Chapter 561
BRADY PUB
Kimberly followed Roman down the stairs.
KIMBERLY: You’re sure you don’t need anything else?
ROMAN: We’re good, thanks.
KIMBERLY: I wish I could stay longer.
ROMAN: Me too. Don’t be a stranger, Kimber.
KIMBERLY: I won’t. Shane and I’ll come back as often as we can.
Kimberly and Roman hugged.
KIMBERLY: Take care of yourself, Ro.
ROMAN: You too, little sis.
They hugged one last time, then Kimberly picked up her bags and left.
SALEM UNIVERSITY
CIARA: Thanks again for lunch. It was a good idea to get some food in me.
TRIX: No problem. How’re you goin’?
CIARA: I’m okay. The food helped, and so did being with you.
TRIX: Well, that’s good.
Ciara nodded.
TRIX: So, neither you or I have any classes today. What did you want to do for the rest of the day?
CIARA: I don’t know, really. I kinda just wanna cuddle with you for a bit.
TRIX: That sounds nice. Rayne’s probably still sleeping in mine, though.
CIARA: Yeah, and I don’t really wanna risk running into Noelle or having her walk in on us.
TRIX: Me either.
CIARA: Well, we could try to find some place private. I mean, it’s a huge campus, there’s gotta be somewhere around here that hasn’t got a lot of people around.
TRIX: I know just the place. Remember that tour we took of the campus before school started?
CIARA: Yeah.
TRIX: There’s a place I found in the dorms that nobody ever goes. Come on.
CIARA: Lead the way.
Trix took Ciara’s hand and the two walked away.
HORTON CENTER
There was a knock on Eric’s door.
ERIC: Come in.
The door opened and Jade walked in.
ERIC: Jade. How are you?
JADE: I’m good. The better question is, how are you?
ERIC: Oh, I’m okay, thanks.
JADE: That’s good. I am so sorry about your grandma!
ERIC: Thank you. I appreciate it. As sad as the situation is, I’m glad she isn’t suffering anymore, and that she’s been reunited with my grandfather.
Jade nodded.
JADE: I’m sorry that I didn’t come to the funeral. I just...it didn’t feel right.
ERIC: I understand. Thank you, though.
JADE: You’re welcome.
Jade sat down across from Eric.
ERIC: I took some pictures at the funeral, and helped to put together a picture wall.
JADE: Is it...do you mind if I see them?
ERIC: I don’t mind at all.
Eric our a folder, put it on the desk, and opened it. Jade looked through some of the pictures.
JADE: Wow. She’s beautiful.
ERIC: She was, yeah.
JADE: She looks kinda like you.
ERIC: Thank you. I appreciate you saying that.
Eric took a deep breath and turned the page.
ERIC: And this is a picture of my dad, his brothers, sisters and their parents. It’s from years ago.
JADE: That’s really cool. It’s nice that you have a family who gets together a lot.
Eric nodded.
ERIC: I almost forgot, I have some news for you.
SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Several of the doctors at the hospital were in a meeting room.
KAYLA: So, Dr. Banning, you’ll take care of that?
SCOTTY: Soon as I can.
KAYLA: Excellent. And now onto the subject that I know you’re all dying to discuss: the Halloween masquerade dance, which, I may remind you, is tomorrow night, Halloween night. As you know, this dance is a fundraiser, for both the hospital and the Horton Center, so donations are encouraged. We’re accepting cash, check and cans of food as donations. The cans of food will go to the local food pantry connected to St. Luke’s. Donations will be accepted at the front door. Is anyone interested in taking the donations?
Tommy raised his hand.
TOMMY: I’d be happy to.
KAYLA: Thank you, Dr. Horton. It would be advisable to wear masks, as this is a masquerade party, however that’s not mandatory. As long as you’re wearing a costume, you should be fine. Now, are there any final questions?
Kayla looked around the room, and all of the other doctors looked around.
KAYLA: All right, then. That is the final item on my list, are there any other items that should be covered?
Kayla waited a moment. Seeing that nobody raised their hand or spoke up, Kayla continued.
KAYLA: Okay. Since there are no further items, I officially call for this meeting to be adjourned.
DANIEL: I second that motion.
TOMMY: I third it.
KAYLA: Then I declare this meeting officially adjourned. Have a good evening, everyone. We’ll see you tomorrow night at the Halloween party.
The majority of the doctors gathered their things and left the room. A few stayed behind, talking with each other. Carly walked over to Kayla.
CARLY: Dr. Johnson, do you have a minute?
KAYLA: I certainly do. What’s up?
CARLY: The party tomorrow is open for all hospital staff, right?
KAYLA: It’s open to anyone who wants to come, hospital staff or not.
CARLY: Okay, good.
KAYLA: Why? Is there anyone in particular you’d like to invite?
CARLY: No, just thinking. Thanks.
KAYLA: No problem. I’ll see you tomorrow.
DIMERA MANSION
André sat in Rolf’s lab. Bart came running in.
BART: Hey, Bossman! Got some big news for you!
André sighed.
ANDRÉ: What is it, Bart?
BART: Tomorrow’s the night of that fancy dance over at the hospital.
ANDRÉ: That’s your big news?
BART: No! The big news is, our special guest has arrived just in time.
ANDRÉ: Excellent. Send them down.
BART: Just one thing, boss, how come you haven’t done something to the Bradys already?
ANDRÉ: It’s all about timing, Bart. The Bradys have suffered a tremendous loss already. I’ve been hiding my time. In situations such as these, we must wait for exactly the right moment. We wait until after the mourning period has passed. And then, we strike.
BART: Genius, bossman, genius! You’re always so good with these intricate plans!
ANDRÉ: I know. Now don’t keep our guest waiting, Bart. Show them down.
BART: You got it!
Bart went back up the stairs. Meanwhile, Cassie and Rex walked in.
REX: Father.
ANDRÉ: Children. Good, you’re both here. I have someone I’d like you to meet.
