The Melaswen Paradox (Read 325,697 times)

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 6/4

SALEM UNIVERSITY
The gymnasium of Salem U had been set up and decorated for graduation. People were still filing into the bleachers.

Carly and Nicholas hugged.
CARLY: You came!
NICHOLAS: Of course I did, Mother. I told you, I didn’t leave Salem, I left the Mansion.
CARLY: I know, I know you did, honey. I’m just glad to see you.
NICHOLAS: I’m glad to see you, too.
CARLY: I assume Vivian isn’t coming. Is she?
NICHOLAS: I wouldn’t know. Since I moved out the other day, I’ve been ignoring her calls.
CARLY: I’m sure that’s gone over well.
NICHOLAS: The point is, if she does come, it’s not because I didn’t invite her. If nothing else, it’s not my place. Beatrix is the one who sent the invitations, so it’s up to her whether or not she’s invited Aunt Viv.
Carly nodded.

Hope, Aiden and Bo were sitting with Shawn-D and Belle.
BELLE: Look, there’s Abe.
Abe and Celeste joined the row.
ABE: Hello, everyone. These seats taken?
AIDEN: Only by you.
BO: Good to see you, partner.
ABE: You too.
Abe shook hands with Bo, Aiden and Shawn-D, and hugged Belle and Hope.
BO: Celeste.
CELESTE: Beauregard. I am pleased to see that you have returned to the land of the living.
BO: Thanks.
CELESTE: Hope, Aiden, Shawn-Douglas, Isabella, it is lovely to see all of you, as well.
HOPE: Welcome back, Celeste. When did you get in?
CELESTE: Just last night.
Steve, Kayla and Stephanie walked into the row in front of them.
STEVE: Hey, everybody!
BO: Hey, now it’s a party! You know, I think half of these seats are filled with Bradys or Brady-adjacents.
KAYLA: Well, there are a lot of us. Maybe not enough to fill up half of the gym, but still.
Bo and Kayla laughed and hugged.
STEPHANIE: Where are Max and Chelsea?
HOPE: Max is staying at home to take care of Isaac and Georgia, but Chelsea should be here any minute.
As if on cue, Chelsea ran up to the group.
CHELSEA: There you guys are! Sorry I’m late. I had a hell of a time getting here because, of course, everyone is coming to Salem U today, then I had to find you guys.
AIDEN: You’re not late at all. Right on time, actually.
STEPHANIE: Yeah, just breathe. Take a seat.
Stephnie and Chelsea hugged, then sat down next to each other.

After a few minutes, the graduation ceremony began. The dean of Salem U made a speech, as did the class valedictorian. Then, it was time for the announcement of names. CLICK HERE to listen to the music that played during the ceremony. There were many, many students graduating, but only the names of those we’ve spent time with will be shown here.
DEAN: Beatrix Alamain, Bachelor of General Studies.
Nicholas, Carly, and several of the Bradys clapped as Trix went up for her diploma.

A few minutes later, the Dean got to the “B” names.
DEAN: Ciara Brady, Bachelor of Design.
At this, all of the Bradys clapped.
DEAN: Claire Brady-Jennings, Bachelor of Music.
Again, the Bradys clapped. Ciara, who was making her way back to her seat, turned back and whistled as Claire shook hands with the Dean and got her diploma.

A little bit later, the “C” names were being called.
DEAN: Theodore Carver, Bachelor of Science-Statistics.
Abe, Celeste and several of the Bradys clapped. Ciara again whistled.

The Dean then read off all of the names beginning with “D” through “I”, finally coming to the “J” names.
DEAN: Chase Jennings, Bachelor of Law.
Aiden and all of the Bradys clapped. Both Ciara and Claire whistled this time. Theo leaned over to Claire.
THEO (whispering): I thought Chase still had to go to school, and that there was no such thing as a Bachelor of Law in the United States.
CLAIRE (whispering): It’s more of an honorary degree to signify he’s leaving normal college and going to law school. This state’s the only one that does things like that. Chase and I’ll explain more later.
Theo nodded. Several more “J” names were called before getting to…
DEAN: Alanis Johnson, Bachelor of Music.
The Bradys and their families clapped.
DEAN: Joseph Johnson, Bachelor of Kinesiology.
While all of the Bradys and their families clapped, Steve and Kayla clapped the loudest.
STEPHANIE: Go Joey!

The rest of the “J” through “L” names were called, before finally coming to the “M”s.
DEAN: Kennedy Morris, Bachelor of Science-Geography.
Abe, Celeste and several of the Bradys clapped.

All of the names that come after “L” were called. Finally, after the last “Z” name was called, the Dean of Salem University wished his students the best in everything they did in the future.
DEAN: Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present Salem University’s graduating class of 2024!
There was an eruption of applause from the audience!

[tghca]

Graduation is now over and done but now the next ones up for Graduation are Johnny, Meadow, Allie, etc

[heroicmuse]

What a lovely graduation!

I'm glad Vivian didn't cause any trouble during it. I hope she's not planning on crashing any party afterward.

I loved Bo's comment about it being a Brady party, and glad Chelsea got there on time.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

Graduation was nice!

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 6/5

BRADY PUB
After the graduation ceremony was over, everyone went back to the Pub, which had been decorated for a party.

Carly and Nicholas hugged Trix.
CARLY: Congratulations, sweetheart!
TRIX: Thanks, Gran.
NICHOLAS: Yes, you did quite well.
TRIX: Thanks, Dad. I’m glad you came.
NICHOLAS: Of course I did, darling, of course. This is quite an achievement.

STEVE: You did a good job, both of you.
JOEY: Thanks, Dad.
ALANIS: I just can’t believe this day is finally here!
Joey put an arm around Alanis.
STEPHANIE: And why not? You guys have worked so hard for this!
ALANIS: I know. It’s just…been such a long time.
KAYLA: Well, however long it took, you made it, that’s the important part. And we’re proud of you. Both of you.
Steve, Kayla and Stephanie hugged Alanis and Joey.

ABE: Well done, son. I’m so happy for you. So proud.
THEO: Thank you.
ABE: I’m sure your mother would be, too.
Theo nodded.
CELESTE: I can guarantee that she is.
THEO: Right, because of your special connection to the spiritual world, which to be honest, I still do not entirely understand, but I am glad that you have that.
Celeste patted Theo’s hand.
ABE: Congratulations to you, as well, Kennedy.
KENNEDY: Thank you.

CLARE: One more day and we fly to France!
CIARA: I know! It’s so exciting!
CHASE: It is. Have either of you ever been to France before?
CIARA: Nope, but I can’t wait to go!
CLAIRE: I was there once, briefly. But I don’t even really remember it, I think I was about 5 years old. It’ll be great to go there and actually remember it.
Chase nodded.
CIARA: What about you, then?
CHASE: Nope, up until that trip to Australia we took in high school, I’d never been out of the country. Should be a fun time, though.

JULIE: Darling, thank you so much for sending me the link so that I could watch the graduation ceremony online. Bernice helped me get it up, and the service was beautiful!
HOPE: You’re more than welcome! I’m so glad you were able to watch! How are you doing, by the way?
JULIE: Oh, I’m alright. It’s hard sometimes, I admit, but I have so many happy memories to cling to, and so much family around.
Julie and Hope hugged.
JULIE: And we have a wedding to look forward to.
HOPE: We do have a wedding to look forward to. In just a few days, in fact.
JULIE: Yes. Originally, Charles and Amelie wanted the wedding to be on the 5th, but the synagogue wasn’t available that day, so they rescheduled it for the 11th.
HOPE: Right. That is definitely something to look forward to.

MAX: All right, everyone! Let’s have all the graduates together, up by the front!
Claire, Chase, Ciara, Theo, Joey, Alanis, Trix and Kennedy made their way to the counter area. They gathered together and put their arms around each other.
BO: Okay, big smiles everyone.
The group smiled as their various family members took pictures of them.

[tghca]

Charles & Amelie getting married makes sense especially since they wanna do it before the baby comes but I wonder if Julie she's going to come to this wedding?

Makes sense that Claire wouldn't remember France because she was sailing all over the world with her parents but now that shes fully grown, she will be able to make new memories

I wonder if she & Chase keep up the tradition and sail around the world as well

I'm sure Lexie is proud Theo but then again so is your brother Brandon and I'm sure your DiMera relatives are proud of you too like your Uncles Chad, EJ, Tony and Andre as well as your Aunts Megan, Kristen, Anna, Abby and your cousins too like Hawk and Peyton

[Kpatch]

It nice that the graduates are being celebrated.

[heroicmuse]

I love all the post graduation scenes. Kayla is right. Joey and Alanis have a lot to be proud of.

So excited for the wedding. Glad Julie is doing okay and was able to watch the graduation online.

Great chapter André DiMera

[André DiMera]

Thursday - 6/6

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Bill was finishing up his examination of Johnny. Sami stood nearby.
SAMI: So, how is he?
BILL: I have good news. Johnny, you’ll be able to go home this afternoon.
JOHNNY: Good.
SAMI: Oh, thank god! Does that mean his memory’s coming back soon?
BILL: That we still don’t know. As I’ve said before, it may come back soon, it may take a while, or it might not entirely come back.
JOHNNY: So I might not remember anything from the last three years?
BILL: It is highly unlikely that that will happen. I’ve seen a number of patients with head injuries over the years, most of them have regained some to all of their memories over time.
JOHNNY: Got it.
BILL: Now, a few things before I have Maxine get your discharge papers. For the first several days, I’d like you to take it easy. We were able to treat your injuries, but they were still severe, so no strenuous activity. That includes driving.
JOHNNY: Not like I did anything super crazy before.
BILL: Also, we’ve been keeping you on the B.R.A.T. diet while you’re here. I’d like you to continue to do that for the next few days, then slowly reintroduce foods starting at the weekend.
JOHNNY: Fair enough, I guess.
BILL: Now, you might find that you get dizzy easily or get headaches and mood swings for the first few days. If that happens, it’s normal, and just means you have to take it easy. However, if it continues after the first few days, come back and see me.
JOHNNY: Sure.
SAMI: What about his vision? You said earlier that it might be affected.
JOHNNY: Mom, I can see just fine!
BILL: Your mother has a point, though our tests didn’t show anything. That’s another thing you call or come see me about, if you have sudden changes in your sight, such as blurred vision or trouble seeing.
JOHNNY: Well, I have trouble with depth perception, but we already know what that’s from.
Johnny smirked. Sami looked less than amused.
BILL: Indeed. I meant new issues with your vision. It seems your sense of humor is still intact, though. You were quite lucky. Do you have any other questions?
JOHNNY: Nope.
BILL: Alright. I’ll have Maxine get your discharge papers together.
SAMI: Thank you.
Bill nodded and walked out.
SAMI: So, you get to come home. This is great news!
JOHNNY: Yeah. I’d like to go see Father once I’m out.
SAMI: No!
JOHNNY: Excuse me?
Sami attempted to soften her features.
SAMI: I mean…honey, you’re just getting out of the hospital. And Dr. Horton said you’re supposed to be resting.
JOHNNY: It’s not like I’m gonna be running around the Mansion like when I was five! I just wanna see the guy!
SAMI: I just don’t think that it’s a good idea right now.
JOHNNY: Well, even though I don’t remember turning it, I’m 20 now, so I can go by myself if I have to.
SAMI: You heard Dr. Horton, you’re not able to drive.
JOHNNY: Of course I heard him. I’ll call Father and have him have Bart come and get me, then.
SAMI: Would you please…
She took a deep breath.
SAMI: Can you just come home with me first? Please? Just so we can get all your stuff home.
Johnny sighed.
JOHNNY: Fine, whatever. But I think you’re making a big deal about nothing.

SALEM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ari and her friend Liv were clearing out their desks. It was the last day of the school year.
ARI: I can’t believe this is over.
LIV: Yep. Next year we’re on to Salem Junior High.
ARI: I know! And before that, we have summer camp!
LIV: Camp Walden! Can’t wait!
ARI: Me too!
LIV: Plus, this means we’ll have plenty of opportunities to scope out that house.
ARI: And figure out more about Fannie Merritt, the boy in the picture, and why the house is abandoned.
LIV: Exactly!
Liv and Ari high-fived.
ARI: This is gonna be a great summer!

BRADY PUB
MAX: So you’re for real staying?
FRANKIE: We are for real staying, yes. Jen and I have both missed this place, and after the last time we figured, Jen loves running the paper, people everywhere need lawyers-
MAX: Especially in Salem.
Frankie and Max chuckled.
FRANKIE: That’s a little too true. You’re right, though. Anyway, like I said, we’ve both missed this place. Being here feels like home. We’ll have to take a couple trips back to D.C., sell the house, move all our stuff, that kinda thing.
MAX: Makes sense.
FRANKI: But once we’re done with that, we’re back.
MAX: That’s awesome, bro! It’ll be great to have you back around here!

O’HARE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - CHICAGO
Julie, Hope and Aiden, Ciara and Trix, Claire and Chase, Shawn-D and Belle, David and Carly, and Scotty and Billie, among others, had all gotten to the gate around the same time.
JULIE: Well, here we all are.
DAVID: Yep. Once we’re on the plane, it’ll be just over eight hours until we’re in France.
BELLE: Mm, we had some good times in France, didn’t we?
SHAWN-D: Sure did.
Shawn-D and Belle kissed.
CLAIRE: I’m so excited to see everything!
The person over the P.A. called for passengers to board the flight to Paris.
HOPE: Here we go!

DIMERA MANSION
E.J. took a drink of his cup of tea. His phone rang.
E.J.: E.J. DiMera.
He smiled.
E.J.: How wonderful. Yes, of course, it will be taken care of. I’ll be seeing you soon. Bye.
He hung up the phone, then stood up and turned to look at the portrait of Stefano.
E.J.: A second chance. I have been given a second chance, Father. This time, I shall make sure that Johnny remains on the correct course. You shall get your grandchild back. Salud.
He raised his cup and took a long drink from it.

[heroicmuse]

I think someone needs to tell Johnny who gave him his injury. Regardless, I don't think this will go the way EJ thinks.

Can't wait for France!

So glad Frankie amd Jen will he staying and that their family is happy for them.

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

I'm glad Johnny is getting released but worried about EJ's plans for him.

[tghca]

Plus isn't EJ still out on bail? Aren't the charges against him not still pending? So should he really be all this celebratory? I mean what if Johnny finds out why his father was arrested to begin with? Or that he is the reason why Johnny had his accident?

This wedding of Charles/Dougie & Amelie, I wonder if Bo is going to go to that?

Frankie at least now that he is back he can also interact with his other brothers Bo and Roman and his sister Kayla but Frankie is he going to head up his own law firm? Or join one?

Johnny is a grown man...he can see EJ if he wants to

[André DiMera]

Friday - 6/7

BRADY PUB
Bo was upstairs, talking on the phone.
BO: Yep, it’s pretty much confirmed that he’s coming back home. Yeah, we’re all thrilled. That’s five out of the six of us.
He chuckled.
BO: No, I know, Kimber. I know. But hey, you’re coming out this summer, right, you and Shane? Excellent! If I heard Frankie right, by that time, he and Jen should be fully moved back. Yep, we’re gonna have a huge party. All right, we’ll be seeing you. You too, sis. Bye.
Bo hung up and walked over to the desk in his room. He turned the page on his wall calendar, picked up a pen, and circled the first week of July.

SAMI & LUCAS’ APARTMENT
Sami and Johnny walked in the front door.
SAMI: Here we are! Home sweet home!
Lucas came out of the kitchen.
LUCAS: Hey, welcome home, man.
JOHNNY: Yeah, thanks.
LUCAS: You hungry? I can make you some rice or toast or something.
JOHNNY: No thanks. I won’t be staying for long, Bart’s on his way to pick me up.
Sami and Lucas looked at each other.
SAMI: Sweetheart, I…I know you’re anxious to see your dad, but you literally just got home, and you’re supposed to be resting.
JOHNNY: I can rest just as easily at the mansion as I can here. I assume I was living in the mansion at the time that the incident, whatever it was, happened.
SAMI: Not exactly. You were living in a dorm room in Salem U.
JOHNNY: Oh, gotcha. Well, it’s June, so school’s out, so it looks like I get to move back.
SAMI: We’ll have plenty of time to discuss that later.
JOHNNY: We could just discuss it now. Anyway, guess I’ll take my stuff to my old room.
LUCAS: I’ll give you a hand with that.
JOHNNY: Thanks, but I’ve got it.
Johnny rolled his eyes and walked away, carrying his suitcase with him.
LUCAS: Okay, then.
SAMI: Well, one thing’s for sure, we need to talk to your father and find out exactly what we can tell Johnny, because I can’t take this much longer!
LUCAS: I know. I agree.
Lucas and Sami hugged, but their moment was interrupted by a knock at the door.
SAMI: Hold that thought.
Sami opened the door to find E.J. on the other side.
E.J.: Ah, Samantha, good. I was hoping I wouldn’t get here before you got home.
SAMI: What do you want, E.J.?
E.J.: Well, for once, I am actually not here for you. I am here for our son.
SAMI: Oh, so you weren’t content having Bart deliver him, you thought you’d take him yourself.
E.J.: Well, he is my son…
SAMI: Look, we literally just got home. I do not want him leaving right now, especially not if he’s going to that mausoleum you live in! Johnny is still healing from what you did to him.
JOHNNY: What does that mean?
Sami, E.J. and Lucas turned to see that Johnny had walked back into the room.

[tghca]

Johnny is about to find out what his father EJ did but even if he does, it isn't like Johnny remembers his accident anyway or what led up to it. So would he even care? Or would he even want to remember?


Sami wants to go to Lucas' dad her father in law Bill and find out what they can tell Johnny...but will Bill even tell them what they want to hear? Because Bill is a doctor first and he is treating Johnny so can Bill really be objective given Johnny is his step grandson?


Bo is probably looking forward to the annual Horton/Brady 4th of July BBQ because it was this time last year Bo returned and this Horton/Brady BBQ will be his 1st one back among the land of the living and Bo gets to celebrate it with his family

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad that Johnny overheard that. IMO he should definitely know how dangerous EJ is.

I can't wait for Kim and Shane's visit!

Great chapter André DiMera. Will there be previews?