The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,009 times)

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 2/1

PALACE VON AMBERG
NICHOLAS: Aunt Viv, Ivan, I didn’t see you two there.
VIVIAN: No, indeed. One might almost think that you were avoiding us.
NICHOLAS: Avoiding you? No, heavens no. There are just so many people to meet or re-meet, in some cases.
VIVIAN: Isn’t there just? Ah, hello, Cassandra. I see you’re still here.
CASSIE: And you are still as charming as ever, Vivian.
VIVIAN: I must say, I’m rather surprised to see you. I knew Nicky was bringing a guest, but I didn’t think it would be you. Though I now understand why he wanted to fly separately.
NICHOLAS: We flew separately because I have business with cousin Bash in Alamainia after the party is over.
VIVIAN: Is that so? How lovely. Well, Cassandra, it looks as though you’re still in good health.
CASSIE: Better than ever, actually, thanks.
VIVIAN: Oh, good. The last time I saw you, you seemed quite confused, particularly when it came to who you were.
CASSIE: Well, that’s all been cleared up now. Oh look, there’s my sister. We should go say hi to her.
NICHOLAS: Right, let’s.
CASSIE: See you later, Vivian. Ivan.
VIVIAN: Oh, I should certainly hope so, dear. I hope we see much more of each other in future.
Cassie and Nicholas turned and walked away.
CASSIE (under her breath): Funny, I hope we never see each other again.
Nicholas patted Cassie’s hand.
CASSIE: Sorry, I know she’s your aunt, but…ugh!
NICHOLAS: I understand. Aunt Viv isn’t always the easiest person to get along with, and after what you went through with her…well, I don’t blame you for how you feel about her. I love my aunt, I really do, but she drives even me crazy sometimes.

Vivian and Ivan watched as they walked away.
VIVIAN: So, Nicky brought Cassie Brady as his plus one.
IVAN: It certainly seems so.
Vivian smiled to herself.
IVAN: I know that look. What are you planning, Madame?
VIVIAN: All in good time, dear Ivan. Don’t worry, you’ll get to be in on it. All in good time.

In another part of the palace, Katalin, Emmaline and Medbh sat on a couch. Medbh had an arm around Katalin. John was sitting across from them, as was Greta. They had just finished explaining to the girls about Winston’s death.
KATALIN: I can’t believe this.
EMMALINE: It’s crazy.
JOHN: That it is. I have some people working on finding out who did this, and we’ll update you when we know more. I’m sorry to have to tell you all this. A lot’s happened in the last few hours.
KATALIN: Understatement of the year, there.
Katalin sniffled.
KATALIN: Sorry, I…
JOHN: It’s all right. You’ve been through a lot these last twenty-four hours, it’s understandable that tempers are running high.
EMMALINE: Does Nana know?
GRETA: Some of Dad’s co-workers are telling her now.
The girls nodded.
GRETA: If there’s anything either of you need, I’m here anytime. Or, if you prefer, we do have a counselor.
EMMALINE: Probably wouldn’t be a bad idea.
MEDBH: I’ll be here, too. For both of you.
KATALIN: Thank you, my love.
JOHN: Same here. I may live in the U.S., but I’m just a phone call and a quick jet ride away if you need anything. We may not have known about each other until a year or two ago, but you’re my granddaughters. It’s time we reconnect as a family.
KATALIN: Thanks, Granddad.
There was a collective sigh around the room.
EMMALINE: Suppose we should get back out there. Though, honestly, I’m not in much of a partying mood now.
GRETA: That’s understandable. I’ll go out and make an announcement, the party should be wrapping up soon, anyway.
JOHN: You girls get some rest.
John and Greta watched as Katalin, Emmaline and Medbh left the room. They turned to each other.
GRETA: Well, this has certainly been a day to remember.
John nodded.
JOHN: How are you doing with all this, kid?
Greta shrugged.
GRETA: It hasn’t all sunk in yet. Just a few years ago, I find out that I have a long-lost dead brother and two nieces. Now those nieces are crowned as official members of the royal family, my brother turns out not to be dead, he tries to kill us all, then he dies.
She sighed.
GRETA: It’s been over two decades and somehow my mother is still playing havoc with our lives. It didn’t have to turn out this way. Winston, or Micheal, or whatever he’s called, we could have grown up together. We could have been a family. It shouldn’t have come to this.
JOHN: No, it shouldn’t. Unfortunately, we can’t change what’s already happened, even though I wish we could. The best we can do is be here for each other now, and try to prevent anything like this from happening again.
John put his arms around Greta.

[tghca]

John has to be grieving. I mean he just lost his son, a son he never even got to know until it was too late. Katalin and Emmaline just lost their father and now they essentially have no mother or no father. Closest thing they have to a parent now is their Aunt Greta but still. Katalin and Emmaline are old enough to have their own lives anyway so there's that.

I wonder what Vivian and Ivan have planned for Cassie? Whatever it is, it can't be good. I mean Cassie is Kate's daughter so I can see why Vivian hates her especially since Vivian and Cassie's mother have a long history.

Nicholas I just hope he can protect Cassie.

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad John was there for Greta and the girls.

This is such a difficult situation for everyone. No wonder the girls don't feel like returning to the party.

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

So happy to see Ivan!

[mae00]

I'm not surprised that Vivian is hatching plans left and right. And I'm not a bit surprised to see that Cassie may end up being involved.

I'm glad everyone is there to help the girls get through this. I know everyone is struggling in their own ways but this situation is just unreal. I'm glad that there are several who can understand what the others are feeling and they can all help each other.

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 2/2

RESTAURANT - EUROPE
The next morning, Hope and Jennifer were having breakfast together at a small nearby restaurant.
JENNIFER: I don’t think I’ve had as much fun as I’ve had this weekend in a long time!
HOPE: It’s been very nice.
Hope sipped her coffee.
HOPE (thinking): Apart from some parts of it.
John and Billie had filled Hope in on the showdown with Winston, but had requested that she keep it on the down-low.
HOPE: It certainly seemed like you and Frankie were having a good time.
JENNIFER: We had the best time! It was wonderful!
HOPE: Could this be a sign of things to come?
Jennifer smiled.
JENNIFER: I don’t know. I’d like it to be, but I’m just not sure.
HOPE: Well either way, I’m happy for you, cuz.
JENNIFER: Thank you. What about you and Aiden? Did you guys have a nice time?
HOPE: Oh, definitely. Greta and Lili did a nice job of putting the party together, and it’s always nice to see the girls. I’m happy for them.
JENNIFER: Me too.

HOTEL - EUROPE
David and Carly, both carrying suitcases, were walking down the corridor with Frankie.
DAVID: Much as we wish we could stay longer, we’ve gotta get back.
FRANKIE: Yeah, I’ll be heading back to D.C. myself in a day. It’s good to see you guys, though.
They got to the front door and set their cases down.
CARLY: You too, brother.
Frankie and Carly hugged.
CARLY: Take care of yourself.
FRANKIE: You too. I’ll try not to make it so long between visits to Salem this time.
CARLY: Good.
Frankie and David shook hands.
FRANKIE: David.
DAVID: Good to see you again, dude.
FRANKIE: You too. You guys have a good flight back.
CARLY: Same to you!
Carly and David picked up their suitcases. Frankie watched as they got into a taxi.

PALACE VON AMBERG
Claire hugged Katalin and then Emmaline. She, Chase, Ciara and Trix had come to say goodbye.
CLAIRE: I am so sorry to hear about what happened.
KATALIN: Thanks. And thanks for being here this week.
CHASE: Of course.
TRIX: We should be going, but we wanted to say one last goodbye.
EMMALINE: Right. Thanks for coming.
After giving Katalin and Emmaline another round of hugs, Claire, Chase and Trix began to leave. They turned back when they noticed Ciara wasn’t following them.
TRIX: You okay, love?
CIARA: Yeah. I’ll catch up with you guys in a minute.
Trix looked unsure, but followed Claire and Chase outside. Ciara turned to Katalin and Emmaline.
CIARA: So, I know things haven’t always been good between us, but I really am sorry about what happened yesterday. I kind of know what it’s like. Not, obviously, the whole thing, and I’m not trying to compare situations, but-
KATALIN: We understand. Claire and Hope both mentioned it way back.
CIARA: Right. Anyway, like I said, I know our situations are totally different, but if you ever wanted to talk…
EMMALINE: Thanks, Ciara.
Tentatively, Ciara put out her hand. Katalin shook it, as did Emmaline.
CIARA: Well…I should probably catch up.
KATALIN: Yeah. Thank you, Ciara. And thanks for coming.
Ciara nodded and walked out.

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Ciara reached out to the girls.

Now that Frankie and Jennifer have somewhat resumed a relationship, I'm sure Frankie will be back more often.

I'm glad Hope had a mostly nice time.

Great chapter André DiMera

[tghca]

I can't see Jennifer and Frankie lasting as a couple especially because the only way their relationship can truly work is if Frankie moves back to Salem permanently or Jennifer moves to Washington DC. Because they essentially would be long distance. I mean yeah Jennifer's niece Lucas & Sami's daughter Allie and her boyfriend Ricky are long distance and they make it work because they are in college. Frankie and Jennifer are full grown middle aged adults. Very big difference.

It seems everyone is heading back to Salem.

Ciara, it was nice of her to reach out because she too knows what it's like to lose a father because of Bo. So if anyone knows what the girls are going through, it is Ciara.

[Kpatch]

And so, the European adventure comes to an end.

It was nice of Ciara to reach out.

[André DiMera]

Thursday - 2/3

HOTEL - EUROPE
A little while later, Jennifer had come to the hotel and began packing. By now, she had almost finished. A knock came to her door.
JENNIFER: One second.
She closed her suitcase and opened the door to find Frankie on the other side.
JENNIFER: Hi!
FRANKIE: Hey, Jen. I wanted to stop by and say goodbye before you head out.
JENNIFER: I’m glad you did. Thank you so much for inviting me here. This whole weekend has been amazing.
FRANKIE: It has been for me, too. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
JENNIFER: So, it’s off to D.C for you, then?
FRANKIE: Yeah, I’m gonna spend another day exploring the city, but after that, I gotta get back. Though, there is something I want to ask you about before you go.

ALAMAIN JET
Nicholas came from the cockpit into the main cabin and handed Cassie a water bottle.
CASSIE: Thanks.
NICHOLAS: No problem.
He sat down across from her.
CASSIE: So, your cousin’s not just the current ruler of Alamainia, he’s also an ISA agent?
NICHOLAS: Officially, yes. According to him, he’s just a liaison, helps where he can, but he did go through the trials and was granted the rank of agent.
CASSIE: That’s really cool! It was really nice meeting him. It was nice meeting everybody, really. This whole weekend’s been awesome! When you asked me a month or two ago, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this has been great.
NICHOLAS: Good. I was hoping you would have a good time.
CASSIE: I did.
NICHOLAS: Which leads me on to something I’ve been thinking about for a while.
CASSIE Okay, what’s on your mind?
NICHOLAS: My sister Melanie is getting married this March. You’ve met Melanie, yes?
CASSIE: I think so. Didn’t she and Philip have a baby back on the Fourth of July?
NICHOLAS: That they did, yes.
CASSIE: I’m pretty sure I met her. Why do you ask?
NICHOLAS: Well, while it’s not entirely necessary like it was for this weekend, I was thinking it would be nice to have a plus one accompany me to her wedding. Would you be interested?
CASSIE: You’re sure? I mean, I barely know Melanie. I may have spoken to her a handful of times.
NICHOLAS: Of course I’m sure. Cassie, I’ve had an amazing time this weekend, and it sounds like you have, too.
CASSIE: I have.
NICHOLAS: Well, the choice is yours.
Cassie thought for a moment.
CASSIE: Sure, I’ll come with you.
NICHOLAS: Excellent.

FAVERSHAM MANSION
Hope and Aiden were making their way out of town, but had stopped by to say goodbye to Miss Faversham.
FAVERSHAM: It’s been wonderful seeing you as always, my dear. You as well, Aiden.
AIDEN: Thank you, nice to see you, too.
HOPE: Thank you for putting this all together, Lili. It was a nice weekend, aside from…
Miss Faversham nodded.
FAVERSHAM: Quite.
HOPE: Well, I wish you and the girls the best. I’m sure they’ll do well.
FAVERSHAM: I’m certain they will.
Hope and Miss Faversham hugged.
FAVERSHAM: Take care of yourself, dear Hope.
HOPE: You too.
AIDEN: We’ll be seeing you around.
FAVERSHAM: I certainly hope so.
Miss Faversham and Hope squeezed each other’s hands. Then, Hope put her arm around Aiden.
HOPE: Ready to head back home, Mr. Jennings?
AIDEN: Ready when you are, Commissioner.
HOPE: Goodbye, Lili.
FAVERSHAM: Farewell, Hope, Aiden.
Arm in arm, Hope and Aiden walked out.
AIDEN: Here we go.

DIMERA MANSION
Johnny was sitting on his bed texting with Meadow.
TEXT from MEADOW: Good news!
JOHNNY: What’s up?
After a moment, she sent him a picture of a somewhat dusty VCR.
TEXT from MEADOW: I found it! It was in the basement. Mind if I bring it over when I come later so we can check out one of those tapes?
Johnny gulped. Hesitantly, he typed out a reply.
JOHNNY: Sounds great. See you in a couple hours?
TEXT from MEADOW: I’ll be there! <3
He put the phone down and sighed.
JOHNNY (thinking): Dammit. Now what I’m gonna do.
He sat up.
JOHNNY (thinking): Looks like I’m gonna have to go through these tapes and see if there’s one that doesn’t involve Uncle André’s project.
He got off of the bed and looked at the box.
JOHNNY (thinking): There’s a lot of tapes there. There’s gotta be at least one that has something else on it.
He grabbed the box and went down the stairs to the one VCR in the mansion, the one in Rolf’s lab. He tried several tapes, but each one he tried showed a re-enactment of a crime committed by various citizens of Salem. After several minutes of Johnny trying tapes, E.J. walked in.
E.J.: Good morning, my son.
JOHNNY: Hi, Father.
E.J.: Looking over the tapes, are you? I’m glad to see you’ve not completely abandoned the idea of following up on your uncle’s project.
JOHNNY: Of course I haven’t. As I explained, I just needed a break.
E.J.: Oh, it wasn’t meant as a criticism. As I said, I’m glad.
JOHNNY: Anyway, the reason I’m looking over the tapes is because Meadow found them.
E.J.: She hasn’t seen them, has she?
JOHNNY: Not yet. I told her we don’t have any VCRs in the house.
E.J.: Not entirely untrue, I suppose. That should work.
JOHNNY: It would, if not for the fact that Meadow’s found a VCR and wants to see what’s on one of the tapes. And she’ll be here in just under two hours now.
E.J.: Yes, I think I’m beginning to see your dilemma here.
JOHNNY: I’m trying to see if there’s any tape in this box that doesn’t have an example of the project on it, but so far, no luck.
E.J.: Hm, I see. Well, you needn’t worry, my son. I believe I may have a solution to your problem. Hand the box over.
Johnny raised an eyebrow, but handed E.J. the box anyway.
E.J.: I’ll be back in a few minutes.
He left the room carrying the box.

[Kpatch]

It would be funny if Meadow found the "wrong" tape.

Seems like Nicholas doesn't know that Cassie is Philip's sister. She's likely to be invited to the wedding anyway.

Anxious to hear what Frankie wants to ask Jennifer!

[heroicmuse]

I don't trust whatever EJ has in mind.

I'm glad Cassie is going to go to Melanie's wedding with Nicholas. I hope Vivian doesn't interfere.

I hope Frankie asks Jennifer to go out again!

Great chapter André DiMera

[tghca]

I think EJ this is his twisted way of protecting Johnny or protecting his son's relationship with his girlfriend by getting rid of the tapes...I think EJ will destroy them himself or he will have one of his many DiMera goons do it for him

Either way Johnny is protected

Frankie needs to realize that by asking Jennifer out, it has a losing outcome. You live in DC. She lives in Salem. What can you guys possibly do together as a couple?

Cassie is Philip's sister and Melanie is Philip's fiancee the mother of Cassie's niece Danielle...I mean I wonder how Philip will feel about his sister being Melanie's brother Nicholas' plus one? I wonder how Melanie will feel about her brother and Philip's sister?

[André DiMera]

Friday - 2/4

DIMERA MANSION
Johnny and Meadow, who was carrying a VCR and some cables, walked into the bedroom.
JOHNNY: I can’t believe you actually found that so quickly.
MEADOW: What can I say, I’m good at finding things. Plus, it wasn’t that hard. Once my Mom told me where it was, it was just a matter of digging through some boxes to find it. The TV in here does have set up for the three-plug system, right?
JOHNNY: Yeah, I made sure before you came over.
MEADOW: Great!
JOHNNY (thinking): That’s not the only thing I made sure of.
He and Meadow set to hooking the VCR up to his TV.

A little while after he had left, E.J. returned carrying the same box. He handed it to Johnny.
E.J.: Here you are. I’ve found a few VHSes lying around and stashed them in here.
JOHNNY: Cool. Thank you, Father.
E.J.: Of course. There’s just one thing before you go.
JOHNNY: What’s up?
E.J.: This whole conversation about the tapes has got me thinking, we really should get back to work on those. Or at the very least do one of them. You’ll be going back to school at the beginning of next week, and goodness knows you won’t have much time to do it then.
Johnny hesitated. He had hoped his father had forgotten about the tapes.
JOHNNY: Sure. I’ll make sure we have time to get one out by the end of the week.
E.J.: Wonderful. Enjoy your afternoon.

JOHNNY: There we go. All done.
MEADOW: Great!
Johnny turned the monitor on. Meadow picked up a tape.
MEADOW: Let’s see what’s on this one.
As Meadow put the tape in the VCR, Johnny prayed that his father was telling the truth about changing out the VHSes.

ISA SUPERJET
John, Marlena, Billie and Scotty sat on the jet. Marlena put her hand on John’s.
MARLENA: What’s on your mind?
JOHN: Well, Doc, as you can imagine, quite a lot. What started out as a beautiful weekend turned into a lotta chaos.
Marlena nodded.
MARLENA: This weekend has been full of its ups and downs. Sadly, it didn’t end as nicely as it began.
JOHN: That’s a fact. The girls gained their birthright, found out that their father was alive after all this time, only to lose him again.
MARLENA: You lost a son, as well.
JOHN: A son I never knew about until a couple years ago. And even then, up until a few days ago, I thought he was dead.
MARLENA: That doesn’t change the fact that you have lost a son, and so soon after what happened with Brady, I mean, Carter.
John sighed and nodded.
JOHN: Yeah. I think I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this whole situation. I’m glad I got you with me, Doc.
MARLENA: And you always will.
Marlena patted John’s hand.
JOHN: When we were saying our goodbyes, Greta made a comment that struck a chord with me.
MARLENA: What did she say?
JOHN: She said that, even after being in the grave for twenty years, Gina’s still wreaking havoc on our lives.
MARLENA: And what are your thoughts on that?
JOHN: Well, she is at least partly right. This whole mess did start with Gina, but she can’t be blamed for everything. Michael knew what he was doing, and could have made different decisions. Then again, part of me thinks that his decisions may have been influenced a bit.
MARLENA: Do you mean you think he may not have been acting of his own accord?
JOHN: Something like that.
John’s phone rang.
JOHN: Gotta take this.
He picked up the phone.
JOHN: John Black. Shane, just the person I was hoping to talk to. Yeah, I’m heading back to Salem now. Once we land, though, I’m gonna need to arrange another flight. Let’s just say I’ve got someone to pay a visit to.

[tghca]

I wonder where John is flying to or more importantly who he wants to see

Johnny is still getting roped into his father's world

I have a feeling EJ didn't destroy all the tapes and somehow one of the tapes finds its way into Meadow's possession