Thursday - 4/29
SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Woods’ class had just let out. As usual, Johnny was one of the first people out the door. Allie, Ricky and Manny walked together. Each sighed with relief.
RICKY: That went well.
MANNY: Yeah. I’m surprised Johnny actually came through for his part.
Allie shrugged.
ALLIE: He knows if he fails, our Mom’ll make good on her threat not to fight him being held back, if that’s what it takes. As little as he cares about doing well, he’d rather not be the one person who gets held back.
MANNY: That makes sense.
Ricky tapped Allie’s hand.
RICKY: You did really well during the presentation.
ALLIE: Thanks. I was kinda nervous, but I’m glad we did it. I really liked your part of the presentation, too.
They took each other by the hand. Manny smiled as she watched them.
RICKY: Hey, how’d Mr. Woods like that extra credit thing we did over the weekend?
ALLIE: I only just turned it in, but I think he’ll like it. Thanks mostly to your photo skills.
RICKY: Hey, I got the easy part. You were the one finding all of those plants and animals.
ALLIE: Well, I guess you could say we make a good team.
MANNY: It certainly seems like you do. Glad you finally realized that.
RICKY: Yeah. So, you got any more final projects?
ALLIE: Nope. And since we’re seniors and don’t have to do finals so long as we’re passing, I’ll just be coming back here to clean out my locker at the end of the week. And, of course, for the dance on Friday night.
RICKY: Yeah, I’m looking forward to that.
ALLIE: Me too. What about you guys? Any other final projects?
MANNY: None for me.
RICKY: Yeah, I got that Photography final project on Thursday.
ALLIE: I’m sure you’re gonna ace it. You’re a great photographer!
RICKY: Thanks. Well, hope you have a good rest of your week. I’ll pick you up for the dance on Friday?
ALLIE: Sounds good.
They were about to go their separate ways when Allie stopped, turned, and hugged Ricky.
ALLIE: For good luck with your project.
RICKY: Thanks.
ALLIE: Yeah. See you Friday.
MANNY: See you then.
Meanwhile, Johnny was talking to Meadow West at her locker. She handed him a piece of paper.
WEST: This is my address. I’ll be ready at 6.
JOHNNY: Sounds good. I’ll be there.
West nodded.
WEST: Not that I didn’t want to see you earlier, but it was a good idea to avoid our table today.
JOHNNY: Well, from what you told me yesterday, it sounds like Meadow’s on the warpath.
WEST: She is. Meadow’s not the kind of girl who’s used to being turned down.
JOHNNY: I’m not afraid of her.
WEST: Good. Nor should you be. She’s mostly hot air. Still, when she sees us walk into the Last Blast together, it’s gonna be interesting.
JOHNNY: She’s not gonna try to do anything, is she?
WEST: I thought you said you weren’t afraid of her.
JOHNNY: I’m not, I’d just like to know what I’m potentially walking into.
WEST: No, she’s not going to try anything. And if she does, Meadow and I know how to stop her.
DIMERA MANSION
E.J. was reading the paper. He set it down when he heard the door open, and Harold walked in.
E.J.: Yes?
HAROLD: Mrs. Horton to see you, sir.
E.J.: Mrs. Horton?
Harold walked out as Sami walked in.
SAMI: Well, that is my name, as I’ve been married for three years now. Though, I’m not surprised you don’t remember that, even though you were there. You’ve always had a knack for forgetting things that you deem inconvenient.
E.J. stood up.
E.J.: Samantha. What a pleasant surprise. I’m almost flattered.
SAMI: Oh, then I must be doing something wrong, as that certainly wasn’t my intention.
E.J.: What is it that I can do for you, Samantha?
SAMI: There’s nothing at all that you can do for me. I just came by to make sure we understand the ground rules about this coming weekend.
E.J.: Ah, the twin’s graduation, you mean?
SAMI: Exactly.
E.J.: Well, you have to know that I’ll be attending the ceremony, of course. I mean, Johnny is my son, after all.
SAMI: A fact of which I am well aware. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to exclude you. I know that you’ll have to be there. But, each student gets three tickets, one per parent and one extra. Though, as Johnny and Allie share a parent, one of them gets an extra ticket.
E.J.: I see.
SAMI: You will not bring André.. I don’t really care who else you bring. Bring Tony, Chad and/or Anna. Hell, you can even bring Abigail if you have to. But you will not bring André to Salem High, especially not to my children’s graduation. And if I suspect that you have brought him, there will be consequences.
E.J.: Oh, you needn’t worry about that. First of all, I’ve no idea where André is.
SAMI: So you’re still sticking to that story, huh?
E.J.: Well, as it’s the truth…
SAMI: Please, you wouldn’t know if it bit you in the-
E.J.: Assuming I did know where he was, I still wouldn’t invite him to Johnny and Allie’s graduation, which could potentially lead to him being found out. Now, that would be very foolish of me. No, I’m sure Tony and Chad will be thrilled to accompany me. They’ve grown rather fond of their nephew, as he has of them.
SAMI: Great. Now, here’s the other thing.
E.J.: There’s more? Oh, goodie.
SAMI: For the parts that we have to be together, we’ll remain civil. That doesn’t mean that we have to sit together, nor does it mean anything other than the obvious, that we’re both there to support our children.
E.J.: Duly noted. There’s no need to worry, Samantha, I promise to be on my best behavior.
SAMI: That’s what worries me. Anyway, that’s all I needed. Now you know where we stand. I’d say have a nice day, but my false sincerity quota is running dangerously low as it is. I’ll see myself out.
Sami turned and walked out. E.J. sat back down.
