Part 30:

 

Over the next few days things go on as they have. Hope speaks with Jennifer, Alice, Caroline, and also Shawn about the events and debates on if she will go to the sentencing or not. Ultimately she decides not to go but writes a statement to be given to the judge and read at the sentencing.

 

Shawn has been avoiding Bo since his arrival in Salem and Bo has been giving him his space. But Caroline finally goes to Shawn and asks him to at least talk to Bo. Shawn says that he is angry at him and not sure that, even if he is his father, he can trust him. He states that while no this man (Bo) didn't do all the things Clancy did, he IS capable of it. That Bo betrayed his mom and him with Billie several times before he was kidnapped and doubled and what's to say that given the chance he wouldn't do it again. Caroline tells him that he must talk to his father and tell him his fears. Shawn at first says no that it is a waste of time until the drug proves if he is his dad or not but after Caroline leaves Shawn rethinks, he remembers via flashbacks all the good times with his dad and realizes how much he misses him. He reluctantly calls Bo and asks to meet him at Salem Park to talk. Bo of course agrees.

 

Meanwhile Chelsea is released from the hospital. Both Billie and Clancy show up to take her home but Chelsea is cold to Billie and again refuses to hear her out. Clancy take Chelsea to Roman's with him. Billie is devastated again and goes to her mom for counsel. Kate tells Billie, "Sweetheart... just give Chelsea some time. She's been through a lot." Billie sighs and says, "I know. I just have to make her understand." Kate is silent for a moment and then asks, "How? Have you even thought about what you're going to tell her exactly?"

 

Billie looks at Kate confused and says, "The truth. It's the only thing that will fix all this now." Kate inhales sharply and says, "No... you can't tell her the truth... it will ruin all your hopes of ever getting what you want... what you need."

 

Billie looks at her mother with dismay and says, "Mom... what other explanation can I give her?!" Kate says, "I don't know… we will think of something. But if you tell her the truth you won't ever win her or Bo back." Billie shakes her head and says, "No... its over. I've been a fool to ever think otherwise." Kate says, "That's not you speaking and you know it. Billie... YOU were the one who convinced me to keep this a secret. YOU! And you were right. Are you telling me you feel differently now then you did then? Do you think the truth will win you Bo and Chelsea's love? It won't... it will win you only one thing... pity."

 

Billie is in tears she sobs, "I... I just want this to end. I...." Kate says soothingly. "Sweetheart... so do I. That's what all this has been about. All you need... all you have ever needed is Bo and your child. They are the key. And you can get them back. Look at how easy it is for Bo to turn to you. Every time we apply just a little bit of tension between him and Hope they shatter."

 

Billie interjects, "Yes and look how quickly they rush back to each other's arm." Kate raises her eye brow and says, "Oh really? Then why is Bo sleeping at his boat and not in Hope's bed." Billie says, "Because Hope wants proof." Kate says, "But you don't. Clancy was Bo in thought and feelings and you had him divorcing Hope and proposing to you! That is proof that it is possible. We can do this... we are so close. Bo is alone... Hope is untrusting of him, you both are hurting... the timing is perfect, Billie. You have to go to him."

 

Billie listens with a far off look in her eye. She looks sad, confused, and completely distraught. They are silent as Kate waits for Billie to acknowledge her she senses Billie's hesitation and finally says, "Or you can choose to stick with the pills and the pity." This snaps Billie too she says as her voice cracks with emotion, "I will NOT be pitied!" Kate smiles lovingly at her and touches her face and says, "I love you, Sweetheart. All I've wanted all along was to help you. And you know that this is the only way." Billie nods sadly and stands to leave. She hugs her mom and says, "I know."

 

After she leaves Kate sighs sadly to herself and wiping away a tears says, "Bo... you are the only one who can help my daughter... please do not fail her now. Please!"

 

Salem Park:

 

Billie wanders aimlessly through the park deep in thought. Suddenly she sees Bo who as we know is there waiting for Shawn. She thinks for a moment and hears her mother's words echoing in her head. She walks over to Bo at last and asks if they can speak. Just then we see Shawn who has just arrived in the distance. He stops seeing Billie and Bo together and hides behind a hedge to listen to them.

 

Bo tells Billie shortly, "What possibly would we have to say to each other?" Billie says, "We have history Bo." Bo shacks his head, he is not rude or hateful just mater of fact with her, "No... we HAD history... long ago." Billie comes close to him and says, "Not so long ago Bo. I... I need your help, and I know that no matter what you may think of me... part of you still cares for me. Clancy... he was made to be you... your memories, your feelings and he and I..." Bo steps away from her and says, "But he wasn't me. I know what you are hoping from this conversation and isn’t going to happen, Billie. I know all you have done and I have NO interest in being caught back up into your games."

 

Billie gets a hurt and almost angry look and says, "EVERYTHING I have 'done' I did for love!" Bo laughs and we can tell his patience is wearing thin, "Love?!" He starts out calm but by the end is very animated, "Was it love that made you give up your daughter? Love that made you constantly drive a wedge between Hope and I? Love that made you rape Clancy... who I would like to point out you thought was me at the time?! Was it love that partnered you with Larry Welsh, or made you lie about Georgia's death?!!! Was it..." He finally stops himself realizing his voice is raised and they are in a public place.

 

Billie stands there in shock and is quiet. Billie finally speaks and says slowly, "I know I've made mistakes but there is a reason for them all. And you and I... we... we have more in common now then ever. We are both alone. No one... except me believes you are really Bo." Bo stops her and says, "No you are wrong. My mother and father believe who I am." Billie says quickly "But Hope..."

 

Bo raises a hand to stop her and says, "Don't!.... do not start in on Hope. She has good reasons for being hesitant. And... I know she believes who I am even if she can't act on it yet." Billie smiles sadly and says, "But I don't need a test to prove anything." Bo just snaps, "Stop it Billie! Just stop it! Its over. You've exhausted your last trick! I... I know why it was easy for Hope to believe Clancy was me...  I've been just as stupid in the past when it comes to you as he was! I've believed your lies, your tricks, I came running to save you from whatever mess you'd gotten yourself into when what I should have done was been with my family! I am ashamed of it now... embarrassed! If I had never wavered between you and my wife then the DiMera's, Clancy, you and your mother... no one would have been able to come between Hope and I! I gave you that power and I hate myself for it! But it ends NOW! We’re done, Billie! You know why I don't hate Clancy?! Because he saved me! His actions over the last five years could have been mine! He showed me where my life was leading. And now? Now I've been given a second chance! I'm not going to blow it on you!!"

 

Billie says now chocking back her tears, "But Bo... we loved each other... didn't we? How can you turn your back on me?" Bo sighs and goes over to her putting his hands on her shoulders and looks her in the eye to make sure she hears him, "Billie... yes... we loved each other. And that feisty girl that won my heart so many years ago will always be special to me... but that girl left a long time ago and has never returned. I... I know that I... I know I led you on at times. I know I've hurt you too and I am so sorry for that. But it doesn't excuse all you've done and it doesn't change the fact that I'm not in love with you. I love the same woman I have my entire life. I love Hope." He looks at her and we can tell mixture of emotions he is feeling, sympathy, anger, guilt, frustration, and determination.

 

Billie is crying and says, "Please Bo... I couldn't stand it if you hated me." Bo shakes his head and says, "No... I did at first when I had heard about Chelsea and all you've done since I’ve been gone. But I can't bring myself to hate you any more. I don't hate you... I pity you." Billie's face turns to anger at hearing the word 'pity'. She snaps, "I don't WANT your PITY!" He is taken aback a little but quickly shakes it off and says, "Well... you have it regardless." He sighs and turns to go saying, "I hope you can pull yourself out of this Billie, I hope you find the help you need. But as far as you and I go? The past we had... our history... it is over, and I won't be revisiting it."

 

Billie again cries and yells, "But Bo! YOU are the only person who can help me!!" Bo turns his head back to look at her and says sadly, "No Billie... I'm the one person who CAN'T help you." He turns from her and walks away.

 

Bo passes the hedge where Shawn is. He doesn't see him but Shawn says, "Did you mean it?" Bo turns and jumps not knowing Shawn was there. He recovers from being surprised and says, "Hey! I... I didn't see you." He pauses realizing now that Shawn must have over heard everything he says, "Yes, I meant everything, Shawn. I have always loved your mother and I always will." Shawn nods and then thoughtfully asks, "And what if you aren't my father? What if you are some other guy like Clancy programmed to take my dad's place." Bo just shrugs and says honestly, "Then I'd hope you'd be there for your mom because I don't think she will be able to handle much more of this."

 

Shawn smiles acknowledging that was the correct answer for Bo to give. He says, "So... you want to get a coffee?" Bo smiles and says, "You bet." The two walk off together and continue to talk we hear Bo saying to Shawn humorously as they go, "So... what have you been up to the last five years?"

 

The Sentencing:

 

The next day Chelsea is in court to receive her sentencing. Clancy and Frankie are by her side, Kate and Billie are a few rows back behind her. On the other side of the room is Zack's family; Caroline and Shawn Sr. as well as Bo. Patrick, Doug and Julie, and Jennifer, Abby, and Patrick are also there. Hope is not there and neither is Shawn.

 

The judge comes in and they begin the procedure of Chelsea stating her plea of guilty for a lesser charge and the DA agreeing to it.

 

While this is going on we see out in the hallway Hope has arrived. She stands in the doorway out of sight and listens. The judge's eyes flicker noticing her there and this movement causes Bo to turn and look. He sees Hope outside the courtroom. He can tell she does not want to be scene so he sits tight and does not go to her yet.

 

The judge asks Frankie if he or his client would like to make a statement before the sentencing is given. Chelsea says before Frankie can speak, "Yes I would, your honor." The judge nods and she stands up and turns to face Zack's family.

 

She swallows and says, "I am not a good person. I am selfish, self-serving, and manipulative. I don't deserve forgiveness or a light sentence and am not asking for one. I did not change my plea so I could escape jail time. I changed it because it is what happened and because I didn't want to put you people through any more pain. Everyone here welcomed me with open arms and I returned that with pain. I just want this to be over. I just want all of you to be able to move on with your lives. I never meant to hurt Zack. And I am sorry for what happened. I don’t ask you to forgive me, but I want you to know that if I could trade places with Zack… I would. I know that doesn't change anything but I needed to say it and I hope you believe it." She stands there for another moment looking at the faces in front of her. Doug is holding a weeping Julie as Shawn Sr. and Caroline hold hands tightly. Finally, Chelsea turns to the judge and says, "Thank you, your honor."

 

The judge asks if there is anyone who would like to make a statement. Billie stands up. The judge acknowledges her but Chelsea does not move or turn at all. Billie says holding back her tears, "Your Honor... I am Chelsea's mother and I beg the court for mercy on her behalf. Chelsea is just a child herself, her actions where a mistake... a horrible one but still a mistake. She needs love not punishment." The judge nods acknowledging her statement and Billie sits down. We can tell she feels deflated or like she should have said more.

 

The judge asks if anyone else wants to say anything. No one moves so the judge says calmly, "Chelsea Benson, your change in plea and your statement I must tell you did little to sway me. You were reckless, and your actions immediately after the incident did not show remorse or regret. I was prepared to hand down the strongest sentence I could. However, there is one more statement that I have been given in writing that I must have read for the record." The judge hands a piece of paper to the bailiff who then reads the statement out loud. It reads:

 

"My name is Hope Brady and I am Zack's mother. No mother has ever loved her son more then I love my boys. Zack was my youngest, my baby. Of all the pain and loss I have had in my life, losing him was the most horrible. I do not know how I survived it. When he was taken from me I wanted only two things; to have him back, and to make the person who killed him pay. I still want him back, but I've realize now that making Chelsea suffer excessively won't ease my pain.

 

When I first met Chelsea I did not want to believe she was my husband's daughter. I did not want her to be part of our lives. But she was and I did my best to welcome her. When the truth of what she had done came out I felt betrayed beyond belief and it only increased my rage and desire for revenge. Anger is a very comforting thing and I let it fill me. But recently I have come to realize my perception of Chelsea was wrong. She was what she appeared to me the first time I met her... a young, troubled, scared, and very lonely little girl.

 

Chelsea is not a bad person; she has had the worst start in life I can imagine. She was denied her parents, raised on lies, and schooled in cruelty. But she is young and I pray she can find the goodness in her I know exists.

 

She killed my son, and that will forever be a scar on my heart. But she also saved my oldest son and helped my family. Saving one son doesn't make up for the death of the other... but it proved to me one thing... she has the ability for compassion and self sacrifice. And those are traits worth cultivating. I ask the court to keep this in mind when rendering her sentence.

 

Sincerely,

 

Hope Brady"

 

When the letter is finished being read Chelsea's head is lowered as she tries to hide her emotions. Bo is looking towards the door as Hope unseen by everyone wipes away her tears. Doug and Julie exchange looks as they too wipe their eyes. Their faces are that of sadness and also pride in their daughter's ability to forgive.

 

The judge then sighs and says, "I hope Chelsea Benson you realize the pain it must have taken this woman to write this letter. Don’t make her… or me regret this. Please stand." Chelsea and Frankie and Clancy all rise. Clancy takes Chelsea's hand as the judge reads her sentence. "Chelsea Benson you have pleaded guilty to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter, one count of reckless driving, and one count of obstruction of justice. The court accepts your plea and you are here by sentenced to 2 years probation and 500 hours community service. Your license is revoked for the duration of your probation, at the end of which you will be required to take a safe driving course and retake your driving test. If at any time you break the rules of your probation you will be incarcerated for the remainder of your probation plus 90 days." With that the gavel is slammed down and court is adorned.

 

Out in the hallway Hope closes her eyes as they are filled with tears. She says to herself, "Its over now." She opens her eyes looking upward and says, "Rest in peace now, baby." She turns and leaves.

 

Bo jumps to his feet and heads for the door to find Hope.

 

Frankie turns to Chelsea and says, “That’s a very fair sentence… I’d say Hope’s letter went a long way.” Chelsea just stands there she says at last, "I... I can't believe Hope did that?" Clancy says, "I can." He smiles at his daughter and says, "She wants you to have a fresh start. We'll do that together." Chelsea looks genuinely touched and says, "I would like that too..." She stops short catching Billie out of the corner of her eye. She then asks Frankie, "So does this mean I am free to go?" Frankie says, "Almost... there are some papers to sign." She says, "Well let’s do it. I want to go find Hope and thank her."

 

Outside the courthouse Bo catches up with Hope calling her name as she is walking away. He catches up to her and puts a hand on her shoulder to turn her around. She turns and looks up at him. He says softly, "Are you okay?" She nods and says, "Yes... oddly enough." He says, "I knew you would come today I wanted to be there for you, and for Zack. That was an amazing thing you did... the letter you wrote." She says, "Zack would have wanted it that way... and I just... just want everyone to have a fresh start." He smiles sweetly and says, "So do I." She looks up at him longingly but he just steps beside her and offers her his arm and says, "Come on... if ever someone looked like they needed a drink its you." She smiles and laughs genuinely for the first time in a long while and says, "Okay." They walk off together.

 

As the walk we see Mason watching them from his car. He says to himself happily, “Perfect.” He looks back towards the door and says, “Now I just wait for Miss Chelsea and we can get this party started.”