From Drags to Riches

Denver opens the door

2004-04-02T11:35:00.002-05:00

Denver opens the door to the sorority house. Arriving late, he notices the house already crowded. Hoping to be relatively unnoticed he takes a step into the house. Almost instantly a girl with a cute and plump, round face rushes up to him.
"Denver, I'm so glad you came."
"Hi Tania."
"So how have you been? I haven't heard from you lately."
"Tania, we need to talk."
"Okay, but let's get you a drink first."
Before Denver can respond, she rushes off to the other room. As Tania comes back, she has a huge smile on her face.
"Here, have this first, that we can do whatever. It's my special mix."
Seeing no harm in having the drink to calm his nerves, Denver takes a sip and is surprised by the at the strength of the alcohol. After a few more sips the sweet taste settles in.
"This is really good."
Tania beams at the remark with a mischievous smile unnoticed by Denver.

Taylor stops the car in front of Claire's house.
"Here we are."
"Thanks, Taylor."
"Don't mention it. Just forget about Lee. There's tons of guys out there for you. Just wait til we go to college."
"Yeah... do you want to come in for a bit?"
"Is your mom home yet?"
"No she won't be back for a couple hours yet."
"Then sure!"
The two make their way towards the house noticing Colby's car in the driveway. Taylor follows Claire through the foyer and into the kitchen. As he sits down on the bar stool he peers into the TV room.
"What are you looking at?"

"Well this is a first in Babs history."
Apex and Kathryn look at Alex and Brayen puzzled. The two just shrug in response.
"It seems we have two tables tie. Why don't we have both come up here to get the prize."
Brayen makes his way to the announcer's stage and spots Braxton walking in the same direction across the room. As the two meet, they begin to laugh and hug.
"Braxton, what are you doing here?"
"Skyler and I just came for dinner and decided to play."
"Well it looks like the two tables know each other."
Brayen turns towards the announcer.
"This is my half-brother."
"Well, well it must run in the family."
Brayen and Braxton each taken an envelope and reply with a 'Thank you' in unison.
Braxton follows Brayen to the table.
"Hello Alex..."
At the sight of Kathryn, Braxton turns pale.
"Oh Kathryn, I hope you're doing okay. I cannot believe what he did and how you got in the way."
"Braxton, please, it's not your fault and I'm okay now. Here meet my friend Apex."
She turns to Apex.
"This is Braxton, also know as Miss Busty Bouchet."
"Oh, well the pleasure is all mine then."
Apex grabs Braxton's extended hand and kisses it. Braxton blushes and responds to Kathryn.
"Kathryn we like him; where did you find him?"
"Undergrad, he's moving here soon so we'll see him around more in a couple of months."
"Good. Well I must get back to my table. It was a pleasure to see you all."

Leland stops Colby.
"What is it?"
"I thought I heard something downstairs."
"Oh, Lee, you're just being paranoid."
Leland continues to insist someone is downstairs. Colby gets out of the bed and looks out the window towards the street. He quickly spots Taylor's car.
"Damn, Taylor is here. But how did he get inside?"
Quickly jumping out of bed and grabbing his clothes, Leland responds in a bit of panic.
"What? So somebody is here?"
"Relax, Lee, it's not like he doesn't know youre gay."
"Yeah, but what if Claire is with him?"
"No she couldn't be."
"Well how else did he get in?"
"You do make a good point."
After putting on his underwear and pants, Colby heads to the other window on the side of the house.
"Here go out and climb down. It's easy. I'll give you your stuff from my car tomorrow."
Now fully dressed Leland crawls out the window and onto the tree next to the house. After watching Leland run away from the house towards the street in the dark, Colby looks for his shirt but can't find it. He grabs another from the dresser and opens his door to head downstairs.

Colby grabs Leland's hand

2004-04-01T13:57:00.001-05:00

Colby grabs Leland's hand and leads him into the house.
"Colby, are you sure about this?"
"Yes, Lee, my mom is at dinner with my grandfather and my dad is working late tonight. My sister is at practice."
As the door closes, Colby smirks.
"Finally, alone with you in a private place."
Leland shuffles uncomfortably as Colby continues to speak.
"I thought I'd never get a chance to be alone with you."
Leland is caught by surprise when Colby quickly turns and walks into the other room. Leland follows to find the other lifting his shirt up over his head.
"What are you doing?"
"Lee, we're alone and I want to be with you."
"What? I thought we were just going to make out. You know I've never... gone further."
Leland watches uncomfortably, yet aroused, as the bronzed blond-haired young man moves towards him.
"Here, let me relax you."
Colby touches his lips softly to the other. As Colby's arms slowly come around to caress his lower back, Leland can't help but relax.
"Feel better now?"
Leland nods in agreement with a slow, soft exhale. Colby unbuttons Leland's shirt as he moves his mouth to Leland's neck. Colby pulls away only to stroke his companion's hard chest and travel down to his belt buckle.

"Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species."
The table cheers at hearing their answer is correct.
"Brayen, how did you know that?"
Slurring his words, Brayen responds.
"Before I worked for Nelly, I had to do an article on the implications of updating taxonomy."
"Well, that's amazing that you still remember that."
"Oh, it's not that big a deal Kathryn."
"I just never knew we had such a diverse staff."
Alex nudges Brayen under the table. The four continue to listen intently at the announcer.
"It looks like we have a tie so far for the lead."
Brayen and Alex exchange glances at the announcement.
"I wonder who is tied with us."
"I have no idea."

Lena is shocked at the revelation.
"So you mean to tell me this random fling is the father?"
"Yes, I didn't know at first. Most of the events of that night were very blurry and I hardly remembered them until about a year ago."
"Oh, Lily."
"Because I started to remember the details, I went to take a paternity test to find out if Phil was really the father."
Lena shakes her head in disbelief.
"How could this happen? Are you sure?"
"I just told you, and yes, I'm sure. After I found out, I was torn on whether to tell Phil or not."
"But you did?"
"Well obviously, and that's why I'm here now. I have no where to go."
Lily's tears begin to flow down here cheeks as she ducks her head to keep from looking at her grandmother."
"Child, how could you do this?"
"Grandma! I was a stupid teenager and now I'm paying for it. I don't need a lecture from you. Excuse me!"
Lily leaves the table and quickly crosses the restaurant heading for the bathroom. James looks up to see where his mother is going, oblivious to the recent conversation.
"Where's Mommy going?"
Lena responds with a worried look.
"Don't worry James, Mommy is just going to the bathroom. She'll be back soon."

Skyler looks at Braxton, dumbfounded.
"How do you know all of this stuff?"
Braxton responds with a smirk.
"I have a couple degrees but none of it was my passion. Busty is what I love. How about you, Mr. Butch, knowing most of these sports questions?"
"It comes from a past I don't like to talk about."
Braxton is taken aback by the comment and looks down at his food. After a few moments, he tries to break the awkward silence between them.
"Well, at least we're tied for first so far."
As he looks back up at Skyler, Braxton finds his friend staring after the woman moving to the bathroom.
"Skyler? Are you okay? Isn't that Lena's granddaughter?"
"I... yes... I'm okay. I just never thought I'd see anyone from high school again."

Joyce, can you believe

2004-03-31T11:40:00.000-05:00

"Joyce, can you believe after all these years you finally found him?"
"No, Octavia, I can't. At times I feel like this is all a dream. It's been over 25 years since I saw my son. And on top of that, it's his father who leads me to him."
"It's a blessing, sugar."
"Brayen is a blessing, yes. Weston, I'm not so sure. He's married Octavia, and I still love him after all these years."
"We can't help who we love."
"I can see it in his eyes; he still has feelings for me, as well."
"Just have patience, darling. Be grateful you just found the both of them. If it's meant to be, it'll work itself out in the end."
Joyce nods to Octavia and excuses herself from the room. As Octavia contemplates on Joyce reuniting with her past, she is startled by a loud knock on the front door.
"Just a moment!"
Octavia opens the door to find no one outside. Confused she starts closing the door slowly, but out of the corner of her eye she catches something move down the hallway. With her heart racing she goes to investigate.

"I've had a huge crush on your brother for the longest time."
Taylor turns to look at Claire.
"But he'll never feel that way about me."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because Colby has his way with people. Don't ask me how he does it, but he is usually able to get whatever he wants from whoever he wants it from."
"I've never noticed that before."
"Well take Lee, for instance. He's got what he wants there."
Claire's face hardens at the mention of Colby and Leland together.
"Don't get me wrong, we're all good friends, but I always wanted more with him."
Claire pause before asking her next question.
"Did you and Colby ever..."
"Yes, I suppose that's why I feel this way now."
Both Claire and Taylor take a big scoop of ice cream and look away from each other.
"You shouldn't eat too much more. It''s getting late and your mom won't be happy if you're not home and hungry for dinner."
"Well luckily my mom went to see my grandfather tonight. He just got back from being over seas for a couple years. So the family is on it's own for dinner tonight."
Claire quickly pecks Taylor on the cheek.
"Thank you."
"What was that for?"
"For being sweet and worrying about me even though you're good friends with my brother. I know you're gay but if you weren't..."
Taylor blushes at the suggestion.

Lena eyes her granddaughter.
"What happened?"
"There was another guy I had always had a thing for. I never bother to mention him because he was so hard to read. He never shoed any feeling towards any one, including me. Anyway, the weekend after the Sweetheart dance there was a big party. He was there."
Lena continues to listen carefully.
"There was a lot of alcohol. The liquor cabinet at the house wasn't locked and was full. The guy and I started talking, once we were both very drunk."
"Lily, I can't believe I'm hearing this."
"Please, Grandma, that was over six years ago."
Lena watches Lily closely as she helps James pick a color for the turtle on the placemat.
"As we were talking, another guy came up and offered us some pills. Both of us didn't recognize him, and with our reduced inhibitions took them. Whatever it was, we ended up going upstairs and having sex."

Denver throws his backpack on his floor as the door closes. He quickly checks his email to see if any friends are doing anything tonight. Finding nothing, he takes off his shirt and lies down on the bed.
That new teacher is hot, and he grabbed my hand. I wonder what he wants. He is right though. I should go to office hours because my grades have been slipping.
He is startled at the ring of his cell phone. Quickly finding the phone in the pocket of his backpack, he hesitates to answer after looking at the number.
"Hey, Tania."
"Denver, hey, let's get together later. We're having a party at the Alpha Gam house in a bit."
Denver covers the phone and sighs.
"Okay, I'll come over soon.:
He hangs up the phone and moves over to his desk. Opening the drawer he picks up the note.
To: Denver
From: Tania

Isabelle drives her car

2004-03-30T13:13:00.000-05:00

Isabelle drives her car down the long driveway. As she rounds the final curve she spots the house. She has never understood why her father chose such a remote location in Garladine for his home. The house wasn't anything astounding in size, just a small version of a French chateau in decor. As she comes to a stop, a servant is there to take the care to the garage. She enters the house to spot her father looking at the portraits around the library. Her father turns around to greet her.
"Ahh, Isabelle, it is good to see you."
"Oh father, I have missed you!"
Isabelle runs to her father and embraces him.
"Where have you been the past two years?"
"I had some deals over seas that took longer than planned. But you knew I would return eventually. I would never leave my only daughter. Tell me, how is the rest of the family? Are the children well? Is Weston treating you as he should?"
"Father, Weston is becoming a problem. I'm losing him."
"Yes, he is becoming a problem. But don't you worry. I'll put him right back in his place. He'll come around."

Taylor smiles at Claire as they sit on a large, flat rock near the creek, far off the path through the park. The sun is starting to settle on the horizon causing an orange-green glow to flow through the canopy.
"Taylor, this place is amazing. How did you find it?"
The young man pulls out two plastic spoons from the grocery bag and opens the box of ice cream.
"That's not important. Now eat, it'll make you feel better."
"Does it have to do with my brother?"
"No, but it has to do with other guys."
Claire looks down at the ice cream understanding Taylor's response.
"Do you think Colby did it on purpose to hurt me?"
"I doubt it. Lee initiated it as much as Colby, although he was hesitant after their first kiss. In fact he still is. They won't ever be an 'item'. It's purely lust."
Taylor shoves a big spoonful of ice cream in his mouth and looks towards the creek. Claire puts a hand on his shoulder.
"You sound a little upset by this, too."
"I am."

"Lily, he's growing up so fast. Look at him. James, how old are you now?"
The little boy opens his hand completely and holds it up for the old woman.
"Wow, five already?"
The little boy nods and goes back to coloring on his place mat.
"So, Lily, why after all this time have you come to see me? I've been asking and waiting for ages."
"Phil left me."
Lily's eyes begin to water as she explains why he left.
"He found out James isn't his."
Lena looks at Lily with shock unable to comprehend the confession.
"But you've been with him since high school. When you found out you were pregnant you told everyone Phil was the father. A high school sweetheart lovechild."
"Yes, I made that mistake the night of our Sweetheart Dance, but there was someone else, too. It happened the weekend after."

Alex, Brayen, Apex, and Kathryn all wait in anticipation. As soon as they hear their answer is right, they all cheer.
"That was amazing. Apex, how did you know that?"
"Oh, I've always been a sports fan."
Brayen quickly looks to Kathryn.
"We need you two to come to trivia with us all the time. Alex and I are horrible at the sports questions!"
"Well you're in luck. Apex will be moving here soon, as soon as the school year is over."
Alex stumbles over her words under the influence of here drinks.
"Oh, my brother is moving here, too, after the school year. We'll have to all get together then."
Before anyone is able to respond the next question is announced and the previous conversation is lost to discuss the answer.

Claire looks at her driver

2004-03-29T16:30:00.000-05:00

Claire looks at her driver as he pulls into a parking spot.
"Taylor, a grocery store?"
"Yes, just trust me."
He grabs her hand and rushes into the store. Taylor continues to make his way through the building to the frozen foods section. They stop in front of the ice cream.
"Okay, we're here. The best cheap ice cream in all of Garladine."
Claire laughs at his goofiness.
"What? C'mon pick a flavor or two and we'll go eat it in the park."

Jersey watches the group carefully from the end of the bar. She jumps at the chirp of her cell phone.
"What?"
"Careful Miss Knox. That's not a polite way to answer your phone."
"Oh... I'm sorry... Mr. Kreeland. I have good news. It seems the Bouchet/Scott family is becoming close friends of the Stones. We may be able to take down both your enemies in one strike."
"Perfect. We will devise a plan soon. Continue to watch and study their habits."
"Of course, Mr. Kreeland."
"We'll be in touch shortly."

Lily pulls her car into the lot of a restaurant with a wooden patio out front and a neon sign splashing Babs across the top of the building. The small child in the back seat stirs as the car comes to a stop.
"James, honey, wake up. We're going to see Grams."
Lily opens the back door and undoes her son's seat belt. James yawns sleepily.
"I'm hungry, Mommy."
"Well I'm glad you are. We're meeting Grams at a restaurant. See the big pink letters on top?"
Lily points to the top of the building as she picks the child up.
"Lily!"
The woman looks up to see a woman with silver hair running towards her, as fast as a 70-year-old can move. Lily puts James down on his feet who hides behind his mother's legs.
"Grandma! I'm so sorry we haven't visited sooner."
"Child, it's okay. I'm just glad to see you! And who is this young man?"
James peeks from behind his mother as she speaks.
"James, honey, this is Grams. She is my grandmother which makes her your great-grandmother. Can you say hello?"
"Hilo."
"Hi James. I've met you once before when you were just a baby."

As Skyler and Braxton approach Babs, they see an old woman, young woman, and child enter the restaurant.
"Hey Skyler, isn't that your neighbor?"
Skyler stares at the closing door without saying a work.
"Skyler... Skyler?"
"Oh, sorry, yes that looks like her."
"You look like you've seen a ghost."
"No, I'm okay. C'mon let's go inside."
Upon entering the restaurant, they spot the trio being seated towards one side of the restaurant.
"That must be her granddaughter and great-grandson. We should go say hi."
"No, let's not. Ms. Crandall doesn't like me. I'd just assume stay away."
"Fine, suit yourself."
The hostess approaches them.
"Just the two of you? Will you be playing trivia tonight?"
"Yes, just two. Skyler, what do you think? Should we try our luck at trivia?"
Braxton nudges Skyler staring at the table with Lena and her family.
"Oh, yeah sure."
"Right this way boys."
The hostess grabs a couple menus and walks them over to the opposite side of the restaurant from Lena, Lily and James.

Alex and Brayen enter

2004-03-28T15:49:00.000-05:00

Alex and Brayen enter the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant. Trivia Night at Babs was an event that the two had never missed until the shooting at Waterstone. Almost a month and a half later, Alex and Brayen decided to reinstate the tradition tonight. As the hostess is about to seat them, Alex hears her name from behind her. She turns around to find her boss, Kathryn Stone, quickly approaching with a man she does not recognize.
"Alex? Alex, it's good to see you. I want you to meet my friend Apex. We went to undergrad together. Apex this is Alex."
"Nice to meet you Apex."
"Likewise."
"Kathryn, you know Brayen, right?"
"One of our writers, yes?"
Brayen responds quickly while eyeing Apex.
"Yes ma'am."
Alex elbows her friend and the two giggle at eachother.
"Why don't you two join us? It's trivia night tonight, if you didn't know, and we always win."
Apex and Kathryn look at eachother and smile before Apex responds.
"Sure, why not?"
"Okay, you two sit here and we'll go get the stuff for trivia."
Brayen grabs Alex and walks off to the announcers stage.

"Hello?"
"Hey, Grandma, I'm almost there."
"Oh, Lily, that's great. How has James been taking the ride?"
"Actually, he's been asleep for a lot of it, but he is going to be hungry once he wakes up."
"Well how about you meet me at this restaurant, Babs." It's a great place that my friends opened a few years ago. I dont think it will be too loud or exciting right now.
"Grandma... I don't know... Okay I guess we can handle going out for a little."
"Okay, great."
"I should be there in about 30 minutes."
Lena beams as she hangs up the phone. She hasn't seen her great-grandson since he was born.

"Okay, Apex, so what do you think?"
"That's crazy, I mean, here of all places, who knew?"
Kathryn nods with excitement.
"Yeah, actually this is perfect. I finish up this semester so I would have been looking for a job anyway. Tell your father-in-law that he has me on board."
"That's fantastic..."
"What are you two talking about?"
The now buzzed Alex and Brayen surprise Apex and Kathryn.
"We brought you two some drinks."
"Yeah, we also had a couple shots ourselves while we were there."
The two giggle as Brayen puts the trivia machine down on the table and sits next to Apex.
"Are we ready to win some trivia?"

"You're not stupid Claire."
The young girl is startled by the statement as she looks up to see from where the voice is coming. Claire quickly wipes her eyes.
"Taylor... I didn't know you were here."
The boy shifts uncomfortably.
"Well I saw you run in here as I was coming from the bathroom and I heard you mumbling about something."
"Oh... well... yeah it was nothing."
Taylor sits down next to Claire with his arm around her shoulder.
"Claire it wasn't nothing; you were crying."
She open her mouth as if to say something but is speechless.
"It was about Leland and Colby, wasn't it?"
"You knew about that?"
"Yeah... we're all friends. Leland wasn't really for it at first, but I guess something grew on him."
Claire looks at Taylor as her eyes begin to water again.
"Here, let me tak you home. You're in no condition to school."
"No, no, I can't go home. My mother will expect me to be at school, then at practice, and we all know how she can be when something isn't going as planned."
"Alright, I've got a better idea."

Alvin, are you really

2004-03-27T16:43:00.000-05:00

"Alvin, are you really thinking of taking this on?"
"Kathryn, you know I wouldn't have shown this to you if I wasn't considering it."
Kathryn smiles at her father-in-law and sits in the chair across the desk.
"But, why are you showing me this?" How can I possibly help with a project like that?"
"Well, you can't directly, but I was hoping that you may know someone who can."
After several moments of thought, a light bulb pops in Kathryn's head.
"I have the perfect person. He's worked on a number of similar projects but he's currently back at school. He was a friend of mine during undergrad. I bet he is about to finish up. Let me go call him and see what he has planned over the next few months. I need to catch up with him anyway."
As Kathryn leaves the room, Alvin notices his cell phone flicker as if someone is calling but it stops immediately.

Claire sobs faintly, inaudible to the two boys.
How could he do this to me? He knows how much Leland meant to me.
She turns around quickly and runs back to the entrance of the building. With the halls now empty, Claire continues her run back to her locker. She leans against the uncomfortable metal and sobs as she sinks to the floor.
"I was so stupid. How could I not have known? Ugh, I hate them. I hate both of them."
Claire doesn't notice a classmate watching her from the entrance ot the boys bathroom.
"How could he do this to me?"
The boy hesitantly takes a few steps from the bathroom. He stops to think over his decision again, then more determined walks over to Claire.
"You're not stupid."

"This is Apex."
"Aww, Apex, you were are still so formal."
"Kathryn? Kathryn Allerton?"
"Yes, well, it's Kathryn Stone now. I can't believe it has been that long since we've talked. I was married almost 6 years ago."
"Wow, has it been that long? How have you been?"
"I would say, other than being shot a month and a half ago, everything is going quite well."
"Oh my god, are you okay?"
"Yes, yes, I'm fine now."
"What happened?"
"Well that's a long story for another day. My real reason for calling is a project my father-in-law is working on. I think it's right in you expertise. Come have dinner with me tonight. I know it's far but I think you will love this."
"Just tell me where."

Nicole rubs her eyes after a long day of work and jumps at the knock on her office door.
"Come in."
"Dr. Chase, may I have a few moments with you?"
"Dr. Scott, please call me Nicole so I may call you Weston."
The male doctor smiles.
"I hope everything is working out with you son and husband. I went through the same thing with my son a few years ago."
"Yes, they are working things out. I take it you and your wife did, too?"
"No, my wife disowned my son and since then it hasn't been the same. That's kind of why I want to talk with you. I know you're not a psychiatrist, but I was hoping I could talk to you confidentially about my wife and marriage."
"Weston, I'm your boss. I'm not sure that's a great idea."
"Please, Nicole, I just need someone to talk to that I trust."
"Oh, alright, let's set up a time."

Alvin, you know,

2004-03-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

"Alvin, you know, you haven't been yourself lately."
"Hmmm? Oh, I'm sorry Kathryn. I didn't notice you walk in."
"That's okay, how are you? Is anything troubling you?"
"No, no... the divorce is just being finalized and I've also taken on this new project."
"Well, if you're half the man I think you are, you'll be fine."
Kathryn pecks her father-in-law on the cheek.
"Thank you Kathryn, now I want to show you something, but it's completely confidential. I'm hoping you can help me out a bit."
Alvin pull the file, he received from the man at city hall, out of his briefcase.
"What is this?"
"Just take a look at it."
Kathryn begins to browse the file with excitement.

Denver continues to eye the lecturer at the head of the class. Every so often, Apex meets his gaze causing the student to blush and look away. At the end of the lecture, the class gathers at the front of the room to pick up the assigned problem-set. Two girls from the class attempt to flirt with Apex.
"So Mr. Grayson.."
"Please call me Apex."
"Pecs, yes I like yours..."
"Julie..."
"What?"
"Anyway, we don't quite understand this last section of the book..."
"Ladies, I have office hours. Please come to those; they are listed on the top of the paper."
Apex points to the page as the two girls blush and promise to attend the next session. As they slink away, Denver picks up a copy of his assignment. He is startled by the hand that grabs his.
"Denver, I think you need to come to my office hours as well. The few times I've been here before, you've always been in the back corner, and Dr. Pelham has informed me of his concerns on your slipping academic performance."
Unable to say anything, Denver manages to mumble and okay then leave the room.

Skyler begins to dial his phone in the climb to his apartment floor.
Maybe he will actually answer.
He quickly hangs up.
"What the hell am I doing? I shouldn't be calling him and there is no reason I should even be thinking about..."
"Hey Skyler..."
Skyler looks up to find Braxton standing down the hall. Braxton continues as Skyler approaches.
"Who are you mumbling about?"
"Oh, it's no one. What ar... Oh, hello, Mrs. Crandall."
Skyler gives the woman an irritated look as she peeks her head out of her apartment.
"Skyler I was just talking to Lena here and she tells me her granddaughter is coming into town with her great-grandson."
Seeing neither of them react, Braxton continues.
"Anyway, Lena, it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope all goes well with your family."
As the old woman closes the door, Braxton harasses Skyler.
"Apparently you and her don't get along. What's wrong with you? She is a sweet old woman."
"She's always been an ice-cold bitch with me, always watching me too closely. What are you doing here anyway?"
"Well, I was hoping we could go get dinner tonight and catch up a bit."
"Sure, I have another thing I have to do first but I'll meet you around 6?"
"Perfect."

As she rounds the corner, Claire catches a glimpse of her brother leaving the building.
Where the hell is he going? It's almost time for 5th hour.
She cracks the door noiselessly to see where Colby went and is surprised to find another figure walking with him. Claire watches the two boys round the corner so she quickly dashes after them. Approaching the corner of the building cautiously, she looks into the secluded courtyard. Claire becomes furious at the sight. She doesn't find her brother dealing or buying drugs as the first rumor indicates. Claire watches as her brother makes out with the first boyfriend she ever had, Leland Mark.

Skyler leaves the motel room

2004-03-25T10:09:00.000-05:00

Skyler leaves the motel room with a disgusted look on his face while putting $500 in his pocket.
That guy was absolutely disgusting. Sometimes this escorting this is just awful, but... it does pay well.
On the way back to his apartment, Skyler can't help but think of Alvin. He had tried a number of times to rid his mind of the middle-aged man with little success. The Stone patriarch always has a way of entering Skyler's thoughts when the depression of an awful job takes over.
Why can't I stop thinking about him? Sure he is handsome, rich, polite... but he is almost 50. And if nothing else, I lost a great source of income.
It has been over two weeks since Skyler has heard from the client. Alvin had ceased contact since the day Skyler nearly outed him as not only gay but as a client of Skyler's.
Man I screwed thins up that day. I need to speak to him. I need to tell him that I can't stop thinking about him so I can get this off my chest.

Denver walks into the classroom with a smile on his face.
Only a month left. I can't believe it. 5 years and I'm finally going to be done.
He makes his way to the back corner of the room where he usually sits. While taking out his notebook, Denver hears whispers and giggling coming from the girls next to him. He looks up to see what they are talking about. Standing at the front of the room is the tall handsome graduate student that taught their class the few times the professor was gone.
"Alright, alright... Dr. Pelham will be gone for the rest of the semester, so I will be taking over and helping you guys prepare for the final."
Denver's heart beats nervoudly and excitedly as his eyes meet the eyes of the man talking.
"My name is Apex Grayson in case you forgot."

Brayen makes his way quickly from his desk to the editor's office.
"Hey Alex, any way I can get you to eat dinner with me tonight?" We'll head over to Babs it's trivia night."
"Brayen... you've got to learn how to knock on that door now. I can't have everyone thinking they can just barge in here. But yes, of course, I'll go, under one condition though."
Brayen gives Alex a look of confusion.
"Well, we have to win trivia!"
The two laugh as they return to work.

Claire closes her locker and watches her brother down the hall behind some of her friends.
"Claire, this is ridiculous. You can't keep hiding from him. You need to just go talk to him."
"No, I can't." We haven't exchanged words since I was snooping around his room. He knows I was in there."
"Who cares... this is so stupid. You two used to be inseparable until this year. Obviously he is hiding something from you that you just don't agree with. So what if he's gay; gay guys are awesome. I wish I had a gay brother."
"Diane, I already have one, my older brother. Don't you remember him from when we were little?"
"Yeah, whatever happened to him?"
"My mom freaked when he came out and kicked him out and disowned him. I don't want that to happen to Colby."
As the other girls talk about her older brother, Claire watches Colby round the corner out of her sight and decides to go follow him.

What do you mean rumors?

2004-03-24T12:36:00.000-05:00

"What do you mean rumors?"
Claire's two friends look at each other then look down.
"C'mon, tell me."
Hesitantly the first girl looks at Claire and speaks.
"Okay, okay. The first rumor is your brother is heavy into drugs. People have always seen him skipping class and have seen him in random places with strange guys."
"Are you kidding me?"
"Claire I swear I'm telling the truth."
The three girls stand quiet for a long time until the second of Claire's friends finally speaks.
"Well there's also the second rumor."
"You mean there's another one?"
The first girl grabs her friend and whispers, inaudible to Claire.
"Are you sure we should tell her?"
"Yes, I mean she is bound to find out sooner or later."
"Girls, what the hell? Stop whispering!"
The two girls look at Claire.
"Okay, well... there's a rumor going around that your brother is gay."

Alvin is relieve as the Stone mansion comes into view. The sight of his accomplishments has always turned a bad mood good. He climbs out of the car and approaches the house with an unexpected hesitance. As Alvin walks through the door, Rosa greets him and informs of the lunch by the pool.
"Thank you, Rosa."
Heading through the great room he is shocked to find Skyler being supported through the door to the patio by his son Hawke.
"Hey Dad, you remember my friend Skyler, right?"
Alvin stumbles over his words.
"Of course."
Skyler takes a quick look at the Stone patriarch.
"Oh, hey, Alvin... when do you want to get together?"
A surprised Hawke drops his friend.
"What the hell, Skyler? Don't talk to my dad that way. Keep your filthiness to yourself when you're in this house.
Alvin moves to help the drunken Skyler up.
"Hawke, Hawke, it's okay. He has obviously had a rough night. Just take him upstairs to get his clothes, then take him home."
As Hawke escorts Skyler up to his room, Alvin sighs in relief of covering up a close call.

Brayen approaches the apartment building in disbelief that the Bouchet family lives in the penthous.
"Braxton, this is amazing. Your aunt actually owns this building?"
"Yes, apparently she just bought it because we are the only family she has left. She wants to spend as much time with us as she can."
The elevator quickly takes them up the 40 floors. As they exit into the penthouse hall, Octavia throws her front door open.
"Joyce, Braxton, darlings, I'm so glad you're back. Who is this other young man with you?"
"Octavia, I want you to meet Brayen Scott, my other son."
"Ahh, so this is the famed child of Weston."
Brayen blushes as Octavia speaks.
"Well I know we're technically not related, but please, darling, call me Aunt Octavia."
"And Brayen, please come visit any time."
"Yes, darling, my house is a house of family. You are now family, so my house is your house."
Unbelievable amazed and grateful, Brayen hugs his new aunt and mother.
"Thank you so much. This is absolutely amazing."

"No! You two are lying!"
"Claire I swear I'm telling the truth. We have no reason to lie to you."
"No, that's ridiculous... my brother... no."
Claire attempts to go back to shopping but can't get the rumors about her brother out of her head.
"Claire, it's not the end of the world."
Claire stops what she is doing and looks at her two friends with anger. After a few more uncomfortable moments of silence she throws the jacket she had just taken off the rack at her friends. The two girls are shocked as Claire storms out of the store.
Gay?! He can't be gay. Mom will kick him out of the house and never let us see him again, just like Brayen.

Joyce, let me get the check.

2004-03-23T16:48:00.000-05:00

“Joyce, let me get the check. It’s my treat.”
Joyce blushes as Weston grabs her hand to move it away.
“Mom, Brayen and I are going to go wait outside ‘cause it is such a nice day out.”
“We ar...?”
Braxton quickly grabs Brayen’s hand and heads towards the door.
“Brayen, I think my mom still likes your dad.”
“You think?”
“Yeah, I also think your dad still likes my mom.”
“You know I was kind of picking up on that. It’s not really a shock to me though. My parents have always seemed unhappy. My, well, adoptive mother has always been a total bitch. Their marriage seems so forced.”
“Well I’m telling you... It looks like after all these years the two in there right now still have a thing for each other.”

“You know, guys, my brother has been acting really strange lately.”
“What do you mean Claire?”
Claire puts down the pair of jeans she was looking and turns towards her friends.
“Well, he has a password on a folder on his computer.”
“That’s probably just porn like every boy our age.”
“Fine, well here’s the strangest thing. The other day, I saw him getting out of some guy’s car. The guy was definitely in college too.”
The other two girls look at Claire for a moment then look at each other.
“Claire we didn’t want to tell you... but there have been rumors going around about your brother.”

As the mended Chase family splits into two groups, Alex and Denver notice Braxton and Brayen while Nicole and Blair walk to their car to head home. The two brothers stop their conversation as the Chase siblings approach.
“Hey, what are you two talking about? Did you just get here?”
“Oh, hey, Alex. No, we just finished, we had like a family get together. Braxton and his mother, well I guess my mother too, my dad and me.”
“Well that’s fun... so why’d you two get so quiet when we walked up.”
Alex grins slyly.
“Haha, nosy Alex, I was just asking Braxton about our mother from when he was a kid.”
With a wink Brayen informs his half-brother they should keep their parents’ interest in each other a secret between the two fo them.
“Hey, you wanna come see the new penthouse?”
Alex and Denver both decline the invitationfor different reasons, but Brayen agrees.

“Skyler!”
Hawke dives in after the naked figure and grabs his ankle. As they both surface Skyler gasps at Hawke.
“Hey, c’mon. I’m just swimming here.”
“Skyler, you need a suit if you want to swim here. Let’s just take you back upstairs. My brother doesn’t even want you here anyway.”
Hawks slowly coerces Skyler out of the pool and wraps the towel around him.
“Come on back upstairs.”
As the two make their way to the house, Kathryn can’t help but giggle at the situation. An irritated Jason glares at her.
“Oh, Buddy, c’mon, that was so funny. How often is someone drunk or hung over enough to actually jump in your father’s pool naked?”
“Okay, okay, on that respect it was amusing, but I just don’t like the guy.”
As Jason continues to ramble, Kathryn slowly unties her bikini top.
“Buddy, what are you doing?”
Kathryn answers as she lies down on her stomach.“Oh calm down, I’m just making sure I don’t have bad tan lines.”

2004-03-22T12:37:00.000-05:00

“Brayen!”
Joyce grabs her son and hugs him.
“I guess I should call you mom, huh?”
A tear rolls down Joyce’s cheek.
“After all these years, I finally get to spend some time with you.”
Braxton proceeds to greet the statuesque Weston.
“Dr. Scott, how are you doing?”
“Wha... Oh, just fine.”
Braxton notices the doctor’s slight infatuation with his mother. He relaxes a little when they finally head towards their table.
“Weston, thank you so much for inviting us out for brunch. It’s nice to have a family together.”
Brayen and Braxton exchange glances at the sight of their parents’ eyes while looking at eachother.

The Chase family continues to their table and sits down with the two men still not speaking. The meal is tense and the original purpose of the get together is lost. The awkward silence is broken at the table by Alex’s attempt to remind everyone why they are eating together.
“I’m sorry Alex, you’re right. I’m just having a difficult time dealing with Denver, that it’s taking my attention away from you.”
“Dad, it’s okay, I understand you need some time, but he is still my brother and still your son...”
Alex looks at Denver.
“...and we still lover him.”
Nicole begins to cry silently as Blair speaks to his son.
“Denver, she is right. You are still my son and I still love you.”

Jason and Kathryn tan lazily by the pool in the back of the Stone estate as Hawke approaches.
“I can’t believe it’s so nice out today. It’s only March.”
“I know can... Oh, hey Hawke, how was your night last night?”
“It was fine Kathryn, thanks for asking.”
Kathryn giggles, but Jason looks irritated and says nothing.
“Jason, I’m taking him home as soon as we’re done with lunch.”
“Okay, okay, Rosa will have it out here any minute now.”
As Hawke dives into the pool, Kathryn questions her husband on his mood.
“Buddy, the guy up there right now broke my brother’s heart awhile ago. He was a decent guy when they started dating, but he did something inexcusable that Hawke eventually found out about.”
“Ohh, okay, but Hawke insists they are still good friends, doesn’t he?”
“Yes.”
“Then don’t let it bother you so much. Hawke is a grown man and can make his own decisions.”
Before Jason can reply, the servant brings out their lunch.
“Thank you, Rosa.”

Skyler turns off the shower feeling only slightly better. He grabs a towel from the cupboard, dries off quickly, and wraps it around his waist.
“Hey Hawke, can you just take...”
Skyler is surprised to find Hawke missing from the bedroom. Still in a towel, he wanders from the room and down the hall. Unable to locate the missing Hawke in this wing of the mansion, Skyler proceeds down the stairs to the main level. He pays no attention to the few servants of the house that just stare at him as he wanders through. Skyler reaches the deck off the great room to find he is overlooking the pool. Seeing Hawke leisurly swimming, he makes his way down the wooden stairs to the pool area.
“Well hey guys.”
Kathryn smiles back as Jason answers rudely.
“What are you doing down here? I thought you were staying in Hawke’s room till after lunch.”
Hawke sees Skyler from the pool and confronts his brother.
“Jason, it’s okay... Skyler come here.”
Hawke drags the still wobbly Skyler away from his family.
“I thought I told you to stay up there and I would come get you in a bit.”
“I must have not been paying attention.”
“Well why don’t we head...”
“Since I’m down here I might as well go for a swim.”
Skyler quickly drops his towel and dives into the pool.

2004-03-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

"Alex! Why didn't you tell me you were having brunch with Mom and Dad?"
Denver is furious with his sister.
"You know how Dad feels about me right now."
"Yeah, but you two need to work this out sometime."
As they approach their parents, Blair and Denver lock eyes, one in anger, and one in desperation.
"Hey Mom, hey Dad."
Alex hugs her mother but doesn't touch her statue of a father.
"Dad."
"Denver."
As the two women watch, both men's eyes begin to soften in a way of understanding. Nicole decides to step in, to break the seemingly uncomfortable silence, and greet her son.
"Denver, are you excited school is almost over? I suppose you've had to start interviewing."
Before Denver has a chance to respond, they are called to be seated.

"Thanks for picking me up, Dad."
"Brayen, it isn't a problem."
"I'm glad we've been able to work things out. Now, if only your lovely wife could do the same. Why are you still with her anyway? As long as I can remember, you two have never really had any happy moments except for the ones that seemed forced."
Weston is careful to answer. He does not want to reveal that he was forced long ago to marry Isabelle for the debts owed to her father.
"Brayen, deep down I love her and the Kreeland family has always been a big supporter of the two of us, especially in hard times that you were too young to remember and before we adopted you."
Brayen accepts the answer as they shut the car doors and head toward Mary's. As they near the door, Brayen comments on the uncomfortable scene coming from the Chase family.
"Kinda looks like we did in the kitchen almost a decade ago when I came out to you and Mo… I mean Isabelle."
Weston chuckles.
"I am sure they will work things out. In the few weeks that I've known Dr. Chase, she has been nothing but fantastic. I am sure she will be able to talk to her husband and on and get them to talk to each other."
As he follows his son into the restaurant, Weston's heart skips a beat at the sight.

Hawke opens his door to find Skyler crawling on the floor to the bathroom.
"Skyler, what are you doing?"
He walks over quickly to help the guy up.
"I was… I was… jus tryin… to get to the shower. It'll help wake me up."
Hawke slowly escorts the hungover Skyler to the bathroom. Turning on the shower, he worries about his friend's state.
"Are you sure you're okay to be moving around?"
"Yes… I'm fine."
Skyler pulls his clothes off and steps into the shower.
"You were never shy, Skyler. I'm heading down to the pool to have lunch with my brother and sister-in-law. I'll be back in about an hour to take you home."
Hawke hears Skyler mumble from the shower in response as he leaves the steamy room.

"This is Steve."
"Steve, where is Mr. Kreeland?"
"I need to know who is speaking, please."
"Steve! You know who this is. Tell him Jersey needs to speak to him right away."
"Oh… my apologies Miss Knox… I will tell him."
After a few long moments, a deep voice speaks on the other end of the phone.
"Yes, Jersey, how did it go last night?"
"Perfectly, I know exactly who we should use. Not only will he be close to the Bouchet's, it will also help you get back at someone else and keep them under your control."
"Excellent. Once again, Jersey Knox, you have impressed me."

2004-03-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

"Who is that in there?"
Hawke is startled by his brother's question as he closes the door. Feeling embarrassed he tries to brush off the question.
"Oh, no one important… Where's Kathryn?"
"She escaped to the bedroom. Now c'mon, who's in there?"
Sensing he is not going to get away from Jason easily, Hawke gives the truth.
"He got really drunk last night so I decided to bring Skyler here so he wouldn't do anything he would regret."
"What the hell? Isn't that the guy who broke your heart? I'm gonna kick his ass."
"Jason, stop. We are still friends and on some level I still care for him."
Now annoyed with his brother, Jason leaves the hallway to his bedroom with a final comment.
"Okay… well, join Kathryn and me by the pool for lunch."

"Honey, so who are we meeting here and what are we celebrating?"
"Alex, silly, her editor job just became permanent. It appears Kathryn Stone, the former editor, is now the owner."
"Ohh, well, that's fantas… What the hell is he doing here?"
"What? Who?"
Nicole turns around to see her daughter and son approaching.
"Now, Blair, just relax… I didn't know he was coming but you two might as well work this out now."

"Alvin, I take it your family is doing very well?"
"Yes, Kathryn is recovering quicker than anyone could have imagined. Do you think we can do this quickly? I would like to get back to spending time with my family."
"Of course, of course."
Harry takes the file from his desk and hands it to Alvin. Skeptically, the Stone patriarch opens the envelope. After careful examination, Alvin looks at the other man.
"Are you serious?"
"Yes, Alvin, completely serious. So what do you think?"
"Well… it seems like a great idea, but I take it you want my companies to fund it?"
"Well, yes, that's the idea and why I brought you here."
"Alright, Harry, but I expect this to be done and completed my way. We will have to change some things to make sure it's done right."
"Of course, of course."
The two men shake.

Braxton studies his mother while the two wait in Mary's for the rest of their party. He notices Joyce constantly moving, shaking and pacing.
"Mother, what's wrong with you?"
"…huh? Oh, nothing, nothing."
"Mom, I realize that you haven’t had a relationship with him and it must be nerve-racking to start it up."
Joyce is shocked at her son's comment.
"What?"
"Mom, he is your son though, I am sure it will come naturally."
Slightly relaxing, Joyce realizes Braxton is talking about her other son, Brayen.
"Yes, yes, I suppose you are right."
Thank god he doesn't realize what's really bothering me. I think I still have feelings for Weston. But he is married; I cannot feel this way over a married man.
Joyce continues to pace in the foyer as Braxton continues to watch her closely.

2004-03-19T14:37:00.000-05:00

"Mr. Stone… Mr. Stone, we're almost there."
Alvin snaps out of his daydream. He surprises himself every time he slips into another trance dreaming of Skyler.
How can I constantly be dreaming of such a nobody constantly? He has this strange hold over me.
The limo comes to a slow stop. Alvin is annoyed that he has been called to a meeting on a weekend. In the years of his first job out of school, a 7-day workweek was most common for him. Now as an established, and one of the richest business men, in the United States, Alvin's life is full of luxury and time that is well deserved. He is especially irritated with this meeting because March is the month he insists the whole family must stay at the Stone mansion. Every weekend moment taken away in March is a moment lost with his family. As Alvin climbs the stairs to the fantastic building of city hall, he responds to the man standing at the top.
"Harry, this better be good. You know what the month of March is for me."
The man chuckles.
"Alvin, I think you will like this."

"Braxton… Braxton, honey… we're going to be late!"
Braxton stumbles out of his room in Octavia's new penthouse.
"Oh mom, calm down, we're just meeting for brunch. I'm sure if we are just a little late it won't matter. You seem really antsy, are you okay?"
"Yes, yes, I'm perfectly fine."
Braxton eyes his mother carefully.
"Okay, well I will be ready in about three more minutes."

Wait, wait for me. I have to talk to you. Why do you keep running away from me? Who are you?
Skyler wakes up with a headache worse than he's ever had before, in a room he doesn't recognize at all.
"Where am I?"
"Skyler, you're in my room in my father's mansion."
"What?"
Hawke looks at the hungover and still drunk Skyler with a sort of pity.
"You werw wasted last night, getting drinks from some nasty older men, that were just trying to get you into bed. I figured you were too drunk to really know what was going on. So… I brought you here so I could look after you and make sure you didn't do anything stupid."
"Hawke, you don't have to yell. What are you talking about, do something stupid?"
"Nothing, just go back to sleep or something. I'll go get you some water."
Skyler groans and he rolls over to go back to sleep as Hawke leaves the room.

"Weston, where the hell are you going?"
Isabelle catches her husband as he is about to go out the door.
"Well, Isabelle, I have assignments and orders to keep from your father. As you pleasantly pointed out last night, I owe him a great deal."
Irritated but seeing his point, Isabelle lets her husband leave. She knows better than to stop anyone from completing her father's orders. Weston is relieved to reach his car without too big of an objection.
Thank god. If she knew I was going to meet Brayen she would be furious. But, I have to reconcile with him, he is my oldest child.

2004-03-18T01:07:00.000-05:00

Colby wakes up still furious from the night before. After spending much of the night sneaking around with his friends, he crawled up the side of the house and opened his window to find his closet had been rummaged through and someone had tried to get in the locked folder on his computer. Colby is almost certain his sister is the perpetrator. He would have confronted her last night, but went to sleep instead for fear of waking his cruel mother. With a now clear mind from the night of sleep, Colby realizes Claire knows he snuck out the night before. Instead of confronting her, he will have to find another way to get back at his sister.

Blair opens his eyes to the smell of coffee making its way from the kitchen. After throwing on some old clothes and making the short trip downstairs, he is surprised by his wife being completely dressed and ready to leave.
"Honey, you're not dressed yet? I thought you got up half an hour ago right after I did?"
"No, I didn't know I needed to be getting up. You know I'm glad we talked last night."
Nicole smiles at her husband. After the brief fight they had the previous evening, with Nicole making her husband sleep on the couch, Blair had time to sort out his difficulties with their son, Denver's, confession of being gay. To his surprise, Nicole came down the stairs later that night and the two talked through Blair's problems.
"Sweetheart, I am too. We love our son very much and should not let anything get in the way of that bond."
"I agree."
Blair playfully dips his wife and kisses her. Laughing, Nicole insists her husband get dressed.
"We have something to celebrate at brunch. If you don't hurry, we are going to be late."
Nicole slaps Blair's ass as he darts out of the room.

"Buddy, that was absolutely amazing."
Jason lightly kisses the back of his wife's neck. He always preferred to be the big spoon.
"Buddy, I know. It had been far too long."
Kathryn rolls over on the couch to face her husband.
"I love you."
"Well, you know, I love you, too. C'mon, we better go upstairs and get dressed. I think my father is going to be home soon. I'm sure he'd rather not see us this way on his expensive furniture."
With a quick kiss, Kathryn jumps up and challenges Jason to beat her upstairs.

Denver hops out of the shower feeling awake and refreshed. He is startled when Alex appears in the door of his room.
"Oooo, somebody's been working out. Trying to impress all those boys, huh?"
Denver blushes to a beet red.
"Stop it. Hey, what are you doing dressed already?"
Oh, I'm going to meet some people for brunch to celebrate becoming the editor of the magazine."
"I thought you already were the editor."
"Well… yeah, I am… but, it was only supposed to be temporary. The former editor is now going to take over the ownership so they are going to keep me as the editor."
"That's fantastic! Congrats!"
"Yeah, thank you. Hey, why don't you come eat with us before you head back to school?"
"Well… I was hoping to get back early so I could get some work done."
"Denver… I probably won't see you again till your graduation. Please?"
"Okay… okay… I'll go."
Denver returns to the bathroom not noticing Alex's mischievous smile.

2004-03-17T12:49:00.000-05:00

Despite the dance music blaring throughout the club, Braxton notices applause of praise as he makes his way towards the birthday group.
"Braxton, that was amazing. I love Kylie."
"I know Brayen; they told me. I figured, opening night for your birthday, which was actually March 3, I would perform a medley of a talent you adore."
Brayen hugs his half-brother.
"So you're done performing for the night?"
"Yes Hawke, the rest of the night is about us having a good time."

"Octavia, this place is wonderful. I can't believe what you've done with it."
"Well, darling, what else was I supposed to do? Nothing makes me happier than spending some moments with my family. Well… that and my man Jack here."
Octavia taps the bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey next to her.
"Oh, Octavia, you'll never change."
The tow chuckle as they leave the back office. Noticing Jersey watching the group with Braxton, Octavia takes the opportunity to brag about her nephew.
"Isn't he something? He's always been a performer, ever since he was little."
Jersey acknowledges her boss but excuses herself at the sound of her cell phone.
"This is Jersey… Yes, I see them… Yes, they are all together… No, I'm not sure which one will be best but I'm getting ideas… Yes, Mr. Kreeland, I'll know very soon."
Slightly flustered, as she usually is after talking to him, Jersey continues her work without showing a sign of being uncomfortable.

Amidst the noise of the club a faint word comes from the sound system.
"Come…"
Brayen's head pops up, while the other five continue their gossip.
"Come…"
"Did you guys hear that?"
Skyler gives Brayen an irritated look, while the other four just stare at Brayen's excited face.
"Brayen, what are you talking about? I can hardly hear you let alone anything else."
"Come into my world."
Brayen notices the smirk on Braxton's face.
"I called in a favor from a friend of mine."
"Wait, wait, you know…"
Brayen doesn't finish his sentence as he stands up and the lights go out. This time the voice is much louder.
"Come… Come… Come into my world."
Brayen somehow manages to dodge every person while running to the stage in the pitch black atmosphere.
"Wontchyou lift me up… up… high up on your love…"
A single spot light shines directly on the middle of the stage right as Kylie Minogue rises from the below.
"He's crazy, you know that?"
Denver snaps back at Skyler.
"Why don't you just leave him alone? At least he shows emotion, unlike some people."
Braxton decides to cut them off before they ruin the night.
"Now, now, boys, let's just calm down and have a fun night."
Alex offers an initation to take Denver to the bar while the other three watch the fantastic performance. At the conclusion of the performance, Denver returns to the table with five full martini glasses. Skyler, Hawke, and Braxton look confused and Brayen simply asks a question as he approaches.
"Where did Alex go?"
Oh, she went to the bathroom. She'll be back in a bit."
"Well then, the five guys, how about a toast?"
The other four look at Braxton with perplexed looks. Denver is the first to speak.
"And to what are we toasting?"
After a long period of thought, Brayen voices an idea, smiling at his half-brother.
"From drags…"
"…to riches."
Braxton laughs at Hawke's end of the phrase.
"So it will be… from drags to riches."
"From drags to riches!"
The five all touch their glasses as they repeat Braxton and Alex returns.
"What did I miss?"
"Oh, nothing, just a boys club toast. C'mon let's make this night a blast."

2004-03-16T14:15:00.000-05:00

"C'mon, let's go try to get in."
"Colby you know they're never going to believe we're 21."
"Taylor, you know I'm not talking about going in the front. Rear entry is always better."
The three boys laugh at the joke. Colby directs his words at the driver.
"C'mon Lee, what do you think?"
"Well, we can always try."
The boy proceeds to flip the car in the other direction.
"Leland Mark, you sure know how to drive!"
"Oh, blow me, Taylor Dupuis!"
Now in the parking lot of Waterstone, the three boys dodge the street lamps to the back of the building. Noticing one of the bartenders smoking near the door, they quickly duck behind a dumpster.
"God, it smells back here."
"Shhh, Taylor, be quiet."
As the bartender returns inside, Colby dashes to catch the door. The other two quickly follow and make their way to the new found entrance. While walking through the backrooms, they hear moaning and mumbling coming from the room in front of them. Taylor accidentally knocks over a case of liquor.
"Hey! Who's back there?"
Frightened at the possibility of being caught, Colby leads Leland and Taylor out of the building. He quickly slams the door after the other two exit and all three make a mad dash for the car.

Hearing her mother finally retire to the bedroom downstairs, Claire creeps out of her room and down the hall to her brother's door. Trying the handle, she unsurprisingly finds it locked.
Figures as much.
Claire pulls a paper clip from behind her ear and bends the thin piece of metal into a straight wire. Slipping the piece into the hole of the handle, she hears the lock pop.
Ha, these locks were always so simple to pick.
As she enters the room she is shocked to find her brother's computer on and accessible, not requiring a password. Excitedly, she sits down in the cahir and starts browsing the folders of Colby's computer.
Ugh, there's nothing in here, nothing at all. It's just a bunch of program files and documents for school… wait what's this?
Claire stares at the screen, while a box pops up asking for a password. She tries typing in a number of different combinations of characters but has no success. Felling frustrated she decides to search Colby's closet for lack of anything better to do. Claire is suddenly startled at the faint noise of a car door closing.

The fiver birthday celebrators make their way to the club side of the establishment after a fabulous feast for Brayen's birthday. Almost instantly after entering the now packed room, the lights dim for the opening event. On the screens on both sides of the stage the words 'Kylie Through the Ages' appear.
"Oooo, this oughta be good."
"Well we did tell him Kylie Minogue is your favorite."
Braxton walks onto the stage as Miss Busty Bouchet and proceeds to perform a medley of the artist's songs from the beginning of her career to the present day.

The unknown woman watches from backstage as Busty finishes up and approaches her.
"Only you could ever do my songs any justice Miss Busty Bouchet."
"Why thank you. Now I'm going to go change quickly and meet my brother and friends out on the floor. The tall guy with the blonde hair that I will be with is my brother."
"Okay, honey, I'll go on in 20 minutes. How does that sound?"
"Perfect!"

"Colby, that was insane. I can't believe we actually did that."
"Oh, Taylor, stop it. I'll make out with you later if that will shut you up."
Leland snickers at Colby's offer.
"Don't be jealous Lee."
Colby proceeds to put his hand on the inside of the driver's leg to rub back and forth gently. As he reaches for Leland's belt buckle, the car comes to a stop.
"Alright, we're here."
"Damn Lee, you're sending me home already?"
Colby laughs as he gets out of the car. He waves to his two friends as the drive away.
Okay, back to bed I guess.
He makes his way up the trellis on the side of the house and opens his window noiselessly. The instant he crawls through, the sight of the room enrages him.

2004-03-15T14:04:00.000-05:00

Weston stares at the house from his car.
How did I ever let this happen? How did my life get this screwed up?
The now depressed doctor heads to the door of he house. As he enters he notices his daughter fly up the last few stairs to the second floor.
Ahh, it is 11 o'clock. I guess my crazy wife is still being a major bitch, not letting any one in this family have any fun.
Weston walks into the kitchen to find no one but the wife of his nightmares.
"Weston, darling, how are you this lovely night?"
"Isabelle, there's no need to pretend, it's only the two of us."
The smile melts from the seemingly happy housewife's face. With a more irritated tone, Isabelle continues.
"Fine, where the hell have you been? It's just past 11. You're not going to make me put a curfew on you too, are you?"
"I had a house call to make. Now just leave me alone for tonight."
Isabelle's face turns from annoyance to that of anger.
"What did you say to me? Don't you dare talk to me like that again. You how much you owe my father."
Weston speaks back but in a much smaller voice.
"Why do you think I was forced to marry you?"
Isabelle throws the carving knife she was washing at her husband. Just barely missing him, she slowly walks towards the now frightened Weston.
"Don't ever speak of that again or I will have my father here at the drop of a hat. And we both know that he would do anything, for the happiness of his only daughter… anything."
"Yes, dear."
Weston now shaking throughout his body disappears from the kitchen to the master bedroom on the same floor of the house. As he takes off his clothes and crawls into bed, he begins to sob noiselessly in despair.

"C'mon guys. The table is ready and it's already 11. They're going to close the restaurant part after us."
Hawke, Denver, Alex, Brayen, and Skyler head to the table. After much chatter and good food, Brayen just barely hears a whisper travel through the room behind him. As he turns around, his jaw drops at the sight of his new-found half brother carrying a cake with 16 candles on it.
"Chocolate with cream cheese frosting, your favorite."
Brayen turns towards the table to see who could have possibly known that fact.
"Alex… I… I'm speechless… I thought you guys forgot or no one cared."
Braxton, in costume as Busty, places the cake down in front of his sibling.
"Make a wish, Brayen."
As Brayen blows the candles out, Braxton makes his way to Skyler at the other end of the table.
"Is everything ready?"
Braxton whispers back to make sure no one can hear.
"Yeah, she is backstage now. I'll go on first to do a cover of hers. There will be a break for me to change and get out here, and then it's her turn."
"Great."
"You know you aren't that bad of a guy Skyler Sterling."
"And Braxton, you make a better woman than a man."
The two share some moments of banter then Braxton heads back to the dressing rooms.
A curious Hawke can't help but wonder what the two were whispering about.
"So, you gonna tell me your secret?"
"Oh Hawke, you'll find out soon enough."

An unknown woman sits at a vanity in the backstage of Waterson. With a knock on the door, Braxton enters the small room.
"So are you ready sweetheart?"
"Carling of course, I've been doing this for years."

2004-03-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

"Alex… Alex… Hellloooo… What's wrong with you?"
Denver stares at his sister who seems to be frozen in thought. After a few more moments Alex finally looks at her brother and stumbles over her words.
"Uhhh… I'm sorry… yeah… so drinks…"
Denver continues to stare at his sister. Noticing his gaze, Alex is relieved to see Skyler and Hawke approaching them.
"So, you two finally make up?"
Alex answers Skyler's question almost too quickly.
"Yeah, we did, and I was just about to buy him a drink."
"Oh, I'll go get that hot bartender then. Her name is Jersey. Who names their daughter Jersey? That's so hot."
As Hawke wanders off to get the bartender's attention, Alex can't help but think about her accident in front of the magazine's building.
Isn't that the same woman I ran into earlier? Why do I find her so irresistible? I've never had this feeling towards a woman before. I feel so… awkward.

Brayen nears Waterstone completely irritated.
A whole week and a half and no one, no one, has even wished me a happy birthday. Now they want me to celebrate Hawke's new job that his father gave him? This is lame.
Brayen walks through the door only to have his breath taken away. At the bar he observes Alex and Denver together, talking and laughing. In a now slightly better mood, Brayen marches his way through the growing crowd to the recently not-talking siblings.
"So you two are on talking terms now?"
"Brayen! I missed you! I'm so sorry I acted so ridiculously about this whole thing. Can…"
"Alex, Alex. You're my best friend, how could I not want you in my life."
The two friends hug.
"Well, I suppose this was Skyler's plan for a birthday present for you."
"What?! You mean to tell me that Skyler got you two here?"
The returned but unnoticed Hawke answers the question for the confused siblings.
"He may seem like an ass sometimes, but deep down Skyler cares for his friends."
As the four continue to converse, Jersey, the bartender, eyes them from a far corner.
Now which one of them is going to best help me with my assignment? Which one is going to be closest to…
"Hey Jersey, don't look so serious."
Jersey is slightly startled at Skyler's comment as he passes by to join the others.

"Mom!"
"Claire, what is it? You know you're supposed to be upstairs in your room by 11… Well, what do you want?"
Still baffled by her mother's constant cruelty and rudeness, Claire thinks over her words carefully. She decides against telling her mother about her brother's escape.
"Mom… I… Why can't we have a later curfew? Colby and I are 16!"
Claire's mother eyes her carefully.
"You know my rules and you know why we have them."
"But we're…"
"Stop it! It's not going to change so stop arguing. Now go back upstairs, you have two minutes to do it."
Claire storms out of the kitchen pretending to be frustrated, but as she reaches the stairs, she can't help but let a smile grow on her face.

2004-03-13T11:36:00.000-05:00

Alex quickly composes herself before heading into Waterstone. The last time she was here she witnessed a terrible crime of the attempted murder of the drag performer Miss "Busty" Bouchet. Alex sighs heavily.
This is for Brayen. I have to show him that I still care for him deeply.
As she enters the building, she is shocked to find Denver at the bar with her neighbor, Skyler, who invited her. She moves swiftly towards the two without them noticing and ends up right behind Denver. Alex notices Skyler wink at her as he excuses himself to find Hawke.
"Can a woman buy her little brother a drink?"
Denver turns around quickly.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
"Skyler invited me thinking I would want to apologize to both you and Brayen.'
Denver is moved at the compassion shown by Skyler inviting his sister.
"So do you think you can forgive me?"
"After all that we've been through how could I not?"
The two embrace with a hug of understanding and love.
"So where's this drink you're buying me?"
Alex punches her brother's arm while she attempts to get the attention of the bartender. Just as the woman turns around, Alex can't help but let her face go from normal to pale to a bright pink.

"Jason, please, don't let your wife exert herself too much. She still needs to take it very easy."
"Weston, I understand completely. So we will see you again next week?"
"Yes, have a good night."
"Thank you."
Weston walks away from the closing door, pondering his situation.
How did I ever get myself into this? I have to earn the trust and respect of the Stone heirs and take advantage of the only woman I've ever loved and her child.
He sighs deeply as he starts his car to drive to his next destination.

As Jason returns to the living room, he is annoyed that Kathryn has disappeared yet again. The feeling dissipates quickly as he notices his wife gliding down the stairs in her sexiest negligee. Slight concern is heard in Jason's voice.
"Buddy, you know the doctor said to not exert yourself. Why don't you just come sit down?"
"Oh, c'mon now, you know I'm perfectly allowed to exert myself a little bit."
Kathryn brushes her lips against Jason's, slowly backing him towards the couch.
Besides, your father is gone for the night. I figured we could have a romantic night in front of the TV."
She pushes her husband down on the couch.
"Buddy! What are you doing? We can't…"
"Shhh… I'm perfectly fine and it's been over a month since… well… you know."
Kathryn gives him a devilish grin then kisses Jason with a passion unmatched from any other time in their relationship.

Claire turns her head to look at the alarm clock from the couch in front of her TV.
I can't believe it's only 10:45 and I'm already home. Why does mom have to have this 11 o'clock curfew on a Saturday night? We're 16; you'd think we could at least get a 12 or 12:30…
Claire is startled by the sound of her brother's door closing. Out of curiosity and boredom, she decides to open her door to look down the hall. The light to Colby's room is off, but she can see the faint glow of his TV under the door. She tiptoes down the hall to put her ear on her brother's door. Hearing nothing but the hum of the TV, she quietly returns to her room. Claire briefly notices a flash of headlights come from the street. On any other night she would have disregarded it as a car driving by, but tonight, boredom was making her antsy. Looking out her window, Claire notices a dark shape running towards her house. She quickly turns off her TV to listen closely. Claire hears a very faint thud… then a giggle… then her eyes widen as she watches two figures running away from the house.
What the hell? Is that Colby?
Sensing her opportunity, Claire opens her door to run down the stairs to the kitchen where he mother is standing.
"Mom!"

2004-03-12T09:26:00.000-05:00

"What are you doing!?"
Kathryn turns around quickly at the sound of the doctor's excitement.
"Dr. Scott, please, calm down."
"Ms. Stone, Kathryn, you should not be walking around yet.
Weston rushes over to his patient to help her into a chair.
"Dr. Scott, I…"
"Call me Weston."
"Weston, I feel great. I've been walking around, took a dip in the pool, and I even went into the office today."
"Kathryn, I understand this, but I still want you to take it easy. You were dead for 30 minutes. I don't think a month later is a good time to return to normal activity."
At this comment, Jason buts in.
"See, Buddy, I told you you should still be taking it easy. Let's put you in front of the TV and I'll go get us a movie for tonight."
"Fine… fine."
Kathryn directs her attention to Weston.
"Thank you for stopping by. When shall we expect you next?"
"I'll come by in a week to check on your progress. Till then please, please, take it easy."
Kathryn bids the doctor farewell as Jason walks Weston out of the room and to the door.
Take it easy. Why do I need to take it easy? I'm perfectly fine already, well at least very close.
With a devious look, Kathryn rushes up the stairs.

Nicole creeps down the stairs as quietly as she can. With so little of their stuff unpacked, every step seems to be as loud as a banging hammer echoing in a cave. As she reaches the floor, she notices the TV still on in the living room. Nicole pauses just long enough to realize her husband is asleep while the TV blares the opening monologue of an SNL rerun on Comedy Central. She swiftly moves to her husband’s side and kneels in front of him. Lightly running her fingers through his hair, she mumbles something hardly audible.
''Blair, my darling, when are we going to resolve this? It’s not his fault, it’s not our fault, it’s no one’s fault. There have been many studies that link hom…''
As Nicole continues, she raises her head and stares into space, not noticing her husband open his eyes. Softly, his lips brush her passing hand. Nicole stops suddenly as Blair whispers.
"Honey, we will get through this. I just need time to adjust."

Skyler and Hawke sit at the bar, joking about people that were in theirs lives years ago, while waiting for the rest of their party to arrive. The two notice Denver try to slip through the door unnoticed. As he tries to take his steps towards the bar, the door flies open and clips his foot knocking him over. The two at the bar can't help but laugh as Denver picks himself up. The beautiful, tall, blonde woman who caused the fall doesn't even acknowledge the now blushing Denver as she makes her way from the door to the back office behind one of the bars. Skyler and Hawke continue to laugh as Denver approaches them.
"Damn, girl, she just knocked you over like you were on a pair of 8-inch spikes."
Skyler laughs at Hawke's comment.
"Stop it guys, I'm already embarrassed enough as it is."
As the two continue to laugh, the woman returns from the office and looks at the three guys from behind the bar.
"Hey boys, what can I get you this evening?"
"Other than the dignity of my friend, Denver here, we are just fine."
"Oh? What's wrong with you?"
"Well you knocked me over when you came in."
"Oh, sweetie, I was wondering what you were doing on the floor. How about a drink on me for you and your friends? The name's Jersey."

2004-03-12T06:22:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true! I'm currently writing season 2 of Drags to Riches! Starting with March 12, 2004 as episode 1, there should be a new post every day or two. Isn't this exciting?! Yes I realize it is November of 2005 but I can't just jump over a year and a half in their lives, that would make writing the story difficult. :)

2004-03-11T11:32:00.000-05:00

"Hello?"
"Hey Claire."
"Colby where the hell have you been?"
"Dude, I've been in the mall."
Claire gets silent. She might as well just let the scene she just witnessed go unmentioned.
"I must have missed you."
"Well, I'm waiting around by the food court. Want to come get something to eat with me?"
"Sure."

Nervously, Weston approaches the door to the Stone Mansion. He had been directed to make house calls to one of his patients, Kathryn Stone. As he rings the doorbell, Weston wonders how he will push his way into the trust of the Stone family.
"Oh, hello Dr. Scott."
"Jason, how do you do?"
"Fine but what are you doing here?"
"Well. I've been instructed by the hospital to make a few house calls to ensure that your wife is okay. May I come in to see her?"
"Hmmm, sure come on in."
The doctor quickly notices the spacious living standards of the mansion.
"Wow this is amazing. So where is Kathryn?"
"Just in the other room."
As Weston enters the room to which Jason pointed, he is horrified by the sight.

Alex decides to leave the office early today. As she is leaving the building she bumps into a sultry woman a little younger than herself. Alex blushes a little at the accident.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."
The woman nods to confirm it was just an accident then walks off. Alex ponders on the event in her car.
What was that all about? I blushed, can I ran into a woman? But, she was attractive; women can find other women attractive. Why didn't she talk to me though?

2004-03-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

Claire enters the mall expecting to find her brother.
He should have gotten off about 30 minutes ago, so he must be around here someplace.
She makes her way to Colby's place of work, doesn't find him, so decides to roam the mall in hopes of randomly running into him. A half hour and a walk through the entire mall pass and yet she still cannot find her brother. Irritated that she saw his car when she came in but still can't find him, she tries to call Colby.

Colby and Denver lie in bed holding each other.
"Colby that was amazing."
Denver turns around to look at the blonde. He only now notices such young features on the young man's face. The moment is interrupted by the ring of Colby's phone. Reaching over, he grabs his phone, then jumps out of bed.
"Crap. It's my sister, she's probably looking for me at the mall. You have to take me back."
"Okay, calm down. Let me just put some clothes on, which might not be a bad idea for you either, and then we can go."
The two quickly dress then head out the door. Once in the car, Denver ponders on Colby's actions and looks.
"Colby, how old are you?"

Braxton, Octavia, and Joyce walk into the club. Joyce still feels uneasy about the place since the injury she obtained only months ago. Braxton comforts his mother as Octavia directs the movers to unload Busty's performance wardrobe backstage. She moves back to the other two.
"Now, sugar, I've made the backstage a bit bigger to conform to your needs. There's a dressing room and space to practice anything you want. There's workout equipment so you don't have to go to a gym. Everything you need is here, backstage. Consider it like a second home to the new penthouse. Oh, and if there is anything you need that is not back there, just let me or anyone working this place know."
"Octavia this is wonderful. Thank you."
He embraces her just as two friends wander in.
"Braxton!"
"Hey you two, this is my aunt, Octavia Bouchet. Octavia this is Skyler Sterling and Hawke Stone."
"Well it's very nice to meet you two."
The two say their greetings and drag Braxton away from the others.
"So everything is ready?"

Colby stares at Denver for a moment.
"I'm 18. I'm just finishing up my senior year of high school."
Colby quickly looks away in hopes that Denver cannot tell he is lying.
"Okay good, for a minute there I thought you might be younger than that. I apologize."
Colby forces a smile as they enter the mall parking lot. The car stops and Colby opens the door. Denver grabs his arm.
"Hold on a second... it was nice to meet you."
Colby looks back at Denver's smiling face.
"It was great to meet you too. We should do this again sometime. Here's my phone number."
Denver quickly types the number into his phone and gives Colby a peck on the cheek. Hoping that no one saw that, Colby leaves the car. Denver drives off and Colby walks in the building.

From across the parking lot, Claire watches as her brother leaves the car of a guy who must be a few years older than the two of them. She notes this as more suspicious behavior. She is startled by the sound of her phone.

2004-03-09T22:48:00.000-05:00

After browsing through a couple stores Denver heads to the food court. He waits patiently for the young blonde. After a few more minutes, he notices the eye candy strutting towards him.
"I got off a bit early."
"Oh do you now?"
Denver chuckles lightly at his attempt to flirt with a joke. Colby stares at him.
"Nevermind. So how do you like working in there?"
"Oh, it's great. I love the discount. Buy almost everything there."
Colby takes a twirl as Denver whistles.
"So are you looking to get something to eat, Colby was it?"
"Right, Denver?"
"Yeah."
"No, I've decided I'm not really hungry. Is there anything else we can do?"
Denver looks into Colby's eyes and sees a fire of some sort.
"You wanna just go catch a movie at my place?"
"Sounds good."

Blair opens the door to his house just to notice his wife staring into the empty TV.
"Honey, what's wrong?"
"We need to talk about Denver sometime. It's been two weeks, and we haven't said a word to each other."
"Look there's nothing I want to talk about."
Blair hangs his coat in the closet and rests his briefcase on the desk. Ready to hurry off to change to more comfortable clothes, he notices Nicole's face in agony.
"Look there's nothing I can do. I'm just no comfortable with having a child like that."
"Like what? It's not his fault! He was heartbroken when we kicked him out. I miss him already even though I wouldn't normally see him in two weeks. We have to talk to him sometime."
"I just don't think I can."
"Fine, looks like you're sleeping down here tonight."
Nicole picks herself up and hurries upstairs while Blair stares at his wife in disbelief. This is not going to be easy to overcome.

"Braxton have you packed everything?"
"Yes mom."
He was getting slightly annoyed with the constant reminders from his mother. Even though his manager, Braxton becomes annoyed with her motherly habits. Octavia graciously arrives at just the right time bearing help as well. Braxton eyes them carefully.
"Now sugar, let the boys take care of that."
Grabbing the suitcases, Braxton can't help but notice the bulge of muscles on each man's arm. Octavia whispers in his ear.
"Think your old aunt doesn't have any taste?"
Braxton smiles then checks the clock one last time which was conveniently hiding behind one of the movers' butt.
"Octavia, we have to hurry! We need to move this stuff to the penthouse then get ready for the club. It's opening night isn't it?"
"Sugar, calm down. We'll be there."

Denver pops The Broken Hearts Club into the VCR.
"Yeah, it's my sister's place but I'm moving in with her soon. Well at least I think I am. She's at work for another couple hours or so."
"You think you're moving in?"
"Long story, you don't want to hear about it."
"You're right."
Colby moves close to Denver, looks into his eyes for a few moments, then kisses him feverishly.

2004-03-08T23:36:00.000-05:00

Kathryn rides the elevator to the top floor of the building. It has been a long time since she has taken the ascent. She tries to remember the last time she was up here. Was it a month, two? The elevator dings and slows. Kathryn can hear her heart beating in her ears as the doors open.
"SURPRISE!"
Kathryn is startled at the office staff in party attire. In the middle of it all stands her husband and her father-in-law.
"Did you two do this?"
"I swear it was mostly his idea."
Jason points at his father.
"We're glad to have you back in the office, 'Ms. Owner.'"
"It's good to be back."

Denver wanders the mall in search of something.
What do I get a guy I slept with then haven't talked to for over a week?
He passes by a GAP and decides to check on the clothes they are offering. Denver quickly notices a young, cute blonde folding clothes with a head set on. Denver quickly picks up a piece in his reach with out looking and walks over to the young man.
"Do you think this looks good on me at all?"
The blonde begins to laugh. Denver looks at what he's holding up and notices it's a girls shirt.
"Are you planning on a sex change?"
His face changes from white to red quickly.
"Ha.. ha.. I just wanted to get your attention."
"Ahh, forward I see."
Denver continues to blush as he speaks.
"Well just a bit. You're cute though, how could I resist?"
"Hey my manager is coming back. I get off in about an hour. Can you wait around 'till then?"
"Sure.
"I'll meet you outside the food court. We can get some quick food there."
"Sounds good. My name is Denver by the way."
"Colby."

Alex panics at the sight of Kathryn.
This is it. I'm back to just plain writing again, just as I was getting used to this job. It's perfect.
She hears a knock on the door.
"Come in."
"Alex, can I talk to you for a bit?"
"Of course, Ms. Stone."
"Please, how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Kathryn."
"Of course, Ms... I mean Kathryn."
Alex's palms are sweaty. The last thing she wanted to do was go back to writing after having this job.
"My father-in-law and I have been discussing the business of this magazine lately. Well, he decided to give the ownership to me, so I would like to keep you as the editor."
"Are you serious?! I mean, thank you."
"Yes, you've done such a great job lately that I can't think of anyone better. Will you join us for dinner later?"
"Oh, I can't tonight. I'm going to a friends birthday get-together at the..."
Alex silences herself as she remembers what happened there.
"Alex, it's okay. I've gotten over my fear of that place. In fact that is where we are heading tonight to see the grand opening.. again. I hear the woman my father-in-law sold the club to added a restaurant extension. So maybe we will see you there and you can join us for just a short while."
"I would love to."

"Hawke, do you have the surprise guests lined up?"
"Haha, you bet I do Skyler."
"Do any of them know about each other?"
"Not at all."
Hawke grins widely.
"Brayen will never expect to see Denver and Alex there together. But wait 'till he sees the last person."
"Hawke you're a genius. So Brayen just thinks it's him, you, me, and Braxton, right?"
"Yup, just a little foursome."
Hawke laughs at his joke.
"To a special surprise."
The two touch martini glasses with a cling, then take a sip.

2004-03-07T00:20:00.000-05:00

"There, we are done. The club is all yours now."
"Mr. Stone it's been a pleasure doing business with you."
"The pleasure is mine, Ms. Bouchet. I hope things go well for you."
The two rise from the bar and bid their farewells. Octavia calls to Braxton who just got off the phone.
"It's official, this is your new performance club."
The two look around the building one last time before they leave.

Joyce marvels at the beauty of downtown Garladine. The streets are lined with renovated ancient buildings littered with giant sky-scrapers. The night-time city is bustling with people moving everywhere with things to do. The lights dazzle in her eyes.
"So Weston, where are we going?"
"Joyce, you haven't changed. You were always this impatient when I knew you long ago."
Joyce blushes at the completion of Weston's comment. He makes a right turn onto another street, then slowly brings the car to a stop. Joyce can hardly believe her eyes.
"Weston! This is the restaurant we ate at the night we..."
Joyce pauses as though slightly ashamed.
"Yes, I know. I brought you here because I thought it might stir your memory of the happy days we used to have together."
Regatta Italiano is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city of Garladine. Back in the days of Joyce's college years, she and Weston had worked at the restaurant during its time of establishment. The dining had not been so fine back then, but they were there for the job, not the food. Over the years, the food and reputation increased to become the restaurant it is today.
"I hope this choice is okay."
"Of course, it could be more perfect."
Weston takes Joyce's arm and escorts her into the restaurant.

Skyler enters his apartment and not three minutes later, he hears a knock on his door. Quickly throwing his work clothes on his bed, he hurries to answer the door.
"Hawke, what are you doing here so early?"
"Why am I early? Did I have to come in exactly an hour?"
"It would have been nice. I have someone else meeting us."

Braxton pulls into the apartment building parking lot, parks his car, and ascends the stairs to the fourth floor. He walks down the hall to apartment 4305 and knocks softly on the door. A young man, shorter than Skyler answers the door.
"Hi, is Skyler here."
The young man's eyes widen as he realizes who is standing in front of him.
"Yes... yes he is. You're... Bust Bouchet."
"Please, call me Braxton when I'm not in costume."
As the two enter the apartment, Braxton is relieved to see Skyler.
"Hey Braxton. Oh don't mind Hawke, he's just a really big fan of yours."
"A formal introduction then, I'm Braxton Bouchet."
He holds out his hand.
"Hawke Stone."
The two shake.
"Is that in any relation to Alvin Stone?"
"Yes he's my father."
"He just sold his club to my aunt. She is turning it into a permanent performance club for me. I'll be in Garladine for awhile it seems."
Hawke is shocked at the news that his father sold the club, but is more excited about being in the presence of Busty Bouchet.
"So, Braxton, when does the club open?"
"Well, I'm actually doing the grand opening in a few days."
"That's perfect. Can we do Brayen's belated birthday party that night?"
"Skyler, of course."

2004-03-06T14:32:00.000-05:00

Alvin steps into the club that he bought only months ago. It is already time to sell, due to a terrible tragedy that has happened recently. His daughter-in-law was shot by a madman looking to kill his only son. Kathryn stood up as he fired the gun and took the bullet instead of the drag performer for which the bullet was intended. Alvin sighs heavily as he walks towards a black woman sitting at the bar.
"Ms. Bouchet I presume."
"Mr. Stone, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"I see Braxton there on the stage. His last name is Bouchet, you two must be related?"
"Why, yes, Braxton is my nephew. I happen to be the sister of his sorry excuse for a father."
Alvin's blood boils with anger. How could he be doing business with a sibling of that maniac?
"I sense the uneasiness in you right now. Please, I am nothing like my brother. He was outcast from the family long ago."
Alvin starts to calm, he just wants to get rid of this place.
"I'm sorry, it's just my daughter-in-law was the woman who took the bullet for your nephew."
Octavia drops her jaw with horror and apologizes profusely for her brother's actions.
"Ms. Bouchet, please, your brother's actions cannot be considered your fault. Now can we just finish this paperwork? I want to be rid of this club."
"Of course."

Joyce is startled by a knock on her door.
"Hello Weston."
The middle-aged long lost friend flashes a half dozen red roses in front of her face.
"I apologize for my tardiness. I had some last minute things to take care of at the hospital."
"Weston, you shouldn't have."
She takes the bouquet and puts them in a vase she bought the other day.
"So where are we going to dinner?"
"Now that is a surprise, Joyce."

Braxton stops dancing to the sound of his ringing phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey Braxton, this is Skyler. Think you can meet me at my place in about an hour?"
"Sure, what for though?"
"I'll let you know when you get here."
Skyler hangs up and Braxton is left confused.
I might as well go and establish some friends since I'm going to be here permanently.

Hawke dials his phone.
"Hey Skyler."
"Ahh, just the person I was wanting to talk to. Can you meet me at my place in about an hour?"
"Sure, we have to plan."
"I know, that's why I am calling you."
"Cool."

Skyler puts his shirt on and gathers his belongings in his bag. He must be getting home to meet the Braxton and Hawke. Skyler walks out of the room into the managers office.
"Here you go, the three grand he said he would pay."
The managers face is shocked at that much money from an hour long session. He smirks as he talks.
"You must do something well. Here, keep half of it as your payment."
Skyler grabs the $1500 and starts to walk out of the office.
"Oh, I'm taking the rest of the night off."
The manager sits in his chair baffled and lets the young man leave the building.

2004-03-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

As the sun sets behind the hills to the west of the city, Weston pulls his car into the parking lot of the ancient Garladine Cemetery. Stepping out of the car, he feels a chill run through him. This place is hundreds of years old and few ever visited. The only new additions to the graveyard are those of families that have been buried there for decades. Weston counts as he walks deeper into the graveyard, coming upon bigger mausoleums and crypts. Ten rows down, five to the left, fourteen to the right, twenty to the right, eight to the right.
Finally, here it is. Why do we have to meet here? This place is creepy.
The cemetary was designed long ago with thick walls of bushes more than ten feet high to produce a maze. The purpose was to keep out grave robbers. Now that rarely anyone enters the graveyard, the maze is obsolete, yet the families leave the bushes for the tradition that they stand for.
A door from the largest crypt opens as if expecting him. Weston cautiously steps inside. A dark voice speaks to him as the door closes behind.
"You're early. It's too light outside. Did anyone see you come here?"
Weston speaks with shakiness in his voice.
"No, no one saw. I thought I would please you by being early."
"Good."
The voice raises its level of anger.
"Never will you arrive when I haven't told you ever again. Never be early, never be late."
"Of course, my apologies."
The voices anger wanes to that of power and authority.
"Now, have you been able to go through with my orders."
"No... something happened."
"What... went... wrong?"

"Octavia, this is amazing!"
"I'm glad you like it."
The club of Braxton's last performance was completely different. The overall architecture and layout is relatively unchanged, but there is a drastic difference in the decor. The walls are now lined with brighter colors and a happier mood. Themes of Busty's previous performances exist on the different floors of the club and the stage is now more attention getting than ever. Braxton hugs his aunt.
"Sugar, I have this place opening next week. I am hoping you can do the grand opening."
"Does Busty know how to dance?"
Braxton climbs onto the stage and dances around as though a Kylie Minogue song is playing. Octavia grabs her phone as sits by the bar to dial a number.

Skyler wakes in Alvin's arms.
"When did I fall asleep?"
"A little while ago."
"I'm sorry, here I am sleeping on your time. I can't let you..."
"Stop. It's okay, I don't remember the last time I had someone fall asleep in my arms like that. It was just what I needed."
Skyler smiles, as Alvin rises from the bed to answer his ringing phone.
"Mr. Stone, I'm ready to finish the paper work."
Skyler slowly pulls his pants over his feet ignoring the phone conversation.
How could I just fall asleep here? Am I really that comfortable in his presence to do that?
He stands up to pull his pants up completely. Alvin closes his phone and gives Skyler a short kiss.
"I have to be getting somewhere. Thank you for your time as always."
"My pleasure."
Alvin quickly gets dressed and leaves the premises. Skyler is left dumbfounded on the bed.

"Well you haven't been around to hear the news. My old friend, Antoine, that you let out of jail to hunt down the Bouchet child, managed to shoot down a Stone family member instead, Kathryn Stone"
A long silence makes Weston uneasy in the now pitch black crypt.
"Did you catch..."
"Yes, I heard you. This can be used to our advantage. The Stone family fortune is worth much more than the Bouchet child could ever possibly make. From what I understand, the most recent addition to the Stone family, Kathryn Stone, is the most prized member to the family patriarch, Alvin Stone. Now I got you the job at the hospital so you could use your past history with the Bouchet family to rekindle trust. Now that things have changed you must build trust with both families. Treat the Stone woman at her home, become friends with them, earn their trust. You must become a precious family friend to both."
"But how can I..."
"Silence! Just do as I say. You owe me for what was lost long ago."
"Yes, I understand."
"Now go. I will contact you again in a few months."
The door to the crypt creeps open behind Weston. He steps outside and follows the directions back to his car. He is late, Joyce must be waiting.

2004-03-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

A shadow sneaks up on Skyler's sleeping body. With a slight touch on his shoulder, Skyler wakes and looks at the man with a startled look.
"What are you doing here? Why didn't you just call me?"

"Octavia, where are we going now?"
"Sugar, be patient."
Braxton cannot be patient through all of this. His aunt loves to torture people with surprises while Braxton contrasts with a need to know when, how, and where things are going to happen. Sensing his uneasiness, Octavia tries to lighten the mood with idle chat about bar fights with Oprah. A smile is brought about Braxton's face with the mention of the celebrities that she has made friends with over the years. The limo comes to a halt.
"Come, sugar, we are here."
As Braxton leaves the limo, he almost faints at the sight. How could she bring him here?
"Are you okay, sugar?"
"Octavia, I can't be here. This place freaks me out!"
"What, why?"
"Octavia!! This is the place where my father tried to shoot me down!"
With a look of horror on her face, Octavia apologizes for her ignorance. She attempts to calm her nephew with the reason for bringing him here.
"Braxton, I bought the club so you can have a permanent place to perform, a club dedicated solely to 'Miss Busty Bouchet'."
"But I don't understand. This man, Alvin Stone, had just bought the club."
"Yes, I bought the club from him. He never told me why he was selling it, but I guess I understand now."
"So this is going to be my performance club?"
"Mmm hmm. And the more I think it about it, it is only fitting that your club should be where your father was defeated for the last time."
Braxton's expression changes quickly from scared, to angered, to joyed. His aunt was right. His father's last defeat will be the start of a new life. With sudden courage, Braxton drags his aunt inside the club.

"G'nite Dr. Chase."
Nicole waves to Weston as he leaves the ER floor. She moves around to the pile of charts with a stressed look on her face. The new ER directing job she is doing is not easy but not difficult. This look of stress comes from the worry about her son.
Nicole flashes back to the night she found out her son is gay. He had run away from the table at questions about women in his life. Wandering upstairs with her husband, they rounded the corner to their son's unfurnished room just as he proclaimed his homosexuality to his sister. Instantly her husband threw him out of the house and told their son to never come back again.
Nicole returns to her desk and picks up the phone.

"Hello Skyler."
"Alvin why are you here? Why didn't you just call me to set up an appointment."
"Skyler, I couldn't wait to see you. I knew you would be here tonight, so I had to come."
Sitting up, Skyler reveals his body from the waist up from underneath the blankets. Alvin's face relaxes, as the young man in front of him rises from the bed. Revealing the rest of his body, Skyler hugs the older man and whispers in his ear.
"Well, I guess we better get you out of these clothes."

Joyce waits uneasily for Weston. Her hotel room seems to be empty as she looks around. Her nerves are getting to her. This man had used her once long ago when she fell under his spell in a state of weakness after Antoine's first conviction.
Am I as strong now as I was back then, before Antoine?

2004-03-03T21:39:00.000-05:00

Braxton looks around the elegant penthouse. He has never seen such a property in an apartment building.
"Octavia, what are you talking about 'the new home for the Bouchets in Garladine'?"
"Well, sugar, I just bought the place for you, your mother, and me to live in."
Braxton looks at his aunt with disbelief.
"But, why would you do that?"
"Well, don't sound too ungrateful."
"Sorry, Octavia."
"I'm lonely at my present home. No family in town, no family in the house. It's a sad experience to not be able to share things with the most special people in my life."
Braxton sheds a tear as he hugs his aunt.
"Thank you so much. I'm sure we'll be happy here."
"Hold on a minute, there's still more surprise. C'mon let's go."
Octavia grabs her nephew's hand and drags him to the elevator.

Jason pulls the car into the Stone mansion driveway. Kathryn is puzzled as to why she is at his father's house.
"Kathryn, my father wants to talk to you for a bit."
Looking terribly worried, Kathryn speaks with shaky words.
"Why, has he replaced me or something?"
"No, no, he just needs to talk to you for a bit."
The two enter the house and walk to Alvin's study.
"Dad, look who's walking again."
Alvin looks up from his work with a huge smile on his face. He is thrilled to have his daughter-in-law walking around again.
"Now Kathryn, I'm glad to see you are up and moving again, but there is some business we need to take care of."
Kathryn takes a seat in the chair facing the Alvin. She looks uneasy, almost frightened.
"Relax, please. It's about the magazine."
The statement doesn't help her relax at all.
"Do you remember Alexandra Chase, the writer you suggested we have lunch with? Well, I've had her doing your job while you've been out, and she's doing a fantastic job. Now, I know you'll be ready to work soon, but here's what I want you to do. I'm going to leave Alex in the editor's position but I'm giving you the magazine."
"What?! What are you talking about?"
"Kathryn, I'm giving you the ownership of the magazine. So, just think things over right now. I have to go to another meeting."
"But..."
Alvin walks out of the office and mansion as Kathryn stares at Jason.
"Is he crazy?"

Joyce walks through the mall, peering at the window displays. Just as she enters on of the stores to inquire about a dress, her phone rings.
"Joyce, it's Weston."
"Oh, hello..."
"I was wondering if you would like to go to dinner tonight."
"Weston, I..."
"Aww, c'mon, it's just a dinner."
"Fine then, I'll go."
"I'll pick you up in a couple hours then, okay?"
"Sure, see you then."
"Bye."
Joyce has a confused look on her face. It is odd to go to dinner with someone she just remet after twenty-some years.

2004-03-02T17:12:00.000-05:00

"What... me? Why does this person want me?"
"Skyler, I have no idea. He didn't give me a name or anything. He just requested you."
"But... I haven't worked here like that in over a year."
"Skyler, this man is willing to pay thousands. He won't pay that much for anyone else. In fact he doesn't want anyone else."
"Fine, fine, I'll do it."
"Perfect, he'll be here in a couple hours. You don't have to work now. You can just get ready and hang around in his room until then."
Skyler walks slowly to the room that the manager has pointed out. It is the finest sex room they have furnished with tacky neon lights and an assortment of lubes and condoms in the corner.
Why would anyone come here to request to sleep with me for thousands of dollars?
Skyler takes off clothes as he ponders about the client. Dropping his pants, he climbs into the bed and unintentionally falls asleep.

"I'm sorry, I had to come see you."
"Denver, you shouldn't be here. Alex and I aren't on speaking terms because of you."
"Look.. I'm sorry but.. I.. now you're going to blame me too?"
Brayen sighs as the young man starts to show tears.
"Come on in. What is it you need?"
"I need some comforting. My whole family despises me at the moment."
"That's not true. Here, listen to this."
Brayen plays the message left by Alex.
"You see, she still loves you. They aren't going to abandon you."
"I guess you're right."
Denver looks into Brayen's eyes. Brayen moves his hand up to Denver's face and wipes away a tear. He realizes Denver's face is coming closer slowly. The two kiss as Denver's hand slides into Brayen's pants.
"What are you doing?"
"I want you to show me what it's like to have sex with a man."
"Are you sure? I don't want to take advantage of you."
"Of course I'm sure. C'mon."
Denver grabs Brayen's hand and drags him into the bedroom.

"Octavia, where are you taking me?"
"Calm yourself sugar, you'll see soon enough."
Braxton is still uneasy about his aunt's kidnapping of him.
Where the hell is she taking me now?
The limo turns a corner and slowly stops.
"Okay, we're here."
The black countess escorts Braxton out of the limo. He is shocked at the building standing before him.
"What are we doing at this apartment building?"
"Come sugar, let's go inside."
The two walk into the building and enter the elevator. Octavia pushes the button for the top floor. All is silent as the elevator escalates, but the excitement on Octavia's face seems to be emitting a sound. Finally the elevator stops and the two step into a luxurious hallway.
"Octavia, what are we doing up here?"
The two walk to the end of the hallway to the cherry wood door. Octavia turns a key and the two step inside the penthouse.
"Welcome to the new home of the Bouchets in Garladine."

Claire walks into her brother's room. Colby had just stepped out to go to the bathroom. She searches his room for an assignment they have to for their math class. Without luck in the rest of the room, she sits down at his desk to look in the drawers. Accidentally hitting the mouse a box requesting a password comes up on the screen. Just at that moment, Colby comes back to his room.
"What are you doing in here?"
"Oh relax Colby, I'm just looking for the math homework. Why do you have a password on your computer?"
"Because of people like you who want to look through my stuff."
Claire laughs, she could care less about the stuff on his computer until now. Colby picks up a piece of paper and hands it to her.
"There's the homework, now leave!"
"Geeze no need to be pushy."
As Claire leaves the room her curiosity has been stirred. Normally she would not even acknowledge the existence of her brother's computer. But with a password on it, she has to figure out what's on there.

2004-03-01T11:33:00.000-05:00

Skyler walks into the strip club.
Here goes another night.
He walks over to the bar, the club is still rather empty. It was early for anyone to be there. Skyler starts a conversation with one of the other bartenders.
"Hey man, what's going on?"
"Eh nothing really. Oh wait! How could I forget? The manager wants to see you right away. Supposedly it's about some client."
"Uhhh, okay."
Skyler walks off to find the manager of the club. Entering the back room, he hears soft moans come from the closet. He opens the door to find some under-aged twink giving the old nasty man of a manager a blow job.
"Well hey little boy, you might as well come out of the closet now, because soon everyone will catch on."
The 17-year-old baseball star from the nearby high school ran out of there as fast as he could.
"Skyler, c'mon, I was enjoying that."
"You should save your illegal tricks for personal time where no one will catch you."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don't you remember your young days?"
"Haha, I try not to sometimes. So what's this you need to talk to me about?"
"A high profile client is coming in tonight, and he has specifically requested you."

Brayen lounges around his apartment after a long day of work. He hears the phone ring but decides not to answer it after checking the caller ID. He mutters to himself with irritation.
"Who does she is calling here? I want nothing to do with her."
He continues to mumble inaudibly as the answering machine goes off.
"Brayen, I know you're there. Will you please just pick up the phone?"
A few moments of silence makes Brayen stop mumbling and listen.
"Fine, I guess you aren't going to. All I want to do is apologize for last week. I don't know why I reacted to my brother's confessi.. no that's the wrong word. I don't know what I'm trying to say but I shouldn't have been so upset. I still love my little brother and still love you. I don't know what I'll do without you. I hope that some day we can be friends again."
More silence from the answering machine, then Brayen hears a click. Alex hung up. He is still bitter about her momentary lack of acceptance after Denver told her he was gay.
It was good to hear her voice again though. I never see her at work in that editor's office she has.
Brayen is slightly startled at a knock on his door.
"I wonder who that could be?"
Brayen opens the door.
"What are you doing here?"

Jason enters the hospital once more.
Hopefully this will be the last time.
He walks towards his wife's room. Just rounding the corner with his hands behind his back, Kathryn is excited to see him.
"What do you have behind your back?"
Jason pulls out a bouquet of flowers and of course some chocolate to go with it.
"Honey, what's this for?"
"Well, since you're getting out of the hospital today, and we missed Valentine's Day, how could I not bring you something?"
Jason embraces his wife who is now standing next to the bed. A nurse walks in and tells Jason not to make her excited.
"She still has minor injuries that need time to heal."
As the nurse leaves, Dr. Weston Scott enters the room with a wheel chair.
"Okay, Kathryn. It's time for you to leave. I've just signed the discharge papers."
Both husband and wife thank the doctor many times and head to the car to go home.

Octavia knocks on Braxton's door. As the door opens she grabs his hand.
"C'mon sugar, I've got some things to show you."
Braxton is dragged out of his room by his aunt. He is glad he got ready this morning instead of just lounging around.
"Where are you taking me?"
"Well it wouldn't be fun if that isn't a surprise."
Octavia smiles as Braxton eyes her with doubt.

2004-02-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

Octavia contemplates who to prank call as the limo takes her to the apartment building. She decides to wait until she has someone to call with. The limo comes to a stop and the driver informs her they have arrived. Stepping out of the limo she is impressed with the building.
"Shall we take a look inside boys?"
Taking her businessmen with her, she enters the apartment building to inspect her possible investment. Octavia finds the apartments to be efficient, but upon entering the penthouse, her breath is taken away. The high ceilings and big rooms are amazing.
"This is where I'm going to live. Where's the contract, so I can buy the building."

Heading to work, Brayen is still baffled about the news he received the other day. His brother is Braxton Bouchet, the famed "Miss Busty Bouchet." He will have to tell Alex first thing when he gets into the office. As he approaches her office door, he notices her crying at her desk. As he walks in he confronts her about her troubles.
"Alex, what's wrong?"
Startled at his entry, Alex quickly tries to act like nothing is wrong.
"Brayen what are you doing here so early?"
"C'mon Alex don't change the subject. What's bothering you? You know you can tell me anything."
Alex stares at a family picture for a long time. Finally she begins to speak.
"So, my family and I were having dinner the other night, you remember you were there, and my brother stormed off after we asked some questions about special women in his life. I followed him upstairs to a room where he confessed his homosexuality to me right as my parents walked into the room."
"Aww, the poor thing, is he okay?"
"Is he okay? What the hell? My parents are devastated and I'm shocked. How can my brother be gay?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, I..."
"I think this conversation has ended."
Brayen walks out of the office and closes the door forcefully behind him.
That stupid bitch.

Skyler hears a knock on his apartment door and answers in nothing but a towel. To his surprise, Denver, is standing in front of him.
"Well hello young one."
Denver begins to shed a tear. Skyler invites him in.
Oh god, I hate trying to comfort people.
"Denver, what's wrong?"
"I told my sister I am gay the other day and my parents over heard."
"So, what's wrong with that?"
"They hate me now."
"Look, Denver, they probably don't hate you. Did they disown you, kick you out, and tell you they never want to see you again?"
Denver shakes his head.
"See, that means they still acknowledge you are their son. It will just take them some time to get used to."
"What happened when your parents found out?"
Skyler lets out a short laugh and walks to the kitchen to get some water for Denver.
"My parents disowned me instantly. That's why I'm here now. With no place to go, I had to find a place and a job quickly."
As Skyler sits back down, Denver scoots closer to him. After a few moments, Denver kisses Skyler. The two begin making out passionately. Denver stops for a moment.
"Skyler, take me all the way."
"What?"
"I want to have sex... with you. Show me what it's like."
Skyler grabs Denver's hand and escorts him into the bedroom.

2004-02-23T21:47:00.000-05:00

"Better question, what are you doing here? I thought you and mom and dad don't speak."
Brayen looks at his younger sister with a nasty look. It's been almost a year since he has seen the twins.
"It's parent-teacher conference day at school. Colby and I got out early."
"Well that's nice Claire, what year are you two anyway?"
"Brayen! We're juniors now. Can't you at least remember our age?"
Claire takes off up the stairs irritated with her brother. Brayen continues through the house searching for his mother. Finding her in the kitchen, he speaks softly.
"Mom, I have to talk to you."
"Colby, can't this wait..."
Turning around, Brayen's mother realizes it's not her younger son, but her older one. She speaks devoid of emotion.
"What do you want?"
"Are you my biological mother?"
The woman drops the pan in her hand and food splashes all over the kitchen. She doesn't move and stares at Brayen.
"Mom, are you okay?"
Brayen moves over to her to get the pan and put in on the counter. As he approaches, she finally starts to speak trying to pretend like nothing happened.
"What would make you think anything else?"
"Mom, Dad told me today. Supposedly the woman is in town."
Finally exposing the truth, the woman speaks with anger and irritation.
"Fine it's true. I'm not your real mother. I know that none of my sons would ever turn out gay."
At this Brayen slaps her across the face. The two stare at each other for just a moment, before Brayen leaves the house without a word.

"Brayen. Did you name him without my knowing?"
"Yes, I knew you were fond of names that begin with the letter 'B'."
Braxton sits patiently as Joyce and Dr. Scott discuss about their son. The two eventually come upon the topic of his sexuality. Joyce is appalled that Weston and his wife would disown their own son.
"There is nothing wrong with a gay son."
"Of course, I realize that. But my wife was so insistent. I didn't want to force him out, but she insisted that no son of hers would be gay. So, we fought about the fact that Brayen was not even hers yet again and I ended up having to let him go once more."
"That's awful, are you sure this is the right woman for you?"
"Joyce, I have two kids with this woman now, but you know there will always be a place for you in my heart."

That damn woman. I always knew I hated her, now more than ever. I guess it's a good thing she's not my biological mother. So who is?
Brayen gets out of his car in front of the hospital for the second time today. He is determined to find out from his father who this woman is.

The awkward silence fills the office. Joyce doesn't know what to say, and Braxton is shocked at the doctor's statement. He never knew about this love of his mother's life. A loud knock breaks the silence.
"Come in."
Brayen opens the door. Feelings of anger slightly disappear as he notices Braxton in his fathers office.
That's Busty Bouchet!
"Dad, what is Busty doing here?"
"Brayen, I'd like you to meet your mother, Joyce Marden Bouchet, and your half-brother, Braxton Thomas Bouchet."

Hawke approaches his father's mansion. He is surprised as Jason opens the door.
"Hello Jason."
"Hawke."
"So what's this business deal?"
"Well, dad wants us to run a marketing firm/advertising agency he just bought."
The two sit down to discuss the plans. After some time, Alvin joins them to finalize the agreements. After signing some documents, the brothers leave the mansion content.
"Well lets hope this won't flop like his last business idea."

2004-02-22T23:02:00.000-05:00

I apologize for my lack of posting lately. I'm in the process of catching up now! Just got sidetracked. :)

2004-02-22T00:55:00.000-05:00

Joyce and Braxton enter the hospital. While walking to Dr. Scott's office, a tall blonde guy runs by hardly taking notice of the two.
"Well I wonder where he is off to in such a hurry."
The two continue down the corridors until the reach the closed office door of Dr. Weston Scott.
"Braxton, I'm nervous."
"Mom, you'll be fine."
Braxton knocks on the door. With a gloomed expression, Weston answers the door. Knowing what Joyce is at his office for, he ushers them in his office.
"Joyce, it's lovely to see you again."
"Weston, are you okay?"
"No, I need to apologize for something. I followed you home from the hospital earlier. I overheard your conversation with Braxton and decided I had to tell my son before he found out from someone else."
"Weston, why did you never tell him?"
"I don't know for his protection. Anyway, he was livid and ran out of here."
Joyce and Braxton both look surprised.
"So the tall, blonde young man we just saw run down the hall is... my son?"
"Yes, that's him. His name is Brayen."

Brayen runs out of the hospital to his car.
How could my father do this to me? How could Mom keep this from me as well?
Brayen heads to his car in a rage. He is determined to go home to confront his mother about this as well.

Alex leaves the table to go after her brother. She finds him upstairs in one of the empty bedrooms.
"Denver, what's wrong?"
"Alex, I'm tired of this. I can't keep hiding this."
"Denver what are you talking about?"
"All these questions about special women. Alex it's never going to be women."
"What are you saying... you're..."
"Yes Alex, I'm gay!"
At that moment, Blair and Nicole enter the room.

Skyler approaches Hawke's apartment door just as it opens.
"Where are you going?"
"My dad has a business proposition for my brother and me. According to Jason, this one is legitimate. I'm going over to my father's place right now."
"Wait, what did you say about Brayen's dad though?"
"How could I forget? Yeah, so Brayen's dad is a doctor at the hospital and his last name must be Scott. So this Dr. Weston Scott must be his father. Can you believe Brayen will share a sibling with Miss Busty Bouchet?"
Skyler laughs.
"Actually, I can. With the way those two walk around, you'd have to think they are related somehow."

Brayen approaches the house that he abandoned so many years ago. He had a falling out with the parental units when he told them he is gay. They kicked him out; it was just after high school. There is only slight communication left, and now he is about to approach her about something so delicate. As he opens the door, he is shocked.
"What are you doing here?"

2004-02-21T23:03:00.000-05:00

The Chase family sits around the only furniture in the house. The dining room table and chairs look lonely alone in the room. Soon enough the house will be filled with the antique furniture Blair and Nicole have collected over the years.
"Well this is just perfect. In a couple months, the whole family will be living in the same city again."
Alex and Denver exchange looks of irritation. They love their mother very much, but sometimes she is a little too family oriented.
"Mom, you know we are going to have our own lives and won't be able to visit you all that often."
"Alex, I know this. I have a life of my own you know."
Again Alex and Denver look at each other. After a few minutes of silence, the family starts to interrogate Alex on her love life.
"Honey, what ever happened to that last boyfriend of yours?"
"Mom, you know what happened to him. He proposed and I freaked about a week after saying yes. Don't you remember I moved in? There were all these quirks that I just couldn't handle."
"Oh yes, I do remember that now. Well isn't there anyone new?"
Slightly embarrassed about not having met anyone in the past 3 years, Alex changes the subject.
"No, but what about you Denver? Isn't there anyone that you haven't been telling us about?"
Denver blushes visibly as his heart begins to race.
They don't know, how would they? What should I say?
"Ummm, no I haven't really met anyone."
Blair doesn't believe his son.
"Oh c'mon Denver, there has to be at least someone that has sparked your interest."
He stands up quickly, slightly losing his cool.
"No, there isn't anyone okay."
Denver runs out of the dining room.

"WHAT?! What are you talking about?"
Brayen is furious with his father.
"Brayen, this woman is your mother. I should have told you a long time ago, but we just couldn't do that to you. I thought I would never see her again."
"How could you keep this from me? Do Colby and Claire know?"
"No the twins have no idea. For all they know you are their full brother."
Brayen turns around, to face the family picture on the bookshelf.
"So this has been a lie?"
Brayen throws the picture on the floor and storms out of the office.

"Mom? So are you going to talk to Dr. Scott? Are you going to find out who this kid is?"
"I'm not sure Braxton. I'm not sure Weston has even told him. Maybe I will call."
Joyce dials the phone. She is shaking with nervousness. Nothing but the voice mail is heard on the other end.
"He's not answering. We should go see if he is in his office at the hospital."
"Okay, let's go then. I can't believe I have a sibling."
Joyce smiles at the thought that Braxton is very supportive and almost excited.

"Hawke?"
"Hey Jason, what's up?"
"Well, Dad has a little proposition for the two of us."
"Oh gosh, what is it this time?"
"No, it's something actually serious this time, a business prospect."
"I'm intrigued, where should I meet you?"
"How about at the mansion? That way after we talk, we can talk to Dad about it?"
"Sounds good. I'll be there in a bit."
Hawke hangs up his phone.
Well this should be interesting. I wonder what kind of trouble my father is getting in this time.

2004-02-20T14:18:00.000-05:00

Brayen walks into his father's office at the hospital. Confused about Weston's phone call, he stares at his father as he starts to speak.
"What's wrong with my mother?"
"Brayen, sit down. This is going to take some explaining."
"No, what's wrong with mom? Is she sick or hurt?"
"Brayen listen."
Weston sighs heavily for the burden he is about to expose. Brayen was adopted at the age of 5, enough to remember that he was adopted. It was explained to him, when he was a little older, that the parents who adopted him were his biological parents. It was a lie Weston should not have told, and now he was to correct the error.
"I ran into someone today that I thought I would never see again. This woman was very special in my life back during my years of college. The man she was with turned out to be a criminal and the first time he was in jail, I was there to comfort her. The comfort turned into something that should not have happened and a little over a month later she informed me that she was pregnant."
Brayen's jaw drops with disbelief. His father had another child.
"What does this have to do with Mom?"
"Brayen, this woman is your mother."

Joyce nods her head at Braxton's statement.
"Yes, it's true. That doctor that you met today is the father."
"Mom, I still don't understand why you never told me this. Why didn't you just let me know. We've always shared everything."
"I regret every day never telling you. I always wished I could have kept the child. You grew up so lonely with just your mother."
Joyce begins to cry again. Braxton sits down next to his mother and puts his arm around her.
"Mom, it's okay. I understand."

Alvin hears his front door open and close. Jason walks in.
"Dad, what do you need to talk to me about?"
"Jason, I want you to run the new marketing firm I have just purchased."
"What?"
"I know you never wanted to work for me or any of my companies, but I also know you've been having troubles finding a job lately. So, I want you to take this opportunity."
"Dad, you know I don't want your help like this."
"Jason, you're more than qualified to take this position. Besides, I'm planning on having your brother in on it too."
Alvin smiles as Jason looks confused.
"A family business is what I've always wanted for you boys. With your business skills and Hawke's artistic talents, this firm should do wonders."
Jason finally agrees to take the job from his father. Alvin has promised him full control over the firm, of course with his brother's input. The two will be able to do whatever they want with the company.
"I will call Hawke and let him know what you have offered."

Octavia senses that Braxton and Joyce need some time alone. She stands up, says her goodbyes, and walks out of the room. Once inside her limo, she sighs with a feeling of loneliness. She has no family where she lives now. There was no one to spend time with or to share any of this wealth that she has stumbled upon. Octavia dials her phone.
"Yes, I'm planning on moving. Get everything ready for sale."

2004-02-19T23:10:00.000-05:00

Braxton stares at his mother in silence. This is unbelievable.
"Braxton, are you okay?"
"Mom.. I'm.. why didn't you ever tell me? How could you keep this from me?"
"Darling, you're mother was trying to protect you from what she had done."
Octavia speaks for Joyce as the mother begins to cry.
"Braxton I'm sorry. I thought you would have never forgiven me. The child was put up for adoption and I thought I would never see the father or the child again."
"What?! You mean to tell me you saw one of them?"
"Yes, I saw the father."
In disbelief, Braxton stands up and moves toward the window. A half-brother? How could I have a half-brother and not even know it? How could she do this to me? What am I saying, it's not her fault. It's my horrible excuse for a father. Who is the father of my brother? Braxton turns back around to face his mother.
"Who is the father?"
Braxton speaks slowly as if he is figuring it out as he asks the question. Suddenly, he shouts out.
"It's that doctor, what's his name. Dr... Dr. Weston Scott."

Brayen is interrupted in the seduction of Denver by the ring of his phone. Looking at the annoyance, he realizes it's his father and ignores the call. Putting the phone back in his pocket, he resumes his activity.
"Now where were we?"
Suddenly the phone vibrates, for this time it was on silent. It must be his father again. He continues to ignore and Denver and Brayen resume. For a third time the phone begins to ring.
"Maybe you should answer that."
"Fine, excuse me for just a minute."
Denver wanders downstairs to join the rest of his family while Brayen talks on the phone.
"Dad what do you want?"
"Brayen, I have to talk to you immediately."
"I don't have time for this."
"It's regarding your mother."
Brayen hears a click. Wondering what that was all about, he rushes downstairs to inform the others of his departure and find his father.
"Alex, and the rest of the family, I apologize for my early departure, but my father has just informed me there is something wrong with my mother."
Family in confusion, Brayen rushes out of the house.

After hearing the conversation between Braxton and his mother, Skyler can't help but need to spread the news.
"Braxton, please excuse me. I want to leave your family in privacy. Just give me a call later."
Skyler leaves the tensed hotel room. As he walks from the hotel to his car, he dials a number on his phone.
"Hello?"
"Hawke, you're not going to believe this! Braxton Bouchet just found out he has a half-brother. And supposedly it's some hospital doctor's son! Dr. Weston Scott."
"WHAT?! Do you know who that is? That's Brayen's dad!"

"Perfect! It's a deal then."
Alvin escorts some businessmen from the conference room in his mansion.
Finally, the contract has been signed. I've been waiting for this for months. Now who can I get to run it?
With a sudden exclamation of understanding, Alvin picks up the phone.
"Yes, I need to speak with you right away."

2004-02-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Skyler is busy introducing himself to Braxton's mother and aunt when something starts to vibrate in his pocket. Skyler excuses himself to talk on his phone.
"Hey Hawke, what's going on?"
"Skyler, let's go clubbin' tonight. It's been awhile since we had some fun, and the last event was ended abruptly."
"That sounds great but, is it okay if I bring someone along?"
"Of course, who is it?"
"Braxton Bouchet. He's had a rough time here in Garladine. We need to show him a good time."
Hawke can hardly keep himself calm.
"Where did you meet him?"
"Well I was in the Hotel Grandivo, when I ran into him. He seemed desperate for something to do, so we went out for some food and drink. It turns out he is going to put the tour on hold and stay in the city for awhile."
"That's so sweet. I can't wait to hang with Miss Busty Bouchet."
Hanging up the phone, Skyler calls over to Braxton. The two women proceed with their conversation as the guys talk between each other.
"Hey, I was wondering, since you'll be in town for awhile, if you might want to go to the clubs with a few friends of mine tonight."
"I would love to."

The shadow moves closer and closer to Joyce's room. Stopping just before the open door, Weston listens carefully to the conversations of the room. He cannot believe the one person he regretted losing returned to his life.
He had been in love with Joyce back in the days of early college. He was never sure how she felt about him, but when the time came he took advantage of her. When Antoine was sent to jail the first time, Joyce was in pain over the temporary loss of her lover. Weston was there as a friend that turned into something more. In her depressive state, she slept with him. It was not until over a month later she realized what she had done. She was pregnant with another child. Antoine was released, and Joyce swore the baby was his until he was born. The light-haired, fair-skinned baby could not possibly be Antoine's. The child was given up for adoption because Weston did not have the resources for a child and Joyce was forced to by Antoine.
A few years later, Weston had learned of his son's whereabouts. Acting upon this, he managed to adopt his biological son and reconnect with a part of Joyce.
Still in love with Joyce, Weston continues to listen in on the conversations.

Talking very softly to Octavia, Joyce mentions the doctor she met at the hospital.
"Octavia, it was amazing. I couldn't believe it was him. You do remember Weston right?"
"Of course. It was too bad you had to put the child up for adoption."
"But wait, he knows where our son is!"
At that moment, Braxton walks up to the two.
"Our son? Mom, I'm right here, and why are you two talking about my father?"
Octavia looks at Joyce.
"I think it's time you told him."
Joyce nods.
"Braxton, honey, sit down. There's something I need to tell you about... well... our family."
Braxton sits down slowly in a chair near his mother.
"When your father was in jail the first time, I was in a state of need and depression. A good friend of mine was always there for me, and one night it turned into more of a friendship. Well a little over a month later I found out I was pregnant."
"Are you trying to tell me I have a sibling someplace?"
"Well... yes, a half-brother."
"Why have I never met him; why don't I remember this?"
"You were just over a year old when I gave birth to your brother. And the reason for not knowing him is I gave him up for adoption."
Braxton stares at his mother.

Hearing this whole conversation, Weston panics. He never told Brayen about his real mother, or who she was, or why she gave him up. He quickly runs to the elevators to get out of the building to call Brayen.

2004-02-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Joyce wakes from a nap and winces at the pain in her arm. She remembers the night of the shooting as if she had just remembered it for the first time. Suddenly she hears a loud knock on her door. As she nears the door she smells a mix of liquor and expensive perfume.
"Octavia Bouchet, what the hell are you doing here?"
The middle-aged, beautiful black woman saunters through the door.
"Darling, when I heard about my brother's escape I knew instantly he would head for you and your precious son. So I came to warn you. Where is Braxton by the way?"
"Octavia, Antoine came, and tried to kill Braxton. He shot me before, then another woman stood up as Antoine fired the gun. The woman has just regained consciousness. This was almost 2 weeks ago."
Horrified, Octavia stumbles backwards onto the couch. Unable to speak, Joyce tries to snap her to.
"Octavia, we're okay. You're brother is back in jail and will be on trial for the murder of another young man."
The black woman begins to cry. How could her brother be so cruel? She had always looked up to her older brother when they were growing up, until he went off the deep end. When Antoine reverted to crime, she reverted to prostitution. It was something she will always regret.
"How could he do this? He was never this bad. He was just misguided since Mom died."
Joyce tries to comfort her would-be sister-in-law. Knowing about Octavia's past, Joyce reminds her that she is nothing like her brother.

Skyler and Braxton head to the bar down the street. Walking in, they notice the bar to nearly empty. It was early for a bar, especially a gay one, to have anyone in it. By slight chance this bar has small food menu to order from. Famished from recent activities, Skyler orders some food while Braxton orders a simple martini. Bored of the silence Braxton decides to ask some questions.
"So how long have you been in Garladine?"
"A few years now. I dropped out of college 'cause I was sick of it and decided to move here. How did you get into the performing business?"
"Ah, it was always second nature. I used to sing for my mother, the neighbors, and whoever else would listen when I was little. It was always just natural to perform."
"You're pretty good."
"Thanks."
Skyler thinks about it for a minute then speaks.
"My going rate is $600/hr. Do you want to go back to your hotel later?"
appalled, Braxton slaps Skyler across the face.
"How dare you? That is not the reason I asked you to keep me company!"
"I'm sorry. I'm just not used to guys interested in anything but that. So I make a slightly living out of it. I apologize."
"Yeah, well, I guess we both have our self-esteem issues."
The continue to talk and realize they have quite a bit in common, just in different ways.

Blair and Nicole approach the driveway of their new house.
"The kids will be so shocked."
Nicole steps out of the now parked car. She watches Alex and Denver closely as the get out of Alex's car.
"What the hell did you two buy?"
Denver walks up to the front door. The place is a huge mansion. Entering the house, the rest follow him. The three not moving into the house drop their jaw in awe. The ceilings are high, the rooms are spacious, and the area of the house was considerably more than the one the Chase's left.
"This place is amazing Mom. What are you going to do with all this space though?"
Blair tries to explain he reasoning behind the ginormous house. During the middle of the story, Denver wanders up the stairs to explore everything. Brayen is soon behind him.
"Now where were we?"
"Brayen we can't here, my parents and sister are downstairs."
"Relax, I'm not going to take your pants off like last time. I just want to kiss you."

Skyler and Braxton head back to the hotel. After their little misunderstanding, they have become quite good friends.
"Hold on, let me check on my mom."
As he opens the door, Braxton spots a black woman on the couch.
"Aunt Octavia!"
Braxton runs over to Octavia.
"How have you been? Tell me of any adventures."
Octavia insists the trip she most recently took was not very interesting.
"Oh, how could I forget? Mom, Octavia, I want you to meet a new found friend of mime. This is Skyler Sterling."
As Braxton introduces Skyler, a shadow approaches the room from down the hallway.

2004-02-16T00:54:00.000-05:00

Kathryn moves as if uncomfortable while Jason, Braxton, and the doctor all watch. Suddenly she stops moving and opens her eyes slowly.
"Where... where am I?"
"Kathryn, buddy, you're in the hospital. Do you remember what happened?"
Suddenly everything flashes back in her head. She remembers the club, the man with the gun, his booming voice. Then she remembers standing up, hearing a gun fire, and searing pain all at the same time.
"I was shot."
The doctor tells Kathryn to rest and not talk. Though she is awake, she is still very weak. The doctor then ushers Braxton out of the room to leave Jason and Kathryn alone.

"You know where my son is?"
"Yes, I do. It took a long time but I finally found..."
"what are you two talking about? I'm right here."
Braxton interrupts his mother's conversation with Dr. Scott.
"What were you two talking about?"
Both Joyce and Weston are quiet. Weston excuses himself to go check on a patient and Joyce stands up to leave.
"Oh Mom, I forgot. The woman who was.. well you know.. she just woke up."
"Good I'm glad to hear that."
Feeling uneasy about seeing Weston after such a long time, Joyce starts to walk out of the building.
My son, my son. Weston knows where our son is. But, how am I going to tell Braxton. He'll be so shocked and hurt that I gave away the child. I can't let him know yet.
Braxton helps his mother into the car then drives off to the hotel.

In the car, Blair and Nicole decide to head to Alex's apartment first figuring that she would be done with work for the day. The couple climb the stairs to the 4th floor and head to Alex's apartment. They are surprised to find Denver there, but, nevertheless, they are happy to see him.
"Alex, now we know it was your first day back at work today, so we wanted to take you out for dinner."
"Mom, the three of..."
"Now hold on. Instead of going out we want to cook you dinner in our new house."
"New house?!"
Denver is shocked. They had not informed him of any move. Blair explains the story.
"Yes, Denver. Your mother got a position at the hospital that she just couldn't pass up, so we decided to move. So what do you say? Do all of you want to come over for dinner and check out the new place?"
With mixed reactions from Denver and Alex, they all decide go see the new house.

Skyler pecks Alvin on the cheek.
"'Till next time."
He walks out the door and runs into Braxton near the elevator.
"Oh hey, Braxton."
"What were you doing in that room?"
"Oh nothing. I was just visiting with a friend that I haven't seen in a really long time."
"Cool. Would you like to go get some dinner or something? I'll make it my treat. Not a date or anything, just a friendly get together."
"Sure, why not? I could use some food."

2004-02-15T14:36:00.000-05:00

"Mom, can you wait here for a few minutes? I want to go see the woman who was... with me at the club."
As his mother nods, Braxton walks back to the hall of patient rooms. Finding the room of Kathryn Stone, he walks in. Braxton sees the woman's husband sleeping in a chair next to her bed. Braxton moves slowly towards the bed. The man wakes up.
"Hello, I'm Braxton Bouchet, a.k.a., Busty. I'm so sorry that your wife was caught in the middle of this."
"Jason Stone. My wife was just trying to help. Why did she have to get hurt?"
Jason gets up, turns away, then walks towards the window.
"She's a good woman, she didn't deserve this."
"I know she didn't. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Jason shakes his head.
"Please, just go. I would really like to be with my wife alone."
Braxton turns to leave and just as he is about to walk out of the door, the monitors attached to Kathryn start to do different things. Jason turns towards his wife as a doctor rushes in.
"I think she is about to wake up."

Joyce waits patiently near the exit of the hospital. Someone taps her on the shoulder.
"Ms. Bouchet is it?"
Dr. Scott is standing there before her with the same stance he had 20 some years ago.
"Why yes, Dr. Scott."
Joyce was feeling uncomfortable. She was certain this was the man from her past. Taking a seat next to her Weston looks right at her.
"Have we met before?"
At that moment Joyce knew that he remembered. He probably just didn't want to say it.
"Weston how could you forget. It's me, Joyce Marden."
With a sudden change of expression, Weston understood. How could he have forgotten.
"I can't believe it. After all these years I finally see you again. What ever happened to Antoine?"
At that question Joyce looked down at her arm. Quietly, she begins to tell a story.
"It turns out Antoine went to jail for legitimate reasons the first time. He was not innocent as he claimed. When he got I out, I still believed that he was though. So, I had told him about you; how I had cheated on him while he was in jail. That was how it all started. He began to abuse me, beat me. Then it spread to Braxton. He called me a slut and swore that Braxton probably wasn't his child. I filed the restraining order. Then he lost all control."
Sitting in silence, Weston cannot believe what he is hearing.
"Somehow he broke out of jail, and decided to come after Braxton. Antoine was an extreme homophobe to the point of extermination. Supposedly there was a warrant out for his arrest in the murder case of a young gay man. And he attempted to kill his own son just the other week. That's where this happened."
She points at her arm. Weston is still shocked. He remembers Antoine from long ago. They had gone to high school together. Weston had always been jealous of Antoine for stealing the heart of the woman he always loved, Joyce Marden.
"Do you know what happened to our son?"

Brayen walks over to Alex's desk.
"So you start tomorrow, being the temporary editor?"
"Yeah, I'm so nervous though."
"Eh, don't be. I'm sure it's not much different than what you are doing now."
Sensing her uneasiness, Brayen decides they should leave and go back to her apartment. Alex is more than happy to get out of that place.

Denver continues to chat with Mrs. Crandall as he brings the last of his stuff up to the apartment. Alex and Brayen walk in.
"Hello Mrs. Crandall."
Alex sounds annoyed that Mrs. Crandall is in her apartment.
"Hey Alex, Mrs. Crandall and I were just chatting. So she lives across the hall?"
"Yes, she does."
Mrs. Crandall decides it is time for her to leave. She says her goodbyes to Denver and passes by the other two in silence.
"Ugh, Denver how can you stand that woman?"
"What? I think she is sweet."
Just noticing that Brayen is with her, Denver gets suddenly quite and a little shy.
"Hello Denver."
Brayen greets him with a wink.
"Hey why doesn't he join us for dinner?"
"Brayen, that sounds perfect. Will you Denver?"
"Of course."

2004-02-14T13:51:00.000-05:00

Denver unlocks the door to his sister's apartment. Leaving the door open he wanders in to look around. The apartment was small but comfortable. Denver walks into the extra bedroom.
"Not bad."
As he takes a look in the bathroom to check out the vanity, he hears someone knock at the door and wander in. He walks out to the living room to see an old lady looking around.
"Hello, can I help you?"
Somewhat startled, Ms. Crandall picks up her phone.
"Who are you calling?"
"The police, who else? You don't live here."
Shocked, Denver tries to quickly explain why he is here.
"No, no. I'm Alex's brother. I'm going to be moving her in a couple months and I just came to check the place out and drop some of my stuff I don't need for the rest of school."
"I don't believe you."
"Here, I'll show you my driver's license. It will have the same last name as Alex."
Taking out his license, he walks towards the old woman. She backs up cautiously but takes a look at his license.
"Ah, I'm sorry. It's just last month someone broke into my apartment."
"I understand. By the way, my name is Denver Chase."
Denver holds out his hand in welcome.
"Ms. Lena Crandall."

Kathryn opens her eyes and sits up quickly. Jason is shocked, but moments later, Kathryn falls limply on her bed again. Jason runs out to find a doctor or a nurse. Dragging a doctor back to his wife's room, the doctor tries to calm him down.
"Mr. Stone, please listen to me. Your wife is experience common trauma from such an incident. Because of her comatose state, her body has excess energy to get rid of every so often. This will cause random movements including sitting up. Please the monitors will let us know when her status has changed."
Finally understanding, Jason slowly walks over to the chair next to his wife's bed. Sitting down slowly, he takes his wife's hand in his.
"Darling, I miss you."

Braxton walks into his mother's room.
"Braxton! Thank god you're okay!"
"Mom, you saw me just a couple days ago. You know I'm fine; dad is in jail again."
He hugs his mother.
"Do you know when they are going to discharge you?"
"No, I really have no idea."
"But I do."
A doctor walks into the room. Tall, blonde, and about the same age as her, Joyce can't help but feel she recognizes him.
"Dr. Weston Scott."
Holding out his hand to Braxton, they shake.
"I've been looking over your mother's chart and it looks like her arm has healed nicely. She is free to leave the hospital."
As the Bouchet's leave the room, Joyce finally remembers how she knows the man. Thinking to herself she can barely hide her emotion.
I can't believe it. How could I have run into him after all these years? He obviously doesn't recognize me, especially since I changed my last name. I wonder what ever happened to our son.
"Mom, what is it? You look like you have seen a ghost."
"Oh, it's nothing. I just haven't been up and walking for a long time."

2004-02-13T00:15:00.000-05:00

Skyler wakes from a nap to the sound of his phone.
"Hello?"
"Skyler, it's Alvin. We need to have another meeting."
"Today?"
"Yes, the same place as last time."
"Okay, I can be ready in say an hour."
"Good, I'll be waiting for you."
Skyler hangs up the phone. He hadn't heard from Mr. Stone in well over a week, and now he wants something immediately? Skyler decides he shouldn't be surprised. After all, Alvin Stone is a closeted business man. Something probably just kicked his hormones into gear earlier.

Jason leans over his wife's bed. Kathryn is still unconscious in a comatose state. Her wounds are healing nicely, but her mind is locked inside a sleeping body. Jason talks to Kathryn to update her on the happenings of the past few days. He informs her that the writer Alex will be taking Kathryn's place as editor only temporarily until Kathryn is well enough to work again. Jason begins to blame himself for what has happened to her.
"I should have never forced you to go out that night."
He feels Kathryn's hand squeeze his own. She opens her eyes.

Denver climbs the stairs of his sister's apartment building. As he reaches the 4th floor, he can't help but think about Skyler being right down the hall. Instead of turning left to walk to his sister's apartment, he turns right and walks towards Skyler's apartment.
"Is it 4308 or 4309?"
He steps next to the door of 4309. Standing there for a long time, Denver can't seem to get the nerve to knock on the door. Finally just as he is about to knock, the door opens.
"Denver, well isn't this a nice surprise."
Denver is speechless. Skyler was hot today. Dressed in so tight jeans and a small t-shirt, it looks like he is going out or something even thought it is only the middle of the day.
"What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I.. uh.. have the keys to my sister's apartment. I'm just moving some stuff from my dorm to her place now so I don't have to do it in April before I graduate."
"What are you moving your stuff to her place for?"
"Well, I'm going to be living there in a couple months."
Skyler has a huge smile on his face.
"That's perfect. You'll have to come say hi often."
"Sure."
"Hey, I'd love to keep chatting, well maybe only for a little longer before we got into other things, but anyway, I have a meeting to get to. Occupations always get in the way."
Skyler winks and closes his door. As he nears the stairwell he takes one last look at Denver and blows him a kiss. Denver blushes and heads to Alex's apartment.

Braxton lays comfortably in his suite on the 11th floor of the Hotel Grandivo. Ever since the incident from a couple weeks ago, he has felt unsafe. Paranoid that his father was going to show up again after the performance, Braxton decided it was best to stay in a hotel. Despite his trance state after the incident at his performance, Braxton seems to remember everything that happened: his father entering the club with a gun, the shooting of his mother, and the shooting of an innocent fan that happened to get in the way. Braxton worries about his mother and decides it is time to see her again since it has been a couple days. As Braxton opens his suite door, he sees an attractive, tall, dark-brown haired man come walking down the hallway. Skyler recognizes the black man staring at him.
"Busty Bouchet. How are you doing?"
Skyler quickens his pace to reach Braxton.
"Please, call me Braxton out of costume."
"Of course. Hey I would love to talk a bit, but it looks like you are leaving and I have a meeting to keep."
"Yes, I must go see my mother at the hospital. She is being kept there for observation, but please, come back later. I could use a friend, since we will be staying for awhile."
"Sounds great."
The two exchange phone numbers. As Braxton heads to the elevator, he can't but wonder where Skyler is heading to. He notices the door to 1145 open. Braxton can't hear or see the person who answered the door, but he watches Skyler enter the room.

2004-02-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Blair and Nicole hurry around the house to finish the packing. The moving truck is coming in a few hours and everything needs to be ready to load.
"Blair, I hope Alex will be alright. Today is her first day back at work."
"Honey, I'm sure she'll be fine. Besides, once all this stuff is packed up, we can go to Garladine, drop some stuff from our car at our new house, then take her out to a nice dinner."
"That sounds like a great idea."
The two continue to pack the final things they will need right away when they get to the new house.

Alex walks into the building of the magazine. It seems like it has been months since she was last there. Looking around timidly, she is unsure about what she should do first. Out of the corner of her eye she sees a familiar face. Brayen is wandering around the workplace, but she knows what he is doing. It is his routine midmorning, "pretend to do something," 30-minute break. She walks towards him and joins him in the break room.
"Alex! I'm so glad you're back!"
"Brayen, it's weird to be back. It's like I haven't been here for months."
"Ah c'mon, it has only been 10 days since the incident during Busty Bouchet's performance at Waterstone."
"I know, but I've been sitting around for days, scared to go to any public place."
The two continue to talk for awhile. Finally Alex brings up the conversation she had with her mom in the hospital.
"Brayen, I'm getting older and I still have no family, like a husband and children of my own. I don't think I can hold out to find that special someone. I'm going to have to have a child soon. Nearly dying last the other week has changed my whole outlook on life."
Brayen is shocked at Alex's comment.
"So what are you going to do? Sperm bank? Adoption?"
Brayen notices Alex giving him a weird look.
"Well I was thinking maybe you could be the father. I want the child to be my flesh and blood and I don't want some random DNA. We've been friends for a long time and I think you would make a great father."
"Alex... I... don't..."
"You don't have to decide now, just think about it."

Alvin sits in Kathryn's office.
"My poor daughter-in-law. How am I ever going to find someone to replace her while she is recovering?"
He notices Alex walk in. She is looking timid, but it is understandable due to what she went through just a couple weeks ago at the club he owns. Alvin watches her as she converses with Brayen. He tells the secretary to ask Alex to come see him in Kathryn's office.
"Ms. Chase, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Thank you Mr. Stone. I hope that Ms. Stone is doing much better."
"Yes, yes she is. Thank you. However, she will be in recovery for many weeks. During that time, I would like you to be the acting editor in chief."
Alex is speechless at the offer. She can't believe it, editor in chief.
"I... I don't know what to say."
"Now it's only for a few weeks until Kathryn can be back in the office, but I've seen you working and Kathryn recommended that you be the stand in while she is out. Now go back to work since I know you have a bit to catch up on being it is your first day back."
"Of course, Mr. Stone. Thank you so much."
Alvin watches Alex run back to Brayen. It is only now that he notices how attractive Brayen is. Alvin returns to the desk to place a call.

2004-02-11T22:59:00.000-05:00

Brayen, Hawke, and Skyler all enter the ER. Hawke sees his brother and father in the waiting area. Jason must be devastated from the incident. Hawke walks over to the two.
"Jason, how is Kathryn doing? I just heard the news a little while ago."
Alvin answers for his grieving son.
"Hawke, she is stable at the moment, and like I told your brother, I will tell you. Kathryn has always been the most determined girl I have known. She will make it."
Hawke sits next to his family. All they can do is wait.

Brayen demands the ER information desk to inform him of Alex's condition.
"Brayen, calm down. I'm sure Alex will be fine. I'm sure she's just in a bit of shock from the incident."
Never liking Skyler much, Brayen still decides that Skyler is right. He should just be calm and wait for news no matter how much he worried about his best friend. Brayen just wants everything to be back to normal at the office: the two of them gossiping about the coworkers and skipping out every once in awhile. When Alex was around at work Brayen felt like he was in high school again.

Denver, Blair, and Nicole rush in from the parking lot. Informing the nurses station that she is a doctor, Nicole tells Blair and Denver to go to the waiting area while she heads to the patients' rooms to check on their conditions, especially Alex's. As she is wandering the halls looking for the rooms of the recent victims, Nicole hears a whimpering coming from a nearby room. She rounds the corner and looks in the room to find her daughter Alex.
"Alex? What's wrong?"
Startled, Alex tries to hide her tears and act like nothing is wrong.
"Mom, what are you doing here?"
"Don't try to change the subject. You've never been very good at lying to me."
With a gentle smile, Nicole sits next to he daughter. It wasn't very often the two of them sat down and talked anymore. Alex is almost 28. She has a life of her own.
"I could have died tonight, mom."
Alex beings to shed tears again.
"I'm getting older, and I'm still single. I haven't even had a serious boyfriend for longer than a few months."
"There's nothing wrong wi..."
"Mom, you were married to Dad at 19, had me at 21, and still managed to get your MD. All I have so far is a decent career. It's going to be too late for me to have kids soon."
"Oh come now, there's nothing wrong with having kids in your 30's."
"No, not if I had some when I was younger. I always wanted to have a big family and it's getting late to start that. I almost died tonight without the start of any family."
Nicole tries to comfort her daughter with little luck.

Braxton wakes up from his trance that he slipped back into on the ride over to the hospital in the ambulance. Now in a hospital room, he is confused. His memory begins to return and he runs out of the room looking for his mother. As he walks down the hall, Nicole leaves Alex's room.
"Busty, what are you doing out of your bed? You should be on the monitors right now."
"Please doctor, I'm looking for my mother's room."
insistent that he must check on his mother, Braxton gets Nicole to help him look for her room. When her room is finally found, Braxton can't help but cry. He runs to his mother's bed.
"Mom, how could you let this happen? Why did you ever stay with him so long ago."
Joyce moves a little and moans a bit. Still in a dream state, she is mumbling senseless words.
"I'm so sorry Mom, for being me."
Braxton sits in a chair nest to Joyce's bed.
"Please, Dr..."
"Dr. Nicole Chase."
"Dr. Chase. May I have some time with my mother alone?"
"Of course. I apologize for hanging around so long."
Nicole leaves the room. She looks back to see Busty holding his mother's hand, crying for her life.

2004-02-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

Jason removes his lips from his lifeless wife. Crying and just about to walk away, he hears a sudden beep from the monitors. Kathryn gives a huge gasp then lies still on the bed once again only this time with a steady heart beat. Doctors and nurses surround Kathryn's bed.
"This is amazing. There is no way she could have recovered."
"Well she did, so let's make sure she is stabilized and we don't lose her again."
Jason cries with happiness. It must have been his last kiss that knocked his wife back into consciousness. The doctors usher him out of the room to the waiting area.

Alvin rushes into the hospital from the parking lot. Running to the information table, he demands where to find the ER and the victims of the shooting at the club. As he enters the ER waiting area, he sees Jason crying in a chair.
"Jason... what happened? Is she alright?"
"Dad, she... she was gone... then came back. She's stable at the moment."

Alvin reminisces about the time he has known Kathryn. The first day he met her, he knew that Kathryn was the right girl for his son. It was the day he and his wife had dropped Jason off at his first day of college. They were moving their first born into his dorm when a curly, blonde-haired young woman came walking down the hall. He saw his sons eyes as the year-older Community Advisor approached. Jason would never go after any other girl.

He brought her home for Thanksgiving that year. Alvin was impressed with her academic and leadership skills and qualities. Again he could tell Kathryn and Jason were meant for each other. When Jason came home that winter break, bad news was spread. He and Kathryn had called it off. "Differences" was the reason; however, over that next year, the two were off an on.

Jason was to stop by home before going anywhere for spring break during his second year. Alvin sensed something different about the two when Jason showed up with Kathryn. Over a divine meal at a fine restaurant, Jason and Kathryn announced their engagement. Alvin and his wife were only slightly shocked at the news. The story of the engagement was shared by Kathryn.

The wedding was one of the most fantastic investments of his fortune. Alvin insisted on having the wedding of his daughter-in-law-to-be's dream. In an exact reproduction of a French chateau built in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the wedding was decorated in white. Kathryn's dress was extravagant but elegant. The grand courtyard was laced in white satin. On the most beautiful day of the year, Alvin watched his son marry the woman of his dreams.

When the two returned from their honeymoon, Alvin had made his decision to ask Kathryn to be the editor in chief of a new magazine that he was funding. With almost no hesitation the deal was made and one of Alvin's most prized workers was hired.

"Jason, she is a fighter. She will be fine."
Alvin comforts his son, as they wait patiently for more news on Kathryn.

2004-02-09T13:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the city name submittals. I have chosen a name that I think will fit the soap well. I'll let you know how to pronounce it later.

2004-02-09T11:17:00.000-05:00

"Tragedy has occurred tonight in the city of Garladine. The performance of the infamous Busty Bouchet was brought to a screeching halt by a man with a gun. Shots were fired and... Wait a minute... We have a new report coming in. Busty herself was not shot, however, her mother and manager Joyce Bouchet has a gunshot wound to her upper arm. It appears that Mrs. Kathryn Stone has also been shot in the abdomen."
Alvin sits up.
"What this? My daughter-in-law?"
Quickly turning up the volume, Alvin listens closer.
"The two victims have been rushed to the Garladine General Hospital."
Alvin turns off the TV, and in a hurry, grabs a coat and rushes to his car.

Denver finds himself laughing with the other three boys in Skyler's car.
"So you three knew I was gay almost instantly?"
"Of course we did."
Brayen nudges Denver in the backseat.
"You know, none of my family knows at all."
"You'd think she would after hanging out with Brayen all the time."
Skyler laughs at his joke as Brayen just looks at him with an evil eye. Brayen is a bit flamboyant but not anything like the drag queen Busty Bouchet.
"So Denver, have we shown you enough of Garladine that you'll stay here for awhile?"
"Dude, I'm moving here already. I'll be staying with my sister while I start my new job."
Hawke and Brayen both look at Skyler driving the car, wearing a devious look on his face. Skyler just imagines how he can take advantage of that situation.
"Try not to take advantage of him Skyler."
Hawke looks back at Denver, blushing to a shade of red Hawke had never seen before. Denver can only imagine how he can be "take advantage of." Hawke turns the radio to AM news; the other three whine about his choice of stations.
"A terrible tragedy has occurred tonight at the Busty Bouchet performance. It appears that both Joyce Bouchet and Kathryn Stone have been victims of a shooting."
The boys all look at each other. They had just left. When did that happen?
"The victims have been taken to Garladine General Hospital..."
Scared now for what might have happened, Skyler turns the car to head back to the club.

Busty, Alex, and Jason are all ushered into an ambulance. As they begin to head to the hospital, Alex notices the car full of boys pull into the parking lot.
"Can we stop for just a second? I need to talk to my brother."
"Sorry ma'am but we need to get you three to the hospital."
The driver is insistent on not stopping.

Nicole sees Denver walk up to the club. She quickly runs over to her son.
"Mom, what happened?"
"Denver it was terrible. Those poor women. I hope they make it."
"Where's Alex?"
"She had to be taken to the hospital to be checked out further. Kathryn Stone was shot while Alex was right next to her. You sister is in shock at the moment."
Overhearing the information, Brayen grabs Hawke and Skyler and demands that he be taken to the hospital. The three get in Skyler's car.

At the hospital, doctors work relentlessly on Kathryn to revive her. Amidst the medical jargon, Jason arrives in the other ambulance and refuses to be seen. He will stay by his wife's side. A 30-minute battle for Kathryn's life takes place without success. As pain rushes through his body, he kisses his lifeless wife.

2004-02-08T19:57:00.000-05:00

Antoine's gun fires. Everyone screams as the front glass doors are broken through and Antoine is shot by police from outside. With his leg in pain, Antoine tries to hobble away. Police are too quick and Antoine is tackled and cuffed. People are screaming and trampling others to get out of the club. Amidst the chaos, Busty stands in silence, covered in blood. The bullet had pierced Kathryn just moments before when she stood up to confront Antoine.

"Blair, go get my bag out of the car quickly."
Fighting the crowd, Blair somehow gets outside. Nicole runs over to Kathryn.
"Kathryn? Kathryn? Can you hear me? Jason, I need you to go tell the police the paramedics are needed in here immediately."
Blair rushes in from a side door with Nicole's black bag. Quickly, Nicole puts on gloves and prepares to examine Kathryn.
"Blair, put these on and check Busty here. She seems to be in shock from all the blood on her."
Nicole hands Blair a pair of gloves. Blair puts them on and stands up. Busty is still frozen.
"Busty? Busty, come sit down over here."
Staring at his arms and body covered in blood, his steps are small and slow. Blair moves her towards a chair near the stage. Sitting down, Busty still stares at her arms out in front of her.

Comfortable in his mansion, Alvin hears his phone ring.
"Mr. Stone, something terrible has happened."
"What.. what is it?"
"It's best if you turn on the TV."
Hanging up the phone, Alvin turns on the TV. The local news team was already at the club. Reports of the shooting were being broadcast. In an outrage, Alvin calls for a servant.
"Get my lawyers on the phone right now. This is going to cost me."

Nicole works quickly on Kathryn. Not noticing Alex laying behind her, Nicole surprised when Alex suddenly wakes up. Alex screams at the sight around her. Nicole tries to calm her while holding some bandages near Kathryn to mop up the blood. At that moment Jason comes back inside with paramedics.
"Jason, come calm her down and get her away from here."
He quickly takes Alex away and sits her near Busty. Paramedics surround both Kathryn and Joyce. Nicole informs them of the events that have taken place and requests to ride to the hospital in Kathryn's ambulance.

Joyce mumbles as she is being carried towards her ambulance.
"Braxton, my baby... Don't hit him... No, stop... Why are you doing this..."
The paramedics seem confused. They decide she must be in some sort of dream state from the blood loss of the wound. Loaded into the ambulances, the sirens scream as they start to drive to the hospital.

Suddenly awaking from his state of shock, Braxton leaps up from the chair.
"What happened? Where is my mother? Where is my father?"
"Busty you need to calm down."
Blair attempts to keep him calm, but for a drag queen she is strong.
"Busty. Busty. You're mother has been taken to the hospital and your father has been arrested."
Relaxing only slightly Braxton stares at Blair.
"I must get over there now."
As Braxton runs towards the door, another set of paramedics stops him. They must examine the rest of the people in the club, especially Braxton, Alex, and Jason.

2004-02-07T23:59:00.000-05:00

Yay!! So there's a computer in the hotel that I can use. I put up today's episode, but I probably won't put up tomorrows until Monday. Swim meets are tiring. And I would be up for another hour trying to write another episode. We're getting up semi-early, 8am. *snore like kate*

2004-02-07T23:48:00.000-05:00

Busty gasps.
"No, it can't be. What the hell are you doing here? How did you..."
"Now 'Busty,' I'm not going to give that away."
The man slowly walks down the front stairs only a few high. It was his mother's one mistake, Braxton's father. His mom was young and naive. High school equals, his parents thought they had fallen in love during their senior year. Joyce became pregnant. Only a short while after his birth, Braxton's father lost his single mother. To support his younger siblings, he reverted to drugs and crime. Joyce felt the effects of his loss as well. Beaten almost every other day, Joyce had to leave him and file a restraining order. The path of crime and hate soon caught up to her once beloved. He was arrested under many robbery and drug charges.

Braxton flashes back to about 3 years ago when his father was finally let out on parole. His father seemed to be better and the life of crime was put behind him. He was visiting the two to catch up. Everything changed when Braxton informed him of his homosexuality and his future career as a drag queen. His father went ballistic with rage and reverted to beating Braxton and his mom. Braxton's father was prosecuted once more for domestic violence and an outstanding warrant was found for murder from just a few days before and a couple states away. His father had never changed.

Joyce comes from backstage, curious as to why everything was quiet. Seeing the man with a gun pointed at Busty, she starts towards him.
"Antoine Bouchet, what the hell are you doing here and how did you get out?"
Hearing sirens in the background, Joyce knows her once loving friend had somehow escaped. Seeing Joyce move towards him Antoine reacts quickly.
"If anyone moves again, you will be shot."
His gun goes off. Joyce drops to the floor. Shaking she wonders how she could have ever thought she was in love with this man. Whispers go around the club. Antoine's voice booms again.
"SILENCE!"
The sirens are closer now, Joyce hopes this will end soon. Her arm is bleeding badly. Antoine's bullet entered her upper arm causing pain that she tries to ignore.

Nicole looks over from the bar.
"Blair, I must help that woman."
"Nicole, the man is crazy. He will shoot you if you even dare to move."
Fearful of the man with a gun, Nicole stays close to her husband near the bar.

"Dad... please... just go."
Pointing his gun back at a now tearful Busty.
"Now son... or daughter, that disgusts me... why would I do that? I've spent so much time planning how to get out waiting for this moment."
Busty looks down at the people in front of him. Alex is almost stiff as if being literally petrified. Jason is trying to protect his wife by crouching in front of her. She is antsy, wanting to help resolve this before anything else happens. Braxton's voice is weak.
"What do you mean?"
"You see son, it has always been my belief that people like you shouldn't exist. These homosexuals, this cross-dressing, it's a shame to families and ancestors. Your kind should not exist. Thus, I have taken it to myself to exterminate all of you."
"But... I'm... a part of you."
"That's what disgusts me the most."
He begins to pull on the trigger as Kathryn stands up. For just a second she tries to say something to calm Antoine down, but the gun goes off.

2004-02-06T00:37:00.000-05:00

Okay, I regret to inform you, my trusted fans, that I have a swim meet this weekend in New Orleans and will not be able to post Saturday's or Sunday's episode until Monady. I know I left on such a huge cliffhanger, but you will get three episodes on Monday. I'm sure you will all be shocked with the events about to happen. *tear* So sad. :(

2004-02-06T00:05:00.000-05:00

The bathroom door slams open. Denver and Skyler quickly look to see who it is. It's just a drunken couple wanting to fool around in the bathroom. Skyler tries to go back to making out with Denver, but Denver feels even more uncomfortable now that two other people were there.
"What's wrong? You don't like it?"
"No... no... that's not it. It's just... we're in a bathroom, and... two other people just walked in too."
"Oh, come on it's not like we're going to have sex right here, unlike what those two are probably going to do, unless you want to."
Skyler throws a look their way. The two that had just entered the bathroom were fairly attractive to him.
Denver tries to escape from Skyler, but Skyler had his arms and legs pinning Denver to the wall. For some reason Denver found this slightly erotic.
"I was just joshin' with ya Denver. I would never do that here."
"Can we just go back out to watch Busty?"
"Sure. Remember, I live right down the hall from your sister. Apartment 4309."
Even though he is slightly uncomfortable, Denver will remember this number. Skyler removes himself from in front of Denver. As Denver walks towards the door, Skyler looks over to the couple and winks. He rushes in front of Denver to open the door. Just as he opens the door, he and Denver hear a loud breaking noise.

Bright lights blind Alex for just a second.
Alex yells at Brayen still watching Busty and hardly noticing the lights.
"Indoor fireworks!"
"Yeah, that's amazing."
Disappointed with Brayen's lack of enthusiasm towards the spectacle, Alex wanders off just to notice Jason and Kathryn in a corner.

Out of the corner of his eye, Hawke notices Skyler holding the bathroom door open for Denver. Hawke rushes over.
"Denver, can you excuse Skyler and me for a minute?"
Nodding, Denver wanders off to look for his sister, trying to avoid his parents at the bar.
"Skyler what the hell are you doing? Stop harassing Alex's little brother."
"Give me a break. The kid was practically asking for it. And he's not so little if you know what I mean."
"Dude, I don't want to know that. Just leave him alone okay?"
"Yeah, sure, whatever."
Hawke goes to join Brayen. Thinking to himself, Skyler will have who he wants when he wants. He notices some security walking to the bathroom. There will obviously be no hooking up in this club.

"Hello, Ms. Stone."
"Oh... Alex... please, call me Kathryn. This is my husband Jason.
"Nice to meet you Alex. Kathryn has told me a bit about your work. I hear you will be doing great things."
Blushing, Alex doesn't know what to say.
"Isn't Busty amazing? Jason forced me to come see her tonight, but I'm so glad he did."
Kathryn smiles and kisses her husband. Alex dreams of a man like that one day.
"Ladies, do you care to dance? I see Miss Bouchet will be joining us on the dance floor."
The three rush to the middle of the floor where Busty is dancing. She always likes to please her fans by dancing with them during breaks in her performance.

A man dressed in black sneaks around the club. He knocks out the bouncer and pushes his body behind the bushes outside. Locking the front doors, he stands right at the entrance.
"Braxton Thomas Bouchet!!"
The people in the club become silent. The man's voice boomed throughout. Slowly he reaches in his pocket to pull out a gun and points it straight at Busty. Instantly everyone drops to the floor except for Busty. Slowly, the man removes his hood. Busty gasps.
"No, it can't be!"

2004-02-05T00:04:00.000-05:00

The lights begin to dim and everyone becomes quiet. The curtains open, and everyone gasps! Miss Busty Bouchet is dressed in the most extravagant gold sequin dress with a gold fro and gold 5-inch heels. Looking as though she was Beyoncé in Goldmember, Busty begins to sing "Hey Goldmember" from the movie. Back-up dancers join her. The performance is amazing. Busty isn't the normal lipsyncing drag queen. She was actually singing the song herself, a feat almost never done in the drag profession.

Skyler slips his hand onto Denver's leg. Surprised Denver jumps a little. As Skyler removes his hand quickly, Alex looks at Denver. "Are you okay?" Nodding his head, she returns to watch Busty's performance. Skyler slips his hand back onto Denver's leg. This time he doesn't jump. Skyler slowly moves his hand up Denver's leg. With his heart racing faster, Denver can hardly control himself. Quickly he gets up and moves to the bathroom. As the song ends the audience stands up and pushes their chairs to the side. Who could resist the urge to dance along with Busty during her performance? Seeing his opportunity as he is split from the rest of the group during the commotion, he walks to the bathroom to check on Denver.

Blair looks at his wife uncomfortably.
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea."
"Are you kidding me? This was a great idea. Oh, come on, these gay men can't be bothering you that much. They know you are taken by me."
Sensing her husband's uneasinesss, she walks him over to the bar to get a drink and continue to chat.

Denver hears the bathroom door open. Looking out from the stall, he notices Skyler standing by the sink. Playing a game of innocence Skyler turns the sink on to pretend to wash his hands. Denver comes out from the stall to approach him. Skyler turns around suddenly.
"I knew you were in here. I hope I didn't scare you away."
"Of course not, but how could you tell I am..."
"Honey, that's easy. Haven't you ever been around other gay men. It's like a second nature for us to be able to know each other."
Denver stands in silence. Skyler noticing the slight discomfort of Denver's stance he asks a few more questions.
"Haven't you ever been with a man before?"
Denver's heart races. He slowly shakes his head. He notices Skyler approaching until they are face to face. After what seems like a minute to Denver, in an instant their lips are touching. He was shaking with nervousness and excitement. His first man to man kiss was more than he could have imagined.

Jason and Kathryn stand in the middle of the dance floor. Busty has disappeared backstage to change costumes for her next song. Kathryn couldn't be more excited to finally enjoy a night out and away from work. Looking into her husbands eyes, she thanks him for forcing her to come out. They kiss and hear everyone awe. Blushing Kathryn turns around but notices no one is looking at her. Busty is attached to a swing-like contraption that is zooming her around above everyone's head. "Toxic" begins to play in the background and Busty succeeds in amazing acrobatics on this small swing. About half way through the song, a loud breaking noise is heard by everyone.

2004-02-04T00:24:00.000-05:00

Yes, I have added a song into the HTML for good reason. Act like the song is starting right at the end of todays episode and the beginning of tomorrow's. You will understand soon enough. :)

I changed it, as of Thursday, February 5, so the song only plays once through. I don't want a repeating song to be the reason for someone not to read my soap. I promise to take the song away in about a week. I'm just proud of myself for adding that using HTML. HAHAHA. I'm awesome!

2004-02-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Where is my gold fro wig?! I need it for my first act!!"
Busty is frantic backstage. How could he lose his favorite wig? Joyce and other people who help on the tour look around hastily. Joyce eventually finds it behind some rack of costumes.
"Braxton, you need to keep track of this stuff better."
"Mom you know this is my favorite wig, I would never just throw this around."
Braxton quickly puts on the wig and then straps on his 5 inch heels. The transformation to Busty is complete.

Outside the club, Skyler and Hawke run into Alex, Brayen, and Denver.
"Hey Alex, what brings you here?"
"Hey Skyler. We're just here to see Busty Bouchet perform. Brayen got tickets for us."
Skyler looks over Brayen carefully. The two never liked each other much. Skyler and Brayen both remember their-not-so-great hookup from long ago that never really resolved itself.
"And who is this other young stud with you?"
"Skyler! This is my little brother, Denver. Please be nice and don't make him feel uncomfortable. He's straight but I couldn't let him miss Busty Bouchet."
Skyler eyes Denver. "Hello Denver, I'm Skyler Sterling. Your sister lives on the same hall as me."
Shyly, Denver shakes hands with Skyler. Again, heart beating fast, he had never met so many gay people in one night. Skyler knows Denver is gay. With a wink he introduces Hawke to the group. Excited about the show, Hawke rushes everyone inside. They notice the club almost filled with people.
"It must be getting close to Busty's performance."

Blair and Nicole notice Denver and Alex walk in. Rushing over at once the four greet one another as a family would. Surprised to see her son at the club, Nicole asks Denver what he is doing here?
"Alex invited me mom, she thought it would be an experience for me to see a drag show."
"Well it will be an experience for you and me both."
Barely able to contain herself, Alex blurts out the news of Denver coming to live with her when he gets a job.
"That's perfect! I'm glad you two finally worked things out after all these years."
Happy for her children, Nicole grabs Alex to run to the bathroom. Feeling slightly uncomfortable in a gay club, Blair talks with his son, the only other straight one around him.
"So, how are the ladies treating you these days?"
Trying to contain their laughs, Brayen, Skyler, and Hawke wander off to get a drink at the buffet before taking a seat.
"Dad, they are fine. I just haven't found that right girl yet."
"Ah well... how old are you now? 23?"
Denver has a bored look on his face.
"Yes Dad."
"Well, she'll come around sometime son. Don't you worry."
Seeing the ladies come back, Denver grabs Alex and walks away. He always thought his dad was a dork, but he was in a gay club. Blair is probably just uncomfortable. Denver and Alex take seats near Brayen, Skyler, and Hawke. Sitting next to Skyler, Denver is breathless. Their shoulders rub as he sits down. Thighs touching as he gets comfortable in his seat. This was going to be a great performance.

The lights begin to dim and everyone becomes quiet. The curtains open, and everyone gasps!

2004-02-03T12:03:00.000-05:00

An early 20's, shorter-than-average, cute, brown-haired guy hears a knock on his apartment door. Still only half dressed he goes to answer it. Opening the door, he finds Skyler with smile on his face. It has been a long time since they had seen each other.
"Skyler, what the hell are you doing here?"
He grabs the guy, does a little bise and ushers him inside.
"Hawke, it's good to see you. How have you been since we were last together?"
"Pretty good, so what brings you over here?"
Skyler proceeds to explain where he would like to take Hawke and how he ended up with the tickets. With a semi-disgusted, look Hawke sits down.
"So, still doing that job? I'd think you would drop it after you realized that you couldn't have a relationship while doing that job."
Flashing back to about a year ago, Hawke remembers when he found out about Skyler's escorting job. Skyler was irresistible to most any guy. He had Hawke wrapped around his finger. His only mistake was having one of Hawke's friends as a client. Hawke found out from another friend and couldn't handle his boyfriend being an escort. He stormed back to his apartment and confronted Skyler and the relationship was over. They continued to remain good friends.
"I tried for a bit, but it makes such good money. I can't afford to drop it right now. Anyway do you want to go or not?"
"Of course, you knew this would be something that I couldn't pass up. Besides, I think my brother said he was taking his wife to see Busty tonight as well. I'll get to see them. You remember Jason and Kathryn, don't you?"
With a slight chuckle at his brother's tendency to hang around all the gay places in the city, Hawke finishes getting dressed and the two head to Skyler's car.

Denver knocks on Alex's door. Who was this Brayen she said was with her?
"Denver, I'm so glad you came!"
Entering the apartment, he sees a tall, blonde-hair, blue-eyed, mid-20s man standing near the kitchen.
"Denver, it's nice to meet you. Alex has told me so much about you in the past day. My name's Brayen Scott."
Brayen winks but Alex can't see. Denver's heart beats fast. Brayen was well... hot. His jaw drops slightly and as Alex walks away to straighten up the apartment before they leave, Brayen pushes Denver's jaw closed. "Save that open mouth for later." With another wink, Brayen wanders off to help Alex. He couldn't believe this was his sister's friend that he now lusts over and only after a couple minutes within meeting him. Alex walks back towards Denver.
"Okay we're ready to go." The three leave the apartment and head over to the club.

Blair and Nicole arrive at the club at about the same time as Kathryn and Jason.
"Well fancy meeting you two here."
"Likewise, Mr. Chase. What brings you two here? Don't you live about an hour and a half away?"
"Well Jason, it was our anniversary yesterday, and we will be moving into town very soon for my wife has accepted a position at the hospital."
"Oh, well congratulations on the anniversary and the job."
All four enter the club with high expectations. To their amazement, it's better than they could imagine.
"This place is beautiful. This is going to be a club?"
Kathryn looks all around. Grabbing her husband, she points at the balconies that span the lower dance floor and connect the upper dance floors. The lower floor is set up with seats for tonight's performance. Being a somewhat VIP event, a buffet is set up off to the side. Kathryn and Jason head to the buffet to snack and pick up some drinks.
"Blair, this is amazing."
Nicole kisses her husband. They notice a friend standing in another part of the room and head over to talk.

Braxton is confident. His last rehearsal this morning went... well perfect. Slipping into his first costume, he looks at himself in the mirror. "Busty is ready to go!"

2004-02-02T01:01:00.000-05:00

Braxton searches the back stage. "Where are these voices coming from?" Just as he's about to give up he stumbles upon two men dressed in black. As the men hear him approach they stand up and turn around. "It's Busty, I can hardly believe it!!" They rush towards Braxton. Realizing they are just fans of his that hid out all night waiting for him, he calls security. Pleasantly, he autographs some pictures before he has security usher them outside. All of a sudden he realizes the hunger he replaced with curiosity and heads to the brunch waiting for him.

Kathryn leaves the office building to head home. She needs a night of fun then relaxation at home. It finally hits her. Jason is right. She works too hard and just needs to let loose. Arriving at home, she notices a present left for her by Jason. Opening the small box, she gasps at the sight of the necklace. Jason steps behind her.
"Can you help me?"
He slowly lifts her curly blonde hair and puts the necklace around her neck.
"What's this for?"
"I just wanted to pick something up for you. No reason in particular. Just to say I love you."
Barely able to contain herself, she hugs her husband.
"Now how 'bout we get ready for that performance I promised to take you to?"

Denver runs back to his dorm from class. His class got out so late. Getting to his room, he quickly removes his clothes to hop in the shower. Looking in the mirror, he notices he has a decent body. He is a little thin but nothing that a little time in a weight room couldn't fix. He rarely had time to workout with his current schedule of classes and part-time job. He hops in the shower. After a couple minutes he hears the phone ring. Hurrying to finish, he turns off the water and grabs a towel. He grabs the phone, "Hello?"
"Denver? It's Alex."
"Hey, I just got done taking a shower. I should be over at your place in about an hour and a half. Traffic will be a little bad."
"Okay, I'll be waiting here with Brayen. See you then."
Hanging up the phone, he throws some clothes on, does his short brown hair, and runs out of the building to his car.

Alex hangs up the phone. Brayen looks in the fridge for some food.
"Now Brayen, my brother will be joining us. Please, try not to make him feel uncomfortable. He's a good little straight boy."
"Yeah, yeah. I promise I won't hit on him."

2004-02-01T00:27:00.000-05:00

Denver wakes from a dreamful sleep of beautiful men. Looking at his phone, notices a message. He laughs as his sister talks. "... Just to warn you it will be in a new gay club. I hope that doesn't bother you. Oh by the way, I never asked. Is there anyone special in your life that..." Denver sighs. He never told his sister he was gay. Never would anyone know he was unless they paid attention closely. Growing up in a small town and going to a small university, he rarely ever met another gay person. Tonight he would finally get to experience the club life that he never has before. One problem, how would he tell his sister what she hasn't figured out? He will just have to play it off like he is straight until the right opportunity arises.

Kathryn hears a knock on her office door. A tall, lean, handsome man walks through the door.
"Jason, what are you doing here?"
"Can a man not visit his wife at work?"
Smiling as she gets up from behind her desk, Kathryn walks over to her husband to kiss hello.
"I apologize for the rude welcoming."
Kathryn walks back to her desk and sits down again. Flustered from all the paper on her desk, she knocks over the picture of her and her husband. The picture smashes on the floor. As Jason picks it up, he notices the glass cracked down the middle of the picture.
"We're going to have to get you a new frame."
Walking behind Kathryn, he begins to rub her shoulders in an attempt to relax her.
"I want you to come with me tonight to enjoy the 'Busty' Bouchet performance. My father owns the new club so has given me tickets for the two of us."
"Jason... I don't..."
"Oh, c'mon. Just come and relax and be entertained for once. You work too hard sometimes."
"You're father didn't hire me for this job because I knew how to have fun."
"No he hired you because you're good at what you do and he knows you'll get it done too, but he also agrees with me, you work too hard. This is the reason he gave me these, to get you out of the office for once."
After a bit more persuasion, Kathryn agrees to go. She does need a fun time every once in awhile. Why not kick it with all the gay men?

Skyler wanders around his apartment. That was the first night he's slept normal hours in a long time. The bar/strip club he worked at had given him the night off. Luckily, he also has tonight off, so the tickets given to him by Alvin Stone can be used. "Who to take? Who to take?" Finally it hit him. "Of course, he would love to go with me to see Busty."

Blair and Nicole wake from a night of passion. Even in their 40's they still had it.
"Honey, to continue the anniversary I want to take you to see Miss 'Busty' Bouchet tonight."
Surprised, Nicole hugs her husband.
"But, why to see her? Why not the opera or the symphony?"
"I figured we need to do something different ever once in awhile. I realize its a drive to get out there just for a drag queen, but I hear she really very good."
"Blair, about the drive. Pretty soon it won't be so long."
With a confused look he asks what she means. She tells of her job offer at the hospital. Blair knows that his wife has always wanted to move back to where she grew up. Reluctant to move to the big city, Blair still is happy for his wife.
"For you Nicole, we'll move as soon as we can."

In his pink cashmere robe, Braxton sifts through his costumes for tonight. Moving to his "normal" wardrobe he can't help but get upset that he can't find his favorite pair of shoes.
"Mother, where are they?"
"Right here honey."
Grabbing his wooden clogs, Braxton storms to the back of the trailer. His mood slowly changes from diva to worry. He can't seem to shake the feeling that this performance is just going to be... well scary. Looking slightly paranoid, Braxton wanders out of the trailer and into the club where they have provided his breakfast before his last run through of the performance. Wandering through backstage, he hears two voices. He can't quite place where they are coming from let alone who they belong to. Forgetting about his hunger he goes to investigate.

2004-01-31T00:52:00.000-05:00

As Niki approaches her house, she notices the door to be unlocked. Opening the door slowly, "Honey, I'm home. Where are you?" From upstairs she hears a man's voice call her. Slowly traveling up the stairs, she starts to notice rose petals sprinkled on the floor. As she gets closer and closer to her bedroom the petals become more and more plentiful. As she opens the door, she sees a handsome, tanned-skin, muscular man laying on her bed. "Blair you shouldn't have!" She rushes over to the bed to kiss the man. "Niki it was the least I could do for our anniversary." Blair slowly undresses his wife as the two embrace passionately.

"Skyler, I've been waiting for you."
"Hello Alvin."
Skyler walks through the door. He is only slightly surprised by the beauty of the room. He had been with clients before in this hotel, however, never in a suite of this expense. He begins to take his shirt off as he walks over to the hot tub in the middle of the room.
"This place is nice. You must have paid a hefty sum for it."
"I only want the best for you Skyler."
Alvin watches the young man closely. Eyes wide with intrigue at his perfect body: broad shoulders, great pecs and abs, thin legs. Skyler unbuttons his pants and begins to take them off. He walks over to Alvin, pants just below the waist line, and gives him a peck on the cheek. "Aren't you coming?" Dropping his pants all the way, Skyler walks back over the to hot tub and steps in. Alvin follows and after removing his clothes he joins Skyler in the hot tub. After a brief small talk discussion, Skyler moves towards Alvin and embraces the middle-aged man in a kiss that Alvin would never forget.

Taking the rest of the day off, Alex arrives at her apartment. After relaxing on the couch for a moment, she decides to call her brother who she had just reconciled with earlier that day. Alex leaves a message because Denver didn't answer his phone.
"Hey Denver, it's Alex. I know you just came down here today but I want you to come with a coworker and me to the 'Busty' Bouchet performance tomorrow. Just to warn you it will be in a new gay club. I hope that doesn't bother you. Oh by the way, I never asked. Is there anyone special in your life that I have been missing out on over the past three years? Hope to see you tomorrow. Bye."
Satisfied, she returns to the couch to watch Days of Our Lives, only her favorite soap that she rarely ever gets to watch live.

Putting his clothes back on, Skyler watches Alvin go towards his wallet on the bar in the room. Only slightly disgusted, Skyler reminds himself that this "job" is well worth the money. "This should do it." Alvin hands Skyler $700. "Why thank you Mr. Stone," Skyler says in an innocent voice. He kisses Alvin on the cheek again as he puts his shirt on. The $700 is a little more than his usual pay. Please Skyler begins to leave.
"Skyler, I want you to take these tickets to the 'Busty' Bouchet performance tomorrow. I own the club, but I'm not about to show my face at that performance. There are two here, feel free to take a friend."
"Thanks Alvin, shall we do this again sometime?"
"Of course."
With a wink, Skyler closes the door behind him and leaves with the tickets and the money. Alvin goes to relax on the bed and drift into a dreamful sleep of the young man he was just with.

2004-01-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

"Dr. Chase? There's someone for you on the phone." A middle-aged woman picks up the phone in her office.
"Hello?"
"Yes, is this Dr. Nicole Chase?"
"Yes, this is she."
"We've been trying to reach you all day. Where have you been?"
"I've been busy with patients. What is it that you need?" (See I knew I put patients in my comment on purpose!!)
"Well, we would like to offer you a position at our hospital."
As the conversation continues, Niki can't help but relax as her dream of moving back to where she grew up finally starts to come true.

From the stage, Braxton looks around the club that he will be performing at tomorrow. Performing as Miss "Busty" Bouchet has never been hard for him, but for some reason, this time was different. This city was different.
"Braxton honey, I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier."
"Mom, it's okay. Managers have to get forceful with their performers every so often. Who's that man standing over there?"
Alvin hangs up the phone and notices Braxton talking about him. He wanders over to the woman and young man and introduces himself.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both. You must be the infamous 'Busty' Bouchet."
"Please, call me Braxton when I'm out of costume."
Braxton's mother becomes flustered at the sound of Alvin's voice. Never has she seen such a handsome frame in a man his age. Barely able to speak, "And I am Braxton's manager, Joyce Bouchet. Proud mother as well." After a brief conversation about the performance tomorrow night, Alvin rushes off explaining that he has a lunch meeting to attend.

Nervously, Alex walks up to the restaurant where she is meeting Kathryn and her father-in-law. As she walks in, she can't help but gasp. Never before has she eaten at such a fancy restaurant before, not even when her ex-fiancé proposed. Patiently waiting at the bar, she can't help but notice that she might be slightly under dressed. After a few minutes, Kathryn walks in with her father-in-law, "Hello Alex. This is my father-in-law Alvin Stone, the owner of Nelly." Alex nervously puts her hand out to meet the owner of the magazine that she writes for. Introductions and conversation continue as they sit down and enjoy a fine dining experience. Apologizing for his early departure, Alvin leaves the restaurant.

Back in Braxton's trailer, Joyce finishes some final paperwork for the next location of the Miss "Busty" Bouchet Tour. "Mom, this is strange. I've never had this feeling before. It's like I know something strange will happen tomorrow night during my performance." Comforting her son Joyce can't help but notice she is having the same feeling. Something different was going to happen at this performance that hasn't happened at any other.

Skyler walks into the hotel and towards the elevators. He thinks to himself, "Here goes nothing." Room 1145. He knocks on the door, and as it opens, a handsome-for-his-age man opens the door. "Skyler, I've been waiting for you."

2004-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

For your convenience I have decided to list the characters introduced in the first two days. The status as main characters or filler characters can and probably will change for a few characters. A couple more characters will be introduced today, and some names will be revealed.

Main characters:
Skyler (last name to be discovered)
Denver Chase
Alexandra Chase
Alivn Stone
Jason Stone
Kathryn Stone
Brayen (last name to be discovered)
Braxton Thomas "Busty" Bouchet
Braxton's mother (name to be discovered)

Filler characters:
Mrs. Crandall

2004-01-29T16:39:00.000-05:00

I realize that much is going on in the first two episodes, however, it is a soap people. There will always be a lot going on!! You will get used to it soon enough. Just keep reading everyday, and soon things will not seem as chaotic as you get to know the characters. Happy reading!!

2004-01-29T00:03:00.000-05:00

A middle-aged man looks around the new club. A woman walks up, "Mr. Stone, everything should be ready for tomorrow night. Your investment should turn out well." As the woman leaves, he thinks of the performer that has been booked for the grand opening of the club. "This Busty Bouchet better be all she is cracked up to be." His phone rings, "Jason, thanks for calling but there is no need to worry about either of us. Your mom and I are perfectly content with the divorce settlement." Hanging up the phone, Mr. Stone pauses then begins to dial another number.

Skyler stands up not bothering to pick up his towel. "Oh, hello Mrs. Crandall. How are you this morning?" Disgusted, she slams the door in his face. Skyler thinks, "One of these days that old bat is going to get sick of living here." Picking up his towel he hears the phone ring from his apartment. He quickly runs around the corner to his apartment to answer his phone. "Hello Skyler, this is Alvin, Alvin Stone. Do you remember speaking with me the other week?"
"Yeah, sure I do."
"Good, then might we have that meeting that we talked about?"
"What time were you thinking for today?"
"Say, 2:30? At the hotel on Third. Room 1145, one of the suites on that floor. I want you to be comfortable."
"I'll be there. You remember our agreement?"
"Absolutely. I will see you in a few hours."
Skyler hangs up the phone. He walks back into his bedroom to lay down and take a nap.

(Over the speaker phone:) "Ms. Stone? Ms. Stone. There's someone here to see you."
"Yes, please send her in."
Alexandra opens the door slowly into Kathryn Stone's office. The editor in chief of the magazine was a highly respected and feared woman amongst the journalist even though she was shockingly young for her position.
"Alexandra, I've been looking at your work. There could be some improvements, however, the content of your articles are amazing. May we talk more over lunch sometime?"
"Of, of course Ms. Stone."
"Okay then, later today at 12:30. My father-in-law will be joining us as he is the owner of this magazine. I would like to show him one of our best writers."
Blushing with flattery, Alex leaves the office. Someone calls her name from across the workplace. "Brayen, I have the most amazing news." She tells of her lunch later today with the editor. For the celebration after, Brayen decides they must go see Busty Bouchet at this new club opening. Excited, Brayen heads back to work, as Alex tries to calm herself about the lunch later.

A middle-aged white woman yells from a performer's trailer, "Braxton Thomas Bouchet, get back here right now!" as a twenty-something, light-skinned black effeminate man storms off. "I'm going to view the stage, mother!"

2004-01-28T00:36:00.000-05:00

Driving down the road, nearing his sister's apartment, Denver's heart beats faster with nervousness. It's been over three years since he last saw his sister. So much has changed! He thinks, "I wonder if she'll ever forgive me. We left each other on such bad terms. Will she accept me now?"

A young man returns to his apartment in a recently renovated building. He takes off his bow tie that comprises half of his uniform; little-higher-than-thigh length spandex shorts completes the set. After a long night of bartending at the local male strip club, Skyler walks to the bathroom to take a shower. As the shower heats up the steam glistens on his muscular body. He drops his shorts to step in.

"298 Down Drive. This must be it." The apartment building looks old but renewed, life will be good here.
Alexandra Chase - 4305
Still nervous, Denver knocks on the door. A tall, young woman answers the door, "Denver it has been far too long." Surprised, Denver embraces his sister. "Alex, I'm so glad to see you. How could we have ever let things go wrong between us?" "It has hardly been your fault Denver. I should have accepted what you expressed to me. To repay you for what I have done, you must live here with me when you move here to start your job. You are graduating this semester right?" Denver and Alex continue to talk about entering the real world and the job he will be finding.

Skyler tucks the towel around his now clean body. Water-bottle in hand, he opens the door to grab the morning paper. Just as he's about to close the door, down the hall he hears a door close. Always curious to the activities of the 4th floor, he rounds the corner to see who is leaving. Skyler stumbles in his bare feet just to drop his paper. Bending over to pick it up his towel drops and just in front of him another door opens.

2004-01-28T00:33:00.000-05:00

Formatting of template pretty much complete. Notice the purty blue color instead of the burnt orange.

Writing process begins!

2004-01-27T11:19:00.000-05:00

Okay so here it goes! This is an attempt to start a possible hobby to keep me from being so bored. This will be the story of a gay soap opera. Yes, you heard right! Pretty kickin' huh? Here you will find the never ending story of a town/city called... (well I don't know what it will be called yet, I'll come up with that soon) Filled with the homosexual kind, children will have 4 parents, drag queens are plentiful, and those crazy heteros will be the token people (kinda like the token black people in existing soaps). So read on for drama, excitement, and passion.

Comments on the page: Yes, I know its orange, but I liked this layout the best. I will try to fix this color as soon as I figure out what the html is in the template. And expect there to be a new "episode" (post) at least every week. I will try to make them more frequent, but I need to get the characters established. Actually that will probably make it easy to post frequently for now. Happy reading!