Kimberly's battle with the voices took an extreme turn for the
worst when she created a new identity. Calling herself 'Claudia Deauville', it was revealed
that she
was
the person responsible for bringing
Braden to Pac Heights. Plotting a company takeover, her new alliance meant that she
would turn her back on the one man who was always there for
her- Kimberly's own father.
Scene: The Davison Estate
Jason bites his lip nervously as he says his farewell on the phone and then promptly powers it off. Ashley is sitting next to him eagerly awaiting the details. She knows he hasn't spoken with his father in some time; she hopes all went well over the phone.
"So he finally called you? What did he have to say?" Ashley inquires.
"That was….wow. Certainly unexpected." Jason pauses for a moment and then continues, "he wants to do lunch with me today. He seemed pretty eager to see me."
"That's definitely out of the blue…hasn't it been months since you last spoke with him?"
"Yeah it has, and I agree as well- it's definitely coming out of no where. I wonder what's up. He was pretty talkative on the phone as well which is unusual for him," Jason reveals.
"You don't think he suspects anything, do you? I mean, how could he?" Ashley wonders aloud.
"No, no…he can't be. The only ones that know are you and me. There's no way...is there?"
"No, and I don't think you should worry. I'm sure you guys will have a nice lunch. He's probably just having one of those fatherly sentimental moments. Not that I would really know what those are like..." Ashley lowers her head.
"I just wonder why all of a sudden? He's had no interest in my life for months- at least that I'm aware of. And now this? Something or someone had to prompt this kind of call..."
"Hi Jason! I didn't know you were coming over today. How are things?" Diane greets him from the doorway.
"Everything is fine, Mom." Jason instantly smiles and embraces her with a hug. "It's good to see you."
"Good to see you too, Jason. So what's new?"
"Well, dad just called for starters. He wants to do lunch today."
"Oh does he?" Diane smiles. "I'm so glad to hear that."
"It's actually quite a surprise. I haven't spoken with him in months."
"Well, I'm glad he finally called. I knew he had it in him to do so."
"Had it in him? Did you have something to do with this?" Jason raises a brow.
"I may have spoken with him," Diane reveals. "But Jason, you have to realize how much he misses you. Your father loves you so much and he was just as concerned about you as I was when we didn't hear from you for all that time."
"Well, it's hard to believe that when I never got a single call from him," Jason says.
"To be honest, Jason, you did have your phone off for quite some time. I couldn't even get a hold of you for awhile." Ashley interjects.
"I think lunch will be good for the both of you. Hopefully you'll get a really good chance to talk," Diane adds.
"We still do have a lot to talk about, you know. I still get the feeling that dad is weirded about the whole gay thing," Jason reveals.
"Perhaps you should talk about that with him. I mean, is there anyone you're seeing right now?" Diane inquires.
"Oh God no…I'm certainly not in the mind frame to see anyone right now. Definitely not."
"I can understand with everything after Keith's death…but I'm sure you'll get to a point where you can move on. Things will get better, Jason." Diane replies.
"It's complicated, Mom. I just really need to work on myself for awhile."
"Amen to that. I think we all need to do a bit of that," Ashley says.
"I'm kind of nervous to see him today…I don't know why."
"Things will go wonderfully," Diane says. "I just know you guys will be able to work things out. Trust me, your mother knows these kinds of things."
Jason nods and looks towards Ashley. If only his mother knew the pain and torment that he has felt in the last few months after the revelation. Perhaps she would understand one day if he ever had the courage to tell her. For now though, he can't bear to have such a conversation with anyone, let alone look into the eyes of his mother and reveal to her that he has something that is incurable.
Scene: The
Summers Estate.
Kimberly Summers continues writing her random notes on a pad when her cell suddenly begins vibrating. She quickly looks over at the caller ID and realizes it's her father calling. She bites her lip nervously and contemplates whether she should answer or not. After her first day at Landon Points went so well, she can't imagine what qualms Steve might have.
She finally decides to answer the phone before it goes to voicemail. "Hey Dad, how's it going?"
Things are going well, thanks. I just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done yesterday. Your pitch in the sales meeting was phenomenal. I knew you had it in ya, Kim."
Kimberly quickly produces a beaming smile and nods her head for a moment before responding. If it was one thing that she always yearned for, it was the reassurance that her skills and hard work would pay off.
"Thanks Dad, I really appreciate that. It's such an honor to be apart of the company now. I appreciate everything you did to get my foot in the door."
"Absolutely. You have the experience and the charisma. You have the drive which is obvious. There was no convincing necessary to get you that position. You're going to be a great addition to the marketing division."
"With your support, I know I will. So what's on your agenda for the rest of the day?" Kimberly inquires.
"I'm actually having lunch with Jason in a bit. It's been awhile since I last saw him…"
"Yeah, I'm sure you'll have a nice visit. Tell him I said hello."
"Why don't you call him yourself? I'm sure he'd love to hear from you."
"Oh, I don't know…the last time Jason and I had words, they weren't the greatest. I think he still has a bit of resentment from when I told you and mom that he was gay. I realize now it wasn't my place, but I don't think he's ever gotten over it."
"Yeah, I feel like I should talk to him about that today. Not your part in the whole thing, but just how I reacted- and how I should've been more supportive."
"I think he's fine with everything, Dad. Jason is a pretty strong person; he's been through a lot. I mean, he lost Keith and everything in the quake…I'm sure he's been preoccupied with other things as of late."
"I'm sure you're right, Kim. I just need to know for my own benefit that he doesn't harbor any feelings of resentment for the whole thing."
"Did mom talk to you about this?"
"She did contact me, yes. She was worries about Jason when he disappeared and wanted me to call him. I had tried several times, but his phone was always off. I'm just glad he answered today. I'm really excited to see him."
"Good to hear, Dad."
An annoyed Kimberly rolls her eyes. The last thing she wants to hear is how much her father wants to see Jason. Always resenting Jason for all the attention he garnered from their parents in the past, she can't stand his current excitement. Indeed, it seems that when Jason disappeared it was a miracle for her.
"Well Dad, I really need to go. I'm working on something and I don't want to lose my mojo here. Thanks for calling though and I appreciate everything."
"Anytime, hon. I'll see you at the office tomorrow. Take care."
"You too, Dad."
Kimberly slams her phone shut and rises to her feet. She begins pacing angrily around the room and breathing heavily.
Calm yourself down, Miss. Claudia. Remember, Kimberly is dead and her family can't hurt you now. You're a new woman now. Don't work yourself up over these people….soon, they will all be gone…
Scene: Landon Manor. 2669 Pacifica
Boulevard.
Kayla Landon shuts off the ignition and takes a deep breath before exiting her car. All is calm in the courtyard of Landon Manor, not even the birds are heard which usually sing away. Her heart begins to race quickly as she nears the front door and begins to knock. She feels she is being forced to make a decision about the direction she wants to take her marriage with Rick…a decision that might mean the end to everything she has with him.
Her mother answers the door to Kayla's surprise and greets her with a hug. She wasn't aware that Vanessa was back from France. Originally her plan was to seek advice from her aunt Emily, the person who she realized would still offer sound advice. Her mother, on the other hand, was one who had offered lackluster advice in the past.
"Hey honey! What a pleasant surprise. I was just going to call and tell you that I was back in town," Vanessa says with a smile.
It's good to see you as well, Mom. Uhm, is Aunt Emily here?"
"Yeah, she's upstairs. Is there something you need to talk with her about?" Vanessa can sense that something is troubling her daughter.
"There is, yes…but I really need to talk to her, I'm sorry. I'll call you later on this week and we'll talk about things."
"Okay hon, well she is upstairs. The damn woman is out of that wheelchair and is marching around like the Queen of England once again…" Vanessa lowers her head and points to the second floor.
"Look Mom, in all due respect, I don't have the energy to hear about how much you dislike her...I just really need to see her right now."
"Okay, then. I guess I'll just wait for your call then..." Vanessa rolls her eyes and walks back towards the bar.
Kayla sighs and begins walking upstairs. She is quickly met with a beaming smile when she reaches the top of the stairs.
"Kayla! How are you?"
"I've been better to be honest…do you have a few minutes?"
"Of course. I always have time for you. I'm sorry to hear that something is troubling you."
"It's Rick, and the baby…and just everything. Everything is such a mess right now, Aunt Em."
"What did the bastard do now? I warned you about marrying a damn Preston. They're all fucked up people if you ask me."
"Look, I didn't come to bash the whole family. I just need to vent about Rick and some other things going on right now."
"Alright dear. I'm here to listen."
"Now looking back, I just feel like we really rushed into things, ya know? The whole initial attraction was purely physical- and while he made me laugh, I never got to learn about his other qualities. Why? Because I became pregnant and we leaped into a marriage we both weren't ready for."
"I agree. I think you both should've waited. But, in your defense, you were thinking about Haylie. You wanted her to grow up with two loving parents in the same house. You can't blame yourself for that."
"True…but looking back, it's only going to hurt Haylie now."
"What's going to hurt her?"
"The divorce that I'm pretty sure we're getting."
"Divorce?! I didn't realize things had gotten so bad. I mean, things must be pretty serious." Emily comments.
"Well, I overheard some things he was saying to his so-called best friend, Liz, the other day...and honestly, my heart broke. You should've heard some of the things he was saying about me."
"Like what?"
"Saying that I was acting irrational and that I was overly jealous about his relationship with Liz. I mean, it was ludicrous. I honestly didn't see her as much of a threat until I heard how they were speaking to each other now. She completely supported him getting a divorce from me. I'm so angry that he would go to her and not I….I can't even face him again."
"Again? As in you can't see him ever again? That's a bit overboard, don't you think?"
"I don't know what I'm saying, Aunt Em...I honestly just want to run and leave this whole mess behind me."
"But you have that beautiful little girl to think about. You have to think about Haylie and what's in her best interest, okay? She needs her mother right now."
"Don't you think I know that? These problems have been persisting for months now. I've tried my hardest to work things out for Haylie's sake, but I feel like I'm at my end. I don't know what to do at this point."
"Well hon, it seems Rick is making that decision for you. He seems to want a divorce. If you agree that the marriage can't be saved, then perhaps it's for the best."
"I know…I guess I just don't want to face the truth- and I certainly can't face him right now."
Scene: The Breeze
Café'
Today Liz Bryant seems like she is another world. She slowly sips her coffee and gazes out the window in a daze. She has so much on her mind right now- overwhelmed by the situation with Rick and feeling as if her biological clock is ticking away. Nearly thirty-two and without children, nor having the pleasure to marry yet, she begins to think that something is terribly wrong with her.
Am I really pining after a man with a wife and child of his own? I can't believe I can't get Rick off my mind? How much longer will this continue?
Liz continues thinking to herself, perhaps wishing she was in Kayla's spot right now. Unlike Kayla, she feels like she wouldn't take the marriage with Rick for granted.
"Oh, what am I thinking?" She mumbles under her breath. "I need to force myself back to reality real quick here…there's no way…just no way."
"Wow, so do you come here often to talk to yourself?"
Liz whips around when she hears a familiar voice from behind. She recognizes it as Terrence's and smiles.
"Hey Ter, how's it going?"
"Apparently better than you're doing…is everything okay?" Terrence smiles back sarcastically.
"I've had better days to be honest," Liz replies. "I just need to clear my head, ya know?"
"I understand. Well, I was going to ask if you wanted some company…but I don't want to interrupt."
"No, nonsense. Sit down, Terrence. Apparently I can use some company so I don't talk to myself."
"Alright then," Terrence responds before seating himself. "So, what's on your mind?"
"Too much for even I to understand….well, I suppose you know part of the situation. You were at the dinner party from hell."
"Ah, I suppose this has to do with Kayla?"
"How did you guess? Liz rolls her eyes.
"Yeah, she's a bit much. A bit high-strung I would say."
"That's putting it lightly," Liz comments. "The woman is out of control- and she doesn't appreciate what she has."
"And you would appreciate it more?" Terrence asks.
"Excuse me? What does that mean?"
"Meaning, you would appreciate being in Kayla's shoes a bit more..."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Liz responds and shakes her head.
"Oh, come on…I can see how you look at him. There's obviously something there."
"There's nothing there, Terrence. You've gone and lost your mind, boy."
"If you say so…perhaps Kayla can see it too though. Perhaps she feels threatened."
"Kayla has nothing to feel threatened about." Liz gets on the defensive and continues, "Rick and I are just friends."
"Alright, I get it. I'm just saying, you have to look at the situation from different angles."
"I can see your point, and I suppose I can see hers. It's just a very complicated situation."
"Of course it's complicated. You're into a man who is married. Whether he is happily married or not, well that can be debated I guess."
"You're telling me, although there's nothing really to debate. It's plain obvious."
"So are you just waiting the whole thing out?" I mean, that seems kind of pointless if you ask me. What if a guy comes along that is truly good for you?" Terrence inquires.
Liz takes a moment before responding. A part of her believes that Terrence is speaking about himself, although she would rather not revisit those feelings. While she did want to explore things with him at one point, she felt suffocated more than anything while they were dating.
"That's a good point, Terrence. A very good point…so, onto you. How has the love life been?"
Terrence laughs, indicating that it's basically a joke. "Well, I went on a few dates with Val, which were quite interesting to say the least. I just don't know if it's going to go anywhere. I have a problem with finding women who want to commit."
"Ouch," Liz takes the comment personally with wide-eyes.
"I didn't mean that about you. I'm sorry Liz- and insert foot."
"It's okay, really. I suppose I don't know what I want…and while I'd like to believe that I do, I honestly don't…"
Scene: The Preston Estate. Northern Heights District.
Jonathan Preston looks at his son with curiosity as Rick gazes out the window. Rick came to visit his father just over an hour ago to discuss a particular case at the office. However, little discussion arose about the case today due to Rick's distant state.
"Are you here, son?" Jonathan finally breaks the silence.
"Oh yeah," Rick jumps at his father's commanding voice. "Just have a lot on my mind right now."
"Well, you need to leave your worries at the door. This is business, son. You need to have a clear head."
"Thanks for the heads up, Dad. I can always count on you when I'm going through a rough time."
"Don't give me attitude, Rick. I'm just trying to keep things professional around here."
"We're at the house, Dad- not at work. You can be sensitive to other's feelings."
"Don't be a sissy and start talking about your feelings," Jonathan grunts. "You're a strong man, Rick. I know you have it in you to pull yourself together."
"Well…thanks for the vote of confidence!"
"What is so wrong anyway?" Jonathan inquires.
"I'm asking Kayla for a divorce. There…how is that? Your son is a screw up just like you knew all along. He can't even save his own marriage."
Jonathan is taken back and pauses for a moment before responding. "Son, I don't know how I gave you the impression that I think you're a screw up- but I certainly don't. I'm actually very proud of you for persevering. Between us, I don't think that Kayla woman was anything special to begin with. Besides, she is a Landon…"
"Look Dad, I don't need to hear anything about how she's a Landon and how she has pure evil in her blood. I've heard that song too many times before."
"Well son, I don't know what else to say. It looks like you've gotten yourself into quite a pickle here. I mean, you do have your daughter to think about. Oh, and by the way, who is the woman with the darker features who keeps coming to see you at the office?"
"I'm sure you mean Liz Bryant. She's just a good friend."
"I see…and does Kayla know about her?"
"Well, yes….that's one of the biggest problems. Kayla is insanely jealous of her." Rick reveals.
"Maybe she has a reason to be, son. You have been spending long hours at the office. Not that I'm defending a Landon, but she is your wife. Perhaps your focus should be on Kayla and that baby. Instead, it seems like you're spending all this time with that Liz Bryant character."
"Look Dad, in all due respect, I don't need your advice. Everything will be fine…forget I said anything."
"As long as you say, son…just think things over and start to prioritize what is important in your life. The number one woman in your life shouldn't be Liz or Kayla for that matter- it should be that beautiful baby girl you have at home."
Scene: Pacifica Catch- Bar and
Grill.
Jason takes a deep breath before grabbing the handle and entering the restaurant. His mind is racing
As he tries to still process the call he received from Steve only a few hours ago. He still can't believe that his father called him out of the blue like this, although he suspects that Diane may have had something to do with it.
"Hey Dad," Jason smiles as he instantly sees his father standing near the host. "Have you been here long?"
"No, I actually just got here," Steve replies before extending his arms out. Jason has never known his father to give out hugs, so he's a bit curious as to why he is doing so now.
Jason embraces his father with a hug which seems to last an eternity. The level of awkwardness rises to a dangerous level in Jason's mind as he looks around and notices many guys around his age.
"Shall we sit?" Jason asks before the host takes them to their table.
"It's good to see you, Jason. It's certainly been awhile..."
"Thanks Dad, it's good to see you as well. So what's up?"
"What do you mean, what's up? Does something have to be up for me to want to see my son?"
"No, of course not…" Jason bites his lip. "I just haven't heard much from you."
"Well, just so you know, I did try calling quite a bit after you found out about Keith. I felt so bad for you, son. I can't imagine losing someone that close to me…anyway, your phone was always off."
"We actually weren't that close in the end, Dad. We had broken up last spring. But still, we were working on a friendship and it was still really hard on me when I found out."
Steve nods, slightly embarrassed that he didn't even know the two had broken up. The whole fact just shows that he didn't know much about what was going on in Jason's life at all.
"So why now?" Jason boldly asks. "Why lunch now?"
"To be honest," Steve clears his throat and continues, "I feel like I don't know you anymore. You're my son and I'm always going to love you…I just want to know what's going on in your life. I mean, do you really know how much I love you, son?"
Jason gives a returning nod, still unaware of how to handle his father's words. This is the first time that Steve has spoken in such a way to him.
"I love you too, Dad…and I'm sorry for not calling you either. It should be a two-way street. I've just been going through a lot…a lot of things I can't discuss, but I've been having a real hard time."
"Is it finances? I can help you out, son."
"No, no…I don't need money. I'm going through something right now that no amount of money can fix…"
"Well son, I wish you would tell me. I'm worried about you. Does this have to do with you being gay at all? I know you had a hard time when you came out…and partially I take blame for not handling things too well. I should've been more supportive. I'm so sorry, Jason."
"Thanks Dad, I appreciate that…but unfortunately, it doesn't really have to do with that either. I'm okay with being okay. I'm just not okay with some news I was given a few months back….in fact, it devastated me."
Steve's mind starts racing as he fears the worst. Did his son actually acquire something incurable? He wonders if Jason will have the courage to tell him as they both stare at each other in utter silence.
To be
Continued...