As The World Turns (Season 1)

by nbanks

Ten years ago, ATWT went off the air on CBS and we never thought we would see it again...till now. And as far as Oakdale goes, it's been very quiet for the past ten years but it still has its favorite characters that you've loved since the first day you watched it on your screens. There's also new ones who will have you interested and wanting to learn more about them. One thing is

21. Episode 21

Memorial Hospital

On his first day back at Memorial, Chris felt great to be back as the Chief Of Staff. He was in his office checking the emails on his laptop, answering phone calls that were all missed when the man was away due to finding his son and bringing him home. He had to admit, it was kind of overwhelming. But you know what? Chris welcomed it because it kept him busy and focused on the hospital. Chris knew Jacob was back at his first day of school and from what Katie told him over the phone earlier, they all welcomed him with open arms. At least Jacob's day was going to be good and not as busy as Chris's day was for the time being. One thing that came to his mind was Simon and the brain tumor since Katie told him when she came in the ring. Katie was devastated to hear about his brain tumor but when they got home, Chris assured his wife that the hospital has the best resources possible to help Simon. He did hear of the chemotherapy appointment that Simon has today so maybe Chris would stop by and check up on Simon. At the same time Simon didn't need a lot of company to overburden him, so Chris decided to back off as he looked up at the clock and smiled.

Chris - "Ah...lunch time...thank god"

Chris sighed in relief and got up from his desk before putting his calls on hold. Turning off his laptop, Chris leaves the office and closes the door before running into Henry. He looked almost panicked and in a hurry for something

Chris - "Oh hey Henry, sorry for running into you like that. How are you?"

Henry - "It's okay Chris, I have been jumping around the place like a maniac on all days like today for example"

Chris - "Let me guess, Simon's appointment right?"

Henry - "Yeah, it's the first one he is having and I want to make sure I don't miss it. Tell me Chris, do you think Simon has a shot of beating this brain tumor?"

Chris sighed and put his hands in his pockets to think of his question. As a doctor, not everyone in Memorial or other hospitals around the world as Chris was one of those people who understood what it's like to be on the receiving end of death.

Chris - "Honestly, it all depends on Simon and the progress he makes during the chemotherapy. Susan is going to be the one in charge when he arrives, he's probably here and waiting for her"

Henry - "Where's the appointment?"

Chris - "It's on the third floor to your right, that's usually where the chemotherapy appointments are being held"

Henry throws up his hands and groans. Come to think of it, the man didn't know where he was going and should have called someone earlier for directions.

Henry - "Great, just great, I am on the wrong floor and probably late already for Simon's appointment for crying out loud!"

Chris - "Hey hey, slow down Henry okay? Just relax"

Henry - "I'm...I am sorry okay Chris? Simon is one of my best pals in the world and I can't lose him, not after all of us nearly lost our lives on that trip from hell"

Katie - "Simon Fraser isn't going anywhere...not as long as I have anything to say about it, that's for sure"

Henry and Chris see Katie who walks up to the two of them with a grin on her face. Chris smiled and Henry sighed in relief. With Katie here, nothing could go wrong for Simon right now, he needs all the support he can get.

Henry - "Thank god you're here Katie, I thought I was losing my own freaking my mind"

Henry hugged Katie before she kissed her husband on the lips softly. For her, Katie was happy to see her husband working again and hopefully not stressing himself out too.

Chris - "Hey you"

Katie - "Hey Chris, hey Henry. Hopefully I am not too late, where's Simon?"

Henry - "I was about to use the elevator and go to the third floor. That's where Simon is right now"

Katie - "Alright, we can go over there. See you later hun"

Chris - "Bye sweetheart. Tell Simon I said hi and that I am wishing him good look in his chemotherapy, I am going to the cafeteria for lunch"

Katie - "I will"

Katie kisses Chris again as she leaves with Henry before they go to the elevator. When they step inside the elevator, Katie presses the button to go down on the third floor. Reaching the third floor, the doors open and they step out before Katie follows Henry as they saw Simon sitting in one of the chairs in the room, then they went inside.

Simon - *Smiles* "Hey you two"

Katie - "Hey Simon"

Henry - "Oh good, they haven't put you under the machine yet, you should be relieved "

Henry immediately hugs Simon and pats him on the back. At least Henry didn't miss the chemotherapy appointment for his friend because if he did, he wouldn't have forgiven himself. Henry in his own mind would feel like he let his own friend down in some way, whether Simon convinces him it's not true.

Simon - "Good to see you too partner, did you guys just get here?"

Katie - "I did, we didn't know where you were at first before Chris told us where you are. He's wishing you the best"

Simon - "That's great of him, tell him thank you"

Henry - "I'll tell you Simon, when Vienna told me I was speechless. Now you gotta pull through on this Simon, we need you"

Simon - "I know Henry, but having you guys here with me is something to remember"

Vienna who ran into the room was relieved to see Henry, Katie, and Simon. She wasn't late for the appointment which was not for her, it was for her friend and former lover in Simon.

Vienna - "Oh thank god, i'm not late Simon, well all of you guys. I just hope after this chemotherapy appointment you'll be okay"

Susan - "And Simon will need many more after this...it's not the last"

Susan comes inside the room and smiles when she sees Simon, out of all the others who are here for him. The more support for Simon, the better, no man could ever go out with

Susan - "Smiles* "Hello Simon, how are you feeling?"

Simon - "Nervous to say the least but i'm ready Susan, tell me what I need to do and I will be ready"

Susan nodded and instructed Simon to do exactly what needs to be done. Taking off his jacket, the man gave it to Katie to hold for him. Sitting down on the table part of the machine, Simon carefully laid back and relaxed himself. Susan used tubes she took out of the cabinets and started to connect them to the machine, placing a pad on the back of his neck, then telling Simon to relax still. Nodding his head, Susan went around the machine and pressed buttons on a screen before Simon felt himself on the table move slowly inside of the machine along with the rest of the tables. Simon made sure to not move and stay still during this process. Closing his eyes, the man flexed completely relaxed while Simon, Vienna and Henry all looked on, watching their own friend go through this challenging but nerve racking experience. Susan made sure to write down any observation she sees through the screen. If it was up to Simon, he would completely find a cure for his brain tumor but he was going to have to do things the old fashion way.

The Park

Holding hands with his Abigail, Adam Hughes and his wife are just walking down to the park as the two of them were enjoying their time in Oakdale since they got back. Adam was the first one to return just in time for the 4th of July holiday, while Abigail was visiting her mother and her family on the same day too. So it took Abigail a couple of days to get to Oakdale so the two can spend some time together before they go back to Los Angeles. Adam and Abigail have been enjoying their life together since Adam and Abigail both showed up to Los Angeles, as the rest was history. The man made a lot of mistakes before and after he joined the army, even him having surgery on his face to escape the law when it was wrong, almost getting himself in trouble, but he made things better with the people that he hurt in the long run. He did make up with his parents, the ones that he hurt and let down in Tom and Margo. Adam was happy as Abigail supported him with whatever he wanted to do, so it was good to have someone like his wife. She was such a good influence on his life as they continued walking down the street before Abigail noticed two people and their child.

Abigail - "Is that Gwen, Will and their daughter Hallie?"

When they got a little closer, they could see Hallie and Will on the swings. Gwen was sitting on the bench watching her husband and daughter, who were obviously in a good mood today and having fun.

Adam - "Yes it is"

Abigail - "Let's go say hi to them"

Adam nodded as the two of them walked up to Gwen, who noticed them and smiled. Gwen heard the two were back in Oakdale and despite how their lives were as teenagers, including her differences with Adam, Gwen moved on. She knew Adam was a changed man and knew right from wrong.

Adam - *Smiles* "Hello Gwen"

Gwen - "Adam, it's good to see you. How have you been?"

Adam - "I've been well. I'm gonna go over to the swings and join Will and Hallie, it was nice seeing you"

Gwen - "Same here"

Abigail - "Have fun babe"

Adam leaves the two women by themselves before he walks up to Will before interacting with him as the two women watch before the ladies talk again.

Gwen - "So I heard you guys would be back in Oakdale. I saw Adam at the Hughes 4th of July but you weren't there"

Abigail - "I was visiting my mom and her family but I am here now with Adan, Mom is fine by the way . How have you been lately?"

Gwen - "Dealing with all the craziness...well not all of it but some of it when it comes to my mother"

Abigail - "No way. She's out and already causing trouble?"

Gwen - "How did you know?"

Abigail - "Internet and Adam telling me all about it. I don't know how someone like that can be out on the streets hurting people"

Gwen - "To my surprise and all of our surprises, she's not committing crimes. She's been on her best behavior"

Abigail was surprised as she sat down on the bench next to Gwen. The two of them are now watching and looking at Will and Hallie

Abigail - "She's not?"

Gwen - "No and so far she has stepped up, helping out, being there for Hallie when she visits us. I think even Will is warming up to her slowly"

Abigail - "Do you trust her?"

Gwen - "She still has a long way to go Abigail so we're still watching her but my mom I can tell wants to make things right.. The wounds are still fresh in the minds of my sister, Emily and Barbara. I know mom is talking to Barbara as we speak "

Abigail - "I don't blame you at all Gwen. She's caused a lot of damage to others in the past including you"

Gwen - "Sometimes I wondered if I could of done more to help mom, to convince her to stop doing all of those bad things, maybe she would be better if I stepped in earlier"

Abigail shook her head.

Abigail - "No, don't do that to yourself Gwen, you did all you could to help. At the end of the day Iris has to take responsibility for her actions and should be proud of the woman you've become"

Gwen - "You're right, anyway, how are things with you and Adam?"

Abigail - "It's great between Adam and I, as Adam has been very successful as a producer in Los Angeles. It's his dream and passion, as everyday he surprises me with all the sounds of music he creates"

Gwen - "That's very nice, but how about you?

Abigail - "Me?"

Gwen - "Yeah"

Abigail - "I am still an investigative reporter for the local news in Los Angeles. It's a lot of fun but hard work when you are surrounded by professionals that want the best"

Gwen - "At least you're succeeding and doing well, that's all you can do. Working in the news department isn't easy from what I heard"

Abigail - "You're not wrong at all Gwen. But I have no regrets, it's not like I am going to quit and give up at the same time too"

Gwen - "And neither should you, you're going to have your good and bad days Abigail. But you know something, it's good to see you and Adam happy together"

Abigail - "Same thing for you and Will, we've all come a long ways haven't we?"

Gwen looks at Will, Adam and Hallie on the swings. She was glad to see that one of her best friends in Adam was a better place.

Gwen - "He looks so happy you know? I hope it keeps up for a long time and that someone like you continues to make him more happier"

Abigail - *Smiles* "Oh I will Gwen, I will"

The two women smile at each other and look at their men with Hallie on one of the swings. They were both proud of their men and where they are in their own lives. There were no other fights or arguments going on, this wasn't high school or college anymore, all of them were adults now. Of course, at times the four had their moments, good or bad but they learned that you have to take responsibility for their own actions. None of them wanted to see someone like Adam pathetic and a changed man who was nasty, full of himself and showing no remorse. That's not the legacy all of them want for him, it's not the legacy Hal wants for his son either. Hell, Hal doesn't want his sons to be miserable and lonely, he would want them to be successful, happy and in love. He approved of Gwen and Abigail when Hal first met them a long time ago before his death. If he could only see how his sons turned out ot be, the man would be proud Adam and Will, as Adam looks at swing before sitting down.

Barbara and Henry's Home

After cleaning the house,Barbara looked up at the clock and saw that it was time for her to have this one on one with Iris Durbanowski. Not a fight, not a brawl, none of that, just two women having a civilized discussion about where they stand. Barbara knew for sure they could never be friends after Iris's heinous actions she did back then and it never escaped her mind of how low Iris went during that time. Despite the doubts from Henry and a couple of others, Barbara decided it was time to meet with Iris and she wasn't going to put off this special occasion any longer. So Barbra called Gwen the past couple of weeks after she returned with the others from the dangerous island trip, telling her about wanting to see Iris. Gwen of course had her doubts but Barbara convinced Gwen that this was going to work, so Gwen gave Barbara Iris's new phone number in order to get contact with her. Talking to Iris, Barbara could tell her tone was surprised and even shocked but she agreed to meet. So Barbara gave Iris the directions of where she lives and everything else. Right now the only thing Barbara could do was just wait for Iris to show up. The doorbell rang and Barbara immediately answered it, seeing Iris's face as Barbara narrowed her eyes and frowned while Iris smirked, leaning next to the door frame..

Iris - "Barbara Ryan...you haven't changed one bit since the last time we saw each other"

Barbara - "It's Barbara Ryan Coleman. Number two, you must mean the last time I was kidnapped for no reason...oh wait...you needed dumb bank codes from me to steal money"

Iris - "Well I was desperate for money Barbara...but we were not here to talk about the past are we?"

Barbara - "No, we're here to talk of what needs to be done, right here, right now. Come in and take a seat"

Iris - "Don't mind if I do"

Iris steps inside the house as Barbara closes the door behind her, noticing Iris was smelling something and hearing her sigh in pleasure. What was Iris so happy about? You would think she came here graceful instead of acting so weird in the first place.

Iris - "You have an amazing home here so far Barbara, is the Pine Sol kicking in just yet?"

Barbara - "Don't worry about that, just sit down so we can talk please?"

Iris - *Groans and mumbles* "Fine...party pooper"

Iris sits down on the couch while Barbara sits on the arm chair. Iris was more comfortable surprisingly than Barbara. She is still nervous of what the outcome of this conversation would turn out to be, so Barbara was going to be careful.

Iris - "So...instead of asking what, why did you want to meet me here? You're not trying to jump me from behind or plan some sneak attack are you? If so Coleman...I will be leaving"

Barbara - "Iris, if I wanted to sneak attack you from behind or hire a hit man to kill you, I would of done it already"

Iris - "Then why not?"

Barbara - "Isn't it obvious Iris? I'll never trust you and probably never forgive you for your actions against me and others, breaking Gwen's heart countless times but we have a granddaughter in Hallie"

Iris - "That is true, Hallie is our granddaughter"

Barbara - "The last thing we need is for her to see us fighting and arguing, even tearing each other a part"

Iris - "What are you suggesting?"

Barbara - "What I am suggesting? Simple, the two of us need to move on and co-exist for our granddaughter's sake. Do you know how old she is?"

Iris - "She's thirteen years old Barbara, I know how old she is"

Barbara - "She is basically a teenager and will be starting school in a couple of weeks in Carbondale. The last thing I want is her to see us at each other's limbs and destroying each other"

Iris - "You make a good point there"

Barbara - "We need to move forward, so let's just nip this in the bud and be cordial to one another but were not friends"

Iris - "You know something...you may be right?"

Barbara was surprised. Was Henry's wife about to hear something unexpected from Iris today that's unexpected?

Barbara - "I'm sorry, come again?"

Iris - "You heard me, you may be right. Actually you are on to something"

Barbara - "O...Okay..."

Iris - "I was wrong for everything I did to you, Emily and Carly. I was out of like Barbara and I apologize for hurting you"

Barbara - "I'm...I am shocked"

Iris - "Shocked about what, my apology?"

Barbara - "Yes, I still can't believe you actually apologized"

Iris - "I had to learn from my mistakes and improve Barbara. I may be a bitch still, and a crazy one but at the same time it's about being the bigger person"

Barbara - "And do you mean that?"

Iris - "Absoul freaking loutely Barbara. Of course I mean that, I mean just because I got pardoned doesn't mean I am excused for my freaking actions"

Barbara slowly nods and shakes her head, boy was this day turning out to be more weirder than ever. In all of her life living in this town, from committing some of the most heinous crimes in all of Oakdale, this chick is here who is nuttier than even Barbara herself apologized in the home Henry lives in with Babs. There was always a time for someone to admit to someone else that you are wrong, but for Iris, did she really meant it still? Barbara never once visited Iris when Iris was charged and sent to prison until now. If the opportunity was presented to Barbara, she wouldn't have visited Iris, just to listen to more of Iris's excuses and this and that. It would take a lot of courage and a lot of strength to reach across the table before slapping Iris in the face. The same goes for right now but it was mellowing out for Barbara. If Hallie was here right now and saw this, Hallie would've believed Iris probably. Too bad Hallie wasn't old enough to learn, to understand the crimes Iris committed before going to the slammer.

Memorial Hospital

Simon is on the verge of completing the latest chemotherapy test that was being observed by Susan. Katie, Henry and Vienna just sat, watching Simon lay on the table underneath the machine, allowing the chemotherapy test to go in effect. The man obviously was relaxed but could feel the effects of the chemotherapy starting to kick in, but he remembered what Susan said. Simon wasn't going to move around a lot or run out of there because if he did either one of those things the process wouldn't be complete and Simon would have to do it all over again. Simon promised his own friends that he would go through and complete the process, remembering everything Lucinda told him. He wasn't thinking about the doubts and the second guessing of this, as his talk with the elder lady gave him the courage and the strength to confront this. Simon wasn't making any promises when it comes to this brain tumor but the man will do all he can to fight this. Simon slowly took deep breaths each and every time during the chemotherapy so he could be relaxed if his nerves got the best of him. A bing sound was heard and Susan noticed the machine was finished so she turned off the power before pressing the buttons on the screen. The table moved out and away from the machine as Susan turned it off, then removed the tubes.

Susan - "And we are done Simon"

Simon - "Thank god...I felt like I was going through the ringer"

Simon sighed in relief and slowly started to sit up until Susan put his hand on his shoulder. Shaking his head and rubbing his eyes, the man looks up at the doctor so he could listen to what she said.

Susan - "Woah, hold on now Simon, don't get up too fast. You're going to feel the effects of the chemotherapy any minute now"

Simon groaned a little bit and shook his head as he felt the room was spinning, going in different directions. This must be the after effects of the chemotherapy, as what Susan told him earlier on made him think it's better to just take it easy for a bit.

Simon - "You know what...I think i'll lay back a little bit and relax before getting up. It might take me a little bit to recover"

Katie - "She makes a good point Simon, you need to be at full strength until you move around again"

Susan - "How about I get you some cookies and a cup of orange juice? That's one of the ways you get your strength back is to eat s"

Simon - "Sounds like the best idea I have heard all day Susan, I don't mind or care what you got but I am feeling a little bit hungry"

Susan - "Just stay tight and I will be right back. Katie, Henry, Vienna, if this man moves or makes a muscle, make you grab him so he doesn't go anywhere"

Henry - "Oh trust us Susan, we'll make sure he doesn't move an inch or a muscle"

Susan - "I'll be back"

Susan leaves the room to get the cookies and the orange juice. Simon scratched his head and shakes before he took a deep breath within himself.

Katie - "So...how do you feel?"

Simon - "Almost tired but I won't lie, I hated taking that chemotherapy test"

Vienna - "Why?"

Simon - "It nearly drained the life out of me and my body reacts to it in a weird away. "

Katie - "Of course it's supposed to make you feel that way Simon. No one ever said it was going to be easy you know?.

Simon - "You're right...but I have to keep going and moving forward. I am not running away from this brain tumor and neither the chemotherapy"

Henry - "Neither should you Simon, you have a lot going on for you in your own life. It would be cowardly for you to do that"

Simon - "The good thing is that it hasn't taken away everything from me yet is my good looks or sense of humor, so that's a plus. And since I am staying in Oakdale awhile because of my Visa expiring, I won't be going anywhere"

Henry - "I'm sorry...say that again? Your visa expired?"

Simon - "Yeah, just this morning when I got the call at breakfast with Lucdina. I couldn't believe it myself"

Vienna - "You don't think anything is fishy about that do you?"

Simon - "I hope not, I always make sure to keep up to date with my visa before it expires. But either way I will be staying in this town for the future until it's all cleared up, at the same time going after the brain tumor and defeating it is my main purpose"

Henry - "See, now that's the spirit, and maybe after this we can hang out together at some point. But it's completely up to you. I'll be outside for a bit so I can call Barbara and see how she is holding up. She's probably talking to Iris some more"

Simon - "No problem man, do what you gotta do"

Henry leaves the room to make a phone call to his wife. Vienna starts to get up too as she takes out her phone since she has some things to take care of as well.

Vienna - "I need to make a couple phone calls myself Simon. Others who I care for don't know that I am back still but it shouldn't take long"

Simon - "Take your time Vienna, there's no need to rush"

Vienna leaves the room too which only leaves Katie and Simon in the room. She never said anything about the visa but she wanted to wait till the others left the room.

Simon - "Go ahead Katie, lay it on me, sounds like you got something to say or ask. So come on now"

Katie - "Okay, Simon, how in the world is that possible your visa expired? It couldn't have run out by itself Simon, are you sure you kept track of your green card?"

Simon - "Yes I did Katie, of course, but something must have happened while we were in Avayna. Maybe there was a mix up the last time I renewed it, that could be the case too"

Katie - "I hope you can get it sorted out Simon. Where are you going to stay while you are here in Oakdale ?"

Simon - "The Lakeview Hotel, that is where I am staying for the time being until this issue gets sorted out. But i'm also going to make sure to see Donovan gets the expedition to Australia "

Katie - "Good, just don't worry about Curry too much, focus on yourself and beat the hell out of this brain tumor. I could use a couple of more friends in Oakdale by the way"

Simon - "You always will have a friend in me Katie...always"

Katie - "And I am going to hold you to that Fraser"

Katie and Donovan smirk at the same time, but glad that for Simon himself, he was going to not go anywhere else. For Katie, despite Australia being his own home, Oakdale is his home too despite Simon trying to not admit it deep down. It took Katie a long time to grow up and admit that she needed to move on to Simon,telling, more like asking Simon if he could leave Oakdale. At first the man didn't want to leave Katie, maybe he still had feelings for Katie and went one more round of them being together. At the same time the man had to let Katie go, Katie had to make sure there was stability in her life when Simon left. He kept up with the news from time to time and he would call Katie immediately if there was a headline he didn't like. Simon always gave her the advice she needed, as Vienna and Henry came back to the room. So did Susan, who gave him the cookies and orange juice, telling him once he was better the man can leave. Laughing it up with the others, the man felt much better so finishing up the cookies and orange juice, Simon, Henry and Vienna left the hospital going their separate ways for the day. Katie wet to join her husband for lunch in the cafeteria, thinking about Simon still and what he went through today.

The Park

Using one of the other swings that was next to Will and Hallie, Adam sits down on one of them and smiles. Starting to move, Adam could remember the times when his parents would bring him and Casey to the park as children. During his time as a child not everything was good for him to where his life was turned upside down by many things. First, he found out that he wasn't the son of Tom Hughes, he was Hal Munson's son, but at the end of the day Adam had the love of both of his fathers. As an adult his parents could have divorced because of issues including the fact that Emily Stewart couldn't keep her nose out of their business. But Tom and Margo both made up and remarried, and finally Adam did something he should have never done. Forcing himself on Gwen was a big mistake and he wished he could take it back after feeling so rejected and everything else that built up. Coming back to everyone in Oakdale when his parents thought he died but he took responsibility to make things better with those he hurt. Everything Adam did in his past was something he wasn't proud of and he knew he let Hal and Tom down. But at least he moved on, as Adam is in a happier place.

Will - "Thinking about something?"

Adam looks over at Will who was still using one of the swings with Hallie, nodding his head. Will knew his brother from the back of Adam's head of what was going onl

Adam - "Just everything that took place in my life to where I am now. I feel grateful to be on this Earth and with the people I love"

Will - "As you should man. I've never seen you this happy before in my life, especially at your wedding with Abigail. You guys are solid than a rock"

Adam chuckled a bit. That's what most of his friends in LA told him along with his parents since the day they got back together.

Adam - "Well what can I say? Abigail is more like the rock who holds me together whenever I have hard times in my life"

Will - "That's no surprise, between Gwen and I, she's more headstrong than even I am"

Adam - "How are you guys handling this issue with Iris? I heard she's going around having a mea culpa"

Will - "Oh that woman? I am sorry...I mean my mother in law? She's doing a good job but I still don't trust her, I believe she'll slip up somewhere down the line"

Adam - "And Gwen?"

Will - "Gwen is seeing some changes in Iris, but she is keeping her guard up just in case too. Can't say I blame her"

Adam - "Neither do I. What does Halllie think?"

Will - "Hallie actually likes her grandmother in Iris. She's no threat to her, thank goodness and of course she wouldn't hurt her but at the same time if she did, it would be over for Iris"

Adam - "Hopefully everything turns out right for all of you guys, you all deserve peace and happiness"

Will - "Thanks, that means a lot coming from someone like you. I once hated your guts for what you did to Gwen but it's all forgiven man"

Adam - "Really?"

Will - "Of course, that doesn't mean I won't forget and neither will Gwen but you're family Adam. You're my brother"

Adam smiled. He was glad that him and Will were not at odds anymore like they were back then, a time that Adam wanted to forget about.

Adam - "Thank you Will, that means a lot. I just wish dad was here to see this, to us, talking, chatting, being like family"

Will - "So I do Adam, so do I. Dad would be proud of us both for the men we've become, different in our own paths but happy"

Adam - "Yep, this death really hit me that hard and I wish I had a better way to handle it. With dad's death, I felt like I had no one except for myself"

Will - "We all grieve in different ways Adam but dad knows how much pain you were in. You made him proud though, you joined the army, you made everyone in your family proud"

Adam - "More like escaping my own crimes I committed"

Will - "Besides all of that, you served the country proud, just like how dad served Oakdale proud. He loved doing his job every single day when he was on the force"

Adam - "You're right, he would. When do you and Gwen leave?"

Will - "In a couple of days, we need to get Hallie ready for school. Now let me ask you, when are you and Abigail having a child?"

That was the question asked to Adam and Abigail from time to time but he always told his family and friends when the time was right. They weren't that worried about it now but in the future it remained to be seen of what they do

Adam - "That remains to be seen, Abigail and I are just waiting for the perfect timing"

Will - "Alright, I am going to hold you to that and when you do, when your kid grows up, we should schedule a play date"

Adam grinned.

Adam - "Sounds like a plan to me"

Gwen - "Will, Hallie, it's time to go!"

Will - "Well, that's our cue, I will see you later man. And you know the drill, whenever you and Abigail are up for it, come by to Carbondale to visit us"

Adam - "We sure will brother, Abigail and I will stay here in the park to play a little bit, that is if I can convince her. I love you man"

Will - "I love you too brother"

Both men get off of the swings and so does Hallie as she runs up to her mom, who gives her a big hug. Before they left the park, Will gave Abigail a hug and told them they welcomed any time to come to Carbondale for dinner and a visit. It was something that Adam and his wife accepted when the opportunity called for it. Overall the time in the park between the two couples was good, it was something they all needed and there was no chaos or drama. Gwen and Adam did get the chance to talk to one another during the past ten years to clear the air but apologizing again to Gwen, she knew he meant everything he said and forgave him. But she encouraged Adam to forgive himself so that the man can be a better person like others told him. Adam forgave himself as the two parents with Hallie left the park while the others stayed to play around a little bit by using some of the equipment around them. Today was a good day for them both, but before they head back to Los Angeles, they were going to make sure that the two would make more visits to their loved ones.

Barbara and Henry's Home

Barbara, who's talking to her husband on the phone, was still surprised to hear an apology coming out of Iris's mouth for all the things she did. She was surprised that this woman had the nerve to actually apologize to her face to face and acknowledge what she did was wrong. It's hard to believe someone like Iris who did all she could to hurt the people she didn't care about but also hurt the people she loved, came to her house and did what no other criminal could do. Iris would have justified his crimes and made sure to let Barbara know how she really feels for the wife of Henry Coleman. Hell, she would have pulled out a gun and made sure Barbara had a bullet hole in her stomach, running for the hills and never to be heard of again. Gwen would definitely write off Iris for good, for the protection of her daughter and Will. Hell, the Oakdale PD would be on a manhunt for Iris if she ever showed up again in this town. Paul would definitely make sure she pays in his own style of justice, someone who would rather have Iris dead than alive. The entire town of Oakdale will hate her guts all over again, she would just make it worse but now, Barbara was still unsure of how to feel. But from her words and the way Iris sounds, sympathetic is just too perfect to put it.

Barbara - "I apologize for that Iris, that was Henry just checking in"

Iris - "No worries, I still have some time left"

Barbara - "Wow...I still don't know what to really say"

Iris - "You're shocked right? Speechless? I must of really took the words out of your mouth"

Barbara shook her head. It was still hard for her to take it but Babara had to hear what else she had to say

Barbara - "I never thought you would have the guts to come here and apologize but you actually did. Do you really want us to move forward"

Iris - "Yes Barbara but let's make one thing clear, I don't like you and I never will, but Hallie and Gwen come first in my life...I am willing on us being cordial"

Barbara - "Then I hope you mean that Iris, for their sake and for yourself. We'll never like each other too, in my own opinion you should be in jail still"

Iris - "Well I am not, if you and I are going to see each other more we need to at least say hello or wave, then move on"

Barbara nods, as she was not expecting any kind of friendship. Being civil was the right way to go"

Barbara - "That makes more sense, but I am interested of knowing one thing...I hope you don't mind me asking"

Iris - "Fire away"

Barbara - "What have you been really up to since your time back in Oakdale? More like, back in society as a whole?"

Iris smirked.

Iris - "Well don't you want to know all the details"

Barbara - "I am just asking Iris, I don't need an everyday detail of what you do in your life"

Iris - "For starters I have been attending counseling at Memorial Hospital as of late"

Barbara's eyes widen. Going to counseling? She was actually getting the help she needs but by talking to...well..you know?

Barbara - "You...you're seeing a shrink?"

Iris chuckled a bit and nodded her head. That should keep her silent for a little bit but knowing Barbara she was going to keep that big trap of her open.

Iris - "Yes, can you believe it? Me, Iris Durbanowski, going to counseling and listening to a shrink of all people"

Barbara - "And you've done this since you got out?"

Iris - "Yep, I have also made sure to take my medication every single day before going out into the world and before I go to bed"

Barbara - "How is that going for you?"

Iris - "Good, but I won't lie. Ever since I was released certain people I noticed are whispering to others, talking behind my back as it makes me want to snap at them"

Barbara - "Iris, that's normal, they're going to talk about you anyway. The only thing you can do is just ignore them"

Iris - "You're right, they're nothing to me anyway Barbara, nothing but a bunch of cowards who won't say it to my face"

Barbara - "But remember Iris, just don't provoke them, leave them alone. Let them be and be your own woman, just don't get back in the life of crime for Gwen and Hallie's sake"

Iris - "Yeah yeah yeah...I hear you Barbara"

Barbara - "What about a job? You have to make some money, you don't want to be out on the street"

Iris - "That is true, I do have some more money that I kept before I went to jail...I won't tell you where I got it but I am in the process of getting a job"

Barbara - "I rather not know about all of that, what's your job?"

Iris - "All I am going to say is that I will be working at a strong company in Oakdale very soon. Don't worry, I am not going to crash the company into flames, this will be as a secretary"

Barbara - "You? A secretary? Someone like that must of given you big kinds of money"

Iris shrugged her shoulders before she looked at the time.

Iris - "Oh dear, I should be going, my friend is waiting outside for me since she needs to drop me off at the apartment and pick up one of her own friends"

Barbara - "I completely understand Iris but please remember this conversation. Don't blow it for Gwen and Hallie, they need you"

Iris - "And I won't...tell that cute handsome husband of yours I said hello"

Rolling her eyes Barbara got up at the same time Iris did before she led Gwen's mother to the front door. Opening it for her, Iris waves sarcastically at Barbara before Iris leaves the house then walks straight to the car. Opening the door Iris gets in but Barbara couldn't make out who was in the car. Maybe a friend of Iris or an associate of hers, it's in Barbara's best interest to not know and move forward. Seeing the car leave the straight and heading to its destination, Barbara closes the door behind her. Leaning back against the door, Barbara breathed a sigh of relief now that Iris was gone. Going to the kitchen, Barbara made herself a glass of lemonade as the lady finished making it and took a sip. Barbara was still stingy on Iris but she was going to give her the benefit of their doubt, giving her a chance to prove herself to Barbara. Barbs still wondered about who the person that she is working for. No one like Craig Montgomery or even Memorial would allow Iris to work with those that may have a problem with her. Unless Iris pulls off the charm like she tried to do just now, Iris has a long way to go.

END OF EPISODE 21