Chapter 2
TITAN
Victor made his way to Titan, and worked there all day. It was 8 o'clock in the evening when he finally decided it was time to go home. However, on the way out, he was stopped by his son, Philip.
VICTOR: What do you want, Philip?
PHILIP: Dad, did I hear correctly that we're going to be open on Christmas Day?
VICTOR: Of course we are! What kind of question is that?!
PHILIP: But, that'll mean I won't get to spend any time with Melanie. And, then she'll probably get mad and break up with me, like all of my other girlfriends/fiancees/wives have.
VICTOR: All the better, then. Honestly, Philip, I don't see why you waste your time with that skank.
PHILIP: I'm in love with her.
VICTOR: In love with her. Bah! Humbug! A girl like Melanie Layton is nothing but trouble! She'll ruin your life! The way you spend money on her, you're likely to lose everything by the age of 30.
PHILIP: But, thanks to SORASing, I am 30.
VICTOR: Thanks to what?
PHILIP: SORASing. It stands for “Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome”. It's when...never mind. I'll explain later.
VICTOR: Whatever. Anyway, back to the plot. Trust me, son. You'll be much happier without a pile of scum like Melanie.
With that, Victor walked out and made his way to the Kiriakis Mansion.
SALEM PLACE
However, he wasn't alone for long. A young man who worked for a charity came up to him.
WORKER: Excuse me, sir? Excuse me?
VICTOR: Oh, what do you want? Can't you see I'm busy being better than you?
WORKER: If I could just spare a moment of your time, sir. You see, with Christmas coming up, it's a good time to be thinking of those less fortunate than yourself. A simple donation...
VICTOR: Tell me, are there any prisons?
WORKER: Well...yes, but...
VICTOR: And, the workhouses in China, are they still in operation?
WORKER: Unfortunately, yes. Though, I wish I could say they weren't. However...
VICTOR: Then, send the poor people there. They'll find shelter at those places.
WORKER: With respect sir, many are not able to get there. And, those that are would rather die than go.
VICTOR: Well, if they're going to die, they'd better do it quickly and decrease the surplus population.
WORKER: But...
VICTOR: I support the places I have mentioned to you. I see no reason as to why this discussion must continue any further. Good day to you.
Without another word, Victor pushed past the Charity Worker and continued on his way. However, it wasn't long until he was interrupted again. This time, by his other son, Bo.
BO: Victor! Merry Christmas!
VICTOR: Merry...oh, shut up, will you?! How can you even think of “Merry Christmas”, considering how awfully poor you are?!
BO: I'm not that poor. Besides, I don't see why you don't enjoy it, you're rich enough. Anyway, you know that I rarely, if ever, ask you for favors. But, this time, I really need some money. You see, it's about Ciara...
VICTOR: Go away! I'm far too busy to be bothered with whatever trivial money problem you're having! Why don't you go down to the Pub and ask your dear “Pop” Shawn Brady for money? Oh, that's right. He's dead. Well, good riddance!
BO: But...
Without allowing Bo to finish his sentence, Victor walked away.
KIRIAKIS MANSION
Soon, he had made it back home. As he approached the door, he saw something strange where the door knocker was. Now, let me stress at this point that the door knocker had not undergone any physical change since the last time Victor saw it. However, when Victor looked at it, he saw not a knocker, but the face of his older brother, Alexander. He was briefly shaken by the sight, but soon shrugged it off and went inside. He began to go up the stairs when he was greeted by Henderson.
HENDERSON: Merry Christmas, sir.
By now, Victor's patience had been stretched to it's limit. He had had enough! He stormed up the stairs, yelling back to Henderson as he went up.
VICTOR (yelling): Humbugs, fruit cakes, and anything else to your “Merry Christmas”! I don't care! What part of “I don't care” does anyone in this town not seem to understand? I just want it to burn, combust, disintegrate, die a horribly painful death in the flames! Just send it to hell! I don't care! Just don't bother me about Christmas!!!
He slammed the bedroom door!