NothinButAttitude

FADE IN: INT. INTRUDER (EMILY’S OFFICE) Emily drags Lucinda in and slams the door. She spins around like she possessed, and clearly angry. Emily: Seriously, Lucinda! After all these years— Lucinda: Darling, it had to be done, and I cannot help that Rachel Cory wants to appoint her step-granddaughter as co-editor. . . Emily: What you could’ve done was given me some sort of warning! And why the h*ll do I have to be demoted to co-editor?! Lucinda: It’s hardly a demotion. You still have power. Emily: (sarcastically) Oh yes. I still have power. . . shared power! Emily starts to pace the floor—a total wreck. She can sense her world starting to crumble around her. Lucinda, watching on, picks up on Emily’s misfortunes. She reaches out for Emily, and Lucinda: You should be happy. Take it as a blessing. You being co-editor allows you to have free time with Daniel, fix your marriage with Paul. . . Emily: Clearly you’ve been living under a rock, but there is nothing to fix with Paul. He wants nothing to do with me, and honestly, I am at the point in my life where I am done fighting for men. Lucinda shoots a side eye at Emily. She finds this hard to believe. Emily: Yes, I said it! Emily Stewart is done chasing after men, and being with men who have out the world expectations for me. . . ANNOUNCER: The role of SAMANTHA CORY has been recast with CHRISHELL STAUSE. Samantha, unbeknownst to Emily, is standing the doorway as she rambles on. Lucinda (now) cringes. Emily: (continuing) But I am going fight for this newspaper because it’s been the one constant in my life, and I’m not about to lose it to some young, wet behind the ears brat— Samantha clears her throat. Emily freezes in place. Then Emily turns around with a grin on her face, an attempt to hide her guilt. On Samantha returning a not so pleasant grin, CUT TO: INT. BOB & KIM (LIVING ROOM) Scene opens up with a shot of a fire crackling in the fireplace. Boys ii Men’s Let it Snow rings in the background. Then we pull back to reveal Bob and Kim, nearby, decorating the Christmas tree. Bob is on a ladder adjusting the star. Kim, with tinsel in one hand and a glass of wine in the other hand, watches on smirking. Kim: Honey, maybe I should do it. Bob: No, Kim. I got it. Now tell me if the star is on straight. Kim: It’s not. A blind man could see that. Bob: Was that a dig? Kim: Yes. If you’d wear your glasses. . . The doorbell rings. Kim: I’ll get it. Kim puts down her glass of wine and goes to open the door. Tom: Thank God. Tom enters bearing a bunch of gifts. Kim helps relieve him of some. Kim: My God. Who are all these for? Tom: (exhausted) Well there is you, Dad, Mom, Casey, Daniel, Katie, Chris. . . Kim: Ok, honey. Just sit the gifts down. You look like you’re about to pass out. Margo (O.C.) Oh he’s fine. Margo enters. She takes her and Tom’s coats and hangs them up. Just as Kim is about to close the door. . . Lisa: Hold on! Lisa comes running up with a bunch of bags in her hands. Lisa and Kim exchange hugs and kisses. Kim: Anyone else? Lisa: Yep. Barbara and Henry rode with me. Their getting their stuff out, and Katie and Chris just pulled up. (looking around) Where’s Casey? Tom and Margo glance at each other, then: Tom & Margo: Monique! CUT TO: INT. OAKDALE UNIVERSITY (JAMI & MO’S DORM) Casey and Mo lie in bed kissing each other passionately. Their seconds from falling victim to their true carnal when Mo pulls away, second guessing. Mo: I can’t. Casey: What? Is it me? Mo: No. (off Casey’s uncertainty) H*ll no! I just can’t do this. Casey: Then I’ll wait. One thing I don’t want to do is rush another relationship. Mo: Would you do that for me? Casey: Yes. As crazy as it sounds and as much as I want to pounce on you, I respect you. . . I’m falling in love with you. Mo is overcome with emotion, then: Mo: Me too, but I just don’t want to hurt you. Casey: You won’t. Mo: Casey, but— The two gaze into each other eyes before falling into a kiss. Suddenly: Jami: (barging in) Mo! (taking notice) Oops. Mo: (buttoning shirt) Yes. Your bad. (scooting off bed) What’s wrong? Jami: (pointing to Casey) Your ex! Tired and moody, Jami tosses her backpack on her bed. She sits on the bed crossing her arms. Mo: Ok. . . not to be rude, but can you go be moody somewhere else? Jami: Mo! Mo: What?! Don’t you see that Casey and I were having an intimate moment? Jami looks over to see Casey waving. Jami scowls. Mo, on the other hand, grins and blows kisses. Jami: Can’t you both hear me out? Mo: Sure. After we get done. Jami: Monique, do you have to be so crass? Do you have to think with your vagina instead of your heart? Mo: I’m not being crass. And he is my heart. Casey smiles. He then gets up and joins them. Casey: It’s alright, Mo. Jami, what has she done now? Jami: Well— Mo: No! H*ll no! I don’t wanna talk about that tramp, Allison. Not on Christmas Eve. It’s bad enough that I’m not home from Christmas, so could I at least have a good day with my man and best friend without hearing her name! Jesus! Jami: What’s bothering you? Mo: Everything. Me and you. Our lie! Casey: Huh? Mo: (to Jami) You know if you’d be truthful with everything, we wouldn’t have to deal with this mess! Jami: (warning tone) Mo. . . Mo: No d*mmit! This secret is clouding everything. My relationship with Casey. A potential one you could have with MJ! At this moment, MJ comes up to their door and stops, listening in. Mo: As your best friend, I’m going to take a stand and do what’s best for you. You need to tell MJ that you have feelings for him just like you need to tell Casey that you’re related to him! Jami gasps. Casey looks at Mo bewildered. Casey: Wait—what? Mo: You both will thank me later on. Mo grabs Casey’s and Jami’s hands and joins them together. Mo: Casey, meet your cousin. Your Aunt Sabrina’s daughter. The door creaks open and everyone snaps their heads back to reveal an equally stunned MJ in the doorway. On his reaction, FADE OUT FADE IN: INT. OAKDALE UNIVERSITY (JAMI & MO’S DORM) There is a bit of an awkward silence. No one is speaking. No is looking at each other. Then, still a bit dazed, MJ steps in and closes the door behind him. Jami pulls away from Casey. MJ: Don’t let me interrupt. Jami: (teary eyed, irate) I can’t believe you, Monique. Mo: Again, you’ll thank me in the long haul. Mo glances over at Casey, who is still reeling from the news. Mo: Casey. . . Casey holds up his hand, suggesting she stop. Casey: Cousin? Are you two serious? (nearly hysterical) This is joke, right? MJ: I’m thinking the same thing. Mo: It isn’t! When was the last time your family has really heard from Sabrina? Seen her? Know what she’s been up too? Huh? Casey ponders. Mo: Exactly! Jami: She’s not lying. If you don’t believe us— Casey: Oh, don’t worry. I’m questioning it. Mo snatches Jami’s phone from her bag and hands it to him. The phone is on the contact that reads “Mom” with a photo of Sabrina. Mo: Want more proof? Mo switches to another contact—Frannie’s profile. A photo of her pops up. Mo: That’s your aunt, right? Casey: Yeah, but— Mo: We could’ve gotten that image from anywhere? Is that where you were about to go? If you don’t believe me now then we can always call her. Jami: No! Mo pushes the dial and speaker buttons and the phone rings. Jami goes for the phone when Casey snatches the phone. Frannie (V.O.) Sweetheart! I was wondering when you were going to call home. Merry Christmas! Casey holds out the phone to Jami with a look of determination—a dare to see if she’ll prove her own accusations. Jami: Hey, Aunt Frannie. Merry Christmas to you too. How is everyone in London? Frannie: Great. Andy and I took your mom and brothers out to eat. She wanted to hop on the Eurostar and head to Paris to see you, but Andy handed her the card that you sent earlier saying that you and Monique would be in Athens. Took us hours to reassure her you’d both be fine. How is Monique by the way? Jami: She’s doing great. Right here beside me listening on. Mo: Hi, Ms. Hughes. Frannie: Hey, baby. And don’t worry. Your mom is doing great too. . . Anyways, how is Oakdale? Mo, I’ve received your last email telling me that you’ve fallen for my nephew. A real cutie, huh? Mo: (looking at Casey) Yep. He doesn’t know how much he means to me. . . A real Christmas miracle if you asked me. Frannie: Aww. How sweet. If only he knew how you really feel. Casey is a mixed bag of emotions—angry, confused, saddened. Casey: He does, Aunt Frannie! Just like he knows that Jami is a Hughes. Frannie: Casey?! Casey— MJ intervenes ends the call. Casey wipes the tears from his eyes. MJ: Point proven. Casey turns away in disbelief. Mo: Now what? You wanna take back what you said, Casey? You wanna go tell everyone? You wanna peg me as a liar like Allison. Go ahead. Jami: (to Mo) Haven’t you done enough today! Mo: I’m just getting started. Might as well as things are about to blow up! Casey: (turning back) Why? That’s all I can say. . . Why? Mo and Jami glance at each other, then back at Casey. CUT TO: INT. INTRUDER (EMILY’S OFFICE) Emily: Sorry. I didn’t mean it. Samantha: I doubt that, but I understand why you feel the way you do. Emily: I doubt that. Emily walks over to her window that overlooks the city. Emily: Guess I can kiss this all goodbye. Samantha: You quitting? Emily: Huh? Samantha: (sighs) Can you give us moment, Ms. Walsh? Lucinda: Of course. Lucinda exits. Samantha: Look, Mrs. Ryan— Emily: Emily. Call me Emily. You calling me Mrs. makes me feel old, and I’m not that old. Samantha: Fine. Emily, I just don’t see why you see me as a threat. If anything, I’m here to help you. Emily: Help me? More like dictate. Samantha: I beg to differ. . . Emily: Well I don’t! If you think about it, I’m not an equal to you. As much as you sit here and try and reassure me otherwise, that isn’t the case. You’re a Cory. Your family now owns this paper meaning you have the real power. I’m nothing but a figurehead. Classic nepotism if you ask me! Samantha: Do you think my grandmother is like that? Emily: Didn’t she just appoint you to co-editor? A position that should not be held by someone that has probably graduated from college a few weeks ago? Samantha: Ouch. But I guess I deserved that. However, I can reassure you that she won’t decide with me just I am a Cory. Emily: Whatever! I’ve heard how close your family is! Samantha: Then you need to go check your sources again because my family is just like any other family. We have rifts, and everyone isn’t that close. Emily: (sarcastically) Oh goody! I feel so much better. (roll eyes) Still doesn’t convince me or make me feel safe. Rachel: (entering) Then what about you hearing it from me? CUT TO: INT. OAKDALE UNIVERSITY (JAMI & MO’S DORM) Mo: You wanna know why? Fine— Jami: No! I’ll tell him. I’ll tell you both. Jami looks to MJ, who gives her a reassuring smile. Jami: You know that my mom left Oakdale for Montega, correct? Casey: Yes. Jami: Well that’s true. Now her spending all those years there was a lie. She met my father there. He was a young law student helping restore the country like she was. They had a May to December romance resulting in them eloping. Knowing how Grandma and Grandpa weren’t big fans of her last relationship. . . Casey: Tonio Reyes? Jami: Yes. She decided to keep him a secret for a while. They had me and my brothers, and we moved to Los Angeles where my dad got a position as in a top law firm. He worked his way through and became a partner, but unbeknownst to my mom, he had been doing shady business dealing with some men from Montega. Drug and mob related activities. Things went array. A rival mob family had a hit on my dad, and when my mom learned the truth and fled to Europe with us to avoid being killed. Casey: Wow. . . Jami: She didn’t want us to have contact with my dad either—something I can totally understand. We eventually settled down in London and that’s where we’ve been. Casey: But why didn’t she inform us about you all? Jami: Embarrassed. She didn’t want to bring the family anymore grief. That along with her worrying about the rival mob family eventually targeting you all. She doesn’t even know I am here. If she did, she’d blow a gasket out of fear that my dad will contact me or I’ll become a target to his old foes. MJ: How long have Frannie and Andy known? Jami: Aunt Frannie has always known. She was the one helping us move around. Uncle Andy didn’t learn the truth until leaving Oakdale and taking a photography job abroad. He wound up in London and learned the truth. There you go. Happy? Casey: Yeah. . . Casey’s phone rings. It’s Tom. Casey: I better answer it. Jami watches on apprehensively. INTERCUT - INT. JAMI & MO’S DORM/INT. BOB & KIM (LIVING ROOM) Casey: Hello? Tom: Hey! Where are you? Casey: Uh… hanging out with some friends. Tom: Well are you coming over? Casey: Yeah. In a few. Tom: Ok. See you then. Casey: Dad. . . Jami tense up. Casey: Save some of Grandma Kim’s cookies for me. You know how Daniel gets. Jami sighs. Tom: Sure will. See you in a few. Tom hangs up. END INTERCUT Casey: Your secret is safe with me. You’re family, and I’ll do whatever I can to keep you protected. Casey grabs Jami and hugs her. Jami: Thank you. Casey: And don’t worry about Aunt Frannie. I’ll call and talk to her later and let her know I won’t say a word. Jami nods. Casey: (to MJ) You coming? MJ: No. I’ll catch up with you later on. Casey: Ok. MJ places his hands on Jami’s shoulders, comforting her. Meanwhile, Casey grabs Mo by the hand as they head into the INT. HALLWAY He closes the door so they can be alone. Mo: You breaking up with me? Because if you are then you could’ve did that in the room. Casey: Look up. Mo: What? She looks up and sees mistletoe dangling over their head. As she looks back down, her lips meet with Casey. They kiss passionately, then: Mo: You’re not mad? Casey: No. Disappointed but not mad. Mo: (dully) Great. Mo drops her head but Casey lift it up. Casey: (smiling) Thank you. While I may never fully understand, you’ve given me the best three gifts of the year. . . a cousin, honesty, and you. Mo lights up. Casey: Till tomorrow. Casey kisses Mo hands and leaves. On Mo love stricken, FADE OUT:

I still plan on keeping the familial and othe relationship that were common with the show but I wanted to add some comedy, spice, and grit to the show that lacked the last few years. I'm aiming for a blend of primtime/daytime.

FADE IN: INT. THE INTRUDER (BOARDROOM) Emily, disheveled and angry, enters. Lining each side of the table consists of journalists that work for the paper. They all stand with confusion riddled on their faces. Emily makes her way to the head of the table, and has a seat. Emily: Anyone know the meaning of this meeting? Random Reporter: Nope. We all just got a call and was told to meet here. Emily: Dear God. Everyone have a seat until I get to the bottom of this. . . They all have a seat. Suddenly, Lucinda enters the room donning shades. She takes off the glasses and does not look pleased. She dons a look like she means business. This causes Emily to look worried. Emily: Lucinda, what are you doing here? Lucinda: Don't I own this paper? Emily: Yes, but-- Lucinda: No "buts." If you're wondering who called the meeting, it was me. Emily: OK. . . why is that? Lucinda: There are going to be some changes with the newspaper. Emily: Such as? Lucinda: Such as I sold the paper this morning. Worldwide no longer owns The Intruder. On Emily stunned, CUT TO INT. HUGHES GARAGE APT (LIVING ROOM) Ryder is in a rush, getting himself together. After tying his tie, he frantically starts to search for something but can't find it. DING DONG! Ryder: (to self) Now is not the time. DING DONG! Ryder groans and heads over the to the door. Ryder: Who is-- Ryder opens the door to reveal his younger sister, CHRISTINA. Christina: (barging in) Hey Ryder. Ryder: Chrissy, what are you doing here? Christina: Moving in. Ryder: Say what?! Christina: I'm moving in. Mom and I had another fight, and I want to get as far away from her as possible. CUT TO INT. OAKDALE MEMORIAL (NURSE STATION) Jami goes over some files. MJ emerges from the elevator and notices Jami. He walks over and taps her on the shoulder, greeting her with a smile. MJ: Hey. Jami: What's up? MJ: Nothing much. Still reeling over that party. Talk about crazy. Jami: (writing in file) Tell me about it. Jami closes the file and faces MJ. Jami: Especially you and Allison. MJ: Me and Allison? Jami: Yes. You two on the dance floor. Remember? MJ: That's something I'd like to forget. Jami: (not convinced) Mmm hmm. MJ reads Jami's face then starts laughing. Jami: What? MJ: Are you jealous? Jami: (flustered) No. MJ: I think that you are. Allison bends around the corner and notices Jami and MJ. A sly smirk comes across her face. She heads over to them. Allison: Hey guys. Jami: Speaking of the devil. . . Allison: You guys were talking about me? Jami: Actually we were. Allison: Really? Do tell. MJ: (anxious) Do we have to? Jami: Yes. We do. (to Allison) We were actually talking about your sister and how embarassing it was for her yesterday. You know. . . being caught in bed with Ryder and Paul finding her. Somewhat similar to your situation with Casey. . . Allison: Very funny. You're a comedian, huh? Just like Monique. Guess birds of a feather flock together. Jami: Guess they do. Allison: (rolling eyes) Anyways. . . Allison turns her attention to MJ. She starts to run her fingers across his lab coat. Allison: So MJ, what are you doing tonight? MJ: I -- umm. . . I-- Jami watches on with fury. She decides to take action. Jami: He's going out with me! Allison: He is? MJ: (overlapping) I am? On Jami trying to sell her latest scheme, FADE TO: FADE IN: INT. OAKDALE MEMORIAL MJ: I am? Jami shoots MJ a look and he realizes what she is doing. MJ: (then, with confidence) I am! Jami: (walking up on Allison, smug grin) So I guess you'll have to find someone else to go out with. There is a tense standoff between the two ladies with MJ standing in middle. Suddenly: Intercom: Dr. MJ Dixon, please report to surgery in room 401. Please report to room 401, stat. MJ: (easing out) Sorry, ladies. I gotta go. . . Jami: Wait! Jami grabs MJ and whispers in his ear: Jami: Forgive me. She plants a kiss on his cheek. MJ lights up. Jami: See you later. MJ exits in a daze. Jami: Such a nice guy. Allison: Sure is. Sadly, he wants to be shackled to you. Jami: Don't you have integrity? He is related to Casey, and we know you're doing this to get Casey's attention. Allison: I happen to think that MJ is a nice guy. Jami: That you just wanna use. Allison: Whatever. Jami rams the file in her on Allison's chest. Jami: Here. This needs to be filed. Maybe while you're finding where this goes, you'll find your dignity too. Jami walks off. On Allison troubled, CUT TO INT. BLC (BREAKROOM) Mo and Carly sit at the table eating donuts and sipping on coffee. Mo is clearly telling Carly something juicy as she has her full attention. Mo: . . .So then Lisa jumped in and started snatching wigs. The woman was fierce! Carly: Snatching wigs? Mo: (sighs) She read Susan and her band of tramps. You missed one h*ll of party. Barbara enters at the end of Mo's comment. She pours a cup of coffee. Barbara: Monique, don't you have something better to do than gossip? Mo: Umm. . . no. (getting up) Let me get back to my office and find something do before Babs goes nuts. Barbara: Monique, show some respect, OK? It's Mrs. Coleman. Not Barbara. Not Babs. Mo: (exiting) Whatever, Babs. Carly chortles. Barbara then shoots her a look. Carly: What! Barbara: You're encouraging her just like Lisa is. Carly: Well I find her charming and she brings good energy. Barbara: Good energy? I would not consider gossiping as good energy. Carly: (rising) I do. (heading to fridge) Especially when you have a newborn, three teens, and husband. I need my gossip where I can get it. Carly digs in the fridge as Barbara stand over, watching. Barbara: Seriously thought, you and Lisa need to stop encouraging her. Put up some boundaries or I am going to have to fire her. Carly: (closing fridge with apple in hand) Too bad you can't. (takes a bite) At least two of us have be in favor and I doubt Lisa wants to fire her. Barbara: Carly! Carly: Barbara, where are we going to find a better intern? Huh? (waits for an answer. . .) I thought so. Barbara: I seriously don't know what you two see in her. Carly: A bit of ourselves. ALL of us. Barbara: Dear God. She is nothing like me. Carly: She's feisty. Barbara: Mouthy is the word I'd use. The door reopens and in walks Monique again. Mo: A hag is here and she is determined to see you. Mo moves aside in and in walks Susan. Susan: Barbara, we need to fix this situation and fast. CUT TO INT. INTRUDER (BOARDROOM) Emily: Lucinda, you can't! Lucinda: I can. Stocks are dropping and I have to let one of my subsidiaries go. Intruder is the one I have to drop. Emily: This has something to do with me and Paul, right? He's the CFO and he's advised you to do so after what happened. Lucinda: What are you talking about? I have no clue nor do I care what goes on with you or Paul's personal lives. This is something we've been deciding for awhile. Emily: So Paul does know? Lucinda: Yes, but this has been a decision in the making for awhile, darling. Emily: OK. Without a primary backer--a publisher, we're screwed. Lucinda: Oh darling. . . You're reading too much into this. Emily: I don't think I am! Emily gets up and starts to pace, frantically. Lucinda: Darling, could you listen! In walks RACHEL CORY HUTCHINS with CASS WINTHROP. Emily: Cass? What are you doing here and who is she? Rachel: The new owner of the Intruder. On Emily taken back, CUT TO INT. HUGHES GARAGE APT (LIVING ROOM) Ryder and Christina are sitting on the sofa. Ryder is clearly annoyed at this point. Ryder: You really need to get over it, Chrissy. Christina: No. Mom needs to let go, but we won't have to worry about that now. She has no choice but to let go seeing as I am now moving here. Ryder: And where are you going to stay? Christina: Here. Ryder jumps from the sofa. Ryder: Oh no. H*ll no! Christina: C'mon, Ryder. Only for awhile. At least until the next semester starts at Oakdale U. Ryder: No! And while we're on the topic of school, what about Berkley? Christina: What about it? Ryder: So you're not going to school? Christina: Not now. I took the semester off. Ryder: Have you even figured out how you're going to pay for school? Huh, Chrissy? Christina: Yes. I have the college bonds from Grandma Nancy that I haven't cashed yet. I can use those to pay for the upcoming semester, and apply for scholarships for the remainder of my time. If you're trying to imply that I need Mom or Dad, I don't. Christina gets up and opens the door and grabs her suitcases. Christina: Now where is my room? On Ryder astonished by her boldness, CUT TO INT. INTRUDER Emily: You? Who are you? Do you even know anything about the newspaper industry? Rachel: I do. Probably more than you. (extending hand) Rachel CORY Hutchins. CEO of Cory Publishing. Emily: (to Lucinda) The Rachel Cory?! Lucinda nods. Emily takes Rachel hands and shakes it firmly. Emily: (eager) So glad to meet you. So glad to be working with you. Rachel: (doubtful) Sure you are. . . Now that the introductions are done and over, let's get to business. Emily: Let's! (pull out chair) Have a seat! Rachel: No need. What I have to say is short and sweet. Everyone is rapt in attention. Rachel: I'd like you to meet your new co-editor, Samantha Cory. Emily does a double take when Rachel announces this. In walks SAMANTHA CORY, daughter of Blaine and Sandy Cory. A bright, smart, beautiful Columbia University grad--just the match for Emily. Rachel: She'll be assisting you, Mrs. Ryan as we transition the Intruder from a smut rag to an interactive newspaper that will trailblaze all news and media into the future. Emily's jaw drops. On Samantha being stoic and determined, FADE OUT: COMING UP ON AS THE WORLD TURNS - Henry's sister, Clark, emerges and causes trouble. - Jami's secret is discovered. - Emily continues to lose it all - Scott is reunited with his not so thrilled family - Bonnie returns to Oakdale - Mo's brother realizes the girls are lying and comes to Oakdale - Lisa & Tom are at odds - Tom will do anything to win - Jack is still plagued by his mother's death - Adrienne and Holden continue to get hot & heavy, much to the chagrin of Emma

FADE IN: INT. PAUL & EMILY'S BEDROOM Emily lies with her head between Ryder legs as Paul enters. It is clear that Emily is sedated; however, this isn't clear to Paul. Paul: God d*mmit! Emily! What the h*ll are you doing?! Emily: Huh? Paul, what are you. . . Emily notices how she is positioned. She also sees Ryder lying in the bed, still drunk and out of it. Emily: (coming to) Oh my God! Paul, I can-- Susan: (O.C) What is going on here?! Emily! Susan comes from behind Paul and look on disgust. On Emily horrified, CUT TO INT. LAKEVIEW HOTEL (ADRIENNE'S SUITE) Lily stand frozen in the doorway, gazing at a naked Adrienne and Holden. Adrienne, embarrassed, pulls the covers over her body. Adrienne: (to Lily) What are you doing?! Lily: No! I should be the one asking what you are doing! But it's clear that you're doing my husband instead! Adrienne: (to Holden) Husband?! Holden: (correcting) Ex. (to Lily) Why are you here? Lily: I work here! (tearing up) How could you, Holden? How could you? CUT TO INT. CARTER'S LIVING ROOM Carter walks in grinning as Scott, grinning too, sits on the sofa. Carter: Well look who it is. Scott: In the flesh. Scott and Carter share a manly hug and laugh before sitting back down on the sofa. Carter: Took you long to get here. Scott: I know. I know. I just had to wrap some things up in Los Angeles. My focus is all yours now. Carter: Good. But are you still serious about going through with this? Going against your brother? Scott: Of course. Nothing wrong with a little sibling competition. Except I expect to win. On Scott determined and sly grin, FADE OUT FADE IN: INT. LAKEVIEW HOTEL (ADRIENNE SUITE) Lily: How could you, Holden?! How could you? Of all these places in Oakdale, you chose here to frolic around with your little hussy?! Adrienne: Excuse me? Adrienne starts to get rowdy but Holden holds her back. Holden: Seriously, Lily? Lily: Very. Adrienne: Are you two going to seriously do this now? Holden: No! Lily: (overlapping) Yes! Adrienne snatches the top blanket off the bed and covers herself. She makes her way towards the bathroom, but: Adrienne: I'll be in the shower. When you get done, Holden. . . (seductively grinning) . . .you can come join me for rounds two, three, and four. Holden grins as Adrienne exits into the bathroom. Lily: Slut. (to Holden) So where did you meet her? Holden: None of your business. Lily: It is my business when you're causing a disturbance and the neighbors complain. Oh and the fact that you might bring this tramp around of children! Holden: Lily. . . Holden puts on his underwear and grabs a robe from nearby as he gets out the bed. Holden: It's not that serious. We're just having fun. Lily: Yes. Fun. But when I was having fun with Damian-- Holden: Different situation. We were still married. Lily: I thought you were dead! Holden: Fine. Whatever you say. May I just remind you that we're not together? Lily: Your decision. Holden: And I am fine with it. You on the other hand. . . Adrienne: (O.C.) Holden. . . I'm getting really horny! Lily: You're slut is calling you. Holden: Lily-- Lily: I don't wanna hear it! (wounded) Just keep the noise down. Lily rushes out the room as Holden tries to stop her. On a conflicted Holden, CUT TO: INT. FAIRWINDS (FOYER) Paul rushes down the stairs with a handfull of Emily's clothes in his hands. It's clear that he is p*ssed off. Emily is hot on his heels, screaming as Paul opens the door and flings her clothes out the door. Emily: Paul, let me explain! Paul: Explain what? That I found your head inbetween Ryder's leg?! Emily: Paul! Paul grabs Emily and starts shaking her. Paul: How long?! How long have you been sleeping with him?! Emily: Are you serious?! Emily snatches away from here. Tears stream down her eyes. Emily: Do you think that after all we went through to be together that I'd compromise it?! For a fling?! Clearly you don't know me! Paul: Clearly I don't! Susan and a half dressed Ryder come rushing down the stairs. Ryder: Paul, I've never-- Paul: Shut up! I don't wanna hear it! You can take this piece of trash and get out of my house! Susan: Excuse me! Don't you talk to my daughter like that! Paul: I'll talk to her any way that I please. It's warranted! By now, other party guests have made their way in to see the spectacle. Barbara, Allison, Meg, and Lisa make their way to the front of the crowd. Allison: What's wrong? Paul: You're tramp of sister was just caught in bed with Ryder! Lisa: Must be hereditary. Susan: Oh shut up, Lisa! Lisa: I'm just saying. . . You're little clan has been known to run astray. And of course it'd be with poor innocent Ryder! Any man of Hughes relation has to pentrate a Stewart woman. It's like right of passage. The crowd goes into the ruckus after Lisa's insult-- laughing and "ooing." Mo: (to Lisa) Girl, you better snatch wigs! Work! W-E-R-K! MJ: (to Jami) I thought work was spelled W-O-R-K? Jami shakes her head, telling him let it go. Barbara: Lisa, enough! Barbara walks up to Paul, getting control of her son and the situation. Barbara: (to Paul) Are you sure? Paul: Am I sure?! I caught her in our bed with her head between his legs! Everyone gasps. Mo: At a child's birthday party?! That's h*ish! Susan: Could someone shut her up?! Mo: You don't know me you ole' hag. And I did not come from that hole between your legs, so you can't tell me what to do. OK? Barbara: (stern) Monique! Enough! Mo: OK. But that's because you sign my checks. . . and you're crazy. Barbara shoots a look at Mo before turning her attention back to Paul and Emily. A saddness come over her face. Barbara: (to Emily) Why? Emily: Why? Why what?! Didn't I just say that I didn't do anything with Ryder! Ryder: She didn't! How could I when I was drunk! Mo: That ain't stop nobody from getting loose, sweetie. Allison: You look like you'd know. Mo: Actually I don't know but your sister does. Barbara: Monique, don't say another word. . . Mo closes her mouth and gestures like she locking it and throwing away the key. Ryder: Meg can tell you that! I came here with her! Everyone looks to Meg. She stands off to the side, feigining innocence. Meg: You did. But you told me that you were going to the bathroom when we got here--I didn't know that you were messing with her on the side. How could you! Ryder: What?! Meg: I was really starting to like you! And you were using me! Using me to get to this sl*t! Ryder: You're crazy. Emily: You're just now figuring that out? Paul: She isn't too crazy! She's never been caught screwing someone in my bed! Emily grabs Paul and looks him in the eye. She is dead serious. Emily: Paul, I love you. I would NEVER cheat on you with another man. You have to believe me. This was a mistake. I did not sleep with Ryder. Lisa: Of course not, but you were working you're way up before Paul walked in. Emily: Lisa, please shut up! (to Paul) I am telling the truth! I swear to God. I am telling the truth! Paul is conflicted as he wants to believe Emily but the facts are in front of him. Then: Paul: I can't. This is a blow to Emily. She can't believe it. Paul: I want you to pack your sh*t and get out. I want no traces of you left behind. You have thirty minutes. Coldly, Paul walks away from Emily and their marriage. On Emily crushed and stunned, CUT TO: INT. TOM'S CAMPAIGN OFFICE Tom is with his stratagists and volunteers going over the campaign when Carter walks in. Spotting him, Tom folds everything up and sends his crew into the back. Tom: What do you want, Carter? Carter: I just came to stop by and see if you were ready to drop out of the race. Tom: Not a chance. Your flashy, tacky methods work now but they will soon start to wane. Carter: I wouldn't call myself flashy and tacky. I'd just say that I have great support behind me. Tom: Like Lucinda Walsh? Carter: For starters. Tom: Well just know that I have people with deep pockets backing me too. This election won't be an easy feat. Carter: I agree. If anything, I think that things are about to turn up. Tom: Really? How so? Carter: (calling out) Hey! My future Chief Assistant District Attorney, show yourself! In walks Scott with a grin on his face. Scott: Hey big bro. Aren't you going to welcome me home? Tom: (befuddled) Scott. . . what is the meaning of-- Carter: I'd like you to meet my new Chief Assistant District Attorney, Scott Eldridge. You know him, don't you? Tom scowls at Carter. Carter: Now don't be mad. Looks like you'll be pulling an all nighter. (to Scott) I'll give you some time to get reacquainted. Carter exits. Tom: Why, Scott? Why? Scott: Why not? This is strictly business, big bro. All is fair in politics. See you at the debates. . . Scott exits. On Tom verklempt, FADE OUT

Loving this Jake/Stacey story. Keep up the good work!