The Melaswen Paradox (Read 318,951 times)

[Kpatch]

The first day of school is so nerve-wracking.

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 9/3

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Philip stayed as close to Melanie as he could while not being in the way of Craig, Maxine and the other nurses. Daniel and Carly also stood nearby.
CRAIG: She’s definitely waking up, that’s for sure. Should be just another moment or two.
PHILIP (thinking): Come on, Melanie. Come on.
After another moment, Melanie’s eyelids fluttered, then she took a deep breath and her eyes opened.
PHILIP: Oh, thank god!
Melanie breathed deeply a few times. She looked over at Philip and mouthed something that might be his name.
PHILIP: Yeah, it’s me. I’m here.
Melanie made an attempt to sit up, but quickly let out a screech of pain.
MAXINE: Whoa there, darlin’! You aren’t ready to just get up and go, not yet.
Maxine and one of the other nurses gently helped Melanie lay back down.
CRAIG: Maxine’s right.
Melanie touched her throat.
MELANIE: Water.
Her voice was scratchy. Craig turned to one of the other nurses.
CRAIG: Get her some water, please.
He turned back to Melanie.
CRAIG: Good to see you awake. You gave us all quite a scare there. Can you tell me your name?
MELANIE: Melanie Kiriakis.
The nurse came back with a cup of water and straw. She handed both to Maxine.
MAXINE: Alright, now take slow sips of this, Melanie.
Maxine held the straw up to Melanie’s mouth, and Melanie sipped from it. Craig gestured to Philip.
CRAIG: Can you tell me who he is?
MELANIE: My husband…Philip.
CRAIG: Very good. Do you know where you are?
Melanie looked around and thought for a moment.
MELANIE: Hospital?
CRAIG: That’s right.
MELANIE: How?
PHILIP: Do you not remember?
Craig held up a hand.
CRAIG: Give her a second.
He put the hand down.
CRAIG: Melanie, what’s the last thing you remember?
Melanie looked up at the ceiling and thought.
MELANIE: There was…a man…

KIRIAKIS MANSION - FLASHBACK
It was the evening of Noelle and Rex’s wedding. Dani had been under the weather earlier in the week, and even though she was much better now, Melanie had decided it would be better if she stayed home with her. Melanie had gone downstairs to get Dani something to eat. She opened the door and found her daughter in the arms of Bart.

SALEM CITY JAIL
E.J. blinked furiously.
E.J.: You remember…
JOHNNY: Everything, that’s right.
E.J. cleared his throat and put on what he hoped would be a reassuring smile.
E.J.: Well, that’s wonderful news.
JOHNNY: Is it, Father?
E.J.: Of course it is. Your memory’s back after that…that incident. That’s lovely.
Johnny crossed his arms.
JOHNNY: You did hear me when I said “everything”? You do know what “everything” means, right?
E.J.: Of course I know what the word means! And it is wonderful that you’ve gotten your memory back.
JOHNNY: Because “everything” includes the bit where you were trying to lead Sydney down to Dr. Rolf’s lab. You know, the bit where you said you were going to teach her a lesson about lying to you. The bit where I stepped in to try and break the two of you up. The bit where I begged you to just listen for two seconds, to try to see my point of view. And, of course, the bit where you pushed me away, first figuratively, and then quite literally, and I ended up hitting my head on the fireplace mantle.
E.J. went pale. He cleared his throat again.
E.J.: Well…Johnny, what you must understand-
JOHNNY: I’m not looking for an explanation, Father. That’s not why I came down here.
E.J.: Isn’t it?
JOHNNY: No. I came here to inform you that I have all of my memories back. And that that has led me to a revelation. The revelation that you are more like Nonno than I thought, in ways both good and bad. Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved Nonno. Adored him, even. And I love you, as well, always will. But loving someone doesn’t mean agreeing with everything that they do. And I really don’t like what happened that afternoon. Now, I don’t know all of the details about how you ended up in this position, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Mom had a hand in at least part of it. Whether she did or not, though, doesn’t really matter. Here we are. And I’m sorry to say that our dynamic is about to change. Goodbye, Father. And good luck.
E.J.: Johnny…Johnny!
But Johnny didn’t hear what E.J. was going to say. As soon as he finished speaking, he hung up the phone, and turned and walked out.

[tghca]

Johnny is done with EJ...I can't say that I am surprised. He told EJ he would always love him and does love him but he wants nothing to do with EJ and I can't say that I blame him. EJ has to deal with whatever consequences come his way. He's in a cell. But for how long? I wonder if he gets his high priced attorneys to get him out of this?

So Bart had something to do with Melanie? Bart works for the DiMeras so we all know he doesn't do anything without Andre or Megan's say so

Philip knows that it was the DiMeras who did this so I wonder if Philip sends Nico to kidnap Andre and then rough him up? Or he sends Nico to kidnap Megan and torture her?

[Kpatch]

Oh Bart. I hope he's not the one who stabbed Melanie. As I recall, he never used to be violent, even doing the Dimeras bidding.

Go Johnny Go!

[heroicmuse]

Johnny is right to be done with EJ.

Was Bart trying to kidnap Dani? Eager for more of what Melanie remembers. I'm so glad she's awake!
Great chapter André DiMera

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 9/4

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
PHILIP (under his breath): Dammit! I knew it was a bad idea to let all the staff off early that night!
Philip ran a hand through his hair.
PHILIP: A man?
Melanie gave a small nod.
PHILIP: What kind of man? Do you know who it was?

KIRIAKIS MANSION - FLASHBACK
Melanie closed the bedroom door behind her and ran over to Bart.
MELANIE: What the hell are you doing here, Bart? And what do you think you’re doing with my daughter?!
BART: Whoa, you actually remember me. I didn’t expect that.
Melanie sighed.
MELANIE: Of course I remember you, Bart! I was brainwashed to think I was André DiMera’s daughter and spent months on end in Dr. Rolf’s creepy basement lair! That kind of thing is rather hard to forget!
BART: Well, that’s a good point, actually.
MELANIE: Now answer my question! And whatever you do, don’t you dare hurt my daughter!
BART: Chill, alright? I’m not here for the kid. I thought you knew by now that the bossman doesn’t use kids.
MELANIE: Then why the hell is she in your arms?
BART: I just wanted to get a good look at her, that’s all. She’s a cute kid.
MELANIE: Give her back to me!
BART: Okay, okay.
Bart handed over Dani, who miraculously had been sleeping this whole time, over to Melanie. She didn’t stay sleeping for long.
DANI: Mommy?
MELANIE (quietly): Ssh. It’s okay, baby. You’re okay. You’re just having a dream, that’s all. Go back to sleep, okay?
Melanie laid Dani down on her bed and rubbed her back for a few moments. Then, she turned to Bart.
BART: Okay, I’ve put down the kid, now-
Melanie put a finger up to her mouth and made a shushing noise. Bart rolled his eyes and followed Melanie out of the room and down the hall.
MELANIE: Now tell me, what are you doing here?
BART: Alright, like I was trying to say, I’m not here for the kid. I’m here for you.
MELANIE: Why?
BART: ‘Cause the bossman and bosslady…mostly the bosslady, they think your husband, Mr. Philip Kiriakis, needs to be taught a lesson.
MELANIE: A lesson? A lesson about what? What are you even-
Bart produced a gun.
BART: Look, we can do this the easy way, or the hard way. I really don’t wanna do it the hard way, though.
Melanie stared Bart down.
MELANIE: You’re not gonna use that. I know you, Bart. You’re not a violent man, you’d never shoot me.
BART: I really don’t want to. So, I’m hoping you’ll make this easy and come with me.
Melanie laughed without humor.
MELANIE: As if I’d leave my daughter and go anywhere with you!
BART: Okay, looks like we’re doing this the hard way.
Bart put the gun away.
MELANIE: What are you doing?
BART: Look, I liked you. You were nice to me back when you thought you were the bossman’s daughter. I’m sorry to have to do this.
Bart grabbed Melanie.
MELANIE: No! Let go of me!
She struggled to get out of his grasp and scratched at him a few times. But Bart produced a damp rag and put it over her face. A moment later, she stopped struggling and went limp. Bart picked Melanie up and carried her out.

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
MELANIE: Bart Beiderbecke.

[tghca]

Bart now that we know he did this to Melanie, he had better hope Philip or his people namely Nico don't catch up to him

[Kpatch]

Philip, please don't escalate the war that you started.

[tghca]

@kpatch There may not be another choice buy to escalate this war...so what is Philip supposed to do? Nothing especially after his wife almost got killed by the DiMeras? I can't see Philip doing that especially when Sami did say he's becoming more like his late father Victor. Whenever Victor's loved ones got hurt, he acted on it.

[heroicmuse]

So Bart kidnapped Melanie, but how did she end up stabbed?

I always end up feeling bad for Bart. He wants so much to be liked and has thrown his weight behind the evil team.

Great chapter André DiMera

[André DiMera]

Thursday - 9/5

SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
PHILIP: Bart?
Philip sighed.
PHILIP: Of course. He’s André’s right hand man, of course he had a hand in this. What did he do to you?
MELANIE: He was with Dani. I begged him not to take her. He said he wouldn’t…that he wanted me. Then he put a cloth over my mouth and…
She thought for a moment.
MELANIE: It all becomes blurry after that.
There was fire in Philip’s eyes. He took another deep breath.
CRAIG: Is there anything else you can remember, Melanie?
Melanie shook her head slightly.
CRAIG: That’s okay. That’s more than I thought you’d remember for only just waking up.
PHILIP: I’ll call Shawn, see if either he or one of his guys can get down here.
Craig turned to Philip.
CRAIG: I would wait on that, if I were you.
PHILIP: Wait?! Wait for what?
CRAIG: Philip, Melanie just woke up after surviving quite an ordeal over the last few weeks, and-
PHILIP: I know that!
CRAIG: And as such, she needs to rest. Now, I’m more than happy to let her talk to the police when she’s more awake, but as you can see, at the moment, she’s still not at that stage yet.
Melanie was laying back, her eyes closed.
CRAIG: I understand that you want whoever did this to Melanie to be caught. I do, too. But as her doctor, I don’t think Melanie is in any shape to talk to the police just yet. So, give it a little time, a few hours, even. Then, when she’s more awake, have Shawn or whoever come and talk to her.
Philip rolled his eyes.
PHILIP: Fine. Can I at least stay with her now that she’s awake.
Craig looked from Philip to Carly and Daniel, and back again.
CRAIG: Sure. All three of you can, but only for a few minutes. After she’s had a few minutes to see you all, I’d like to go back to only having one person in here at a time.
DANIEL: Understood.
CARLY: Thank you, Craig.
Craig nodded. He patted the edge of the bed.
CRAIG: Melanie, I am glad to see you awake again. I’ll be back to check in with you in a bit.
MELANIE: Okay.
Maxine gently squeezed Melanie’s shoulder.
MAXINE: So glad you’re awake.
MELANIE: Thanks, Maxine.
Craig, Maxine and the rest of the nurses left. While Philip stayed on one side of the bed, Carly and Daniel walked over to the other.
MELANIE: Dani…where’s Dani?
PHILIP: She’s at home, she’s fine. She’s being looked after by Maggie and Sarah.
Melanie sighed with relief.
MELANIE: Thank goodness.
CARLY: I’m sure, once you’re up for more than a couple visitors at a time, Philip will bring her in to see you.
PHILIP: Of course.
Melanie opened her eyes again.
MELANIE: Mom…Dad…
DANIEL: Hey, kiddo.
CARLY: We’re so glad you’re back with us!
MELANIE: Me too.

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
Tate stood up.
TATE: Sure, what’s going on?
HOLLY: I wanted to talk about a couple things. Firstly, us. I-
But what Holly was about to say was interrupted as Mr. Woods and the vice principal made their way to the podium in the middle of the gymnasium.
HOLLY (quietly): After the assembly.
TATE (quietly): Sure.
Holly and Tate sat down next to each other. Aaron, one of the guys on the baseball team with both of them, gave Tate a knowing look. A hush fell over the crowd as Mr. Woods put his hands up.
WOODS: Thank you! Good morning, everyone. My name is Principal Malcolm Woods. Welcome to a new year at Salem High School! It’s so wonderful to see all of your faces here. Some of you I am seeing for the first time, but others that I have the pleasure of seeing again. I look forward to a wonderful new school year with you all.

SALEM JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Liv and Ari walked out of their first class of the day.
LIV: It sucks that we can’t hang out until Fall Fest. I know it’s only a few weeks, but still, after being separated for half of camp…
ARI: I know. But, I know a way around that.
LIV: What?
ARI: Well, we have a lot of the same classes, if not all of them. And all of the Sixth Graders have lunch at the same time. It’s not like our parents can stop us hanging out at school. We just won’t be able to hang out after school until Fall Fest.
LIV: That is a very good point!
ARI: Betcha thought you were the only one who could come up with cunning plans.
LIV: No, I’ve always known you were crafty, too. That’s part of why you’re my best friend. That, and we’ve known each other since we were practically in diapers.
Ari and Liv giggled as they made their way to their next class.

SALEM UNIVERSITY
After his talk with E.J., Johnny made his way to college. He and Meadow met in the cafeteria. She hugged him as he walked up.
MEADOW: How’d it go?
JOHNNY: About as well as I thought it would. He tried to deny everything at first, and then when he knew he couldn’t, he attempted to deflect. Or, rather he would have, but I stopped him before he could because I could see it coming.
MEADOW: I’m sorry.
JOHNNY: Don’t be.
Johnny sighed.
JOHNNY: As much as it sucks the way this all went down, I’m glad I know the truth now. It’s better than not knowing.
Meadow nodded.
MEADOW: I wish I could’ve come with you.
JOHNNY: It’s all good. How was your first class of the day?
MEADOW: Good. Working at the spa over the summer’s been really helpful for practicing my technique.
JOHNNY: Good, I’m glad.
Allie and Karina walked over.
ALLIE: Hey guys!
MEADOW: Hey! Good to see you!
KARINA: You too!
Meadow and Allie hugged.
JOHNNY: If you guys wanna join us, we were just about to grab brunch.
ALLIE: Sure!
KARINA: Sounds good!

[tghca]

Johnny has to embark on a new life away from the DiMeras but will that be so easy especially with his father EJ in prison? Let's not forget his Uncle Andre, Aunt Megan and his cousin Rudolfo could pull Johnny back into the fold if they want to. All they have to do is threaten Johany or go after the ones Johnny loves to get him to comply.


I think Holly is breaking up with Tate. The signs are obviously there hence Aaron's knowing look. Putting it off over and over...I just see it coming a mile away.


Liv and Ari sneaking around to hang out...for how long before Will & Sonny catch on?


Philip now that he knows everything, I still see him acting on all of this. Philip will probably make a call to Nico to tell him to find Bart and bring him to Philip, alive. He will have Bart grabbed and brought to him at a separate location and well let's just say Bart won't live long enough after that.

[heroicmuse]

I'm glad Ari and Liv are going to hang out at school.

Wonder what's going on with Holly and Tate.

Glad Meadow is there for Johnny. I have a feeling this isn't the end of it with EJ.

I hope Melanie is able to remember the rest of what happened to her soon.

Great chapter André DiMera

[Kpatch]

Hope Melanie remembers soon.

[André DiMera]

Friday - 9/6

SALEM JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
At lunch, as promised, Ari told Liv about what Will had told her regarding the Merritt family.
LIV: So, it was just that they fought a lot, and they didn’t want to deal with the house after their parents died?
ARI: Yep. I thought it was kinda anti-climactic, too. Like you, I was expecting something majorly bad had happened.
Liv nodded, looking thoughtful.
ARI: Anyway, I guess one is still alive and lives in Walden, Esther.
Liv looked up.
LIV: What did you say?
ARI: Her name is Esther.
Liv nodded.
LIV: Did your Dad say what Esther’s last name is?
Ari thought for a moment.
ARI: No, he didn’t. Why?
Liv looked at the table, deep in thought.
ARI: Liv, what’s up?
She looked at Ari.
LIV: You remember how when we were first finding out about the Merritts last year, I asked my Grandma, the one who’s lived in Walden all her life, if she knew the Merritts, and she said “yes”, but told me not to look any further into it when I asked about them?
ARI: Yeah. I remember that.
LIV: My Grandma’s name is Esther. Ari, I think my Grandma might be Esther Merritt. Which would mean that I’m a Merritt, too.

SALEM HIGH SCHOOL
After the assembly, the kids made their way to their classes.
TATE: So, what’d you wanna talk about?
Holly sighed.
HOLLY: Look, I’m sorry that we haven’t actually hung out at all this summer outside of the baseball field.
Tate shrugged.
TATE: It’s fine. It’s just, I, uh…I thought we kinda had something going for a bit back when we first met, or at least that we could. Guess I was wrong.
HOLLY: You weren’t.
Holly took Tate’s hand.
HOLLY: I felt like there was something between us, too. I just…uh, I always end up doing this. Every time I find a guy that I like, I start hanging out with him, then I get all weird and distant. I don’t know why I’m like this! It’s probably because I worry too much about what people are gonna think.
TATE: And what exactly are you afraid that people will think? I mean, you’re a really pretty girl, and I’d like to think that I’m not too bad looking, myself.
HOLLY: You’re not. I just get all up in my head because of…well, the other two.
TATE: Charlotte and Annabelle? What about them?
HOLLY: I have a bad habit of letting them get in my head. And any time that they find out that I like a guy, they give me crap about it because they think they should be dating before I do.
TATE: No offense, but they don’t sound like very good friends.
HOLLY: Yeah, I’m starting to realize that. Thankfully, we won’t have that problem this year. Annabelle got sent to boarding school for something stupid she did over the summer, more on that later. And Charlotte’s family moved. So, now we can be together. What do you say?