TITLE: DAYS Fairy Tale: Eric & Greta: Chapters 26-30
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 26
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Eric woke up slowly and looked at the clock, 9:17. *I'm glad that I don't have a photo shoot until after christmas.* And with that he rolled out of bed, grabbed a T-shirt and slipped it on, on his way out his room. He rubbed his eyes as he walked into the kitchen, he saw Greta sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee in her hands, her hair all messed up and still in her pajama's. That is one thing he liked about living with Greta, she was herself around him, she didn't get all dressed up every time he saw her. Besides he considered her more beautiful without all the makeup. He walked over to her, kissed her on the cheek, producing a small smile, and then he headed into the bathroom.
"What do you want for breakfast?" she asked through the door.
"I just want some cereal or something light."
"Okay."
A few minutes later he walked out of the bathroom, with minty fresh breath and wrapped his arms around her. She sat her spoon back in her bowl, and turned her head to give him a kiss over his shoulder, "Good morning."
"Good morning, how long have you been up?"
"Oh, only about 10 minutes or so before you, I probably woke you up."
"Nope, slept like a baby."
She smiled, and took another spoonful of cereal as he poured himself a bowl. "So what are we doing today?"
"Well, since we both have our shopping done, and since you won't give me any clues as to what you got me..."
"Hey, you wouldn't give me any either."
He smiled, "Well I know we are going to midnight mass tonight, and I know Mrs. Horton wants you to stop by and say hi, but that isn't for awhile."
"And we already have the tree decorated and the socks hung..." She said with a smile remembering.
********
"Eric, I'm telling you, the tree is to big." She told him as she tried to help him pull the big fur tree through the door.
"No it's not, some of the branches are just stuck on the other side."
"Uh, huh sure."
He gave her a dirty look, "Okay, stop pulling. Just hold onto it, and on three, pull as hard as you can."
"Oh kay, should I get the dust pan and broom for whatever we break?" She said with a grin.
"Oh shush. Ready?" She nodded yes, "1... 2... 3!" And with that they both pulled hard. and the tree lurched into the room and they both fell back into each others arms on the floor.
They were both laughing as they got up and looked at the tree, it took up most of the living room. "I told you it was too big."
"No it's not, if it was to big it would take up the whole living room." He said with a large teasing grin. "Okay, you go get the decorations out of the closet and the ones we bought, and I'll try and put the tree stand on this monster." She agreed and went to go get everything.
After an hour of trying to stand the tree up, cutting some of the bottom off, some of the back limbs, the use of some robe and hooks, the tree was up, and Eric knew he was never go to live it down. They then started to decorate the tree, and an hour later they were done. The multicolor lights, the red and gold blubs, bows, beads, and icicles made the huge tree feel like Christmas. They then each hung up their red and white, velvet stockings on the wall. Then they stood in front of the tree, and held on to each other.
"There is one last thing." Eric said.
"And what is that?" Greta asked.
"It wouldn't be Christmas without..."he pointed up, and she looked, "A kiss under the mistletoe." She smiled, and he leaned down and they kissed...
*********
"Yeah, yeah... I know, but the tree is not to big."
Greta laughed, "Whatever Brady." He smiled and took another spoonful of cereal. "So what are we going to do?"
He then got a big smile on his face, "I have an idea, but I'm not telling you, all I have to say is to dress warm."
"What is it?"
"I'm not telling." He said and continued with his cereal, she sighed and finished hers, and they then went to go get dressed.
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About a half hour later they were heading to his Jeep, Eric opened up the door for her, and she got in. He walked around started up the car, and then scraped the windows off from the snow the night before. He then got into the Jeep, and fastened his seat belt.
"So where are we going?" She asked again.
"I told you, I'm not telling." He said with a teasing smile.
She tried to give him the puppy dog eyes, and he almost gave in, "Oh no you don't. It's not going to work." She sighed and with a huff buckled her seat belt.
He pulled out of the parking space and started to drive. About 15 minutes later, he pulled into another parking spot. "The park?" She asked.
"Yep."
"But there is snow."
"Yep."
She looked at him confused, he just smiled, and they both got out of the car. They walked through the park and then around a couple trees, and then she knew. "Ice skating?"
"Yep. You have skated right?"
"A few times, but I'm not that good at it."
"Well, I'll help you then." They walked over to the skate rental, got some skates, and then put them on. Eric stood up on his, and held out his hand for Greta. She took it, and tried to stand, almost knocking them both over. They laughed, and finally she steadied herself. He slowly backed out onto the ice, pulling her with him. Her legs were wobbling but less and less. He pulled her close to him, and she lost her balance and they both went down.
They were laughing, as she had landed on top of him, "I told you I wasn't very good at it."
"It's okay," he said as he brought his hand up to the back of her neck and brought her in for a kiss. They pulled away slowly, and smiled at each other. They separated, he got to his feet, and helped her to hers. After about a half hour she was getting the hang of it, and was much more balanced. They skated around the rink together, laughing and talking. They then stopped for a little while, and went over to the vender and got some hot cocoa and sat on the bench together. He brought his gloved hand to her rosy cheeks. She turned her face into his palm, and then looked at him, and leaned in for a kiss. She then snuggled up against his shoulder as they enjoyed their hot chocolate. When they were done, they headed back out for a little while longer on the ice. Ending up in a snow bank here and there, sharing a few more kisses and priceless moments.
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Chapter 27
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Greta and Eric were filling the socks at the Brady Pub with the rest of the Brady's. They were laughing, and talking, enjoying the egg nog and Christmas cookies. After a while, they told everyone that they would meet up at the Church, and they drove over to Mrs. Horton's. They knocked on the door, and Mickey let them in. They walked over to Mrs. H and they all hugged.
"Oh Greta dear, I'm so glad you came over. How are you doing?"
"I'm really good, and you." She said as she felt a slight shiver go up her back and she got a weird feeling. She barely heard Mrs. Horton respond that she was good, as she looked around, and found out why she had that feeling. Her eyes landed on Nicole, a drunk Nicole actually, Greta could tell by the look on her face and the way she was standing.
Mrs. H followed her gaze, "Ah yes, I see what, or whom got your attention."
"Oh, I'm sorry Mrs. Horton."
"No, it's okay dear. Just know, you have no worries if I know Eric as well as I think I do. I'm glad she doesn't have her claws in him anymore." Greta looked at her in shock, "I just wish they weren't in my own grandson." Greta smiled and understood.
Eric was over talking with Bo, "So Bo, how are you and Hope doing?"
Bo smiled, "Well she's coming back to me more and more. It's just going to take a little more time, but it's going well. I just wish Shawn would accept all this better."
"Yeah, but everything will be okay, eventually."
"Yeah, it will. But enough of that, how about you? How are you and Greta doing?"
Eric smiled, "We are doing great."
Bo smiled, "Uh huh, I can see that."
"What? See what?"
"Nothing. Just the smiles on your faces, the way you are looking at each other. I know those looks quite well."
Eric just shook his head and smiled, but he didn't notice the evil look from the blond behind him. Nicole had heard the whole conversation, and did not like it one bit.
Hope walked into the middle of the room, "Umm, can I have your attention?" Everyone stopped talking and looked at Hope. Hope went on to thank everyone there for believing in her, and helping her, and tell them that she was glad to be back. She then pulled Bo towards her, and told him how much she loved him, and then asked, "Mr. Bo Brady, will you Marry me?" Bo looked at her in shock, as did everyone else in the room. Greta slowly walked over to Eric, and he wrapped his arm around her. "Marry me Bo, marry me before the end of the year."
Greta looked at the two of them, and then at Hope, and weird chill passed over her, she knew something wasn't right, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She listened to Bo as he went on about past marriages and future ones. Her and Eric blushed as he looked right at them. Bo then accepted the proposal, but not that many people seemed that happy about it.
Eric left to go get some cider for the both of them, and Hope came over to Greta. "Greta, I'm so glad to see you. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"Great now that Bo accepted." She then pulled Greta into a hug. Greta didn't know what to do, and hugged her back. "I do have to ask you something though."
"And what is that?"
"Well you helped me out so much in Paris and everything, and we have all become so close, I was wondering if you would be my maid of honor."
Greta was speechless, "Uhhh, okay."
"Great! Hey, everyone," she told everyone, "Greta agreed to be my maid of honor." Everyone smiled.
Bo then spoke up, "Well then, I might as well make my choice too then." He walked over to Shawn. (((Okay this is my own opinion, but shouldn't Bo have asked his own son to be best man???))) "Shawn, how about it, will you be my best man?"
Shawn looked at him in disbelief, and shook his head, "No." and with that he walked out of the room, and grabbed his coat and left. Bo was about to go after him, when Hope stopped him.
Greta was trying to take everything in as she drank the cider Eric got for her.
"Ready to go?"
"What?" She asked.
"To Midnight Masse, everyone is heading out. Are you ready to go?"
"Oh, yeah." She sat her cup down, and they headed for the door, Eric helped her get her coat on, and they left for the church. Once at the church they sat down with the other Brady's and Eric took her hand. But Greta was just staring at Bo and Hope.
"What's wrong?" Eric whispered over to her.
She shook her head, "I'm not sure, and that's the problem." Eric gave her a questioning look, and she turned away and tried to concentrate on the masse.
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Chapter 28
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Greta woke with a start, as something heavy landed on the side of her bed. She opened her eyes and found Eric looking down at her. She looked over at the clock, it was 6:42. "Eric it's earlyyyyyy." She wined.
"No... it's Christmas."
"Technically it was Christmas when we attended church."
"Oh come on... we can open presents then go back to bed."
She yawned, reached up, and patted his cheek, "Such a little boy." And with that she rolled over away from him.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm going back to sleep. You should too, cause I'm not getting up right now." She said with a yawn.
"I'm not going back to bed." He responded.
"I don't care if you go back to bed, I'm just going back to sleep."
He smiled, and got an idea. "Okay then." He then stood up.
She smiled, and closed her eyes, but she opened them wide as he lifted up the blankets and crawled in next to her. She turned over, and looked at him, "What are you doing?"
"You said I didn't have to go back to bed, and you wanted to sleep. Well, I'm staying here, and you can sleep. Besides.... it's only fair."
"What's only fair?" She asked with a question on her face.
"You snuck in bed with me in Paris."
"Big difference, I was scared."
He snuggled close to her, and with a large smile said, "Well so am I, I'm scared of the big guy in the red suit."
And she laughed, "And it was also the floor."
"Floor, mattress, same thing, it was still under the covers."
"Fine, just let me sleep!" But she knew she couldn't now, she was wide awake.
"Okay."
She turned back over, and closed her eyes. He snuggled up to her back, and wrapped one arm around her waist, effectively spooning her. She lifted her head off the pillow so her could move his other arm under her neck. She smiled and snuggled into his arm. *Oh God,* she thought to herself, *This is heaven.*
He nuzzled his face into her hair and the back of her neck, and he could smell her perfume. *Now this is perfect. I could wake up like this every morning.*
Each one of her hands laced through the fingers of his, as he held her close to him. She wanted to go to sleep, but she couldn't and now she didn't want to. She thought she could stay like this forever.
About ten minutes later, Eric whispered, "Greta?"
She tried to decide whether or not to pretend she was asleep, but decided to answer, "Yes?"
"Just seeing if you were asleep."
"You just want to open your presents," she said and she was slightly disappointed by that thought.
"Actually, no, I'm enjoying this. It's just that I'm wide awake."
Greta smiled, she was happy that he was enjoying it as much as she was. She turned around to face him, he rolled onto his back, and she cuddled up to his side, her arm and hand resting on his chest. He brought his arms around her. "Me too." she finally admitted.
He laughed softly, and leaned up and kissed the top of her head. They stayed like that for a while longer, not wanting to move, loving every moment of it. He finally spoke, "I'm glad you didn't want to get out of bed.
She smiled, "I'm glad you didn't want to go back to yours." They both smiled, and then agreed to get out of bed. They turned on the kitchen light, but not the living room one, and then turned the Christmas lights on. They sat on the couch, and took the stuff out of their stockings. Both happy as to what they got, and both with huge childlike grins on their faces.
They then each went to go get the present for each other out of the pile of other presents for other people out from under the tree. Greta gave Eric his, and he gave her hers. She had him open his first since he was so eager to get out here this morning. He looked at the beautiful wrapping paper, and then with a devilish smile took off the bow and ripped off the paper. Greta just giggled. He then slowly opened the box, and looked at the contents in awh.
"A Camcorder, a very nice one. Thank you."
She smiled, "Eric, look under the camcorder."
He lifted the camcorder up and found to tickets. He took them out and then, placed the camera back in the box. He opened the tickets, "Two tickets for mid march to Aspen."
"Well, I know you miss Colorado, and I know you like to ski. And you have told me you would love to teach me, and I hope that date is okay, it's when my spring break is."
He looked at her, still in shock, "It's more than okay, it's great. Thank you." He said and gave her a huge hug, and then a solid kiss. "I just hope you like my gift to you as much as I like this."
She smiled, "Well, it's from you. I know I'll love it." She said and kissed his cheek. She slowly pulled off the bow, and started to slowly take off the paper, just to annoy him. But then ripped it off. She then cut the tape on the box with her nail, and opened the box.
She starred in shock at what she saw. She picked up the first piece of navy fabric or what there was of it. It was a bikini. She looked over at him, still wide eyed, and caught the look of amusement on his face. "Ummm uhhh, it's nice."
That's when he laughed, "Greta... you don't have to be nice. And that really did get the expression I was hoping for. "No, you don't have to wear it, as a matter of fact I have the receipt if you want to take it back."
She looked at the size, "How did you know what size I wear?"
He smiled, "Well I know what you wore for the photo's I took, and I just found the sizes off that." He watched her, put the top back in the box, "Greta... you don't really think that is all I got you, do you? Look through the rest of the box."
She lifted out the bikini, and some paper, and then found what he was talking about. And she laughed, and he laughed. "Just tell me they aren't the same place and time."
He grinned, "Luckily they aren't, but we do think alike don't we? I'm just surprised we didn't run into each other."
"Me too," she took the tickets out of the box and looked at them, "Hawaii." She grinned, then looked at the date, and smiled wider.
"We leave the 7th, and we'll get back the 12th, enough time for you to get to school, and I got time off work."
She moved over to him, and threw her arms around him, and kissed him, "Thank you! I've never been to Hawaii."
"And you can take the Bikini back and get the swim suit you want." She smiled and nodded, then kissed him again.
"Well, we will be traveling a lot in the next couple of months." He said with a smile.
"Yeah, and it sounds like a lot of fun."
He agreed, and they kissed again. They then put their stuff away, the tickets in a safe place, made breakfast, ate, then got dressed. They then headed over to the Black's with a load of presents.
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Chapter 29
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Greta landed on the couch with sigh, she was exhausted. Hope had dragged her around all day having her help with the last minute wedding details, and fittings. Greta knew one thing for sure, *No matter how much Bo and everyone thinks that Hope is back, there is still a lot of my mother in her.* Greta just couldn't get over the dress that Hope had picked out for the wedding, she shook her head at the sight. Greta closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the back of the couch. She heard the key in the lock, and figured that Eric was home.
He opened the door and walked in, and saw Greta laying on the couch with an arm over her face. "Rough day?"
"You could say that, how about you?"
He took off his coat and threw it over the chair came over to the couch, picked up her legs, sat down, and them put them over his lap. "Not bad, just a photo shoot. It went well."
"That's good."
Eric looked at her, "Okay, what's wrong?"
Greta lifted her arm up a little and looked at him, "What do you mean?"
"Well... you usually ask if Nicole was there," he said with a wink.
"Oh." She sighed and put the arm back over her eyes. "I'm just a little distracted."
"Okay, why?"
"It's Hope."
"Ohh, that again."
Greta took the arm off her face, "Yes that again. Eric something isn't right. She is not herself. She is more like my mother than she is like Hope, but no one is willing to see it."
Eric, unlaced her one shoe, then the other, "Greta, yeah there is still some Gina in her, but she is working to try and get back to herself. You know, you are missing your mother, and Hope looks like her, could it just be that you are seeing something that isn't really there?" He then took off her shoes, and tickled one foot, which she promptly pulled away, but he grabbed the other foot before she could.
Greta gave him a dirty look, "Don't try to get my mind off this. I'm telling you something is really wrong."
"Greta, even if there is, there is nothing you can do about it. And it's not your problem. The wedding will make them both happy. And maybe, like Hope says that is exactly what she needs."
Greta nodded, "Maybe you are right, the wedding is tomorrow, so I guess I should just be happy for them."
Eric agreed, "Don't just be happy for them..." He winked at her, "It is after all New Years Eve tomorrow."
Greta smiled, sat up, and moved closer to him. "Yeah... so" she said with a smile.
"Well..." he said, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. "They say whom ever you are with at midnight, you will be with for the rest of the year."
"Oh really." She said with a smile, leaning in closer.
"Yes, really, and since it's turning 2000, it makes it even more special."
"So who are you going to be with at midnight?" She asked with a teasing smile.
"Oh, I was thinking, of a very beautiful, kind, sweet, smart lady that I know."
"Oh really? Do I know her?"
Eric shook his head, "Of course you do silly. It's you." They both smiled, and he leaned in, and kissed her hard. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him back onto the couch with her. He fell over onto her, breaking the kiss, and they smiled at each other again. "A little eager?" he said teasing her.
"Hey!" She yelled, and then gave a sad look, "Well, okay, I guess you don't want to kiss me." She said with a pout.
He didn't answer her with words, he just wrapped his arms around her, picking her up, a little, sat up, taking her with him, and then laid back, laying her on top, and kissed her. His hands in her hair, his tongue tracing her lips then entering her mouth, tasting. They broke away for some air, "Yeah, I guess I don't want to kiss you."
Greta lightly hit his shoulder, but didn't respond anymore to the teasing because she couldn't, he started to kiss her again before she could.
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Eric snapped another picture of the decorated church, and walked over to the door when he saw his mother, John and Belle walk in. "Hi guys, where do you want to sit?"
"Somewhere in the back," Marlena replied.
"Sure follow me," Eric led them to a row in the back, and then went back to the door, when he spotted Greta coming out of the back room. Greta was shaking her head. "What's wrong?"
"This wedding shouldn't be happening, that woman is not Hope." She said crossing her arms.
"No she's not." Eric and Greta looked over at Shawn, "That woman is not my mother." Doug and Julie walked over, hearing what Shawn has said.
"She isn't acting right at all, this wedding isn't a good idea." replied Julie.
"Maybe we should get Marlena and try and talk some sense into her." Doug said.
Doug, Julie, and Shawn went to find Marlena, and Greta stayed with Eric, "See, I'm not the only one that sees it."
"I guess not, I'm sorry I tried to dismiss your concerns." She smiled, and they hugged, they separated when the three came back with Marlena, and they all went to go see Hope.
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Greta still couldn't believe that the wedding was still going to happen, she was about ready to walk down the aisle, followed by Hope and Doug. *Well, we tried.* Was all she could say to herself. Then she got her cue, and started to walk down the aisle, she saw Eric looking right at her, and smiled at him. She got a smile in return. The wedding proceeded normally, Bo and Hope kissed. The priest announced them man and wife, and they walked down the aisle. Roman took Greta's arm, patting it lightly, giving her a small smile, and they followed Bo and Hope down the aisle.
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Greta got up from the table, and walked over to where Eric was taking some pictures. "Hi." She said quietly.
Eric turned to face her, "Hi yourself." He paused and looked at her, "You know, I didn't get the chance before, but... you look beautiful."
She blushed slightly, smiled, and said "Thank you."
"Want some champaign?" He asked her, motioning to the waiter.
"Yes please."
Eric took two glasses and gave one to her, when the announcer came on, "We are now ready for the first dance, may the bride and groom come to the dance floor." Bo and Hope entered the dance floor and started to dance. Greta took a sip of her champaign, as she watched them dance. Eric moved closer to her, and put and arm around her waist, and she leaned into him. "Follow me." He said into her ear, grabbing her hand, pulling her with him. She smiled and followed him out onto the terrace. He took his coat off and put it around her shoulders and she smiled. Eric looked at his watch, "Good, still have 3 minutes." She grinned up at him. He held up his glass of champaign, "To the next year, the new millennium, and us."
She smiled, and they clinked glasses, and then each took a sip. They then set the glasses down on the ledge, and held onto one another as they looked out over the city. They looked at Eric's watch counting down to midnight. "5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Happy New Year," they said in unison and they kissed. Fireworks going off through the city announcing a new year, new century, and millennium. They weren't aware of the fireworks, because they were creating their own.
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Chapter 30
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They slowly pulled away from each other, and Eric looked into her eyes. He felt so many things, and they all scared him to death. He smiled, took her hand, and motioned back to the door. "We better get in there, or they may want to know where the maid of honor went."
She nodded in agree meant, and took his arm, as he led her back inside. Once inside, she gave him his jacket back, and he thanked her, as he put his arms into it. She smiled, and gave him a kiss on the cheek, as they rejoined the party. They danced, talked, mingled with other guests. About a half hour or so later, Greta looked around then spoke, "You know, I wonder where Hope is. I haven't seen her in awhile."
Eric smiled, "Well she's probably with Bo somewhere."
Greta shook her head, "No, because Bo is over there, and he has been for awhile now." She said motioning over towards John and Roman.
"Well she might be changing or something so they can leave for their honeymoon"
Greta nodded, "That makes sense," She said, and they continued to dance. She smiled, as Eric pulled her a little closer, and kissed the top of her head. A little while later, they were setting at a table, eating some cake. Eric, took a fork full and then held it up to her. She laughed and shook her head, but he insisted. She finally agreed, and she took the bite off the fork, but not before Eric got her with some frosting on her check. She rolled her eyes at him, and he laughed. She was about read to whip it away, when he grabbed her hand not to. Instead she leaned in, and kissed it away. She giggled slightly, but stopped when the next kiss landed on her lips. Then he backed away, and they both smiled. She leaned in, and laid her head on his shoulder. Then all of a sudden she shivered, and she sat up quickly.
"Are you cold?" Eric asked, about ready to take off his coat.
"No." She said with a confused look on her face.
"Then what's wrong?"
"I don't know, I just got this really weird feeling all of a sudden. Like something's wrong." Eric didn't understand, but her pulled her in for a hug. Then he watched in shock as he seen the paramedics role in two stretchers. Greta saw it too, "What's going on?"
They both stood up, and Eric watched in horror as John carried Marlena in and laid her on a stretcher. "Mom," he yelled, and they both quickly made there way over to her, Eric holding her hand.
Greta looked up at that moment, to see Bo carrying in Hope. "Oh, my God." She said, and she felt like she was going to faint, she couldn't shake this feeling that she had.
Eric looked at John, "What happened?"
"We aren't sure, all we know is that Hope pulled a gun on her, there was the struggle for the gun, and they both got shot."
The Paramedics and Lexi were all surrounding Hope, and after a little bit, they left with her. Greta couldn't keep her eyes off of it, and watched as they wheeled her out. She shook her head, and then looked back to Marlena.
She was saying something, but know one could understand, Belle rushed out to the Terrace to get Marlena's purse. They found out that the bullet only grazed her, and she would be fine, which put a little bit of relief on Eric's face.
Then she started to talk more clearly, "Shawn... Fell... Terrace." Then the horror returned on everyone's face, as John and Roman rushed out to the Terrace. Greta and Eric stayed with Marlena.
"Mom, come on, wake up" He said holding her hand. Greta had her hand on his back, trying to comfort him, but to her dismay, most of her thoughts were on Hope. She just couldn't shake the feeling that there was something else going on in all this. A few minutes later they saw another group of paramedics rush past them, and out to the Terrace.
Marlena slowly woke up, and came to her senses, she looked at Eric, "Shawn." Was the first thing out of her mouth.
"Roman and John found him, he's on a ledge, and they are trying to get him off of it." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Mom, we need to get you to the hospital."
"No, I want to wait to see if Shawn is okay."
Eric knew better than to fight her on it, "Okay, then tell us what happened."
She was about ready to talk when the paramedics rushed back the other way with Shawn on the stretcher, Roman following. John and Belle stopped beside Marlena. John looked at Marlena, kissed her forehead, and gave her a hug. "We are heading to the hospital."
"John, take Belle and Mom, and we'll meet you there soon." John nodded at helped Marlena to the elevator with Belle right behind them.
Eric looked over to Greta, "I can't believe this." Then he noticed how pale she looked, "Greta, what's wrong?"
Greta shook her head, "I'm not sure, let's just get to the hospital." Eric grabbed her hand, and they got the next elevator to the lobby and then rushed to the Jeep. Eric unlocked the doors and they hopped in, and in no time they were at the Hospital and rushing in. They saw John and Marlena and rushed over to them. Marlena gave Eric a hug.
"Any news?" he asked.
"They rushed Hope into surgery, and they are still looking at Shawn." John answered. Eric looked around, and saw everyone standing around, with worried faces, he pulled Belle over to him, and gave her and hug, which she gladly accepted.
Greta looked around, "How did this all happen?"
Marlena sighed, "Hope is very unstable, I went out to the Terrace to talk to her, when I saw," she stopped then continued with a crack in her voice, "I saw her shoot at Shawn's feet when he was standing up on the ledge and saw him fall off. She then pointed the gun at me."
Eric shook his head, "That does not sound like Hope at all."
Marlena agreed, "That's because it really isn't, she still thinks she is Gina." Marlena looked at Greta, and saw the look on her face. "Greta, are you okay?"
"I just have a really bad feeling about something, and I don't know what it is."
"Greta, you have been spending some time with Hope, with the whole wedding thing and everything. Have you noticed anything strange?"
Greta nodded, "Yeah, a lot of things, she she more like my mother then the Hope that I knew. It was like sometimes I had to think twice because I would almost call her mother." She looked down, and crossed her arms in front of her. Eric slowly moved Belle to John. And John put his arms around her, as Eric moved over to Greta, and held her in his arms.
"I should have listened to you, when you kept saying something was wrong with her."
"Listen, there was nothing either one of you could have done, Bo didn't even notice that something was this wrong. You tried to talk her out of the wedding, but in the end it was both of their choices." John told them.
Eric looked around, "Where is Bo any ways?"
"He wanted to be alone, he's somewhere in the hospital." Marlena replied.
"Listen Doc, I'm going to go find a doctor that can take a look at you. Why don't you and Belle sit down, and I'll be right back. Marlena and Belle went to sit down.
Greta moved her face into Eric's chest, and he held onto her. "This is reminding you of your mother and her death isn't it?" He asked already knowing the answer.
Greta nodded and looked up at him, "Yeah it is, but it's more than that. A lot more, and I can't put my finger on it. But it's almost like..." and she paused and looked towards the OR.
"It's like what? Greta, tell me." He said moving her face back to look at him.
"It's almost like it's not Hope in there. I feel like it's my mother."
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To Be Continued
WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)
EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu
WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (from when Jensen was on days)
Rating: If you can watch DAYS, you can read this. If there is a rating change, a link to the chap. will be provided.
Disclaimer: Days of Our Lives and all of their characters are property of Corday Productions and NBC.
My Rant: Okay, I'm finally putting this up on FanFiction.net. Mostly to free up my website space. This was started way back in Oct. of 1999, and I haven't decided if it's finished yet or not. Reviews are always welcome!
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Chapter 26
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Eric woke up slowly and looked at the clock, 9:17. *I'm glad that I don't have a photo shoot until after christmas.* And with that he rolled out of bed, grabbed a T-shirt and slipped it on, on his way out his room. He rubbed his eyes as he walked into the kitchen, he saw Greta sitting at the counter with a cup of coffee in her hands, her hair all messed up and still in her pajama's. That is one thing he liked about living with Greta, she was herself around him, she didn't get all dressed up every time he saw her. Besides he considered her more beautiful without all the makeup. He walked over to her, kissed her on the cheek, producing a small smile, and then he headed into the bathroom.
"What do you want for breakfast?" she asked through the door.
"I just want some cereal or something light."
"Okay."
A few minutes later he walked out of the bathroom, with minty fresh breath and wrapped his arms around her. She sat her spoon back in her bowl, and turned her head to give him a kiss over his shoulder, "Good morning."
"Good morning, how long have you been up?"
"Oh, only about 10 minutes or so before you, I probably woke you up."
"Nope, slept like a baby."
She smiled, and took another spoonful of cereal as he poured himself a bowl. "So what are we doing today?"
"Well, since we both have our shopping done, and since you won't give me any clues as to what you got me..."
"Hey, you wouldn't give me any either."
He smiled, "Well I know we are going to midnight mass tonight, and I know Mrs. Horton wants you to stop by and say hi, but that isn't for awhile."
"And we already have the tree decorated and the socks hung..." She said with a smile remembering.
********
"Eric, I'm telling you, the tree is to big." She told him as she tried to help him pull the big fur tree through the door.
"No it's not, some of the branches are just stuck on the other side."
"Uh, huh sure."
He gave her a dirty look, "Okay, stop pulling. Just hold onto it, and on three, pull as hard as you can."
"Oh kay, should I get the dust pan and broom for whatever we break?" She said with a grin.
"Oh shush. Ready?" She nodded yes, "1... 2... 3!" And with that they both pulled hard. and the tree lurched into the room and they both fell back into each others arms on the floor.
They were both laughing as they got up and looked at the tree, it took up most of the living room. "I told you it was too big."
"No it's not, if it was to big it would take up the whole living room." He said with a large teasing grin. "Okay, you go get the decorations out of the closet and the ones we bought, and I'll try and put the tree stand on this monster." She agreed and went to go get everything.
After an hour of trying to stand the tree up, cutting some of the bottom off, some of the back limbs, the use of some robe and hooks, the tree was up, and Eric knew he was never go to live it down. They then started to decorate the tree, and an hour later they were done. The multicolor lights, the red and gold blubs, bows, beads, and icicles made the huge tree feel like Christmas. They then each hung up their red and white, velvet stockings on the wall. Then they stood in front of the tree, and held on to each other.
"There is one last thing." Eric said.
"And what is that?" Greta asked.
"It wouldn't be Christmas without..."he pointed up, and she looked, "A kiss under the mistletoe." She smiled, and he leaned down and they kissed...
*********
"Yeah, yeah... I know, but the tree is not to big."
Greta laughed, "Whatever Brady." He smiled and took another spoonful of cereal. "So what are we going to do?"
He then got a big smile on his face, "I have an idea, but I'm not telling you, all I have to say is to dress warm."
"What is it?"
"I'm not telling." He said and continued with his cereal, she sighed and finished hers, and they then went to go get dressed.
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About a half hour later they were heading to his Jeep, Eric opened up the door for her, and she got in. He walked around started up the car, and then scraped the windows off from the snow the night before. He then got into the Jeep, and fastened his seat belt.
"So where are we going?" She asked again.
"I told you, I'm not telling." He said with a teasing smile.
She tried to give him the puppy dog eyes, and he almost gave in, "Oh no you don't. It's not going to work." She sighed and with a huff buckled her seat belt.
He pulled out of the parking space and started to drive. About 15 minutes later, he pulled into another parking spot. "The park?" She asked.
"Yep."
"But there is snow."
"Yep."
She looked at him confused, he just smiled, and they both got out of the car. They walked through the park and then around a couple trees, and then she knew. "Ice skating?"
"Yep. You have skated right?"
"A few times, but I'm not that good at it."
"Well, I'll help you then." They walked over to the skate rental, got some skates, and then put them on. Eric stood up on his, and held out his hand for Greta. She took it, and tried to stand, almost knocking them both over. They laughed, and finally she steadied herself. He slowly backed out onto the ice, pulling her with him. Her legs were wobbling but less and less. He pulled her close to him, and she lost her balance and they both went down.
They were laughing, as she had landed on top of him, "I told you I wasn't very good at it."
"It's okay," he said as he brought his hand up to the back of her neck and brought her in for a kiss. They pulled away slowly, and smiled at each other. They separated, he got to his feet, and helped her to hers. After about a half hour she was getting the hang of it, and was much more balanced. They skated around the rink together, laughing and talking. They then stopped for a little while, and went over to the vender and got some hot cocoa and sat on the bench together. He brought his gloved hand to her rosy cheeks. She turned her face into his palm, and then looked at him, and leaned in for a kiss. She then snuggled up against his shoulder as they enjoyed their hot chocolate. When they were done, they headed back out for a little while longer on the ice. Ending up in a snow bank here and there, sharing a few more kisses and priceless moments.
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Chapter 27
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Greta and Eric were filling the socks at the Brady Pub with the rest of the Brady's. They were laughing, and talking, enjoying the egg nog and Christmas cookies. After a while, they told everyone that they would meet up at the Church, and they drove over to Mrs. Horton's. They knocked on the door, and Mickey let them in. They walked over to Mrs. H and they all hugged.
"Oh Greta dear, I'm so glad you came over. How are you doing?"
"I'm really good, and you." She said as she felt a slight shiver go up her back and she got a weird feeling. She barely heard Mrs. Horton respond that she was good, as she looked around, and found out why she had that feeling. Her eyes landed on Nicole, a drunk Nicole actually, Greta could tell by the look on her face and the way she was standing.
Mrs. H followed her gaze, "Ah yes, I see what, or whom got your attention."
"Oh, I'm sorry Mrs. Horton."
"No, it's okay dear. Just know, you have no worries if I know Eric as well as I think I do. I'm glad she doesn't have her claws in him anymore." Greta looked at her in shock, "I just wish they weren't in my own grandson." Greta smiled and understood.
Eric was over talking with Bo, "So Bo, how are you and Hope doing?"
Bo smiled, "Well she's coming back to me more and more. It's just going to take a little more time, but it's going well. I just wish Shawn would accept all this better."
"Yeah, but everything will be okay, eventually."
"Yeah, it will. But enough of that, how about you? How are you and Greta doing?"
Eric smiled, "We are doing great."
Bo smiled, "Uh huh, I can see that."
"What? See what?"
"Nothing. Just the smiles on your faces, the way you are looking at each other. I know those looks quite well."
Eric just shook his head and smiled, but he didn't notice the evil look from the blond behind him. Nicole had heard the whole conversation, and did not like it one bit.
Hope walked into the middle of the room, "Umm, can I have your attention?" Everyone stopped talking and looked at Hope. Hope went on to thank everyone there for believing in her, and helping her, and tell them that she was glad to be back. She then pulled Bo towards her, and told him how much she loved him, and then asked, "Mr. Bo Brady, will you Marry me?" Bo looked at her in shock, as did everyone else in the room. Greta slowly walked over to Eric, and he wrapped his arm around her. "Marry me Bo, marry me before the end of the year."
Greta looked at the two of them, and then at Hope, and weird chill passed over her, she knew something wasn't right, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She listened to Bo as he went on about past marriages and future ones. Her and Eric blushed as he looked right at them. Bo then accepted the proposal, but not that many people seemed that happy about it.
Eric left to go get some cider for the both of them, and Hope came over to Greta. "Greta, I'm so glad to see you. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"Great now that Bo accepted." She then pulled Greta into a hug. Greta didn't know what to do, and hugged her back. "I do have to ask you something though."
"And what is that?"
"Well you helped me out so much in Paris and everything, and we have all become so close, I was wondering if you would be my maid of honor."
Greta was speechless, "Uhhh, okay."
"Great! Hey, everyone," she told everyone, "Greta agreed to be my maid of honor." Everyone smiled.
Bo then spoke up, "Well then, I might as well make my choice too then." He walked over to Shawn. (((Okay this is my own opinion, but shouldn't Bo have asked his own son to be best man???))) "Shawn, how about it, will you be my best man?"
Shawn looked at him in disbelief, and shook his head, "No." and with that he walked out of the room, and grabbed his coat and left. Bo was about to go after him, when Hope stopped him.
Greta was trying to take everything in as she drank the cider Eric got for her.
"Ready to go?"
"What?" She asked.
"To Midnight Masse, everyone is heading out. Are you ready to go?"
"Oh, yeah." She sat her cup down, and they headed for the door, Eric helped her get her coat on, and they left for the church. Once at the church they sat down with the other Brady's and Eric took her hand. But Greta was just staring at Bo and Hope.
"What's wrong?" Eric whispered over to her.
She shook her head, "I'm not sure, and that's the problem." Eric gave her a questioning look, and she turned away and tried to concentrate on the masse.
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Chapter 28
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Greta woke with a start, as something heavy landed on the side of her bed. She opened her eyes and found Eric looking down at her. She looked over at the clock, it was 6:42. "Eric it's earlyyyyyy." She wined.
"No... it's Christmas."
"Technically it was Christmas when we attended church."
"Oh come on... we can open presents then go back to bed."
She yawned, reached up, and patted his cheek, "Such a little boy." And with that she rolled over away from him.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm going back to sleep. You should too, cause I'm not getting up right now." She said with a yawn.
"I'm not going back to bed." He responded.
"I don't care if you go back to bed, I'm just going back to sleep."
He smiled, and got an idea. "Okay then." He then stood up.
She smiled, and closed her eyes, but she opened them wide as he lifted up the blankets and crawled in next to her. She turned over, and looked at him, "What are you doing?"
"You said I didn't have to go back to bed, and you wanted to sleep. Well, I'm staying here, and you can sleep. Besides.... it's only fair."
"What's only fair?" She asked with a question on her face.
"You snuck in bed with me in Paris."
"Big difference, I was scared."
He snuggled close to her, and with a large smile said, "Well so am I, I'm scared of the big guy in the red suit."
And she laughed, "And it was also the floor."
"Floor, mattress, same thing, it was still under the covers."
"Fine, just let me sleep!" But she knew she couldn't now, she was wide awake.
"Okay."
She turned back over, and closed her eyes. He snuggled up to her back, and wrapped one arm around her waist, effectively spooning her. She lifted her head off the pillow so her could move his other arm under her neck. She smiled and snuggled into his arm. *Oh God,* she thought to herself, *This is heaven.*
He nuzzled his face into her hair and the back of her neck, and he could smell her perfume. *Now this is perfect. I could wake up like this every morning.*
Each one of her hands laced through the fingers of his, as he held her close to him. She wanted to go to sleep, but she couldn't and now she didn't want to. She thought she could stay like this forever.
About ten minutes later, Eric whispered, "Greta?"
She tried to decide whether or not to pretend she was asleep, but decided to answer, "Yes?"
"Just seeing if you were asleep."
"You just want to open your presents," she said and she was slightly disappointed by that thought.
"Actually, no, I'm enjoying this. It's just that I'm wide awake."
Greta smiled, she was happy that he was enjoying it as much as she was. She turned around to face him, he rolled onto his back, and she cuddled up to his side, her arm and hand resting on his chest. He brought his arms around her. "Me too." she finally admitted.
He laughed softly, and leaned up and kissed the top of her head. They stayed like that for a while longer, not wanting to move, loving every moment of it. He finally spoke, "I'm glad you didn't want to get out of bed.
She smiled, "I'm glad you didn't want to go back to yours." They both smiled, and then agreed to get out of bed. They turned on the kitchen light, but not the living room one, and then turned the Christmas lights on. They sat on the couch, and took the stuff out of their stockings. Both happy as to what they got, and both with huge childlike grins on their faces.
They then each went to go get the present for each other out of the pile of other presents for other people out from under the tree. Greta gave Eric his, and he gave her hers. She had him open his first since he was so eager to get out here this morning. He looked at the beautiful wrapping paper, and then with a devilish smile took off the bow and ripped off the paper. Greta just giggled. He then slowly opened the box, and looked at the contents in awh.
"A Camcorder, a very nice one. Thank you."
She smiled, "Eric, look under the camcorder."
He lifted the camcorder up and found to tickets. He took them out and then, placed the camera back in the box. He opened the tickets, "Two tickets for mid march to Aspen."
"Well, I know you miss Colorado, and I know you like to ski. And you have told me you would love to teach me, and I hope that date is okay, it's when my spring break is."
He looked at her, still in shock, "It's more than okay, it's great. Thank you." He said and gave her a huge hug, and then a solid kiss. "I just hope you like my gift to you as much as I like this."
She smiled, "Well, it's from you. I know I'll love it." She said and kissed his cheek. She slowly pulled off the bow, and started to slowly take off the paper, just to annoy him. But then ripped it off. She then cut the tape on the box with her nail, and opened the box.
She starred in shock at what she saw. She picked up the first piece of navy fabric or what there was of it. It was a bikini. She looked over at him, still wide eyed, and caught the look of amusement on his face. "Ummm uhhh, it's nice."
That's when he laughed, "Greta... you don't have to be nice. And that really did get the expression I was hoping for. "No, you don't have to wear it, as a matter of fact I have the receipt if you want to take it back."
She looked at the size, "How did you know what size I wear?"
He smiled, "Well I know what you wore for the photo's I took, and I just found the sizes off that." He watched her, put the top back in the box, "Greta... you don't really think that is all I got you, do you? Look through the rest of the box."
She lifted out the bikini, and some paper, and then found what he was talking about. And she laughed, and he laughed. "Just tell me they aren't the same place and time."
He grinned, "Luckily they aren't, but we do think alike don't we? I'm just surprised we didn't run into each other."
"Me too," she took the tickets out of the box and looked at them, "Hawaii." She grinned, then looked at the date, and smiled wider.
"We leave the 7th, and we'll get back the 12th, enough time for you to get to school, and I got time off work."
She moved over to him, and threw her arms around him, and kissed him, "Thank you! I've never been to Hawaii."
"And you can take the Bikini back and get the swim suit you want." She smiled and nodded, then kissed him again.
"Well, we will be traveling a lot in the next couple of months." He said with a smile.
"Yeah, and it sounds like a lot of fun."
He agreed, and they kissed again. They then put their stuff away, the tickets in a safe place, made breakfast, ate, then got dressed. They then headed over to the Black's with a load of presents.
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Chapter 29
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Greta landed on the couch with sigh, she was exhausted. Hope had dragged her around all day having her help with the last minute wedding details, and fittings. Greta knew one thing for sure, *No matter how much Bo and everyone thinks that Hope is back, there is still a lot of my mother in her.* Greta just couldn't get over the dress that Hope had picked out for the wedding, she shook her head at the sight. Greta closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the back of the couch. She heard the key in the lock, and figured that Eric was home.
He opened the door and walked in, and saw Greta laying on the couch with an arm over her face. "Rough day?"
"You could say that, how about you?"
He took off his coat and threw it over the chair came over to the couch, picked up her legs, sat down, and them put them over his lap. "Not bad, just a photo shoot. It went well."
"That's good."
Eric looked at her, "Okay, what's wrong?"
Greta lifted her arm up a little and looked at him, "What do you mean?"
"Well... you usually ask if Nicole was there," he said with a wink.
"Oh." She sighed and put the arm back over her eyes. "I'm just a little distracted."
"Okay, why?"
"It's Hope."
"Ohh, that again."
Greta took the arm off her face, "Yes that again. Eric something isn't right. She is not herself. She is more like my mother than she is like Hope, but no one is willing to see it."
Eric, unlaced her one shoe, then the other, "Greta, yeah there is still some Gina in her, but she is working to try and get back to herself. You know, you are missing your mother, and Hope looks like her, could it just be that you are seeing something that isn't really there?" He then took off her shoes, and tickled one foot, which she promptly pulled away, but he grabbed the other foot before she could.
Greta gave him a dirty look, "Don't try to get my mind off this. I'm telling you something is really wrong."
"Greta, even if there is, there is nothing you can do about it. And it's not your problem. The wedding will make them both happy. And maybe, like Hope says that is exactly what she needs."
Greta nodded, "Maybe you are right, the wedding is tomorrow, so I guess I should just be happy for them."
Eric agreed, "Don't just be happy for them..." He winked at her, "It is after all New Years Eve tomorrow."
Greta smiled, sat up, and moved closer to him. "Yeah... so" she said with a smile.
"Well..." he said, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. "They say whom ever you are with at midnight, you will be with for the rest of the year."
"Oh really." She said with a smile, leaning in closer.
"Yes, really, and since it's turning 2000, it makes it even more special."
"So who are you going to be with at midnight?" She asked with a teasing smile.
"Oh, I was thinking, of a very beautiful, kind, sweet, smart lady that I know."
"Oh really? Do I know her?"
Eric shook his head, "Of course you do silly. It's you." They both smiled, and he leaned in, and kissed her hard. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him back onto the couch with her. He fell over onto her, breaking the kiss, and they smiled at each other again. "A little eager?" he said teasing her.
"Hey!" She yelled, and then gave a sad look, "Well, okay, I guess you don't want to kiss me." She said with a pout.
He didn't answer her with words, he just wrapped his arms around her, picking her up, a little, sat up, taking her with him, and then laid back, laying her on top, and kissed her. His hands in her hair, his tongue tracing her lips then entering her mouth, tasting. They broke away for some air, "Yeah, I guess I don't want to kiss you."
Greta lightly hit his shoulder, but didn't respond anymore to the teasing because she couldn't, he started to kiss her again before she could.
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Eric snapped another picture of the decorated church, and walked over to the door when he saw his mother, John and Belle walk in. "Hi guys, where do you want to sit?"
"Somewhere in the back," Marlena replied.
"Sure follow me," Eric led them to a row in the back, and then went back to the door, when he spotted Greta coming out of the back room. Greta was shaking her head. "What's wrong?"
"This wedding shouldn't be happening, that woman is not Hope." She said crossing her arms.
"No she's not." Eric and Greta looked over at Shawn, "That woman is not my mother." Doug and Julie walked over, hearing what Shawn has said.
"She isn't acting right at all, this wedding isn't a good idea." replied Julie.
"Maybe we should get Marlena and try and talk some sense into her." Doug said.
Doug, Julie, and Shawn went to find Marlena, and Greta stayed with Eric, "See, I'm not the only one that sees it."
"I guess not, I'm sorry I tried to dismiss your concerns." She smiled, and they hugged, they separated when the three came back with Marlena, and they all went to go see Hope.
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Greta still couldn't believe that the wedding was still going to happen, she was about ready to walk down the aisle, followed by Hope and Doug. *Well, we tried.* Was all she could say to herself. Then she got her cue, and started to walk down the aisle, she saw Eric looking right at her, and smiled at him. She got a smile in return. The wedding proceeded normally, Bo and Hope kissed. The priest announced them man and wife, and they walked down the aisle. Roman took Greta's arm, patting it lightly, giving her a small smile, and they followed Bo and Hope down the aisle.
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Greta got up from the table, and walked over to where Eric was taking some pictures. "Hi." She said quietly.
Eric turned to face her, "Hi yourself." He paused and looked at her, "You know, I didn't get the chance before, but... you look beautiful."
She blushed slightly, smiled, and said "Thank you."
"Want some champaign?" He asked her, motioning to the waiter.
"Yes please."
Eric took two glasses and gave one to her, when the announcer came on, "We are now ready for the first dance, may the bride and groom come to the dance floor." Bo and Hope entered the dance floor and started to dance. Greta took a sip of her champaign, as she watched them dance. Eric moved closer to her, and put and arm around her waist, and she leaned into him. "Follow me." He said into her ear, grabbing her hand, pulling her with him. She smiled and followed him out onto the terrace. He took his coat off and put it around her shoulders and she smiled. Eric looked at his watch, "Good, still have 3 minutes." She grinned up at him. He held up his glass of champaign, "To the next year, the new millennium, and us."
She smiled, and they clinked glasses, and then each took a sip. They then set the glasses down on the ledge, and held onto one another as they looked out over the city. They looked at Eric's watch counting down to midnight. "5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Happy New Year," they said in unison and they kissed. Fireworks going off through the city announcing a new year, new century, and millennium. They weren't aware of the fireworks, because they were creating their own.
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Chapter 30
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They slowly pulled away from each other, and Eric looked into her eyes. He felt so many things, and they all scared him to death. He smiled, took her hand, and motioned back to the door. "We better get in there, or they may want to know where the maid of honor went."
She nodded in agree meant, and took his arm, as he led her back inside. Once inside, she gave him his jacket back, and he thanked her, as he put his arms into it. She smiled, and gave him a kiss on the cheek, as they rejoined the party. They danced, talked, mingled with other guests. About a half hour or so later, Greta looked around then spoke, "You know, I wonder where Hope is. I haven't seen her in awhile."
Eric smiled, "Well she's probably with Bo somewhere."
Greta shook her head, "No, because Bo is over there, and he has been for awhile now." She said motioning over towards John and Roman.
"Well she might be changing or something so they can leave for their honeymoon"
Greta nodded, "That makes sense," She said, and they continued to dance. She smiled, as Eric pulled her a little closer, and kissed the top of her head. A little while later, they were setting at a table, eating some cake. Eric, took a fork full and then held it up to her. She laughed and shook her head, but he insisted. She finally agreed, and she took the bite off the fork, but not before Eric got her with some frosting on her check. She rolled her eyes at him, and he laughed. She was about read to whip it away, when he grabbed her hand not to. Instead she leaned in, and kissed it away. She giggled slightly, but stopped when the next kiss landed on her lips. Then he backed away, and they both smiled. She leaned in, and laid her head on his shoulder. Then all of a sudden she shivered, and she sat up quickly.
"Are you cold?" Eric asked, about ready to take off his coat.
"No." She said with a confused look on her face.
"Then what's wrong?"
"I don't know, I just got this really weird feeling all of a sudden. Like something's wrong." Eric didn't understand, but her pulled her in for a hug. Then he watched in shock as he seen the paramedics role in two stretchers. Greta saw it too, "What's going on?"
They both stood up, and Eric watched in horror as John carried Marlena in and laid her on a stretcher. "Mom," he yelled, and they both quickly made there way over to her, Eric holding her hand.
Greta looked up at that moment, to see Bo carrying in Hope. "Oh, my God." She said, and she felt like she was going to faint, she couldn't shake this feeling that she had.
Eric looked at John, "What happened?"
"We aren't sure, all we know is that Hope pulled a gun on her, there was the struggle for the gun, and they both got shot."
The Paramedics and Lexi were all surrounding Hope, and after a little bit, they left with her. Greta couldn't keep her eyes off of it, and watched as they wheeled her out. She shook her head, and then looked back to Marlena.
She was saying something, but know one could understand, Belle rushed out to the Terrace to get Marlena's purse. They found out that the bullet only grazed her, and she would be fine, which put a little bit of relief on Eric's face.
Then she started to talk more clearly, "Shawn... Fell... Terrace." Then the horror returned on everyone's face, as John and Roman rushed out to the Terrace. Greta and Eric stayed with Marlena.
"Mom, come on, wake up" He said holding her hand. Greta had her hand on his back, trying to comfort him, but to her dismay, most of her thoughts were on Hope. She just couldn't shake the feeling that there was something else going on in all this. A few minutes later they saw another group of paramedics rush past them, and out to the Terrace.
Marlena slowly woke up, and came to her senses, she looked at Eric, "Shawn." Was the first thing out of her mouth.
"Roman and John found him, he's on a ledge, and they are trying to get him off of it." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Mom, we need to get you to the hospital."
"No, I want to wait to see if Shawn is okay."
Eric knew better than to fight her on it, "Okay, then tell us what happened."
She was about ready to talk when the paramedics rushed back the other way with Shawn on the stretcher, Roman following. John and Belle stopped beside Marlena. John looked at Marlena, kissed her forehead, and gave her a hug. "We are heading to the hospital."
"John, take Belle and Mom, and we'll meet you there soon." John nodded at helped Marlena to the elevator with Belle right behind them.
Eric looked over to Greta, "I can't believe this." Then he noticed how pale she looked, "Greta, what's wrong?"
Greta shook her head, "I'm not sure, let's just get to the hospital." Eric grabbed her hand, and they got the next elevator to the lobby and then rushed to the Jeep. Eric unlocked the doors and they hopped in, and in no time they were at the Hospital and rushing in. They saw John and Marlena and rushed over to them. Marlena gave Eric a hug.
"Any news?" he asked.
"They rushed Hope into surgery, and they are still looking at Shawn." John answered. Eric looked around, and saw everyone standing around, with worried faces, he pulled Belle over to him, and gave her and hug, which she gladly accepted.
Greta looked around, "How did this all happen?"
Marlena sighed, "Hope is very unstable, I went out to the Terrace to talk to her, when I saw," she stopped then continued with a crack in her voice, "I saw her shoot at Shawn's feet when he was standing up on the ledge and saw him fall off. She then pointed the gun at me."
Eric shook his head, "That does not sound like Hope at all."
Marlena agreed, "That's because it really isn't, she still thinks she is Gina." Marlena looked at Greta, and saw the look on her face. "Greta, are you okay?"
"I just have a really bad feeling about something, and I don't know what it is."
"Greta, you have been spending some time with Hope, with the whole wedding thing and everything. Have you noticed anything strange?"
Greta nodded, "Yeah, a lot of things, she she more like my mother then the Hope that I knew. It was like sometimes I had to think twice because I would almost call her mother." She looked down, and crossed her arms in front of her. Eric slowly moved Belle to John. And John put his arms around her, as Eric moved over to Greta, and held her in his arms.
"I should have listened to you, when you kept saying something was wrong with her."
"Listen, there was nothing either one of you could have done, Bo didn't even notice that something was this wrong. You tried to talk her out of the wedding, but in the end it was both of their choices." John told them.
Eric looked around, "Where is Bo any ways?"
"He wanted to be alone, he's somewhere in the hospital." Marlena replied.
"Listen Doc, I'm going to go find a doctor that can take a look at you. Why don't you and Belle sit down, and I'll be right back. Marlena and Belle went to sit down.
Greta moved her face into Eric's chest, and he held onto her. "This is reminding you of your mother and her death isn't it?" He asked already knowing the answer.
Greta nodded and looked up at him, "Yeah it is, but it's more than that. A lot more, and I can't put my finger on it. But it's almost like..." and she paused and looked towards the OR.
"It's like what? Greta, tell me." He said moving her face back to look at him.
"It's almost like it's not Hope in there. I feel like it's my mother."
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To Be Continued