The Melaswen Paradox (Read 293,505 times)

[André DiMera]

Thanks for reading and commenting, everyone!

---

Next week…

It’s Independence Day in Salem!
DOUG: Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

And after the celebration, Salem says goodbye to one of its most loved members.
BILL: Good luck, sweetheart.

But it’s not all parties, unfortunately…
NICOLE: Who’s that?

Who is the figure walking in the cemetery?
ROMAN: What the hell is going on here?

Find out next week on THE MELASWEN PARADOX!

[heroicmuse]

I'm looking forward to the celebration. It'll be bittersweet to say goodbye to Jennifer and Frankie. I wonder who Nicole sees and what the person in the cemetery is up to.

Thanks for the previews André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

It will be said bidding Jennifer goodbye. Hopefully we will get a glimpse of Jennifer and Frankie now and then.

Thanks for the previews.

[André DiMera]

Monday - 7/4

SALEM BAY
NICHOLAS: So, what do you think?
Cassie and Nicholas had spent much of their afternoon at Salem Beach and, as promised, were now out on the bay on Nicholas’ boat, The Alamainian Peacock.
CASSIE: It’s nice. I’m suitably impressed. Little curious about the name, though. Peacock? Really?
Nicholas chuckled.
NICHOLAS: Sebastian suggested it. I called him up when I knew I was getting her and wanted an opinion on a name, as being King of Alamania, old Bash has a good amount of boats. He suggested I name it after the Alamainian family bird, and here we are.
Now it was Cassie’s turn to chuckle.
CASSIE: That’s cute. Well thank you for inviting me out here to spend the afternoon on your peacock.
NICHOLAS: My pleasure. Now, drinks, I think. The display shall be starting shortly.

HOPE & AIDEN’S BACKYARD
LILY: I’m glad to see your recovery’s coming along well.
REX: Thanks, me too. How are you doing, by the way?
LILY: I’m okay. It was hard for a while, but I’m getting there.
REX: Good. Well, if you ever wanna talk…
LILY: I’ll keep that in mind, thanks.
Elle walked over.
ELLE: Hey, good to see you!
LILY: You too. So, you got the night off, after all, huh?
ELLE: Yep, thankfully. Glad to be able to join in on another Salem tradition.
LILY: That’s good. Oh, have you two met? This is Rex Brady, he’s Roman and Kate’s son. Rex, this is one of my colleagues, Dr. Noelle Curtis.
Rex and Elle shook hands.
REX: Nice to meet you.
ELLE: You too. I think I have seen you around the hospital, actually. I’m guessing you don’t work there, though?
REX: No, I’ve been going there for physical therapy for a while, though.
ELLE: Gotcha.

MEADOW: Sorry to hear Ricky couldn’t make it.
Allie shrugged.
ALLIE: I get it, he wants to spend the day with his parents. Besides, it’s their first major holiday since…
Meadow nodded.
ALLIE: Anyway, how are you?
MEADOW: I’m good. You?
ALLIE: Doing pretty good, thanks.

ROMAN: Talked to Carrie earlier, she sends her love and wishes everybody a Happy Fourth.
ANNA: That’s lovely. You know, we still need to make that trip out to Switzerland we talked about to see them.
TONY: Absolutely. I should have some time off coming up in the near future, so that sounds like a wonderful idea.
ROMAN: Sounds fun. Great party, isn’t it?
ANNA: Oh, so great!
TONY: Yes, Hope and Aiden have outdone themselves once again.

Abe was talking with Hawk and Steve.
ABE: So, how’s things at the ISA?
HAWK: A little quiet right now, which is nice.
STEVE: Don’t get too used to it, dude. And don’t be sayin’ stuff like that out loud. That’s just askin’ for trouble.
HAWK: I know, sorry. It is good, though.
ABE: That’s good, I’m glad to hear it. How are your co-workers, besides this guy?
HAWK: Oh, they’re great. Especially Jett.
Abe raised an eyebrow.
ABE: Jett?
HAWK: Yeah. Actually, I think he might be a relative of yours. You have the same last name, anyway. Jett Carver.
ABE: No, he is a relative of mine. I didn’t know Jett was back in Salem. Why didn’t I know about this?
STEVE: Got me, partner. I was under the impression that you were told way back when the Guv’nor assigned him up here. If I had any idea that you didn’t know, I’d have told you already.
ABE: Well, I most certainly didn’t know. And the fact that I didn’t doesn’t sit well with me.

Joey was taking a water bottle from a cooler when he felt a tap on the shoulder. He turned to see Peyton (Benjy and Sonia’s daughter), who waved at him.
JOEY: Hey, want one?
PEYTON: Thanks.
Joey handed Peyton a water bottle.
JOEY: Good to see you!
PEYTON: Sorry?
Peyton touched her ear. Joey put up a single finger, then set the water bottle down. The rest of their conversation is in sign language.
JOEY: Sorry about that.
PEYTON: No worries. It’s just getting kinda loud, so my bad ear’s acting up a bit. Forgot to charge the hearing aid for it, and my good ear’s overcompensating.
JOEY: Gotcha. Anyway, welcome back!
PEYTON: Thanks!
JOEY: How was that trip you, Steven and your mom took?
PEYTON: It was great! I’ll tell you all about it later! Our moms are talking, and I think I see your dad and my brother talking to Abe.
JOEY: Cool. I think the fireworks are gonna begin shortly. Alanis and our friends are performing during the show. Wanna find a spot to watch?
PEYTON: Sure, sounds good!

HOPE: Can I have everyone’s attention, please?
The party stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Hope and Aiden.
HOPE: Thank you!
AIDEN: Hope and I wanted to thank you all for coming. It’s great to have everyone back here again, celebrating the holiday.
HOPE: Yes, and in just a few moments, the fireworks will be starting, so please, find a place where you’ll get a good view.
AIDEN: The backyard’s pretty open, but your best shot is probably south, southeast.
Everyone gathered to get a good spot.

CHASE (whispering): You ready?
CLAIRE (whispering): I think so.
CHASE (whispering): After Doug finishes his speech.
Claire nodded. She took a deep breath.
CHASE (whispering): Hey, you’re gonna be great.
CLAIRE (whispering): I know. It’s just been…a while since I’ve done this.
Claire cleared her throat. She and Chase kissed.

A moment later, the fireworks started. As they did, Chase, Alanis, J.J. and Maddox began softly playing music. Aiden handed Doug a microphone, and he began his annual reading of the Declaration of Independence. (CLICK HERE to listen to it). When Doug had finished, the band started playing slightly louder. Claire had been standing near them. She walked over to a microphone and began singing.
CLAIRE (singing): O say, can you see by the dawn’s early light what so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Alanis walked up to a second microphone and joined in, harmonizing with Claire. CLICK HERE to listen to them sing. At the end, everyone cheered, and the group continued singing and playing throughout the fireworks display.

SALEM BAY
Cassie and Nicholas watched the fireworks display from the deck of Nicholas’ boat.
NICHOLAS: Happy Independence Day, Cassie.
CASSIE: Happy Independence Day.
Slowly, Cassie and Nicholas’ attention turned away from the fireworks and towards each other. They kissed softly. Then, Nicholas put an arm around Cassie. She sighed and laid her head on his shoulder, and they continued to watch the fireworks.

HOPE & AIDEN’S BACKYARD
DOUG: Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

[Kpatch]

Fabulous 4th celebration! Standing O. I'm liking Nicholas and Cassie. I hope he treats her right.

[heroicmuse]

What a great 4th of July party! I'm glad Nicholas and Cassie are having a good time on the Alamain Peacock. So glad Claire got back to singing.

Glad Peyton is spending time with Joey.

Uh oh. I hope there's not too much drama over Abe being out of the loop about Jett.

Looking forward to the trip to Switzerland!

Glad Allie and Meadow talked.

I wonder if Rex and Elle will hit it off.

Great chapter André DiMera. Happy 4th of July!

[tghca]

Rex and Elle I can see them hitting it off. But then where does that leave Mimi Lockhart? Mimi rejected Rex so I don't feel the least bit sorry for her at all especially since she was so dead set on Kevin and he broke her heart with his engagement

If they hit it off, I wonder what Rex's parents Roman and Kate will have to say about Elle being with their son Rex potentially? We all know Kate will have an opinion

Nicholas and Cassie are just so good together

Abe didn't know his nephew Jett was back in town...I wonder why? I wonder why Jett also hasn't interacted with his cousin Theo to even let him know

Peyton she's deaf just like her father Benjy...I love it

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 7/5

HOPE & AIDEN’S BACKYARD
Alanis and Claire hugged.
ALANIS: That was awesome!
CLAIRE: Thank you!
CHASE: That was really great, Songbird! I knew you could do it.
CLAIRE: Thanks. I’m glad I did.
Claire and Chase kissed.

FRANKIE: You know, I’ve seen a lot of fireworks displays in the Capitol, but nothing compares to the view we’ve got here.
Jennifer nodded.
JENNIFER: I’m gonna miss it. I’m gonna miss a lot of it.
She turned to look at him.
JENNIFER: But, I am so excited to be moving to D.C. and starting a new life there with you.
Frankie and Jennifer embraced.

BENNY: That was really beautiful, Uncle Doug.
DOUG: I’m glad you liked it, dear. I can’t take credit, of course, our Founding Fathers are the ones who wrote it.
BENNY: No, I know. But I always look forward to you reading it every year.
DOUG: Thank you.

REX: That was some fireworks display, huh?
ELLE: Yeah. I think it was even bigger than the one I saw at the Town Square on New Year’s.
REX: Totally. So, what do you like to do when you’re not working?
ELLE: Oh, there’s not much to say, really. I like to read, I’m kinda crafty. I like to make stuff.
REX: Oh, like what?
ELLE: Keychains, mostly. Back in Boston, a friend of mine ran a printing shop and used to help me make designs for t-shirts and hats, but now it’s just keychains. It’s a hobby I do when I’m not being a doctor.
REX: That’s really cool!
ELLE: Aw, thank you! What about you? What do you do?
REX: To be honest, I’m kinda between jobs right now. I was in a bad spot medically for a while, but now that I’m all healed up, I’m looking for a job with computers. I love computers.
ELLE: Nice. That sounds cool.
REX: Thanks. So, Noelle, would you be interested in getting a coffee with me sometime?
ELLE: Sure! That’d be really nice!
REX: Cool.

CIARA: Dad would have loved this.
Shawn-D nodded.
SHAWN-D: He sure would. This was his favorite holiday. Seeing everybody together like this, it would’ve made it even better.
He put a hand on Ciara’s shoulder.
SHAWN-D: How’re you doing, kid?
CIARA: I’m okay. I am, it’s just…
SHAWN-D: I know.
Chelsea walked over.
CHELSEA: I don’t wanna intrude, but…
SHAWN-D: You’re not.
CIARA: Get in here, sis.
Chelsea joined Shawn-D and Ciara in a hug.

THEO: How are you doing?
KENNEDY: I am okay. The fireworks were very pretty, but I am kind of glad that they are over now.
THEO: I know what you mean. They were pretty loud.
Kennedy nodded. Claire and Chase walked over.
CLAIRE: It’s good to…see you guys! I’m glad you came!
THEO: Thank you. It’s nice to see you too.
KENNEDY: I am happy that you are no longer in the hospital.
CLAIRE: Thanks. Me too. I love your flag shirt!
KENNEDY: Thank you.
THEO: The two of you, as well as J.J., Alanis and Maddox did a great job performing.
CHASE: Thanks, dude.

Aiden put an arm around Hope and they surveyed the partygoers, which included nearly all of Salem, with the exception of E.J. and Cassie and the Alamains.
AIDEN: Well, Commissioner, you think we did okay?
HOPE: Better than okay, Mr. Jennings. Tonight has been amazing.
Hope and Aiden kissed.

OUTSIDE THE BRADY PUB
Nicholas and Cassie walked up to the door, then stopped. They chuckled to each other.
NICHOLAS; So…
CASSIE: That was…wow. That was an incredible night!
NICHOLAS: I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.
CASSIE: Very much so! I hope you did, as well.
NICHOLAS: Of course. I’ve enjoyed all of our outings thus far.
CASSIE: Me too. Though aside from when you first brought me back to my true self, I think this might be the first time we weren’t at all interrupted by Vivian and Ivan.
Nicholas chuckled.
NICHOLAS: This is true. They do seem to have a habit of worming their way into things, don’t they?
Cassie nodded.
NICHOLAS: I enjoyed spending some private time with you, as well. Speaking of which, should we talk about…you know?
Cassie sighed.
CASSIE: Probably, but I don’t want to. Not tonight, anyway. But sometime, sometime soon, when it’s daylight out, we should absolutely discuss it.
NICHOLAS: I’ll await your call.
Nicholas took Cassie’s hand and kissed it.
NICHOLAS: Good night, Cassie.
CASSIE: Good night. Happy Fourth.
NICHOLAS: You too.
Nicholas watched as Cassie went inside, then he turned, got in his car and left.

[tghca]

I really wanna see Nicholas and Cassie get together

But loved seeing Bo's kids Shawn, Chelsea and Ciara all together in that group hug

Rex and Elle I wanna see these 2 get together

[heroicmuse]

I"m glad that Nicholas and Cassie had a nice time and that Rex and Elle are hitting it off. Looking forward to their coffee date!

This is hard for Ciara. I'm glad her family is there for her.

Glad Jennifer is looking forward to her new adventure with Frankie. I will miss her.

It was a great party. I'm glad Claire got to sing and was able to do it!

Great chapter André DiMera.

[mae00]

Catching up here too.

Victor's comment about Philip not being the last to know about the twins being duped was too funny.

I'm so glad they finally released Claire to go home!

Wow. Mimi sounds like she might be spinning out of control. Yes, Kevin should have told her, but he can't control her thoughts. She built all of this up in her head. And part of me is wondering if it was because she was trying to keep herself from talking to/believing Rex.

Sounds like Rex and Elle may become something. I'm sure that won't sit well with Mimi.

That was a wonderful 4th of July celebration!

I love watching fireworks from a boat. I've done it several times. The last couple of years, not so much and I probably won't be doing it again anytime soon, but I still loved it just the same.


I'm worried about what EJ is going to do with Johnny and this "plan".

[Kpatch]

Nice get-together!

Rex isn't waiting around for Mimi to change her mind about him. Good for him.

I wonder what it is that Cassie doesn't want to talk about yet but Nicholas does.

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 7/6

HORTON HOUSE
Jennifer brought two suitcases down the stairs. Frankie met her at the bottom. Bill, Abby, Chad, Thomas, J.J. and Paige were also there.
JENNIFER: Okay, I think that’s the last of them.
FRANKIE: Awesome.
Frankie picked up the suitcases.
FRANKIE: I’m gonna go get the moving truck started, give you a couple minutes.
JENNIFER: I appreciate it. I’ll be out soon.
Jennifer and Frankie kissed each other on the cheek, then Frankie walked outside.
JENNIFER: Well…
BILL: Well…
ABBY: Well…
J.J.: I guess this is it, huh?
JENNIFER: It’s not “it”, not entirely anyway. It’s like Gram would always say, this isn’t goodbye, it’s ‘til we meet again.
Thomas ran over to Jennifer.
THOMAS: I don’t want you to leave, Grandma!
Jennifer hugged Thomas tightly.
JENNIFER: Oh, it’s okay, sweetheart. It’s okay. Seeing someone you love very much move is hard, I know. But, like I was just telling your Mom and Uncle J.J., my Gram, your Great-Great-Grandma Alice, whenever someone very special to her was leaving, she wouldn’t say “goodbye”, she would say “‘til we meet again”. Do you know why?
Thomas shook his head.
JENNIFER: It’s because she knew, no matter where that person was going, she knew they’d always meet again. And I know that you and I will, too. I promise, I’ll be back to visit lots of times. And hey, you and your Mom and Dad, you can all come visit me and Frankie. And, even when you can’t, you can always call or video chat with me. I know it’s not quite the same, but how’s that sound?
THOMAS: Okay, I guess. Can I call all the time?
Chad put a hand on Thomas’ shoulder.
CHAD: Maybe not all the time, buddy.
JENNIFER: Thomas, you can call me as often as you want. Now, give me one last hug.
Jennifer and Thomas hugged. She kissed his forehead.
JENNIFER: I love you so much, sweetheart.
THOMAS: I love you, too!
Thomas went back to stand by his parents, Jennifer stood up.
CHAD: Good luck with the move. I wish you all the best.
JENNIFER: Thank you. Take care.
Chad and Jennifer hugged.
ABBY: Thanks, Mom, for everything.
JENNIFER: Of course, sweetheart. I love you.
ABBY: I love you, too.
Jennifer and Abby hugged for a long minute. Next up was Bill.
BILL: Good luck, sweetheart.
JENNIFER: Thank you. It’s been so nice, getting to spend time with you these last few years.
BILL: For me, as well. You are a wonderful person, Jennifer Rose. I love you, always.
JENNIFER: I love you, too.
BILL: Well, gang, what d’you say we go help Frankie with those suitcases, hm?
Bill, Chad, Abby and Thomas walked outside. Paige hugged Jennifer.
PAIGE: You’ve been here for so much for the two of us. Thanks for everything.
JENNIFER: And I wouldn’t have missed a minute of it. Take care, Paige.
PAIGE: I will.
Paige touched J.J.’s hand.
PAIGE: I’ll be right outside.
J.J.: Thanks.
Paige walked outside.
JENNIFER: My baby. Looks like I saved the best for last. Don’t tell the others, though.
J.J. and Jennifer chuckled, then hugged.
J.J.: I’m gonna miss you like crazy, Mom. When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to get away, but now that you’re going…
JENNIFER: I know, J.J., I know. You have come so far since then, and I am so proud of you, more than I can say. Never forget how much I love you.
J.J.: I love you, too.
Jennifer and J.J. held each other. She kissed J.J.’s forehead.
J.J.: We should, uh, probably get out there.
JENNIFER: You go ahead. I wanna take one last look, make sure I didn’t forget anything.
J.J. nodded, then walked outside. Jennifer sighed and looked around the living room. She paid particular attention to the mantle, where there were pictures of so many members of the family. She stopped at one in particular.
JENNIFER: Look out for them, Gram. Look out for all of us.
VOICE: You know she will.
Jennifer turned to see Jack looking back at her.
JACK: We all will.
JENNIFER: Jack?
JACK: Didn’t think you’d be leaving Salem without saying goodbye to everyone, did you?
JENNIFER: I had hoped not. Jack, I hope I’m making the right decision.
JACK: What does your heart tell you?
JENNIFER: Salem’s my home, it always has been. But, it’s time for a change, and this is a good opportunity.
JACK; Then, go with your heart. Now, I can’t claim to see the future or anything, but I know that you and Frankie are going to have a very happy life together in D.C.
JENNIFER: So, you approve?
JACK: Of course. Jennifer, your happiness, yours and the kids’, it’s all I’ve ever needed. You don’t need my approval, though. You never have.
JENNIFER: No, I know. It’s just nice to hear it.
JACK: Now, I think it’s time. Tom and Alice send their love, as does everyone else.
JENNIFER: Send them all our love. Jack…
JACK; Yes?
JENNIFER: No matter what happens with Frankie, you will always be in my heart.
JACK: And you are always in my, Jennifer Rose.
Jack and Jennifer hugged and kissed. Then, when Jennifer opened her eyes, Jack was gone.
JENNIFER (quietly): Goodbye Jack.
Somewhere off in the distance, Jennifer could swear she could hear a conversation between a younger version of herself and Alice.
ALICE: Listen to your heart, dear. It will never steer you wrong.
YOUNG JENNIFER: I love you, Grandma! What would I ever do without you?
ALICE: Just be true to your own feelings, darling. That’s the important thing. You think you can do it?
YOUNG JENNIFER: Yes, I think I can.
Jennifer sighed as she took one last look at the framed picture of Alice.
JENNIFER: Thank you, Gram. ‘Til we meet again.
Jennifer kissed her hand and touched it to the picture. Then, she walked out the door and onto the next part of her life.

[tghca]

This was a damn tear jerker, why did you have to go do that? I'm going to miss Jennifer here in Salem but who is going to run The Spectator now?

[Kpatch]

Oh wow. Those goodbyes were so emotional. I wasn't expecting to see Jack and Alice, but it was absolute perfection.