you’re back, Daid

[heroicmuse]

I wonder what Noelle is going to do with this info and what her dad wants from er.

I'm also excited for the next adventure.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[fluffysmom]

I wonder what Noelle and her Dad will do next.

The graduation party is very nice.

[Kpatch]

I loved Shawn's speech.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 455

CHEATIN’ HEART
The next night, Shawn-D, Mimi and Philip had gathered at the Cheatin’ Heart for the karaoke night they had discussed earlier.
SHAWN-D: Glad you could make it out tonight, man.
PHILIP: Thanks, me too.
Belle walked in.
BELLE: That was Chloe. She’s running a little bit behind, but should be here soon.
SHAWN-D: Cool.
MIMI: So, who wants to go first?
PHILIP: I will, I guess. I mean, I can’t stay the whole night, so I might as well.
BELLE: How come you can’t stay?
PHILIP: Early flight tomorrow morning to D.C.
BELLE: Right. I think my dad mentioned that.
MIMI: What’s in D.C., and why would you be going out there with John?
PHILIP: It’s an ISA thing. I used to work for them, and I got an invite.
Mimi nodded.
SHAWN-D: So, you’re up.
PHILIP: Cool.
Philip went up to the stage and took the microphone in his hand. The music started up. CLICK HERE to listen to the song Philip sings.
PHILIP (singing): You were in my dream last night, like every night since 2 years ago. I think my dream is tryin’ to tell me something, and I say “Tell me something I don’t already know”. Just buy me a drink so I can refuse to raise my glass to these sad and worn out midnight shoes.
Chloe walked in.
PHILIP (singing): In my next dream I want a pair of cowboy boots. The kind that walks the straightest and the most narrow routes. Anywhere but back to you.
BELLE (whispering): Well, so much for being civil.
MIMI (whispering): Awkward.
Shawn-D nodded. As the song ended, the group clapped. Philip stepped down and returned to the table.
PHILIP: So, how’d I do?
SHAWN-D: That was...interesting.
PHILIP: You didn’t like it?
BELLE: I thought it was a different kind of pick for you. Not exactly what I would have expected.
SHAWN-D: Yeah. Anyway, Mrs. Brady, I think you and I should be next.
BELLE: I like the way you think, Mr. Brady.
Shawn-D and Belle got onstage.
BELLE: You guys ready for this?
The group clapped and cheered. The music started. CLICK HERE to listen along.
SHAWN-D (singing): The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful stop me and steal my breath. And emeralds from mountains that thrust towards the sky never revealing their depth.
BELLE: (singing): And tell me that we belong together. Dress it up with the trappings of love. I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips. Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.
SHAWN-D (singing): I'll be your cryin' shoulder. I'll be love's suicide
BELLE (singing): And I'll be better when I'm older. I'll be…
SHAWN-D & BELLE (singing): The greatest fan of your life!
As the song ended, everyone cheered. Shawn-D and Belle kissed, then came back to the table.
MIMI: Now that was awesome!
SHAWN-D: Thanks, Meems.
CHLOE: You guys really were great.
BELLE: Thanks. So, who wants to go next? You up, Chloe?
CHLOE: Sure, I’ll do one. But, I want to do a duet.
MIMI: Sounds good. With who?
Chloe turned to look at Philip.
CHLOE: Philip.

[André DiMera]

Also, for those of you who may not exactly remember why Philip and Chloe are on great terms, here’s a refresher from their fifteen year high school reunion last year.
myhourglass.proboards.com/post/291798/thread
myhourglass.proboards.com/post/291973/thread

[heroicmuse]

Well that was definitely an awkward moment for Chloe to come in. That's what she gets for being late, I guess. LOL

Shawn and Belle's duet was awesome! I can't wait to see what Chloe has in mind for her and Philip's.

Great music and great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

I loved this chapter. I never heard that cowboy song before. So poignant. And I always love "I'll Be."

So interesting that Chloe wants to sing a duet with Philip. Something clearly happened between them off screen. I feel like this is part of a larger plan of hers.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 456

CHEATIN’ HEART
PHILIP: Seriously?
CHLOE: Look, it’s not a big deal. It’s just a duet, nothing more. For old times’ sake.
Philip sighed.
PHILIP: Okay, fine. On one condition, I get to pick the song. Don’t worry, I’ll pick something operatic for you.
CHLOE: Fair enough.
Philip and Chloe got up on stage together. The music started. CLICK HERE to listen along.
CHLOE (singing): This is an all too familiar scene.
PHILIP (singing): Life imperceptibly coming between-
CHLOE & PHILIP (singing): Those whose love is as strong as it could or should be.
CHLOE (singing): I'd give the world to stay just as we are. It's better by far-
CHLOE & PHILIP (singing): Not to be too wise as we realize there was truth and there were lies.
PHILIP (singing): Knowing I want you...knowing I love you cannot compare to my despair knowing I've lost you.
CHLOE (singing): I've been a fool to allow dreams to become great expectations.
PHILIP (singing): How can I love you so much yet make no move?
CHLOE & PHILIP (singing): There will be days and nights when I'll want you more than I'll want to.
PHILIP (singing): More than I should.
CHLOE (singing): More than I should. Oh, have I lost you?
PHILIP (singing): Have I lost you?
PHILIP & CHLOE (singing): You and I, we've seen it all chasing our hearts’ desire. But we go on pretending stories like ours have happy endings.
PHILIP (singing): You could not give me more than you gave me. I don’t know why I’m standing by watching this happen.
CHLOE (singing): I won’t look back anymore. And if I do, just for a moment-
PHILIP (singing): I can’t imagine a time when I won’t care.
PHILIP & CHLOE (singing): But here we are today, and it’s over. Hold me and tell me-
PHILIP (singing): We’ll meet again.
CHLOE (singing): We’ll meet again one happy moment.
PHILIP (singing): One happy moment.
PHILIP & CHLOE (singing): You and I, we’ve seen it all chasing our hearts desire. But we go on pretending...stories like ours...have happy endings.
Philip and Chloe got off the stage to a chorus of cheers from the rest of the group.
BELLE: Wow! That was powerful!
SHAWN-D: Great job, guys!
CHLOE: Thanks. And, thank you.
PHILIP: No worries.
MIMI: Okay, my turn.
Mimi got up onstage and began singing. CLICK HERE to listen to it.
MIMI (singing): I've been long, a long way from here. Put on a poncho, played for mosquitos and drank til I was thirsty again. We went searching through thrift store jungles, found Geronimo's rifle, Marilyn's shampoo and Benny Goodman's corset and pen. Well, O.K. I made this up. I promised you I'd never give up. If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad. If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad?
CHLOE: Thank you for that, earlier.
PHILIP: No worries. I’m sorry I was kind of an ass earlier.
CHLOE: Well, I wasn’t exactly being my best self, either.
PHILIP: Chloe, I love you. You know I love you. I always have, and part of me always will. I’m just not in love with you anymore.
CHLOE: I know. I feel the same. Anyway, I thought we had all of this sorted out at the reunion last year.
PHILIP: We did. I just wanted to be sure.
CHLOE: Are you?
PHILIP: Yep.
CHLOE: Good.
Mimi returned to the table. Everyone clapped.
BELLE: That was great, Meems!
MIMI: Thanks!
Philip got up.
PHILIP: Well, I hate to be the first to break up the band, but I’ve gotta head out. Like I said, early morning tomorrow.
SHAWN-D: Well, thanks for coming for a little bit, man.
MIMI: And good luck in D.C.
PHILIP: Thanks. Have a good night, everyone.
Philip picked up his coat and walked out

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Philip and Chloe talked after the song.

Loved all the music.

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

Wow, that WAS a powerful song from Chess. I never heard it before, but great choice. I'm sad that Philip and Chloe aren't in love. I hope they're in denial.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 457

ISA SUPERJET
The next day, Steve and Kayla, John and Philip were sitting in one of the ISA SuperJets on their way to Washington D.C. Andrew walked back from the cockpit. He was on his phone.
ANDREW: Right, of course. Thank you. Bye.
Andrew hung up.
ANDREW: That was Marlena, just checking in. She says Jeannie’s recovery is coming along nicely.
KAYLA: I do wish Theresa would have been able to come with us, for Shane’s sake, at least.
ANDREW: As do I. But, after Marlena found her hiding in her office in a hell of a state, and worked out that she’d been experimented on by André DiMera...well, let’s just say that she’s got a long road before she’s in any state to travel.
JOHN: Yep. I remember Doc telling me about finding her the other night. With any luck, she’ll be able to help Theresa get her life back just like she’s doing with Brady.
PHILIP: So, how is Brady?
JOHN: Still not a hundred percent yet, but he’s getting there. He doesn’t think he’s Lexie anymore, which is a good start. Now we’re just trying to help him get his memory back.
STEVE: Well, as you and I know, partner, that’s not gonna be a walk in the park.
John nodded.
KAYLA: So, Philip, I didn’t know you were an ISA agent.
PHILIP: I did some work with them a few years back. Helped out with a few missions. And, since I got the invitation in the mail, and things at Titan are running smoothly, I figured I might as well come. Besides, Tarrington’s always been good to me.
STEVE: He’s been one of the few good ISA directors we’ve had.
JOHN: That’s a fact.
ANDREW: Surely not all of them have been bad, though.
STEVE: No, not all. But before Tarrington, we had a slew of bad ones.
JOHN: Ask your father to tell you about George Nickerson or Ogden Vaughn sometime.
PHILIP: Well, thankfully, Tarrington stopped that trend. So, who else is joining us? I assume Billie, Roman and Rafe.
JOHN: Scotty’ll be joining Billie, since you can bring a plus one. Only reason Doc didn’t come is she wanted to focus on undoing the damage Andre did to Brady and Theresa as quickly as she could.
STEVE: I’m sure we’ll see some others, as well. Tarrington’s held office longer than any director I’ve ever seen, so I’m sure there’ll be a lot of old faces. Crazy to think that by this afternoon, the Guv’nor’ll be sworn in as our new director.
John and Philip nodded. Andrew’s phone rang. He picked it up.
ANDREW: Yes? Very good.
He hung up the phone.
ANDREW: Buckle up, everybody. We’re coming in for landing.

NEW DONOVAN MANOR - WASHINGTON D.C.
Over the last few weeks, Shane and Kimberly had been unpacking their things for their new home in D.C. However, at the moment, Shane was fixing his tie in the mirror. He turned to Kim.
SHANE: Well, how do I look?
KIMBERLY: As dashing as the day I first met you.
Shane and Kimberly kissed.
KIMBERLY: So, today’s the big day, then.
SHANE: The biggest. I wasn’t sure this day would ever come.
KIMBERLY: But it has. And you deserve it, after all the time you’ve put in.
SHANE: Indeed.
Shane put on his coat.
SHANE: Shall we, m’lady?
Shane and Kimberly smiled at each other and walked out the door