Theory of Relativity (Read 2,634 times)

[Kpatch]

- PRELUDE -

THE BRADY PUB on St. Patrick’s Day

Bo: Wow, this place is packed.
Steve: Business is good.
Hope: So, are you guys gonna get us some drinks or do we have to do it ourselves?
Bo: I’ll go.
Kayla: It’s so noisy in here I can hardly hear myself think.
Hope: I haven’t even seen Caroline. She and Max must be really busy.
Kayla: Maybe we should go offer to help.
[Julie and Doug come over to the table dressed as leprechauns.]
Julie: Have you got room for two more?
Hope: When it’s you and Daddy, of course we do. Come sit.
Doug: We’re small so we won’t take up much room. Get it? Leprechauns? Small?
Bo [returns with the beers]: Hey guys, look who I found. This is Rafe Hernandez, our new lead detective. Rafe, you know my wife, Hope. And this is my father-in-law Doug, his wife and my sister-in-law Julie, my sister Kayla, and her husband, my brother-in-law Steve.
Steve: So I’m last, as usual.
Bo: Oh, sorry, Steve, I meant to say “and not least.”
Kayla: Please join us, Rafe.
Steve: Don't ask him to join us, baby. Now I won't be the best looking guy at this table anymore.
Julie: Where are you from, Ray?
Rafe: It’s Rafe.
Julie: That’s what I said.
Rafe: I’m from the DC area. I was on an assignment recently and that led me to Salem.
Doug: So how are you enjoying our fair city?
Rafe: It’s different from DC, to say the least, but I’m starting to warm up to it.
Steve: A couple more of these green beers and you’ll be really warm.
Rafe: Bo, did you say that Julie is your sister-in-law or your mother-in-law?
Bo: She’s my sister-in-law.
Rafe: But she’s married to Hope’s father, right? Wouldn’t that make her your mother-in-law?
[The group laughs.]
Hope: It takes everyone a while to get our family relationships straight.

Readers: If you think you know everything about who’s related to who in Salem, think again. This latest story from the creative mind of kpatch will blow the lid off of everything you think you know about our Salemites. OK, so maybe I’m exaggerating about that last part. But we WILL reveal the name of Melanie’s mother, along with other surprises!

If you liked today’s prelude, tune in for the rest of the Theory of Relativity.


Coming Soon....

Marlena: Our past is what gives us our identity.

Rafe: You can’t deny that there’s something between us, Sami.

Philip: I’m not talking about money.

Max: Do you know what’s playing at the Salem Bijoux?

Nick: That’s odd.

Brady: How can I help?

Melanie: Size matters. How huge is huge?

Stephanie: OK, I’m leaving now.

John: I know what you’re thinking.

Nicole: I need your help.

Stefano: Go figure it out for yourself.

Roman: What da?


______________________________________
Copyright © 2009 kpatch. All rights reserved.

[Kpatch]

THE PENTHOUSE APARTMENT

John: Aaaaaaaaaaaah. Heeeeeeeeeeeeeelp.
Marlena: John, wake up. John! ... John! Wake up!
[John wakes up.]
Marlena: Another nightmare?
John: This one was really intense.
Marlena: I could tell from the way you were screaming. Do you want to talk about it?
John: I had this dream I was being held captive in the lab at Dimera’s place. Next thing I know, I’m in Ireland, where I’ve been programmed to kill this woman who looks like Shirley Jones …
Marlena: Shirley Jones from The Partridge Family?
John: Also Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, Carousel, and The Music Man. In the dream, she’s telling me that her name is Colleen Brady and she’s my mother.
Marlena: I see.
John: There’s more. Then she tells me that she had been a nun, but she fell in love with Stefano’s father and that Stefano and I are brothers.
Marlena: Ooh. Nuns … lab... Shirley Jones … kill mother … father … Stefano. This is good stuff. Hold on while I get out my Dream Imagery and Analysis book. Did Shirley Jones look the way she did in Oklahoma or did she look the way she did in The Partridge Family?
John: She looked like she would probably look today, an older Shirley Jones. Is that important?
Marlena: Could be. I’m looking it up.
John: Doc, you’re not catching the really important part.
Marlena: What part is that?
John: The part where I dreamed I was a Dimera.
Marlena: Like that would ever happen.
John: Well, it scared the daylights out of me.
Marlena: John, it was just a dream. You’re not a Dimera. And I don’t need a dream analysis book to understand that part. It’s always bothered you that you don’t have a past. Our past is what gives us our identity, and our identity is what feeds our ego.
John: So you’re saying that what I’m feeling is normal?
Marlena: I wouldn’t go THAT far.
John: I’ve always wished I knew my parents. It’s hard not to have that connection, you know?
Marlena: Of course I do. [She gets out of bed.]
John: Where are you going?
Marlena: I may as well get up and get dressed. I have an early session with a patient this morning.


MARLENA’S OFFICE, SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Marlena: Did you want to pick up where we left off last time?
Max: I’m starting to think something’s wrong with me, Marlena.
Marlena: Call me Dr. Evans.
Max: Oh, that’s right, I forgot. Sorry.
Marlena: Please continue.
Max: I’m always attracted to women I’m related to. Like Stephanie and Chelsea.
Marlena: It seems only natural that you should gravitate to those women. After all, they are in your circle of friends and family.
Max: I know. But don’t you think it’s weird?
Marlena: Do you think it’s weird, Frankie?
Max: Max.
Marlena: Sorry. Do you think it’s weird?
Max: I could always rationalize it by saying that I was adopted and didn’t grow up with them.
Marlena: Being adopted ... how does that make you feel?
Max: Over the years, there have been times when I would feel like an outsider. Don’t get me wrong or anything. The Bradys are the best. But when we’d have family get-togethers, they’d all have this instant closeness. It’s sort of like they were in the inner circle and I was in the outer circle. Like I have Sprint and they have Verizon.
Marlena: Exactly who do you mean when you say “they”?
Max: Bo, Roman, Kayla, Kimberly.
Marlena: I see. [Taking notes.] “Feels like an outsider.”
Max: And did I tell you about how Bo freaked out when I slept over in Chelsea’s room? He acted like I was a complete stranger.
Marlena [taking notes]: “Complete stranger slept with Chelsea.”
Max: What do you think all this means, Marlena?
Marlena: Dr. Evans. I think it’s always bothered you that you don’t have a past.
Max: Huh?
Marlena: Our past is what gives us our identity, and our identity is what feeds our ego.
Max: Are you saying I’m having an identity crisis?
Marlena: In my experience, it’s quite common for adopted children to go through some sort of identity issues, Frankie.
Max: It’s Max. So you’re saying that what I’m feeling is normal?
Marlena: I wouldn’t go THAT far.
Max: There’s something else I want to bring up and it’s really ... personal. It’s hard for me to talk about and I’ve been sitting here trying to work up the courage.
Marlena: I hope you know this is a safe environment and you can discuss anything here. I’m not here to judge. I’m merely the instrument to help you sort through your own feelings.
Max: Is that what they teach you to say in Shrink School?
Marlena: There’s a whole semester on it. What did you want to tell me?
Max: I’m attracted to my sister.
Marlena: Oops, look at the time. I’m sorry. Our forty-five minutes are up.


SALEM JUNIOR COLLEGE

[The Professor is writing this on the chalkboard: “The Science of Science” with Professor Nicholas Fallon. He turns around to face the classroom where students are arriving and getting settled. He sees someone he knows in the front row.]

Nick: Melanie! Are you lost?
Melanie: No. This is the Science of Science, isn’t it? I’m enrolled in your class. See ... here’s my transcript.
Nick: Wow. I’m all in favor of higher education. I’m just surprised to see you here.
Melanie: I wanted to gain a greater understanding of the biofuel project, so I thought I’d take a class.
Nick: What’s the catch?
Melanie: OK. The truth is Philip insisted that I take this class because no one at Titan has any idea about the science behind the project.
Nick [laughs]: You all could have just asked me. Well, class is about to start so I’ll talk to you later.

Nick: Good morning class. My name is Professor Fallon and this class is called The Science of Science. It’s a crash course in all the sciences. We’re going to start by discussing DNA. DNA -- or deoxyribonucleic acid -- is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. People who are related to each other also share DNA. Today’s homework assignment will be to obtain a strand of hair from a relative of yours and two strands of your own hair. Make sure to label the strands carefully. Bring them to class tomorrow and we will examine our DNA.

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Stephanie: Where’s your little lap dog?
Philip: Be nice.
Stephanie: That was a lot nicer than what I could have said.
Philip: I meant give her a break. Melanie’s trying to improve herself and you gotta admire that.
Stephanie: Now I’ve heard everything.
Philip: Look, she didn’t grow up the way you and I did.
Stephanie: I wouldn’t exactly put my upbringing in the same category as yours.
Philip: I’m not talking about money. I’m talking about having a parent who cares about you. Someone who makes sure you go to school every day and do your homework, someone who sees that you get your three squares a day and have clean clothes to wear. She didn’t get that from Trent and it’s kinda sad.
Stephanie: I guess. I still don’t like her being around. So where is she? I haven’t seen her this morning.
Philip: She’s taking classes over at the junior college.
Stephanie: Melanie’s going to college? I didn’t know you could major in grifting.
Philip: She’s taking science classes to learn more about the fuels project. In fact, I’m the one who suggested it.
Stephanie: Really?
Philip: Yeah. At least that gives us a couple of mornings each week where she won’t walk in on us doing this. [He kisses her.]


THE PIER

Rafe: I’ve enjoyed taking these walks with you every day.
Sami: I’m really glad you decided to stay in Salem.
Rafe: Me too.
Sami: Being with you makes me feel close to Grace. You’re the only one I can talk to about her.
Rafe: I was hoping you’d say that being close to me makes you feel close to ME.
Sami: What do you mean?
Rafe: You can’t deny that there’s something between us, Sami. You feel it too. I know you do.
Sami: I don’t deny it, but....
Rafe: But what?
Sami: My life is so complicated. I’ve been in and out of two very intense relationships. There are children involved too. You don’t want to get involved with me, Rafe.
Rafe: Too late, Sami. I’m already involved. [He kisses her.]


SALEM JUNIOR COLLEGE

Nick: Let’s see what you’ve got there, Melanie.
Melanie: This strand is from my hair, like obviously … and this one is Max’s.
Nick: Good. And I have a strand here from another classmate so you can see how it looks when your DNA matches someone else’s, and when it doesn’t. Let me put this activation gel on it, then we’ll wait a few minutes and take a look.
[Nick goes around to other students, then returns to Melanie.]
Nick: OK, Melanie, take a look through the microscope and…. That’s odd.

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

SALEM JUNIOR COLLEGE

Nick: Let’s see what you’ve got there, Melanie.
Melanie: This strand is from my hair, like obviously … and this one is Max’s.
Nick: Good. And I have a strand here from another classmate so you can see how it looks when your DNA matches someone else’s, and when it doesn’t. Let me put this activation gel on it, we’ll wait a few minutes and take a look.
[Nick goes around to other students, then returns to Melanie.]
Nick: OK, Melanie, take a look through the microscope and… oops, this must be the sample from the classmate. Let’s take Max’s hair and…
Melanie: What’s the matter?
Nick: That’s odd.
Melanie: What is?
Nick: Neither of these match. Are you sure this is Max’s hair?
Melanie: I got it from his hairbrush.
Nick: Maybe someone else used his brush. Get a strand of Max’s hair from his head next time.
Melanie: But …
Nick: But what? What’s the matter?
Melanie: Well, he’ll know then.
Nick: That’s okay. Just tell him about the experiment we’re doing for class.
Melanie: You mean I should tell the truth? I’m not used to that.
Nick: You’ll be fine.


THE PIER

Rafe: You never let me take you out on a real date.
Sami: I can’t even think about going out on a date or having fun while my baby Grace is still in the convent.
Rafe: At least we know she’s in good hands.
Sami: You still have a soft spot for the nuns, don’t you?
Rafe: After my parents told me I was adopted, I became a holy terror. The convent was like a sanctuary for me. If it wasn’t for the sisters -- especially Sister Agnes -- I would have been a criminal or a drug addict. Or worse.
Sami: How old were you when you found out you were adopted?
Rafe: I was 12. When I look back on my teenage years, I feel awful about how mean I was to the Hernandezes. They were good people. They gave me every advantage.
Sami: Teenagers tend to wear their emotions on their sleeve. It’s understandable that you were having a rough time.
Rafe: Enough about me.
Sami: It’s okay to talk about yourself, Rafe. In fact, I like learning about you.
Rafe: So, I can’t take you on a date until Grace comes home, huh? Do you have a plan to bring her home?
Sami: I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out something convincing, some way I could raise her without having EJ suspect he’s Grace’s father. I can’t let the Dimeras get near her.
Rafe: I have a plan.
Sami: You do? Tell me!
Rafe: Marry me.


JOHNSON APARTMENT

Kayla: Hey, baby girl. You staying home for dinner?
Stephanie: I guess so.
Kayla: What’s the matter?
Stephanie: The usual. Melanie. I just hate her so much.
Kayla: What did she do this time?
Stephanie: It has more to do with the way Philip is treating her lately.
Kayla: Is he being mean to her?
Stephanie: No. He’s being kind to her. And even respectful. He’s treating her like a colleague.
Kayla: Isn’t that a good thing? You said you didn’t like it when he treats her poorly.
Stephanie: I’m just concerned that they’re growing close. She’s already in love with him. And now he’s gone from hating her to tolerating her to admiring her. What’s next?
Kayla: She can’t hold a candle to you, sweetie. There’s no contest. And if Philip can’t see the quality person you are, then he must be blind.
Stephanie: I think he likes mentoring her, molding her. Me? I’m already molded.
Kayla: You just keep on being the wonderful person you are, baby girl. Your Papa and I are so proud of you.
Stephanie: And if I lose the guy?
Kayla: Then it wasn’t meant to be and he’s probably not worthy of you.

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

THE PIER

Rafe: So, I can’t take you on a date until Grace comes home, huh? Do you have a plan to bring her home?
Sami: I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out something convincing, some way I could raise her without having EJ suspect he’s Grace’s father. I can’t let the Dimeras get near her.
Rafe: I have a plan.
Sami: You do? Tell me!
Rafe: Marry me.
Sami: Rafe, we haven’t even been out on a date.
Rafe: It’s a Catch 22, isn’t it?
Sami: Stop teasing me. What’s your plan?
Rafe: I’m completely serious, Sami. We get married, we’ll say that Grace is mine from another relationship, and we’ll raise her together. It’s perfect.
Sami: Rafe, you’re serious! Why would you do that for me?
Rafe: Isn’t it obvious? I’m in love with you.
Sami: You are?
Rafe: I fell in love with you the first time I heard you singing Camptown Races.
Sami: Rafe. I love you too. [They kiss.] But I can’t let you sacrifice … [He kisses her again.]
Rafe: I wouldn’t be sacrificing anything, Sami. It’s what I want.
Sami: I … I don’t know. I'd have to think about it.
Rafe: Ha! Now when I'd like you to be impulsive, you want to be think about it? Come on, Sami. It’s the perfect solution. Perfect in every way.
Sami: Maybe. But I need time to think about it.


CHEATIN’ HEART

Melanie: Max, could I have a strand of your hair?
Max: Come again?
Melanie: I need a strand of your hair.
Max: What for? To put under your pillow?
Melanie: Huh?
Max: Haven’t you ever heard that legend? You put a lock of your lover’s hair under your pillow and they will be yours forevermore.
Melanie: That’s so weird on so many levels that I can’t even process it. Anyway, it’s for a DNA experiment in my science class.
Max: OK, sure, I’ll just pluck a hair out for you.
Melanie: Ew, gross.
Max: I’m kidding. Get a scissors and you can snip off a piece. There’s one over there behind the bar.
Melanie: Thank you Max. [Gets a scissors.] So, that lock-of-hair-under-the-pillow thing. Does that really work?
Max: Don’t know. I’ve never done it.
Melanie: Hmm. Interesting. I may have to try that.


TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

[Philip is sitting at his desk doing some paperwork when Melanie enters his office.]
Melanie: Philip, can you look at this equation that I’m working on for school and tell me if I did it right? [She stands behind his chair, takes the scissors and is about to snip his hair.]
Philip [looks at the equation that says “e = mc2”]: What’s this?
Melanie: E Equals M-C Squared. It’s the formula that expresses the theory of relativity.
Philip: What do I look like? Alfred Einstein?
Melanie: You mean Albert.
Philip: I’m not the one taking science classes. I’m a student of business, not science. That’s why Titan is paying for YOU to go to school.
Melanie: I guess I just assumed you were smart.
Philip: How’s school going anyway?
Melanie: Great. It’s really interesting. I can’t wait until tomorrow. Nick ... I mean Professor Fallon ... gave us this really interesting assignment where we have to ...
Philip: Melanie, that sounds great. Meanwhile, I’m sorta busy here.
Melanie: Busy? You’re doing a crossword puzzle.
Philip: What’s a five letter synonym for Giant? Starts with a T and ends with N?
Melanie: Let me think. [She takes the scissors and is about to snip his hair.]
Philip: Hey, what are you doing with those scissors?
Melanie: Me? Nothing. I was clipping some coupons out of the Salem Spectator.
Philip: Good for you. That shows you know the value of a dollar. I’ve got a conference call in a few minutes, so if you would…
Melanie: I was just leaving. Door closed or open?
Philip: Closed. Thanks.
Melanie [closes the door:] Drat! Somehow I have got to get a lock of his hair to put under my pillow. Wait. I have an idea. Yes, that’s it!

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Melanie: Somehow I have got to get a lock of Philip's hair to put under my pillow. Wait. I have an idea. Yes, that’s it!


KIRIAKIS MANSION

[Melanie rings the doorbell.]
Henderson: Yes, Miss Layton.
Melanie: Philip asked me to come by and pick up some papers for him.
Henderson: Oh?
Melanie: I’ll only be a minute.
[She dashes up the stairs and goes into a bedroom.]
Melanie: Is this Philip’s room? [She starts looking in the closet.] Silk pajamas? Must be the old man’s room.
[She goes into another bedroom on the floor.] This place is a pig sty. This MUST be Philip’s bedroom. Lots of boring blue shirts and ties. Yup, Philip’s room.
[She spots his hairbrush on the dresser. She takes the hair off the brush, puts it in a plastic bag and dashes back downstairs.]
Henderson: Did you find what you were looking for?
Melanie: Yes indeedy. It’s right here in my purse. Thanks!



MARLENA’S OFFICE

Marlena: At our last session, you were telling me you were attracted to your sister. Would you like to pick up where we left off?
Max: I guess. I’m just not sure what to do with these feelings. It’s so weird every time I’m around her.
Marlena: Family relationships can be very complex. And particularly in your case, because you didn’t grow up together. She’s a pretty young thing. I’m not surprised you’re drawn to her.
Max: So you’re saying what I’m feeling is normal?
Marlena: I wouldn’t go THAT far. Actually, I think it’s pretty creepy. And I would definitely recommend against you acting on your feelings.
Max: It would be better if she wasn’t around me so often. Maybe I should leave town. What do you think, Marlena?
Marlena: Dr. Evans. I think our time for today is up. I’ll see you next week at the same time.



SALEM JUNIOR COLLEGE

Melanie: Nick, um, Professor Fallon, I have Max’s hair here.
Nick: Good work. Let’s take a look. [Looks into the microscope.] Are you sure this is Max’s hair?
Melanie: Positive. I was the one who snipped it off his head.
Nick: If that’s true, then Max isn’t your brother.
Melanie: What? That’s crazy. Of course, he’s my brother. Well, at least I think he’s my brother. Maybe I gave you the wrong strand. Wait. [Reaches into her purse.] Try this one.
Nick: This hair looks a lot lighter in color and texture than Max’s. It’s brown and smooth instead of black and coarse. Let’s take a look. Hmmm. That’s weird.
Melanie: Still not a match?
Nick: Actually, this one DOES match. It just doesn’t look like Max’s hair.
Melanie: I think I’m gonna faint. Or be sick. [She faints.]
Nick: Melanie!

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

SALEM PD

Officer: What can I do for you, miss?
Melanie: I need information on someone. I need to find out about Trent Robbins’ past.
Officer: The Soap Opera Central website usually has a pretty good Character History section, but I can’t help you. Sorry.
Melanie: Dang!
Rafe: Excuse me, little girl.
Melanie: Hubba hubba.
Rafe: I couldn’t help overhearing. You’re looking for information on someone?
Melanie: You must be new here. I would remember you if I had ever seen you before.
Rafe: New to Salem, yes, but I’ve been a detective for a long time. Anyway, I do some freelance private investigations, so maybe I can help you. Tell me what you’re looking for.
Melanie: This has to be kept confidential. This man, Trent Robbins, I grew up thinking he was my father, but I just found out that he probably wasn’t. I need to know where he was about 18 or 19 years ago and why he was raising me.
Rafe: Why don’t you just ask him?
Melanie: He’s dead.
Rafe: Oh. Sorry to hear that.
Melanie: I also need information on a woman named Kate Roberts and a man named Victor Kiriakis.
Rafe: Why?
Melanie: I have reason to believe that I’m related to their son. Call it an accidental DNA test. I thought Max Brady was my brother, but the DNA test showed he wasn’t. And I thought Philip Kiriakis was a potential lover, but the DNA test showed we might be related.
Rafe: Wow, this is pretty complicated.
Melanie: Oh, I guess I should probably ask what your fee is.
Rafe: I was told that Days of Our Lives doesn’t usually bother with those kinds of details. Just like the producers don’t worry about the terms of actors’ contracts.
Melanie: Oh goody. So do you think you can help me?
Rafe: I believe I can, but I’m going to need some more information about Trent Robbins. And a current address on Philip Keer....
Melanie: Kiriakis.
Rafe: Right. A current address on his parents.
Melanie: I’ll write it down for you. As for Trent Robbins, I have his Social Security Number, and his addresses for the past 15 years.
Rafe: That’s fabulous.
Melanie: How soon will you have something for me?
Rafe: I’ll get started tonight. Here’s my card with my private number.
Melanie [holding the card against her chest]: I think I’m in love.


PENTHOUSE APARTMENT

Marlena: What are you doing, John?
John: Tracing my geneology using this online service.
Marlena: How’s that going?
John: Not so well. I keep running into a dead-end.
Marlena: Well, you know that your mother was Daphne Dimera, Stefano’s commonlaw wife.
John: But I don’t have any idea who my father is. I’m just hoping I don’t see the name Santo anywhere.
Marlena: That nightmare really shook you up, didn’t it?
John: It got me thinking that it’s high time I knew who BOTH of my parents are.


To be continued....

[Kpatch]

PARK BENCH

Melanie: Did you find any information?
Rafe: I did. Looking back at Trent’s records 18 years ago, he was living in Monte Carlo. Seems he had a bad gambling habit.
Melanie: He had that problem his whole life.
Rafe: I looked into his bank records and there were huge monthly deposits made to his account.
Melanie: Size matters. How huge is huge?
Rafe: $20,000, American.
Melanie: Every month???
Rafe: That’s right.
Melanie: Who made the deposits.
Rafe: It took some doing, but I was able to trace them back to ... here’s that name again ... Dimera. Stefano Dimera.
Melanie: Stefano? Does that mean HE’S my father?
Rafe: I can’t say for sure, but it does seem like Trent was being well-paid for some services.
Melanie: Like raising Stefano’s kid. Do you think Stefano was ever involved with Kate Roberts?
Rafe: I’m still working on gathering her history.

[Sami is walking by and sees them.]
Sami: Hi Rafe. Funny running into you here.
Rafe: Hi Sami. I’ve been trying to reach you.
Melanie: Excuse me. Paying client here, well sorta.
Sami: What are you two doing together?
Rafe: I’m working on a case for Melanie. [Then to Melanie:] That’s all I have for you right now. I’ll give you a call if I find out anything else.
Melanie [mumbling to herself]: Wow, did I just get dumped? It’s a good thing I have a healthy ego. Flat-leaver.

Rafe: [Gets up and stands next to Sami.] Wanna take a walk?
Sami: Sure.
Rafe: You haven’t returned my calls. I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me ... maybe avoiding the question I asked you last time I saw you.
Sami: I’m really sorry about that, Rafe. I’ve been trying to spend more time with Allie, Johnny, and Will.
Rafe: Will. Do I remember you telling me his name is Will Roberts?
Sami: That’s right.
Rafe: But Lucas’ last name is Horton.
Sami: Lucas changed his name during one of the times when he disowned his mother.
Rafe: His mother, huh? And her name would be...
Sami: Kate Roberts.


JOHNSON APARTMENT

Steve: So, Philip, tell me your intentions toward my daughter.
Stephanie: Daddy! You promised.
Steve: I promised I’d behave. I didn’t promise I wouldn’t ask your boyfriend about his intentions toward you.
Philip: It’s okay, Steph. I respect your father’s concern about you. If I had a daughter, I’d feel the same way. To answer your question, Steve...
Steve: Call me Mr. Johnson.
Philip: Mr Johnson, my intentions toward your daughter are completely honorable. I care a great deal for Stephanie and I would never intentionally do anything to hurt her.
Steve: That’s good to know. But she tells me that you've been known to flirt with that troublemaker, Melanie.
Stephanie: Daddy!
Philip: Melanie is someone we work with. She can be a pest at times. She’s often difficult to deal with and, to be honest, she tends to bring out the worst in me. I’m not proud of the fact that I sometimes show my anger toward Melanie. If it seems like I’m flirting with her, it’s merely my attempt to overcompensate for my annoyance with her. I sometimes go overboard in trying to be nice to her.
Steve: I like that explanation -- even if it did sound a little rehearsed. But I gotta tell you, Philip, if you ever hurt my baby girl, I’ll bury you.
Philip: Steph, didn’t you tell me that he doesn’t talk to people that way?
Kayla: Dinner’s ready. Come on in, everyone.

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

PARK BENCH

Rafe: I have some really interesting information for you, Melanie.
Melanie: What is it?
Rafe: It’s about Kate Roberts and Stefano Dimera.
Melanie: And?
Rafe: You were right. Stefano and Kate did have a relationship. Well, maybe not a relationship, but I did find information that links Kate closely to Dimera.
Melanie: From how long ago?
Rafe: It’s been off and on for over 20 years.
Melanie: So Stefano and Kate are my parents?
Rafe: It’s possible. What are you going to do?
Melanie: I’m not sure yet. I need some time to process all of this first.
Rafe: Good luck to you, Melanie. Let me know if I can be of further service. Take care.


PENTHOUSE

John [on the phone]: Aunt Vivian. I need to talk to you.
Vivian: John, dear, it’s been quite a while. How are you and your lovely wife?
John: Fine, fine. Listen. I need to know who my real father is.
Vivian: Why?
John: Doesn’t everyone deserve to know who their father is?
Vivian: I mean why, after all these years?
John: You could say I had a nightmare and my need-to-know resurfaced.
Vivian: Your mother, Daphne, had affairs with many men.
John: That’s what I understand.
Vivian: Prior to becoming pregnant with you, she was having a fling with someone who was doing odd jobs at the Dimera mansion.
John: Do you remember his name?
Vivian: Ha! John, dear, that was over 50 years ago. Wait, I do recall that the Dimeras kept a very detailed record of all the people who worked at the mansion. Even visitors.
John: That’s interesting.
Vivian: Yes, they always thought someone was trying to do them harm, so they wanted to be sure to know who had been in or around the mansion.
John: That’s good information. I’ll look into it. Good-bye.
Vivian: Wait...don’t you want to know how Ivan is?
[Click.]


TITAN’S EXECUTIVE OFFICES

Philip: Come on in Melanie. Sit down. I want to hear all about school.
Melanie: It’s going fine. Can I ask you a question?
Philip: Sure, what is it?
Melanie: You have a brother. Lucas, right?
Philip: Right.
Melanie: Is Lucas your only sibling?
Philip: Hardly. He’s one of my half-siblings. There’s also Bo. And I have another older half-brother named Austin and an older half-sister named Billie. Plus a deceased older half-sister named Isabella.
Melanie: Any younger brothers or sisters?
Philip: Why all the questions?
Melanie: Um. We’re learning about family relationships in the biology section of my science class.
Philip: I sort of have a younger brother and sister. Rex and Cassie. Except my mother didn’t give birth to them.
Melanie: That sounds crazy. What do you mean?
Philip: It’s really complicated. Stefano Dimera was involved. You know, you don’t have to stand there like that. You can come sit down.
Melanie: I just don’t think I should get too close.
Philip: Why? Do I have cooties or something?
Melanie: I’m afraid I might be coming down with something and don’t want you to catch it. I have to go. Bye.

[She runs into Stephanie in the outer office.]
Stephanie: What were you doing in there, Melanie?
Melanie: Quit trying to play detective, Stephanie. You’re no Agatha Christie.
Stephanie: And you, my dear, are no Monica Lewinsky.
Melanie: Look Stephanie, before you go getting all jealous and possessive, you can have him.
Stephanie: What?
Melanie: Philip. He’s all yours. I’m not going to pursue him anymore.
Stephanie: Why? What happened.
Melanie: Let’s just say that I don’t think he’s the right guy for me.
Stephanie: Wow. That’s cool.

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

BASIC BLACK

John: Thank you for coming.
Rafe: What can I do for you?
John: I understand you do freelance private investigations.
Rafe: That’s correct.
John: I’m trying to find out who my father is.
Rafe: Not another Who’s the Daddy story!
John: This is not JUST another Who’s the Daddy story. It’s a 50 year old mystery. Here’s my history with my family tree.
Rafe: It looks like an ink blot.
John: It’s sort of a moving target. You’ll probably need a few days to study it. It’s quite complex.
Rafe: You can say that again.
John: As you can see from my dossier, my mother lived in the Dimera mansion. The Dimeras keep a record of everyone who worked in or visited the mansion.
Rafe: Dating back that far?
John: That’s my understanding. I feel certain that if you can find this Record, you’ll find my father. Can you help me?
Rafe: I believe I can.


DIMERA MANSION

Rolf: Hello Miss Layton. Are you here to see EJ?
Melanie: Actually I wanted to see his father.
Rolf: Mr. Dimera doesn’t see visitors without an appointment.
Stefano: Rolf, who’s there?
Rolf: Miss Melanie Layton.
Stefano: Millicent! Do come in, my dear.
Melanie: It’s Melanie. I need to talk to you.
Stefano: Rolf, that will be all. Come my dear, let’s talk. What can I do for you?
Melanie: I think um...I think um...
Stefano: Speak your mind, child.
Melanie: I think I’m your child. That is, I think you’re my father.
Stefano [laughs]: What makes you think that? Because I’m a rich and powerful man and now you are looking for a new way to get some money from us?
Melanie: No, that’s not it. I recently found out that Trent Robbins, the man I thought was my father, really isn’t. I also found out that you were sending him oodles of money for years. So, are you my father?
Stefano: You are a very resourceful young lady, no? Go figure it out for yourself.
Melanie: But...
Stefano: Go. Leave. Good-bye. [He pushes her toward the door and sees her out.]


RAFE’S APARTMENT

[Rafe is eating a slice of pizza and working on his computer.]
Rafe: All roads lead to and from you, Stefano Dimera. Now it’s time to find out why you have all this power over everyone.
[He punches a few keys and accesses the FBI database. His eyes widen. He jumps up, grabs his jacket, car keys, cell phone, and gun, and makes a cell phone call as he heads out the door.]
Rafe: Sami, it’s me. Meet me at the convent. Now!

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

BRADY PUB

Max: What’s wrong, Melanie?
Melanie [kneeling on a barstool]: I’m so confused. I think I’m having an identity crisis.
Max: Have you thought about seeing a psychiatrist? Identity crises are Dr. Evans’ specialty.
Melanie: Did you ever wonder why we look nothing alike, Max?
Max: I figured it was just bad casting.
Melanie: How much do you remember about Trent from when you were little?
Max: I remember he made my mother cry a lot. I remember he was gone a lot. Why do you ask?
Melanie: I was just wondering what you remember about him, I mean, since you didn’t grow up with him like I did.
Max: Once I was adopted by the Bradys, I didn’t think much about Trent.


THE CONVENT

[Sami and Rafe drive up to the convent at the same time. They get out of their cars and stand outside the front door.]
Sami: Rafe, I’m freaking out here. What was so urgent?
Rafe: He knows. He knows everything.
Sami: What are you talking about? Who knows...?
Rafe: Stefano. He’s been writing checks to this convent for years and years. They all work for him. Sister Agnes. Sister Theresa. Sister Christian. Sister Sledge. They’re all on his payroll. That means he knows about Grace.
Sami: Noooooooooo!
[Sami opens the convent door and rushes upstairs to Grace’s room with Rafe running right behind her. They get to Grace’s room and it is empty. No bed, no crib, no furniture of any kind.]
Sami: Oh my gosh. Where’s Grace? …Grace! …Grace! …Grace!
Rafe: She’s a baby. She’s not going to answer you.
[Sami runs from room to room shouting “Grace.” Rafe is checking out other rooms in the convent. They end up downstairs in the chapel.]
Sami [crying]: Where is she? Where’s my baby?
Rafe: She’s gone, Sami. She’s… [he sees a bomb in one of the pews.] We have to get out of here now!
Sami: I’m not leaving without my baby.

***KABOOM!***


To be continued....

[Kpatch]

THE CONVENT

Sami: Where is she? Where’s my baby.
Rafe: She’s gone, Sami. She’s… [he sees a bomb in one of the pews.] We have to get out of here now!
Sami: I’m not leaving without my baby.
[Rafe picks Sami up and carries her outside as the bomb explodes. They are knocked off their feet outside the convent. Sami is crying hysterically.]
Rafe: Sami, are you okay?
Sami: My baby. My baby. The explosion…
Rafe: She wasn’t in there. Sami, listen to me. No one was in there.
Sami: Where is she? Where’s my baby?
Rafe: I don’t know, but I promise you, I will find her.


PHILIP’S BEDROOM

Philip: Hurry up and get dressed, Steph, or we’ll be late for work. I have an early meeting.
Stephanie: You should know better than to rush me.
Philip [puts his arms around Stephanie from behind]: I know it takes some time to get as beautiful as you are, but my father will fire me if I’m late for this meeting.
Stephanie: I just have to finish brushing my hair.
Philip: Brushing it what -- a thousand times? Hey, I just figured out what I can get you for your birthday.
Stephanie: Something good, I hope.
Philip: Yeah, a hairbrush. That way you can quit using mine every time you sleep over.
Stephanie: Be happy I’m not borrowing your toothbrush. OK, I’m ready. Let’s go.


PARK BENCH

[Melanie is crying when Rolf walks by.]
Rolf: Young lady, are you alright?
Melanie: I’m just so messed up. I don’t know who I am or where I came from. Everything I ever believed has been shattered.
Rolf: Perhaps I can help.
Melanie: Who are you? Oh, you’re the Dimera’s butler.
Rolf: Madam, I’m a scientist, not a butler.
Melanie: A scientist!
Rolf: I’ve worked for Mr. Dimera for a long time. For decades. I remember when your father...when Trent worked for the Dimeras.
Melanie: Then can you help me? Can you tell me who my real father is?
Rolf: I can’t stand seeing a little girl crying. And I suppose there’s no harm any longer. Alright, I will tell you. About 20 years ago...


To be continued....

[Kpatch]

PARK BENCH

Melanie: Can you help me? Can you tell me who my real father is?
Rolf: I can’t stand to see a little girl cry. And I suppose there is no harm any longer. Alright, I will tell you. About 20 years ago...


[FLASHBACK TO 1990]

Trent: Mr. Dimera, I’m in big trouble.
Stefano: Gambling again?
Trent: I need help. I need money. My loan shark is gonna kill me. Literally.
Stefano: You should have thought about that before you got in over your head. You know I don’t like my employees gambling...not even a “bag man” like you.
Trent: I know, Mr. Dimera. I’m sorry.
Stefano: Wait. Hmm, perhaps I CAN help.
Trent: I’d be forever grateful.
Stefano: You’ll be more than just grateful. You’ll be indebted to me. Here’s what I’ll do. I will send you out of the country and give you an allowance.
Trent: Mr. Dimera, that would be ... extremely generous of you. Thanks.
Stefano: Of course, there is something you will have to do for me in return.
Trent: I figured there had to be a catch. What do I have to do?
Stefano: A small favor. A favor you cannot refuse...


[THE DAY BEFORE]

Martino Vitale: Stefano, remember when you told me that if I brought Steve Johnson back to you, that you would owe me?
Stefano: You are here to collect?
Vitale: I have a little problem. A tiny problem, in fact. Only six pounds. My daughter Ava had a baby. But Ava is crazy out of her mind and unable to take care of any child. I need to find someone to care for this child, but Ava must never know she had a baby.
Stefano: Is Steve Johnson the baby’s father?
Vitale: Yes.
Stefano: I see. Bring the baby to me, and I will take care of it.
Vitale: No harm can come to her. She’s my granddaughter, after all.
Stefano: Of course. I will see she is well cared for.
Vitale: I’ll have my nephew bring her here tomorrow.
Stefano: Does this baby have a name?
Vitale: I named her Millicent.


[BACK TO PRESENT DAY]

Melanie: So Stefano isn’t my father? And Kate Roberts isn’t my mother? And Philip isn’t my brother? And the hair on his brush belonged to Stephanie!
Rolf: Your parents are Ava Vitale and Steve Johnson.
Melanie: Oh my gosh.
Rolf: You didn’t hear it from me, child. We never had this conversation. Good-bye. [He leaves.]
Melanie: This means Stephanie is my sister. That’s probably why I get such pleasure from tormenting her.
[Takes out her cell phone and makes a call.]
Melanie: Max, it’s me. I have a huuuuuuge favor I need, but you can’t ask any questions. Next time Steve Johnson comes to the Pub for a drink, I need you to save his glass. No, don’t wash it. Just put it in a baggie and give it to me.

To be continued....

[Kpatch]

THE DIMERA MANSION

Stefano: Ah, Agent Hernandez. I knew it was just a matter of time before you came here.
Rafe: Let’s not mince words, Dimera. Where is she?
Stefano: What, no formal introductions, no courtesies?
Rafe [shouting]: Knock it off and tell me where she is!
Stefano: Where who is?
Rafe: I’m not in the mood to play games. Where’s Grace? I know you have her.
Stefano: You mean my granddaughter? You do not need to worry about her. She is fine.
Rafe: She doesn’t belong to you.
Stefano: Apparently that’s what her mother thought too. That’s why she tried to keep the child a secret from us. [Shouting] THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!
[Nicole has been listening from the top of the stairs.]
Nicole: Oh no. Sami was right. The Dimeras want to control all their heirs. I need to get Sydney out of here.
[She gets the baby, and quietly sneaks down the stairs and out the door.]


THE PENTHOUSE APARTMENT

[John is looking at a copy of the list of Dimera Mansion workers and visitors circa 1960 that Rafe obtained for him. The names include:]

Leopold Alamain
Philomena Alamain
Bob Anderson
Tommy Boyce
Bobby Hart
Shawn Brady
Fred Mertz
Jim Anderson
Barney Fife
Enrico Sanchez
Darren Stevens
Jed Clampett
Harper Devereaux
Tony Nelson
Alice Nelson
Neil Curtis
Adam Cartright
Angela Cartright
Frank Evans
Will Robinson
Robby Douglas
Brent Douglas
Ben Casey
Gomer Pyle
Goober Pyle
My Mother the Car
Mickey Horton
Bill Horton
Jerry Halper
Victor Kiriakis
Henderson
Napoleon Solo
Rob Petrie
David Martin
Buddy Sorrell
Andy Taylor
Celeste Perrault
Sally Rogers
Aunt Bea
Wilhelm Rolf
Hazel
Jeannie
Betty Jo Bradley
Vern Scofield
Ernesto Toscano
Floyd Smoot


To be continued....

[Kpatch]

THE DIMERA MANSION

Rafe: Where’s Grace? I know you have her.
Stefano: You mean my granddaughter? You do not need to worry about her. She is fine.
Rafe: She doesn’t belong to you.
Stefano: Apparently that’s what her mother thought too. That’s why she tried to keep the child a secret from us. [Shouting] THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!
[Nicole has been listening from the top of the stairs.]
Nicole: Oh no. Sami was right. The Dimeras want to control all their heirs. I need to get Sydney out of here.
[She gets the baby, and quietly sneaks down the stairs and out the door.]
Rafe: What have you done with her?
Stefano: How is your lovely mother? Maria, I believe is her name.
Rafe: What do you know about my mother? Are you threatening my family?
Stefano: I know all about the Hernandezes. I know they were childless and poor and in danger of losing their home. In fact, Rafael, they have me to thank for getting them a child.
Rafe: That can’t be. You can’t have known them.
Stefano: I know a lot of things, including who your biological parents are.
Rafe: I’m not going to listen to this **** anymore. Just tell me where Grace is.
Stefano: So, you don’t have any interest in knowing the names of your real parents.
Rafe: I’m warning you…
Stefano: Even if one of them is named…
Rafe: I don’t want to hear it, Stefano.
Stefano: That’s correct. Stefano.


A HOUSE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN

[Nicole rings the doorbell. The door opens.]
Nicole: I need your help.

To be continued….