- - -

Carlos was panicking. He had been in this situation many times with her before and vice versa with her. They couldn’t keep secrets from each other.

Carlos:

(to Hayley)

Can you give us a minute?

Hayley:

Sure thing. But do know that by you not showing up, it won’t look good. I can maybe try to rack up another witness.

Carlos:

I know.

Hayley exits back into the courtroom.

Jenny:

So what have you been hiding?

Carlos:

C.C. contacted me.

Jenny:

(shocked)

What?! I thought she was locked up. How in the hell did she get in touch with you?

Carlos:

She called to tell me…that…well-

Jenny:

I’m waiting!

Carlos:

She’s pregnant. With my child.

Jenny:

Are you kidding me?

Carlos:

I wish.

Jenny:

You’re rushing over to see her?

Carlos:

She just went into labor. I sort of want to be there.

Jenny:

How is that even possible? That was almost a year ago when she drugged you.

Carlos:

Somehow it is.

Jenny’s eyes were wide in disbelief.

Carlos:

That’s why I have to go. By the way, she threatened to tell you everything. You were so wrapped up in this court case that I didn’t want to bother you with my dilemma.

Jenny:

I don’t know what to say to you.

Carlos:

Just tell me that you love me and that you understand.

Jenny:

I understand that she took advantage of you to get pregnant. That I get. What I don’t understand is why you were so secretive? We’re a team. At least I thought we were.

Jenny shook her head and went back into the courtroom. Carlos went the other way. Little did they know that Nan was eavesdropping from a far. She runs back into the courtroom to find Bryant.

Nan:

Call Carlos to the stand.

Bryant:

Why would we do that? You know that his evidence would be horrible against yours.

Nan:

He’s not here. He left to attend to some drama. Call him! It’ll make us look great!

Bryant:

Fine.

Judge Valencia enters the court room and sits on her bench.

Judge Valencia:

Court is now back in order. Defense you may call your next witness.

Nan looks over at Jenny and smiles.

Bryant:

The defense would like to call upon…Carlos DeViego.

- - -

- - -

Officer Wendell alongside three other officers open the door to the warehouse where Marli was hiding Bryan. She looks up at them with a curious expression and a new pair of glasses to even further her Nina disguise.

Marli:

May I help you gentlemen?

Officer Wendell:

Yes you can. Are you the owner of this building?

Marli:

No I’m not. My boss is. His name is Harvey Gallo. What does this visit pertain to?

Officer Wendell:

We got a tip that a fugitive is here.

Marli:

No fugitives work here. It’s a private business. We sell office supplies.

Officer Wendell:

Then I’m sure you wouldn’t mind giving me the number to reach Mister Gallo?

Marli hands him a business card.

Officer Wendell:

And what is your name?

Marli:

Nina Brotowski. I’m his assistant.

Officer Wendell:

Any other employees working Nina?

Marli:

At the moment no. It’s quitting time.

The two other officers shake their heads to Wendell.

Officer:

No one’s here.

Marli:

Do you have a warrant to search our building?

Officer:

Yes.

Officer Wendell opens his folder and shows it to her. She reads it over.

Marli:

Well okay then.

Officer Wendell:

We’ll be in touch miss. Thank you for your help.

Marli watches as Officer Wendell and the two other officers leave. She calls Agent 332.

Agent 332:

Hope? What’s going on?

Marli:

The police are going to call you. They need to see that the company is legit.

Agent 332:

Fine. Leave it to me.

Marli:

Thank you.

Agent 332:

Is there anything else I should be worried about?

Marli slides open a window and sees Bryan’s unconscious body.

Marli:

No. I’ll keep you updated.

Marli hangs up with her closest confidant and knocks on the door.

Marli:

Wake up!

Bryan wakes up in darkness. His head is throbbing.

Bryan:

You- What did you do to me?

Marli:

The police were here like you said. They only found a business. At least that’s what this place pretends to be.

Bryan:

What do you think you’re doing? Did you watch one too many SAW movies and got inspired to set this up? You don’t scare me!

Marli:

You should be.

Bryan runs up to the window to bang on it and tries strangling her.

Bryan:

(screaming)

LET ME GO!

Marli:

With a temper like that? I don’t think so. You’ve tangoed and messed with the wrong person for the last time!

Bryan:

You’re a dangerous psychopath!

Marli:

And you cost me everything. I lost so much because of you.

Bryan:

If you let me go, I promise to leave you be.

Marli:

That’s not good enough. I’ll set you free on one condition.

Bryan:

What do you want?

Marli:

Once Blake finds out how you robbed him of the school…then you’ll be free to go.

- - -

The next morning, on her way to class, Ava stops by The Palace Café to pick up an Iced Latte. She turns around and finds Nate. The tension was quickly awkward but with a warm smile by Nate, it was cleared up.

Nate:

I was looking for you everywhere. I tried your room but I figured you might be here. I remembered your morning coffee ritual.

Ava:

Great to know that things are slowly coming back to you.

Ava grabs her drink by Agatha.

Agatha:

There you go hun. I put a little extra foam for ya.

Ava:

Thanks.

(to Nate)

If you’ll excuse me, I have to go to my class.

Ava tries leaving but Nate stops her.

Nate:

Wait.

She turns around to face him.

Nate:

Things have come back to me fully. I know who you are and everything that happened between us. I’m back!

Ava:

I’m glad to hear that.

Nate:

I even remembered what happened between me and Bobbie. Is she doing okay?

Ava:

She’s not a charity case Nate! The reason why she did what she did was because she felt the need to be a normal teenage girl.

Nate:

Seducing her caretaker volunteer’s boyfriend is normal?

Ava:

No Nate it isn’t. She’s a confused! You can’t fault her for that.

Nate:

Fine. So I was hoping we could go out tonight.

Ava:

Keep on hoping.

Nate:

What are you talking about?

Ava:

You humiliated me. You made me feel horrible!

Nate:

As silly as it sounds…I had amnesia!

(mocking)

You can’t fault me for that.

Ava:

I needed you to be there for me whenever I was finding issues out. Issues like who Bobbie’s father was. He’s my ex. The one who left me and hurt me. The one who made me go back to being an alcoholic. The one who pushed over the edge to question my sexuality. Not to mention he’s the one who’s wife I accidentally killed. Coincidentally she turned out to be Bobbie’s mother. I killed her mom!

Nate:

I’m sorry to hear that. I’m here for you now.

Ava:

Maybe it’s just a little too late.

Nate:

Why?

Ava:

Because Bobbie’s father was there for me and you weren’t!

Ava exited The Palace Café for Nate to ponder what she just informed him.

- - -

James and Ava sit across each other at a booth table in a local diner that was Bobbie’s choice. The waitress brings over a banana split for them to share.

James:

I’ve been to this place before.

Bobbie:

Cut the cutesy crap. Let’s call a spade a spade here. I set this up so that you can admit to me why you didn’t want me. My hug was just for show.

James:

But I thought…the other day you were so inviting.

Bobbie:

Looks can be deceiving. You should know that mister psychology.

James:

You really are a smart girl. What is it you would like to know?

Bobbie:

Did you know that I had a mental disability?

James:

Yes.

Bobbie:

How did that make you feel?

James looks at her with confused eyes.

James:

I…I was already scared to have a child at such a young age. That was really my focus whenever you were born.

Bobbie:

Dodging the issue which means you were embarrassed.

James:

That’s not true!

Bobbie:

Oh really? What? Were you happy about it?

James:

How can that be answered?

Bobbie:

Next question. Where’s my mother?

James:

You’re mother is deceased.

Bobbie:

Oh. Well what was she like?

James:

She was also a teacher. She taught Math and we met in grad school. We married young. We were in debt and had no money. Her name was Laney Brighton.

Bobbie:

Too young and poor. Such a shame.

James:

You received a good life from The Andersons did you not? I know for a fact that they gave you everything that I couldn’t. The reason why I kept in touch from time to time was because I wanted a moment like this. The moment that I could grow up and take responsibility for what happened.

Bobbie:

Responsibility for ditching a retard? Bravo dad. Final question. How did my mother die?

- - -

London and John take a window seat at The Palace Café. He hands her a frozen drink for her to sip.

London:

Thanks. It’s nice spending time with you after everything that happened.

John:

I have to agree.

London:

Have you spoken to your sister since?

John:

Yes. But I’m worried about her. However my mind is at ease that she can’t harm anyone anymore by being locked up.

John looks down at his drink. London notices his pain.

London:

Anything you want to talk about?

John:

No…I’m fine. Really. Well…yeah maybe I’m not cool with my sister trying to steal eggs. Not to mention that she’s also a madam, just puts the cherry to an amazing family sundae.

London:

Either way she loves you.

John:

That’s the scary part. She did a lot of things out of love for me. Unethical and unheard of things.

(changing the subject)

So...have you talked to Hammerhead lately? I’m sure there’s some stuff needed to be cleared about Alley’s pregnancy.

London:

No we haven’t spoke. I’m sure I’ll see him at Nan’s trial.

John:

I can’t believe that I could be the father of her baby. Two kids and I’m not even thirty.

London:

Or it could be Blake’s.

John:

What if it is? Maybe we need to face the facts that the people who we used to be with are gone.

London:

Right. Gone.

John:

I need to go to see our daughter before a photo shoot. I hired a nanny.

London:

Did anyone ever tell you how good of a father you are?

John:

(joking)

I hear it everyday. Thanks.

John stands up to leave until London grabs his hand. He looks at her and smiles. She closes her eyes and kisses him softly.

- - -

Alley opens the door to Blake’s bedroom to find him asleep in his bed. She slams the door forcefully to wake him up.

Alley:

Good morning or should I say afternoon.

Blake:

(groggy)

Go away!

Alley:

You didn’t sleep at all last night. You kept tossing and turning. I felt it.

Blake:

Didn’t notice.

Alley:

I wanted to thank you for saving me. Usually it was John but the other night it was you. It really made me put into perspective us. Basically how we really are a team you and me. John and London are out of our lives. Things have changed.

Blake:

You’re welcome.

Blake tosses to his side and pulls the covers over her head. Alley hops on the bed next to him to pull the covers off of him.

Alley:

What’s wrong?

Blake:

Nothing’s wrong. Nothing at all. I’m just tired.

Alley:

Don’t give me bull Blake. I know you.

Blake:

I’m…I don’t know how to take the fact that you’re pregnant.

Alley:

Oh. Yeah that’s right. You found out about that. Aside from what Marissa did, that definitely happened.

Blake:

It kind of hit me last night.

Alley:

There’s a chance you could be the father.

Blake:

Yeah. The other half of that biological equation is that John could carry another child.

Alley:

Wanna discuss?

Blake:

L.J. is his. What if this baby belongs to him too? When is it my turn to have a kid with someone I love?

Alley:

You love me?

Blake:

You know what I mean.

Alley:

I do. After what you did…I love you too.

Blake:

Which is why I want to be left alone. I can’t think about you having John’s baby.

Alley:

Sure.

Alley looks at Blake, holding back tears, but decides to kiss his cheek.

Alley:

If it means anything…I’m kind of hoping for the same thing.

- - -

Outside of the courtroom, Owen was pacing back and forth with Alexia, Tanisha, and Ginny by his side. Alexia fixes his tie until he stops her.

Tanisha:

What are you so worried about? You’re not the one on trial.

Alexia:

She’s right Owen.

Owen:

There’s something you don’t know. Only a select few people know.

Ginny:

Whatever it is you can tell us.

Owen:

No I can’t.

Tanisha:

So Ginny why don’t you go away and leave us to be. Too many cooks in the kitchen here.

Ginny:

Shut your mouth before I shut it for you!

Owen:

(screaming)

STOP IT. BOTH OF YOU!

Alexia:

Just calm down. If this is the story that I think you’re referring to, then I suggest not saying it.

Owen:

But there going to ask me on the stand. What am I supposed to do? Lie?

Tanisha:

Can somebody just tell us what’s going on?

Owen:

Nan brainwashed me into shooting Blake Hammerton.

Ginny:

Oh my god!

Owen:

But there were never any charges and he forgave me. This was way before I met the two of you. I was a different person back then and now my past can get me arrested.

Tanisha:

You poor thing.

Alexia:

Not a word of this can get out to anyone! Never!

Tanisha:

Of course.

Ginny:

Promise.

The doors to the court room open. He sighs and walks in. Alexia and Ginny follow.

Tanisha:

Now the law is on my side too? Just keeps falling into my hands. Bye bye Ginny.

- - -

Back in the courtroom, Judge Valencia was growing impatient with Hayley and Jenny.

Judge Valencia:

Where is Mister DeViego council?

Hayley:

He’s not here. We would like to ask someone else to the stand.

Judge Valencia:

Unfortunately it’s not your turn to do so. My time has been wasted council. And since the witness is not here, not only does that violate many terms, his testimony and anything further is thrown out.

Jenny:

(shocked)

WHAT?! Please reconsider. You-

Hayley:

Jenny calm down.

Nan:

(to Bryant)

This is perfect.

Bryant:

Just be humble.

Nan:

That’s very hard for me at a moment like this.

Judge Valencia:

Now it’s your turn. Please call your next witness to the stand.

Hayley:

The defense would like to call Owen Newlan to the stand.

Owen is sworn in and sits down. Hayley rises from the desk to start her prosecution.

Hayley:

Mister Newlan you dated Nan did you not?

Owen:

I did. However she told me her name was Tracie Sheridan.

Hayley:

Did she ever reveal herself to be Nan and not her twin sister?

Owen:

Yes. Then she left me. Dumped me.

Hayley:

What else did Miss Sheridan do to you?

Owen:

She brainwashed me. Made me think that her ex boyfriend Blake Hammerton was the cause of everything.

Hayley:

How did you feel after?

Owen:

I became depressed. Suicidal. I don’t want to think about it. It was in my past. She’s already caused me enough hurt in my life.

Hayley:

No further questions.

Hayley sits down and Bryant stands up.

Bryant:

Did Miss Sheridan explain to you why you mistook her for her sister?

Owen:

Yes. She said that she thought that she was her sister because of an accident.

Bryant:

Mind telling us what that accident was?

Owen:

I don’t remember.

Bryant:

I actually can. He’s referring to the accident whenever Jenny pushed Nan out of a two story window during a fight.

Hayley:

Objection! My client is not on the stand to defend herself.

Judge Valencia:

She’s right council.

Bryant:

You claimed that she brainwashed you. What exactly was it that she told you to do?

Owen looks to Alexia and then to Hayley.

Owen:

I…I-

Judge Valencia:

Answer the question!

Owen:

She wanted me to physically harm Blake.

Bryant:

How?

Owen is silent. He didn’t know what to say.

Bryant:

If the witness can’t answer our questions, in what looks to be hearsay, then how can this case even go on? No further questions your honor.

Nan looked over at Jenny and gave her the most non humble smile ever before going back to looking innocent.

- - -

Dylan opens his front door to let Vi and Ryley into his home. Vi gives him a big hug.

Ryley:

Vi told me that you wanted to tell us something.

Vi:

I hope you didn’t mind Dylan. I figured he has a right to know. Then again, I don’t even know what’s going on.

Dylan:

I know something about Carrie’s case but you two have to promise me that a word of it doesn’t get out to anyone. Especially Detective Miltner or any authority figure! Promise?

Vi and Ryley shake their heads in agreement.

Dylan:

Recently someone contacted me via e-mail and IM with a screen name Carrie Killah.

Vi:

It could be someone pulling a hoax.

Ryley:

Yeah. Maybe it’s a fake and they want money.

Dylan:

This person is legit. They’ve sent me evidence.

Dylan hands Ryley and Vi his cell phone. They watch the video that was sent to Dylan.

Ryley:

So whoever did this to Carrie…had to be a guest.

Dylan:

Well that or someone who snuck in. I’m still going to see that doctor later.

Vi:

Why can’t we go to the police? They said they would protect you. With everything that’s going on, I think you should take them up on that.

Dylan:

I can’t go to the police because Carrie Killah said that they if any cops are involved that they will disappear and I won’t find out who it is. That’s something I can’t afford to happen.

Ryley:

This psychopath will just reveal themselves when the time comes?

Dylan:

I guess so.

Dylan gets a text message. Ryley views the sender.

Ryley:

Speak of the devil.

Ryley hands Dylan his cell phone. He reads the text out loud.

Dylan:

Log on.

Dylan:

You two be quiet!

Dylan logs onto the same chat server he used to talked to CarrieKillah. The distorted voice comes through.

CarrieKILLAH:

Hello Dylan.

Dylan:

What can I do for you?

CarrieKILLAH:

Just wanted to check up. See how things were going.

Dylan:

You’re alive. Things aren’t that great.

CarrieKILLAH:

And Carrie’s dying.

Dylan:

She’s actually fine.

Ryley accidentally coughs out loud. Dylan and Vi look at him.

CarrieKILLAH:

What was that?

Dylan:

Nothing.

CarrieKILLAH:

Is someone with you?

Dylan:

No.

CarrieKILLAH:

Is this where we part ways? I can always say goodbye. If you’re not keeping up with our bargain.

Dylan:

(desperate)

No…wait! I swear I’m alone. When do I get to find out who you are?

CarrieKILLAH:

In due time. But before that happens. I have another gift. I can still kill her if I want to. And Dylan. It makes me happy to hear you so desperate. It’s why I did what I did.

CarrieKILLAH hangs up with Dylan. He then gets another text message. It’s a picture of Carrie sleeping in her hospital bed.

Dylan:

Damn it! I have to find a way to get Carrie security! Not until I find out who the hell Doctor Kellan Etano is! If he works at the hospital, then he’ll have some answers.

- - -]

At Cody Memorial Hospital’s paternity room, C.C. was waiting for her doctor to arrive.

C.C.:

This should be easy. My character was pregnant many times on Blue Crystal. Just think you’re having a baby.

The doctor walks in and smiles at her.

Doctor Hemlaz:

How is the mother to be?

C.C.:

Ovulating! I’m in so much pain get this thing out of me!

Doctor Hemlaz:

I’m Doctor Hemlaz and I will be delivering your baby today. You’re in good hands. My nurses are on their way.

C.C.:

We need to hurry this thing up doc.

Doctor Hemlaz:

Let’s take a look and see how things are going.

The doctor lifts a blanket over C.C. He looks back up with confusion.

Doctor Hemlaz:

Miss Chastity you’re not dilating.

C.C.:

(screaming)

I’M HAVING MY BABY!

Doctor Hemlaz:

I don’t think that you’re actually pregnant. There’s no signs.

C.C.:

What?! That can’t be. That just can’t be.

Doctor Hemlaz:

I have to inform my staff that you will be released. I’ll be right back with your papers and security will be here also. I have to ask. Have you been faking?

C.C.:

I…What? No you can’t. You can’t let Carlos know the truth!

Doctor Hemlaz:

I’m sorry? Please excuse me.

Before the doctor reached for the door, C.C. jumps out of her bed to grab him.

Doctor Hemlaz:

What are you doing? HEL-

C.C. covers his mouth and shuts the door. She grabs her metallic bed pan and continuously hits him the head until he’s unconscious. C.C. drags the body under her hospital bed. She climbs back into bed with her fake baby bump. A female nurse walks in.

Nurse:

Did Doctor Hemlaz come in?

C.C.:

Nope. Haven’t seen him. Miss will I be getting drugs?

Nurse:

They’re by request.

C.C.:

Then I’m requesting them pronto!

The nurse exits. Carlos walks in with balloons.

Carlos:

Hello.

C.C.:

Hey to you too.

Carlos:

You’ve ruined me life. Yet somehow this has brought us back together. The biggest mistake ever.

C.C.:

You’re going to feel differently. Our baby is about to be born.

- - -

Rena sits on her couch in her room. Her hands were shaking. She looks at her cell phone to see that no one has called her. It actually relieved her.

Rena:

Lenvy? Are you around?

Lenvy hears Rena’s call and floats through the door.

Rena:

Hey. Thanks for coming.

Lenvy:

Floating through doors is not as fun as it looks.

Rena:

I need to tell you something in confidence.

Lenvy:

Go ahead.

Rena:

It’s more of a favor I guess. I really need to talk to Will. I need to make things straight with him and see what he can tell me about Alicia.

Lenvy:

Oh. That’s a mighty big favor.

Rena:

I know. Unless you have any advice to give about what I should do with Alicia or my mother it will be greatly appreciated.

Lenvy:

There’s really nothing I can say on that subject.

Rena:

But what about my chances of talking to Will? Do you know something?

Lenvy is silent. She then decides to come clean.

Lenvy:

Yes. I told him that there’s a chance for you two to talk.

Rena:

(excited)

Really?! How?

Lenvy:

That believe it or not is going on as we speak.

Rena:

What do you mean?

Lenvy:

He’s being tested. If he can withstand not harming your mother in anyway, then you two can talk.

Rena:

How would he hurt my mother?

Lenvy:

Oh there’s ways. But Rena…I kind of have to admit something. Do you still have feelings for Will?

Before Rena could answer, Lenvy vanished.

- - -

Alicia walks through the courtyard on her way to class. She dials Kellan’s number but leaves him a message.

Alicia:

Hey it’s me. Just wanted to tell you I’ve been missing you lately. I know I’ve been busy but I can change that for you. We’ll get together soon. Bye.

Alicia hangs up and notices that she’s being followed by Yvonne. Yvonne catches up with her and taps her on the shoulder.

Yvonne:

Excuse me? Alicia?

Alicia:

Great. What do you want?

Yvonne:

I thought we were going to have a little pow wow.

Alicia:

Sure. Go ahead and tell me what it is you want to say.

Yvonne:

Now I know you and my daughter haven’t been getting along on good terms lately but I have some news that could be very valuable.

Alicia:

Like what?

Yvonne:

My daughter thinks she has these spiritual powers. Rena thinks that she can talk to the dead.

Alicia:

Seriously?! That’s hilarious. No offense but you’re daughter’s a nut job.

Yvonne:

What she needs is help. Maybe you can be the one to do it.

Alicia:

Oh I’ll help alright.

Alicia leaves laughing along the way. Yvonne goes back to her car but little did she know that Will witnessed everything.

Will:

You’re such a bitch! What kind of a mother would go spilling her daughter’s secrets? She’s hurting because of you. If she only knew how you’ve been betraying her. She would disown you. I would disown you if you were my mom!

Yvonne walks up a hilled parking lot. While walking, she breaks a heel.

Yvonne:

Damn it to hell!

(looking up)

Forgive me lord.

Will:

You should get exactly what you deserve.

Will slides into Yvonne’s car.

Will:

Should I? You wouldn’t be able to do anymore harm.

Will is tempted to release the parking break and have the car run over Yvonne.

- - -

Dylan gets a call from Vi on his cell phone. He is in his car when he takes the call. He puts her on speaker phone so that he can concentrate on driving.

Dylan:

Hey Vi.

Vi:

How much do you love me?

Dylan:

That depends.

Vi:

So how’s the search for this Kellan guy going?

Dylan:

The hospital has no information about him. I’m driving back from there now. It’s like he doesn’t exist. He sure as hell doesn’t work for them.

Vi:

Surely Detecitve Miltner has info on him.

Dylan:

I bet he does but he won’t release it to me.

Vi:

I paid him a visit. When he wasn’t looking I kind of accidentally knocked a folder off his desk and what do you know but Kellan Ettano’s address just somehow fell out of it.

Dylan:

(excited)

You didn’t?

Vi:

I did. He lives at 678 Terrace View Drive.

Dylan:

Vi I love you! I’ll put it in my GPS now. Thanks sis.

Vi:

Hey what’s family for?

Dylan hangs up with Vi and drives on to find Kellan.

- - -

Kellan walks out of the shower humming a song. He wipes off the steam from his mirror and smiles as he looks at himself.

Kellan:

(singing)

Tonight is the the night is the night of love. Together forever I can’t get enough.

He towel dries himself off. His cell phone ring. He runs to the phone to answer it.

Kellan:

Hey you’re here? Great. I’ll let you in.

Kellan looks outside from living room to see the car pulling up.

Kellan:

They’re here!

Kellan puts on a satin white robe and answers the door.

Kellan:

Come on in sexy! Your paperboy is all grown up. I’ve missed you so much. Just having you here means the world to me.

Kellan and his visitor walk in to his house.

Kellan:

Nothing can ruin this moment.

He closes the door behind him. Dylan pulls his car into Kellan’s driveway. He gets out and thinks of knocking on the door but instead breaks the door down by kicking it.

Kellan:

What the hell?

Dylan:

Hi. I want to know-

Dylan stops before punching him to realize that Kellan’s visitor is someone very familiar to him.

Dylan:

What the hell are you doing here? What’s going on?

____________________

In Memorium of Helen Wagner (1918-2010)