Chapter 7
PHILIP & MELANIE'S APARTMENT
Philip stood up.
PHILIP: Melanie.
Belle's phone rang.
BELLE: I should probably take this.
Belle walks into a different room to answer her phone.
PHILIP: Melanie, I can explain.
MELANIE: Oh, I don't need an explanation, Philip. I can see exactly what's going on here.
PHILIP: What are you talking about?
MELANIE: You and Belle. You've always been in love with her. And now, you get to have her.
PHILIP: What's that supposed to me?
MELANIE: Haven't you wondered why my suitcase has been packed for the last week?
PHILIP: Well...yeah.
MELANIE: I've known. I've known about you two ever since Jan had her baby.
PHILIP: Who told you?
MELANIE: No one. I saw you two making out on a bench outside the hospital. So, I'm leaving.
PHILIP: Melanie, don't you think we should at least talk about this?
MELANIE: There's nothing to talk about, Philip. I'm leaving you. And that's final. I've already packed all my things, the suitcase is in my car.
Melanie turned to leave.
PHILIP: Wait.
Melanie turned back to Philip.
PHILIP: Where are you gonna go?
MELANIE: To stay with my dad for a few days. And then, I'm getting out of here. Out of this town. Have a nice life, Philip.
And, with that, Melanie left.
SALEM INN
Roman had spent the last few days making phone calls and arrangements. All of his brothers, sisters, and children (including the ones he had fathered while he was under the name of John Black) were back in Salem. Kimberly had gotten a room at the Salem Inn. As had Kayla, Frankie, Max, Carrie, Rex, and Cassie. Also, the significant others of his brothers, sisters, and children had returned to Salem. This included: Shane, Patch, Chelsea, Austin, and Mimi. Sami and Lucas had gotten back from their honeymoon and were living in an apartment together. A group of these returnees were swimming in the pool one night at the Salem Inn.
REX: Why do you suppose John wanted all of us to come back to Salem?
FRANKIE: No idea. But, if it was so big he needed us all to be here, it must be important.
CASSIE: I hope it's nothing bad.
AUSTIN: We're all hoping for that, Cassie.
MAX: Whatever it is, it's gonna be something big.
