The Fugitive (Read 9,259 times)

[heroicmuse]

I love where this is going. Hopefully Hope's trust isn't misplaced and we're getting the real Aiden back.

[André DiMera]

I’m so glad Hope isn’t afraid of Aiden anymore!

[melly]

As much as I want a happy ending for these two, I don’t know that it’s a great idea for Hope to let her guard down too much just yet....

Can you hook us up with previews, boss?

[mae00]

Poor Doug. I can't imagine the heartbreak he has been going through. I sure hope he hears Aiden out and can keep things together for Hope's sake. I'm sure once Julie finds out tho that she will blab it any and everyone.

[fluffysmom]

Poor Doug needs to know that Hope is okay.

Aiden should try to see his son. Email and a weekly phonecall isn't enough.

[Kpatch]

Thanks everyone for continuing to read and comment! Next week marks a turning point. 


Next week on The Fugitive...

Hope’s safe little world inside Aiden’s cabin is shattered when something happens and she comes to a horrible realization.

By week’s end, a state trooper comes looking for her.

[fluffysmom]

Thanks for the intriguing previews Kpatch.

[melly]

Thanks, boss! I’m not surprised that someone has come looking for Hope...I just wish she and Aiden had a little more time before it happened!

[Kpatch]

Chapter 19a


The next afternoon, Hope and Aiden were eating sandwiches in the living room. The room was paneled in pinewood and Hope sat on one of the old-fashioned rocking chairs while Aiden occupied a spot on the green-and-white plaid overstuffed sofa. He watched Hope take the last bite of her sandwich. “More French fries?”

“Yes,” Hope said eagerly. As Aiden took her plate, she added, “I’m still like a prisoner eating my last meal.”

“Real food is a very good thing.”

“Thank you, Martha Stewart,” she quipped. Scowling, she mumbled, “Martha did time too, but she got her life back together.”

“It’s possible for there to be life after prison,” he retorted.

While Aiden was getting Hope more homemade fries, she picked up the remote and switched on the TV. Scanning through the channels, she stopped when she saw a picture of Hattie flash on the screen, followed by Sheila and then one of herself. She turned up the sound.

Three escaped convicts remain at large following the bus crash that injured the driver and two prison guards. One of the guards remains in serious, but stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. If you see any of these fugitives, call 555-555-5555. Do not approach. They should be considered armed and dangerous. Now to Brian McClure for the weekend forecast.

Aiden stood near Hope’s chair with a refill of fries. He set them down and kneeled by her side, took the remote from her hand and turned off the TV.

“I’m still wanted. Oh my god.” Her lips parted. She turned toward Aiden. “I just realized I can’t go back to Salem. Not now, not ever.”

[heroicmuse]

I wonder if Aiden will be willing to continue hiding out with Hope forever. One way or another, her situation will need to be resolved.

[André DiMera]

It seems like Hope completely forgot her situation until just now.

[melly]

Well....she can’t go back unless her name is cleared somehow. Is there any chance of that?

[fluffysmom]

I like the update that the authorities are still on the lookout for Hope, Sheila, and Hattie.

[Kpatch]

Chapter 19b


“I’m still wanted. Oh my god.” Her lips parted. She turned toward Aiden. “I just realized I can’t go back to Salem. Not now, not ever.” She quickly got out of the rocking chair and began to pace. “I’m almost fully recovered but it doesn’t matter. I can’t even set foot outside this house or I’ll be captured in a New York minute. My life is over.”

Aiden got to his feet and stood in front of her. Holding her shoulders, he said, “I won’t let that happen.”

“You’re an attorney, Aiden, not judge and jury. There’s nothing you can do about it.” Seeing the hurt on his face, she quickly softened. “I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that. I know you mean well, but I’m sunk. If I leave, I’ll be sentenced to the highest degree for assaulting that guard, which I didn’t do. My current sentence will be extended. All I have to look forward to is consecutive prison sentences.”

Aiden pulled her into his arms. “You can stay with me, as long as you want.”

Leaning away, she asked, “Is that why you asked if I’d consider leaving Salem? Because you figured out long ago that I can never go back?”

He nodded. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go. Europe. Asia. The Caribbean. Canada. Oregon.”

“What about your life?”

“My life is with you. Wherever thou goest.”

“Aiden.”

He leaned closer and kissed her lips. She started to pull away but gave into the soft, sweet kiss instead. When the kiss broke, he gently rubbed her cheek with his knuckles. “I still love you, Hope.”

“I know you do. But this isn’t fair to you and I can’t ask you to—”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering.”

She slowly pulled out of his arms. “I don’t want to live on the run.”

“You don’t want life in prison either.”

“I don’t have many options, do I?” She glanced in his direction, feeling uncertain about his intentions, even though she wished she didn’t. This was all too much too soon. “My head is spinning,” she finally said. “I need to lie down.”

“Can I help?”

“I’ll be fine.” She held her hand up to let him know she didn’t want his help. Then she walked toward the hallway leading to the bedroom. “I just need to rest.”

“I understand,” he said quietly as he watched her walk away.

[André DiMera]

Part of me hopes Hope will take Aiden up on his offer. But I still hope she doesn’t have to live on the run forever.