The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,634 times)

[André DiMera]

Chapter 598

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Claire had woken up early and decided to get an early breakfast before finals started. She had texted Chase, and they had agreed to meet there, but Claire had gotten their first. She had a few minutes to wait, so she stood by the entrance of the cafeteria. A few people passed by, but not very many. Then, she noticed Maddox walking towards the cafeteria. She turned to look at him.
CLAIRE: Maddox.
MADDOX: Oh, Claire. Sup?
CLAIRE: Not much. You got a minute?
MADDOX: Sure.
Claire gestured for Maddox to follow her and they walked over to a nearby table and sat down.
CLAIRE: What was up with what you said about Alanis the other week?
MADDOX: What do you mean?
CLAIRE: You know what I mean. When you said to be careful around her, what did that mean?
MADDOX: First of all, I didn’t say to be careful around her, I said to be careful with her.
CLAIRE: Semantics.
MADDOX: Possibly, but there it is. Anyway, I meant what I said, and if you wait long enough, you’ll see what I mean.
CLAIRE: Okay, now you’re just using double talk.
MADDOX: Maybe. We’ll see. How is she, by the way?
CLAIRE: Fine, I guess. I got up early today, so she was still sleeping when I left.
MADDOX: Makes sense. Well, this has been fun, but I gotta get ready for finals. By the way, your boyfriend is on his way.
CLAIRE: Wait. So, we’re not gonna talk about what you said at all?
MADDOX: We already did. But, tell ya what, once you figure out what I mean, come find me. Then, we can talk about it more.
Maddox walked away.

TOMMY’S HOUSE
Tommy was getting ready for work. He was on the phone as he put on his coat.
TOMMY: Right, that makes sense. I think that would be good, given how things have been between us. I appreciate it. Mmhmm. Yes, I’ll have it ready. Okay. I’ll see you soon.
Tommy hung up the phone and walked out the door to go to work.

DIMERA MANSION
Bart walked into the basement of the Mansion.
BART: Hey, Bossman?
ANDRE: What is it, Bart?
BART: I gotta ask something. And I know all that stuff about curiosity killing the cat and whatnot-
ANDRE (under his breath): Well, if your curiosity does it, then I won’t have to. It would save a lot of work.
BART: -but I just gotta know, are the rumors true?
ANDRE: What rumours would those be?
BART: The rumors that say Princess Gina is back.
ANDRE: That is correct, yes.
BART: Wow! Man, that Gina was always one foxy lady. Let me guess, you’ve got her pretending to be Hope Brady, right?
ANDRE: Of course.
BART: Of course. Man, it’s been a few years since I’ve seen that beautiful face. But then…
ANDRE: What, Bart? Spit it out!
BART: If Princess Gina’s back and making everyone in Salem think she’s Hope, then what happened to the real Hope Brady? Where is she?
André chuckled darkly.
ANDRE: That’s the best part of all, honestly.
BART: What do you mean.
André laughed and leaned across the table to look Bart in the eye.
ANDRE: Hope Brady is right where she’s always been.
BART: You mean-
ANDRE: Exactly.
BART: Oh man! That is brilliant, Bossman!
ANDRE: Yes, it rather was, if I do say so myself. Only, by the time that everyone else figures it out, I’m afraid it’ll be far too late for their dear Hope Brady.
André continued laughing.

[heroicmuse]

Okay Andre, what does that mean? Has Hope been brainwashed to believe she is Princess Gina?

LOL at wishing curiosity would kill Bart so Andre doesn't have to.

I wonder what Maddox is busy not saying. Maybe he's just trying to make Claire suspicious of Alanis though I doubt it.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[mae00]

Oh my goodness! So much double and cryptic talk. This is almost too much on a Monday. LOL

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 599

APARTMENT COMPLEX
Brandon, followed by Nicole and Taylor, walked through the hallway of an apartment building.
TAYLOR: So, what’s the name of this place again?
BRANDON: Salem Bay Apartments. It’s well named, too. The apartment I’m looking at has a nice view of Salem Harbor.
NICOLE: Not bad.
Brandon stopped in front of a door.
BRANDON: Here we are.
Brandon put a key in the door, opened it and the three walked in.
BRANDON: Obviously, I haven’t decided for sure, but this is the one I’m leaning towards the most. I also looked at one in your building, Nik, but that one already got taken. And there was one in Salem West, but that didn’t look as nice.
NICOLE: Well, if it’s a choice between Salem proper and Salem West, I’d say you’re making the right decision.
TAYLOR: Why’s that?
NICOLE: Salem West isn’t the nicest town. It’s not as bad as East Salem, but not as nice as Salem proper.
TAYLOR: Makes sense.
BRANDON: So, what do you think?
NICOLE: The location’s nice, but is it big enough?
BRANDON: Well, there’s only me living here, so yeah. It’s great for a single guy.
NICOLE: Other than being a bit cramped, it looks okay.
TAYLOR: I think it’s nice.
BRANDON: I’m glad you both approve..
NICOLE: Just one thing. Before you move in, get some interior decorating. Judging from the color of the walls, the last people to live here didn’t get the memo that the ‘60s ended nearly fifty years ago.
Brandon chuckled slightly.
BRANDON: Yeah, the landlord said he’d be more than willing to let me change the wall colors. Once I’ve got that sorted out, I think I’m gonna like living here

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Maxine handed Tommy a clipboard which contained his charts for a patient. Even though University Hospital had long since switched over to tablets, Tommy rather preferred using a clipboard and folder.
TOMMY: Thank you, Maxine.
MAXINE: No trouble.
Tommy looked over the chart and carried it under his arm. Maggie walked over.
MAGGIE: Good morning, Tommy.
TOMMY: Maggie, good to see you.
MAGGIE: You too.
TOMMY: What are you doing here? Nothing serious, I hope.
MAGGIE: No, nothing serious. Just getting my annual flu shot. Victor says he doesn’t know why I insisted on getting in here when one of any number of his doctors could give me the best flu shot in the world, but I like to get out and see everyone here. That, and I’m having brunch with Daniel when he goes for his break.
TOMMY: Very good. I’m glad I ran into you, actually. I know Christmas Eve is only a few days away, but I was wondering if you’d like to come over for dinner tomorrow.
MAGGIE: Well, that would be very nice. I’d love to, and I’m sure Victor would be fine with coming along, as well.
TOMMY: He’s more than welcome, of course. Doug and Julie are coming, as well.
MAGGIE: Wonderful. Is there any special occasion?
TOMMY: There is, but I can’t say anything about it now. You’ll have to see what I mean when you come. I was thinking dinner would be at 6, so if you’d like to come over around 5.
MAGGIE: I’ll be there.
TOMMY: Excellent.
P.A.: Dr. Horton, you have a call on Line 2. Dr. Horton, call on Line 2.
TOMMY: Well, duty calls.
MAGGIE: I’ll see you tomorrow, Tommy.
TOMMY: Enjoy your lunch with Daniel.
Tommy walked over to the circulation desk.

[heroicmuse]

I really wonder what Tommy is up to.

I Jope Brandon enjoys this apartment. Wonder what drama will ensue there.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 600

DANIEL & NICOLE’S APARTMENT
Taylor brought her suitcases into the living room. Brandon followed her.
BRANDON: You sure you have to leave so soon?
TAYLOR: Yeah, I’m sure. I came to help because you said Nicole was in trouble. She’s not in trouble anymore and she doesn’t need my help. She has you and Daniel.
BRANDON: Taylor, I know you and Nicole have your issues, but, in her own way, I’m sure she still cares about you.
TAYLOR: I know she does. But, my relationship with her is totally different than yours, or our relationship. Doesn’t mean we don’t care about each other, we just can’t be around each other for long.
BRANDON: Yeah, I know. I’ve known that for a long time. Still, I’m glad you at least came out here.
TAYLOR: Me too.
BRANDON: I’m gonna put down a payment on that apartment we looked at this morning, so if you ever want to come back for a visit or change your mind about staying…
TAYLOR: I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, brother.
Taylor and Brandon hugged.
BRANDON: Take care of yourself, Taylor.
TAYLOR: I will. You too.
Nicole walked into the room.
NICOLE: So, this is it, then.
TAYLOR: Yep.
Nicole nodded.
NICOLE: Well...I guess I’ll see you around.
TAYLOR: Yeah, you will. I’ll be back eventually.
NICOLE: Right.
Taylor went to hug Nicole but stopped herself. Nicole walked over to Taylor and put one arm around her.
NICOLE: Too bad Mom couldn’t see the three of us together again.
BRANDON: Yeah. She would have liked that, despite the circumstances.
NICOLE: Well, good luck.
TAYLOR: You too. I hope you and Daniel are happy together.
NICOLE: Me too. Thanks.
Taylor picked up her suitcase and walked out the door.

CHEZ ROUGE
David and Carly had met up that evening and gone to dinner.
DAVID: This is nice.
CARLY: It is, yes.
DAVID: You look lovely.
CARLY: Thank you. You look pretty good, yourself.
DAVID: Thanks.
There was a slightly awkward silence.
CARLY: I enjoyed that dance we had on Halloween, before all the craziness started.
DAVID: Yeah, that was fun. Do you like dancing?
CARLY: Sometimes. Do you?
DAVID: At weddings and parties and stuff, yeah.
Another silence.
DAVID: So...any plans for Christmas?
CARLY: Probably just dinner with Nicky, Beatrix and...Vivian. That should be interesting.
DAVID: I honestly can’t say I’ve met the Alamains, but Julie tells me enough about them. Then again, she’s a little biased.
CARLY: No, I’m sure what she’s said about Vivian is more than likely true. So, what about you? What are your Christmas plans?
DAVID: Oh, just the usual Horton Christmas. Tree trimming on Christmas Eve, helping out at the hospital on Christmas Day.
CARLY: Oh, you’ll be there for that, too?
DAVID: Yeah, I helped out last year, and I actually really enjoyed it.
CARLY: I’ll probably be there for a little bit, too. I always loved helping out with Christmas at University Hospital.
DAVID: Yeah. It’s nice. You know, if you wanted to avoid crazy Vivian for a few hours, you could always come to Christmas Eve with me.
CARLY: Really?
DAVID: Yeah. I know it’s called the Horton Christmas, but a lot of people are invited. Plus, Julie’s always telling me to bring a plus one. Just a thought.
CARLY: I like that idea. I might take you up on that.
DAVID: Cool.

[heroicmuse]

I wonder how Julie will react to David being with Carly. This seems like an interesting but awkward date.

That was a semi-sweet moment between Nicole and Taylor!

Great chapter André DiMera

[André DiMera]

Chapter 601

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Trix walked out of a classroom. She walked over to Ciara who was standing against a wall.
TRIX: Hey.
CIARA: Hey.
Ciara and Trix kissed.
CIARA: How’d your last final go?
TRIX: Good, I think. You?
CIARA: Pretty good, I think. I’m just glad we’re finally done with classes for the semester!
TRIX: I know. It just sucks that they had finals the week before Christmas.
CIARA: Yeah, but on the plus side, we’re off until the first week of February.
TRIX: True.
CIARA: Come on, let’s get some food.
TRIX: Sounds good to me.
Ciara put an arm around Trix and the two walked to the cafeteria. When they got there, they found Claire sitting at one of the tables.
CLAIRE: Hey. You guys just get out of finals, too?
CIARA: Yep. How’d Music Theory go?
CLAIRE: Okay, I think.
TRIX: I’m sure you aced it.
CLAIRE: Thanks.
CIARA: We were just about to get some food. You wanna come along?
CLAIRE: I would love to!
Claire followed Ciara and Trix up to get some food.
CLAIRE: So, Trix, you’re coming to Christmas Eve at our cousin Jennifer’s house, right?
TRIX: That’s the plan. Dad and Gran said I’m supposed to have dinner with them, but after, I can join you guys.
CLAIRE: That’s good. I’m so looking forward to Christmas!
CIARA: Me too.
After getting some food, the girls sat back down at their table and began eating.
CIARA: So, how’s things with Rayne?
TRIX: Not bad. Our schedules work so she’s out of the dorm most of the time when I’m sleeping, and I’ve got classes or am doing other stuff while she is.
CLAIRE: That’s good. I’m almost hesitant to ask, Ci, how are things with Noelle as a roommate?
CIARA: Surprisingly, not as bad as I thought they’d be. After I put that line through our room a few weeks after we started, she’s been decent.
TRIX: Maybe she finally figured out how stupid she was being.
CIARA: Or she was planning revenge.
CLAIRE: You can never tell with her.
CIARA: Yeah.
TRIX: How’s your roommate, Claire?
CLAIRE: Pretty good. She seems really nice and stuff but...I don’t know.
CIARA: What’s up?
CLAIRE: I’m not sure what it is, but there’s just something kinda off about her. I don’t know how to explain it, but there’s just something.
TRIX: Gotcha.
CLAIRE: Yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong, she’s super nice, and she’s pretty much always happy. Really, it’s her boyfriend who seems to be weird.
CIARA: Yeah, Chase said he was a little off.
CLAIRE: At first, I thought he was just kinda private, but then he said some weird stuff to me about being careful with Alanis.
TRIX: Weird.
CLAIRE: Yeah. I’m still trying to work out what that means. Hopefully, after break, I will.

HOPE & AIDEN’S HOUSE
Aiden walked in. Princess Gina walked in from the kitchen.
AIDEN: Evening, Commissioner Brady.
GINA (as Hope): Good evening. How was your day?
AIDEN: Busy, but good. And it’s about to get even better.
GINA (as Hope): Oh? Why’s that?
Aiden chuckled slightly as he took off his coat.
AIDEN: Come on, Commissioner, you know what today is.
Princess Gina smiled.
GINA (as Hope): Of course.
Aiden and Princess Gina kissed.
AIDEN: Happy anniversary.
GINA (as Hope): Happy anniversary.
AIDEN: Today’s a whole year we’ve been married. The happiest day of my life.
GINA (as Hope): Mine too. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will be right back.
AIDEN: I’ll be waiting.
Princess Gina walked upstairs and went into the bedroom.
GINA (thinking): I’ve got to figure a way out of this. But how?
Princess Gina began digging through the dresser drawers and closet, hoping that Hope had been smart enough to buy an early anniversary present. Finally, she found a box at the bottom of one of the drawers.
GINA: Perfect.
She walked back downstairs.
AIDEN: Everything okay?
GINA (as Hope): Of course. I just didn’t expect you home this early, otherwise I would have had this ready.
AIDEN: Oh, that’s okay.
Princess Gina handed the box to Aiden. Aiden opened it to find a watch.
AIDEN: Hope, this is beautiful.
GINA (as Hope): I’m glad you like it.
AIDEN: I do.
Aiden rummaged in his pocket and handed Princess Gina a box. She opened it and found a necklace with five stones.
GINA (as Hope): Oh my. This is gorgeous!
AIDEN: The stones are for each of your kids. Plus, I know you consider Chelsea and Chase to be practically your own, so I added those in, too.
GINA (as Hope): I love it.
AIDEN: I’m glad. Happy anniversary, Commissioner Brady.
GINA (as Hope): Happy anniversary, Aiden.
Aiden and Princess Gina kissed.

TOMMY’S HOUSE
DOUG: I quite like what you’ve done with the place, Tommy.
TOMMY: Thank you, Doug. I’m glad you could join me tonight. All of you.
MAGGIE: Well, we’re happy to be here.
VICTOR: Yes. Thank you for the invitation, Dr. Horton.
TOMMY: You're welcome. But you don’t need to call me Dr. Horton, especially since we’re not at the hospital. Just Tommy will be fine.
VICTOR: I’ll keep that in mind.
Tommy looked at his watch.
JULIE: Is everything all right, Uncle Tommy?
TOMMY: Oh, of course, of course. Just checking to make sure that the roast is cooking long enough.
JULIE: Uh huh. I’ve seen that look on people’s faces before. What are you up to?
Tommy chuckled slightly.
TOMMY: You’ll see soon enough, Julie.
A beeping noise came from the kitchen.
TOMMY: Well, I believe that that is the roast. Excuse me for a moment.
Tommy went into the kitchen. There was a knock at the door.
TOMMY: Would you mind getting that, please, Maggie? My hands are a little full.
MAGGIE: Don’t worry about that. I’d be happy to.
Maggie got up and answered the door.
MAGGIE: Oh my goodness!
Marie and Bill walked in.
MARIE: Hello, Maggie!
MAGGIE: Oh, Marie, it is so good to see you!
Maggie and Marie hugged.
MAGGIE: You as well, mister.
Maggie and Bill hugged.
BILL: Good to see you, too, Maggie.
MAGGIE: Well, come in! Come in!
Marie and Bill followed Maggie into the living room.

[heroicmuse]

Yay! I'm so glad Marie and Bill are back.

I want to know what's up with Alanis too.

Can't wait for Christmas!

That was a beautiful gift Aiden had. Too bad that's not really Hope.

Great chapte4 André DiMera.

[mae00]

If "Hope" calling Aiden by his first name isn't a clue, then he's denser than I thought.

I think Claire and Chase better tread lightly where both Alanis and Maddox are concerned. I think they are both acting strange and guards need to be kept up around them.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 602

JENNIFER’S HOUSE
Jennifer sat on the couch, talking on the phone.
JENNIFER: You’re sure? Okay. That’s what I was thinking. Though, I had hoped it wouldn’t have come to this again. Please, keep me updated on what you find out. Okay. Bye.
Jennifer hung up as Abby walked in from outside.
ABBY: Well, Chad just picked up Thomas. He’s glad we’re spending time together tonight.
JENNIFER: So am I.
ABBY: So, what did Uncle Steve say?
JENNIFER: He said that he and John are getting closer to figuring out what’s going on with Hope.
ABBY: Well, that’s good, right? I mean, the sooner they figure it out, the sooner we can get Hope back to normal.
JENNIFER: I hope so. But, John has an idea about what this might be. And if it is what he thinks it is, it’s gonna be difficult to get Hope back to herself.
ABBY: How is he gonna know for sure?
JENNIFER: Steve says John’ll know when everyone’s here for Christmas Eve. So, I suppose we’ll know for sure tomorrow night.
ABBY: Good. That’ll mean we can finally start getting Hope back to normal.
JENNIFER: I wish it were as easy as that.
ABBY: Why wouldn’t it be?
JENNIFER: I don’t think Hope has been brainwashed. I think she’s been replaced entirely by another person. Though, where the real Hope is, no one knows.
ABBY: There’s one person who may know. André.
JENNIFER: Abigail, I do not want you going anywhere near André DiMera, do you understand?
ABBY: I didn’t say I was going to. But, he does live in the basement of the Mansion while Tony, Anna, Chad, Thomas and I live upstairs, so he’s always around.
JENNIFER: Living in the same house as him is bad enough. You do not need to interact with him. No good will come of it.
ABBY: I know. Like I said, I wasn’t planning to interact with André. It was just a thought.
JENNIFER: I hope that’s all it was.
ABBY: Mom, calm down. I’m not gonna do anything stupid. Believe me, I know how evil André is. He made us think Daddy was dead when you were pregnant with J.J. I know not to mess with André DiMera.

TOMMY’S HOUSE
Julie hugged Marie and Bill.
JULIE: It’s so good to see you two!
BILL: You too, Julie.
Doug shook hands with Bill and gave Marie a hug.
BILL: Doug.
DOUG: Good to see you, Bill. Marie.
MAGGIE: And this is my husband, Victor Kiriakis.
MARIE: Oh, yes. We met at Mom’s funeral, I believe.
VICTOR: Indeed we did.
BILL: Good to see you again, Victor.
VICTOR: Likewise.
JULIE: What are you two doing here? I mean, it’s lovely to see you, but still.
MARIE: Tommy called me. Since he’s been out here three years now and I usually have Jessica over, but she’s visiting Joshua’s side of the family, so Tommy insisted that I come home.
BILL: And Marie called me after that and insisted I come, as well.
TOMMY: And I’m glad you both agreed.
MARIE: Hello, Mark.
TOMMY: Marie.
Marie and Tommy winked at each other, laughed and hugged.
MARIE: Oh, Tommy. It’s been too long.
TOMMY: It certainly has. But I’m glad we’re all together now. Bill.
BILL: Thomas.
TOMMY: Well, you’re here just in time. Dinner’s ready.
MARIE: Excellent.
Tommy led the way to the dining room. Marie, Maggie, Victor and Doug followed. Julie touched Bill on the shoulder.
JULIE: Uncle Bill, is everything all right?
BILL: Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?
JULIE: It’s just the way you were looking at Uncle Tommy a few minutes ago. What’s going on?
BILL: Everything’s fine, Julie. There’s nothing for you to worry about.
JULIE: If you say so.
Julie and Bill walked into the dining room.

[heroicmuse]

I wonder what Bill and Tommy are up to.

Jennifer needs to stop talking to her adult children like they're babies even if she is right. LOL. I'm not so sure Abigail isgoing to listen to her.

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[André DiMera]

Next week...

Princess Gina makes her next move.
ANDRÉ: Are you quite sure that’s what you want?

And Claire discovers something.
CLAIRE: Are you okay?

But before all that, Christmas has arrived in Salem.
TOMMY: Merry Christmas!

And the children of Tom and Alice have been reunited.
MARIE: It’s so good to see you!

Join us for the holidays, and stay tuned all week for the shocking finale as THE MELASWEN PARADOX enters its final week of 2018!

[heroicmuse]

Oh good, it looks like we finally are going to have some sort of reveal about Alanis! I can't wait.

I'm also looking forward to Christmas! Holiday episodes are always so fun.

Curious what Princess Gina's next move is.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[André DiMera]

Chapter 603

HORTON HOUSE
Everyone had gathered at Jennifer’s house for the annual Horton tree trimming.
LUCAS: Welcome home, Dad.
BILL: Good to see you, son.
Lucas and Bill hugged. Meanwhile Marie hugged Addie, Tommy’s daughter.
MARIE: You’ve grown up so much since the last time I saw you. You know, you even look a bit like the woman you’re named after.
ADDIE: Thanks, Aunt Marie. I wish I’d gotten to meet Aunt Addie, but Dad’s told me a lot of stories about her.
MARIE: She was a very special woman.
Tommy cleared his throat.
TOMMY: Can I have everyone’s attention, please?
Everyone turned to look at Tommy, who gestured to Bill and Marie. The two joined him at the front of the room by the tree.
TOMMY: Thank you. It’s been...it’s been far too long since us kids were all together. And though there are a few of us missing from the group, they are fondly remembered, and live on in our hearts and minds. Looking around this room, it really shows how much of an impact people have on each other’s lives. I know our parents would be thrilled to see all of you here. They taught us that family isn’t just the people you’re related to by blood, but the people you hold near and dear to your heart. I know that Mom and Dad thought of all of you as family. As do we.
Bill nodded.
MARIE: We certainly do.
BILL: Thank you all for joining us. Now, that tree’s looking a little bare, so let’s get those ornaments up.
There were a few chuckles from the group, and everyone set to work putting their ornaments up. CLICK HERE to listen to music as they do. Tommy, Bill and Marie went up to the tree and each put their ornaments on. Tommy put up his sister Addie’s, and Marie put up Mickey’s, as well. Tommy’s daughter Addie put hers, Kitty’s and Sandy’s ornaments near Tommy’s. Jennifer put up hers. Abby and Chad put their ornaments under Jennifer’s and Thomas’ under theirs. J.J. and Paige walked up together and put their ornaments near Abby’s. J.J. also put Jack’s ornament on, near Jennifer’s.
J.J.: Merry Christmas, Dad.
Paige put his arms around J.J. and kissed him on the cheek. Maggie and Victor put up their ornaments, and Maggie put up Janice, Sarah and Melissa’s. Doug and Julie put theirs up, and David put his near Julie’s. Scotty and Billie followed. Then, Chelsea and Max, who put up theirs and Isaac’s. Aiden walked over to Princess Gina.
AIDEN: Shall we, Commissioner?
GINA (as Hope): Certainly.
Aiden and Princess Gina put up his and Hope’s ornaments. Shawn-D, Belle and Claire followed with theirs. Bill went back up to the tree and put on Mike’s ornament. Marie went back up and put up Jessica’s ornament. After a little while, Chelsea looked over and realized that neither Bo or Zack’s ornaments were on the tree. She walked over to Princess Gina.
CHELSEA: Hey, did you wanna help me put up Zack and Dad’s ornaments?
GINA (as Hope): Of course.
Chelsea and Princess Gina brought the ornaments up to the tree. After they put them on, Chelsea hugged her. Abe and Theo put up theirs and Lexie’s. Ciara put up hers near Hope’s, while Chase put his near Aiden’s. Steve, Kayla and Joey put up theirs and Stephanie’s. Roman put up his and Carrie’s. Together, Roman and Kayla put up Caroline and Shawn’s ornaments. Then, they hugged each other. Andrew put up his, Shane, Kimberly and Theresa’s ornaments. John and Marlena put theirs near Belle’s. Sami, Lucas and their kids put theirs up near Marlena’s. Next up were Will and Sonny. Many others came up and put their ornaments on. Finally, after everyone had put theirs and their loved ones ornaments on the three, Tommy pulled out a step ladder. He gestured to Bill, who nodded. While Tommy and Marie went over to the ornament box, Bill climbed up the step ladder. When he got to the top, Marie handed him Alice’s ornament and Tommy handed him Tom’s. Bill placed Tom and Alice’s ornaments at the top of the tree, and then put the star on top. Then, Bill climbed down, and the three Horton children stood near the tree, as did the rest of their friends and families. J.J. started softly strumming his guitar.
J.J. (singing): Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright.
CLAIRE (singing): Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy Infant so tender and mild.
CHASE (singing): Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.
DOUG (singing): Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light.
JUSTIN (singing): Radiant beams from Thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace.
BRADY (singing): Jesus Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.
STEVE (singing): Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.
CLAIRE (singing): Glories stream from heaven afar.
J.J. (singing): Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
ALL (singing): Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!
Everyone gazed up at the tree. Tommy went over to the mantle and picked up a few pictures. He gave a picture of Mickey to Marie, a picture of Addie to Bill, and in his own hands, he held a picture of Tom and Alice.
TOMMY: To those we love…
MARIE: Near or far…
BILL: Have a Merry Christmas now…
TOMMY, MARIE & BILL: And all the Days of Our Lives.