- A fight with Natalie exposed that Marina has feelings for Ian Kiefer...
- Damien Crenshaw admitted that Danielle was alive!
- Adrian Stone came back to town, but caused Gail heartbreak.
- David threatened Helen to stop scheming or he would make her life hell...
[.....]
[.....]
Scene One: Callahan Condos #15; Marina & Cassie's Condo
Slipping into the living room, Marina Thurlow groaned with the realization that the day was barely starting. It had been two days since she last seen or talked to Ian Kiefer and she didn’t know if it was a bad thing.
“You don’t look so well.” Cassie Lakhani spoke from a spoon full of cereal. When Marina didn’t respond, she took it upon herself to scoot closer to her friend. “Alright now you have to spill the reason why you look paler than a Twilight vampire!”
Marina shot Cassie a look.
“Hey!” Cassie defended, “It was either that or as dead as a zombie. I just figured you would be sensitive with the look on your face.”
“How about you stick to modeling for my mother?” Marina quipped with sticking out her tongue. She leaned against Cassie as she rubbed her stomach.
A sigh erupted from Cassie. “With the way this baby is growing I don’t think I’ll be modeling for Helen much longer. It’s like everyday I find that I’ve gained another pound and I don’t know what to do. Maybe I should give my spot up to Natalie?”
“No you wont!” Marina scoffed. “The last thing Natalie needs is to be offered your spot after the stunt she pulled. Right now I would welcome my mother with open arms if she dropped Natalie from her contract with the company.”
Cassie shook her head, “Tell me again why you are mad at Natalie? From what it looks like you’ve been out with Ryan for awhile now--Don’t get me wrong! Just hear me out. I think Natalie just helped you make the decision you had been wanting to make for some time now.”
Knowing her friend was right, Marina Thurlow shrugged. “I just didn’t know how to tell Ryan the truth because I knew it would leave me single again and I just didn’t know how to feel about that. Is that pathetic?”
“Not at all.” Cassie replied. “How are things with you and Ian miss single lady zombie vampire queen?”
“Enough with the nicknames please?” Marina chuckled, trying to keep a serious face on as Cassie waited for a reply. “Honestly? I don’t know where we are. After the ball I thought we could really work. But after I started thinking about it-”
“Oh, no.” Cassie interrupted.
“After the ball I realized that we can’t work out. We live in two separate worlds right now. Ian is finishing school and managing the gym--which by the way is where Ryan is working, all thanks to Natalie!--and I’m working at the newspaper.”
“If all of that wasn’t an issue would you be willing to think about a relationship with Ian?” Cassie asked, knowing quite well Marina still didn’t have an answer for her question.
[.....]
Scene Two: Thurlow Cottage; James & Caitlyn's Cottage
Pulling away from the hug, Caitlyn Thurlow tried not to portray doubt in her step-sons words. It had only been two days since Iris Galloway denied the proposal from Emmet Thurlow and she knew the wounds were still fresh.
“You know you can stay longer with us Emmet.” Caitlyn proposed. “We would love having you around a little longer, right James?”
Emmet smirked. “I know where this is going and it is fine. I have to get back to Sunset Valley and take care of the family company. Besides there are things that Iris and I have to work out.”
Caitlyn pouted. “When did you grow up so fast?”
“Everyone keeps asking me the same question, it’s starting to hurt my feelings.” Emmet joked, catching his father’s eye in the process. “I know how much the company means to you dad-”
“My family means more.” James interjected.
Emmet nodded in agreement.
“Go fix things with Iris and I don’t want to hear from you until you do.” James ordered with a tang of humor. There had always been an understanding between the two that Caitlyn never understood, but she let the conversation take its course.
Lifting Emmet’s jacket she helped him put it on. “Whenever you miss the family, or when you need someone to talk to please call us! Okay?”
“I will.” Emmet replied, kissing Caitlyn’s cheek. He then went to his father’s side and wrapped his arms around the older man. “I will keep in touch, I will win back Iris before that. I know there is something wrong, what she did was very unlike her.”
“Just give a little chase.” Caitlyn reassured Emmet.
“Nobody can resist a Thurlow’s chase.” James added, pulling Caitlyn into an embrace. The comfort of James created a relaxing feeling inside of Caitlyn and she couldn’t help but smile.
“I’ll be home before you know it.” Emmet stated, slipping out the front door and leaving his father and his step-mother alone in the cottage. The two took comfort in the silence for a minute before James turned to Caitlyn.
“Now that the boy is gone we need to talk about what has been bothering you for the last two days.” He spoke with such authority that it caused Caitlyn to blush in embarrassment. She knew what James was asking of her but she didn’t know if she could go through with it. “We need to make an appointment to see Damien.”
[.....]
Scene Three: Old Granger Manor; Damien's Home
“I’ve been trying to fill this big empty house all day but yet I still feel alone.” Damien Crenshaw spoke into the phone. Since he was released from jail he had never heard as much people show their distaste for him in his life.
But there was one other thing they were gossiping about. This house. Looking up at the high ceilings of the parlor room, Damien sighed. He knew he was taking on a lot coming to Stone Creek but he didn’t know he would take on so much heat for this house.
It was like a sacred place for the residents. When he talked to Greta Wilkinson she didn’t let up on the history behind the house but then again he never asked. Apparently it belonged to a woman named Alice Granger years ago.
He shrugged it away. “Gillian, don’t worry too much. I don’t want you to be distressed right now--especially now that you are back home with your family. We will figure us out when the time is right.”
Quite honestly, he had more on his plate than he anticipated.
“I don’t care what your parents say they have no right to make you break our engagement. We both made a commitment to each other and I for one don’t want to end that.”
“Yes.” Damien pulled himself away from the phone as another call was being made, it puzzled him by the number. It wasn’t a familiar number to him but he had a feeling her knew who it was. “Listen, Gillian I have another call on the line and I really have to answer it.”
“Yeah, sure.” Gillian spoke distantly on the other line. “Call me back when you get a chance, okay?”
It took Damien a moment to answer the call, it was as if he couldn’t find the strength to hear her voice. “This call is long over due, Caitlyn.”
---
Our love. Our fights. Our friendships.
On Concrete Shelves.
Forever, they shall be remembered.
---
Scene Four: Thurlow Cottage; James & Caitlyn's Cottage
Slipping into her favorite overcoat, Cassie Lakhani looked at herself in the mirror. She had been dreading this meeting with Helen Schmidt ever since the older woman called her and scheduled the meeting.
“You’ll be fine.” Marina hollered from the living room. “Now stop looking at yourself in the mirror and let me give you a good luck kiss!”
Cassie chuckled at the thought. Rolling her eyes she made one last adjustment to her hair and then appeared in the same room as Marina. “Either way I will be the same person I was before Helen gave me the lead modeling spot.”
“Exactly.” Marina encouraged. “Nothing is going to change the fact that you are still my best friend and that you are an amazing woman. Don’t let my mother discourage the fact that you are a model.”
The support made Cassie feel better. “Look at us right now. You’re single and I’m going to be a mother, when did all this happen? When did we enter foreign ventures?”
“We have each other.” Marina reminded Cassie. “Now go tell my mother that you deserve that spot and that Natalie Marlowe has nothing on you. But one more thing, can you give me some of that confidence to face Ian?”
Cassie rolled her eyes. “Marina you don’t need anymore confidence, just go find Ian. Everything will be just fine.”
[.....]
Scene Five: Schmidt Household; David, Helen & Gail's Home
This was her only day off in five straight days. Ever since she moved up to senior technician at the hospital Gail Schmidt has done nothing but work herself into a grave. She never knew how hard it was to keep everyone happy.
But today was her day off. The first she had in five days and the hospital was exactly what she didn’t want to think about. Dunking her tea bag into the water Gail quickly rid her mind of the hospital.
Being back in town was easier than she had thought. Everyone still knew who Gail Schmidt was and most of her friends were there to keep her company. Even the mighty Kirsten Thurlow was taking time to say hi to Gail.
But with familiar faces comes conflict. Especially with Adrian Stone who recently returned to town and is staying with his mother, Lana Stone. There was so many different emotions between the two.
Things that Gail couldn’t comply with.
Walking to the cupboard she grabbed a mug, preparing herself some tea. It was the easiest thing she had done in the last couple days. It almost made things feel so simple. So relaxed.
She hadn’t felt so relaxed since she came back to town and Helen began to attack her. Gail found herself amused at the thought of her step-mother. A woman who throws around her weight and doesn’t stop throwing punches even when threatened. Gail knew she had the upper hand on Helen right now.
It was a reason why Helen Schmidt had stayed low and away from Gail since the ball when Adrian showed up. Gail knew Helen brought Adrian back. It was sick. It was viral. There had been many words Gail wanted to scream at the top of her lungs.
But today was her day off. Turning back to the tea as it finished boiling, she turned the stove off and poured her cup. She needed to relax now. There were so many more moves to Helen’s game that Gail had to sidetrack.
She needed to rest right now though. Today was her first day off in five days and all Gail wanted to do was relax and close her eyes.
[.....]
Scene Six: Sage Garden's; HEAT Headquarter's
Helen Schmidt stood stern against the back of her black leather desk chair. Work had been her main priority today, something she seemed to be doing a lot lately. It seemed as if her own crazy life had finally taken a toll on her.
Then she spotted her.
Cassie Lakhani walking around the corner. The blur of her favorite model walking towards her office. There was a different light to Cassie lately and Helen noticed it. Well one of Helen’s assistance noticed it and then told Helen.
She grumbled at the assumption.
“You wanted to see me?” Cassie Lakhani asked, the question was enough to convince her she should have brought her sweater.
Although Helen didn’t want to seem icy with the young woman, there was an anger in her. A fire that bit at Helen Schmidt. As much as she wanted to keep Cassie as her main model, she knew she couldn’t.
“We need to talk.”
Cassie nodded her head. “I know, this seems like a long time coming.” There was nothing left she could do. This wasn’t the end of Cassie’s modeling career but she knew there was going to be a huge set-back.
[.....]
Scene Seven: Old Granger Manor; Damien's Home
Damien Crenshaw opened the door for his most recent visitor. It had been an utter surprise when the caller turned out not to be his ex-wife Caitlyn. He was sure she would be the one making the demands.
The woman walked into the house and immediately turned her attention to Damien. “This is how it is going to go Mr. Crenshaw.” The words almost caused Diem Joplin to lose her lunch as they were too powerful for her normal routine.
“This is how what is going to go?”
“Any minute now Caitlyn Thurlow is going to be calling you, she’s going to ask you one simple question and you better give her the right answer.” Diem ordered, arms crossed.
A chuckled escaped Damien’s lips. “You think it is that easy?”
“If you still care for Caitlyn-”
“Care?” Damien asked, stunned at the wording. “There is no doubt that I still care for Caitlyn. But you must understand, Miss Joplin is it? That the relationship between Caitlyn and I is frail at best.”
“You’re in the wrong and you know it.”
Damien stepped closer to Diem, there was something about the PI that irked him. She seemed too sure of herself, wether it be the case or not. It irked him to the core. “It depends on who’s side of the story you’ve been told.”
“I’m not interested in your side of the story Mr. Crenshaw.” Diem insisted, standing her ground. “I’m interested in knowing where Caitlyn Thurlow’s daughter is and if she is alive at all.”
“Danielle is alive indeed.” Damien walked around Diem. “But why would I help Caitlyn-or anybody in this town for that matter-find her? Since I have arrived here I have been ridiculed, accused, locked-up.”
Diem shook her head. “You don’t get to play innocent here.”
“There are few things you know about, Miss Joplin, I never play anything.” Damien urged, the thickness of his words sending a chill down Diem’s back. “Please escort yourself off the premises.”
“This isn’t over!”
Damien turned to face Diem. “I didn’t think it would be. Would you please go now?”
[.....]
Scene Eight: Sage Garden's; Alice's Haven Cafe
Grabbing his coffee, Adrian Stone took a deep breath of fresh air. It felt good to be back in the small town of Stone Creek. It had been years since he had shown his face around town.
The quaint feel of the autumn breeze. The way Stone Creek seemed to jump ahead into winter before all the neighboring towns. There was a mysterious feel in this town and he could never hint to what it was. But it always made him feel safe.
That was until someone grabbed him from the jacket and swung him around. The force caught Adrian off-guard and he lost his cup. The shatter of the glass was only a dim sound compared to what happened next.
Dr. David Schmidt pulled his arm back and slammed a fist into Adrian’s face. Hurling the younger man to the floor and earning gasps form everyone in the coffee shop.
“Stay the hell away from my daughter!” David threatened as Adrian tried to regain his composure. A nearby customer helping him up. “Why the hell did you come back to town Stone?”
“David, listen-”
“Go to hell!” David interrupted.
“What’s going on here?” Kirsten Thurlow snapped, arriving on scene as Adrian Stone was moving closer to David. “Boys, settle down! You can’t start a fight in here. David what is going on?”
David Schmidt tossed the attention to Adrian. “Why don’t you ask Adrian Stone why he caused my daughter grief the night of the Founder’s Ball?”
Kirsten had to do a double take as she looked at the man introduced as Adrian. “As in Adrian Stone? What the hell are you doing back in town?”
“I asked him the same thing myself.” David spit.
It took Kirsten a minute to put the pieces together but she was sure she knew what was going on. Offering the doctor a seat and asking Adrian to follow herself outside was the most she could come up with.
Fiddling for a lighter, Adrian grabbed his carton of cigarettes and huffed at the biting coldness that he once missed. Kirsten watched as he cooled down.
“Do you need a lighter?” She asked, digging into her apron. “Charlie has been begging me to quit, it’s one of the least things he likes about me.”
“Married old Charlie Sutton, huh?” Adrian Stone asked, slipping a judgmental eye down Kirsten’s slender body. “Didn’t think he would be your type. Thanks for the lighter” He spoke, handing it back to her.
“Adrian Stone.” Kirsten spoke, amazed. “Didn’t think I would see you back in Stone Creek. But then again by Gail’s re-appearance I shouldn’t have been surprised.” There was a deafening silence between the two as Adrian enjoyed his cigarette.
“How’ve you been?” Kirsten asked, taking a glance inside where David scowled at the two.
Following Kirsten’s eye, Adrian watched David as well. “I’ve been better.”
Kirsten refocused on Adrian. “He has had a rough time coping with Gail leaving town. He just got her back Adrian, losing her again would be disastrous for David. You didn’t think he would just lay down and let you take her again, did you?”
Finally finishing his cigarette, Adrian put it out and looked at Kirsten. “You’ve done well for yourself Kirby. Keep yourself out of trouble, okay?”
Standing up straight, Kirsten smiled at the mention of her old nickname. “You do the same.”
[.....]
Scene Nine: Shenanigan's Night Club
Clifton Briggs looked at Cassie Lakhani, he was unsure of why she asked him to meet her. Although it wouldn’t haven been to much of a surprise to talk about Inez. There was no mention of the name.
Instead he watched as she tried not to breakdown.
“What can I do for you?” Clifton asked. “Have you decided what you wanted to do with the baby?”
Cassie took a deep breath as she looked up at Clifton. It was a question that she had in her head for weeks. There was no way she could keep this baby, it never belonged to her.
“Before that night my life was perfect.” Cassie spoke, not sure where she was going with the conversation. “I was becoming a very well known model in the city. I didn’t have a love life but that never mattered. I was doing everything on my own.”
“That’s very noble of you.” Clifton responded.
Noble wasn’t the word Cassie would use, but she carried on. “Over the course of the last couple weeks I’ve changed. My modeling contract has been put on hold. My best friend doesn’t know how I am feeling because we live in two separate worlds now. There is something growing inside of me that I never wanted.”
Clifton shifted in his seat.
“I can’t get rid of this baby, I’m sorry.” A tear streamed down her eye. “And although that night is nothing but a blur to me, I don’t feel distant from this baby anymore. It is apart of me. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed before in my life.”
“You’re not in this alone.” Clifton acknowledged.
Cassie shook her head. “I’m asking you to let me do this alone. I can’t bring you into this Clifton not like this. We barely know each other, you have a loving wife. It was all a mistake.”
“Cassie-”
“No,” She shook her head. “Just do me one favor? Find Inez and end this nightmare already. I never asked for this, not any of it. But I am going to face these consequences even if they are all yours.”
She got up from her seat and looked at Clifton. “Someone is targeting you and somehow I got mixed into this mess. Find Inez and put an end to it. I will take care of this baby on my own and don’t call me anymore.”
[.....]
Scene Ten: Stone Creek Ledger
Slipping out of the Stone Creek Ledger offices, Marina Thurlow was very familiar with the eeriness that the evening brought upon Stone Creek. While most of the town is sleeping, she was finishing up her latest article.
Most people could never strive for the distractions that Marina laid out for herself. When she heard there was a bid for the sports section, she offered to cover it. When someone needed a photographer, Marina was there.
Her nights seemed to be booked with after hours typing but she didn’t mind it one bit. It kept her mind off of things. It kept her mind from thinking about Ian’s kiss or how badly she hurt Ryan.
“I thought you would be here.” Came an all too familiar voice. “Marina Thurlow isn’t one to stray too far away from extra-curricular.”
Turning around Marina forgot the speech she had been rehearsing for weeks. “I didn’t think Ryan Bauer would remember things about Marina Thurlow. I didn’t think he would care at all, actually.”
Ryan nodded in agreement. “You’re not the devil Marina. You just hurt my feelings, but that’s not the end of the world.”
“Just the end of us.”
Silence evaded their hollow conversation just as the cold slipped into Marina’s coat causing her to fill with chills. “I think we ended a long time ago. We were just fooling ourselves into believing it would never end. I’m not mad at you.”
“You’re not?”
Ryan shook his head. “You helped me open my eyes to a lot of things about me Marina. There is so much to being a person that most of us take for granted. I mean look at you, you are exhausted and yet you still keep going.”
“Barely.”
“I’m a house-keeper at a gym.” Ryan admitted, holding a stifled laugh. “As much as I wanted to keep you as my own I just never could compete with you. I think that is why we never worked out. I always wanted to compete with your achievements.”
“That’s not fair Ryan.”
“No, it isn’t.” Ryan cupped his hands together and looked around. “Autumn is definitely approaching and I don’t want to keep you out here for too much longer. so here is what I have to say: I’m going to stay away from you. I’ll keep my distance.”
“Ryan, you don’t have too.”
“Yeah, I do.”
[.....]
Scene Eleven: Old Granger Manor; Damien's Home
Damien Crenshaw slipped into the nearest room as the phone blared through the house. Had he not been eager to speak with Gillian Sutton he wouldn’t have answered it. But he longed for her voice.
It was somewhat of a comfort to Damien when she spoke. Her enthusiasm for life made him feel like anything was possible and although he wasn’t in love with her Damien did love Gillian.
Just in a different, conflicting way.
“Hello?” Damien asked, reaching the phone at its last ring.
“Damien, we need to talk.” Came the voice of Caitlyn Thurlow. “We need to talk about our daughter and when I get to see her.”
In a matter of an instant his need of Gillian’s voice grew stronger. Hanging onto the phone he picked up a picture of Gillian and listened to what Caitlyn had to say. He knew Caitlyn had to gather all of her courage to request the meeting.
Because Damien had to gather all of his courage to agree to it. He needed a new plan, but after this call he needed to place a call to Gillian Sutton. He needed to calm his nerves.
[.....]
Next Time on, On Concrete Shelves
- Charlene tries to deal with Kevin’s wants.
- Natalie tries to get into Ian’s good graces.
- Deborah has a surprise for Frank.
- Patrick visits Kevin with a proposition...
