Now and Forever

 

By Joanne

 

Disclaimer: The characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC. I don’t own’em!!!

 

Chapter 1

 

(Belle looks around the house spotless and shiny as she has spent the last two weeks cleaning the house and making sure everything is in place for the arrival of her beloved children and grandchildren as they gather to celebrate Belle and Shawn’s anniversary. Dr. Shawn Brady, professor of forensics at the newly created Shane Donovan ISA Institute in Salem walks in the front door of the house he and Belle have called home for 30 years.)

 

Shawn: (drops his bags and keys by the door) Belle! I’m home!

Belle: (muffled voice) I’m upstairs Shawn! In the attic!

Shawn: (grins as he bounds up the stairs and heads up to the attic where he finds his Perfect Girl surrounded by 6 large trunks filled with memories) What are you doing up here Belle?

Belle: (sighs) I was just looking at all the kids stuff and remembering when they were young.

Shawn: (takes a seat beside Belle and looks through the piles of stuff she has pulled out and a smile comes to his face) I remember this. We were still living with Mom and Dad and Alice and Shawna were what six months old?

Belle: (smiles) Yeah, they were so adorable in those reindeer hats. Too bad Shawna detested her like someone else I know.

Shawn: (pretends to be indignant) Just what are you implying Mrs. Brady?

Belle: (sexy smile) Oh nothing Dr. Brady, just that I have a wonderfully amusing husband who whines when he doesn’t like what he gets.

Shawn: Like how I’m whining for dinner right now? (puppy dog face)

Belle: (giggles when Shawn pulls her down on the floor) Shawn Douglas Brady!!

Shawn: (growls) I love it when you call me that. (kisses her)

Belle: (sighs) I love you Shawn Douglas…

Shawn: I love you more Isabella… (smells something acrid) Do you smell that Belle?

Belle: Smell what? (gets a whiff) Oh my god! Dinner! (pushes Shawn off her and races down the stairs to rescue their dinner as Shawn races down after her and help Belle put out the burning pot of stew) No! I spent this morning making it and now it’s ruined!

Shawn: (sweeps Belle into his arms) Doesn’t matter. Let’s go out for dinner. I have a surprise for you.

Belle: A surprise for me?

Shawn: (nods with a twinkle in his eye) First, you have to agree to go out to dinner with me before I tell you.

Belle: But I don’t have anything to wear!

Shawn: Wear that gorgeous red dress of yours and let’s go. I made reservations for 6:30.

Belle: But… (looks at the blackened dinner she has made)

Shawn: (kisses Belle) No buts. Go change and let’s go. (gives Belle a gently nudge towards the stairs and Belle reluctantly heads up as Shawn throws out what was their dinner. He looks around the darkened kitchen and smiles as a memory of a very full and busy kitchen comes back to him.) Gran, you said someday I’d understand the meaning of everlasting love and joy. I think I know what you mean now. I hope Belle likes this surprise I have for her. You and Grandpa were my inspiration for this. I know both of you will be looking down from wherever you are.

Belle: (comes down the stairs) What was that Shawn?

Shawn: Oh nothing. I was just talking to Gran. (smiles) You look just as beautiful as the day I married you. (takes her hand) Ready?

Belle: (smiles) Yes.

Shawn: (takes her hand) Let’s go then.

 

(Shawn locks the door and the two leave. A tinkling of wind chimes is heard as a bright light appears and moves to the kitchen stove to turn off the stove top before fading into the dark again.)

 

**************************

 

(The two pull up to Tuscany in Shawn’s Black Jaguar.  Shawn parks the car and helps Belle out of the car as they head to the doors but Belle stops and tugs Shawn back.)

 

Belle: Shawn! We can’t go in there. It’s closed for a private party.

Shawn: Trust me Belle. Dave saved a table just for us.

Belle: I don’t know about this Shawn. I don’t want to intrude. Let’s go to the Penthouse Grill instead. (starts to walk away)

Shawn: (grabs her arm) Please Belle. I went through a lot of work to get Dave to save us a table. Don’t worry, it’s off in our favourite corner of the restaurant. We won’t be intruding. (pulls Belle towards the door)

Belle: Shawn! I really don’t want to go in there. It isn’t polite to barge in on a private party!

Shawn: Trust me. They don’t mind. I already asked the people and they said it was fine. They think it’s romantic that we’re celebrating our 30^th Wedding Anniversary before the rest of our family arrives.

Belle: (wavers) Shawn…

Shawn: (takes Belle’s hand and kisses it) Trust me on this Belle. You’ve trusted me for 30 years.

Belle: (sighs) Alright, but you better be right. (Shawn opens the door and lets Belle in first) Shawn, the lights are all out. What’s…. (All the lights turn out and family members pop up)

Everyone: SURPRIZE!!!!!!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!

Belle: (very surprized) I… (looks around to see all her children and their families holding party favours and wearing hats) Shawn!!! (looks at him)

Shawn: (sheepishly) I had to get you out of the house somehow. Cranking up the heat on the stew seemed like the only good idea at the time. I didn’t expect it to start on fire.

Alice: Dad! We told you just put it high enough to burn it, not start a fire! (walks over and hugs her mother and father) Happy anniversary Mom and Dad.

Belle: Thank you honey. (hugs her eldest daughter tightly) When did you get in? I thought you had a show to do in Europe.

Alice: They can do without me for a few shows. I got Sash to fill in for me. You do know who that is right?

Belle: Sasha Coen? Of course Alice. I only watched the two of you go head-to-head at every Professional Grand Prix. How is she doing?

Alice: Great. She was thrilled to step in for me. Thank God, I’m retiring from professional skating in a year. There’s no way I’m doing this when Angela starts school next year. I hate leaving everyone behind especially Leo. Thank God Danny only plays 10 months out of the year. (On cue, one Angela Sorenson, the spitting image of her mother with runs over)

Angela: Grandpa! Grandma!!! (runs to hug Belle and Shawn who picks her up and swings her around) Happy Aniversary.

Shawn: (showers Angela in kisses) Muwah! Muwah! Muwah! How’s my favourite granddaughter?

Angela: (giggles) Good. Mommy, Daddy’s looking for you. He said Leo needs his diaper changed.

Danny: (walks over with six-month Leo in his arms) Alice, he did a number 1 and 2.

Alice: Okay, I’m coming. (Danny walks towards the back of the room and Alice sighs) Men! They can do everything but change diapers. Come on Angi, let’s go change Leo.

Belle: (laughs and whispers in Shawn’s ear) Hmm… that sounds so familiar.

Genie: Belle! Shawn!

Belle: Genie! (hugs her) I’m so glad you could come! How’s Chicago?

Genie: Too big for my tastes. I miss Salem but the commute is too long for Brady to be driving back and forth.

Shawn: The Bulls did pretty good this season. Where is he?

Brady: (dressed to the nines in a Hugo Boss suit) Someone called my name?

Shawn: Great season there Brady.

Brady: Thanks. Coulda done better if they had beefed up on the D like I told them too.

Shawn: (looks around) Where’s Andrew and Abby? I thought you said they were both coming?

Genie: They are. Andrew got fogged in at NYC. Addie and Jillian are stuck there too. Abby said her car broke down and she’s going to be late.

Shawn: (looks at Belle) I told you to make her stay here at Salem U. She could have taken the exact same program here for less money but nooo… You said Shawn, let her go to Columbia. She really wants to go and I think it would be good for her.

Mimi: (walks over and hugs Belle and Shawn) Happy Anniversary you two. Can you believe it? 30 wonderful years of marriage. I only hope I can have a marriage that lasts that long.

Shawn: (looks over at Kevin who is chatting with Tyler, an exact copy of his father) I think you and Kevin are well on your way Meems. God, Tyler looks exactly like Campbell, its uncanny.

Mimi: (looks over at her strapping young son) Yes, he does. (smiles) I still remember Grandpa’s last words to Tyler before he died, (tries to imitate the Captain) Laddie, I’m off to see ye father now. What a strapping young laddie you’ve become. Just like your father. Promise me one thing laddie, ye take care of your bonnie lass of a mother. (smiles and sighs) I miss the Captain sometimes.

Shawn: Don’t we all? How’s the Lieutenant? I haven’t seen him since his retirement party from the Salem PD.

Mimi: Oh. He’s doing great. He actually went for a one man trip to Australia. He’s somewhere in the Australian desert at the moment.

Tyler: (walks over) Hey Aunt Belle, Uncle Shawn. Congrats. (kisses Belle’s cheek)

Shawn: Thanks Tyler. How’s school going?

Tyler: Okay. One more semester and I’m done.

Belle: What are you taking again Tyler?

Tyler: What you took Uncle Shawn. Criminology.

Shawn: Good for you Tyler. Any future plans?

Mimi: If you’re trying to recruit him for the ISA, you can forget Shawn. I’ve expressly forbid him to join.

Tyler: Mom!

Shawn: No, I was wondering if he was thinking of grad school. I have an assistant teaching position that needs to be filled at the Institute. I can put him on the list if he’s interested.

Tyler: But don’t I need to join the ISA Uncle Shawn? You heard Mom. No ISA. Dad’s been telling me the same thing but also said that I should do what I want because it’s my life and I’ll regret it later if I don’t follow my heart.

Shawn: He gave you good advice. Your dad’s had personal experience with that.  I don’t think he’s followed what his heart has told him yet.

Tyler: I know. (looks around) Where is Dad anyways? I have a sudden urge to annoy Miranda and Zoe. Hmm… Maybe I’ll bug Addie and Jillian whenever they decide to show up. I know I’ve got Andre’s help.  He’s all for annoying Miranda and Zoe.

Mimi: You will not be doing that! (grabs Tyler by his ear) We need to have a little talk young man! (Tyler yelps as Mimi drags him off to the corner as Belle and Shawn laugh)

Nicole: (breezes over with her boyfriend a fellow model for Basic Black) Aunt Belle! Uncle Shawn! Congratulations! Happy Anniversary!

Belle: Thank you Nikki! Hey Marco! Great show by the way.

Marco: Thanks Ms. Black.

Belle: Call me Belle Marco. We’re not in the office anymore.

Nicole: (pulls out a tiny present out of her purse) I wanted to give you this personally because it’s so small. (hands it to Belle)

Belle: Nikki! You didn’t have too!

Nicole: I wanted to Aunt Belle. It’s kinda a thank you present as well for all the times you helped me growing up and for letting me, Jillian, Lila, and J.D. spend all those summers with you guys.

Shawn: It was nothing Nikki. You’re always welcome at our house. It’s actually kinda lonely now. There’s no more kids making a racket.

Nicole: (laughs) We always were a noisy bunch.

Belle: Speaking of Lila and J.D., where are they?

Nicole: They’re around somewhere. I think they’re outside on the terrace with Kathy and Vic.

 

(The door opens and CIA Counterintelligence Agent Dr. Shawna Brady and her family walk in the door.)

 

Shawna: I’m sorry we’re late! Did we miss anything?

Shawn: (turns around) There’s my little princess! (Shawna laughs when Shawn makes a beeline for his infant granddaughter Isabella.) Nico. (shakes his hand) Glad you could make it.

Nico Marelli: (Shawna’s CIA partner and husband) Shawn, glad to make it.

Shawn: (coos at Isabella) Hello angel. Do you remember who I am? It’s Grandpa. (Isabella stops to stare at Shawn for a moment and a big toothless smiles greets him back) Somebody does remember. (kisses her tiny fingers)

Nico: (looks proudly at his tiny daughter grabbing her grandfathers’ large fingers and pulling on them) Hey sweetie, don’t break Grandpa’s fingers now. Be careful Shawn, she’s got super strength.

Shawn: Don’t worry Nico. So does Shawna.

Shawna: Dad! Where’s Alice? I want to kiss my little lion of a nephew Leo.

Angela: (sees Shawna and runs over) Auntie Shawna!!! (runs over and hugs Shawna)

Shawna: Angi!!! (hugs and kisses) Where’s your Mom?

Angela: She’s cleaning Leo. He did a poop and a pee and made a mess and Daddy didn’t want to touch it.

Shawna: Hmm.. sounds like your Uncle Nico sweets. He hates diaper changing too. Come on, take me to your Mom. (takes Angi’s hand and the two disappear)

Belle: (whispers in Shawn’s ear) Thank you Shawn. This is even better than that dinner I had planned for both of us tonight?

Shawn: (tilts Belle’s chin) It only gets even better Belle.

Belle: How much better can this get Shawn?

Shawn: (kisses her) Much better.

Chapter 2

(The night continues as Doug, Tom, and Ryan make their way towards their parents with their girlfriends.)

Doug: (walks over with a smile that reminds Belle of Shawn at that age) Hey Mom. Happy Anniversary! (kisses her cheek)
Belle: Thank you sweetie. Hi Danielle. Thank you for coming.
Danielle: (Doug’s shy petite girlfriend of 3 years) Thank you for inviting me Mrs. Brady.
Belle: Danielle! Please call me Belle. Mrs. Brady makes me feel old!
Ryan: (breezes over with baby Isabella cuddled in his arms) That’s because you are old Mom!
Belle: Ryan Lawrence!
Tommy: (chuckles as he walks over with his fiancee Stacey) Can’t stay out of trouble can you baby brother?
Ryan: (grins impishly which causes Belle to lose her stern face and laugh) Nope! Since when have I ever been one to stay out of trouble?
Tommy: (looks around) Where’s Tina? I thought you said she was coming.
Ryan: Gone. We’re through. She said I need to grow up before I call her again. (shrugs) Oh well. Her loss. Ryan Brady is officially a single man again. Care for a date Stacey?
Stacey: (laughs) I’m flattered Ryan but if you noticed, this lady is taken with your identical self here. (wraps her arms around Tommy’s waist) If things don’t work out, then we’ll talk.
Ryan: (plants a wet kiss on Stacey’s cheek) Babe, you are the best! (Stacey laughs again as Tommy shoos his flirtatious baby brother away from his soon to be bride.)
Angi: (runs over and tugs at Ryan’s pant leg) Uncle Ryan!!!
Ryan: (looks down and smiles) What’s up squirt?
Angi: You said that you would come play with me? Remember?
Ryan: No. Refresh my brain. Tommy, take our spoiled little angel niece. She was asking where you were. (hands Isabella over to Tommy and Stacey. Isabella looks confused for a moment as she stares at the carbon copies of Uncle Ryan and Uncle Tommy in front of her before cooing happily again after Tommy nuzzles her nose with his scruff.) Yep, she knows it’s you now.
Angi: (giggles as Ryan picks her up and tickle tortures her.) Stop! Uncle.. (hic) Ryan!!
Doug: Ryan, give me our niece. You’ve just given her hiccups.
Ryan: (hugs Angi tightly to his chest) No! She’s mine! She’s mine I tell you!

(Angi giggles and hugs Ryan tighter. Belle smiles at the love and interaction between her first grandchild and her sons but her mind is not on the festivities. She continues to look at the front door of Tuscany hoping that her youngest daughter will appear in the door at any moment.)

Shawn: Belle? (tries to get her attention) Belle? What’s wrong?
Belle: Nothing Shawn. I’m okay.
Shawn: You’re worried about Addie aren’t you?
Belle: (sighs) Yes. I know she’s in good hands with Andrew but I can’t help but worry.
Shawn: (kisses Belle’s hand) She’s going to make it on time Belle. She doesn’t want to miss the surprize.
Belle: Surprize? What surprize?
Shawn: (smiles) You’ll see Perfect Girl.

***************************

(At 47, Andrew Donovan is just as handsome as ever with touches of grey streaks just beginning to show in his once dark mane making him look more distinguished as the ISA Director. He has returned to his swinging bachelor ways after filing for divorce from Joelle, now a famous fashion designer. He is never alone always having a gorgeous woman on his arm, the latest being one Abigail Johanna Devereaux, a reporter for NBC News. He is grabbing all the luggage his niece and second cousin have packed for their trip home.)

Andrew: (piles the luggage in the back of the SUV he’s rented) Okay is that the last of the luggage? (shakes his head) Why is it you girls need so much luggage for a 2 week trip? All I packed was that one suitcase!
Jillian: Duh Uncle Andrew, we like to be prepared. (looks on the luggage trolley) Yeah that’s it Uncle Andrew. Can we go now?
Addie: Yeah Andrew. I’m missing my parents surprize anniversary party here.
Andrew: Do we have everything?
Jillian: (looks around) Yeah, we’ve got me, Addie, you and our luggage.
Addie: I think we’re all here.
Andrew: (shuts the hatch on the SUV) Okay, hop in.
Jillian: Thanks again for picking us up Uncle Andrew.
Andrew: No problem Jilly. I promised your Mom and Dad I’d look out for both of you in New York.
Jillian: Uncle Andrew, you do know that Aunt Joelle will be there at the party right?
Andrew: (grows serious) Yes, I know Jilly. Genie told me that in advance when I told her I was coming. I won’t be getting into a fight with her at Belle and Shawn’s party. It’s their night. What Joelle and I had was over a long time ago.
Jillian: Are you sure Uncle Andrew? I know Aunt Joelle still loves you and Miranda, Zoe and Andre miss you a lot.
Andrew: I miss them too Jilly but their mother and I just can’t get along. I told Joelle it wouldn’t work out but she didn’t believe me. We never should have gotten married in the first place. That was a mistake but I had to do the right thing after I screwed up the first time. Wait a minute! Why the hell am I talking to you about my love life?! I should be the one asking you about your love life? So are there any guys I need to do the threatening glare to?
Jillian: NO! Addie does though.
Addie: I do not! Bryan’s just a study pal.
Jillian: (teases Addie) That’s not what Bryan says.
Addie: (turns red at the mention of Bryan’s name) What did he say?
Andrew: I know Tyler will be happy to see both of you. He asked me when you two were coming back for a visit.
Addie: Isn’t Tyler almost done university?
Andrew: Yeah he is. One more semester and he will be a certified criminologist. (swings a heavy left to avoid the swerving truck in front of him and starts swearing at the Blue two Ton Ford) LEARN HOW TO DRIVE!!!!! (glares at the driver as he passes the idiot driver) Okay, we are taking the shortcut. I am not sharing the road with this idiot behind us. Next stop, Tuscany Restaurant.

************************

Genie: Joey!!! (rushes to hug her best friend as she enters the restaurant with her three children) Hey Girls! (Miranda and Zoe hug their Aunt Genie) Andre, you’re looking more like Andrew everyday.
Miranda: Aunt Genie, tell me there’s something to do here. It’s like country hick town. There’s no lights, no action!
Zoe: Hello Moron? What planet did you come from?
Joelle: ZOE!
Zoe: What?! We’re in the Mid West. It’s supposed to be quiet. I kinda like it. It’s like going to the Hamptons or the Catskills.
Andre: Is Dad here yet?
Genie: No, he’s not Andre. Your dad is running late as always except I think this time he’s not to blame. He picked up Jillian and Addie on the way.
Andre: Sheesh, why is it that girls always make everyone late?
Miranda: Why is it that guys always NEVER ask for directions when they’re lost and drive aimlessly around getting more lost and make everyone late?
Genie: (laughs) That’s nothing new Miranda: Uncle Brady is like that all the time. I’m surprized he knows how to get to the Stadium and back. Tyler’s around here somewhere. I know he’s been waiting for you to arrive.
Andre: Cool! Tyler’s here!? A bientot Maman. (kisses Joelle’s cheek and disappears off in search of his older brother)
Genie: Miranda, Zoe, Alice and Shawna are around here somewhere. I think Alice is changing Leo and Shawna’s with Angi and Isabella. Nikki’s around too. Go make yourselves comfortable. (Miranda and Zoe run off quickly to coo over Leo and Isabella) Joey, you look great. How are you doing?
Joelle: Comme ci comme ca. It is difficult being a single parent with three children. I am still trying to recover from the divorce. I will not sign the papers Genie. I refuse to sign those papers. Andrew is not listening to his heart again. He has told me he loves me time and time again but when I ask why he wants a divorce he said it’s for the best. Pourquoi il veut un divorce? He has not been depressed in a long time. I have been making sure he takes his medication everyday.
Genie: (gives her pal a hug) I don’t know. Andrew is a mystery to me now. Personally, I think he’s throwing away the best thing that’s happened to him since Tamara died. Give him time Joey. He’s thinking with his head again.
Joelle: Time is not good for Andrew cherie. The last time I gave him time, it took one night and myself becoming pregnant with Andre. Genie cherie, what is Andrew doing now? I know you must know. He won’t tell me. He won’t even talk to me. He just tells me to talk through the lawyer. He’s doing something dangerous. You must know cherie. You must tell me. I have to know.
Genie: (looks torn) Joey, you know I can’t tell you. Whatever I know is probably about as much as you do. All I know is that Andrew has been acting really strange lately. He won’t even tell me what’s going on cause he knows I’ll cave in and tell you what he’s up too. The only other person that knows is Dad and he’s like Fort Knox with ISA business matters. I’ve learned growing up as the daughter and brother of an ISA agent/Director, See no ISA, hear no ISA.
Mimi: (walks over) Are we discussing the topic of one Andrew Shawn Donovan? Mind if I add my two cents?
Joelle: Your opinion is very much welcomed Mimi. Maybe you may be able to help me understand why Andrew wants a divorce.
Mimi: He’s an idiot if he wants a divorce. Don’t give up on him Joelle. He’s rebelling against something for some reason and we all know how his reasoning is pretty much twisted to protect his family and loved ones even if he gets hurts in the end.
Tyler: (walks over with a hug and kiss for his step mother) Hey Joelle!
Joelle: (bright smile for her stepson) Cherie!! (kisses Tyler on both cheeks) Bonjour!!! Comment ca va? I understand that you are about to graduate from university.
Tyler: (grins) Yeah, almost done.
Joelle: Why don’t you go work with your papa then? I know he would be delighted to have you work with him.
Tyler: I wish. Mom won’t let me join the ISA. She doesn’t want anything to happen to me.
Joelle: Ou est ton frere? I thought I sent him to see you.
Tyler: Andre? He’s flirting with Angi right now. She broke her Uncle Ryan’s heart when she ran off with her cousin Andre.
Joelle: (laughs) I must rescue Angi then.
Genie: I’ll come with both of you. I haven’t had a chance to talk to Alice yet.

**********************************

Shawn: (clinks his fork to his glass) May I have everyone’s attention please? (Everyone quiets down) I’d like to thank all our family and friends for coming here tonight to celebrate 30 long years of a wonderful life with this gorgeous lady by my side. (Belle laughs as the crowd agrees) Oh Shush. I look around this room and I see people that I’ve known since I was a child. (looks over at Bo and Hope who in their golden years look stunning) My parents Bo and Hope Brady who taught me everything there is to know about long live and love. (looks over at John and Marlena) My in-laws, John and Marlena for giving their permission for me to marry their daughter even though John had his many doubts at first. (John gives Shawn the eyebrow and everyone laughs) I also look around and see five of my children here tonight. My two princesses, Alice and Shawna, who I am so proud of for their accomplishments. My three sons, Tom, Doug and Ryan and their rise to hockey greatness as the Triple Trouble Line and my baby girl Adelaide who couldn’t make it….
Addie: (bursts in the front door of Tuscany) DAD!!!! (Everyone whirls around and Shawn’s face breaks into a sigh of relief and joy as she runs towards Shawn and hugs her father) I’m so sorry I’m late!
Shawn: (kisses Addie’s cheek and smiles as his little Perfect Girl) It’s alright sweetie. You haven’t missed the big surprize yet.
Addie: (turns to Belle) Mom! (hugs her) Happy Anniversary. I’m so sorry I’m late.
Belle: I’m more happier that you’re home honey.
Shawn: (looks up and grins) Well, Drew, you certainly like to make an entrance!
Andrew: Well duh! I am a former International Man Of Mystery now stuck behind the desk. Besides, I learned from the best. (looks around and spots Joelle)
Jillian: Mom! Dad! (rushes to hug Brady and Genie)
Brady: Hey Princess! How about a kiss for Dad?
Jillian: (giggles and kisses Brady’s cheek) I missed you too Dad.
Brady: How’s my little girl? Your Mom and I were beginning to worry you wouldn’t make it back in time.

(Tyler watches both girls with interest and shock as the two girls are not the same two best friends he remembers growing up with. Mimi looks over at her son and a tiny smile appears on her face when she watches Tyler eye Addie with great interest. Once the families are reunited and settled Shawn continues.)

Shawn: Okay, where was I? Oh yeah. My thank you speech. There’s one person that couldn’t make it here tonight. One person I very much wished could be here in person but I know she’s here in spirit. My great-grandmother Alice Horton. She was the one that told me that love is what brings two people together and I’ve always remembered what she told me growing up. Gran, thank you. (looks up to the ceiling) Last of all, there’s one more person I need to thank. (looks at Belle with love in his eyes which reflect back to him) The love of my life and mother of my children, Isabella Black. Belle, from the moment I first saw you all those years ago, you set my heart on fire and kept it burning all these years. I love you and I have a very special gift for you to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. Belle, can you come here please?

(Belle looks confused for a moment but smiles and stands up to join Shawn who takes her onto the dance floor. Opening his inside pocket, he pulls out a ring box and opens it to revealing a dazzling ruby solitaire surrounding by a dozen tiny sunburst diamonds and drops to one knee.)

Shawn: (takes Belle’s hand) Isabella, I’ve loved you for 30 years and I’ll love you for 30 more. I couldn’t afford a ring when we first got married. The ring that you deserved. But now that 30 years have passed, I’ve found the ring that should have been on your finger in the first place. Will you marry me all over again?
Belle: (totally oblivious to their family as she concentrates on nothing but Shawn and smiles) Yes, I’ll marry you again Shawn Douglas Brady. (Shawn gives Belle the sexy smile he gave her the first time she said yes and slips the ring on her fingers and kisses her to the loud cheers of their family.)
Angela: Auntie Addie, I’m confuzzied.
Addie: (smiles at her 4 year old niece and hugs her tight) Why’s that Ange?
Angela: Aren’t Grandma and Grandpa already married? Did they get a divorce or something that they have to get married again?
Addie: (laughs) No, what it means is that Grandma and Grandpa are going to renew their vows again.
Angela: Oh. What’s renew their vows?
Addie: When Grandpa and Grandma got married a long time ago, they each promised to love each other and no one else forever. They’re going to promise to love no one else but each other again.
Angela: Does that mean they don’t love me or Mommy or Auntie Shawna or you?
Addie: (gives Angela a hug) No silly. We’re special. They love all of us because we’re their kids.
Angela: Daddy says that too. Did you know that Daddy gets to go skating everyday and he plays hockey like Uncle Ryan, Uncle Tommy, and Uncle Doug?
Addie: (pretends to be surprized) Really?
Angela: (nods her head) Daddy and Uncle Ryan always fight when they play. I saw it on TV. Mommy doesn’t like it too much and yells at Daddy to stop fighting with Uncle Ryan. She tells Daddy he knows better than to fight with Uncle Ryan.
Addie: Hmm.. well maybe we need to talk to Uncle Ryan and give him a time out.
Angela: (nods her head) Daddy needs a time out too.
Addie: (laughs) Okay, we’ll go give them a time out later, got it?
Angela: Got it!

(After the food and toasts to Belle and Shawn from their families and friends, everyone either hits the dance floor or heads to the table where Alice and Shawna are sitting to make a small momento or message to Belle and Shawn for their anniversary scrapbook. Addie sits with her two older sisters and plays with Leo whose smile lights up everyone who walks by. Tyler makes two passes by the table before getting up the courage to walk up.)

Tyler: Hey Ladies. Mom said I was supposed to make something or sign something? What do you want me to do?
Alice: Hey Tyler! Write whatever you want or just sign your name. (hands him a piece of paper and a colored pen) How are you? How’s school going?
Tyler: Great. I can’t wait to be done to tell you the truth. One more semester.
Shawna: Ugh…Don’t remind me about school. I spent over 10 years in there. First normal school then six years of med school and another 3 for CIA training. I’ve had enough school to last me a lifetime. You’re almost done too right Addie?
Addie: Yeah, another year and I’ll be done. (looks at Tyler) Fine, don’t even say hello how ya doing to your best friend.
Tyler: (teases Addie) Oh it’s you. I thought you were just a doll version of Aunt Belle.
Addie: Haha, very funny! (Alice and Shawna give each other the look and their psychic connection sense a storm brewing) I see you grew out of the Dumbo ears and suspenders.
Tyler: (fakes a stab through the heart) Ouch! I left that behind in high school. Besides, it was a joke.
Addie: Yeah, a joke that you’ve never been able to live down.
Tyler: Well gee of course I’ll never live it down. I wasn’t expecting the surprize that came with it!
Jillian: (holding Isabella) Tyler move your ass to the side and let me get by. I’ve got a baby here. (Addie scoots over and allows Jillian to sit down beside her as she coos at Isabella) Shawna, she is a doll.
Shawna: (smiles) Thanks. She’s a very good baby. Fatherhood has done wonders for Nico too. It’s turned him into a big softie when Izzy gives him a big smile and wants to be picked up. He just melts when she coos at him and kicks her feet. His Nonna just adores Isabella too. She’s a lot like Gran. I miss her a lot.
Addie: I don’t really remember her too well.
Tyler: Neither do I. I just remember an old lady who used to give me donuts when Mom wasn’t looking. (Leo grows grumpy at the lack of attention he is receiving and lets out a loud scream.) Too many ladies for ya huh? Alice, you mind if I take him for a cruise of the streets. See if we can find any young ladies to smooze?
Alice: (laughs) Sure. Bring a belch towel with you in case Leo spits up on you and thin blanket. Addie, time to relinquish Leo.
Addie: Do I have too? I don’t trust Tyler with him. The last time he was near a baby, the baby took one look at him and burst into tears.
Tyler: I told ya! It wasn’t my fault!!!!!!! Let Leo decide if he wants to come with me. (looks at Leo who sits up and sizes Tyler up) So dude, wanna go cruise the strip? (Leo gives Tyler a big toothless smile and kicks happily) That’s a yes to me so… (takes Leo out of his carrier) Thank you Miss Adelaide Nora Brady. Leo and I will be on our way then….
Addie: (watches the two walk off) I don’t trust him with Leo. I’m going with them. (grabs Leo’s bottle of milk and the belch towel and runs off)
Alice: (watches Addie chase after Tyler) Shawna, are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Shawna: (nods her head) Uh huh. Uncle Mike is chasing after Mom again, just that this time Uncle Mike is Tyler and Addie is Mom.
Jillian: Who is Uncle Mike and why is he chasing after Aunt Belle?
Shawna: Long story short Jill. Uncle Mike is Tyler’s biological father who died before Tyler was born. You wouldn’t know who he is. Uncle Mike died when we were like 3 or 4. He asked Andrew to take care of Tyler and adopt him as his son which is why you two are not blood related. Didn’t Tyler tell you this?
Jillian: I heard it from Addie who told me some of the stuff Tyler told her. (Alice and Shawna give each other the look again as Isabella lets out a tiny cat like cry.)
Shawna: She’s hungry. Give me my sweet angel Jill. It’s feeding time again.

***************************

Andrew: (stands outside on the terrace looking at the Salem skyline thinking and talking to himself) God, I hate doing this to you Frenchie, but it’s for the best. I can’t risk it. Tamara, your well timed wisdom would be good here.
Tamara: (appears as a fog which clears into a ghostly figure) You always need my wisdom Drew. I think you should tell her why you want the divorce. She needs to know your reasons.
Andrew: I can’t tell her Tamara. It could put her in danger. It could put the kids in danger. I swore never to let what happened to you ever happen to my familyn. I’m doing this for their own good.
Tamara: She’s your wife Andrew. You both swore for better or worse, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, etcetera, ecetera, ectera. She has a right to know what you are doing. I’m a thing of your past. You don’t need to be doing this Andrew. You don’t need to do this for me. I’m perfectly fine, well... happier that you don’t go through with this.
Andrew: I’ve worked too long on this Tamara. I made you a promise and I intend to keep that promise even if it kills me. (pauses) You know Mara, there are times I’ve almost told her why I’m pushing for this divorce. It’s for her own good if she just walks away from me. I’m just a liability to her especially for her career. I’ve hurt Joelle so many times in the past. If she found out about this, she’d stop me from going. That’s why I can’t tell her what I’m doing. I need to do this Mara. I need to do this for you and clear my conscience.
Tamara: You don’t know that Drew! Joelle might actually understand. She knows you as well as I do and she’s loved you even with all your troubled flaws. You still love Joelle. I can see it all over your face. Even with all the times you purposely made yourself get caught with another woman so she’d hate you and sign those papers and give you a divorce. She waited for you for a long time to come to your senses and she loves you Andrew. She wants you to take care of yourself and be emotionally healthy. That all she wants Drew. She just wants you to be happy. (sighs) Just tell her the truth Andrew. She’ll still love you no matter what you tell her. As for clearing your conscience, I think it’s more guilt than anything else that’s pushing you do to this! (smacks Andrew in the head) You’re an idiot if you go through with this divorce Andrew Donovan. I’ve never seen you happier after I died then the time you’ve had with Joelle and all the kids.
Joelle: (looks around for Andrew and finds him out on the terrace and hears him talking to someone) Andrew???
Tamara: Tell her Andrew. Tell her the truth. (fades away)
Andrew: (turns around) I’ve been waiting for you to show up.
Joelle: (stands beside Andrew and looks out) It is a very nice view of Salem from here.
Andrew: Yeah it is. It reminds me of all those times we spent in that treehouse I built for the kids long after they were in bed.
Joelle: (turns to face her husband) Pourquoi Andrew? Je t’aimes. Dit moi sil vous plat? Pourquoi tu veux un divorce?
Andrew: I already told you Frenchie. It’s for the best. I’m doing this because I love you and the kids.
Joelle: The best? The best?! I love you too cherie but this is not love. (puts her hand over his on the railing and realizes Andrew is still wearing his wedding band) Please tell me what is going on cherie. I need to know. I must know. I will help you. The children will help…
Andrew: NO! I will not put the children in the middle of this! This is between me and you Joelle. I love you but I can’t live with you. I only stayed with you for this long for the kids sake. We should have never gotten married in the first place Frenchie. It was wrong from the start.
Joelle: Non! It was not wrong! It was right Cherie! Can’t you see? If you didn’t love me, you would have not come and rescued me from those men and we would not have had Miranda and Zoe.
Andrew: (turns to face Joelle and caresses her face) Frenchie, from the moment I first saw you again when you were eighteen, I felt something I shouldn’t have. That should have been my first clue that it was wrong and to just walk away but I was so depressed and feeling guilty after Tamara’s death, that I let you seduce your way into my bed and into my life again. (pulls her close into his arms and runs his fingers through her hair) Let me go Frenchie. Sign those divorce papers and let me go…
Joelle: Je ne peut pas…

(She pulls away and touches his of his head gently running her fingers through his hair. Andrew looks into his wife’s eyes and sees hurt and confusion over his twisted and strange reasons for a divorce. He touches her face and runs his thumb gently over her lips and leans in to kiss her. Joelle responds to his kiss and wraps her arms around Andrew’s neck. Andrew pulls her closer and his hands wander to her waist. The two are oblivious to their surroundings until a guest opens the door and surprizes both of them.)

Guest: Oh! I’m sorry! I’ll just turn around and leave you two alone. I’m sorry for interrupting. (turns around to leave)
Andrew: No, it’s okay. Don’t leave. We were just finishing our talk. (takes Joelle’s arms and gently ushers her back inside.) We really need to talk about the settlement Frenchie. I know I said we should go through a lawyer but I’m afraid in the end it will be the kids that will get screwed over.
Joelle: Oui, we need to talk about that. Come back to my suite at the Salem Inn cherie. We can talk there.
Andrew: No, because we’ll end up doing something we’ll both regret later.
Joelle: Non, I promise to be good. (purrs) Besides, I am not 23 years old anymore Cherie. I am 42 years old. My body is old and sagging everywhere. I cannot seduce you anymore cherie.
Andrew: You’re wrong there Joelle. I still love every part of that old body of yours sags included and (sighs) against my better judgement… fine. Let’s go back to your suite to talk. At least I know we won’t be disturbed by anyone! (opens the door) You first Frenchie.
Joelle: Let me tell Genie that we have gone off to talk and she can take the children home.
Andrew: We won’t be that long Frenchie.
Joelle: Just in case cherie.
Andrew: (sighs again) Fine!

Chapter 3

 

Abby: (breezes in the front door) Damn it! I missed the party already! (turns around and starts to walk out)

Nico: (pulls out his “hand” gun) Freeze Reporter! You’re under arrest.

Abby: (shrieks) Nico!! (flies into his arms for a hug) I didn’t know you were coming!

Nico: (laughs as he hugs the annoying reporter known for hanging out in places she shouldn’t be) Um… I’m married to the other twin here. If I didn’t come, she’d kick my butt around the house.

Abby: (looks around) Shawna’s here too? I thought you two were on some super secret mission.

Nico: Change of plans when your wife is the head pathologist to the CIA and has some pull with the Director. How the hell did you know about that miss… Never mind. I don’t want to know how you know.

Abby: (grins) I have my sources…

Shawna: ABBY!!!! (runs to hug her cousin) You made it!

Abby: Yeah, blame my junker of a car. I lost the transmission somewhere on the interstate and just left it at the closest garage while I rented a car and drove the rest of the way here. Is Andrew here? (looks around for her favorite guy pal and source of information)

Shawna: Yeah he was but I saw him leave with Joelle.

Abby: Good!! Those two need to get away, sit down and have a very long talk along with a lot of sex in between.

Shawna: ABBY!! (lowers her voice) There are young impressionable children around here!

Abby: (shakes his head) Andrew is still very much in love with Joelle. I don’t know why he wants a divorce. Do you know all the tabloids are blaming me as the cause for his filing divorce from Joelle when I have absolutely nothing to do with it except just be Andrew’s friend???

Shawna: So did he really tell Joelle that he was cheating on her with you? I read the tabloids and wondered where they came up with such bull. You could sue for slander.

Abby: Not worth the time and litigation. Besides, Andrew and I know the truth. We are just friends that like to hang out together.

Shawna: Okay, now you’re sounding like a high school teenager with a huge crush on a close guy friend. So did you actually have a date with Andrew? Come on. Enquiring CIA minds will find out one way or another.

Abby: (smiles) It was fun while it lasted. I did get him to kiss me though. (looks around) Where’s your Mom and Dad? They are the reason I came here.

Shawna: Around somewhere. Just ask around.

Abby: (hugs and kisses Shawna and Isabella) It was good to see all of you again. Give me a shout when you’re in NYC again and we’ll go out for a latte or something. (hugs Nico) You take good care of her you hear me? I taught Shawna many things as her babysitter.

Nico: (groans) I know! I know! I hear it all the time!

Abby: (spots Belle and Shawn) Hey, gotta run! I see the VIP’s! Talk to you later!

 

****************

 

(The party ends late in the night with Shawn and Belle returning home a little drunk and happy.)

 

Belle: (giggles as Shawn growls at her and pretends to bite at her neck) Shawn!

Shawn: (gives Belle a sexy smouldering look) Race you to the hot tub?

Belle: Later! (takes off before Shawn can grab her)

Shawn: (chuckles as he watches his wife run up the stairs and he walks over to the bookcase where a picture of Tom and Alice Horton sits in the place of honor) I hope you had a great time tonight Gran. We really missed you there but we know you were there in spirit. Mom said she could feel you there. You always did say love is what brings everyone together through thick and thin, no matter how tough things get. Good night Gran.

 

(Shawn turns off the front porch light and heads towards the stairs as a dim light grows and the ghostly apparitions of Tom and Alice Horton appear at the foot of the staircase smiling at their great-grandson as he makes his way up the stairs. The two look at each other and smile as Tom gives Alice a kiss and the two disappear into the darkness.)

 

*******************

 

(The wispy clouds trail high into the sky as a new day befalls Salem. The rest of the family has yet to arrive to the place they all once called home giving Belle and Shawn a few extra hours to themselves. The afternoon comes quickly and soon all of the Brady grandchildren and cousins and extended family begin arriving.  Belle sits in the shade of her front porch, watching the children frolic through her yard.  The joy of watching them play a rackous game of flag football elicits a smile and sparkle from her pale blue eyes as she reminisces of earlier times. Sighing, she looks at her semi-wrinkled hands, as a result of age and all the work in the garden, she pulls out a red leather book and flips it open to the cover and smiles as she fingers the picture on the first page. Grabbing the small pair of scissors and her small box, she pulls out a sheet of paper and begins cutting. Angela looks up to see Belle working on a project. Curious, she runs up the porch, doll in hand to watch.)

 

Angela: Grandma! What are you doing?

Belle: (smiles) I’m about to add another page or two to my scrapbook Angela.

Angela: Mommy has a scrapbook for me. She’s making one for Leo too. She lets me help her make my scrapbook.  Can I help you too?

Belle: Don’t you want to play with your dolls anymore?

Angela: (shakes her head) No, I wanna help you Grandma. (Belle smiles and Angi looks at the picture) Who’s that Grandma?

Belle: (puts the scissors and the paper down.) That is me and your grandfather when we got married 30 years ago.

Angela: (climbs up on the seat beside her) Can I see?

Belle: (puts the book on Angela’s lap) Of course you can. Will you help me turn the page?

Angela: Okay! (turns the page slowly) Who’s that?

Belle: That is your great, great, great grandmother Alice.

Angela: She has the same name as Mommy. Who’s that?

Belle: That is your great, great, great grandfather Tom.

Angela: (giggles) He has the same name as Uncle Tommy. How come Mommy and Uncle Tommy have the same names as they do Grandma?

Belle: (with a smile) Because Grandpa and I liked those names and we decided to name Alice and Tommy after their grandpa and grandma.

Angela: Oh… (skips to another page) That’s Auntie Shawna and Mommy! Mommy has that picture too! What are they doing there? They look pretty. Who are those guys? That isn’t Daddy or Uncle Nico. Why does Grandpa look sad there?

Belle: (light chuckle) Grandpa just realized that your Mommy and Auntie Shawna weren’t little girls anymore and they were all grown up. There’s a story behind this picture. Would you like to hear it?

Angela: (giggles) Yeah!

Belle: Alright. Get yourself comfortable. Are you ready?

Angela: (wriggles on the soft pillow.) Ready!

Belle: Alright. Once upon a time when your Mommy and Auntie Shawna were 16, there was this big party called the Last Blast Dance…

 

(Salem High…)

 

Jenny: Alice! Shawna!! It’s about time!!! Where have you been?!?! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!!!

Alice: (peeks her head out from behind her locker her blue rimmed glasses making her look very intellectual) What’s up Jen?

Jenny: There’s a new guy in school!! Super hot but he’s got the attitude to match it!

Shawna: (looks up from her chemistry text) New guy? What’s his name?

Jenny: You won’t believe it when I tell you… (pauses for dramatic effect) You remember Danny Sorenson right?

Shawna: Who?!

Alice: Danny’s back??? He told me that he was thinking about coming back to Salem to work things out with his Dad. He wasn’t sure though.

Jenny: Well, guess what? He must have been sure about it because he’s walking this way right now!!!

 

(On cue, the group disperses on either side as a strapping, muscular and very athletic looking young man makes his way down the hall. His menacing appearance with ripped jeans and a leather jacket complete with a single gold hoop earring gives him the total rebel look. Anyone who dares approach him immediately scrambles off with one menacing glare.)

 

Danny: (zooms in on Alice and Shawna and Jenny who are giggling) I see time hasn’t changed the three of you.

Alice: (her bright smile at Danny causes him to lose the menacing look) Danny!!! (throws her arms him for a hug) How are you?!?! I thought you said you weren’t going to come back.

Danny: (smiles as he hugs the petite Alice in his arms) I wasn’t but my aunt and uncle thought I should at least give me and my dad a chance to try and work things out since he got out of jail. It’s just temporary. (sees Shawna) Hey Shawna.

Shawna: (gives Danny the eye after looking up from her chem textbook) Oh. It’s just you. You better make sure you don’t get Alice in any trouble or you’re answering to me got it?

Alice: (looks at Shawna in surprized shock) SHAWNA!

Jenny: (shyly) Hey Danny. You look great.

Danny: (smiles) You’re Jenny right?

Jenny: Yeah I am.

Danny: I remember you. You have the big brother with the ‘67 Corvette he was fixing up. Does it run now?

Jenny: Yeah. He got it running after replacing the engine. He races it at the speedway every weekend. It’s white with blue racing stripes on the side. He won’t let me drive it though. He’s afraid I’ll scrape the painstaking paint job he did.

Danny: Cool! I’ll have to check that out this weekend then. As for the driving, you’re a girl. Of course he won’t let you drive it. You do not let women drive a car like that.

 

(Alice makes a retort to Danny’s jib at women drivers and the four get into the mini discussion over who are better drivers. Eric Matthews and Alex Frieson and the rest of the football team make their entrance down the hall. Eric sees a new guy talking with the three girls and taps Alex nudging his head in their direction. Alice’s sweet laughter echoes the hall which doesn’t sit well with Eric and he and Alex walk over as Eric possessively drapes his arm around Alice’s shoulder and kisses her cheek.)

 

Eric: Hey babe. Miss me?

Alice: (turns her head and smiles as Eric gives her a quick peck) Hey Eric. You remember Danny Sorenson right?

Eric: (defensive demeanour) Yeah.  I thought your dad was still in the slammer.

Danny: Well, he’s not Matthews. He’s out.

Eric: So he kick the shit out of you yet? You were such a wimp against him. I bet I could kick you around the block back then.

Danny: (menacing demeanor returns) I bet I could kick the shit out of you right now. You were such a brown noser I’m surprized your nose isn’t stuck in someone’s ass. (turns to Alice) I’ll see you around Alice. (walks away as the hallway crowd begins whispering and murmuring over Eric and Danny’s altercation of words.)

Alice: Eric, why’d you bring up Danny’s father abusing him? That was pretty low.

Eric: Why not? Everyone knows that his dad beat the crap out of him back in grade school. His dad only went to the slammer because he got caught kicking Danny’s ass in public.

Shawna: (hands Alex her chem text as Alex helps her up off the floor) Thanks Alex.

Alex: (dumps the book in the open locker) What’s wrong? You look… I don’t know, disturbed.

Shawna: It’s Danny. I never liked the guy when we were kids and I still don’t. I don’t know how Alice can be friends with him. Danny spells trouble with a capital T.

Alex: Are you sure you’re not just mad still because he went to bat for you after you broke your leg and you had no control? I mean the guy did challenge the school bully for making you fall and break your leg.

Shawna: Would you have stood up to the jerk too?

Alex: If I wasn’t such a scrawny wimp back then, yeah.

Shawna: Liar! (hugs her longtime friend) but you are cute when you lie.

Alex: Shawna, I have something I need to ask you. You know the Last Blast Dance is coming up soon right?

Shawna: Yeah. Me, Alice and Jenny are on the decorating committee. Why?

Alex: You wanna go with me? (looks hopeful)

Shawna: (looks surprized) Are you asking me to go to the Last Blast Dance with you Alex?

Alex: (sheepishly) Yeah, will you be my date? (Shawna’s silence gives Alex the wrong answer) Someone already asked you didn’t they?

Shawna: (laughs) No Silly! Yes I’ll go to the Last Blast with you.

Alex: (sadness turns to a sigh of relief and then a grin) You will?

Shawna: (nods) Yes I will. I’ve just been waiting for you to ask me. I already turned down someone else.

Alex: (perks up) Who asked you?

Shawna: (nonchalantly) Oh no one important. Just one of the guys from the team.

Alex: Who?! I’d like to have a talk with him!

Shawna: Temper, temper Alex. Save your energies for the field. I told you. He’s harmless.

Eric: (snuggles closer to Alice and kisses her neck) So babe…

Alice: Yes Eric?? (squeezes Eric’s hands which are wrapped around her) What’s up?

Eric: Last Blast? Got any plans?

Alice: Yeah. I’m going. I’m on the decorating committee. I’m going with Nic, Jenn and Shawna unless they’ve got dates, then I’m going solo.

Eric: No you aren’t. I’m going with you.

Alice: Says who?

Eric: Says me. I need a date for the Last Blast and I would like you to come with me.

Alice: (teases Eric) Ask me nicely and I might just say yes.

Eric: (whines) Why??? You’re my girl. Do I have to ask you?

Alice: (pulls away from Eric) Yes, because you need to ask my Dad first.

Eric: Your dad scares me Alice. He was cool when we were kids but now he’s just scary.

Alice: That’s because you’re my boyfriend now, not my guy friend anymore. Dad’s just being what he’s good at, a Dad. (sees Nicole walk by with a couple of her friends) Nic! Nic!

Nicole: (whirls around) Hey Alice!!! (turns to her friends) I’ll catch up with you later! (turns back to Alice)  Did you see him?!?!?

Alice: See who?

Nicole The hot new guy in school. He’s got the ripped jeans, studded leather jacket and the earring…

Alice: Oh! That’s Danny! You remember him right?

Nicole: (looks confused) Danny? Who’s that?

Eric: You don’t know? He’s the kid that his dad beat the hell out on Alice’s front lawn when we were kids.

Alice: (slaps Eric’s chest) ERIC! Remember when we were at mine and Shawna’s birthday party at Grandma’s cabin? Uncle Brady took Danny for a walk on the beach after he and Eric got into a fight.

Nicole: No, not really but no matter. (grins devilishly) I like trouble, especially if they look like him.

Alice: Uncle Brady’s not going to like that!

Nicole: Dad won’t mind. I thought he liked Danny.

Alice: Danny the kid yes but I don’t know about Danny the teenager. I know Dad would flip if he saw Danny now.

Nicole: Think he’d go to the Last Blast with me if I asked him?

Alice: I don’t think he’s into dances Nic.

Nicole: (face falls) Oh. (perks up) Did you see his bike though? Brand new Kawasaki Ninja. Man what I wouldn’t do for a ride on that baby.

Alice: (smiles when she sees Danny walk by her again) Well, you can ask him that yourself. Just a sec! Danny!!

Danny: (turns around and smiles at Alice ignoring the obvious glares from Eric) What’s up now Alice?

Alice: You remember my cousin Nicole right? The quiet one.

Danny: (looks at Nicole who is beet red and staring back at him) No way! You can’t be Nicole!

Nicole: Yep, that was me! I’m not so little anymore. I remember you now. You were the one that was chasing us around the house with the water bucket and keeping Tommy, Doug and Ryan busy. (starts babbling) You always wore that ripped jean jacket, even when it was boiling outside and we were all in shorts and…

Danny: You also aren’t the quiet one anymore. (gives her a killer smile) I’ve seen you somewhere else too. I just can’t remember.

Nicole: You probably have. I’m a part time model for Basic Black.

Danny: (snaps his fingers) That’s it! Your face is all over the Basic Black store in Canada. (smiles) Wow, I actually knew the face of Basic Black when she played in the sandbox and didn’t even know it!

Nicole: (blushes an even deeper shade of red) Please don’t remind me.

Alice: Danny, Nic has a question she wants to ask you.

Nicole: ALICE!!! (nudges her)

Danny: (smiles at Nicole) What did you want to ask me Nicole?

Nicole: Nothing! It’s nothing! (tries to pull Alice away) Alice, I need to talk to you privately.

Alice: Go on Nic. Ask him. He’s standing right here. (Nicole shakes her head and tries to pull Alice away) Fine! I’ll ask him for you!

Nicole: Alice No!!

Alice: (ignores her cousin) Danny, would you mind giving Nic a ride over to my house after school please? I’ve got to stay after school and help Miss Lopez with cheerleader tryouts.

Danny: (smiles) Sure. I’ve got an extra helmut. It might be kinda big for you Nicole but I can fix that. I’ll see you in the parking lot at 3:30. Don’t be late! (smiles at Alice) Talk to you later Alice.

Alice: Bye Danny!

Eric: (mimics Alice) Bye Danny! God! Alice! Why can’t you see that Danny is trouble?

Alice: Danny is not trouble and you are just jealous! Come on Nic! I want your opinion on something! (grabs Nicole’s arm and pulls her towards the girls’ bathroom)

Eric: (left standing in the middle of the hallway as everyone stares) Alice! Alice! (looks around) What are you looking at?! (Everyone goes back to what they were doing as the scene fades away.)

Belle: And now it’s time for Grandma to have a story break.

Angela: Awww… Do we have to Grandma?

Belle: (hugs her granddaughter) Yes Angi. I made some cookies this morning.

Angela: (eyes perk up) Chocolate chip cookies? The ones with the white chocolate chips?

Belle: (smiles) Yes, the ones with white chocolate chips. Should we get some before Grandpa and Uncle Tommy, Uncle Ryan and Uncle Doug from eating them all?

Angela: YEAH!!!! Daddy and Uncle Nico will eat them all too!

Belle: Well then, let’s go! (Angela slides off the porch bench and grabs Belle’s hand as the two head inside.)

Chapter 4

 

(Across town at the Salem Inn, Andrew is stepping out of the shower as Joelle skitters about him trying to get ready to head to Belle and Shawn’s house for their family gathering.)

 

Andrew: I knew coming in your suite was a bad idea!

Joelle: (wraps her arms around her husband) Andrew, we are still husband and wife. You love me and I love you. You say that you do not love me anymore but last night you loved me like you have for so long. How can you say you want a divorce cherie?

Andrew: Because it’s for the best Joelle. I don’t want you to get hurt ever again because of me.

Joelle: You can’t hurt me Andrew. You have never been able to hurt me even with all that you have tried to do. (moves her hands to span his chest as Andrew wraps his arms around her waist) We have been through much together cherie. I will be by your side no matter what happens or what has happened. Please tell me why you are doing this?

Andrew: I already told you Frenchie. We’ve been doing nothing but fight for the last six months and things have changed.

Joelle: We only started fighting because you won’t tell me anything anymore! You used to tell me everything cherie. Now you won’t tell me anything!

Andrew: I can’t have you getting involved Joelle! I don’t want you to get hurt! I don’t want you to die!

Joelle: (surprized) Die?! Cherie, what are you talking about? What do you mean?

Andrew: (realizes that he has almost revealed something he shouldn’t have) Nothing. I was just blowing off steam at you and I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry. Let’s just get ready and head over to Belle and Shawn’s. The kids are probably wondering where we are. (side steps Joelle and walks into the room to grab his clothes and change)

Joelle: (watches Andrew disappear into the other room and wonders what he was talking about) Die? Qu’est ce qu’il dit?(shakes her head) Never mind. Andrew will not go through with the divorce. He still loves me. I know he does. Last night was enough proof that he does not want this divorce. (puts on her makeup and clothes) Cherie?

Andrew: (muffled) What?

Joelle: Viens-ici! I need some help.

Andrew: Help with what? (walks into the bathroom and a low growl erupts from him as he looks over Joelle’s dress) You make that?

Joelle: Oui, it’s a test design for my latest collection for Basic Black but there is un peu problem. I cannot reach the zipper and I need you to zip it for me. (turns around and gives Andrew a perfect view of her sexy backside.)

Andrew: (walks over and slides his hands under her dress and off her shoulders) You’re not wearing that dress. (picks her up and carries her to bed) I think you look much better in this.

Joelle: (purrs as she starts undoing the buttons on Andrew’s shirts and pulls it off him) Je penses…tu es correct.

 

*************

 

(The Brady family is sitting around the kitchen table with husbands, fiancées, girlfriends, children and grandchildren and great grandparents present.  The plate of chocolate chip cookies is long gone with little of evidence of there ever being chocolate chip cookies as Ryan and Danny have eaten every last crumb and challenged each other to a one on one road game to be played after dinner.)

 

Alice: (sits in Danny’s lap) Promise me there will be no bodychecking, no slashing, no tripping and no shoulders Daniel Jesse Sorenson. That goes for you too Ryan Lawrence Brady!

Angela: Uhoh! Daddy and Uncle Ryan are in trouble!

Danny: No, we’re not Princess. Mommy is just giving me and Uncle Ryan a warning.

Angela: Auntie Addie?

Addie: Yes Angel Angi?

Angela: (giggles) Do you know the rest of the story?

Addie: What story?

Angela: The story Grandma was telling me about Mommy and Daddy, and Auntie Shawna.

Alice: What story was that honey?

Angela: The one about the picture in her book. Grandma, can I show them the book?!

Alice: What’s the magic word Angela?

Angela: Plllleeeeeeeaaaaaassssssseeeee??

Belle: Yes, you can Angela. It’s sitting on the coffee table in the living room.

Angela: (slides off Addie’s lap) I’ll be right back Auntie Addie. Don’t let anyone sit there okay?

Addie: (smiles) Okay Angi. (Angela runs off to grab the red leather scrapbook)

Alice: Mom, what story were you telling Angi about us?

Shawna: (feeding Isabella) Yeah Mom? What are you telling her about us?

Belle: (smiles) Oh nothing. She will tell you when she brings the book in.

Ryan: (tries to swipe an orange slice from Addie’s plate and gets his hands slapped by Jillian) Hey! What book is this?

Angela: (runs back in with the red leather scrapbook) This book Uncle Ryan! (gives it to him and crawls back on Addie’s lap) Can I have the book please Uncle Ryan?

Ryan: (holds onto the book) No!

Angela: Why?

Ryan: Because I said so.

Angela: Why?

Ryan: Because…

Angela: Why?

Ryan: Why do you need an answer?

Angela: Why?

Ryan: This book isn’t for little girls like you!

Angela: (giggles) I’m not a little girl Uncle Ryan! I’m a big girl! Daddy said so! Right Daddy.

Danny: (points to Angela) I defer to her.

Ryan: (opens the book and is greeted with a picture of Belle and Shawn on their wedding day 30 years ago) Wow! Mom, when did you start working on this? (flips the page which has pictures of Tom and Alice, John and Marlena, and Bo and Hope on their wedding day)

Addie: Mom, it’s gorgeous. (turns the page which comes to the 6 Brady children and their pictures in the cradle at University Hospital.) Gosh, were we all really that tiny when we were born?

Shawn: (arms wrapped around Belle’s shoulders) You girls were normal. Ryan, Tom and Doug were more of a worry because they were premature and your Mom gave me quite a scare when she collapsed and went into premature labor.

Shawna: (looks at her three younger brothers) See you already were pains before you were even born. (flips the page and laughs) Oh God. I’d like to forget this picture and that night. Remember this Alice? (shows her the picture)

Alice: (groans) The date and night from hell. That was one night I will never forget. (looks at Danny lovingly) I did meet a prince on a blue and white stallion who rescued me though.

Angela: What happened Mommy? Tell me! I wanna know. Grandma told me that’s why  you and Daddy got married after.

Danny: Well…(looks at Alice) You wanna tell her?

Alice: No, you tell her, I want to hear your version. Mom’s telling her my version.

Shawna: I’ll throw in my version in between if you want.

Addie: (leans back in the chair with Angi) This could be awhile Ange. Let’s look through the rest of the book okay? (flips the page past Tommy, Doug and Ryan) Skipping over those three, (turns the page) there’s me!

Alice: You’re tiny Auntie Addie!

Addie: (smiles) Yes I was. See that other baby in the picture with me? (Addie nods) That’s Jillian. (flips the pages) There’s you, and Leo and… Isabella. (Isabella coos when she hears her name) Yes, baby Bella, that’s you right here. (flips through the pages stopping to tell Angela what event the picture was taken at.)

Angela: Auntie Addie?

Addie: Yes Ange?

Angela: Is Andrew coming? He said he would play duck duck goose with me.

Addie: I think so. I think he and Joelle are probably shopping and Joelle forgot what time it is and they are late.

Zoe: Mom and Dad are always late. Mom drives Dad nuts when she takes forever to get ready because she can’t decide what to wear.

Andre: I think they are talking still. Maman will not sign the divorce papers.

Zoe: If Dad isn’t happy, then maybe Maman should just sign the papers and let Dad get on with his life.

Andre: No, you don’t understand Zo. You were too young to understand what happened way back when.

Miranda: What happened? Come on Andre. Spill it.

 

(The discussion between Danny, Shawna and Alice finally comes to an end with Belle walking over.)

 

Belle: If you can’t agree, then I’ll just tell the rest of the story.

Addie: Oh, I want to hear the rest of this. I only remember Alice and Shawna looking gorgeous in their dresses that night and Dad sending me off to bed before they got home.

Belle: Where was I Angela sweetie? Where did I leave off?

Angela: Mommy said okay to that guy and Auntie Shawna said okay to that guy too.

Belle: Oh! Now I remember… the night of the Last Blast Dance, your mom and Aunt Shawna were getting ready for the dance, and Aunt Addie and I were helping them while Grandpa was pacing downstairs in the living room waiting for their dates to arrive…

Chapter 5

 

Shawn: (pacing back and forth) If they lay one hand where it shouldn’t be on my daughters….

Ryan: If who does what to them Dad?

Shawn: (whirls around) Want to help me torture Alice and Shawna’s dates for the Last Blast Dance?

Ryan: (grins) Who’s their dates?

Shawn: Who else? The only two guys that have been hanging around this house since Kindergarten. Where’s Tommy and Doug?

Ryan: Upstairs, button mashing on the Playstation. Want me to get them?

Shawn: (an evil lightbulb appears above his head) Yeah, I’ve got a plan to give their dates a little scare tactic.

Ryan: I’ll be right back. (flies over the couch and races up the stairs) HEY! GUYS!!!

 

(Next door, Belle is putting the finishing touches on Shawna’s hair as 6 year old Addie Brady and her precocious 3 year old cousin Lila Rose Donovan-Black look on with wide eyed awe.)

 

Addie: (looking adorable in two pigtails done by Alice) You look very pretty Alice.

Alice: (smiles and hugs her baby sister) Thank you very much Addie. You look very pretty too. What you do you think Lila?

Lila: (nods her head) You look pretty Addie.

Addie: (giggles) No I don’t! I’m wearing my pajamas!

Lila: Alice, I want my hair like that too.

Alice: (smiles) Okay, Lila. Come here and let me put your hair up for you.

Addie: (slides off Alice’s bed so Alice can do Lila’s hair) Mommy?

Belle: Yes sweetie?

Addie: Can I stay up and wake for Alice and Shawna to come home? I want to hear their story.

Belle: We’ll see Addie. Okay?

Addie: (looks sad as the answer means no) Okay.

Alice: Addie, come here. (Addie walks over to the bed and Alice lifts Addie onto her lap and whispers in her ear) Shawna and I will come wake you up when we get home and tell you all about it, okay? (Addie looks at Alice who smiles and nods) It’ll be our little secret.

Shawna: What are you two whispering about over there?

Addie: (giggles) Nothing!!!

Nicole: (putting the last minute touches to her makeup) There! What do you think? (stands up and turns around to model a new dress from Joelle’s latest evening and prom wear for the Fall/Winter season)

Belle: (smiles) Did Joelle make that dress especially for you? You look gorgeous Nikki.

Nicole: (frowns) Now if I only had that hunky new guy for my date, this night would be perfect. (looks at Addie and Jillian who has scurried into the room after being chased out of their room by Tommy and Doug ) What do you think Jill?

Jillian: You look very very pretty Nikki.  Mommy said you had to take a picture because she and Daddy have to be in Chicago tonight.

Belle: We’ll make sure that Brady and Genie get lots of pictures right sweetie? (Addie nods her head) So Nikki, who’s this hunky new guy you like?

Nicole: Hot, hunky and trouble to the tee.

Belle: (reminiscent smile of someone who fits that description) Really? What’s his name?

Alice: (grins) You know him already Mom.

Shawna: (bored) Yeah, his name’s Danny Sorenson, the kid whose dad abused him on our front lawn when we were kids.

Alice: (turns to her sister exasperated at her behaviour) Shawna! What’s wrong with you? Every time we say Danny’s name or even mention him, you turn into the green eyed monster!

Shawna: (fiddles with her hair) I just don’t like the guy okay. He’s been nothing but trouble from the moment we met him Alice. Why can’t your see that?

Alice: Hmph.. I still think you’re just mad because he challenged Jimmy the Druggie in your honor. (sighs) Isn’t that romantic Mom? Just like Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table.

Belle: (pulls Shawna’s hair into a high ponytail and twists it until Shawna says stop) That chivalry reminds me of your father. He went after one of the guys when they were too aggressive towards me.

Shawna: Did Dad really do that Mom? Half the time, Dad is growling at Eric and Alex and giving them death looks.

Alice: Yeah, can’t you get Dad to chill out just a little. Eric said that Dad scares him now. He used to think Dad was cool but now…

Belle: (smiles as she finishes doing Shawna’s hair) There you go Shawna. (sighs as she sits down on the bed and looks at her firstborns) You girls have grown so much. I still remember the day we brought you home from the hospital. Look at the both of you now. So grown up, beautiful, intelligent… (stands up) Well, girls do you think we should show your father what you look like?

Jillian: Auntie Belle? (tugs on Belle’s shirt)

Belle: (smiles as she looks down at Jillian) Yes Jillian?

Jillian: Mommy and Dad