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EPISODE 61 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sonny gets up from the sofa in his apartment, a bit angry as Will holds onto the contract from EnerNext, which he had attempted to present to Sonny. WILL: What do you mean, I can't take this job? SONNY: You can't, Will! This job...it's a mistake. Will gets up from the sofa, and walks over to the desk, placing the contract on it, deliberately where Sonny can see. WILL: Why? Because you don't like it? I thought you just said you believed in my work. SONNY: I've told you why, Will. It's not about your talent or your work, it's that you're working for a corrupt organization-- WILL: That your Great Uncle owns. That your father works for as legal counsel. If they're so damned evil, why is it that every penny of your family's money stem from that corporation. Sonny walks off toward the bedroom, shaking his head as Will follows him. WILL: Don't walk away from me! You know I'm right. Sonny stops and turns around, pointing angrily at Will. SONNY: No. No, I don't know you're right, Will. In fact, I can give you a hundred reasons why this is the worst decision you could possibly make. --- EJ stands in the DiMera living room, looking over some paperwork quickly, when he hears a commotion from the foyer. After a moment of listening, he heads for the doorway and not long after, the doors to the living room swing open, with Harold trying in vain to keep an enraged Jennifer Horton from walking into the room. JENNIFER: You! EJ: Good Lord, Jennifer! I would've figured a family of middle class doctors would have raised their children to have better manners than that. JENNIFER: Don't even START with me, EJ! I want answers. EJ: About what? JENNIFER: About where my daughter is, and why did you send her halfway across the world, and don't even think for a second it wasn't your idea, I saw you yesterday at the hospital, so give up the game! EJ looks frustrated, and looks away for a moment to try to answer respectfully. --- John steps into the Titan board room, striding in with casual confidence, much to Victor's chagrin. VICTOR: John! What a surprise. I expect you've come for the meeting. JOHN: Well, I wasn't planning on it, mostly because no one told me until just very recently. John stops behind Kate's seat and casually puts a hand on Kate's shoulder. Kate tenses, a bit surprised by John's touch, but looks back to Victor, who notices the small but pointed gesture. VICTOR: Fascinating. JOHN: I thought so. Now, I've got a question for you, Vic. VICTOR: Now isn't a great time, we're in the middle of a vote. John puts both hands on his hips. A smile grows on John's face as he walks towards Victor. JOHN: A vote, hm? See. Now, that actually, was exactly what my question was about. VICTOR: Really. JOHN: You know it! Here's what I wanna know, Vic. Have you retained Brady's place on the board, or have you had him declared dead? --- --- Will folds his arms, looking unimpressed at Sonny as Sonny lays into him for considering the EnerNext job. WILL: Alright. Go ahead, Sonny. Tell me why I shouldn't take the best damned job that's ever been offered to me. SONNY: Will, there will be other jobs that are just as good as this one. WILL: Oh, so I should follow my dreams, but only when they line up with your world view. SONNY: Will, that's not what I'm saying. WILL: Yes, it's exactly what you're saying! What makes you the authority on what's right and what's wrong? SONNY: I'm saying that I know what it's like to have someone flash a lot of money in front of your face. It can change you really quickly. Sonny walks in closer to Will and puts his hands on Will's shoulders. He looks intently into his eyes. SONNY: I want you to be careful, Will. WILL: I'm not exactly from a poor home, you know. I can take care of myself. Sonny looks down, dropping his hands to his sides as he thinks his answer through. SONNY: Okay. I don't think you should take this job, but if it's something you really want, and I mean truly, truly, want....then I will support that. Will leans over and kisses Sonny on the lips. They both smile as they look warmly at each other. WILL: Thank you. SONNY: Just remember, Uncle Vic can suck in even the best, most generous people in the world, and turn them into cynical, bitter, entitled bastards. Watch yourself. Will nods in understanding. WILL: Got it. Will and Sonny come together for a warm embrace, before slowly leaning in to kiss each other gently on the lips. They look at each other, standing forehead-to-forehead and giggle before kissing again. Flopping down on the couch, they kiss a bit more intensely, before Will pushes Sonny back gently and climbs on top of him. Gabi walks in just at that same moment and jumps back, but smiles as she sees her roommates together. GABI: Well what did I just walk in on. Sonny and Will laugh as they separate. Will jumps off the couch and heads towards Gabi, greeting her with a quick hug. WILL: Ohhh nothing, just some fiancee/fiancee bonding time. Oh I have some news. GABI: Oh yeah? Will walks over to the desk again and pulls the contract from the manila envelope it had been in. He shows it to Gabi. WILL: I have been offered a job. A very...very...good...job. Gabi's eyes widen as she quickly looks at it. GABI: Wow! PR for Titan. That's HUGE, Will. Congrats! Gabi and Will lean in to hug each other. Gabi's smiling widely as she embraces him. Will pulls back after their hug and looks at Gabi a little oddly. WILL: You seem so...relaxed. Gabi's taken aback slightly by Will's statement. She walks past him, heading for the couch, where she quickly flops down. GABI: Really? Why, was I super-tense before? SONNY: Well...not to put too fine a point on it, but....yeah. Gabi looks at Sonny, who's sitting next to her on the sofa, and laughs a bit. GABI: Well...if I am, it's because all of our troubles are soon gonna completely disappear. --- EJ sighs as he walks over to the minibar and grabs a glass, holding it up as he speaks to an unimpressed Jenn. EJ: You look like you could use a drink. EJ turns around as Jenn smacks the glass from his hand, smashing it against the wall. EJ stands still, stunned by her rage. EJ: Or several. JENNIFER: This is not a game, EJ. I want to know where my daughter is. EJ: Jennifer, your daughter took a job in Italy for a few weeks. It is not a big deal. It's a very short assignment that came up last minute. I apologize if she didn't talk to you about it, but I have a feeling, considering your rather hysterical reaction just now that I know why she didn't. Jennifer, undaunted, steps in close to EJ, an intensity in her eyes that says she means business. JENNIFER: My daughter would not have done anything like this if it weren't for you. She has been acting like a complete basket case for months ever since she quit the hospital. EJ: And you blame me for that. JENNIFER: Yes, I blame you! You are the only thing that connects all of this. Ever since you two have been talking about Jack's book, ever since she's been looking after Johnny and Sydney and Allie, then quitting her job out of nowhere to work for you and Sami. EJ stops Jennifer, holding up one finger to make a quick interjection. He speaks almost too calmly back to an enraged Jennifer. EJ: That was all Samantha's idea. She saw your daughter was in need and did what any good friend and shrewd businesswoman would do. JENNIFER: Because of you. It's all because of you. It's so obvious to me now. You did something or said something to her that upset her so much that she was forced out of the hospital. Didn't you? EJ rolls his eyes, worried that Jenn is onto him, he looks back at Jenn with a frustrated look. --- Victor stands at the head of the board room table, looking on angrily at John. VICTOR: How dare you? Of course I'm retaining Brady's seat on the board. No one's declared him dead yet, have you? JOHN: Nope, I had no intention of it. I know strange things can happen in this town, and I won't believe he's gone until I see a body. VICTOR: Then what the hell are you asking for? John steps forward towards Victor and puts his briefcase down on the table. He speaks very casually, which is offputting to Victor. JOHN: Well, Brady made me proxy in the event of his absence from all vital Titan board meetings, and I know that in the event of my absence, that you, Victor, would gain his proxy vote. Victor sighs, knowing John is right, and with a glint of worry in Victor's eye. VICTOR: That is the truth. TYLER: We were just coming up on Brady's vote, in fact. JOHN: Perfect. I'd be happy to help. Victor looks sharply at Tyler, muttering to him in hopes John doesn't hear. VICTOR: Be careful, Houston. We may be in big trouble now. TYLER: (quietly) Well, you thought Kate and company were on your side as well, so John may surprise you yet. VICTOR: Fair enough. Kate looks at the goings on at the head of the table and pulls both Billie and Lucas in close. KATE: (whispering) I think I see sweat forming on Victor's brow already. LUCAS: (whispering) Let's just hope for everyone's sake that John doesn't vote against us. Billie shushes both her mom and brother, pointing to the front of the board room. Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John. TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you? John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer. ---

EPISODE 68 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson John stands before the crowd, with Victor beside him, the crowd still milling about, conversing warmly and sharing memories of Brady. John turns to Victor and quietly asks him a question. JOHN: Now...you're sure you don't want to speak? VICTOR: Positive. As far as I'm concerned, this whole thing is a farce. I'll be mourning my grandson only if they find me proof that he's really dead. As the kids say, I wanna see the reciepts. John shrugs, nodding his head in understanding. JOHN: Alright. But I gotta tell ya, Vic. You're gonna regret not speaking today. And you know it. VICTOR: I'll take my chances. As John and Victor finish their conversation, Hope and Aiden explode into the square. Still bickering, they cause a scene in the square as they storm in, Hope storming in first, trying to ignore Aiden as he follows her, shouting at her. AIDEN: ...And I swear, I've never see a cop be such a rotten driver in my entire life! Hope stops and turns around, pointing at Aiden. HOPE: And you need to learn what a turn signal does. AIDEN: Oh, THAT again? Come on! Hope, you're being ridiculous. HOPE: Oh, I'm being ridiculous? Right, I'm not the one who's trying to weasel his way out of a ticket by trying to cozy up to the officer issuing the ticket. Aiden snaps in a voice loud enough to be heard in the next county. AIDEN: YOU OFFERED ME A RIDE! Aiden's outburst is greeted by stone silence from everyone in the square. Aiden and Hope immediately feel sheepish for having rendered the crowd silent, and Hope immediately sits down in the nearest seat. Victor pats John gently on the back as John turns to the crowd before the collection of chairs assembled by Tom & Alice Horton's tree. JOHN: If I can have everybody's attention, please. Please, everyone, have a seat. The crowd hushes as everyone begins to filter into the seats. Hope looks daggers at Aiden as he sits down in front of her, an equally sheepish look on his face. She mutters angrily to him. HOPE: I hope you're satisfied. As she says this, Caroline shuffles in to sit beside Hope on one side, with Maggie down beside her. Daniel, naturally, by her side. Caroline speaks softly to Hope, as she puts a hand on her shoulder. CAROLINE: I'm glad you could make it. HOPE: Thanks. It's good to see you too. DANIEL: I gotta admit, that was quite an entrance. Hope blushes, making an embarrassed face as she replies to Daniel. HOPE: Yeah, I...guess I should just stick with saying 'hello' and hugs, right? MAGGIE: I was just surprised it took you this long. HOPE: Well...I got kinda...tied up. Hope looks Aiden's way as she speaks, with Maggie, Caroline, and Daniel's eyes following Hope's, before looking at each other, knowingly. --- EJ files away papers in his office at DiMera Enterprises when his text tone goes off. Stopping what he's doing, he steps over to his desk and checks his phone. He sees Sami's text and immediately jumps into action. He sits down at his desk, opening his laptop and immediately typing in www.salemspectator.com. The main headline pops up, as do EJ's eyes. TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR EJ stops a minute, soaking in the information. EJ thinks quickly, grabbing his phone and makes a call. EJ: Yes, I need to get ahold of Chad DiMera. Tell him it's urgent, his brother needs him. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Liam walks up behind Jennifer in the park just off to the side of Town Square, placing her hands on her shoulders firmly, but tenderly, as Jenn converses with her son, JJ. JJ scrambles to cover himself after having begun revealing what he overheard Liam say earlier in the same park. JJ: Sorry, I didn't mean any harm, I just... LIAM: Nonsense! You have every right to be concerned. Your sister just flew off halfway around the world. You're concerned! Thing is, I am too. JJ nods, looking down at the ground, hoping not to make matters worse. JJ: I'm sure. And...and I appreciate that! Jenn smiles at JJ, while putting one hand on top of Liam's. JENNIFER: See? It was just a misunderstanding. Honey, Liam cares about both of you. I trust him. and I know you'll learn to trust him too. LIAM: Your mom's right, JJ. I'm really concerned for both of you. You're great kids, and I just want to make sure Abigail's safe. So I put in a call to someone I know from the hospital who knows Sami and EJ, and they'll try to keep tabs on her while she's in Italy. Jenn smiles at Liam, turning around to face him, lovingly. She wraps her arms around Liam's neck. JENNIFER: That's wonderful. Ohhh wow. Thank you! I mean, you didn't have to do that at all and yet... LIAM: Anything for you guys. Jenn smiles before turning back towards JJ. JENNIFER: We really do appreciate it. Don't we? JJ nods, still deep in thought and still trying not to rock the boat. JJ: Yeah. Thanks, man. LIAM: Anytime. Now, shall we get back? I thought I heard someone announce that the ceremony was getting underway. JJ: Great, I'll uh...be right there in a sec. JENNIFER: Alright. I love you, sweetie! JJ: Love you too, Mom. Jenn hugs JJ quickly before taking off, arm in arm, with Liam. As Liam turns the corner towards the square, he shoots JJ a very tellingly menacing look. JJ looks up in time to catch Liam's look, striking terror in his heart, but JJ tries to maintain a cool exterior with some degree of success. JJ: I don't know what's going on, but none of it is good. --- Gabi arrives at the service at Town Square and has a seat next to Eric and Nicole, near the aisle so that she can keep Ari in her carriage. As she rocks the carriage back and forth for Ari, she texts Will as discreetly as possible. Hey! Is everything ok w/ u & sonny?? Gabi looks up at the podium where John is speaking, a worried look on her face as she mutters quietly to herself. GABI: Come on, Will. What's going on over there? --- Will stares Sonny down in the office at Club TBD. Sonny stands in front of the door, hoping to keep Will from running out as he explains himself. Will, for his part, leans almost pointedly casually against Sonny's desk, arms folded. However, he cannot contain his shock at Sonny's confession. WILL: You what? SONNY: I...went to talk to my Uncle Vic. I asked him not to give you the PR job with EnerNext. WILL: What...why the Hell would you do that, Sonny? SONNY: Because I don't want you involved in something like this. It's...it's...Uncle Vic trying to control you and by proxy me, and control control control everyone in this family and I just...I can't let him do that to you-- WILL: ...Did you ever think for a second to let ME decide that? Sonny steps forward towards Will, trying to cool things down a bit. SONNY: You were blinded by the flashy contract and the...glamourous job. WILL: And what if I was? Sonny, it's my career. And you know what? I'm sorry, but in this day and age, you don't get ahead by playing by the rules. It's about taking an opportunity when it's presented to you, not by being proud and working your way up purely on your own back. Sonny seems incredibly unimpressed by Will's attitude, but Will is undeterred by Sonny's disapproving looks. SONNY: Are you serious? WILL: Dead. Serious. Sonny stands a moment, at a loss for words. SONNY: I'm...I'm sorry. WILL: Oh, you will be. Heh, you know, I might have been swayed if you'd just been upfront with me about all this, but going behind my back? Trying to get my job taken away from me because you don't like who it comes from or what the job entails? How dare you? Sonny looks down at the ground, increasingly apologetic. SONNY: I know. I just don't want you to get...manipulated. WILL: You don't want me to change, in other words. You don't want me to have to stand up for myself because you like doing everything for me. Is that it? Well, let me tell you a little secret, Sonny. I'm not your child. I'm your fiancee. And if you want it to stay that way...you need to stay out of my professional life. Understood? Sonny's apologetic look melts away as Sonny feels the intensity of Will's tone. Sonny's face suddenly becomes defensive and threatened by Will. --- John continues to talk to the crowd gathered at the square about Brady. JOHN: He was my son. He was our friend. He was sometimes our greatest adversary, but his heart was always in search of love. The crowd are tearing up a bit at John's heartfelt speech. John himself starts to get a bit emotional, before breathing in and carrying on, a smile across his face, as much in tribute to Brady as anything. JOHN: I want to keep this party light, as Nicole and Eric requested, and I'm glad that so many of you have come out to help me celebrate Brady's life. So let's remember him in the same way that he would want to be remembered: A great young man with a huge heart that wanted to share the best of everything with everyone he knew and loved. The waiters from the restaurant in the square appear with flutes of sparkling drinks for the crowd. JOHN: In case you couldn't tell, I'm proposing a toast. The crowd laugh as they raise their glasses in tribute, following John's lead. JOHN: Obviously, these are non-alcoholic. Because the one thing we need to remember...is that though this is a good day to remember Brady, it is to remind us of the importance of sobriety, and caution, and remebering the disease that is addiction...and what it can cost us. Here's to one of the finest men I've ever known. John looks up to the sky as he raises his glass. JOHN: I love you, son! The crowd clink their glasses together in what is surprisingly close to unison, as they shout out. ALL: To Brady! --- The sound of clinking glasses descends suddenly into the sound of screeching tires and the loud smash of a breaking windhshield suddenly. The flash snaps Brady out of a nightmare as he sits bolt upright in bed, sweat pouring from his face, he gasps for breath as he looks around him, terrified.

http://boards.soapoperanetwork.com/blog/145/entry-9672-days-68-hes-alive/

EPISODE 64 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Jordan sits attentively at her desk at the hospital, waiting on Sheryl to fill her in on what the next step of their plan is. JORDAN: Okay. Tell me, what's this great plan of yours? SHERYL: Simple. I made a phone call today, to an old friend of ours. Jordan's brow furrows, as she pulls her glasses off her face. JORDAN: An old friend? Sheryl leans in, smirking confidently at Jordan as she quietly tells her the name of their old friend. SHERYL: Jerome Grant. Jordan leans back, surprise plain on her face as the news hits her. --- Sonny picks up his cell phone from the table at his apartment. Will and Gabi are milling about making dinner as Sonny looks back at them. He tries to be subtle as he makes his phone call to Victor. ... Victor picks up his office phone at Titan, standing at his desk, and casually answers. VICTOR: Victor Kiriakis. ... SONNY: I need to see you immediately. We have to talk. Alone. ... VICTOR: I won't be here much longer. Meet me at the office before we go to Brady's memorial. ... SONNY: See you then. Sonny turns to grab his jacket from the closet, and calls out to Gabi and Will. SONNY: I have to go for a minute....there's a...uh...problem with a shipment at the club. Meet you at Town Square? WILL: Alright. GABI: We're just finishing up lunch before we go. You sure you don't want a sandwich for the road? SONNY: No, I'll be fine. I can grab something fast at the club before the service. GABI: Okay! WILL: See you soon. Love you! SONNY: Love you! Bye, guys! WILL & GABI: Bye!! As Sonny shuts the door, his positive demeanour immediately vanishes, as he sighs. SONNY: Dammit, Uncle Vic. I'm not gonna let you take Will down this road. Not in a million years. --- John arrives at Brady's memorial service, which is still being set up in the square. Spotting Kayla with Roman, John walks over casually to greet his friend. KAYLA: John! So good to see you! I'm...so sorry to hear about Brady. John and Kayla embrace warmly, as Roman looks on with a faint smile. JOHN: Good to see you too, Kay. Appreciate it. How's everyone holding up? KAYLA: Ah, well,you know...as good as can be expected. JOHN: Understood. Listen...uh...Roman, can your sister and I have a little chat alone for a sec, I have something....kind of important to discuss with her. Roman nods in agreement, collecting himself after his memory lapse minutes before. ROMAN: Sure thing, John. It's good to see you. JOHN: Same to you, man. John and Roman exchange a quick slap-on-the-back hug as they go their separate ways. John casually grabs Kayla's arm as they walk towards a quieter corner of the square. KAYLA: Okay, this sounds really important if you're sequestering me away in dark, dark corners. What's going on? JOHN: Well... John stops for a moment and takes a quick look around to see who's paying attention as he speaks. JOHN: You know I've been away for awhile in Europe, right? KAYLA: Of course, we've all been worried about you. JOHN: Well...we need you to come with us. It's urgent. Kayla looks surprised and taken aback by John's request. --- Nick walks through the park just outside Horton Town Square. He calls Kate again. ... Kate is now in her own office, indignant and annoyed by Nick's repeated attempts to contact her at inopportune times. KATE: What? ... NICK: Now, now, Kate. Is that any way to talk to someone who just got you exactly what you needed. ... KATE: You'd better pray your little trigger finger didn't just land us in the unemployment line. Victor saw I was calling you and put together that it was your tip that brought John to the board meeting today. ... NICK: Victor will only figure that out if you spill the beans. Which I know you won't since your very freedom depends on it. Am I right? ... Kate sighs into the phone, fed up of Nick's threats but incapable of lashing out. ... NICK: Now, sit tight, because now the real fun is gonna begin. And I'm going to make us gobs an gobs of money. ... Kate continues to stand by her desk, phone in ear, suspcious of every word coming from Nick's mouth but playing along. KATE: From your mouth to God's ear, my dear. ... Nick laughs softly, but almost maniacally. NICK: As long as you don't screw this up, everything you want can be yours. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Gabi and Will sit down to eat their lunch, as Gabi feeds Arianna. Gabi looks at Will, who seems zoned out a bit, not eating his lunch. Gabi waves her hand in front of his face. GABI: Hey! Earth to Will Will snaps back to reality and smiles, grabbing his sandwich from his plate. WILL: Sorry. Just...had a moment there. GABI: Where did you go just then? Will sighs and looks down at his sandwich, suddenly feeling not very hungry. He puts the food back down on his plate and looks up at Gabi. WILL: Was just thinking about Brady, and Theresa, and...just how stupid this all is. I mean, we could here today and gone the next...and for what? I mean, seriously, if we don't live our lives to their full potential every day...there's no guarantee there'll be another chance, you know? Gabi smiles and reaches her hand out across the kitchen table, placing her hand over Will's, and giving it a comforting squeeze. GABI: I know exactly what you mean, and if there's one good thing to come from all this, it's that we're remembering that, and that every day's a chance to make our lives better... Gabi looks at Ari, who's caught her attention, gurgling as she picks up a pea off her plate and puts it in her mouth. Gabi smiles as Will looks over to Ari as well. GABI: ...And for our daughter too. Just as Gabi says this, Will's phone rings. Grabbing it from off the kitchen table, Will looks at it, and sees Club TBD's number on the screen. Confused, he answers. WILL: (into phone) Hey, what's up? ... It's T, calling from the club, where a rush of rowdy customers are calling out to T, who's a bit frazzled behind the bar. T: Uh...hey, Will! It's T. Any idea where Sonny is? ... WILL: I...yeah, he's on his way to the club now, T. Didn't he just tell you that? ... T looks confused, looking over his shoulder as he speaks, holding up one finger to a customer. T: Uh, no. Sonny hasn't spoken with us since this morning, dude. Look, it's really busy at the club, and I can't get Sonny to answer his phone, so can you just let him know to come down here ASAP when he can? ... Will looks to Gabi, a look of concern now on his face, as he answers T in an almost half-listening way. WILL: ...yeah. Sure. K, Bye. ... Will hangs up, and furrows his brow, confused by the exchange he just had. WILL: Sonny never called anyone at the club. GABI: Okay, that's weird. WILL: Yeah, really. So, the question is, where the Hell IS he, and why didn't he want me to know about it? --- Kayla looks over her shoulder to check and make sure nobody's paying attention to her conversation with John. KAYLA: What do you mean? JOHN: I mean, we need you. Trust me. I can't tell you anything more than that it has to be you that comes with me. KAYLA: But....I mean, John, you can't expect me to just...up and abandon my job, my home... John holds his hand up to stop Kayla midsentence. Kayla stops herself but is still unconvinced. JOHN: I will cover your expenses, and the bills will get paid. Kayla looks down, shaking her head. John's eye remain locked on her, regardless. JOHN: I need your help. I'll even pay for Joey to come with you while you're away, we just need your help. KAYLA: Why can't you tell me now what's going on? Who it even involves. You keep saying 'we' but...I mean, are you there with Shane? Bo? (laughs) Steve?? Haven't heard from HIM in awhile! John leans over and almost whispers to her. JOHN: Yes. Kayla looks up suddenly, shocked by John's confession. JOHN: I can't say anything more than that. But trust me, this is just as much a professional request as a personal one. Now...can I trust you to be on the plane with me tomorrow? KAYLA: I...John, I can't just...go...I need to figure this out. JOHN:: I can arrange a plane out for you by the end of the week if that works better for you. KAYLA: Just....can you give me until tonight to think it over? John nods, reluctantly agreeing to Kayla's terms. JOHN: Sure. I'll wait. KAYLA: Thank you. Come on, let's join the others. The ceremony should be starting any minute now. John takes Kayla's arm and escorts her back into the crowd, he looks to her with a warm smile. JOHN: Sounds good to me. --- Sonny steps into Victor's office, where Victor stands before his desk, rifling through some papers. Noticing the door opening, Victor turns around to see Sonny. His greeting makes plain his sombre mood. VICTOR: Sonny. What was so urgent? Sonny breathes in deeply, mustering all his courage to stand up to his great uncle. SONNY: I heard your associate offered Will a job today. VICTOR: Ah, yes. Tyler ran it by me. He read an article Will wrote for his blog, said that was just the kind of angle we needed to promote our energy program at EnerNext. I figured you'd be thrilled that your fiance was able to get such a prestigious job so soon after graduating. Sonny steps toward Victor, trying hard to not come across upset. He smiles a bit, but is clearly stammering in frustration, as Victor speaks, he tries to get Victor to end his long speech. SONNY: I...uh...mmm...Uncle Vic, stop. Please. VICTOR: What is it? I thought you were proud of Will. SONNY: I am. And I'm thrilled that you all feel the same way. But you can't offer Will this job. You need to rescind that offer. --- Kim stands with her police escort, in front of Billie and Daniel at University Hospital by the doorway of Theresa's hospital room. She holds in her hand, a copy of the restraining order against Billie. BILLIE: You can't be serious, Kim. Billie snatches the paper from Kim's hand as she spits out her words. Kim looks into Billie's eyes with smug malice. KIM: 100% serious. You can't be within 100 feet of my little girl. BILLIE: Oh, your little girl, hm? You're never going to see has an adult woman, are you, Kim? You know, like, an autonomous person who can make her own decisions about who she befriends? Or who she confides in? Or who she trusts? Kim's cool toughness disappears in a flash as Billie cuts into Kim, suddenly emerges rage and vitriol as she stares Billie down and fires her own shot Billie's way, holding back the full volume of her anger. KIM: I will not have you talk to me about my daughter. You have no idea about how things really were in our home, and you're not about to give me lessons in being a mother now. BILLIE: Oh, right. Because you've done such a bang-up job! KIM: How dare you? Daniel steps in at this point to try to cool things down, but the two women's eyes never leave each other. Kim's police escort hangs back, trying not to get involved in case anything escalates. DANIEL: Ooookay, ladies. Let's take a step back from each other a minute before we say anything we'll regret. We ARE in a hospital, after all. Billie stands down a bit, turning to Daniel, a sarcastic smile on her face. BILLIE: Oh, don't worry, Daniel. Anything I have to say to Kim, I can say through my lawyer! Billie storms away, heading for the elevators, as Kim watches, a smile of satisfaction on her face, but she simultaneously breathes in deeply, as though it's all been a front. Daniel sees the emotion in her eyes and puts a hand on Kim's shoulder. DANIEL: Are you sure you're alright? Kim wells up a bit when Daniel speaks, she looks up at a concerned Daniel and smiles. KIM: Oh yeah. I'm fine. (sigh) Thanks! DANIEL: Alright. If you need to sit down a minute, you can use my office. Kim smiles and takes Daniel's hand, squeezing it. KIM: Thank you, Daniel. I'll be fine. Can I see my daughter? DANIEL: Absolutely. Daniel waves to the officer, who then steps away, heading for the elevator, as Daniel guides Kim into Theresa's room. As Billie waits for the elevator not far away, she looks on with pure disgust in her face. The elevator door opens, and Billie curses Kim before stepping on. BILLIE: I swear to God, Kim, you haven't beat me yet. ---

EPISODE 62 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Victor and Tyler stand at the head of the board room table at Titan HQ, as the board meeting comes to a head. John Black stands with them at the table, with Kate & Lucas Roberts, Billie Reed, and Justin Kiriakis sat around the table, with Nelson, another Titan board member, waiting impatiently for the vote to conclude. Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John. TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you? John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer. JOHN: I vote...'nay'. Victor immediately slams his fist on the table in anger. VICTOR: Damn it, John! Tyler carries on through Victor's protestations. Everyone around the table mutters to each other, soaking in the shocking turn of events John's arrival has brought. TYLER: Therefore, by a margin of 5-4, I declare this vote closed. Titan shall be divesting itself of its Titan TV division, placing it up for sale immediately. Victor stares John down, looking directly into John's eyes with malice. VICTOR: You will regret this, John. JOHN: Are you kidding, Vic? I just did you one big favour. You oughta thank me. John grabs his briefcase, nods Victor and Kate's way and strolls out of the board room. Victor is left looking defeated as the board members filter from the room. As Kate makes her attempt to leave, Victor quickly grabs her arm to stop her from slinking away. KATE: Ow! VICTOR: Not so fast, Kate. I know what you're up to, and I'm not gonna let you get away with it. --- Nick opens the door to his apartment, and he and Hope step inside. They're chatting and laughing as they do, with Hope scurrying Nick inside. HOPE: Hurry, hurry, hurry, I need to go to the bathroom. NICK: (laughing) Okay, okay! Go! It's right there. HOPE: Thank yooou! Hope runs into the bathroom quickly and shuts the door. Once inside the bathroom, Hope's need to pee immediately vanishes. Hope puts on her detective face and, to avoid suspicion, noisily lifts the toilet seat. She then quickly steps over to the medicine cabinet. Hope very quietly opens it and looks inside. As the door of the medicine cabinet opens, it squeaks, making Hope jump. She stops the door immediately then waits, hoping Nick doesn't respond to the noise. After a moment of nothing, Hope carries on, but Nick immediately thereafter calls out to her through the door. NICK: Hey Hope! I'm just going to step out for a second to speak to the concierge, alright? Hope is startled by Nick's announcement and nearly doubles back when she hears him. She manages to pull it together and smiles through gritted teeth before calling back out to him. HOPE: Alright! I'll be out in just a sec. Hope waits another second for the door to shut before she opens the door to the bathroom. Sighing heavily, she steps out of the bathroom, not having seen anything in the medicine cabinet and not knowing where else to look for the pills Gabi hopes she'll find. Suddenly, Hope looks up to see Nick's briefcase. Her eyes light up. HOPE: Of course. Hope makes a beeline for Nick's laptop bag, which he uses for a briefcase. She opens it up and commencing looking through the various compartments, but just before reaching the compartment where the pills are, she hears a loud knock on the door. Hope is startled, but after a moment's pause, goes back to looking through the bag. A moment later, the knocking continues, and a voice is heard through the door. NICOLE: (while knocking) Nick! Open the door, you little shmuck, I wanna have a word with-- The door opens and Nicole nearly whacks Hope in the face when she opens the door. NICOLE: ...you. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Eric Brady walks through the Horton Town Square, setting up the final touches for Brady's memorial service with the help of his grandmother, Caroline. As Eric finishes, he walks over towards Caroline as Marlena scurries in, getting everyone's attention as she seems rather flustered. MARLENA: Oh, Eric. Caroline! I'm so sorry I'm late. I had one hell of a morning. ERIC: It's alright, Mom. It's good to see you. Eric reaches over to give his mother a hug, before Caroline reaches out to Marlena as well. CAROLINE: Marlena, don't worry about it. We handled things just fine on this end. MARLENA: Well, that's good to hear. Listen, Caroline, I know this isn't really the time or place, but I need to have a talk with you later on about Roman. Caroline and Eric look at Marlena with a bit of surprise and concern. CAROLINE: Roman? Is something wrong? ERIC: Is dad okay? What's...? Marlena waves her hand to stop them. MARLENA: No, no. It's not...urgent. He's fine. Whenever you have the time, I just have...something to discuss with you. CAROLINE: Sure. Stop by the pub later? Marlena gives Caroline a reassuring smile. MARLENA: Sure. CAROLINE: If you don't mind though, I'm going to try to get ahold of Nicole. She was going to try to track a few more people down that we hadn't reached yet. Marlena turns back to Eric, who still looks a bit concerned. She holds out her hand to touch her son's face to reassure him. MARLENA: Oh, Eric, stop worrying. Your father's just fine. ERIC: Why don't I believe you? MARLENA: (sighs) Eric, your father and I just had a rather...intense discussion last night. It's nothing to be worried about. Eric looks at Marlena, unconvinced, but nods. ERIC: Okay. I'll let it go. But if something's going on with Dad-- MARLENA: ...I will let you know immediately. Eric finally smiles, though the worry is still plain on his face. ERIC: Thanks, Mom. MARLENA: Now, let's get this together. How can I help? ERIC: Well, you can start by grabbing that folding table over in the corner with me... Marlena and Eric head off to grab the table, as Roman saunters into the square, he looks over at Brady's portrait, posted up on an easel by Tom & Alice's tree. He stares at it, confusion in his eyes. --- Nicole looks at Hope, standing in the doorway of Nick's apartment, with bewilderment. NICOLE: Hope? HOPE: Nicole? Nicole saunters into Nick's apartment, as Hope lingers back, eyebrow raised in curiosity. Nicole yammers on as she looks around for Nick. NICOLE: I...I mean I knew it was hard keeping that massive house up on a single income but I didn't think you'd have to take such a steep....downgrade. Nicole looks around the corner to see if there's more room. NICOLE: I mean, where does Ciara sleep? In the bathtub? HOPE: NICOLE! Enough. What do you want? NICOLE: To talk to Nick, obviously. HOPE: Nick stepped out for a minute, I was just here to go to the bathroom for a moment before we head out to lunch. Nick had something to drop off, you see, so...we're kind of in a hurry. NICOLE: Right, well...what I need to ask him won't take long so... HOPE: So, you can ask him later. Goodbye, Nicole. Hope holds the door open, motioning for Nicole to leave. As Nicole steps out, a sour look on her face, Nick reappears and nearly bumps into Nicole as he does. NICK: OH! Nicole! Just the person I wanted to see. Hope looks at Nick incredulously. HOPE: Really? NICK: Yeah! Uh...Hope, did you wanna just...meet me at the pub, I won't be a minute. Hope pauses a moment, not sure what's happening. HOPE: I....sure? NICK: Thanks. I promise, this won't take a moment. Hope walks out the door, not sure what's going down, but knowing it can't be anything good. She calls out to Nick as she heads out the door. HOPE: Alright...I'll grab us a seat! NICK: Sounds good! Nick closes the door behind Hope, a big smile on his face. NICK: SO! Good news! Nicole folds her arms, the sour look still on her face. NICOLE: It better be. I'm still thisclose to being fired for that stunt you pulled at the last press conference. NICK: Clear that from your mind forever, Nicole. I, Nick Fallon, have delivered for you. Nick pulls out his iPad from his bag, and, a few taps later, presents the page to Nicole. NICK: Observe. Nicole grabs the iPad, and reads the headline. BREAKING: TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR Her eyes bulge out as she processes the news. NICOLE: What?? How did you..? NICK: Only through the magic of research, my dear. We'll talk about this later, drinks? Nicole stands, mouth agape, suddenly realizing the power Nick might be wielding. NICOLE: I.... Nick escorts Nicole to the door, Nicole still in shock, she eventually nods, as Nick hastily takes his tablet back. NICOLE: I...yeah. NICK: Give me about an hour? NICOLE: ...Sure. NICK: K, BYE! Nick abruptly slams the door in Nicole's face. He walks back into his apartment and grabs his phone, rolling his eyes at having had to deal with Nicole. NICK: Now...time to call Kate...and congratulate her on her good news. --- Kate rips her arm from Victor's grasp, holding it before adjusting herself, a scowling look on her face directed at Victor. KATE: I don't know how I was ever married to such a savage. VICTOR: Neither do I. KATE: The nerve. I just had this cleaned too, and now your greasy little hands are all over it. Vile. VICTOR: Maybe if you focused less on fashions and more on business we wouldn't have this problem. Kate pretends to be non-plussed by Victor's volatile reaction, as she turns her attentions to packing her things away into her bag. KATE: I don't know what you're talking about. VICTOR: Oh, the Hell you don't. I know what you were up to today. Someone tipped you off about John's proxy vote, and you couldn't wait to get him here. Now who put you up to it? Kate scowls at Victor, arms folded, not giving anything away, as her smartphone rings. Standing slightly away from it, she tries to casually grab it, but Victor spies the name appaearing on the screen as she turns to answer, and calls her out as she's about to press "talk". VICTOR: I swear, Kate, if Nick Fallon is behind this, you can both hand in your key cards now. Kate quickly holds the phone close to her chest and swipes to ignore the call, fearing she's been caught. ---

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http://boards.soapoperanetwork.com/blog/145/entry-9588-days-61-the-board-meeting-part-2-john-stuns-the-titan-board/

EPISODE 54 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson John tosses and turns in his bed at the Salem Inn. Unable to fall asleep, he looks up at the ceiling, thinking about Brady, and the opportunity he's lost to try to win his son back. He sighs heavily. JOHN: I gotta take a long walk. Clear my mind. John pulls back the covers and jumps out of bed. Getting dressed, he checks his back pocket of his pants for his wallet. As he pulls his wallet out, a wallet-sized picture of Brady falls out onto the floor. Looking down, John bends down to pick it up, looking it over intensely. JOHN: I'm not gonna let the DiMeras get away with this, Brady. Trust me. John looks up, puts the picture away, and heads out the door. --- Marlena takes a leisurely stroll through Horton Town Square. As she rounds the corner, she spots Roman coming toward her from the opposite direction. They smile at each other as they approach. Roman spreads his arms to welcome a hug to Marlena, she accepts and hugs back. MARLENA: It's so good to see you. ROMAN: It always is to see you, Doc. They linger in their embrace, and as they separate, Marlena gives Roman a wistful smile, knowing what's weighing on his mind. ROMAN: How's Theresa doing? I haven't had a chance to get to the hospital this afternoon. Marlena looks down, trying to formulate an answer for Roman. MARLENA: Well, it's not great. But...she made it through surgery. She... ROMAN: She's still in a coma, is she? Marlena nodd regretfully. MARLENA: Kayla and Daniel aren't sure if she's going to wake up any time soon, but...for now, yes. ROMAN: My God. How's Kimmy taking it? MARLENA: Oh as well as can be expected, I guess. I left her at the hospital when she went in to visit. Figured I'd give her some alone time with Theresa. ROMAN: Makes sense. I'll probably head down tomorrow, myself. MARLENA: I think she'd like that. Roman shakes his head in sadness at his sister and niece's fate. ROMAN: You know, Doc. It's been so hard on Kim, all these years. She really hasn't had it easy, you know? MARLENA: It's been hard on Theresa too. The important thing is that the family's together, and Theresa has her friends and family on her side. --- Billie steps onto the elevator at University Hospital, as she steps on, she looks up and is face to face with Daniel. She's surprised, but smiles at the doctor, who smiles a wry smile back her way. DANIEL: Fancy meeting you here. BILLIE: Yeah, well...it's not exactly a happy visit but... DANIEL: You're here to see Theresa, aren't you? Billie nods sadly. BILLIE: Yep! ...Aaaand I didn't even get a chance to see her, really. DANIEL: You alright? You did see a little shaken up. BILLIE: Yeah, I mean...it's not like this is the best day anyway but...(sigh) Oh, I got into a fight with Kim Brady. DANIEL: Ahhhh. Yeah. The two quickly stop talking. Awkwardly, they stare forward, deeply pensive, both about their respective worries. Finally, Daniel breathes in, and breaks the silence. DANIEL: Uh...look. I'm done my shift in a minute. If you wanted to talk, I'd be more than willing to grab a drink with you and we could... BILLIE: Talk? DANIEL: ...Yeah. BILLIE: Well, you know...(laughs) with the day I've had, hey, might as well replace one vice with another, eh? DANIEL: I'm...not quite sure what...you... Billie holds up her hand to stop Daniel speaking. BILLIE: It's...it's okay. I'd love to. Daniel smiles, but is a bit confused and concerned by Billie's statement. --- EJ stands in the waiting room at the hospital, breathing in to cool down from Abby's sudden backbone growth. EJ: I'm sorry...WHAT?! Abby tenses, clearly uncomfortable with challenging EJ, particularly with his volatile temper. ABBY: I said...I am not going to Italy. EJ smiles suddenly, as he walks slowly over to the coffee maker in the waiting room. He casually pours himself a cup, laughing to himself. EJ: Oh you are funny, Abigail. ABBY: There is nothing funny about it, EJ. I am not going. You can't force me to just...uproot my entire life because I inconvenienced you with this baby. EJ: You see, that's your problem, Abigail. You don't know anything at all. About me. Or this child. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Kim stands in Theresa's hospital room, arms crossed, as if to hold herself together. She looks down at her comatose daughter, a great pain within her. Kayla walks up behind her and puts a hand on Kim's shoulder. KAYLA: You gonna be okay? Kim looks skyward, trying to hold in her tears. KIM: I doubt it. You know, I JUST got my Jeannie back. She finally turned to me last night. Do you know how long it's been since I've held my daughter, Kay? For her to turn to me instead of Billie or...someone else for advice? She came to me. And now...not even a day later. Here she is. Kayla leans in as Kim turns to face Kayla and they hug tightly. Kim begins to sob on her sister's shoulder, as Kayla pats her sister gently on the back. KAYLA: It's okay. I know. After Kim cries a few seconds more, then pulls back and looks intently at Kayla. Kim's expression changes quickly to one of anger and she points at Kayla, driving home her point. KIM: I want her banned, Kayla. KAYLA: Kim, I'm serious, I don't thi-- KIM: ...I don't care! She has no business being here, she has no right to be here. KAYLA: Kimmy, she does! She was there for Theresa. Don't you see? She needed that confidant. She had nobod-- KIM: ...SHE HAD ME! Kayla holds back what she was going to say. Kim takes Kayla's silence for understanding, and continues. KIM: If that woman isn't barred from my daughter's room by tomorrow morning, I will get a court order. Do you understand? KAYLA: I'll let Daniel know. Kim walks away, closing the door to Theresa's room behind her. Kayla stays behind, deep in thought, shaking her head at Kim's unhinged anger. --- Billie and Daniel are seated at Club TBD. Taking a quiet corner booth, the two are quietly taking over their drinks, laughing and looking at each other with intensity. DANIEL: So, I hope you're feeling a bit better. BILLIE: A bit. Daniel pouts jokingly, making Billie laugh. BILLIE: I appreciate the effort though! DANIEL: Well, at least it wasn't a total waste, then. You wanna talk about what's bothering you? Daniel reads Billie's suddenly less bright face as a sign, and stops himself from pushing further. DANIEL: Or maybe not? BILLIE: It's...better left alone. I just...I had a hard day. DANIEL: Theresa's accident? BILLIE: Yyyep. It never gets easier as you get older, seeing your friends struggling to hold on. And the worst part in all this is that, I'm looking at this girl, hoping that, at the same time you hope they come back to you, that...maybe this could end all the pain and suffering they're going through every day. DANIEL: You really think she's suffering that much? BILLIE: (sigh) I really shouldn't be talking about this. DANIEL: Okay. So then...what shall we talk about? Billie cracks a smile again, looking at Daniel while holding up a martini in her hand. BILLIE: Hmm...well, good doctor...I'll leave that up to you. DANIEL: Hmmm...that sounds dangerous. BILLIE: You never know until you try. DANIEL: Well, I admit, I'm glad you agreed to this drink. I wasn't sure you were going to. Billie, mid-drink, almost chokes on it, surprised by Daniel's comment. She looks at him, surprised. BILLIE: Why would you think I'd say no? DANIEL: Well...I mean...I've hardly had the best track record with your family, Billie. I mean...between your mom, Chelsea, and what went down with Chloe when she was with Lucas... Billie holds up her hands, waving them to get Daniel to stop. BILLIE: Okay, stop, stop right there. Look. I know you've got history with my family. But I also know what I see. And I see a man who's come a long way through a lot of really...kinda awful circumstances. And he's learned a lot. And I sure as Hell can't judge you based on what I've done in my time. Daniel smiles, looking down at his drink, somewhat sheepishly. BILLIE: You're not perfect. None of us are. And besides, I thought we agreed this was only a friendly drink, nothing serious, we were going to get away from all the seriousness. What happened to that?? DANIEL: (laughs) That's the truth, right there. I think that calls for a toast. Billie raises her glass, smiling with a seductive glint in her eyes. Daniel raises his as well. DANIEL: To nothing serious. BILLIE: (laughs) Cheers to that. Daniel and Billie toast, never taking their eyes off each other in the process. --- Abigail sits in the hospital lounge in her wheelchair, incredulous at EJ's audacity. ABBY: What the Hell is that supposed to mean, EJ? I know you love your kids. But this baby, how can you be so eager to make this baby go away? EJ turns around, impassioned as he turns to face Abigail, raising his voice to stop her from making any further insinuations. EJ: That is NOT what I'm trying to do, Abigail. I am trying to make sure that we are all protected. ABBY: Oh well, that's a huge difference. So, we'll never see or hear from this child again, but we're not throwing them away, heavens no. Semantics make all the difference! EJ: Abigail, I am not going to throw this child away. I have been kept from two of my children. One of them was dead before I even knew they existed. I was denied that opportunity. Don't you think I wanted to be there for them? To love them? To watch them grow, and become their own people? Abby can't respond to EJ's comments. She looks down, mouth agape, trying to formulate something to say in response before finally choking something out. ABBY: I'm sorry. EJ: Yes, well...I just need to be clear about this. This is not about making this child disappear. I will see to that. But for your own protection, you need to take this trip. It's the only way our secret will be safe, and that we won't be put in a position that will potentially destroy us both. Abigail laughs a bit. She shakes her head before responding to EJ's second sermon. ABBY: You, EJ. It will destroy you. That's the thing, you see. I don't have as much to lose now, having this affair come to light, as you do. So why should I have to be the one to completely just...uproot their lives to accomodate your potential public shaming? Huh? EJ: Fine then, Abigail. What exactly do you propose we do then? ABBY: We can just say the baby is Chad's and that I conceived it before he was shot. EJ laughs now, shaking his head at what he sees as Abigail's silliness and naivete. EJ: Oh you silly little girl. ABBY: What? It's not that far from the truth. I mean...Chad and I didn't have sex that long before you and I did. EJ: But it was long enough that there would be questions, Abigail. You would have to induce labour early to make that story work, and that is too dangerous for the baby. I will not risk that child's health. Got it? ABBY: Clear as mud. EJ: Look, you have no choice about this. You have to go to Italy. Tomorrow morning, you will be on that flight. ABBY: And what if I'm not, EJ? EJ puts his head in his hands, unable to comprehend Abigail's bullheadedness on this subject. As EJ speaks, Abigail's defenses begin to finally break down again against the onslaught of information EJ presents to her. EJ: I...do...do you not understand how Samantha will react to this if she finds out? Don't you get it, Abigail?? If people find out about this, it will not just be my head on a platter, you'll be on the next dish over. You should be well aware by now of the damage Samantha can cause when she's been wronged. Alright?! Think about it. Your mother, your brother, your grandmother, all of your friends and family, the scandal in the community, you'll probably never work in this town again, I mean, your father would be spinning in his grave knowing that-- ABBY: ALRIGHT! EJ...I'll do it. Just...don't ever bring up my father EVER again like that. EJ calms down, relieved by Abby's agreement to go ahead with the move. He nods. Abby begins to sob in her chair as the gravity of the situation begins to weigh into her. EJ: Deal. Abby begins to wheel herself out of the room, struggling with the act through her tears. EJ walks up behind her to push her toward the elevator. As he pushes her, he leans down close to Abby and speaks softly. EJ: And for the record, I will make sure you can see your baby whenever you like. I promise. Abby shakes her head, completely disbelieving him. --- Roman and Marlena sit on a bench at Town Square together. They sit quietly together, when Marlena turns to Roman and asks him a question. MARLENA: You know, I just remembered, back to when you left Salem before, after you found out about John and I...I...remember...I sat down at a park bench, kind of like this one, and I remember thinking...I'm never going to have a moment just...sitting quietly with you ever again. And wishing I could. Roman stares off into the distance. A blank expression across his face as he listens to Marlena. ROMAN: Heh, well...a lot's happened since then. MARLENA: It has. ROMAN: You know, I'm glad we've been able to come together and be friends again, though. I know we had some rough times before, but it's just like you and John. No matter what comes between you, you always managed to find your way back to each other. MARLENA: Leave it up to fate, I guess. ROMAN: Absolutely. Marlena smiles and looks at Roman warmly. She laughs a bit, causing Roman to turn to her, a bit confused. ROMAN: What are you laughing at? MARLENA: I just remembered how much you used to hate when people would talk like that in movies. We used to watch these romance movies and it'd be like pulling teeth to get you to sit through them for about an hour, and then by the end you'd be crying like a baby. Roman makes a face at Marlena of mock disgust and disbelief. ROMAN: I would never! MARLENA: Oh yes you would! ROMAN: Name ONE time! MARLENA: I can think of about four. ROMAN: A pack of lies, all of it! Marlena laughs, Roman joins in moments later. As they do, John walks into the square, walking slowly behind them but far away where they don't see him. He spies their tender moment. but hangs far back, not able to hear their whole conversation. MARLENA: And the best part was when the movie was over, you'd decide to get all romantic and run to the kitchen to get my favourite dessert. Roman looks to Marlena, a bit of confusion still lingering on her face as she talks. ROMAN: (softly) Doc? MARLENA: Chocolate-covered strawberries. And you'd put them on the tray, you remember the silver one with the-- ROMAN: Doc! I don't...I don't know what you're talking about I... Marlena looks to Roman, having forgotten about his memory failings the last few weeks. She looks guiltily at him, as Roman looks down, fighting back tears and attempting to hold back his rage. He slams his fist against the bench. ROMAN: I don't...remember. MARLENA: Oh Roman! It's okay. Marlena pulls Roman in tightly, holding him closely to her, as he responds by putting his arms around her. John looks off in a distance at the scene, a great pained look on his face as the wife he turned away appears to be caressing her ex-husband. ---

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