CARBO FANFICTION- FALLEN PART 14

They talked far into the night; Marcus hearing every detail of Carly’s life. By the time she was done he  was shocked, angry, disgusted and very sad for her.

‘Carly, I’m so sorry,’ he whispered, stroking her hair.

‘Why… why did I leave Salem with Lawrence, leaving the man I really loved behind? How could I’ve been such a fool?’ Carly wept and  Marcus consoled her. 

‘Honey…  you had amnesia. Lawrence took advantage of the situation by putting on the same old facade, just like he did when you were a girl; he worked hard to make you see what he wanted you to see. That son of a bitch didn’t deserve to live… not after the terrible thing he did to you.’ Marcus blinked back angry tears. ‘If he was still alive right now, I would hunt him down and kill him myself. And I would kill Vivian too for making everyone think you were dead and burying… burying you alive, my God!’ he shuddered at the thought.

‘Now you see why I can’t tell Bo, Marcus.’

‘I do see. But Carly, it’s not that simple anymore. If Bo and Hope were still together, I would advise you not to ever tell him. But now the man’s  love in with you and you’ve never really been good at hiding your feelings for him.’ Marcus reminded her. ‘The more excuses you give for not wanting to be with him, the more he’s going to suspect you’re hiding something and he’ll want answers. You know how stubborn he is, he won’t rest until he does. You honestly think a guy like Bo will let you go now that he’s found you again? I think not. Two people in love share each other’s pain, Carly. And this… this is his pain too. He has to know and you have to free yourself from all this.’

Carly got up, slowly pacing the room. ‘Will I have the courage?’ she whispered.

‘You will, in time.’ Marcus insisted. ‘And what will help you to begin with, more therapy. You realize you’re still suffering from PTSD; that has to be taken care of. And if you want me to be there when you eventually tell Bo the truth, you just tell me.’

Carly nodded, gratefully. ‘Thank you, Marcus. More than ever, I’m really  glad you’re here.’

‘Don’t worry about it.’ Marcus rose to hug her again, wiping away her tears. ‘You know you’re my girl and I got your back, always.’

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Bo got ready for Mrs. Horton’s funeral. He was going to be one of the pallbearers; which was the least he could do for the woman who had been a huge part of his life and will be greatly missed by all of them.

Only Alice and her husband Tom had seen the good in the brash, young biker courting their granddaughter while everybody else disapproved for a while. When Hope ‘died’ and he met the beautiful but gutsy young Dr. Carly Manning, Alice especially did all she could to bring them together; supporting them during their trouble with Victor. And Alice had urged him to follow his heart after he confessed his reawakened love for Carly, as though she knew beforehand it was going to happen. She was the only one who felt his happiness was more important. Which made Bo miss her even more.

‘ “J loves F, Juanita loves Fredrick”’ he read Carly’s message on the cupcake.

Mrs. Horton smiled indulgently. ‘She misses you terribly.’

‘I miss her too, more than I can stand.’ Bo said ruefully. All the times he could’ve been with Carly, he pushed her away… to Victor’s arms. Now until her annulment was final, he couldn’t be with her like he badly wanted.

‘But you have to, dear. Pretty soon, it will be over.’

‘One minute away from her is too long.’

‘I wish there was more I can do for you two.’

He grinned, suddenly having a wonderful idea. ‘Maybe there is something. If I can’t see her or call her… maybe you can help me let her know how much I miss her.’

A few minutes later Alice left the boat, the love letter he’d written to Carly safely tucked in the pocket of her cardigan.

Bo straightened his tie, found his car keys and left the house.

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Carly didn’t have to shop for a black dress for the funeral. After killing Lawrence she had to maintain the charade of a widow in mourning, hence several black outfits in her closet. Today, she was in mourning for real. Going through them, Carly selected a simple yet expensively cut Armani with elbow sleeves.  After dressing, she put on her watch, brushed her hair and sprayed on a little perfume. She thought about Alice yet again, missing her painfully.

Taking hold of her hands, Alice pleaded, ‘Carly; I know you’ve been hurt. You’ve been hurt by people you love. But if you think accepting Victor’s proposal is going to help you get over something... or somebody, then you’re getting married for all the wrong reasons.’

‘Mrs. Horton, I appreciate everything you’re saying to me; I do. But that is not why I’m marrying Victor.’

‘It’s not?’

‘Because I care about him; and I know that he’ll make me very happy.’

‘Oh? Even though you still care about Bo? Wait a minute... now don’t tell me that you’re not and neither do you because I’m not going to believe either of you. All anyone has to do is see you look at each other and see how much in love you still are!’ Alice’s usually mild face was stern. She knows the truth all right, Carly thought. She knows I don’t love Victor. But what else can I do when the man I really love doesn’t want me?

Marcus  was waiting for her in  the living room, well-groomed in a sober black suit. ‘You look beautiful,’ he said, getting up from the  couch.

‘Thanks.’ Carly shook her head. ‘This is really hard.’

‘I know,’ Marcus replied quietly. ‘But in actual fact, we aren’t  just saying goodbye to Mrs. Horton, we’re celebrating her life. And she’ll always be with us Carly, right here.’ He pointed to his heart. ‘Come on, now. I’ll drive.’

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Alice Horton’s funeral was held in St. Benedict’s; the old church filled with her family and friends, some dry eyed in a gallant effort to be brave, others openly tearful. Her casket was borne down the aisle to the altar by Bo and Roman Brady, Abe Carver, Mike, Lucas and Nathan Horton; the six men walking at a slow measured pace as the organ music played. They gently placed the casket on the flower bedecked central area of the altar before taking their seats. A large portrait of Alice Horton stood by and the sight of her smiling face drew more tears and quiet sobs. The Hortons and the Bradys occupied the front pews; Hope sitting between Doug and Julie. Bo sat on Julie’s right, Ciara immediately moving from Julie’s lap to his. Roman, Kayla, Kimberly, Shane and Carrie sat with Caroline.

Father Matt began the service, speaking about Alice’s virtues and contributions for ten minutes before Bill Horton took his place to give a eulogy. Except for a slight trembling in his voice, he was in full control of his emotions. Maggie got up to speak, then Alice and Tom’s youngest child and surviving daughter, Marie; Julie, Jennifer who sobbed midway and then Hope. Bo too gave a eulogy, emphasizing  how Alice was a mother to many people in Salem and was always eager to give advice, love and support to anyone. From where she sat, Carly watched Bo, feeling proud of the way he spoke and held himself well. The church choir sang a hymn, afterwards Father Matt led the mourners in prayer for the repose of Alice Horton’s soul. The organ music was played again and the six pallbearers rose to lift the casket, carrying it down the aisle; family and friends slowly walking behind them.

After a brief and final prayer at the cemetery, the mourners placed yellow roses on Alice’s casket and wept silently as it was lowered into the earth. Her final resting place was next to her husband, Dr. Thomas Horton; with whom she was at last reunited forever in the afterlife she always believed in. Hope, Julie and Maggie wept. Ciara pressed her face against Bo’s neck. Jennifer wiped her streaming eyes with a hanky, her brothers consoling her. Marcus held Carly’s fingers tightly.

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With so many people gathered at Alice’s house, Bo didn’t get a chance to talk to Carly alone. He’d spotted her at the cemetery and immediately taken aback on seeing  Marcus Hunter with her… and holding hands with her. 

It means nothing, he assured himself. They’re close buddies, almost like brother and sister. Nothing to get worked up about.

Jennifer was delighted to see Carly after so many years. As the two women talked, Bo used the opportunity to talk to Marcus. ‘What a surprise,’ he said, warmly shaking hands with him.

‘It is, isn’t it? Just too bad it happened to be under these circumstances. It still doesn’t seem real to me, Mrs. Horton gone.’

‘I know what you mean. So how have you been and what are you doing in Salem?’

‘I’m great, I just came for a short visit. Carly and I have been catching up. A lot has changed over the years, haven’t they?’

‘In more ways than one.’

‘It must have been a huge shock to everyone when Hope turned up alive.’

‘An understatement old buddy and a very long story. But right now, we’re separated.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Marcus Hunter’s tone gave nothing away. He saw Bo glancing at Carly as she chatted with Jennifer, the burning look at her direction confirming what Carly told him. He’d seen that same look on Bo’s face many times back in the day after he finally stopped denying his love. He was about to ask Bo a question when Justin walked up to them. ‘Hi Bo. Hey… Marcus! How have you been man, what a surprise.’

To Bo’s astonishment, Marcus made no move to shake Justin’s outstretched hand, his expression hostile. ‘Excuse me, Bo.’ He said, looking Justin straight in the eye, conveying the silent message to him, I know what you did. Aside from Bo and Carly’s break up years back, Frankie also filled Marcus in about Bo and Hope’s separation and the families’ attitude towards Carly, including  Justin’s attempted sabotage. Furious on Carly’s behalf, Marcus wanted to thrash him to a pulp. He’d always thought Justin had none of his uncle’s deviousness but it seemed he did after all.

‘What was that all about?’ Bo demanded after Marcus walked away.

Justin shrugged as nonchalantly as he could, the message received loud and clear. Carly obviously told on him. Damn it, how long is she going to hold a grudge? he thought. He’d gone after Carly after her outburst at Mickey’s wake, wanting to apologize for the incident and for what he said to her but got a harsh slap on the face instead. ‘Search me, Bo.’

Bo frowned. It was not like Marcus at all to act such a way. What could Justin have done that he would be so cold?

‘I tried calling you after reading about Lawrence in the papers,’ Jennifer Horton Deveraux  was saying to Carly, ‘but your secretary told me you were in seclusion.’

‘I needed to get away from the media circus after the assassination.’

‘Of course, I understand. Jack hoped to  get an exclusive though, he was really angry when there was no trace of you. So how does it feel, living in Salem again?’

‘After being the society wife of a ruler and statesman for years, reverting back to  Dr. Carly Manning wasn’t exactly that difficult.’

‘Even with… the changes since you’ve been gone?’ Jennifer asked tentatively, watching her best friend’s face carefully. She knew how Hope felt about Carly but it seemed the rest of the Hortons now had a change of heart towards her.

‘Yes, even with the changes.’ Carly replied coolly. ‘I’m not opening the window of the past, no matter what Hope thinks.’

‘I’m not implying anything, Carly; please don’t be angry with me.’ Jennifer pleaded, squeezing her arm. ‘It’s just that I remember how it was with you and Bo… it must have been hard, coming back here and seeing him again.’

‘It wasn’t hard at all. Before coming back, I figured Bo must have long moved on and anyway, Frankie filled me in on his life since I left. No surprises, no shocks and no regrets. Does that relieve your mind, Jen? If so, you can pass it on to your cousin.’

Jennifer was upset at Carly’s cold tone. ‘Honestly, I wasn’t trying to test you or anything, don’t be that way. You’re very dear to me, if I asked it was because I care about your welfare, nothing else. Now let’s change the subject… how’s Nicky?’

Carly chuckled quietly. ‘He’s fine and after turning 15 prefers “Nicholas”, not “Nicky”. How’s Abby?’

‘She’s great. I have a son too, Jack Jnr. He’s in boarding school.  Dad… you remember Carly Manning, don’t you?’

‘I do.’ Bill Horton shook Carly’s hand,  commiserating with her over Lawrence’s death which he too read about in the papers and Carly felt like screaming out loud that she wasn’t the least bit sorry her bestial husband was dead. She spoke with Laura, whom she only saw once when she came to visit Jennifer at their boarding school and Nathan came up with his mother Melissa and Great Aunt Marie to introduce to her.

Marcus was talking with Kayla Johnson and  asking about Steve; another member of the family to miraculously return from the dead; to his joy as Steve Johnson was his best friend. ‘He’ll be so happy to hear from you,’ Kayla added after giving Marcus Steve’s number.

‘So all that time, Steve was alive.’ Marcus said, amazed after Kayla told him what really happened.

‘Yes, a real miracle for all of us.’

‘My God… how strange life is.’

Kayla’s smile dropped as she saw Carly and Jennifer walk by arm in arm, towards Kimberly and Shane.  ‘Yeah, how.’ She muttered.

 Marcus followed her glance then turned back to Kayla. ‘What do you mean by that?’

‘Look at her. She left my brother high and dry years ago and then she comes back to ruin his marriage. It’s a good thing Hope has our support.’

Marcus stared at her in disbelief and anger. ‘What?’

 ‘This is not the Carly Manning you remember,’ Kayla pressed on stubbornly. ‘You should know the reason Bo and Hope’s separation stretched this long is because of her. She’s scheming to get him back but she will realize none of us are going to let her ruin Hope or my brother’s life.’

‘What the hell’s the matter with you?’ Marcus didn’t raise his voice but it was so cold and hard that Kayla shrank back, startled.

‘I know why Carly  came back to Salem and I know her, still know her. Carly Manning is the most wonderful person I know. She has never ruined anybody’s life and will never deliberately hurt anybody. How dare you talk about Carly that way, after all the times she had your back.’ Marcus was very angry, especially as he was privy to Carly’s painful secret and unable to believe Kayla would talk about Carly like that. ‘Hope caused her own problems so she should solve her own problems. You tell her that!’

He walked away, still simmering with anger, Kayla staring after him.

 In his effort to get as far away as possible from Kayla, Marcus almost collided with Justin. ‘Oh.. you again.’

Justin exhaled sharply, his expression rueful. ‘Look, Marcus… I guess Carly  told you what I did.’

‘You’re wrong, it wasn’t Carly who told me. Unlike you, she’s not underhanded.’

‘Look, it was a mistake on my part, alright? I was trying to help Hope out.’

‘Oh… so she put you up to it?’ Marcus snapped. ‘You do know what you tried to do was in fact illegal?’

Justin looked half sulky. ‘ No, Hope had no idea about it and it’s over, Carly got the job in the end, didn’t she?’

‘That is not the point, Justin. Why the hell would you plot against Carly just because Bo’s wife’s  too neurotic to fix her own marriage?’

‘That’s harsh, Marcus.’ Justin murmured.

‘But basically calling Carly a home wrecker isn’t? I should pound you for what you tried to do to Carly.’

Bo happened to walk by, Ciara holding his hand and he caught the tail end of Marcus’ sentence. ‘What… what did he try to do to Carly?’

Justin cursed inwardly.

‘Marcus, what’s going on; what did he do?’ Bo asked adamantly.

Marcus scowled at Justin who refused to meet his eyes. ‘I’d rather your cousin tell you himself, if he can. I have too much respect for Mrs. Horton to make a scene here.’

‘Marcus…’

‘Ask him, Bo.’ Marcus left  Bo to deal with Justin. While he had no intention of violating Carly’s trust, he wasn’t about to let Justin get away with what he tried to do. And he knew Bo would tear Justin a new one, which was what he deserved.

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All in all the day went well, Carly thought as she and Marcus drove back to the loft. The Hortons were cordial to her, much to her relief but Hope coldly walked away  when she tried commemorating with her. Shocked by Hope’s behavior, Maggie had apologized to her but Carly was already too used to Hope’s irrational attitude towards her to care. She was very sorry Shawn Douglas hadn’t been able to get off work in Chicago to come for the funeral, she’d been looking forward to seeing her darling ‘sailor man’ again and meet his wife and daughter. Marcus on the other hand chatted with Shane and Roman and was introduced to Brady, whom he was very delighted  to meet since he had delivered him with Carly and Kayla’s help.

Stepping off the elevator, Carly saw something on her foot mat and groaned.

‘What is it?’ Marcus asked as she bent down to pick it up. Unfolding it she read, ‘For the last time, leave Salem. You’ll be sorry you didn’t listen.’

‘What the hell is this?’ Marcus exclaimed, taking it from her.

‘It’s another anonymous note, this is about the third one.’ Carly said wearily, unlocking her door and sliding it open.

‘Third one?’ Marcus followed her inside. ‘How long has this been going on? Does Bo know?’

‘No.’

‘Carly! This is a police matter, you can’t keep something like this to yourself.’

‘The writer’s nothing but a worthless coward and I’m not going to let him scare me.’

‘Who might decide writing these isn’t enough and do something worse. Carly,  you can’t risk your life like this, not after what you survived from. Promise me you’ll take these to Bo and Roman, please.’

Carly nodded, not wishing to argue with her friend but had no intention of fulfilling her promise. If Bo knew about the letter, she won’t be able to avoid him at all; he’ll be around her constantly. She saw him looking at her at the funeral, his warm brown eyes fixed on her. She’d turned away, remembering what Marcus had said about her being bad at hiding her feelings. The aloof mask she put on when she returned to Salem hardly worked these days; the saying, Love broke all walls being  more than true.

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Maggie came to the loft a few days later, holding a package. ‘Alice’s will was read yesterday. She left you this.’ She said, giving it to Carly. Inside the package was a flat, velvet-lined box and resting in it was a three strand pearl necklace and matching droplet earrings. Carly stared down at the magnificent, incandescent pearls. ‘This is obviously a family heirloom, Maggie, I can’t accept it.’

‘Alice expressively said they’re to go to you.’

‘ I don’t want to benefit from her death.’ Carly protested, closing the box and held it out to Maggie but Maggie gently pushed it back to her. ‘Alice loved you; so please don’t insult her memory by refusing this bequest she left you. They are yours, Carly. Wear them proudly.’

‘I miss her so much, Maggie.’ Carly whispered, sad all over again.

‘We all do. But life has to go on and we must all remember her at her best, it’s what she would’ve wanted.’ Maggie cleared her throat and continued, ‘you know… she talked a lot about you, after Mickey died. She spoke to Julie and me; reminding us of the time you were a big part of our lives and of course Bo and Shawn Douglas’. Alice never used harsh words to reproach us but we all felt so small as we listened to her and we knew she was right. And the rest of us thought about what you said at the wake.’

‘I’m so sorry for that.’

‘No, you were right, so was Alice and I’m really sorry for what you had to put up since you came back. And Hope’s angry and confused right now, so please don’t judge her harshly. She’s actually a loving and loyal person.’

‘I’ll bear that in mind.’ Carly replied quietly. ‘Thank you, Maggie.’

Maggie kissed her on the cheek and took her leave.

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Bo entered the house in time to see Jennifer staring down at something she was holding. ‘Jennifer, those are private! How dare you?’ He shouted, hurrying up to snatch the divorce papers from her.

‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I was looking for a notepad and I found them, I didn’t mean to snoop, honest.’ Jennifer said hastily.

Bo glared at her. ‘Yeah… right.’

‘But Hope never mentioned she was filing for a divorce.’

‘That’s because I’m the one filing, not her.’

Jennifer was shocked. ‘Why?’

‘Are you seriously asking me that question?’ Bo asked incredulously.

‘As a matter of fact, yes… I’m asking! Bo, you love Hope and she loves you. Surely you can work things out and not take a drastic step you’re going to regret later.’

‘The hell I will. This is not a drastic step like you call it. I’m done, I want out.’

‘So … you were planning on ambushing Hope with divorce papers? At this time?’ Jennifer accused.

‘I’m not heartless, Jen, of course not.’ Bo put them back in the drawer, closing it. ‘I know it’s a difficult time for Hope so I’m going to wait a while before I talk to her about it.’

‘But Bo, she’ll be devastated, she loves you very much. Please reconsider this.’

Bo’s stern expression told her he wasn’t planning to. ‘This is wrong.’

‘It’s the best thing to do. And I don’t want you telling her.’

‘Like hell I won’t …’ Jennifer began hotly.

‘You will not.’ Bo snapped back angrily. ‘Because this is none of your business.’

Painfully, Jennifer held her peace. Hope had her faults but she loved Bo with all her heart, he was her soul mate. They belonged together and eventually Bo would realize that and change his mind. 

CARBO FANFICTION- FALLEN PART 13

That evening, Bo wasted no time confronting Caroline over what Ciara told him and she reluctantly confirmed it.

‘And you didn’t think it was strange Carly behaved like that?’

‘Of course I thought it was strange but I didn’t think it was that important to tell you.’ as she said those words, Caroline immediately realized how heartless she sounded.

‘Mum!’ Bo exclaimed, appalled.

‘She was probably thinking of what might have been and no wonder,’ his mother snapped defensively. ‘She made her choice to leave you for Lawrence!’

‘I’m going to say this one more time,’ Bo said coldly,  ‘ What happened that last day was a mutual decision, a very painful one but mutual. It’s not like Carly heartlessly dumped me because she didn’t. Of everyone, it looks like the most hostility towards Carly’s been coming from you and Victor. I still can’t believe you would be this way to her. After everything she meant to this family, what she meant to me.’ And what she still means to me, he wanted to add. But Bo was not going to let the family know he was in love with Carly, not until he got through with her. She refused to take his calls and wasn’t at the loft when he went to look for her, after dropping off Ciara at the mansion.

‘You can defend her all you want but I don’t trust her, she came back here with a hidden agenda. For all I know, she was just putting on an act and from what I see, you’ve fallen for it. You should be concentrating on putting your marriage together, not keep trailing after that woman. It’s about time you realize your priorities.’

‘Carly cries at the very sight of my daughter, and all you can do is stand her and accuse her of a hidden agenda. Your hatred for Carly’s just making you a person I don’t recognize.’

‘I don’t hate her.’ Caroline denied hotly.

‘Oh yes you do Mum,’ Bo said harshly. ‘You pretty much confirmed it just now; you don’t care why she reacted that way or care to know. All I can say is this; tell Frankie the same thing when the time comes. If you can talk about his flesh and blood that way to me and mean it, then you can say that to him as well.’

Caroline’s face went red at the mention of Frankie, biting her lip. But it was too last to take back her words. She could only turn away and disgusted, Bo left the Pub, slamming the door behind him. Carly wasn’t at the hospital nor was she at home. Bo then called Adrienne in the hope she was visiting her but drew a blank there too. Where could she be?

Bo dialed her number again, and after ringing went into voicemail. ‘Princess, it’s me. Where are you? Please call me; we still got a lot to talk about. I meant what I said. I love you, very much.  Call me okay?’

I lost you once princess; I’m not going to lose you again. With every breath in me, I’ll defend you to the death.

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Carly’s mind and heart was too full of worry and misery. Even with the lingering doubt Bo was over Hope, she believed his declaration of love. And yet so many things stood between them. She was on the roof where she and Bo danced on years ago; they were young and happily in love back then. She could still remember their song playing and Bo’s arms round her, their lips locked in passionate kisses, gentle hands caressing each other. She also remembered the terrible period Bo hid his illness from her, not wishing to burden her at first until he got so ill he confessed it all to her, begging her forgiveness for pushing her away. And she too had kept secrets from him and he’d given her love and understanding. But the present situation was far too different; it stood like a hard, granite obstacle between them.

I should never have come back here, Carly thought. Instead of peace, my life’s even more complicated. What do I do now… leave Salem- my home – again? How could I have known Bo will fall in love with me again… when I’m no longer the woman I once was and what I’m keeping from him? So near… and yet I’m so far away from Bo; just like Lawrence said. When will the nightmares and inner torment end?

Her iPhone rang again, the caller I.D revealing to be Bo, again. She let it ring and when it ceased, checked her voicemail. Princess, it’s me. Where are you? Please call me; we still got a lot to talk about. I meant what I said. I love you, very much.  Call me okay?

‘I love you too, Bo.’ Carly whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘More than you’ll ever know. If only I could let you know how much I love you.’ She turned off the phone.  Even if she accumulated enough vacation time and hid at the lake house, she couldn’t avoid Bo forever. Telling him the whole truth was a no brainer but hurting him by telling him they can’t be together was a scene she wasn’t looking forward to. And there was still that nagging doubt Bo wasn’t completely over Hope. If she didn’t have her secrets and her affliction, that alone would stand between them, she would constantly be uncertain Bo was really happy with her and not yearning for Hope at the back of his mind. And there was Hope too, she’ll be furious and will never forgive them both. And the Brady family will never accept her; while the Hortons, except Alice, will lay all the blame at her door if Bo divorced Hope. Carly bit her lip, closing her eyes. She couldn’t let Bo leave his wife for her. Therefore she will have to have to choose the lesser of two evils… let him down brutally enough to make him forget about her and stay with Hope. It was the only way.

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Bo called Carly after giving her a week’s grace and once again, his call immediately went to voicemail. Exasperated, he hung up. Enough’s enough!  He thought. He understood Carly’s doubts and worries but he was going to convince her she was the woman he wanted. Everyone can say what they liked but eventually they’ll simply have to get used to the idea and realize his happiness was what counted. He’ll protect Carly from their slights and sneers, make her as happy as she made him. The wheels were already in motion to end his marriage. Opening a drawer, Bo pulled out the divorce papers he got a few days ago, scanning through them once again and feeling no guilt or regret. He’ll always care about Hope but he was no longer in love with her and she was right, they hadn’t been happy with each other for a long time. He was the one always waiting for her to think things through and come back home, because of his love for her. Now that love has changed and he was the one who wanted out and start again. Carly Manning was his future and his future was with her.

Slipping them back in, Bo put his phone into his pocket and found his car keys. First stop, the florist’s to buy a bouquet of flowers and then to the hospital to give them to Carly and talk it out with her. He’ll promise not to rush her and take it slow if she wanted but he wasn’t going to leave without hearing a ‘yes’ and ‘I love you too,’ from her.

With a spring on his step Bo opened the door, almost colliding with Hope who was about to ring the doorbell. ‘Hey.’ She said quietly. ‘Were you on your way out?’

‘Actually yes. What’s up? Did Ciara forget something?’ Bo asked, forcing down his impatience.

‘No, nothing like that.’ Hope entered the house and Bo closed the door, wondering what she wanted. Since his return from California, they hardly spoke except for talks about Ciara and work. ‘What’s going on, Hope?’ he asked.

Hope turned to him, her face pale and eyes suddenly damp as though she’d been forcing them back. ‘It’s Grandma… Bo. She’s very ill… and the doctor said she’s… she’s…’ she burst into tears.

Shocked and saddened Bo drew her into his arms, impatience immediately  gone. ‘Oh no, no… not Mrs. H!’ Alice Horton was the very pillar and strength of the family and he couldn’t imagine their lives without her. Alice was loving, warm and always supportive. Of course she was in her nineties but she’s always been physically strong, her mind safe from the ravages of time. Bo drew Hope to the couch, sitting next to her. ‘Is it really bad, there’s no hope for her?’ he asked, passing her a box of Kleenex.

Hope sniffled, taking one and dabbing her eyes. ‘There isn’t, nothing can be done for her. Aunt Maggie’s already ringing up the family out of town to come home. Bo, what are we going to do without Gram? She’s always been larger than life… always there for us to turn to. I love her so much, I can’t bear losing her!’

‘I know, I love her too, Hope.’ Bo hugged her, tears filling his eyes at the thought of Alice, a woman he loved so dearly, leaving them forever.

‘Will you come to the house with me? She wants to see you.’

‘Of course… of course I will, you don’t have to ask. We’ll go now.’

His business with Carly can wait, in the meantime.

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Bo saw Alice Horton alone and it took a huge effort from him not to weep at the sight of her looking so pale and frail against the pillows. Sitting on the chair next to her bed he took her hand , forcing his tears back. Her hand was frail and hot from the fever raging in her. ‘Mrs. H… it’s Bo.’ He said softly.

The old woman opened her eyes, a faint smile on her lips on seeing him.

‘I’m so sorry.’

‘Don’t be sorry, darling. Death is inevitable and I’m moving on to be with my Tom… and Addie. For a person my age, it’s the next great adventure.’

‘What will I do without you?’

‘You’ll move on and be as strong as you’ve always been, Bo. Strong, loyal and loving. You’ve always managed to find strength in anything you do. I know you’re going to be alright.’

Bo pressed his lips against her hand. Alice was dying, leaving them all behind. There was never going to be another woman like her. Blinking back his tears, he said, ‘It’s not going to be the same without you, Mrs. H; especially with how things have changed between Hope and me.’

‘It’s different this time, isn’t it?’

Bo nodded. There was no sense beating round the bush, something he never did with Alice. ‘I’ve fallen in love with Carly again, Mrs. H.’  

Alice squeezed his hand in reply.

 ‘You’re not angry with me?’

‘I can never be angry with you. Have you told her?’

‘Yes but she doesn’t believe me. She’s come up with all sorts of reasons why we can never be together, Hope being the main reason.’

‘But this what you  truly want, a future with Carly?’

‘I want it more than anything, Mrs. H.’ Bo said frankly.

‘Then follow your heart, darling. Fight for her if you have to and be happy with her. And... keep being the wonderful person you’ve always been.’

Bo smiled through his tears. ‘You’ve always believed in me, Mrs. H. And for that… I thank you.’

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Melanie saw Nathan making his way to the elevators, his face pale and grief stricken. ‘Nathan, wait up!’ she ran to him, taking his arm. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘I can’t talk right now, Mel.’

‘Please tell me,’ Melanie pleaded. ‘What’s going on?’

Nathan sighed heavily, rubbing his eyes. ‘I just got a call from Grandma. Gram Alice’s dying. The family’s at her house right now and I’m going over there.’

‘Oh Nathan… I’m sorry, so sorry!’ Melanie whispered, knowing how much Alice meant to the Hortons. She hugged him tightly,  feeling Nathan’s arms round her and a sudden rush of tenderness for him. Since her engagement to Phillip, there had been a lot of awkwardness between them, added with Nathan’s coldness towards her.

‘Thanks, Mel.’

‘Oh, you don’t have to thank me, you know how much I care about you.’

Nathan pulled away, his face now hard. ‘Do you?’

Melanie was very surprised by his question. ‘Of course I do.’

‘Then why are you marrying Kiriakis?’ Nathan spat, his anger and frustration finally let loose.

‘What has that got to do with anything?’ Melanie demanded.

‘You just don’t get it do you? You think it’s been easy for me watching you with him, wearing his expensive rock, knowing you’re going to be his wife and have his kids someday? You’ve been toying with me, probably wondering if I’ll ever speak up.’

‘I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Melanie snapped back. ‘You started dating Stephanie all of a sudden so who’s been toying with who here? Why should me marrying Phillip bother you now?’

‘Because I love you, damn it!’ Nathan snarled, his eyes blazing. Melanie backed away, stunned.

‘There… I’ve said it, I love you with my heart and soul, Melanie Layton.’ Nathan said bitterly. ‘I might as well admit it. I know it’s my fault, for not seeing it sooner. But I have and you might as well know how I feel about you.’

He loves me… and this whole time  I thought… Melanie was speechless.

‘I have to go.’ Nathan pressed the button, feeling drained after his outburst.

‘Nathan wait…’ Melanie pleaded.

‘Just leave me alone. I’ve said it all and I don’t need to hear the pity speech.’

He stepped into the elevator, Melanie’s green eyes staring at him as  the doors closed.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Without looking up from the chart, Carly picked up the receiver after three rings. ‘Dr. Manning,’ she said, taking down some notes.

‘Hello Carly, it’s Julie Williams.’

Carly put down her pen, surprised to suddenly receive a call from her. ‘Hello, Julie. Is something wrong?’

 ‘It’s grandma. She’s…I’m afraid the end’s near for her.’

‘Oh no.’ Carly whispered, shocked. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘She’s been asking for you; she really wants to see you, Carly. Can you come over right away?’

‘Of course, of course… I’ll be there, I’m on my way.’

‘Great, thank you.’ Julie hung up.

Carly discarded the white coat and reached for her purse, hands trembling and heart heavy.

.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

‘What are you doing here now?’ Hope demanded on seeing Carly at the door.

‘Hope, now’s not the time or place; move aside and let her in.’ Maggie said, firmly.

In no mood to argue with Hope Brady, Carly neatly side stepped her without so much as a glance at her face, her mind only on Alice.

‘Are you kidding me? She’s not family, she has no right to be here.’ Hope protested.

‘For god sake Hope, show some respect and don’t make another exhibition of yourself!’ Julie hissed, grabbing her half-sister by the arm. ‘Do you want to make a scene here, in front of the family? Like it or not, Grandma asked to see her so please keep quiet.’

Hope glared at her and at Carly who wasn’t even looking at her direction. ‘Am… am I too late?’ she asked Maggie.

Maggie shook her head, her expression grave. ‘Nathan’s in there with her right now.’

‘But she looked so well the last time I saw her, how did this happen? When did she fall ill?’

‘A few days ago, the doctor thought her fever would break but her temperature just got higher. Then when he said there was nothing he could do, she said… she said she wanted to die in her own home.’

Carly shook her head. ‘I’m so sorry, Maggie.’ She turned to Julie who walked up to them. ‘I’m sorry, Julie.’

Julie patted her shoulder in reply. ‘This day had to come eventually but I guess we hoped Grandma would live to be a hundred. She’s always been so strong.’

‘Does Bo know? And what about Shawn Douglas, Bill and Jennifer, have you called them?’

‘They’re already on their way. And Bo came by to see her this morning.’ Maggie replied. ‘He left after getting a call from the station.’

Carly thought about Bo, her heart aching for him. He loved “Mrs. H”, as he affectionately called her, very dearly. She glanced at Hope, who was pointedly looking out of the window, arms folded; ignoring them.

Nathan came out, dabbing his eyes with a hanky. Maggie hugged him in silence while Julie touched Carly’s arm. ‘You can go in now.’

Alice’s room was surrounded by roses and on small tables, various framed photographs of the family. Carly walked up to the bed, staring down at Alice before sitting down beside her, taking her hand. Alice’s eyes opened slowly and peered at her, a faint smile of recognition on her pale lips. ‘Carly. Thank you for coming.’ She murmured, squeezing Carly’s fingers with the little strength she had left.

Carly nodded, unable to speak; her eyes blinking rapidly. 

‘No… no tears, dear. I’ve reached my journey’s end.’ Alice soothed. ‘But I… couldn’t go without seeing you one more time. ‘To tell you something.’

‘What’s that?’ Carly whispered, her voice shaking.

‘What happened to you, should never happen to any woman. It should never have happened to you. But I believe… fate brought you back at this time… for a reason.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘Your future… is going to be wonderful; more than enough to make up for the past. But you must embrace it, when he comes to you.’

Carly shook her head, still not comprehending.

‘You and Bo…’ Alice squeezed her hand again, ‘belong together.’

Carly was stunned. ‘Mrs Horton…’ she began.

‘You belong together.’ Alice repeated, interrupting her. ‘You may not see it yet but in time… you will. I know what you’re thinking… Hope is my granddaughter. I love her very much but I can admit she’s been treating Bo badly. If her marriage was that important to her, she would fix it, not keep her husband dangling… or pass blame on you.’

‘But it still doesn’t mean…’ Carly was disinclined to argue with a dying woman but the prospect of her and Bo getting back together was unconceivable.

‘I know so, Carly.’ Alice interrupted again. ‘I just wish I could be here… to see you happy at last. But you must also tell him… what you told me, Carly. You have to… eventually.’

 Carly’s eyes welled up as she lowered her head to kiss Alice on the forehead. The old woman managed to turn her head to kiss Carly on the cheek. ‘I love you, darling girl.’ She said faintly.

‘I love you too,’ Carly sobbed, tears sliding down her cheeks as Alice Horton closed her eyes for the last time. Carly kissed the hand clasped in hers, feeling it go slack as the life left it. ‘God speed Alice,’ she whispered, looking at the pale face; serene and peaceful in death. ‘God speed.’

Tears streaming down her cheeks, Carly got up to inform the people outside that the matriarch of the Horton clan was dead.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Bo was told the sad news by Maggie over the phone and was instructed to inform the Bradys. After ringing them up, Bo went over to the Horton house to console Hope. Carly went back to the hospital and informed Lexie, feeling it was her duty to inform the hospital staff. She went back to her office and wept for the kind, warm-hearted woman whose passing had already left a void in her life, the tears she couldn’t shed for Lawrence coming out in wracked sobs.

There was a knock on her door. When she didn’t answer, there was another knock and she raised her head. ‘Come in.’ Daniel poked his head in, his expression sober, indicating Lexie had already told him. ‘You’ve got a visitor.’

He opened the door wider and a man entered. For a few seconds Carly was rigid with shock, unable to believe her eyes. Then she walked round her desk and ran into his arms, his enfolding her immediately. Daniel left them alone, closing the door behind him.

‘Marcus, oh Marcus, is it really you?’ Carly wept, hugging him tightly.

‘Of course it’s me… it’s me Carly.’ Dr. Marcus Hunter, her dear friend and former colleague, pulled back to look down at her, upset and alarmed by her tears. ‘I came hoping to surprise you and I find you crying. What happened?’

Carly sniffled. ‘Mrs. Horton died a while ago, Marcus.’

Marcus’ face crumpled up and he  shook his head. ‘No, oh no…’ he whispered.

‘She died peacefully, while I was there. I still can’t believe she’s gone, Marcus; she’s gone… gone forever.’ She sobbed and Marcus held her in his arms, unable to speak, very sad to hear of Alice Horton’s death.

‘It’s okay, Carly… hush.’ He stroked her hair. ‘She led a very full and happy life and she’s with Dr. Horton now. She wouldn’t want us to grieve so much.’

Carly sniffled and Marcus gave her a hanky to dab her eyes. ‘It’s good to see you again, after all these years.’ She said, trying to make an effort. ‘It’s too bad it had to be today of all days.’

 Marcus nodded, his face now sad. ‘Yeah, it is. I was in D.C for a conference and I ran into Frankie. Over drinks, he told me what happened between you and Bo and I said I wasn’t going back to New York without seeing you.’

‘I thought it was something you heard ages ago.’

‘I lost touch with everyone here, I’m afraid. You and I have a lot to talk about, if you’re up to it.’

‘Yes we do. I’m so glad you’re here.’ Carly hugged him again, more than thankful Marcus, who was like a second brother to her, was in Salem at this particular time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Bo called Carly later while she and Marcus were having coffee at the loft. ‘I’m so sorry about Mrs. Horton, Bo. I know how much you loved her.’

‘A lot of us did, Carly. And she loved all of us, including you. Are you okay? Maggie told me you were the last person she saw.’

‘I’m fine. What about you?’

‘I’m holding up.’ Bo dabbed at his eyes yet again, quelling his overwhelming grief. ‘The funeral’s on Friday. Everyone will be here by then.’

‘Okay. Comfort Hope and Ciara as much as you can, Bo. They need you more than ever right now.’

‘I’ll do that. But when the time is right, you and I have to talk. Please stop hiding from me from now on, okay?’

‘We’ve said what needs to be said, Bo. Please don’t make this harder.’

‘No, we haven’t.’ Bo’s voice was soft but firm. ‘When the time’s right, Carly.’ He hung up. 

‘The funeral’s on Friday. Will you come with me?’

‘Of course, I will. I still got some time off; I can stay in town for a while. And from the little I heard over the phone, I came  at the right time.’

Carly nodded soberly, looking down at her hands. ‘You really did, Marcus. I came back here for a fresh start. But now I’m in the middle of a huge dilemma and on the verge of hurting Bo all over again.’

Marcus moved nearer to her on the couch and took her hand. ‘Why do you say that?’

Carly stared at her friend miserably. ‘Marcus, what I’m about to tell you… only Frankie, Nicholas and Mrs. Horton know. I haven’t told  Bo and I never will.’

‘My God, is it that serious?’ Marcus asked, baffled.  

‘It is.’ A tear slid down Carly’s cheek. ‘I don’t know how it happened because I didn’t do anything to encourage him, but Bo’s in love with me again. And my past is the reason why I can’t have a future with him or ever let him know I love him too.’

Marcus put his arm round her. ‘Tell me everything.’

‘It’s so hard… so terrible…’ she whispered, sobbing.

 ‘You can trust me, Carly, you know that.’ Marcus said consolingly. ‘Why can’t you ever be with Bo? What are you hiding from him?’

Clutching Marcus’ hand, Carly began her long and painful tale.