The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,810 times)

[André DiMera]

Chapter 624

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
LILY: Hello, Ciara.
CIARA: Hey.
TRIX: I’ll give you guys some privacy. Text me when you’re done.
CIARA: I will. Love you.
TRIX: Love you, too.
Trix kissed Ciara on the cheek, then she and Scotty walked out of the room.
CIARA: So, you’re my therapist, then?
LILY: That’s correct.
CIARA: You ever work with anyone whose leg is half-dead?
LILY: Actually, yes. I specialize in patients with nerve damage, such as yourself.
CIARA: Have any of them been able to walk properly again?
LILY: Yes, they have. It’s different with every patient, but many of them have regained most if not all of their function back. You’re in good hands, Ciara. I promise, I’m gonna do whatever I can to make sure you can walk again, as long as you promise to work at it, too. ‘Cause I can’t do it all myself, you’ve gotta be willing to work with me.
CIARA: Of course I am. I’ve only been like this a couple weeks and I already hate it. So, if this therapy helps, I’m all for it.
LILY: Excellent. I’m glad to hear it. So, I thought we’d spend part of this first session getting to know each other. We’ll start the physical therapy in a little bit, but first, I want to know more about you.
DOUG: How soon is soon?
CRAIG: I don’t know. The shot I just gave her should assist in the waking up process. It may be a few minutes, but it could also be a day or more. It’s always hard to tell in situations like these.
AIDEN: So, basically, we wait?
CRAIG: Yes. I’m sorry, I wish I could tell you more, but there’s not much else to say. Dr. Horton, myself and the nurses will be keeping a close eye on Hope over the next several hours, so there will definitely be somebody here, in this room, when she wakes up. Hopefully, it’ll be soon.
One of the monitors beeped. Craig turned and looked at the machines, then at Hope.
CRAIG: Well, that was sooner than I thought.

BRANDON’S APARTMENT
NICOLE: Thank god you changed the interior of this place.
Nicole looked around Brandon’s apartment.
BRANDON: Yeah. It took a couple of coats, but I finally got rid of the garash purple that the previous tenant had. Glad you approve.
NICOLE: I like it.
BRANDON: Me too. So, what’s going on, Nik?
NICOLE: What, I can’t just come over because I want to see my favorite brother without having an ulterior motive?
BRANDON: I didn’t mean it like that. I mean, how are things with you?
NICOLE: Great. But I did have an ulterior motive, anyway. As you know, Daniel and I are getting married in a few weeks.
BRANDON: That’s what you said, yeah. I’m happy for you guys.
NICOLE: Thanks. So, I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, and I know this is kinda short notice, but, I’d like you to walk me down the aisle.
BRANDON: Nik, I’d be honored.
NICOLE: Yeah?
BRANDON: Of course! Seeing my little sister get married to the man of her dreams, and being able to be part of that, I’d be more than happy to.
NICOLE: Thank you so much! You’re the best!
Nicole and Brandon hugged.

[tghca]

Brandon being the one to walk Nicole down the aisle makes sense...given how close they are but Nicole's father can't do it because not only is he dead and rotting in hell but he was scum

Hope if she wakes up...in what kind of condition will she be in?

Ciara if she walks again it won't be for a while

[heroicmuse]

YES! Brandon or Abe were my guesses for Nicole to ask to walk her down the aisle. I'm glad she chose Brandon.

I can't wait to see what happens when Hope wakes up!

I hope Ciara is able to work with this therapist. This should be great.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[mae00]

Awww! I love that Brandon is going to walk Nicole down the aisle.

Glad that Ciara is on board with this therapy and not wallowing in a pity party. She's gonna need that determination to overcome this.

I really hope that it's Hope that wakes up and not Gina.

[Kpatch]

Ciara and Hope are going through hell. I feel for Doug and Aiden.

I'm excited Brandon said yes. Looking forward to the wedding!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 625

SALEM PLACE
Joey and Jade, pushing Emmy in a stroller, walked the through the mall.
JADE: Thanks again for coming with me to get Emmy a new coat, even though you hate me. I just don’t feel comfortable taking my eyes off Emmy after what happened last year, but she’s already outgrown the coat I got her a few months ago.
JOEY: I don’t hate you. I’m still not thrilled about how everything went down over the years, but at least you’re trying to change. Besides, when you told me what happened to Emmy, I was worried. I’m glad you found her.
JADE: Me too.
JOEY: This doesn’t mean anything, okay? I’m just helping you out because you asked and I needed an excuse to get out before my first day back at Salem U.
JADE: No, I know. Believe me, a relationship is the last thing on my mind. I’m more concerned with taking care of Emmy. She’s my top priority.
JOEY: Good.
Jade stopped suddenly.
EMMY: No stop, Mommy!
JOEY: Hey, you okay?
JADE: What is she doing here?
JOEY: Who?
Jade pointed across the room, where Penelope was walking out of a store.

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
A nurse ran in.
CRAIG: Let’s take out the tube and see what shape she’s in. Vitals are stable.
The nurse put her hands on the tube that was in Hope’s mouth.
CRAIG: If you can hear me, I’m gonna need you to cough. We need to take this tube out, and it’ll go faster if you cough.
Hope coughed a few times as she nurse pulled out the tube. Craig and Addie both watched Hope’s vitals.
ADDIE: Slightly elevated, but that’s to be expected.
Craig nodded. Hope coughed a few more times and gasped as the tube came out. She opened her eyes.
CRAIG: Get her some water.
The nurse walked out of the room.
CRAIG: Can you hear me?
HOPE: Yes.
Hope’s voice was raspy.
Craig held up his hand.
CRAIG: How many fingers am I holding up?
Hope looked at Craig’s hand.
HOPE: Three.
CRAIG: Very good.
ADDIE: Can you tell us your name?
HOPE: Hope Williams Brady-Jennings.
CRAIG: Excellent. Welcome back. How are you feeling?
HOPE: Thirsty.
CRAIG: That makes sense.
The nurse returned with a cup and straw.
CRAIG: Hope, I’m gonna need you to take slow, small sips of this, please.
Hope nodded. The nurse helped guide the straw to Hope and she drank from it.
AIDEN: Thank god you’re awake!
ADDIE: Can you tell me where you are?
HOPE: Looks like...University Hospital.
ADDIE: Correct.
HOPE: What’s going on? Why am I in the hospital?
CRAIG: Well, there’s quite a story for that. But, we will get to that soon. What I’d like to know is, what’s the last thing you remember?
HOPE: I was...going to Salem Place for decorations for the Halloween party. I saw Tony...or, I thought it was Tony. It was André, wasn’t it?
ADDIE: It sounds like it, yes.
HOPE: Next thing I knew, I was in here. And someone else was, too.
CRAIG: Who else?
HOPE: Princess Gina. But, that can’t be. Gina’s dead, she’s been dead for years.
CRAIG: Well, I’m glad you’re laying down for this. Yes, Gina, the real Gina von Amburg, is dead. However, it seems that when you were out shopping for Halloween decorations, André DiMera kidnapped you.
AIDEN: He made you think you were Princess Gina again.
HOPE: He did?
CRAIG: Yes. You’ve missed just about three months. It’s January 31st, 2019.
HOPE: I still don’t understand how I ended up here.
AIDEN: I figured out shortly after Halloween that you weren’t acting like yourself. At first, I thought maybe it was grief from Caroline’s death, but I soon realized that it wasn’t that, at allI spoke with Steve and John, had them look into things, and the three of us together worked out that you had been brainwashed. We set up a time to take down Gina, and hopefully get you back to yourself.
HOPE: And you did.
ADDIE: Not exactly. You somehow brought yourself back. I’m not entirely sure how, but I have a theory. When John and Steve took Gina down, they used a dart laced with a powerful sedative. They made sure that it wasn’t lethal, but that it would put you to sleep. When you were brought to the hospital, you were still sedated. I made the decision to put you in a coma, because you were having trouble coming out of the sedation. With you in a coma, we were able to flush the sedative out of your body so you could wake up when we brought you out.
CRAIG: In the interim, I ran multiple brain scans which showed your brainwaves getting stronger and Gina’s getting weaker. And eventually, Gina’s disappeared entirely.
HOPE: Oh thank god! So, everything’s all right, then?
CRAIG: Not quite. I’d like to take at least one more brain scan, to make sure Gina’s brainwaves are completely gone from your system. I’d also like to run a few tests to make sure you’re healthy. I don’t have any reason to assume you aren’t, it’s just precautionary.
HOPE: All right. Do what you have to do.
AIDEN: I’m just so glad you’re okay.
HOPE: Me too. Thank you for knowing it wasn’t me, Mr. Jennings.
AIDEN: Oh, I would know the real you anywhere, Commissioner.
Hope and Aiden kissed.
DOUG: I’m gonna call Julie and let her know that you’re awake. I’m glad you’re back.
HOPE: Thank you, Daddy.
Doug squeezed Hope’s hand.
HOPE: You’re gonna have to call the kids, as well. I hope I can see them, soon.
DOUG: I’ll give them a call.
Doug walked out of the room.
ADDIE: Well, I will be back shortly. I have a few other patients to check on, but I’ll be back after your tests.
Addie left the room.
HOPE: So, Dr. Craig Wesley. When did you get back to Salem?
CRAIG: A few weeks ago. Dr. Horton called me about your condition. She thought I’d be able to help.
HOPE: I’m glad you did. Thank you.
CRAIG: You’re welcome. Let’s make sure you’re in good health so Aiden can get you home. I’ll go get the tests set up.
Craig walked out.
Hope and Aiden sighed.
HOPE: How have the kids been?
Aiden hesitated.
AIDEN: It’s been a difficult time, with everything that’s going on. But, everyone is...doing the best they can.
Hope arched up an eyebrow.
HOPE: There’s something you aren’t telling me. Mr. Jennings, what is going on?

[tghca]

Aiden should have told Hope that as Princess Gina she tried to kill him but she ended up shooting her own daughter Ciara instead and that Ciara is in a wheelchair

But only a matter of time before Hope finds out

[heroicmuse]

I think they wanted to wait til Hope was stronger before telling her about shooting Ciara, but looks like it's coming out sooner! This will be interesting.

Jade doesn't know the full story which means this will be a dramatic showdown! I'm glad Joey is warming towards her.

Great chapter André DiMera

[mae00]

They are going to have a time keeping Hope in that bed when she finds out what happened to Ciara. And Ciara is going to have a really hard time believing that this is Hope and not Princess Gina. I just now realized that Ciara hasn't really asked about her mom. I hope Steve and Shawn are both there to support Ciara when she first sees Hope.

[Kpatch]

Hope arched an eyebrow! Love that. She is doing really well!

[André DiMera]

Chapter 626

SALEM PLACE
JADE: That lady over there. That’s Kristen DiMera, the woman who stole Emmy from me!
Joey took a second look at Penelope, who was now headed in the direction of the store they were standing in front of.
JADE: Watch Emmy for a minute.
JOEY: Jade, don’t do anything crazy.
Jade walked over to Penelope.
JADE: What are you doing here? Trying to steal my daughter from me again?
PENELOPE: No, my dear. I have no interest in taking your daughter from you. And I do apologize for taking her in the first place. You see, I was not in my right mind. However, I am thinking much more clearly now.
JADE: Yeah right. You tricked me! For years, I thought you actually cared about me! And then you made me think I was a terrible mother and kept my daughter from me for months!
PENELOPE: All of which I most sincerely regret, and would not have done were I in my right mind.
JADE: And please, stop with the stupid British accent.
PENELOPE: I beg your pardon, but this is my real voice. If you would let me explain for just a moment, I believe everything will be made quite clear.
JADE: Why? Why should I believe anything you say?
PENELOPE: You’re absolutely right. You’ve no reason to trust me. However, would it really hurt to hear me out? Now, I completely understand why you’re upset with me. I’m not too pleased with myself, either. It is technically true that I stole your daughter. However, that is not the entire story. I was put under mind control by a truly horrid man named André DiMera. It is he who conspired to steal your child.
JADE: Wait, what?
PENELOPE: Perhaps it would be best to start with introductions. My name is Penelope Kent. And although André made it look like I stole your daughter, I am actually the one who gave your daughter back to you.

KINSEY’S APARTMENT
Kinsey had spent most of the afternoon unpacking boxes. By now, the apartment was looking livable.
KINSEY (thinking): Those modelling gigs have really paid off. Now, just one more thing to do.
Kinsey pulled out her phone and scrolled down until she got to Mia’s name. She clicked the edit button and scrolled down. Her thumb hovered just above the word “block”.

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
AIDEN: As I said, it has been a difficult time for all of us while you were under the DiMera’s spell.
HOPE: That’s not an answer. You’re hiding something, and I can tell. We promised each other that we wouldn’t have any secrets, except for when it came to birthdays and Christmas, which it is neither. So, tell me. What’s going on?
Aiden sighed.
AIDEN: I was hoping this could wait until you were better, but here it goes. When I confronted Princess Gina on New Year’s Eve, before John and Steve got there, Ciara was getting ready to go to the annual party in the Town Square. She came downstairs to tell us. She walked in on Gina holding a gun on me. Before she could finish coming down the stairs…
HOPE: What? Aiden, did something happen to Ciara?
AIDEN: Gina shot her.
Hope gasped.
HOPE: Oh my god! Is she okay?
AIDEN: ...not exactly. She fell down the last couple of stairs, but only got a broken arm. They reset it, so that’ll heal quickly. The thing is, the bullet hit her just above her left hip. It knocked one of her nerves out of place, causing her to lose some feeling in her left leg.
HOPE: So, what you’re saying is, I paralyzed my own daughter?!

[heroicmuse]

Hope is going to have a super hard time with this. I hope Aiden can help her through it. Maybe he can remind her about how Chase shooting his mother was an accident and that this is similar in a way.

Good for Kinsey (if she goes through with it)! I hope Mia doesn't show up at her door.

Well this should be interesting. I wonder if Jade will believe Penelope.

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[Kpatch]

What a horrible thing for Hope to learn. Andre has been busy wreaking havoc everywhere.

[mae00]

I didn't think Kinsey would go as far as to block Mia. Good for her tho!!

Hmmm. I don't know that Jade will believe Penelope. but I can see this freaking her out and her calling Joey more and more.

I know that Ciara is her daughter, but I sure Hope doesn't go and just start barging into Ciara's room without someone preparing Ciara. This is going to be extremely tough for her to believe that she is really Hope and not Gina.

[tghca]

Even if Ciara believes Hope is Hope...it still won't really matter because Ciara's own mother shot her and paralyzed her brainwashed or not she still did it

I can't see Ciara forgiving or forgetting that easily

Jade might just use Penelope to make sure she and Joey become closer