The Melaswen Paradox (Read 319,715 times)

[André DiMera]

Monday - 7/5

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Maxine and Dr. Tanaka were looking over Melanie, who was now in considerable pain. Maxine was taking note of her vitals and symptoms as Dr. Tanaka examined her.
TANAKA: All right, we need to get her into the O.R.
MAXINE: I’ll go make sure one’s ready.
TANAKA: Cheers. Also, could you please have her family called? They’ll want to be here.
MAXINE: I’m on it.
Maxine squeezed Melanie’s hand.
MAXINE: You’re gonna be okay, honey.
She left the room as Dr. Tanaka took off his gloves.
MELANIE: What’s going on? Why does my family need to be called?
TANAKA: You’re going to need to have a c-section.
MELANIE: What?! But, it’s not time yet! It can’t be! It’s too early!
TANAKA: I know there’s still a month before your due date, but given your symptoms, and what I’m seeing from having examined you the past few weeks, it’s time. It’s the best option for the health of yourself and your baby.
MELANIE: B-but what about Philip? He wanted to be here when the baby’s born.
TANAKA: I’ll have one of the nurses call him. Melanie, I need you to trust me, all right? I’m going to do everything I can for you and the baby. Now, we need to get you prepped for surgery.
Melanie nodded and took several deep breaths.

HORTON BACKYARD
LUCAS: Good to see you out again, man.
REX: Thanks, you too. It’s been a bit of an uphill battle ever since the storm, but I’m going to physical therapy for my legs.
CASSIE: He’s been doing really well with therapy!
LUCAS: That’s good.
REX: Yeah, no word on exactly when I’ll be able to walk on my own again, but you’ve gotta keep up hope, right?
LUCAS: You’ve got it. Well, we’re all here for you, if you need anything.
REX: Thanks, bro. I appreciate it.
Jett grabbed a water bottle out of a cooler and was about to turn the other direction when he heard a familiar voice.
JEREMY: Heard you got reinstated as an agent.
Jett turned to Jeremy.
JETT: That’s right.
JEREMY: Congrats, dude. That’s awesome.
JETT: What do you want, Horton?
JEREMY: Whoa. Chill, man. I’m just trying to make polite conversation. Happy Fourth, by the way.
JETT: You too.
JEREMY: Kinda surprised you never told me you were back in town.
JETT: Why would I?
JEREMY: Why wouldn’t you? Come on, man, we used to be tight.
JETT: Yeah, used to be.
JEREMY: Hey, if anyone should be angry about how things turned out, it should be me. But, I’m not. I get it, I did a lot of stupid stuff. But, I’ve paid for it, and I’m trying to be a better person.
JETT: Look, I really don’t wanna get into this, least of all on a holiday. You seem to have turned your life around, and that’s great. I’m happy for you. However, I also don’t see any point rehashing the past. Have a nice holiday.
Jett walked to another part of the yard. Suddenly, several phones went off in quick succession.
ADDIE: Dr. Horton.
CARLY: Dr. Manning.
DANIEL: Dr. Jonas.
PHILIP: Kiriakis. I’m sorry, what?
DANIEL: How soon?
ADDIE: Yes, that makes sense. I’ll be there.
CARLY: I’m on my way.
Each hung up their phones.
MAGGIE: Philip, is everything all right?
PHILIP: That was the hospital. It’s Melanie, she...our baby...I need to get down there, now!
MAGGIE: I’ll drive you.
PHILIP: Thanks.
Addie, Carly and David, Daniel and Nicole, Philip and Maggie headed to their respective cars and made their way to the hospital.

[tghca]

Baby Boy or Baby Girl Kiriakis is coming into the world. I knew it. Melanie is set to give birth any time now but isn't it too early? I just hope the baby he or she is healthy and both mother and baby are okay

Where is Victor and Kate? They too are going to want to be at the hospital. This baby is their grandchild too.

Loved seeing Rex interact with his brother Lucas and his sister Cassie...but I wonder why Rex doesn't interact with his other siblings like Eric, Sami, or Philip or Billie even?

David & Carly, Daniel & Nicole, and Maggie are there but what about Max & Chelsea? Max isn't he Melanie's brother well adopted brother? Chelsea also she's Philip's niece because of Bo and Billie

I wonder if Melanie and Philip have thought about baby names even?

It seems Jeremy is turning his life around but people still hold his past against him not that I blame them but he really is trying

Where is Parker, Melanie's brother and Daniel's son? I know he is going to want to meet his baby niece

[heroicmuse]

I hope Melanie and the baby are okay! The quads were six weeks early so I know they can take care of premature babies in the hospital well these days and they can grow up to be just like any other kid.

I'm glad that Rex is doing well with his therapy. Great to see him!

I'm glad Jett doesn't just trust Jeremy. Why would he?

The phones ringing was so well done! I hope everyone gets to the hospital on time and no one takes it out on each other (or gets into an accident).

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Hoping Melanie's baby will be okay. I liked the scene where everyone was finding out at once.

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 7/6

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Philip paced the room.
PHILIP: This is taking too long. We should have heard something by now.
CARLY: Philip, it’s not uncommon for it to be quite a while before you hear news about the birth, even with a c-section.
DANIEL: Exactly. We have to remember, Philip, we have to remember that Melanie is in good hands.
PHILIP: I know that! I know my Dad pulled strings to get Dr. Tanaka here from Australia because he’s a good doctor!
Philip took a deep breath.
PHILIP: Sorry, I didn’t mean to snap.
DANIEL: I understand. It’s a stressful time for all of us.
DAVID: It would be for anybody.
NICOLE: Exactly. You’re about to be a father, anybody would freak out when that’s about to happen.
PHILIP: Yeah. I’m about to be a father, for the fourth time. Well, technically second, because two of those…anyway, she has to be alright. They both do.
MAGGIE: They will be. I know it’s difficult, but we have to have faith.
Addie walked into the main room. Philip, Maggie, Carly, David, Daniel and Nicole all stood up.
MAGGIE: Addie.
PHILIP: Dr. Horton, what’s going on?
ADDIE: I’d like to speak with you three in private.
She gestured to Philip, Daniel and Carly.
PHILIP: It’s bad news, isn’t it? If it were good news, you would just tell us-
ADDIE: Philip, I understand that this is a stressful time. However, just like the last time that a procedure had to be done, I don’t wish to have the whole waiting room know your business. Now please, follow me.
Maggie patted Philip’s hand.
MAGGIE: It’s all right, dear. Let us know the news when you get back.
Philip nodded. He, Daniel and Carly followed Addie into her office. Addie closed the door behind them. Dr. Tanaka was already there.
DANIEL: So, what’s the news?
ADDIE: The baby has been born, and both she and Melanie survived the operation.
PHILIP: She? I-I have a daughter?
TANAKA: Yes, congratulations.
Philip sat down in a chair across from Addie. Carly put a hand on his shoulder.
CARLY: There’s more, isn’t there?
TANAKA: There is. As you know, due to the placental abruption, Melanie has lost a lot of blood during the pregnancy, as well as during the operation. We were able to stop the bleeding and gave her a blood transfusion. We’re watching to see if there are any further complications for her, but so far, she seems to be recovering well.
PHILIP: What about our daughter?
TANAKA: She is currently in the NICU. There was a slight delay in her lung function, and while she is breathing on her own, we want to make sure that her lungs are fully developed. We also noticed some anemia, and the NICU team are working to treat that.
Daniel nodded.
DANIEL: How soon can we see them?
TANAKA: Both are resting, but you’re welcome to visit Melanie, if you wish. For right now, we’re only having the parents visit the NICU, so if you’d like to see your daughter, Philip, you’re welcome to.
PHILIP: Okay. Thank you very much, Dr. Tanaka, for everything.
TANAKA: You’re welcome. Oh, and I meant to ask, I know you wanted to be surprised about the baby’s sex, but have you decided on a name for her?
PHILIP: Melanie and I were thinking about names for a while, but never settled on anything definite.
TANAKA: That’s all right, there will be time for you to come up with a name.

[tghca]

Baby Girl Kiriakis is born...I wonder that since Melanie gave birth via C section, I wonder if Melanie they have put her in a medically induced coma? If they have, then Melanie won't get to meet her daughter right away. But Philip gets the chance to. I wonder if Philip and Melanie have even decided on names yet?

They could name her after Victor's mother, Philip's grandmother and name her Sophia. Or they could name her after Philip's late sister Isabella. Or name her after Kate by naming her Katherine.

Philip has a son...Tyler and now a daughter

[heroicmuse]

I'm so glad Melanie and the baby are both okay! That baby's lungs will develop in the NICU. I'm sure of it.

I can't wait to learn what name Philip and Melanie choose.

They are in good hands with Dr. Tanaka. I'm glad Daniel was understanding about Philip being upset and that Philip was able to acknowledge that his anxiety was compounded by finding out Claire and Parker weren't his without getting all crazy toward Daniel.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

It sounds like the baby will be okay in the long run. What an awful scare. I can't wait for Philip to meet his daughter, but it's sad Philip and Melanie won't meet her together. Hopefully Melanie will be in good shape quickly!

[mae00]

Poor Melanie! I know this has to be terrifying for her. But the good news is that 1 month early isn't completely unheard of majority of those babies tend to be ok. I'm glad Maggie drove Philip. I'm not sure he would have made it safely.


Boy, Jeremy is just getting the cold shoulder from everyone. I can't blame them all tho. He was a complete arse. I hope he's staying true to "turning his life around and changing".


A baby girl!!! AWWW!!! She will have Philip wrapped around her little finger in no time! LOL
So sounds like good news all round so far for Melanie and the baby. Anemia is treatable and now that Melanie's body isn't compensating for 2 people, hopefully her bleeding and everything will resolve with no additional issues.

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 7/7

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
The next morning, Philip was sitting by Melanie’s bed side. It had been quite late when Addie and Dr. Tanaka had given him, Carly and Daniel the news. They had given the news to everyone in the waiting room, and then went home, except for Philip, Carly and Daniel. They each ended up sleeping in chairs in Melanie’s room. However, as it was the next day, and both had to work, Carly and Daniel went to get changed and get to work. Philip had called in to the office to let his assistant know that he wouldn’t be in today. Carly and Daniel both promised to check in on their breaks, as well as when they got off. Philip had spoken with Victor over the phone, who congratulated him. He was just hanging up and going back into Melanie’s room. Melanie made a small noise and shifted slightly. She slowly opened her eyes.
PHILIP: Hey. Morning, sunshine.
MELANIE: Morning.
PHILIP: How’re you feeling?
MELANIE: Sore.
PHILIP: Yeah, that makes sense.
MELANIE: It’s not as bad as it was last night, though.
She blinked.
MELANIE: Wait, last night...Dr. Tanaka said I had to go into surgery last night.
PHILIP: You did.
MELANIE: Something didn’t feel right. What happened? Is the baby okay?
PHILIP: The baby’s okay. She’s here. She’s a little small, and a little anemic, but she’s in NICU and being well looked after.
MELANIE: She? You mean...we have a girl?
PHILIP: We have a girl!
Melanie squeezed Philip’s hand, and he pulled her into a gentle hug. They kissed each other.
MELANIE: How is she? Have you seen her yet?
PHILIP: Not yet. I wanted to wait until we could see her together.
MELANIE: When can I see her?
MAXINE: Soon, if I have anything to say about it.
Philip turned as Maxine walked in.
MELANIE: Maxine!
MAXINE: How you doing, darling?
MELANIE: I’m a little sore, but better than I have been lately.
MAXINE: That’s good. You had us worried there for a little bit last night. But, the blood transfusion seems to have taken, and your color’s coming back. How about we get you some food, and then take a little trip to introduce you to your baby girl?
MELANIE: I’d love that! But, do we really have to wait? I wanna see her as soon as possible.
MAXINE: I’m sure you do. But, before we even think about taking you anywhere, you’ve gotta get your strength up and at least try to eat something. Soon as you do that, I’ll be more than happy to take you on a walk to see her.
MELANIE: All right, fine.
MAXINE: I’ll be right back with a menu, so you can get some food.
PHILIP: Thanks, Maxine.
She smiled, nodded and left the room. In another part of the hospital, a figure walked up to the window of Steve’s room and looked in. The figure took in the sight of Steve lying comatose on the bed. Kayla had gotten to the hospital a short time ago, and walked over.
KAYLA: Excuse me. Can I help you?
The figure turned to Kayla. It was a man, mid/late 20s, with blonde hair. Despite the scar across one eye, he had a pleasant face. He smiled at Kayla, who took a breath, then smiled herself.
KAYLA: Oh my...it’s you, isn’t it?
He nodded.
KAYLA: The last time I saw you...well, it’s been years. It’s good to see you, Steven!
Kayla and Steven Hawk*, Benjy’s son, hugged.

*AUTHOR’S NOTE: To avoid confusion with Steve Johnson and Steven Olson, Steven Hawk will be referred to outside of dialogue as “Hawk”.

[Kpatch]

Aw. Benji's son. Thanks for bringing him into this story. I loved Steve and Kayla's relationship with Benji and was really upset when they killed him off.

I think it's kinda mean for Maxine to make Melanie wait to see her baby. Put her in a wheelchair if she isn't strong enough to walk and bring her over. I imagine Melanie will gain more strength from seeing her daughter than from eating.

[heroicmuse]

Yay! I'm excited to see what Hawk gets up to. I presume he's the new ISA agent but we'll see.

I'm glad Melanie is awake. I can't wait for her to see her baby!

Great chapter André DiMera.

[tghca]

Benjy's son, Steven Hawk, I am so glad that you are introducing Steven on to the show. Steven is now in his early to late 20s. Makes sense but since Steven is here, he is a DiMera so I wonder if Steven will interact with his uncles Chad, Tony, EJ, Andre, etc?

Or will Steven interact with any other DiMeras like Theo, Johnny, Sydney, Luna, etc?

Melanie seems to be awake but she doesn't remember giving birth. Makes sense since it was by C section so they must have put her under for that. But now that she is awake, she wants to meet her daughter. Can't blame her for that.

I wonder if the rest of Melanie's family like Parker, Maggie, Sarah, Nicholas and Trix will be able to meet her daughter?

Or I wonder why Kate has not been to the hospital to meet her newest grandchild? Or the rest of Philip's Kiriakis family like Brady, Justin, Sonny, Ciara, Chelsea, Shawn Douglas, etc. haven't met the baby yet?

Great episode André DiMera

[mae00]

Awww! That's so sweet that Philip waited until they could see the baby together. I'm so glad that Maxine is right there for Melanie. I know that adds some more comfort for Melanie.

[André DiMera]

Thursday - 7/8

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Kayla had taken a break, and she and Steven Hawk went to the cafeteria. Both had a cup of coffee.
KAYLA: It’s so good to see you! How’s your mom and your sister?
HAWK: They’re good, thanks. My sister just graduated, actually. She’ll be starting college in September.
KAYLA: That’s wonderful!
HAWK: Yeah, she’s a good kid. I’m sorry to hear about what happened to Steve. You and he were always so good to us, especially after Dad…
Kayla took Hawk’s hand.
KAYLA: Your dad was a very special man to both of us. He was like family. And that goes for you, your mother and your sister, as well.
HAWK: Thanks, Kayla.
They squeezed each other’s hand.
KAYLA: So, how long are you in town for?
HAWK: I don’t know, actually. Probably a while. I’m sure you’ve already guessed, but this is more than a social visit.
KAYLA: Yes, I had begun to suspect that it was. Steven, be careful, please.
HAWK: I will, I promise. I’ve been doing this for a couple years now. Plus, even though I haven’t really gotten to know them, I am part DiMera. I will be careful, though.
KAYLA: Good.
HAWK: So, how is Steve? I mean, I was briefed on the mission and given a brief overview of his condition. I don’t suppose there’s been any change?
KAYLA: Very little, unfortunately. On the one hand, the medication the doctors are giving him is working, in that his back is healing. But he’s still unresponsive.
Hawk nodded.
HAWK: He’ll make it out. When I was little, Dad would tell me stories, and Mom picked up where he left off after for me and my sister. From what they’ve said, Steve’s crawled his way back before, and I’m sure he will again.
KAYLA: Steve’s a fighter, that’s for sure. Now, unfortunately, I need to get back to work at the moment, but we will have to catch up more, soon. What are you doing tonight?
HAWK: Well, I’ll need to check in with John and the others, but I should be free later.
KAYLA: Good. Meet us at the Brady Pub for dinner, then. I know Stephanie and Joey would be thrilled to see you again after such a long time.
HAWK: I’d love that, too! Thank you so much, Kayla!
KAYLA: Well thank you for coming.
Kayla and Hawk stood up and hugged.
KAYLA: Good luck.
HAWK: You too. I’ll see you tonight.
KAYLA: Sounds like a plan!
Meanwhile, Melanie had eaten, and as promised, Maxine took her and Philip to see their new baby. With some assistance from Philip, Melanie had walked from her room to the NICU, with Maxine following with a wheelchair in case Melanie got tired. Dr. Tanaka met them at the NICU and led them to the crib with their baby.
TANAKA: Here she is.
PHILIP: Oh my gosh!
MELANIE: She’s so tiny! She’s beautiful!
PHILIP: Like her mother.
MELANIE: Her father, too. Those dimples didn’t come from my side.
They looked to Dr. Tanaka.
MELANIE: Can we hold her?
TANAKA: Certainly.
Melanie sat down in the wheelchair. Dr. Tanaka carefully picked up the baby and gently handed her to Melanie. Philip knelt down beside her.
MELANIE: Hey. Hi, little one. I’m your mama.
PHILIP: And I’m your daddy. God, you are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
MELANIE: She’s perfect, and she’s ours. You are going to be so loved, baby girl, by so many people.
PHILIP: You already are.
Philip kissed the baby’s head and Melanie gently caressed her.
MELANIE: She’s okay, then?
TANAKA: She’s getting better. Her lung function has improved dramatically, even since a few hours ago. As soon as the anemia clears up, she’ll be able to leave NICU, though we will want to keep an eye on her development over the coming weeks and months.
MELANIE: Thank goodness. You’re gonna be okay, baby.
PHILIP: Your mama and daddy are gonna make sure of it.
MELANIE: What are we gonna name her? I mean, we can’t really call her Baby Girl Kiriakis. At least, not for long.
PHILIP: No, that wouldn’t work out too well. What do you think we should name her?
MELANIE: We could name her after our parents.
PHILIP: We’re not naming our daughter after my dad. I love my dad, but he already has a namesake. As for my mom…
MELANIE: Katherine could work as a middle name, I guess.
PHILIP: Good thinking. I know last time we talked about it, you said something about wanting to name our child after Maggie, if it was a girl.
MELANIE: Yeah. Looking at her, though, she doesn’t really look like a Maggie.
PHILIP: She could have two middle names. It’s unorthodox, but when have we ever done things the way they should be done?
Philip and Melanie smiled and chuckled.
MELANIE: Good point. Okay, that’s the middle names covered. What about her first name?
PHILIP: How do you feel about Danielle?
MELANIE: It’s a pretty name. But, would you be okay with her being named after my dad?
PHILIP: Look, Mel, I’m not gonna pretend that he and I are suddenly gonna be best friends, but back when you were first admitted to the hospital, he and I made a truce. He’s our baby’s grandfather. And if you’re okay with her being named after my mom, I’m okay with her being named after your dad. Plus, we both love Maggie, so having her name in there is a bonus.
MELANIE: That sounds like a great idea! Danielle it is, then.
They turned their attention back to the baby.
PHILIP: What do you think?
The baby put her hand out. Philip gently took it.
MELANIE: I think she likes it. I know I do.
Philip and Melanie kissed, then looked at their daughter.
MELANIE: Welcome to the world, Danielle Katherine Maggie Kiriakis.

DIMERA MANSION
E.J. checked the files on a computer in Rolf’s lab.
E.J.: Perfect. All set.
He picked up his phone and sent a text.
E.J.: Are you ready for your next assignment?