The Melaswen Paradox (Read 319,345 times)

[André DiMera]

Monday - 12/6

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
CASSIE: So you’re asking me out?
NICHOLAS: Yes.
CASSIE: There’s no way I’m going to Alamainia! After all the craziness we went through last time-
NICHOLAS: Who said anything about Alamainia?
CASSIE: You said we were going to a function in Europe. Where else in Europe would you and Vivian go?
NICHOLAS: Any number of places. Europe’s not as small as it looks on a map. Anyway, I said we were invited to a royal function, I never specified where it was. As it happens, it’s not in Alamainia. It’s at the Palace von Amberg, which is near France. The Alamains and von Ambergs are in the same social circle, and as I said, it’s expected that if you attend, that you have a date.
CASSIE: Why me? Of all the people in Salem, why would you ask me?
NICHOLAS: I thought this might be a way to make up for all of the crap Aunt Viv and I put you through before I found out you’d been brainwashed.
CASSIE: You already made up for that when you gave me my memory back and reunited me with my parents. How about the truth this time?
NICHOLAS: All right, I like spending time with you. I’ve wanted to catch up for a while, and I thought this might be a good opportunity to do that.
CASSIE: See, was the truth that hard?
NICHOLAS: So, what’s it to be?
Cassie shrugged.
CASSIE: Sure. Why not? If nothing else it could be a fun time.
NICHOLAS: I’m sure it will be.

CAR
CHARLIE: So, this kidnapper, do you think they’re connected to the university somehow?
TRIX: Well they’d have to be, wouldn’t they? I mean, how else would you explain a bunch of the girls in the dorms disappearing?
CHARLIE: I mean do you think it’s a student or a teacher?
CIARA: Who knows? Of the two, I’d almost think a teacher is more likely. It wouldn’t be the first time a student was kidnapped by a teacher. And I would know.
CHARLIE (to himself): Interesting.
Charlie turned off the car.
CHARLIE: Well, ladies, here we are.
TRIX: Cheers.
CIARA: How much do we owe you?
CHARLIE: Nothing.
TRIX: Um, don’t you usually have to pay for taxi rides?
CHARLIE: Let’s just say that your conversation was payment enough. Besides, I get passengers who overpay all the time, so I figure if I give a ride to a couple of pretty ladies, it’ll all even itself out in the end.
CIARA: Well, we’re not gonna argue. Thanks, dude.
CHARLIE: No problem. You have a lovely day.
TRIX: You too.
The two got out of the car. Charlie watched as they entered the Java Cafe.
CHARLIE (thinking): That would have been way too easy. Maybe next time.
Charlie turned the car back on and headed to find his next passenger.

JAVA CAFE
CIARA: Well, that was a decent trip.
TRIX: Yeah. Kinda got a weird vibe from that cabbie, though.
CIARA: What do you mean?
TRIX: Dunno how to describe it, really. Did he not seem a little off to you, though?
CIARA: I guess. Maybe he’s just an awkward guy.
TRIX: Maybe.

[tghca]

Trix senses there is something off about him but I'm sure Ciara got that same creepy vibe...but they can't place their finger on it

Charlie of course I think is the one who has been doing all these things so he may be a lot of things but he isn't stupid either...Charlie I'm sure has covered his tracks

Nicholas and Cassie I definitely want to see them become a couple so I can see Kate and Vivian's reactions

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Charlie decided it would be "too easy" to kidnap the girls and that Trix got a weird vibe. I hope the girls stay away from him from now on.

Lol at Europe not being as small as it looks. I'm glad Nicholas and Cassie will be going together.

Great chapter André DiMera

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 12/7

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Claire, Chase, Alanis, Joey, Theo, Kennedy and Peyton had put a few tables together and were eating lunch. It was the middle of the day and the cafeteria was fairly empty.
CLAIRE: Happy finals week!
PEYTON: Happy?
THEO: I have found that the week of finals generally has the opposite effect on people. Rather than happiness, most students are more stressed out during this time.
CLAIRE: True. I’m just trying to put a positive spin on things.
ALANIS: Which we all could use right now.
JOEY: Exactly. How’s the law finals going, dude?
Chase shrugged.
CHASE: Not bad, actually. A lot of the stuff we’ve been learning about I already kind of knew from listening to my Dad. But, it’s nice to get a clearer picture and more details about them. As for the finals themselves, they’re fine.
KENNEDY: I am rather enjoying my final exams, as well. Now that I know for certain that I want to be a historian and am finally enrolled in the right classes, I am finding my school experience much more pleasant.
THEO: A fact of which we are all thankful for.
Kennedy squeezed Theo’s hand under the table.
PEYTON: My finals aren’t bad, I guess. They’re just not exactly what I expected. Then again, I don’t know what I was expecting.
CLAIRE: I get that. In my first year of college, I had no idea what to expect.
JOEY: Me either. I think it’s the same for most people. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll do fine. You know ASL, it’s just teaching it that you’ll have to learn.
PEYTON: That’s a good point. Thanks, guys.
CLAIRE: No problem.
Allie and Manny walked in.
ALLIE: Hey guys.
MANNY: Is it okay if we join you?
JOEY: Of course. There’s always room for more. Pull up a couple of chairs.
Allie and Manny got chairs, put them at the table and sat in them.
ALANIS: At the end of the week, you guys should come down to Harrison’s. Claire, Chase, Maddox and I have a little something planned to celebrate winter break.
CLAIRE: It’s gonna be around 2:30 in the afternoon on Friday, if you can make it.
PEYTON: That sounds awesome! I’m pretty sure my last final is that morning, so I’ll stick around. I’ll have to pack up some of my stuff for while I’m staying at Mom’s apartment, anyway.
ALLIE: Same here.
MANNY: Sounds like fun.
KENNEDY: Theo and I will be there, as well.
Theo nodded.
CHASE: Awesome!
CLAIRE: This is gonna be so much fun!

ALAMAIN INDUSTRIES
Nicholas stood up.
CASSIE: There’s just one thing before I go.
NICHOLAS: Go on.
CASSIE: How exactly am I going to avoid Vivian?
NICHOLAS: I’m not entirely sure what you mean.
CASSIE: Don’t play dumb, Nicholas, of course you know what I mean. Vivian hates me, that’s why she went to such great lengths to make my life hell when I was under André’s spell.
NICHOLAS: She did that because of what André had forced you to do to me.
CASSIE: I’m aware. Either way, I’m sure she won’t be too thrilled to hear that you’re bringing me to this event.
NICHOLAS: Look, it’s not as if Aunt Viv would try to kill you at the event, nor the ceremony afterwards.
CASSIE: No, there’d be too many witnesses. She’d do it on the way there or back.
NICHOLAS: We’ll take separate planes. Keep this under your hat, but the company has recently acquired its own jet for private use. It may not be an ISA jet, or even one of the Titan jets, but it will take you and I to the event in style. As for Aunt Viv, she has a private plane that she and Ivan will use to get there. I’m not going to let her hurt you, Cassie, I promise.
CASSIE: If you say so. I’ll do my best to trust you.
NICHOLAS: You should.
Cassie stood up and allowed Nicholas to take her hand.
NICHOLAS: Thank you for coming to see me, and for accepting my offer.
CASSIE: As you said, it’s been a while since we’ve gotten together, and I might have missed you. A little.
Cassie and Nicholas smiled at each other.
CASSIE: Now, I’m sure that you have meetings or some other important business to attend to, so I’ll let you go.
NICHOLAS: All right. I’ll be in touch soon with the arrangements for our trip.
CASSIE: I look forward to it.
Nicholas kissed Cassie’s hand and watched as she walked out of the office.

[heroicmuse]

Cassie is right. Vivian is dangerous and Nicholas isn't taking g the threat seriously enough. I'm not sure separate planes is enough to stop her.

The end of finals party should be fun.

Great chapter André DiMera

[tghca]

Well Vivian hated Carly because she wasn't good enough for Nicholas' father Lawrence and Vivian tried killing Carly...so what makes us think she wouldn't try to kill Cassie?

It's finals week but Christmas is here

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 12/8

KIRIAKIS MANSION
Theresa paced the room, talking on her phone.
THERESA: I know, sweetheart. I miss you, too. But, the good news is that you will be seeing me and Uncle Andrew tomorrow morning. The sooner you go to sleep, the sooner you get to wake up and see me. Okay, that sounds good. Be good for Grandma and Grandpa. Good night, baby. I love you.
Theresa hung up and went back to putting clothes into her suitcase. There was a knock at the door, which was open. Maggie stood in the doorway.
MAGGIE: Mind if I come in?
THERESA: No, I don’t mind.
MAGGIE: I see you’re busy packing.
THERESA: Yep. Andrew and I have a flight to catch in a few hours, so…
MAGGIE: Yes. It’s going to feel different, not seeing you around here anymore.
THERESA: I know Victor’s thrilled. Is he planning the parade already, or will he at least do me the decency of waiting until I’ve actually left town?
MAGGIE: My dear, I think Victor will miss you more than he lets on. If nothing else, it’ll be one less person to verbally spar with.
Theresa scoffed, but couldn’t help smiling a little.
MAGGIE: I, however, will not be shy in telling you that I will indeed miss you.
THERESA: If you’re going to try to talk me out of leaving, don’t bother.
MAGGIE: I wasn’t going to. I’ve known you since you were very young, and you have always done things your way. It’s understandable that you want to leave.
THERESA: It’s not just that I want to, I need to! I can’t stay here anymore, Maggie! This place, this town...there are just too many bad memories here.
MAGGIE: I know.
THERESA: The only good ones I had died with Brady.
MAGGIE: Theresa, I miss him, too. It’s not the same as the way you will, I know, but he and I were very close.
Theresa sighed heavily and turned to Maggie.
THERESA: You were one of the few people who didn’t expect me to just get over what happened and accept that...person as the real Brady.
Maggie put a hand on Theresa’s shoulder.
MAGGIE: Of course not. Life doesn’t work like that. And whatever happened to him before he was part of our lives, he was still very much Brady for the thirteen years that we knew him. It is heartbreaking, the way that things ended, but Theresa, that doesn’t change all of the good memories that you had with him. You and he have a beautiful son together. Hold on to those memories, for Tate’s sake, as well as for your own.
Theresa wiped her eyes.
THERESA: Thanks, Maggie.
She sighed.
THERESA: It’s times like this I really miss Grandma. But, if she were here, she’d probably say something like what you just said. So, thank you for that.
MAGGIE: Anytime, dear. I miss Caroline, as well. Just remember, she and your Brady will always be with you in your heart.
Theresa and Maggie hugged. When they let go of each other, Theresa saw that Andrew was in the doorway.
ANDREW: I didn’t want to interrupt.
MAGGIE: You’re not, dear.
She took Andrew’s hands in hers.
MAGGIE: It has been so good having you here over these last few weeks.
ANDREW: Thank you, it’s been nice being here.
Theresa closed her suitcase.
THERESA: Ready when you are.
ANDREW: All right. I’ll take your bags.
Theresa handed her bags to Andrew.
ANDREW: Good to see you again, Maggie.
MAGGIE: You too.
Andrew walked down the stairs.
MAGGIE: Good luck, Theresa. I wish you nothing but the best. Please, don’t be afraid to let me know if you need anything.
THERESA: I will. Thanks for everything, Maggie.
They hugged one last time, and Maggie walked Theresa to the front door. Andrew had just finished putting the bags in the car.
ANDREW: Ready to go?
THERESA: Almost. I just have one more stop to make before I leave.

[heroicmuse]

That was a beautiful goodbye for Theresa
I love how accepting Maggie is.

I wonder where she's going before she leaves. Carter's grave maybe?

Great chapter André DiMera

[tghca]

Theresa should go to Carter's grave before she leaves town especially if she truly wants closure

[mae00]

Whew! Just got caught up.

I don't like that Charlie may have set his sights on Ciara and Trix. Maybe not right now, but I don't think they are out of harms way yet. And I really really hope Claire stays close to Chase.

I'm very curious about how Vivian will react when she sees Cassie with Nicholas.

I liked Maggie's talk with Theresa. I'm not a Theresa fan, but they moment they shared was sweet. And I hope Theresa took what Maggie said to heart.

[André DiMera]

Thursday - 12/9

BLUE NOTE
Cassie and Rex sat at a table, eating dinner. She had just finished telling him about Nicholas’ offer.
REX: You sure about this, Cass?
Cassie considered.
CASSIE: I trust Nicholas. At least, I want to. After all, he is the one that brought my memories back, and got me, Mom and Dad in touch with the doctor to help bring back yours. He’s a good person.
REX: It’s not Nicholas that I’m worried about. It’s his aunt. You know what Vivian’s like, you more than anyone. After all the crap she put you through when we were under André’s spell…
CASSIE: I know, I know. I said the same thing, but Nicholas is confident that we can find a way to ignore her, or at the very least, keep her at bay.
REX: I really don’t like this.
CASSIE: Look, I’m not thrilled about it either, but like I said, I trust Nicky. Besides, I’ll be careful. I’m not letting my guard down around that woman for a second.
REX: Good. You know I’m just worried because I care.
CASSIE: Of course. And I appreciate that so much. You’ve always been there for me.
REX: Well, I am your brother.
Cassie and Rex took each other’s hand.
CASSIE: Let’s talk about something happier. Like your progress healing. How’s therapy going?
REX: It’s going. As you can see, I’ve got crutches, so that’s progress.
CASSIE: It is. I’m just glad you’re okay and that you’re getting better.
REX: Me too, Cass.

SALEM UNIVERSITY
Allie put down her cat’s food dish.
ALLIE: There we go.
Tabitha ran over to the dish and started eating. Allie chuckled slightly and petted the cat.
ALLIE: One more day, and we get to go home. I can’t wait to introduce you to my family, Tabby Cat. I’m sure they’re gonna love you just as much as I do.
MANNY: So will Ricky. He’s coming home tomorrow.
Allie got off the floor and sat down on her bed.
ALLIE: I’m excited for that, too. I’m really enjoying college so far, but it’ll be nice to have a break.
Manny nodded.
MANNY: You guys got plans for Christmas?
ALLIE: Yeah. We usually go to my Aunt Jennifer’s house on Christmas Eve. There’s a tradition where each of us on my Dad’s side of the family has an ornament with our names on it, and we hang them on the tree. Then on Christmas Day, we have a huge celebration at the Pub, like we did on Thanksgiving.
MANNY: That sounds fun!
ALLIE: It is! What about you guys?
MANNY: My Abuela’s coming to town, so Mami and Papi are planning for that. It’ll be the five of us.
ALLIE: That sounds really nice!
MANNY: It will be. So, you wanna help me study for my last final?
ALLIE: I’d love to! Flashcards?
Manny handed Allie a stack of flashcards, and she moved from her bed to Manny’s so they were sitting across from each other.

Charlie sat at the desk in his dorm room, watching something on his tablet. He turned it off and took out his earbuds when he heard the door open. Johnny walked in.
JOHNNY: Hey.
CHARLIE: Hi. Back from another date with Meadow?
JOHNNY: Yep. She wanted to look at the Christmas lights display in the Town Square, so we stopped at the Penthouse Grille for dinner, then did that.
CHARLIE: Sounds nice.
JOHNNY: It was. So, what are you up to? Studying for finals?
CHARLIE: No, my finals are done, actually. Had my last one this afternoon. But, I didn’t really feel like getting up and leaving right away, so I figured I’d pack up and leave tomorrow. Tonight, I’m relaxing with a good true crime documentary.
JOHNNY: Cool.
CHARLIE: I’m sure you and your sister will be excited to be going home tomorrow.
JOHNNY: It’ll be nice, yeah.
CHARLIE: How’s your sister doing, anyway?
JOHNNY: Allie’s good. More than anything, she’s excited for her boyfriend to come home.
CHARLIE: Oh, she has a boyfriend, then?
JOHNNY: Yeah, he goes to school in Rhode Island. Didn’t I mention that a while back?
CHARLIE: I don’t believe so, and I have a pretty good memory.
JOHNNY: Oh, maybe I didn’t. I don’t know. Doesn’t really matter. Anyway, I’m gonna hit the shower. Enjoy your documentary.
CHARLIE: Oh, I will.
Johnny grabbed some clean clothes from his dresser and walked into the bathroom. Charlie watched him leave.
CHARLIE (thinking): Well, this is certainly going to be interesting.
Charlie put his earbuds back in and continued watching the show on his tablet.

BRADY PUB
Max picked up the dishes that were in front of Theresa and Andrew. They were sitting at the counter.
ANDREW: Thank you, Uncle Max.
MAX: My pleasure. Hope everything tasted good.
ANDREW: Very good, thank you.
Theresa nodded.
MAX: Well, it’s been good having you both in Salem. I hope you’ll be back sometime soon.
THERESA: Thanks.
They paid their bill, then got up to leave.
ANDREW: Ready?
THERESA: One sec. There’s something I need to do first.
Andrew nodded. Theresa walked over to a large picture of Shawn and Caroline and stared at it for a moment.
THERESA (quietly): I don’t know if I really believe in Heaven and all that stuff, but if there is such a place, I know you’re there. And if there is, I hope you find Brady and look after him for me. I love you so much, Grandma.
Theresa wiped her eyes. She kissed the palm of her hand and put it up to Caroline’s mouth on the picture.
THERESA (quietly): Goodbye.
She exhaled, then turned and cleared her throat.
THERESA: Okay, it’s time. I’m ready.
MAX: Safe travels, both of you.
THERESA: Thanks, Uncle Max.
Theresa put on her coat. Andrew put an arm around his sister, and the two walked out and into their car. Theresa took a deep breath.
ANDREW: You okay?
THERESA: I will be.
ANDREW: I know we don’t normally do this, but if you want to talk…
THERESA: Thanks, but I’m okay. Really.
ANDREW: Okay.
Andrew started the car and they drove away.
THERESA (under her breath): Off we go.

[heroicmuse]

Aww Theresa's goodbye to Caroline brought tears to my eyes.

I have a feeling Charlie is studying hoe other criminals do it. I don’t like his interest in Allie.

I'm glad Ricky is coming back! I hope the visit goes well.

I agree with Rex. Cassie being around Vivian is dangerous.

Great chapter André DiMera

[tghca]

Rex is being protective of his sister Cassie which is understandable because not only are they brother and sister, they are twins at that. But also Rex and Cassie both know what Vivian is capable of.

Love how Allie was telling Manny about the Horton family Christmas tradition on Christmas Eve at her Aunt Jennifer's. I can definitely see Allie bringing Ricky as her date to the Ornament Hanging. But then Christmas Day at the Brady Pub too I can see Allie wanting to bring Ricky to that too.

Love Manny and her Mexican family tradition of Christmas...her Abuela (Grandma in Spanish) is coming for Christmas...but I wonder if Ricky will bring Allie along to his family Christmas?

Charlie getting more ideas on how to kill I'm sure

Theresa's goodbye to everyone especially to her Grandma Caroline and Grandpa Shawn's portrait...made me cry

[mae00]

Awww. Theresa has me in tears. However, I feel that there is more to her leaving than just getting away from the memories.

I really really don't like Charlie. I'm pretty sure that he knew that Allie had a boyfriend from previous conversations. I think he was hoping that that had changed with them being apart. I'm glad Manny is coming home but I have to wonder if Charlie is going to end up in Salem.

I hope Nicholas really can keep Cassie safe from Vivian. I don't blame Rex at all for being worried about her.

[André DiMera]

Friday - 12/10

SALEM UNIVERSITY
The end of the semester party, which also functioned as a Christmas party, was in full swing at Harrison’s, the other Salem U cafeteria. Claire, Chase, Alanis and Maddox stood on the stage with their various instruments. Maddox had his drum kit, Alanis had a keyboard, and Claire and Chase both had guitars. The latter three also had microphones set up in front of them. Several people attending the party applauded as they set up.
CLAIRE: Hello, Salem U!
CHASE: Congratulations on making it through another semester!
ALANIS: To officially kick off the start of break, as well as the holidays, we thought we’d share a little something that we’ve been working on.
MADDOX: We hope you all enjoy it.
There were a few claps, then they started playing. CLICK HERE to listen to the song they play. Claire took the first verse, Chase did the second, and Alanis did the third. All three joined together for the final chorus. When they finished, the crowd cheered.
ALANIS: Thank you!
CLAIRE: Happy Holidays, everyone!
They got offstage and were greeted by several of their friends.
JOEY: That was awesome!
ALANIS: Thanks.
The two of them kissed.
ALLIE: I don’t think I’ve heard of that song before, but you guys sounded great!
KENNEDY: It is a song originally done by Elton John. It is more popular in his home country of England than it is over here. However, I agree with Allie, you all sounded very good.
CHASE: Thanks! I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!
CIARA: Totally!
The group rejoined the party. Johnny tapped Allie on the shoulder.
JOHNNY: Hey.
ALLIE: Hi.
JOHNNY: Can we talk?
ALLIE: Sure.
She turned to Manny.
ALLIE: Be right back.
Manny nodded. Johnny and Allie walked out into the hallway.
ALLIE: What’s up?
JOHNNY: You know that guy Charlie?
ALLIE: As in your roommate? Yeah. What about him?
JOHNNY: Has he said anything to you? Anything inappropriate?
ALLIE: No. But, then again, we haven’t really had much to do with each other. Why?
JOHNNY: Maybe I’m just reading too much into things, but he’s made a few comments lately that don’t sit well with me.
ALLIE: Like what?
JOHNNY: I don’t really want to go into it right now, but I’ll tell you at home. For now, suffice it to say that I’m starting to think he’s a bit creepy. So, just keep your guard up around him, okay?
ALLIE: Okay.
JOHNNY: And if he tries anything-
ALLIE: I wouldn’t let him. For a start, I have a boyfriend, and I barely know Charlie.
JOHNNY: If he does try anything, let me know. I’ll take care of it.
ALLIE: Wow. Whatever he did, he must really have you worried.
JOHNNY: Just keep your distance. I’ll fill you in tonight.
ALLIE: Okay. Thanks for the heads up.
Johnny nodded. The two rejoined the party. From a corner, Charlie surveyed the scene with interest.
CHARLIE (thinking): Not here. Too many witnesses. If I could only get one of them alone…but how?