Past, Present, & Future 2: Uncertainty 10/5/12 (Read 5,944 times)

[Deleted]

Past, Present & Future 2: Uncertainty


Prologue

Happiness. That’s what should happen when your dreams come true. When you are blessed with something that you have always wanted and you feel like there is not a thing more in the world that could make you happier. Then it happens. Reality comes knocking at your door and life is never the same. Of course, life is never perfect. And if you think it has hit what might feel like perfection, be prepared for the walls to come crashing down.

That is how Melanie Jonas has come to view life. It's unfortunate, because she is overall a relatively optimistic person. She’s always tried not to ever let life get her down; knowing that around the corner there is sure to be a silver lining. But, as human beings, we can only take so much. You can only be kicked when you’re down so many times before the optimism starts to wear thin.

Melanie has been through hell and back, several times. She’s dealt with more in her 23 years than most people do in a lifetime. Through it all, she remains strong and determined to make the best of what is given to her. And she has been given so much. Through all of the hell, there are always pieces of heaven scattered around her and she cherishes them, especially her family. With the addition of her precious daughter, Sophia, Melanie’s heart is overflowing with love. Nothing brings her as much happiness as watching her little girl grow and change with every passing day, and the unconditional love that she brings to Melanie’s life, both given and received. All doubts of her capabilities in motherhood escaped her the minute she held her baby in her arms. She knew that she could do it, because she had never loved or cared about another human being in such a way before. In many ways, she could say that her life was full now.

But then there is Philip. Melanie’s friendship with her ex-husband Philip Kiriakis was a welcome surprise at this stage in her life. She had missed him… they had missed each other. More than either one realized. It was nice to have someone in her corner that essentially didn’t have to be there. He wasn’t her immediate family… he was just a friend that cared enough to look out for her, and be there for her when she needed a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. He brought a perspective that was free of bias and judgment. They had traveled a long way together to get to that point. Been through marriage and divorce, all mixed with heartache- only to come back around to a solid relationship. She was actually starting to feel like eventually something more could grow between them. That’s why it feels so wrong to have to push him away. But as in all parts of life, good things must come to an end. You can only be happy for so long before the rug is pulled and you have to tread water alone again. But she had no choice. If she wanted to keep her daughter, then Philip couldn’t be in the picture.

That was how is had to be, all according to Chad Dimera. A man that she once loved. He loved her too. They loved deeply… and thought they were both prepared to spend the rest of their lives together. Then, things got complicated and she broke his heart. Melanie will never forgive herself for hurting Chad the way that she did. But all that it was, was honesty. With herself and with him. Now she was facing a wrath. One that she didn’t deserve. If she was ever at fault for the dissolution of their relationship, it now paled in comparison to what Chad was doing to her. Four days after their daughter is born, she’s served a custody subpoena notifying her that she needs to appear in court because Chad Dimera is suing her, not for visitation or joint custody of their child- but full custody. Full custody of a baby that, up until that point, he had spent all of 15 minutes with. Of course that changed. Instantly in the court, Chad demanded he have court ordered visitation with his daughter, at least one day during the week and over nights every other weekend. He was granted two nights weekly with Sophia, and a weekend day. But, this is far from good enough for the entitled Dimera boy. He is as determined as ever to fight with every fiber of his being to take sole custody away from Melanie. The perfect punishment.

The timing of Chad’s plea for custody was beneficial for Melanie, as she had was able to adjust little Sophia’s legal paperwork. She officially named her “Sophia Margaret Jonas”. Not Dimera. Never Dimera. She would lie down in front of a bus before she let her child be subjected to the scrutiny of such a name. But one thing was always true; she wanted Sophie to have a relationship with her father. Melanie wants nothing but the best childhood for her daughter, as unconventional as she is prepared for it to be. And Chad is ruining that chance. He is making Melanie resentful of ever allowing him to be a part of his daughter’s life in the first place. He is unrecognizably bitter and controlling, dragging Melanie through the mud in a heartless custody battle that she didn’t even see coming. While Chad dredges up anything and everything from her past to try and make her look like an unfit mother; Melanie soldiers on. She stands on her own two feet and tries to show through her actions and her words that she is a far better person than Chad Dimera. In the end, that’s all she really can do, isn’t it?

To Be Continued...

[slyn11]

I am so excited about this. Chad showing his Dimera side is going to be awesome. Can't wait to see Melanie be a strong mother. I really liked how you wrote the prologue. So well done.

Oh and more mature Philip....never enough of him.

[Deleted]

Jul 13, 2012 0:09:42 GMT -5 slyn11 said:

I am so excited about this. Chad showing his Dimera side is going to be awesome. Can't wait to see Melanie be a strong mother. I really liked how you wrote the prologue. So well done.

Oh and more mature Philip....never enough of him.

Thanks, Slyn. I hope it lives up to your expectations.

[MrsM]

Yay!!!!!!! Can't wait to read the insanity that is the custody battle!!!!

[Deleted]

Chapter 1

Melanie puts the last dish into the dishwasher and closes the door, setting the timer. Dressed in her scrubs, and her hair up in a tousled bun, she picks up the pacifier that Sophie just threw on the floor from her bouncy chair on the counter, and rinses it in the sink.

“Mommy doesn’t have time to play the pick-up game this morning, Sophia.” She smiles brightly as she puts the pacifier back in her happy baby’s mouth, kissing her head, “Grandma will be here any minute and I’m not ready to go yet.” She chuckles as Sophia excitedly kicks her feet and ignites the lights and music feature on the bouncy seat, “There ya go, princess! Entertain yourself.”

Melanie shakes her head as she heads to the table and gathers her papers together. She looks up at the knock at the door and smiles when Maggie lets herself in.

“Good morning, girls!” Maggie smiles, hugging Melanie, “How are you?”

“Running late.” She sighs as she goes back to leafing through the papers in front of her.

Maggie gives a concerned look as she sets her purse down on the kitchen table, and then directs her attention to the playful baby on the counter, “Hi, pumpkin!” She smiles brightly, causing Sophia to echo the sentiment, her pacifier escaping her mouth in the process. She unbuckles her and lifts her up and into her arms, showering her with kisses, “How’s my baby, today?”

Melanie puts the papers in her bag, then looks up to smile at her daughter and grandmother, “She’s a good baby girl, huh?” She kisses her cheek, then addresses Maggie, “She just ate. I gave her some rice cereal and a little bit of pears but she didn’t like them very much, huh, Sophie.”

“Uh oh,” Maggie kisses Sophie’s cheek, “The baby doesn’t like pears? You gonna just drink formula forever? You have to like something!”

“Apparently that is her one fault- picky eating.” Melanie shakes her head, she smiles, “Anyway, she’s fed, changed and good to go for a fun day with Grandma Maggie!”

“Oh, good! We like that, huh?” Maggie bounces the baby in her arms, then observes Melanie as she bustles around the kitchen, “I saw Justin this morning.”

“Yeah?” Melanie couldn’t stop long enough to get into where this was going.

“He told me that Jonathan said everything went well yesterday?” She sits down at the table, sitting Sophia upright on the table in front of her.

“Yeah,” Melanie sighs as she opens the fridge and retrieves a water bottle, “I guess. As well as it ever goes.”

Jonathan is a colleague of Justin Kiriakis’ who specializes in family law. He is a brilliant attorney and a very kind soul. But, unfortunately, there is nothing he could do to make this experience any less horrible for Melanie and she was losing her patience fast.

“He’s confident that things should wrap up soon… It sounds to him like the judge has a clear picture of the situation.”

“Right,” Melanie smiles dryly, as she approaches the table, “I heard that last week…”

“I know, honey,” Maggie sighs, looking up at her, “I’m just trying to be optimistic, you know?”

“I’m sorry, I know you are. I just have to try hard not to be pessimistic and it isn’t working very well.” Melanie pulls a chair out and sits down.

Maggie studies her carefully, “You look tired…”

“I’m fine.” Melanie’s voice was flat as she took a drink of her water.

“You know, it wouldn’t hurt you to take a little time off of work…”

“Yes, It would hurt me,” She gets up swiftly from her seat and throws her bag over her shoulder.

“I disagree,” Maggie picks up the baby, and gets up from her seat to meet Melanie, “I think you need some time off while you are dealing with this hearing.”

“And what else is new,” Melanie sighs, “When do we ever agree on this?”

“My goodness,” Maggie’s eyes widen as she looks down to the baby in her arms, “Sassy, isn’t she Sophie?” She leans down, kissing the drooling baby's forehead.

Melanie sighs, relaxing chuckling slightly at her grandmother’s reaction, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to snap. It’s just Friday… and I’m ready to be done with this week.”

“I know, sweetie,” Maggie smiles sweetly; “I just worry about you, that’s all.”

“Well, don’t,” She smiles before leaning in to hug her and kiss Sophie, “Thank you so much for watching her, as always.”

“And as always it is my complete pleasure… I would do it every day if you needed me to!” She smiles.

Melanie opens the door, smiling over her shoulder, “I love you.”

“Love you too,” Maggie picks up Sophie's hand and waves it to Melanie, “Bye-bye mommy!”

“Bye, babygirl, I’ll see you later!” Melanie waves with a smile, before turning and walking out the door.


Chapter 2 Preview
-Brady tries to get to the bottom of what is bothering Philip.

[MrsM]

Awww, I love Maggie and little Sophia together.

[slyn11]

I don't blame Sophie for not like the pears...yucky! LOL

Loved crashing in on Melanie's life and catching up with her.

[Deleted]

Chapter 2

Philip throws his phone down on the desk and sighs in frustration, then is jarred slightly by a knock at the door, “Come in!” He yells.

Brady Black peaks his head around the door sheepishly, “Hi?”

“Hi, Brady.” Philip greets him by only glancing away from his computer long enough to acknowledge his nephew’s appearance.

“I was hoping you and I could go over these proposals?” Brady approached cautiously.

“Yeah, sure. Have a seat. I’m almost done with this.”

Brady raises his eyebrows as he sits down in one of the large leather chairs in front of the desk. It had taken some getting used to, but working together at Titan had really helped strengthen Brady and Philip’s relationship. Overall he enjoyed working with his uncle in the family company, but recently his patience was being tested. Philip had always been a moody person, but his mood swings were definitely unpredictable lately. Brady found himself avoiding his uncle and boss, never really knowing what to expect. Today was no exception.

“Is everything okay?” He questioned cautiously, as he observed the fingers vigorously assaulting Philip’s keyboard.

“Huh?” Philip shook his head, “Yeah! Everything is fine, why?”

“I don’t know,” Brady shrugs, “You just seem a little…. On edge.”

“On edge?” He raises a brow, “Uh, no. I’m not on edge.” He chuckles, his movements riddled with agitated sarcasm.

“Okay. Upset, then?”

Philip sighed, suddenly surrendering and leaning back in his chair, “Brady did you come in here to work or to shrink me on my problems?”

“So you do have a problem…” Brady leans forward in his seat.

“No,” Philip rolls his eyes, “I don’t have a problem. Here, give me those files.”

Brady hands his uncle the files, but studies his demeanor attentively. Philip looks up and notices.

“Stop staring at me!”

“Sorry,” Brady throws up his hands, “I’m just trying to figure out what the deal is, here.”

“Okay. You keep trying, I’m gonna work.” Philip widens his eyes in exasperation, and glances back up at Brady, “I told you, there is no deal.”

“It’s Melanie.” Brady’s eyes are narrow as he speaks flatly, but with a small lift of satisfaction.

“What?” Philip looks up at him confused, “What is Melanie?”

“That’s what is making you upset. Melanie.” His face softens, “I’m sorry, Philip, I know it must be really hard not seeing her.”

Philip sighs and shakes his head, “It is what it is. I’m fine with it.” He continues to study the papers in front of him.

“You’re fine with it?”

“I know it’s what she needs to do.” He shrugs, “I feel sorry for her; that she’s going through this.”

“I know,” Brady agrees, “She didn’t even have a second to enjoy her little girl before Chad decided to fight her. And then to hold your relationship over her head…”

“I just hate the control he has over her,” Philip looks up from his work, tensing his fist in frustration, “It drives me crazy how she has to tip-toe with everything she does now, because he is going to use whatever he can against her.”

“Especially you.”

“Right, especially me.” He shakes his head, “But you know, what really kills me is that she has as much power in her corner as Chad does. He has no better connections being a Dimera than she does as practically a Kiriakis. But yet she refuses to use them.”

“She doesn’t want this to turn into a Kiriakis/Dimera feud. I don’t blame her. No one wants to be to blame for that.” Brady shrugs in agreement, “I’m sure it’s hard for you though, having to witness her suffering through all of this and not being able to help.”

“Yeah, well I don’t see her much, obviously. I mean, I hear about it,” He shrugs, “From Maggie and Dad, but it’s not like I see it firsthand. Melanie won’t let me anywhere near her.”

“I know it isn’t easy for her, either, you know. Not that it’s any consolation,” Brady speaks softly, “She just can’t risk it.”

“I’d like to think it isn’t easy for her. But sometimes I don’t really believe it.” Philip looks back down at the papers and begins to scribble in the margins.

“What do you mean?” Brady tilts his gaze, confused.

“Never mind,” He shakes his head, ceasing to look up from the work in his hands.

“No, you don’t believe what?”

“Melanie,” Philip sighs, looking Brady in the eye, he drops his grip of the papers and runs his hands over his face, “I don’t know, Brady. I mean, I don’t doubt her devotion to her daughter. I know how much she loves her. Sophie is her whole world now. And avoiding drama with Chad, I get that. Definitely. But sometimes I wonder if she isn’t exaggerating a little.”

“What? Why would she be?” Brady couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“I don’t know,” Philip shrugs, “I can’t help but wonder if maybe it’s an excuse. So she doesn’t have to see me.”

“Philip, come on! No it’s isn’t.” Brady admonishes his claim.

“Brady… Melanie doesn’t let anyone control her.” Philip shakes his head, “And when someone tries? What does she do?”

“Usually she doesn’t exactly what they tell her not to…” Brady nods, beginning to agree, he chuckles slightly, “Just to make a point.”

“Exactly.” Philip shakes his head, “It’s just out of character for her to be so afraid of someone.”

“Yeah, but Philip… Chad is trying to take her daughter away from her. I mean, I can kind of see why she would be afraid.”

“I know,” Philip sighs, “It’s selfish to think this is about me. I guess I’m just having a harder time then I thought I would.”

“It’s okay to miss her… You guys were really getting close; had a good thing going.” Brady shrugs from his seat on the other side of the desk.

“You know, Brady,” Philip relaxes, meeting Brady’s eyes, “When Melanie and I got divorced, I never thought that she would even be able to look at me again. Then I came back to town and as far as I could tell, I was right.” He raises his brow in emphasis, “She practically ran away from me the first time we were face to face! It’s just that so much happened after that. Finally, we get to a place where we can start to build a solid friendship and all hell breaks loose.” He shrugs and shakes his head, picking up his work again, “I don’t know, just makes me think maybe Melanie and I just aren’t meant to be.”

Chapter 3 Preview--Miranda worries about Melanie

[slyn11]

Oh I loved it. Philip so upset he can't focus. And the dynamic between him and Brady was just right. So angstilious Philip thinking they are not meant to be. Sigh. I love how descriptive you write I can see their every move.

[MrsM]

Poor Philip. I will go console him..

[Deleted]

I loved writing that scene.

[Deleted]

Chapter 3

Melanie exited her patient’s room with a smile, walking swiftly to the nurse’s station where Miranda was already working. The hospital was bustling… tended to be that way when winter began. The flu was on the warpath and the hospital was crawling with sick elderly patients in need of intravenous fluids. They were Melanie’s favorite. She always got so much joy from talking to the older patients in the hospital. They all had such interesting stories and such long lives filled with a rich history. Granted, there were a few old curmudgeons that were a pain to take care of, but she still was able to loosen them up and get a few laughs.

“Hey,” Miranda smiles as Melanie joins her, taking post at the computer beside her, “How’s Mr. Salvatore?”

“Hydrated. But grumpy,” Melanie chuckles, “I got him to crack a smile when I told him I had experience dealing with crotchety old men, so he won’t wear me down.”

“Glad to hear it,” Her friend nods, “So next time he hits the call button to have the volume lowered on his television, I’ll make sure I send for you.”

“He’s just lonely and likes to look at us, Randa. Be flattered.” Melanie laughs when Miranda throws her a roll of her eyes.

“Melanie, I don’t get it. It’s insane around here. How are you still laughing?” Miranda speaks as she swiftly shifts around files and scribbles on papers.

“I don’t know,” Melanie shrugs, “I love being at work. It’s nice to feel like you have control over something. I mean, of course I love to be home with Sophie… but being home also means I have to confront my reality- where I have no control.” She scurried around the nurse’s station, practically rambling and slightly mumbling to herself.

Miranda stops what she’s doing and studies Melanie, “I’m sorry, Mel. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

“It’s okay,” Melanie smiles softly, “I’m really fine. I have a beautiful daughter that is worth every single second of worry or ounce of stress that I might have, so it doesn’t even matter.”

“You know what?” Miranda smiles, “Work might be distracting, but it isn’t relaxing by any means. Why don’t you and I go out for a drink tonight after our shift?”

“What? No, I can’t do that.” Melanie picked up her working pace, her face falling as she bustles through the nurse’s station.

“Why not?”

“I have to get home to Sophie.” Melanie shrugs.

“Melanie, I'm sure that you’re grandma wouldn’t mind staying with the baby a little longer.”

“I just can’t do it… I can’t risk anyone seeing me out.” Melanie shook her head as she typed into the computer.

“So, are you just gonna hide forever?”

“I’m not hiding, Miranda!” Melanie looked at her fiercely, “You don’t know what this is like. All I would need is for someone to see me out having a drink with a friend instead of at home taking care of my baby. I can’t give Chad anything to work with. He would run with it, and I can’t risk that.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be insensitive.” Miranda turns away, wishing she could retract her last reaction.

“I know, It’s fine. It’s hard for other people to really understand. I can’t do much of anything without Chad twisting it to prove that I am an unfit mother.”

“I just don’t get it. I mean, people go out sometimes…” She shrugs. “You are the last person that deserves this.” Miranda speaks softly.

“I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” Melanie smiles softly, stopping to look into her friend’s eyes as she speaks, “But you know what, everything does happen for a reason. This whole situation has given me a new perspective. A new appreciation. I just keep thinking about my mom. I mean, I can understand now more than ever how she must have felt when she had to give me up. I’m not going to let that happen to my daughter.”

“You’re such an amazing mother, Mel.” Miranda smiles, “Sophie is so lucky to have you!”

“Thanks,” Melanie smiles, “I just want to do the best that I can. Whatever I can to make sure that I don’t lose her, that’s what I do. She is absolutely the most important part of my life… and I can’t let her down.”

“You won’t. No matter what happens, you will never let her down.”

“I hope not…” Melanie nods as she turns and resumes the tasks at hand.

“Have you talked to Philip at all?” Miranda asks the question nonchalantly.

“Philip!?” Her head shoots up in surprise, “No, why would I talk to him?”

“I don’t know… I didn’t really know that you weren’t talking to him.” Miranda furrowed her brow in confusion.

“I can’t. Chad hates Philip. That’s how this whole thing got started, by Chad thinking that Philip and I were together.” Melanie shakes her head, “I can’t see Philip. It would only cause a problem.”

“Melanie, have you given any thought to the fact that you might be giving Chad too much power?” Miranda inquired softly.

“What do you mean?” She stops what she is doing and meets eyes with her friend, “He’s taking the power… I’m not giving him anything.”

“You are though. You are letting him call all of the shots. That’s not like you.”

“I don’t have a choice, Miranda,” Melanie’s voice grows sharp and cold, “What do you think I should do? Fight back and show him whose boss and then let him take my daughter right out from under me? Not going to happen, okay?”

“I’m sorry, Mel- I…” If Miranda ever had a moment where she regretted opening her mouth, it was now.

“No. I’m telling you… I’m doing the best that I can. All I can do is just take each day as it comes and hope that I am making the right decisions.” Melanie slams the binder closed and puts it under her arm, “I will die before I let Chad Dimera get custody of my daughter. And I’m serious.” She raises her eyebrows in emphasis before storming away from the nurse’s station.

[slyn11]

I am not supposed to be in here...no reading until I post my own update today...but I couldn't resist being the first to comment.

I love how you write Melanie...loving her job, such a devoted parent. I agree with Miranda though, time for Melanie to think about fighting. I know she is scared, and doesn't want her baby ending up with a "bad" daddy...like she had. (I am guessing that is part of where her fears are stemming from). But Melanie is a fighter...hopefully someone can help her reclaim that side of herself again. Maybe even her grandma Maggie...

Loved the chapter as always...can't see what comes next.

[MrsM]

Ahhhh!! She needs to step up and fight.

[Deleted]

Jul 30, 2012 16:03:55 GMT -5 slyn11 said:

I am not supposed to be in here...no reading until I post my own update today...but I couldn't resist being the first to comment.

I love how you write Melanie...loving her job, such a devoted parent. I agree with Miranda though, time for Melanie to think about fighting. I know she is scared, and doesn't want her baby ending up with a "bad" daddy...like she had. (I am guessing that is part of where her fears are stemming from). But Melanie is a fighter...hopefully someone can help her reclaim that side of herself again. Maybe even her grandma Maggie...

Loved the chapter as always...can't see what comes next.

You make a good point. Melanie is vulnerable now because she has someone else to worry about. She has never been responsible for anyone else but herself or loved another being the way that she loves her daughter. Besides, as we delve deeper into this, you will see that sometimes it doesn't matter what she does, it's not good enough. She's afraid to take the kid gloves off and really fight because as of right now, she trusts that Chad isn't playing dirty. She doesn't want to bring out an even darker side of him.

Melanie isn't familiar with feeling powerless, either. She's always been very intelligent and in the past, conniving and sneaky. The more vulnerable she feels, the more she retreats inside of herself and isn't able to confront her feelings. Soon you will see how insecure she has become. She essentially feels like she's fighting to stay above water, and sometimes can't fight any harder. It's hard for anyone to give her advice or try to help her because she resists so hard. It's very frustrating for her family and friends.