The Melaswen Paradox (Read 296,738 times)

[lumiforeverandalways]

I am so keen to see those in Salem celebrating the fourth

Wonder what Rolf's up to now

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 6/29

BRADY PUB
Hope sipped her coffee. The Pub had been decorated with flags and red, white and blue streamers.
HOPE: I gotta tell you, cuz, it’s gonna be weird not having you around town anymore.
JENNIFER: I know. It’ll be weird for me, too. But, you know me, I’m ready for the next big adventure. Moving to D.C., moving in with Frankie, it’ll be a big change, but I’m ready for it.
HOPE; I figured you would be. More than anything, and I’m sorry if this sounds selfish, but I can’t help it, I’m going to miss this. The two of us getting together over coffee, tea or one of Gram’s doughnuts.
JENNIFER: Only one?
HOPE: Okay, maybe one tray.
Jennifer and Hope laughed.
JENNIFER: It’s not selfish, by the way. I’ll miss it, too.
HOPE: I am happy for you, though, truly. I hope you and Frankie make things work.
JENNIFER: Thank you. So do I.
Jennifer sipped her coffee.
JENNIFER: Anytime Aunt Marie makes them, you’d better send me a box of those. I might be going to D.C., but there’s no way their doughnuts could compare to Gram’s.
Hope chuckled.
HOPE: Oh, try and stop me. You’ll have so many packages of Gram’s doughnuts coming your way that you might as well open a doughnut store out there.
They chuckled again, took each other’s hand and smiled.
JENNIFER: Thanks for everything, Hope.
HOPE: Of course. I’ll always be here for you.
JENNIFER: Same here.
The women finished their coffees, then Hope looked at her watch.
HOPE: Oh, we should be going. We’ve got a party to help get ready for.
JENNIFER: Yep! And I have a feeling this is gonna be a great one!

DIMERA MANSION
The doorbell rang. Johnny had just gotten to the bottom of the stairs.
JOHNNY: I’ll get it, Harold!
He opened the door to find Meadow on the other side. She was wearing a red, white and blue dress.
MEADOW: Hey.
JOHNNY: Hey. Wow.
MEADOW: What?
JOHNNY: You look amazing! Not that you don’t always, but…
Meadow giggled.
MEADOW: Thank you. I know you said it’s a backyard party, but my Mom just found this dress, and I thought it was so cute.
JOHNNY: And you are correct. Besides, it’s all good. Come as you are, that’s the Brady way.
MEADOW: You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you refer to yourself as a Brady. I mean, I know you are one, but…
JOHNNY: I don’t terribly often, but they are part of my heritage. I’m half-Brady. I mostly don’t mention it around this place because the Bradys and DiMeras have a long, complicated history. But I figured now’s the time to change that, take a look at my Brady side a bit.
MEADOW: That’s really cool. I’m glad for you.
JOHNNY: Well, the party’s not for a little while, but I am glad you came over. What do you wanna do this afternoon before we head over?
MEADOW: Not sure. Maybe you could show me another episode of that show we’ve been watching together.
JOHNNY: Oh yeah. We’re on Part 8 of the third season. Just as a forewarning, this one’s a little weird.
MEADOW: I’m cool with weird. Let’s go watch.
Johnny and Meadow kissed.
JOHNNY: I’m gonna go have Cook make some popcorn. I’ll be right up.
MEADOW: I’ll be waiting.
Johnny watched as Meadow walked up the stairs. He walked towards the kitchen but stopped when he came to a mirror.
JOHNNY (to himself): Nice going, genius. Making a whole speech about turning over a new leaf, but you still haven’t told her about the tapes. I need to figure out what to do.
Johnny sighed.

[lumiforeverandalways]

So was that Jen and Hope's goodbye

I wonder if DC will work out for Jen

Johnny's right he needs to figure out what to do

Another great instalment of Salem Happenings André DiMera

[heroicmuse]

Aww I loved Hope and Jen's goodbye. I'll miss Jen too.

I hope Johnny figures out what to do. I wonder if someone will switch the DVD with one of the tapes.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[tghca]

Johnny is not only a DiMera he's a Brady too...so to see him celebrate at the Horton/Brady 4th of July BBQ makes sense but to see him and Meadow go together...I can't wait

Johnny is going to have to tell Meadow before she finds out some other way

Jennifer going to DC, I still don't like that she did that. I mean why couldn't Frankie just move back to Salem?

[Kpatch]

I love the cousins' friendship. Thanks for acknowledging it.

I don't think Meadow will be happy when she learns what Johnny's been involved with.

[André DiMera]

Thursday - 6/30

CEMETERY
Ciara knelt in front of Bo’s headstone. Trix stood next to her, her hand on Ciara’s shoulder. Ciara had set flowers in front of the headstone.
CIARA: Happy Fourth of July. I know how much you love this day. I’m sure you’re having a huge party up there with Grandma Caroline, Grandpa Shawn, Zack, Great-Grandpa and Great-Gram. Give them all a hug from me. I love you so much, Daddy.
Ciara stood up and wiped her eyes. Trix put her arms around her.
CIARA: I’m okay, I’m okay.
Ciara sniffled, and Trix kissed her cheek.
CIARA: Thanks for coming with me.
TRIX: Of course, love.
CIARA: I wish you’d met him. He’d love you.
TRIX: He sounds awesome.
CIARA: He was.
Trix rubbed Ciara’s back gently. Ciara took a deep breath.
CIARA: Okay, I think I’m ready now.
TRIX: Sounds good.
They turned to leave and saw a hooded figure get up from a nearby tombstone and run the opposite direction.
TRIX: Whoa.
CIARA: Wonder what that was all about.
TRIX: No idea. Guess it’s reasonable to assume the Fourth’s a day that makes lots of people think about their lost loved ones.
CIARA: Yeah, I guess. Still, that was kinda weird.
Trix nodded.
CIARA: Anyway, let’s go. We’ll probably be able to help set up for the party.
TRIX: Sounds good.
Hand in hand, the girls walked out of the cemetery.

DIMERA MANSION
Johnny and Meadow were coming down the stairs.
MEADOW: Okay, you were right. That was weird!
JOHNNY: I know, right? It didn’t weird you out too bad, though, did it?
MEADOW: No, of course not. Like I said, I like weird.
JOHNNY: That’s good.
MEADOW: What was that thing that crawled into the girl’s mouth at the end? It looked kinda like a cross between a frog and a moth.
JOHNNY: I’m not sure if it has an actual name, but yeah, it did.
MEADOW: Gotcha.
JOHNNY: So, you ready for the party?
MEADOW: Absolutely!
Meadow took Johnny’s hnd and the two of them walked out.

BRADY PUB
Nicholas walked in. He had forgone his usual suit and was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
MAX: Nicholas. What can I do for you?
NICHOLAS: Hey, Max. I’m here to see Cassie.
MAX: She’s upstairs, man. She’ll probably be down in a few minutes. Can I get you anything?
NICHOLAS: I appreciate it, but no thanks. Happy Fourth.
MAX: You too, dude.
Cassie walked in from the back of the Pub.
CASSIE: Here I am.
NICHOLAS: Good to see you.
MELANIE: You too. Wow.
NICHOLAS: What? Is something wrong?
CASSIE: No, it’s just…I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear something this casual.
NICHOLAS: I will admit, it’s different than what I normally wear, but I’d look rather silly wearing a suit on a boat.
Nicholas and Cassie chuckled.
CASSIE: Right. So, are you ready to go?
NICHOLAS: I’m ready whenever you are.
MAX: Have fun, you two.
CASSIE: Thanks!
Cassie and Nicholas left. A moment later, the door opened again. Max was wiping down the bar and didn’t look up.
MAX: You guys forget something?
FRANKIE: Not quite.
Max looked up.
MAX: Bro!
Max came out from behind the bar and gave Frankie a hug.
FRANKIE: Hey, bro.
MAX: You just get into town?
FRANKIE: Yep, just now. Thought I’d stop over here before heading over to the Fourth of July party over at Hope’s.
MAX: That’s good, man. It’s good to see you again!
FRANKIE: You too. It’s only gonna be for a couple days, but I’m glad I could make it.
MAX: Oh, that’s right. After the holiday, Jen’s moving to D.C. with you.
FRANKIE: Yep.
MAX: You excited?
FRANKIE: Absolutely! I can’t wait to start things over again.
MAX: That’ll be good. Well, you’re just in time. Chels is helping Isaac get ready, and I’m about to close up shop for the day and head over. Want a ride over?
FRANKIE: That’d be great, man, thanks.

HOPE & AIDEN’S BACKYARD
Several of the Hortons, Bradys and other associated family and friends had made their way to Hope and Aiden’s backyard, and were currently helping to set up for the party.
HOPE: Do you think we have enough streamers?
AIDEN: Oh, I’d say so, Commissioner. What do you think?
HOPE: I’ve been saving these up for the last few years, since the last few parties were at Jennifer’s. I’m glad we finally get to use them.
AIDEN: As am I.
Aiden and Hope hugged.
JULIE: Everything looks wonderful, darling.
HOPE: Thanks, Julie.
Julie turned to Jennifer, who was nearby.
JULIE: And you, my dear, we are going to miss you so much. But, I wish you all the best on your next big adventure.
JENNIFER: Thanks, Julie. I’ll miss everyone, too.
Jennifer and Julie hugged.
MELISSA: I’m next in line for a hug.
Hope, Jennifer and Julie turned to see Melissa walk into the backyard.
JENNIFER: Cuz!
Jennifer and Melissa hugged.
MELISSA: I know you’ll be moving closer to where I live soon, but I wanted to come out for the holiday, and help pack, if you need a hand.
JENNIFER: I appreciate it, but I’ve pretty much got all of that covered. It’s great to see you, though!
HOPE: Glad you came, cuz!
MELISSA: Glad to be here!
Hope and Melissa hugged.

Joey, Alanis, Claire and Chase sat at a table, wrapping plasticware in napkins.
CLAIRE: I’m looking forward to you performing later.
ALANIS: me too. It’s not gonna be the same without my music partner, though.
Claire sighed.
CLAIRE: I know. My physical therapist says I’m making progress, but I still haven’t quite felt up to trying the guitar or keyboard yet. One of these days.
ALANIS: I gotcha. That makes sense.
JOEY: The important thing is that you’re better and out of the hospital.
CHASE: Exactly.
CLAIRE: Thanks, guys.
ALANIS: If you feel up to it, you could join in as a singer. I don’t wanna pressure you or anything, so if you don’t want to, that’s totally cool.
CLAIRE: No, I know what you mean. You’re not pressuring me. I’ll have to think about it, but maybe I will.

[heroicmuse]

Aww I'm glad Trix was there for Ciara. Who was that hooded person, I wonder?

Glad Johnny and Meadow are going to the party. I hope EJ and Andre's plans don't ruin things for them.

I will miss Jennifer too. Glad she is going to one last party and that Frankie is back for a few days.

I hope Claire feels ready to sing!

Great chapter André DiMera.

[tghca]

Who was that hooded figure watching Ciara and Trix in the cemetery?

But since Johnny is headed to the Horton/Brady 4th of July BBQ with Meadow, I just hope his father EJ and his Uncle Andre's plans doesn't interfere with what he has going on

Or I hope Johnny tells Meadow what's going on before someone else does and they out Johnny to Meadow

Frankie returns for the festivities I definitely didn't expect that

But I loved seeing Frankie catch up with his brother Max

And I loved seeing Cassie interact with her Uncle Max at the Pub...but seeing Nicholas stop by for the 4th at the Pub to pick up Cassie was expected

[Kpatch]

Nice start to the holiday party. It was sweet that Ciara paid respects to her father, knowing how he loved the day.

[André DiMera]

Friday - 7/1

HOPE & AIDEN’S BACKYARD
Philip hugged Shawn-D, then Belle.
SHAWN-D: Good to see you, man!
PHILIP: You guys, too!
BELLE: And it is so good to see this little lady!
Melanie stood next to Philip holding Dani.
MELANIE: Thank you. This is really exciting for Dani because, not only is it her first Fourth of July party, it’s also her first birthday!
SHAWN-D: That’s awesome! Happy birthday, kid!
MELANIE: Thanks. I don’t think she really understands what’s going on yet, but it’s exciting!
PHILIP: That it is.
Philip put an arm around Melanie.

LUCAS: You’re lookin’ good, man.
REX: Thanks. I’m feeling pretty good.
LUCAS: Where’s Cassie? I thought for sure she’d have come with you.
REX: She got another offer. She’s off at the Salem River with Nicholas Alamain.
LUCAS: Ah.
REX: Yeah. What do you think about him, by the way?
Lucas shrugged.
LUCAS: I don’t really know him all that well, to be honest. I know a bit about his great-aunt, but as you and I both know, family isn’t always an indicator of how people’ll turn out.
REX: That’s true.

ROMAN: So, how long are you in town for?
FRANKIE: Just a couple days, unfortunately. Tomorrow, I’m helping Jen pack up what’s left of her stuff, then we’re probably heading out the day after.
ROMAN: Gotcha. Well, it is damn good to see you, little brother.
FRANKIE: You too, man.

MARIE: Thank you for hosting the party again this year, dear.
HOPE: Oh, absolutely. No problem. Bo, and later Aiden, and I used to host this party for a long time. But, Aiden and I were happy to take a few years off so you and Uncle Tommy could host it, as well.
MARIE: Yes, that was very nice.
HOPE: How are you doing, auntie?
MARIE: Oh, I’m all right, dear. I’m all right. More than anything, I’m glad that we can all still get together like this.
HOPE: Well, it is a Brady-Horton tradition. I’m glad of it, too.

ELLE: How’s Nathan?
MELISSA: He’s good. He wanted to come, but Hopkins is swamped right now and he couldn’t get time off.
ELLE: That makes sense.
MELISSA: What about you? Now that you’ve been in town for a good six months or so, how are you liking it?
ELLE: It’s really nice, especially getting to spend time with Sarah again.
Sarah walked over.
SARAH: My ears are burning. What’d I do this time?
ELLE: More like what didn’t you do?
Elle and Sarah gently nudged each other, then hugged. Melissa chuckled.
ELLE: No, in all seriousness, it’s good. I like University Hospital so far, and the first six months as a GP have been great.
MELISSA: Good.
ELLE: Yeah. Much as I like it, though, I really do hope I can get transferred to the endocrinology department soon, since that’s what my degree’s in.
SARAH: I’m sure you will, sissy, it’s just a matter of when Kayla has an opening.
Elle nodded.

CLAIRE: So you…didn’t see who it was?
CIARA: Nope. It was really weird.
CLAIRE: Well, were they watching you for sure?
TRIX: No idea, but why else would they have turned and ran when they saw us get up?

[tghca]

I too wonder who that hooded figure, that mysterious figure was or more importantly why as soon as they saw Ciara and Trix, they took off especially when Ciara was visiting her father's grave. I have to wonder who it is.

I love seeing Melissa return for the Horton/Brady 4th of July BBQ but loved that Nathan was mentioned. Nathan is quite the doctor now at John Hopkins so it begs the question of what he specializes in now? Or also love that Melissa was catching up with her sister Sarah but loved seeing Sarah getting a chance to interact with both of her sisters, now that was a nice touch.

Love seeing Hope being so close with and interacting with her Aunt Marie because at this point Marie more or less is the Horton matriarch especially now

Also loved seeing Frankie interact with his brother Roman especially when he got the chance to interact with his other brother Max but I hope Frankie gets to interact with his brother in law Steve and his sister Kayla before he leaves town again with Jennifer

Definitely loved seeing Rex and Lucas interact as brothers but of course it would have been nice to see Rex interact with his brother Philip and his sister in law Melanie but them talking about Cassie and Nicholas, of course they are going to have their opinions about it because they are Cassie's brothers

Oh yeah I just remembered it was Dani's first birthday being born on the 4th of July...so she's a holiday baby I just love it but definitely did not expect Shawn and Belle to interact with Philip and Melanie given all the bad blood in the past that Shawn and his uncle Philip have had because of Belle and Claire

[heroicmuse]

So excited for the party! Glad Shawn and Belle met Dani and that they're celebrating her birthday.

I wonder if Lucas has an opinion about Nicholas he's keeping to himself.

Good to see Elle again. And Marie.

It'll be sad when Jen and Frankie leave.

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?

[Kpatch]

Looks like the party is off to a great start. I didn't realize Dani is 1 already. With Melanie being so little and Dani getting bigger, she won't be able to carry her around much longer.

[krw627]

The party sounds like fun. I'm also curious who was in the cemetery.