Last Days of Our Lives (Read 3,448 times)

[Kpatch]

Someday, hopefully not for decades and decades, Days of Our Lives will go off the air. This story is my vision for how the final month of Days of Our Lives would play out and how the storylines would conclude.

What can you expect?

Four weddings and a funeral
Surprise couplings
Romance
Indiscretions
Rewrites of history (for storylines that many of us hated)
Characters from the recent and distant past
Drama
And more

Tune in here for the beginning of the end … the start of The Last Days of Our Lives.

To be continued ...
______________________________________
Copyright ©2009 kpatch. All rights reserved.

[Kpatch]

[Readers: Please click here to WATCH this video, then return to this page.
www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&h...ature=related ]

THE BRADY PUB, After Hours

Hope: Kayla! Steve! Do you know why Caroline called this family meeting?
Kayla: I have no idea. Where’s Bo and Roman?
Hope: They were finishing up a report at the station. They should be here any minute.
Steve: Maxwell, do you know why Caroline called us all here tonight?
Max: Yeah, but let’s wait and let Ma tell you.
Steve: You can tell ME, little dude. I won’t say anything.


Stephanie: You look really nice, Chels. I love that bracelet!
Chelsea: It’s actually yours. I borrowed it from you.
Stephanie: I don’t remember having a bracelet like that.
Chelsea: You wear it as an earring.
Stephanie: Oh, right. Hey, I have some exciting news!
Chelsea: What is it?
Stephanie: I think Philip is going to pop the question soon.
Chelsea: Oh my gosh. That IS exciting! I’m so happy for you. When do you think he’s going to do it?
Stephanie: I’m thinking maybe Valentine’s Day.
Chelsea: You have to call me the second it happens.
Stephanie: I promise you’ll be the first to know… well, after I tell Mama and Papa. How’s everything with you and Max?
Chelsea: I guess it could be better.
Stephanie: Why? What’s going on?


[Bo and Roman arrive]
Bo: Sorry we’re late, Ma.
Caroline: That’s alright Bo. Now that everyone is here, I have something I want to tell you. I’m selling the pub.
Roman: What da hell?
Bo: Ma, why?
Caroline: Well, you all know how bad the economy is nowadays, and how expensive everything has gotten. I just can’t afford to stay in business anymore.
Kayla: But I thought business was good. You always seem to have customers here.
Caroline: Yes, but people are watching their pennies. They’re not ordering as much. Sometimes they just come in for coffee and nothing else.
Stephanie: Well, there must be something we can do. Maybe some extra marketing or weekly specials that will get people to come in and buy more food.
Caroline: I’m afraid there’s more to it. I’m having a hard time meeting my overhead. Utilities have gone up 25%. The price of food is to the moon. The staff expects a raise now and then, and I can barely pay them a fair wage.
Max: I’ll work for free, Ma.
Caroline: I know, sweetie. You already do. But the two of us can’t do it all alone. Plus, I’m tired. I’m ready to retire.
Roman: What about your savings? What about Pop’s life insurance?
Caroline: When your father died, he had no life insurance. He cashed in his policy about 10 years ago, before we refinanced the Pub. By the time he wanted to take out a new policy, it was too expensive because of his age.
Bo: Is there anything we can do to help... I mean financially.
[Hope kicks Bo]
Caroline: You all have families to support and your own obligations. Listen children, all good things must come to an end, and the time has come to close the pub.


[Sami arrives]
Sami: Sorry I’m late. What’s going on?


To be continued....

[Kpatch]

THE BRADY PUB

Sami: Grandma, is it true? You’re selling the pub?
Caroline: If I can find a buyer. Otherwise, I’ll just have to sell the building.
Sami: This is terrible. It’s insulting to Grandpa’s memory.
Caroline: Sami!
Sami: I’m sorry Grandma. I shouldn’t have said that.
Caroline: What’s the matter, Sami? Is something wrong?
Sami: Wrong? What could be wrong? My life is perfect. I have no job, no man, no life. My only child lives thousands of miles away and hardly ever speaks to me.
Caroline: What is it you really want out of life, Sami? You have to ask yourself that question and then go after it.
Sami: I don’t know.
Caroline: I don’t believe that for a second. The Sami Brady I know has always known what she wanted.
Sami: The truth? Lucas. I want Lucas.
Caroline: Lucas is marrying Chloe.
Sami: I know, but…
Caroline: He’s made a life for himself. And I suggest you leave them be.


Kayla: I wish there was something we could do for Mom.
Bo: Me too. But as Hope reminded me, we’re stretched pretty thin between our expenses, paying off the green kitchen remodel, saving for Ciara’s college tuition, and we’re still wiring money to Shawn and Belle every month.
Kayla: Same here. We’re helping Stephanie pay off her college loans, while saving money for Joey’s college tuition. Don’t tell Steve I told you this, but he hasn’t had any clients for his private investigator business in at least six months. He’s not bringing in any money.
Bo: What about you, Roman?
Roman: Count me out. Sami has no job, so I still support her, and I’m writing alimony checks to three exes.


Stephanie: So what gives with you and Max?
Chelsea: I wish I could put my finger on it. We’re just not clicking these days. We argue all the time.
Stephanie: When I was with Max, we argued all the time too.
Chelsea: I don’t know. Maybe we’re just not right for each other. Actually, we’ve decided to take a break from dating each other.
Stephanie: A break! Oh, that’s not so good. I’m sorry to hear that.
Chelsea: Sometimes I wonder if I’m right for anyone.
Stephanie: Don’t say that. Listen, I’ll ask Philip if he has any single friends to fix you up with. Hey, how about Brady?
Chelsea: Cousin.
Stephanie: Oops, sorry.


TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES, the next day

[Victor is reading the Wall Street Journal. He buzzes Philip on the intercom.]
Victor: Philip, come in here immediately!

To be continued….

[Kpatch]

TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

[Victor is reading the Wall Street Journal. He buzzes Philip on the intercom.]
Victor: Philip, come in here immediately!

Philip: What’s up?
Victor: Did you know about this? [Shows Philip a page from the Journal.]
Philip [reading]: “Bear claws sharpen as market pans rescue plan. Dow plummets. Commodity prices plunge.”
Victor: No, not that! This! [points].
Philip: “Salem Institution to Close; Brady Family to Sell Pub. Three Part-Time Workers Join Jobless Ranks.” Yeah, Stephanie told me about this last night.
Victor: Why didn’t you tell me?
Philip: I didn’t think you’d be...
Victor: That’s your trouble. You never think! I’m going over to see Caroline. [Leaves.]


THE BRADY PUB

Victor: Caroline, could I have a word with you?
Caroline: Sure, have a seat. I’ll pour you some coffee.
Victor: Is it true you’re selling the Pub?
Caroline: I’m going to try.
Victor: But why?
Caroline: I’m not making a profit anymore. I spend all my time just trying to keep up with expenses. The worst part is….
Victor: What?
Caroline: Shawn and I always wanted to leave our children a legacy. I thought I would be leaving them some money or a viable business.
Victor: Caroline, if money is the issue, why didn’t you come to me?
Caroline: Victor, you know I would never ask you for money.
Victor: I don’t want to see you lose this business. I’ll write you a check right now.
Caroline: Absolutely not! I won’t hear of it.
Victor: I understand that you’re a proud woman, Caroline, but I consider this an investment.
Caroline: You will put your checkbook away this minute, Victor. The answer is no!
Victor: Wait… An investment… That’s it! I’ll invest in your business. Through Titan Holdings, I’ll purchase a 49% stake in the Pub. That way, you’ll still be the majority owner and Titan will pay your operating expenses. Then you’ll be able to purchase your inventory and pay your overhead.
Caroline: I don’t know, Victor.
Victor: It’s perfect.
Caroline: I wouldn’t call it perfect.
Victor: Why? What don’t you like about it?

To be continued….

[Kpatch]

THE BRADY PUB

Caroline: You will put your checkbook away this minute, Victor. The answer is no!
Victor: Wait… An investment… That’s it! I’ll invest in your business. Through Titan Holdings, I’ll purchase a 49% stake in the Pub. That way, you’ll still be the majority owner and Titan will pay your operating expenses. Then you’ll be able to purchase your inventory and pay your overhead.
Caroline: I don’t know, Victor.
Victor: It’s perfect.
Caroline: I wouldn’t call it perfect.
Victor: Why? What don’t you like about it?
Caroline: I don’t like to owe people, especially you.
Victor: I’ll try not to take that personally.
Caroline: Shawn and I were always independent people. Whatever we have, we earned. If I let you buy into the business….
Victor: I’ll reap 49% of the profits. It makes good business sense, Caroline.
Caroline: I’m still uncomfortable about this idea.
Victor: Let me give this some thought and see if I can come up with something that will make you feel more comfortable.


CHEATIN’ HEART at closing time

Nicole: Barkeep! I need another vodka tonic over here. And keep ‘em coming.
Max: It’s closing time, Nicole. Besides which, don’t you think you’ve had enough?
Nicole: Oh, I’ve had enough alright. Enough of rich men with cold hands and no hearts.
Max: I’m sorry things ended so badly with EJ.
Nicole: Doooooooon’t say his name. Pompous chauvinist pig! So what if I pretended I was still pregnant when I really wasn’t? So what if I tried to buy a baby and pretend it was mine? I did it for him. I did everything for him. You’d think he’d understand.
Max: Some guys are just unreasonable. You’re better off without him.
Nicole: I know. Then why am I so miserable? Max, you’re a bartender. You must have some great advice for me.
Max: Yeah, I’m the right one to give advice. Wanna hear my best advice?
Nicole: Yes, I really do.
Max: Okay, here goes: Don’t date your nieces.
Nicole: I’ll try to remember that. Meanwhile, I’m going to go to an after-hours place where I can order more drinks. [Gets up and almost falls down.]
Max [catching her]: Whoa. I don’t think you’re going anywhere. Listen, I’m leaving now anyway. Why don’t I drive you home?
Nicole: In your racecar?
Max: Oh sure. My racecar.
Nicole: Can we do 200?
Max: Why not? I’ll drive you home going 200 miles an hour.


To be continued….

[Kpatch]

NICOLE’S APARTMENT

[Nicole is in bed. She rolls over and sees Max looking at her.]
Max: That wasn’t what I expected to be doing last night.
Nicole: Disappointed?
Max: Uh, no. More like delighted.
Nicole: Good. Me too. [Kisses Max]


TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Philip: Steph, my father just gave me a project that would be perfect for you to manage.
Stephanie: Great, what is it?
Philip: It has to do with the Brady Pub. My father made your grandmother an offer to buy into the pub.
Stephanie: That’s amazing! Then she won’t have to sell it!
Philip: Hold on. Your grandmother wasn’t so keen on the idea.
Stephanie: Why not?
Philip: She said she doesn’t want to owe anything to anyone.
Stephanie: That sounds like Grandma. What do you need me to do? Try to talk her into it?
Philip: Not exactly. We want to come up with an idea where your grandmother is able to pay back the money over time. What can she do to earn extra money without it being a hardship on her?
Stephanie: Wow, that’s a tough one.
Philip: You can handle it. I have faith in you. [They kiss.]
Stephanie: That reminds me. You know what tomorrow is?
Philip: February 14th?
Stephanie: Which is…?
Philip [putting his arms around her]: Ah, yes, Valentine’s Day.
Stephanie: Did you have anything special in mind for us to do?
Philip: As a matter of fact, I do. And it has something to do with getting married.


To be continued….

[Kpatch]

THE BRADY PUB, February 13th continues

Sami: Hi Grandma. I’m meeting Dad here for lunch.
Caroline: How nice! Are you feeling any more chipper than the last time we talked?
Sami: As a matter of fact, I am. I decided I’m going to get a job.
Caroline: Wonderful! Doing what?
Sami: I’m not sure yet. I’m not really qualified for much. I am going to ask Dad if there are any openings at the police station.
Caroline: Have you tried Titan?
Sami: Titan! Last time I worked there, it was a disaster.
Caroline: Maybe so, but you’re a different person than you were back then.
Sami: Yeah, but Victor still hates me.
Caroline: I don’t think that’s true. Why don’t I call him for you and you can go over to Titan and talk to him.
Sami: Really? You’d do that for me?
Caroline: I’d do anything for my family.
Sami: Thank you, Grandma!


TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES at 5:30 p.m.

Marie: May I help you?
Chloe: I need to see Brady.
Philip: Chloe, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be home doing whatever it is women do the day before they get married?
Marie: Is there anything else you need before I go home?
Philip: No, thanks Marie. See you Monday.
Chloe: Where’s Brady?
Philip: He’s in Paris at the Titan Europe office.
Chloe: When will he be back?
Philip: In a few days. I can give you his cell number if you don’t have it.
Chloe: This can’t wait a few days. I wanted to talk to him in person.
Philip: Will I do?
Chloe: No.
Philip: Way to hurt a guy!
Chloe: Sorry. But I can’t talk to you about this.
Philip: Come on. After tomorrow, you’ll be my sister-in-law. Besides that, we’ve known each other for what? Ten years? Maybe more? You know you can tell me anything.
Chloe: Not this.
Philip: How bad can it be?
Chloe: It’s pretty bad.
Philip: Does this have something to do with Lucas?
Chloe: Lucas. And… someone else.

To be continued….

[Kpatch]

HEARTH & HOME OFFICES, still February 13th

Kate: Lucas, I have something important I need to talk to you about.
Lucas: What’s goin’ on?
Kate: I’m starting a new chapter in my life.
Lucas: You’re writing a book?
Kate: No, at least not yet. I’ve gotten remarried.
Lucas: What? I didn’t know you were even dating anyone, unless you got back together with Daniel.
Kate: No, it’s not Daniel. And I’m not sure I know how to tell you this.
Lucas: Mom, you’re starting to worry me.
Kate: You have to promise me you won’t flip out.
Lucas: OK.
Kate: I married Stefano.
Lucas: Stefano who?
Kate: Stefano Dimera.
Lucas [flipping out]: WHAT??


TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Philip: How bad can it be?
Chloe: It’s pretty bad.
Philip: Does this have something to do with Lucas?
Chloe: Lucas. And… someone else.
Philip: Someone else? It’s Daniel, isn’t it?
Chloe: Daniel? No. He disgusts me. I reported him to the medical board right after he groped me during an examination.
Philip: He did WHAT??? So that’s why he left University Hospital so abruptly.
Chloe: I really don’t want to talk about Daniel.
Philip: OK. What’s going on with you and Lucas?
Chloe: I’ve made an absolute mess of things. I don’t deserve Lucas. He’s the sweetest guy on this planet and…

[Just then, Sami steps off the elevator. She sees Philip and Chloe talking and hides so she can eavesdrop on the conversation.]
Philip: Lucas is head over heels in love with you. What do you mean you don’t deserve him?
Chloe [starts to cry]: Everything I’ve done lately has been for all the wrong reasons. Getting engaged. Planning this wedding. I’m on this rollercoaster and I can’t get off.
Philip: I’m not following.
Chloe: I don’t love Lucas. I’m in love with...
Philip: Brady?
Chloe: No! Gosh, were you always this dense? I’m not in love with Brady. And I’m not in love with Lucas. I’m in love with you.

To be continued….

[Kpatch]

TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES, February 13th continues

Chloe [crying]: Everything I’ve done lately has been for all the wrong reasons. Getting engaged. Planning this wedding. I’m on this rollercoaster and I can’t get off.
Philip: I’m not following.
Chloe: I don’t love Lucas. I’m in love with...
Philip: Brady?
Chloe: No! Gosh, were you always this dense? I’m not in love with Brady. And I’m not in love with Lucas. I’m in love with you.
Philip: Me? Do you know what you’re saying?
Chloe: I do.
Philip: You’re marrying my brother tomorrow and yet you say you’re in love with ME?
Chloe: It’s true Philip, I’ve always loved you. Why do you think I came back to Salem? I could have gone anywhere in the world when I left Austria, but I came here. I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering why I left you for Brady. Back in high school, I wasn’t ready for the kind of love you were offering. I was young and I was scared. When Brady came along, he was older and calm and more mature. Having grown up in an orphanage, I had this need to feel safe and protected, and that’s how Brady made me feel. But what I had with Brady didn’t come close to what WE had together.
Philip: That seems like a lifetime ago. I was so immature and obsessive in high school. Especially when it came to you. But I don’t understand why you’re marrying Lucas if you don’t love him.
Chloe: To be honest, neither do I. Lucas was a mistake from the start. Remember last year, when I told you I was in love with you, but you just wanted us to be friends with benefits?
Philip: I remember. It was my way of protecting myself from getting hurt again. When you got involved with Lucas, of all people, it felt like you were trying to hurt me. I never expected you to get serious with him.
Chloe: I didn’t either. I mean, I guess I WAS trying to get your attention by dating your brother. Dating Lucas seemed like the next best thing to being with you. Then everything escalated and got out of control, and now we’re getting married tomorrow. [Covers her face with her hands.] I never meant for things to get this far. I never wanted to hurt him. I’m a horrible person. I don’t deserve Lucas.
Philip: Wow, I wasn’t expecting this. But ... I’m not one to judge. I’ve made a lot of mistakes too. And I’m not the same person I used to be. I’ve been in combat, I’ve been married and divorced, and now I’m running a multinational company. But there’s one thing about me that hasn’t changed.
Chloe: What’s that?
Philip: I never stopped loving you either.
[He pulls her toward him, they start to kiss and become passionate. They undress each other as they make their way into Philip’s office. … Meanwhile, Sami, who has been watching and listening, gets back on the elevator and leaves.]


THE BRADY PUB

Steve: Do you and Philip have any special plans for Valentine’s Day?
Stephanie: We’re going to Lucas and Chloe’s wedding. Meanwhile, I have this special project I’m doing for work that I was hoping to finish.
Steve: You really like working at Titan, don’t you?
Stephanie: I really do, Papa.
Steve: And I’m sure that has nothing to do with the fact that you’re dating your boss.
Stephanie: Well, maybe a little.


To be continued….

[Kpatch]

THE BRADY PUB, still February 13th

Steve: Do you and Philip have any special plans for Valentine’s Day?
Stephanie: We’re going to Lucas and Chloe’s wedding. Meanwhile, I have this special project I’m doing for work that I was hoping to finish.
Steve: You really like working at Titan, don’t you?
Stephanie: I really do, Papa.
Steve: And I’m sure that has nothing to do with the fact that you’re dating your boss.
Stephanie: Well, maybe a little.
Steve: You know I still don’t like you dating a Kiriakis.
Stephanie: Don’t call him that.
Steve: That’s his name.
Stephanie: I know. But when you say it, it sounds evil.
Steve: Baby girl, I have a lot of history with Victor Kiriakis, and not much of it is nice.
Stephanie: But it’s ancient history, Papa. Victor isn’t like that anymore.
Steve: Leopards don’t change their spots and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Stephanie: Papa, you sound like an old man. Philip is a good guy. And we have something really special. I really love him, Papa. Mama even likes him.
Steve: I know. He charmed your mother too. He has a way with women, and that’s why I don’t….
Stephanie: Papa, when I was little and we thought you were dead, Mama would tell me all these stories about how you didn’t think you were good enough for her and how she had to convince you, as well as her family...
Steve: I see where you’re going with this. Her parents didn’t like me at first either.
Stephanie: Exactly! Grandma and Grandpa turned out to be wrong, didn’t they?
Caroline [comes over to the table]: Wrong about what?
Stephanie: About Papa. You know, when he and Mama were first dating.
Caroline: Your Papa is a wonderful man and an important member of our family.
Steve: Stop! You’re makin’ me blush.
Caroline: How about if I bring you both a nice cup of chowder? [She leaves.]
Steve: There’s something else that bugs me about your boss.
Stephanie: Papa, stop.
Steve: Remember the Pocketman? The little baby that your Mama and me took in?
Stephanie: I know. The baby is Philip’s biological child.
Steve: Wouldn’t you think he’d want to raise his own child?
Stephanie: He told me all about that. And how the baby was conceived under this really odd set of circumstances. He said he wasn’t ready to be a single dad and the baby was better off with its adoptive parents.
Steve: Well, he’s probably right about that. Just be careful, baby girl.
Stephanie: Of course I will. Trust me on this, Papa.
Steve: I guess it could be worse. You could be dating Stefano Dimera’s son.
Caroline [returning with the chowder]: Here you go. Enjoy!
Stephanie: Thanks Grandma. ... Oh my gosh! That’s it! I have it! The idea that’s going to help Grandma buy back the Pub! Philip is going to be blown away when he hears about this.
[She pulls out her cell phone and hits a speed-dial key. It goes straight to voicemail.] Philip, I have the idea of the century. Call me as soon as you get this message.


TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

[Philip and Chloe are in the throes of passion.]
Philip: I want you so much, Chloe.
Chloe: I want you too.
Philip: I need you.
Chloe: Yes.
Philip: Yes.
Chloe: Yes.
Philip: No, wait. We can’t do this.
Chloe: Why not?
Philip: Because you’re marrying my brother. [Puts his clothes on.]
Chloe: I can’t marry Lucas, not anymore.
Philip: You have to.
Chloe: What? No, I love YOU, not Lucas.
Philip: We can’t do this to him, Chloe. He’s not just some schmo. He’s my brother. He’s family. This would crush him and I won’t betray him this way. He loves you too much and he doesn’t deserve this. And I also have Stephanie to consider.
Chloe: Do you love her?
Philip: Yes. At least I thought I did ... until you walked into the office tonight.
Chloe: That’s because we belong together, Philip. You know we do.
Philip: Maybe once, but not anymore. Besides, it’s not about us. We have the chance to do something unselfish for the first time in our lives.
Chloe: I’m sorry Philip, but I can’t be THAT unselfish. I’m going to break up with Lucas.
Philip: And then what? You think we’ll ride off into the sunset together?
Chloe: Why wouldn’t we?
Philip: Because … if you were to break up with Lucas, and you and me were to get together, what do you think Lucas would say? What about my mother? My father? They’d all hate me and I’d hate myself. And eventually I’d grow to hate you.
Chloe: What’s that? Pop psychology?
Philip: I took a correspondence course.
Chloe: Let me get this straight. You’re saying if I marry Lucas, I can’t have you. And if I don’t marry Lucas, I still can’t have you?
Philip: That’s exactly right.
Chloe [getting dressed]: You think you’re being noble here, don’t you? Well, you’re wrong, Philip. Instead of having one unhappy person, there will be three miserable people. I care about Lucas, but I can’t fool him forever. I wish I never told you how I feel about you.
Philip: So do I.
[Chloe runs out of Philip’s office and leaves the building as Philip remembers their past together. Please click the link to SEE what he’s remembering, then return to this page.




BACK AT THE BRADY PUB

[Stephanie is closing up her laptop computer and getting ready to leave the Pub when Sami walks in.]
Sami: Stephanie, you’re just the person I was hoping to see.
Stephanie: Hi Sami. What’s up?
Sami: How are things between you and Philip?
Stephanie: They’re good. Why do you ask?
Sami: Next time you speak to him, ask him about Chloe.
Stephanie: I know all about Philip’s past with Chloe.
Sami: This isn’t about the past.
Stephanie: Sami, why are you trying to cause trouble? Oh, wait, I know. It’s because that’s what you do ... try to cause trouble.
Sami: Stephanie, I love you like a cousin. Probably because you ARE my cousin. Anyway, I wouldn’t lie to you. Just ask him.
Stephanie: Sami, go sell crazy somewhere else.
[Stephanie leaves the Pub as February 13th finally comes to an end.]


To be continued….

[Kpatch]

ST. LUKE’S CATHEDRAL
Lucas and Chloe’s Wedding on Valentine’s Day

[Guests are gathering in the pews. In addition to the regulars, Nancy, Craig and Joy Wesley have arrived, and Bill Horton is there to see his son get married. Will Roberts is there with Carrie, Austin and Billie. Lucas and Philip are in the groom’s quarters with Kate.]

Kate: My boys look so handsome today.
Lucas: I am so happy, I think I’m gonna bust out of this tuxedo.
Kate: Be careful, it’s rented.
Lucas: I am so thankful for Chloe. I…I need to go tell her how much I love her.
Kate: You cannot see the bride before the wedding. It’s bad luck. If you have something you want to say to Chloe, Philip will take a message to her.
Philip: Me? Can’t it wait?
Lucas: Hey, that’s part of a Best Man’s job. Here’s what I want you to tell Chloe. ….

[Philip stands outside the bridal room and knocks on the door. He enters the room and sees Chloe and her mother.]
Nancy: Philip, it’s nice to see you. [Then to Chloe.] I’ll see you in a little while, sweetheart. [Exits]
Chloe: I’m so glad you’re here, Philip. I was praying you’d come. Please, take me out of here. Let’s run away. It’s not too late.
Philip: I have a message for you from Lucas. He wants me to tell you that he loves you….
Chloe: I’d rather hear you say it for yourself.

[There’s a knock at the door and Sami enters.]
Sami: Well, isn’t this interesting? Finding the two of you here together.
Chloe: Sami, what do you want?
Sami: I’d like to have a word alone with the bride.
Chloe: I’m sort of busy here.
Philip: It’s okay, I was just leaving anyway.

[Philip backs out of the room as Chloe watches. He silently mouths]: Good bye, Chloe. [Exits]

Chloe: Sami, what are you doing here?
Sami: Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t miss this for the world.
Chloe: Except you’re not invited.
Sami: Oh, I figured my invitation got lost in the mail. I just had to come so I could watch you crash and burn.
Chloe: Well then, you’re wasting your time. I’m not going to crash and burn, so you may as well go home.
Sami: Not so fast. I know your dirty little secret, Chloe.
Chloe: I don’t know what you’re talking about Sami and I really don’t care to know.
Sami: Your affair. I know about the affair you’re having.
Chloe: What?
Sami: I saw you and Philip at Titan yesterday. I heard everything you said.
Chloe: Whatever you think you saw, you’re wrong. Nothing happened.
Sami: Save it, Chloe. You’re busted.
Chloe: It’s not what you think.
Sami: What I think doesn’t matter. What matters is what will Lucas think?
Chloe: You can’t say anything to Lucas.
Sami: I wasn’t planning to. I thought I’d let you tell him.
Chloe: Please, whatever you do, don’t implicate Philip.
Sami: What I do next is really up to you, Chloe. I’ll be at the back of the church, ready to tell the whole congregation everything about you and Philip. So, Chloe, what are YOU going to do? [Exits.]

[The ceremony begins]

Father Jansen: If there is anyone here who has reason why this man and this woman should not be joined in wedlock, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Chloe: I can’t do this. I can’t marry you, Lucas. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.

[Chloe runs up the aisle and out of the church as the stunned crowd gasps and chatters. Kate and Bill rush to Lucas' side and quickly take him back into the grooms quarters.]
Philip [angrily:] Damn it!
Sami [smiling and watching from the back of the church]: That was easier than I thought.


THE DIMERA MANSION

Rolf: Mary, have you seen Stefano?
Mary: He went to the wedding with Ms. Roberts, I mean Mrs. Dimera.
Rolf: Are you sure?
Mary: Quite sure.
Rolf: What about EJ and Tony? Are they here?
Mary: No, sir. We’re quite alone.
Rolf: Leibchen!
Mary: Bunny!
[Rolf and Mary start making out.]

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

BO AND HOPE’S HOUSE, the next day

Hope: I love President’s Day.
Bo [bouncing Ciara on his knee]: Since when?
Hope: Since it means we get to have a day off together for a change.
Bo: I couldn’t agree more, Fancy Face. But it’s hard to pull you away from your cadets nowadays.
Hope: I know, I’m sorry.
Bo: Hey, don’t apologize. I’m glad you’re enjoying your new assignment. And you’re great at training the new recruits. I’ve been really impressed.
Hope: You don’t fool me for a minute, Brady. I know you gave me this assignment because you think it’s safer than being out on the streets.
Bo: I…er…
Hope: I’m just teasing you, Commissioner. You know I love working with the newbies.

[Phone rings]
Hope: I’ll get it. Hello? Hi Kayla. What? Oh no. When? We’ll be right there. [hangs up]
Bo: What’s the matter?
Hope: That was Kayla. We have to get to the hospital right away.


SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Hope: Kayla, how is she?
Kayla: She’s stable right now. Lexie is with her.

[Lexie comes out of Alice’s room.]
Hope: Lexie! Is she...?
Lexie: Your grandmother is very weak. Her heart is failing. I’m sorry to tell you this, but she doesn’t have much longer.
Bo: Can we see her?
Lexie: Yes, of course. Maggie, Mickey, and Bill are in there too.

[Bo and Hope go into Alice’s room.]
Hope [takes Alice’s hand]: Gran?
Alice: My children, I didn’t mean to worry you.
Bo: Shhh. Don’t talk, Mrs. H. Save your strength.
Alice: This may be my last day on this earth and I will talk if I want to.
Hope: Gran, what is it you want to say?
Alice: I’ve had a good life, children. I’ve been very blessed. I had the most devoted husband anyone can wish for. I have children and grandchildren...and great grandchildren that I am very proud of. I’m ready to go if it’s my time.
Hope: No, Gran.
Alice: It’s alright, my darling. Tell all the children that I love them.
Bo: We love you too, Mrs. H.

To be continued….

[Kpatch]

TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Philip: Dad, there’s something I need to talk to you about.
Victor: What is it? The wedding fiasco? I knew that Lucas’ relationship with Chloe would end in disaster. How is your brother doing?
Philip: Not so good. But I wanted to talk to you about something else.
Victor: You look serious.
Philip: It’s about Mom. She married Stefano.
Victor: I’m utterly speechless.
Philip: I was shocked too.
Victor: We’ll have to be on our guard more than ever now.
Philip: What do you mean?
Victor: Kate’s going to try to get you to tell her Titan’s secrets and then she’s going to turn around and tell Stefano.
Philip: She wouldn’t do that.
Victor: You don’t think so, eh? Trust me. I know Kate better than anyone.
Philip: You’re wrong about that, Dad. Mom may be misguided in her methods, but she’s always loyal to her family.
Victor: Which family? One thing you’re going to need to learn in life, son, is never to trust a woman. Not any woman. Especially if you’re in love with them. I learned that the hard way.
Philip: You can think what you want about her, but I know that she has my best interests at heart. She’s not going to sell Titan down the river.
Victor: I think those anger management classes you’re taking have turned you into a wussy. Heed my advice, Philip. Keep your guard up.


DIMERA MANSION

Stefano: Elvis, my boy, I like this plan you devised to steal Titan’s secrets. But I’m not too happy that it involves that nutburger ... what’s her name, Millicent?
EJ: Melanie.
Stefano: How much did you offer her to come work with us?
EJ: A lot. Double what she’s getting over at Titan.
Stefano: So what’s the hesitation? Why isn’t she working with us right now?
EJ: There’s a small wrinkle that I didn’t take into account.
Stefano: And what is that?
EJ: It seems she’s infatuated with Philip Kiriakis. We can offer her a lot of things, but we haven’t got those dimples.
Stefano: Hmmm. This is a very interesting piece of information, my boy. Money is not her sole motivation. I’ve got it! You need to woo her!
EJ: I don’t think so, Father.
Stefano: And why not? You’re single. You’re unattached.
EJ: True, but she’s a fair bit younger than me. And to tell the truth, Father, she’s not my type.
Stefano: I didn’t say you should marry her, you idiot. Just romance her!

To be continued….

[Kpatch]

TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Melanie: Mr. Kiriakis, I have the data you asked for.
Victor: Good work, Melanie! Key in these numbers and get me a new projection on the energy savings by tomorrow morning.
Melanie: Sure thing. I mean, yes sir.
Stephanie: Mr. Kiriakis, can I speak to you and Philip for a minute. It’s about the Pub project I’m working on.
Victor: Let’s step into my office.
Stephanie: I have an idea for how to set up a perpetual funding system for the Pub.
Victor: Good. Let’s hear it.
Stephanie: Well, you know how delicious my Grandma’s clam chowder is.
Philip: It’s the most popular dish on her menu.
Stephanie: Exactly. I propose we mass produce it. We would market it in the Pub and online, and sell it through grocery stores and at the Pub. I’ve mocked up these table tents. What do you think?
Victor: “Brady Chowda?” Ha! I like it! What kind of ROI are we looking at?
Stephanie: We’re looking at a return on investment of at least 50 cents for every jar sold. This spreadsheet shows the material costs for jars, labels, ingredients, manufacturing, plus shipping to grocery stores. Based on my market analysis of similar products, I figure we could sell each 24-ounce jar for $3.75 to $4.50. The first year, I estimate we’ll move 50,000 jars. I’ve already got commitments from Dominick’s, Jewel-Osco, and Kroger.
Victor: That’s excellent, Stephanie! This idea is exactly what I was hoping for. Philip, you need to give this woman a promotion. I’m going to call Caroline and tell her about it right now. [Philip and Stephanie leave Victor’s office.]
Victor [on the phone]: Caroline, I have some exciting news. I’d like to tell you about it over dinner. How’s 7:00 sound? Oh? No, I didn’t know. I’m so sorry to hear about Mrs. Horton. Of course, we can do it next week instead.


SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT

Roman: Marlena! What a nice surprise. Why didn’t you let me know you were coming back?
Marlena: I came in for Mrs. Horton’s funeral.
Roman: Have you seen Hope yet?
Marlena: Yes, I went to offer my condolences. She seems to be holding up well, under the circumstances.
Roman: I agree. But no one can say that Mrs. Horton didn’t have a wonderful life. Say, where’s John?
Marlena: He’s working on a case. He said he would get here in time for the funeral.
Roman: A case?
Marlena: Shane found out we were in Switzerland and he contacted John and asked if he wanted to work with the ISA again.
Roman: Let me guess. John didn’t even hesitate.
Marlena: You know John. He can’t ever sit still.
Roman: Well, I’m really happy to see you again, even under these circumstances.
Marlena: It’s good to see you too.
Roman: Let’s all have dinner together when John gets here.
Marlena: I’d like that.

To be continued….

[Kpatch]

TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Philip: I was really impressed with your marketing plan for the Brady Pub project, Steph. Great research, analysis, projections. Just terrific!
Stephanie: Thanks. I’m pretty proud of it myself.
Philip: Well, you should be.
Stephanie: Did I tell you Jeremy called me? He’s in town for Mrs. Horton’s funeral.
Philip: Who’s Jeremy?
Stephanie: My old boyfriend, Jeremy Horton.
Philip: I don’t know him.
Stephanie: Sure you do. Mrs. Horton’s great grandson. ... Bill Horton’s grandson. ... Mike Horton’s son? ... Lucas’ nephew?
Philip: Oh, Lucas’ nephew. I know who you’re talking about now. My brother’s other brother’s son. Isn’t he a lot older than you?
Stephanie: No. It’s just that he wasn’t SORASed the way we were.
Philip: SORASed? What’s that?
Stephanie: Well, it’s sort of... it’s like… it’s when they… oh heck, it’s too complicated to get into. Besides, you’ll find out in Chapter 27, or maybe it’s Chapter 28. Anyway, back to my story.
Philip: What story?
Stephanie: About Jeremy. He wanted to get together with me. Jerk. I actually thought about setting him up with Melanie, but then I remembered telling myself that I wouldn’t even wish him on my worst enemy, so ...
Philip: Maybe you SHOULD get together with him.
Stephanie: What? What’s going on with you? You’ve been acting so strange lately.
Philip: I know. I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind. ... Steph, we need to talk.
Stephanie: The answer is YES!
Philip: Yes what?
Stephanie: Oh, I thought you were going to ask me a question.
Philip: I think we need to take a break.
Stephanie: Okay, what time should I come back?
Philip: No, I mean us. Our relationship.
Stephanie: I…uh… I don’t understand.
Philip: I just have so many things going on in my life right now. I don’t feel I can give you the attention you deserve.
Stephanie: This is because of Chloe, isn’t it?
Philip: What?
Stephanie: There’s something going on between you, isn’t there?
Philip: Where did you get that idea?
Stephanie: Nevermind. Forget I said that. I was just thinking that since she left Lucas at the altar, it gave you a bad feeling about relationships in general.
Philip: I don’t know, maybe.
Stephanie: That would never happen to us, Philip.
Philip: That’s beside the point. You’re an amazing woman, Stephanie. I just need to be by myself for a while.
Stephanie: So that's it? You’re dumping me? You made me fall in love with you and now, with no explanation other than you need to be by yourself, you’re ending it? How can you do this to me? [She slaps him] You louse! After everything I’ve put up with! I overlooked your bad behavior with Melanie. I held my tongue in this war with the Dimeras. I defended you to my parents! You just proved every bad thing anyone has ever said about you!


To be continued….