The indecisiveness on Jennifer’s face really irritated Abby.
Didn't she understand a word she’d said? ‘He’s the father; he has a right to
know.’
‘Maybe...’
‘What’s ‘maybe’ for heaven’s sake?’
‘Carly wouldn’t want that. She and Bo didn’t speak to each other
before he left Salem- she wants nothing to do with him.’
Abby made a disgusted noise. ‘I’m not a fool, Mum. This has
nothing to do with Carly; it has more to do with Hope! Always Hope! To
tell the truth I’m really sick of the way everyone is with her; like she’s
some pure saint-like dove that always got to be protected!
You’re afraid about how she would react, aren’t you? She comes first, even over
your best friend.’
Jennifer’s expression changed, to anger. ‘That’s not true.’
‘Why didn’t you back her up when she was still with Bo, then?’
Abby snapped.
‘Because he belonged with Hope; I wasn’t the only one who thought
so.’
‘Hope left him, she tried to kill him!’
‘She wasn’t herself; I don’t know how many times I will explain
that to you. Besides, it didn’t matter whose side I was on. Bo made his
decision and Carly made hers, end of story.’
Abby sneered. ‘Not in Carly’s case, she had to watch the man she
loved arm in arm with the woman who left him in the first place and probably
would’ve divorced him if she didn’t come back to Salem. No, Mum! Don’t you even
dare to defend her. I’m tired of everybody defending her! It’s
sick... how can Bo possibly pretend he never fell back in love with Carly and
everyone not caring what going on in her mind? She’s carrying a member of their
family and they don’t care.’
‘That’s not true...’
‘I could care less about them or Hope anyway. Are you going to
find a way to tell Bo about this or not?’
Jennifer shook her head firmly. ‘No.’
‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’
‘My stance about this doesn’t mean I don’t care about Carly, I
love that woman dearly. But this is more complicated than you think... hey,
wait!’
For Abby had marched away from her, more disgusted than ever.
Jennifer bit her lip. Daniel didn’t have a good opinion of Bo since
the breakup but she knew him well enough to know that he would agree with Abby.
It was best not to discuss it with him. She thought about Frankie, arriving in
a few hours. She was rather glad he’d been too busy to come to Salem to visit
his sister; he would’ve raged at the family and her over how Carly was treated
and probably get into a fist fight with Bo. She dreaded his arrival.
::::::::::::::::::::
Melanie made the bed with fresh sheets and packed a bag for Carly.
Unable to resist, she sat down again and continued reading. She read about how
Bo was able to place her in his protective custody, the conversations between
them after Vivian’s testimony cleared her of Lawrence’s murder- much to her
amazement- feeling sure she did it on purpose to carry her revenge personally;
Vivian’s visit and how she was able to look her up in Bo’s computer.
Bo warned me my daughter was rather temperamental and emotional,
it was best I didn’t tell her the truth immediately. I promised him I would
take it slow; in the meantime it was enough that I would be near her. Maggie
was warm with me so I figure she will allow me stay with her. Phillip Kiriakis’
is the last man I would ever pick for her- he’s very good looking but his
personality’s not warm and down to earth like Bo’s- more like their father’s. I
can’t stand him already.
Finally ran into my little girl, literally and I’m afraid I made
her scald her arm with hot coffee when I took her by surprise. Bo was right
about her, temperamental. Even with the indisputable truth, it was as if she
was Bo’s daughter as well. Bo still has the infamous hot temper, he’s just a
lot better at keeping it now. And oh... she’s so pretty; she has my eyes.
But she doesn’t like me already, almost as if she feels like I
made her spill the coffee on purpose. Talk about a very bad first impression.
The girl I found crying on the docks the other day lives with Maggie too, her
name’s Mia. She’s wary about me as well, probably because she confided in me.
Maggie’s being very diplomatic but I don’t want to cause trouble in her house-
my daughter and Mia don’t want me around. Which is such a pity, I would’ve
liked to help her plan her wedding. I saw the ring Phillip gave her; a large
pear shaped diamond. Large but cold looking, just like Lawrence’s sapphire I’ve
gotten rid of. Not at all like the solitaire Bo gave me, with his love.
But on the plus side, Daniel spoke to the board on my behalf and
I’ll be starting work soon. Justin had tried to persuade him not to; because
Hope feels threatened by me. I can understand her fear but all she has to do is
make up with Bo, he’s clearly lost without her- so why blame me? Everyone
except Bo’s changed towards me. Lexie, Roman... even Caroline, which breaks my
heart. Maggie hasn’t but it’s clear her loyalty lies with Hope. If only they
knew I didn’t come back to break up Bo’s marriage.
:::::::::::::::::
It looks like Bo had another fight with Hope; he was really moody
when I went back to his house with my suitcase. Poor thing. How could Hope
possibly treat him like this? I feel guilty burdening him with my problems,
which is why I’m going to move to the Salem Inn in the morning. Until I can
regain access to the remaining of my inheritance- probably trebled by now
thanks to it being inactive for so long- I can’t afford an apartment or a house
just yet. I do hope I make headway with my daughter eventually. And I need to
call Frankie, I’ve missed him so.
:::::::::::::::
My room at The Salem Inn is very comfortable. I just called
Frankie; he was really thrilled to hear my voice and promised to sort out
things at the bank for me. So I probably won’t be here for long.
Bo and I had a moment before I left his house. The old scroll
Marlena gave us as a wedding present during our symbolic wedding in Chichén
Itza so long ago fell out of my purse and he immediately recognised it. I told
him it was so full of fond memories that I couldn't part with it. He stared at
me very hard with those beautiful eyes of his; I guess he was remembering the
night we read it together. That was the night we made love for the first time;
our magical night at the hut- just the two of us in the heart of heaven.
::::::::
Melanie read on, now and then wiping her tears; gulping. She got
to a page, the date being the day of Mickey’s death. The words were splotched
as though Carly had been crying and the tears landed on the paper.
Bo just left, the touch and taste of his mouth still on mine. What
a day I had and I’m still trying to get over it.
Had a run-in with Vivian today. I’m pretty sure she’s responsible
for the corpse I found on my patient’s bed. She’s been so good at tormenting me
and she gave me her best shot. I felt the walls of the elevator closing in on
me- I’ve been claustrophobic since she buried me alive- and I lashed out by
admitting I killed Lawrence and would do it again. Then the bitch somehow
locked me inside and the memory of being in that casket kept flashing back.
Then like a knight in shining armour, Bo appeared after the doors got opened
and I immediately felt safe in his arms.
He brought me back here and we started talking over beer. He
touched my face and said I was still the same Carly Manning he fell in love
with and before I knew it, he was kissing me, really kissing me and touching me
like he used to; not like that tentative kiss we shared at his house when I was
terrified about Vivian discovering my daughter’s identity. I was a married
woman when we first made love in Mexico but that was way different, his
marriage isn’t a sham like mine. So I backed off, which wasn’t easy for me; I
knew I wanted him- I wanted him so bad.
We ended up making love anyway. I felt so exhilarated, loved and
safe for the first time in years. No man can ever make me feel the way Bo Brady
makes me feel. It was like we both stepped back in time, on our very first
night of loving at the hut in Mexico; all those times we made love on the boat
after sending Shawn D to bed or to his grandparents’. I knew what I did was
wrong, I should’ve insisted we mustn’t do this. But Bo wanted us to leave the
world outside and be together for a while so I weakened.
I know he still loves Hope but I told him I loved him anyway. He
just gave me that devastating smile of his and kissed me again, then rolled me
over and we made love a third time.
Then Hope called him later on his cell with terrible news; Mickey
Horton’s dead. Poor Maggie and poor Mrs. Horton... burying her own son and
she’s past ninety! I decided to go to Maggie’s house to see her and my daughter.
It was terrible. How Hope found out about what Bo and I did, I
don’t know. But she called me a whore and all sorts of names in front of
everybody, including my daughter and oh God... I saw the hate in her eyes
when she called me a terrible person! This is not what I wanted at all... not
at all! Bo finally appeared and I left when he told me to. What was the use,
I’m now branded the town whore and I’m not about to wait for the Hortons to
drag me out of town on a rail. I’ll just go and live with Frankie, there are
many hospitals in D.C. Bo will look after M****** for me but it breaks my heart
at the idea of leaving her after I JUST found her!
Bo arrived and stopped me. He said I wasn’t to blame for what’s
happening to his marriage, my daughter needed me and he didn’t want me to
leave. He kissed me again... and again.
What’s going to happen to me now?
‘If only I’d known... I’m sorry, Mum, I’m so sorry!’ Melanie
whispered then wept, clutching the journal against her chest.
She kept on crying until she heard the sound of the doorbell.
Marking the place she left off with the journal’s ribbon, she left it on
Carly’s bed and went downstairs to see who it was.
::::::::
‘If you know where Bo is, could you please tell him what I’ve just
told you? Even if he doesn’t love her anymore... this is his kid, just like
Ciara is. He should be by her side at a time like this.’ Abby said. ‘How
would you feel if she and the baby died while he was away?’
Roman was silent.
‘Please...’ Abby pleaded. ‘You know I’m right. It’s not fair how
everyone’s been acting around Carly. She’s the real victim here and how could
she be so sick and the father of her baby isn’t here?’
‘Honey, I wish I could help but I honestly don’t know where Bo is.
He’s deep undercover. ‘
‘So pull him out of it, this is an emergency!’
‘He resigned from Salem P.D before he left- he doesn’t answer to
me.’
Abby felt like screaming in despair. ‘Carly could die, their baby
could die! How can you ever live with that?’
‘Abby, I’m real sorry to hear about Carly’s condition but I
honestly don’t know where Bo is. Believe me if I did, I would contact him but I
really don’t know.’
Abby left the station stamping her foot angrily, much to two
passing officers’ astonishment. Now what? She thought. Maybe
I should just let this go.
But her mind went back to the day of Bo’s visit. The expression on
his face when he looked at Carly and the deep, heartfelt concern in his voice
when he said he knew her well enough to know she was hurting. And the tone
changed when he’d asked her if she was falling for Daniel. He’d
sounded... almost jealous. What would a man who was in love
with two women the same way do? Avoid the other woman and pretend she
didn’t exist. If he didn't, he would go crazy with guilt. That’s
why Bo did what he did to Carly. And he expected her to hate him enough so she
would be able to move on.
It was harsh and callous but Abby was convinced that was the real
reason behind Bo’s behaviour.
‘Nope, I’m not giving up,’ she said out loud. ‘I’ll find you
somehow, Uncle Bo; you just see if I don’t.’
::::::::::
‘Every page’s a stab in my heart, Brady. Everything she went through,
even before she came back, her inner thoughts... it’s all in there. I feel so
guilty for the way I treated her.’
‘But you’ve got a great relationship now, what does it matter?’
‘But I told her I forgave her. She did nothing to be
forgiven for in the first place but she never said so. From what I’ve read so
far, I see I’m the one who’s supposed to ask her for forgiveness. She went
through a lot just to protect Dad and me.’
‘Well maybe she felt she had nothing to forgive you for,’
Brady said gently. ‘Don’t be so hard on yourself. And look here, maybe you
shouldn’t read more since it upsets you this much.’
‘No...’ Melanie shook her head firmly. ‘I have to keep reading, I
know more about her than I ever did, more than I ever gave her chance to.
It’s really important to me.’
‘Okay,’ Brady squeezed her arm across Carly’s kitchen table. ‘But
no more beating yourself up. Carly wouldn’t want that, you know.’
No, Carly wouldn’t want that at all, she was that compassionate.
Melanie thought over what she’d learnt from Carly’s diary... Vivian had buried
her alive... what person would do that to another human being? And
Lawrence, that bastard... took advantage of her memory loss to
lure her back to him. She would’ve been a Brady today if not for him and Vivian.
Please God... don’t let my mother die.
:::::::::
‘She and the baby are stabilised right now but every minute
counts.’ Jennifer said to Hope who dropped by to see her and immediately heard
about Carly. ‘I really hope Frankie gets here on time.’
‘I’m sure he will.’ Hope said quietly, looking down at the woman
in bed, shallowly breathing through the oxygen mask. Carly didn't look well at
all. Whatever her feelings towards Carly and the fact she was carrying Bo’s
love child, a wave of pity crept through her. She and Carly had subtly avoided
each other after Bo left town and whenever they happened to see each other,
they never spoke. Carly took her coffee and snacks at The Java;
avoiding any encounters with the family as well. Hope realised shunning Carly
was their way of showing their support of her but after she and Bo got back
together, she’d felt overwhelming guilt... so did he. After all she’d left him
in the first place and almost burned him alive.
But Bo loved her enough to forgive her... enough to leave a woman
who also loved him. They never mentioned her after that and it was better that
way. It was from Jennifer she found out about Carly’s pregnancy but before she
could summon the courage to tell Bo, he’d left town with Caroline. Weeks turned
into months and still he knew nothing, the few times he called her and Ciara,
she told him nothing. Months of anticipating his return gradually turned to
despair. Now it was her turn to feel abandoned and she stopped worrying how his
reaction about Carly’s pregnancy would be. But now she was worried all over
again. Suppose Carly and the baby died and Bo returned; he will never forgive
her for not telling him. Leaving Carly to be with her and saving their marriage
was one thing, but he would never ever turn his back on a child.
He’ll be so furious when he found out....
‘But she will recover, right?’
‘I never had Eclampsia when I gave birth to Abby and J.J but I
heard it’s life threatening. Even if they save the baby, Carly could be in a
coma for quite a while or she could...’ Jenifer sniffled.
Hope swallowed. In spite of her jealous fear, she should’ve told
Bo about Carly’s pregnancy. Carly was a reasonable woman but things changed
when a child was involved and that had frightened her more. How was Bo going to
feel if Carly died?
The door opened and Melanie entered with Brady at her heels and
stopped short on seeing Hope with Jennifer.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’
Hope winced at Melanie’s harsh tone but calmly stared back at her.
Jennifer planted herself between her cousin and Melanie, raising
her hand placating. ‘Calm down Mel, Hope just came to...’
‘I don’t care; the screws have gotten loose in your head!
How dare you let this woman into my mother’s
room.... how dare you, Jennifer Deveraux!’ Melanie raged at
Jennifer, really angry. ‘As for you, get the hell out! Get out!’
‘Hope, no wait...’ Jennifer begged but Hope swiftly sidestepped
her and left, closing the door behind her.
‘What the hell, Melanie!’
‘What the hell is right. How can you still call yourself my
mother’s friend?’
Brady held Melanie by her stiff shoulders while Jennifer stared at
her, too taken aback to reply at first. ‘Mel... I am her
friend....’ she began.
Melanie walked over to her, her green eyes blazing. ‘From now on,
I don’t you anywhere near her.’
‘You have no right...!’
‘I’m her daughter so I have every right!’
Melanie shouted. ‘You’re nothing but a damned pretender, pretending to be
Carly’s friend when you’re really not! Don’t you ever come near her or so help
me Jennifer; you’ll see another side of me you wouldn’t want to mess with.’
‘You were pretty brutal with her, Mel.’ Brady said quietly after
Jennifer was gone.
‘She deserved it. How could she allow that woman to come in here?’
‘Maybe... but this is Jennifer we’re talking about. I don’t think
she meant any harm letting Hope see Carly.’
‘And your aunt was just here out of the goodness of her heart,
right? It was because of her your family treated Mum the way
they did. Mum didn't even accuse Hope in her diary but she wrote about how much
their attitude hurt her.’ Melanie shook her head bitterly. ‘She was easy on
me... and I don’t deserve it...’
‘We’ve talked about this,’ Brady swiftly interrupted. ‘You
promised me you’ll let that go.’
Melanie pressed her face against Carly’s hot neck, not replying.
The door opened and Daniel entered; his expression stern. ‘I just
talked to Jennifer...’
‘I don’t care what she said to you or what she said about me;
she’s not stepping one foot into this room again. As Mum’s blood relative, I
have the right.’
‘You’re overstepping your bounds and abusing that right. Jennifer
is Carly’s oldest friend.’
Melanie faced her father defiantly. ‘She’s not my mother’s friend,
we both know who she’s really loyal to and she allowed her in
here. And don’t think I’m going to change my mind. When Uncle Frankie gets
here, he’s going to know about this.’
‘You’re starting a pointless feud, Mel. Frankie was adopted by
them, he’s part of the family.’
‘He already knows the whole story, Daniel.’ Brady pointed out.
‘It’s because Carly didn't want a battle that she told him not to come over
here when he wanted to.’
Daniel sighed, turning back to his daughter. Jesus, Mary
and Joseph... she’s so stubborn! He thought. This was the same girl
who didn't want to have anything to do with Carly in the beginning, now she was
her biggest supporter. He couldn’t help but suspect Mel’s attitude towards her
mother and the people she felt wronged her was more than deciding to let go of
the past.
‘Well, I hope you do, eventually. Jennifer’s really upset right
now.’
Melanie sat down next to Carly, her expression indicating she
could care less about Jennifer Deveraux’ feelings. Brady stroked Melanie’s hair
from behind, understanding her anger far more than Daniel did. It’s because
of Carly’s diaries, he thought. Whatever’s in them has sure given her
a bigger change in perspective.
After Brady left for the cafeteria, Melanie pulled out the journal
from her purse and continued reading.
I can hear Bo pacing downstairs again. This is the third night
I’ve spent here since he asked me to move in and I haven’t stopped wondering if
I did the right thing. He wouldn’t let me leave after Hope took Ciara away,
shouting he couldn’t lose me too. I love Bo so much but I hate what he’s going
through right now. It’s bad enough his marriage was on the rocks before I came
back but he’s shouldering my problems with his too- Vivian’s attempts on my
life and Melanie’s. He was forced to arrest me but he squeezed my fingers after
cuffing me and comforted me as best as he could at the station. He even posted
my bail personally and got angry when I promised to reimburse. It’s a lot of
money and I’m going to make sure he gets it back, no matter what he says.
Poor Melanie had to spend her wedding day on a hospital bed
because of me and she really hates me, Daniel too. I tried so hard to explain
what really happened but none of them will listen to me. Bo keeps telling me
they’ll understand in time, since they just found out the truth but I’m not
sure; Melanie’s bent on charging me for attempted murder. Everyone, including
Caroline, thinks I’m nothing but trash. Brady, John and Isabella’s son, seems
to give me the benefit of the doubt though. He was calm the whole time and kept
Phillip away from me until Bo arrived. I’m so glad Melanie has Brady in her
life; they would be cousins today if fate hadn’t ruined things for Bo and me
years ago. With everything she went through, I’m really glad my daughter has
been with Brady and Bo’s family. He reminds me of John, taking charge quietly
and protective of the people he cares about.
For all his troubles, Bo’s been my rock. I don’t know what the
future holds for us even if I don’t go to prison. I know he misses Hope as much
as he misses Ciara but for some reason he won’t let me go. I’ll be able to make
better sense about this arrangement if I was only here to be under his
protection. But we’ve been sleeping on the same bed and the passion we share
when we make love can’t be denied. I’m now Bo’s mistress and I honestly don’t
know where I stand with him. Maybe it would be best if I do go to prison.
::::::::::::
Melanie came in at the last minute and testified the shooting was
an accident. I guess Daniel had something to do with her sudden change of heart
and I’m grateful to him. But Melanie’s still so cold with me and wants me to
stay away from her. It breaks my heart to hear her say such things when I love
her so much. But Bo’s my comforter... he’s very certain she’ll come round. More
than ever, he wants us to have a fresh start and I find myself believing him.
In the meantime there’s still Vivian. Now that Phillip knows I was
telling the truth about Vivian’s attempt on Melanie’s life- she can’t pretend
to be Melanie’s friend anymore, so she’s bent on making me pay for killing her
precious Lawrence. I’m more scared for my daughter than for myself but I still
refuse to be intimidated by the likes of Vivian Alamain. Or Victor Kiriakis
either, he refuses to let go of the past. As far as he’s concerned, I
treated him terribly by ending our sham of a marriage and moving to the boat to
be with Bo and Shawn D. This is the same man who tried to kill his own son, the
same man who almost ruined Isabella’s happiness; and now he feels he has the
right to call me a whore and gang up with Vivian to break me. I know them well
enough to guess what’s going on in their evil minds.
I feel so alone; if I didn't have Bo and my work I don’t know what
I’ll do. The family’s still cold towards me. Well... not Roman and Sami but I
hardly see them to really hang out and talk. Even Lexie believes I came back to
steal Bo. Frankie wants me to come live with him but I can’t leave Melanie and
Bo won’t allow it. He’s been more attentive towards me lately and it’s lovely
hearing him call me ‘princess’ again and being in his arms. It’s sad Ciara
won’t be friends with me. I understand she’s loyal to her mother but she’s a
part of Bo, just like my Shawn D, and I really want to get to know her better.
She’s such a beautiful little girl and I love how Bo is with her. It’s no
surprise really; he’s always been a wonderful father. Watching Bo play with
that little girl makes me think again of the wasted years and how Melanie
could’ve been our daughter... Bo’s and mine.
:::::::::::::::
Phillip Kiriakis just left my office. He’s so arrogant; it’s hard
to remember he and Bo are brothers. He came by to warn me to stay away from
Mel, that she wants nothing to do with me. He’s not interested in hearing the
real story and if he’d been a worthier man for my daughter, I would sit him
down and let him know what really happened but I refuse to explain myself to
the likes of him. I’m very uneasy about Melanie. I have a feeling she’ll be
very unhappy with Phillip. He probably does love her but I still feel she’s
more of a possession to him than a wife and companion; just like I was a
possession to Victor and Lawrence. What ever happened between her and Nathan
Horton? I’ve met Nathan and he’s an exceptional young doctor but when it comes
to Melanie, he’s indecisive and I feel there’s unfinished business between
them. It’s eerily like my situation with Bo and Victor years go. Please God,
let my daughter be happy.
Bo finally told me he loved me today. Holding my face in his
hands; he swore he will never let anyone take me from him again. My darling
Bo... he will never forgive Lawrence and Vivian for what they did to us but
again, neither will I. But the past no longer matters anymore, we’re back
together in the truest sense. But he said something else which still bothers me
a lot. He’s willing to kill Vivian if she comes near Mel or me again, he
actually told her so when she suddenly interrupted us at the docks. Bo’s always
been a rebel with a hot temper but he’s no killer and I’m frightened he will go
to jail for a worthless hag like Vivian Alamain; just like he nearly did when
Victor charged him for assault after sending his thugs to torch our boat.
‘That guy’s a monster, a monster!’ whispered Melanie, appalled. He
and Vivian were of the same breed... evil and twisted. He actually once
tried to kill Bo? Sure Carly was his wife and he would want to keep
her but ordering his own son’s death was going way too far! Why the hell did
Carly marry Victor of all people in the first place when she was in love with
Bo? And what did she mean by Victor almost ruining Isabella’s happiness? Isabella...
Mum must mean Isabella Black, Brady’s mother.
Brady came back, a Styrofoam cup in his hand. ‘Here... I got you
some coffee.’
‘Sit, I need to ask you something.’ Melanie whispered, taking the
cup from him. Curious, Brady pulled a chair beside her.
‘What’s up?’
Melanie showed him the entry and Brady’s eyes widened as he read
it.
‘I never knew about this, Grandpa trying to kill Uncle Bo. I don’t
believe it.’
‘She put it down right here that he tried to kill him and about
hiring someone to set their boat on fire and almost ruining your Mum’s happiness.
It’s clearly not a lie, Victor Kiriakis is a career criminal and you know it,
Brady. If you don’t know about the attempted murder or the arson, what about
this about your Mum?’
Brady scowled.
‘Well?’ Melanie demanded.
Brady told her about his father’s complicated history. Roman Brady
had vanished during an ISA mission and was believed dead. But then he’d
returned, or so everyone thought- including Marlena. It was John but thanks to
the implanted memories of the real Roman by Stefano DiMera, John himself had
thought he was Roman. When Marlena in turn vanished and thought dead, he’d met
and fallen in love with Isabella. But Victor hadn’t approved of their
engagement. He’d also known Marlena was alive and made arrangements for her
sudden return. Isabella was devastated and stepped aside for “Roman’s
sake” but the whole mess had escalated further when the real Roman
came back, he’d been held prisoner the whole time. It turned out that Victor
had also known for a long time that John Black wasn't Roman Brady.
‘My father was adopted by the Alamains.’ He told a stunned
Melanie. ‘Before he lost his memory and became Roman Brady then later John
Black, he was Forrest Alamain. But when Claire was kidnapped... the kidnapper
turned out to be his mother... Colleen Brady whom everyone thought her lover-
Santo DiMera- murdered a very long time ago. The point is, Grandpa knew Roman
wasn't Roman and because my Mum sided with Bo and Carly back then, he decided
to hurt her by keeping that info to himself until the right time.’
‘Unbelievable...’ Melanie shook her head. ‘Unbelievable...’
Not only did she know more about her mother from her diary, but
many more things. Victor tried to ruin things between Brady’s parents via his
trickery and manipulations. And the attempted hit on Bo... she had to know
about that and why Carly had chosen to marry the father of the
man she really loved. Much as she hated Bo for breaking Carly’s heart, she
can’t shake off the fact he would’ve been her father if things had turned out
differently.
Who will provide the answers to her questions? She wasn’t about to
go that turncoat, Jennifer. Not Caroline either... not with the way she treated
Carly, nor Kayla.
Roman? By all accounts he wasn't there when the fire and the
attempted hit happened, he came back later. Melanie was determined to get
answers.
::::::::
Roman Brady was afraid Carly’s daughter would faint, she
looked so white and shaken. But anyone would be after what she just found out.
‘Victor actually tried to kill Bo by rigging an elevator... his
own son...’ she whispered. ‘But...my mum got on it instead?’
‘When I came back to Salem, Carly was just recovering from her
injuries. But from what I heard, she nearly died.’
‘But Victor went to jail for what he did, tell me he did!’ Melanie
snapped, her fingers gripping the edge of Roman’s desk.
Roman shook his head slowly.
‘What?’ she cried out. ‘He walked?’
‘It was never completely proven he was behind it. But he was charged
for another crime, Mel. When Carly insisted on going ahead with the annulment,
he faked his own death and found a way of making sure Carly was at the ‘murder’
scene and she was arrested. But we found him in Mexico... he was hiding there,
we able to bring him back to Salem but he pleaded insanity.’
‘Insanity?!’ Melanie shouted, feel sick with anger and
revulsion.
‘Melanie, calm down...’ Roman hurried to her to place his hands on
her shoulders. ‘All this happened a very long time ago, it’s in the past.’
Melanie sprang up, shaking his hands off. ‘My mother almost
got killed because of Victor! Victor who’s
been calling my mum a whore and a home-wrecker... got away with arson and attempted
murder! Even if you all sided with Hope over her marriage, you
should’ve had the decency to tell me everything about my mother! You all seemed
to have forgotten everything that happened to her while she was still here...
all because you all cared more about Hope! Everybody
including Victor, allowed me to keep thinking Carly was some interloper
when it’s obvious she was a huge part of your family! How could you all do
this?’
‘It wasn't deliberate,’ Roman tried to explain. ‘We didn't mean to
keep it from you, it’s just...’
‘I don’t want to know your reasons, Roman.’ Melanie adjusted the
strap of her purse on her shoulder. ‘A lot of hurt and misunderstanding
wouldn’t have happened at all if I’d known all this. You all knew Mum
better than I did but you just decided to go ahead and pretend... and judge.’
She shook her head. ‘And you’re all still doing it. The whole
time my mother wasn't the one who changed, it was all of you.’
She slammed the door behind her, ignoring Roman’s protests.
Roman sighed, sinking back into his chair, rubbing his forehead.
She was a huge part of your family! Melanie angrily pointed out to him.
She sure was, he thought
sadly. And we chose to ignore it. We’re all guilty of that. But now’s
the time to put things right.
:::::::::::::
Frankie Brady finally arrived by evening, accompanied by a sweet
faced blonde. Melanie introduced herself and Frankie kissed her on the cheek
before going to sign the papers.
‘Can you take me to see Carly, please?’ the woman asked her.
Melanie looked at her curiously. ‘You know my mum?’
The woman nodded. ‘We knew each other well enough. I worked as a
waitress at The Wings but I was also a volunteer in this hospital.’ She held out her hand.
‘Molly Scofield.’
‘Melanie Jonas,’ Melanie shook her hand. ‘I’m Carly’s
daughter.’
An old friend of mum’s... great. I’ll get more out of her. She thought.
