The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,237 times)

[André DiMera]

Monday - 3/21 - The Wedding of Philip and Melanie

HORTON TOWN SQUARE
As the last of the guests took their seats, Abe stood under the gazebo. Music started playing (CLICK HERE to listen). Philip walked up to the gazebo with Kate on his arm. When they got to the front, Kate kissed him on the cheek.
PHILIP: Thanks, Mom.
KATE: I love you.
PHILIP: You too.
Kate took a seat in the front row. Next to walk down the aisle was Lucas, who stood next to Philip. Following him was Maxine and Shawn-D. Shawn-D stood on Lucas’ other side, while Maxine took place on the opposite side of the gazebo. Next up was Abby, who was carrying Dani. When she got to the front row, she gave Dani over to Carly. Then Abby stood next to Maxine.
ABE: Please rise.
As the music changed to the traditional wedding march (CLICK HERE to listen to it), everyone stood and watched. Melanie, with Daniel on her arm, walked up the aisle. Lucas put his hand on Philip’s shoulder. Melanie smiled at seeing them, and Philip smiled back. When they got to the front row, they stopped walking.
MELANIE: Thanks, Dad. I love you.
DANIEL: I love you, too.
Melanie kissed Daniel on the cheek. He sat down in the front row next to Nicole. Melanie walked up to the gazebo and stood across from Philip. Everyone else sat down.
ABE: Good morning. Friends and family, we are gathered together to celebrate the wedding of Philip Robert Kiriakis and Melanie Jonas. Now, there will be a reading from the brother of the bride.
Abe took a seat near the podium. Nicholas walked up and unfolded a sheet of paper.
NICHOLAS: Good morning. This is a poem called A Blessing for a Wedding.
He cleared his throat.
NICHOLAS: “Today when persimmons ripen, today when fox-kits come out of their den into snow. Today when the spotted egg releases its wren song, today when the maple sets down its red leaves. Today when windows keep their promise to open, today when fire keeps its promise to warm. Today when someone you love has died, or someone you never met has died. Today when someone you love has been born, or someone you will not meet has been born. Today when rain leaps to the waiting of roots in their dryness, today when starlight bends to the roofs of the hungry and tired. Today when someone sits long inside his last sorrow, today when someone steps into the heat of her first embrace. Today, let this light bless you, with these friends let it bless you. With snow-scent and lavender bless you, let the vow of this day keep itself wildly and wholly. Spoken and silent, surprise you inside your ears. Sleeping and waking, unfold itself inside your eyes. Let its fierceness and tenderness hold you. Let its vastness be undisguised in all your days.”
Nicholas went back to his seat. Abe stood up again.
ABE: Thank you, Nicholas. And now a performance from the niece of the groom.
Abe sat back down. Off to one side near the gazebo was a piano and microphone. Claire got up from her seat, walked over to the piano, sat down and played. CLICK HERE to listen to the song she sang. As she finished, she smiled and blew a kiss to Philip and Melanie, then returned to her seat.
ABE: Thank you, Claire. Now it is time for Philip and Melanie to exchange their vows. I’ve been told that they’ve written personal ones. Melanie.
Philip and Melanie turned to each other.
MELANIE: We finally made it here. There was a time when I wasn’t sure that we’d ever be here again. A time when I didn’t know who I was, in the most literal sense. But you helped me. You showed me who I was. You reminded me of why I fell in love with you all those years ago in the first place. We’ve been through a lot, but somehow, despite everything, we’ve made it. You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met. You’re more than my partner in love, you’re my partner in life. And I can’t wait for you, me and our beautiful daughter to be together as one. Philip Kiriakis, I love you.
Philip shed a tear and blinked it away.
ABE: Philip.
PHILIP: You’re making me go after that?
He, Melanie and several people in the audience chuckled.
PHILIP: My love for you is like a fire. It burns brighter than the brightest star or the sun in the sky. And all of the years we spent apart haven’t diminished the flame. You are everything I had ever hoped I would find. You are kind and smart, a little bit feisty at times…
Another chuckle from Melanie and the audience.
PHILIP: …and so caring. You challenge me when I’m being stubborn, celebrate with me through successes, and are always ready with a smile and warmth that melts my heart. And more than anything, I feel like I learn something new about you every day. So, like the song Claire performed a few minutes ago said, let’s take a lifetime to say “I knew you well”, for only time will tell us so. And I can’t wait for our love to grow. I love you, Melanie Jonas.
ABE: That was beautiful. Now, may I have the rings, please?
Shawn-D and Maxine each handed Abe a ring.
ABE: Thank you.
Abe gave Philip and Melanie each a ring.
ABE: Place this ring on your partner’s finger and repeat after me. “I…”
PHILIP: I, Philip Robert Kiriakis…
MELANIE: I, Melanie Jonas…
PHILIP: Take you to be my wife…
MELANIE: Take you to be my husband…
PHILIP: To share the good times and hard times side by side…
MELANIE: I humbly give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace…
PHILIP: And pledge my faith and love to you.
MELANIE: Just as this circle is without end…
PHILIP: My love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance…
MELANIE: My commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed.
PHILIP: With this ring, I thee wed.
They placed their rings on each other’s fingers.
ABE: Philip and Melanie, you have pledged and affirmed your love for each other here in this place in front of your family and friends. By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss.
Philip and Melanie pulled each other into a passionate kiss.
ABE: Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present Mr. and Mrs. Philip and Melanie Kiriakis!
The noise from the crowd was deafening, but Philip and Melanie didn’t hear a word of it. For this moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

[heroicmuse]

What a beautiful wedding! The song Claire sang was perfect, and I liked the poem Nicholas read.

The vows were beautiful and heartfelt too. I can't wait to see what's next for Philip and Melanie.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[tghca]

Philip and Melanie's wedding goes off without a hitch...definitely loved every minute of it especially loved Nicholas' poem but I was wondering where Philip's other siblings were? Where was Austin & Rex? Or Cassie & Billie?

But still surprised Shawn and Philip were able to get past their issues as uncle and nephew certainly enough for Shawn to be involved in the wedding party

But loved Claire's performance

[Kpatch]

Beautiful vows. And I absolutely love "For All We Know." How did you find it? It's from a very old movie called Lovers and Other Strangers.

[André DiMera]

Kpatch - Carpenters are one of my favorite bands. I found the song years ago on a compilation album of theirs. Actually, funny story, the album in question has two versions of the song: the original one, which I had Claire sing, and a shorter, orchestral version that’s basically a reprise of the “let’s take a lifetime” bit. It’s a beautiful song!

If you’re interested:

[mae00]

MAXINE!!!!!!! I'm so glad to see her!!!!

That wedding was absolutely beautiful!!! I'm so glad it went smoothly too. Now if we can avoid any nasty surprises at the reception.

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 3/22

CHEZ ROUGE
Several pictures of the wedding party had been taken, and once that was over, everybody went to Chez Rouge. The large back room was reserved for the reception for Philip and Melanie’s wedding. There was, of course, the usual dining area, and off to one side of the room was a dance floor. Everyone made their way into the room and sat down to dinner and were mingling.

Austin and Philip shook hands.
AUSTIN: Congratulations, brother.
PHILIP: Thanks, man. I’m glad you and Carrie made it, especially after you guys were just here a couple months ago.
AUSTIN: Are you kidding? Of course we came! You’re my brother.
PHILIP: I appreciate it.

Melanie and Maxine hugged.
MELANIE: Thank you so much for being my bridesmaid!
MAXINE: Darling, I was honored that you asked. Seeing you and Philip tie the knot after all these years, you don’t know how happy it makes me.
MELANIE: Thanks. It makes me happy, too.
MAXINE: I should think so, you’re glowing.

Lucas picked up the microphone that he’d been given.
LUCAS: All right, everybody! Can I have your attention, please?
Everyone quieted down and turned to look at Lucas.
LUCAS: Thank you. I’d like to start by thanking you all for coming out today to celebrate the wedding of my brother Philip and his amazing wife Melanie.
Several people clapped at this.
LUCAS: Now it’s time for them to have their first dance as a couple. Philip, Melanie, get out on the dance floor!
There was more clapping as, hand in hand, Philip and Melanie walked to the dance floor. As the music began to play (CLICK HERE to listen to it), Philip and Melanie danced.
PHILIP: We made it.
Melanie nodded.
MELANIE: Yeah, we made it. And this time without anybody getting shot.
Philip and Melanie both chuckled.
PHILIP: All in all, I’d say quite a success.
MELANIE: I would have to agree with you.
As the song came to an end, Philip and Melanie kissed. There was clapping and cheering from everyone watching. Lucas picked up his microphone.
LUCAS: All right, that was beautiful! Now, it’s time for the dance with the father of the bride.
Slowly, Philip let go of Melanie’s hand and walked off of the dance floor. As they passed, Philip and Daniel patted each other on the shoulder. The music started (CLICK HERE to listen), and Daniel and Melanie danced.
MELANIE: Thanks for everything, Dad.
DANIEL: Of course. Melanie, I am so, so happy for you. I know that you and Philip, you two are going to have an amazing life together. And I can’t wait to be there for it.
MELANIE: Thank you.
At the end of the dance, Melanie and Daniel hugged and kissed each other on the cheek.
MELANIE: I love you so much, Dad!
DANIEL: I love you, too, sweetheart.
Together, they walked off the dancefloor to more applause.
LUCAS: Next up, it’s time for the dance with the mother of the groom.
Kate and Philip made their way to the dance floor and began dancing as the music played (CLICK HERE to listen to it).
KATE: The service was nice.
PHILIP: Thanks. And thank you for actually coming.
KATE: Darling, of course I did. No matter what differences we may have had in the past, I’m still your mother. All I have ever wanted is for you to be happy.
PHILIP: I am. Melanie makes me extremely happy, happier than I’ve ever been before.
KATE: Then, I’m glad for you. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.
More applause followed the dance. Following that was the couples dance. All of the various couples in Salem made their way to the dance floor. After this, the floor was opened to anybody who wished to use it. After a few more dances, Philip and Melanie decided to take a break. They sat down next to each other at the head table and kissed again, only breaking apart when they heard the clinking of silverware against glass. They, as well as several others, looked around to see who it was that was doing that. Finally, one by one, their eyes landed on the entrance to the back room and saw Vivian and Ivan standing in the doorway. Vivian had a glass in her hand and was casually clinking a spoon against it.
MELANIE (whispering): What the hell?
PHILIP: Vivian?!
VIVIAN: Hello, my darling boy! I hear congratulations are in order!

[heroicmuse]

I loved the reception! But what is Vivian about to do to ruin it?

Anyway, all the music was beautiful and so were the dances. I'm so glad that Kate behaved herself, and I loved what Daniel said to Melanie!

Great chapter André DiMera.

[tghca]

I wonder why Philip had no scenes with his other brother Rex or his sisters Cassie and Billie? Because they were at the wedding too right?

Definitely didn't see father of the groom Victor or stepmother of the groom Maggie

But I'm sure other friends or family will show up

But love seeing Vivian show up

[Kpatch]

Oh I just knew Philip and Melanie spoke too soon about there being no shooting at this wedding.

I loved the song you used for the mother of the groom dance. I know you (like me) spend a lot of time choosing the right songs for the scenes.

Mar 22, 2022 7:53:54 GMT -5 tghca said:

I wonder why Philip had no scenes with his other brother Rex or his sisters Cassie and Billie? Because they were at the wedding too right?

Definitely didn't see father of the groom Victor or stepmother of the groom Maggie

It is the author's prerogative to write the scenes they believe will be the most interesting to readers. You can't cover every single interaction or it would get overly long. As readers, we get to use our imagination to fill in the blanks. I think André DiMera is doing a fantastic job.

[mae00]

The reception was lovely! I just knew that Vivian couldn't stay away. I hope she doesn't ruin what's left of the evening.

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 3/23

CHEZ ROUGE
CLICK HERE to listen to the music that’s playing. Billie caught Philip’s eye and he nodded, which Billie returned. She quietly walked to the entrance of the room, keeping an eye on Vivian and Ivan.
MELANIE: What are you doing here?
VIVIAN: Well, I just said, didn’t I? I’m here to offer my congratulations! I may not agree with Philip’s choices, but they are, nevertheless, his to make.
PHILIP: Whether you approve or not isn’t really my concern, Vivian.
VIVIAN: Well, someone is certainly in a mood. I should think you would be more happy on the day of your wedding.
PHILIP (under his breath): I can tell you what’d make me a lot happier.
Ivan cleared his throat.
IVAN: Madame, I am getting the distinct impression that our presence here is seen as an intrusion.
VICTOR: Then perhaps you’re not as stupid as you look.
VIVIAN: Oh, Victor, hello. I almost didn’t see you there. You’re looking well.
VICTOR: I would say the same, but we both know I despise lying.
Vivian turned to Ivan.
VIVIAN: I’m beginning to think you’re right, Ivan. No matter. I only planned to be here for a few minutes, anyway to offer my congratulations and present you with a gift. I’ll have Ivan place it on the gifts table on our way out.
Vivian and Ivan turned and walked towards the entrance. Ivan placed an envelope on the table for gifts, then they walked out. There was a sigh of relief throughout the room.
PHILIP: Okay, is it just me, or was that almost too easy?
MELANIE: No, you’re right, it was. At least this time, she didn’t have a gun in her hand. Still, we’ll want to get that envelope checked out before we open it.
Philip nodded.
MELANIE: Still, let’s not let Vivian Alamain spoil our day.
PHILIP: I love you, Melanie Kiriakis.
MELANIE: I love you, too.
Philip and Melanie kissed again.

REX: That was an unexpected surprise.
SHAWN-D: Yeah. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that wasn’t the end of it.
Rex nodded.

Cassie and Nicholas were dancing.
CASSIE: What was that all about?
NICHOLAS: I’ve no idea. But I intend to find out at some point.
CASSIE: Whatever it was, I’m glad it was resolved quickly.
NICHOLAS: As am I. Anyway, how are you enjoying the day?
CASSIE: It’s great! I’m having a really nice time.
NICHOLAS: Good. I’m very glad to hear it.

Philip and Melanie were going from table to table, speaking to the guests. They stopped at one of the tables in the front, where Maggie and Victor were. Maggie stood up and hugged Melanie.
MAGGIE: Congratulations, you two! It was a beautiful ceremony!
PHILIP: Thanks, Maggie.
MELANIE: Thank you so much! And thanks for helping us put everything together for the reception.
PHILIP: Yeah, everything’s really beautiful!
MAGGIE: You are so welcome!
VICTOR: Yes, it’s a very nice day. And the two of you did a very nice job with your vows.
MELANIE: Well, this must be a special day if we’re getting a compliment from you, Victor.
Melanie winked, and Victor returned the wink. Then, he slowly stood up and extended a hand. He patted Philip on the shoulder.
VICTOR: Well done. I’m proud of you, son.
PHILIP: Thanks, Dad.
Then, Victor and Melanie embraced.
VICTOR: Welcome to the family, my dear.

[heroicmuse]

I hope that envelope doesn't have some sort of poison that will hurt everyone in the room.

I'm glad everyone is enjoying the wedding reception anyway!

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

I'm concerned about that envelope too. They should have Billie take it to the lab.

[lumiforeverandalways]

Oh hell no Vivian
Im a bit concerned about the gift
So glad Kate and Philip put the past behind them
Glad the wedding managed to go off without a hitch well besides Vivian