Part 29:

 

Chelsea’s Room Salem Hospital:

 

Chelsea looks from Hope to Clancy. She looks very confused and very nervous. She says slowly, “Hope. I’m glad you came. Lexi told me that everyone survived my dad’s attack but she wouldn’t give me details. I… I must talk to you…” Her eyes flicker to Clancy, “… in private.”

 

Hope sits down and says calmly, “Chelsea, this is Clancy. I will tell you who he is later but I assure you, you can trust him.” Chelsea hesitates but seeing that Hope obviously isn’t going to make Clancy leave she resigns herself to speaking in front of him.

 

She says nervously, “Hope… you are in great danger. There are some very bad people… very powerful people trying to get to you.” Hope’s eyes narrow and she asks pointedly, “Who?” Chelsea says, “I have to confess something to you first and you need to know that once I do… I’m dead. They will come and they will kill me. But, I… I owe you the truth… and there’s no avoiding it now.” Hope says nothing but just listens.

 

Chelsea continues, “I… I was not raised by the Bensons. They worked for Tony and Stefano. I was raised by the DiMeras… as a DiMera all my life.” Hope and Clancy share a glance and we can tell they are just letting Chelsea talk to see how much she knows and how honest she plans to be.

 

Hope prompts her to continue, “Why didn’t you tell us this before?” Chelsea seems to note their total lack of surprise but doesn’t ask and just answers Hope and continues her confession, “Because… you have to understand what they had told me. They told me you were the reason why I was taken from my mother and why she thought I was dead. They told me you weren’t really Hope but some woman named Gina. That you were evil and that you had killed the real Hope and driven my mom and dad apart. They told me that I was my parents’ only hope. They said that when I was old enough they would help me get back to Salem and save my parents.” Hope asks, “Old enough? Why did they feel you had to be grown to do it?”

 

Chelsea sighs and we can see how uncomfortable she is but she says, “They wanted me to be able to… protect myself… from you. I was trained… in everything from surveillance, to coercion, to computer hacking, to… self defense.” Hope raises and eye brow and asks, “Just defense?” Chelsea gulps and says quickly, “Zack was an accident I swear it to you! I may be a lot of things, I’m not a good person… but I would never kill a child. …But yes… I was trained in everything… even to kill.” Hope looks at Clancy who is barely holding his composure. Even though he knew Chelsea’s past from the files, hearing it from her mouth is too much for him. He stands and walks to look out the window so they can’t see the emotion in his face.

 

Chelsea watches him but doesn’t question his actions. Hope says, “Chelsea… why… IF you believed all that they told you… why did you stop? I’ve talked with Frankie and Mimi, and your actions… your saving Shawn. Why?” Chelsea blinks to keep from crying and says, “Because I realized… to late… but realized finally that they were wrong about you. That they had lied. You weren’t Gina… you couldn’t be. The woman they told me about was evil and… you… you welcoming me like a daughter even though I knew what I was to you… was to your marriage. At first I thought it was just your plan but then… I started to wonder. After all that happened no matter how angry and hurt you got you didn’t do what I thought…what a person like Gina would do. Yet I still stayed on course… that is until I almost died. Shawn he… he saved me. I killed his brother and he saved me. I couldn’t understand that. It made me think and I started to realize I was wrong… Tony was wrong. It ate at me until my trial. And then I saw my dad’s family… the hurt in their eyes. I… these people… all of you had been so good to me, no matter what I did. I couldn’t wrap my head around it… I still can’t. But I decided then I had to stop what I had started… but Dad… he… he started acting so strangely. It wasn’t him. He asked my mom to marry him… he didn’t care what I had done, what she had done, he just wanted a family… any family.” She adds sadly. “He didn’t seem to care about anything else it was like he was going crazy. I chalked it up to his losing Zack and my being in jail but then…”

 

Clancy is still staring out the window obviously hurting to hear about his behavior as Bo. He turns to look at her as she pauses.

 

Chelsea continues, “… I was released from jail. They said the judge had a change of heart but I know that wasn’t it.” Hope says, “What do you mean?” Chelsea is wringing her hands and looks as if she is signing her death warrant. She stammers, “Be… because of the phone call I got before I even left the jail. There is a woman, Hope… a very powerful, a very dedicated woman who is after you. I… I have never met her I have only heard her voice over the phone. She goes by the name ‘L’.”

 

Clancy turns and he and Hope lock eyes. Hope says to Chelsea, “This L… SHE called you?” Chelsea nods emphatically, “Yes. I was going to stop but she told me I couldn’t. She… she and Tony had an arrangement. I don’t know all the details but she had control over Tony. He told me once that after his father died that he had many projects left unfinished and that this woman had made a grab for power and won. That she knew things… things that could destroy him, me, everyone. He had promised her… you. In exchange she promised to protect him from the others.” Hope asks, “Others?” Chelsea nods and says, “Others like Tony and her. But he was planning to double cross her.”

 

Chelsea looks pale but keeps going, “I didn’t think of her much until that call. Tony refused to speak of her any more then what I have already told you. It didn’t occur to me what would happen after Tony was arrested… I just went on like he and I had planned. I guess… somehow L found out about my having second thoughts and figured she needed to step in.” Chelsea pauses and says as if speaking her final words, “Hope… there are powerful people who want you to suffer and I don’t know why. Tony I think was just a pawn in someone else’s game. He cared about me… he was a father to me. I know you all hate him and I understand why but all he ever wanted was for me to be with my parents. But he was wrong about you… I’m sorry I believed him.”

 

There is a long silence and they all sit there absorbing all that has been said. Hope and Clancy look at each other and we can tell what they are thinking, that Chelsea’s world is about to fall down around her and she doesn’t even know it. Hope closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, we sense she is not enjoying what she is about to do. She exhales slowly and says, “Chelsea… this will not be easier for you to hear but you must. Everything… everything Tony told you was a lie.”

 

Chelsea looks up at her with a curious and confused expression. Hope says, “I.. I don’t know how to say this gently so I’m just going to say it. Chelsea you are not Georgia Brady… and Bo Brady is not your father… this man.” She points to Clancy. “Clancy and Billie are your parents.”

 

Chelsea looks at Clancy and Hope as if they suddenly are speaking another language. Hope keeps going, “Clancy was altered to look like Bo… he has been Bo for the past five years. That is why your DNA matched. But he, and not Bo, is your father.” Chelsea’s eyes glaze over and her focus falls away into the distance as her mouth drops open. She is speechless with shock. Hope pauses to let all that sink in and then continues, “Tony adopted you from Billie when you were born. He planned this all along. I know this is probably impossible for you to believe but we found proof. We can show it to you if you’d like.”

 

There is a long silence and Clancy and Hope both look at each other a little worried. Clancy finally asks Chelsea slowly, “Chelsea? Are you okay?” Chelsea stares off into space for another moment and then blinks and nods she asks slowly and sadly, “Tony… he… he stole me from my mother?” Clancy and Hope look again at each other and Hope answers carefully, “No, Chelsea… not exactly. Billie she… she…” Chelsea looks at Hope and asks calmly, “She gave me to him?!” Hope nods sadly but to her credit says, “Yes but… we don’t know why. There was mention of blackmail… Tony had something on your mother…” Chelsea raises a hand and shakes her head stopping Hope from continuing. She says, “I.. I don’t want to hear it.”

 

Clancy walks over and sits on the edge of Chelsea’s bed. She is still spacey and we can tell her mind is just going a mile a minute trying to work through this information. Clancy touches her hand and says, “Chelsea… I know this hard to hear… I know this is a lot to wake up too, but… I AM your father and I want you to know that I love you. I didn’t know you even existed until recently.” Chelsea blinks back from her busy mind again to ask, “How did… you were Bo?” Clancy gives a pained laugh and says, “It is a long story.” Chelsea turns again to her thoughts and her expression is just blank.

 

Hope says, “I think you two have a lot to talk about so I will excuse myself.” She stands up to leave but Chelsea stops her she says, “Wait…. Hope.” Hope stops and looks at Chelsea. Chelsea says slowly, “I… I am sorry. I know that is not enough but it is all I have.” Hope gulps down her emotions and turns fully to face Chelsea she says slowly, “You are not to blame for what the DiMera’s did to you… the lies they raised you on. I don’t hold that against you.” She pauses to regain her composure and we can see she is visibly trembling with emotions. She continues, “I… I can’t forget what you… what happened to Zack. But he… he would not want me to hate you. You may not be Georgia but Zack loved you like a sister. He would want me too… no, I owe it to him to find it in me to… to forgive you.”

 

Hope is shaking from keeping her tears at bay but stands strong. Chelsea stops her and says through tears of her own, “No Hope. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. You were never wrong about me. I am not a good person.” Clancy says quickly, “Chelsea that is not true.” Chelsea says, “It is true.” Hope interjects, “You saved my son… you saved Shawn. You confessed to us without knowing we already knew most of what you told us. You could have lied. You could have let Shawn die. You could have ran and saved yourself. But you didn’t. You risked your life you did the right thing. Those are traits of a good person. Somewhere in you… there is a good person.” Chelsea starts to respond but has second thoughts as she notes how desperately Hope is holding her composure. She just nods sadly. Hope nods too and excuses herself and leaves.

 

Hospital Hallway:

 

Outside the room Hope closes the door behind her and collapses to the floor bursting with the tears she had held back. She looses it completely and sobs uncontrollably. After a moment she inhales sharply as she senses someone standing over her. A hand reaches down to her… she looks up and takes it. The hand pulls her to her feet… it is Bo. He doesn’t say a word but pulls Hope to him in an embraces. Hope momentarily tries to pull away but Bo just gently holds her too him. Within a second she collapses to his chest, clutching him tightly she lets go and cries in his arms.

 

Chelsea’s Room:

 

Back inside Chelsea’s room Clancy fills in Chelsea on all the details around his and Billie’s past and his being Bo. Chelsea is still in shock and just mutters after a long moment, “I… I can’t believe it… my entire life… is a lie.” Clancy says sympathetically, “Your life is still just starting. We will get through this together.” Chelsea sits in silence and looks deeply sad. She says, “If you had known… if my mother had told you…” Clancy answers before she can finish, “I would have moved heaven and earth to be with you!”

 

They sit in silence for another moment Chelsea’s expression is hard to read, after a minute she says calmly, “I… I know you and I have a lot to talk about but… I need to speak to Billie.” Clancy looks devastated and says, “Chelsea… are you sure? You know she…” Chelsea cuts him off and says, “I know. But I need to see her.” Clancy can tell she is determined and says, “Yeah… I know. I’ll go get her.” He leaves and Chelsea’s expression is now clear to us… she is furious.

 

Hallway:

 

Outside Chelsea’s room Bo is still holding Hope. They stand there for what feels like forever. Hope finally starts to regain her composure and slowly pulls away from Bo but they are still holding each others arms. Hope is looking at the ground unable to meet Bo’s gaze. He doesn’t say anything just stands there holding onto her arms as if keeping her from following over. After a moment she says slowly, “Bo…I…” He smiles at her saying his name but stops her and says, “Hope… I know. Okay?” He tilts his head to catch her eye and draws her gaze up to his. He says again, “I know… I am starting to understand everything you have been through… why you need to keep me at arms length. And I respect your need for space and time… and proof. But I can’t stand by while you are in pain and do nothing.” She looks at him longingly with sad eyes. He leans in and kisses her forehead holding there for a long moment, his eyes closed as he inhales… taking in the sent of her hair. Hope closes her eyes, allowing herself to enjoy the feel of his touch again. He pulls back and wiping the tears from her cheeks looks at her for a long moment as if making sure she is okay, he smiles lovingly at her, and then slowly steps back and walks slowly away.

 

Hope stands there for a long moment alone in a daze. She closes her eyes and touches her cheek where he touched her.

 

Bo walks through the hospital to leave and stops short and turns thinking he heard something. He looks around but sees no one. He shrugs it off and moves on. After he is gone we see Mason emerge from a broom closet. He looks after where Bo headed and then looks back to where Hope is standing he mutters to himself, “That’s right Hope… enjoy the moment while you can.”

 

Chelsea’s Room (awhile later):

 

Chelsea is alone and manages to stand up out of her bed and is looking outside when the door opens. She turns to see Billie standing in the doorway. Billie walks in and says, “Chelsea…oh sweetheart I am so glad you are okay.” Emotion wells in Billie’s eyes as she looks at Chelsea. Chelsea says nothing and just stares at her. Billie comes over and moves to hug Chelsea but Chelsea steps back. Chelsea asks her, “Is it true? What they said?”

 

Billie gulps and says, “Yes. But…” Chelsea stops her and says calmly and quietly, “No. That’s all I needed to hear. Go.” She turns back to the window. Billie pleads, “Chelsea please! You have to hear me out. You have to understand!” Chelsea says coldly, “There is no excuse, no reason you could give.” Billie rambles on, “Chelsea I was sick at the time… I was confused and scared. Tony had…” Chelsea snaps, “I know! He had blackmail on you.” Chelsea looks at her mother and says coldly, “Go… I won’t ask you again.” Billie opens her mouth to speak and Chelsea just turns and pushes and holds down the nurse button. A second later a nurse followed by Clancy come in the room. They all enter and stop and look at Chelsea she just says calmly, “I would like some time to rest.” The nurse nods and asks everyone to please leave the room. Chelsea stares at Billie as she exits. Once the room is empty Chelsea’s cold demeanor fads some and she sits by the window staring out and crying quietly to herself. She then wipes her eyes and picks up the phone and makes a call.

 

Frankie’s office.

 

Hope comes in and thanks Frankie for seeing her. He says, “You’re always welcome any time Hope.. you know that.” She sits down and says, “I’m here about Chelsea.” Frankie smiles and says, “I know… she just called me.” Hope looks confused and says, “What?” Frankie says confused now himself, “I… I figured that was why you were? Chelsea is changing her plea… she’s pleading guilty.” Hope’s jaw drops. Frankie continues, “Yes… I told her, and I hope you understand this, that she is not guilty of murder. So I spoke with the DA and he has agreed to lessen the charges to Vehicular Manslaughter if she pleads guilty.”

 

Hope is shocked but after a moment gives a sad smile and says, “I shouldn’t be surprised really.” Frankie says, “So… if that wasn’t why you were here… what is it you wanted to talk to me about.” Hope sighs and says, “Well… I, I was going to talk to you about the trial but now I guess it is a mute point.” He says, “Well there will be sentencing. And you… as Zack’s mother can make a statement to the court then if you want… or you can do it in writing, whatever is easiest for you.” Hope nods and says, “I’ll do the letter… I don’t think… I wanted to punish Chelsea but, I don’t see the point in that now… she’s being punished enough with everything she’s learned about her past. I just want this behind us.” Frankie nods sympathetically and just finishes with, “Well… I will let you know when the date is if you decide you want to be there.”

 

Salem Motel:

 

Mason arrives back to his room and calls L. She asks, “Well? What’s the situation?” Mason sighs and says, “Well lets just say I’m thinking of buying stock in tissue paper in this town… one sappy moment after another. Everyone is being pretty reserved about Bo but you can tell they are all convinced… even if they won’t admit it.” L says, “Even Hope?” Mason replies with a laugh, “Definitely Hope. She knows he is Bo but she is trying her best to keep him at arms length. Billie was arrested but is out on bail now. Her and Clancy are at each other’s throats as expected. And Chelsea… the brat squealed all she knows, which wasn’t much but it won herself some compassion from Hope. Clancy spoke with the ISA and we can only suspect filled them in on all he knows.”

 

L says, “We knew that would happen. I’ve already closed down anything he knew about that could be traced back to us. But I still need him and his daughter dead. Letting them live would send the wrong message. So… what is your plan?”

Mason smiles and tells her, “Their weakness is so obvious it is amusing. If you want Hope to snap then you have to go after her family. Chelsea may have killed Zack by accident but the impact of that on Hope’s mental state is obvious and strong. She is starting to put that tragedy behind her now so… all we have to do is pull the rug out from under her. If one son dying in front of her brought her to the edge then watching the other one be murdered slowly in front of her will push her over. I will kidnap Shawn and Chelsea. Hope, Bo, and Clancy will all come searching for their kids. I will be able to see them coming a mile away. Once they take the bait… I’ll kill them all… one by one in front of her. Chelsea and Clancy first… will give her time to think she might save her family and then Bo and Shawn. That will be all it takes for her mind to snap.” Mason says all this with utter glee on his face. He is the picture of evil.

 

L asks, “And what about Patrick?” Mason says, “He’s unimportant to this… I’m sure it would bother Hope to see him die but Bo and Shawn are the key. After I dispose of them I’ll bring back Hope to you.”

 

L is silent for a moment and says, “It is risky. More risky then I am comfortable with.” Mason says firmly, “I can do this. And it is our only choice. If I pick them off one by one that gives them time to track me down. This way we get them all at once before they even know I’m in town.” L says, “You understand what will happen if you fail?” Mason swallows hard and says, “I won’t.” L says coldly, “Good. When will you move?” Mason says, “After Chelsea’s court date… assuming of course you’ve already made it clear to the judge she won’t see the inside of a jail again.” L chuckles softly and says, “Don’t worry about that, just makes sure there are no surprises and stay focused.” Mason says, “Yes Ma’am” and the two hang up. Mason opens a case on his bed and pulls out two guns and smiles saying to himself, “This is what I call a vacation.”