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  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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."


  4. 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!
  5. 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?
  6. 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!
  7. 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!
  8. 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.
  9. 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!
  10. 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!
  11. 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."
  12. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 060
    Friday April 13, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    “Is Blake on her way?” Amanda Spaulding-Thorpe adjusted herself in the chair.

    “Yes.” Holly poured herself a glass of water, “Amanda would you like something to drink, I’m afraid all I have is club soda.”

    “No I’m fine.” She sighed heavily, “When she gets here we should discuss the arrangements. Roger’s body will be…”

    Holly held her hand up to stop Amanda mid-sentence, “No as a matter of fact we won’t be discussing anything of such.”

    “Holly he wanted you and Blake included in the process.”

    “And we very well will be. But I will not allow you to bombard my daughter with this news. No, you will sit there in that chair and keep your big mouth shut, I will tell her about Roger.” Holly informed her as a deadening silence fell over the room.

    “Holly…Amanda…” They both spoke at the same time, “Go ahead.” Amanda gestured, “What were you going to say?”

    “Did he suffer?” She bordered on tears for the first time since the devastating news, “Was he in any pain?”

    **********

    “Gus?” Vera asked shocked, “You think I’m lying?”

    “I don’t know what to think anymore. Harley is in there fighting for her life and the one person, the only person I know who knew the truth is dead.”

    Lucy cut her eyes toward Vera, “She knows the truth Gus or at least her version of it.”

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

    **********

    “No.” Amanda answered, “Besides be reasonable if Roger was sick who do you think would have been the first person he called? It certainly would not have been me.”

    “He would have called Blake and we both know it.”

    “And you would have been a close second and I a distant third.”

    Holly set her glass down and glanced at her watch, “Why is that you resentment? You’ve been his wife for years Amanda, on some level Roger loved you.”



    “And on every level that mattered he loved you.” Amanda shot back, “There was a huge place in his heart Holly that I was never allowed because it was yours.”

    The words struck her to the core, “Perhaps we should just sit in silence while we wait for Blake.”

    “Fine.” Amanda replied, “Fine by me.”

    **********

    “Gus…” Rick came out of Harley’s room, “You should come in and here this, Lucy you should as well.”

    “Just one minute and I’ll be in.” Lucy reached out and grabbed Vera’s wrists, “You and I…we’re not done.”

    Through clinched teeth, “You let go of me Lucy. Who the bloody hell do you think you are?”

    Lucy didn’t let go, “Who the hell am I?” she questioned.

    Vera managed to free herself, “I don’t know what you problem is with me and quite frankly I could care less.”



    “Alexandra died in the car accident and my sister could very well do the same. So tonight Vera when you lay that bleached blond head of yours down to sleep you let my words ring in your ears…if Harley dies I will hold you responsible and I will do everything in my power as Mrs. Alan-Michael Spaulding to make you pay!”

    “Your threatens, Lucy…they don’t scare me.”

    “That’s your first mistake, underestimating me. You are far to concerned about Alexandra’s demise.”

    “She was my friend, of course I’m concerned. And I don’t underestimate you Lucy, far from it. I am Gus’ mother and that is the end of the story.”

    “It damn well better be.” Lucy spun around and headed toward Rick’s office.

    **********

    Blake knocked on the door and walked into Hollybend, “Mom I got over here as fast as I could…” she froze in mid-step, “What is she doing here?”

    “Blake.” Amanda stood, “Lovely too see you again.”

    “Mom?” Blake cut her eyes toward Holly, “Did you know she was here?”

    “Of course I knew she was here. Blake…”

    “Did my father come with you?” She interrupted before Holly could finish. The room stood silent for a moment, “It’s not a difficult question…”

    “Come sit down Blake.” Holly patted the sofa. “Amanda has brought some devastating news with her.”

    “Did my father finally cut you off? Or wait, wait let me guess he finally came to his sense after all these years and kicked you to the curb?”

    Amanda shook her head, “Blake you and your mother have a lot to discuss so I’m going to leave you to it.”

    Blake watched as Holly walked Amanda to the door, “Be careful out there it’s so cold, nothing like California.”

    “And you be careful in here. I’ll call you in the morning.”

    “That will be fine, yes. Good-bye Amanda.”

    Holly turned back to Blake, “You were surprisingly cordial to her.”

    “She came with very devastating news honey. Roger had a heart attack…”



    “When?” A solemn Blake questioned, “”Mom?”

    “A few nights ago, Blake I am so sorry…”

    “No…” she whimpered, “no…”

    Holly opened her arms and walked toward Blake the sight of her daughter’s pain brought tears to her eyes, “Momma…” her voice cracked.



    “Come on let’s sit down here on the sofa…” the two women took a seat, “she said he didn’t suffer so that’s of course something to be grateful for.”

    Blake couldn’t speak she just closed her eyes tightly and floated back to her childhood days when Holly would hold her in her lap and lightly stroke hair, exactly like she was doing now.

    **********

    Vera had spent ten minutes in the chapel praying for Alexandra, Harley and most importantly herself. If Alexandra was dead then she just had to trust she took their secret to her fiery grave. She slipped back down the hall, Lucy’s words ringing in her ear…

    “I will do everything in my power as Mrs. Alan-Michael Spaulding to make you pay!”

    The door to Harley’s room was closed and Vera lightly pushed the door open, “Buzz.” She was surprised to see him there, “I thought you would be with the rest of the family.”

    “I just wanted some time alone with her.” He didn’t move an inch just spoke softly, “You know we have a lot in common.”



    “You and I?” Vera asked.

    “Seems that way. I ran off on Harley and Frank a long time ago. Just came back into the life about twelve, thirteen years ago.”

    “Gus never mentioned that.”

    “Not something I’m proud of.” He looked up at her, “Nadine…she was something else you almost remind me of her.”

    “Is that a good thing?” Vera smiled.



    Buzz didn’t respond he just kissed Harley’s hand and focused all of his attention on her.

    Vera slid her hands over Buzz’s shoulders and whispered, “Our children need us now more than ever Buzz, more than ever.”

    **********

    By the time Alexandra arrived back at Spaulding house in Bar Harbor she was missing a high heel, her ear was bleeding, she had scrapes, bruises and injuries that she should have looked out.

    By the time Alex made her way into the study she collapsed to the sofa and reached for the newspaper to see what day it was. The headline caught her attention before anything: “SPAULDING ENTERPRISE COO DEAD”



    “Sweet Jesus in heaven…” Alex sighed, “I’m dead. They think I’m dead.”

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - Mike Bauer returns to the Springfield canvas!
    - Lucy's guilt shines through.
    - Ed learns of Roger's death!
  13. Josh
    HEARST & DOUGLAS FIND "THE LIGHT"


    "Decisions had to be made for the sake of the story." Says head wirter/executive producer Josh Hawkins in regards to the sudden casting shocker! "It's about the image you see for the character, mine along with Dan's changed."

    The recently Emmy nominated Dan Gauthier who joined "The Guiding Light" in November 2006 as the recast Alan-Michael Spaulding has been let go. "I was in a hurry to bring the character back and at the end the day Gauthier was not our A-M." Hawkins continued. "Plus we have a storyline coming up through the summer that will rock Springfield and Hearst has so much history with the series it made perfect sense."

    Hearst won an Emmy for his role on the CBS "Guiding Light" in 1991 will begin to appear as Alan-Michael immediately. Even though A-M is mentioned in the next two episodes it won't be until Episode 062 that Hearst begins. "He'll be sharing scenes with Shayne." Shared Hawkins, "This storyline is so exicting and just the images of Hearst with young Ben Hogestyn (Shayne) is amazing. Plus when you put him side by side with the talented Heather Tom (Lucy) it just works."

    Also joining the cast on as a "Special Recurring Player" similar to that of Krista Tesreau (Mindy) and Maeve Kinkead (Vanessa) is soap veteran Jerry Douglas (ex-John Abbott, Y&R). "He'll be playing the role of Mike Bauer." Confirmed Hawkins, "We'll be seeing him off and on as storyline requires much like Mindy and Vanessa."

    Douglas first appears as Mike Bauer in episode 061.

    Hawkins does admit that for the moment the recasting is done, "I do it quite often, but it's about the vision you see for the character. To date the roles of: Michelle Bauer Santos, Hope Bauer, Alan-Michael Spaulding, Lucy Cooper Spaulding, Marah Lewis and Shayne Lewis have all been recast.

    Also look for either Linda Gray or Stockard Channing to make a guest appearance in the near future. "We have a storyline planned for Mindy and Marah." Hawkins said, "One of those veteran actress will be making a brief two-three episode run in the very near future."

    Toby Poser last airs as Amanda Spaulding during Episode 063 after Roger's will is read! "Something very unique happens during that episode for Amanda, dont' miss it." Teases the scribe.

    And finally the following casting call has been sent out and the producers are seeking a well established daytime or primetime veteran actor to fill the role. All suggestions are welcome:

  14. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 061
    Wednesday, April 18, 2007
    Written By: Dan Gobble & Josh Hawkins

    **********

    The morning sun creeps through the window of Holly’s bedroom. Holly peers out the window to the back yard below. The small buds that will become leaves have popped out of the ground. She then looks at her lap and sees Blake nestled there. Holly strokes her head and contents herself remembering days long past. Dark rings surround her eyes; she hasn’t slept a wink. As she reminisces, flashes of the past flare up again. She sees Roger in front of her.

    “You love him don’t ya! You love him! Why don't you look at me that way?” he yells as he bashes his fists into his chest.

    The image changes and Holly sees a very different side to him.

    “How could I have destroyed what I loved best and made even the loveliness of it so ugly to you?” he says.

    These thoughts have jumbled her mind and kept her up all night. “I have to be strong,” Holly says. “I have to be strong for Blake’s sake.” Holly looks down again and strokes her hair.

    **********

    Amanda Spaulding-Thorpe walks into the Spaulding dining room and sees Alan sitting back puffing on a cigar.

    “I’m so glad you’re taking Roger’s death so well Alan!”

    “Why shouldn’t I celebrate the passing of an enemy? I’ve been waiting for this moment for years. Roger Thorpe is dead! I never thought I’d see the day! It’s just a shame Alexandra isn’t here to see it.”



    “Yes, but I was hoping that for my sake that you would stop it. He was my husband and I did love him.”

    “The man was a bastard Amanda. He terrorized this town. Even his own family wasn’t safe. You know what he did to Alexandra. Why do you keep defending him?”

    “You know, some people would say the same about you! Do I need to remind you that you and Brandon took her children from her? Or perhaps any of the countless schemes that you have engaged in? You are no better than him!”

    Amanda storms out of the room, passing Beth and Phillip on the way out.

    “I was wondering about this storm that’s supposed to blow into town this week,” smirks Beth. “If it gets cold enough it’ll snow they say.”

    “Dad, what happened? Why did Amanda run out?” Phillip says as they sit down. Alan-Michael and Lucy enter the room and sit down.

    “Oh, she will be fine,” Alan assures them. “She’s just going through the mourning process. How you could mourn the loss of Roger Thorpe, I just don’t know?”

    Beth stands up to make an announcement to the family.

    “Everyone, I spoke with the funeral director this morning, he’ll help schedule Alexandra’s memorial. They were booked until Friday, so that is when the memorial will be.”

    Each family member glances at each other as they remember Alexandra.



    “I’ll take off. I want to come,” Lucy says.

    **********

    Meanwhile, Alexandra enters a hotel room. She has returned to Springfield but has decided to freshen up before announcing her resurrection. She hears a knock on the door and opens it to find a hotel messenger. “Here’s a copy of the paper like you asked,” he says. Alex closes the door and reads. “Former Spaulding Exec Dead,” the headline reads.



    Alexandra sees the picture on the cover and shutters. “Roger?”

    The paper drops out of her hands and hits the floor.

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

    **********

    Billy Lewis sits at home reading the newspaper. “That son-of-a-bitch is finally dead,” he thinks. He flashes back to the time when he thought he had finished the job himself. Billy stares at Roger through the potting shed window, a revolver pointed at his chest. The bullet shatters the window before piercing Roger’s chest.

    Billy comes back from the subconscious visions and thinks of Mindy. He picks up the phone and dials her New York address.

    “Hey darlin’. How is my little girl doin’?”

    “Daddy, I’m fine. I’m not a little girl anymore you don’t have to keep checking up on me,” Mindy complains.



    “Mindy, you know that that is what I do best. But this isn’t a check up call. Guess who died? Roger Thorpe of all people!”

    “Are they sure?” Mindy asks. “Did they find a body this time?”

    “The Journal says they did. But you can never tell with Thorpe. The paper says that the funeral will be held tomorrow. Why don’t ya come and give your old man some company?”

    “You mean you are actually going to the funeral? Don’t you think that’s a little much Daddy?”

    “Well honey, in times like this ya gotta go to show the good Lord what kinda person you are.”



    “Uh-huh,” Mindy says. “I don’t believe you.”

    “At any rate, it could be fun. A little Roger Thorpe roast could be more fun than a barrel of monkeys.”

    “My meeting got pushed back till Friday so I guess I can stop by. Marah’s still here with me, so I’ll drop her off.”

    “Good. I’ll see you later darlin’.”

    Billy places the receiver and grabs the newspaper. He takes one more look at Roger’s photo then throws the paper into the fireplace.

    **********

    Blake wakes up and walks downstairs. Ross lies asleep on the sofa in the living room. She goes to him and snuggles up against him. Holly comes in from the kitchen and sees them together. She can remember what brought Ross to town in the first place. When Roger was on trial for raping Holly, Ross was his lawyer. She remembers him grilling her on the stand, making the rape out to be something that she deserved.

    Under the fictional pressure, Holly drops the tray she was carrying. It hits the floor with a crash, waking up Ross and Blake.

    “Oh I’m sorry,” Holly says, snapping back to reality. “I was bringing some coffee and I, I apparently tripped.”

    Blake gets up and begins to pick up the broken glassware.

    “Honey, don’t worry about that. I’ll get that later. Now that we’re all awake. Let’s get some coffee?”

    They wander into the kitchen and sit at the table. The warm stream of coffee infuses them all with newfound energy to begin the day.

    “We have to call Amanda so that we can get your father’s funeral plans finished,” Holly says in between sips.

    “Do you want me to go with you?” Ross says. “I have a meeting with Doris Wolfe in a bit. But considering the circumstances, I’m sure she’ll understand.”

    “No, I think we’re good Ross. I think we need to do this by ourselves.”



    “Yeah sweetheart. We’ll be fine,” Blake adds, smiling at Ross.

    “In that case, I have got to get ready,” Ross says as he gets out of his chair. He leans down to kiss Blake and walks out of the room.

    When he is out of earshot, Blake laments to Holly. “I still can’t believe Daddy is gone,” she says. Holly reaches over and places her hand over Blake’s hand.

    **********

    Alexandra finishes reading the article and smirks. She still cannot believe that he is gone. Anger and shock mix with venom-laced memories of past confrontations.

    “All you ever wanted was power,” Alex says to Roger who is hovering over her on the country club balcony. “Oh yeah! Well you liked the power that I had over you!” Roger retorts.

    What did I ever see in that man, she thinks. Her mind further ponders the past and the future as she remembers the most recent past few days at Bar Harbor.

    Somewhat sorrowful, somewhat vengeful, Alex replies, “Who has the power now Roger?”

    Alexandra walks over and pours herself a glass of scotch and sits down on the chair.

    **********

    Ross visits Cedars on his way to the meeting. Ed needs to know, he thinks. He meets Ed at his office.

    “Edward, did you read today’s paper?” he said.

    “No, I’ve been on call all night. You know how it is this time of the year. People try to clean their houses and end up with a concussion. It’s a great time of the year. What was in the paper?”



    “Amanda Spaulding is back in town. Apparently, Roger died of a heart attack a few nights ago.”

    “Are you serious?” Ed questions. "I wasn't sure if he even had a heart."

    “Yeah. Amanda is having the body brought back to town.”

    “How is Holly doing?”

    “She seems to be doing okay, but I know that this must have shaken her up,” Ross says.

    “What about Blake?”

    “She’s devastated. Roger was her idol.”

    “I know all about that,” Ed says with a twinge of jealousy.

    “You know, Roger always had impeccable timing. Now even in death, he’s messing everything up.”

    “What do you mean?”

    “This,” Ross says as he pulls out a small box. Ed opens it and sees an engagement ring stuffed in the jewelry box foam.

    “Oh Ross.”

    “Now my plans are cancelled at least until after the funeral.”



    “I’m sure you will get the chance to propose Ross. Blake is going to need you over the next few days. I’m sure that she is really hurting. You need to be there with her.

    **********

    Holly, Blake, and Amanda sit in St. Luke’s church. “Roger wanted his funeral to be here,” Amanda says. Holly can’t help but notice the irony. The pastor says that they need to finalize some details for tomorrow.

    Blake and Amanda walk away with the pastor to plan the details of the funeral as Holly stands in the sanctuary. Holly flashes back into the past. She hears Roger comfort her.

    “Angels persist Holly. Clouds persists, they become showers, they become lakes, and they becomes clouds again and they persist as we persist.”

    Holly walks over to the altar and kneels down to pray.



    “God, help me get through this.”

    **********

    After Ross leaves the office, Ed picks up his phone and calls his brother.

    “Mike, hey its Ed. You’ll never believe this, Roger Thorpe died.”

    “Are you kidding,” said Mike at the other end of the line.

    “That seems to be the catchphrase going around town this morning. But yeah, Amanda Spaulding has his body coming back to town. The funeral will probably be sometime tomorrow.”



    “Hope and I are coming back to town tomorrow ironically. Hope has a new job as an interior designer for the Cedars project. We’ll be arriving tomorrow,” Mike says.

    “Good. I’ll see you soon. Goodbye.”

    Ed puts the receiver down and flashes back. Mike and Ed have had some adventures where Roger Thorpe is concerned. He can remember the hot and muggy jungles of Santo Domingo.

    Ed holds on to Roger’s hands. Below a dangling Roger is the jagged cliff. His hands are too slippery. No, no. He’s slipping. He’s slipping. He makes a final attempt to grasp Roger’s hand, but no luck. He falls, smashing into the rocks below. Holly unleashes a blood-curling scream.

    Ed’s attention is shifted away from the scene from the past.



    He remembers Holly and wonders if she is okay.

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - Roger’s funeral ensues!
  15. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 062
    Sunday, April 22, 2007
    IN the LIGHT: Roger Thorpe's Memorial Service
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    This episode features the music of Keith Urban. The song used goes hand in hand with the episode and will make your reading pleasure a little more enjoyable. The link to the song is provided below.

    Keith Urban - Tonight I Wanna Cry

    **********

    The clouds were hanging low and black as Amanda Spaulding-Thorpe placed one black high heel and then another onto the pavement in front of St. Luke’s church.

    “Mrs. Thorpe.” She was greeted once inside, “Father Jamison, I’m so sorry that we weren’t able to meet yesterday. My sincere condolences on your loss.”

    “Thank you, that’s very compassionate of you. I don’t think it is going to be something I hear that much of today.”

    “Well…” he searched for the right words, “I’m sure there are many who join you in mourning.”

    Amanda smiled, “No there’s not. You must not have known my beloved and vindictive husband Roger.” She paused, “Has anyone else arrived yet?”

    “No you’re the first. Would you like me to take you to your seat?”

    Amanda shook her head no, “I would like a few minutes alone however.”

    Father Jamison opened the doors, she saw the coffin and walked towards it. “My darling…” she ran her index finger along the top of it. “Always knew it would end here, in Springfield, not death. I made myself believe that the great Roger Thorpe was indestructible and you have to show me up and die!”



    Amanda turned away from him as she usually did when they spoke of Holly. “Even in death you picked her over me. You went our entire marriage loving her, wishing I were her. I felt you resented me at time because I wasn’t Holly. I knew you wanted to leave me, but I looked past that and I gave you my heart.” She turned back to face the casket, “And I’ve never regretted that decision and until the day I am laid to rest next to you, I will never regret it. I may not have been the love of your life Roger, but you were the love of mine.”

    Amanda heard the doors open at the back. Without looking Amanda kissed her hand and in then placed it on the casket, “Goodbye my love, may you finally rest in peace.”

    A single tear raced down Amanda’s cheek as Blake announced her arrival, “Good morning.”

    “I’ll leave you alone.” Was all she said as Amanda headed back down the isle and exited the sanctuary.

    **********

    Alexandra poured herself a vodka-tonic and downed it within one drink.

    “Ready for the fireworks? I’ve waited along time for this.”

    Alexandra recalled life with Roger years earlier. Some of their best confrontations were held at the country club.

    “And that’s before we even get the divorce. Oh I forgot to tell you Roger and I are getting a divorce.”

    “And none to soon. You’re insane if you think I’m sticking around for this.”

    “Oh come on Rog…you’re still smart aren’t you? Don’t you want to hear everything I have to say?”

    She finished off her second drink when a knock came at the door.

    “Your attire from the boutique downstairs ma’am.”

    “Thank you.” Alex spent the next several minutes drinking and putting her assemble on. It was a black pantsuit, a white scarf around her neck and sunglasses to hide her eyes. The truth had been buried for her to long. It was time she set it all straight and let the chips fall where they may.

    “I have a second chance.” She told herself before one final drink, “Okay Alexandra.” She looked in the mirror and stumbled a bit before heading out the door to the waiting car below.

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

    **********

    “I never understood what you saw in that woman.” Blake announced, “But then I was my father’s daughter. I married two Spaulding men, you married two Spaulding women.”



    Blake took a seat on the front pew and looked at Roger’s casket, “I can’t believe you’re in that cedar box. I don’t know what to say to you…I’m angry that you’re not going to be around to see my kids grow up…and I’m sad because…” she choked up, “that I won’t be able to call you whenever Ross and I have a fight, because God knows we will. I actually thought a few months ago that Mom and Ross had rekindled some long lost love affair before I spoiled it all those years ago. And the first thing I thought of was, what would Roger do.”

    She stood and placed her hand on the top of the casket, “No matter what I do from here on out, no matter who I am, whether it’s Mrs. Ross Marler or Blake Lewis,” she laughed at the thought, and “I consider myself blessed and lucky beyond words to be Roger Thorpe’s little girl I love you daddy.”

    **********

    Springfield assembled in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s. It would appear that the entire town had shut down. Everyone was there. Holly, Amanda, Blake and Ross sat on the first row opposite of those who come to pay their respects to the family.

    Father Jamison took to the podium, “We are here to mourn and to celebrate the life of Roger Thorpe…”



    “Apparently he never met Roger.” Ed whispered to Mike and they both chuckled.

    “I have something I want to say about Roger.” Billy stood up from his seat. Mindy reached for his hand.

    “Sit down daddy.” She warned, “Don’t make a scene.” Mindy told him in a whisper, “Please.”



    “Now darlin’…” Billy spoke, “I have to speak my mind because if I don’t I’ll never get the chance to say this again.”

    “Daddy!”

    “All of these people know what type of bastard Roger was.”

    Amanda bolted from her seat, “All right either sit down and shut up Billy Lewis or you get the hell out.”

    “Amanda don’t act like you’re surprised at this.” He reached into his coat and pulled out one of HB’s old pistols.

    “Daddy?! Is that a gun?” Mindy questioned, “What is going on?”

    “Just doing the world a favor and making sure the bastard is dead.” He announced right before firing three holes into the casket, sending the sanctuary into a tailspin.

    “JOSHUA!” Amanda irrupted once more as Blake called out as well, “ROSS!”

    “Joshua you get your brother out of here right this minute.”

    “Billy,” Ross lectured, “that was uncalled for.”

    “Still defended the old son-of-a-bitch?” Billy questioned as Josh took his arm.

    “Marah stay here with Mindy, we’re leaving.”

    Marah shook his head, “I just done it for good measure.” Billy yelled out, “If Roger is really in that box then I know he’s dead for sure.” Before hitting the doors, “You all should thank me for having the guts to do it.”



    Once the doors slammed shut Mindy spoke from her seat, “I am so sorry…”

    “Mindy you are welcome to stay,” Amanda treaded cautiously, her nerves shot, “but do not open your mouth again. And one more outburst from anyone here and I’ll clear this church in a heartbeat and deprive you all from finally seeing what you’ve wanted for years, Roger dead.”

    Blake took over the podium, adjusted the microphone and spoke softly, “Thank you all for being here, despite everything my father has done.” She unfolded a piece of paper and began to read, “Roger Adam Thorpe, successful businessman, father, grandfather, son died last week of a massive heart attack at his California home. His wife Amanda Spaulding of the home survives him. One daughter C. Blake Marler of Springfield, his father Adam Thorpe, five grandchildren…” she paused, “typically this where one would say and a host of friends and family, but that would be wrong. Consider all of you are not my father's friends. None of you were, he just had his casket shot out of God's sakes.”

    “But here you are mocking his memory...you’re all fake and at least my father let you know where you stood with him. If he didn’t like you he let you know it…”

    Her words trailed as the back door burst open and the father rolled his eyes.

    “Am I too late?” A female voice asked, “God I hope not.” Alexandra ripped off her sunglasses, “Roger wouldn’t want me to miss this!” She purred shocking the entire congregation.

    “Alexandra!” Lucy gasped under her breath, “She’s alive.”

    Alex made her way down the isle, “I have a few things I want to say Chrissy…”

    “You’re alive?” Blake replied as she stepped aside.

    “That’s right, I’m alive. Did you all really think hell was ready for both Rog and I?” Alex tapped the microphone, “This is still on right? Good! Roger Thorpe…I was ex-wife… number three was it? And my relationship…” her speech was slurred, “my relationship and my marriage with Rog was a love-hate marriage. I loved to hate him and hated to love ‘em. Because, I did love him…you hear me Roger…I loved you for all of about ten minutes…” she leaned against the podium, “He was always trying to one up me…staying one step…ahead…of me in everyway…even in death. See I’m really dead, or at least that’s what everyone thinks…I guess the afterlife just didn’t know what to do with both of us there so I was spared. I guess I oh Rog some gratitude.” She laughed as Blake approached the podium, “You…step back Blake…I’m done here. I brought this man back into lives when I died the last time, I have right to speak my mind. I was in a plane accident, you remember that don’t you Alan…with Fletcher…” Alex cut her eyes toward Holly, “I was one of the lucky ones, wasn’t I Holly. I managed to get away. It seems to me that we are kindred spirits. Sadly, we also have the same taste in men. I just don’t know why you sit there and mourn the man who raped you!”

    Alex looks around the room.



    “Amanda…where are you? I haven’t forgotten you honey. My sometime sister."

    “Perhaps you should go home Alex, be with your family.”

    “No…” Alex waved her hand in the air, “I have a point to make. You all know Roger’s grieving widow Amanda, my half-sister. It was Roger who uncovered the deep, dark family secret that she was Brandon’s daughter…I knew all along…I know lots of things and I’ve had many, many secrets. Rog brought to us our gold digging, black sheep sister…he did. And I got scared back then after the truth was exposed and in typical Alexandra fashion I ran away.” She nodded her head, “I ran away again recently, because of secret…and I almost…ALMOST!” She raised her voice, “Almost paid the ultimate price…” Alex stumbled away from the podium down to Roger’s casket and slammed her hand down on it, “Save a hot spot for me Rog, maybe in hell we can be friends…” Holly lowered her head in disgust as Amanda approached Alexandra.

    “We’re all very relieved that you are alive and well Alexandra, but I will not allow your tirade to continue. This is my husband’s memorial service, not your own personal soap box.”

    “Shut up Amanda!” She spoke loud and harshly, “Roger is eating this up. And besides if it weren’t for me coming back all those years ago to confirm what I always knew, you wouldn’t even be here. And that’s what I’m about to do, right now…” she pumped her fist into the air, “confirm what I’ve always know…ladies…gentlemen…Rog…my son is here!”

    Mindy looked around her for Nick but no sign of him.

    “Not Nick you little bitch!” Alex shouted at Mindy, “He wouldn’t give you the time of day anymore and I swear to God in Heaven Melinda Lewis you keep your crummy little hands off of him…” she paused to build the suspense even further, “my son…” she shouted, “who I gave up for adoption on my terms, not Brandon’s or Alan’s, but mine…Mr. Gus Aitoro!”

    Gasps swept through the church as a shell shocked Gus froze, Lucy by his side. “Well go on Gus, stand up, and make your presence known. And thank Roger for it…”

    Almost like she had ordered Gus stood up and exited the sanctuary, with Lucy quickly behind him. Alexandra looked across the church at their faces, “What?” She questioned, “You’re all sitting there shocked…don’t be.” She turned back to Blake, “Carry on with your mourning. I have a family to reunite with.”

    **********

    “Are you okay?” Lucy finally caught up with Gus in the parking lot.



    “How am I supposed to answer that?” He fired back…

    “Gus…” Alex caught up with them, “This is not my fault,” she stumbled, “this is not my fault. You wanted the truth and I gave it you.”

    “Alexandra. I think you should have your drive take you back to the mansion.” Lucy suggested, “Let me talk with Gus.”

    “What the hell are you going to do Lucy? Scream my name some more? Because that worked so well the last time.” Alexandra fired off.

    “That’s not fair…” she was hurt, “Don’t you dare, not even for one second place that guilt on me.”

    “She’s right. This is all your doing.” Gus told her, “I’m out of here.”

    “Wait, you don’t want to talk?” Alex asked, “You’ve asked for the truth, you’ve begged for the truth Gus…this is it.”

    “Maybe I only thought I wanted the truth.” He slammed the car door and spun off in a heat of anger.

    “Welcome home Alexandra.” Lucy sighed, “This solved everything, congratulations!”

    “Lucy…”

    “What?”

    “Harley?”



    Lucy stopped mid-step, “Barely Alexandra. And just so you know, until she recovers fully I hold you responsible. Her blood is on your hands. Go have another drink and get the hell out of my sight.”

    **********



    Holly felt the cool air hit her bare legs and she dropped Blake’s hand, “I want to be alone with your father, one last time please.”

    “Okay.” Blake kissed Holly’s cheek. “I’ll ride back with Amanda to the Spaulding mansion, and leave you the car.”

    “Thank you honey.” Holly looked intently at Roger’s final resting spot. “Make sure and tell Ed not to wait on me.”

    “Are you sure? Mom, Ed really is concerned…”

    “Christina!” Holly warned, “I want to be alone with Roger.”

    She stood in silence and waited until she heard the last limo pull away, “She is your daughter, through and through.”

    “I never expected this Roger. Damn you. Damn you. Why is it that whenever I try to put my life back together, you always come to tear it down again? Even in death. Death. Roger, I always thought that you were going to go out in a blaze of glory not quietly into the night. Yet here you are. Not a bang but a whimper.”

    “Well here we are…sorry that your service wasn’t normal, but I think you enjoyed it. You always liked to be the center of drama in this town, gunshots and Alexandra…it’s nothing new to you.” Holly smiled for the first time in a very long while and almost laughed, “I thought Amanda was lying when she said you were dead. I just struggled with the fact that you fell to your death in Santo Domingo and survived. Yet in the end it was your heart that finally gave way. That’s irony for Roger.”

    “I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how to make peace with you, with us or even myself lately. For so long you were a part of me, almost defining who I was. Roger you violated something that was so precious and I’ve never truly recovered from that. You’ve caused so much pain and hurt so many people over the course of your life: me, Ed, Alexandra…and despite it all, despite every flaw that you had, despite you raping me… in spite of our twisted relationship I managed to love you. No one understood you and they never understood us or why you had this hold over me, but that’s okay, because we understood. Our love for one another was ugly, you said it yourself but it was ours…” Holly pulled a single rose from atop the spray, “it was our love and it was okay that no one understood.”

    “You kissed me once at the cliff house and said that I could love you at the end of the world. That’s where we are Roger, at least the end of our world. I love you, maybe not the way you wanted me to, but I did and I will continue to in my own way.” She leaned down to kiss the casket and then placed her hand in the same spot, “Angels persist Roger. Clouds persist, they become showers, they become lakes, and they become clouds again and they persist as we persist. I’ve never forgot those words…and no time soon will I ever forget you.” She stood at the foot of Roger’s casket and ran her hands up to the top, “Goodbye my love.”

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - Roger's will is read!
    - Alexandra forces Alan to face their demons!
    - Shayne betrays the Lewis family.
  16. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 063
    Friday April 27, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********



    Lucy arrived at Harley’s house early in the morning to check on Gus, after checking and discovering that he was not there she decided now was the perfect time to confront Vera about her lies. Vera comes down the stairs and finds Lucy waiting for her. Lucy tells her that she warned her about lying and that if Lucy ever found out Vera was untruthful she would suffer her wrath! Vera tells Lucy that she should be at the Spaulding mansion rejoicing in the fact that Alexandra is alive and reading Alex the riot act. Vera finally admits for the first time, that she is no Gus’ mother and she’ll be leaving Springfield ASAP. Lucy goes ballistic and corners Vera saying that she does not know what Alex or her had to gain from lying but Harley is paying the price for it. Vera tells Lucy that she should not stand in her way. Lucy says Vera crossed her once and she will not do it again!

    **********



    Billy and Josh finalize their plans for the Cedars project and seal it away for the evening. After they are all done the men go to Towers for a celebratory lunch. Meanwhile at the same time, Shayne arrives at Spaulding Enterprise. A-M questions how he was able to skip school without daddy knowing Shayne tells him to cut the [!@#$%^&*] and get to the point. Shayne asks him what it is going to cost for A-M’s silence. A-M asks him if he likes to please his parents, in particular Josh. Shayne tells him that his parent’s approval is very important to him. A-M says that is good then because they can agree on something…A-M tells Shayne he needs Alan’s approval and to get it he has to land the Cedars project. Shayne says okay and asks what A-M wants and A-M reveals he wants a copy of Lewis Construction’s proposal for the Cedars project. Shayne agrees.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

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    **********



    Alexandra arrives at the country club barking orders into her cell phone that Gus must be found, she notes that money has never been an issue before so there is no reason it should be now. Alex looks around the banquet hall and flashes back to when she roasted Roger publicly many years ago. She is brought back to reality when Alan arrives. He asks her what the hell is going with her that she has been all over the map lately. Alexandra tells Alan that he is surprisingly no different than Roger. Alan scoffs at the suggestion and Alex tells him no she’s right. Alexandra says that she has never forgiven Brandon or Alan for ripping Nick and Lujack from her arms all those years ago, Alexandra says no one ever showed me how a man should love a woman, how a man should respect a woman or treat a woman, she notes that is most likely why she even entered into a marriage with Roger. Alexandra says it is because of Alan and Brandon that she ran away and found comfort with Roy Baker and it’s because of them that she gave Gus away so it would be on her terms and not theirs. Alexandra hauls off and slaps the hell out of Alan, calls him a bastard and breaks down…just then Ed arrives and takes her and gets her to calm down.

    **********



    Shayne arrives at Lewis and gets past Wanda who is heading home. Shayne says he needs to do some schoolwork and he thinks he left his jump drive in Josh’s office. Wanda says she’ll wait, but Shayne insists that she go on home the weather looks bad. Wanda notes that he is just the perfect gentleman like his daddy. After Wanda is gone, Shayne turns off the security cameras, snatches the folder from the safe…makes copies, puts it back and turns the cameras back on right where they left off and sneaks out, hoping no one is any the wiser.

    **********



    The banquet room of the county club begins to fill with people for the reading of Roger's will: Amanda Thorpe-Spaulding, Holly Reade, Blake Marler, Cassie Winslow, Michelle Bauer Santos, Ross Marler, Vanessa Chamberlain Reardon, Alan Spaulding, Billy Lewis, Alexandra Spaulding and Dr. Ed Bauer. Roger's lawyer from California arrives and says that he has been Roger's lawyer since 2001 when he made his first living will and that he has since revised it twice, the first in late 2002 and then lastly in early 2007. The attorney begins the reading: A $50,000 donation to the Red Cross in memory of Mrs. Maureen Reardon Bauer. Amanda Spaulding-Thorpe: Their shared California home and sizable amount of money. Also an old fashion baby doll, with a secret compartment in the back of the door that holds a safety deposit box key. Holly Reade: A hand written letter with Roger's writing. The engagement ring he had when he intended to propose to her in 1994 and a sizable amount of money. Alan Spaulding: "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White Alexandra Spaulding: A letter that is to be read aloud. The lawyer reads, "Alexandra, You and I have played out every scene imaginable since we first met all those years ago. I've seen you go from blonde hair to fiery red and I often thought I would see it all turn gray, but that's not the case. I amended my will after Amanda shared with me that you gave Alan the power as CEO of Spaulding. Stupid and foolish where things you never were Alex, you've gone soft and it's sad. So I leave you this Alexandra, a clue. That's all get a clue Alex and realize that when you have the power you do not give away. Heed my advice and hopefully one day you'll kick Alan's ass out of the company, which is what he deserves. Rog." Vanessa Reardon: A chess set. This is because Henry and Roger used to play chess. College trust funds for his five grandchildren: Michelle Bauer Santos shall be the executor of Peter Lewis Reardon’s trust. Blake Marler shall be the executor of Jason Marler, Kevin Marler and Clarissa Marler’s trusts. Cassie Winslow the executor of Roger Joshua Winslow’s trust. Billy Lewis: A sealed envelope that is not to be opened until after the will reading. Dr. Ed Bauer: A hand written letter from Roger that is not to be opened until after the will reading. And finally his beloved daughter, Christina Blake Thorpe Marler: Blake Thorpe Marler: A sizable amount of money, a pair of his mother’s earrings and a sealed envelope to be opened after the reading.
    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - Shayne betrays the Lewis family!
    - Springfield prepares for a storm!
    - Gus returns to face Alexandra!
  17. Josh

    May Sweeps Preview

    By Josh,

    MAY PREVIEWS

    Executive Producer and co-head writer Josh Hawkins opens up about what is to come in next month as the SONBC blog "The Guiding Light" celebrates May! "A thunderstorm blows in the first week of sweeps (April 30-May 4) and what happens is big for our beloved Springfield citizens."

    Roger's Power Over Springfield

    - Even in death Roger is still controlling lives. Readers saw the contents of his will in Episode 063 and then we begin to see the after effects that it has on everyone, the big players here are Holly, Ed and Blake. The latter two each have an unopened, unread letter that Roger left for them by the end of May both contents of each will be revealed and it will send Blake and Ed on some big adventures through the summer months. As for the love of Roger's life Holly we see her struggle through the first of May and learn what has been wrong with her even prior to his death. The week of the storm is HUGE for Holly and her relationship with Ed, this is something even my writing team did not see coming, they were shocked! Since the blog debuted we've been trying to reestablish Holly as leading female character, this story does that it has very long legs!

    Storm Watch

    - The first week in May is one big 'umbrella' story that throws back to the great days of "Guiding Light" (1992: Blackout) as a severe thunderstorm rolls into Springfield trapping our residences in awkward positions. This affects the entire leading canvas with the exception of four main characters (Cassie, Danny, Michelle & Reva) everyone is paired up and danger ensues throughout one rocky night. Olivia and Phillip are trapped at the mansion and when she goes into labor a secret plot is hatched between the ex-lovers. Alexandra must face Gus and account for all her lies. Blake's life is turned inside-out and back again as she reads her letter from Roger. Maureen's look-a-like Sandra Reed and Lillian are trapped together and so much more. This is a great way to end some stories and then open up different ones which is what will happen!

    Teen Scene: Graduation & Prom

    - Shayne and Tammy begin May with some powerful stuff as he finally admits to her that he's gay! It's important that Shayne share this with someone other than Derek and the person blackmailing him (Alan-Michael). It's a big month for this group as they will go to their last prom and then eventually graduation! Marina and Ben have a rough road this month with age being an issue in their relationship, the same with Lizzie and doctor boyfriend Braxton O'Dell. As May comes to an end we're introducing a short-term characters to the canvas. Zach Roerig (ex-Casey, ATWT) joins for a limited run through the summer. It's going to be an exicting time for our teens and it starts this month!

    Harley’s Awakening

    - Harley awakes from her coma this month and when she's released from Cedars she goes gunning for one person: Alexandra! This story will be simmering on the backburner through May as we make creative choices as to where to go with it. We have an interesting plot twist that we are toying with at the moment.

    Misc. Spoilers

    - Marah, Mindy and Beth all become very business minded during May!
    - Another Oakdale crossover is in the works and should happen during the first week of the month.
    - A suicide attempt!
    - A marriage proposal and wedding!
    - Some faces from the past resurface: Eleni, Hawk & a few more!

    A Genre First

    - Around the middle of the month as things swing into high gear look for a story that has never been done (at least to my knowledge) in the actual daytime community! It's a subject I care quite a bit about and look forward to telling this story!

    Casting News & Notes

    - Sheree J. Wilson (ex-April, Dallas; ex-Alex, Walker Texas Ranger) will represent a yet unnamed character. The character is involved with two other blonde beauties Marah & Mindy!
    - Suggestions are still be accepted for this character: Early 40s male character with leading potential. A man who is arrogant, mysterious, egotistical and devilishly handsome. Established actors only please!
  18. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 064
    Saturday, April 28, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********

    A new day in Springfield begins…but it will be like no day they’ve ever seen!

    **********

    A meteorologist at WSPR is reporting that the mid-west can expect to see heavy down pour that has a chance of turning severe thunderstorm and possible tornados into the late evening, early morning hours. He warns Springfield citizens to grab their umbrellas today!

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

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    **********



    Tammy calls Shayne and asks him to come over to The Beacon for the night since the weather is going to be bad they can hold up in the suite, have room service and pay-per-view movies at their beck and call. Shayne says that will be great and reminds Tammy to make sure she has her college applications and brochures out so he can look through them with her. Tammy reluctantly agrees and they hang up, as Shayne is about to go meet with Alan-Michael, Derek calls and Shayne refuses to answer the call, saying he is protecting them at the moment!

    **********


    Olivia tells Sandra that her and Cassie will need her to go to Cedars and meet with Lillian Raines the head nurse there and take a drug test, mandatory requirements. Sandra says that is fine and heads off.

    **********


    Beth meets with a gallery owner in Springfield. Beth immediately begins talking her resume and huge interest in the art industry. Clearly Beth is thinking that the woman is looking to hire a vacant part-time position. But the woman tells Beth that is not the case. The art gallery owner says she knows Lillian through some organizations and Lillian referred her to Beth. The woman says she wants to sell her gallery and retire. Beth is surprised and says that it is something she would have to talk with her husband about and check the revenue and all. The woman offers up Beth all the finical records and tells her to spend as much time with them as possible, but she is only willing to sell to Beth and hopes to do it very soon.

    **********


    Shayne and A-M finally meet and Shayne hands over the information from Lewis to him about the Cedars project. Shayne questions how he knows A-M destroyed the picture, A-M gives him the cell phone and assures he didn’t do anything with it. Shayne is not so willing to trust him but agrees that it’s a chance he was willing to take, Shayne tells A-M to forget this ever happened. A-M tells him to have fun dealing with the rest of his life.

    **********


    Buzz is at Harley’s bedside still willing her to wake up when Frank arrives and suggest they get away for the night. Frank says that Rick is on duty as well as Mel and if there is any change then they’ll call. Buzz does not want to agree and Lucy arrives and says it would do them good, go up to the Bauer cabin, she says she talked to Rick and he agreed. Buzz says that he’ll only go if Lucy comes and she is says that she should stay, but A-M arrives and says that he’ll stay and keep vigil, insisting that it is the least he can do because of what Alexandra done. Buzz finally agrees and they leave for the Bauer cabin, while Ben and Marina arrive at the cabin for a winter wonderland night of passion.

    **********


    Gus bursts through the church doors where Roger’s funeral was just held and says that is exactly where he thought he would find Alexandra!

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - The storm settles over Springfield...
    - Holly and Ed come to blows!
    - Marina has love on her mind!
  19. Josh

    Weekly Promo: 04/30

    By Josh,

    ANNOUNCER: A thunderstorm blows into Springfield...

    Olivia: I'm scared.
    Phillip: You don't have any reason to be, I'm right here.

    ANNOUNCER: Their lives are about to change...

    Gus: Why did you lie to me? Why?
    Alexandra: I didn't have a choice. But I did it on my terms!

    Ross: Blake, will you marry me?

    Lucy: Frankie you have to let her grow up or you could lose Marina for good. Is that what you want?

    Josh: Do you love Danny?

    ANNOUNCER: Shayne admits his secret...

    Shayne: I'm gay.

    ANNOUNCER: But to who? And one moment that will shock you...

    Holly: You and I are over! I don't need to be save anymore...
    Ed: HOLLY!! Don't do this again...Holly!

    ANNOUNCER: This week on "The Guiding Light"
  20. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 065
    Monday, April 30, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********



    “Well you are stuck with me.” Ben flipped on the lights inside the Bauer cabin, “That creek is definitely going to cause the roads to flood if the rain doesn’t let up.”

    Marina dropped the bags and wrapped her arms around Ben’s neck, “Stuck with you? Really?” she kissed him, “Is that like a promise?”



    He spun her around much to her delight, “You bet it is!” When he set her down he looked around, “I’m glad we came up here, this place really brings back a lot of memories for me.”

    “Well I’m just glad that you were able to get the time off…” Marina headed towards the bedroom with the bags, “because I think you and I are about to make some memories of our own.”

    “You want me to build a fire?”

    “It’s like May baby.” Marina reminded him, “But I guess it would be romantic. You do that and when you get back…” she winked and disappeared into the bedroom. Ben put the other bag in the closet by the front door and headed out for some wood.

    “I just don’t understand…” Lucy Cooper-Spaulding announced, “I mean I could get text messages about who was voted off American Idol for God’s sake, yet I can’t get reception up here unbelievable.”

    **********

    The thunderstorm predicated earlier the day before settles in over Springfield as Holly Reade flips the television on and settles to the sofa.

    “Let’s take it over to Joe who’s in the weather center watching this storm, Joe.” The news anchor spoke as Holly lowered the volume. She had survived Roger’s death she was almost certain she could make it through a little thunder and rain.

    Spread out over the coffee table were a little bit of work and one to many pictures of days gone by: her and Roger, Blake when she was born…Holly dropped a picture of Roger and it floated to the table.

    As she reclined on the sofa and flipped the television off her mind raced back to the previous day at the cemetery.

    “Angels persist Roger. Clouds persist, they become showers, they become lakes, and they become clouds again and they persist as we persist. I’ve never forgot those words…and no time soon will I ever forget you.”

    A knock on the door brought her back to reality, “Ed.” Holly forced a smile, “What are you doing out in this weather?”

    “Well I haven’t had dinner yet and I thought of you.” He lifted two takeout bags from Company, “How does some Buzzburgers sound?”



    “Um…” she searched for the right words, “thoughtful but I have a lot of editing to do and staff notes to prepare. I’m sorry.”

    Ed shrugged his shoulders, “How about dinner? I won’t stay long.” He pushed past her and on into Hollybend. “I left you alone last night but I don’t think you need to be by yourself tonight.”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

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    **********

    “I’m so sad that you’re not going to be here tonight. It’s raining pretty hard.” She spoke into the phone. Danny had taken Robbie to Chicago for a White Sox game. “Okay…hi Robbie. Did you and daddy have a good day?”

    “I know they lost.” She mad a sad face even though he couldn’t see her, “You ate how many hotdogs? Three! You’re such a big boy huh? Okay well put daddy back on the phone…Sounds like you two had a good time…I know you wish you were here, but an overnight stay away from Springfield is what you need right now.” As Danny continued to tell her about the day Marah opened the door and saw a drenched Josh standing before her.

    She motioned him in and covered the receiver, “Go on in, it’s Danny. Oh it’s my dad.” He picked up on the arrival of someone. “I don’t know…okay I’ll talk to you in the morning. Kiss Robbie for me…” Marah laughed out loud, “Bye!”

    “Danny not home tonight?” Josh kissed Marah on the cheek.

    “No he took Robbie to a White Sox game.” At which Josh frowned, “Oh that’s it…pack your bags I’m taking you away from here, I won’t let my daughter live with a Sox fan.”

    Marah handed him a bourdon, “He’s a Cubs fan, but they weren’t in Chicago this weekend and Robbie wanted to go to a baseball game.”

    “I see. But he is a Cubs fan?”

    “Through and through. So what brings you by, this weather is horrible.”

    **********

    Sandra O’Dell closed her umbrella and walked over to the nurse’s station. “Coming down like cats and dogs are out there.” She smiled, “Olivia Spaulding sent me over here, something about a drug test.”

    A nurse quickly started working on her computer, “Name please?”

    “Sandra O’Dell. O-apostrophe-D-E-L-L.”

    “Okay…here we go.” The nurse handed her a brochure, “This explains what the nurse will be doing this evening and the policies here at Cedars.”

    Sandra smiled, “And where do I need to go?”

    “Take the red elevator to the fourth floor and make left and ask for Nurse Raines, she’ll be administering your test tonight.”

    “Raines?” Sandra questioned. “Um what’s her first name?”

    Before the nurse could answer two paramedics burst through the ER doors, “We have a car crash victim!” One shouted, “We need a nurse stat!”

    Sandra didn’t push for an answer, she just walked over to the elevator and got on. “Floor four.”

    Almost as quickly as the doors had opened earlier did they open again on the second floor, “Okay you be careful out there Tina.” Lillian stepped on and pushed the already lit number three. “It’s coming down out there…” she began to speak as she turned to see her companion, “my God.” She gasped…as the lights went out!

    **********



    “Sweetheart if you don’t calm down.” Buzz lectured as he sat the overnight bags down by the front door, “I’m sure if something happens Alan-Michael or Rick will get a hold of us somehow.”

    “I know…”

    “And this was your idea.” He replied, “I was fine staying there with Harley but you and Frank said no this would do us good so let the cabin do its work. Okay?”

    Frank dropped two grocery sacks down, “I still think we should have just gotten a couple of pizzas and called it good.”

    “Please the two of you eat like some college frat boys. Pizza, hotdogs, chips. No sir, not tonight.” She announced, “Tonight I am going to cook you both a real meal. Lucy Cooper’s famous spaghetti delight.” She boasted, “Now go out and get a some wood for a fire this place is freezing.”



    “Yes ma’am.” Frank mocked before heading out the door, “If I have to go so do you.” He told Buzz, “Plus it’ll give you a chance to try and get a signal on your phone.”

    Lucy opened one of the shopping bags and pulled out a head of lettuce as the backdoor opened, “There’s no ways you guys found wood that fast.” She turned holding a butcher knife in one hand.

    “Shi--” Ben cursed under his breath, “Lucy.”

    **********



    He pulled out a large brown envelope from his jacket, “I’ve been carrying this around in the truck for a few days, it’s your mail.”

    “Oh thank you. Mostly junk I would imagine, but it was very thoughtful of you.”

    “Just couldn’t find the right time. I was going to come by last week but Billy said you and Mindy were in New York City.”

    “You could haven given it to Danny, he won’t bite you know.”

    Josh shook his head and sipped his drink, “Well I wanted an excuse to see my little girl, not Danny.” He told her.



    “Well then you picked the perfect night,” a clap of thunder roared outside, “because I have dinner for two from Towers and no one to eat it with. Will you join me?”

    “I’d love to darlin’.”

    **********

    “You think I’m scared of thunder and lighting?”

    “Holly…” Ed pulled out two burgers, “I didn’t say that and you know that is not what I meant. I know how much Roger’s death has shaken you…”

    “I’ve lived without Roger in my life for almost ten years. I don’t know how many times I have to say this but I’m fine.”

    “Do you any sodas?” He asked ignoring her last comment, “You know I haven’t opened my letter from Roger yet. Not even sure if warrants the effort.”

    She nibbled at an onion ring and hoped for both of their sakes she could change the topic of conversation. “Hope said she was staying in Springfield, any particular reason why?”

    Ed got two glasses down from the counter, “She’ll be consulting with either Lewis or Spaulding on the new Cedars project. Do you want ice?”

    “No.” Holly went ahead and cleared the table it was certain that Ed wasn’t going anywhere.

    “Here you go.” Ed sat her glass on the table, “So what would you like to talk about?”

    “This must be yours.” Holly again forced a smile, “I told you I didn’t want ice.”

    “I know, but I thought it would be better with ice.” Ed took his seat, “You don’t mind.”

    Holly sat the glass down and spoke softly, “I do mind actually, Ed. I’ve minded for a very long time and you do not seem to care.”



    Ed looked across at her, “What are you talking about?”

    **********



    “Mrs. Spaulding will be just fine.” Lucy corrected him, “What are you doing here?”

    “I um…”

    “Are you and my niece here? Together?” Lucy glanced over to the bedroom door and saw the bag on the floor, “An overnight bag? There had better be a checkerboard in that bag.”

    Ben swallowed. He did not do well with families, especially the Cooper clan, “Mrs. Spaulding this is not as bad as it looks.

    “Oh you’re right…it’s worse.” Lucy told him, “Do you know who is here with me?”

    “I’m going to assume no one is the wrong answer.”

    “You could say that…my father and…”

    Before she could answer him two doors suddenly opened: the front one and the bedroom…



    “I hope this is hot enough for you?” Marina announced.

    “Marina Nadine!” Frank yelled dropping the wood to the floor as their eyes all met.

    Ben cursed under his breath, Buzz shut the front door, “Are you sure that creek’s flooded by now Lucy?”

    Lucy rolled her eyes and went into the living room, “Marina honey go take off the washcloth that you’re wearing and put on some pajamas. You did remember to bring some PJs didn’t you?”

    Marina shook her head no. “Oh my God Marina!” Frank yelled, “I’m going to hurt you…” he pointed toward Ben, “You had better sleep with both eyes open.”

    Lucy walked over to Frank, “Enough out of you. Okay? No one will be sleeping with any eyes open. Frankie go with Dad outside and get a grip. Marina I brought some sweatpants why don’t you find them in my bag, over there and when you get change come help me cook dinner. Ben…” she cut her eyes toward him and shook her head, “Go up in the attic and bring down the extra cots please and Mel said there was extra bed lines in the closet get those please.”

    After they were all sent on their way she returned to the kitchen, “And here I thought Alan-Michael’s family was dysfunctional.”

    **********

    “You seem to think that I am still the damsel in distress. In case you haven’t noticed, which I don’t think you have I’ve evolved over the last thirty plus years we’ve known one another.”

    “Holly I’ve never said that you were a damsel in distress…”

    “Then stop acting like my white knight who’s come to save me from the big bad world. I went along time without you in my life Ed and I’m still standing.”

    “And when we were together and you fell apart who picked you up?”

    “Because I never learned how to pick myself up…I had to lose you first to learn that.” She fired back at him, “You always think you know what I need, what I want and the fact is you listen, you hear me and then you do whatever it is you want.” Holly reached for the glass, “Do you want ice Holly?” she mocked, “No, I said no and what did you do? You gave me ice.”

    “Oh dear God!” Ed sighed, “Are we really fighting over frozen water?”

    “No…no we are not fighting over frozen water. We are fighting because you always assume you know what is best for me and what I need.” Holly walked across the room, “When are you going to realize that I might survive without you?”

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - The storm continues to settle over Springfield...
    - Alexandra tells Gus about the past
    - Two ex-lovers find themselves together!
  21. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 066
    Thursday, May 03, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********



    The rain was almost to heavy for Beth to even see the road ahead of her. She glanced down at the speed odometer and then reached for her cell phone.

    “I swear…” Beth talked to herself and unbuckled her seat belt so she could reach her phone. Seconds later it was ringing.

    “You’ve reached Phillip Spaulding with Spaulding Enterprise…” the recording answered, “Phillip, it’s Beth. Honey you won’t believe the meeting I just had with Callie Evans. If you get this message before I get home put get a bottle of wine from the cellar, we have a lot to talk about.”

    “This rain…”

    **********

    “Ms. Spaulding would you like to go ahead and order dinner?” A waitress at Towers asked, “Let me just try my date one more time and if he doesn’t answer I think I’ll just go on home.”

    “Okay.” The waitress shook her head as Lizzie dialed the phone, “Braxton, where are you?” She questioned as his message played, “Hey it’s Lizzie when you get this call me. I’m going to get a room here at Towers, so just come over when you get here. Bye.”

    “Any luck?”

    Lizzie shook her head, “No. I think I’m just going to get a room and stay the night.” She collected her umbrella and purse, “Dominique would you call down to the concierge and have them prepare a suite for the evening?”

    Lizzie headed toward the elevator while in the lobby below Hope Bauer pressed the up arrow and finished her conversation, “Okay well just be careful Daddy and take your time.” She dropped her phone into, “Alan.”

    “Good evening Hope. I was surprised to see you at Roger’s service.”

    “Daddy wanted to go and show his support to Holly, I accompanied.”

    “Your timing was quite convenient.” Alan replied, “Wouldn’t you say?”

    **********

    “Gus!” Alexandra rose from the pew, “I’m so relieved that you’re alright.” She rushed down the isle and reached out to touch his face.

    Gus stepped back, “Don’t.” He warned as he stepped around her. “What are you even doing here anyway?”

    With her back to him, “Roger was a very large part of my life for a very long time, we would fight so much…don’t get me wrong I loathed that man with every fiber of being. But never will I hate a man as much as I hate my father…”

    “Is Roger my father?” Gus questioned.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    <object width="320" height="240"><param name="movie" value=" name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="320" height="240"></embed></object>

    **********

    “So you feel what Holly, smothered in this relationship?” Ed questioned.

    “Don’t put words in mouth.” She lectured, “I’m just saying that I might want to fall down every once in awhile and that you should let me.” Holly looked out into the stormy night as silence fell over the room, “And I’m sorry if that…” she paused and turned to face him, “actually I’m not sorry.”

    “You’re all over the map right now, maybe you should sit down.”

    “You still don’t understand. I don’t want to sit down. I don’t want you to tell me what to do, Ed.” Holly told him.

    “Where is this coming from? Holly, this isn’t you?”

    She shrugged her shoulders. “Roger’s death has shaken me to the very core and for some unknown reason you chose not to see it. I thought I had made peace with Roger, with the rape and with the fact that even after all he did to me, I still loved him.”

    “And Holly you’ve done so well to move forward with your life. Don’t let this push you further back. This is the control Roger has always had on you and no matter how hard I tried to break the hold he…”



    “Did you just say what I think you did?” Holly stopped him. “You tried to break the hold that Roger had over me? Do you have any idea the living hell I am going through right now? No! Because the only hold Roger ever over you Ed was me…I suffered, not you. I have lived for the last twenty-eight years loving the man who violated me, who took away something so precious and innocent. I lived my life since that day with something bottled up inside, that you could never fix and I could never let go.” Tears raced down Holly’s cheek as she took a step back, almost afraid to say the words aloud. “I loved the man who raped until the day he died and I will continue to love him.”

    **********

    Olivia wrapped the phone cord around her index finger, “Alan Spaulding I don’t know where you are but I suggest you come home, I’m scared.” She paused, “This is your wife in case you’re wondering.”

    As she hung up the phone a gust of wind blew open the French doors for the patio and Olivia jumped out of freight. “Mother nature.” She huffed under her voice as she shut them.

    “Oh damn!” She gasped, “Phillip do not ever sneak up on me like that again. Just about gave me a heart attack.”

    “Jumpy tonight aren’t you?”

    **********



    “This rain is almost too much.” Beth tossed her phone to the passenger seat only to have it fall to the floor. Once it started ringing she reached for it again…as her car hit a large spot of water, sending her hydroplaning off the road and into the ditch…her phone still ringing.

    “Hi, you’ve reached Beth Spaulding, leave a message.” Phillip decided against a message and just hung up, he would see her when she got home.

    Beth felt a sudden pain in her stomach and moaned in pain, “Oh God.” She brought her hand to her temple and felt the blood, “Oh God! Someone help me.” She called out but no one heard her. There was no one around to hear her.

    **********

    “Alan, stop hiding behind bushes and speaking in riddles. If you have something to say, say it.” Hope told him as she stepped on the elevator the doors frozen open for only a few seconds, “Do you need an invitation?”

    “I heard a rumor that Charles Grant had brought you back to Springfield for a special project is all.” Alan told her as the doors closed, “The restaurant?”

    Hope shook her head yes. “Did you hear this rumor on the playground as well?” She laughed, “As a matter of fact yes Charles did invite me to Springfield and proposed a very lucrative offer.”

    “Oh what’s that?” Alan asked as the elevator climbed slowly to the top.

    “I signed on as the interior designer for the Cedars renovations.”

    “You done what?!” Was the last thing Alan remembered saying…as Lizzie waits for her arrival on the ground floor the lights suddenly flicker…off, then on again and even in the elevators they all three hear two loud claps of thunder.

    “Alan!” Hope cries out, “Alan can you hear me?”

    He immediately tried to brace himself. “Hope are you alright?”



    She shook her head as the emergency lights came on, “Oh God, Alan…don’t tell me you you’re still claustrophobic. Alan…” she raised her voice as he immediately began loosening his tie. “Oh…why me? Just when I thought it was safe…” Hope rolled her eyes and reached for the emergency phone.

    **********

    “What?” Alexandra gasped! “You bite your tongue.” She demanded, “There is no way on God’s green Earth or the Devil’s fiery hell that man is your father.”



    “Then why all of this?” Gus gestured around the church, “Alexandra was it not enough for you to lie to me all these months, put Harley in a coma…”

    “I warned her.” Alex defended, “It was her choice, coming to Bar Harbor, getting in that car…I will not be blamed for her condition and I will not apologize for being alive.”

    “You had to do it here though? In front of the entire town. Why, why? I didn’t deserve that. Matter of fact I didn’t deserve any of the hell you’ve put me through Alexandra.” Gus choked back his tears, “So tell me why you did it?”

    “Oh you where never supposed to know the truth…” Alexandra leaned against a pew, “I had…have two sons, Lujack and Nick, but when Brandon, my father found out I was pregnant he gave them away.”

    “Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?” Gus questioned, “My whole life has been turned upside and inside out…so you better cut to the chase and quickly before you lose me.”

    “Don’t say that.” Alex rushed towards him, “Please don’t ever think that I want to lose you. What I did was wrong I see that now, but I didn’t until yesterday. I knew if I went back to Brandon’s house pregnant again, I knew what would happen to you and I couldn’t go through that again. So Vera and I came up with a plan and it worked for a very long time.”

    Gus stood stone face as he listened, “I knew that Brandon and Alan would have made me give you away and that breaks my heart because I wish I had been stronger then, perhaps I would still have all three of my boys, but I wasn’t. It was not a woman’s place to question the men in her life, be it her husband or in my case her father.”



    She took his head as tears rolled down both of their cheeks, “Yes I gave you away I won’t deny or lie about it any longer. But I knew who I gave you too. Joe and Angela were two of the best people I knew, then and now. Gus you can hate me or you can love me, that is your choice to make, but what I did…giving you up for adoption I will not now, nor will I ever apologize for. I knew what my father would have done and I decided to do what I wanted to do on my terms. Remember that, my terms.”

    **********



    Phillip poured himself a drink, “It’s a just a thunderstorm.”

    “I grew on an island, every thunderstorm had the potential to turn into a hurricane.”

    “We’re pretty much inland here. I think we’ll be all right.” He scoffed.

    “I know that, but here we have to worry about flooding, tornadoes…” she paused, “it doesn’t matter just don’t sneak up on me like that. Make yourself known.”

    He tipped his glass, “Where is everyone place sounds dead?”

    “Alan and Lizzie aren’t home yet. Beth doesn’t speak to me, let alone give me a play by play of her days. And Ms. Walker took Zac and James to a movie, no doubt they’ll be there for awhile.”

    “So we’re alone?” Phillip questioned.

    “I sent the staff home earlier, so it would appear that way. Yes.”

    “Could be dangerous. Very bad things happen when you and I are alone together.”

    “They do and somehow we continue to find ourselves in situations like this. Why do you think that is Phillip?” She smiled.

    He shrugged his shoulders and knelt down to get a fire going. “Coincide maybe?”



    “Destiny.” Olivia replied, “Destiny.”

    **********

    “Really?” She snapped and tossed her head in Alan’s direction, “Where you aware there’s a thunderstorm going on outside?” Hope asked sarcastically.



    Alan rolled his eyes, “Tell him…”

    “I know.” She held her hand up, “Who you are. Listen I apologize for my uncouth temper however, I’m stuck in an elevator with not only my ex-husband who I loathe more than you could possibly imagine, but he also suffers from claustrophobia.”

    “Hope…” Alan spoke from the corner of the box. “Hope…”

    “Would you shut up?” She hissed, “No of course not you.” She told the man on the phone, “Do what?”

    “What’s he saying?”

    “Well apparently you don’t know who my ex-husband is and I’m not one who usually drops names, he’s Alan Spaulding. And he owns a majority of this entire town…so get someone to get us out of her right now!”

    Hope hung the phone up and slammed the door, “Amateurs. You know things didn’t used to be like this in Springfield.”

    Alan chuckled lightly and then started coughing, “Roger.”

    “Roger?” Hope looked up from her purse, “Are you really going to blame Roger for this?”

    “Haunting me from beyond the grave.”

    “Sit up.” Hope ordered him and wrapped her petite jacket around his chest, “Now drink this.” He done as he was told and she willed him to be calm, “Okay look at me…Alan…look at me. You’re going to be fine, before you know it we’re going to be out of here and fighting just like we were three minutes ago.”

    She smiled and it brought back memories from decades past. Hope dug around in her purse and pulled out a small sewing kit. She pulled out the scissors and cut a piece of her pant leg off.

    “What are you doing?”

    “Making a washcloth for you.” She poured water on it and began dabbing Alan’s forehead.

    “Why are you being so good to me?” Alan managed to ask.



    Hope shrugged her shoulders, “No matter how hard I try to forget,” she ran the rag down his cheek, “you’re still the father of my son.”

    **********

    She sank to the sofa as Ed stood over here. As silence fell over the room the thunder outside crashed, “If you’ve come to be my knight and shining armor, if you’ve come here tonight to pick up the piece of my fragile existence, if you want to rescue me one final time…it’s now Ed.”

    “Holly why don’t you let me give you a sleeping pill or something that will calm you down?”

    “Because I don’t want to calm down.” Her mind was racing with thoughts.

    “I think it would benefit your health if you did.” Ed advised, “Your blood pressure will no doubt have rose.”

    “I don’t care if my blood pressure skyrockets and I have a heart attack, it doesn’t matter. You came over here to my house and I want to relieve the good moments and the bad moments, I want to be close to Roger.”

    “Oh Holly.” Ed said with a hint of disgust in his voice. “I don’t understand how you can say these things, after everything he’s done to us all.”

    “You’re not supposed to understand! Just like I don’t understand how you could have fallen in bed with Lillian and broke Maureen’s heart.” Her words rang true and cut straight to the heart. They hurt Ed, but Holly didn’t care at this point. “Are you going to leave so I can mourn Roger in my own way?”

    Ed shook his head.

    “No. You don’t need to be alone, not night.”

    Holly grabbed her jacket, “You never learn do you? Ed if you want to save me then by all means do it, but I won’t be here.”

    “Holly.”

    She threw open the front and reached for her car keys on the table, “Ed.” Holly mocked him, “We’re finished. It’s over.”

    Ed stood frozen in the living room as he watched the door slam…the thunder rolled and lighting struck…Holly’s car started and his mind raced with painful memories as he raced for the door and into the stormy night.



    “HOLLY!”

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - One woman receives a proposal.
    - Lillian and Sandra stuck together!
    - Olivia and Phillip relive their past!
  22. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 067, Part one
    Thursday, May 10, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********



    Through the down pouring rain Ed could see Holly’s taillights speeding away from him, she was going faster and faster. “Holly.” He spoke to himself, “Don’t do this.”

    In her own car Holly could hear the voices of days gone by: Reva accusing her of being her stalker! Blake’s accusation that her and Ross where having an affair! Ed always trying to save her no matter how much she begged him not to! But the loudest voice of all was that of Roger, “I’m your husband” Holly heard him repeat over and over…it was too much for her to bear. Holly took a sharp turn and knew that she had to make these voices stop!

    Ed followed close behind and almost lost Holly after her first turn…when she made a second and then a third he lost her.



    Like the rain beating down on the windshield, Holly’s tears fell down her face. “This has got to stop.” She told herself and in sheer desperation she slammed on the brakes and screamed out at the top of her lungs. “I have to save myself!”

    Ed finally managed to spot her car, “Oh God what are you doing?” He threw the car into park and raced to the driver side window. “Holly you open this door!” It was locked and she turned her head away from him and screamed out.

    “I told you to leave me alone!”



    “Do you know where you are?” Ed looked around and tried the handle only to find it locked, “Open the door Holly! I’m not playing games…you want to save yourself, then prove it.” He shouted as he eyes rose to the Railroad crossing sign.

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

    <object width="320" height="240"><param name="movie" value=" name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src=" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="320" height="240"></embed></object>

    **********

    “No we are not going to watch another Jim Carey movie tonight!” Tammy tossed a pillow at Shayne from the bed. “You are obsessed!”

    “I am not!”

    “Shayne!” She lectured sarcastically, “Are you serious? We’ve watched Liar, Liar, The Truman Show and Ace Venture, you are obsessed!”

    “You wanted to watch them just as much as I did.” He threw the pillow back at walked over to the desk. “You know we have more pressing issues.”



    “Do not pick up another one of those catalogs. I’m serious you’re beginning to sound like my mom. Is that what you what, to sound like Cassie Winslow?”

    “If it’ll make you pick a college to apply at then yes. It’s just something that I will have to discuss one day in my future therapy session.” He laughed and flopped down next to her with a stack of catalogs. “This is my personal choice of course.”

    “Springfield University?” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to relive high school all over again.”

    “Ouch!” Shayne grabbed his chest, “What’s wrong with SU? Lizzie and Marina both got accepted.”

    She shook her head, “I don’t know. It’s like ever since Richard died people look at me like, oh poor pitiful Tammy. I just feel so confined here sometimes. You wouldn’t understand.”

    Shayne laughed, “Oh please! Cousin you have nothing on me, okay. My mom has been married like what seven times and that includes to my dad, my uncle and my granddad. She jumped in a fountain for God’s sake. If anyone is confined here it’s me sweetheart, I am the offspring of the infamous Reva Shayne Lewis.”

    “Yeah…” Tammy agreed, “you have me beat.” They both flipped through some brochures. “I guess SU wouldn’t be so bad but I want to go out and see the world, experience life.”

    “You do remember you were a princess once upon time right?”

    She rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me. But that’s the thing I want to go to a place where no one has ever heard of San Cristobel. Somewhere that I’m not defined as Cassie’s daughter or…”

    “Reva’s niece?” Shayne asked. “I know what you mean.”

    “The reason I haven’t been looking at colleges and stuff is because I’ve already applied at three universities.”

    “Where?”

    “Well of I picked two safe options, here and Tulsa University.”



    “Mom’s been pressuring me about TU as well, oh we could go together.” Shayne thought aloud. “Where’s the third?” He questioned as Tammy attempted to avoid answering.

    **********

    Blake and Ross are at the Carriage house. Ross has been staying over since Roger’s funeral.

    “Was that Mrs. Robinson on the phone?” Ross asked.

    Blake shook her head, “Yeah. She offered to keep the kids tonight.”

    “Clarissa isn’t scared of the thunder?” Ross questioned.

    “Apparently not.” She smiled, “Nancy said that the girls were playing dress up and the twins were watching some GI Joe video. They’re fine and you are not going anywhere.” Blake instructed, “I saw you looking for your car keys, it’s much to dangerous for you to be out there.”

    “Well we did have an arrangement, after Roger’s funeral I would…”



    “Leave?” Blake asked, “Well that’s not happening. I want to thank you though Ross. After what we’ve gone through the last few months,” she rolled her eyes, “the last year with Tory and my craziness I would have understood if you didn’t want to be around.”

    “Are you kidding where else would I have been Blake?”

    She shrugged her shoulders, “I don’t know, but you didn’t have to be here. You’ve been so good to me and mom, especially considering the tirade I went on about the two of you.”

    “We’re both to blame there.” Ross admitted. “I should have not went behind your back like I did. That was careless and foolish, considering what you and I had just gone through with Tory.”

    Blake wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his, “You are to good for me Ross Marler.”

    “I think you’ve got that backwards, you are to good for me.” He kissed her again and they stood there looking at one another, no words were spoken, there was no need for them.



    “Can I tell you something that I don’t think you want to hear?” He finally asked still holding Blake in his arms.

    **********

    At the church Alexandra begins to tell Gus why she thought she had to give him up for adoption. Alexandra explains that she had two sons, Lujack and Nick.

    “At the time I didn’t know I had twins. I was drugged up on painkillers, I only got to hold Lujack for a little while before a nurse took him away.”

    “And Nick?” Gus questioned.



    “I found out about Nick, um sixteen years ago I believe. Billy Lewis’ daughter found him in New York City, his father Eric came to Springfield about year later and confirmed the news.”

    “That’s very outlandish…”

    “It’s the honest to God truth. You can ask Alan, he’ll tell you. He was there.” Alexandra told him, “Lujack died in an explosion twenty-two years ago. If you don’t believe me ask Beth, he died her arms.”

    “Go on. Don’t stop now.”

    “The twins father, Eric Luvonaczek…oh God I loved that man. But he had a price, everyone has a price and Brandon found out what it was. He left town with Lujack, Nick went into an orphanage and later was adopted. I begged Alan, I pleaded with Alan to help me…”

    “But he didn’t?”

    She shook her head no.

    “Where do I fit into all of this Alexandra?”

    “I ran away, I packed and took a one way flight to Paris and blew through my money faster than I care to think. I partied for a month and by April I was broke. I was at a party one night and met Locke Walls. He was a rocker, everything I needed in my life at that point, he was anti-Spaulding and I loved it.” She sat down on the front pew.

    “I thought he was some struggling musician with no money and that’s what I wanted at that point in my life. Gus, your father was Roy Baker. I met him while running around with Locke, they were cousins. One night, we got so drunk and Roy told me that Locke’s mother his aunt married into a wealthy European family. I was so angry and one thing led to another and another and the next morning I woke up next to Roy, naked.”



    “And Roy Baker where does he fit into this story Alexandra?” Gus questioned.

    **********

    Olivia flopped down on the sofa and watched Phillip in front of the fire. “I am so ready for this child to be born.” She patted her stomach.

    Phillip laughed, “I suppose you are. Olivia can I ask you a question that is probably going to offend you?”

    “And if I said no?” She questioned, “Go ahead.”

    “How sure are you about who the father of the baby is?”

    “You’re right it does offend me..” She stood up from the sofa, “Why don’t you go ahead and stitch the scarlet A onto my chest right now.”

    “That’s not what I meant by it Olivia. There’s just a chance that the baby could be mine we both know it.”

    “You can’t be this baby’s father.” Olivia told him. “And the reason I know is because it’s what I want. I wanted Josh, I got Josh and then I lost him to Reva. It’s how my life works Phillip. Whatever I want I lose and it never works any other way.” She picked up a picture of her and Alan on their wedding. “I’ve prayed so hard that this baby would be yours, but God doesn’t hear my prayers.”

    “Olivia…” He tried.

    “I wanted children and I will love this little boy or this little girl more than my own life, but apart of me will always know what Alan did.” She sat the picture down. “If I could get out of this marriage I would. I don’t want to lose my money, my power, and my hotel I owe that to Cassie at least. Plus I do not want to lose the privilege of being Mrs. Alan Spaulding.”

    “The pre-nuptial agreement?” Phillip questioned. “Is it the standard Alan Spaulding pre-nup?”

    “Of course, I guess, Phillip I don’t know. It says that I can’t leave Alan of my own accord for any reason and if I do then he retains everything I brought into the marriage and I get nothing.”

    “Alan’s usual agreements state that both parties must be willing to consent to the divorce decree.”



    “What do you mean?” Olivia questioned. “Are you saying that if I don’t agree to the divorce there is nothing Alan can do?” She raised her eyebrow at him. “Even if I had an affair?”

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - Part Two of this episode...
    - Phillip's confession to Olivia!
    - Ed's dramatic life changing move!
  23. Josh
    The Guiding Light: Episode 067, Part Two
    Thursday, May 10, 2007
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

    **********



    “George Washington University.”

    “In DC?”

    Tammy shook her head yes. “And I got accepted!” She beamed.

    “Really?” Shayne forced a smiled. “Are you, um, ready for another movie? Your choice.”

    Tammy put the envelope back in her purse she hadn’t even told Cassie yet about the development. “No. Shayne what’s your problem? We were just talking about colleges and you seemed so happy and then I tell you some of the best news of my life and you shut down. What gives?”

    “I’m sorry Tammy.” Shayne apologized. “I am so happy for you, I just thought I would be able to talk you into staying? Since Roxanne arrived and caused so much havoc it seems like you’re the only person I can really talk to and if you move away…”

    “Come with me Shayne. We could live in the student housing for a semester and then get a cheap apartment or something. We could have so much fun, go out on double dates, be tourists everyday that we were there.”

    “My place is here in Springfield.” He somberly replied and turned the television back on. “Let’s just watch Dreamgirls, that’s what you wanted to watch next wasn’t it.”

    She turned the TV off as a clap of thunder roared in the background, “Something else is going on and before you put the blame off on Marah and Reva’s fighting you should know that I’m not buying it.” Tammy demanded, “What’s going on Shayne? And don’t you dare lie to me.”

    **********

    And Now "The Guiding Light"

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    **********

    Inside the car Holly cranked the radio up in an effort to drown out Ed’s warnings. “Leave me alone.”

    “Not a chance in hell.” Ed whispered as the rain fell harder and harder. In the distance he heard the train whistle blow, “HOLLY!” Ed screamed, “There’s a train coming.”

    She closed her eyes and swayed her head back and forth. “I know you can hear me.” She heard him say, “Turn your head.” Ed warned and then without a pause he busted the glass.



    Ed quickly lifted her out of the seat and she didn’t even bother to fight him. “Roger.” Holly softly as Ed shook his head in disgust once more. “Put me down.” She finally spoke, “I don’t need you to save me.”

    “Do you know what is happening?” He shouted full of anger, “You keep saying the same damn thing over and over, but look.” She jerked her head away in spite, “Look…” Ed grabbed her cheeks and they both watched as the train suddenly hit Holly’s black sedan…as she witnessed the events Holly crumbled into Ed’s arms in tears beyond control.

    **********

    At Cedars, Sandra questions what just happened as Lillian looks back in sheer amazement.

    “I’m sorry I don’t mean to stare.” Lillian told her as she hung up the emergency phone.

    “Then stop it.” Sandra shot back. “What’s your problem anyway?” She looked in her purse, “How long did they say it was going to be?”

    “Ten to fifteen minutes.” Lillian answered. “I’m Lillian Raines, the head nurse here at Cedars.”



    “If I introduce myself will you stop gawking at me Lillian?”

    “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. It’s just that you resemble someone I used to know many years ago,” Lillian paused, “a friend of mine actually.”

    She forced a smile, “I see. Sandra O’Dell.” She introduced, “How do you do?”

    Lillian shook her hand and an eerie feeling overwhelmed her, “O’Dell?”

    She shook her, “Yes. Why?”

    Lillian raised her eyebrows and thought back to her last visit with Susan Stewart in Oakdale.



    “Oh nothing, probably just a coincides of sorts.” She blew it off. “So what brings you to Cedars tonight?”

    **********

    Alexandra further explains that a few days later Vera arrived, Brandon had sent her to bring Alex home. Alexandra says that a few days later she found out she was pregnant again.

    “I knew that Brandon would never let me keep you. So Vera and I came up with a plan. She hid me in Chicago for nine months and continued to go to work everyday at the Spaulding house pretending to be pregnant.”

    ”How did my parents come into this?”

    “I met Angela at the market one day when I was about three months pregnant. We talked and developed a friendship. By my eighth month, Vera died and we faked her death, right along with the babies.”

    “And my father helped?”

    Alexandra shook her head, and smiled “Yes, he did. I gave Vera the bracelet and that was the evidence found in her murder. Joe opened the case and within a few week or so it closed, she was a Jane Doe. A month later in February you were born. I held you for about an hour and then I knew what I had to do.”

    “Give me away.”

    “For your safety, not only from Alan and Brandon but from Roy Baker. He was drunk and worthless piece of trash, but he wasn’t stupid. If he knew you were his son and I your mother…he would have made both our lives a living hell.”

    “And what he found out?”

    “Yes about year ago. He finally put two and two together and came up with four. Go figure. He had to believe that Vera was your mother and that you had no connection to him.”

    Gus stands in shock! Alexandra apologizes profusely. She says that after he was born and settled she returned to the Spaulding mansion insisting that Vera had never found, which was their cover story.

    “I did what was best for you, what I thought I had to do. You remember that Gus.” Alexandra told him. “I named you for God’s sake. Don’t ask me why I named you Nicholas but did.”

    “But why keep lying?”



    Alex shrugged her shoulders. “I guess I was still scared. The truth is when I found Nick and invaded his life in a way that almost drove he and I apart. It’s something that I am not proud of. I guess I just figured that I would keep my distance like I’ve done all of your life.”

    Gus walked down the isle towards the door and stopped midway. “So what’s changed?”

    “I realized that my father is dead. Lujack is gone and Nick barely calls me on the holidays. I realized that I’m much stronger than I was almost forty years ago when I heard that car explode.” Tears streamed down her face. “I have to change, I need to change and I’m so sorry for lying to you. I’m so sorry for Harley’s condition, but Gus I’m not sorry for giving you away. I had to do it, for your sake and mine.”

    The church fell silent. “You can hate me or you can love. I’ll survive either way. Just don’t shut the door on us completely. Okay?” Alexandra kissed his cheek and walked out of the church into the storm.

    **********

    “Even if you had an affair. My father has justice coming to him and if we work together Olivia we can get back at him for every wrong thing he’s done.”



    “What do you mean? Why do you want to get back at your father?”

    “He’s taken everything I’ve ever wanted from me. Can I be perfectly honest with you?”

    “Go ahead.”

    “Marrying Beth was a mistake. We rushed into blindly and I really think that Alan is the one who pushed her towards me.”

    “Really?”

    Phillip shook his head. “I love Beth, I have my entire life but I think we’ve been pulled apart once to many times and we will never recapture…” he took a seat next to her, “it’s time you and I both got what we want Olivia.” They both moved in to one another and she could feel his breath on her face.

    “This will never work.” She backed away at the last possible second. “Alan will never buy it for one second and you will destroy Beth. How do you think she will handle that?”

    “I love Beth but sometimes love isn’t enough. This will work we’ll convince this baby is mine. It’s not out of the realm of possibilities.” He flashed his handsome smile.

    “And Alan will kick me out in a New York second and I still lose everything Phillip. It won’t work.”



    “Yes it will. He’ll hate you that’s true and he’ll try to push the divorce, but don’t give in.”

    “And I ask again Phillip, what about Beth? This will destroy her and I don’t think much of her, but you do.”

    “It’s just how it would have to be I suppose.” He answered as she stood up. “Where are you going?”

    “Upstairs. I need to lie down and think about this, it’s a complicated decision.”

    “One that could work Olivia. Trust me.”

    She left the study and began to climb the stairs as Phillip put the fire out. “PHILLIP!” She screamed out as he raced to her.

    “What is it?”

    “Phillip, my water…” she cried out in fear, “my water just broke.”

    **********

    Blake replied softly, “Sure.”



    “I kept everything about my position at the university from you because I didn’t think you were strong enough to handle it or accept the fact that I wanted to go back there.”

    “Ross…” she tried to speak.

    He put his finger to her lips, “No, don’t say anything. There’s more. Even after the truth came out I still thought you weren’t strong enough to handle my desire to want to go back. But you know what?”

    “What?”

    “You’ve proved me wrong.” Ross kissed her again. “These last few days watching you with Holly, watching you hold your composure around Amanda I realized that you are so much stronger than I have ever given you credit for. You didn’t need me standing there with you holding your hand, you stood by yourself Blake.”

    “I’ve always known I could stand alone Ross. I just don’t want to. You didn’t tell me about your involvement with the university because you wanted to protect me, keep me safe from harm or danger, but I don’t need that. I’m a grown woman who has made many good and many bad choices in her life. I’m a mother, a daughter, a friend…I don’t need your protection, but I want it. Do you understand what I’m saying? You and I we’re a team and I want your protection. But you have to let me know what dangers are out there lurking. Okay?”

    “Okay.”

    “I love you so much.” She finally said for the first time in months. “Right now, it doesn’t matter if you were right and I was wrong or the other way around. I want you in my life…Ross…”

    “Can I tell you something?” She shook her head yes. “The morning that Holly called and told you about Roger I was planning something for you.”

    “What?” She asked.

    Ross walked across to his jacket and pulled out a small velvet box. “I was going to ask you to be my wife again.” He announced.

    “Ross!” Blake gasped and covered her mouth, “Are you serious?”

    “More serious tonight than I was then. Blake we’ve survived a deranged madwoman, secrets, deception, the death of your father and you know what?”

    She shook her head, “Yeah I do know. We’re still standing together. Ask me Ross.” She cried out in excitement!

    “Blake Thorpe-Marler, will you marry me? Again?”



    She let him slip the ring on her finger, “YES!” She exclaimed! “Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes! I thought I had wrecked it forever and that you would never ask.” She kissed him on the lips and they fell to the couch together. He would later take her to the bedroom where they would make love and listen as the storm raged outside!

    :Fade to Black:

    Next on “The Guiding Light!”
    - Part Two of this episode...
    - Phillip's confession to Olivia!
    - Ed's dramatic life changing move!
  24. Josh
    THE GUIDING LIGHT RECIEVES NINE NOMINATIONS

    STILLWATER, OK - After a two month wait the SONBC Award nominees for the 1st Annual ceremony have been announced.

    Outstanding Leading Male Character
    Joshua Lewis represented by Robert Newman
    Outstanding Leading Female Character
    Beth Raines Spaulding represented by Beth Chamberlin
    Outstanding Supporting Male Character
    Dr. Rick Bauer represented by Michael O'Leary
    Outstanding Supporting Female Character
    Marah Lewis represented by Alexa Havins
    Outstanding Younger Female Character
    Lizzie Spaulding represented by Marcy Rylan
    Outstanding Storyline
    Reva's Stalker Revealed & Tony's death
    Outstanding Drama Series
    Executive Producer: Josh Hawkins Co-Head Writers: Dan Gobble, Josh Hawkins Storyline Consultant: Michael Allen

    <BR>
    The SONBC blog award winners will be announced on May 21st. For a complete list of all the blog nominees visit the post. We congratulate all the blogs who have been nominated and to the pre-nomination committee for their efforts.
  25. Josh
    The Guiding Light
    Episode 071
    In the Light: Holly & Blake
    Written By: Josh Hawkins & Dan Gobble

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    <HR>

    “Where am I?” Holly tossed in her bed and laid her eyes on Ed sitting in the chair asleep. “Where have you taken me?” She shouted at him.

    Ed rubbed his forehead and yawned, “Good morning.”

    “I asked you a question Ed Bauer!” Holly bolted from the bed, “Where am…you brought me to Cedars?” She finally realized.

    “You needed to be here Holly. After what happened last night I didn’t know what else to do.”

    “And what…what happened last night Ed? I told you our relationship was over and you what kidnapped me? I never expected that from you of all people.”

    “That’s hardly the case Holly.” Ed defended, “Do you not remember anything about last night.”

    “I remember plenty.” She sneered. “An uninvited, unwelcome visitor, the rain storm and you…you refusing to leave. So tell me, how did we end up here?”

    Ed popped his fingers and thought of the right words. “Holly something else happened last night after you ran out of Hollybend.” He took a long pause.

    “Well? I’m listening please tell me how I’ve ended up here of all places!”

    “You sped away from Hollybend and I followed you. After about fifteen minutes of driving you stopped at the railroading crossing and that’s where you parked your car Holly.”

    She looked across the room in a blank stare. “You’re making that up. I think I would remember parking my car on railroad tracks Ed.”

    “You would think, yes. But you weren’t thinking last night Holly. You locked your doors and refused to talk to me. The train was coming and you wouldn’t let me in your car so I had to break the window and pull you out.”

    Holly toyed with her fingers. “So you left me car on the side of the road and brought me to Cedars, very responsible of you Ed.”

    He threw the morning edition of The Journal on the bed and shouted at her, “Read it! Look at the picture Holly! There is no car…the train smashed into and it if that wasn’t enough it exploded! Damn it Holly do you realize what could have happened to you?”

    “Don’t you dare…” her voice cracked, “don’t you dare raise your voice to me Ed.”

    “If that is what it will take to get your attention then that’s what I’m going to do Holly! I’m going to yell, scream and shout because you’ve got to realize what happened last night. You could have died and what’s even scarier about the whole situation is that I don’t think you even care!” Ed paused and touched her shoulder.

    She pulled away, “I don’t remember any of that.”



    “Of course you don’t.” He replied. “Let me ask you a question Holly. Did you want to die last night? Because what you did has suicide attempt written all over it and I just need to know…”

    “You don’t need to know anything Ed, you’re not my husband!” She screamed at him, “Do you understand that? You seem so concerned that I understand what I’ve done, what about what you’ve done! I don’t remember much but the one thing I do know is that I asked you to leave, I told you to leave my house but you refused, so yes I left last night, that I do remember.”

    “Holly…” he said in a sympatric voice.

    “Don’t you pity me. Don’t!” Holly reached for the door and found it locked. “You’ve locked me in here? Where have you taken me?”

    “You’re in the psychiatric ward.” Ed revealed.

    Holly’s hand landed against Ed’s cheek startling him. “I don’t even know you anymore!” She said in a hushed voice. “I want to talk to my daughter, right now or you’ll have far more to worry about that a slap across the face.”

    <HR>



    “Everything okay in here?” Dr. Felicia Boudreau shut the door behind her. “I could hear the two of you halfway down the hall.”

    “That’s because everything is not okay in here.” Holly announced. “Felicia, I haven’t been Mrs. Ed Bauer in many, many years so tell me on what grounds does he have to admit me to the psychiatric ward of this establishment.”

    “Because of his prominence with this establishment, Ms. Reade and his reputation in Springfield we admitted you under his care. From what Dr. Bauer explained you had made careless, dangerous and life threatening choices during the storm last night.”

    “Well I also have a reputation among Springfield, good and bad.” Holly retorted. “And my former son-in-law is one of the most prominent attorneys in this town so I swear to God in Heaven above if I don’t speak to my next-of-kin in the next ten minutes I will bring so many lawsuits against this hospital that at the end of the day I’ll own it.”

    Felicia left to make the call and Holly turned to Ed. “You forced me into the psych ward, huh? How very noble of you Ed.”

    “Don’t make this about me Holly. There is something the matter with you and you need help.” He touched her shoulders. “Don’t you know that I just want to be here for you, to help you through all of this.”

    “I don’t know how many more ways I can say this Ed.” She sat down on the bed and leaned her head down. “I feel like I’m saying the same words over and over and over again, I’m tired. And the reason I feel like I’m repeating myself is because I am.”

    “You could have killed yourself.” He told her harshly. “Do you realize that?”

    “And this I will admit, I have been in a very bad place these last few months. It just seems that everything collided all at once. Reva and Blake thinking that I was sleeping with Ross and then…”

    “Roger.”

    “Yes, Roger.” She wiped her face with the palm of her hand. “Am I thankful that you were there last night? Of course, words will never begin to express my gratitude but don’t think that you’re a hero in all of this. You pushed me to that point last night, if anyone is to blame it’s you.”

    “You don’t need a hero right?”

    “I think you’re finally catching on Ed. We have to be over, for now at least. I’m speaking straight from my heart now, no yelling or screaming, no running out into the stormy night.” Tears fell down her cheeks. “You have this prince-charming complex about you, it’s romantic and it’s sweet but you don’t know when to stop. You don’t know when you’ve gone to far. Ed you always think you have to save someone, but there comes point when we have to save ourselves.”

    Ed walked over to the door. “I never meant to drive this wedge between us. You know how much I care about you Holly, you always have.” He pulled open the door. “You’re the first woman since Eve that I truly loved, I hope you know that. And I hope you also know that I never meant to do anything that would ever hurt you.”

    Without a reply from her Ed shut the door and walked down the hall with small tears in his eyes.

    <HR>

    “Oh Felicia there you are.” Blake said, “Do you know that you are a very hard woman to catch up with.”

    “Yes, I know.”

    “Anyway I got down here as quick as I could. Your message was very unclear as to what is going on.” Her eyes darted through the hall and she saw Ed leaving one of the rooms. “Ed!”

    “Blake.” Ed opened his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here, Holly’s been asking for you.”

    “Where is my mother?”

    “I have to go.” Ed kissed her on the cheek. “Felicia’s going to get you up to date on everything and if you need me call me. Okay?”

    “Okay?” Blake raised her eyebrow. “Ed what are you not telling me?”

    “Blake let’s go into my office and talk.”

    “As a matter let’s not Felicia. Is my mother on this floor?”

    <HR>

    As soon as the lock turned Blake was inside Holly’s room hugging her. “Look at me.” Blake held her face outward, “Are you okay? Felicia just told me what happened last night. Mom what were you thinking?”



    “I’m fine.” Holly answered as she choked back tears. “Ed was there he save my life, I’m fine.” She reached up with her hand to wipe Blake’s cheeks. “Don’t do that.”

    “I am so thankful you are all right.” Blake kissed her forehead. “I met Ed in the hallway he looked like he had um, something important to do. I’m sure he’ll be back later. Mom…”

    “Actually he won’t. Ed and I have reached a mutual understanding if you will.”

    “What does that mean?”

    “It means that Ed and I are no longer seeing one another?”

    Blake shook her head, “I don’t understand. He saves your life and you what dump him?”

    “It’s a little more complicated than and I don’t want to get into all right now. All that you need to know is that it’s time your mother learn to stand up and be on her own for awhile.”

    “Alone?” Blake questioned. “Who are you trying to convince with that act? You and I, were not alone, never again.” She interlaced her hand with Holly’s. “We have one another, we stand together.”

    Holly laid her head on Blake’s shoulder. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.” The women heard a knock on the door, “I love you.” Holly whispered as Felicia entered.

    <HR>

    “So what’s wrong with me Felicia? Or am I just crazy?”

    “No.” Felicia smiled, “Rest assured you’re not crazy. Holly I was reading in your chart and saw that you’ve suffered from Season Affection Disorder in the past, do you actively seek treatment?”

    “I don’t. It’s not been that bad in the last few years. I sleep with a light on from time to time, the TV on it just depends. Felicia I know that I’ve been suffering from it this year, but never in all my life have I done something like I did last night.”

    “We looked at the weather patterns and they broke around March 5, the disorder should have broke by that point.”

    “But it didn’t?” Blake questioned.

    “No. Holly your SAD rolled over into a depression and we have reason to believe that it’s turned into post-traumatic stress disorder.”

    Holly turned away from Blake and her eyes filled with tears. “Oh God.” She struggled to hold her tears back and finally spoke softly. “Is this why I did what I did last night?”

    “Felicia we need to know what the steps will be to start treating this, immediately.” Blake took her mother’s hand and locked eyes with her. “We’re going to get through this, okay?”

    “Let me go get started on your discharge paperwork and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Felicia walked towards the door, “Blake could I see you outside for a moment.”

    “For what?” Holly asked. “Don’t do this Felicia, don’t start keeping secrets from me now.”

    “Holly I would dare keep anything from you. Blake is your emergency contact and she’ll have to sign your release papers. Okay?”

    “Mom why don’t you change clothes and I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Blake added, “Everything is going all right.”

    “Is there something you’re not telling me Felicia?” Blake questioned once in the corridor. “I won’t keep secrets from my mother, you should know that upfront.”

    “Trust me I don’t want you to keep anything from Holly. Dr. Bauer helped me review Holly’s medical history last night and early this morning, you know he’s very concerned about your mother.”

    “Good I’m glad he was able to get you up to speed so quickly but my mother under no certain terms, does not want Ed consulting on this case.”

    “Blake are you sure?”

    “Very. She’s made it very clear as to where she stand with Ed and I have to respect her decisions. All right?”

    “That’s fine. The one problem is that Holly’s a recovering alcoholic and it’s been my experience that many turn to the bottle to when they hear the word depression.” Felicia explained. “I’m going to prescribe a low dose Lexapro for Holly but I would strongly, again I strongly urge that you not leave Holly alone until she’s used to the medication.”

    “Are you saying I should what move in with her?”

    “Something along those lines, yes.” Felicia’s pager went off. “I have to answer this, excuse me.”

    “Of course.” Blake sighed and glanced down at her watch.

    “You know I could always move your mother into the house with me.” Ed announced.

    “Oh God Ed!” Blake wrapped her arms his neck, “I don’t know how to thank you enough for what you’ve did.”

    “I love your mother Blake. I would have done that and so much more if I had to. And I want to, you’re just going to have to convince her…”

    “I’m going to stop you there and not let you finish that sentence. She’s depressed, not crazy. Ed she’s made her mind up and I know better than anyone how much you love and care about her but this isn’t about you or me, it’s about her.”

    “I just want to help Blake.” His voice was soft, broken almost.

    “Of course you do. It’s what you do best and I love you for it, but right know if you want to help do what she’s asking, step back and wait.” Blake kissed his cheek. “Are we clear here? You’ll respect her decision.”

    “Of course. And if you need anything you’ll call?”

    Blake shook her head yes. “I have to go back in.”

    <HR>

    “He didn’t convince you that I needed rescuing again did he?” Holly questioned. “I saw you taking to him in the hallway, I’m crazy not blind.”

    “You’re not crazy, stop saying that you are.” Blake lectured. “And no Ed didn’t convince me of anything I actually in fact convinced him to give you some space.”

    “Well thank God someone did. You know he came over to Hollybend last night during the storm and I told him to leave Blake, I did!” Holly explained. “I was on that railroad track last night not because of your father like Ed thinks, it was because of him.”

    “Mom we’re going to move on okay? You’re going to start taking the medication that Felicia’s prescribing, you’re not going to park your car on anymore railroad tracks.”

    “Of course not.” Holly replied. “I don’t have a car anymore.” She smiled.

    “Yeah, good point we’ll put that on a list of things to do.” Blake paused, “There is one more thing.”

    “What?”

    “Clarissa and I are going to move into Hollybend for awhile.”

    Holly rolled her eyes and shook her head. “No you’re not! Absolutely no Blake, no! You just said yourself I’m not crazy I will not have you babysitting me wondering if I’ll try something dangerously foolish again. No!”

    “Well I didn’t think you would but now that you put it into words I’m a little worried.” Blake reached into her purse and pulled out the velvet box. “We’re moving in because Ross is having work done on the carriage house and I can’t parade around in my wedding dress if I’m there.”

    “What?” Holly gasped and took the box out of Blake’s hand. “When? Where? Oh my God! You said yes right?”

    “Of course.” She slipped the ring on. “I wanted to tell you first before I flashed around my huge diamond engagement ring. And he asked me last night during the thunderstorm.”

    Holly shook her head. “The two of you and storms!” After the laughter died down Blake took a seat next to Holly on the bed.

    “There’s something else and it’s about Daddy’s will.”

    “What about it?”

    “I read the letter he left me and inside was a proxy. Mom, he left me his voting shares of Spaulding Enterprises.”

    “Oh Blake…what are you going to do?”



    She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know because that’s not all. When I combined those shares plus the ones Alan-Michael and Phillip gave me…” Blake paused, “I think I’m the third highest ranking stockholder at Spaulding Enterprise.”

    <HR>

    :Fade to Black:

    On the Next Episode…
    - Tammy & Shayne receive news that changes the course of their life!
    - Bill goes to Ross for advice!
    - Mike leaves Springfield!
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