A NOTE FROM THE WRITER: After repeated attempts to "speed up" the what-should-now-be-LONG-expired storylines over the last few years (And FAILING MISERABLY in the process every time!), I have decided and reached the conclusion that THE best to achieve that goal at THIS point would be to simply move ahead and press forward with the show in time a few years.
This presents me with the opportunity to roll out NEW storylines NOW rather than to wait until sometime in the future which I think we can all safely agree that will NEVER come thanks to the MANY RL challenges and issues I've had to face over the last few years. It also presents me with the opportunity to introduce new characters to go along with these new storylines as well as return some old ones for anything ranging from the renewing of old storylines with new vigor and vitality to new storylines altogether.
So with no further adieu, I now present to you THE LATEST episode of AGAINST THE STORM!! Enjoy!!
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SCENE ONE - Cedarville University - Student Union Cafeteria
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It is lunchtime as Jennifer Blanton, her sorority sisters & a few other friends all sit down to have lunch. They are all sitting at one table. Meanwhile Natalie Jenkins, who came into being as a Test Tube baby enters.
Jennifer's sorority sisters nor her other friends have much (If any) use for Natalie at all (This is largely because of her "Miss High & Mighty Goody-Two-Shoes" pompant and arrogant attitude. In other words, when it comes to Natalie Pittman, think MODERN DAY VALLEY GIRL!!).
FYI ALERT But EVEN WITH Natalie's negative persona & how because of how Natalie came into being, there's a VERY human side to her story too, which you will see being played out over these next coming days, weeks & months. END FYI ALERT.
But because of all the things Natalie has done via her negative persona to attempt (Albeit with short-term success, if any at all I might add) to drive a wedge between Jennifer and her now long-time beau Brian Johanssen, who plans to marry Jennifer once they both graduate (He has proposed to her, but they agreed to wait till they graduated to actually tie the knot even though all their friends and other loved ones think they're CRAZY to put it off out of concern that things could change that would make them fall OUT of love).
As we pick up the scene now, Natalie has just stopped right at the table where Jennifer & Co. are sitting.
JENNIFER (Not surprised at ANYTHING Natalie says or does nowadays since she's practically seen it all from her) - What the fuck do you want?
NATALIE (Feeling offended) - Is THAT the way to treat A HUMAN BEING???
MONICA (One of Jennifer's sorority sisters rather snobbishly) - It's THE PERFECT way to treat YOU. And, not that you really care, but it's NOT because you were conceived in some fuckin' lab either.
NATALIE (Shrugging off & dismissing Monica's comment as insignificant & irrelevant as she really doesn't care nor believe it anyway) - Fine. Be that as it may. But I was wondering if any of you have seen Brian today.
Jennifer suddenly stops her eating & almost gags on the chicken breast sandwich she was holding in her hand as she looks up at Natalie with a VERY suspecting look on her face.
JENNIFER - And WHY pretell should ANY of us tell YOU of ALL people something like THAT???
NATALIE - Because he did what most REAL people tend to do by accidentally leaving his backpack in Biology class.
FYI ALERTNatalie & Brian are both majoring in Biology END FYI ALERT
NATALIE (Now rearing the ugly side of her personality as she holds Brian's backpack by her thumb & forefinger and later looks at it as if it contained a foul odor) - But if you'd rather that he not get it, I could always "burn" it.
JENNIFER (Getting up & just wanting to take it so Natalie would simply GO AWAY as she says firmly & sternly) - Well...Okay. You can give it to ME - NOW!! You little bitch. 'Cause I just KNOW you're up to
SOMETHING & it ain't no good. And when it ain't no good, people generally get hurt.
Jennifer offers her hand to accept Brian's backpack as we go to...
**CUE NEW ATS OPEN**
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SCENE ONE - Cedarville University - Student Union Cafeteria (CONTINUED)
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NATALIE - Last time I checked, YOU had like NO USE WHATSOEVER for Brian. I think I'll pass. Somehow I don't think Brian would want his ex-girlfriend like handing his stuff.
JENNIFER (Correcting Natalie's so-called "knowledge" as she's ALWAYS had to do - ESPECIALLY when it comes to Brian) - Well last time *I* checked, 1). That is **NOT** your decision to make because 2). I am
**NOT** his "ex" ANYTHING - HOW MANY times have I corrected you on this now? I've lost count. 3). Brian has ABSOLUTELY **ZERO** use for you and 4). Because of 1)., 2)., & 3)., if there's ANYONE Brian wouldn't trust his stuff with, THAT WOULD BE **YOU**. Now hand the bag over or leave it here at the table. But regardless of what you do, you ARE NOT getting any closer to Brian than this table, so you're just
gonna have to DEAL WITH THAT & ACCEPT IT.
Natalie looks over at the rest of Jennifer's party, but doesn't get any sympathy or even empathy for that matter. she winds up leaving the bag at the table and leaves to join her own friends
MONICA (Noticing the growing crowd over at the table where Natalie is) - I can hardly believe a slut like her ACTUALLY has friends.
JENNIFER (Whose back is turned to what Monica is seeing as Jennifer resumes her eating) - Yeah. And most of them are the frat brats who just love the quick fix if ya know what I mean.
MONICA (Nodding in agreement) - Exactly. The type of man who sees a chick for only ONE thing - S-E-X.
Just then, one of the others in Jennifer's group of friends, Kelly Mashburn, has just completed some work on her computer using the cafeteria's free WiFi connection to the Internet
JENNIFER - So, did you manage to get that assignment done Kelly?
KELLY (Exhausted & closing her laptop PC) - Ugh. I cannot believe I actually managed to DROWN MYSELF IN MY HOMEWORK during that episode with Natalie - AND AM STILL ALIVE TO TELL ABOUT IT.
Doesn't she EVER learn anything?
MONICA (Looking at Kelly rather strangely) - You're asking US that question?
KELLY - You're right. How silly of me. 1). We ARE talking about NATALIE here and 2). Because it's Natalie, I doubt even HER TEACHERS would know the answer to that one.
Everyone at the table laughs in agreement as they enjoy the rest of their lunch hour together
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SCENE TWO - Cedarville High School - Janitor's Office
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Head Janitor Mr. Carl Hedgeworth is working in his office when several boys who work for him in their after-school hours as they learn how to make an honest living by doing janitorial duties walk in. This is in response to his request to see them. Mr. Hedgeworth (Or "Mr. H." as the students like to call him as he's so popular) happens to be a politically Right-Wing fascist and self-proclaimed "Right-Wing Anarchist" and has developed quite a reputation with the Cedarville PD as such. But NOT to the extent as he is about to do so in this scene.
The students for their part are not only Mr. H's employees in after-school jobs, but they're also known to lean extremely to the politically Right on the school's Varsity Debate Team and have a reputation in the school district of
RESOUNDINGLY outsmarting EVERYONE they've encountered on the political Left so far.
As we pick up the scene now, the students, Mark, Andy & Steve, are about to find out why Mr. Hedgeworth called them into his office.
MARK (To Mr. Hedgeworth as he, Andy & Steve enter) - You wanted to see us?
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Yes. Come right on in.
The boys enter the office and close the door behind them
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Now you boys have developed quite the reputation of dealing with the clueless Liberals in the school district, haven't you?
STEVE (Wondering where the discussion is leading to) - Well yeah, through our work on the varsity Debate Team, but....
MR. HEDGEWORTH (Interrupting Steve) - Exactly, but you also know that this city has a HUGE Towelhead population, right?
ANDY (Just as perplexed as his two fellow students are) - Yeah but...
MR. HEDGEWORTH (Interrupting Andy) - What does this have to do with the price of beans in China or your after-school jobs here, I know. But THIS is an IMPORTANT job boys. THIS is something that the politicians (Even the most loyal ones to our humble cause) would cringe at.
The three students look at each other as if to ask "What is he talking about?"
MR. HEDGEWORTH (Noticing the perplexed looks on the boys faces) - Do you remember when this school had A SHITLOAD of them Towelheads?
ANDY - Heh...Yeah.
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Well several things happened to make them leave. Some graduated. Some were forced to move out of the area because of other mitigating circumstances and some will say they were "forced out". The latter is likely because of your bullying them and our troops (Now smiling) umm....shall we say....Takin' care of business by KICKIN' SOME TOWELHEAD BOOTY over in Iraq & Afghanistan....
STEVE - I think I get the picture, but where is this leading to?
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Simply put, there's ONE Towelhead who's still here. I think you all know EXACTLY who I'm referring to. You guys have tried EVERYTHING IMAGINABLE to get rid of him, yet he's still here. But I've come up with a plan that will do away with him ONCE AND FOR ALL.
MARK (Appearing interested) - What's the plan Mr. H? I'll try ANYTHING to get rid of him at this point as he ALWAYS parks his fuckin' bomb next to my classic '57 Chevy EVERY STINKIN' DAY and I'm TIRED of him doing it.
MR. HEDGEWORTH (Smiling) THAT IS THE SPIRIT NOW!!! As for the plan, it's simple. Just assemble the parts for a pipe bomb and put it in the Boiler Room.
ANDY (Stumped) - But where does the Towelhead fit in?
MR. HEDGEWORTH - You guys will come up with a way to push, pull, and/or DRAG HIM kickin' and screamin' if you have to over to the Boiler Room.
STEVE - How do we get him down there without getting caught?
MR. HEDGEWORTH - You don't. I'll give you access to the outside entrance.
STEVE - What about the guard? He's DEFINATELY bound to get suspicious.
MR. HEDGEWORTH - I'll keep him busy. He and I are pals anyway.
MARK - Okay, but once we get the Towelhead inside the Boiler Room, what are we supposed to do with him?
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Use whatever force and means neccessary to get him to place the pipe bomb underneath the big boiler. Believe me, you can't miss it.
MARK - What about our DNA being on the bomb parts when its found in some form?
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Well, if you're as smart as I think you are, you'll pre-assemble the bomb BEFORE arriving at school. This way, the steam will dust off any old DNA like a baseball umpire dusting off home plate during a ballgame.
STEVE - And the Towelhead's DNA?
MR. HEDGEWORTH (Smiling) Will be all over it.
MARK - So what do we do once he bends over and starts sliding the bomb under.
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Get the hell out of there like bats out of hell.
ANDY - What about the Towelhead?
STEVE - Yeah. He can name us if he's caught.
MR. HEDGEWORTH (Smiling) - Ahh but WHO in their right mind is gonna believe a fuckin' Towelhead standing next to a boiler with a pipe bomb WITH HIS DNA ALL OVER IT under the boiler in the Boiler Room? I don't know of anyone. Do you?
MARK (Smiling & Devilishly Laughing) - I like THIS plan. This CAN work. Thanks Mr. H. When do you want us to do this?
MR. HEDGEWORTH - Tomorrow if possible.
MARK (Confident & Cocky) - Then tomorrow it is as tomorrow will be THE LAST time he will be parking his bomb next to my '57 beauty.
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SCENE THREE - Brad & Stacy's House
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Brad Martin & Stacy McFadden are married now. As such, they are now obviously living together on a full time basis. FYI ALERT They decided to do so on a last second "spur-of-the-moment" thing once
Stacy was able to convince the courts to let her have sole custody of the last memoir of Leo's legacy - that being his son Christopher since his natural mother Cassandra Whitmore is still serving time in the penal stockade at Fort Cedar for illegally obtaining a sample of Leo's DNA so she could have proof of Leo being Christopher's biological father. END FYI ALERT
As we pick up the scene now, Brad & Stacy are enjoying a nice lunch together before Brad heads back to the hotel where he expects to have a long night since there will be a gala event for a Presidential candidate at The Fon Du Lac later in the evening.
BRAD (Asking Stacy what she thinks of the candidate who's coming to town) - So what do you thing of the guy?
STACY (Responding in what many so-called real life political "experts" might consider to be "realistic") - Does it really matter what *I* think of a particular candidate anymore? I mean seriously, all you need to have is enough money and you can just simply **BUY** your way into the White House. Holding an election has just merely become a constitutional formality these days.
BRAD - You really don't believe that, do you?
STACY - Do you really think your vote **ACTUALLY** counts Brad?? Earth to Brad....My sweetie - IT DOES NOT. There **USED** to be a time in which a person's vote **ACTUALLY** meant something. But not anymore. All that's needed nowadays to get into public office is M-O-N-E-Y and lots of it.
BRAD - Well I'm still a firm believer that a person's vote still means something.
STACY - Fine sweetie. You have your opinion and I have mine. Thankfully we live in a country where both of us are still entitled to each other's opinion. But honey, sooner or later, you're going to realize that your opinion is a figment of your imagination and that reality dictactes what I've said and believed all along for the last several years.
Just then, a political ad for the presidential hopeful appears on TV
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN TV AD (In a quoted statement from a previously recorded speech) - I will bring about CHANGE and restore HONESTY & DIGNITY to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
STACY (Responding to the quote) - Didn't the last presidential candidate who **BOUGHT** his way into 1600 Pennsylvania say something similar to that? Hmm...Lookie what he did. He turned the world's tallest buildings into a great big pile of rubble and has thus far been linked to more deaths than **ADOLPH HITLER** - And HE was nothing more than **A CRAZED LUNATIC** who should **NEVER** have been elected into power in the first place. And THE SCARY part is THAT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!!! I'm just barely scratching the tip of the iceberg of some of the things that's happened since our current President first took office.
BRAD (Noticing Stacy's obvious cynicism & criticism) - You're so cynical & critical of politicians these days. You've gotta learn to give 'em a break and pat 'em on the back for the good things they HAVE done Stace.
STACY - Brad, you would be too if *YOU* had a loved one who was repeatedly being sent into a war we have **NO BUSINESS** being in in the first place. Sorry sweetie, but while I respect your opinion and love you because you at least have one, I can't possibly agree with it. Nor can I possibly expect you to agree with mine unless you've actually lived in my shoes the last several years.
BRAD - But sweetie you know I've right at your side the whole time and certainly since Leo's death.
STACY - But it's NOT the same thing. (Now fumbling for a way to explain the point she trying to make to Brad, but is at a loss for words) It's too complicated to explain to you in a way you could possibly understand. So you're just gonna have to trust me on this on Brad. It's NOT the same thing.
BRAD (Wanting to just simply agree to disagree and not push the matter any further) - Alright. It's quite clear that when it comes to this subject, we obviously have two very different opinions and that is just simply not going to change. So how about we call a truce and just simply agree to disagree.
STACY (With a smile) - Now THAT, my dearest loved one, I will MOST CERTAINLY agree to.
Stacy & Brad begin to hug one another, but just then Brad notices his watch and realizes he has to leave and get back to the hotel
BRAD - Whoa! I'd better get the fuck outta here and get back to the hotel before Michelle decides to have my head served up on a platter for being late. See you later?
Brad & Stacy manage to get in a quickie kiss just as Brad heads out the door
STACY (As she sighs, shrugs her shoulders and lets her knees buckle down to the sofa) - Yeah. Laters.
As the scene ends, Stacy's own two year old daughter can be heard crying in the background as she awakens from her nap while Stacy picks up the remote control for the TV and starts channel surfing
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SCENE FOUR - Cedarville PD Crime Lab - CSI Adam Romano's Workstation
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Adam Romano is a CSI for the Cedarville PD Crime Lab. As we pick up the scene now, Adam, a graduate of the Cedarville University School Of Criminal Justice and old acquaintance and flame of Natalie Pittman during his college days, is busy at work when Natalie walks in
FYI ALERT Another reason why Adam & Natalie were forced to break things off between the two of them is the fact that Adam is now legally considered to be an adult while Natalie is still legally considered to be a minor under State Law EVEN THOUGH she's a Senior in college. END FYI ALERT
NATALIE (With a smile) - Hey there
ADAM (Returning the smile with one of his own) - Wow. Don't you look gorgeous. Long time no see babe.
NATALIE (Blushing, but trying to be modest - however not succeeding) - You know I *ALWAYS* look gorgeous.
ADAM (Admitting that he knows she's right and being somewhat macho about it as he walks over to her to give her a hug) - Well yeah, but still...
Natalie & Adam exchange hugs
ADAM (Continuing) - So what's up? What brings you by here?
NATALIE - Personal project.
ADAM - Ohh...Well...What can I do to help?
NATALIE - Well you know I was born in well....you know....a lab, right?
ADAM (Recalling her mentioning it to her) - Well yeah. I remember you mentioning it quite a few times.
NATALIE - Well now I've reached the decision that now is just as good of a time as any to at least start the search for my parents.
ADAM (Perplexed) - What do you mean?
NATALIE (Looking at Adam with a "RENT-A-CLUE" expression on her face) - Well you know. The two people who...umm.... decided it was best to "donate" me to modern medicine & science as if I were just some "thing" rather than a real person with emotions and feelings when the sperm & eggs were mixed together.
ADAM - Ahh...I follow now. But are you sure that's such a hot idea? I mean, suppose they don't want to see you.
NATALIE - That's the chance I'll have to take. But I'd like to AT LEAST be able to have the chance to get to know them or AT LEAST get the chance to MEET them.
ADAM (Trying to be realistic) - Nat, they may not wanna see you. Worse yet, they themselves may not want that.
NATALIE - I know. That's what the Genealogist told me.
ADAM - You working with one.
NATALIE - Yeah. She's looking up my family tree as I speak.
ADAM - Cool. So what do you need me for?
NATALIE - Well you've got access to all kinds of information about them, right?
ADAM - Eh...If they're in the system, yeah.
NATALIE - Well don't you have access to...like...information for...like....motor vehicles, right?
ADAM - Well yeah. I have access to the Motor Vehicle database.
NATALIE - Well you could pull it from there, couldn't you?
ADAM - It's possible. But Nat, if a person doesn't want to be found or doesn't want anyone that they're alive, there's lots of ways to achieve that and do so legally.
NATALIE (Sighing) - What if we were able to come up with names?
ADAM - That'd help, but if it's a common name like JOHN SMITH, that's too common as there's THOUSANDS of people out there with that name.
NATALIE - Ahh...But only one that's in the family line.
ADAM (Almost laughing) - It'd have to be one very lucky needle in one helluva haystack Nat.
NATALIE - Who knows? Stranger things have been known to happen.
ADAM (Sighing) - Okay. You get me some names and anything else that you and your Genealogist friend believe might be helpful and I'll see what I can do.
NATALIE (Smiling, knowing that she's got his support) - Great.
ADAM (In his now-usual typical CSI fashion) - I can't promise you any results Nat.
NATALIE - Just promise me you'll try. Okay?
ADAM - For you? Yeah?
NATALIE - Thanks again sweetie.
ADAM (Smiling) - Yeah.
Natalie starts to leave
ADAM (Verbally Catching Natalie as she leaves & smiling rather fondly) - Hey...
NATALIE (As she turns around) - Yeah?
ADAM (Smiling) - Great seeing ya again. Talk to ya later.
NATALIE (Smiling rather fondly in return) - Likewise. Well...Thanks again. Talk to ya later.
Natalie walks out as Adam looks on as the scene comes to an end
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SCENE FIVE - The FonDuLac Hotel - Grand Ballroom
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Owner & now Hotel Diva Michelle Monroe is busily preparing the Grand Ballroom for the HUGE reception for Presidential candidate Congressman Gary Wheatley who is a very close personal friend of hers even though he has refused her many campaign monetary contribution offers.
As we pick up the scene now, she is frantically directing staff to do various tasks as she runs around looking as though she were a chicken with her head cut off and as she pulls her hair out wondering where "Mr. No Problem in a situation like this" Brad Martin is
MICHELLE (Out of frustration & looking at her watch) - UGH!! I'm gonna KILL him!!
Just then, Brad enters the room, but quickly sees that facing Michelle is going to be THE LAST thing he's gonna wanna do, but it won't matter now as she sees him
MICHELLE (To Brad as she storms up to him) - WHERE HAVE YOU FUCKIN' BEEN?? Do you realize I've been running around like a chicken with her head cut off trying to get this place in order for the reception tonight?
BRAD - I was having lunch with Stacy. Remember? I knew I wasn't gonna be able to have dinner with her due to the reception, so we chose to have lunch instead. I thought we talked about all this.
MICHELLE - Well I wasn't neccessarily counting on staying over there as long as you did.
BRAD (Sarcastically & feeling somewhat underappreciated for all the work he DOES do at the hotel) - Sorry. Maybe next time I'll stay shorter or better yet, skip having lunch with my wife altogether just so I can be here to serve your Royal Highness when you decide to play host to such big events.
MICHELLE (Just wanting to end the confrontation) - Just get the registratation area set up, please...
BRAD - Alright.
MICHELLE - Thank you.
Brad heads over to the area marked REGISTRATION and starts coordinating things over there. Meanwhile, Michelle returns to her traffic directing when Rob enters with Congressman Wheatley, who is getting the grand tour of the hotel
ROB - Michelle my dear love, may I present to you old friend CONGRESSMAN Gary Wheatley.
MICHELLE (Charmed) - Congressman
CONGRESSMAN WHEATLEY - YOU Michelle can call me Gary.
MICHELLE (Still charmed) - Okay GARY
CONGRESSMAN WHEATLEY (Giving his personal review of the hotel as the two of them sit at one of the many tables in the room) - I cannot believe that YOU built this FANTASTIC & EXQUISITE hotel. I would've figured it would be something your father would have a hand in.
MICHELLE (Flattered) - Aww...Thanks. But as I'm sure Rob has probably told you by now, Daddy had nothing to do with it. It was all my own idea.
CONGRESSMAN WHEATLEY (Admiring Michelle's work) - And a GREAT one at that. The stuff you have proven that CAN be done if you apply yourself is truly amazing. A sight to behold.
MICHELLE (Smiling) - Well it's a sight that I hope will be here for many generations to come.
CONGRESSMAN WHEATLEY - As do I. (Now looking at his watch) - Well, now that I've had the grand tour, I'd better get back upstairs and finish preparing for the reception tonight. Nice seeing ya.
MICHELLE (Smiling as Congressman wheatley gets up) - Likewise. (Just before Congressman Wheatley exits the room) - Ohh hey!! One more thing. KNOCK 'EM DEAD!!
Congressman Wheatley sticks his thumb up in a cheerful fashion as Michelle smiles & looks on as the scene draws to a close
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SCENE SIX - Mark's House
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It is now after school hours and the boys have agreed to meet at Mark's house to plan out their devious plot since his parents are both out of town on business for their respective employers and the person in charge of looking after him in their absence, who BTW is their neighbor, is busy at work herself. As we pick up the scene now, Mark & his two cohorts are in the family garage gathering stuff they think they can use. They're also discussing other things.
ANDY - And what if we get caught?
MARK - Trust me, if we do what Mr. H. said to do, we ain't gonna get caught. There's NO WAY that's gonna happen. There'll be too much confusion and chaos.
STEVE - He's right man. We ain't got any worries in the world man.
ANDY - I'm just think about the WHAT IF..... You know?
MARK - Dude....Stop being such a wuss. Now let's see what else we can use here.
The three spot a bunch of miniature PVC pipes in a box
STEVE (Admiring the number of pipes in the box) - WHOA!! We could make use of these. Think you can use your knowledge of science to make a bomb with these Andy?
ANDY (Looking into the box himself) - FUCK YEAH!!! And I wouldn't even have to cut them down to size either. They're PERFECT.
MARK - Then let's get right to work.
The three try to look for other things in the garage they can use, but are unsuccessful. They then try the basement, but have no luck. Next they check out the stuff at Steve's house. Steve's dad is an electrician.
They grab stuff to make a timer and other electrical things. Next they move on to Andy's house. Andy's mom is an explosives expert who, ironically, owns a demolition company whose biggest client just happens to be - AL FAHEED CONSTRUCTION INC.. As we pick up the scene again, Mark & Steve notice the Rolodex on the desk of Andy's mother and are curiously thumbing through it.
STEVE (Pulling out Khalil Al Faheed's business card from the Rolodex) - Well....Well....Well. What do we have here? A TRAITOR!!
ANDY (Trying to downplay it as just being part of his mother's business) - It's just my mom's business.
MARK - Well obviously. YOUR MOTHER FUNDS & PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR TERRORISTS. Wake up & smell the coffee man.....
ANDY - My mom does her own thing. So does my dad.
STEVE - So what does HE think about all this?
ANDY - He's a Wall Street dude. He's too fuckin' busy traveling all over the whole damned world strikin' multi-zillion dollar deals as he kisses the ass of his fuckin' boss. He could give a shit about me & mom. We could fall off the face of the Earth and he wouldn't notice it.
MARK - Don't tell me he travels to the Middle East.
ANDY - Naah. That much I can tell you. He mainly travels to Europe, but on occasion he'll also travel to the Far East.
STEVE - Well we better check to see what we can find here and get the fuck out before his mom comes home.
MARK - Yeah you're right. We'd better get started. (Now admiring all the tools of the explosives trade & deviously grinning from ear-to-ear) - That Towelhead has NO idea what he's in for or what's in store for him.
FADE TO BLACK
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On The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
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* The plot by Mark, Andy, Steve & Mr. Hedgeworth enters its next phase
* Natalie gets news about her parents, but it's NOT what she expected.
* Trish struggles & has a fight with her two year old daughter
* Presidential Candidate & Congressman Gary Wheatley makes his prescence known
**All This AND MORE On The NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM**
**CUE STANDARD ATS CLOSE**
Friday, June 27, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Story Of Debbie Stevens
Debbie, as you may have gathered by now, is hardly a sweet little angel. In fact, as you're about to see, even her own mother never thought very highly of her when she was alive. But unlike Cassandra Whitmore (And despite what her now-dead mother might've thought of her), Debbie has morals.
Debbie's problems however are the bloodlines that she and her mother share and HER JUDGEMENT. She's not very good at thinking BEFORE she acts or takes action and, as we've all witnessed so far, she's also one to not let go of grudges so easily. As such, she has a tendency to want to inflict as much pain on her intended victim as possible. Problem with that is, as you're about to see, her pain-inflicting actions can also sometimes have unintended consequences (Such as hurting other people IN ADDITION to her intended victim).
Her mother was a street hooker whose specialty was standing on street corners turning tricks (When she managed to avoid getting busted for prostitution that is). As such, her "profession" of choice eventually caught up with her as one night, she was murdered by one of her many johns who decided he was going to use her as his personal sex slave. When he was done, he dumped her body in a nearby dumpster where she was later found. David & Marcie worked the case, found the perpetrator who committed the crime, and managed to get him locked up where he still remains today.
Her problem with her judgement (Or should we say LACK OF GOOD judgement) has more often than not landed her in trouble with quite a few people EVEN THOUGH she maintains a large group of friends (Many of whom either know of or have been caught in the cross-hairs of some of her actions).
With that out of the way, we bring you [b]The Story Of Debbie Stevens[/b] & her involvement in the sordid story of Leo & his womanizing behavior. We start with [b]Episode 58 Scene One[/b] as Debbie meets Mark & his photographer at The FonDuLac Restaurant.
[i]My, you sure got here in a hurry[/i], Debbie says, admiring Mark's timing.
[i]You know me. I don't like to miss a good story[/i], Mark replied. [i]So my darling, what's the scoop on Leo?[/i], he asked.
[i]Not so fast. First some business, if you know I mean[/i], Debbie exclaims, expecting payment for the story.
Mark chuckles. Debbie chuckles back with her hand out expecting money to be put in it.
[i]How 'bout you tell me what the scoop is and I'll determine how much its worth?[/i], Mark offers, chuckling at first
[i]How 'bout we do half and half?[/i], Debbie counteroffers.
[i]How 'bout the meter is ticking as we speak[/i], Mark puts it bluntly
[i]Well, since you put it THAT way...[/i]
Debbie gives Mark a little teaser. When he feels he has enough, he asks Debbie to stop and tells the photographer to start rolling. With that, the interview begins and Debbie spills the guts of her love life for all of Cedarville to see and hear.
After the interview, the three have appetizers and then part ways. Debbie goes back to the meeting to attend the reception while Mark & the photographer head back to the station. While en route back, Mark is thinking he may just have the bombshell of the year.
Getting back to Debbie, she arrives at the reception, but not long after that, she has yet another "visit" from her mother, who has been dead for years after her body was found in a dumpster after one of her many "happy customers" got through using her as his sex slave (One of the many cases which David & Marcie worked and solved). This took place in [b]Episode 58 Scene Four[/b]
[b][i]My oh my oh my. Like mother like daughter I see[/b][/i], says the ghostly spirit of Margaret, Debbie's dead mother.
[i]Wha...Who's there?[/i], Debbie asks, thinking she heard a voice.
[b][i]Why it's your mother[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]Nnnn....No. My mother's dead. I'm hearing things.[/i], Debbie responds
[b][i]I'm right here. You can't escape me[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]That's just a facsimilie replication of mother's voice. It isn't the real thing[/i], Debbie tells herself reptitively as she pours herself a cup of punch.
[b][i]I'm not a facsimilie replication sweetie. I'm in your every waking thought and dream. You know that[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]No you're not. I don't know who you are, but this isn't funny. Just go away[/i], Debbie says as she gathers a small plateful of munchies, which are part of the self-serve ala carte food area of the reception.
[b][i]Stop trying to deny who you are sweetie. You may be able to fool your so-called "friends", but you can't fool me. Remember, I'm your mother. I'm in your every waking thought and dream.[/b][/i]Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]So GET OUT of my thoughts and dreams then[/i], Debbie responds
[b][i]So you couldn't hack it on the street, eh? You just HAD to join the military[/b][/i] Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
Debbie doesn't respond.
[b][i]So tell me, How's the fuck? Is the fuck any better with the military boys as opposed to the average john I fucked around with? You know, I hear many of these bases have streets on them. Have you tried hanging out on one of THOSE street corners while turning tricks?[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit asks.
[i]I'm NOT like you mother. NEVER have been. NEVER will be.[/i]
[b][i]NEVER say never sweetie. Bloodlines ALWAYS have their ways of BITING YOU IN THE ASS[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]Yep, you oughta know. That's how come I've alive and you're dead. I'm not a FUCKIN' whore like you and grandma were[/i], Debbie sarcastically retorts.
[b][i]Don't you EVER talk about your grandmother like that. I'm here to defend myself so I can take it. But I don't EVER want to hear you talk that way about your grandmother. ONCE a slut ALWAYS a slut sweetie. Your grandmother was one, I was one, and YOU, my darling, are merely next in line. It's just a matter of time before those raging hormones of yours explode[/b][/i] Margaret's ghostly spirit adamantly responds.
[i]NOT if I can keep from it or have any say in the matter. Listen just do me a favor and GO AWAY[/i], Debbie says, now in frustration as she begins to hear people walking into the reception hall.
[b][i]I told you, I can't. I'm your mother. I'm in your every waking thought and dream. I can't leave them because I know you're always thinking about me - Especially now that you're showing your true colors of being the slut I've always thought you were. You've got the talent to turn tricks if you really wanted to do it. You don't think I've seen you in that mess hall in Afghanistan? How 'bout that one in Iraq? THINK AGAIN SWEETIE. You had them boys just BEGGING you let them squeeze those giant boobs of yours. You know, the ones your now-thankfully dead husband gave you? Why even I was getting horny. In fact, I seemingly recall three or four of those boys wanting to breed you gangbang-style and use you whenever they needed to "fulfill the need" and/or to make babies with you. Basically, they only wanted you for your giant boobs, your ass and that tight sweet pot of honey you have between your legs. In other words, they wanted you to be their bitch while they got their jollies off. (Chuckle) Yeah, you're a true slut alright. A chip off the ol' block[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says, chucking and smiling as she recalls some of the memories.
[i]JUST GO AWAY MOTHER!!!!![/i], Debbie screams in frustration, slamming her food and drink down on the floor as she does so.
Just then, Stacy walks in and sees Debbie in her anguish
[i]Debbie...Are you alright?[/i], Stacy asks with a stunned, yet puzzled look on her face and noticing that Debbie looks like she'd just seen a ghost.
[i]Yeah. Let's have the reception and get the fuck out of here[/i], Debbie responds as she tries to collect herself from the out-of-mind, out-of-life, out-of-body experience she just endured.
Later on in Scene Six, Stacy tried to press Debbie on the matter....
[i]Who were you talking to?[/i], Stacy asked
[i]Nobody[/i], Debbie responds.
[i]Didn't sound like much of a 'nobody' to me[/i], Stacy countered. [i]Doesn't look like it either[/i], she continued.
[i]You wouldn't know[/i], Debbie countered.
[i]Try me[/i], Stacy challenges
[i]Just this guy I've been dating[/i], Debbie makes up in an effort to end the conversation.
[i]I see[/i], Stacy responds, thinking she's just been fed a bunch of BS [i]I didn't know there were any guys who go by the name of 'mother'[/i], she continues
[i]Huh?[/i], Debbie questions, wondering what Stacy is even talking about.
[i]When I walked in here, you were referring to your mother as you slammed your food and drink on the floor and you said something to the effect of "go away"[/i], Stacy responds [i]Care to go into it?[/i], she continued
[i]Not particularly[/i], Debbie said [i]And I would prefer that you not blab it all over the place either[/i], she continued
[i]Okay, but I don't understand....[/i], Stacy responds
[i]Look, I know you're trying to be helpful and just trying to be a friend and all, but as far as I'm concerned, I don't have a mother. I never did have anyone to call 'mother' and I never will have anyone to call 'mother'[/i], Debbie exclaims
[i]But Deb, EVERYONE has a mother and they love us very much[/i], Stacy said
[i]Not mine. If you ask me, they should've left her in that dumpster she was found in. That was the PERFECT place for her.[/i], Debbie retorts [i]Look Stace, I know you're just trying to be a friend, but beyond this place and the things about me which I've already brought up in our meetings, you don't know JACK SHIT about me. So let's just DROP the subject while we ARE still friends.[/i], Debbie says, insisting on ending the conversation
[i]Okay sure[/i], Stacy says [i]Look, I'm sorry. I just got a little too pushy and obviously stuck my nose where it didn't belong. I'm sorry[/i], Stacy apologetically says
[i]It's okay[/i], Debbie says [i]Having a whore who spent more time standing on street corners turning tricks than she did being a real mother to me isn't something I'm exactly proud of[/i], she continued
[i]I understand[/i], Stacy said
[i]No Stace, I don't think you do. At least not in full anyway.[/i], Debbie responds [i]Listen...About not telling anybody, I'm serious. I don't want anybody else to know. this is to be just between you and me. Our little secret. Okay?[/i], Debbie says as she asks for Stacy's respect in the matter.
[i]Alright, I'll respect your wishes. Besides, I think the LAST thing we need to do is to give our resident gossip columnist Maxine Greenwald something to blog about if you know what I mean.[/i] Stacy sarcastically, yet humorously responds.
[i]Heh yeah so VERY true....As if she doesn't have enough to blab about as it is.[/i], Debbie says
Debbie & Stacy giggle & laugh at the notion of that as the scene ends.
Meanwhile, back at the Channel 7 studios, the newscast is just about to begin. During the newscast, Michelle arrives at her newly-purchased condo which she and fiancee Rob now call home after a long hard day at work running the hotel. She flips the TV on to watch the news. She normally watches Channel 7 even though she knows their tablodish-style approach of presenting the news almost always drives Rob NUTS (He hates tabloid news). As she goes about the business of doing her thing, which is normally taking off her shoes, grabbing a drink (Usually a glass of wine), and preparing to unwind, the story of Debbie's interview is coming on.
During the report, Rob arrives at home himself and goes to join his wife-to-be. He spots her in the Entertainment Room with her eyes glued to the TV. He calls out to Michelle, who tells him that he should come see what she's watching. Rob does so. His first reaction is the Channel 7 logo at the bottom of the screen and tells her to look at the source and that only Channel 7 would stoop to such a low level to get a story for their newscast.
Just then, the report goes into Debbie's admitting she had an affair with Leo. Rob & Michelle had met Debbie before when all the military families had a big support convention in Cedarville, but they had NO idea that she had ANY connection TO LEO. With that, Rob suddenly picks up the phone. Michelle asks who he's calling. She tells her he's calling Brad. Brad picks up the phone on his end. Rob asks what channel they were watching for the news. Brad said they were watching their usual source for news, which is none other than Channel 4, the station that Stephanie Blanton works for. Rob tells him to flip it to Channel 7. Brad asks why. Rob tells him to just do it and quickly because the report was about to come to an end. He does so, though he still wants to know what's going on.
No sooner does he ask that question, Channel 7 broadcasts a teaser as to what they plan to air during their 10:00 PM newscast. Brad is shocked at what he sees as are Rob & Michelle. Brad then asks Rob if they recorded the report. Rob relays the question to Michelle, who says no. Brad relays her answer to Brad, who acknowledges and tells them to get over to their house so they can figure out how to break the news to Stacy. Rob says that he and Michelle are on their way and hangs up the phone. Brad hangs up the phone on his end.
While Rob & Michelle are en route to the house, Brad calls Stephanie and asks her if she knew anything about the Channel 7 broadcast. She said she heard something about it, but the info. she had was either second or third hand since she was on the air herself on Channel 4, though she did note the pickup of buzz in the newsroom that apparently came as a result of the report. Brad asked Stephanie if there was ANY way she could get the video of the broadcast that's supposed to go on the air at 10:00 PM. She said it was highly unlikely at this point as that would mean either taking or destroying all the backup copies of the video as well. And even then, doing so would be at the risk of getting caught and hauled off to jail. But she said she'd pull a few strings and call in a few favors and see what she could do to help as she knows that if ANY part of what she'd been hearing on the matter through the grapevine that's the Channel 4 newsroom so far is true, Stacy would surely be devastated.
With that assurance from Stephanie, Brad hung up the phone. His next call was to Greg. He said he saw it and was shocked by the revelation. Brad told him to head on over and said that Michelle, Rob & Stephanie were also on the way over. Greg asked if Stacy was going to be there, but Brad said no, figuring that Stacy might wanna spend some time with Trish Martin, who had her own woes with the trial of those who attacked her going on. He also said that Stephanie was gonna do what she could to pull some strings over at Channel 7 so she could get an advance copy of the video of what they plan to feature during the 10:00 PM newscast. Greg said he was on his way over and hung up. Now he just had to hope and pray Stacy chose to stop by Trish and Michael's place for a bit before coming home as that would give him at least SOME time for he and everyone else to figure out how they were gonna break the news to Stacy - IF they can even get up the gumption to do it.
No sooner had he got off the phone with Greg, the doorbell rang. It was Rob & Michelle. Brad of course let them in. Eventually everyone showed up. Stephanie got the advance copy she wanted, but not before calling Mark Girardeau on the carpet as well as a few choice names and blackmailing a producer by threatening to go public with some "dirt" she "dug up" on him (She also made the same threat against Mark even though the dirt against either of them never truly existed). Greg was the last one to show up.
Suffice to say, the group watched the video (Which turned out to be the rest of the interview just as Mark told Stephanie) and they were even more shocked at the revelation.
[i]Well at least she came clean[/i], Greg said
The rest of the group didn't agree.
[i]I wonder just how many more skeletons she's hiding in her closet that she doesn't want anyone to know about[/i], Stephanie curiously says
[i]Well Steph...You're the one with the resources[/i], Michelle says [i]Put your investigative talents to work and do some digging of your own. That's what you're good at.[/i], Michelle continued. [i]Who knows, you might even show that Mark Girardeaux a thing or two - As if you haven't already.[/i], she adds.
Stephanie smiles at the idea of that.
[i]Well that all fine great and dandy, but in the meantime, what the fuck do we do about this video?[/i], Brad asks
[i]I say we don't tell her[/i], Rob responds
[i]Ohh come on man. THIS VIDEO IS GOING TO BE ON THE 10:00 PM NEWS TONIGHT.[/i], Brad exclaims
[i]Heh - A newscast on a station which, BY YOUR OWN ADMISSION Brad, Stacy can't even stand MUCH LESS will care about watching.[/i]Rob responds in a near chuckle at the beginning and in a manner that doesn't tell him anything new.
[i]Well I for one am not about to sit idly by and watch my sister's plate get any fuller that what it already is. She just got through dealing with what's-her-name who wanted to get her hands into Leo's estate. THE LAST thing she needs at this point is THIS. Not when Trish could all the Rocks of Gibraltar she can get right now.[/i], Greg said.
[i]Well fine. I say we tell her. If Trish needs a female Rock of Gibraltar, that's what Marcie is there for. If there's ONE thing Stacy DOES NOT need to do is get caught up in, that would be someone else's problems.[/i], Brad responds.
[i]But Brad, don't you see, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT SHE NEEDS. She needs some involvement in things which don't include her, yet things in which she can still be of some help.[/i], Greg responds
[i]Steph, you've been pretty quiet on this. Care to add anything?[/i], Brad asks
[i]Not particularly[/i], Stephanie says [i]Because I know either way, this is going to DEVASTATE her.[/i], she continues
[i]Look folks, the simple fact of the matter is this - WE NEED TO REACH A DECISION HERE. Are we going to tell her about this video or not?[/i], Michelle responds, breaking in, trying to end the debate on the issue. [i]I personally don't care either way[/i], she continues.
[i]I say no, mainly for many of the same reasons Greg pointed out[/i], Rob responds.
Michelle whips out a notepad.
[i]Fine. I'll put you down as a "no"[/i], Michelle says to Rob as she begins the task of keeping count of the votes.
[i]Greg?[/i], Michelle calls out.
[i]No.[/i], Greg responds
[i]Brad?[/i], Michelle calls out as she marks down Greg's "no" vote.
[i]ABSOLUTELY YES![/i], Brad emphatically responds.
Michelle marks down Brad's vote.
[i]Steph?[/i], Michelle calls out.
[i]I may as well vote "no" too because I know that either way, Stacy's going to be devastated when she sees this.[/i], Stephanie says.
Michelle records Stephanie's "no" vote on her notepad.
[i]Well guys, three "no" votes to one "yes" vote.[/i], Michelle says [i]Looks like the "no's" have it. I just hope we can live with ourselves[/i], she continues
[i]You know you CAN lock the vote with your own[/i], Greg responds.
[i]I know I can.[/i], Michelle says [i]But to be honest, I'm split right down the middle on this. Half of me says tell her while the other half of me says *don't* tell her.[/i], she continues [i]So given that, I'll just go with the majority - And hope & pray this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass.[/i], she adds.
[b]MORE LATER....[/b]
Debbie's problems however are the bloodlines that she and her mother share and HER JUDGEMENT. She's not very good at thinking BEFORE she acts or takes action and, as we've all witnessed so far, she's also one to not let go of grudges so easily. As such, she has a tendency to want to inflict as much pain on her intended victim as possible. Problem with that is, as you're about to see, her pain-inflicting actions can also sometimes have unintended consequences (Such as hurting other people IN ADDITION to her intended victim).
Her mother was a street hooker whose specialty was standing on street corners turning tricks (When she managed to avoid getting busted for prostitution that is). As such, her "profession" of choice eventually caught up with her as one night, she was murdered by one of her many johns who decided he was going to use her as his personal sex slave. When he was done, he dumped her body in a nearby dumpster where she was later found. David & Marcie worked the case, found the perpetrator who committed the crime, and managed to get him locked up where he still remains today.
Her problem with her judgement (Or should we say LACK OF GOOD judgement) has more often than not landed her in trouble with quite a few people EVEN THOUGH she maintains a large group of friends (Many of whom either know of or have been caught in the cross-hairs of some of her actions).
With that out of the way, we bring you [b]The Story Of Debbie Stevens[/b] & her involvement in the sordid story of Leo & his womanizing behavior. We start with [b]Episode 58 Scene One[/b] as Debbie meets Mark & his photographer at The FonDuLac Restaurant.
[i]My, you sure got here in a hurry[/i], Debbie says, admiring Mark's timing.
[i]You know me. I don't like to miss a good story[/i], Mark replied. [i]So my darling, what's the scoop on Leo?[/i], he asked.
[i]Not so fast. First some business, if you know I mean[/i], Debbie exclaims, expecting payment for the story.
Mark chuckles. Debbie chuckles back with her hand out expecting money to be put in it.
[i]How 'bout you tell me what the scoop is and I'll determine how much its worth?[/i], Mark offers, chuckling at first
[i]How 'bout we do half and half?[/i], Debbie counteroffers.
[i]How 'bout the meter is ticking as we speak[/i], Mark puts it bluntly
[i]Well, since you put it THAT way...[/i]
Debbie gives Mark a little teaser. When he feels he has enough, he asks Debbie to stop and tells the photographer to start rolling. With that, the interview begins and Debbie spills the guts of her love life for all of Cedarville to see and hear.
After the interview, the three have appetizers and then part ways. Debbie goes back to the meeting to attend the reception while Mark & the photographer head back to the station. While en route back, Mark is thinking he may just have the bombshell of the year.
Getting back to Debbie, she arrives at the reception, but not long after that, she has yet another "visit" from her mother, who has been dead for years after her body was found in a dumpster after one of her many "happy customers" got through using her as his sex slave (One of the many cases which David & Marcie worked and solved). This took place in [b]Episode 58 Scene Four[/b]
[b][i]My oh my oh my. Like mother like daughter I see[/b][/i], says the ghostly spirit of Margaret, Debbie's dead mother.
[i]Wha...Who's there?[/i], Debbie asks, thinking she heard a voice.
[b][i]Why it's your mother[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]Nnnn....No. My mother's dead. I'm hearing things.[/i], Debbie responds
[b][i]I'm right here. You can't escape me[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]That's just a facsimilie replication of mother's voice. It isn't the real thing[/i], Debbie tells herself reptitively as she pours herself a cup of punch.
[b][i]I'm not a facsimilie replication sweetie. I'm in your every waking thought and dream. You know that[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]No you're not. I don't know who you are, but this isn't funny. Just go away[/i], Debbie says as she gathers a small plateful of munchies, which are part of the self-serve ala carte food area of the reception.
[b][i]Stop trying to deny who you are sweetie. You may be able to fool your so-called "friends", but you can't fool me. Remember, I'm your mother. I'm in your every waking thought and dream.[/b][/i]Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]So GET OUT of my thoughts and dreams then[/i], Debbie responds
[b][i]So you couldn't hack it on the street, eh? You just HAD to join the military[/b][/i] Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
Debbie doesn't respond.
[b][i]So tell me, How's the fuck? Is the fuck any better with the military boys as opposed to the average john I fucked around with? You know, I hear many of these bases have streets on them. Have you tried hanging out on one of THOSE street corners while turning tricks?[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit asks.
[i]I'm NOT like you mother. NEVER have been. NEVER will be.[/i]
[b][i]NEVER say never sweetie. Bloodlines ALWAYS have their ways of BITING YOU IN THE ASS[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says.
[i]Yep, you oughta know. That's how come I've alive and you're dead. I'm not a FUCKIN' whore like you and grandma were[/i], Debbie sarcastically retorts.
[b][i]Don't you EVER talk about your grandmother like that. I'm here to defend myself so I can take it. But I don't EVER want to hear you talk that way about your grandmother. ONCE a slut ALWAYS a slut sweetie. Your grandmother was one, I was one, and YOU, my darling, are merely next in line. It's just a matter of time before those raging hormones of yours explode[/b][/i] Margaret's ghostly spirit adamantly responds.
[i]NOT if I can keep from it or have any say in the matter. Listen just do me a favor and GO AWAY[/i], Debbie says, now in frustration as she begins to hear people walking into the reception hall.
[b][i]I told you, I can't. I'm your mother. I'm in your every waking thought and dream. I can't leave them because I know you're always thinking about me - Especially now that you're showing your true colors of being the slut I've always thought you were. You've got the talent to turn tricks if you really wanted to do it. You don't think I've seen you in that mess hall in Afghanistan? How 'bout that one in Iraq? THINK AGAIN SWEETIE. You had them boys just BEGGING you let them squeeze those giant boobs of yours. You know, the ones your now-thankfully dead husband gave you? Why even I was getting horny. In fact, I seemingly recall three or four of those boys wanting to breed you gangbang-style and use you whenever they needed to "fulfill the need" and/or to make babies with you. Basically, they only wanted you for your giant boobs, your ass and that tight sweet pot of honey you have between your legs. In other words, they wanted you to be their bitch while they got their jollies off. (Chuckle) Yeah, you're a true slut alright. A chip off the ol' block[/b][/i], Margaret's ghostly spirit says, chucking and smiling as she recalls some of the memories.
[i]JUST GO AWAY MOTHER!!!!![/i], Debbie screams in frustration, slamming her food and drink down on the floor as she does so.
Just then, Stacy walks in and sees Debbie in her anguish
[i]Debbie...Are you alright?[/i], Stacy asks with a stunned, yet puzzled look on her face and noticing that Debbie looks like she'd just seen a ghost.
[i]Yeah. Let's have the reception and get the fuck out of here[/i], Debbie responds as she tries to collect herself from the out-of-mind, out-of-life, out-of-body experience she just endured.
Later on in Scene Six, Stacy tried to press Debbie on the matter....
[i]Who were you talking to?[/i], Stacy asked
[i]Nobody[/i], Debbie responds.
[i]Didn't sound like much of a 'nobody' to me[/i], Stacy countered. [i]Doesn't look like it either[/i], she continued.
[i]You wouldn't know[/i], Debbie countered.
[i]Try me[/i], Stacy challenges
[i]Just this guy I've been dating[/i], Debbie makes up in an effort to end the conversation.
[i]I see[/i], Stacy responds, thinking she's just been fed a bunch of BS [i]I didn't know there were any guys who go by the name of 'mother'[/i], she continues
[i]Huh?[/i], Debbie questions, wondering what Stacy is even talking about.
[i]When I walked in here, you were referring to your mother as you slammed your food and drink on the floor and you said something to the effect of "go away"[/i], Stacy responds [i]Care to go into it?[/i], she continued
[i]Not particularly[/i], Debbie said [i]And I would prefer that you not blab it all over the place either[/i], she continued
[i]Okay, but I don't understand....[/i], Stacy responds
[i]Look, I know you're trying to be helpful and just trying to be a friend and all, but as far as I'm concerned, I don't have a mother. I never did have anyone to call 'mother' and I never will have anyone to call 'mother'[/i], Debbie exclaims
[i]But Deb, EVERYONE has a mother and they love us very much[/i], Stacy said
[i]Not mine. If you ask me, they should've left her in that dumpster she was found in. That was the PERFECT place for her.[/i], Debbie retorts [i]Look Stace, I know you're just trying to be a friend, but beyond this place and the things about me which I've already brought up in our meetings, you don't know JACK SHIT about me. So let's just DROP the subject while we ARE still friends.[/i], Debbie says, insisting on ending the conversation
[i]Okay sure[/i], Stacy says [i]Look, I'm sorry. I just got a little too pushy and obviously stuck my nose where it didn't belong. I'm sorry[/i], Stacy apologetically says
[i]It's okay[/i], Debbie says [i]Having a whore who spent more time standing on street corners turning tricks than she did being a real mother to me isn't something I'm exactly proud of[/i], she continued
[i]I understand[/i], Stacy said
[i]No Stace, I don't think you do. At least not in full anyway.[/i], Debbie responds [i]Listen...About not telling anybody, I'm serious. I don't want anybody else to know. this is to be just between you and me. Our little secret. Okay?[/i], Debbie says as she asks for Stacy's respect in the matter.
[i]Alright, I'll respect your wishes. Besides, I think the LAST thing we need to do is to give our resident gossip columnist Maxine Greenwald something to blog about if you know what I mean.[/i] Stacy sarcastically, yet humorously responds.
[i]Heh yeah so VERY true....As if she doesn't have enough to blab about as it is.[/i], Debbie says
Debbie & Stacy giggle & laugh at the notion of that as the scene ends.
Meanwhile, back at the Channel 7 studios, the newscast is just about to begin. During the newscast, Michelle arrives at her newly-purchased condo which she and fiancee Rob now call home after a long hard day at work running the hotel. She flips the TV on to watch the news. She normally watches Channel 7 even though she knows their tablodish-style approach of presenting the news almost always drives Rob NUTS (He hates tabloid news). As she goes about the business of doing her thing, which is normally taking off her shoes, grabbing a drink (Usually a glass of wine), and preparing to unwind, the story of Debbie's interview is coming on.
During the report, Rob arrives at home himself and goes to join his wife-to-be. He spots her in the Entertainment Room with her eyes glued to the TV. He calls out to Michelle, who tells him that he should come see what she's watching. Rob does so. His first reaction is the Channel 7 logo at the bottom of the screen and tells her to look at the source and that only Channel 7 would stoop to such a low level to get a story for their newscast.
Just then, the report goes into Debbie's admitting she had an affair with Leo. Rob & Michelle had met Debbie before when all the military families had a big support convention in Cedarville, but they had NO idea that she had ANY connection TO LEO. With that, Rob suddenly picks up the phone. Michelle asks who he's calling. She tells her he's calling Brad. Brad picks up the phone on his end. Rob asks what channel they were watching for the news. Brad said they were watching their usual source for news, which is none other than Channel 4, the station that Stephanie Blanton works for. Rob tells him to flip it to Channel 7. Brad asks why. Rob tells him to just do it and quickly because the report was about to come to an end. He does so, though he still wants to know what's going on.
No sooner does he ask that question, Channel 7 broadcasts a teaser as to what they plan to air during their 10:00 PM newscast. Brad is shocked at what he sees as are Rob & Michelle. Brad then asks Rob if they recorded the report. Rob relays the question to Michelle, who says no. Brad relays her answer to Brad, who acknowledges and tells them to get over to their house so they can figure out how to break the news to Stacy. Rob says that he and Michelle are on their way and hangs up the phone. Brad hangs up the phone on his end.
While Rob & Michelle are en route to the house, Brad calls Stephanie and asks her if she knew anything about the Channel 7 broadcast. She said she heard something about it, but the info. she had was either second or third hand since she was on the air herself on Channel 4, though she did note the pickup of buzz in the newsroom that apparently came as a result of the report. Brad asked Stephanie if there was ANY way she could get the video of the broadcast that's supposed to go on the air at 10:00 PM. She said it was highly unlikely at this point as that would mean either taking or destroying all the backup copies of the video as well. And even then, doing so would be at the risk of getting caught and hauled off to jail. But she said she'd pull a few strings and call in a few favors and see what she could do to help as she knows that if ANY part of what she'd been hearing on the matter through the grapevine that's the Channel 4 newsroom so far is true, Stacy would surely be devastated.
With that assurance from Stephanie, Brad hung up the phone. His next call was to Greg. He said he saw it and was shocked by the revelation. Brad told him to head on over and said that Michelle, Rob & Stephanie were also on the way over. Greg asked if Stacy was going to be there, but Brad said no, figuring that Stacy might wanna spend some time with Trish Martin, who had her own woes with the trial of those who attacked her going on. He also said that Stephanie was gonna do what she could to pull some strings over at Channel 7 so she could get an advance copy of the video of what they plan to feature during the 10:00 PM newscast. Greg said he was on his way over and hung up. Now he just had to hope and pray Stacy chose to stop by Trish and Michael's place for a bit before coming home as that would give him at least SOME time for he and everyone else to figure out how they were gonna break the news to Stacy - IF they can even get up the gumption to do it.
No sooner had he got off the phone with Greg, the doorbell rang. It was Rob & Michelle. Brad of course let them in. Eventually everyone showed up. Stephanie got the advance copy she wanted, but not before calling Mark Girardeau on the carpet as well as a few choice names and blackmailing a producer by threatening to go public with some "dirt" she "dug up" on him (She also made the same threat against Mark even though the dirt against either of them never truly existed). Greg was the last one to show up.
Suffice to say, the group watched the video (Which turned out to be the rest of the interview just as Mark told Stephanie) and they were even more shocked at the revelation.
[i]Well at least she came clean[/i], Greg said
The rest of the group didn't agree.
[i]I wonder just how many more skeletons she's hiding in her closet that she doesn't want anyone to know about[/i], Stephanie curiously says
[i]Well Steph...You're the one with the resources[/i], Michelle says [i]Put your investigative talents to work and do some digging of your own. That's what you're good at.[/i], Michelle continued. [i]Who knows, you might even show that Mark Girardeaux a thing or two - As if you haven't already.[/i], she adds.
Stephanie smiles at the idea of that.
[i]Well that all fine great and dandy, but in the meantime, what the fuck do we do about this video?[/i], Brad asks
[i]I say we don't tell her[/i], Rob responds
[i]Ohh come on man. THIS VIDEO IS GOING TO BE ON THE 10:00 PM NEWS TONIGHT.[/i], Brad exclaims
[i]Heh - A newscast on a station which, BY YOUR OWN ADMISSION Brad, Stacy can't even stand MUCH LESS will care about watching.[/i]Rob responds in a near chuckle at the beginning and in a manner that doesn't tell him anything new.
[i]Well I for one am not about to sit idly by and watch my sister's plate get any fuller that what it already is. She just got through dealing with what's-her-name who wanted to get her hands into Leo's estate. THE LAST thing she needs at this point is THIS. Not when Trish could all the Rocks of Gibraltar she can get right now.[/i], Greg said.
[i]Well fine. I say we tell her. If Trish needs a female Rock of Gibraltar, that's what Marcie is there for. If there's ONE thing Stacy DOES NOT need to do is get caught up in, that would be someone else's problems.[/i], Brad responds.
[i]But Brad, don't you see, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT SHE NEEDS. She needs some involvement in things which don't include her, yet things in which she can still be of some help.[/i], Greg responds
[i]Steph, you've been pretty quiet on this. Care to add anything?[/i], Brad asks
[i]Not particularly[/i], Stephanie says [i]Because I know either way, this is going to DEVASTATE her.[/i], she continues
[i]Look folks, the simple fact of the matter is this - WE NEED TO REACH A DECISION HERE. Are we going to tell her about this video or not?[/i], Michelle responds, breaking in, trying to end the debate on the issue. [i]I personally don't care either way[/i], she continues.
[i]I say no, mainly for many of the same reasons Greg pointed out[/i], Rob responds.
Michelle whips out a notepad.
[i]Fine. I'll put you down as a "no"[/i], Michelle says to Rob as she begins the task of keeping count of the votes.
[i]Greg?[/i], Michelle calls out.
[i]No.[/i], Greg responds
[i]Brad?[/i], Michelle calls out as she marks down Greg's "no" vote.
[i]ABSOLUTELY YES![/i], Brad emphatically responds.
Michelle marks down Brad's vote.
[i]Steph?[/i], Michelle calls out.
[i]I may as well vote "no" too because I know that either way, Stacy's going to be devastated when she sees this.[/i], Stephanie says.
Michelle records Stephanie's "no" vote on her notepad.
[i]Well guys, three "no" votes to one "yes" vote.[/i], Michelle says [i]Looks like the "no's" have it. I just hope we can live with ourselves[/i], she continues
[i]You know you CAN lock the vote with your own[/i], Greg responds.
[i]I know I can.[/i], Michelle says [i]But to be honest, I'm split right down the middle on this. Half of me says tell her while the other half of me says *don't* tell her.[/i], she continues [i]So given that, I'll just go with the majority - And hope & pray this doesn't come back to bite me in the ass.[/i], she adds.
[b]MORE LATER....[/b]
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