Part 26:

The Fancy Face II:

Bo is on the boat staring out at the water. He doesn’t look like he got much sleep. He hears behind him Victor’s voice say, “Bo?” Bo turns around a little surprised to see him and says, “Hi… didn’t hear you coming.” He looks a little uncomfortable and we gather he is wondering if Victor knows exactly who he is. He says, “So… what brings you here?” Victor smiles and is staring at him from head to toe and says, “Caroline called me at 2am last night… she told me Roman had just left after telling her something she thought I should hear about.”

Bo sighs in relief that Victor knows and says, “Yeah… its been one hell of a few days.” Victor steps onto the boat and joins Bo. He looks at him scrutinizing and says, “You look like my son, sound like him.” Bo says, “I am.” Victor says, “And yet you are here and not with Hope and Shawn?” Bo sighs dejectedly and says, “Well… she… and everyone for that matter have a lot of good reasons to doubt me. Heck I’m not even sure I am who I believe I am.”

Victor squints and says, “Oh?” Bo continues, “No I believe in my gut I am Bo… but you didn’t see that guy yesterday… Clancy. He… he really believed he was me… I mean Bo too. He was devastated and… I just… I know who I am but I have no proof so for the safety of my family I’m giving Hope the space she needs. Clancy… he tried to kill Shawn and didn’t even know it. I love Hope and Shawn and if there is even the slightest chance that I have some hidden programming that will make me hurt them…. Well I can’t risk that and I understand why Hope can’t either.”

Victor looks at him for a moment and says slightly sarcastic, “How noble.” Bo turns and looking at him accusatorily says, “You have a different opinion you’d like too share, Victor?” Victor shrugs and says, “No, not at all… Hope and Shawn are my family too. I would never want them harmed. But… my son would not sit here and wait for miracle drugs to find out who he is and regain his family. He would act.” He looks at Bo and the corner of his mouth turns up ever so slightly to form a sly smile. Bo exhales in a slight laugh and says, “Yeah...”

Victor walks back and disembarks he says without looking back, “When you have time we should talk more in-depth about your ordeal. I’m glad you are back… son.” Bo smiles at him as he returns to his car and leaves.

Brady House:

Hope is in the kitchen having coffee as Shawn comes in obviously just having gotten up. He sits down with Hope at the table. She touches his hand and thanks him for being there. He asks where Julie and Doug are and she laughs, “Still asleep… I think I talked them to death last night.” Shawn says, “Well that’s what parents are for.” Hope smiles and looking at him seriously says, “Yes it is… so why don’t you tell me what’s going on with you and Mimi now?”

Shawn sighs and says, “I don’t know if I have the strength.” Hope raises an eye brow and says, “Find it. I can tell you are a wreck.” Shawn pauses for a long moment looking at his own cup of coffee and finally says, “Mimi… she… she found out that… well she THINKS that… that there is a chance that Claire could be my daughter.” He laughs a little at the end as if to emphasis how insane an idea that is. But Hope does not laugh; she looks at him seriously for a long moment and then implying the obvious question of if Shawn and Belle had an affair asks, “Shawn… is there REASON to believe Claire could be yours?”

Shawn exclaims, “Mom!” Hope says calmly, “I know how much you and Belle once loved each other and so no it is a reasonable question. But if you and Belle did then… well, Honey… we need to have a talk because no matter what you two may feel for each other Belle is Philip’s wife.” Shawn says quickly obviously uncomfortable about talking about sex with his mom, “We didn’t!” Hope asks, “Well then why… or how does Mimi figure this?”

Shawn fills her in on the entire store. Hope asks, “And do you suppose Mimi could be right… that you and Belle did..?” Shawn says too quickly, “No!” Hope gives him a look and Shawn says, “Well… maybe… I don’t know… I mean I have a faint memory but I thought it was a dream. And even if we did, that alone doesn’t mean Claire is mine.” Hope says, “But there is a chance… and that’s enough.” Shawn says, “I suppose… but there is nothing we can do about it till the DNA test is back.”

Hope asks calmly, “And what if she is yours? What will you do?” Shawn says too quickly, “Nothing! I mean of course I will be in her life and want her to know but… I can’t take her away from Philip.” Hope says, “Honey, listen… stop reacting so quickly and think for a moment. If Claire is your daughter do you understand what that means?” Shawn looks at her with confusion on his face. She continues gently but with emphasis, “It means you are a father… that you have a baby.” She pauses and smiles at him continuing, “Of course you would not take her away from Philip OR Belle… but you need to stop and let that thought sink in for a moment… you could be a father. And if you are… then you are… there is no CHOICE involved at this point. As hard as it may be for you, Mimi, Philip, Belle, and even Claire… changes will have to take place. You need to realize that nothing you can do will stop that. You can’t bury your head in the sand and wish for things to stay the same. I understand how you are feeling but denying how you would really feel about this will only hurt you in the long run. You need to be honest with yourself and stop trying to keep things from changing just because it will be difficult.”

Shawn sits there for a moment and we can tell this is the first time he has really stopped to think and let the possibility of it sink in. Hope touches his hand and he looks up at her. He says, “If she is mine… I… I must admit that would be kinda great.”

Hope smiles and says, “Did you know that when I first realized that it was possible JT wasn’t mine and Zack was that my first response was to deny it and say that even if he was that I would not take him from Abe and Lexi?” Shawn looks at her shocked. She answers his look with sad nod and says, “It’s true. I think back to that and am ashamed of myself… but I know now that I didn’t say that because I didn’t want Zack… I said it because I was scared of what it would mean, and how all our lives would be turned upside down. I didn’t want to lose JT and I didn’t want to hurt Abe and Lexi. But you can’t deny love for your kids… I realized that and you will too. If Claire is yours… you won’t be able to keep yourself from being her father.”

Shawn looks down at the table lost in thought. He says, “I… if she is my daughter… I want to be with her. But… how… what would that do to Philip and Belle? And what about Mimi?” Hope says sympathetically, “All of you would work it out. You wouldn’t be the first people in the world to have a kid from another relationship… or even from an affair… purposefully or not,” She adds quickly seeing him about to argue the ‘affair’ point. She continues, “But you are not responsible for Philip and Belle. They will need to figure out how this will affect them for themselves. Don’t take on more then your share of the burden, Shawn. You and Philip are family, and friends. I’m sure you two can both agree to be a part of Claire’s life. But Philip and Belle’s marriage… that isn’t your affair.”

Shawn says, “But I don’t want to be the reason they split up.” Hope says, “That may not be up to you. Your focus would need to be on Claire’s well being… AND on your own marriage. Let Philip and Belle worry about Philip and Belle.”

Shawn nods and they sit in silence for a moment then Hope asks, “So… how are things with you and Mimi now?” Shawn says, “I’m hurt she didn’t trust me, I’m angry at her for keeping this secret for so long… even if she is wrong she should have told me sooner. But… I understand now why she didn’t…don’t agree with it but I understand. And, I do love her. We’re going to go to counseling and take some time. We… we both admitted something yesterday to each other… that we both still have feelings for others. Part of me still loves Belle and part of Mimi still loves Rex.”

Hope touches Shawn’s face motheringly. She says, “I’m glad you two are being mature about this.” She pauses and then sighs asking carefully, “But…I hate to ask this but… if you and Mimi do split up and Philip does leave Belle… would you…?” Shawn cuts her off shaking his head and says firmly, “No! No way. I’m don with Belle! She… she was happy when I told her about what Mimi said about Claire! She chose to marry Philip… chose to stay with him, she pushed me away and then the moment I try to move on she tries to pull me back! And she made it pretty clear that if Claire was mine she would leave Philip in a heartbeat! HOW could I possibly be with someone like that?! No! The Belle I knew and loved is gone!”

He is visibly angry but Hope looks at him with a raised eyebrow and a disapproving look. She says lovely but very firmly, “Now you listen to me young man. Before you go getting all judgmental on Belle you think back to a certain person who crashed into a church to try and stop Belle from marrying Philip. You think back to all the things you did to try and fight for her. AND you think back to what you just told me about both you and Mimi still having feelings for your old flames. You are in no position to be so judgmental, young man!” Shawn is taken aback but doesn’t respond and just sits down taking in what Hope said.

Hope says, “Honey… there is something you need to learn about life and love. The fairytales don’t always go the way we think they will. Yes… I do believe that we all have a ‘soul mate’ or a ‘love of our life’… but that doesn’t mean that it is impossible to feel love… to be ‘in love’ with more then one person. You father he… there was a time when he loved two women.” Shawn snarls at the thought of Billie and begins to protest but Hope stops him and says, “I know how you feel about Billie now you KNOW I agree with you, but you know better then anyone that the Billie we know now is not the same one your father fell in love with years ago. In fact I remember you cared for her too.” Shawn drops his eyes knowing his mom is right. Hope continues, “I know I am the love of your father’s life. I do not doubt that. But, he loved Billie too… he loved us both. So, don’t be so hard on Belle… you and her didn’t choose to part ways, she lost you and was very attached to the future you two had planed. AND, she has had one heck of a difficult year. I don’t doubt she loves Philip… but I also know you were the love of her life… it isn’t easy to let go. I’m not excusing what she’s said or done… I’m just saying that before you start passing judgment on her… try and understand what she’s going through, and try and remember you aren’t guilt free in this either.”

Shawn looks guilty and says with a sigh, “You’re right mom…. You’re right.” She smiles at him with sympathy and pride and says, “Shawn, you are a good man… I’m proud of you. Mistakes and all your heart is in the right place.” He smiles at her and says, “I just want everyone to be happy, Mom… Mimi and I, Philip and Belle… You and…” They both pause at the thought of Bo. Hope changes the subject back to Shawn and says, “I never made a secret of the fact that I had always been rooting for you and Belle… but Mimi…she is a very special girl Shawn. She loves you and is, despite her errors, a good person. I love her like a daughter. I hope you two do work things out. She’s been through a lot too… you both have, and you both deserve to be happy.”

Shawn and his mom hug and he says, “Thanks mom… I… I know things kinda suck at the moment but… I’m so glad you are home.” Hope kisses him on the cheek and sniff saying, “Me too.”

The phone rings and it is Lexi. She tells Hope that Clancy is awake and asking to speak with her. Hope says she will come right down. Shawn asks if she wants him to go with her and she says no that she will be fine and that she and Clancy need to talk alone.

Salem Hospital:

Lexi hangs up from talking to Hope and turns to find Bo standing there. She says a bit uncomfortable, “B..Bo… how are you?” Bo says, “I have a favor I need to ask you.” Lexi looks suspicious and asks hesitantly, “Okay?”

Bo asks, “I want you to find out if I was Zack’s father.” Lexi sighs and says, “Bo… you know that won’t be enough proof for Hope. She wants the drug.” Bo interrupts and says, “I know I know… and I do too. But this is for me… I need to know if that is my son buried out there.” Lexi looks at him with tears in her eyes and says, “You need to understand something. Hope…she’s… none of us are done grieving for Zack yet.”

Bo can tell she’s more upset then she should be and asks, “Were you… close with him?” Lexi says, “I was his mother… for a time. It is a long story but Stefano, he switched Zack with the child I was supposed to adopt.” Bo says with realization “Theo… I saw it on his gravestone and wondered… that explains it.” Lexi nods, “It was hardest on Hope and you… I mean Clancy and Hope loosing him… but his death hurt us all. I know Hope wants to know if you are his father too but I think right now it would only make the pain worse for her.” Bo says, “I don’t want to keep secrets from her but I need to know this, Lexi…. Please… I hate asking you but I need this.” Lexi looks at him and can see the pleading in his eyes. She gives in and says, “I know… and I understand. I’ll do the test but it will take some time… there’s no guaranty it will be finished before the drug is.” Bo says, “Thank you.”

Marlena and John’s:

Shawn shows up at the Black’s House and hesitates before knocking not sure if he should really be there but he finally musters up his strength and knocks. Marlena opens the door and is surprised to find him there. She asks if he is alright saying she heard about what happened and is glad he is okay. He thanks her and asks if Philip and Belle are here. She tells him Philip is out but Belle and Claire are. She lets him in and asks him to watch Claire while she goes to tell Belle he is there. Belle is upstairs and Marlena goes to get her, leaving Shawn alone in the living room with Claire who is playing on a playmate on the floor.

Shawn goes over and picks up Claire and looks at her smiling. He says to her, “Hey… hey there. How are you? I’ve missed you.” She looks up at him and is smiling and playing with his face. He says, “Listen… I want to tell you something… you are the most beautiful little girl in the entire world. And you are loved… yes you are. So many people love you. Your mom and… dad. Your aunt Mimi and I. Everyone loves you. No matter what happens you have to know that.” He smiles and rubs noses with her. “I don’t need to be your father to know how special you are, Claire. And I can’t imagine loving you more then I already do. No matter what I want to make you a promise okay? I promise to always be there for you. You hear me, Princess? I’m going to be in your life… in your face drivin you nuts and keeping all the boys away from you all the days of your life.” She is giggling at him and squirming as he says this. He is laughing at her behavior and we can tell in his eyes how much she means to him. He says, “Just promise me you won’t date any guys with motorcycles okay?”

He hears a laugh behind him and turns to see Belle standing there at the foot of the stairs smiling. She has obviously been listening to most of their conversation. He turns and says, “Hi. Sorry… Claire and I were just talking.” Belle comes over and says smiling, “So I see… but you know… there isn’t anything wrong with guys with motorcycles.” Shawn raises and eyebrow and says jokingly, “Ha! Well we’ll see about that.” They both smile and Shawn puts Claire down on her mat.

Belle asks, “How are you? I heard about what happened. My god… what your mom must be going through… what you all must be going through!” Shawn nods and says, “Yeah it is pretty… unreal to say the least.”

They pause in awkward silence for a moment then Belle says, “So… how are you and Mimi?” Shawn says pointedly, “We will be fine. We’re going to go to counseling.” Belle looks a little surprised but trying hard to not show emotion says, “So she’s not staying with her mom any more then?” Shawn says, “Belle… I’m not going to leave my wife because she made a mistake or because I may have a daughter with another woman.” Belle tries to clarify, “I just meant… was just wondering if she moved back into the loft.”

Shawn gives her a ‘yeah right’ look but sighs and says, “She’s staying at the loft and I’m staying with my mom to help her through this… thing.” Belle nods trying to stay stoic.

In the hall we see Philip returning home. He is about to open the door when he hears Shawn’s voice. He pauses and puts his ear to the door. He does not look happy that Shawn is there with Belle.

Shawn says, “Listen… I… I know how you’d like this too work. And I understand. After all I did…trying to break up you and Philip before… I… I guess I can’t really blame you. And… I’m sorry… I’m sorry for how I interfered. But we have to stop living in a dream Belle. Claire’s paternity doesn’t change who we both CHOSE to marry.”

Belle says, “But what if you are her father?” Shawn says, “Then I’ll be her father. But I will still be Mimi’s husband and you will still be Philip’s wife. We took vows, Belle… and… I think we took them for a reason. I won’t deny it any more that I still love you… that I will always love you. But, I love Mimi too.” Belle nods a little sadly. Shawn looks at her sympathetically and asks slowly, “Belle… why did you marry Philip?”

Belle is silent for a moment and she looks up at him and says, “I… its complicated. I was hurt and angry at you. I felt I’d lost you. Philip… he was so wonderful to me. But I don’t think I married him for love. I married him because I liked him and he was… a comfort. But then… after all we went through… his being kidnapped, injured, Claire almost dying… I… I realized that I did love him… that I DO love him.”

Philip’s eyes soften as he listens to her talk.

She continues, “It just felt so different from what we had that I… its like I didn’t recognize it at first. I think about you and I and the possibility of us being a family with Claire and… I can’t deny how that makes me feel, Shawn! But then I think of my life without Philip… when he said he wanted a divorce I… I was devastated. God how pathetic do I sound!” She turns away, covering her eyes with her hands.

Shawn sighs and says gently, “Belle you’re not pathetic… we’re all in the same boat. You, me, Mimi, even Philip loved someone else.” Belle sniffs and turns to face him and says, “I don’t know what I want anymore Shawn. I… I love you. I can’t let go of what we had… but I love Philip too… I feel so stupid. I thought….” She pauses and Shawn finishes her sentence, “You thought people couldn’t love more then one person right?” Belle nods.

Shawn says, “So did I but I’m starting to realize maybe that’s not always the case. Maybe you and I were meant to be… were soul mates…. I don’t know. All I know is that I love you, and I love Mimi… and of course I love Claire.” He smiles. “If Claire is my daughter then we well all work through that. But I’m going to try and make my marriage work. And… as much as it hurts to see you with someone else… Philip is a good man and he loves you very much, and you love him. I hope you two can work things out as well.”

Belle nods but still looks slightly sad.

Philip comes in and they turn from each other to great him. He looks odd after hearing their conversation but doesn’t let on he heard. He says to Shawn, “Hey… heard what happened… I’m glad you’re okay. I was just at my Dad’s, guess he seems to think this new guy is the real Bo.” Shawn says, “Oh?” Philip says, “He didn’t say so but I got that feeling from him.” They continue on talking like this for a few moments but the vibe in the room is obvious that they are just filling the time to avoid the real conversation at hand.

After they have exhausted retelling all that happened with Bo and Hope they fall into an awkward silence. Shawn says after a long moment, “Um… listen I had came to talk to both of you but… I’ve already been here too long and I need to get back to my mom. I… I just wanted to say to you Philip that… I never, we never (he motions to Belle)… none of this was intentional. I just want you to know that. And to know that Mimi and I are going to be working through this and that… well that I hope you two can as well.”

Philip just stands there listening. Shawn continues, “Well… I think I should leave you two alone. I’ll let myself out.” Philip nods politely as does Belle. They exchange goodbyes. Shawn pats Claire on the head and leaves.

Philip watches as Shawn shuts the door. Belle asks to Philip’s back, “So can we? Do you think we can work through this?” Philip turns to meet Belle’s question and says, “First tell me… if Shawn came here and told you he was leaving Mimi and wanted you back… would you still be asking me that? Would you still be asking me if you and I can work things out?”

Belle is surprised and doesn’t answer. She stands there for a moment mouth a gap and stammers. Then she sighs and her eyes cast downward. Philip gives a sad look and says, “Well… guess that answers that. I love you Belle and I… I don’t mind being your second love… but I do mind being your second choice.” He picks up Claire and turns sadly from Belle and goes into the other room. Belle closes her eyes looking deeply saddened.