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Episode 60


Scene 1:

With each day at rehearsal, Piper seemed to find herself more. She found herself playing and teasing with the male actors and growing antsy with each day that opening night neared. It delighted her and terrified her all at once.

"Alright, tomorrow will be a full costume rehearsal. Get here as soon as possible so everyone will have time to get their hair and make-up done," Frank Farley said, scanning his notes. "Piper, you're projection has improved greatly, but I need you to speak a little more loudly, dear."

Piper nodded, accepting his words with eagerness instead of embarrassment. She hopped off the stage, noting a text message on her cell phone for her. Working late tonight, can't pick you up from rehearsal. Sorry. Chase. Piper wasn't surprised. Chase would work himself to death if possible. She could walk home, it was only about a mile or two. Grabbing her backpack she heaved it over her shoulder. Of course, several large college books would make the walk a little harder. As she entered the foyer, Piper saw Noah talking with the co-director. She ignored him and hurried out the door, silently seething. She couldn't believe Noah would hit Chase. She didn't think Noah would hit anyone. Of all the nerve, she was so sick of Noah's protective attitude. He had no right to be so anymore.

Dinah waited in the parking lot for Noah to come back outside. He was in giving his two week notice, thank God. After what that jerk Chase did to him she was relieved he would be far away from Piper and her Neanderthal boyfriend.

"Speak of the devil," she murmured as Piper hurried out of the building. She turned down the sidewalk and slowed her pace just a little. "I don't think so," Dinah mumbled running after Piper. She would give someone a piece of her mind. Might as well be Piper. "Hey!" She yelled at her ex-friend.

Piper arched an eyebrow at who was calling her name. Oh great. Piper turned around to see Dinah. Her day had been going so well, why did it have to go wrong now?

"Yeah, thanks for stopping," Dinah said sarcastically, reaching her after a brief jog.

"You're not welcome," Piper returned with the same sarcasm.

"Real mature. You and your boyfriend are a perfect match," Dinah shot back.

Piper rolled her eyes and turned to walk off. She didn't particularly want to deal with Dinah. "Don't ruin my good day, Dinah, it's enough I have to see you."

"Wait a minute," Dinah said grabbing the hem of Piper's jacket. "I haven't said what I wanted to say yet. And you are going to stand there and listen to me."

"Get your hand off me," Piper growled, slapping Dinah's hand away. Dinah now brought out sides in Piper that Piper had never known she possessed. "And I'm not going to stand here and listen to a damn word you say because I don't have to and I don't want to. I don't even care what you say or what you think so you might as well not waste your breath." Piper again turned to walk off and if Dinah grabbed her again, Piper had a feeling she might resort to something she couldn't control.

"I'm going to whether you like it or not! I suppose you're happy that your creep boyfriend broke Noah's ribs?" Dinah said tagging along beside her.

"Excuse me? Your boyfriend." Oh, that left a bad taste in her mouth. "Broke my boyfriend's nose and your boyfriend started it." And Piper was tempted to break Dinah's nose, that was how much she despised Dinah now, enough to resort to violence...of course, Piper couldn't break anything in someone if she tried, but it relieved some tension just to think it.

"No he didn't. Take your head out of your ass and think about what you just said!" Dinah snapped, her temper getting the best of her. "Noah started it? That's the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Noah has never ever hurt anyone without be provoked. You should know that."

A broken nose and a rib were two completely different things and Piper knew that. She knew Noah wouldn't fight if not provoked, too. She had thought that from the first time Chase said anything. Piper would rather talk to Noah than Dinah any day, just looking at Dinah now disgusted her. How could anyone do such a thing? If it had been Dinah who fell in love with Noah first, Piper would never have touched him no matter how much she liked him. But, Dinah, selfish bitch that she was didn't care. She sacrificed friendship for a guy, another girlfriends for life rule broken.

"I can't even stand to look at you," Piper said finally, her voice was low and calm, but hostility trembled just beneath the surface. "Bye, Dinah." This time, Piper pulled some headphones over her head, completely discarding the conversation with that movement. She stuffed her hands in her pockets, turned up Alien Ant Farm as loud as it would go and walked off.

 

Scene 2:

"You're asking me to leave?" Morgan blinked again. Gwen was really starting to tire of his puppy dog expressions when his feelings were hurt.

"I'm not asking, I'm telling," she replied coldly, picking up her purse. "Hallie heard us mention Isabelle. I don't want her to find out. I'm very sorry darling, but you have to leave. And not let Hallie contact you again."

"It's not my fault," he started to protest, but Gwen held up a hand to silence him.

"I never said that it was, Morgan. But the fact remains that you like your liquor and you have a loose tongue when you drink. You're a liability just now. Please, Morgan, I'll pay for a lovely cruise in the Mediterranean if you just leave now." He eyed her suspiciously for a moment before nodding his head. "Good. Now go pack. I'll have Arthur take you to the airport. Once you get back to New York, don't answer the phone. I'll be up to see you before Hallie's wedding and we'll settle on your vacation, all right?"

"I've kept your secret for a long time Gwen. I'm insulted that you would think I would give it up now."

"I'm sorry you feel that way. But the fact remains I have a lot at stake here. If anyone were to find out, it would upset the balance I've finally won after all these years. I'm done fighting with people. Everything is almost as I would wish for them to be. Jamie is here with his family and he's happy. Jude is here and he's happy. Ellen may not be here but at least I know she's happy in California. the only thing missing is James and seeing as how I can't have him back, I think I'll take the children's happiness as compensation. Be a dear and let me have this, Morgan."

"I'll let you have it, Gwen. I would never try to take anything away from you. I know what you've been through...what's happened to you. No one should find out. I only hope sending me away serves your purpose. Isn't that what I am on this planet for anyway?" He muttered, bitterness tainting his remarks. He stood and went to the staircase. I'll be gone by the time you get back," he added dramatically.

Gwen rolled her eyes and left the house. Morgan was a dear friend but he really was an old queen at times. Far too sensitive. This was for the best. Hallie could never find out what had happened so long ago. It would tear Gwen's family apart and she would never allow that. She would die first.

 

Scene 3:

Four Winds. Just hearing the name of her family home made her dread going home again. But home was where she had to go right now, Ellen Mason reminded herself. She owed Hallie that much. She checked into a hotel rather than staying at Four Winds. Too much hassle to stay there, she had told herself. A hotel would be much easier. Actually, it was a bed and breakfast, but who was really going to care whether it was a hotel or not? No one. She chose her B&B for proximity. It was within walking distance of downtown right on the edge of the historical district. Perfect location.

Stepping out into the brisk autumn night, she was reminded though, of how much she loved her hometown. Quiet and peaceful, almost too picturesque, Conlan's Glen was ideal for small town life without the small town. If her mother didn't still live here, Ellen doubted she'd ever leave. She turned down Crown Road and headed into the heart of Conlan's Glen. The leaves were turning bright shades of red and yellow and even some orange. Above her, the sun dipped below the horizon, turning the sky a fabulous shade of pink and purple. If only California looked more like this, she would be happy to stay there.

She took her time, strolling by storefronts and gazing at their window displays. She paused at Tia Rosa's to inspect a unique black cocktail dress with a gather of white roses at the waist displayed in the window. She made a mental note to come back again for a closer look before turning back to her trek to Connie's and Hallie's bridal shower. Marlene's Bakery was at the corner of Crown and Main and if she hadn't dawdled outside of Tia Rosa's, she would have missed him completely. Jory Conlan exited the bakery, just as she hit the front door. Turning a brilliant shade of red, that she prayed he couldn't see in the waning light, Ellen paused long enough to greet him properly.

"Hello, Jory. How are you?" She asked formally. Jory juggled the box in his hands, balancing it quickly, obviously as much surprised by her presence as she was his.

"Ellen. I didn't expect to see you here," he replied. "But then, I guess you would be here for the bridal shower. Is that where you're heading?"

"Yes. I think I'm a little late," she added, glancing at her watch.

"I wouldn't worry about that," Jory answered, suppressing a smile. "Hallie's not even there yet. Well come on, I'm heading there myself. Might as well keep you company." Ellen flushed again, but let him pick up his stride next to her. It was only a block, she reminded herself. Just don't say something stupid. "When did you get into town?" Jory asked, making conversation.

"Oh...last night. I'm staying at a Bed & Breakfast off of Lee Boulevard."

"That's quite a walk. Why not stay at Four Winds? It's probably big enough for one more person," Jory added.

"Long story. So is this cake for the shower?"

"Yes. I was tricked into picking it up. But once it's delivered, you won't see me again. Last place I want to be is at Hallie's bridal shower." The last wasn't meant for her ears, but she picked it up anyway.

"You don't like her do you?" Ellen asked with a grin. "It's okay, I mean, there are a lot of people who think she's self-centered and childish. But Hallie really isn't that bad. A product of the environment, really. It's sad, but you know that House. It makes everyone in it nuts."

"Present company included?"

"Well...yeah to an extent. It's sort of why I'm not there."

"Fair enough," Jory remarked as they hit Connie's. "You wouldn't want to take this cake inside with you, would you? Maura will be happy to see it no matter who brings it. Please? If you do, I'll...I'll buy you lunch. Is it a deal?"

Ellen nodded, relieved that she hadn't made an ass of herself yet again. Jory was a pleasant enough man. Good looking too, she added somewhere in the back of her head. Who knows what could happen? Stop that! "Okay, you know where to find me," she said taking the cake from him. He waved at her before running to a car parked on in front of the building and climbing behind the wheel. Yes, who knew what could happen.

 

Scene 4:

There was a small risk in letting Stephen drive her back to Conlan's Glen. But Hallie wasn't thinking about the risks just now. She was more concerned with the fall foliage and the romantic evening she and Stephen had shared. It was more than likely her last night like that before she married Luke. He was a dear but not a romantic at all. She knew being with Stephen right now was probably a mistake, but she didn't care. She didn't regret a moment of it.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Stephen asked, interrupting her thoughts. She turned back to him, smiling gently.

"I don't think they're worth that much," she replied, taking in his unkempt appearance, the product of a hurried departure. After all, she had to be back for her own bridal shower. Not that she was in much of a mood for it after her disappointing venture to Savannah. "You're awfully quiet too. Thinking about something deep and meaningful?"

"I suppose," he replied, keeping his eyes fastened to the road before him. "I was wondering when you were planning on asking me if I found out your aunt's dirty little secret."

Hallie sighed. She had wondered when he would bring that little issue up. Truth be told, she had avoided the subject out of guilt. She didn't think Stephen would take her challenge seriously, but apparently he had.

"Did you?" She asked giving him a pointed gaze that he ignored.

"Maybe I did," he replied.

"Did you?" Hallie repeated.

"I know you went to see one Isabelle Allen in Savannah. And I also know that the Isabelle you saw was not the real Isabelle Allen."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, you said that Isabelle was a heavy woman with jet black hair and garish make-up, right?" She nodded in reply. "Well, it just so happens, that the real Isabelle has let her hair go gray, is petite and slender and quite a southern lady. Now, it doesn't take a genius to know that she obviously had a stand in for your little meeting. You, yourself, said her information was pitiful. I'd say Isabelle has something to lose as well, should you find out Gwen's secret that is," he added.

Hallie turned his revelation over in her head. It made sense that she was a phony. No acquaintance of Gwen's would be seen as that woman had been. And if she was her phony than the ridiculous story about Gwen being pregnant when she married Uncle James was a phony as well. Of course, Hallie had figured as much on that one. It didn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that Jamie had been born an entire year after their wedding. She chewed her lip, lost in thought. Isabelle had sent someone in her place. Isabelle was afraid of Hallie...as was Gwen. Did Gwen know about her visit to Savannah? Hallie had to assume she did. This was all getting a little more complicated every day.

"Okay, so I didn't meet the infamous Isabelle Allen. What else? Do you know what Gwen is hiding?"

"No, I don't," Stephen replied, his face going stony for a moment before relaxing again. "But I do know that Gwen is sending Morgan Birch away. Apparently he knows the whole story. Whatever her secret is, it happened before she and your uncle even got married."

"Well, you seem to know quite a bit," Hallie said eyeing him suspiciously. He had gotten that from someone close to Gwen and the only person who knew Gwen's plans was... The thought made her turn red with anger. He wouldn't! In a tight, controlled voice, she asked, "How is Maggie anyway?"

"Don't do this Hallie. How does it matter how I got the information? I got it didn't I?" Stephen remarked calmly. Hallie stared at him in disbelief. His affair with Maggie had ruined them the first time and here he was using her again? Unbelievable. "The reason I went to Maggie should be obvious, Hallie. Don't punish me for doing something that will help you."

"Did you sleep with her?" Hallie demanded.

"That isn't any of your business, but no, I did not."

"I don't believe you!" She stormed. She should have known better. Stephen had always tried to play her like a fool. She had tried her best to steer clear of him, but had weakened lately. Well, no more. She would commit herself to Luke from this moment on, she told herself. Stephen had betrayed her for the last time. She turned her head to stare out the window in tense silence. Let him have Maggie Stewart. Who ever wanted such a mealy mouthed wimp like her anyway? She thought Stephen had more taste than that!

"Hallie? Knock it off. Your wounded routine isn't going to work this time. I didn't sleep with Maggie so quit acting self-righteous. Besides, you have no room to judge me. You're the one having an affair on your fiancé. I didn't do anything but take her out to dinner. Okay?"

"Fine," she snapped, twisting in her seat to face him to deliver one last comment. "But you still didn't find out Gwen's secret. I'm afraid that you'll just have to watch as I marry Luke Conlan in three weeks." She smiled, but the smile was bitter and spiteful.

The car came to a lurching stop, brakes squealing on the asphalt. Stephen turned to her, his eyes blazing dangerously. Hallie's heart skipped as his eyes bore into hers. He unbuckled his seat belt and leaned forward into her.

"If you touch me...so help me God, Stephen, I'll scream bloody murder," she told him through clenched teeth.

"Get over yourself," he growled, reaching beyond her to open her door. "Get out."

"What?" She blinked. He couldn't possibly be serious.

"I said get out. I don't need your judgment on me, Hallie. I did what I did to help you. I didn't sleep with her but you are intent on using me as only you can. Well, not this time. You go on and marry Luke Conlan. I won't stop you. But when you're bored with him and want something a little more...interesting, don't bother calling. Now get out." With a slight push from Stephen, her door swung open. She stumbled from the car, too stunned to protest. He pulled the door shut and left her standing by the road to watch him drive away in surprise.

 

On the next Episode of Secret Horizons...

"Yes...but have I got the dirt on her," Morgan replied leaning forward solicitously. "And for once, I don't think I want to keep it to myself. I'm gonna tell you and let you decide what to do with it, Mr. Roth. Because I, for one, am tired of being the only one who knows!"

Episode 61