- - -

No one was saying a word. Carrie watched in suspense hoping that her plan would work. Say something she thought. Who are you for real?

Dylan:

Somebody tell me what’s going on!

Sean:

Yes Lana. Why don’t you tell him. After all you were the one who brainwashed all of them.

Lana is quiet. She just kept looking at Sean with her mouth wide open.

Sean:

Come on Lana! Either you tell them or I do. You don’t have a choice here.

Lana:

Sean is your father.

Dylan:

No he’s not. You told me that…dad died when we were younger.

Ryley:

Yeah mom what gives?

Sean:

Dylan, Ryley, Vi. I’m your father. I didn’t come to Point Palace to work as your assistant Dylan. I came to shadow you. To see what kind of a bright young man you grew up to be. You’ve made me so proud beyond words.

Dylan:

Why didn’t you tell me?

Vi:

Daddy?

Sean:

Yes sweetheart. Your mother forced me to leave town and never see any of you.

The Colby siblings turn to Lana who was still in shock.

Lana:

I had good reason to! It’s surprising that you grew a pair to come up from your shell of embarrassment.

Sean:

The only person embarrassed was you!

Lana:

Damn straight. Kids I didn’t want you knowing that your father was gay. He prefers the company of men.

Dylan:

This doesn’t make sense.

Lana:

It’s the truth Dylan. He’s a fag. I felt hurt and betrayed. That’s why I made up a lie and kept up with it for so long.

Sean:

She threatened that if I ever came back, that she would let you know, all of you. That’s why I couldn’t tell you Dylan because I knew you’d go to her.

Ryley:

Wow. You’re gay? I hope it doesn’t run in the family.

Sean shakes his head. He then points a finger at Carrie.

Sean:

Are you happy? Did you get what you wanted? Funny how you entrapped me so that we can have this big reveal.

Carrie:

Sean I had my doubts about you. I wasn’t sure who you were but I knew something was going on and I was only looking out for Dylan. I wasn’t going to get answers from Lana or especially you. That’s why I took matters in my own hands.

Lana:

(to Carrie)

You set this up?

Carrie:

Yes but with good intentions. I didn’t know that-

Lana slaps Carrie across the face. Carrie was taken a back from her painfully stinging slap. Juliana stands up and rushes over to Carrie.

Juliana:

How dare you. You old cow!

Juliana slaps Lana back.

Michael:

You leave my daughter out of this. She has heart. Unlike you.

Mary Ann:

Yeah! Carrie was only doing what she felt best. That’s how we raised her.

Lana:

This coming from an even more messed up family? Lying about my gay ex-husband isn’t anywhere close to what you freaks have done.

Jason quickly intervenes by clinking his glass with his silver butterknife.

Jason:

Everyone stop fighting! Please! We’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves. This is a happy time for Dylan and Carrie.

Dylan continues to stare down Sean.

Dylan:

I don’t want to speak to you right now!

(to Lana)

And I don’t know what to say to you. You’re both dead to me.

Dylan exits in a huff.

Carrie:

Dylan wait!

Sean:

Congrats. You expose the family secret and now everyone hates each other.

Carrie:

I love Dylan and I was trying to protect him from you!

Carrie runs after Dylan.

Vi:

How could mom do this to us?

Ryley:

It’s mom so it kind of fits this family. I wonder if there’s even going to be a wedding after tonight!

- - -

- - -

The next morning at The Cody Memorial Hospital, Blake briskly walks with his caffeinated drink in hand to Marli’s room. Before opening Marli’s door, he’s stopped by Detective Miltner.

Det. Miltner:

Morning.

Blake:

Good morning to you too. Can I help you with something?

Det. Miltner:

Yes. Come with me.

Blake follows Detective Miltner to S.R.’s room. A doctor and a nurse check S.R.’s vitals until they notice their new visitors. S.R. continues to mildly shake and opens his mouth to try to speak from time to time.

Detective Miltner:

May we have a few minutes alone with your patient?

Doctor:

Yes you may. He seems to be in somewhat stable condition.

The doctor and the nurse exit.

Blake:

What’s going on detective?

Detective Miltner:

This was the person that Marli got into the accident with. Do you recognize him?

Blake:

I do. He thought he knew Marli and he was bothering us.

Detective Miltner:

Can you hear what he’s saying?

S.R.:

Blake…must know. Blake. Must know.

Blake:

What? What’s wrong with him?

Detective Miltner:

He just got out of a coma and all he can say is your name. The must know part is new though.

Blake:

If you’ll excuse me. I’m going to see my girlfriend.

Blake exits S.R.’s room and rushes into Marli’s. She’s up and about. When she notices him she hugs him.

Marli:

Hey you.

Blake:

You’re not going to believe what I just saw.

Marli:

(nervous)

Um…what?

Blake:

That jerk who claimed to know you. He was the accident victim and he keeps saying my name. Do you really know him Marli because I certainly don’t!

Marli:

No I told you that I didn’t. He was probably some creep who recognized us from the papers. Going out with you kind of makes me a celeb.

Blake:

You need to realize that-

Blake’s cell phone rings. He notices that it’s Nate.

Blake:

Excuse me.

Marli:

Sure.

Blake walks out of Marli’s room to take the call.

Nate:

Hey man I wanted to let you know that Bryan’s been up to his scheming ways again. Dirty politics this time that involves some guy named Howard Ballinger.

Blake:

He’s the previous owner of the school.

Nate:

Bryan’s claiming that Howard wants to renege on his offer to hand it over to you and your family.

Blake:

That’s bull!

Nate:

There’s going to be a big board meeting about it. We need you there.

Blake:

You know you can count on me. I’m not going to let him get away with this but I’m just stuck at the hospital. Marli was in an accident.

Nate:

Marli Calloway?

Blake:

Yeah. You know her?

Nate:

Sure we met in Reno.

Blake:

Tell me more.

Nate:

She was the usual Vegas trick. Claimed her name was Hope.

Blake has a flashback of when he ran into S.R.

S.R.

Hope…Hope Crayno?

The flashback ends.

Blake:

I gotta go Nate. We’ll fight Bryan and he’ll lose! I’m about to lose something else though.

Marli is on her cell phone with an FBI agent. She makes sure that no one can hear her.

Marli:

Yes. He’s getting closer to the truth. I need to be moved! I-

Marli hangs up when Blake arrives.

Marli:

I was talking to my mom. Told her the good news that I’m being released. Think you can help me pack?

Blake:

Yeah but I have some business to attend to. I think that…we need to discuss some stuff when I have some free time.

Marli:

Is everything okay?

Blake:

Everything will be.

- - -

After going through a security check point, Alicia was cleared to visit Jace in his jail cell. He sat on his bed and kept looking at the gray colored ceiling. He hears footsteps and knows who has come to see him. Without looking at her, Jace continued to stare.

Jace:

Are you alone or is your new boyfriend here to taunt me some more?

Alicia:

Jace, be nice. I’m doing everything I can to get you out of here.

Jace:

My bail is set at five thousand dollars.

Alicia:

I can afford at least three, maybe four thousand.

Jace:

Where in the hell did you get that money from?

Alicia:

I’m smart with my investments. You mean the world to me and I don’t want to see you cooped up in here like a rat! I’m willing to try to get you out of here asap.

Jace:

Because you feel guilty.

Alicia:

No! Because I love you.

Jace stands up from his bed and moves across to her from the dividing metallic bars that separate them.

Jace:

Will egged me on to hit him. It was very convenient that the cops and a nurse saw everything. What was even funnier was how you came in and witnessed it all. Perfect timing.

Alicia:

I didn’t know that. I know how violent you get and I walk in to find you beating him up again. It’s a scary feeling- I don’t deal well with violence especially after my past relationship.

Jace:

You know I wouldn’t hurt you. Right?

Alicia is silent.

Jace:

By the way, I didn’t attack him in the first place. I just wish that for once you would believe me.

Alicia:

I don’t know what to believe anymore. It’s so disgusting that I’m thrown into this battle between you two. It’s eating at me and I feel horrible for what I did. The only thing that I can believe at this point is that you and I can try to stay together.

Jace:

Believe me when I say that Will Pazner set me up and he’s lucky that I’m behind bars!

- - -

The sun continued to shine outside in Cody, Colorado. Ava and Bobbie window shop outside of the popular college avenue.

Ava:

What do you think of that dress?

Bobbie:

I think it’s hideous. Like your attempt to be nice to me.

Ava:

Okay. I’m just going to that ignore that comment.

Bobbie:

Let’s go. You promised me a smoothie!

Ava:

Sounds good to me.

(under her breath)

Brat.

Bobbie:

I heard that.

Bobbie paces down the street until Ava catches up with her. Nate is walking towards them talking on his cell phone. He hangs up when he sees Ava and Bobbie.

Ava:

Hey Nate.

Nate:

Hi.

Ava:

This is Bobbie. Bobbie this is-

Bobbie:

The guy you like. Yeah I heard you arguing with that girl over him. He’s cute.

Nate:

Nice to meet you Bobbie.

Bobbie:

What? Do I freak you out? Boo!

Nate:

I’ve heard a lot about you.

Ava:

So Nate I was wondering, maybe we could get together soon. As friends, nothing else. We could catch up.

Nate:

I don’t know I am really busy with work.

Bobbie:

Nate are you the retard here?

Nate:

Excuse me?

Ava:

Bobbie! That’s not nice.

Bobbie:

Obviously something’s wrong with the guy. Look at how Ava is desperately fawning over you. She’s way better than that slutty blond. If you can’t see that, then you’re the one with the disability.

Nate was caught off guard. Ava was embarrassed.

Bobbie:

Time for a smoothie. Nice meeting you Nate. Let’s go Ava!

Bobbie walks off and Ava smiles at him before catching up with her again.

- - -

Bryan runs into Nan at The Palace Café. She smiles at her old friend before trying to make a quick exit.

Bryan:

What? Are we being coy?

Nan:

Hello Bryan. Long time no see.

Bryan:

Please sit and join me.

Nan:

I don’t have a lot of time to-

Bryan:

I have some interesting news that I’m sure you would enjoy hearing.

Nan sits down across from him.

Nan:

Go on.

Bryan:

Not only did I dig up enough dirt to blackmail Blake’s new girlfriend but my plan ‘b’ is working even better than plan ‘a.’

Nan:

What’s that? Did you decide to put out a hit on Blake?

Bryan:

Better. I convinced Howard Ballinger to go back on his offer to sell the school to Edmund Hammerton. Thus exiling Blake’s position as president if Howard agrees to do so. It was in the fine print of the contract that was written up.

Nan:

Bravo. How the hell did you pull that one off?

Bryan:

I drugged him. He’s a sick, dying, old man. It was easy to switch his medicine to mind altering pills. Howard practically thinks I’m the son he never had.

Nan:

You’re finally going to get everything that you ever wanted.

Bryan holds on to her hand.

Bryan:

Not everything.

Nan:

Bryan I…I’ve moved on. I have what I want and his name is Carlos. He’s the love of my life.

Bryan:

Oh really? I’m sure you took the time to plan something out to get him.

Nan:

Of course. I’m proud of you and you know I would love to help you in your fight with Blake but I’m a bit preoccupied. You understand.

Nan kisses Bryan’s cheek and exits.

- - -

Will unpacks his things from the hospital to his bedroom. He throws down his book bag and smiles. He turns around to see Lenvy with the opposite look.

Will:

Hey Lenvy, long time no see. I hope heaven is well for you. It’s doing wonders for that angelic glow.

Lenvy:

Don’t even think about kissing up to me. You’re in trouble mister.

Will:

You’ve been spying on me from above haven’t you?

Lenvy:

Your mind has been too busy plotting against Alicia and Jace.

Will:

That is true.

Lenvy:

It’s not right what you did.

Will:

Only you and me know the truth.

Will has a flashback of the night that he fought with Jace. Jace stumbles back and forth but falls back into his room. The door slams and Will is alone in the hallway. Will hears the door followed by Alicia entering. He grabs an empty beer bottle that was laying next to the door and smashes it off his head, falling down the steps for Alicia’s benefit.

The flashback ends. Will looks at Lenvy who was shaking her head.

Lenvy:

Is it really worth it? Putting those two through hell like you have? Not to mention Rena. Poor girl’s crazy about you.

Will:

Yes. It’s worth every second of it. I hate Jace and he doesn’t deserve her so that’s why I smashed it off my head. Because Jace is a disgusting human being to me. That’s why I faked my fall and that’s why he’s in jail!

Rena overhears him talking to what looked to be himself. She walks in and Will looks to see that Lenvy had faded away.

Will:

How much of that did you hear?

Rena:

Enough to know that you’re a criminal.

Will:

I…I don’t know what to say.

Rena:

I do. It’s all for Alicia. It always has been. The things that you do reflects how you feel about someone. If you were willing to go to all of that trouble for her, then you really must feel something.

Will:

I like you. I’m sick of always going through this with you.

Rena:

Then why? Why would you fake your fall?

Will:

To get back at Jace.

Rena:

And to claim Alicia so that you two can get closer.

Will:

No!

Rena:

Stop lying to yourself. I’m sick of this too. My heart can’t take anymore.

(disgusted)

I have to go.

Rena starts walking out of his room until he grabs her arm to stop her.

Will:

You’re the one that I want Rena. Just do me one favor. Don’t tell Jace or Alicia anything. I beg you.

Rena:

That depends upon how far you’re willing to go for me.

- - -

Alley knocks on John’s door to his dormitory. She doesn’t get a response and lets herself in. When she does, she finds John sitting at his dining room table. He doesn’t look at her.

Alley:

Hey didn’t you hear me knocking? You sounded so urgent on the phone.

John:

We have a problem.

Alley:

Yes we do actually. I think it’s about time you find something out about your sister.

Alley digs through her purse until John stands up and gets up in Alley’s face with angry eyes. She knew this anger and has seen it before. Alley slowly backs away from him.

John:

This has nothing to do with Marissa. You lied to me!

Alley:

What are you talking about?

John grabs Marissa’s cell phone off of the dining room table and shoves it in her face.

John:

Tell me what you see here.

Alley:

The picture’s so damn small I can’t make-

John:

It’s you with Blake.

Alley:

He’s a friend and I was just consoling him. How does that make me a liar?

John:

You told me that you were at the library all day but you weren’t, you were with him, and you were lying through your teeth at the same damn time.

Alley:

So what? I told a little fib. I only did it because I know how you feel about him. Who took that picture?

John:

That’s not important.

Alley:

Where’s that bitch at? I know she did it.

Alley storms to Marissa’s room but is stopped by John.

John:

This is so typical of you.

Alley slaps John across the face but stops after she realized what she just did.

Alley:

John- I’m sorry I didn’t mean to.

John:

We’re done!

Alley:

No. This is so silly.

John:

This isn’t the first time you’ve lied to me. I can’t trust you and I don’t want to be with you anymore. I think you should go.

Alley is speechless and broken hearted.

Alley:

I love you-

John:

Well I don’t love you. Not anymore. Not after this.

John turns her back to her. Tears steam from her face and onto John’s carpet. She walks outside and hears the door slam behind her. When she turns around she notices Marissa looking out the window, holding on to baby L.J.

Marissa:

Say bye bye Alley! Bye bye.

Marissa takes L.J.’s tiny hand and makes a waving motion to her.

- - -

Anna Lee turns on a web cam to speak to London and Jenny. Both look intently at the screen.

Anna Lee:

Hey ladies. I just wanted to let you know that I had fun taking care of you. Making you meals and fluffing your pillows but it’s time for me to go.

Jenny:

Anna you’re the only one who can change this Sheridan pattern.

London:

Jenny’s right. Let us out and you’ll go free.

Jenny:

Make your escape and we’ll tell the police you had nothing to do with it.

London:

Like you never came to town in the first place.

Anna Lee:

Funny that’s how Nan wanted it to be but I can’t. You two have done some really bad things to Nan! Family comes first. Sorry but I have to go. Over and out.

There’s a knock on Nan’s door which distracts Anna Lee. She opens it to find Carlos.

Anna Lee:

Carlos. Hi.

Jenny looks at London.

Jenny:

Oh my god! Carlos can set us free. We have to make as much noise as possible so that he can hear us.

Carlos:

Is Nan here?

Anna Lee:

She’s coming back if you want to wait. Please come in. I know she’ll be happy to see you.

Carlos:

Thanks.

Carlos walks in and sits down on her couch. Jenny and London begin to scream as loud as they can. It catches his attention.

Carlos:

What’s that noise?

Anna Lee:

Um…it’s…nothing.

Anna Lee rushes over to the web cam and shuts it off but Carlos has become suspicious.

Carlos:

That sounded like someone screaming for help.

Anna Lee:

I was watching a horror movie on my computer. Some dumb slasher film.

Jenny and London turn the volume up on their flat screen monitor which makes a loud screeching noise.

London:

Jenny wait!

Jenny:

No. We can’t stop. Carlos has to save us.

London:

You remember what Nan said? She booby trapped the door. If he opens it we could all blow up. I know she’s that psychotic.

Carlos looks past Anna Lee to the door where the noise came from.

Carlos:

There’s something going on in there.

Anna Lee:

NO there isn’t!

Anna Lee stands in front of the door to block it. Carlos pushes her out of the way. She falls to the ground. He begins to turn the door knob and hears a click.