On Concrete Shelves

2012-01-18T22:48:00.000-08:00

The Third Season of On Concrete Shelves starts this February with a week of daily episodes! With so much having happened at the end of Season Two there's so much to get in order for the upcoming season! So take a stroll along the streets of Stone Creek and spend a day with the residents as they continue to strive for their own happiness...

Who survived the New Years Eve Ball? Find out in Season Three, and more!

2011-12-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the Double Season Finale! Two episodes for your reading pleasure, for an arch that will leave you breathless. As everyone prepares for the New Years Eve Ball, many secrets will start to be revealed and a shocking ending you didn't see coming! Leave a comment in the forums afterwards.

Read An Excerpt:

“How was your Christmas?”

The words slithered over her body. Creating bumps that she had never felt before and made her want to grab her child and run. But instead she stuffed her emotions down and smiled. “It was really great. Spending it with the Thurlow’s was the best idea I could have done.”

They stood there in front of each other. Cassie quickly realizing that she had been insensitive to his feelings. She tried to sympathize with him but she found it hard to do that these days as he was the reason she pushed Mac away. “I can’t marry you.”

He sighed. “But you already know that. When I first got pregnant I didn’t even think I wanted to keep Lucian but you told me that you would help me with him. Clifton I want you to understand that our relationship needs to stay focused on his needs first.”

“I understand.”

“Do you?” She perked up.

Clifton sighed, looking down at their child. “I don’t want to take him away from you Cassie. But I don’t feel safe with Lucian being around Mac. I don’t like that you focus all of your attention on the man and none on our son.”

“That’s not true.” Cassie bit back, she took a deep breath. “Besides you don’t have to worry about Mac anymore. What we had between us is over now, I broke things off with him a couple days ago. Clifton I don’t want things to change and I don’t want to take you out of Lucian’s life.”

“You broke up with him?”

She nodded, closing her eyes in sorrow.

[ Read The Full Episode #2.35, "Something To Sleep To" Now ]

All You Wanted

2011-12-30T00:02:00.000-08:00

Previously, On Concrete Shelves

Helen spied on Damien Crenshaw.
Cassie rejected Mac so she didn’t have to marry Clifton.
Greta suggested Miles and herself get married.
Daphne grew concerned with Penelope...

[.....]

Scene One:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

Cassie Lakhani peered into the ballroom, her mouth dropped open at the beauty if it. She had heard Caitlyn Thurlow talking about it when she would drop Lucian off with her while Cassie attended class once a week, but didn’t think it would look this gorgeous.

She noticed Clifton Briggs walk up to her, holding up the numbers that had been assigned to their coats that he dropped off at the coat check. “This place is amazing, isn’t it?”

“It sure is.” Cassie replied, shaking her head.

This whole evening Clifton had been nice to her. He even paid for her ticket to get into the ball, although Cassie was certain that James and Caitlyn would have paid her way in just as well. It was a nice gesture that she kindly accepted from Lucian’s father.

But through all the nice that he had accomplished today, Cassie couldn’t shake the fact that Clifton Briggs wanted to gain custody of their child. Her eyes closed when Clifton grasped her hand and led her to the dance floor where many of the guests had already started to gather.

“I want tonight to be rememberable.” Clifton spoke, he turned to Cassie as they began to dance. The soft melody picking up in her ear, she tried to smile but somehow frowned. “Are you alright Cassie?”

Her head nodded, they stopped dancing. “I’m fine. I’m just thinking about Lucian and how he is doing with the sitter right now. Can I go call them really quick? Would you mind if I did that? It would only take a second.” She pulled away and headed towards the hall.

Sifting through the numbers for her house number she found her hand stopped at Mac Kern’s number. She had still wondered what could have been between them if Clifton hadn’t intervened. But now she would never know since she doubted he wanted anything to do with her after the way she treated him.

Cassie sighed, dialing her house number and checking on Lucian and his babysitter.

[.....]

Scene Two:

505 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek “Thurlow Cottage”

James, Caitlyn & Aidan’s Cottage.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Caitlyn Thurlow smiled at how strong she had been this entire year and now it is almost over. It was a thought that scared her. There was no guarantee that Caitlyn could be as strong in 2012 like she was this past year.

Finding out that Abigail Jenkins wasn’t her daughter almost broke Caitlyn. She had mourned Danielle for years until she thought she had found her again. How Damien could keep the charade going for so long. Caitlyn sighed, a long awaited sigh that almost brought tears to her eyes.

Caitlyn didn’t ever think mourning your child twice would be as hard as it was. She slipped a hand over her lips, sometimes she could still imagine Danielle’s laughter playing in the room next door. But then Caitlyn snapped out of it and realized that Danielle was no longer alive.

Then there was Damien. Sweet, gentle Damien. The man that she once knew no longer resided in the man that threw his weight around in Stone Creek. It was time that Caitlyn accepted that. But she couldn’t, when he pleaded with her about starting over. She wanted to believe him.

But he hadn’t given her a reason to.

Not recently. She could feel James Thurlow’s arms wrap around her. For a moment she felt Damien’s breath on her neck and remembered the way he would kiss her neck to make everything feel better. But looking in the mirror it was James behind her still.

“What are you thinking about?” James asked, his words ringing in her ears.

She forced a smile. “This past year.”

“We had one hell of a year, didn’t we?”

Caitlyn nuzzled into her husband’s chest. “Yeah we did. How we have stayed strong around everyone else I don’t know how we did that. But we did James and I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

“I’m the lucky one. Now let’s get ready to have the best night of our lives, shall we?”

[.....]

Scene Three:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

Kelly Marlowe arrived on the arm of Patrick Sutton.

If they were going for shock value, Patrick knew this was it. He just couldn’t figure out why he had agreed to come to the New Years Eve with Kelly on his arm. Especially with Charlene Sutton in the hospital still, under evaluation tonight. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”

He spoke, everyone’s eyes on them.

But she smiled, a cunning vicious smile that sent poison into the crowd. Kelly turned to Patrick and spoke through pierced lips, “Our two families are at odds because of your tyrant way and I will not lose my place in society, so we will parade as if everything is fine.”

“I’m not sure who has bigger balls, you or your husband.” Patrick spat back. He knew that playing with fire only brought burns but as he looked at the crowd their plan did seem to be working. Loosening his arm, he sighed when he caught a glimpse of his daughter with Damien.

Kelly turned to Patrick. “You know, we don’t have to be seen together at every given moment. There is room to wander around and mingle with other people tonight, in fact, there’s a few people I need to get my claws in as well. So please, go hound over your daughter and that hunk of hers.”

“Do you refer to every man as a piece of meat?”

She dazzled a smile at him. “I didn’t get to where I am by playing fair maiden.”

Her attention wandered over to Marina Thurlow as she held a glass of champagne to her lips, chuckling over a conversation she seemed to be having with Ian Kiefer and knew that she needed to do something to ruin the girls night for her husband’s sake.

“Now if you’ll excuse me.”

Patrick eye’d Marina. “Is that your business of the night? Playing little kid games with a twenty year old?”

“We all have our lows Patrick, you of all people should know that.” She patted his shoulder. “I don’t know where Patrick Sutton has been hiding but it seems as if he’s crawled back up inside his mother. You stomp my husband out of town and then cower when the big bad comes knocking on your door?”

“I’d rather you stay out of my business.” He seethed.

Kelly smirked. “Naw, you like me in your business. You’re going to need someone around to help you pick up the pieces once you destroy your own company.” With her final words, Kelly slithered away and into the crowd. She only looked back at Patrick to egg him on.

It was only a matter-of-time before she got everything she wanted. But now it was time to deal with Marina Thurlow and her smug little rich girl smile.

Scene Four:

2634 W. Parker St., Stone Creek. Callahan Condo’s #29

Taylor & Dizzy’s Condo.

“I think this is a bad idea.” Mac Kern proposed as he slipped into his tux. He looked to his date, Dizzy Roberts who sparkled in her skin tight dress. She was definitely a sight for sore eyes and he dully noted that she should have been off the market months ago.

Taylor Kern, however, looked like a total mess. He was still in his PJ bottoms and didn’t seem like he would ever get his suit on. “I told you so!” He gurgled, milk spilling out the sides of his mouth.

“Why don’t you put your suit on Mr. Negative?” Dizzy snapped, she walked over to Mac and helped him adjust his tie. Her body slithered right in front of his and he could smell the sweet scent on her neck. “Relax Mac, everything is going to be alright. You said it yourself, Cassie still wants you. Just watch her tonight, she’s going to fall all over you.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” Dizzy smirked.

She turned away from Mac and looked at his brother, Taylor. She would never understand how someone so charismatic could be so hopeless and undesirably stubborn. “We really need to do something with your hair. Have you even seen a shower in the last couple of days?”

“I usually just sponge bath the important parts.” Taylor teased.

Dizzy rolled her eyes. “What can I say to get you ready to go tonight?”

“Aidan Jurado will be there.” Mac spat.

It was a name that could cause Taylor’s body to perk at the thoughts of his lips upon Aidan’s. He tried to remain composed, but Dizzy caught on and eye’d him suspiciously. “Who is Aidan Jurado?”

“Some guy that Taylor wants to screw.” Mac replied, fixing his tie once again.

Dizzy sighed. “Are you serious? You’re like a walking penis!”

“I haven’t seen you try to let anyone in your pants!” Taylor snipped, he turned away from Dizzy and she smacked his ass in hopes that it would encourage him to get ready. He glared back at his roommate and she chuckled. “I mean it, when are you going to start worrying about your own love life?”

She shrugged. “I’ve just been busy. Now go get ready so we can go to the Ball.”

[.....]

Scene Five:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

Miles Fowler looked to his future brother-in-law.

Now that Greta Wilkinson had been pulled away by her mother to talk about something that she kept quiet about, he had the opportunity to converse with Bentley Wilkinson and his fiance, Emily Roscoe. “I don’t know if now is the time to propose to Greta.”

“Are you kidding me man?” Bentley spoke, he looked to Emily in hopes that she could help talk some sense into the nervous man.

Emily pushed Bentley to the side and smiled sweetly at Miles. “Now is the perfect time to propose to her. I checked outside earlier before we walked in and there is a small balcony outside with a gorgeous view. Penelope must have had it lit up, because I think it’s the perfect place to propose to her.”

He took the information in, knowing that they were right about proposing. Miles just didn’t know if it was the right time to do it. Since he had a feeling that Greta wasn’t ready for the proposal, unlike she said she was. The short months that he had known her, Miles had realized the type of person she was.

“You love my sister, right?”

Miles broke out of his thoughts, nodding his head furiously. “Of course I do!”

“Then Emily is right, propose to Greta on the balcony.” Bentley pulled his fiance into a hug and kissed her forehead. She recoiled into his arms and then gave Miles a shove. “Just have the double wedding with us, everything will be taken care of. The both of you will be taken care of.”

“Alright.” He agreed, he looked over at Greta as she talked to her mother and father. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

“I’m just worried.” Daphne Wilkinson replied, she looked at her husband. “I know that David said her tests came back negative and that she was in good condition. But I think your mother has been wearing herself too thin, she had brain surgery this year Gideon!”

“I know.”

Greta rubbed her mother’s shoulder. “But even if we bring it up to her, she will just be angry with us.”

“That woman is too stubborn for her own good.” Daphne snapped, he returned the favor and tapped her daughter’s hands, feeling comfort in the warmth. “Tonight is going to be a great night, I know it is. I just don’t want the cancer to come back for her.”

Gideon kissed his wife’s forehead. “You look miraculous tonight, our daughter looks gorgeous tonight and our family is getting a new member to our family,” Greta’s cheeks grew red. “Once Bentley marries Emily next year we will receive many blessings.”

“These are the days of our lives.”

Greta’s eyes teared up. “That’s beautiful.”

“It’s true.” Gideon eye’d her. “Nothing is going to happen tonight, but if you’d like me to, I’ll keep an eye on my mother while she takes care of everybody else. You just go have some fun with our children and teach that son of yours how to dance before his wedding day.”

“He could use some fine tuning.” Daphne chuckled, between tears.

The three of them hugged.

[.....]

Scene Six:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

“Hey, are you alright out here?” Emmet Thurlow asked Iris Galloway.

She turned to face Emmet with a smile, putting her phone back into her handbag. “I’m fine, I just needed to get some air I think I was a little overwhelmed meeting so many new faces. You know how I am around so many new people.” Iris rubbed her neck.

Emmet stepped behind her and began to rub her neck. “We don’t have to stay too long, if you don’t want to. I know it hasn’t been easy for you moving everything from Sunset Valley to Stone Creek. I’m sure once school starts and you get back into teaching that things will be better?”

“I think they will, too.”

He kissed her neck and she giggled, pulling away. “Emmet, not out here!”

“Why not?” Emmet smirked, “Nobody will notice us out here, they’re too busy enjoying themselves inside.”

He began to undo his tie and she looked at him wickedly, she knew that Emmet wasn’t shy when it came to trying new things. It was something that Iris had found so fresh and intoxicating about him. But the cold air was starting to pick at her and she knew his body heat wouldn’t be enough to keep her warm.

So she grabbed his arms. Like a snake snapping at it’s prey, Emmet pulled Iris in for a long and deep kiss. “Fine, we won’t do it out here. But soon, when we have our own place and start our lives in Stone Creek we will have time to make love everywhere.”

“I like the sound of that.” She really did. Dealing with Lucy had caused Iris to forget her grip on reality on most days. But being with Emmet was a break from the chaotic mess that was her best friend. “Let’s go back inside before we freeze to death.”

Emmet let her lead the way inside, grabbing at her waist and trying to pull her dress up, playfully. She slapped his hands out of her dress and giggled in excitement.

“Caitlyn did an amazing job!” Charlie Sutton spoke as he entered the New Years Eve Ball with his wife, Kirsten Sutton by his side.

Kirsten smiled. “She did a remarkable job. I remember her telling me the detail but nothing I imagined looked this beautiful. I’m so glad that I am here with you celebrating New Years!”

“Where else would you be?” Charlie asked. Kirsten’s eyes caught a glimpse of Adrian Stone and Gail Schmidt who sat at a table. “Should we go say hi to them? I feel like we haven’t seen Adrian or Gail in awhile, especially after her accident on Halloween.”

“Yeah, sure.” Kirsten pulled on a smile.

Marina Thurlow jumped up and hugged her best friend as she joined them by the punch bowl. “I’m so glad that you made it and that you could find a sitter for Lucian! Where’s Clifton?”

“He went to mingle.” Cassie explained, she hugged Ian and thanked him for the puppy he bought Marina. “I think we finally settled on a name for him, it was mostly Lucian’s picking if you don’t mind us calling him Odie. We’ve been watching a lot of Garfield.”

“The next choice would have been Lady.” Marina replied.

Ian smirked. “Lady and the Tramp?”

“It’s a romance movie.” Marina kissed him on the lips, in delight.

This caused Cassie discomfort, she wasn’t jealous of Marina. She just wished that she had someone she wanted to kiss on New Years. Instead, she turned away. Only to see Mac Kern enter the building on the arm of another woman. It was a pain that bruised her ego.

[.....]

Scene Seven:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

Outside in the bushes, a mysterious man watches the partygoers as they celebrated the end of 2011 and the beginning of a year that none would see coming. He watched with very distinct eyes as his target wandered around the Ballroom unknowing to his presence.

A pistol in his hand, he waited.

Helen Schmidt walked past the window that he looked in through. Not paying attention to anything but her previously planned route that led her to Patrick Sutton’s side. She had already caught wind that he arrived with Kelly Marlowe’s claws dug into him. But it didn’t bother her much.

Her skin tight dress was revealing enough to cause a heart attack to the strongest heart in the room. With just enough coverage to keep her class in a room full of filth. She sauntered over to Patrick and charmed him out of a conversation with one of the primer members of their society.

“What’s going on?” Patrick asked, he looked her up and down and hid his desire for the woman. Looking back at the floor he once occupied and then back at Helen. “Did you get anything on Damien Crenshaw? Or did he find out that you were spying on him?”

“Relax.” Helen spat. “If he knew you were spying on him, do you think he would look so calm over there next to your daughter? I actually found something very interesting and I think you’d want to hear about this Patrick. I followed Damien the other day-”

“And?”

Helen tilted her head and glared at him. Patrick Sutton was sweating tonight and she was starting to see past his calm, collected composure he always carried around. “And.” She challenged him to cut her off again. “He met up with Clifton Briggs.”

“The guy who owns the strip club?”

She nodded her head.

Patrick turned to find Clifton holding a conversation with some of the prestigious members of Stone Creek. He knew that if Clifton was involved than it would be hard to uncover the truth since he was protected by some of the more important names in the city.

“They both seemed on edge, I’m telling you Patrick they are up to something and it doesn’t seem good.” Helen eye’d Patrick as his wheels began spinning. “Tell me, what are you going to do? Damien Crenshaw is easy to bring down, but getting Clifton to speak about his part-”

He waived her off. “This doesn’t concern you Helen, you’ve been a good little spy.”

“You call me that one more time and I swear you’ll be on your knees.” Helen threatened, she gritted her teeth. “So don’t make me make you kiss my toes tonight Patrick. You keep me in the loop with this whole thing, I want to be there to help.”

“Why do you even care?”

Helen snarled. “Just a little investing, that’s all.”

[.....]

Scene Eight:

Stone Creek Memorial Hospital.

Charlene’s Hospital Room.

Gillian Sutton arrived in her mother’s hospital room. Her gown flowed to the floor and an inch behind her as she slipped through the door and noticed Charlene Sutton still awake and reading a book. It was a far cry from the woman who relaxed with a glass of wine.

But she was still in the hospital, so there was time for the mess she called mother for years to come hurdling back. “I was at the New Years Eve Ball but I decided I needed to come see you and we needed to talk about a few things mother.”

Charlene turned to her daughter, put her book down and sat up in her bed. “I haven’t seen you in awhile, Gillian.”

“That’s not my fault.” The younger woman spat back.

She edged closer to her mother’s bed, careful not to catch the pity her mother had been partying with. “I do deserve that.” Charlene admitted. In that moment Gillian knew this wasn’t going to be a pleasant reunion, she stopped at the foot of her mother’s bed and looked at her with a frown.

“Why did you turn to the bottle?”

Charlene sighed. Her eyes caught the sight of the stars outside her window and she remembered a time when Gillian was a little girl and Charlene could easily distract her from such questions. But she knew no stars would delay the answers that Gillian was seeking, so she locked eyes with her youngest child.

“It was the easiest thing to do.”

Gillian held back the tears, keeping a cold front. “Why didn’t you ever leave him?”

“Because, it’s sort of complicated Gillian.” Charlene tried to keep her eyes dry, but it was hard watching the cold face of the daughter she raised to be stronger than her. “Being a Nelson is a hard thing to harbor. Every young Nelson girl wants to be a princess.”

“That’s bullshit.”

Charlene shook her head. “Growing up I’ve always wanted more than what I had, you don’t know how we grew up. Your uncle Frank and I. It’s nothing that you could imagine and when your father finally allowed me into his life I just couldn’t leave him.”

“How can you be so weak?”

“So you would learn how to be strong.” Charlene cried. There was a moment that the two of them shared where nothing was said and only silent tears were shed. Charlene looked up at her daughter as she wiped away a tear. “Gillian, I wanted you to be stronger than I was.”

Gillian leaned against a wall. “Why couldn’t you just be strong yourself? That is all that I needed, that is all that I wanted from you!”

“Because your father always loved Shannon.”

Gillian scooted away from Charlene, she couldn’t look at her. Not like this, in the bed and weak. So instead of curling up next to her and telling her that she loved her. Gillian ran from the room and the hospital completely.

[.....]

Scene Nine:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

At the ball, James and Caitlyn Thurlow have only a second to take in the festivities once inside. She leans against her husband as the hard work she had spent for weeks seemed to pay off, but their smiles turned to frowns quickly as Damien Crenshaw approached the two.

“Don’t we look like the happy couple.” Damien sneered.

James stood straight. “I’d rather you just stay away from us Crenshaw.”

He covered his wife from Damien’s looks as the man licked his lips. “You are looking gorgeous tonight Caitlyn, I cannot believe it has been that long since I’ve last seen you. When was the last time? Halloween?” He sneered, watching James’ look confused.

“Knock it off Damien.” Caitlyn covered. “You’re drunk!”

“Nope.” He shook his head.

He went to touch Caitlyn’s face, but James slapped his hand away. “Maybe you should cool down before I have you escorted out of here Damien. You know you’re not welcome around my wife and since this is her party, you don’t have to be in attendance.”

“Actually,” Damien brightened up. “I’ll soon be the Mayor of Stone Creek once the clock strikes midnight. So technically I do need to be present here. I hope you don’t mind that I’ll be spending more time with your wife seeing as she’s on the city council.”

James stepped closer to Damien, but his wife pulled him back. Hoping to stop a fight from breaking out between the two men. Caitlyn knew that James wouldn’t touch Damien, but she didn’t have the same faith in her ex. husband. She patted James’ chest, to calm him down.

Reminding him that she was with him and not Damien.

“Is everything alright over here?” Gideon Wilkinson asked, sending Damien away from the couple. He eye’d his friends cautiously as they joined the rest of their families in celebrating the night. Caitlyn kept herself on edge, just in case James asked about Halloween.

Kelly Marlowe walked up to Marina with a martini in her hands. “Cheers.”

The younger woman looked up with curiosity. She looked at Ian, who shrugged. “What is this for Kelly? I didn’t think you’d even show your face here tonight.”

“My husband lost an election, he didn’t commit murder.” Kelly snarled. “Besides I wanted to come and apologize to the both of you for the way things have gone in the last couple months. With my husband leaving Stone Creek and not talking to you Ian, I’m sorry about that.”

The man tried to remain calm. “It’s fine Kelly.”

Her eyes lingered on him, then slowly focused on Marina and the martini she handed her. “Here, a drink from one woman to another. I do want us to be on the same foot in the coming year. Out with the old and in with the new?” She offered the drink until Marina took it in her own hands.

“Cheers.” Kelly repeated, tipping her martini to her lips and watching as Marina Thurlow cautiously tipped her own free drink. Silently Kelly grew in excitement as Marina took down a drink spiked with purging pounder. A few tricks she picked up from her old boarding school days.

Tonight would definitely be her night.

[.....]

Scene Ten:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

After a dance with Clifton, Cassie wandered back to where she had left Marina and Ian but found their seats vacant without a clue to where they had went. She sighed, heavily intoxicated and growing tired of the same routine Cassie sat down on her stool.

She lifted her head when she spotted Mac Kern walking her way. He was stunning in his tuxedo and she dully noted how much she wished she could be with him.

“Care to dance?” Mac asked, reaching a hand out.

But Cassie shook her head. “Maybe another time Mac, right now I just want to sit her and pretend the room isn’t spinning.”

Mac looked down at his drink and offered it to her. “How about some water? I promise that I didn’t spike it with anything.” Cassie looked at it cautiously before taking it into her hands.

“It really wouldn’t be the first time it happened. Just please don’t leave me pregnant with another child, people are going to start thinking I’m actually a whore.” She spat, her words forming together as they rushed out of her lips. Careful not to gag her reflexes.

“You’re too pretty to be a whore.” Mac replied.

She looked up at him. “I can’t do this.”

Cassie began to feel sober as her stomach stung with regret. “Mac, you’re such a great guy and I cannot sit here and pretend that everything is alright between us because it isn’t alright. If we were in another universe than maybe I would be with you.”

“But?”

“But I can’t.” She lifted herself from the stool and almost tripped over herself. Pushing Mac’s hand away when he tried to help her up. Cassie shook her head. “I can’t be with you because if I do, then I will lose my son for good. Lucian means more to me than anything and I can’t lose him.”

“Cassie, what are you talking about?” Mac asked.

She began to cry. “It’s Clifton.”

“What about him?”

Cassie shrugged him off, backing away from Mac she turned on her heel and scurried away from his sight. Leaving Mac to feel more alone than when he arrived.

Aidan Jurado watches as Cassie Lakhani storms out of the Ballroom. He almost wants to go find his cousin’s friend to see if she is alright but someone slides a glass his way and he looks up in amusement. He had already drank too many shots tonight.

He was sloppy at best tonight. “Did you just buy this for me?”

Dizzy Roberts smirked. He was cute and she realized why Taylor wanted to have sex with him so bad. So she slid then strongest drink his way and hoped that he was drunk enough to chug it down. Nodding, Dizzy watched as Aidan did as she had predicted.

Once he stepped closer to her, Dizzy pushed him away. “How about a rain check big boy?”

Aidan nodded.

She stepped away from him and walked away. Leaving Aidan at the bar alone, wishing that he had someone to kiss tonight. Then someone scooted closer to him and he turned to find Taylor Kern smiling back at him. Something about the man was intoxicating tonight.

So Aidan smiled back.

[.....]

Scene Eleven:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

“FIVE!... FOUR!” The crowd screamed at the top of their lungs as they all gathered around the stage that had been set up for the DJ. Penelope Wilkinson stood on the stage with a microphone in her hands and had previously thanked everyone for showing up that night.

Her family watched her from the crowd, a smile on her face she cried out, “THREE!”

Gail Schmidt made her way to her father’s side. Happily hugging the man and glad that she was able to spend the holiday with him and her husband, Adrian. Now that the two men were finally getting along, she kissed her father’s cheek and then turned to Adrian, happily.

The Thurlow’s all gathered around each other, cheering happily as Penelope wooed the crowd with her cheers. “TWO!” The crowd wrung out. Iris Galloway looked at her phone once more before she turned back to Emmet and wrapped her arms around his body.

Caitlyn turned to watch Damien sip his drink, locking eyes with her and a frown on his face before he turned away to exit the Ballroom.

“ONE!” The crowd screamed, everyone cheering loudly as the welcomed the New Year. Joyously hugging the person next to them and kissing their loved ones as the last moments of 2011 passed and the clock restarted with a new and adventurous year for them all.

Adrian turned to see Kirsten looking at him, the two longed for each other on some deep level. But they knew their hearts belonged to their significant others. Adrian turned to his fiance as she began to frown. Her face looked as it was in pain.

She grabbed her stomach and gasped loudly. “Gail!”

David Schmidt turned around to see his daughter falling to her knees and grabbing her stomach in pain. He immediately fell to his knees to help catch her, meeting Adrian halfway as they stopped her head from hitting the wooden floor. They looked at one another before she cried out.

“She’s going into labor!” David spat. “Gail’s going into labor!”

“It’s too soon!” Gail cried.

Adrian grasped her hand tightly. “It’s going to be alright, everything is going to be just fine Gail.”

[.....]

Scene Twelve:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn; New Years Eve Ball.

Miles Fowler could hear the crowd counting down into the New Year as he got down on one knee in front of Greta Wilkinson. He watched as her eyes bulged out in surprise. He knew that Bentley and Emily were right to propose to her on the balcony.

The view was breath taking.

“I know we already talked about this Greta.” Miles spoke as he tugged at the box in his pocket. “I also told you that I wanted to do it in my own way and on my own terms. When my father proposed to my mother it was a story that they told us for years.”

Her hands met her face as she kept herself from tearing up.

Miles licked his lips. “I’ve wanted to do this from the moment that I met you. I want our love to be a story that we tell our grandchildren some day. I know we’ve had our own troubles, but who doesn’t have them? Today isn’t about troubles as much as it is about a new start.”

“Miles-”

“Let me finish.” He snipped, taking a deep breath. “Greta, I want you to be my wife and I don’t think my heart can take anything other than the words yes. So, will you marry me? Will you take me to be your husband forever?”

The words caught in her throat as she began to shed tears of fear. He noticed that something was wrong with her as she backed away from him. “I can’t do this. I thought that when the day came that I could say yes. But you have to understand Miles there is more to the story.”

“Just say yes, please.”

Greta shook her head. “I can’t.”

She then stormed back into the Ballroom where the crowd was counting down and a cry from her friend Gail was heard throughout the room.

Miles got up from his knee and looked out at the view, not noticing the man coming up behind him holding a pistol to his back. He turns around to face the figure and recognizes him instantly, pulling away from his attacker all Miles could do was stand still as the gun was fired and into his chest.

He dropped to his knees, vision blackening.

A scream alerted the man to a witness to the crime. He turned to see Cassie Lakhani clutching her stomach and her mouth. Her eyes closed from fear of what she had just bare witness too. Another shot was fired and caused Cassie to collapse across from Miles.

The night ending in sirens.

[.....]

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Something To Sleep To

2011-12-29T23:18:00.000-08:00

Previously, On Concrete Shelves

Taylor asked Aidan to host his book signing at the Lakeside Inn.
Greta and Miles moved back in together.
Frank caught a glimpse of Lucy at the Airport.
Charlene collapsed on Christmas Eve...

[.....]

Scene One:

Stone Creek; Now Town.

Sutton Enterprises; Patrick’s Office.

The doors slammed open and Charlie Sutton appeared in the doorway, fuming.

Patrick Sutton could see his newest secretary flailing behind his son, he must have taken her by surprise. He had definitely taken Patrick by surprise and some how, Patrick was proud of Charlie’s forced entrance into his office. Obviously the boy did have the balls.

“Do you even care?” Charlie spat.

He looked up, sliding off his reading glasses Patrick Sutton glared at his son. “What did I do this time Charlie? Honestly! Who do I owe a ‘thank you’ for bringing you to my office?”

“How about the woman laying in a hospital bed right now?”

Patrick sighed, he knew it was terrible that Charlene ended up in the hospital. Truthfully, he was scared that they might have lost her. But at the same time, he couldn’t put off work right now. Things were getting hectic and he needed to find a way to bring down Damien Crenshaw.

“Or do you not care?”

“I do care!” Charlie’s presence was beginning to annoy Patrick. He sat up in his chair and took a moment to think about it. “Look I’m sorry about what happened with your mother, but Charlie you have to understand that it’s not my fault that she drank herself into the hospital.”

“But what if it is?”

Patrick scoffed. “What are you even suggesting?”

He watched as his son approach his desk, the anger moving around in his mind as his thoughts began to conclude. “Look, father I understand that you never loved my mother the way you loved Kirsten’s aunt, Shannon Jurado. But you could at least show the woman you married some respect.”

“Did you even see signs of her drinking?” Charlie asked, he shook his head. “You lived with her all this time and didn’t even notice my mother taking an extra swig of vodka?”

Patrick thought back to the day when he destroyed their bar. Charlene Sutton was known for taking an extra swig of vodka. But she was, after all, a Nelson and that family was plagued with disease. He eye’d his son. “Are you suggesting that it’s my fault that she had a drinking problem.”

“Has.” Charlie corrected. “She still has one.”

“Oh knock it off Charlie! You barge in here and try to play the blame game with me? Have you even asked yourself the same questions that you’re asking me?! Your mother has obviously had a drinking problem for quite sometime so how about we face the music!”

Patrick got from his seat. “Did you notice how her eyes perked when alcohol was around? Or how Charlene followed every tear and gripe with a glass of Chardonnay? No. Neither did I! Because your mother has always been a victim of her own pessimism.”

Charlie turned on his heel. “What? Was that not what you wanted to hear?”

“You’re a horrible person.”

Patrick chuckled at the insult. “Come back when you have something else to blame on me!”

[.....]

Scene Two:

Stone Creek; Sage Gardens.

Gladys’ Bistro.

“I can’t even believe that my little brother is getting married.” Greta Wilkinson spoke. She let the waitress take her order and everyone else’s before she continued talking. A smile crept on her face when Miles Fowler kissed her forehead. “It seems like only yesterday we were little kids!”

Bentley chuckled. “I know exactly what you mean.”

“Now we’re all grown up, starting our own business’ and getting married.” Greta looked over at Emily Roscoe and smiled. “I am very proud to call you my future sister-in-law. Especially since you can handle my brother so well!”

“Hey!”

The group chuckled. Greta leaned over and kissed Miles Fowler on the lips. “How has the wedding preparation been coming along? I know I haven’t really been around to help you out with anything Emily. I’m being such a horrible bridesmaid and I’m sorry for that!”

“No, don’t apologize. You have so much on your plate already.”

“How’s the business coming along, anyways?” Bentley asked.

“It’s going great!” Miles answered, causing Greta to blush. “The two of you should really stop by the office soon. I do whenever I get the chance to. She’s done a great job at working with what she has and I couldn’t be any more proud of her.”

Greta smirked. “Miles’ right, I mean, there are still a few kinks I need to straighten out. But now that I have a few clients loyal enough to jump ship with me it’s been pretty easy. Right now I’m just helping a few complex owners find residents for their homes.”

“Look at you, all grown up!” Bentley mimicked his sister. “Soon the two of you will be ready to get married! Too bad you couldn’t jump on the wagon and have a double wedding with us!”

Emily’s eyes lit up. “You know how much fun that would be! Having the two of us as brides and walking down the isle to these two dashing men!” Emily rubbed Bentley’s shoulder. “It would help a lot on the budget, that much is for sure. But Bentley is only joking, no need to rush you two.”

“I’m sure when we are ready, we will.” Miles replied. “Right now, we are taking things slow. After the last couple of months I’m just glad that we finally moved in together... again, right Greta?”

Greta looked up at the trio who were all looking at her. She tried to agree with Miles as she knew that they were trying to take everything slow. But at the same time, Greta couldn’t help but agree with Bentley and Emily about the wedding. She smiled. “Why not?”

“Why not what?” Miles asked, confused.

She looked from face-to-face. “Why don’t we get married? I mean I know that’s not exactly the best way to spring it on you Miles. But after everything that we’ve been through and all the pain my family has gone through. A double wedding could be the one thing that this family needs.”

“Are you serious?” Bentley spat.

Greta nodded, turning to face Miles and kissing him. “Lets do this!”

[.....]

Scene Three:

505 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek. “Thurlow Cottage”

James, Caitlyn & Aidan’s Cottage.

Marina Thurlow sat on the carpet with a barbie doll in one hand and her other hand rubbing her niece’s back trying to get the little girl to relax and take her mind off of what she saw on Christmas. It had been such a rough year for Megan Sutton that the family banded together to comfort her.

Her mother however, stood in the doorway.

Kirsten hadn’t let Megan out of her sight for hours. She folded her arms and sighed heavily. Thankful that her family was around to help take care of her daughter. But knowing at the same time that seeing Charlene collapsed on the floor on Christmas was traumatizing.

The blonde had focused so much attention on her daughter that she didn’t notice Caitlyn Thurlow come up behind her. The older woman leaned against the doorway and eye’d Kirsten. “How is she doing?” The question was so broad that Kirsten had to think about it.

“She hasn’t talked to anyone since Christmas.” The admission was enough to frighten Kirsten as she heard it with her own ears. She looked at her step-mother. “She’s traumatized Caitlyn and I don’t really know what to do about it. This isn’t like the park incident.”

It pained Caitlyn. “Again, Kirsten, I’m really sorry about it.”

But Kirsten shook it off. “That wasn’t your fault and I was wrong to accuse you. I’m just glad that Megan is alright and I am even more thrilled to know that Charlene is in the hospital recovering from the alcohol poisoning. We almost lost her Caitlyn, just think about what that would have done to Megan.”

“Just count our blessings.” Caitlyn’s hand found its way to Kirsten’s shoulder in a comforting gesture.

But the younger woman didn’t feel like being comforted. Instead she watched as her younger sister, Marina, tried to distract Megan. The whole family had been through, trying to break the youngest Thurlow from her quiet state. Kirsten had only hoped that it was enough.

“How about some hot cocoa?” Kirsten asked. “Or even coffee.”

Caitlyn nodded. “I’ll go see what we have.”

Scene Four:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn.

“What are you doing, hiring hookers?” Daphne Wilkinson asked as she stepped into the Hall where the New Years Eve Ball would be held in a couple of days. She looked on in astonishment as men and women suited up in spandex hung from the ceiling. Twirling around and holding onto ropes of what looked like velvet.

Penelope looked at her Daughter-In-Law. “They’re dancers.”

“They’re not leaving anything to the imagination.”

Giving Penelope a hug, she let the older woman show her around the Hall. It seemed that Charlie and Aidan had given Penelope and Caitlyn free reigns of the biggest Hall in the whole Inn. Rows of tables littered the edges of the room with the middle being left for a dancer floor and what Daphne could only make out as a human next just in case one of the ‘dancers’ fell.

“Javier is my favorite.” Penelope snickered, she pointed out a toned Latin man out as he held onto his share of rope and a petite blonde. “He has a nice ass and that basket of his...” She trailed off, Daphne gasped and nudged Penelope scoldingly.

“How did you get the funding for all of this?”

It was indeed much, the center pieces looked to be made of crystal. Carved into the shapes of two turtle doves curled up together. Each table had an array of golds, reds and whites. A backdrop of a winter wonderland placed at the far end of the Hall and the lights that wrapped around the pillars created a majestic look.

“With that prude Jared Marlowe out of office, it was sort of easy to convince the rest of the heckling hens that we needed to spend money on the event.” Penelope admitted, a truth that Daphne was afraid to follow-up on. She watched as Penelope barked orders around.

She had only been in remission for a couple of weeks, but already Penelope was falling victim to the stress of her life. Daphne took notice of this and followed the woman closely. “When is the last time you had something to eat?” It sounded more like an accusation than a simple question.

Penelope spun around. “I’ve been preoccupied.”

“How about you let me take you to lunch?”

“Stop trying to baby me Daphne.”

The tension began to pulse through the room as Daphne sighed. She threw her arms up in the air and shook her head. “I’m only looking out for you, honestly! How long has it been since your last check-up? I just don’t want to exhaust yourself Penelope, that is all.”

“I just received a new lease on life.”

“All the more reason to celebrate!”

Daphne sighed. She watched as Penelope stormed away from her and towards what could only be assumed was one of her caterers. Daphne knew that her Mother-In-Law was stubborn woman, but she also knew that she was no Clark Kent.

Which worried her even more.

[.....]

Scene Five:

1509 Mango Ln., Stone Creek. “Briggs Home”

Clifton Briggs Home.

Cassie Lakhani knocked on the door, holding her infant son in her other hand and a diaper bag over her shoulder. She seemed to have nailed the mommy routine down as opposed to the model routine that she once held onto so tightly, now seemed like a fairytale she once lived.

What didn’t seem like a fairytale was the fact that Clifton Briggs had pretty much blackmailed Cassie into marrying him by troubling her with custody battles. All she had to do was end her relationship with Mac Kern, which she had finally done.

For Lucian’s sake.

“Cassie.” Clifton Briggs greeted, letting her into the house and taking Lucian in his hands. The baby cooed and gurgled as Clifton kissed his cheek and led them to the Living Room. “I’m glad that you were able to come by. I’m still shaken by the fact that you wont let me buy you a car-”

“You understand that I want to do things my own way.” She replied.

Clifton turned to her. “Very admirable.”

In his eyes she could see the kind man that he once was and it hurt her that he had changed somehow. Cassie knew that it couldn’t have been just the incident in October that made him switch gears. But she didn’t know if she even wanted to ask.

“How was your Christmas?”

“I understand.”

“Do you?” She perked up.

“You broke up with him?”

She nodded, closing her eyes in sorrow.

[.....]

Scene Seven:

2634 W. Parker St., Stone Creek. Callahan Condo’s #12

Miles & Greta’s Condo.

Miles Fowler watched as Greta Wilkinson pulled her long coat off and placed it in the hall closet, she then proceeded to make her way into their bathroom for that shower she was talking about earlier. “Hold on, hold on.” Miles spoke, grabbing her hand.

“What?”

He sighed. “Are you serious about having a double wedding?”

Greta chuckled. “Yes! I am really serious about it Miles. After everything that we have been through I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our lives along with the rest of my families.”

“I just-” He stopped, liking his lips and trying to make sense of everything. “What changed your mind Greta? Because not that long ago you weren’t even sure if we should move back in together and now you want to get married to me? Do you understand how I’m confused?”

Greta stepped next to Miles, a hand caressing his cheek she kissed him. “I understand, I really do. But I was just thinking about us and how far we’ve come. I know I haven’t been the easiest person to be around but everything seems perfect for us right now.”

“It is.” Miles smiled, letting his excitement get the best of him.

“I want to marry you Miles Fowler.” Greta stepped away, she began to tug at her shirt seductively. “I want us to spend the rest of our lives together.”

He nodded his head, grabbing her by the waist. “Okay, but first you need to call that brother of yours and tell him not to tell anyone about us wanting to get married. I want to do this right! I want to propose to you Greta.”

“Okay.”

Miles kissed his fiance. “Okay.”

[.....]

Scene Eight:

Stone Creek; Cuttlebone Lake.

The Lakeside Inn.

Aidan Jurado perked up when Charlie Sutton walked into the Inn. “I’ve actually been waiting for you. I need to talk to you about Taylor Kern and the book signing he wants me to help with.”

Charlie looked up. “Aidan, I left you in charge of that because I know you can do it. Besides I’m not here to talk about business right now, I just have to grab something from my office that I left behind and then I’m off to the hospital again.”

“How’s your mother doing?”

“She’s fine, no thanks to my father.” Charlie scoffed, locking eyes with Aidan he remembered Paris and how Aidan had to deal with not only his mother’s death but his father firing him from his job. Charlie sighs. “What did you want to talk to me about this book signing?”

Anything that had to do with Taylor Kern made Aidan sweat. He thought back to his time with Amanda Tucker and how he hadn’t seen her in awhile since she went back home for the Holiday’s. Now Aidan wished he was in her bed, entangled in her body.

“I think that Taylor Kern keeps coming on to me.”

Charlie chuckles. “You can’t sleep with the client Aidan, it’s not professional.”

“Its not like that!” Aidan laughed. He remembered when he met Amanda, she was wearing hardly any clothes and looking cute lost in the lobby of the Lakeside Inn. Then he remembered that was the same place he met Taylor Kern, the man was also looking for Aidan’s help.

“I actually have my eyes on someone else. I’ve been seeing a woman named Amanda Tucker, she’s a bartender at Shenanigan's Nightclub.”

“Shenanigan’s, huh?” Charlie smirked. “Just don’t introduce her to your family like that, who knows what kind of bull Kirsten will throw your way for that. I’m sure she is a nice girl and I understand that the whole Taylor thing can be awkward. Just ignore it and do your job.”

Aidan shook his head. “Okay.”

“You can tell him to kick rocks after the Book Signing.”

He took in Charlie’s advice and watched the man leave his sight. Looking around, Aidan flashed back to when he helped Amanda find the room she was searching for. She seemed so sweet and naive at first, maybe a little on the wild side. But now, she was proving a hard puzzle to figure out.

Which begged the question, was she worth it?

[.....]

Scene Nine:

745 W. Lavender St., Stone Creek. “Old Granger Manor”

Damien & Gillian’s Home.

“I cannot believe she did that!” Gillian cursed, the woman found herself pacing the room with her fiance close by. She had just found out about her mother’s stint in the hospital after her alcohol poisoning. Although she wasn’t thrilled about hearing the news from Kirsten Sutton it was better than hearing it from a reporter.

Damien Crenshaw went to her side. “Gillian, calm down.”

But she pushed his hands off of her. “No! That woman has put this family through so much already. She should have left my father years ago but she kept turning her head the other way while he just destroyed our lives. How does she even think alcohol is the answer?”

She scoffs at the thought. “When we were younger, Charlie and I watched them argue so many times. My mother always brought up Shannon Jurado and how my father wanted to leave us for that woman! But my mother never left. She just took the abuse.”

“Maybe she didn’t want to hurt you?”

Gillian shook her head. “Charlene Sutton is too selfish to think about us. She has always drowned her sorrows in the fact that she was second best to our father. My mother is a weak woman and-”

She stopped, locking eyes with Damien, Gillian tried to hold back the anger. “I am never going to be like that. Never will I be as weak as my mother has been all these years. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings Damien, but I can’t let a man take advantage of my emotions.”

He pulled her into a hug. “You’re a strong woman Gill, you could never hurt my feelings.”

Suddenly the anger that she had been holding onto for so long subsided, Gillian looked up at Damien and kissed him on the lips. Hard and forceful, he accepted the lip-lock. Running his hand through her hair. When she pulled away, Damien smiled.

“What was that for?”

“The future. Just you wait and see Damien, things in the future are going to be really good.” Gillian had only hoped that what she was planning for them would be what Damien wanted. The plan to secure herself in a powerful position would definitely play a hand in their romance.

[.....]

Scene Ten:

Stone Creek; Sage Gardens.

Stone Creek Ledger; Seth’s Office.

“You can’t run the story.” Patrick Sutton threatened, slipping into Seth Keeler’s office and standing over him. His presence was enough to put the younger man on edge. But the fact that they shared a sister also made Seth feel a tad bit comfortable.

Patrick locked his position across from Seth, stealing his gaze. “I know there’s no way to stop my wife’s collapse from leaking into the media, but I don’t need it to start from you. It would devastate Charlene if she found out that the news leaked from her home town.”

“I beg your pardon, but since when did you start caring about your wife?” Seth asked, he bit lightly. Deciding to stay seated in his chair as opposed to leveling with Patrick. “Do you not want people to think your home life is as tarnished as your name?”

“You must understand-”

“I do.” Seth snipped. “Which is why I made sure none of my reporters leaked the story. We share a sister, Patrick, we don’t share blood. But something as harmful as your wife’s mishap could affect her even worse than if she found out you were having an affair.”

Patrick was relieved to know his affairs hadn’t reach the light yet. But in all respect, they were his wife’s affairs as well. He leaned against Seth’s desk. “Either way, I thank you.”

Then he turned on his heel to walk out, his job here was done.

“You know someone else will report the story.” Seth called out. It was a reality that Patrick had been influenced to. You might be able to close one door but another will open in time. He looked back at Seth. “Someone will tell the world of Charlene’s alcohol abuse.”

Patrick huffed. “By that time it’ll be old news.”

“But it’ll be news non-the-less.” Seth sat at his chair, he knew there was no reasoning with Patrick. That the man was like every other Sutton that tried to rule Stone Creek. He remembered back to the stories his mother used to tell about how she was run out of town by Cutler Sutton.

There was once a time when Seth thought he could be friends with Patrick, but that time had seemed to distance itself from the present and once Kimberly finally left Stone Creek. So did the link between the Keeler’s and the Sutton’s. He watched as Patrick stormed out.

[.....]

Scene Eleven:

Stone Creek; Sage Gardens.

Langford Willow Inn; Lucy’s Room.

Iris Galloway closed the wooden door behind her and watched as her friend sat on the bed and played with her child. It had been a couple days since she had actually last seen her and it seemed as if she were even more unstable than the last time. Iris sighed.

“Frank Nelson isn’t even in town right now.”

Lucy looked up, aware of the news. “That just gives me more time to work on my plan. I know that Frank doesn’t want anything to do with me, that much I’ve always known. But now,” She looked down at Sebastian. “Now I have something that Frank cannot refuse.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

Her manicured fingers pulled strands of hair out of her face. Looking at her friend, Lucy pouted. “I know that my son is Frank’s son as well. There’s no denying that! I couldn’t keep them apart, even if I wanted to Iris. My life was so empty without him.”

Iris fell next to Lucy’s side. “We can get you on a plane to anywhere in the world, you don’t need to stay in Stone Creek and face Frank Nelson. He seems to be happy here with his wife, Deborah. You can explore the world just like you have always wanted.”

“I don’t think I’d be as happy traveling alone.”

“I’ll go with you.” Iris offered. “I’m sure there are plenty of teaching jobs overseas and we can raise Sebastian together as a family. You can have everything you’ve ever wanted Lucy. All you have to do is tell me and I can get you a transfer to Thurlow-Jurado Overseas.”

Lucy pulled away, repulsed. “I’m not no lesbian.”

“I didn’t say that.”

The puerto rican woman shook her head. “I want Frank and this baby boy is going to be the only way to get him back.” She looked down at the toddler. “Soon, you will see your daddy and soon everything will be alright.”

Iris sighed. She knew that Lucy was in over her head but there wasn’t anything she could do to stop her friend. So Iris had to do the next closest thing and make sure that Lucy didn’t cause any harm to Frank or Deborah. Or even herself. Looking at Lucy and Sebastian she knew it would be a tough job.

[.....]

Scene Twelve:

Stone Creek Memorial Hospital.

Charlene’s Hospital Room.

After his talk with Seth Keeler, Patrick Sutton made his way to the very woman he had been avoiding since Christmas. In her hospital bed she slept peacefully. After the doctor told him that she wanted to keep Charlene in the hospital to run some tests, Patrick didn’t oblique.

Although he knew it would only get the people in Stone Creek talking even more.

He watched her. Perched down next to her and watched as the woman he had married slept like she had never slept before. Mostly, ironically, due to a controlled substance pumping through her body. “I’m really sorry for everything I put you through.”

Patrick knew his words wouldn’t mean much to her, especially now. But he needed to get them out of his head before they began to weigh him down. “I never really looked out for you Charlene and I apologize for that. When Shannon left town and you were the only one around, I sort of took the easy way out of my pain and married you. This whole time, I know now that I’ve made you feel second best.”

“But you must know, maybe you can hear me,” He simply hoped that she couldn’t. “But maybe you can’t. There was a moment when you gave me two children and raised them mostly on your own. A moment when I fell in love with you and sometimes I still feel that way.”

The sound of a bed being rushed through the hallway caused Patrick to startle, he looked back towards the door. Missing Charlene open her eyes, she tilted her head away from him and fluttered her eyes closed. When Patrick turned back to his slumbering wife, he continued.

“I always thought that while Shannon was alive, you would just be a thorn in my side.” He spoke, his words finding an uncomfortable spot in Charlene’s mind. “But when she died, not only did I realize that I treated you so badly but that I kept blaming you for something I didn’t want to be.”

He took his hand and brushed her hair, a mangled mess, the result of stress and abuse. “I didn’t want to be Shannon’s second choice either. You gave birth to two of my children, spent many years dealing with my anger and yet you still stayed.”

Thinking back to when he manipulated Charlene and Kevin into ending their affair. “You gave up so much for me and for that I am sorry. But you must know now, even if you can’t hear me. Especially if you can’t hear me. That the love I had felt for you is now gone.”

“I hope one day you’ll understand.” He sighed.

Patrick grasped her agile hand and lowered his head, kissing the skin lightly as if her body was full of poison and he carried the only antidote to free her from his spell.

Her eyes fluttered back open, but he couldn’t see as she was turned away. A small tear fell from Charlene’s eye as she tried desperately to remain still and unemotional, just like she did for most of her marriage to him.

[.....]

Scene Thirteen:

Stone Creek; Sage Gardens.

Outside Shenanigan's Night Club.

Clifton Briggs’ leather jacket wasn’t doing much to fight off the cold of the night as he stood in the alleyway with his hands clasped together. When his bouncer had told him that Damien Crenshaw was waiting outside he didn’t think twice about the weather. But with it still being December, it was a mistake that Clifton had made.

He had a rough couple of days, especially where Cassie and Lucian were concerned. But the thought of someone finding out what he had done for Damien Crenshaw was always at the back of his mind. When the other man approached him, Clifton stood up straight.

“It’s done, are you happy?” Clifton asked, knowing that the smug look on Damien’s face had given him an answer even before the man could. “I had the votes tampered with and nobody even realized that Patrick Sutton was supposed to win that election.”

Damien snarled. “That man deserves being knocked down a peg or two.”

The warmth from his body gave him an edge over Clifton’s and made him look put-together and god-like. “But I do thank you for that. For giving me the chance to see Patrick Sutton take a hit to the ego. I couldn’t have planned it better myself! I’m grateful for your loyalty.”

“Then you will hold up your end of the bargain?” Damien seemed to be thinking it over. “You promised me that you would help me out, I can’t smuggle anymore drugs into Stone Creek without the Mayor on my side Damien. Jared Marlowe had almost uncovered that!”

“What you are asking takes time.” Damien advised, he watched as Clifton grew uneasy. It was the first sign of emotion from the man he had seen in awhile and knew he was desperate. “I haven’t even been officially elected into the seat yet. There’s still a couple of things that need to be sorted out.”

Clifton stepped closer to the man. “You understand that if I don’t get what I want, that I have a lot of dirt on you Damien! I’d advise you to listen to me when I tell you that we had a deal. Don’t even think about backing down now, I have power in a lot of different places.”

“And yet you came to me to help you?” Damien sneered, which caused Clifton to recoil. “You forget that I have just as much dirt on you! Don’t throw me any of your ideal threats Clifton, they mean nothing when your hands are just as red as mine.”

From the distance the two men looked like old friends, but not to the eyes that locked in on them. From her car, Helen Schmidt stared intently on the two men. She had been following Damien Crenshaw for the last hour now and it seemed hopeless. It wasn’t until he led her here did things get interesting.

Two men that didn’t seem to know one another were conversing in an alleyway. She didn’t know much about Clifton Briggs, but she knew enough to know that although he was a part of high society he had always meant bad news and not the ‘Patrick Sutton’ big bad. Clifton was into some shady stuff.

She stumbled for her phone and snapped a picture of the two.

[.....]

Next Time, On Concrete Shelves

The New Years Eve Ball gets started.
Miles’ plans get shot down.
Daphne worries about Penelope.
Someone collapses...

[ Previous Episode | Home | Forum | Next Episode ]

2011-12-16T03:34:00.000-08:00

Only two more episodes left until the Season Finale! Catch up with the Residents of Stone Creek as they deal, cherish and live their lives in the city. Leave a comment in the forums afterwards.

Read An Excerpt:

Helen Schmidt walked into the room, her curiosity had gotten the best of her after she left Kirsten’s home. Patrick Sutton had called and asked her to meet him here and since she didn’t have any better, more appetizing plans, Helen had decided that this was the place she would be.

Although she found it weird that Patrick had only one security guard manning the whole building on Christmas Day. But then she remembered that most people actually spent all day celebrating and hardly any of them would be at work. She made a mental note to give her security guards the day off next year.

If she remembered.

Patrick looked up from his paperwork when Helen entered the room. A dangerous smirk plastered on his face. “What do I owe the pleasure this time Patrick? Are you going to awe me with another fantastic speech written by your underpaid lackey?”

He chuckled. “I need you to do something for me.”

The intrigue began to sit in.

“Damien Crenshaw needs to be taken down.” Helen sighed, she looked around Patrick’s office and noticed it for the first time. He was definitely all about himself. The cockiness drooled from the wallpaper. “I cannot have that man running Stone Creek.”

“When are the two of you going to stop playing sword fights?” Helen snipped, her eye caught on a glass dolphin. Taking it into her hands she played with it. Eyeing Patrick, she smirked. “What do I get if I agree to help you take Damien down?”

[ Read The Full Episode #2.34, "If Winter Ends" Now ]

If Winter Ends

2011-12-16T03:31:00.000-08:00

Previously, On Concrete Shelves

Charlene began to develop a drinking habit.
Mac confessed his feelings to Cassie.
Leia arrived in Stone Creek.
Clifton threatened Cassie with marriage or a custody battle.

[.....]

Scene One:

980 Cutler St., Stone Creek. Faustino Cottages #7

Charlie, Kirsten & Megan’s Cottage.

“Mommy, Mommy!” Megan Sutton screamed as she jolted out of bed and down the stairs of their warm little cottage. It had been a long couple of hours as she tried desperately to hold her excitement in waiting for Santa Claus to leave her presents under the tree.

The echo of the little girl could be heard bouncing off the walls and into her parents bedroom, where Kirsten Sutton rolled over and wrapped her arm over her husband’s bare chest. “Good Morning,” she whispered as he basked in the winter chill.

“Good Morning.” Charlie replied. “Merry Christmas.”

Kirsten leaned up and kissed her husband as they shook the slumber from their eyes. Laying next to her husband made Kirsten realize how thankful she was to be sharing pillows and cold feet with him. Snuggling into his chest she giggled lightly.

“Merry Christmas.”

“Can you believe it has already been another year?” Charlie asked, lifting his head up.

He pulled his wife closer, feeling the warmth of her body entwining with his own. “I can hardly believe it has been another month.” Kirsten replied.

“I’m the luckiest man alive.”

Kirsten thought back to when she would run into Adrian Stone and wish that she could share another moment with him. How she would feel like she could be herself around him and he wouldn’t judge her one bit. She then looked up at Charlie. “I think I’m the lucky one.”

There was a break in their routine.

Charlie pulled Kirsten into another kiss as their daughter could be heard shuffling around downstairs. They knew that Megan must have started opening her presents by now. But neither wanted to get out of bed. Not until they heard the ringing of the doorbell.

“I’ll get that.” Charlie spoke, moving in the bed.

His wife patted his chest. “Let me.”

Pulling her nightgown on, she turned to Charlie who smiled back at her.

“Merry Christmas!” Chimed the voice of her mother, Helen Schmidt. Her voice was so loud and demanding that it traveled all the way up to their bedroom and still gave them the chills. The couple shared worried looks as they realized that having Helen around would be similar to getting coals for Christmas.

Kirsten gulped, moving towards the door to distract Helen from bursting into their bedroom.

[.....]

Scene Two:

505 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek “Thurlow Cottage”

James, Caitlyn & Aidan’s Cottage.

Looking at the tree, Caitlyn Thurlow couldn’t help but tweak the little things that bothered her. She was never one to be considered a perfectionist, but the holiday’s had always brought the nitty-gritty out of her. Caitlyn held an ornament in her hands.

It was a little brown bear glued into a golden rocking chair with the name ‘Danielle’ etched into its seat. Hanging it on the tree, Caitlyn stepped back. Finally happy with the way it turned out, Caitlyn smiled. “Now everything is perfect.”

“It has been perfect for hours.” James Thurlow chimed, causing Caitlyn to jump a little at his arrival into the Living Room. She turned to him and walked over for a hug. “I’m glad that you were able to recover that ornament from your belongings.”

“Me too.” Caitlyn replied.

She then looked at her husband and noticed the worry marks that ran along his face. Caitlyn knew that James had been getting little sleep lately, quite frankly after the call from Frank. She found it her duty to ask the question she had been wondering all day.

“Have you found Lucy yet?”

James pondered the question. “I don’t think she’s in Stone Creek.”

“But if she is?”

Caitlyn had no invested interest in Lucy Hahn, being a home wrecker. But if there was indeed a child involved she wanted to know the details. Caitlyn sighed. She had always had a fondness for children. Especially children who didn’t know both of their parents.

“The important thing we need to focus on right now is our family.” James told her, he looked at the tree that Caitlyn had decorated. “Having all my children here with us today will boost our spirits. I cannot wait until Emmet arrives with Iris.”

“They’re coming?” Caitlyn asked, excited.

James nodded.

“Good.” Caitlyn looked at the tree as it glimmered in the room. There wasn’t any other holiday that made the Thurlow Living Room glow with warmth, not like Christmas. “Having Emmet here will complete the family and having Iris here will only bring more joy!”

“I’m glad that we don’t have any more secrets in this family.”

Caitlyn flashed back to when she saw Damien Crenshaw on halloween. Her breath caught in her throat, looking at her husband she knew she couldn’t tell him about the incident. Although nothing ever came of the predicament, she knew that James would make a big deal out of it.

All Caitlyn wanted to do was keep Damien out of her life, she knew a restraining order would only make things worse.

[.....]

Scene Three:

745 W. Lavender St., Stone Creek. “Old Granger Manor”

Damien & Gillian’s Home.

From an outsiders perspective, The Old Granger Manor looked exactly like the haunting piece of real estate that had always caused uneasiness of the citizens of Stone Creek. The old garden’s of dark Iris’, reddish black in pew day-lilies littered the lawn up to the giant brass gates.

A broken water fountain, void of the life it once held snuggled under an old willow tree.

The stories of the families that lived in the estate, before Damien Crenshaw moved his schemes into it, were picture books of resources on the chiseled stone of the building.

But inside the Manor things were different. Gillian Sutton had found time to decorate the place in pastels and creams, just like a summer home the family had owned when she was a little girl. While Damien was away she had brought in some old oak furniture to brighten up the place and give it more of a cheery history.

“Open it.” Gillian Sutton insisted, her laughter uncontrollable.

Damien eye’d his fiance carefully, unaware they were getting each other Christmas gifts this year. “I thought you said no surprises?” He spoke.

Her lips creased, forming a smile. “I know. My mother is off making Thanksgiving appearances and Christmas cookies with my brother and his family but she hasn’t once come to see me. You’re the closest thing I have right now Damien and I just wanted to show you.”

“You already do.”

The duo looked down at the box that Gillian had carefully wrapped. A glowing red ribbon on top. “Well then, lets see what it is, shall we?”

Both thumbs slipped under the edges of the wrapping and began to open the present. It had been years since he actually celebrated a Christmas, especially after his marriage with Caitlyn fell apart. A watch. Damien Crenshaw pulled the titanium Rolex out of the box and held it in his hands.

“Gill, it’s stunning.” She smiled proudly. “I’m just disappointed that I didn’t get you anything this year. How about we go out for dinner tonight? Maybe to Sisypean’s and buy out their entire stock of wine for old times sake?”

Gillian remembered when the two of them met and how exhilarating their courtship had been. “That sounds like the best idea I’ve ever heard.” Then she remembered what today was. “But it’s Christmas and I doubt that Sisypean’s is open today.”

“Then another day?”

She agreed. Gillian dived into her pocket when her phone alerted her to a text message. It was the message that Gillian had been waiting for, looking up at Damien she tried to hide her troubled look. A contrived smile on her face, she texted back and then slipped her phone back into her pocket.

“Another day for sure. But today, lets get that Rolex on your wrist so that you can always be on time for dinner.” Gillian shuffled over to her fiance’s side and helped him with the watch. Slipping into his embrace and trying to make sense of the text message from earlier.

Scene Four:

2634 W. Parker St., Stone Creek. Callahan Condo’s #29

Taylor & Dizzy’s Condo.

“Tell me again how you got out of that mess?” Dizzy Roberts asked from her position in front of the stove. She had spent all day with Taylor and Mac Kern celebrating the Holiday. It was almost enough to keep her from missing her family back home.

Taylor Kern walked into the kitchen and rubbed Dizzy’s shoulder. “Mac ended up telling our mother that he was the one who wet the bed. I don’t know if she believed Mac since human pee doesn’t normally smell like cat pee, but it was enough to get her to leave us alone.”

“We kept Mr. Cuddles until his leg was healed properly and our mother never let on that she knew.”

Dizzy smirked. “The two of you seemed like a great duo back in the days. I’m sure you’re glad to have Taylor back in town? I know how hard it is not to have your best friend around when you need them most.” She thought about her recent relationship with Gail and how it has smoothed out.

“Anyways, how are things with Cassie?”

Her name caused Mac to frown. A frown that Taylor noticed. “What happened?”

Dizzy Roberts turned the stove off and placed her hands on her hips. “Who are you guys talking about?”

“Cassie Lakhani.” Taylor informed, he locked eyes with Mac. “She was with him the night I came over for Thanksgiving and they seemed to be in the middle of something intimate--which I’m terribly sorry for by the way. I don’t really want to be known for the cock-blocking type.”

“Always so subtle.” Dizzy chimed. “So what happened? You finally tell Cassie that you care for her and she just blow you off? Maybe you should just forget about her. A lot of times, Mac, somethings just aren’t meant to happen you know?”

He turned to Dizzy. “So what? Just stop pursuing Cassie?”

“You obviously don’t know my brother like I do.” Taylor looked at Mac. “What Dizzy is trying to say is that maybe right now isn’t the best time to keep trying with Cassie. She told you that she didn’t want to take things to the next step? Maybe you should respect her wishes.”

“I don’t think Cassie wants this.” Taylor and Dizzy both looked at Mac, intrigued on his revelation about Cassie. “She didn’t tell me any specifics but I don’t really think Cassie wants me to stop pursuing her. The last couple of months we’ve been getting closer.”

“But you said-”

“I know.” He dropped onto his brother’s couch. “On Halloween night when we took Lucian to the hospital Clifton Briggs found us there together and although he didn’t really say much. He was angry about the fact that she didn’t tell him about Lucian’s accident.”

“So you think it was his idea?”

Mac nodded.

“Well then maybe you should try to win her back.” Dizzy knew how it felt to have to be keeping a secret from someone else. She knew that everything with Gail and Adrian was mostly because she thought it was the best to go with Gail’s wishes. “There’s going to be a New Years Eve Party, maybe we can go together?”

Taylor smirked. “That’s sweet, but we’re sort of in the middle of something right now.”

“Not you!” She snipped. “I’m talking to Mac. I heard a couple people talking about the New Years Eve Ball being hosted at the Lakeside Inn. If I can get us on the guest list how would you like to accompany me? We can make Cassie Lakhani jealous.”

“That’s a desperately terrible idea.” Taylor replied, rubbing his forehead.

Mac smirked. “Lets do it.”

[.....]

Scene Five:

2121 Mason St., Stone Creek. Hoffman Village Apartment #34

Ian Kiefer’s Apartment.

Marina Thurlow thought back to the present that Ryan Bauer had gotten her. It was extremely thoughtful of him but at the same time made her think back to when they were together and their only problem was Natalie Marlowe. Now Ryan was off spending vacation with her?

She sighed.

“What is it?” Ian asked, looking at the present that Marina had brought over. It was big enough to need his help bringing it up that his attention had only fallen all day on the present itself and not Marina. Which was probably for the best since her attention had locked on Ryan.

Marina pulled it over. “How about you open it and find out?”

He agreed and began to tug at the unevenly wrapped present. Inside was a beautifully painted picture. It had reminded Ian of the one he had at home before his mother had deserted him. Actually, it had looked exactly like the picture he left behind. “How did you-”

“I had one of my sources look into it. There were only a handful of these made and I dipped into my pocket to buy this one.” She stated, watching as Ian’s face grew with excitement. “I know it’s not the original but I remember you telling me how important it was to you.”

“It still is.” Ian chuckled. “Marina, this is amazing. Thank you so much!”

She thought back to Natalie and Ryan who were probably off in a cabin somewhere drinking hot cocoa, getting ready to go snowboarding. Natalie was probably laughing about how she had finally succeeded in snagging Ryan away from Marina.

Ian pulled Marina in for a kiss, which she graciously accepted. “Now for my present?”

The girl perked up, with all the things going on in her head she had almost forgotten about Christmas. It was the holiday where you give and receive, her intrigue only got the best of her. “What did you get me?”

“Just wait.” Ian replied, jumping up and walking over to his bedroom door. “It is sort of a present for Lucian as well. I couldn’t help myself while I was at work. His chubby little legs walked over to me and looked at me with beady little eyes.”

“You bought me Santa Claus?” Ian chuckled.

“No!” He opened the door and out ran a little baby Yorkshire Terror. Marina looked at Ian surprised, her words caught in the back of her mouth as the puppy waddled towards her. He had definitely been eating well, which caused him to lose his shape.

“A puppy?” She gasped, keeping her disappointment under-wraps. “Oh Ian, you shouldn’t have! You really, really shouldn’t have.”

[.....]

Scene Six:

505 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek. “Thurlow Cottage”

James, Caitlyn & Aidan’s Cottage.

“How was the flight in?” James Thurlow asked his only son, Emmet Thurlow. The two had made small talk for the past hour, talking about everything and anything. James had even tried to get information on Lucy Hahn to see if she had been thinking about coming to Stone Creek.

But Emmet seemed helpless to James’ crusade.

Iris Galloway took two fingers and moved her bangs out of the way, walking over to the father and son. She, along with Caitlyn Thurlow had been in the kitchen preparing the rest of the holiday dinner before the whole family arrived to celebrate.

“You should tell them about the good news.” Iris urged excitedly, taking her fiance’s hand.

“Good news?” Caitlyn asked.

She found her place beside James and smiled at the couple intrigued. “What good news do you have to tell us?”

Emmet licked his lips and ended with a smile. “Iris and I have given it a lot of thought and decided that we wanted to spend the New Year home, with the family.”

“So you’re coming down for the first?” Caitlyn asked.

But Emmet shook his head. “No, we’re coming down for good. We want to find our own place here in Stone Creek and settle down for good!”

“That’s brilliant news!” James basked, finding joy in all his children being in Stone Creek. He pulled Emmet into a congratulatory hug and then did the same to Iris, a ritual that was continued by Caitlyn.

Beyond them, in the Living Room. Kirsten Sutton looked out the frosted window. It had been a morning full of headaches as she had to explain to her daughter Megan that Helen Schmidt couldn’t come with them to the Christmas party.

Charlie wrapped his arms around his wife. “What are you thinking about?”

Startled, Kirsten clung to him. “Just that after we visit your mother at the mansion, we might as well go visit Helen at her house. For Megan’s sake that is. This morning after we pretty much kicked my mother out of the house, did you see the look on Megan’s face?”

“She was disappointed, that’s for sure.”

Kirsten bit the side of her lip. “As much as I hate to say it, Megan has surely become attached to Helen.”

She had never wanted to admit it out loud, but having Helen around was actually not such a bad thing. Although she botched the babysitting gig, it was nice to have someone around that Megan had taken a liking towards, Kirsten sighed. Hoping she was doing the right thing.

Cassie Lakhani pulled Lucian onto her hip and found Emmet Thurlow in the hallway talking to his father. She waited a couple minutes before she asked to bother him, making sure that the father and son got to spend time with one another. She thought back to Clifton and Lucian.

How would they interact in a couple of years?

“How have you been Cassie?” Emmet asked, taking a hold of Lucian’s hand and the both played a version of tug-of-war. “His grip is impeccable! I can’t believe how big he has been getting! I want you to know, now that Iris and I are moving back to Stone Creek. We will make all the baseball, basketball or football games he has!”

“You’re staying in town?” Her eyes widened in excitement. “James must be so excited!”

Emmet nodded. “He is.”

“What did you want to talk to me about?” Emmet asked, sensing that something was bothering his sister’s best friend. She looked at Lucian with a worried face. Then locked eyes with Emmet. “Is everything alright Cassie, you’re not in some trouble are you?”

Cassie took a moment, trying to think of a different way to get around involving Emmet in her troubles. But then she just spit it out. “Since you are staying in town, I was wondering if you would be able to represent me in a custody case against Clifton Briggs.”

[.....]

Scene Seven:

980 Cutler St., Stone Creek. Faustino Cottages # 12

Diem & Leia’s Cottage.

“You should have been there mother!” Leia Barsky exclaimed, she had been telling Diem Joplin about her semester overseas and her internship as a reporter. “I was able to visit Asia for a couple days and Africa! The wildlife out there was my favorite.”

“I always knew you should’ve been a veterinarian.” Diem replied in her motherly voice.

Leia rolled her eyes, jokingly. “If I were to have been a Vet, I wouldn’t have been able to travel as much and see these amazing animals. I loved Africa. There is just something about the whole continent that screamed homeland. I felt like I was learning about a part of me.”

“I’m glad.” Diem took a hold of her daughter’s hand. “I know growing up without your father was tough on you Leia. I know that I haven’t always been there to help you understand both of your heritages.”

“It’s alright.” Leia eye’d her mother.

Diem smiled. “How is your father doing?”

She had been trying to get information out of her daughter for hours, but Leia had been clever on how to avoid the subject. It must have been her knack she got from William after all. Taking a long drawn out breath, Leia replied. “William Maverick is doing well.”

“That’s good.”

Leia smirked. “Honestly mom, he has changed. I know the two of you have your own issues that you need to work out. But my father is a changed man and I would love for you to acknowledge that that is possible. That people can change who they are.”

“People can most definitely change, but have they truly done so?” Diem asked. “Or is it all just an act that they put on to encourage others into the lie?”

“Mom!”

Diem looked at her daughter. She had grown up to be a remarkable young lady and having her home was the best present that she could ever ask for. So Diem sighed, giving in to Leia’s needs. “Alright, we will just leave it at that. I do hope that William has indeed changed. Now lets get some things together, Uncle Jeremy wanted to see you while you were still in town.”

“I told you that I was staying for good.” Leia called, grabbing her coat and her mother’s as well. “Why do you keep insisting that I’m going to just decide to leave again?”

Diem shrugged. “I’m sorry, I’m just getting used to the fact that my baby is actually back in Stone Creek. It feels like it had been so long since I’ve last seen you Leia. I’m sort of scared to have you back.”

“Don’t be.” Leia pulled her mother into a hug. “I’m home for good.”

[.....]

Scene Eight:

341 Wallow St., Stone Creek. “Schmidt Home”

David & Helen’s Home.

As Adrian Stone brings in the gifts that they bought, Gail Schmidt waddles into the nearest couch. It felt like she had been out all day today. Although they only went to see how the house was coming along since Adrian had promised her they would.

“So, how long until you desert your father?” David Schmidt joked, a bit of sincerity in his tone.

Gail eye’d him. “You know I’d stay here forever if we didn’t have a baby on the way daddy. But now we need a bigger place and quite frankly, Adrian and I need to be on our own now as well.”

“I know baby.” David kissed her forehead, he then turned to Adrian. “How does the house look so far?”

“Good.” Adrian replied.

Gail noticed how the two men seemed to be getting along lately now that they had the scare with the baby over. She smiled inside as she took everything in. Soon they would have their own home and maybe next year they could celebrate Christmas in it.

Have hot cocoa and a big green Christmas tree. A couple logs in the fireplace and family to surround her. Gail even thought of inviting Helen to her home for Christmas next year. Then she scrunched up her nose, doing a mental count of everyone in the room.

“Daddy, where’s Helen?”

David shrugged. “I haven’t seen her in hours.”

“That might not be such a bad thing.” Adrian replied.

The three of them thought about how peaceful it was to just enjoy the holidays and not have to worry about any fuss. Now that Gail seemed to be healthy, although, every now and then she would feel a slight wooziness. Dizzy had informed her what to do, so Gail wasn’t too worried about it.

She slipped her shoes off and began celebrating the holiday with her father and Adrian by her side.

[.....]

Scene Nine:

Stone Creek; Now Town.

Sutton Enterprises; Patrick Sutton’s Office.

Helen Schmidt walked into the office, her curiosity had gotten the best of her after she left Kirsten’s home. Patrick Sutton had called and asked her to meet him here and since she didn’t have any better, more appetizing plans, Helen had decided that this was the place she would be.

If she remembered.

He chuckled. “I need you to do something for me.”

The intrigue began to sit in.

Patrick walked around the desk. This caused Helen to place the dolphin back in its place, her attention now caught on something else. Something more intoxicating she tried to stand up straight and not stare at the unbuttoned shirt that Patrick was sporting.

How could he get any work done with half his clothes off? Helen gulped as he approached her, a mere inches away. “I was thinking of money, but you have enough. So I thought about your offer from a couple months back. If you help me take down Damien, Helen, you can have me.”

She bit her lip. “You always know how to keep me interested.”

“So what do you say?”

Helen placed a hand on his chest. His skin was radiating heat and it was causing her not to think straight, trying to control her breath Helen smirked. “Lets take down that son-of-a-bitch.”

[.....]

Scene Ten:

505 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek. “Thurlow Cottage”

James, Caitlyn & Aidan’s Cottage.

Aidan Jurado slipped in next to Kirsten and Charlie as they began to serve Megan her Christmas Dinner. They had spent most of the afternoon talking about the Lakeside Inn, developing appetites as they waited for dinner to be served by Caitlyn.

“I’m so glad that you’re back!” Marina hugged her older brother, lifting herself onto her tippy-toes to do so. “Having the whole family in Stone Creek is going to just what the new year needs. Just think about all the things we can do. Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow?”

“Sure!” Emmet chuckled, greeting Ian Kiefer as they made their way inside the house. He looked at his fiance, Iris and smiled. “I’m just glad that Iris was able to make the move happen. It was mostly her idea to move closer to the family, you know?”

Before Marina could thank her, Iris’ phone began to ring. “I have to take this, excuse me one second.”

She slipped out of the crowded hallway and into the Kitchen where she put the phone to her ear and made sure nobody was around. “I’m actually really glad that you called, I’ve been here at the Thurlow Cottage all day that I almost forgot that you were arriving in town.”

Caitlyn Thurlow made her way towards the Kitchen, she was going to call out to Iris as soon as she heard her voice but stood back in the hall when she overheard the conversation.

“Merry Christmas to you as well Luce.” Iris replied, she shuffled over to the stove and looked at the soup they had made earlier. It was definitely not her favorite dish, but she would endure it if she had to. “Don’t worry about a thing, nobody knows that you are in Stone Creek. If Frank saw you, I don’t think he made a sound.”

“Why would he anyways?” Iris asked, a small chuckle. “Then he would have to admit that it was possible for you to be carrying his child. Especially after he saw Sebastian with you at the Airport. Just settle into your hotel and I’ll be by soon to see the both of you. I bought Sebby a little Christmas present.”

Caitlyn gasped, covering her mouth.

[.....]

Scene Eleven:

507 Auburn Rd., Stone Creek. “Wilkinson Cottage”

Gideon, Daphne & Penelope’s Cottage.

“I’m glad that you were able to get the day off to enjoy with the family.” Gideon Wilkinson spoke, his attention directed at his son Bentley Wilkinson and his fiance, Emily Roscoe. Having his family around him for Christmas was the one thing he always demanded.

It was a tradition.

Bentley smirked. “You know James wouldn’t even let me in the office if I wanted to.”

“Having Emily here is a good thing as well.” Daphne Wilkinson chimed in, patting the other woman’s arm as she held her glass of Chardonnay to her lips. The two woman had spent much time together, discussing Emily’s dream wedding. It was as if the family was finally pulling back together after Penelope’s diagnosis.

Emily leaned against Bentley. “I’m glad to be here, to be celebrating another Holiday with your family. I will admit, the thought of family was daunting to me at first. But now that I am surrounded by yours Mrs. Wilkinson, I don’t think I could feel any less loved.”

On the other side of the room, Greta Wilkinson played with her dessert. Forking the chocolate remains of her cake and feeding it to her boyfriend, Miles Fowler while he strummed a couple cords on his guitar. She had asked him to bring it so they could sing Christmas songs as a family.

But the duo have since been keeping to themselves this evening. Trying to bask in the fact that they have each other for Christmas. Gideon eye’d his daughter, he smiled at the fact that Miles seemed to have come to his senses and joined the family.

He made his way over to them. “Are we going to hear a song from you today?”

“Only if you join in.” Miles replied.

Gideon chuckled. “I’m not much of a singer, but my daughter surely is.”

Greta looked up at her father, bashfully. “How about we get the family together for some Christmas carols, you do know how to play Christmas songs on that thing, right?” His words seemed harsh coming from his mouth as he tried to sound as inviting as ever.

Miles nodded. “I know a couple.”

“Then lets gather everyone around.”

Penelope Wilkinson looked over at her son and downed her glass of Chardonnay, she leaned into Bentley and Emily. “Your father has had a few too many beers. If you haven’t noticed before, Gideon gets protective of Greta whenever he gets tipsy.”

“Be nice.” Daphne scolded, she walked around the couch. “We are all here to have fun.”

Bentley and Penelope snickered to one another, then both began to sing ‘Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer’, which received a scolding glare from Daphne Wilkinson.

[.....]

Scene Twelve:

1507 Mango Ln., Stone Creek. “Hollyoak Manor”

Patrick & Charlene’s Home.

“Hello?” Charlie Sutton called as he opened the front door to his parents home. It had been awhile since he had been inside the building, but no matter how long he went without seeing it. The place always came off as cold and deserted. Charlie turned to Kirsten.

Today the house seemed even more so than usual.

He had carried his daughter into the house, careful not to wet her new shoes. But when he didn’t receive an answer from either of his parents, Charlie put Megan down and explored the home. “Patrick, Are you home? Mother where are you? We brought Megan over to see you!”

Kirsten Sutton turned on her heel, her attention falling onto the Living Room door that was ajar. “Maybe she’s in here? Maybe she just passed out or something? We did tell her that we’d be by earlier, Charlene probably just fell asleep.” She insisted, opening the heavy doors.

The three of them stopped in their tracks, there before them was a mess of bottles. Liquid drenched the Holiday feel of the room more than ever before. In a pile on the floor lay Charlene Sutton, unconscious.

“Mother?” Charlie called, he rushed to her side, turning Charlene over and feeling for a pulse.

Kirsten covered Megan’s eyes. “Oh my god! Oh my god Charlene!” She shrieked, she ushered Megan out of the room and into the Hallway and to the nearest house phone. Dialing 9-1-1 as quick as her trembling fingers would let her, all the while trying to calm down her daughter.

“She has a pulse!” Charlie shouted, he looked down at his slumber mother. “She has a pulse, its faint but it’s here.”

How could this have happened, he looked around for any sign of foul play but only found the bottle of liquor she seemed to have collapsed onto. Throughout his life, Charlie knew that Charlene had favored her liquor but it had never been a problem before.

She would never be an alcoholic and surely, Charlene would never collapse due to alcohol poisoning. Kirsten returned to the Living Room, but Megan was nowhere in sight. He watched as Kirsten kneeled down next to him, her face a mess of tears.

“They’re on their way!”

“Okay.” He panicked, looking back at his mother. “Make sure Megan is alright, make sure Megan is okay.”

Kirsten nodded her head, dashing back into the Hall to check on their daughter.

She looked at piece, Charlie noticed as he looked down at his mother. As if all the stress and pain she had been pushing herself through had finally broken and left her body. Even her age didn’t shine through, her face seemed young again. Like the woman she was when Charlie was growing up.

Charlie kissed her forehead, hoping that the ambulance would get there in time to save his mother. To save the woman who helped him survive the wrath of Patrick Sutton.

[.....]

Next Time, On Concrete Shelves

Aidan asks for advice from Charlie.
Gillian goes down memory lane.
Greta makes a shocking move.
Lucy puts her plans into action...

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Leia Barsky

2011-12-16T03:30:00.000-08:00

Facts

Full Name: Olivia Noel Barsky [Nee Joplin]

Age: March 7th, 1986

First Appearance:

Hometown: Stone Creek

Occupation: Untold

Current Residence: 2121 Mason St., Stone Creek. Hoffman Village Apartment #27

Previous: 980 Cutler St., Stone Creek. Faustino Cottages #12

Relations

Parents: Diem Joplin and William Maverick

Siblings: None.

Children: None.

Significant Other(s): None.

Previous: Richard Barsky; Divorced in 2010

History

Leia doesn’t take crap from anybody moving back to Stone Creek wasn’t a huge problem for the young divorcee as she took it upon herself to create a whole new life and to bond with her mother, Diem.

Portrayed by:Jessica Szohr [2012-Present]

2011-12-09T11:25:00.001-08:00

Only three more episodes left until the Season Finale! Catch up with the Residents of Stone Creek as they deal, cherish and live their lives in the city. Leave a comment in the forums afterwards.

Read An Excerpt:

“Marina.” Ryan Bauer greeted as he walked up to the two friends as they shopped.

She positioned herself in front of the man and gave him a hug. Looking back at Cassie Lakhani as the two awkwardly semi-greeted each other, then she turned back to Ryan. “I didn’t expect to run into you here, how are you? How was your Thanksgiving?”

“It was great.” Ryan replied, he noticed that Cassie staggered behind the two. “Mind if we talk alone for a second? I won’t keep you in the cold for too long, Cassie. I just wanted to ask Marina a question.”

Cassie nodded, unaware of her friend’s feelings on the idea. “I’ll just be over here going over my christmas list Marina when you’re done. It was nice to see you Ryan.”

Although he knew it was false, Ryan replied the same. Then he walked alongside Marina Thurlow down the path to a couple of benches. “I don’t think I remember the last time I saw you? Possibly the Fundraiser for the election. What was the question you had for me?”

“Excuse me?” Ryan asked, he looked up from his shoes.

“You said you wanted to ask me a question back there.” The chill from the Winter’s afternoon was enough to cause Marina to tug on her jacket. Ryan smirked, which received a confused look from Marina. “What was the question Ryan?”

[ Read The Full Episode #2.33, "Edge of Desire" Now ]