The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,439 times)

[Kpatch]

I liked Philip's thoughts about Melanie and Titan. Melanie's relationship with Philip was without a doubt the most significant of all her relationships.

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting!

---

Next week...

What starts as a normal day...
CLAIRE: Morning.

...leads to a shock that will rock Salem.
VICTOR: What?!
CHELSEA: Oh my god...

Family and friends gather together...
MAGGIE: It’s time.

...for an emotional journey.
KAYLA: Goodbye.

Have tissues ready this week, as THE MELASWEN PARADOX pays tribute to Peggy McCay.

[heroicmuse]

This is going to be so sad but I'm glad that you will be paying tribute to Peggy McCay.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 553

ABE’S HOUSE
Abe came down the stairs as he heard another knock at the door. He hadn’t been asleep, in fact, he was getting ready for work. Nevertheless, he still put on a robe, just in case.
ABE (thinking): Now who on earth would be coming over at this hour?
Another round of knocks came.
ABE: Coming! I’m coming! Just a minute.
Abe sighed as he got to the bottom of the stairs and unlocked the door. He opened it.
CELESTE: Abraham, thank goodness you’re home!
Celeste walked in. Abe sighed again and rubbed his temples.
ABE: Celeste, not that I’m not pleased to see you, but have you got any idea what time it is?
CELESTE: Well, if the clock on the wall is correct, it is 5:30.
ABE: That’s not quite what I meant. Why are you here at 5:30 in the morning?
CELESTE: Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I had a horrible feeling. It wasn’t quite a premonition, but it was close. Naturally, I consulted the cards to see what this feeling meant.
ABE (thinking): Why do I have the feeling that I’m going to regret this?
Abe coughed.
ABE: Okay, I’ll bite. What did you see, Celeste?
CELESTE: Death. And then, the premonition came. It was as bad as I had feared. The premonition had confirmed what the cards had said. As you know, Abraham, my premonitions are never wrong. So naturally, I booked the first flight I could here.
Abe took a deep breath.
ABE: Celeste, what do you mean? Who do you believe has passed away?
CELESTE: I don’t just believe it, I have seen it. Death has visited Salem.

BRADY PUB
Chelsea came down the stairs to find Claire setting up chairs.
CLAIRE: Morning, Aunt Chelsea.
CHELSEA: Morning, Claire. How are you?
CLAIRE: Pretty good, you?
CHELSEA: A little tired, but otherwise, I’m good.
CLAIRE: Is Isaac still not sleeping through the night?
CHELSEA: It’s getting better, actually. He slept until 4.
CLAIRE: Well, that’s an improvement.
CHELSEA: Yeah. So, how’s college?
CLAIRE: It’s really good, so far! I love being able to take all music-based classes!
CHELSEA: That’s awesome!
CLAIRE: Yeah!
CHELSEA: Sounds like your college experience is going way better than mine and Steph’s.
CLAIRE: Did you and Stephanie not like college, or something?
CHELSEA: We didn’t necessarily dislike college, it just wasn’t a great time for either of us.
CLAIRE: Oh, I see.
Max came walking down the stairs.
CHELSEA: I’m glad you’re having a good time there, though.
CLAIRE: I really am! Hey, Uncle Max.
Max sat down on one of the stools. He looked like he was in a daze.
CHELSEA: Hey, hon. You okay?
Max looked up. Chelsea walked over to him and took his hands in hers.
CHELSEA: Max, what is it?
MAX: I, um...I need to make a call. Several calls, I mean.
CHELSEA: Honey, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?
MAX: She...she’s gone.
CHELSEA: What?
MAX: After my shower, I...I went to check on Ma. She’s gone, Chels. Ma’s gone.
CELSEA: Oh my god...
Chelsea wrapped her arms around Max.

[heroicmuse]

This is so sad. Caroline will really be missed.

Abe dealing with CElesete was some welcome comic relief.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 554

KIRIAKIS MANSION
Victor and Maggie were eating breakfast.
MAGGIE: Did something happen last night, Victor?
VICTOR: Of course not. Why would it?
MAGGIE: Oh, it’s just I thought I heard raised voices last night.
Victor sighed.
VICTOR: The twins decided they would be better suited at Titan’s Dubai office, and Philip seems to believe that I’m to blame for them going back, so he let me know just what he thinks about that.
MAGGIE: I see. Did you?
VICTOR: Of course not.
MAGGIE: I’m glad to hear that.
VICTOR: Despite what Philip thinks, the twins made up their own minds about this.
Victor’s phone rang.
VICTOR: Excuse me.
Victor picked up his cell phone.
VICTOR: Κυριάκης. What?!
Maggie looked up.
VICTOR: You’re absolutely sure? I can have a specialist over to double-check in...I see. I see. Do you need any help with planning? I know some people who are good with this kind of thing. Of course. Please do. I’m very sorry. Thank you.
Victor hung up. For a moment, he sat in silence, looking down at his plate.
MAGGIE: Victor, is everything all right?
VICTOR: No. No, it’s not.
MAGGIE: What’s going on?
VICTOR: That was Kayla on the phone. I’ve been having her call me occasionally with updates about Caroline since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, even after Bo came back with that cure nearly three years ago.
MAGGIE: I know, which I agree is a good idea. What did she say?
Victor took a deep breath.
VICTOR: Caroline passed away in her sleep last night.
Maggie put a hand over her mouth.
MAGGIE: My word.
Maggie got up, walked around the table and put her arms around Victor.

DONOVAN MANOR - WASHINGTON, D.C.
Shane was on the phone. He walked into the bedroom, where Kimberly was packing a suitcase.
SHANE: Of course. Thank you. Bye.
KIMBERLY (softly): Get your suitcase. We need to leave as soon as possible.
SHANE: Come again?
Kimberly turned to Shane, there were tears in her eyes.
KIMBERLY: I just spoke with Roman. We need to go back to Salem. Shane...Ma’s gone.
SHANE: I know. That was Steve on the line when I came in. I’m having a flight booked for us now.
Shane hugged Kimberly and kissed the top of her head.

SAMI & LUCAS’ APARTMENT
Roman had stopped by. Lucas had his arm around Sami.
SAMI: You can’t be serious!
ROMAN: Believe me, I wish I wasn’t.
Sami buried her face in Lucas’ shoulder.
ROMAN: Kay and I’ve been in touch with the family. We’re all meeting at the Pub in a bit to discuss things.
LUCAS: We’ll be there in a little bit. We just need to figure how to tell the kids.
Roman nodded. He put a hand on Sami’s shoulder, and she hugged him.
SAMI: Daddy..
ROMAN: I know. I know. Hey, your grandmother loved you so much. Don’t you ever forget that. We’re all gonna need each other. And we’ll all be here for each other.
Sami nodded.

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad the news is spreading. This is all so sad.

I'm not sure I believe Victor had nothing to do with the twins' departure.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[mae00]

Dang it. Now I'm crying at work. Gonna have to remember not to read this week during working hours. I love seeing how Caroline played such a role in so many lives within Salem. If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny that Victor refused to believe the news and said he had specialists that could go over there.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 555

BRADY PUB
The Brady Pub had been closed for the afternoon. Several members of the family sat at tables.
ERIC: I spoke with Father Louis about the final arrangements, and he’s all set to go.
KAYLA: That’s good.
Hope nodded.
HOPE: Have you guys decided who’s going to speak?
KIMBERLY: Father Louis’ gonna give a short talk. Then, we figured it would be like most of the funerals here. Anyone who wants to speak will have a chance to.
KAYLA: It’s what Ma would’ve wanted.
FRANKIE: I should’ve stayed a few extra days.
MAX: What do you mean?
FRANKIE: I should have cancelled my flight back to D.C. I didn’t need to go back as soon as I did, and if I had stayed a little bit longer…
CHELSEA: Hey, you can’t think like that.
MAX: Yeah, dude. Nobody could have predicted that this would happen.
FRANKIE: I guess.
BELLE: Anyone know when Carrie’s gonna get here?
ROMAN: She just texted. She, Austin and Noah just landed a little bit ago. Anna and Tony are meeting them and bringing them by.
Chase touched his knuckles to Claire’s.
CHASE: How’re you holding up?
Claire shrugged.
CLAIRE: I’m okay, I guess. I was just thinking about how when I was little and traveling on the Fancy Face IV, my parents and I would sometimes stop back in Salem for holidays. One of my favorite things to do was come here and help Great-Grandma make cookies.
CHASE: Ciara and I used to do that, too.
Chase put his hand in Claire’s. Claire used her other hand to wipe her eyes.
CIARA: We should do it again.
CLAIRE: What?
CIARA: We should make cookies again. The kind we used to make with Grandma. I mean, it was kind of a tradition to help her make them for any special occasion.
CLAIRE: I guess. But, do you even know the recipe?
CIARA: Not by heart, but I know where it is. All the time I spent here growing up, I know where everything in this Pub is.
CLAIRE: Okay. We should get Joey, Johnny, Allie and Sydney to join, too.
CIARA: Yeah! Have it be the younger generation’s tribute to Grandma!
CLAIRE: You can help, too.
CHASE: I’d love to. Grandma Brady was a really special lady. I’d love to.
CIARA: Come on, let’s get the others.
Ciara, Claire and Chase got up from their table to find Joey, Johnny, Allie and Sydney.
KAYLA: Only thing left to do now is figure out the menu for after the funeral.
ROMAN: Should be all of Ma’s favorites. You know, a traditional Irish dinner, like we had for Pop.
KIMBERLY: That would be fitting, yeah.
MAX: We’ve got more than enough food stocked in the back. This is an Irish pub, after all.
There was a slight chuckle from the brothers and sisters.
KAYLA: There’s just one thing about this dinner.
FRANKIE: What’s that, sis?
KAYLA: If we’re making all of Ma’s favorites, then naturally, we’ll have to include what she’s most famous for.
KIMBERLY: Of course. The Brady Pub’s signature dish.
MAX: Wouldn’t be a Brady gathering without it.
There was a collective sigh.
ROMAN: So...who’s gonna cook the chowder?

[heroicmuse]

Remembering Carolina with food is such a sweet idea.

I'm glad to see how many lives she's touched. What a beautiful tribute.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 556

ST. LUKE’S
A few days later, a large crowd, most of Salem, in fact, was gathered at St. Luke’s. A picture of Caroline stood on an easel at the front of the church, as did the casket. Roman, Kayla, Kimberly, Frankie and Max sat in the front pew, with Steve, Shane and Chelsea next to them. Father Louis walked to the front of the church.
LOUIS: Good morning. We are gathered to today to say farewell to our beloved sister in Christ, Caroline Brady, mother of Roman Augustus Brady, Kayla Johnson, Kimberly Donovan, Beauregard Aurelius Brady, Frankie Brady and Maxwell Brady. She has now joined her husband, Shawn Brady, and her son, Bo Brady, in the eternal afterlife. Please rise for a hymn.
The congregation stood up and sang the hymn “Amazing Grace”. After, they sat down, and Eric went up to the podium.
ERIC: This morning’s chosen reading comes from selections of the Holy Gospel According to St. John, as well as the Book of Revelation. “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?...And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely...I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last….And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death...Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.” This is the Gospel and Revelation of our Lord.
Eric went back to his seat. Father Louis stood up.
LOUIS: I did not have a pleasure of knowing Caroline as well as most of you did. However, from what time I did get to spend with her, I could tell that she was a devout Christian, a devoted mother and a truly wonderful friend, not just to her own children, but to anyone who happened to walk into the Brady Pub. Caroline was one of the first people to introduce herself when I received the call to St. Luke’s, and I could tell from the moment I met her that she was a very special woman, as I’m sure others here can attest to. At this time, if any of Caroline’s friends or family would like to say a few words, they are welcome to.
Various members of the congregation walked up to the front, one by one.
ROMAN: Ma was...she was one heck of a lady. She and Pop taught me right from wrong, which is one of the things that inspired me to be a police officer…
MAX: She was a saint. She must have been, having to keep all of us kids in line…
KAYLA: She was always the person that I knew I could turn to whenever I needed help or advice. She always spoke from the heart.
KIMBERLY: Ma was the kindest woman I’d ever known. She’d open her door to anyone. And I’m sure a lot of people here know that, seeing as many of us stayed in the rooms above the Pub from time to time…
FRANKIE: She took me and Max in. She opened her heart and her home to us. She was the most generous woman I’ve ever known...
SAMI: When I talked with Grandma, she had a way of making me feel like everything would come out okay, even if I was losing hope that it would. She always gave the best advice, even if I often didn’t want to hear it…
CARRIE: Mom and Dad named me after Grandma. As far back as I can remember, the two of us have had a special connection because of that. Grandma was the most wonderful woman I know. I can only hope that I grow to be half the woman she was…
CELESTE: She had a way of seeing people. Seeing their true selves. Caroline was one of the few people who called me by my real name, Francesca. Though I, regrettably, did not get to see her much these last few years, I consider her one of my closest friends...
JOHN: For a time, it was believed that I was Caroline and Shawn’s son. Caroline was the first person to welcome me into the family. And even when it was found out that I wasn’t, she had this way of making me feel like I was still a member of the family…
VICTOR: My relationship with Caroline was...complicated, to say the least. There was always an underlying respect there. It takes a heck of a person to scold Stefano DiMera...or, in fact, myself. She was never afraid to tell me when I’d gone too far. And she was right, always. She was one of the few people that could get me to listen, even when I was at my worst. And I…
Victor coughed and looked down for a moment. He dabbed his eyes with his pocket square, recovered and looked back up.
VICTOR: Excuse me. I feel that the world has lost a truly great woman...
After everyone was done speaking, Father Louis stood up.
LOUIS: Let us pray. Heavenly Father, into Your hands we commend our sister, Caroline Brady. We ask that You watch over her family and comfort them during this time of grief. Though we here on earth are saddened by her passing, we know that she has found peace in Your loving embrace. Please bless and keep us all, giving us comfort in the fact that we will see her again when we, too, join You in our heavenly home. In Your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
They prayed the Lord’s Prayer and then sang the song “Danny Boy”. As they did, the casket was taken out to the cemetery and the congregation followed. Each of Caroline’s children received a white rose, which they put on the casket.
ROMAN (whispering): Goodbye, Ma.

---

In Loving Memory of
Peggy McCay
November 3; 1927 - October 7, 2018

[krw627]

I only hope that the show does something half as good as what you wrote to pay tribute to the actress & Ma Brady.

[heroicmuse]

That was such a beautiful funeral. Thanks for the tribute to Caroline André DiMera.

[mae00]

Absolutely beautiful

[André DiMera]

Chapter 557

BRADY PUB
ERIC: Thank you for everything.
LOUIS: Of course. Should you or your family need anything, my door is always open.
ERIC: I know. Thank you, Father.
Father Louis and Eric shook hands.
MAGGIE: What you said at the funeral was lovely.
VICTOR: Thank you, my dear.
ROMAN: I agree.
Victor looked up.
ROMAN: Victor.
VICTOR: Roman.
ROMAN: Look, I know we will never agree on a lotta things, mostly because our views of justice differ wildly, but all that aside, Ma always had a soft spot for you. And, uh, I appreciate you speaking about her today.
VICTOR: She was very special to me, as well.
MAGGIE: She was to all of us, dear. She was my best friend from the time she moved to Salem.
Carrie hugged Anna.
CARRIE: Thanks for coming, Mom.
ANNA: Of course, darling. Caroline was a very special woman.
Carried nodded.
TONY: I’m terribly sorry for your loss, Carrie. I regret that I never got much of a chance to know Caroline, but on the few occasions when I was fortunate enough to see her, she always had a kind word for me. She was lovely. And she thought the world of you.
Carrie hugged Tony.
CARRIE: Thank you. That means a lot to me.
CHELSEA: I’m really glad you stayed after the party, Steph.
STEPHANIE: Me too. How are you doing?
Chelsea shrugged.
CHELSEA: About as good as any of us, I guess. I’m just glad Grandma got to see little Isaac’s first birthday, and that she’s not suffering anymore.
STEPHANIE: Me too. What about Max?
CHELSEA: It’s been hard for him. Max and Grandma were really close. We’ve been staying here and helping out since we came back three years ago. And, you know, he was the one who found her.
STEPHANIE: Yeah. I can’t imagine how awful that was.
CHELSEA: We’re doing okay, though. It just takes time.
Stephanie nodded and hugged Chelsea.
SHAWN-D: You did a good job with the cookies, Claire Bear.
CLAIRE: Thanks. We all did it. Me, Ciara, Chase, Trix, Joey, Allie, Sydney, and even Johnny helped.
BELLE: Well, you all did a wonderful job.
Roman, Kayla and Kimberly went up to the bar. Roman cleared his throat.
ROMAN: Can we have everyone’s attention, please?
Everyone turned to look at them.
ROMAN: Thank you.
KAYLA: First of all, thank you all for coming. Seeing all of you here, it really shows how many lives Ma touched.
KIMBERLY: At this time, we’d like to make a toast. And what better to toast with than Ma and Pop’s favorite brand of Irish whiskey?
ROMAN: For those among us who don’t drink, we have sparkling cider. So, come on up and get your drink.
Frankie and Max walked in from the kitchen carrying trays of shot glasses. Everyone walked over and got a glass. Roman, Kayla and Kimberly raised their glasses.
ROMAN: To Ma. May we always remember the lessons she taught us.
KAYLA: May she be reunited with Pop.
KIMBERLY: And may she watch over us all the days of our lives.
EVERYONE: To Caroline!