Part 28:

Salem Hospital:

It is a new Day in Salem. Patrick walks into the Hospital lobby to see Roman there. He asks him what bring him to the hospital and Roman says, “I came with the ISA. After they are done with Clancy he’ll be released in my charge until all his paperwork goes through.” Patrick questions, “Paperwork?” Roman, “Amnesty in exchange for his full cooperation.” Patrick says, “Ah. That’s good to hear then. So I take it they’ve done the procedure on his face?” Roman nods and says, “Yeah, last night actually. He was pretty red and swollen afterwards but I must admit… was very amazing. Felt like something out of a sci-fi show.” Patrick says, “Yeah… scary if ya ask me. And it is going to be weird to see him… as him again.”

Roman sighs and says, “Yeah. So… I was here for Clancy but I was hoping to run into you. There is something I wanted to warn you about.” Patrick looks concerned and says, “Oh?” Roman says, “Yeah… Billie…. She made bail.” Patrick’s face drops he looks towards the door to Clancy’s room and mutters, “Damn… this isn’t going to be pretty.” Roman shakes his head and says, “No… I didn’t think it would be. I know there is no way for them not to cross paths but I just thought… maybe you could try and talk to Clancy? Get him to stay calm about it.” Patrick asks, “You don’t agree he has a right to be angry?” Roman says emphatically, “No no… I absolutely understand! But Clancy ripping her apart isn’t going to change anything or do anyone any good.” Patrick sighs and says, “Yeah I know… sorry. I just can’t help thinking about how different everyone’s lives would be if Billie had not handed Chelsea over to the DiMeras. Clancy’s entitled to his anger.”

Roman looks at Patrick with a raised eyebrow and says, “Lots of people in this town have a right to be mad at someone… part of the problem is we all seem to act on that right.” Patrick nods and says, “Yeah… guess you are right on that one.” Before either can say more the door to Clancy’s room opens and Clancy (with HIS face) walks out with two ISA agents who look more like the Men In Black following behind him. They go over to Roman and Patrick. Patrick is stunned to see his friend’s face again. One of the agents hands Roman a file and says, “We here by transfer custody of the subject to you. We will be in touch when he can be released from you charge.” He nods curtly and they both exit. Clancy watches them leave and then gives a half smile and says, “Those two could bore for the Olympics!” Roman chuckles and says, “Oooh yeah!”

Roman tells Clancy his limitations, “So you will have to stay with me until the paperwork is processed. You’ll also need to report to me your whereabouts. I’m sorry for this but… rules are rules.” Clancy says, “No it’s okay. I really appreciate all you’ve done.” Roman says, “No problem. Well… I’ll let you two talk. Clancy I guess you know how to get to my place so just let me know if you need a ride.” Clancy says, “Thanks, but I think a good walk is just what I need after being cooped up here.” Roman smiles and nods and then giving Patrick a knowing look, he leaves.

Patrick turns to Clancy and says, “Its… good to see you again.” Clancy says, “Don’t you mean ‘weird to see me again’?” Patrick laughs and says, “Yeah… that too.” Patrick sighs and then says, “Okay… look I think you should know something…” Lexi walks up before he can finish and says, “Hi! I’m so glad to see you up and around! I’m sure you are anxious to see Chelsea. She’s not awake yet but I wanted you to know that she is healing wonderfully and should make a full recovery. You can go see her whenever you’d like.” Clancy is thrilled and says, “Sorry Patrick… do you mind holding that thought for a bit?” Patrick we can tell really wanted to get it over with but understanding Clancy’s need to see his daughter says, “Yeah… that’s fine. I’ll catch up with you later.” Clancy thanks him and takes off to see Chelsea.

Chelsea’s Room:

Chelsea is laying there unconscious as Clancy enters. He looks down at her and his eyes fill with tears. He pulls up a chair and takes her hand. He gains his composure and says, “I wish you were awake… we have so much to talk about. But… I also dread what you will wake up too. I wish I could make this easier on you. I… I promise you Chelsea… whatever damage they’ve done to you… we’ll make it right. We’ll get through this.” He puts his hand on her face and kisses her forehead. We can really feel that this man loves his daughter and wants to help her.

He goes to leave and we see Chelsea’s eye’s flutter and she moans a little but does not fully awake.

Clancy closing the door gently behind him he turns to find Billie standing there. She exclaims, “Clancy?!” obviously shocked to see his face back. He says coldly, “What the hell are you doing here?” She says, “I… why do you think I am here? I made bail and I’m here to see my daughter.” She moves to go in Chelsea’s room but Clancy blocks her way. He snaps loudly, “You will go no where near MY daughter ever again!” Billie physically takes a step back. She says, “You can’t keep me from her, Clancy. I am her mot…” He cuts her off taking a step towards her menacingly, “NO! You relinquished your ‘motherhood’ to her, REMEMBER!? You handed her off and washed your hands of her. You are no mother.”

Billie’s face is now growing red as she yells back, “I have tried to find her every day of my life since I gave her up! I gave birth to her! She needs me! How dare you try and…” Clancy yells back again, “How dare I!??! How dare I what? Keep you away from her? How dare YOU Billie! You STOLE my child from me! You kept her from me all these years! If you really wanted to find her you would have come to me, asked me to help you. You knew I had connections to Tony… knew I would have done anything to find her!”

The two are starting to draw attention from the people around and we see a nurse pick up the phone in the background obviously calling for help. Billie yells back, “YOU left me! Why would I have thought I could come to you!?” Clancy is furious now, “BECAUSE SHE WAS MY DAUGHTER!!! I didn’t leave you because I stopped loving you! I left because I realized you never loved me! You were using me all along to fulfill your sick fantasy. And when I would have none of it, I left! Don’t you DARE try and turn this into my abandoning you and leaving you with no choice! You did this! You created this entire nightmare! She is MY daughter… you had your chance with her and see what you did!? You stay away from her or you will regret it … dearly.” Billie looks terrified.

Just then Lexi and Patrick coming running over and break Billie and Clancy up. Lexi yells, “That’s enough! Both of you! What on earth do you think you are doing?! This is a hospital for goodness sake!” Patrick pulls Billie back a few feet as Lexi steps between the two. She says, “Listen… I understand you both have some issues that need to be worked out but this is NOT the place OR the time. Chelsea… she may be unconscious but she can hear… do you really want her hearing you two fighting?!” Billie and Clancy both look down obviously embarrassed by their actions. Lexi sighs and says, “Good.”

Billie looks up and says, “Lexi… Please… I just want to see my daughter. She needs me.” Clancy scoffs and says coldly but calmly, “You think she will want anything to do with you after she wakes up? She’s going to find out the truth Billie and when she does… she will turn you away.” Billie gulps knowing he is speaking her biggest fear. She responds but her tone is obvious that she herself doesn’t even believe what she is saying, “Chelsea will understand in time.” Clancy says, “I doubt it. And I won’t let you alone with her to pollute her any more then you have.” Billie opens her mouth to respond but Patrick speaks first he says, “Clancy… I agree with you but… you can’t physically keep Billie from ever seeing Chelsea.” Clancy says, “Oh? Billie signed adoption papers… she gave up her rights to Chelsea. I however… did not. Check the law… The only LEGAL parent in the room is me.”

They all stand there in silence for a moment and Lexi sighs and says, “He is right.” Clancy stares at Billie smugly. Lexi pulls Clancy aside and says slowly, “Clancy… I… I am on your side in this and legally you may be right but… as Chelsea’s doctor I must encourage you to rethink.” Clancy looks at her curiously. She continues, “Chelsea doesn’t know the truth… but I do think she can hear us when we speak to her. Despite what the truth is, at THIS point what Chelsea needs more then any medicine is to hear familiar voices. Billie is right… Chelsea DOES need her right now. If you ever want your daughter to wake up this is the best medicine I can think of for her.”

Clancy looks distraught and we can feel his internal struggle. Finally he sighs and says, “Okay. BUT, not alone… I don’t want her alone with Chelsea.” Lexi smiles comfortingly and says, “Of course.”

Salem Cemetery:

Hope is arriving with flowers in hand. She walks to Zack’s grave. She clears off the leaves and brush around it and places the flowers down. She stands staring teary eyed at his stone. She kneels and says a prayer and then opening her eyes she stands. She goes to leave but takes one of the flowers from Zack’s grave and smells it and hugs it close to hear heart as a tear rolls down her check. She starts to leave walking through the cemetery. Something catches her eye and she stops. She turns and walks a few feet towards another grave. She looks down at it and we see that it is Georgia’s grave.

Hope exhales and kneels down to the grave that is badly overgrown. She clears it off and places the rose on it. She looks at it for a long moment… she doesn’t say anything… she doesn’t have to. We can tell by her look what she is thinking. She mutters quietly, “Rest in peace, Georgia.” She wipes her eyes and turns to leave. But before she can go she hears something behind her. She turns and there is Zack a mist fills the scene and we can tell that Zack’s spirit is visiting her.

He steps toward her smiling and morphs into an older version of himself around Shawn’s age. She stands there in stunned silence. He says, “I thought this might be easier… if I looked a little older. I need to tell you something mom… ask something of you.” She is on the verge of tears and mutters, “Anything, baby.” He smiles and says, “I need you to stop being angry.”

She blinks slowly as tears flow down her face. She says, “But I’m not angry” He smiles and says, “Mom… I can see your heart. You put on a brave face but you are filled with anger. And you have every right to be. You’re angry I’m gone, angry at Chelsea, angry at what’s happening with Clancy and Bo. You’re angry at Billie, angry at whoever is behind all this. But most of all you’re angry at yourself.” Hope cries, “But how can I not be?! You are gone… my baby is gone. My husband was stolen from me. How can I not be angry?” She sobs. Zack walks to her and lifts her face from her hands he leans in close to hers and looking deeply in her eyes says, “Because anger solves nothing. My death was an accident, it wasn’t Chelsea’s fault, or Clancy’s… or your’s. I know you blame yourself more then anyone. But mom… hating yourself… hating them… it won’t bring me back.” He pauses to make sure she is listening and says, “You are a good mother… a good person. You love intensely, hurt intensely, and blame yourself when you can’t protect those you love. But you are holding on to tight… you have to trust your feelings trust yourself. You have to forgive.” Hope gasps from her tears, “How? How can I forgive Chelsea? Clancy… the pain is still there… the hurt but I can forgive him. But Chelsea… she was behind the wheel… no matter what has changed, she killed you. Accident or not… how can I forgive that?” Zack smiles lovely at her and says,  “Love and Compassion… those are the two lessons you taught me.”

Hope sobs uncontrollably as Zack smiles gently at her. He hugs her and the camera pans back as we see Hope and Zack are kneeling on the ground now holding each other. Hope mutters, “I love you. I miss you, Zack.” He says, “I’m always with you mom.” As they release each other we see he is now little Zack again. He smiles to her and turns and walks away. Hope stops him asking, “Zack… is he… is he really Bo?” Zack smiles and says, “You’re the only one who can answer that.” He turns and disappears.

A long moment passes and Hope kneels there on the ground staring after where Zack was. The mist clears and Hope is alone in the graveyard once again. But then she hears a voice behind her say, “Hope? Are you okay, dear?” She stand up startled and turns to see Caroline standing there. Hope wipes her eyes quickly and tries to regain her composure. But it is pointless. Caroline comes to her and hugs her. After a long moment they separate and Hope says, “thank you.” Caroline smiles and says, “I can’t begin to imagine how you are feeling. No parent should outlive their child.” Hope nods sadly.

Hope says, “I…I’m sorry I’ve not come to see you. I know Roman told you all that had happened but I should have talked to you myself.” Caroline waves it off and says, “Hope. Please, you don’t have to apologize I understand. But… I have to ask you… why is Bo not staying at home with you?”

Hope sighs and says, “Because we don’t know if he really is Bo … and I can’t put my family at risk until I know for sure.” As she says this we can tell she is thinking about what she and Zack talked about but the words come out of her anyway, almost as if she’s just use to saying them.

Caroline nods but says, “But Hope… he IS Bo. You do believe that don’t you?” Hope looks uncomfortable and says, “I… I don’t know what to believe any more, Caroline.”

Caroline says, “I… I don’t want to make things harder on you Hope. But think of this… if he is your husband then you two have lost five years! Don’t waste another day. You… better then anyone, understands what it is like to come home and have the person you love not believe you are who you KNOW yourself to be.” Hope looks at her with sad and guilty eyes and says, “I know… I’ve thought of nothing else. But I can’t… I just can’t… not yet.”

Caroline nods sadly and touches Hope on the shoulders and says, “You are more then just a daughter-in-law to me, Hope. I love you and I know you. When the time comes… you will know and I know you will do what’s right. No two people have ever loved each other more then you and my son.” She kisses Hope on the forehead. Hope opens her mouth to speak just as her cell phone rings. She doesn’t lung for it but just sighs and closes her eyes obviously annoyed at its ringing. She says, “This couldn’t possibly be anything good.” Caroline gives her a sympathetic smile.

Hope answers her phone with an apologetic look to Caroline. It is Lexi she says, “Hope! Chelsea… she’s awake!” Hope looks up at Caroline and says, “I’ll be right there.” And as the camera pans away we see Mason… lurking behind a tree out of sight, he obviously has been watching them this entire time.

Salem Hospital:

Patrick is physically restraining an irate Billie who is yelling at Lexi for not allowing her back in with Chelsea. We gather from her dialog that she was in the room with Clancy when Chelsea started to come too. Lexi ushered them both out to check Chelsea’s vitals and keep her from witnessing another fight. Lexi is trying to explain to Billie but Billie is not hearing any of it.

Patrick finally yells at Billie, “STOP IT! Billie stop it now or I’m calling Roman and I doubt this that is really what you want seeing as you haven’t been out on bail even 24 hours yet. So CALM DOWN!” Billie stops struggling and takes a deep breath she says as calmly as she can, “I… I just want to explain to her…” Patrick says, “We know.” But his look says it all…. Clancy won’t let her anywhere near Chelsea until he’s spoken with her first. Billie sits down defeated.

Hope shows up with Caroline. She thanks her for the ride there and Caroline says sweetly, “Are you sure you want to be here?” Hope hugs her and says, “Yes. Chelsea and I need to speak.” Caroline nods understandingly. Hope walks over to the others and we see Caroline go to a phone and make a call we hear her say, “I think you should come to the hospital.”

Hope joins the others and we see again Mason in the background watching and listening to the group, he obviously followed Hope there. Once Billie sees Hope she instantly jumps up and says, “What is she doing here?!” Clancy steps up and says, “I asked Lexi to call her. She and I are going to talk to Chelsea.” Hope glances at him surprised and he explains, “She won’t know me… not with this face… and she’ll believe it from you.” Hope says, “I don’t know… she may think it is some sort of revenge of mine.” Clancy shakes his head, “I don’t think she will but if you’d rather not, I understand.” Hope says quickly, “No…. Chelsea and I have unfinished business anyway.”

Billie says, “No! You two will just turn her against me!” Hope steps up to Billie and says, “No, Billie… I will tell her the truth… I will tell her what we learned. If she turns against you… that was your own doing.” Billie says, “I want to see my…” Clancy says, “Oh you will. You won’t get out of this without explaining yourself to her. But you aren’t going to dig your claws in deeper.” Lexi says, “Okay that’s enough. Billie… as I was trying to tell you before, this wasn’t Clancy’s call or even mine… Chelsea asked for Hope.” Hope is shocked and says, “She did?” Lexi nods, “She said she needed to talk to you. She wouldn’t tell me why.”

Chelsea’s Room:

Chelsea is sitting up in her bed staring out the window. The door opens and she turns to see Hope walk through the door. Their eyes meet and lock for a moment. Both of their expressions are motionless for a long moment. Chelsea finally says, “Hope.” She gingerly struggles to sit up a little better in her bed and winces in pain. Hope moves into the room followed by Clancy. Chelsea sees him and looks confused as to who he is and why this stranger is with Hope. There is a long moment of silence, Hope sits down by Chelsea and says, “Hello Chelsea… we have a lot we need to talk about.”