The Melaswen Paradox (Read 319,257 times)

[André DiMera]

Monday - 7/1

OUTSIDE THE MERRITT HOUSE - WALDEN
The girls stopped in their tracks and looked over their shoulder. From across the street, they could see an old man standing on his porch.
MAN: You don’t belong in there! What do you think you’re doing?!
LIV (quietly): Run!
The three girls ran from the house and back towards camp. They didn’t stop running until they had almost made it back, and began dusting off the brambles that they’d picked up running through the brush.
ARI: Well, so much for trying to talk to some people in town.
SAPPHY: Who was that guy?
LIV: No idea. But he sure didn’t look happy that we were there.
ARI: Maybe we should give our investigation a rest for a few days?
LIV: I mean, we are going back home for Fourth of July weekend tomorrow, so maybe when we get back, we could-
GIRL: Could do what?
For the second time that day, the girls stopped in their tracks. They had made it back to camp, and were now face to face with one of the camp counselors, who at camp went by the name Short Stack.

ST. LUKE’S
Sister Mary Moira tapped her ruler against the palm of her hand.
MOIRA: I will admit, it would be nice to see my sister again. It would also be nice to make sure that Johnny stays on the right path and isn’t deceived like his father and truly evil grandfather.
SAMI: Right. So, what do you say? We gonna do this?
MOIRA: Sami Brady, why does it sound like you are up to something?
Sami pretended to look hurt.
SAMI: Sister, I am not up to anything! At least, not in the way you’re thinking. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I’m doing this for completely selfless-
Sister Mary Moira raised an eyebrow and tapped the ruler against her hand again.
SAMI: Okay, mostly selfless reasons. I just want my son to be safe, and reuniting Susan with her family is just a great bonus.
Sister Mary Moira considered this.
MOIRA: I will consider what you said and call Susan in a few days.
SAMI: A few days?!
MOIRA: That is what I said, yes. Take it or leave it.
Sami sighed.
SAMI: Fine, I guess it’s better than nothing.
Sami went to leave.
MOIRA: Oh, Sami?
She turned back.
MOIRA: I hope to see you in here again before Christmas.
Sami rolled her eyes and left.

BRADY PUB
Kate sighed.
KATE: Honey, of course I’m coming to your wedding. You’d have to try and stop me from being there. I just wish you two would really think about this before jumping into it!
REX: We have thought about this, Mom. Noelle and I know what we want, and what we want is a small wedding with our immediate family and close friends.
NOELLE: Speaking of which, we’ll need to tell Sami at some point.
REX: Right, Sami. And Carrie and Eric, and the others.
KATE: Well, you two might want to hurry up, since there’s only one month to go.
REX: We know, Mom.
KATE: Well, I should be going. I’ll be seeing you two soon.
Kate got up and left. Rex sighed with relief.
REX: That went about as well as I expected.
NOELLE: Yeah. Now to tell my Mom and our siblings.

Kate had gone outside and was looking through the window at Rex and Noelle.
KATE (thinking): Oh, Rex, I don’t think you’ve really thought this through, despite what you say. I just hope you’re not making the biggest mistake of your life. If it turns out that I’m right, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.

[tghca]

Kate immediately going into Mama Bear mode...well we know how Kate is when it comes to her children especially as it relates to their love lives. But Noelle has been good for Rex unlike his ex Mimi. So I wonder if Kate runs into Mimi and flat out asks her if she wants her son back by confronting her on it? Because we all know Mimi she is still in love with Rex and she wants him back.

Yeah Rex may have to tell Carrie, Eric and Sami about his and Noelle's engagement. Just like Noelle will have to tell Sarah. I am sure Sarah will be on board just like I am sure Carrie, Eric and Sami will.

Liv, Sapphy and Ari are about to get in trouble with their camp counselor. I can just see it now.

[heroicmuse]

Ugh Kate, let Rex make his own decisions, please.

Looks like the girls are not quite out of trouble yet. Better the camp counselor than that guy, whoever he was, I guess.

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

I agree with Kate in a way. A month isn't enough time to plan a proper wedding.

[mae00]

Oh Kate. Will you never learn?

Just because you want a big lavish wedding doesn't mean that everyone else does. They've already said they will have a larger party at a later date when more can make it. They are grown. Let them get married in the manner they see fit for themselves.

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 7/2

CAMP WALDEN
Short Stack was one of the older counselors at the camp, being around Allie’s age.
ARI: Short Stack…
SHORT STACK: Where have you three been? We’ve been looking for you.
The three younger girls all looked at each other. After a moment, Short Stack spoke again.
SHORT STACK: Let me ask a different question, what were you three doing away from camp?
LIV: How do you know we were away from camp?
SHORT STACK: Girls, come on. Do you really think we wouldn’t notice that three of our campers have been going missing?
Again, the three younger girls looked at each other.
SAPPY: You knew?
SHORT STACK: That you three were leaving camp? Not at first. It took a while to figure it out. At first we figured you were doing something in your cabins, or maybe going for a hike, but that was when it was only two of you. Once there were three of you, we started to wonder. So, this afternoon, we checked the trails and every other place we could think of, and you weren’t at any of them.
LIV: It’s not like we were missing anything, it was during our free time.
SHORT STACK: That is technically true. However, you all know the rules - you’re not supposed to leave the grounds of the camp, especially not without supervision. What if one or more of you had gotten hurt?
LIV: We didn’t, though.
ARI: We were super careful.
SHORT STACK: Whether you were careful or not is not the point. You still shouldn’t have done it in the first place. Now, where did you go?
SAPPHY: Into town.
Liv shot Sapphy a look, but quickly stopped in case Short Stack noticed.
SHORT STACK: What do you mean “into town”?
ARI: We just wanted to investigate. Liv has a family member who lives out here, and I wanted to see what the town was like because she’s told me so much about it. So I convinced her to take me to see it during our free time. Sapphy only joined us a few weeks ago because she was curious, too. We made sure we were always back before free time was over.
SHORT STACK: Is that story true, Olivia?
LIV: Yep.
SHORT STACK: And Sapphire?
Sapphy nodded. Short Stack sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
SHORT STACK: Alright. Well, again, I’m glad that none of you three are hurt. You really shouldn’t have done that, especially without a counselor. While you’re here, we’re responsible for you guys.
ARI: We know. We’re sorry.
SAPPHY: Are we in trouble?
SHORT STACK: We’ll have to see about that. The four of us are gonna have a talk with Badger, and I’m sure he’ll want to talk to your parents when they come to pick you up for Fourth of July weekend. Come on, let’s go.
Short Stack led the three younger girls to see Badger, the Head Counselor at the camp.

KIRIAKIS MANSION
Philip walked in.
PHILIP: I’m home.
A moment later, Melanie came down the stairs.
MELANIE: Hey, you’re early.
PHILIP: I am.
Philip kissed Melanie.
PHILIP: I decided that I’d come home early today, work from home tomorrow, and take the rest of the week off for both holidays.
MELANIE: Both?
PHILIP: The Fourth of July.
MELANIE: That’s one.
PHILIP: And a certain Miss Danielle Kiriakis turns 3 the day after.
MELANIE: That she does!
PHILIP: And even if it’s not a holiday, it might as well be. Every day that I get to spend with you and our adorable little girl is like a holiday.
MELANIE: Well, when you put it like that…
Melanie and Philip kissed passionately, then laughed and walked into the living room.
PHILIP: Speaking of which, where is our little princess?
MELANIE: I just put her down for a nap a little bit ago, actually, but I’m sure she’ll be up again before we know it.
Philip nodded. Suddenly, there was a commotion at the front door. A moment later, Sami stormed in, followed by Henderson.
HENDERSON: Sami Horton is here to see you, sir.
PHILIP: So I can see. Thank you, Henderson.
Henderson nodded.
SAMI: We need to talk! Preferably privately.
PHILIP: Hi, Sami. Nice to see you again. I’m fine thanks, how are you?
SAMI: Yeah, great, whatever. Like I said, we need to talk.
Philip looked at Melanie.
PHILIP: I’ll be right back.
MELANIE: I’ll be waiting.
PHILIP: This way.
Philip led Sami to the study. He closed the door behind them.
PHILIP: What can I do for you, Sami?

[Kpatch]

What does Sami want with Philip. They barely have a relationship even though she's married to his brother. Can't believe Dani is 3 already.

[tghca]

I can't imagine why Sami is here of all people at the Kiriakis Mansion visiting her brother in law Philip. What could she possibly want from Philip? I'm sure Philip probably tolerates Sami if for no other reason because of his brother Lucas. So I'm wondering if this visit has to do with EJ? Or if it is because of the DiMera/Kiriakis feud and that's why Sami is here?


Dani's birthday is coming up. I can't wait.

I can only imagine how Sonny and Will will react when it comes to Ari, Liv and Sapphy

[heroicmuse]

I don't know what Sami thinks she's going to accomplish here.

I hope the girls don't get into too much trouble.

Great chapter André DiMera

[mae00]

Wow! These babies sure grow up fast! I can't believe Dani is 3 already!

What the heck does Sami want with Philip?

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 7/3

CAR
The next morning, everyone left Camp Walden for the holiday weekend. Will had come to pick up Ari, and had been told about her, Liv and Sapphy’s excursions away from the campgrounds. Their car ride was fairly quiet.
WILL: So, are we gonna talk about this at some point?
Ari looked at him.
ARI: I’m sorry.
WILL: I know you are, sweetheart.
ARI: Are you mad?
Will sighed.
WILL: No, I’m not. I’m just frustrated. Ari, you know you’re not supposed to leave camp without an adult or counselor. Besides, I thought you loved that camp.
ARI: I do.
WILL: Then why did you leave it the other day? And I’m assuming that wasn’t the first time, or that you just wanted to see the town that Liv’s aunt lives in like you told your counselors. So, what’s really going on?
Ari sighed.
ARI: At first, it was just about exploring. Liv and I figured we had free time, so why not use it to look around and explore. At first, we stuck to the trails like we were supposed to, but then one day, we saw something while walking.
WILL: What’d you see?
ARI: A house. This super old looking house at the end of a dead-end street right by Gadwall Lake. Liv and I thought it was really interesting and wanted to take a closer look. It didn’t look like anybody was living there, so we thought we’d just take a look.
WILL: So, you broke into this old house?
ARI: Not exactly. There was a window that was partially open.
Will sighed again.
WILL: Ari, going inside of a house that’s not yours if you aren’t invited is considered trespassing.
Ari looked at her shoes.
WILL: Well, go on. What else is there?
ARI: We, um, Liv and I, we thought the house looked really cool once we got inside, and we were curious about it.
WILL: So, you kept going back.
ARI: Right.
WILL: What did you find so interesting about this house?
ARI: It was kinda creepy, but in a cool way. Like, it’s like it got frozen sometime in the 1950s or something and just stayed that way. Like whoever lived there just vanished and left all their stuff there. We were curious why someone would just leave everything they own, so we kept going back and looking for clues.
WILL: And did you find anything?
ARI: Just a locket, a couple pictures, a letter, and some stuff about a general store. I think the people that lived there used to own the general store.
WILL: Interesting.
He coughed.
WILL: Well, the two of you still shouldn’t have been sneaking away from camp, especially not with a younger camper. And you definitely shouldn’t have been sneaking into random houses, whether it looked like anybody lived there or not.
ARI: I know. I really am sorry. How much trouble am I in?
WILL: Well, your Daddy Sonny and I are gonna have to talk, and then the three of us will talk about it.
Ari nodded. Will patted Ari’s hand.
WILL: Hey, I want you to remember, whatever happened or will happen, Daddy Sonny and I love you so, so much, and we’re glad you’re okay.
ARI (quietly): I love you, too.

[Kpatch]

I hope Ari doesn't get into any more trouble this summer.

[heroicmuse]

I hope Will and SOnny aren't too hard on Ari. They had a good point that it's illegal to go breaking into people's houses.

I don't think this will stop Ari and Liv from investigating later, though.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[tghca]

Will was disciplining his daughter Ari. He was firm with her but fair. I mean it obviously comes from a place of love and just worry because Ari you are Will, Sonny and Gabi's only child. If something had happened to you, they would have never have forgiven themselves.

I can see Sonny being harder on Ari. If Gabi found out what happened, she would be just as hard on Ari as they are.

I still see the girls investigating regardless.

[André DiMera]

Thursday - 7/4 - Independence Day

HOPE & AIDEN’S BACKYARD
All of the Bradys, Hortons, Brady adjacents, and most of the other families in Salem had gathered together to celebrate the Fourth of July. Everything was decorated in red, white and blue.

Isaac ran over to Bo.
ISAAC: Grandpa!
BO: Hey, little buddy! How’re you doin’?
ISAAC: Good. I’m supposed to tell you Happy Fourth of July.
BO: Well, Happy Fourth of July to you, too.
Bo set down his spatula, wiped his hands on a towel and hugged Isaac.
ISAAC: What are you doing?
BO: I am cooking burgers, hot dogs and brats so we can all have something to eat for dinner. You like burgers, don’t you?
ISAAC: Yeah!
BO: You like hot dogs?
Isaac nodded.
BO: You like brats?
ISAAC: I don’t know. I’ve never had a brat.
BO: Never had a brat? Well, we’re gonna have to see what we can do about changing that, aren’t we?
Bo chuckled and ruffled Isaac’s hair, then went back to flipping the burgers.
ISAAC: Can I help, Grandpa?
BO: You know, I am glad you asked, because it just so happens that I’ve got this package of cheese here that needs to be opened and put on a plate. Think you can give me a hand with that?
ISAAC: Yeah!
BO: Alright!
Bo set a plate and package of cheese on the closest table.
BO: Here we go. Now, let me know when you’ve got all the cheese on a plate.
ISAAC: Okay!
Isaac set to work. The gate to the backyard opened.
KIMBERLY: Now this is a sight I haven’t seen in a long time!
Bo looked up from the grill as Kimberly and Shane walked in.
BO: Hey, Kimber! Shane!
Again, Bo wiped his hands on a towel, then he hugged Kimberly and shook Shane’s hand.
SHANE: Good to see you again, Bo.
BO: You too. How was the flight?
KIMBERLY: Good, but not as good as it is to see you back in your old position behind the grill.
BO: Oh, you know I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Fourth of July’s the best holiday we celebrate, next to Christmas.
Roman walked up.
ROMAN: I thought I saw you two walk in. Welcome home!
KIMBERLY: Roman!
SHANE: Good to be back, old friend.
Kimberly hugged Roman, and he and Shane shook hands.
ROMAN: How long are you in town for?
SHANE: Through the weekend.
KIMBERLY: Bo called a few weeks ago and suggested that we come out here, and it was at a time when we were both able to, so here we are.
ROMAN: Well, it is so good to see both of you!

Joy and Hawk were talking with Hope and Aiden.
JOY: Thank you so much for having us, Mrs. Jennings.
HOPE: Honey, just call me Hope. And of course, I’m happy to have the both of you here.
Aiden nodded.
HOPE: So, the fact that you two came together, does that mean…
AIDEN: And I thought I was the one who was supposed to cross-examine the witness.
HOPE: I’ve done my fair share of interrogations in my day, Jennings.
All four chuckled.
HAWK: No, Hope, it does likely mean what you think it means. Joy and I are together.
JOY: And we’ve decided to make it public as of today.
AIDEN: That’s wonderful! We’re very happy for you both.
HAWK: Thanks.

KAYLA: It’s good to have you back in Salem. How was the trip you took down south?
SONIA: It was good. Nice to go back to some of the places Benjy and I used to go to, relive some of those memories.
Kayla nodded and hugged Sonia.

Peyton hugged Johnny.
PEYTON: I am so sorry that I haven’t seen you lately. I was swamped at the end of the school year, then Mom and I took this trip out of town and we only just got back last night.
JOHNNY: Hey, it’s all good. So, I take it we became a lot closer over the last few years?
PEYTON: We did, yeah. Sorry, I forgot that you’d lost your memory. Not to sound insensitive.
JOHNNY: It’s fine. Anyway, I’m glad we did. It’s nice to have another DiMera cousin.
MEADOW: How was the trip?
PEYTON: Really nice. Mom took me to some of the places she and Dad used to go.
MEADOW: That’s nice.
Peyton nodded.

Alanis and Joey were talking to Theo, Kennedy, Ciara and Trix. Alanis’ head turned when the gate opened, and Claire and Chase walked in.
ALANIS: I’ll be right back.
Joey nodded.
Alanis ran over to Claire and Chase, and threw her arms around Claire.
ALANIS: You’re home!
CLAIRE: We are! It’s so good to see you!
ALANIS: You too! Hi, Chase.
CHASE: Hey.
ALANIS: How was France?
CHASE: Amazing! So beautiful!
CLAIRE: It was! We have so much to tell you about! And it looks like you’ve got something to tell us about, too. When did this happen?
Claire touched a lock of Alanis’ hair. Most of it was her normal brown, but the tips were pink, and a small section above that was light blue.
ALANIS: Just the other day. Meadow did it for me. She got an internship at the hair salon in the Square, and I’d been wanting to experiment a bit, so I stopped in and had her do it. Do you like it?
CLAIRE: I love it!
CHASE: Yeah, it looks really cool!

MARLENA: There you two are!
Marlena warmly hugged John and Tate.
MARLENA: How was the game?
TATE: Awesome! We won!
JOHN: And one of the runs was scored by our very own grandson.
MARLENA: Oh, that’s wonderful! I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to come, but I will absolutely be coming to more of your games in future!
TATE: Cool!

After everyone had eaten and the grill was officially turned off, Bo was joined by his brothers and sisters and the group had their picture taken together. At first, it was just the six siblings, but then their significant others joined the picture, before the extended Brady family joined in. As it started to get dark, Claire, Chase and J.J. began to play patriotic music, and Steve joined in on harmonica where appropriate. While they played, as a tribute to both the day, and the fact that Doug used to do it, Bill read the Declaration of Independence (CLICK HERE to listen to it). By the time he’d finished, night had fallen, and the fireworks began. All of the couples (Hope and Aiden, Roman and Kate, Sami and Lucas, Will and Sonny, Johnny and Meadow, Allie and Karina, Rex and Noelle, Shawn-D and Belle, Claire and Chase, Kimberly and Shane, Steve and Kayla, Joey and Alanis, Ciara and Trix, Frankie and Jennifer, J.J. and Paige, Abby and Chad, Max and Chelsea, Theo and Kennedyand John and Marlena) kissed, then they, along with everyone else there, which included all of the Hortons living in town, as well as the Bradys close friends, watched the fireworks.
BO: Happy Fourth of July, everybody!