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Josh

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  1. Josh
    CASTING UPDATE

    Readers of "The Guiding Light" learned in the last episode (059) that long time villan Roger Thorpe suffered a heart attack and died! "We felt it was time to pay respect to the wonderfully talented Michael Zaslow and put the character of Roger to rest once and for all." Shared executive producer Josh Hawkins.

    "Dan pitched the storyline about a month and half ago and we ran with it. This story is just beginning." Continue Hawkins.



    In the wake of the stunning news, Toby Poser who joined the CBS drama, "Guiding Light" in 1995 returns for a week long run as Amanda Spaulding-Thorpe, Roger's widow. "This story would not have worked if Amanda didn't return. We're thrilled to have her back with "TGL" family."

    In addition to Poser's return Julia Barr will return full-time to the role of Hope Bauer and she will be accompanied by her father Mike Bauer who will return for Roger's memorial later this week. "We have cast the role of Mike Bauer, but will wait until later in the week to reveal."
  2. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 059
    Monday April 9, 2007
    Written By: Dan Gobble & Josh Hawkins

    **********

    The mysterious woman begins to wake up. She attempts to get a bearing as to where she could possibly be. Her memories begin to piece together. She can recall the sea air and the sound of the waves crashing.

    The woman begins to look around the room. What a dirty place, she realizes. This man looks as if he was washed up by the tide. The man tried to place a rag over her head. The woman evades his hand, disgusted.

    “Oh God, I’ve died and gone to Hell haven’t I?”

    “If you don’t mind me asking ma’am, who are you?” the man asks.



    “My name is Alexandra Spaulding and where the hell am I?”

    **********

    The EMTs wheel Harley into the Emergency Room at Cedars Hospital. Her friends and family sit anxiously in the waiting room, hoping that the doctors will come with news of Harley’s condition. Soon, a doctor enters the room and calls for their attention.

    “How is my daughter? Can I see her,” Buzz says.

    “Harley has slipped into a comatose state. We are unsure of how long she will remain in the coma or if she will wake up at all. The next few weeks will be crucial.”

    **********

    Shayne meets Derek at his place with a sack full of movies and popcorn for the night. They meet at the door and kiss. They hear a muffled “click” and look around to see where the sound could have come from.

    “What was that?” Derek asked.

    “Dunno. Don’t hear anything now? But anyway. Hey man. Hope you’re in the mood to laugh. I have some classics here. They’re hysterical.”

    They enter, not realizing that Alan-Michael’s private investigator is watching their every move.

    ***********

    Holly looks at the bottle that she received earlier from the doctor at Cedars.

    “I doubt this will work, but bottoms up,” she says and downs the pill. She shuffles over to the sofa. She gets underneath the covers and turns out the light. However, she no sooner gets into bed when she hears a knock on the door. Grumpily, she gets out of bed and wanders over to the door.

    “Who the hell could that be,” she wonders.

    She opens the door and sees Amanda Spaulding-Thorpe.

    “What the hell are you doing here?” she asks. “Aren’t there enough babies you can steal candy from in California? And where’s Roger? Isn’t he with you?”

    “Holly, now is not the time for insults. Roger, Roger had a heart attack a few nights ago. He died in his sleep.”

    *********
    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    Holly closes the door and walks to Amanda, who is sitting in a chair.

    “Amanda, you should know better. If someone had heard you say that Roger was dead, the town would start parading down Fifth Street!”

    “Holly! How can you be so cruel?” Amanda asks.

    “How dare you! Roger raped me and made my life a veritable Hell for years. I think I have a right to be cruel. Besides, I don’t believe you. Don’t you know that it’s a little later for April Fools jokes,” Holly says.

    “I’m not joking Holly.”

    “Oh please, this is just like him. I pumped three bullets into his chest and then later, I saw his body smash against a rock in Santo Domingo. I thought he was dead. Yet, lo and behold, he returns fifteen years later. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Roger, it is that Hell won’t have him. Why did you think that I would believe you? Hell, I’m sure Roger’s even convinced you to wear a wire so that he can have a good laugh later at my expense. What I’m wondering is how he roped you into this.”

    “It’s not one of Roger’s little games Holly and I can prove it!”

    **********

    Alex’s host has succeeded in calming her down. He walks to the stove and puts a kettle on the burner for tea.

    “Do you remember anything that happened before you got hear ma’am?”

    “I think I remember most of it. Not that I’m going to tell you all the sordid details, but I was arguing with someone I knew on the cliff in the rain. I was at a cabin and the fight continued in the car. Then we went over the embankment and that’s all I remember.”

    Alex’s mind begins to put the pieces back together. She can now remember most of the details of the accident. She can still hear Lucy’s call echo through her mind.

    “Well ma’am, you sure must have had a good fall. You had a pretty good bump on the head when I found ya. You must have fallen out of the car. I was fishing and saw some flames that were caused by the car. Then I found you and brought you here.”

    “Why didn’t you notify the police or someone when you found me? I could have been bleeding to death!”

    “Sorry ma’am, got no phone or car. All I got around me is this here woods. Pretty peaceful I gotta say.”

    “You don’t say,” Alex says condescendingly. “Well I guess this place is better than the deserted island I was stranded on years ago. I better go off to look for a telephone.”

    “Ma’am, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You just got up after all.”

    “Oh, I’ve survived worse,” she says as she leaves the shack.

    **********

    Derek and Shayne make out through the movie. Halfway through, Shayne’s cell phone rings. He answers it. Josh is on the other line. He tells Shayne to meet him back at home in a little while. Shayne closes the phone and wonders how he is going to break the news.



    “Who was that Shayne?” Derek asked.

    “My dad. He wanted me to meet him back at home. So I’m gonna have to get going. I’m sorry Derek.”

    “That’s okay. Here, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll let you go, but I want to borrow Spaceballs for the night.”

    “Oh ok,” Shayne concedes.

    They walk onto the porch and kiss each other goodnight. Shayne glances back as Derek shuts the door. Shayne walks down the street to his car, when he hears the clicking sound again.

    “Is anyone there? I’m armed and dangerous, so if you don’t want to end up as sushi, you better leave!”

    “That’s okay, I’ve always liked sushi,” a mysterious voice said in the bushes.

    “Who are you? Come out!”

    The mysterious man springs from the bushes.

    “Alan-Michael, what the hell are you doing here?!”

    **********

    Harley lies on the hospital bed, surrounded by all her friends and family, including Gus, Lucy, Buzz, Frank, and Vera.

    “I don’t understand how this could have happened. What would have made Alexandra go off a cliff?” Buzz asks.

    “I don’t know, but we’re going to find out, I promise Dad,” Frank answers.

    Vera squirms, knowing that sooner or later her cover will be blown. Lucy notices her discomfort and wonders what could be going on.

    “We’ll have to wait until Harley gets out of bed to know what really happened since it appears that we can’t ask Alexandra,” Gus says.

    Vera slinks out of the room. Lucy sees her leave and follows her out the door. Vera walks to the hospital chapel and approaches the altar. Lucy walks in and confronts her.

    “Vera, you wouldn’t know by any chance why Alexandra and Harley got into that accident would you?”



    “Of course not darling, I wasn’t even there.”

    “But I’m sure you knew what was going on Vera because you were involved with it. Are you sure you are Gus’ mother?”

    “I am sure. How many times do I have to tell everyone that? I am Gus’ mother. I gave him to the Augustinos about thirty odd years ago. I was only the Spaulding maid and wasn’t being paid that much. I tried to give him a better life with them and now that he is here, I want a relationship with him.”



    “You are such a liar! Don’t you realize that Alexandra has died and Harley could die because of this secret that you were hiding! I want to know right now!”

    Gus interupts them and enters the room.

    “Yes. I want to know too. And you better not be lying “mom.”

    **********



    “What is this?” Holly asks.

    “It’s his death certificate. Read it.”

    “These can be faked you know that right? Come on Amanda! I’m a journalist! Humor me. Show me proof. Show me a body!”

    “Fine. I will. One of Roger’s dying wishes was to be buried near his great love. You, Holly,” Amanda says with a hint of jealousy. “Despite everything, he still talked about you all the time. It made me sick. He loved you so much despite me being his wife.

    Holly’s ears perk up..

    “What do you mean? Roger’s body hasn’t miraculously disappeared into the night?”



    “No, of course not. Roger wanted a closed-casket funeral, but he wanted you to see him first. He knew you would be skeptical.”

    Holly begins to realize that Amanda may be telling the truth. Immediately, she thinks of Blake. She loved him so much. It will break her heart if this is true.

    “Damn you Roger.”

    She goes to the phone and dials the carriage house. “Blake, you need to come over here, right now.

    **********

    “Oh nothing Shayne. I just happened to be in the neighborhood—“



    “Save it Alan-Michael. What do you want?”

    “Oh nothing. I just wanted to know what you were doing?”

    “That’s none of your business.”

    “Oh I think it is,” he says as he produces a photo of Shayne and Derek kissing.

    “Say cheese!”

    “Where did you get that?!” Shayne stammered.



    “This? I have my sources. But wouldn’t The Mirror love this headline: Talkshow Host’s Son Gay! And of all people Reva. What delicious irony. I hope you both don’t have the same taste in men.”

    Shayne rushes at him ready to strike. However, A-M dodges the attack.

    “I don’t think you want to do that Shayne. I have the leverage now. You are going to do what I tell you to or I am going to tell your secret to everyone who will listen.”

    “What do you want me to do?” Shayne laments.

    “I want to cement the Cedars deal and you are going to help me. One way or another.”

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - Blake learns about Roger’s death!
    - Alexandra tries to make her way back home.
    - Vera reveals all!
  3. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 058
    Thursday April 5, 2007
    Written By: Dan Gobble & Josh Hawkins

    **********

    Holly wakes up and realizes that she fell asleep again. As she regains consciousness, she feels the pain well up in her head. Another migraine. Through squinted eyes, Holly shuffles around the room and picks up a bottle of medicine. She downs it and walks back to the sofa. Holly looks up at the clock. “11. I’m supposed to meet Ed for lunch. I should get up and go. I’ve bailed on him too many times lately.” Holly succumbs to the pain and lies back down. However, the door bell wakes her up. She gets up to answer and finds Ed.



    “Holly, you’re not going to ditch me again, are you?” Ed looks over and sees the disheveled covers on the bed. She’s probably not even out of bed, he thinks.

    “Holly, are you okay? Holly doesn’t respond. Ed grows more and more concerned.

    “Holly?”

    Holly’s eyes roll back into her head as her legs give out. She faints and Ed catches her in his arms.

    “Holly?!”

    **********


    Lizzie arrives at Memorial Hospital in Oakdale to see Braxton. She seems him at the nurses’ station, where a young nurse is flirting with him. She struts over and butts in the conversation. She gives him a hello and plants a big kiss on his lips.

    **********

    Josh and Billy sit at the table in the conference room at Lewis Construction when Wanda barges in. “Josh, your wife is here. Should I let her in?” Josh replies with a yes and Wanda walks back to her office. A minute elapses and Reva walks into the room carrying a suitcase.



    “Hello darlin’ what are you doing here?” Josh asks.

    “I just wanted to stop by and see what you boys were doing,” she replies.

    Josh notices the bag. “Where are you going?”

    “Joshua, I’ve decided to leave Springfield for awhile. I need to catch my breath. It’s not like anyone is going to miss me anyway.”

    **********

    The Spaulding jet lands on the landing strip at Bar Harbor. Alan-Michael Spaulding runs out and glances around to see if he can see Lucy among the crowd. He sees a bunch of paramedics pushing a comatose Harley on a gurney. A-M looks at her and wonders what could have happened to cause this. He asks one of the paramedics as to the whereabouts of his wife.

    A-M took the car and drove within 10 minutes to the crash site and sees Lucy staring out over the rocky shore.



    Lucy realizes that he is there and runs into his arms. The misdeeds of the past appear forgiven for the moment at least as she gives him a big kiss.

    “Have they found Aunt Alex yet?”

    “No. The paramedics say that there is no way that she could have survived the impact."

    Alan-Michael wipes a tear from his eye and the two look out over the horizon.

    **********

    Meanwhile, in a shack about a mile down the road in the Maine woods, a fisherman returns home with a bucket of water. He sees the woman on the bed. Pretty beaten up, he mutters. The man remembers when he found her near the shore. He walks up and dabs a wet rag on her forehead. After tending to her wounds, he crosses the room and works on cleaning the fish he caught earlier this morning. Suddenly, she begins to stir. The man runs over and asks her if she will be okay.

    “Where am I?” she asks.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    “Are you kidding? Here is someone who is going to miss you if you left. Why don’t I let Billy take over the project and you and I will take a long, relaxing vacation,” Josh offers.

    “No, you guys have too much work with the Cedars project. Besides, I’ll have enough company to occupy my time. I’ve decided to go to Tulsa to see Hawk and Rusty. Rusty bought a new farm that he’s been dying for me to see. Then, I want to go to San Jemar to see Jonathan. Now that the stalker mess is over, I want to make sure that he’s okay.”

    “Reva, did you have another blowout with Marah?”

    “Marah? No. I’ve been calling her, but she’s still treating me like some primordial ooze. Mel Bauer came to the house earlier today and berated me for Roxie’s actions. Evidently, she was pregnant and lost the baby because of Roxie. I’ve let down my sister, my daughter, and now my friends are being hurt because of my problems. I’m beginning to rack up a long list of enemies in this town aren’t I?” She sobs. “I just, I don’t understand why everyone is putting the brunt of the blame on me? I didn’t put the gun in Roxie’s hand, I didn’t ask her to stalk me. I didn’t—“

    Josh reaches over and pulls her into an embrace. Reva places her head on his shoulder and cries.

    “It’s all gonna be okay. It’s all gonna be okay…” he repeats softly to her.

    **********

    “Holly? Holly?” Ed repeats. He picks her up and places her on the sofa. Suddenly, she comes to, her eyes dart around the room to see where she is.



    “What happened?” she asks.

    “You fainted again Holly.”

    “Oh God,” she sighs. She begins to feel her head pounding again, as if she has been in a deep sleep.

    “I’m guessing this means that your headaches aren’t getting any better right?”

    “Nope. Some days it takes so much effort just to get out of bed in the morning. I haven’t gone to work. I have a stupid message on my answering machine from every person in this town wondering where I am. No matter what I do, these migraines just aren’t going away. I’m not sure what to do…”

    “Why don’t you come with me to Cedars and we can get you checked out?”

    “Ed, I can deal with this, I can—“

    “Holly, please. Can you do it for me? I’m getting much too old to be carrying damsels over the threshold.”

    “I hate it when you start to make sense,” Holly cracks a small smile.

    “Well, you better make a note of it; it happens so rarely. Come on. You go up stairs and I’ll wait for you.”

    Holly nods her head and then walks slowly up the stairs to get ready.

    **********

    Lizzie looks over to the nurse and says “Sorry, he’s taken. So if you don’t want me to get angry, I’d suggest you’d get out of here.” The nurse leaves, taking the not-so-subtle hint.

    Braxton smiles and asks, “What are you doing here?”

    “Well my mom always said that young guys like you need to be kept on a very short leash,” she coos and gives him another kiss.

    Braxton looks at his watch. “Lizzie, it’s almost my break, so we can go to the cafeteria and talk, unless you want something a little more upscale than chicken fingers and fries.”

    “That’s fine by me,” she says.

    The two walk over to the elevator hand in hand and leave the floor.

    **********

    “I feel like it is all my fault, Alan-Michael. If I would have just gotten here a little faster, Harley would not be in a coma and Alexandra would not be de—“

    “Don’t say that,” he interrupts. “There is nothing that you could have done. All we can do now is pray that Harley gets the best care that she can get and that she comes out of the coma alright. And we don’t even know for sure that Aunt Alex is dead. We didn’t find a body.”

    “But the paramed—“

    “What do they know? Miracles happen, Lucy. We just have to pray that this is one of those times. Besides, she's Alexandra Spaulding for God's sake."

    “Oh daddy! He must be worried sick about Harley. Can you take me to see him, please?”

    “Sure thing,” he says. However, A-M’s phone rings and A-M guides Lucy to the car. He answers the phone. The PI speaks on the other end of the line. “Boss, I’m about to follow your instructions beginning in a few minutes. The subject should be coming around soon,” he says.



    “Good, keep me informed will you?” A-M flips his phone and walks proudly over to the car.

    **********

    Reva lets go of Josh’s arms and wipes the tears from her eyes. “I’m okay. I just needed to get it all out,” she says to him.

    “Honey, I know that everything is going to turn out okay. It will take awhile, but Mel and Marah will realize that it was not your fault.”

    “I hope so. I don’t think I can take much more of this. My pariah days are long gone.”



    “Are you sure that you don’t want me to go with you?” Josh asks.

    “I’m sure. You can help me by staying home and working on this project.”

    “Okay. Make sure you call me when you get to Hawk’s and call as much as you can.”

    Reva and Josh walk out into the waiting room.

    “Wanda, make sure these boys aren’t working too late.”

    “Will do,” Wanda smiles.

    Reva gives Josh a big hug and walks out of the office.

    **********

    At Cedars, Holly and Ed wait in one of the rooms for a doctor to come see them. The doctor walks in and looks at Holly’s chart.

    “Miss Lindsay, after a full checkup, we were unable to find anything medically wrong with you. The test all came back negative. The symptoms that you are experiencing could be psychosomatic. Nevertheless, we will give you a prescription for a mild pain reliever for the headaches.”

    “Are you saying that all of the migraines are all in my imagination?”

    “Perhaps, but further tests would have to done to rule out everything.”

    “Thanks doctor,” Holly says as he walks out of the room.

    “What is wrong with me? First I’m accused of being Reva’s unbalanced stalker, now I’m dreaming up headaches. I must be nuts.”

    “Hey, you heard the doctor. Just because we don’t have a test for it, doesn’t mean that there is nothing wrong with you. Doctors are fallible too. We can get a second opinion.”

    “And what can they tell me that I don’t already know Ed? That I am certifiably insane? I knew this was coming. I just knew it.”

    Holly puts her hand on her head.

    “Ed, I hate to be a party pooper, but could you just take me home. I think I’m going to take some of this medicine and pray that it works.”

    Ed agrees, gives Holly her coat. They walk out of the room more deflated than they had been when they came.

    **********

    Braxton and Lizzie sit in a booth in the hospital cafeteria. The place is filled with hungry doctors hurriedly eating their lunches. Lizzie looks up at him in between bites and smiles at him.

    “So. Back there you said that I was taken. What did you mean by that?” he smiles back.

    “It’s just the Spaulding way. If we see something that interests us, we snatch it up. But seriously, I must say that you made a good first impression. I was hoping to have another encounter, maybe more, if you would want.”

    “Why don’t I take you out for a night on the town tonight? I get off in a few hours and I know that the cafeteria isn’t exactly the best place for a first date.”

    “I’d like that. But I always like to know the men that I go out with and I realized that I don’t know much about you Braxton. Who exactly is Braxton O’Dell? Where did you come from? Did you have any other relationships?”



    “Wow, straight to final Jeopardy,” Braxton answers. “Well, I was born with ten fingers and ten toes and I can make the best Tony Danza impression that you’ve ever seen.”

    “Seriously,” Lizzie laughs.

    “Okay, I had a pretty normal childhood. A dad. A mom, they were married a few years before I came along and he died in 2001. Mom moved to Vegas, I went to med school and here we are."

    "Your mother still live in Vegas?"

    "No, mom moved to Springfield a couple of weeks ago and is trying to find a steady job."

    “Oh really? Why are you over here then when you can be with her? Why don’t you move closer to Springfield?” Lizzie flirts.

    Braxton tries to evade the other question and smiles at the hint. He’s amused to say the least.

    **********

    The mysterious woman begins to wake up. She attempts to get a bearing as to where she could possibly be. Her memories begin to piece together. She can recall the sea air and the sound of the waves crashing.

    The woman begins to look around the room. What a dirty place, she realizes. This man looks as if he was washed up by the tide. The man tried to place a rag over her head. The woman evades his hand, disgusted.

    “Oh God, I’ve died and gone to Hell haven’t I?”

    “If you don’t mind me asking ma’am, who are you?” the man asks.

    “My name is Alexandra Spaulding and where the hell am I?”



    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Holly gets the shock of her life!
    - A-M blackmails Shayne!
    - Family and friends keep vigil over Harley.
  4. Josh
    ANNOUNCER: IF YOU'VE NEVER READ THE GUIDING LIGHT...NOW...IS...THE...TIME



    ANNOUNCER: LIZZIE BEGINS A DANGEROUS GAME...

    Lizzie: Braxton do something big...come to Springfield.
    Braxton: My internship is here in Oakdale.
    Lizzie: Trust me. Do you trust me?

    ANNOUNCER: SHAYNE HAS A SECRET AND HE KNOWS...



    Alan-Michael: Can you imagine the headlines? Reva Shayne Lewis' Gay Son...
    Shayne: Go to hell!

    ANNOUNCER: AND THE MOMENT...THAT CHANGES HER LIFE...FOREVER...



    Holly: What are you doing here?
    Woman: Something has happened...
    Holly: Oh my God!

    ANNOUNCER: DON'T MISS A MOMENT...THE GUIDING LIGHT
  5. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 057
    Sunday, March 25, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    Rick tightened the scarf around his neck, spring had arrived the day before yet the bitter wind blew uncontrollably as he stood on the porch.

    Dr. Felicia Boudreau pulled open the door and smiled, “Rick this is quite the surprise.” She hugged him, “My goodness, hurry come in and get out of this wind.” Felicia pushed the door closed, “Can you believe this weather, almost April and it is just bitterly cold. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

    “No thank you.” Rick replied, “Is Mel here?”

    “Oh I wish she were.” Felicia answered, “You know you just missed her. I’m sorry.”

    “Seems to be our luck lately, missing one another.” Rick looked around, “Do you know where she went?”

    “I don’t.” She answered, “Um…Mel told us about Michelle’s pregnancy please pass our congratulations onto her and Dr. Bauer.”

    “I will do that, but you don’t have to patronize me Felicia that was never your strong suit.”

    “You’re right it has never been, but I was doing no such thing Rick and I’m sorry you felt I was.” She took a seat in an empty chair, “For what it’s worth Clayton and I think that our daughter is making a horrible mistake, one that I am assured she will soon retract.”

    “We’ve both made mistakes Felicia.” Rick sat down, “Should she have come clean sooner? Yes. Should I have overreacted the way I did? No.” He took a moment for some silent thoughts, “She is the best thing that has ever happened to me without question and I everyday that I wake up and she’s not there next to me is a day that I think she is slowly slipping away. I don’t know what to do Felicia. You’re the expert here how about some expert advice?”

    “Oh Rick…I’m not the one to ask about this. If you want an expert then I would tell you to go and talk with Clayton he’s the real expert.”

    “What do you mean?”



    “Clayton and I have had our troubles after we were first married.” Felicia began, “And he was desperate to have a child right after med school…and I miscarried much like Mel. Clayton left me, not right away…but he did and we were separated for eight months.”

    **********

    Reva shut the door and smiled, “Mel this is a surprise. How are you?”

    “Better.” She answered short and to the point her single word hung in the air.

    “Joshua and I were just talking about you the other night over dinner, curious as to how you were feeling. You received our flowers didn’t you? I hope so because that florist down on Fifth Street can be so ditzy sometimes…” Reva rambled.

    “Your flowers were beautiful. They died though.” Mel was short again, “Reva this isn’t a social visit…you and I are not two old girlfriends catching up on days gone by. It’s taken me this long to muster up the courage and come here today. To see you face-to-face…for the first…” her words trailed off.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    “All right. Thank you Bill, I appreciate it.” Michelle closed her cell phone and sat it down on the kitchen table. Just as she was about to sit down herself she heard a knock on the front door.

    Since coming clean about the baby Michelle was clearly showing now, she supposed it was because she was wearing clothes that actually fit.

    “Marah…” Michelle was surprised to see her here.

    “Is Danny here yet? He told me that you called earlier.”

    “No, not yet. But he will be soon and the same with Bill, so I don’t really have time to talk.”

    “You’ll make the time.” Marah replied.

    “I see. So you’ve come to threaten me and make promises you will not be able to keep?”

    “Don’t underestimate me Michelle.” Marah warned, “You’ve gotten yourself into quite the little predicament haven’t you?”

    “One that I am working on mind you.”

    “You know either way this turns out it is going to affect me in some way. Bill and I have become extremely close the last few years and…” Marah paused to think for a moment.

    “And what? Go on say it Marah, you’re falling in love with Danny?”

    “Actually yes, that is exactly what I was going to say.”

    “That’s not my concern or problem, but I wish all the luck in the world, because you’ll need it. Danny is a complicated individual with a lot of baggage.”



    “If that is some poor attempt to scare me away well then you’ve failed Michelle, I don’t scare easily.”

    **********



    Having spent the previous night together grieving for the loss of Alexandra and worrying about how to treat Harley, the Cooper family: Buzz, Frank, Marina along with Gus and Vera arrive at the Spaulding Mansion. Once everyone has assembled in the study, Buzz offers Alan his condolences and Alan-Michael announces that Rick Bauer is taking the Spaulding jet to Bar Harbor to pick Lucy up and that they will be bringing Harley back to Springfield.

    **********

    “Felicia I had no idea.”

    “No one does and no one ever. Do you understand me Rick?”

    “Of course Felicia, so you think just wait it out like you did with Clayton?”

    “Every couple is different, every situation is different and Rick I cannot tell you what to do, only you and Mel can decide that. It is going to take time though, that I can assure you. You love my daughter I know that, time will heal these wounds and when you finally are reunited it will be ten times sweeter.”

    “Thanks for talking with me.” Rick stood, “I need to be going though.”

    “So soon?”

    “I um, actually came by to tell Mel that I was flying out with a trauma team to Maine later today. Harley was in a car accident out there and it’s not good.”

    “I’m sorry to hear that.” Felicia answered, “Was anyone else involved?”

    “Alexandra Spaulding. She died.” He revealed, “We just found out yesterday.”

    “Rick…” Felicia hugged him, “I know how close you are to Phillip and with Harley, are you doing all right?”

    “I will be once I get Harley home, where she belongs. Thank you for your concern.”

    Felicia walked him to the door, “You will always have a place in this family Rick, please know that.”



    “Thank you Felicia and tell Mel what’s going on would you?”

    She shook her head…shut the door and once more Rick was standing out in the bitter cold.

    **********

    “You came to me Marah, I have no reason to try and scare you, I think you’re already afraid.”

    “Of you? Hardly, but I am concerned about your child.”

    “Okay, speaking of my child I don’t have the time or the energy to even deal with you right now. I have to stay focused on what matters, my baby.”

    “Of course, I understand Michelle. That’s why I’m here.”

    “Really?”

    Marah shook her head, “Mm-hhm. Really. But you better be very concerned with me and worry at least a little, because one way or another you are going to be tied to me for a very longtime to come.”

    “And how do you figure that?”

    “Bill is my cousin and if that is his child then he or she will be a Lewis, through and through.”

    “And if she’s a Santos?”

    “Danny’s mine Michelle and I intend to keep it that way for a very long time, no matter what storm we have to weather together. If your child is his, we will deal with it and I just don’t want you to think you will be able to win him back, because you won’t.”

    “You need to leave, now!” Michelle opened the door to see Danny standing there ready to knock.

    “What’s going on?” He asked

    “Danny!” Marah smiled, “I just stopped by to leave you a message to call me later.”

    “Is there a problem?”

    “Of course not. Mindy called and she’s flying into New York City in the morning for a couple of days and asked me to join her.”

    “That’s sound nice.”

    “Yes, very nice. So when you’re all done here you call me and we’ll have dinner. Okay?”

    “Okay.” Danny bent down and kissed her, “See you in a bit.”

    “Goodbye Michelle.” Marah waved, “Lovely talking to you.”

    **********



    Phillip informs Gus that he will be by later to pick Zach up and tells him that until Harley is well again he will be keeping Zach, Gus agrees. After his talk with Gus, Phillip approaches Beth and suggests they stay in the mansion to give Zach a sense of security with Harley being away. Beth becomes upset and notes that once again Harley Davidson Cooper has managed to work her way into their marriage and cause problems. Beth begins to storm away and tells Phillip it is bad enough that she has share a house with Olivia, but now Phillip is thinking of Harley more than her! She tells him to sleep in a guest suite and not their bedroom for a while!

    **********

    Reva stepped lightly, “Is this about Roxanne?”

    “Yes, as a matter of fact it is, because since that woman entered my life…”

    “I know what you must be feeling right now.” Reva interrupted, “And Mel I want you to know from the bottom of my heart I am so…so sorry for the trouble and torment she caused.”

    “You have no idea what I’m feeling Reva.”

    “You’re right. You are absolutely right I have no idea. But I do know the pain and the hurt she caused and you look as though…”



    “As though what Reva? That I’m better? That I am over the hell your sister put me through? Well you are wrong!” Mel shouted at her, “How uncouth and insensitive can you be? I’m beginning to understand why Marah loathes you the way she does…”

    “Did you have a purpose in coming here?” Reva stepped toward the defense side, “Because I’ve never had problem with you Mel, but my relationship with my daughter is not up for discussion. Perhaps you should go before you say something you will regret later.”

    “I was pregnant Reva!” She announced, “Pregnant with my first child. Do you remember what it was like when you first found out you were pregnant for the first time? The joyous feeling you had, how worried you were about bringing a new life into the world…but then of course you were probably worried for different reasons…”

    “Okay you’ve said enough.” Reva retorted as she went towards the door.

    “Your crazy sister ruined that for me. I lost my baby because of what Roxie did. And since the day I found out I held myself responsible, but I shouldn’t have. Because I hold you responsible, Marah’s right you and your actions are to blame for all of this and no one is holding you responsible.”



    “That may very well be how it appears.” Reva snapped, “But my momma used to say the good Lord giveth and the good Lord taketh away, so before you come into this house blaming me for what has transpired Mel…maybe you should reexamine your life again.”

    “And just what the hell does that mean?”

    “It means if I hadn’t done what I did and take Richard off life support you wouldn’t even have a husband right now. So before you go getting all high and mighty on me, in my house, mind you…I suggest you remember whose heart is beating in your husband’s chest right now.”

    “That maybe the case, but one day Reva…one day, you are going to get what you so rightfully deserve.”

    “You’ve overstayed your welcome Mrs. Bauer…now get out!” Reva demanded as Mel headed towards the door.

    “Gladly!”

    **********

    “I don’t mean to sound crass but I have a meeting at Cedars in half an hour.” Bill announced as he took a seat at the Bauer table.

    “I talked with both my father and Claire about an amino DNA test, however after the fifth month they become extremely high risk for the mother and child. So I went with Plan B…”

    “Which was?” Danny questioned.

    “Pin-pointing the date of conception.”

    “Are you joking Michelle?” Bill erupted, “Seriously?”

    “No I’m not Bill. In fact Claire…” The mere mention of her name caused Danny to roll his eyes, “And I worked for hours yesterday going through my medical charts and we came to a very clear answer. There was two weeks difference in between the time Danny and I slept together, Bill…”

    “Bill…Danny…” Michelle bordered on tears, “I love you both more than either of you are willing to realize, but Bill…you are the father of my baby.”

    “How sure is Claire?” Bill asked before she could answer.



    “I’m not buying it Michelle.” Danny interrupted, “Claire Ramsey hates me with every bone in her vengeful body. So until you produce hard, concrete evidence I won’t accept that Bill is the father of this baby.”

    “You can’t drop it can you Danny?”

    “Do you honestly want to raise my child as your own Bill?” Danny asked with no answer, “I didn’t think so. When is your due date?”

    “May 16th.” Michelle answered, “I know that you don’t believe me…”

    “It’s not that I don’t believe you Michelle.” Danny told her, “But I have to much on the line here to put all my trust and faith into a calendar and Claire.”



    “So where do we go from here?” Bill asked as Michelle leaned against the bar holding her stomach listening to the men talk amongst themselves.

    “STOP IT!” She shouted at the top of her lungs, “Both of you shut up. You want to know where we go from here? Fine, I’ll tell you both…” she flung open the back door, “The both of you can get the hell out. You want to know where we go from here? Well, we…go nowhere. You asked me to find out who the father of this little girl is and I did. You can’t accept my answer then I don’t want to see either one of you until she is born.”

    “Michelle…” They both reasoned and Bill spoke again, “You can’t do this on your own.”

    “Why not Bill? I’m much more stronger than either of you give me credit for. Now both of you get out…and I mean it I don’t want to see either of you until I have this child. Do you both understand?”



    The men shook their heads in agreement, “Good.” She watched them leave and slammed the door behind her and quickly fell into the first empty chair she found, her mind raced, her heart ached, tears flowed down her cheek and in this moment Michelle missed

    **********

    Blake Thorpe Marler curled up on her bed and looked out the window at her children playing below. Ross had stopped by earlier to visit and Blake had taken the opportunity to make a long overdue telephone call.



    “Hi Daddy.” She softly spoke, almost in a whisper, “I figured I would end up getting the machine, but oh well. It’s great to hear your voice. Anyway…Ross is out back with the kids, they miss you by the way and I thought I would just call tell you how much I love you. As soon as you get this you call me, I miss you. Okay then, well I’m going to let you go…I’ll talk to you later Daddy. I love you.” She ended the call and put the phone on the nightstand and looked out the window again.

    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Lizzie goes to Oakdale!
    - Reva runs away!
    - Alan Michael has a plan!!
  6. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 056
    Tuesday, March 20, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    Lizzie and Shayne arrive at class and Lizzie begins to eye a hot young guy and prior to class Lizzie is telling Shayne that she saw him in the student union the other day and that he was just gorgeous, Shayne inquires about the lust of her life, Braxton. Lizzie blows him off when Derek enters the room and Lizzie tells him that is the guy.



    **********

    The Spaulding building wasn’t yet buzzing at the hour of seven o’clock in the morning. Alan-Michael had been there for about two hours and still wasn’t making much sense of everything happening in his life. Lucy. Hope’s visit. Alexandra’s disappearing act and at the top of his list was what he witnessed at the docks last night.

    He pulled out his cell phone and glanced over the picture and then flipped through proposals from board members, Phillip’s and his own. “It almost seems to easy.”

    “Good morning.” Ava poked her head in and was quickly gone.

    “Ava!” He called after her, “Ava I need Bruce Carson in her later today for a meeting. Set that up would you please?”

    “Bruce Carson, of course Alan-Michael. Anything else?”

    “See if my father has an update of Alexandra. That’s all.”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    Michelle arrives at Cedars and meets with Claire [susan Pratt] and tells her about her problem with the pregnancy. Claire’s dislike for Danny shines through but Michelle tells her she needs Claire to be objective here and help her figure out what she is going to do with her life, the men and more importantly the baby!

    **********

    Lucy rubbed her forehead and it felt like a ton of bricks rested there. She began to stir in her bed and quickly realized she was in a hospital gown resting in the hospital. As she turned over she saw Harley and Lucy quickly called the nurse.

    “Good morning Mrs. Spaulding.” Dr. Keith arrived, “Did you sleep well?”

    “I’m laying next to my comatose sister and my husband’s aunt is dead.” She announced, “You drugged me didn’t you?”

    “It was for the best Mrs. Spaulding.” He informed her, “A uniformed police officer has been outside your room since about five hours. Would you like me to show him in?”



    “No, I would in fact like an update on Harley and some clothes to put on.” She threw her feet over the side of the bed hitting the cold tile floor.

    “We monitored Harley all night and her vitals are holding strong which is a good sign…”

    “You know her name is Harley Davidson Cooper, she’s tough one.” Lucy stroked her hair, “I’ve been living in Europe for the last ten years we haven’t seen one another enough…she has to pull through this so we can makeup lost time.”

    A nurse entered the room, “Mrs. Spaulding one of the EMTs brought your overnight bag from your rental car in last night.”

    “Thank you.” Lucy took it from her, “Dr. Keith please tell the anxious officer outside my room I’ll be with him momentarily.” Lucy headed towards the bathroom to changed, “Oh and doctor…”
    “Yes?”

    “I’m going to need a private conference room and a telephone after I speak with the officer to call my husband.”

    “Of course.”

    **********



    Lizzie begins to totally flirt with him and offers Derek the seat next to her, making Shayne quite uncomfortable. Shayne quietly informs her that he thought Liz was hung up on Dr. Braxton so he introduced Derek to Tammy, she cools her heels.

    **********

    “I understand you’ve been waiting a very long time to speak with me.” Lucy announced her arrival. She was wearing a pair of blue jeans, a light gray t-shirt and her platinum blonde hair was pulled into a tight ponytail.

    “Lucy Cooper-Spaulding.” She introduced.

    “Lt. Chandler Brown, so very sorry to meet you under these circumstance Mrs. Cooper-Spaulding.”

    “Mrs. Spaulding will suffice. Tell me where we are on the search for my aunt Alexandra?”

    “I’m sorry…I’m sorry I don’t follow.”

    Irritated with the answer, “Should I speak slower Lieutenant? The search for my aunt Alexandra…Spaulding!”

    “Ma’am we’ve done everything we’ve possibly could.” Brown answered, “There is nothing more…”

    “I refuse, absolutely refused to hear that. Apparently the name Spaulding means nothing to you but I have enough money to destroy this entire town or allow it to grow for decades to come. So I again suggest you go out there and do everything in your power to find her. EVERYTHING!” She shouted, “Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go make a phone call and tell my husband that you and the police force believe his aunt is dead. So I highly suggest you prove me wrong!”

    **********



    Claire says that DNA testing would be risky at this point in the pregnancy and she encourages against it, Michelle says Ed and Rick both said the same thing. Claire says the only other thing to do is try and pinpoint conception. After breaking out a calendar and discussing the possibilities, Michelle says she knows who the father of her baby is!

    **********



    After sending the police out to search for Alex, Lucy telephones Spaulding Enterprise/Ava and tells her to set up a phone conference with her husband, Alan and Phillip. Within a few minutes it is done and via telephone Lucy breaks the terrible news that Harley confronted Alex about Gus’ true paternity and that it had drastic results, Lucy tells them that Harley and Alex were in a car accident and now she is in a coma…Phillip immediately begins thinking about ways to get Zach but Lucy breaks the news that there is more…she tears up and announces Alexandra died in the fiery car blaze! Alan is completely and utterly devastated and the men fall to their chairs stunned!

    **********

    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Mel goes to see Reva and the gloves...come...off!
    - Is the honeymoon over for Phillip & Beth?
    - Blake reaches back into her past.
  7. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 055
    Monday, March 19, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    Lucy raced back to the embankment and looked down, “Can I get some help over here! Someone…my aunt is down there…”

    Almost in slow motion Lucy turned back and looked down and with in mere seconds she heard it first…then saw the car burst into flame, “Oh my God…oh my God!”

    “ALEX-AN-DRA! ALEX-AN-DRA!!!!”

    **********

    Holly looked out her window at Hollybend and saw Ed’s car pull in the driveway, she smiled and thought how winter was sticking around much longer than it usually did.

    “Come in out of that cold.” Holly rubbed her arms, shut the door and kissed Ed, “Can you believe this weather?” She took his coat and scarf, “Unbelievable if you ask me, my co-editor wants to run it as the headline in the morning, record low temperatures. Just haven’t been feeling all that well, these darn migraines just won’t leave me alone.” She chuckled.

    Ed shook his head, “Well my daughter’s life is crumbling to the ground at the moment and there is not one damn thing I can do about.”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    Alan-Michael rubbed his forehead and looked over the massive mountain of papers on his desk. Lucy’s framed pictured stared back at him, her telegram resting nearby. The majority of the pile was manila folders and memos from board members regarding the Cedars project.

    “Doesn’t look good from where I’m standing.” Phillip announced.

    “Then turn around and leave.” A-M suggested, “I don’t remember asking you to stop by.”

    “Believe it or not Alan-Michael, I’m not the enemy here.” Phillip replied, “I thought we actually made some headway the other day at Olivia’s.”

    “And we did. We’re brothers and that will never change, but when it comes to Spaulding Enterprises we have to be nothing but business associates, family relationships aside.”

    “This is a company built on family.” He reminded.

    “You sound Alan. This may very well be a family company but it is only that when convenient for those involved.”

    “And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

    “Don’t act like you don’t know. I have butted heads with you, fought tooth and nail for one ounce of respect from him and I’ve never gotten it? Why do you think I went to Europe in the first place?”



    Phillip shrugged. “I couldn’t win here…but Aunt Alex she sees something in me that Alan never has and I’m beginning to think never will.”

    “You’re very paranoid Alan-Michael.” Phillip told him, “I just came in to see if you needed some assistance with the Cedars project.”

    Before A-M answered his secretary buzzed, “Mr. Spaulding the driver is here to take you down to the docks. Should I tell him you’ll be a few minutes longer?”

    “No Ava, that won’t be necessary, Phillip and I are done here!” He looked over the massive pile on his desk, “If you want to help out Phillip you could go and take care of the shipments that are coming right now.”

    “Why would do that?” He questioned, “That is after all Aunt Alex’s division and seeing as she trusts you so much…” Phillip grinned and made his way out of the office and to the elevator.

    “Mr. Spaulding the driver is waiting.” Ava buzzed again.

    “Fine.” He sighed as he crammed his briefcase with the documents, “Ava have my calls forwarded to my cell phone and try to get my damn wife on the phone.”

    **********

    “Michelle? What’s the matter?”

    “Nothing that Maureen couldn’t handle. You remember awhile back, I told you I failed her, I just had no idea how much!”

    “Ed…”

    “Don’t ‘Ed’ me Holly. I spent all those years off tramping through Africa and helping other people…when I should, when I should have been here in Springfield raising my daughter, maybe then she wouldn’t be in this mess.” He drew a deep breath and ran his fingers through his thinning hair, “You know I bet Maureen is spinning in her grave right now…”

    “Oh well now Ed, that’s pushing it. Maureen is doing no such thing, she knows how much you love Michelle. Now sit down…I have some coffee and you’ll tell me what’s going on here.”

    “No, no coffee Holly. It kept me up half the night and the other half was worrying about Michelle.”

    “Ed?”

    “She’s pregnant!” He finally revealed.

    “Ed…that’s wonderful…” Holly said but saw the look on his face, “What’s the matter? Is the baby all right?”

    “The baby is fine, but my daughter doesn’t know if Bill Lewis or Danny Santos is the father.”

    “Well that does pose quite the problem.” Holly replied, “What is she going to do?”

    **********

    Lucy frantically looked around as the rain began to let up, “Anyone! Someone help me!” She screamed out and then started down the embankment herself.

    Two EMTs rushed after her, “Ma’am…ma’am you can’t go down there.”

    “My aunt is down there and damn car just exploded, so either you go down there or am I!” She yelled.

    Within seconds Lucy found herself looking down at three EMTs and five firefighters running towards the car, “Alexandra!” She cried softly and jumped when a woman touched her shoulder.

    “Sorry to frighten you, but we’re going to transport your sister now. Would you like to come with us?”

    Lucy sat in shock for a moment, “My aunt’s car exploded…I don’t know…”

    “Ma’am…” the woman squatted down beside Lucy, “What’s your name?”

    “Lucy Spaulding.” She answered her eyes still on the roaring blaze, “Lucy Cooper-Spaulding.”

    “Okay Mrs. Spaulding I can assure you my guys are going to do everything in their power to help your aunt. But it would help us if you went with your sister to the hospital. Okay?”



    Lucy shook her head yes, “Alexandra. Her name is Alexandra and she’ll answer to Alex.” She headed towards the ambulance where Harley was waiting, “My car’s a rental.”

    “Don’t worry about that. One of the officers will bring to the hospital for you and we’ve placed your personal effects in the ambulance.”

    Lucy climbed into the back of the ambulance and took Harley’s hand…the doors slammed and Lucy questioned, “How, how is she?”

    **********

    Shayne looked around the docks, the lighthouse light circled in the dark water and in the far distance he could see the light of an approaching ship. He reached into his back pocket and quickly sent a text message to Derek.

    ‘Are you here?’

    Within seconds of it having been sent Shayne heard the familiar voice behind, “Hey stranger!”



    Shayne’s smile fell for the first time that night and he turned to see Derek before him, “Hey yourself.”

    In the black Cadillac sedan A-M attempted to make something of the unfamiliar papers he had brought with him but decided he would work on them later and telephone the office. “Ava have you had any luck finding Lucy?” A-M waited for her response but cut her off, “No you can’t leave…how about you leave when you find my wife.”

    “Mr. Spaulding about five more minutes and we’ll be at the docks.” The driver announced as they sped down the highway.

    **********

    “She wants to have an DNA test, but she’s seven months along.” Ed’s eyes showed more than his words could ever express, “If Maureen was here she would know just what to do, what to say and…oh who am I kidding, if Maureen were here I wouldn’t be in this predicament to begin with. I told Michelle we would talk with Claire and see what she thought, but now I just think that is a bad idea...”



    “Let her have the damn test Ed!” Holly shouted at him stopping him mid-sentence. “I’m so sorry…” she began to apologize, “I don’t know what came over, Ed, please forgive me.” Holly pressed, “You’ve been so good to me lately and had no right to yell at you.”

    Ed remained speechless for a moment, “I suppose I was carrying on a little too much.”

    “No, no not at all. I had to right to raise my voice at you. Will you forgive me?”

    “Of course.” Ed answered, “I just don’t know what to do with Michelle.”

    “I know you don’t and I’m sorry but maybe what you need to do is let her go, unfortunately you did miss those formative years but if you let her go out and make her own mistakes and do what she wants to do, then I think you’re relationship will be so much better off.” Holly told him as she lightly stroked his cheek, “Does that make sense?”

    He took her hand and kissed it, “Of course it does. You know exactly what to say to calm me down, thank you.”

    Holly shook her head, “No thanks needed, it works both ways.”

    “Have you had dinner?”

    She shook her head, “Clarissa and I had a pizza earlier tonight, Blake said she was wanting to see grandma.”

    “So the two of you are at least talking.”

    “Talking, in some form yes.” Holly forced a smile, “I’m tired and I still have a few articles I need to edit, why don’t I give you a call in the morning. Maybe have breakfast at Company?”

    “Sounds nice.” Ed headed towards the door, “Have you been able to keep your migraines under control?”

    “Of course, I would let you know otherwise. I’ll talk to you in the morning.” Holly shut the door and locked it behind him. She walked across the room turned the lamp to dim, just enough light to fill the room. Holly wrapped herself in a blanket on the sofa and listened to the howling wind rap against the window.

    **********

    Lucy sat in a hospital ten times smaller than Cedars, drinking stale cold coffee with a blank wrapped around her and her cell phone. She was debating on waiting to see what the EMTs told her about Alexandra before calling Springfield.

    A doctor in his late 50s came out of the emergency room, “Are you Ms. Cooper’s sister?”

    She sat the coffee down and the blanket fell to an empty chair, “Lucy Cooper-Spaulding and you are?”

    “Dr. Keith.” He introduced himself. “You’re sister has severe head trauma from the accident. Luckily for us though she didn’t suffer any burns from the explosion. However,”

    “However?”

    “Mrs. Spaulding, your sister has slipped into a coma. At this point it’s a good thing?”

    Lucy shook her head, “It’s good that she’s in a coma?”

    “To an extent, yes. Her body is letting her heal, it just depends on how long she remains in that state.” Dr. Keith patted Lucy’s knee in an effort to reassure her, “I’m sorry I don’t have more news.”

    “How long should she stay like this? I mean in a state that you think is good?”

    “A few hours, a few days. Each patient is different. Again I’m sorry that I don’t have more news.”

    “Do you um, have a telephone I can borrow? I can’t get a signal and I need to call my father.”

    “Of course, follow me.”

    The two walked over to the nurse’s station and were about to dial the number when two uniformed officers and the EMT from earlier entered, “Mrs. Spaulding…”

    **********

    “I can’t believe you are really here.” Shayne gave him a little push, “Last time we talked you thought you were going to enroll at the University of Minnesota.”

    “Change of plans.” Derek smiled, “You don’t seem very excited to see me.”

    “Of course I am.” Shayne defended, “It just would have been I don’t know nice to know you were coming.”

    “I wanted it to be a surprise.” Derek confessed.

    “Well you succeeded…” Shayne answered as Derek reached up and kissed him softly on the lips silencing Shayne.

    The two pulled away without a word between them…

    “And it’s all here?” Alan-Michael asked, “You sure because I was reading in the car over here that Alexandra had problems with the last shipment.”

    “Everything is here Mr. Spaulding that I can assure you.”

    “All right go ahead and lets get it off the boat.” Alan-Michael walked the length of the dock and tried to telephone Ava once more.

    “Alan-Michael Spaulding’s office.” She answered.

    “Ava it’s me.” He answered as he peered below the dock…

    “What the hell was that?” Shayne asked.



    “Was I wrong in assuming?” Derek retorted, “Shayne…I just thought…”

    Shayne didn’t let him finish this time and moved in for another kiss…this one much longer.



    “I have to go.” A-M ended the call and aimed the cell phone in the direction of Shayne and Derek, “I think you just solved all your problems Alan-Michael.” He said with a devilish grin.

    **********

    Lucy spun around and saw the look on their faces. She knew immediately and began to scream out, “NO! NO!!”

    Tears filled her eyes and she reached for Dr. Keith, “Alexandra…”

    “I’m so sorry Mrs. Spaulding but there was no way…”

    Lucy could barely breath, her knees gave way without warning and she collapsed, “She’s dead? Are you sure?”

    The EMT shook her head, “I’m so sorry Mrs. Spaulding, but there was no way your aunt survived that explosion.”

    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Lucy is devestated regarding Alexandra!
  8. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 053
    Sunday, March 11, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    Hope Bauer walked slowly down the corridor of the Spaulding Mansion and as she inched closer to the study the air filled with familiar scent.

    She appeared in the doorway and stood for a moment. Alan sat at the desk his back to the door puffing away on a cigar. “Some things never change. Isn’t that right Alan?” Hope announced her arrival.

    “Well, Hope.” Alan said in such a familiar way it sent chills down her spine, “Alan-Michael mentioned that you were here.”

    “Really? I’m surprised after the conversation that he and had the other morning.” She paused and surveyed the room, “Uncle Ed tells me that you’ve married again, I suppose congratulations are in order.”

    “I’ve married quite a few times since the last time we spoke Hope.” Alan poured himself a drink, “Alan-Michael isn’t here so what could you possibly want?”

    “Is that how you speak to all of your ex-wives Alan? Or current ones for that matter, speaking of which is the new Mrs. Spaulding home? Because I would just love to get rid of my playbook?”

    “Your what?”

    “Playbook. You know how coaches write down their plays and what works, doesn’t work, new ideas, things like that. Oh yes, I have many…many notes.” Hope tossed her overcoat and purse to a nearby sofa and tapped the side of her head, “Everything is stored right here.”

    “Hope I think you’ve overstayed your welcome.” Alan said, “I think if the new Mrs. Spaulding found you here she would be very suspicious.”

    “I’ll leave when I am damn well ready, I logged enough hours in this miserable place, besides I came here for two reasons.”

    **********

    Beth stormed into the Beacon, to the elevators and up to the master suite that she knew belonged to one Olivia Spencer Spaulding. Beth and Lizzie had just gone at one another, screaming and arguing about her decision not to tell Lizzie about the marriage. Beth knew Olivia sung like a little canary to her daughter and she be damned if she would let that scheming bitch get away with it!

    Beth stood in front of Olivia’s suite door and pounded hard against the oak wood, “Olivia you open this door! OLIVIA!” She pounded harder, “Olivia I know you’re in there. I spoke with the front desk and they just sent up room service, OLIVIA!”

    “What is all this shouting about?” Sandra pulled open the door, her hair wrapped in a white towel. “Who are you?”

    “Who am I? Who are you? And where the hell is Olivia?”

    **********

    From atop the staircase Michelle could see her entire family gathered around the Bauer kitchen table, it was a sight that made her smile. Robbie was sound asleep and Michelle hoped he would stay that way for a while. It would make what she was about to do a lot easier.

    Mel sat across from Rick who sat next to Ed and they all waited patiently for Michelle who had called the meeting. “Any ideas?” Rick asked in a hushed whisper in no particular direction.

    “No need to whisper Rick.” Michelle took a seat next to Mel, “Thanks for coming.”

    “Sure.” She answered, “Anytime.”

    “You all know that the divorce from Danny took a toll on me.” Michelle began, “And you warned me about getting involved with Bill so soon afterwards.” She cut her eyes in Rick’s direction. “But Rick was right, imagine that, my big brother was right.”

    “Honey…” Ed interjected, “Tell us what is the matter.”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    Shayne has been in his room since he arrived home from school. Reva heads upstairs and Shayne continues chatting online.

    lewis_man: So how long were gonna wait till you told me you were in Springfield?
    university_stud: cut me a break Shayne, I barely got enrolled for the last eight weeks of class
    lewis_man: yeah so how did that work for you
    university_stud: please…like I know, my parents talk and then their money talks, not really in that order…so…
    lewis_man: so??

    “Shayne honey.” Reva knocked on the door and entered without permission. Shayne quickly closed his laptop and picked up a nearby literature book. “I’m sorry were you studying?”

    “Yeah or dosing off.” Shayne rubbed his eyes and forced a yawn, “Something along those lines. What’s up?”

    **********

    Michelle shook her head, “I’m pregnant.”

    “Your pregnant?” Ed asked again to make sure he heard her correctly, “Michelle?”

    Mel turned her head and placed her hand over her mouth. She struggled in that moment not to cry because she couldn’t, it wouldn’t be fair to Michelle.

    “How far along are you?” Rick asked calmly fully aware of the toll this was most likely taking on Mel, “Michelle?”

    “Seven months Rick!” She replied sharply, “And I heard the first time, just no one antagonize at the moment please.” Michelle drew in a deep breath, “Being pregnant is one of my least worries at the moment.”

    “What is then?” Rick questioned.

    “Well…this is embarrassing, but I slept with both Danny and Bill within a week of one another.”

    Mel rolled her eyes, “Oh my God! Michelle?”

    “Don’t look at me like that? Like I’m some common tramp…” She warned Mel, “That’s not what I need right now and if you think I’m not fully one-hundred percent aware of what is going, well then you’re mistaken, because I am.”

    Rick stood, “Mel why don’t we go get some fresh out and let these two talk.”

    Without a word Mel stood and followed Rick out of the kitchen leaving Ed alone with his daughter, “Is the baby healthy?”

    Michelle shook her head, “Of course. I’ve been down this rode before.” She lowered her head into her hands, “Daddy, what am I going to do?”

    “Oh baby.” Ed towered above her and brought her head close to this chest, “Sshh!”

    **********

    Rick finally caught up with Mel and reached for her arm, “What is wrong with you?”

    She sighed heavily, “Oh no…you really just asked me that? Your sister is pregnant with a baby and she doesn’t even know who the father is? It’s so unfair.”

    Rick took her in his arms for mere seconds and Mel shoved away, “Oh my God, listen to me. I practically just called your sister a whore, much like you did with me a few days ago.”

    “Melissanda…”

    **********

    “Then by all means get to it.”

    “You remember that woman you married a long time ago? The Hope that was weak and a doormat, that stood by and was content being your wife?” Hope shook her head, “That woman is long gone and am no more a doormat for you or any man, I am strong, fierce and independent woman that is not afraid of your or your kind.”

    “You are playing some kind of game and you’ve gotten my son involved.” Hope took a step toward him, “I don’t like that Alan, not one bit.”

    “Oh lay off the momma bear act.” He retorted, “I’m not playing any kind of a game with Alan-Michael, he’s a grown man for God’s sake Hope. And if anyone is playing games it’s Alexandra, she gave him that proxy.”

    “Oh Alan! Do you think that I’m naïve or stupid, well my darling ex-husband I am neither of those things. Quite frankly I could care less who gave Alan-Michael those proxies, Alexandra, Phillip, the Queen of England, the point is I don’t give a damn. Everything ties back to you and how Alan-Michael has worked his entire life to win your approval.” She walked over and collecting her overcoat and purse, “So when are you finally going to give to him? What more does he have to do to get the attention and admiration you’ve given to Phillip his entire life? He’s risked everything this time Alan to come back here and fight for one ounce of your approval and it could very well cost him his marriage.”

    **********

    “You know I was just telling Holly a few days ago how I much I’ve let you down these last few years, not being around.”

    “Stop it.” Michelle ordered him, “That has nothing to do with this daddy.”

    “I know it doesn’t but still you can’t blame me for thinking that…”

    “Daddy!”

    “Okay. Have you told the men in your life about this development?”

    Michelle shook her head, “Last night. It was a grand event, truly. Danny and Marah who by the way are a couple now got mine and Bill’s room by mistake. One thing led to another and by the end of the night I was sitting in corner of a Beacon suite crying because, yes the men in my life know the truth.”

    “All right.” Ed sighed, “Then what do you suggest we do next?”

    “I talked to Bill earlier, he wants a DNA test immediately.”

    Ed rubbed his forehead, “You said you were how far along?”

    “Seven months, the babies due in May.”

    “Michelle…an amnio DNA test this late in the pregnancy is high risk, I would highly advise against it.”

    **********

    “Mrs. Spaulding is not in the hotel, she’s already gone for the day. Again I’ll ask, who are you?”

    Beth looked her over and took a step back, “I’m…I’m sorry, what did you say your name…was? You look so familiar.”

    “My name is Sandra and I’m Mrs. Spaulding’s new administrative assistant. I just moved here to Springfield and she was kind enough to put me up in her suite.”

    “One thing that Olivia is not is kind.” Beth shook her head, “My name is Beth Raines-Spaulding. When you see Olivia tomorrow tell her I was looking for her please.”

    “Of course. Have a good night.” Beth walked towards the elevator as Sandra watched her intensely, “It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Raines…I’m sorry, Mrs. Spaulding. I am just so terrible with names.”

    **********

    “Nothing much. Your dad and I were heading out to meet Billy. The two of them are going to have a working dinner, you should come with us.”

    “Oh…”

    “I know, it’s okay,” Reva lowered her voice, “I don’t want to go all that much either.”

    “Sounds like the three of you are going to have enough fun with me, so I’ll pass.”

    Reva blew him kisses, “Okay then you study and if you go out make sure to lock up.”

    “I always do.” Shayne waited till she was gone and then opened the laptop.

    university_stud: um hello….Shayne????
    lewis_man: sorry my mom popped in.
    university_stud: awe fun! So what are you up too?
    lewis_man: nada…my parents just left…what `bout you?
    university_stud: bored out of my mind! So…could we maybe meet tonight, somewhere private?
    lewis_man: your apartment.
    university_stud: no…this place is a mess…
    lewis_stud: okay, then. how about the docks by the lighthouse, half an hour
    university_stud: okay, see you then.

    Shayne shut off his laptop, grabbed his backpack and headed towards the door, off to meet Derek Bowden for the first time since they last saw one another in Minnesota.

    **********

    “Don’t, just…please don’t!” She sighed, “I am having enough trouble wrapping my head around Michelle and us…I just think it would be best if I stayed with my parents a little while longer.”

    “You are my wife Mel!” Rick reminded her.

    “And you think I need to be reminded of that?” She retorted, “Maybe I should remind you of something, I miscarried your child because one of your crazy ex-lovers decided to wreck havoc upon my life. I stood by for days, weeks and months while you and Harley played house, I stood by you when you were dying, so don’t you dare remind me that I am your wife and don’t you even dare put me in a position where I will have to look at your sister with hate and anger. I am staying with my parents until I can come to terms with what I have lost.”

    **********

    “So I’m supposed to wait? Two more months, I have to know who the father of this baby is I’ve kept this secret too long, I need to know.”

    “My advice as a doctor and more importantly as your father is for you not have this DNA test. We can talk to Claire and try to pinpoint the date of conception. That’s the best I can suggest Michelle, but it’s really up to you.”

    **********

    “He’s a grown man, Hope.”

    “Alan! Really? You’re a grown man and you still make stupid, irrational, cold and heartless decisions, but not with my son. Are you listening to me? Because I will only say this one time, if you hurt my son, if you cross my son if you so much as look at him cross eyed and he tells me about, so help you God in Heaven you will have to deal with me.” She walked towards the study, “And it’s not threat or warning. It’s a mother’s promise.” She winked, took her leave and called out from down the hall, “Goodnight Alan, sleep tight.”

    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Episode 054: Alexandra vs. Harley!
    - "IN the LIGHT"

  9. Josh
    We congratulation those actors and actresses who have been honored with Daytime Emmy nominations! The following each represent characters on "The Guiding Light"

    Ricky Paull Goldin as Gus Aitoro
    Outstanding Lead Actor Nominee

    - On "THE GUIDING LIGHT" Gus has just ended a search for his biological mother, Vera Ginatoni. Even though she is just lying about the truth. His biological mother is Alexandra Spaulding and the only person who believes this is Gus' girlfriend Harley. Don't miss Gus in the next few weeks as he prepares to learn the truth and deals with Harley's condition.

    Kim Zimmer as Reva Shayne Lewis
    Outstanding Lead Actress Nominee

    - On "THE GUIDING LIGHT" Reva is attempting to make her life her own again after sister stalked her for Richard's death. Because of Roxie's actions Reva's daughter Marah lost the love of her life and now the two women are battling one another! See Reva struggle with life as she begins searching for a missing part of her life!

    Crystal Chappell as Olivia Spencer Spaulding
    Outstanding Lead Actress Nominee

    - On "THE GUIDING LIGHT" Olivia is married to Alan, convinced Beth to remarry Phillip and is carrying a Spaulding heir. Don't miss seeing Olivia interact with a Maureen Bauer look-a-like named Sandra and as the baby's due date nears, the walls close in around her!

    Dan Gauthier as Alan Michael Spaulding (Emmy nominated for his role on "One Life to Live")
    Outstanding Supporting Actor Nominee

    - On "THE GUIDING LIGHT" Alan-Michael has returned to the family fold against the wishes of his wife and he struggles to gain his father's approval. A-M has a huge story coming up that will send shockwaves through Springfield! The next few episode of "TGL" are not to be missed for fans of the series and Gauthier.

    Heather Tom as Lucy Cooper Spaulding (Emmy nominated for her role on "One Life to Live")
    Outstanding Supporting Actress Nominee

    - On "THE GUIDING LIGHT" Lucy is a wife who does not want to be back home in Springfield. Lucy begins to play dirty, she figures if A-M can do it then she can do it, she's a Spaulding as well! Read the latest episode of the SONBC blog (Episode 054) and see what horrifying event Lucy happens upon!

    Stephanie Gatschet as Tammy Winslow
    Outstanding Younger Actress Nominee

    - On "THE GUIDING LIGHT" Tammy is a young, innocent herione who is about to find herself in a lot of trouble! Tammy's story will begin burning on the front burners in the summer when most teen stories start! Don't miss a minute of the Tammy and Shayne's bonding over the next few months!

    We also congratulate the following actors of the CBS "Guiding Light" who have not yet found a home on the SONBC blog "THE GUIDING LIGHT"


    Tom Pelphrey as Jonathan Randall


    Gina Tognoni as Dinah Marler
  10. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 054
    Wednesday, March 14, 2007
    IN the LIGHT: Alexandra, Lucy & Harley
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    Harley enters the Spaulding house in Bar Harbor and sees Alexandra sitting on the sofa.

    “Alexandra! Fancy seeing you here!” Harley smirks.

    **********

    Alexandra gets up from the sofa and stares at Harley.

    “Harley, what the hell are you doing here? I know that my disappearance was sudden, but it certainly didn’t warrant you tracking me down like some bloodhound.”

    “The only reason that you high-tailed it out of town, Alexandra, was because I was getting to close to the truth. Am I right?”

    “What are you talking about?” Alex asks as calm as she can.

    “You know exactly what I am talking about, Alex. Don’t play me for a fool. Vera’s story never really washed with me. You have masterful timing though, I must say. You may have fooled Gus, but not me. So I decided to do a little digging. There is no way that her story could be true. So that leaves only two possibilities. Either you are covering for your brother. Or you are Gus’ mother! There is no other reason why you would be so eager to cover your butt”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    "Oh well just listen to you Miss Harley, you have everything all figured out don’t you?” Alexandra took a drink of brandy and slammed her empty glass down. “Well you are WRONG!” She roared as thunder rolled outside and the rain began to set in.

    “I don’t think that I am.”

    “I cannot believe after all that I have done for you that you would stand have the audacity to stand here and excuse me off being a bold face liar. You are so unbelievably wrong Harley, that detective brain of yours is working overtime.” Alex looked out at the raining pouring down and her stomach turned knots. “Vera Ginatoni is Gus’ mother and that is the end of this story!”

    “That is not the end of the story and if you think that is you are even more stupid that I thought you were.”

    “I made Vera a promise to always help her, she was my friend and when she was pregnant she needed my help. And instead of barging in here and accusing me of lying you should be thanking me.”

    “For what?”

    “If Roy Baker had ever found out that Vera was alive and had a son, the trouble would have ensued and that is not a thought or opinion, it is the truth. Roy Baker was a lowlife piece of trash that would have made Gus’ life a living, miserable hell. So yes, Harley you should thank me giving him a good life.”

    “You don’t know that Alexandra. Last time I checked you could not predict the future and I’m willing to bet that you couldn’t back then either.”



    "You didn’t know that son-of-a-bitch like I knew him. He was evil Harley and not evil like Alan or Phillip, he was violent with Vera and with me. I did what I had to do to protect Vera and her baby…” Alex bordered on tears, “you have no idea what he would have done.”

    “That may very well be the truth about Roy Baker, but you’re still lying. I know you Alexandra and know what kind of person you are. You are self-centered, you are egotistical, you are greedy and you have no real friends.”

    “SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” Alexandra ordered Harley and for the first time she actually frightened her. “I don’t know what else to tell you to convince you that…”

    “Tell me the truth.”

    “Vera Ginatoni and Roy Baker, whether you like it or not are Gus’ parents, now get the hell out of my house Harley!” Alex demanded, as Harley stood firm!

    “I’m not going anywhere, because no matter how many times you say that I will know and you will know it is a lie. I’m not going anywhere until Gus knows it is a lie!”

    Alex shook her head, “Get out.”

    “Not a chance…”

    “Fine then I’ll go.” Alexandra bolted towards the front door, grabbed the car keys and through open the door!

    The rain had picked up now. Lightening could be seen in the distance over the water and the thunder roared. Alexandra had the cold rain beating against her face yet she pushed through towards the car. Inside the house Harley knew she couldn’t let her get away, not this time and not again, without thinking Harley ran after her!

    **********

    Her blonde hair dripping and soaking wet she slammed the passenger door of the car, “Get out of this car Harley.” Alexandra demanded.

    “Not on your life.” Harley retorted, “I didn’t come all this way to give up now.”

    From the back of the driveway Lucy saw the brake lights of Alex’s car shine in the stormy night and speed away, she quickly decided to follow close behind.

    “I don’t know what is going to make you understand Harley I am telling you the truth.”



    Alex repeated as she steered around the Maine hills and curves.

    “Pull over Alexandra.” Harley began to get worried, “Think about what this is doing to Gus…Alex, imagine...” She looked out the windshield…

    Lucy had finally managed to catch up with them, finally and could see the two women screaming at one another.



    “Imagine Lujack or Nick looking for you like Gus has been looking for his mother…you know that you’re not telling the truth…imagine if someone done that to one of your boys…”

    She took her eyes off the road and glared at Harley, “Don’t you dare speak their names…” Alex turned back to the road but it was to late as she car merged off the road and Alex tried desperately to bring back on the road…

    Lucy saw what was transpiring…and reached for her cell phone…

    **********

    “HARLEY!!” Alexandra screamed out, “Oh my god!”

    “Open the damn door Alex and get out.” Harley reached for her door handle and managed to throw herself out of the car as it continued to roll down the hill.

    “HARLEY!” Lucy screamed out when she happened on the scene and witnessed the car come to a stop at the bottom of the hill, “ALEXANDRA?”

    “Lucy…” Harley managed to speak and within seconds Lucy was down the embankment and was pulling her back up the embankment, she could hear the sirens off in the distance.

    “Did you call help?” Harley managed, “Alex…Alex is in the car…” were her last words before she passed out.



    “Harley…Harley…stay with me…wake up!” Lucy ordered, “Harley Davidson don’t you dare do something stupid…damnit, Harley!”

    The EMTs arrived and slightly pushed Lucy out of the way, “She’s my sister…” Lucy wiped her forehead and brought her hand down and saw the blood, “Alex…”

    Lucy raced back to the embankment and looked down, “Can I get some help over here! Someone…my aunt is down there…”



    Almost in slow motion Lucy turned back and looked down and with in mere seconds she heard it first…then saw the car burst into flame, “Oh my God…oh my God!”

    “ALEX-AN-DRA! ALEX-AN-DRA!!!!”

    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Shayne meets Derek at the docks...but someone else is watching!
    - Marah puts Michelle on notice!
    - And in one single moment the Spaulding dynasty...comes...crashing...down around them!
  11. Josh

    Updated Opening

    By Josh,

    The opening of "THE GUIDING LIGHT" has been updated. We don't want to be like on-air soaps and have our opening featuring actors who have departed the series.

    CHANGES MADE:

    - Ben Hogestyn as Shayne IN
    - David Tom as Shayne OUT
    - Bethany Joy Lenz as Michelle IN
    - Christie Clark as Michelle OUT
    - Peter Simon (ED) ADDED
    - Yvonna Wright (Mel) & Michael O'Leary (Rick) ADDED

    Check it out!

    THE GUIDING LIGHT Opening
  12. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 052
    Sunday, March 11, 2007
    Written By: Dan Gobble & Josh Hawkins

    **********

    Alan-Michael Spaulding admires his new office as the temporary COO of Spaulding Enterprises. Suddenly, the voice of his secretary beeps on the intercom. A telegram has come for him. He takes it from his secretary and reads the message.

    “I will be leaving town for a couple days with my sister. I need some time alone to figure out what I am going to do about us. Lucy.”

    He ponders what the meaning was behind the sudden departure of his wife, but is interrupted by his secretary, who tells him that the board members are gathering in the conference room. He enters and sits at the head of the table. Alan sees that everyone is present and begins the meeting.

    “I just want to begin this meeting by announcing the new COO of the company: my son Alan-Michael Spaulding.” The board members applaud the announcement, then Alan continues, “I just want to assure members of the board that we will work to improve the company’s profit margin. The first step of the process will involve the first shipment of the new products by our pharmaceutical division, which will occur later tonight. Also, I have used my influence as a board member of Cedars Hospital to keep us in the running for the remodeling project. We are one of several companies being considered for the project and the proposals will be due in the next two weeks. I will be attending other matters, so I will be leaving my son Phil-“

    “Wait just a damn minute!” Alan-Michael interrupts.

    **********

    Meanwhile, the Lewis men gather in the headquarters of Lewis Construction to discuss the Cedars project. Bill looks lost in thought as Billy and Josh talk.

    “I just spoke to the board a few hours ago and we are on their short list for the project, along with Spaulding. If we want to get the project, we need to get started on the proposal,” Josh says.

    “We’ll have to put a rush on it if we want to beat Spaulding little brother,” Billy replied.

    Josh hugs Billy and leaves to get started on the proposal. Billy looks at the papers and then looks up at a distracted Bill.

    “What’s wrong Bill?” he asks.

    Bill jumps up as if he had been asleep the entire time and looks at his father.

    “I tell ya son, you’re gonna have to get more sleep. You look groggier than a month of Mondays.”

    “I talked to Michelle yesterday and I could be the father of her baby. Or not. Michelle doesn’t know, I guess we should be lucky it’s only between Danny and myself.”

    Billy is about to give Bill his two cents, but before he can get the words out, Michelle enters the room.

    **********

    Cassie and Olivia sit at the conference room at the Beacon Hotel. They are interviewing applicants for the vacant administrative assistant position. Both women look exhausted after a series of trying interviews.

    Cassie looks at the next name on the list as Sandra O’Dell walks into the room.

    “Hello, I’m Sandra O’Dell. It’s nice to meet you both,” Sandra says.

    Olivia motions for Sandra to take a seat. Cassie and Olivia take turns asking questions of Sandra.

    “And how many words can you type per minute?” Cassie asks.

    “I can type about 250 words per minute. I’ve also been trained in shorthand and dictation. I can also work my way pretty well through a few computer programs.”

    “You have impressive credentials Miss O’Dell. Much more than many of the other candidates we’ve seen today.” Olivia noted.

    “Thank you very much.”

    The intercom rings and Cassie leaves to tend to an important matter. Olivia decides to use the opportunity to get to know Sandra a bit better.

    “So, I read on your resume that you were from Las Vegas. I’ve always wanted to take a trip down there. But why did you move to Springfield?”

    **********

    Gus returns home and finds a message taped to the refrigerator from Harley: “Gus…If you’re reading this then I’ve already left. Vera is hiding something and I know that I promised I would stay out of it, but the fact the matter is I can’t. If you really knew, like I think you do then you will understand.”

    Gus takes a seat at the table and wonders where she could have gone.

    Meanwhile, Harley enters the Spaulding house in Bar Harbor and sees Alexandra sitting on the sofa.

    “Alexandra! Fancy seeing you here!” Harley smirks.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"
    Opening

    **********

    Cassie runs back to the front desk after attending to the problem. Danny sees her from his seat in the lobby and moves toward her.

    “You certainly look busy today,” he says.

    “Nothing gets passed you does it Danny? I’ve been running around this hotel all day. I’m beginning to feel like a pinball.”

    “Why don’t you take a rest really quick? I’m sure the hotel can manage with you out of the picture for at least a few minutes,” Danny says.

    Cassie relaxes in one of the recliners in the lobby of the hotel.

    “How have you been Danny? I rarely see you these days,” Cassie asks.

    “I’m always doing something. We’ve had some things going on over at the Towers and menus and all kinds of things like that. Plus some things with Michelle. But I think I’d feel weird talking about them with you.”

    “Why, because we dated for a couple months?”

    “Well yeah. I know that after Richard died, you were looking for a shoulder to lean on and so was I. We had something there, and I’m sorry that it didn’t work out.”

    “Danny, I don’t think either of us know what we had.”

    “I guess not,” he agrees. “Isn’t it funny though how things always work out. Just when I thought that I would never find someone else, another door.”

    “Marah?”

    “How did you find out?”

    “Danny, I saw you both together at Valentine’s Day. You two looked a little too close to be ‘just friends.’ Do you want to hear something that is really nuts? For a little while there, I was jealous of her. I had half a mind to fight for your attention. But I suppose my third wheel days are over.”

    Danny hugs her and kisses her on the cheek.

    “Listen, if you ever need anything Cassie. I’m sure you know where to find me. Don’t worry Cassie. You’re a beautiful woman. I know that you will find someone,” Danny offered.

    **********

    “Alan-Michael, what is the meaning of this,” Alan thundered.

    “Dad, you know the bylaws of this company. The CEO is obligated to submit all projects to the COO first for approval. The COO is the first to be offered the project.”

    “Sorry, son. I just didn’t think you were ready. I was going to give the project to Phillip.”

    “Yet more pandering to the favorite I see. What do I have to do to get someone’s attention? Aunt Alex seems to think I was ready. Otherwise, why didn’t she offer her proxy to Phillip? I need an opportunity to prove that I am not just a figurehead until Alex gets back. I’m going to head the project for the Cedars renovation,” he says with finality.

    **********

    “Bill, I uh, just wanted to see how you were. Last night was such a mess.”

    “Isn’t that the understatement of the year,” Bill quips.

    “Bill, I know you’re angry at me, but I want you to know that I never wanted this to happen. God, if I knew that all of this would jeopardize our friendship, I would have never kept this from you,” she apologizes.

    “When will you know who the father is?”

    “I don’t know. But, believe me. I hope to God that you are the father.”

    **********

    “So, what made you come all the way from Las Vegas?”

    “My son and I moved up here a couple of months ago. I knew someone from Springfield a few years ago and he told me all about this town. I knew that if we ever left Las Vegas that I would love to come here,” Sandra answered.

    “If you don’t mind me asking, who was this person? I’ve only been here a few years myself. I was born on the island of San Cristobel. But I’ve gotten to know love the place.”

    “Oh, it was so long ago. I don’t think you will know him. But it was someone I loved very much. I wonder if I’ll get to see him again now that I’m here. But that’s the main reason why I applied for the job. My son moved here before I did, so I want to be close to him.”

    “Well, I don’t know about Cassie, but I am sure impressed with you. If you want the job, then you’ve got it.”

    Olivia gets up from her chair and welcomes her with a handshake.

    “Mrs. Spaulding, I know this sounds like a weird request, but I’m in need of some funds for hotel accommodations until I can get settled. Could I have a small advance?”

    “Call me Olivia. We’ll be working together quite a bit so formality isn’t needed. I’ll do you one better. I happen to have a suite here at the Beacon. I have no use of it right now. You’re welcome to stay there as long as you need.”

    “Oh thank you, Mrs. Spaulding. Oops, Olivia. Thank you very much.

    **********

    Alexandra gets up from the sofa and stares at Harley.

    “Harley, what the hell are you doing here? I know that my disappearance was sudden, but it certainly didn’t warrant you tracking me down like some bloodhound.”

    “The only reason that you high-tailed it out of town, Alexandra, was because I was getting to close to the truth. Am I right?”

    “What are you talking about?” Alex asks as calm as she can.

    “You know exactly what I am talking about, Alex. Don’t play me for a fool. Vera’s story never really washed with me. You have masterful timing though, I must say. You may have fooled Gus, but not me. So I decided to do a little digging. There is no way that her story could be true. So that leaves only two possibilities. Either you are covering for your brother. Or you are Gus’ mother! There is no other reason why you would be so eager to cover your butt”

    **********

    Meanwhile, Gus looks at the letter again, as Vera walks in the front door.

    “Hello sweetheart. What’s wrong? You look a little worried. Here, why don’t you sit down and I’ll make some tea.”

    “I’m okay mom. I found a note from Harley saying that she left town for a bit and I don’t know where she could be. That’s all. You know Harley. When she gets a bone, she goes to town on it. I wish she would drop the whole goose chase before she causes a rift between us. This whole thing is just driving Harley and I apart and I can’t stand it.”

    “Perhaps you and Harley need some time apart? She may not even be the right person for you? She doesn’t seem to be very supportive,” Vera asks.

    “Harley means well. She senses that something is amiss. I think that’s all it is. At least I hope.”

    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Michelle confesses everything to her family.
    - Mel takes issue with Rick and Michelle.
    - Hope's a changed woman!
  13. Josh
    CHARACTER PROFILE

    Marah Lewis



    Actress History:
    - Six actresses have portrayed the character of Marah Lewis.
    - Most recently Lindsey McKeon played the role.
    - Alexa Havins took over the role in June 2006.

    Lifeline:
    - Marah was born on screen in June 1987.
    - Revised to 1985 when she turned 3 in 1988.
    - Revised to 1983 when she turned 16 in 1999.
    - Currently Marah is 24 years old.

    Occupation:
    - Recent graduate of Springfield University
    - Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing and Fashion Design

    Resides At:
    - Santos Mansion in Springfield

    Marital Status:
    - Single

    Past Marriages:
    - None/Never been Married

    Relatives:
    - Josh Lewis (Father)
    - Reva Shayne Lewis (Mother)
    - Dylan Lewis (Half-Brother; Reva's son with Billy)
    - Shayne Lewis (Brother; Josh and Reva's son)
    - Jonathan Randall (Half-Brother; Reva's son with the late Prince Richard)
    - Harlan Billy "H.B." Lewis I (Paternal Grandfather, Deceased)
    - Martha Lewis (Paternal Grandmother, Deceased)
    - Hawk Shayne (Maternal Grandfather - Resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma)
    - Sarah Shayne (Maternal Grandmother, Deceased)
    - Susan Lemay aka Daisy Lewis (Niece)
    - Billy Lewis (Paternal Unlce)
    - Patricia "Trish" Lewis (Paternal Aunt - Resides in Paris)
    - Rusty Shayne (Maternal Uncle - Resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma)
    - Roxanne Shayne Bauer (Maternal Aunt - Resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma)
    - Johnny Bauer (Uncle by Marriage through Roxanne - Resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma)
    - Cassie Layne Winslow (Maternal Aunt)
    - Melinda Sue "Mindy" Lewis (Cousin - Resides in Paris)
    - Tammy Winslow (Cousin)
    - RJ Winslow (Cousin)

    Children:
    - None

    Flings & Affairs:
    - Max Nickerson (Dated)
    - Chad (Dated)
    - Sam Spencer (Dated)
    - Tony Santos (Long-time Lovers, Deceased)
    - Ben Reade (Dated)
    - Romeo Jones (One Night Stand)
    - Danny Santos (Lovers)

    Crimes Committed:
    - Lied to an older boy, Chad, that she was 19 years old when she was only 16. (December 16, 1999)

    - Attempted to secretly tape a conversation she was having with Olivia Spencer (February 29, 2000)

    - Participated in the making and distributing of pirated CDs (September 25, 2000 - December 6, 2000)

    - Stole a drink while underage and was arrested for drunken disorderly conduct, at Infierno. The charges were later dropped. (May 10, 2001)

    - Fought with Catalina Quesada-Santos (March 28, 2002)

    - Pulled Catalina's St. Anthony's medal off her neck (April 12, 2002)

    Character History:
    Courtesy of soapcentral.com

    - Marah Lewis's life started in controversy the day she was born in 1987. Since forged tests by evil Will Jeffries made it seem as if she was the absent Kyle Sampson's daughter, she was raised alone by her mother,Reva. In 1989 the truth came out that Josh was her biological father. After being kidnapped by Willl, Marah was soon found by Josh’s ex-wife, Sonni, in the care of Will’s mother, Mrs. Anita Ebarra. Soon after, Marah was able to watch as her parents finally married. But in June 1990, months after the birth of Marah’s brother, Shayne, Reva, suffering from a severe case of postpartum depression, drove her car off a bridge during a family vacation in Florida and was assumed dead. Devastated by her mother's apparent death, Marah, who was just starting kindergarten, bonded with her nanny, Harley Cooper and when Josh moved to Italy in January 1991 to search for Reva (who was assumed alive and living there), Marah soon followed him along with Shayne and their grandmother, Sarah.

    - In late 1993, Marah returned to Springfield with Josh and Shayne. In 1995, Marah was delighted to have a new mother in Josh’s fiancée, Annie Dutton. However, that same year, she had an appendectomy and a vision of Reva. After Josh's and Annie's wedding, Marah was shocked to come face to face with the real Reva and went to a therapist in order to handle the shock. Leery of getting hurt, she finally chose Annie over Reva as her mother even though Reva and Josh started becoming closer again. Shayne also followed Marah's example, so to keep from hurting her children, Reva promised to stay out of Marah’s life and married Buzz Cooper in March 1996.

    - In September 1997, Marah was devastated by the death of her beloved grandfather, HB, and gave the eulogy at his funeral. By this time, Marah had lowered her defenses and let her beloved "Mama" ,Reva, into her life again and watched happily as her parents remarried in 1999. For once Marah finally had what she always wanted: a complete family. However her world was shattered when she learned that Reva had another child, Jonathan, in San Cristobel while living there with amnesia. Resentful of her mother's "other family", Marah again distanced herself from Reva when Reva refused to leave San Cristobel. Marah and Shayne went to Paris for a while and when a now sixteen Marah returned, she came to terms with the situation. Unfortunately, Josh and Reva soon separated and though not willing to accept her parents' separation at first, in time she learned to deal with it.

    - When Marah was later attacked by an aggressive boy, Olivia Spencer rescued her and Marah began to confide in her. However all that changed when Olivia became the new woman in Josh's life in 2000. A resentful Marah refused to accept the situation and made no secret of her dislike of Olivia, yet all of her protests fell on deaf ears when she tried to reunite her parents. Meanwhile, a rebellious Marah was chafing under her mother’s rules and started to create bootleg CD's of concerts of the band New Ground with Susan Lemay and Sam Spencer with help from mobster Tony Santos. The friends were finally arrested by the FBI and would have even been charged if the band hadn't have dropped the charges. About this time, Marah started dating Tony to Sam's dismay and her parent’s disapproval. Defying her parents, Marah continued seeing Tony and the pair fell in love. When Josh and Olivia got engaged, Marah was horrified but Olivia blackmailed her with knowledge of her relationship with Tony. The day of Josh's and Olivia's wedding in January 2001, Marah disappeared by using Tony, hoping to stop the wedding. But the wedding went on without her while Tony left Marah. Marah then turned to Sam and when the mafia kidnapped her, Sam and Tony joined forces to rescue her. Marah and Tony then reunited and Tony started shedding his bad-boy image since he wanted Marah's family to approve of him. However this "new and improved" Tony wasn't exactly who Marah wanted. When Tony refused to make love to her, claiming that they should wait longer, she got offended and broke off the relationship. She then started dating Sam again and not long after, enrolled in Springfield University and found out her roommate was Catalina Quesada. Marah and Cat hated each other, mostly because Cat hated how Marah was playing Sam and Tony against each other. Though Marah tried to maintain a relationship with Sam, it was obvious that Tony was still under her skin. When she learned that it was Tony, and not Sam, who saved Josh from prison for bribery by revealing that the photo implicating him was a forgery, she realized she'd wronged him terribly. She left Sam and confessed to Tony she loved him but, by this time, Cat was in love with Tony and did everything in her power to hold onto him, even sending Marah's essay about virginity to the entire student body who then laughed about Marah and attacked her verbally.

    - Mortified, Marah confided in her old friend, Ben Reade who had returned to town. Soon the pair started dating, however unbeknownst to Marah, Ben's intentions weren't pure: he was only using her to win a bet about whether he could deflower her. Though she liked Ben, Marah couldn't stop thinking about Tony. Marah's dislike of Cat intensified in 2002 when she learned that Cat was pregnant with Tony's baby and the couple was getting married as a result. Despite Ben's pleas to just forget about Tony, Marah couldn't and asked Tony if they could continue their friendship. But knowing he couldn't just be friends with Marah, Tony refused because he had a family to think about. Then Marah learned a startling fact: Catalina was no longer pregnant; she miscarried her baby and kept the news from everyone! Desperate to keep Tony from marrying Cat, Marah rushed to tell him the news. Moments after the couple had said their vows, Marah burst in but before she could tell Tony the truth, Cat faked labor pains and Marah was hustled out by bodyguards. Catalina and Tony planned to go on a honeymoon to Hawaii a few days later. However, Marah refused to give up, and one night when Tony’s grandmother, Maria had conveniently cleared the house of all guards, arrived at the mansion. She and Catalina bitterly argued, with Marah ripping the St. Anthony's necklace off Catalina because Tony had originally planned to buy it for her. Cat ran upstairs to her room to call the police. Marah followed her, and they struggled. Cat shoved her away, then watched in disbelief as Marah hit her head on a fireplace column. When she awoke, Cat was dead, and Tony was telling her that he'd take care of everything. Though her father (who believed that Tony killed Cat) warned her to stay away from Tony, she insisted that he was innocent and visited an oddly silent Tony in prison. Though a small part of her believed that he may have killed Cat, Marah continued to support him, despite his efforts to push her away. Tony, on the other hand, feared that the more time Marah spent with him, the more likely it would be that the police would realize she killed Catalina (which he erroneously believed). So he pushed her away, cruelly insulting her and telling her he had killed Catalina. Around this time, Ben, in an attempt to turn over a new leaf, told Marah of the bet to take her virginity from her, and Marah threw him out of her life. Feeling disillusioned by all the men she'd let herself trust, she got drunk and wandered around by the docks. Tony's friend and assistant Romeo Jones found her. Romeo, who was obsessed with having everything Tony had, played on Marah's vulnerabilities and brought her back to Infierno with him. The next morning, Marah dreamt she had spent the night with Tony. Instead, the harsh light of day showed her that her lover was a mostly clothed, slumbering Romeo. After running into Carmen, she went back to her dorm, trying to shower away the memories of losing her much-cherished virtue in a drunken one-night stand, on a pullout chair/cot, to a man she had no feelings for. Unfortunately for her, Romeo visited shortly after, expecting another tryst. Marah reacted angrily until she recognized the necklace he was wearing, which was the necklace she had in her hand the night of Catalina's murder! Seeing that he must be the killer, Marah began playing a dangerous game, cozying up to him, leading him on, and building up his ego. She tried to stay away from Tony, but love got the best of her and she went into hiding with him after he escaped from jail. Romeo tracked them down at the carousel, and Marah knocked Tony out so Romeo would take her instead. Romeo had to go see Danny and Carmen about business, and when he returned, Marah got the upper hand and tried to force the truth out of him. The situation turned ugly, with Tony arriving to stop any violence, and the police arriving to arrest both men for Catalina's murder, since both accused the other of doing it. A few days later, Romeo mysteriously confessed to the murder (Carmen had made him), and Tony was cleared of all charges. He and Marah were free to be together. What kept Marah from fully sharing in the joy was the time bomb hanging over her head about her one-nighter with Romeo, with Romeo and Carmen holding the detonator in their hands, ready to push the button at any time. Marah's life exploded, when Tony learned the truth from Romeo. In the back office at Infierno, Marah confirmed the news. Tony, livid, almost raped her before he stopped himself. Furious, she stripped down to her underwear, screamed at him to take her, and then ran out of the room in tears.

    - Marah's only real source of comfort were her parents, but even this was not to last. Her aunt's husband Richard died, and Reva later told Shayne and Marah that she had pulled his plug. Though she explained that he had asked her to do this, Marah was unable to accept her mother's actions. As Reva was arrested for murder, she drew away from Reva and became very close to Cassie, because she felt Cassie needed her more than Reva. Even then, she still tried to get Reva a lawyer and defended her mother against insults from Carmen and Edmund. As summer passed, Marah began to forgive Tony for what he had done to her, as she had never stopped loving him. In late August she was trapped on a fishing boat with him, but their renewed closeness was dealt a major setback when Tony thought he saw a worker manhandling her and began beating the man up. Marah, wanting to strike out her own, moved into the Marler carriage house (Blake and Ross had moved out) with Ben, cousin Bill Lewis, and Remy Boudreau. Yet she was still weighted down by her family responsibilities. Reva plead guilty to killing Richard in order to spare Cassie any more pain, and was sentenced to 2 years in prison. Marah had to basically become Reva during her absence, and during a phone visit lit into Reva about how crushing her life had become. Fortunately, Reva was released and pardoned after a few weeks, and Marah went back to her old life. By now, Tony had managed to reign in his anger and expressed his genuine remorse and regret to Marah. She decided to forgive him they had slowly rekindled their romance. Her family were not thrilled, especially Josh, who went out of his way to express his disgust with her decision. Marah stood by Tony but when Reva was harassed by a stalker, even Marah mistakenly suspected Tony of the crime. However, Tony eventually earned the Lewis's trust enough to serve as Reva's bodyguard.

    - Since the debut of the SONBC blog, "THE GUIDING LIGHT" Marah was forced to go stay with her brother Dylan in Minnesota. While on the trip Tony was shot protecting Reva. Marah soon found out the details regarding Tony's murder and vowed not to forgive her mother, this time for good. Having turned everyone against her Marah sought comfort in Danny's arms! The two began a playful relationship and because Marah could not find a job or an apartment of her own, she took Danny up on his offer to stay with him. Things progressed for the couple and when Tony's ghost appeared to both Danny and Marah, they agreed that this could be something worth persuing. On Valentine's Day 2007, the couple learned that Danny's ex-wife Michelle could be carrying his child. Despite that fact, Danny and Marah took their relationship to the next level and made love.
  14. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 051
    Tuesday, March 06, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    The cool spring wind ripped across Shayne and Lizzie’s face as the shuffled to their next class at Springfield University.

    “I still can’t believe you talked me into taking another class.” Lizzie playfully pushed Shayne, “Between this, my parents and high school dramatics I’m going to die before graduation.”

    “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a little to dramatic Lizzie?” Shayne joked as they both spotted their destination, “Oh thank God my feet are killing me.”

    “Did you do anything exciting last night? Something risqué, something from the book Reva Shayne perhaps?” Lizzie teased.

    **********

    “You survived the most romantic day of the year?” Dr. Ed Bauer asked as Ross took a seat across from him.

    “I would hope so.” Ross rolled his eyes, “It was me, cold take-out, legal briefs and some news show on CNN.”

    “Ouch! Still no luck with Blake then?” Ross shook his head no and Ed continued, “You haven’t given up have you?”

    “Hardly. Rose, chocolates and her favorite movie…” Ross explained.

    “Ross…” Ed sighed heavily borderline lecturing, “That’s amateur. Are you an amateur? How many women have you wooed in your day? I think you’re past flowers and candy, don’t you?”

    “Okay mister-know-it-all. What would you suggest?”

    **********

    Danny had opened the patio doors and the sun was shining through as Marah rolled over in bed and felt the warm empty spot where he had been laying. She thought back to last night and smiled, it was everything she had imagined it would be, her first time with Danny.

    Marah sat up in bed and saw a plate of muffins and coffee, “Danny?” She called out for him, “Danny?”

    “On the balcony.” He answered as Marah tied her robe, poured herself a cup of coffee and walked to him.

    She kissed him on the cheek, “Mm, good morning!” She said shyly, “How are you?”

    He smiled back at her and winked, “I’m good. More concerned about you though, you’re okay with what happened last night aren’t you?”

    “You mean Michelle?” Marah asked, “Or what we did afterwards.” She flirted.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    Opening

    **********

    “Go big. Dazzle her…”

    Ross stopped him, “Ed, did you just say dazzle?” His eyebrows raised, “Let’s stop discussing this, I see your point. Please don’t ever say that again.” He laughed, “But you are right that roses and candy isn’t going to win Blake back.”

    “I know that I’m right. And I know what it’s like to keep a huge secret from the person that you love the most. But Ross, you have an opportunity, one that Maureen and I never had, don’t screw it up.” He warned.

    He shook his head, “We went through so much with Tory, and I do not know why I kept my job offer from her. The trust is gone and the fact that we may not be able to regain it back scares the living hell out of me.”

    “Like I said…”

    Ross held up is hand to stop him, “Enough about me, let’s talk about something else, say you for the timing being. How are things with Holly, you know her migraines have returned again.”

    “She refuses to let me help her, says she is no damsel in distress.”

    “Well she’s not. How did we get mixed up with these wonderful, yet complicated women?”

    Ed shook his head, “I have no idea how we got so lucky, but we did.” Ross smiled and shook his head, “There is something that I wanted to talk to you about and after I say it you’re going to think I’m crazy.”

    **********

    “Your now free to move above the cabin.” Lucy and Harley heard the captain say over the intercom on the plane.

    “So you really called Hope?” Harley sipped her drink “Just taking a wild guess but I don’t think Alan Michael appreciated that did he?”

    Lucy rolled her eyes, “Well he wasn’t over the moon about the whole thing, no. I wanted Hope to come back she had miserable timing, Alan Michael had just given me my Valentine’s gifts…”

    “Ouch. What happened, anything exciting?”

    “Hardly. Hope warned him about Alan’s devious ways and told him that she hoped he had his head on straight and then she left.” Lucy handed her trash to the flight attendant, “That of course escalated into an argument about us and how I don’t respect his wishes.” She rolled her eyes, “I told him to leave and when he didn’t I did and here we are.”

    “I’m no one to judge or even offer advice on the mommy front.”

    “That’s true.” Lucy agreed, “So when was Gus coming back from Chicago?”

    Harley glanced at her watch, “About two hours ago. He should be home by now and no doubt Vera is spilling the beans about my departure.”

    “She is a strange woman that’s for sure. You know she came into Company a few morning ago and I swear to you she was flirting with Dad and Frank!”

    **********

    “Nope, mom has the Reva playbook locked up tight. We can’t peek until we’re over the age of twenty-one.” He smiled, “Ben and I had a few beers and played video games at the house.”

    Lizzie cut her eyes to him as his cell phone started buzzing, “Your pants are ringing stud.” She laughed, “For some reason I have a hard time picturing you and Ben, of all people kicked back drinking and racing cars.”

    Shayne finished his message, “Well believe it. What about you? How many hearts did little Miss Spaulding break?”

    “You’ve been doing that a lot lately, more than usual.” Lizzie noted and then answered, “Anyway I only broke one heart.” She blushed, “Do you remember me talking about the guy I met at the benefit your mother and aunt hosted?”

    “The masked stranger?”

    “Yep, that’s the one!” She answered as Shayne held open the door for her, “Thanks. Anyway I’ll have to tell you all about it and who it was after class.” She gushed as the professor began to call roll.

    The professor begin calling the roll as Shayne settled into his seat, “This is going to be awhile…”

    “Bowden, Derek.” He heard the name called out, “Derek Bowden.”

    “Here.” Shayne heard a familiar voice answer and he immediately set up.

    “Can’t be?” He whispered under his breath, “Derek.”

    **********

    “Oh God! Something is not right with her and Alexandra, I can feel it, and I just pray I’m right you know.”

    “So did you tell Vera where you were going?”

    “No! I left Gus a note in our bedroom and locked the door behind me when we left.” Harley took a deep breath and gazed out the window at the clouds.

    “You ready for this?”

    She shook her head, “You know I think so. I want the truth, but apart of me does not want Gus to be related to that family.” Harley took Lucy’s hand, “How?”

    “How what?”

    “How is that you and I manage to find every Spaulding man…”

    “Excluding Alan…” Lucy laughed.

    “And fall in love.” Harley shrugged her shoulders, “Thank God Alan didn’t have any daughters or else Frank would be in trouble!” She finished as both women laughed.

    **********

    “Okay.” His interest peaked, “Ed…”

    “On Valentine’s before Holly and I had dinner and before she arrived I saw a woman, who looked just like…” he paused and thought a second, “just like Maureen.”

    Ross stared, speechless and searched for the right words, “Maureen?” He finally spoke, “Your Maureen?”

    “I know what you’re thinking, because I’ve been thinking the same thing since it happened. Ross it was like an out of body experience.”

    “Were you able to speak with this woman?”

    Ed shook his head, “She got on the elevator and left before I could catch up to her. This is just to surreal, I know that it’s not Maureen, but seeing her has stirred up something that I thought I had put behind me.”

    “Would you even want to see this woman again? Talk to her I mean?” Ross asked.

    Ed thought, “Part of me says no, but another part does. She has Maureen’s face Ross, how could I not want to talk to her. Hear her voice…”

    “You want me to do some digging?” Ross suggested, “I can have some friends of mine look into, see what they can find.”

    “Okay thanks, Ross I appreciate it.”

    **********

    “Afterwards.”

    “Honestly…because we have to be completely, one-hundred percent, beyond a shadow of a doubt honest with one another. I will not have it any other way, do you understand me Danny?”

    He shook his head, “Nothing but the truth. Believe it or not I want to do this right. No lies, no hidden agendas…”

    “No mob!” Marah interjected, “I won’t be tangled up in that again, I refuse.”

    “I can try Marah, that’s all I can promise you.”

    She shook her head and sat on Danny’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck she spoke quietly, “I feel a little guilty.”

    “Why?”

    “Tony was your cousin and maybe, just maybe Reva was right, perhaps I should forgive her.”

    “I don’t want you to forgive your mother on my account.” Danny told her, “Those demons are yours and you are going to have to come to terms with them and that includes Tony.”

    “It just seems like I can’t catch a break.” Marah sighed. “Michelle.”

    “We’re going to catch a break.” Danny told her, “This situation with Michelle is going to resolve itself in time, we just have to be prepared for the consequences. I come with a lot of baggage.”

    “Oh I know that. I come with plenty of my own. I can held Michelle and I can win Robbie over and if the baby is yours then we’ll deal with it.”

    “But?”

    “But I won’t backstab my own aunt. I can’t sneak around knowing that the two of you shared something more than just a business arrangement.”

    “I’ll tell her.” He replied, “There was something there, I’m not sure what but I’ll make it clear to her that you and I are together. Okay?”
    “You and I…together?” She asked.

    Danny pulled Marah to his lips and slowly, softly kissed her on the lips. Once he finally pulled away he said in a whisper, “Together.”

    **********

    “Gus…If you’re reading this then I’ve already left. Vera is hiding something and I know that I promised I would stay out of it, but the fact the matter is I can’t. If you really knew, like I think you do then you will understand.”

    “Hello ma’am may I help you?” A rental car attendant asked in Augusta, Maine.

    “Yes I had a reservation under the name of Cooper, Harley.”

    “I’ve gone to find Alex. She knows the truth, because what Vera is telling you isn’t the truth. Don’t come after me. Let me do this so you can know once and for all where you belong. All my love, Harley.” Gus folded the paper and dropped to the bed.

    “Any problems?” Lucy asked.

    “Not a one.” Harley opened the trunk, “The only person who has a problem is Alexandra and that problem is me!”

    :Fades to Black:

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Billy and Bill talk about the baby!
    - Beth goes after Olivia with dramatic results!
    - Harley! Alexandra! It's a can't miss week!
  15. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 050
    Wednesday, February 28 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble
    Vera and Harley at the house sitting in silence. Harley is tucking in the boys when the telephone begins to ring, Vera answers and takes a message. She gives it to Harley who returns the call from Henry Coleman in Oakdale. Henry tells her that he worked overtime, which will cost her some serious coin. Harley tells him whatever he wants, just as long as he got the information. Henry tells her that he tracked down Alexandra to the Spaulding house in Bar Harbor, Maine. Harley thanks him and says he’ll be getting cash soon. After she hangs up the phone Vera questions who that was and Harley tells her it was an old friend from the police academy.

    Lizzie enters Towers alone on Valentine’s Day, intent on having a dinner all alone. After she sits down and sees other couples enter the restaurant she thinks about her parents and upset at being alone. She goes to leave, but bumps into a very handsome man that is Dr. Braxton O’Dell. He tells her that they have to stop meetings this way!

    Bill arrives at The Beacon front desk and asks if they have seen Michelle Bauer Santos. The clerk behind the desk hands him a key, after Bill is gone upstairs, Danny picks up something from the front desk…Bill arrives at Michelle’s room and she says that they have to talk and Bill says he knows…just then Danny and Marah enter the room, stunned to find them there.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    Opening

    **********
    Ed is preparing to leave the Bauer house when he sees Mel sitting in the living room alone. He asks if her and Rick have plans tonight and she says that they don’t have much to celebrate. Mel reveals that she told Rick everything and has come clean, Ed says he’s unsure of what that is but he’s glad she did. Mel thanks Ed for being there and sends him on his way. Later a delivery man arrives with roses, Mel answers and there is a note from Rick’s RX pad, Mel is moved to tears and goes into the living room holding the note. Through her tears she see Rick arrive, he walks over and takes her in his arms. She questions if they are going to be okay and he tells her he’s not sure, they have a lot of repairs to make but they’re going to make them together!

    Danny and Marah quickly try to excuse themselves but Michelle is also anxious for them to leave, but Bill quickly puts a stop to them leaving. Bill then questions what Marah is doing with Danny and she is quick to remind him that is none of his business. Bill says that isn’t but what Michelle has to say will effective both he and Danny. Bill tells Michelle that he’s learned her secret, Danny questions what secret, Michelle is clearly upset and finally through her tears reveals that she has been keeping a secret, a terrible secret that will turn her life upside down and change one of their lives. Marah says she is sick of the dramatics from everyone and asks what the hell Michelle is talking about…Michelle reveals that she is pregnant and she is not sure of whom the father of her baby is!

    Lizzie and Braxton decide to have dinner together. They talk and she learns he’s an intern at Memorial and she tells him that she is a senior in high school. Braxton admits that he knows that because they’ve met before. Lizzie inquires about when, Braxton reveals that he was her masked dancer during the Richard Winslow Benefit, Lizzie is embarrassed and then later leaves, but before she does she gives him her telephone number, Braxton insists on walking her to her car and Lizzie agrees. In the parking garage, Braxton kisses Lizzie before she leaves.

    Ed arrives at Towers looking to meet Holly, even though she has stood him up again. He telephones her and leaves a message, as Ed is finishing his club soda he sees a woman walk across the restaurant and Ed pays close attention to her, he watches her board the elevator and whispers, “Maureen.”

    Bill becomes angry that Michelle kept this information from him and storms off…Marah goes after him but Bill insists that she doesn’t want him to interfere in her life, then she needs to do the same and he storms off. Inside with Michelle, Danny tells her she needs to find as soon as possible and if the baby is his then he’ll do right by the child, but he’s moving on with his life and it’s one that includes Marah and not Michelle, just like she wanted. He storms out, leaving Michelle alone with her baby…she sees the courtesy roses from The Beacon in the vase on the dresser and throws them against the wall!

    A-M, Lucy and Hope go back to their suite. Hope explains that Lucy called her because A-M seems to have been sucked back into Alan’s world at Spaulding and she wanted to make sure that he still had a level head on his shoulders. A-M assures her that he does and that it is late, Hope should head on over to the Bauer house and they’ll talk more tomorrow. Hope says she is tired and that will talk, because she’ll be back bright and early. Hope leaves and A-M and Lucy fight about getting her getting his mother involved, Lucy defends that she didn’t know what else to do. A-M tells her she could learn to like Springfield and respect his wishes, something that she hasn’t done in a very long time. Very bad fight…Lucy tells him to leave, but A-M refuses so Lucy leaves and goes to Harley’s.

    Danny and Marah make love, despite everything that has just went down with Michelle.
    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Harley & Lucy Find Alexandra.
    - Shayne's world begins to change!
  16. Josh
    Volume 1, Issue 1
    March 3, 2007

    The "LIGHT" Goes Out?
    Rumors seem to be making the rounds that "THE GUIDING LIGHT" is running straight towards cancelation! With many recent announcements that such blogs as "King Reilly's DAYS," "The World of Oakdale" and "Guiding Light: The Brotherhood" were headed to towards the great beyond soon (TWOO ended March 2) that "The Guiding Light" was next.

    “Absolutely and completely false!” Assured executive producer Josh Hawkins. “Dan and I have been working on schoolwork, jobs and other activities.” He continued. But outlines are still being planned, scenes are being written and episodes are being published. The Guiding Light will be a fixture in the SONBC lineup for many, many more days to come.

    “Our light is bright! The stories we’re working towards telling will have long lasting ramifications in Springfield!” Teased Hawkins.

    IN the LIGHT with...Maureen Garrett
    SONBC: Are you enjoying working more these day?
    MG: Are you joking? (Laughs) I'm in love with The Guiding Light these days. It is very reminiscent of what it once was. Josh and Dan have a great hold on who Holly is and what makes her tick.

    SONBC: When Josh arrived on the scene last summer he shocked the industry with stepping back in time. How did you feel about that?
    MG: Josh stepped back to a time that was good, Holly's relationship with Ed I always felt was a missed storyline, so to be able to play it again is amazing, quite simply.



    SONBC: There for awhile it looked as though Holly would be betraying Blake.
    MG: The thing about that story is it would have made sense either way we went. I can say that it was tweaked and changed a bit once Dan joined as co-head writer. Josh did propose a story that was good, but what we have coming up in the next few weeks and into March is...some of the best stuff I've done in a very long time.

    SONBC: Care to share with readers what that "stuff" is?
    MG: (Smiles) Holly has quite a few fires burning at the moment. From Blake to Ross and Ed and these migraines it's all about to explode. March is going to be HUGE for Holly and I'm looking forward to playing the role again and this material because it is out of this world.

    Next Week: Ben Hogestyn's "IN the LIGHT" about his new job, new storyline & working with Kim Zimmer!

    Week of March 5th

    - Marah tells Danny to end things for good with Cassie!
    - Harley and Lucy find Alexandra!
    - The Cedars projects battle is on: Lewis vs. Spaulding.
    - Shayne's world will be rocked & literally changed forever!

    Casting New



    - Matt Lanter (Derek) who debuted as Derek Bowden in 2006 shortly after "TGL" debuted. "Matt is on recurring at the moment but that could change as the story continues." Said co-head writer Dan Gobble. Lanter returns in Episode 051.

    - Soap icon and veteran actress Julia Barr wraps up her first stint in the recast role of Hope Bauer in Episode 053. "She'll be back, don't worry." Gobble continues. "This was always the agreement that she would come on for a limited run but return full-time eventually.

    - Also in non-casting news and more behind the scene information, creator of the blog, "Guiding Light: The Brother" Michael Allen will soon join "TGL" blog as a story consultant. "I made an official offer to Michael immediately after he announced he would end "GL:TB" and he accepted. Dan and I look forward to working with him." Says Hawkins.

    This idea was inspired by the SONBC Blog “Salem Lives” and their weekly SL Insider, much thanks to Phoenix and Roman and make sure to check out their awesome “DAYS” blog!
  17. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 049
    Tuesday, February 27, 2007
    Written By: Dan Gobble & Josh Hawkins

    **********

    Beautiful decorations adorn the Beacon Hotel for the benefit Valentine’s Dance. Couples dance and dine in Olivia’s Bar, which has been transformed for the occasion.

    Phillip and Beth sit at one of the tables sipping wine and toasting to each other.

    “To us and to a new beginning,” Phillip toasts.

    “Here, here!” Alan interrupts as he walks over to the table. Alan notices that Beth has something weighing on her mind.

    “What’s wrong Beth? I thought you would be enjoying this?” Alan asks.

    “Someone told Lizzie that Phillip and I got married without us telling her first and now she is furious with Phillip and myself,” Beth acidly remarks.

    “I’m sorry to hear that Beth. I wonder who could have told her.”

    Beth replies, “Oh, I think that you know.” She turns toward Olivia sitting at another table and glares at her. Olivia smiles and gives her an innocent-looking wave.

    **********

    The Role of Shayne Lewis is now being played by Ben Hogestyn.

    At another table, Shayne, Tammy, Ben, and Marina crack jokes while waiting for their food to come.

    “Ok, so I turn and look at Marah, who is wearing like the ugliest dress on Creation and I say ‘Marah, why are you wearing that, it looks like Ralph Lauren vomited all over it,’” Shayne teases.

    Tammy hits Shayne in Marah’s absence while Ben and Marina laugh. Marina looks at her watch and nudges Tammy.

    “Why don’t we go freshen up before the food gets here?” she asks Tammy.

    They get up and head to the restroom. “Be nice, boys,” Marina calls back to them.

    “God, women. One of them goes to the bathroom and it sets off a chain reaction,” Shayne jokes.

    The guys laugh and look at each other, wondering what they can talk about to break the awkward silence.

    “So, read any good books lately?” Shayne asks.

    Meanwhile, Tammy and Marina stand in front of a mirror in the bathroom. Marina takes a package out of her purse and opens it, revealing rows of birth control pills. She pops the pill in her mouth and drinks the water to wash it down her throat. She then looks at her face in the mirror. “I’m so ready for this Ben,” she says seductively.

    **********

    At another table, Alan-Michael and Lucy silently sit. A-M decides that now is as good a time as any to give Lucy her gift. He slips a small package over to her side of the table. However, Lucy is still too mad to take it and open.

    “Honey, please. I know you’re angry at me, but could we just put things aside for tonight?”

    “Alan-Michael, what you did was horrible. You can’t buy off my anger this time.”

    Lucy flashes back to her phone call with Hope and wonders if she did the right thing. She pauses and picks up the gift.

    “I’ll give you tonight Alan-Michael, but you better dazzle me.” She smiles and opens the gift.

    Meanwhile, Hope stands at the main desk of the hotel to reserve a room.

    “And how long will you be staying?” the clerks asks.

    Hope thinks and says, “I think I’ll have to get back to you on that…”

    **********

    Reva and Josh sit at the table eating and reminiscing. Reva’s smile drops when she thinks of her estranged daughter.

    “Oh Joshua, If only everything was okay with Marah and I, my life would be perfect. I wish she could forgive me.”

    “Marah’s a stubborn one. Kind of like her mother,” Josh grins. “She’s more like you than she is willing to admit.”

    Reva laughs, “Well that’s always a bad sign.”

    “No that’s not what I meant. Marah will come around, I know it. We have raised our daughter well.”

    “Well, at least you raised her,” Reva laments.

    “Let’s not get started on that subject. Here, we’ve made our appearance here. Why don’t we go to Towers now. I have a special night planned for us,” Josh hints.

    Reva and Josh rise to leave, but when they do, Marah and Danny enter the room!

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    Opening

    **********

    After reserving a room, Hope tries to find her way to the party. When she discovers the party is in the hotel bar, Hope pauses and wonders if she should go in. However, she realizes that her son’s welfare is more important and begins to walk towards the party when she is stopped by one of the hotel guards.

    “I’m sorry Ma’am, but you can’t go in without an invitation.”

    Hope replies, “But you misunderstand, the invitation is under my son’s name, Alan-Michael Spaulding. I just arrived a bit late.”

    The guard checks the registry and allows her to go in.

    **********

    “Why do you think Olivia told Lizzie about your marriage?” Alan asks.

    “Why does she do anything Alan? She’s probably been plotting this since she heard about our wedding. Phillip’s off the market and she wants revenge,” Beth quips.

    “Well, I will deal with Olivia,” Alan replies.

    “I would appreciate it if you would.” Beth retorted.

    Alan walks over to his wife and asks if he can sit down with her.

    “Olivia, did you get my gifts today? I had them sent overnight.”

    “Yes, I did. They were beautiful. You really outdid yourself Alan. Now I’d appreciate it more if you would give me that division at Spaulding I wanted, but I’ll take any small measure of devotion I can get,” she hints.

    “Anything to please my wife,” Alan says, ignoring the hint.

    “You know Olivia, I had the weirdest conversation with Beth and Phillip. Lizzie has found out about their marriage and they seem to think that you are responsible. You haven’t heard anything about this, have you?”

    “Of course not Alan. What could I have to gain by exposing their marriage? Phillip’s out of my evil clutches anyway.”

    “Olivia, I think the pressing question is what do you have to lose?”

    **********

    Ben and Shayne continue to make idle talk as they wait for the girls to return. Somehow the conversation turns to women.

    “You seem to make Marina happy. I haven’t seen her like this in awhile. Please, just don’t hurt her,” Shayne says.

    “Marina has really changed me Shayne. Before I met her, I was such a jerk. I’m sure your sister has told you that. Love changes you. I know that sounds hollow and cliché but sometimes it is true. I’m sure you know what it’s like,” Ben replies.

    “Yeah, I do,” Shayne says uneasily.

    “You know man, maybe it’s time for you to go out looking for a relationship? Just turn on the ol’ Lewis charm and you’ve got her,” Ben says.

    “I just…I just don’t want to look for one right now. I want to wait until after high school. This year is so hectic with getting into college. A romance would just get in the way,” Shayne stammers.

    “I understand man. Oh speak of the devil,” Ben jokes.

    Marina and Tammy return to the table and look around the room to see who is around. The waiter comes with their food and they sit around and eat. Marina looks at her watch and sees that it is getting rather late.

    “It’s time guys. Ben, wait for about ten minutes and then come up the back stairwell. Shayne knows where it is, he will take you there. Don’t be long,” Marina winks.

    When they are sure that no one is watching them, Tammy and Marina get up from the table and sneak out of the party. Ten minutes elapse and Shayne and Ben get up and go to the back stairwell.

    “Here it is man. Have a good night,” Shayne says as Ben runs up the stairs to continue his Valentines Day.

    **********

    Reva and Marah lock eyes, but Marah ignores her and guides Danny to an empty table. Reva walks over to the table to try to talk some sense into her.

    “Listen sweetheart, I know that you are going to hate me every other day for the rest of your life, but I just want you to understand that I never meant to hurt you,” Reva explains.

    “Well you did anyway,” Marah coldly replies.

    “I didn’t mean to hurt you Marah.”

    “Intentions, mother. You do know what they say about intentions, right: they pave the road to Hell. Now I’ve think we have said everything that was to be said. I will never be able to forgive you for what you’ve done. I noticed you and dad were leaving, so why don’t you get the hell out?”

    At this, Reva explodes.

    “Tell me Marah. Why can Danny forgive me for the loss of his cousin, a person he thought of like a brother, while my own daughter turns her back on me? I know that I have made many mistakes over the years and I know that that I have made some bad decisions. However, I had no idea that Richard’s death would cause Roxanne to go insane. My mind wasn’t even thinking that. My main thought was about Richard and the pain that HE was suffering. I know you think that I am a horrible person that ingratiates herself into other people’s lives, but that is not true!” Reva yells.

    “Tony’s death is just the final straw. You’ve never given me a thought. You certainly didn’t when you drove off the bridge, when you were torn between us and your royal missing years, or when you, hell do I even have to go on? To you, we are an inconvenience that you just have to ignore and we’ll fade into the background. When, I ask, did you EVER give us a second thought?” Marah retorts.

    Josh tries to calm down the situation before it spirals out of control. He takes Reva by the arm and takes her out of the Beacon while everyone looks at them. He tells Marah that he’ll call her later as they leave. Danny and Marah look at the entrance that they disappeared through and sit down to rejoin the dance. Everyone turns their attention to their own party as the situation settles.

    “Maybe you should forgive your mom Marah. You know that she never meant for Tony’s death to happen. She knew that you loved him and if you will remember, she went to bat for you with Josh. Just give her a chance. She knows she made a mistake without you rubbing it in,” Danny explains.

    “Danny, I don’t want to talk about it. That’s not what this night is about,” Marah replies.

    Danny realizes that Marah does not want to go on with this topic and changes the subject.

    “Yeah, tonight is a very special night. I was actually going to ask you tonight if you would want to, I mean, I know that it is still soon after Tony’s death. But would you want to, you know, make love with me?”

    “Danny. I’ve been wanting to do that since December,” Marah smiles as they kiss.

    **********

    Shayne and Tammy return to the house with pizza and movies to spend the rest of Valentines night. They go up to Shayne’s bedroom and begin to eat.

    “Ah, this is so much better.” Shayne remarks as he gulps down a slice of pizza. “I love your mom’s hotel, but I’ve never been one to eat food I couldn’t pronounce.”

    “Shayne that narrows it down quite a bit. You’re vocabulary is pretty limited.”

    Shayne grins and puts on the movie.

    “Tammy, I fart in your general direction.” Shayne recites in synch with the movie. To this Tammy laughs and hits Shayne with a pillow. “Stop blabbering, I can’t hear the movie!”

    “I tell ya Tam, who needs Valentines Day when you have a date with Monty Python. Those damn card companies and their campaigns.”

    “This is nice. But don’t you ever get tired of being so alone. I mean, what happened to that one girl that you were with about a year ago? Scared her off?” Tammy grins.

    “Nah, she just wasn’t my type. That’s all.”

    “It’s just. I worry about you Shayne.”

    “Well, I’m fine. And why did you go sic my sister on me for? If you wanted to report on some drama, you should have got Marah and my mom together, Shayne asks.”

    “I’ve noticed you Shayne. You act so distant, like your mind is about a million miles away. I worried about you and I thought she should know. You and Marah have always had such a great relationship.”

    “Had being the operative word there. I had a strong relationship with my sister, but I can’t help but feel her slipping away. I guess that’s what happens when we grow older,” Shayne laments.

    “You can’t let that happen Shayne. You have to try to get her back. There has to be a way that she will forgive Reva.”

    “Nope. And Marah can hold a grudge better than anyone I know. She still hasn’t forgiven me for when I put the frog in her pants at Uncle Rusty’s house. She seems oblivious to anything that doesn’t concern her. She just doesn’t understand,” Shayne sighs.

    “Are you sure that there’s nothing wrong Shayne?” Tammy asks, noticing his facial expressions.

    “No there’s nothing. Stop worrying or you’ll put a damper on our little party. Now watch the movie, they are just about to discover the Knights of Ni.”

    **********

    “What do you mean by that Alan?” Olivia asks.

    “I think, Olivia, that you have nothing more to lose. Is Beth right, did you tell Lizzie simply to get back at Phillip for leaving you?”

    “Alan, I would never tell Lizzie. And even so, as you said, Phillip is gone. He means nothing more to me. You can relax, I have been a good little girl scout.”

    Alan shoots her an “I’ll be watching you look,” as he gets up from the table. Alan notices a familiar face approach Alan-Michael and Lucy.

    “Hello darling,” Hope says to a stunned A-M.

    “H-Hi mom! What are you doing here?” A-M asks.

    “I’m here to save the day sweetheart. It seems that since I’ve been gone, Alan has been making you in his own image and I’m hear to put a stop to it. I received a rather disturbing phone call from your wife, saying that you stole a classic move from Alan’s playbook. Is this true?”

    A-M angrily stares back at Lucy.

    “You tattled on me to my mother?” A-M demands.

    “Yes. And I am not one bit sorry that I did.”

    **********

    Twenty times, I’ve tried to tell you. Twenty times, I’ve cried alone. Always I’m surprised how well you cut my feelings to the bone.

    Ben and Marina kiss beside a bed in a Beacon suite. Ben lowers her gently on to the bed and they begin to make love.

    Don’t want to leave you really. Just wanna break the ice. Do I look silly to you when I yield to your advice? When you say we belong to the light, we belong to the thunder.

    Josh brings Reva back home to their bedroom. Josh takes his hand and wipes a tear from Reva’s eye and moves close to kiss her. Reva takes off his shirt and they walk towards the bed.

    We belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under. Whatever we deny or embrace for worse or for better. We belong, we belong together.

    Beth and Phillip cap off their first Valentines Day back together back at their room in the Spaulding mansion. Phillip takes Beth into his arms and places her down on the bed. He undresses and gets under the covers.

    Maybe it’s a sign of weakness that I don’t know what to say. Maybe I just wouldn’t know what to do with my strength anyway. Have we become a habit? Do we distort the past? Now there’s no looking forward and there’s no looking back.

    Alan alone in the dark of the Spaulding study thinking about the events of the evening. He puffs out a smoke ring from his cigar. Olivia walks in and goes to Alan’s chair and puts her arm around him

    Till we say we belong to the sound of the words we’ve both fallen under. Whatever we deny or embrace for worse or for better. We belong, we belong together.

    :Fades to Black:

    **********


    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Lucy and Harley take off!
    - Michelle's world crumbles down.
    - Is Ed seeing Marueen?
  18. Josh
    CHARACTER PROFILE

    Hope Bauer



    Actress History:
    - Seven actresses have portrayed the role including soap vet Robin Mattson.
    - Julia Barr joined the SONBC blog, "THE GUIDING LIGHT" in February 2007.

    Lifeline:
    - Hope was born onscreen September 20, 1963 but was deaged over the years.
    - Hope's official birthday is September 20, 1950.

    Occupation:
    - Current Occupation has not been disclosed.
    - Interior Decorator
    - Former waitress at the nightclub, "The Metro."

    Resides At:
    - Washington D.C. townhouse with her father Mike Bauer
    - In 1997 it was revealed she was living in England. In 2000 she moved back to the states.

    Marital Status:
    - Currently Unknown

    Past Marriages:
    - Alan Spaulding (Married: February 1980)

    Relatives:
    - Mike Bauer (Father - Resides in Washington D.C.)
    - Julie Conrad Bauer (Mother - Deceased)
    - Bill Bauer (Paternal Grandfather - Deceased)
    - Bert Bauer (Paternal Grandmother - Deceased)
    - Friedirch "Papa" Bauer (Paternal Great-Grandfather - Deceased)
    - Meta Bauer Banning (Great-Aunt)
    - Ed Bauer (Uncle - Resides in Springfield)
    - Hillary Bauer (Aunt - Deceased)
    - Rick Bauer (Cousin - Resides in Springfield)
    - Michelle Bauer Santos (Cousin - Resides in Springfield)
    - Lucy Cooper Spaulding (Daughter-in-Law - Resides in Springfield)

    Children:
    - Alan-Michael Spaulding (with Alan)
    - Additional Children Unknown

    Flings & Affairs:
    - Alex McDaniels (dated)
    - Chad Richards (dated)
    - Ben McFarren (engaged)
    - Gordon Middleton (lovers)
    - Alan Spaulding (affair)
    - Warren Andrews (dated)

    Crimes Committed:
    - None

    Character History:
    Courtesy of soapcentral.com

    - Hope Bauer spent her childhood with a loving family who cherished and supported her. The child of Mike and Julie Conrad Bauer. Following Hope's birth, Julie resumed her job as secretary to attorney George Hayes, while Mike worked slavishly to complete the law education which George had generously financed. Mike drove himself so hard that he became seriously ill with a viral infection. Instead of being sympathetic, Julie worried that Mike's illness would postpone the degree that would ensure her the privileged life of a lawyer's spouse. Meanwhile, Mike's mother, Bert, helped out by taking care of Hope, but she became so obsessed with the child that when Mike's father, Bill, finally returned from his business trip, she barely paid any attention to him. Hope had become Bert's entire world. Meanwhile, Julie would become disillusioned in her marriage to a man who married her simply because he got her pregnant and left the family, only to discover she was pregnant again! Trapped and becoming inhinged, Julie became so distraught that she had a miscarriage and tried to jump off the ledge outside her hospital room. When Alex revealed to Mike the truth about the baby, Mike blamed himself for Julie's problems. Yet as far as Bill was concerned, the blame belonged with Bert for having goaded Mike into this loveless marriage. As for Mike, he as disgusted by his mother's neglect of his father and her "take-charge" attitude with Hope. The only good news in Mike's life at this time was his graduation from law school. Dr. Paul Fletcher would soon advise the Bauers that Julie should be put into a mental institution, which the Bauers and the Conrads did do. In 1966, the Bauers got word that Julie had died of injures, while in the mental institution, that were possibly self-inflicted. With Bill's encouragement, Mike and Hope escaped Bert's dominance and relocated to Bay Cit, ywhere they lived in a boarding house owned by Ellen Hastings, who acted as a mother figure to Hope.

    - In 1968, an 8-year-old Hope arrived in Springfield with Mike and become reacquainted with her family. Lonely, in 1969, Hope instantly bonded with her Aunt Leslie, who became a mother figure. In 1970, Mike would impulsively marry Charlotte Waring who was anything but a mother figure! A selfish woman, Charlotte resented Mike's closeness with Hope and made her disinterest in Hope perfectly clear to the girl, although Mike was unaware of this. Miserable with her "wicked stepmother", Hope, Hope confided in her best friend, Christy Rogers, and finally ran away in 1971 to a deserted cabin. Luckily Mike found her and learning how Charlotte treated her, he bitterly wrote off his new wife. That same day, Charlotte suffered a miscarriage and a grief stricken Hope gave her blessing for the pair to reconcile. However in 1972 the reconciliation didn't last long and, in 1972, when Mike learned how vindictive Charlotte was, he divorced her after Hope told him that she saw Charlotte in a romantic embrace with Dr. Dick Carey. In 1973, a teenaged Hope watched her father marry the love of his life, her beloved Aunt Leslie, and again moved to Bay City to a boarding school.

    - In 1975, Mike brought an almost mature Hope home from Bay City University where she'd been dating the married college professor, Alex McDaniels and enrolled her in Springfield University. Resenting her father’s actions, their relationship was strained for a time. Soon after returning to town, Hope found herself attracted to the older Chad Richards, a singer at the nightclub "The Metro." Hope though was nervous to bring Chad home to meet her father or Leslie, thinking they would again disapprove of another man in her life. Then Chad started suffering from severe headaches that he and Hope just thought were migraines, but not wanting to lose this man just in case, she finally decided to bring him to "meet the parents" shortly before the holidays of the year. Though both Leslie and Mike were shocked to see who Hope's new boyfriend was (especially since Leslie herself had dated Chad several years ago), they decided to keep an open mind for Hope's sake and even Mike realized that Chad was worthy of his daughter. His opinion would change however when shortly after New Year 1976, when Chad unexpectedly went after Leslie! Luckily Mike saved her by fighting Chad off and the cause of Chad's violence was diagnosed by Dr. Emmet Scott and Dr. Tim Ryan as a brain tumor. Though it was operable, Cedars at that time didn't have the capabilities and so Chad was forced to leave Hope and Springfield to get treatment in Los Angeles. With Chad gone, Hope had felt very gun shy about entering another relationship, but Mike encouraged her to continue to seek love, again. Soon, Hope would end up falling for her college friend, the worldly artist Ben McFarren. Unfortunately, Ben was someone else that Mike didn't approve of since Ben not only had painted a nude picture of Hope that she posed for but he also had a criminal record. However, unbeknownst to Mike, Ben hadn't committed the robbery he went to prison for years ago; he was covering for his brother, Jerry McFarren. Though Bert tried to counsel Mike, to butt out, Mike wouldn't listen. But a little later, Ben (after Leslie was killed) approached Ann Jeffers about Mike investigating the robbery of the deli (Ben knew what Mike would find, that it wasn't him, but Jerry who had done this deed) and Ben seemed genuine about him being innocent in the crime. Ben also asked Mike to keep his investigation a secret from Hope. (Mike who had taken Leslie's death hard and also helping Ann escape from Spence, thought that it was time to bury any ill feelings he had towards Ben and found out in the course of his investigation of the robbery of the deli, that Ben's fingerprints did not match the fingerprints of the actual robber and worked to get Ben exonerated of the robbery and his record of the deed {actually done by his brother}, expunged, which Mike was successful in doing -- this was important for Ben to get a job at Spaulding years later.) Mike's opinion of Ben changed, for the better, when Ben told Mike, in private that he had covered for his younger brother, Jerry. Ben asked Mike not to try and go after his brother, Jerry, since Ben still served time for the deli robbery and Mike agreed. But then Jerry caught got up with owning the men who had floated him the loan for his gambling debts and also for keeping Roger Thorpe's "The Metro" afloat. And when Roger ended up being beaten up, Peggy asked Mike to investigate and Mike found out that Jerry had been responsible for all of this. And then Ben paid off Jerry's debt. Mike figured out what Ben had done yet again, about bailing out Jerry, and when Hope found out that a lot of the money that Ben and Hope had set aside to start a new life in the future was missing, she went to Mike and was very angry about this. Mike urged his daughter to calm down and not break things off with Ben, but Hope refused to listen to her father, and went ahead and confronted Ben. When Ben wasn't forthcoming about the missing money, that's when Hope broke things off with him. A little later, in the spring of 1977, when Hope found out through Ann Jeffers that it had been Jerry who Ben was covering for; Hope tried to get back with him. However, it was too late--Ben had already moved on. Ready to go away to New York to design school, Hope said a final goodbye to Ben.

    - In 1979, a mature Hope returned to town and embarked on a career in interior design. After a brief relationship with Gordon Middleton, Hope finally came face to face with the infamous Alan Spaulding. By the time Hope met Alan, she had been informed by Mike exactly what kind of man Alan was. Hired to decorate Alan's villa on the island St. Lucia, the two instantly disliked one another. Working with Gordon in the renovation process, the pair became were puzzled to find an IV unit in the villa and even more baffled when Alan was secretive about it. Knowing that Alan was under suspicion for helping the villainous Roger Thorpe, the pair considered pursuing the mystery. Before they could pursue it though, Gordon learned that his brother had been seriously injured in a car accident, and he decided to go back to his family home far from Springfield. Later, while traveling back to Springfield with Alan, the plane crashed in the Caribbean and the pair became marooned while Alan's pilot died! They drifted atop the wreckage to a lonely island and throughout the next several weeks, Hope began to see Alan's sensitive side and the pair made love. After being rescued by Mike and Alan's wife Jackie, they continued their affair despite the fact that Jackie announced she was pregnant with Alan's child. After Jackie finally left Alan after she suffered a miscarriage, Hope and Alan were free and despite her father's strenuous objections, the two married in February 1980. Then Hope began to realize that perhaps Mike was right about Alan all along when she found out Phillip was really Justin and Jackie Marler's child. Alan hadn't yet found out who were Philip's birth parents but Mike told Hope. Hope forced Alan to sign over his parental rights to Justin and Jackie and went as far as to leave their bedroom till Alan agreed to give custody of Philip to the Marlers. She told Alan that if he didn't sign the papers she'd leave him and he'd never see their unborn child. Hope never told Alan her reasons why she wanted him to give up Philip, but it could have been her disenchantment with his lengths to secure custody in the first place. With a great deal of anger, Alan signed those "damn paper’s." Seeing how angry Alan was, Hope became scared to return to their bedroom. Then in the summer of 1981, Hope overheard a conversation between Alan and Henry Chamberlain and learned that Alan had been having an affair with Ed's wife Rita! Not wanting to admit that her father was right about Alan, Hope kept mum and was later involved in a car accident when she accidentally drove her car into a tree. While Hope was in Cedars, she blurted out that she knew about him and Rita! Alan then begged forgiveness and swore to her that he would change. Alan told Hope that he never loved another woman like he loved her. Touched by his sensitivity and realizing that he was the first man she'd ever really loved, she agreed to give him another chance. Weeks later, Hope gave birth to a son, Alan-Michael.

    - Days later, when Diane Ballard and Joe Bradley were murdered, Alan was falsely accused of the crime, so Hope escaped with Alan and Alan-Michael to Tenerife until Mike and Lt. Wyatt caught them. Although Alan was vindicated of both murders, he had to confess his old cooperation with the now presumed dead Roger and went to prison in 1982. While Alan was in prison, Hope and Alan-Michael moved in with Hope's grandmother, Bert, while the mansion was rented out to Floyd Parker and his girlfriend, Lesley Ann Monroe. Later that year, when Alan was released, the Spauldings moved back in to the mansion. Unfortunately, Alan soon reverted back to his old self and despite all his words, he couldn't control himself and he fired his daughter, Amanda, from Spaulding! Unnerved at Alan's actions, Hope threw him out of their bedroom. Then in November, Hope was thrown for a loop when Alan hired Trish Lewis to redecorate the mansion. Though confused as to why he'd hire Trish to do something she did professionally, Hope suspected nothing. That summer, just when she was ready to let Alan back into the bedroom, Hope overheard a conversation between Vanessa Chamberlain and Clay Tynan and learned something startling--Alan and Trish had been having an affair for months! After leaving Alan, she started dating Warren Andrews, against Bert and her Uncle Ed's advice. Unfortunately the disaster of her marriage to Alan caused Hope to turn to the bottle for solace and became an alcoholic, one reason why Warren ended up dumping her (the other reason being that he was attracted to the younger Lesley Ann Monroe). Though Mike was in denial over Hope's alcoholism, Ed realized what was going on. After several drunken binges, one in which she told Ross Marler about Trish and Alan's affair, Hope finally got help with the support of her Uncle Ed, a former alcoholic, and got help from AA. After her recovery, Hope realized that she could never be in the same town with Alan and moved to New York with little Alan-Michael.

    - Unfortunately, Hope would apparently struggle with her battle with the bottle since an adult Alan-Michael would mention having seen his mother drunk in New York. In 1989, Hope disappointed Alan-Michael when she told him she couldn't attend his wedding to Harley Cooper since Alan would be there. In, 1993, Ed mentioned that Hope was now living in Washington Dc near her father, Mike. However, the following year, when Alan-Michael mentioned to his new love, Lucy, that he no longer had much contact to Hope since she had been spending most of her time in Europe. Later, after failing to contact Hope, Alan-Michael went to Ed and forced him to confess that Hope was in a clinic in Switzerland since she had fallen off the wagon again. She was ashamed and didn't want Alan-Michael to know about her problems because she didn't want him to see how weak she was. However, Ed stated that she would recover and after Alan-Michael (following Ed's advice) called her in the clinic, Hope was angry that Ed had told him everything. Later, in 1997, Mike mentioned that Hope was living in England.

    - Since her return on the SONBC blog, "THE GUIDING LIGHT" it has been revealed that Hope left England in 2000. She moved to Washington D.C. and lived with her father in a townhome near the Capitol Building. Hope has maintained a close relationship with Alan-Michael and his wife Lucy while they were living in Europe. After Alan-Michael sold his flat in Europe without consulting his wife, Lucy took matters into her own hands. Hope agreed to return to Springfield for a visit only in hopes of talking some sense into her son and warning him against Alan's devious ways. Hope returned to Springfield on Valentine's Day 2007.

    Actress Biography:
    - Julia Barr is best known for her role on "ALL MY CHILDREN" where she played Brooke English from 1976-1981 and from 1982-2006. In the fall of 2006 she was asked to go on recurring which she declined and last aired in December of that year. She was quickly signed to the SONBC blog, "THE GUIDING LIGHT" after her impending departure was announced. Barr is an eight time Daytime Emmy award nominee and has took home the gold for her role on 'AMC' as Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1990 & 1998. Her daughter with Richard Hirschlag, Allison appeared on the CBS "GUIDING LIGHT" as Lizzie Spaulding for five months in 2002-2003.
  19. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 047
    Wednesday, February 14, 2007
    Written By: Dan Gobble & Josh Hawkins

    **********

    At the Spaulding Mansion later in the afternoon, Phillip works at a mahogany desk in the Spaulding living room. He looks over at a picture of Beth and smiles. Beth walks down the stairs and sees Phillip working hard. She sneaks up to him and puts her arms around his neck and kisses him. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” she chirps.

    “Happy Valentine’s Day sweetheart,” he answers. “Honey, I hope you don’t mind moving back into the mansion. We’re going to need room for the kids while we look for a house.” Phillip turns toward Beth and gives her a kiss. “I swear we will be out of here and away from my father as soon as possible.”

    “What is Alan doing? And for that matter, why are you working here?”

    “I needed some peace to get some work done,” Phillip replies. “The board members are pulling their hair out waiting for some word on Aunt Alex. I think dad has hid under his bed to keep them from hounding him. I couldn’t find him anywhere. So I figured that since it is Valentine’s Day, I could do a little work here and then take my lovely wife to lunch.”

    Phillip and Beth kiss, but he can see that there is something on Beth’s mind. “What’s wrong honey?”

    “Phillip, have you heard anything from Lizzie? I missed her this morning. I keep calling her cell phone, but I can’t get through.”

    “Well she’s at school,” Phillip says as he tries to calm Beth down.

    “No she’s not. She had a half-day today. Phillip, I’m really worried about her. We haven’t even told her that we got married. She’s going to hate that we kept this a secret from her.” She pauses and looks at her watch. “Where could she be?” she says with increasing anxiety. Beth goes quickly over to the phone.

    “Beth, who are you calling?”

    “I’m calling Frank,” Beth anxiously replies as she fumbles through the buttons.

    “Honey, Lizzie is hardly missing. She’s been gone for a few hours. There’s no need to call a search party yet.”

    Just as Phillip says this, Lizzie walks through the door of the Spaulding Mansion and sees her parents together.

    “Lizzie! Where have you bee?” Beth exclaims. “You were supposed to have gotten out of school at a quarter till noon, what were you doing? Do you know how…”

    “I’m not going to answer any of your questions until YOU answer one for me!” Lizzie interrupts.

    **********

    Ben Reade enters Company with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. He sees Marina over in the corner taking an order from a customer. When she finishes, he runs over and gives her a kiss. Marina notices the flowers and chocolate and gives him another kiss.

    “Have I outdone myself or what?” Ben asks.

    “You have. I just want to know what is with the chocolate. You want to make me fat?” Marina jokes.

    “Of course not. Now, I have to go meet Bill at Towers, but when I get back, you will have my undivided attention.”

    “Remember we have to make an appearance at the Beacon dance tonight,” Marina reminds him.

    “But do we have to go?” Ben whines. “You know that I can’t dance. I have two left feet and I don’t want to step on those gorgeous little toes of yours.”

    “Yes, we do. I promised Tammy that we’d make an appearance. We need to be there at 7, so don’t be late.”

    “I won’t,” Ben replies.

    They kiss and Ben runs out of Company as Marina watches him.

    **********

    Holly sits at her office at the Springfield Journal newsroom. Suddenly, the buzzer on the telephone rings. “Holly, a delivery just came for you,” the secretary announced.

    “Thanks Rhonda, I’ll be right there.”

    Holly walks into the main newsroom and sees a bouquet of flowers on Rhonda’s desk. She picks them up and reads the card.

    “To cheer up a special woman on a special day. Ed.”

    Holly smiles and takes them back into her office. She places them in a vase in her office and sits down.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    Opening

    **********

    Marah stumbles into the Santos Mansion after a long day of apartment and job hunting. She spots Danny on the sofa reading a book. She goes to him and hugs him.

    “Marah, find anything yet?”

    “No, nothing. No one seems to want a fashion maven in Springfield. The only job offer that I got today was from my father. But I turned him down. I’m just not ready to go back home yet.”

    “Well, it sounds like you have had a long day and I know exactly what you need.” Danny smiles.

    **********

    “Lizzie, don’t speak like that to your mother. Answer the question. Where were you?” Phillip reprimands.

    “Not before I know why the two of you decided to run off to Las Vegas and get married without telling me!” Lizzie yells.

    “Who told you that?” Phillip asks.

    “It doesn’t matter who told me. What matters is that neither of you even bothered to consider me in this equation.”

    “We tried to call you…” Beth explains.

    “LIAR!” Lizzie explodes.

    “She’s not lying honey. We tried calling you. But there was no buildup to this. It was an impulsive decision that we made and we’re sorry that we didn’t include you,” Phillip soothes her temper.

    “This is why I left in the first place. This family is so disjointed now that we can’t even tell the truth to one another. You to lie to each other, you lie to grandpa. You lie to us. This house is a cesspool and I can’t take it anymore. And yet,” she laughed sarcastically, “I came back because I was feeling homesick up there. I come back and find my family in worse shape than when I left. How can we move on with our lives when no one wants to change?”

    “Honey, we are trying to change. That’s why we got married: to give you and James a normal family. Once we get out of here and into a house of our own, we can have the normal family just like you want,” Beth explains.

    “No you guys have not changed. You couldn’t even bother to tell me before you made a major decision and I can’t forgive you for this, either one of you. I’ve decided to go back to Alsten before I transform into another ghoul like the rest of this family,” Lizzie cries as she runs out the front door. Beth walks to Phillip, who puts an arm around her to comfort her.

    **********

    At Towers, Bill sits at the bar drinking another round of liquor. Ben walks in and sees Bill’s disheveled appearance. He walks to the bar, as Bill is about to put the glass to his lips and takes the glass away from him.

    “From the looks of it, I think you’ve had enough Bill,” Ben says. “What’s wrong? Why are you drowning yourself in beer?”

    “What could be wrong Ben? Guess what? I may or may not be a father.” Bill slurs.

    “Whoa, wait. What do you mean, “may or may not?” Ben asks confusedly.

    “Our dear friend Michelle is pregnant and I am one of the lucky daddy candidates. But there’s more, because what makes this even better is that Danny Santos is the other.”

    “What! You slept with Michelle?” Ben exclaims.

    “Yup. Unfortunately, she must not have thought that I could be elected because she didn’t even bother to tell me. With a twenty-year friendship under our belt, you’d think that she could confide in me. But that’s not the case, evidently,” he says bitterly.

    “I can’t believe this. Who told you about this?”

    “My own mother,” Bill laughs. “She somehow found out before I did and blindsided me with the news. OF course, she could be lying. But I don’t think this is one of those times.” He finishes in a hushed whisper.

    “Have you talked to Michelle?”

    “Nope. She’s been avoiding me like a bad cold. That’s why I think that all of this is true. Why else would she not want to talk to me?”

    “So what are you going to do now?” Ben inquires.

    “I heard that Michelle is going to be at the benefit dance at the Beacon. I’m going to talk to her then. I need to hear her say it. I need to find out what is going on.”

    **********

    Tammy arrives at Company and Marina drags her to the booth.

    “Did you convince your mom?” Marina whispered.

    “Yes, I was.”

    “Good. My dad is out of town at a conference so I need to ask Grandpa if I can go.”

    Buzz sees Marina and Tammy talking quietly and wonders what is up.

    “What are you two plotting over there?” ha asks.

    “Nothing much, just a slumber party. Tammy’s got us a suite at The Beacon.”

    “Yeah, Buzz, we’re having a girls’ night out.”

    “What about Ben, is he going to be there?” Buzz asks.

    “Nope, no boys allowed tonight,” Tammy replies.

    “Good. But have you told him. What does he think about that?”

    “Ben’s busy tonight anyway. Alexandra Spaulding is missing in action so Alan has Ben on search party detail,” Marina lies.

    “Well, since you’ve been so good around here, I guess you deserve a night out. Just don’t let me down. Your father would kill me if anything happened to you.”

    “Okay Grandpa.” Marina kisses him on the cheek and Buzz goes in the back of the restaurant.

    “We did it! So what are your plans for tonight Tammy?”

    “I don’t know. But if we don’t want our cover blown, I need to tell Shayne about our plan.”

    “Just as long as he doesn’t spill.”

    “Oh he won’t, if he wants to live that is,” Tammy jokes.

    They laugh and continue to plan their Valentine’s night.

    **********

    “What are you planning?” Marah asks.

    “Just go upstairs, there’s something that I want you to see.”

    Marah runs upstairs. After a few minutes, she comes down in a beautiful new dress.

    “Oh, this is so gorgeous Danny.”

    “So I’m guessing you like it huh?”

    “Of course I like it. Thank you so much.”

    Marah gives Danny a hug. “I think that dress needs a little breaking in tonight. Will you go with me to the Beacon dance tonight?” Danny asks.

    Marah smiles and tells him yes. They kiss and pull away quickly as they both look at each other.

    **********

    Holly looks at the card again and then decides to get back to work. She can feel her migraine beginning again, so she gets up and takes some medicine before an assistant brings in a copy of the new issue of the Journal.

    “Here’s tomorrow’s copy Ms. Lindsay.”

    “Thanks John.”

    The assistant leaves and Holly looks at the paper. The front story is about a rape case. A man abused and raped his wife. As she reads the article, she flashes back to the past. She cringes as she feels Roger’s touch on her. As the vision becomes more and more real, Holly yells. “Roger! Stop! Roger please don't! Roger, please!” A visiting Ed hears Holly scream and runs to her.

    “Holly, Holly. Snap out of it. It’s going to be okay.”

    Holly begins to snap out of her dream and sees Ed.

    “Ed to the rescue,” she says. “I’m sorry, I just had a dream, that’s all.”

    “It sounded like you were saying Roger’s name. What’s wrong? Have you heard anything from him or something?”

    “No, I just. I saw tomorrow’s cover story about the rape trial and I remembered the day that Roger raped me. I could feel his hands over me and I…”

    “Holly, why don’t you leave early and take a nap?”

    “I don’t know Ed. It’s just been one of those days, ya know. I’ve spent so much time at home that it is almost more depressing to be there. I mean, at least here, I can bury myself in work.”

    “Here, I have an idea that will take your mind off of everything. Since we’re officially a couple now, why don’t I take you out for a nice dinner and then we can make an appearance at the Beacon tonight. How does that sound?” Ed offers.

    “It sounds good. I could use a little dancing. By the way, I got your flowers earlier. They really brighten up the room don’t they?”

    “Yeah. They do. So I’ll pick you up at 7?”

    “Sounds good,” Holly replies as she kisses Ed.

    **********

    Beth and Phillip scramble to get ready in time for the Beacon dance. Phillip opens a drawer to find his lucky tie, while Beth gets ready in the bathroom. She comes out in tears and Phillip tries to comfort her.

    “Sweetheart, it will be okay. I know it. Lizzie just needs to vent and soon she’ll get it out of her system. She’s wanted us back together for years and now here we are. Now we can all be a happy family.”

    “I guess so, but the anger in her eyes. It just, I couldn’t bear to see her so hurt. We should have included her. She just got home and I don’t want to see her leave us again. I wish we could just make this up to her.”

    “We will, but now, we have a party to go to. I don’t want anything to ruin our first Valentines Day back together,” Phillip whispers lovingly into her ear. They kiss and finish getting ready for the party.

    **********

    Later that evening, the Beacon hotel is adorned with beautiful decorations in preparation for the big event. The guests begin to arrive one-by-one. Beth and Phillip, Lillian and Billy, Ed and Holly, Reva and Josh all arrive. Michelle searches around the hotel for Bill as a mysterious woman approaches the front desk. “I need to reserve a room for the evening please."

    An attendant behind the desk typed on the keyboard, "And your name?"

    "My name is..."



    "Hope Bauer!”

    :Fades to Black:

    **********


    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Hope makes herself known to Lucy and A-M!
    - Love is in the air as several couples make love!
    - Lizzie and Braxton meet!
  20. Josh

    Tom OUT! Hogestyn IN

    By Josh,

    A shuffle behind the scenes of "THE GUIDING LIGHT" have brought production of the SONBC blog to a halt!!

    "As of Thursday, February 15, 2007 David Tom was released from his contract role as Shayne Lewis." Executive Producer Josh Hawkins said.

    Tom who joined the SONBC blog on September 4, 2006 completed twenty-three weeks as the son of Josh and Reva Lewis. "All actors and actresses, with the exception of a handful are on a thirteen week cylce." explained Hawkins. Executives and Tom came to the conclusion to terminate that agreement three weeks early.

    "David has been nothing but wonderful during his time at "The Guiding Light," however age became an issue." Hawkins stated, "We've all seen the writing on the wall lately and the pre-nominations were the final straw, so to speak." Tom exits immediately and on good terms with the soap.

    "I've loved my time here at "GL" and would love to return perhaps one day." Tom said, "Afterall this is a soap opera and my sister does call it home. Josh and Dan have crafted a great story for Shayne that some actor will be fortunate to play."

    "Immediately after this became an issue Josh and I began debating back and forth as to who the new Shayne would be." Shares co-Head Writer Dan Gobble. "We brought in three fine young actors and screen tested them with Robert Newman (Josh), Kim Zimmer (Reva) and Marcy Rylan (Lizzie.)

    Drew Tyler Bell (Ex-Thomas, B&, Scott Clifton (Dillion, GH) and Ben Hogestyn (Ex-Harry, B& all read for the role and after careful debate between Hawkins and Gobble they decided on, Ben Hogestyn.



    "Ben is an amazing addition to the cast and "The Guiding Light" family." Smiled Hawkins. "He has every feature we were looking for to be the offspring of Josh and Reva."

    Hogestyn who is the son of "DAYS OF OUR LIVES" leading man, Drake Hogestyn has had short term roles on "General Hospital" as Lucas Jones and "The Bold and Beautiful" as Harry. "Ben has had a bumpy ride in daytime so we're glad that he is here with us to play a role that we clearly adore." Gobble said.

    "The writers know who Shayne is. They care about his relationship with his parents, with Marah, his friends and the entire community." Hogestyn said after landing the contract role, "I have big shoes and high expectations to fill and I look forward to doing just that."

    Because of the recast, production came to a stand-still during the Valentine's Day episodes earlier this week. "Those episodes were a group effort and we had to go back and reshoot."

    Hogestyn first appears opposite Stephanie Gatschet (Tammy) and appears in the credits immediately.


  21. Josh

    DEVELOPING: CASTING NEWS!

    By Josh,

    Setside sources close to "THE GUIDING LIGHT" are reporting that there is an uproar behind the scenes.

    "It is not our policy to comment on rumors." Shared head writer/executive producer Josh Hawkins. "However there is some casting shuffles going on at "TGL" and we'll keep you up to date!"

    UPDATE

    There are confirmed rumors that one ACTOR is OUT at "The Guiding Light." The actor in question assured executives he wanted them to make the right choice for the character and if he was not it then he would leave. Josh Hawkins (Executive Producer/Head Writer) & Dan Gobble (Head Writer) saw the writing on the wall late last night when this story first broke.

    "Dan and I went behind closed doors to resolve the issue." Hawkins stated, "We'll announce later tonight/early Friday who is no longer with us."


  22. Josh
    We submit the following names for your pre-nomination consideration:

    OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR

    - Grant Aleksander (Phillip)
    - Robert Newman (Josh)

    OUSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS

    - Beth Chamberlain (Beth)
    - Kim Zimmer (Reva)

    OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR

    - Michael O'Leary (Rick)
    - Ricky Paull Goldin (Gus)

    OUSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS

    - Marj Dusay (Alexandra)
    - Alexa Havins (Marah)

    OUSTANDING YOUNGER ACTOR
    Due to age estrictions no actor is eligible.

    OUSTANDING YOUNGER ACTRESS

    - Mandy Bruno (Marina)
    - Marcy Rylan (Lizzie)

    OUSTANDING STORY ON "THE GUIDING LIGHT"

    - Reva's Stalker Revealed & Tony Dies
  23. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 046
    Wednesday, February 14, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    “I’m afraid you’ll need to repeat that once more.” Alan-Michael slid the document down the long table, “When did you receive this?”

    “This afternoon.” A-M answered, “A messenger delivered it to my suite. Aunt Alexandra has given me full power and privileges as Chief Operating Officer of Spaulding Enterprises, effective immediately.” He grinned.

    **********

    “Lucy you don’t know how good it is to hear your voice.” Hope began, “Everything is all right isn’t it?”

    “For the most part, I suppose.” Lucy sighed, “How’s Mike doing?”

    “Wonderful, I’ll make sure to tell him that you asked.” Hope took a seat by the roaring fire and watched the white flakes fall from the sky. “Lucy you don’t sound like everything is all right. You sound like you’ve been crying. Are you sure everything is okay?”

    “Depends on how you would define ‘okay’” Lucy answered, “The last time you visited Alan-Michael and I you told me to call if I ever needed anything.”

    “Of course, Lucy you’re really starting to worry me. Is my son all right?”

    **********

    Michelle glanced at the clock on the wall across the room and looked down at Robbie, “You’re getting tired huh?”

    “Mommy you promised to take me to the store.” Robbie cried, “I need Valentine’s Day cards from my class.”

    She kissed him on the top of his head, “We’re about ready to go. Mommy is just…” she looked over the dining room table and on the floor, “for something she lost.” Michelle looked under the cushions, “I dropped my purse right here.”

    “Mommy!!” Robbie cried, “Let’s go.”

    “Okay. Okay, come grab your coat.” She looked around the table once more and decided she would look more tomorrow, “You ready?” Michelle and Robbie headed towards the door and Mel pulled it open.

    “Hey Robbie.”

    “Hi Aunt Mel, we’re going to the store.”

    “Valentine’s Day cards.” Michelle rolled her eyes.

    “That sounds like fun.” Mel smiled, “Have you seen Rick?”

    “Yeah, actually he is in the living room waiting on you.” Michelle explained, “Bye.”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    Opening

    **********

    Olivia threw open the door with one hand and held her stomach with another, “Thank you for bringing my bags over Nigel.” She pointed to the dresser, “And I’m assuming that you’ll keep my whereabouts to yourself unless asked?”

    “Of course Mrs. Spaulding. Will there be anything else?”

    “No.” She tipped him and locked the door behind him.

    She rubbed her stomach, “Just you and me kiddo. Your momma here likes to think she’s in control, all the time, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret,” she lowered her voice, “I feel a little lost, confused. There are just so many men in our life…”

    Olivia stopped and opened the door to find Cassie standing there, “One of the bellmen at the front desk said you were here. Trouble in Spaulding paradise?”

    **********

    Alan looked over the document. It was dated the date Alex resigned as CEO and he would send it upstairs to the lawyers to make sure it was an authentic document.

    “Did the messenger say anything?” Alan questioned completely oblivious to the fact that his problems were over for now. “Alan-Michael did the messenger say anything? Where he received this document? Perhaps where Alexandra is?”

    “Are you worried because you genuinely care Dad or are you just upset and angry because she made me COO of Spaulding?”

    “I care about my sister Alan-Michael and I want to know that she’s safe.”

    “You’re so typical. I’ve been away from Springfield for almost ten years and in that time I thought you would have changed, but Alexandra was right to come back and take the company away from you. When are you going to change Dad?”

    “You’re right.” Alan admitted, “I’ll worry about Alex later the good news here is that we have an operating COO, business can continue.” He paused, “Have you told your wife this joyous news yet? Because you won’t be able to live in Europe and serve as COO.”

    “For your information I haven’t told Lucy, we had a fight right before the messenger arrived. But I’ve already taken care of that.”

    “Oh?”

    “I sold our flat over there, Alexandra and I have been in talks for over six months to move me back here permanently, to Springfield and the company.”

    **********

    “He and I returned to Springfield a about a week ago, at Alexandra’s request. Now she’s gone, Alan is in control of Spaulding Enterprises and Alan-Michael went behind my back and sold our home in Europe.”

    Hope adjusted in her chair, “That doesn’t sound like something Alan-Michael would do. Is something more going on between him and Phillip…” she paused, “oh God…do I even say it, between him and…Alan?”

    “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think there was another way or if it weren’t important.” Lucy paused, “Hope would you come to Springfield and try to talk some sense into your son…” Lucy choked up, “before he throws away the best thing that ever happened to him.”

    She thought for a moment, “Oh Lucy…that’s an awful lot to ask of me. I haven’t been there in years.”

    “Hope…” Lucy tried to reason, “Please.”

    “All right then.” She agreed, “I’ll take the next flight out. Just make sure that no one knows I’m coming.”

    **********

    Mel draped her coat over the back of the chair and walked towards the living room, “Honey, Michelle said you were wanting to see me?” He didn’t reply, “You know I thought we could go to Towers for dinner.”

    “Did my dad come home with you?”

    Mel flipped through the mail and dropped it on the table, “No he and Holly were going to an AA meeting tonight.” She glanced up, “Something the matter Rick?”

    He reached into his pocket and pulled out the pregnancy vitamins and sat them on the table, “You what to tell me what these are?”

    Her eyes were locked on the vitamins and in the moment she knew they didn’t belong to her because she hadn’t gotten far enough in her pregnancy. “Rick…” she said softly, “those aren’t mine.”

    “Then explain why your name is on the label Melissande.” Rick yelled, “Do not lie to me Mel, not in our house.”

    “The pills aren’t mine Rick, but you’re right about one thing…I have been lying to you for months.”

    **********

    “Lucy gave us all the impression that she was against that. Alan-Michael if you think that fulfilling Alexandra wishes will be to much of a strain on your marriage then I suggest you reassign the proxy to someone else.”

    “You would like that wouldn’t you? Maybe give them to Phillip because he’s always been your favorite hasn’t he Dad? If you had ever paid any attention you would’ve known how much I hated Europe, Alexandra knew.”

    “Point taken I suppose, but you know that Alexandra will eventually return, your little power play here will only be temporary.”

    “But I will stay true to her vision and to how she would want things run. And I know that she would want to question your every single move. She would also make you answer to her on every single move you made so until she does return, be prepared to answer me Dad.”

    Alan-Michael grabs the proxy from the table and heads out of the boardroom, leaving Alan alone to again question where Alexandra is at and what she is really up to.

    **********

    “You could say that. Alan’s acting like a stubborn jackass.”

    “Um, Olivia, that’s not an act. He is a stubborn jackass.”

    “Is there a reason you’re here? Besides to belittle my husband, I can get away with it. You not so much. I maybe pregnant but find me a mud pit and I’ll take you down.”

    “You tell yourself that.” Cassie laughed, “Listen there was a reason I came by to see you. Our executive administrator walked out last night after her shift, apparently you pissed her off yesterday with one of your little tirades.”

    “She was incompetent anyway, no big loss.”

    “It is a big loss, it’s huge Olivia!” Cassie corrected her, “You’re going to be on maternity leave in a few months, spring break is right around the corner, proms and parities. Not to mention that the summer months are right around the corner.”

    “What would you have me do Cassie?” She questioned. “I’ll take care of it in the morning, a simple ad in the Journal will solve our little problem.”

    “You better solve it and fast.” She headed towards the door, “So the Spaulding house full of drama?”

    “Drama should be our surname, I should be Olivia Spencer Spaulding-Drama.” She teased, “But to answer your question yes there is drama…” a smile wiped across her face.

    “Olivia! You like it don’t you? You devious, devious woman.”

    **********

    Rick turned away from her, “What?”

    “You remember when I was in the hospital a few months ago? When Roxie hit me in the parking garage at Cedars?”

    “Of course, I won’t ever forget that.”

    “A few days before the attack I fainted at Cedars. Lillian was there she examined me and she told me…” Mel’s words trailed off, “Lillian told me I was pregnant…” tears swelled in her eyes and fell down her cheek, “and I made her promise she wouldn’t tell you until I figured out how.”

    “You did what?” Rick asked in almost a whisper. “Answer me Mel!” He roared, “I know you heard me!”

    Hot tears rolled down Mel’s cheek, “Rick…” Was all she was able to say.

    “Was it my baby Mel? Is that why you kept it from me?”

    Mel’s black hair spun in the air as she sent her hand across Rick’s face, “How dare you.” She slowly uttered, “I didn’t tell you that I was pregnant because you had just returned to work. Because we had just gotten married and did you forget Rick that you almost died months early?”

    Rick stood holding his cheek as Mel continued, “Not everyone is a cheating slut like Harley, my dear.” She told him, “I need time to deal with the fact I was pregnant and before I had the chance to tell you…I miscarried because some crazy lunatic ran me over.”

    “Mel…”

    “Don’t you say another word, because you’ve already said enough.”

    “You’re not innocent in all of this Mel.” Rick lectured, “You should not have kept this from me, I had a right to know.”

    “And I had a right to decide when I thought it was best to tell you.” Mel fired back, “But I was afraid that you would blame me somehow for this, but I’m sure those thoughts never crossed your mind, did they?” She headed towards the kitchen, grabbed her purse and jacket.

    “Where are you going?”

    “I won’t stay here tonight. I’ll be at my parents.” Mel said as she walked out leaving the door standing wide open allowing the February air to sweep through the house.

    **********

    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Lizzie confronts her parents!
    - Tammy and Marina set a plan in motion.
    - Valentine's Day arrives in Springfield.
  24. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 046
    Tuesday, February 13, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    “You know I just can’t believe who crass Eden was.” Lucy sighed, “But at least she’s out of your life more or less.”

    Harley shook her head, “You know I really don’t care. Eden has been nothing but trouble since she got to Springfield, having her gone is a blessing!”

    “I have to admit I thought you would be fuming mad. Her not wanting you to come to Chicago with Gus, you’re taking it very well sister dear. I’m proud of you.” Lucy smiled.

    “Now…this is a sight!” Buzz sat a pot of coffee down, “How are my two favorite girls doing today?”

    Lucy reached up and kissed her father on the cheek, “Daddy!” She smiled, “What are you doing serving coffee?”

    “Madison told me there were two beautiful blondes out here.” Buzz laughed, “And I just took a shot in the dark, hoped it was my girls. It does this old man good to see the two of you together like this, you know.”

    “You’re not old, stop saying that.” Harley lectured.

    “Just keep telling me that okay honey.” Buzz kissed the top of Harley’s head, “I’ve got to get back to the kitchen, in the meantime why don’t you convince your sister to stay a while longer.”

    “Daddy…” Lucy warned as he quickly walked away leaving them alone, “So he’s really doing okay? Regular check-ups, keeping the stress minimal all of those things?”

    “He tries. Believe it or not but it’s Marina who keeps him in line most of the time.”

    “I believe it.” They both laughed, “Oh.” Lucy sighed, “You know Daddy may get his wish after all.”

    **********

    “Hi Dad.” Marah took a seat at a table near the windows of Towers. “How are you?”

    “Good. I have to admit I was surprised that you called this morning.”

    “I don’t any problems against you.” She revealed.

    “Not what you said when you left.”

    “I know what I said and I’m sorry. Mother was right you’ve been very good to Shayne and I.” Marah smiled, “Can you forgive me?”

    Josh opened his menu, “Let’s just order lunch.”

    **********

    Blake walked across the living room of the Carriage House in her light pink bathrobe and pulled open the door for Cassie. “Come in.”

    “Are you sick?” Cassie asked and Blake shook her head no, “Then why are you still wearing your robe in the middle of the afternoon?”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    Opening

    **********

    “You’re going to be staying longer?”

    She shook her head, “Yeah, because you will never guess what my husband did?”

    “No what?”

    “He sold our flat in Europe. Right out from under my nose, without consulting me. He told me last night and he also told me that we’re probably going to be staying in Springfield, indefinitely.”

    “I just can’t believe Alan-Michael would do something like that. That’s a play right out of Alan’s book, Phillip even, but not Alan-Michael.” She paused and thought back to her time with him, “What did you say?”

    “Nothing, I told him he and Alan could go to hell and then I stormed out. Went and stayed with Frank and Marina.”

    **********

    Blake shrugged her shoulders, “Beats me. After I got the kids off to school this morning I just didn’t feel like getting dressed.”

    “So things didn’t go well last night?” Cassie asked, “Oh my God, are Ross and Holly really having an affair?”

    Blake shook her head again. “My mother was helping Ross get his position back at Springfield University and for some reason it was this big secret.”

    “You’re kidding? That’s all that was going on?” Cassie was in shook, “Why didn’t Ross just tell you that?”

    “I don’t know and even he doesn’t know.” Blake answered. She shook her head, “I just don’t know what to do Cassie. On the one hand he wasn’t cheating on me but then again on the other he kept something about his life, something important from me, that’s huge.”

    “But you have to pick your battles Blake.” She said in a supporting tone, “Life is short, I know that better than anyone. So I think you should forgive Ross and move on to the next chapter, whatever that might be.”

    Blake shook her head and shrugged her shoulders, “I love him, so much. That is not the problem, it’s never been the problem. First it was Tory and now he’s kept this from me. I just don’t know what to do Cassie, I just don’t know!”

    **********

    “Oh Lucy…I’m so sorry.”

    Tears swelled in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away, “I guess we should just be glad that you’re finally away from that controlling and manipulative family.”

    Harley rolled her eyes.

    “Still not getting along with Vera?

    “No as a matter of fact. Plus, there’s more to it than that.” Harley leaned in closer to Lucy, “Vera is hiding something. What it is, I don’t know but I intend to find out what.”

    “Something tells you will too.” Lucy looked at her watch, “You better get going.”

    Harley glanced down, “Damn.”

    “Wait…what do I do about Alan-Michael?”

    “Hit him where it hurts. Fight power with power. I got to run, love you.”

    “Love you too.” Lucy replied as a smile wipes across her face and the wheels in her head began spinning even faster.

    **********

    “Then stop acting like a child! I didn’t raise you to be some spoiled, little know at all girl. You’re acting like your mother wished Tony had died, but that is not the case, but you know it.”

    “So I’m guessing that you’re not going to help me? You’re going to turn your back on me just like Reva done all those years ago.”

    “You just don’t get it do you?” Josh shook his head, “No I’m not going to help you. You’re living with Danny and he has no problem in forgiving your mother, doesn’t hold her responsible yet you do.”

    “Thanks Daddy.” Marah mocked as she stood to leave, but Josh grabbed her arm, “Let go of me.”

    “If you want my help then you’ll work at Lewis, just like Bill did. We’ll put you in an office and you start tomorrow.”

    She shook her head, “I don’t think so.” She jerked loose from his grip, “Thanks so much Daddy!”

    **********

    [The role of Michelle Bauer Santos will now be played by Bethany Joy Galeotti.]

    Michelle held her cell phone on her shoulder and walked down the backstairs of the Bauer house, “Danny….Danny listen to me, I’m on my way. Yes tell Robbie I’ll be right there.” She closed her phone and dropped her purse on the table with a thug.

    “Hey there.” Rick came through the backdoor, “You look like you’re in a hurry.”

    “Robbie has a doctor’s appointment in about five minutes and I still have to go pick him up from Danny’s.” Michelle explained.

    “Why doesn’t Danny just take him?” Rick asked.

    “You know that would be the logical thing to do, but I’m soon learning post-divorce that Danny isn’t logical.”

    “Been telling you that for years Michelle.” Rick replied taking a bite out of an apple. “You better hurry up.”

    She grabbed her purse from the table, her keys from the by the door, raced across the kitchen and kissed Rick on the cheek, “Mel told me to remind you that Valentine’s Day was quickly approaching. I don’t think she wants you to forget again.”

    “It was one time.” He defended. “Be careful.”

    “Bye!”

    Rick grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and went over to the kitchen table with it and the apple. After he took a drink he went to screw the lid back on but it feel to the floor. He bent over to pick up but what he found was something totally unexpected.

    “Prenatal vitamins?” He asked himself knowing they could only belong to Mel or Michelle. “M. Bauer.” Rick read as he slowly shook his head, “Mel…”

    **********

    A light snow dusted the streets of Washington D.C. as a roaring fire was going in a town house just east of the capitol building. A middle age woman sat at her desk in a study down the hall and heard the phone ringing, “Judith would you answer that please.”

    “Hello.” The housekeeper answered, “May I ask who’s calling?” She laid the phone on the table and went into the study.

    “Ma’am you have a telephone call, a Mrs. Lucy Spaulding.”

    “Thank you.” The woman replied and picked up the phone close to her desk, “Lucy, its Hope. How are you?”

    **********


    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Alan is shocked by Alan-Michael's news
    - Rick confronts Mel about the vitamins!
    - This Week: Love is in the Air
  25. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 045
    Monday, February 12. 2007
    Written By: Dan Gobble & Josh Hawkins

    **********

    A new day dawns in Springfield. Blades of sunlight slice their way through the blinds of the Spaulding mansion living room. Olivia Spencer Spaulding glides down the stairs in her robe and walks to the dining room, where the breakfast tray is set. Olivia pours herself a mug of coffee and sits down.

    She glances over and notices the daily issue of the Springfield Journal lying on the table. She picks it up and reads the Cedars construction article on the front page. “I hope Spaulding doesn’t win this bid. Goodness knows that Alan barely pays enough attention to me these days already,” she thinks. As she assesses her present situation, her thoughts turn towards Phillip, who is now out of her reach. Olivia is so lost in thought that she does not notice Lizzie enter the room.

    “Hey Granny! What’s up?” she asks.

    Olivia smiles. “What did I tell you, Lizzie? Enough with the ‘granny’ stuff. Hell, I’m young enough to be your mother. So what are you doing here, I thought you were going to the Alsten Academy?”

    “I was homesick, so I decided to come back. But speaking of mothers, have you seen mine? I’ve been looking for her everywhere.”

    “I think she’s with your father. You must be so happy for them,” Olivia chagrined.

    “Why? What happened?”

    “You mean you don’t know?” Olivia exclaimed.

    **********

    At Hollybend, an alarm clock blares, waking Holly up. She looks around the room and realizes that she fell asleep again on her sofa. She realizes that her migraine is gone for now and gets up from the sofa. She lumbers to the kitchen like she is anchored to the sofa and starts the coffee maker. She grabs a coffee mug from the cabinet and sits at the table. Outside, the trees sport a thin layer of white coating and the ice cycles dangle from the gutter. Holly stares out of the window, leaving her empty home behind.

    “This must be the winter of my discontent,” Holly wryly remarks. She gets up from the chair and goes to the phone and picks up the receiver.

    “Rhonda, I won’t be able to come into the office today. I’m still not feeling very well. Just tell Adam to hold a column on the front page for the Cedars news and get Tom to get his butt moving on that Boston piece. Okay. Thanks Rhonda.”

    Holly places the receiver back on the table and sits down on the sofa. She spots a picture of Ed Bauer and realizes that she missed their lunch date the day before. She decides almost unconsciously that she needs to go and talk to Ed. She grabs her coat from the closet and shuts the door.

    **********

    The boardroom at Spaulding Enterprises is clogged with stockholders hoping to receive news regarding the company’s fate. Alan sits at the head of a long table with Phillip beside him.

    “So as you can see everyone, our profits rose over the final quarter of the year. We hope to capitalize on new technologies in the pharmaceutical division to keep the company healthy. Does anyone have questions?”

    “I do,” said one of the stockholders. “Alan, where is Alexandra?”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    Opening

    **********

    “What do you mean Olivia? What happened to my parents?” Lizzie asks.

    Olivia realizes that Lizzie doesn’t know that Phillip and Beth remarried and decides to get revenge on Beth for marrying Phillip.

    “You mean you don’t know that your parents remarried a couple nights ago?” Olivia feigns a surprised tone.

    “WHAT?!” Lizzie yells.

    “Yeah, they went to Law Vegas and came back married. I guess it isn’t true. Not everything stays in Las Vegas, huh?”

    “No I didn’t know. Oh my God! My parents remarried?”

    “Yeah, it’s hard to believe isn’t it? I mean, after everything they’ve been through over the past couple years.”

    “I can’t believe this,” Lizzie exclaims.

    “You mean you aren’t happy for them?” Olivia asks.

    “Well…I don’t know. Where are they living, are they here at the mansion?”

    “No, I think they are living at the Beacon for now, I think.”

    Olivia looks at her watch and notices that Lizzie is going to be late for school.

    “But enough about that, why don’t you get to school. You are going to be late.”

    “Okay Granny Olivia!” Lizzie leaves with a grin on her face. She can only wonder why her own parents did not tell her that they were getting remarried.

    Olivia stays seated at the table and eats her toast with satisfaction. She realizes that this plays into her plan perfectly.

    **********

    Holly reaches the back yard of the Bauer house and looks into the kitchen window. She sees Mel going up the back stairs and Ed sitting at the table. Holly knocks on the door and walks in. Ed sees her and gets up to kiss her. He ushers her to a seat at the kitchen table.

    “I realized that I missed our lunch date yesterday, so I had to come over here to apologize,” Holly said.

    “That’s ok, I’m sure there was bigger news in Springfield than our lunch date.”

    “Actually Ed, I didn’t go to work yesterday either. I had to go see Blake. She thought that because I had spent some time with Ross over the past several weeks that I was having an affair with him.”

    “Well were you?” Ed asks.

    “No, of course not. Perhaps it would have been true a few years ago when we were on the outs, but we’ve grown so close over the past few years that I wouldn’t do anything to come between that.”

    “Blake’s grown so much over the past few years hasn’t she?” Ed reflects. “I remember when she gobbled down hotdogs at the state fair.”

    “Yeah, those were simpler…” Holly realizes what she is about to say and changes her mind. “I was going to say that those were simpler times, but I guess they really weren’t, were they?”

    “No they weren’t,” Ed smiles.

    “But anyway, while I was over trying to clear the air, I fainted.”

    “You did?” Ed said curiously.

    “I felt light-headed and then before I knew it I was on the ground. My migraines are back and I’m just not sure why.”

    “Your migraines are back? When did they start?”

    “Well a couple weeks ago, I was remembering Maureen. It was like some slippery slope. As soon as I was looking into the past, everything I thought was dead and buried came rushing back. Roger, the rape, everything. And then my migraines came back.”

    “Did you have any sensitivity to light or sound during the migraines? The last time you had these migraines, you felt drained and wouldn’t leave the house. Have you been feeling depressed again?”

    “Ed, listen, I know you want to go into doctor mode and try to diagnose me, but I’m feeling fine. There are no pieces left for you to pick up. You can unsaddle your white charger Galahad; he won’t be needed today,” Holly smiles.

    “What is it with me?” Holly continues. “Every time I have a problem, I unconsciously come to you. But right now, I want to try to settle a problem myself for once.”

    **********

    “Alan, where is Alexandra?”

    “We are still trying to locate my sister, but until we find her, we must all be patient. There has to be a good reason for her absence.”

    “We can only wait a little bit longer, Alan. There are stacks of documents waiting for Alexandra’s signature. If we can’t get her back as soon as we can, this company is going to halt to a standstill.”

    “We understand your frustration, but please be aware that we are trying our best to make up for my sister’s absence.”

    The stockholders leave the boardroom, leaving an angry Alan and Phillip alone in the room.

    “Where the hell is Alexandra?” Alan roared. “Does she not realize the mess she’s created? If she knew she was going to do this, then why did she take my company away in the first place? And damn those stockholders! Don’t they know that our hands are tied?”

    “Dad, don’t get too upset. Remember, your heart. You may have faked the last one, but the next one may be real. Now we have to move fast. Aunt Alex’s disappearance doesn’t bode well with the Cedars construction proposal.”

    “I know that Phillip! I’m going to find Alex if I have to look everywhere.”

    **********

    Lizzie rushes to her locker at Springfield High School. Her mascara is smudged with tears. Tammy and Marina, approach her to try to help.

    “Hey Lizzie, what’s wrong,” Tammy asked.

    “Oh nothing… My parents got remarried awhile ago.”

    “But what’s wrong with that?” a confused Marina questioned.

    “They went to Las Vegas without telling anyone and got remarried. I didn’t find out until this morning and even then, it wasn’t my parents who told me. You know, I came back so that I could reunite with my family. But my family keeps drifting farther and farther apart and I’m not sure what I can do to stop it.

    **********

    “If you need me, Holly, I can help you.”

    “You’re such a glutton for drama Ed. I’ve tried so hard to put my damsel in distress days behind me. This is my turn to prove to myself that I can do it.”

    “Holly, you think I need drama in my life? Hell, if I wanted it, I could ask my daughter how her day went.”

    “How is Michelle doing?” Holly asks.

    “She’s going through the motions, but she still doesn’t talk about anything. She’s caught between two men that she loves and she can’t see any way out of it. You know, when Maureen died, I vowed that I would protect her and keep her from feeling such pain again. Now, I look at her and I can’t help but feel like a big failure.”

    “Ed, don’t. You have done all you can. You can’t lock her up in her room until she’s 50. You have to let her make her own decisions and make her own mistakes. It took me awhile to come to that conclusion with Blake.”

    Holly walks to the kitchen counter.

    “God, I could use a drink. Just one.”

    “Holly, there is an AA meeting tonight at Cedars. I was thinking of going. Why don’t you come with me? At the very least, you can prop up my problems.”

    “For you, anything.”

    Ed and Holly kiss, as Mel walk in.

    “Ed, you ready?” Mel says.

    “Yeah Mel. Sorry Holly, I have to go to Cedars. Want me to pick you up at 8?” “Sure,” Holly answers.

    **********

    “Well, I’m going home. See you dad.”

    Phillip leaves the room. Alan takes a glass and throws it across the room.

    “Damn you Alexandra. I just know you planned this. How dare you take my company away from me and then strip it bare in front of my eyes.”

    Alan-Michael dashes into the room.

    “Dad, meet the new COO of Spaulding Enterprises.”

    **********


    Next on "THE GUIDING LIGHT"
    - Josh offers a job to Marah!
    - Rick finds pregnancy vitamins.
    - Lucy makes a cryptic phone call.
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