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

23. Episode 23

Fashion House

Parking her car in the lot, Janet gets out and makes sure she has the right address since sometimes you want to make sure you are at the right place. The other night before Dusty went to sleep and so did DJ, Liberty called Janet and wanted to see her at the new location where Liberty was going to form her own fashion house. She could tell her own daughter was excited and happy to finally have her own fashion house, but Liberty would need Janet's advice on what colors to add or what kind of style, outlook the place should look like. Janet didn't mind helping her daughter out at all, she even had the day off too so there was nothing wrong with Janet spending time with her daughter. In the back of her mind though, she wondered how her daughter felt about Faith and Parker still. Despite Liberty telling her on the phone that everything was okay with her and Parker, Janet, despite not telling her, didn't feel it in the gut and the heart too. Liberty's happiness is the only thing that mattered to Janet, along with DJ's, but she didn't want her child to make a mistake they'll regret later on in life. Getting out of the car she could see the door was open and others were coming in, as Janet closed the door behind her and was about to walk in before seeing her mom.

Liberty - "Hey mom"

Janet - "Hey sweetie, how are you?"

Janet and Liberty hug each other. Janet was glad to see her happy and excited inside of her, that the older woman could tell.

Liberty - "I'm doing good, I am so glad you made it mom, it means a lot to me"

Janet - "I'm glad to hear that, is this place where you're going to create your fashion house?"

Liberty eagerly nods as she looks around and thought this wasn't going to happen. All dreams were possible as long as you work for it.

Liberty - "Yes, this is it mom, would you like a tour?"

Janet - "Sure Liberty, I don't mind that at all"

Liberty takes her mom's hand before leading her throughout the entire facility. It looked absolutely amazing with the rooms they have, including a gym and a swimming pool for the models too.

Janet - "I don't know what to say Liberty, this is so impressive"

Liberty smiles.

Liberty - "Thanks mom, I am so glad you like it. I couldn't believe it myself when I first found the facility "

Janet - "I do, most of these rooms will need some color. I take it you brought the wallpapers with you?"

Liberty - "Yes I did mom, it's in my office, come with me and I will show you"

Janet follows Liberty to her own office, when they approach the room and both come inside. Janet takes a look around the office as Liberty goes to the closet to get the wallpaper out.

Janet - "Nice office Liberty"

Liberty smiles.

Liberty - "Thanks mom...now let's see what we have here"

Liberty looks into the closet and takes out the wallpaper for each room. When she was done, Liberty puts them on the side of the table along with a map of the rooms in the building.

Liberty - "So for all the rooms since we saw them, let's discuss the first room"

Liberty points to the first room on the first floor on the map. Liberty received the map when she got the building and it came in handy from time to time.

Janet - "I am thinking of a modern look with colors of brown and maybe dark red or magenta"

Liberty thinks about it before she nods.

Liberty - "That works, let's see what's next?"

Liberty points to the other room on the first floor. Most of the rooms were different from the way they looked but they were almost the same.

Liberty - "This room"

Janet - "Maybe yellow and blue which fits the mood of the room"

Liberty thinks about it and nods.

Liberty - "I like that idea mom, you're doing really good so far"

Janet - "Thank you, what's the next room?"

Liberty - "This one"

Liberty points to the gym room. There wasn't any kind of gym equipment just yet but Liberty was thinking about ordering some for the employees when they need time to unleash the steam.

Janet - "You should keep this simple and maybe add some mirrors to it for reflection, you know how some of the people love to stare at each other"

Liberty and Janet giggle.

Liberty - "Well you are right about that but we can figure out the rest later, how is Dusty and DJ?"

Janet - "They're fine but they're at the hospital, DJ needs his flu/vaccine shots before coming back to school. You know how those goes"

Liberty - "Ah I see, DJ should be fine though"

Janet - "That's right, he should and what about you...are you fine?"

Liberty - "Yeah mom, I am fine. I mean, I am still standing you know? What are you talking about?"

Janet - "Faith and Parker, how do you feel about that?"

Liberty was immediately caught off guard for what her mom did when asking the question. The look on Janet's face showed concerned because despite the fact of what they were supposed to be doing now, Janet was just trying to help out as a mom. But Liberty should of seen this coming a mile away when the two of them talk about the other two people that Liberty didn't care for. Correction, she did care for Parker but not that much about Faith, she can do whatever she wants to Parker. Janet was glad though that DJ wasn't Liberty's age where he could be in any kind of relationship he wanted to be in, or in a situation that Liberty is in right now. Janet didn't want her son growing up but Dusty mentioned to her, one day their son was going to be an adult and make any decisions he wants. Liberty is an adult and she could make any other decision of her choosing, but it has to be the wise one. Of course she is going to be lean toward being with someone, if only that man, that guy would make it here to Oakdale. Whether it's Parker or anyone else, Liberty deserved to be happy.

Memorial Hospital

Stepping inside the elevator with DJ of the hospital, Dusty allowed his son to press the number of the floor they were heading to for DJ's appointment which was for a flu/vaccine shot. The school year was starting up again and the school requires him and all of the kids to get their shots before coming back when the school season starts up again. DJ didn't like going to the doctors or the hospital as it gave him that bad vibe feeling, despite liking some of the doctors such as Susan, John, Chris and a couple more that he liked. They always gave him a lollipop for being a good boy for doctor appointments. Dusty told him for this appointment that if he behaves and is a good boy ,he would take his son out for a basketball game with the entire family as DJ immediately accepted. So that's why they were here today when they arrived at the hospitals for the appointment on one of the floors. Feeling the elevator stop, the elevator doors open as both Dusty and DJ step off the elevator, but before they could go further, Dusty noticed someone that he remembered the time they met. It was Lucy...Lucy Montgomery in the flesh and in real life, Dusty blinked a couple of more times before he spoke.

Dusty - "Lucy? Lucy Montgomery?"

Lucy, who was here on a visit herself, stopped when she heard Dusty's voice for the first time of her life. Dusty Donovan was many things in his life but the man wasn't someone who hurts the people he loves the most, and Lucy was one of them. Yes, everything between them was complicated but Dusty never intended to hurt her the last time they were together.

Lucy - "Dusty? Dusty Donovan?"

Dusty smiled a little bit before he noticed his son looking at Lucy with confusion, like he never saw her before which he didn't. DJ didn't know that much about Lucy except for the past couple of times his parents mentioned her during different conversations. Lucy smiled at the little boy who reminded her so much of Dusty just from the appearance.

DJ - "Who's Lucy?"

Dusty chuckled before he pointed to his ex-wife and the former love of his life. She was a woman DJ was curious about at first but thought that his dad knows her from somewhere.

Dusty - "This DJ is Lucy Montgomery...she's a good friend of mine...Lucy, this is my son DJ"

Lucy - "Nice to meet you DJ, I am Lucy"

DJ - "Nice to meet you Lucy, I am DJ. He's dad"

Lucy - "I can tell, you just look like your father"

DJ - "Yeah...it's all in the genes...I get that everyday"

Dusty and Lucy chuckled as Dusty ruffled some of his son's hair. Lucy and DJ shook hands, but for her this experience was surreal for her because she never thought for once that Dusty wanted to settle down at first. Of course he did, but at times with Dusty, one thing was going on at the same time, but at least now Dusty gets to experience father hood.

Lucy - "What brings you here today DJ?"

DJ - "Oh nothing, just a doctor's appoint before going to school"

Dusty - "More like vaccine/flu shots you mean?"

Lucy - "Ah I see...are you a little nervous today?"

DJ - "Kind of, I am not a big fan of shots, they're too scar and sharp, even for me. I can be scared of them when I see the needle or whatever"

Lucy smiled, remembering the times when her mom who was the daughter of a nurse in Sierra, took her to doctors appointments. Everything about them she hated until she learned to appreciate them since she is a nurse herself.

Lucy - "You're right, I mean I don't like those kinds of shots too, but you know what, it's good for you DJ. Trust me, I went through that experience as a child and it wasn't easy but it's wort it in the end"

DJ - "Well dad told me that if I am a good boy, he gets to take me to a basketball sports game one day"

Lucy nodded and looked impressed. It was good that Dusty was embracing his role as a father and giving DJ what he wanted. She could tell this is what Dusy is made for when he grew up in a way and became a married man.

Lucy - "Oh really? That's so cool, I take it you must be an active kid these days aren't you?"

DJ nodded his head eagerly and Lucy was impressed. Of course, kids are active these days but some children didn't want to participate or not take part in any fun activities at all. Of course Sierra was kind of a tomboy but she knew a sports career wasn't in the cards for her long time.

DJ - "Yeah, I play for the school's basketball team"

Lucy - "That sounds awesome DJ, I bet you're the best player on the team"

DJ - "I do well when shooting the three"

Lucy giggled and Dusty chuckled.

Dusty - "We are just here for his appoint, what about you Lucy? Are you hear for an appointment yourself?"

Lucy nods.

Lucy - "Yes, I am just here for a check up today and making sure everything is okay. Do you mind if I join you?"

Dusty - "Of course Lucy, did you even have to ask?"

Dusty, DJ and Lucy walk to the appointment section as DJ sits down in one of the seats, taking out his game boy. Dusty and Lucy tell the person what they're here for with their appointments. Lucy's cell phone starts to ring while given a survey to fill out, so does Dusty as he starts to fill it out then sits down. Lucy sits down and puts her purse on the other side before filling out her survey.

Dusty - "So, what brings you back to Oakdale?"

Lily and Dusty go sit down next to DJ while her cell phone continues to ring. Taking out her cell phone she looks at the Caller ID and frowned, ending the call. Dusty was writing down important information on his survey using the pen and the clipboard that's given to him.

Lilly - "Just here on a visit to see dad and the others, that's all. I'll be back in Montego in a couple of months, maybe in the new year or after November"

Dusty was about to speak again until her cell phone started to go off again. Lucy looks at the caller ID and is almost annoyed of what she see's, wishing this person would go away, someone that she has heard of before. Dusty started to notice and when he sees something suspicious, he doesn't let it go.

Lilly - "Sorry about that..."

Dusty - "Somebody bothering you?"

Lilly - "Oh no, it's nothing Dusty"

Dusty - "Yeah...keep telling that to yourself"

Lucy caught that remark from Dusty who had that look of 'I am just minding my own business' and continued to fill in the survey. When he was done, Dusty got up and walks over to the employee to give it to her but Lucy couldn't let Dusty know what's going on. It wasn't any of his business to find out what she's doing because we all can see it happening a mile away. Dusty was going to be the hero and help Lucy out but she couldn't risk Dusty's life, but not just him, there's also Janet, Liberty, Rosanna, her siblings and then yes, her old man. Craig is going to be upset with Sienna for not telling her but the old man, as far as Lucy is confirmed can shove it. She loved her father but she didn't need him to judge Lucy on this current situation that she got herself in. At the same time, no one would understand her reasoning and think Lucy came here to cause trouble. When DJ's name is heard, DJ and Dusty gets up from the seat as Lucy wishes DJ good lucky before he smiles. Following his dad into the room where the doctor will be at, Lucy sighs and leans back, closing her eyes briefly before going outside to take the phone call, then get it out of the way.

Barbara and Henry's Home

Right now Barbara, Henry, Paul, Emily, Nikki, Parker, Faith, Noah, Luke, Adam, Abigail, Alison, and Casey were setting things up like decorations and other things for today since it's a special occasion. Will and Gwen were planning on leaving today with Hallie before going back to Carbondable so they would be there in time for Hallie to go back to school. So Barbara secretly decided to plan a going away party for them so it can be something they can remember. A couple of days ago, more like last week Barbara made the arrangements and phone calls for those who could make it. Of course those like Tom, Margo, Bob, Kim, etc. couldn't make it due to other obligations and plans they all made for the going away party but Barbara at least has Will and Gwen's closest friends and family there to support them before they leave Oakdale again. Right now after the food arrived for everyone, Barbara, Nikki, and Emily made sure to put it on a large table for everyone to eat. Though for Barbara herself she wants to make sure it's absolutely perfect, she even started to smell some of the food which was a combination of warm and cold due to the styles of it all, including how it's made.

Emily - "Really Barbara?"

Nikki and Emily laughed.

Barbara - "What? Everything else has to be perfect before Will and Gwen get here"

Nikki - "Everything else Barbara is fine, I mean all of us are making sure everything is in place. Look around Barbara"

Barbara stopped and saw how Paul, Henry including a couple of others were done setting up the decorations that included balloons and placing the decorations where they need to be. Everything was being taken care of, so Barbara couldn't do it all by herself, it wasn't a one woman show

Barbara - "Maybe you're right...I do need to slow down a little bit but I just can't help it. My only son is leaving town again and I want to give him the best party ever"

Paul, who heard the only son remark knew what she meant, so after he finished helping Henry and the others out, he clears her throat

Paul - "Um, mom, don't forget I am your other son too you know? I'll be here in Oakdale when he's not anymore"

Barbara - "Not now Paul, I am starting to get misty eyed"

Paul rolled his eyes and knew where this was going. Barbara loved her children a lot despite the mistakes she made with them but she couldn't help it when one of her kids had to leave or something bad happens to them.

Paul - "Oh here we go again...cue the fireworks"

Emily - "Paul, don't be insensitive please"

Emily comforted Barbara , who was beginning to wipe her own eyes feeling a little emotional. She at least can understand where Barbara is coming from as mom, heck, her own son who wasn't here today was already back at college.

Barbara- "Thank you Emily, I am just going to miss Will and Gwen. It felt like they came here yesterday

Paul - "Mother please...Will and Gwen will visit us anytime they feel like it. This isn't the end of them you know?"

Barbara - "Easy for you to say Paul, you're kids are not going away or living somewhere else as of now but when they grow up, you'll see what I mean"

Emily - "Barbara makes a good point That's why we need to cherish the memories with our children everyday"

Nikki - "And not take everything for granted in this world, you never know what happens tomorrow...tomorrow remains a mystery like a wise person once says"

Parker - "Or just live your life"

Parker finished putting up a decoration on the stairs banner before he walked up to the group. There was kind of too much sadness going on due to Will and Gwen leaving, so maybe Parker could cheer some of them up.

Parker - "Everyday you hear about the bad things going on in the world but at least you have the people that matter in your life. I am so thankful for having Will in my life as my brother"

Faith - "He's such a good brother to you Parker and Paul. Maybe when Will and Gwen come back for a visit, he'll find out something special"

Parker - "Like what?"

Faith - "Oh you know, something new and exciting, something fresh maybe?"

Parker didn't get the hints at first but then he started to realize something that he wasn't expecting. Hold on...expecting...where has Parker heard that from? Was she exactly trying to say what Parker thinks she is saying.

Parker - "Wait...are you-"

Barbara - "Oh my god, they're here! I can see them coming in the driveway!"

Henry - "Everybody quick, hide! Keep your voices down!"

Paul - "I hate surprises"

Emily - "Oh shut up Paul, just hide will ya?"

Everyone in the house stops doing what they've done since they arrived at Barbara and Henry's home. Hiding in different places of the house they all start to quite down and not making any kind of noise or sound. Barbara walks up to the front door and opens it before she smiles, then suddenly Iris pushes Gwen out of the way and came in a hurry for some reason.

Iris - "Hello Barbara, good to see-"

Everyone - "SURPRISE!"

The lights came back on and everyone else jumped out from where they are. The smiles on them faded away when they all saw Iris with Will, Gwen, and Hallie.

Iris - "Is this a surprise party for me?"

Paul - "When it comes to someone hateful and insane like you Iris...no...it was actually for those three people you came in...not you clown"

Emily nudged Paul in the ribs as he groaned and looked at his wife who had a warning look on her face. She didn't want her husband to get into a nasty argument with Iris, not when today was supposed to be a solemn but happy occasion to celebrate Will and Gwen leaving Oakdale for Carbondable. It was no surprise that Emily didn't like that Iris was here, so did Barbara, as both of them never remembered to invite Iris. Emily hated what Iris did to her as she was nothing more but a victim like Carly, and like Barabra, she could of died due to Iris. The old Emily would of plotted to have Iris removed with her husband. Paul just didn't give a damn about her and why should he? His wife could of been buried six feet underneath the ground because of Iris as Paul would of never married Emily or got back with her. Iris was nothing to him and the day he found out that she got out, Paul was immediately worried but wanted to kill the bitch. Will and Gwen roll their eyes, not liking how Iris came in but the woman had to use the restroom, what's so wrong with that.

Fashion House

It was the one question that took her off guard and the one question she wished she didn't have to answer to her mother. It was going to happen sooner or later that Janet would question how her daughter feels about them, so Liberty should know better. Something like that would make Liberty upset but she could see that her mom didn't have any ill intent on asking her that question. Janet was concerned for her daughter's well being based on the history she had with Parker. Janet didn't understand what Liberty saw in the parker when they started dating, she didn't know why she loved him, because as much as Parker is a good kid and a good son to his parents, he wasn't the one for Liberty. In Janet's mind, Liberty needed someone who has the same amount of chemistry but also supports Liberty to the fullest, someone who rides or dies with his daughter. Parker just wasn't in for her daughter but Janet has always been more supportive of her daughter. Even the last ten years Janet and Liberty's bond as mother and daughter got stronger when Liberty made her visits. Deciding not to BS her mom and push aside the subject, she sits on the edge of the desk and takes a deep breath.

Liberty - "Always straight to the point huh mom?"

Janet - "You can't expect me not to be a straight shooter...those two must be bothering you"

Liberty - "No they're not mom, Parker, Faith and I are in a good place, not one where old feelings come out from the surface"

Janet - "So you say...for now"

Liberty shook her head and sighed, her mom wasn't going to drop this was she? She was going to continue unless she gets it out of her daughter, now not surprising.

Liberty - "Do you even believe me?"

Janet - "Of course I do sweetie...it's just...here you are back in Oakdale, a town you shouldn't be in due to all the bad memories you had"

Liberty - "But...I did have good memories too...most of them was with you"

Janet - "Yes, that was before we came to Oakdale Liberty and while our time here was good, the rest...the rest I rather forget about"

Liberty - "You and Jack?"

Janet shakes her head but she should of seen this coming. There was no doubt Janet still cared for Jack but the love between them was gone thanks to one woman who will not be mentioned at the moment.

Janet - "I'm happy where I am in my life with Dusty, he's been so good to me and DJ, even you. The life I had with Jack was okay but it will always be about Carly, that's the woman he truly loves, not me. I moved on"

Liberty - "And so have I"

Janet - "But have you? I don't want to see you get hurt again if you decided to chase Parker. Do you have feelings for him?"

Liberty wished her mom didn't bring this up again but she couldn't evade the question or run away from all of it, she had to be upfront. Liberty from dating Parker back in the day showed her immaturity from time to time and she didn't want to grow up, but this time it's different

Liberty - "I am not going to lie mom but...somehow, someway I still have feelings for Parker. There, are you happy?

Janet - "It's okay Liberty...you know you can tell me anything. Have you told Parker yet?"

Liberty looked at her confused for a bit but thought about Parker. How in the world could she tell him with everything going on in her life? Parker had no time for that since he's got a dangerous job.

Liberty - "Told him? Mom, he's married, I mean he's going to stay with Faith and be committed with her, he's not going to cheat"

Janet - "Maybe if you did he would at least think about it. It's likely he won't leave Faith but at least he'll listen to you"

Liberty - "Yeah...but...I don't want to get my hopes up. I am no home wrecker mom from the street wanting to break up marriages"

Janet - "I never said you are Liberty but I believe you will find love one day, whether somehow it's with Paker or someone else"

Liberty - "Thanks mom but right now I am just focused on the fashion house for the time being. But...I will speak to Parker"

Janet smiled and hugged her daughter. She was glad that her daughter and herself were able to talk to his out and come to a conclusion that Liberty can work with.

Janet - "I am proud of you Liberty and the woman you've become. In the beginning it was us against the world and when we came here to Oakdale, everything got better along the way"

Liberty chuckled.

Liberty - "Everything mom?"

Janet - "Well...yes, there was Parker and your grandfather but in the end, were still standing"

Liberty - "Yes we are mom, it's funny how everything in the past has a way of coming back to bite someone in the ass, I just hope it won't be me"

Janet - "You're not perfect honey, no one is"

Liberty - "Yeah, that's true but anyway, thank mom...I needed this conversation"

Janet - "Oh gee, you think?"

Both of them laugh.

Janet - "You don't have to thank me Liberty, I am always going to be there for you and listen to you"

Liberty - "How about I order some lunch for us and while we wait we can go over some designing for the rest of the rooms? In the meanwhile you can sits down and relax"

Janet - "Sure, i'll just text Dusty and see how he's doing with DJ since they're at DJ's doctor's appointment"

Janet sits down to take out her cell phone as Liberty goes outside to make a phone call to one of their favorite places to eat as a family. Texting Dusty, Janet was still worried about how Parker and Faith were going to deal with Liberty long term. Now of course, the two of them will ignore Liberty and move forward unless Liberty is need of help or is in danger. Parker will do the right thing before saving Liberty from whatever scum that hurts her in the town. But is Liberty going to do something she'll regret to get Parker's attention? Even if she tells him her feelings Parker is going to turn her down and convince Liberty that there's other guys out there. Sometimes Janet felt that she got Jack the easy way and ignored the love Jack had for Carly, but at the same time Liberty took Parker for granted. She thought Parker was going to be her one and only but sometimes, maybe nice guys finished last. Faith never did anything wrong to Liberty but she was not going to away lightly if Liberty chases after Parker.

Memorial Hospital

Leaving the doctor's office with DJ, Dusty smiled at his son who had a lollipop in his hand sucking at the top of it. Dusty shouldn't be surprised that DJ passed the whole getting vaccine/flu shots protocol as he handled it perfectly. Remembering what the doctor told him, which is to relax and not move, DJ closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair as the doctor started to procedure. Dusty was holding DJ's other hand while the doctor rolled up his sleeve so he can take the shot which he did. All it was is a slight pinch and that was it as the doctor put the band aid on him instructing him to take it off when he gets home. Dusty was proud of his son for handling himself like a professional. When DJ was just a little child before growing up, he would always get afraid of taking a shot in the arm but Dusty gave his son the encouragement and love to really pull through it. It wasn't easy for DJ but at least the kid wasn't throwing a hissy fit or being a complete nuisance. Walking down the hallway though Dusty thought about the phone call that Lucy was ignoring for some reason. As they went to the room they saw Lucy come back inside as well with the phone in her hand, putting it away in her pocket.

Lucy - "Oh hey you two, how did the appointment go?"

Dusty - "Like a charm, I mean you do see the lollipop he's got in his hand don't you? That seals the deal"

Lucy - *Smiles* "I do, I guess it went well, did it DJ?"

DJ - "Yeah, I took it like a champ, the doctor even gave me a lollipop like always when I am a good boy"

Lucy smiles.

Lucy - "Can't say I blame the doctor for giving you a lollipop, you deserve it. So where are you guys headed?"

Dusty - "Were going to the local store to pick up the groceries I pre-ordered a couple days ago. Janet and I take turns doing them every week, so it's my turn"

DJ - "Did you have your appointment yet?"

Lucy - "Oh no, not yet DJ but I am sure my name will be called out before coming up. Like you I will pass this one with flying colors"

Dusty looks at the time on his watch and knows he has a lot of time to kill so looking around, the only place he can do this was outside. DJ didn't know what his father was about to do, t was only an adult conversation.

Dusty - "Hey DJ, how about you wait here in the room. Lucy and I need to talk about something"

DJ - "Okay"

Lucy - "Talk? Talk about what?"

Dusty - "Come with me?"

He takes her hand as the two of them immediately leave the room but Lucy knows what this is all about. When they're outside Lucy pushes Dusty's hand away, so she knew where this was going and she didn't appreciate what the man was doing.

Lucy - "Get you hand on off of me Dusty, why are you dragging me here?"

Dusty puts his hands up and shows that he is innocent of what he is doing. The man was just trying to help her, not harm her.

Dusty - "Woah woah woah, now you got an attitude all the sudden? Who was on the phone when I Was with DJ for his appointment?"

Lucy - "Seriously? You see me for today and now you want to know all about who I am talking to?"

Lucy laughs and shakes her head while Dusty looks annoyed. Was she really going to do this right now?

Dusty - "Don't try to lie to me Montgomery, I know you better than anyone else in this entire town and you know that"

Lucy - "Better than even my father?"

Dusty - "Just stop playing games and just tell me what's going on? I can tell you're in some kind of trouble, there's no need to deny all of that. I can see it all over your face Lucy"

Lucy - "With the phone call?"

Dusty - "Yes"

Lucy - "Dusty look, it's nothing, just some matters that I have to take care of. I also have a conversation with my mom, she called me too to check in and see how I am doing"

Dusty read her face and felt like she was telling the truth at first but something just wasn't right. Lucy wasn't being honest with Dusty and Lucy should know better than to lie to Dusty Donovan.

Dusty - "Yeah...sure...but whatever you say, I mean you got the money and the resources to help you with whatever you need. Daddy dearest and others in this town right"

Lucy - "Yes I do and I don't need your help"

Dusty - "Okay, if you say so..."

Lucy chuckled and shook her head.

Lucy - "Still that bull in a china shop aren't you?"

Dusty - "Whenever something catches my attention, you KNOW I can't just drop it...but it's good to see you alive and well"

Lucy - "I know we have a lot of issues back in the day and most of that is on me Dusty. I just hope we can move past them and be friends"

Dusty - "I can't let you do that Lucy and take responsibility because some of that falls on me too. Just know I will always be there for you, if you ever need anything, just call me. You have my number"

Lucy - "Yeah...I know, you're a dial away..."

Dusty shrugged his shoulders and went inside the room signaling to DJ that it was time to go. DJ turned off his game boy, put it in his pocket and then ran outside to join his father before they left. DJ did say his goodbyes to Lucy as the woman said her goodbyes to them, but as the two were leaving, Lucy caught the gave that Dusty shared with her before he winked, then left by using the elevator before leaving the hospital to go home and take care of things. Dusty, despite the connection he has with Lucy, was not going to betray his wife, son and step daughter but it didn't me he wasn't going to help her because he wants too. The woman in Lucy Montgomery could be definitely stubborn like her parents and gets whatever she desires but this time she was going to watched by someone who is after her. When they were no longer seen, Lucy leaned back against the wall and just closed her eyes, wishing this didn't happen but it was. Coming to Oakdale will make her safe but others like Dusty, Craig, Rosanna, etc. may get hurt. Hearing her name called, Lucy goes for her appointment but the thought about everything still lingers in her mind.

Barbara and Henry's Home

Out of all the people that could come to this special occasion, did it have to be Iris along with Gwen, Will and Hallie? Yes, Gwen and Will are beloved in Oakdale along with their daughter but Iris? She wasn't beloved, the woman was let go from prison due to being on good behavior but for someone like Henry and Paul, they were not happy to see her here. Barbara told Henry the conversation she had with Iris and while Henry was relieved it wasn't anything worse, he still was on guard about Iris. He didn't want nothing to do with her and she was Gwen's mom, Henry still didn't like her and was on the edge. Paul on the other hand felt like grabbing Iris and throwing her out the door where she belongs with the dogs and the cats. Emily was surprised and shocked to see her despite knowing of her release already. She could never get that day out of her mind of what Iris did, thankfully her reign of terror ended but now that Iris is back, who knows what will happen. She made sure the children were near her as they are, but Allie and PJ didn't even know who she was. Barbara looked annoyed at Iris, who didn't know the group were planning a surprise party for her but once Paul who sounded like an idiot spoke, Iris knew it wasn't for her.

Iris - "Oh...so I spoiled the surprise for all of you then? Who's surprise party is this for?"

Barbara - "Gwen and Will, that's who it's for"

Iris - "Oh...well anyway Gwen decided to bring me here before they leave but I need to use the restroom. It's an emergency, where is it?"

Barbara - "Upstairs on your left"

Iris - "Thank you"

Iris immediately goes up the stairs and straight to the bathroom without saying hi to the others. She could just see the doubtful but also bad expressions on their faces, but Iris knew none of them had anything good to say to her so she was just going to take it on the chin and move forward.

Paul - "Break a leg Iris"

Emily smacks Paul on the arm. Paul just couldn't contain himself anymore when Iris walked up the steps, but she did deserve every kind of karma Iris deserved

Paul - "Ouch, what was that for!? I didn't mean it!"

Emily - "Yes you did and even if I don't like her I am not going to rub it in her face, unless I want too"

Gwen - "Sorry about that Barbara, we didn't know you guys had this planned for us. If we did, we wouldn't have invited my mom here. I mean you and the others did this for us which is great"

Barbara - "Don't worry about it guys, please come in, bringing Iris is fine. Actually I am glad that she's here since you all are leaving Oakdale today. All of this is for you guys"

Gwen, Will and Hallie come into the house as they look around to see what the others did. All of this looked amazing for them for their going away party.

Barbara - "Well, do you like it?"

Will - "It looks great mom, guys, thank you all for putting this together for us"

Paul - "You don't need to thank us Will, having you guys back in town was a pleasure for us all"

Emily - "It was, but we know you don't need us to hold you guys back that much from staying here. I mean...this is where it all started for us"

Nikki - "Besides, you guys have your own home in Carbondale"

Will - "Yeah, you do make a point sis, but here...Oakdale is always going to be our home for us. This isn't the end for sure"

Gwen - "He's right, we'll be back for holidays and other special things too"

Hallie - "Are you still going to visit us grandma?"

Barbara - "You betcha Hallie and so will many of us but with Casey and Alison in Carbondale, you guys will not be completely alone"

Casey - "She's right, and we all do hang out still to this very day too. Guess it shows how much friendships do pay off"

Allison - "Especially since it's the friendships that matter the most"

Barbara - "Okay everyone, we have drinks right over there on one of the tables and food as well, dig in and have a great time"

Everyone goes to whichever of the tables to get their food and drinks. It was a great escape from other things going on in their lives.

Will - "Looks like you outdid yourself mom, all of this looks great"

Barbara chuckles a bit.

Barbara - "Thank you Will but I can't take all the credit, Emily and Nikki suggested one of those new places in town for catering and it paid off"

Hallie - "I like the food and drinks grandma"

Barbara - "Thanks sweetie...everyone, let's have a toast please"

All of them take their cups of drinks they got from the bottles before Barbara continued.

Barbara - "To Gwen and Will everyone, may their way back to Oakdale be safe and continue living their life to the fullest"

Everyone - "To Gwen and Will!"

The guys clinked their cups with each other, then they take a sip of their drinks. They get back to the food and having a good time. Iris came down the steps and walked up to Barbara.

Iris - "Barbara, I take it, is it time for the food and drinks?"

Barbara simply nods.

Barbara - "Yes, please help yourself Iris"

Iris - "Thank you Barbara...but I need to do this first. I am not going to cause any kind of trouble at all"

Barbara - "Huh?"

Noticing Paul and Emily eating and laughing at the same time, Iris takes a deep breath to walk up to them. When she is close enough, Iris clears her throat, getting their attention at the same time who look at her.

Iris - "Paul, Emily, I have something to say that I need to get off my chest"

Paul and Emily were cautious but at least they didn't tell Iris to screw off, didn't mean they trusted her because they don't. The others at this going away party paid attention, starting to see what was going to happen. Barbara, Gwen, Will, etc. were not going to like this even if Iris does try to make amends because Paul and Emily didn't forget what took place all those years ago. And yes, Paul wasn't there but he would of stopped Iris if this meant that she would die, but that is harsh when you think about it. Gwen needed her mom which Paul wouldn't understand but like Barbara, Emily, etc. moms were needed to give their children love and support. Emily wondered what she had to say because if she was going to throw venom, she'll have to smack Iris down like the psycho witch that she is. She was a Stewart, a woman who can hold her own against the best, so she wasn't a weak woman at all. It was like staring into the eyes of a woman who was trying to do her best to be good, but was it going to be enough? Emily was cautious too but very careful of Iris's next move whatever that may be, because she can be very unpredictable for sure.

END OF EPISODE 23