Part 25:
Out in the hall Shawn catches his breath. Mimi has shown up and comes over too him. She sees the look on his face and say gently, “Shawn? Are you okay?” Shawn shakes his head and says, “You ever feel that there is just only so much you can handle?” Mimi raises an eyebrow and says, “Only every day.” She smiles obviously trying to lift his spirits. It doesn’t work and she asks seriously, “Shawn what happened?” Shawn tells her what went on in the room and Mimi is speechless. She finally stammers out, “Oh my god! You mean… all this time? He wasn’t your father?!” Shawn nods and says, “Yeah.” Mimi is shell shocked and says, “This other guy… do you think…?” Shawn shrugs and says, “I have no idea what to think anymore… I feel like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole or something. I keep thinking I’ll wake up.”
Mimi, takes him to a chair and sits him down. They sit in silence for a moment and Mimi asks, “How’s your mom taking it?” Shawn says, “About as well as you’d think.” Mimi, “I’m… so sorry Shawn. I’m sorry your family is going through this. And I’m sorry that I added to your misery.”
Shawn looks at her and takes her hand he says, “Mimi… You didn’t… okay yeah you did.” He laughs slightly, “But, I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.” Mimi stops him and says, “No… why should you have?” She looks at him and says, “We… we should talk about things… about us. But I know now isn’t the right time.” Shawn sighs and says, “Yes… yes it is. I’d like to have some part of my life not in a state of chaos.” Mimi says with a smile, “I don’t think our troubles will stop being chaotic after just one conversation.” Shawn laughs and says, “No probably not but we need to start having these conversations now.” Mimi nods.
The sit in silence for a moment and then Mimi takes a deep breath says, “I think we should have our marriage annulled.” Shawn is shocked and says, “Mimi! Look… I’m mad okay… very. And I’m hurt. But I don’t think we should jump to extremes yet.” Mimi smiles and says, “Shawn… I love you for saying that but… hear me out. We… rushed this. I had a crush on you for years but never acted on it because of what you and Belle had. And then amazingly I found something just as wonderful… but with Rex. When that fell apart and then you and I started up… It was wonderful Shawn but … We rushed it. I wanted to get back to that point in a relationship where Rex and I were. I didn’t want to start over and take it slow. All of this was subconscious of course but… it’s the truth. Looking back it is obvious. I’m not saying I don’t love you… I do.” She sighs and continues on. “I rushed us and so when I found out about Claire it was like… my whole world was crashing down on me again. I panicked. I’m not trying to excuse what I did. I’m just trying to explain. We didn’t ‘date’ really… I didn’t give myself time to move past Rex and what had happened between he and I. And I didn’t give myself time enough with you to learn to trust you like I should have.”
She finishes and Shawn looks at her and says, “You aren’t the only one at fault here Mimi. I lied too.” Mimi is shocked and says, “What do you mean?” He says guiltily, “I lied about how over Belle I was… or wasn’t. I lied to her about it and to you. I DO love you Mimi, but I wasn’t honest with you about Belle. And… you are right… we BOTH rushed this. You wanted back that same feeling you and Rex had… Well I guess that’s what I was doing too. Trying to regain what I’d lost. But I never lied about how I felt about you.” Mimi smiles with tears in her eyes, “Neither did I.”
Shawn sighs and says, “I… do you WANT to stay married to me?” Mimi looks distraught and says, “I… I do. But if we stay together I want it to be because we love each other and not because we are settling for second best. I don’t want to be Belle’s replacement… and I love and respect you too much to have you be a Rex replacement. Not that you are!” She adds quickly. “I mean…” Shawn smiles and stops her saying, “I understand what you are saying. But listen… I don’t believe in quick marriage and quick divorce… OR annulment. We said ‘I do’ we can’t through that away just because we realize we might have moved to fast. But I agree we need some space… AND some counseling.” He adds with a sarcastic smile.”
Mimi returns the smile and says, “So what do we do then?” Shawn looks serious and says, “We separate. My mom needs me right now… I am thinking I will move back home for awhile, you take the loft, we go to counseling and just take things one day at a time and see how we feel.” He pauses and then says, “Because the thing is Mimi… ‘love’ or not… you have always been my friend. I have always liked you. If I loose my wife… well that’s bad, but I don’t want to loose my friend too… not when I need all the friends I can get right now.” Mimi has tears streaming down her face and says, “Does that mean you forgive me? For lying to you and keeping what I knew about Claire from you?”
Shawn looks at her with compassion and takes her hand and says, “It means I think I will be able too… maybe in time we can forgive each other.” She smiles through her tears and the two hug. She says, “I don’t want to lose my friend either.”
Meanwhile Patrick has caught up with Hope who he finds in the hospital chapel. She is sitting in the front pew staring at the altar. He comes in and sits down behind her and puts a hand on her shoulder and asks, “You okay?” She sniffs and responds, “Yeah.” He says, “I know how you must be feeling...” She interrupts, “Do you? Then could you explain it to me? Because I have no idea what I’m supposed to be feeling or thinking right now.”
Patrick sighs understanding what she is saying, “You’re supposed to be confused, angry, happy, sad… all of it.” He comes around the pew and sits next to her and says, “Hope… you just realized that the man you were married too was not your husband… that all the rage and anger you felt towards him… well it wasn’t even him!”
Hope sighs and says, “Yes… but it is more then that. I did believe he was Bo and… I said goodbye to him. I was moving on.” Patrick says, “Hey… you didn’t know right?” Hope shakes her head and says, “Patrick no this has nothing to do with you. I never thought that I would be able to let go of Bo. But I was. I feel like fate tested me and I failed.”
Patrick looks at her seriously and says, “You did NOT fail. You didn’t betray Bo… deep down I think you knew he wasn’t your husband.” Hope still looking very sad says, “It’s a nice thought Patrick but I can’t help the way I feel.” Patrick sighs and then seeing an in says, “Well you have another chance now… go to Bo… take a leap of faith that he is your husband.” Hope looks at him and says, “No… I can’t. I don’t want to fail Bo again, but I can’t trust myself any more… can’t trust my instincts. I won’t get fooled twice Patrick.”
Patrick sighs and says, “But if you did listen to your heart in this… what would it say? Would it say he is Bo… or isn’t?” Hope looks confused and distraught. She says, “I can’t answer that. I won’t… I’ll wait for the drug and go from there. That’s all I can trust right now.” Patrick says, “Hope… I’m not trying to pressure you but…” Hope snaps standing up, “Yes you are Patrick! You think that by putting he and I back together that you are somehow making up for what happened with you, Clancy and Alma! But we aren’t them Patrick! This is different and this is MY life! MY family! I’m not putting myself and my family through this again! I want PROOF! Not ‘gut feelings’ and ‘instinct’!” She starts to cry again as Patrick sits there in shock at her tongue lashing.
Hope sits back down and says, “I’m sorry Patrick… I didn’t mean to yell at you. You’ve been nothing but supportive.” He says, “Its okay… and maybe you are right… maybe that is part of it. But that isn’t my only reasoning Hope. I just know how much you love Bo Brady, I want to see you happy.” He pauses as they sit in silence for a moment. He then asks, “Do you want me to go get Shawn for you? She says, “I just want to sit here for a moment if that’s okay.” He nods, puts his arm around her and they just sit there in silence together.
Roman and Bo come out of the room talking as Mimi and Shawn look up. They all meet eyes and Shawn and Mimi slowly get up and walk over to Roman and Bo. Shawn obviously very uncomfortable introduces Mimi to Bo, “Um… this is Mimi Lockhart.” Bo shakes Mimi’s hand as she forces a smile obviously not sure how to act or respond just says, “Um… nice to meet you.” Bo smiles and says, “Your brother’s told me about you. I’m glad Shawn found someone so nice… and pretty.” Mimi smiles a little embarrassed. Bo says, “Also… thank you… thanks for what you did to help save Shawn.” Mimi is still just staring at him and we can tell she is just freaked out and stunned that this guy is and Clancy are not the same. She say, “Oh it was my pleasure… I mean.. you’re welcome… I mean…” She sighs in frustration. Bo smiles and says, “Its okay… I know this is a bit odd.” Mimi says, “Odd? Yeah just a little.”
Roman interrupts the uncomfortable intros and asks, “Shawn do you know where your mother went?” Shawn shakes his head and says, “No.” Bo says, “It’s okay I’m sure I can find her.” Shawn gets a serious look that reads ‘why do you want to find my mom.’ Bo notices his expression and says, “Don’t worry… I just wanted to say good night to her before I leave and make sure she’s okay. I won’t upset her I promise.” Shawn’s expression softens and he says, “Okay.”
Bo is about to leave and Roman says, “Oh hey!… Here!” He tosses something to Bo and he catches it. He looks and sees it is keys. Roman says, “Parking garage… Level F. I figure its definitely not Clancy’s so… well beats me having to drive you around.” He smiles and Bo nods with a smile and thanks him.
Bo goes right to the chapel knowing that is where Hope would be. Sure enough she is sitting there with Patrick. Patrick senses someone in the doorway and turns and sees Bo there. He says something inaudible to Hope but we gather it is him excusing himself. He gets up and leaves. He passes Bo in the door and puts a hand on his shoulder and smiles sympathetically and walks away. Bo stands there for a long moment just staring at the back of Hope with a sad look on his face.
After a long moment Hope stands up and turns to leave. She didn’t know he was there and is taken aback to find him standing there. She walks up to him and says, “How long have you been there?” He says, “Just a few minutes.” She nods. He says, “I… I just wanted to make sure you were okay… I mean as okay as you can be. I know what you are feeling.” She gives him a look as if to say ‘yeah right’. But he looks at her seriously and says, “Yes… I do. But no matter what happens… no matter who I am… I want you to know that you shouldn’t feel like you failed here.” Hope looks up at him at this. He continues, “You didn’t fail me… I mean Bo Brady... you didn’t fail your husband.”
Hope summons up her strength and asks, “What makes you think I feel like I did?” Bo says sweetly, “Because that’s how I felt… when I was in your shoes.” Hope clinches her jaw to keep from crying. Bo touches her face gently and leans over and kisses her on the forehead. He says, “Goodnight, Hope.” He smiles reassuringly and turns and leaves. Hope stands there and watches him get into the elevator and leave. She is not moving or wavering but a tear rolls down her cheek… and then her face softens ever so slightly and a hint of a smile emerges.
Back in lobby Mimi and Shawn are talking to Patrick who is still hugging Mimi relieved she is okay. Hope walks up and Shawn goes to her and hugs her asking if she is okay. She nods and tells them she thinks its time they all go home. Shawn pulls his mom aside and says, “Mom… if its okay with you I was thinking I’d move back in for awhile.” Hope is shocked and says, “Well… of course honey you and Mimi are always welcome, but I’ll be okay.” Shawn says, “Well… no it would just be me.” Hope says, “Is something wrong?” Shawn tells her, “No I think it will all be fine but Mimi and I need some space… I’ll explain later… and I want to be with you right now.” Hope hugs him and says, “I’d like that.” Shawn tells her, “I need to go home and pack a bag… Patrick said he can take you home and I’ll meet you there later.” Hope agrees.
They rejoin Patrick and Mimi and Mimi hugs Hope saying she is so glad she is okay and that Patrick’s message worried her. Hope is confused but Patrick smiles and tells her he will explain it later. Hope hugs Mimi back and thanks her for saving her son and her help. Hope then asks how she knew Shawn was in danger.
Mimi and Shawn exchange looks and Mimi explains, “I… I honestly cannot take the credit. It was Chelsea who saved Shawn… saved us both.” She then tells them about
Hope nods understanding and says, “I… I’m not sure what to think about
Hope nods in agreement and asks, “How is she?” Shawn shrugs and says, “Lexi said she survived surgery but that she’s not out of the woods yet.” Patrick says, “Well… if she survives she’s going to wake up to another huge shock.” Shawn says, “So you think she doesn’t know? About Billie and Clancy?” Hope says, “That’s what the files said. If they are true then she really does believe she is Georgia and your sister.” Shawn shakes his head in disbelief and says, “Man… I wouldn’t wish that on anyone… even her.” Hope nods and says, “When I read her file… I couldn’t help but forgetting who she is now… all I saw was an innocent baby being handed over to Tony DiMera… and I kept thinking of my babies… you and Zack…. I…” she trails off and we can understand what she is getting at, that she is feeling sympathy for
Patrick breaks the silence saying, “You know… I think we’ve all dealt with enough sad topic for one night. Come on… I’ll take you home.” He motions to Hope and she agrees. She hugs Shawn and Mimi again and Shawn tells her he will see her in a couple hours.
Patrick drives Hope home and the two walk to the door. There is a light on inside but otherwise it is quiet. Hope says, “Thank you for… for everything.” He says, “Above all else, I’m your friend Hope.” She smiles and unlocks the door and steps inside looking around sadly at the house she and Zack and Shawn and Bo once had. Patrick steps in behind her and she says, “I… I don’t suppose you’d stay… just until Shawn comes back.” She turns to face him and continues, “I just don’t want to be in this house alone.” He smiles and says, “No… I’m not going to stay.” She looks a little surprised and a tad hurt. But he continues to smile and looks behind her towards the kitchen. We hear Julie’s voice saying, “But you wont’ be alone Hope.” Hope turns in shock and sees her Dad and Julie come out of the kitchen.
Tears burst up in Hope as she yells, “Daddy!?!” She runs into their arms and they all hug. She mutters, “What are you doing here?” Doug says, “Shawn called us.” They all hug as Patrick silently leaves smiling at the sight he quietly shuts the door behind him. Outside on the porch he glances back inside at Hope with her parents and says to himself, “Goodbye, Hope Brady.” He smiles to himself with a touch of happiness and a touch of sadness in his face and leaves.
**The next scene is done in with no dialog and only music playing… I was listening to Alanis Morrissette’s “Uninvited” while writing this:**
Bo walks out to the Hospital’s garage and finds parked in the ‘F Section’ his motorcycle. He smiles at its sight and touches it gently. He climbs on and slowly puts his hands on the handles closing his eyes as he does and we can tell he is savoring the familiarity of it.
Next we see him driving through
We then see him stopped on the street next to Shawn’s loft. He can see up towards their window and Shawn and Mimi hug and talk as Shawn is packing. He watches them for a moment and then drives on again.
Bo then drives to his home. He parks and goes to the window and looks inside. He sees Hope sitting next to Doug who is holding Hope and Julie sits in front of her Hope holding her hands as they all talk. Hope has tears running down her face but Bo can tell she is finally letting go of all her stress while in the comforts of her parents arms. He turns away with a sad look and goes back to his bike.
He drives to the boat and stops looking at it. But he then changes his mind and drives on. It is unclear where he is going but he stops finally and takes off on foot. We then realize where he is… he is at the graveyard. He stops after a moment of searching and looks down at a tiny head stone that is covered in flowers. It is Zack’s grave. Bo stares at it with wet eyes. He kneels down in front of it and says sadly, “I’m a stranger… and outcast in my own home town. I can’t talk to my wife, to Shawn, or even my parents… I don’t even know if you are my son… but somehow I thought you would understand… I needed someone to talk too… and so I guess you’re it little guy.”
The music builds back up and the camera pulls away as Bo sits there at the grave of Zack and bears his sole.
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