Chapter 7
Stefano and Alistair find themselves in the jail ward of the hospital. Eve keeps a vigil over Julian.
Ethan came out of his mother's room at Harmony Hospital. He told himself he was going to somehow find a way to thank Gwen, when he got home!
A nurse had come in the room with him and Simon Cowell, and told him that his wife was out in the waiting area. Thank God, Ethan had thought. Cowell had tried to put his hand on his knee three times already!
He had had no idea that Simon Cowell and his mother were even close! Sure, he remembered meeting him a few times, on trips to London with his mother and Julian. And he had watched a couple of episodes of 'American Idol'.
When Ethan had walked in on him earlier, with Whitney and Teresa, he had sensed tension between the three of them. He wondered what was really going on? Simon appeared to care for his mother, stroking her hand and talking to her, about events Ethan knew nothing about. Still...he could've sworn the man had licked his lips when he had looked at him earlier!
Ethan saw Gwen standing in the hallway, next to a nurse's station. He kissed her hello, and immediately took note of her distress.
'What? What is it?' he asked. He put his hands on her shoulders.
'Ethan, I'm here because my mother is here.'
'Rebecca? What happened?'
Gwen looked around. She saw a couple of sneaky reporters circling the area. She then focused in on Ethan.
'Tony DiMera raped her in her apartment!'
'What?!'
Gwen nodded quickly.
'Yes, and it gets worse! Stefano was with him, and would've done the same thing, if Mother hadn't shot them both!'
'Rebecca shot Tony and Stefano DiMera? I didn't even know she owned a gun, much less knew how to fire one!'
'Neither did I, Ethan! God, you should see the bruises on her neck! Mother told me he was choking her the whole time while he was assaulting her! God it makes me sick!'
Ethan pulled her into his arms. What Rebecca must've went through! He let go of Gwen.
'Where is she now?' he asked.
'The police are getting a rape kit...you know, it finally looks like the DiMera's are going down, but it took an act of violence against my poor, defenseless mother, to make it happen!'
Gwen then began to cry. Ethan held her again. Her cell phone began to ring. Gwen let go of her husband, pulled the phone out of her purse, and answered it.
'Hello?'
'Gwen? It's John Black.'
Gwen looked at Ethan, then mouthed the name 'John Black' to him. Ethan rubbed Gwen's back.
'Hello, John. I suppose you've heard?'
'I did. How is Becky? Where is she? Is she up to talking to anyone?'
'She's still getting examined...we're at the hospital, Ethan and I.' Gwen told him. She had to admit, she was somewhat curious as to why John Black had called in the first place. While her mother had not told her the exact details as to why he had chosen Marlena over her, Gwen was under the impression that John couldn't care less about her mother.
'I don't know John, like I said, she's still being examined. Ethan and I are going to take her home with us...you know, so she won't have to stay at her apartment. You could call her later there.'
'I will. Gwen, I don't know how much you know about what happened between your mother and I...but you have to know that I would've NEVER let those animals near her! I will call her later, I promise.'
Gwen was stunned by the passion she heard in John's voice! She wondered if Marlena knew he was calling?
'Do that, John. I'm sure she'll want to hear from you. Goodbye.'
'Goodbye, Gwen. Say hello to Ethan for me.'
'I will.' she responded, hanging up first. Was it possible that John Black still cared for her mother?
'That was John Black?' Ethan asked. Gwen looked at him. She then put her phone back in her purse.
'That was indeed. And he sounded very upset.'
'Well can you blame him? He's been victimized by the DiMera's for years, and he did care for your mother. This whole thing is probably very upsetting.'
Gwen nodded, but before she could comment on it, Simon Cowell came running down the hall, screaming for a doctor! Two nurses came running. Gwen looked at Ethan.
'Is that who I think it is?' she asked.
'Yes, and I've had the pleasure of his unwanted company, for several hours now!'
'Why?!'
Ethan threw up his hands!
'He claims he's here because he loves my mother!'
Gwen blinked hard!
'Simon Cowell and your mother?' Gwen asked, then she suddenly looked deep in thought.
'What?' Ethan asked.
'Actually, I could see the two of them together.'
'Uh, no! I couldn't! Let's see what he's screaming about.'
Ethan and Gwen hurried down to Ivy's room. A doctor, nurse and Simon were standing over a now awakened Ivy!
****
A few moments later, an elevator door opened, and Stefano DiMera was wheeled in on a gurney, unconscious! His skin infection had gotten so bad, that he had passed out. Sam stopped the doctor that was in charge of him.
'Make sure you take him to the jail ward.' Sam instructed him. The doctor nodded. Sam then sighed loudly. Simone was still unconscious and being brought in. T.C. had grown more beside himself, the longer his daughter stayed unconscious. What a day this had turned in to!
He looked up and saw Ethan running towards him. Now what? More bad news?
'Ethan? What is it?' he asked his son.
'Mother is awake. God, I've prayed for this!'
Sam smiled.
'That's good to know son, now...'
Sam and Ethan gaped, as the elevator doors opened again, and a near hysterical Eve came rushing in with an unconscious Julian on a gurney! Fox, Whitney and John Hastings, followed. Eve grabbed Dr. Parks and insisted on coming with her. Dr. Parks had to gently remind Eve that she was no longer on staff there. Eve followed after them anyway.
Ethan and Sam walked over Fox, Whitney and John.
'What's going on here? What happened to Julian?' Sam asked. Ethan stared after Eve.
'Alistair was disguised as a maid this whole time, and Julian and I caught him trying to drown the twins!' Fox hissed, disgusted that they had all been fooled by Alistair. He turned slightly.
'There goes the bastard now! Julian and him tussled and they both fell down the stairs!'
Sam, Ethan, Fox, Whitney and John, stared, as an unconscious Alistair was wheeled past, half of his disguise already off. Sam shook his head with disgust, then stopped the doctor that was taking charge.
'This man goes to the jail ward!' he ordered him. The doctor nodded and rushed off with Alistair.
At that moment, Simon appeared in the hallway. He looked at everyone, knowing he was not really welcome. He didn't care. John was surprised to see him. He loved 'American Idol'.
'Ethan, oh, hello Fox, Whitney. Ethan, Ivy is asking for you.'
Fox gaped at him!
'What the hell are you doing here, you perverted ^%$#?!'
'Fox!' Whitney cried out.
Simon looked from Fox, to Whitney. He smiled at her.
'Didn't Whitney tell you? They saw me here earlier. I care for your mother deeply, and have decided to devote my time to her bedside. Luckily, I wasn't here long, before my soothing words brought her back to us.'
Simon then turned to Ethan and put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it. Ethan reached up and removed his hand!
'I'll go see to my mother, thanks Simon.' Ethan bit out. He looked at Fox.
'I know you have other responsibilities, but if you could come by to see Mother, while you're here...'
'Yes, Fox, Ivy needs all of her family around her now.' Simon said somberly.
'Shut the hell up, Cowell!' Fox snapped. He then grabbed Whitney by the arm and pulled her away.
'Why didn't you tell me that SOB was here?'
'Because I was afraid you'd react like you're reacting now. Let's just forget about him.'
'What is all of this crap about how he 'cares for Mother'? What is that all about?'
Whitney pulled on her husband's arm.
'Forget about it. Right now we have to worry about Julian. I'm also wondering about Tony and Stefano. I'm going to ask Sam about them.'
'Come on,' Fox said, 'we might as well since he's here.'
Fox still didn't like this 'Simon Cowell Surprise'! What did he mean by 'he cared for Mother'? Cared for her how? Like one cares of a friend? Or even a pet? Certainly not how one cared for a lover! For Fox knew that his mother had only loved Sam Bennett most of her life. She wouldn't let a slickster like Cowell anywhere near her!
'Sam,' Whitney asked, as they neared him. 'Did you catch Tony and Stefano?'
Before Sam could answer, two elevators opened at the same time. Tony was wheeled in on one. Everyone in the immediate area stared. Sam walked over to make sure that it was made clear, that Tony too, belonged in the jail ward.
'Oh come on!' Tony snapped. 'I did not rape anyone!'
Ethan looked at Sam.
'I'm glad Gwen wasn't here when that piece of filth was brought in!' he said snidely.
Whitney and John gasped when they saw who was on the second gurney. It was an unconscious Simone! T.C. and Celeste were with her. They rushed up to the gurney.
'Daddy! Celeste? What are you doing here?'
T.C. looked at Celeste.
'Maybe you should explain that now.' he suggested curtly.
'Julian asked me to come here.' she answered defensively.
'Julian?!' T.C. howled, about to go off, yet again.
'Yes, T.C.. He came to see Alexandra in Salem, hoping that she would come here and renew her relationship with her brother, and maybe move in so she could watch over Simone. But, she refused.'
T.C. looked away. Celeste continued.
'I overheard some of their conversation. I told Julian I would find a way to help Simone. I went to see her and all was well, until Tony and Stefano appeared. When Simone tried to call 911 for Tony, Stefano pushed her...she hit her head and fell.'
John made his way to Simone's side, touching her hair. He then looked over at T.C..
'Why is she still unconscious?'
T.C. blinked, as if seeing him for the first time.
'What the hell are you doing here?! First you dump my little girl, over something that was not in the least bit her fault, now I find your sniveling ass here on one of the worst night's of our lives! Get out of here!'
'Daddy, please!' Whitney cried.
'No, Whitney! Neither you or your mother, were around when Simone was moping about, broken hearted! Whatever you did to her, drove her into DiMera's clutches! Whatever you did, put her here in this hospital! Get out of here, and don't let me catch you around again!'
John pulled Whitney a few feet away. Fox, who had been watching from afar, joined them.
'What do you think?' Fox asked.
'I'm staying, but I'll just wait until your father leaves, Whitney. He'll have to go home sometime. Maybe I can get a chance to see Simone then.'
Whitney nodded, feeling a bit sorry for him. John really was trying very hard. She looked at Fox.
'I'd better tell Mom that Simone is here.'
Fox shook his head.
'You're mom is already freaking out over my father...'
'I know, but she has to know. I'll be back.'
Whitney kissed Fox, then walked back over to her father and Celeste.
'Just so you know, Mom is here with Julian.'
'Oh Lord!' T.C. began to rage. 'This is the last damned thing Simone or I need! All of this is your mother's fault and...'
'Daddy, please!' Whitney snapped. 'Mom is here because Julian is a patient!'
'What happened?' Celeste asked, eyeing T.C.'s angry features.
'We found out that Alistair Crane had disguised himself as one the maids. Julian caught him trying to drown the twins.'
'Oh my God!' Celeste uttered, putting a hand over her heart. T.C. looked down, somewhat ashamed.
'Anyway, Julian tried to stop him and they both fell down the stairs. Julian is still unconscious...so, Daddy, if you can refrain from blaming Mom for everything, at least until we know Julian is going to be okay, it would be much appreciated!'
'I'm still your father, Whitney, and there's no need to get smart! I didn't know about Julian or Alistair, and I don't blame your mother for everything!'
'Okay, Daddy, I'm sorry. I'm going to see Mom now and tell her about Simone, then I'll be back, okay?'
T.C. nodded and Whitney hugged him. Fox watched the scene from afar, then looked at John.
'I'm going to see my mother. I'll be back.'
John just nodded. Fox walked down the hallway towards her room. Simon Cowell could go home now. He and Ethan would be taking care of their mother from now on!
****
Alistair awoke, tried to sit up, then found that he was too woozy to do even that. He laid his head back down, and tried to get a bearing on his surroundings.
Christ! He was in some sort of hospital, and he could feel that his fat suit had been removed! His fake middle finger was also gone. That meant he had been caught!
He then remembered trying to drown Julian's brats and Fox and Julian stopping him. Then, he remembered thinking that if he could just get down the stairs and out through a side door, he'd be home free!
But, Julian had jumped on him, knocking them both down the stairs! Damn his son! When would the boy ever learn that he did what he did to help him, and their family legacy!
Alistair heard a moan. He knew it had not come from him. This time, woozy or not, he lifted his head and looked over to his right. Mother of God!
Stefano DiMera lay there, his face now a light shade of pink. He was dressed in a hospital gown as well. Well, now Alistair knew he was in hell!
Alistair looked straight ahead, and saw two guards posted at the door! Great! There was no escaping this time!
Someone then coughed to the left of him. He looked over and found Tony DiMera sitting up and looking straight at him!
'Well, well, well. If it isn't Alistair Crane. What do I owe this pleasure of having you as a roommate?'
'Shut-up!' Alistair hissed. 'I don't know how you can be Stefano DiMera's son! If you had just kept that Russell woman away from my son, then I wouldn't be in this predicament!'
'Me?! What about you? You've had more than enough opportunity to keep those two apart!'
Alistair suddenly peered at him.
'That's right! I overheard some talk earlier about Stefano and you raping Rebecca Hotchkiss! To be felled by a woman...the two of you are a disgrace to your name!'
Tony, who's leg was feeling much better, got up off of his bed. He self-consciously reached back and tried to close his gown in the back. He eyed the guards, who had their backs to their room. He then swiftly picked up one of his pillows and proceeded to bring it down hard over Alistair's face! Alistair began to thrash about wildly!
Tony began to hiss at him!
'I know why you're here too, Alistair! And let me tell you something, if you touch Eve's babies again, or do anything to hurt the woman I love in anyway, I will make sure you pay for it! Is that understood?!'
The guards turned around at all of the thrashing, and came running in, just as Stefano began to wake up. His face felt a little better, but what the hell was going on over there? Was that Tony and...and...Alistair Crane?!
One guard shoved Tony back onto his bed, throwing the pillow aside. Alistair gasped for air!
'That madman tried to kill me!' he screamed, pointing at Tony.
'Shut-up, Crane!' One guard yelled. The other smiled. This was quite a room. He thought about taking a picture and sending it to a tabloid, for a price. He could use a little extra money, with the holidays coming up.
****
Eve sat at Julian's bedside. Her hands were clasped in his, as she tried to will her husband to wake up.
Whitney walked in quietly. A nurse was writing something on a chart. Whitney put a hand on her mother's shoulder. Eve looked up at her, her face tear stained. Whitney dreaded having to tell her about Simone.
'How is he?' she asked, looking at Julian. He looked as if he were sleeping.
Eve sniffed and reluctantly let go of Julian's hand. She stood up.
'He's unconscious. We'll just have to wait and see.'
'I'm sorry, Mom. I know what you're going through. When Fox fell from that trellis, I really thought that our life together was going to be cut short. We just have to pray that Julian and...'
Eve looked at her.
'And who? What? Who else is hurt, Whitney?'
Whitney squeezed her mother's arm.
'Simone is here.'
'Oh God! Why? What happened?! I have to go to her!'
'Okay, okay! But Daddy is here with her. I will go and sit with Simone until she wakes up, then I will come and get you, okay?'
Eve closed her eyes and nodded. She didn't want Julian to wake up alone. She sat back down. Whitney was about to leave, then stopped to turn around.
'Oh, by the way, Ivy is awake.'
'Oh great! The news just gets better!' Eve said bitterly. She then shook her head.
'I didn't mean that. No matter what Ivy has done, I didn't want to see her stay in a coma forever or die. She's going to need psychiatric help now.'
Whitney stared at her.
'You know, I forgot that. I don't know why...'
Eve eyed Whitney.
'Yes you do. Because whenever you think of Ivy Winthrop, you don't think of her as a suicidal woman. I don't know what she was thinking.'
Whitney shrugged.
'Well, I'm going to go check in on Simone. I don't suppose you want to know about Alistair's condition...'
Eve put a hand up!
'I'll be paying that piece of %$$# a visit really soon! Now HIS death wouldn't bother me! I knew something was off about her...him!'
'Everyone is going to get what they deserve, Mom. I'll be back to check on the two of you. Fox will be by soon.'
Eve nodded, then turned back to Julian. She picked up his hand again, as Whitney left.
'Julian, you have to wake up. You have to. Our life together has been so wonderful...watching our children grow up...it's more than I ever hoped or dreamed to have with you...you can't die...because if you do then I'll die...I won't have the strength to raise our babies alone...Julian please...please...come back to me....'
Julian's eyes suddenly opened. Eve's eyes widened and she jumped up, her hands still clasped with his.
'Julian! Oh, Julian! Thank God! Look, I can't examine you, but let me call for Dr. Parks...'
Eve began to move away from him, but Julian pulled on her hands.
'Eve! Eve!'
Eve heard the panic in his voice, then began to feel sick. His eyes were open, but he wasn't looking at her.
'Julian,' Eve said, her throat feeling dry, 'can you see me?'
That question made Julian sound more panicked!
'Eve? Eve, tell me that the lights are out in here?!'
Eve gripped his hands tightly!
'Honey, it will be alright. It will be alright.' she said softly.
'Are the lights off in here?!' Julian demanded.
Eve shook her head, then realized he couldn't see her shaking her head.
'Darling, I'm sure this is related to your fall...it's probably temporary...'
'OH GOD! I'M BLIND! EVE, I CAN'T SEE YOU! GOD NO!'
****
Over in another room, Simone began to stir. T.C. and Celeste stood up and moved closer to her. T.C. began to stroke her hair.
Simone woke up and seemed stunned to see her father standing over her.
'Daddy?'
'Honey, I'm right here! You're going to be alright.'
Simone tried to sit up, but instantly felt dizzy. Celeste moved to the other side of the bed and began to ease her back down onto the pillow.
Suddenly, Julian's cries could be heard! T.C. looked towards the door. He then rolled his eyes.
'That's just that fool, Julian! Who knows what his problem is? Probably his bedpan wasn't changed quickly enough!'
'Julian? Why is he here? Why am I here?' Simone asked.
'Darling,' Celeste said, 'remember there was an altercation at the house?'
Simone stared at her, uncomprehending for a moment. Then, something in her eyes clicked, and she looked from Celeste to T.C..
'Daddy! Stefano was in our house! Oh God!'
T.C. put his arms around her.
'It's going to be alright! That man is going to be locked up, along with his rapist son!'
Simone stopped crying abruptly and pulled away from T.C..
'Who's a rapist?' she asked. 'Not Tony?'
Celeste shot T.C. a dirty look. He returned her glance with a guilty one. Celeste thought it was too soon for Simone to learn the news about Tony and Rebecca!
Dr. Parks walked in and smiled at the three of them. T.C. looked at her.
'Hey, Dr. Parks! When can my little girl go home?'
'Oh, we'll keep her overnight and then release her tomorrow. Simone, you were so lucky, That fall could've injured your baby.'
T.C. sucked in a breath and looked at Simone. Simone's eyes widened and she looked at Celeste, who kept a calm head, but inside, her heart was breaking. If Simone was pregnant with Tony DiMera's baby, she would never escape the DiMera's.
Stefano and Alistair find themselves in the jail ward of the hospital. Eve keeps a vigil over Julian.
Ethan came out of his mother's room at Harmony Hospital. He told himself he was going to somehow find a way to thank Gwen, when he got home!
A nurse had come in the room with him and Simon Cowell, and told him that his wife was out in the waiting area. Thank God, Ethan had thought. Cowell had tried to put his hand on his knee three times already!
He had had no idea that Simon Cowell and his mother were even close! Sure, he remembered meeting him a few times, on trips to London with his mother and Julian. And he had watched a couple of episodes of 'American Idol'.
When Ethan had walked in on him earlier, with Whitney and Teresa, he had sensed tension between the three of them. He wondered what was really going on? Simon appeared to care for his mother, stroking her hand and talking to her, about events Ethan knew nothing about. Still...he could've sworn the man had licked his lips when he had looked at him earlier!
Ethan saw Gwen standing in the hallway, next to a nurse's station. He kissed her hello, and immediately took note of her distress.
'What? What is it?' he asked. He put his hands on her shoulders.
'Ethan, I'm here because my mother is here.'
'Rebecca? What happened?'
Gwen looked around. She saw a couple of sneaky reporters circling the area. She then focused in on Ethan.
'Tony DiMera raped her in her apartment!'
'What?!'
Gwen nodded quickly.
'Yes, and it gets worse! Stefano was with him, and would've done the same thing, if Mother hadn't shot them both!'
'Rebecca shot Tony and Stefano DiMera? I didn't even know she owned a gun, much less knew how to fire one!'
'Neither did I, Ethan! God, you should see the bruises on her neck! Mother told me he was choking her the whole time while he was assaulting her! God it makes me sick!'
Ethan pulled her into his arms. What Rebecca must've went through! He let go of Gwen.
'Where is she now?' he asked.
'The police are getting a rape kit...you know, it finally looks like the DiMera's are going down, but it took an act of violence against my poor, defenseless mother, to make it happen!'
Gwen then began to cry. Ethan held her again. Her cell phone began to ring. Gwen let go of her husband, pulled the phone out of her purse, and answered it.
'Hello?'
'Gwen? It's John Black.'
Gwen looked at Ethan, then mouthed the name 'John Black' to him. Ethan rubbed Gwen's back.
'Hello, John. I suppose you've heard?'
'I did. How is Becky? Where is she? Is she up to talking to anyone?'
'She's still getting examined...we're at the hospital, Ethan and I.' Gwen told him. She had to admit, she was somewhat curious as to why John Black had called in the first place. While her mother had not told her the exact details as to why he had chosen Marlena over her, Gwen was under the impression that John couldn't care less about her mother.
'I don't know John, like I said, she's still being examined. Ethan and I are going to take her home with us...you know, so she won't have to stay at her apartment. You could call her later there.'
'I will. Gwen, I don't know how much you know about what happened between your mother and I...but you have to know that I would've NEVER let those animals near her! I will call her later, I promise.'
Gwen was stunned by the passion she heard in John's voice! She wondered if Marlena knew he was calling?
'Do that, John. I'm sure she'll want to hear from you. Goodbye.'
'Goodbye, Gwen. Say hello to Ethan for me.'
'I will.' she responded, hanging up first. Was it possible that John Black still cared for her mother?
'That was John Black?' Ethan asked. Gwen looked at him. She then put her phone back in her purse.
'That was indeed. And he sounded very upset.'
'Well can you blame him? He's been victimized by the DiMera's for years, and he did care for your mother. This whole thing is probably very upsetting.'
Gwen nodded, but before she could comment on it, Simon Cowell came running down the hall, screaming for a doctor! Two nurses came running. Gwen looked at Ethan.
'Is that who I think it is?' she asked.
'Yes, and I've had the pleasure of his unwanted company, for several hours now!'
'Why?!'
Ethan threw up his hands!
'He claims he's here because he loves my mother!'
Gwen blinked hard!
'Simon Cowell and your mother?' Gwen asked, then she suddenly looked deep in thought.
'What?' Ethan asked.
'Actually, I could see the two of them together.'
'Uh, no! I couldn't! Let's see what he's screaming about.'
Ethan and Gwen hurried down to Ivy's room. A doctor, nurse and Simon were standing over a now awakened Ivy!
****
A few moments later, an elevator door opened, and Stefano DiMera was wheeled in on a gurney, unconscious! His skin infection had gotten so bad, that he had passed out. Sam stopped the doctor that was in charge of him.
'Make sure you take him to the jail ward.' Sam instructed him. The doctor nodded. Sam then sighed loudly. Simone was still unconscious and being brought in. T.C. had grown more beside himself, the longer his daughter stayed unconscious. What a day this had turned in to!
He looked up and saw Ethan running towards him. Now what? More bad news?
'Ethan? What is it?' he asked his son.
'Mother is awake. God, I've prayed for this!'
Sam smiled.
'That's good to know son, now...'
Sam and Ethan gaped, as the elevator doors opened again, and a near hysterical Eve came rushing in with an unconscious Julian on a gurney! Fox, Whitney and John Hastings, followed. Eve grabbed Dr. Parks and insisted on coming with her. Dr. Parks had to gently remind Eve that she was no longer on staff there. Eve followed after them anyway.
Ethan and Sam walked over Fox, Whitney and John.
'What's going on here? What happened to Julian?' Sam asked. Ethan stared after Eve.
'Alistair was disguised as a maid this whole time, and Julian and I caught him trying to drown the twins!' Fox hissed, disgusted that they had all been fooled by Alistair. He turned slightly.
'There goes the bastard now! Julian and him tussled and they both fell down the stairs!'
Sam, Ethan, Fox, Whitney and John, stared, as an unconscious Alistair was wheeled past, half of his disguise already off. Sam shook his head with disgust, then stopped the doctor that was taking charge.
'This man goes to the jail ward!' he ordered him. The doctor nodded and rushed off with Alistair.
At that moment, Simon appeared in the hallway. He looked at everyone, knowing he was not really welcome. He didn't care. John was surprised to see him. He loved 'American Idol'.
'Ethan, oh, hello Fox, Whitney. Ethan, Ivy is asking for you.'
Fox gaped at him!
'What the hell are you doing here, you perverted ^%$#?!'
'Fox!' Whitney cried out.
Simon looked from Fox, to Whitney. He smiled at her.
'Didn't Whitney tell you? They saw me here earlier. I care for your mother deeply, and have decided to devote my time to her bedside. Luckily, I wasn't here long, before my soothing words brought her back to us.'
Simon then turned to Ethan and put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it. Ethan reached up and removed his hand!
'I'll go see to my mother, thanks Simon.' Ethan bit out. He looked at Fox.
'I know you have other responsibilities, but if you could come by to see Mother, while you're here...'
'Yes, Fox, Ivy needs all of her family around her now.' Simon said somberly.
'Shut the hell up, Cowell!' Fox snapped. He then grabbed Whitney by the arm and pulled her away.
'Why didn't you tell me that SOB was here?'
'Because I was afraid you'd react like you're reacting now. Let's just forget about him.'
'What is all of this crap about how he 'cares for Mother'? What is that all about?'
Whitney pulled on her husband's arm.
'Forget about it. Right now we have to worry about Julian. I'm also wondering about Tony and Stefano. I'm going to ask Sam about them.'
'Come on,' Fox said, 'we might as well since he's here.'
Fox still didn't like this 'Simon Cowell Surprise'! What did he mean by 'he cared for Mother'? Cared for her how? Like one cares of a friend? Or even a pet? Certainly not how one cared for a lover! For Fox knew that his mother had only loved Sam Bennett most of her life. She wouldn't let a slickster like Cowell anywhere near her!
'Sam,' Whitney asked, as they neared him. 'Did you catch Tony and Stefano?'
Before Sam could answer, two elevators opened at the same time. Tony was wheeled in on one. Everyone in the immediate area stared. Sam walked over to make sure that it was made clear, that Tony too, belonged in the jail ward.
'Oh come on!' Tony snapped. 'I did not rape anyone!'
Ethan looked at Sam.
'I'm glad Gwen wasn't here when that piece of filth was brought in!' he said snidely.
Whitney and John gasped when they saw who was on the second gurney. It was an unconscious Simone! T.C. and Celeste were with her. They rushed up to the gurney.
'Daddy! Celeste? What are you doing here?'
T.C. looked at Celeste.
'Maybe you should explain that now.' he suggested curtly.
'Julian asked me to come here.' she answered defensively.
'Julian?!' T.C. howled, about to go off, yet again.
'Yes, T.C.. He came to see Alexandra in Salem, hoping that she would come here and renew her relationship with her brother, and maybe move in so she could watch over Simone. But, she refused.'
T.C. looked away. Celeste continued.
'I overheard some of their conversation. I told Julian I would find a way to help Simone. I went to see her and all was well, until Tony and Stefano appeared. When Simone tried to call 911 for Tony, Stefano pushed her...she hit her head and fell.'
John made his way to Simone's side, touching her hair. He then looked over at T.C..
'Why is she still unconscious?'
T.C. blinked, as if seeing him for the first time.
'What the hell are you doing here?! First you dump my little girl, over something that was not in the least bit her fault, now I find your sniveling ass here on one of the worst night's of our lives! Get out of here!'
'Daddy, please!' Whitney cried.
'No, Whitney! Neither you or your mother, were around when Simone was moping about, broken hearted! Whatever you did to her, drove her into DiMera's clutches! Whatever you did, put her here in this hospital! Get out of here, and don't let me catch you around again!'
John pulled Whitney a few feet away. Fox, who had been watching from afar, joined them.
'What do you think?' Fox asked.
'I'm staying, but I'll just wait until your father leaves, Whitney. He'll have to go home sometime. Maybe I can get a chance to see Simone then.'
Whitney nodded, feeling a bit sorry for him. John really was trying very hard. She looked at Fox.
'I'd better tell Mom that Simone is here.'
Fox shook his head.
'You're mom is already freaking out over my father...'
'I know, but she has to know. I'll be back.'
Whitney kissed Fox, then walked back over to her father and Celeste.
'Just so you know, Mom is here with Julian.'
'Oh Lord!' T.C. began to rage. 'This is the last damned thing Simone or I need! All of this is your mother's fault and...'
'Daddy, please!' Whitney snapped. 'Mom is here because Julian is a patient!'
'What happened?' Celeste asked, eyeing T.C.'s angry features.
'We found out that Alistair Crane had disguised himself as one the maids. Julian caught him trying to drown the twins.'
'Oh my God!' Celeste uttered, putting a hand over her heart. T.C. looked down, somewhat ashamed.
'Anyway, Julian tried to stop him and they both fell down the stairs. Julian is still unconscious...so, Daddy, if you can refrain from blaming Mom for everything, at least until we know Julian is going to be okay, it would be much appreciated!'
'I'm still your father, Whitney, and there's no need to get smart! I didn't know about Julian or Alistair, and I don't blame your mother for everything!'
'Okay, Daddy, I'm sorry. I'm going to see Mom now and tell her about Simone, then I'll be back, okay?'
T.C. nodded and Whitney hugged him. Fox watched the scene from afar, then looked at John.
'I'm going to see my mother. I'll be back.'
John just nodded. Fox walked down the hallway towards her room. Simon Cowell could go home now. He and Ethan would be taking care of their mother from now on!
****
Alistair awoke, tried to sit up, then found that he was too woozy to do even that. He laid his head back down, and tried to get a bearing on his surroundings.
Christ! He was in some sort of hospital, and he could feel that his fat suit had been removed! His fake middle finger was also gone. That meant he had been caught!
He then remembered trying to drown Julian's brats and Fox and Julian stopping him. Then, he remembered thinking that if he could just get down the stairs and out through a side door, he'd be home free!
But, Julian had jumped on him, knocking them both down the stairs! Damn his son! When would the boy ever learn that he did what he did to help him, and their family legacy!
Alistair heard a moan. He knew it had not come from him. This time, woozy or not, he lifted his head and looked over to his right. Mother of God!
Stefano DiMera lay there, his face now a light shade of pink. He was dressed in a hospital gown as well. Well, now Alistair knew he was in hell!
Alistair looked straight ahead, and saw two guards posted at the door! Great! There was no escaping this time!
Someone then coughed to the left of him. He looked over and found Tony DiMera sitting up and looking straight at him!
'Well, well, well. If it isn't Alistair Crane. What do I owe this pleasure of having you as a roommate?'
'Shut-up!' Alistair hissed. 'I don't know how you can be Stefano DiMera's son! If you had just kept that Russell woman away from my son, then I wouldn't be in this predicament!'
'Me?! What about you? You've had more than enough opportunity to keep those two apart!'
Alistair suddenly peered at him.
'That's right! I overheard some talk earlier about Stefano and you raping Rebecca Hotchkiss! To be felled by a woman...the two of you are a disgrace to your name!'
Tony, who's leg was feeling much better, got up off of his bed. He self-consciously reached back and tried to close his gown in the back. He eyed the guards, who had their backs to their room. He then swiftly picked up one of his pillows and proceeded to bring it down hard over Alistair's face! Alistair began to thrash about wildly!
Tony began to hiss at him!
'I know why you're here too, Alistair! And let me tell you something, if you touch Eve's babies again, or do anything to hurt the woman I love in anyway, I will make sure you pay for it! Is that understood?!'
The guards turned around at all of the thrashing, and came running in, just as Stefano began to wake up. His face felt a little better, but what the hell was going on over there? Was that Tony and...and...Alistair Crane?!
One guard shoved Tony back onto his bed, throwing the pillow aside. Alistair gasped for air!
'That madman tried to kill me!' he screamed, pointing at Tony.
'Shut-up, Crane!' One guard yelled. The other smiled. This was quite a room. He thought about taking a picture and sending it to a tabloid, for a price. He could use a little extra money, with the holidays coming up.
****
Eve sat at Julian's bedside. Her hands were clasped in his, as she tried to will her husband to wake up.
Whitney walked in quietly. A nurse was writing something on a chart. Whitney put a hand on her mother's shoulder. Eve looked up at her, her face tear stained. Whitney dreaded having to tell her about Simone.
'How is he?' she asked, looking at Julian. He looked as if he were sleeping.
Eve sniffed and reluctantly let go of Julian's hand. She stood up.
'He's unconscious. We'll just have to wait and see.'
'I'm sorry, Mom. I know what you're going through. When Fox fell from that trellis, I really thought that our life together was going to be cut short. We just have to pray that Julian and...'
Eve looked at her.
'And who? What? Who else is hurt, Whitney?'
Whitney squeezed her mother's arm.
'Simone is here.'
'Oh God! Why? What happened?! I have to go to her!'
'Okay, okay! But Daddy is here with her. I will go and sit with Simone until she wakes up, then I will come and get you, okay?'
Eve closed her eyes and nodded. She didn't want Julian to wake up alone. She sat back down. Whitney was about to leave, then stopped to turn around.
'Oh, by the way, Ivy is awake.'
'Oh great! The news just gets better!' Eve said bitterly. She then shook her head.
'I didn't mean that. No matter what Ivy has done, I didn't want to see her stay in a coma forever or die. She's going to need psychiatric help now.'
Whitney stared at her.
'You know, I forgot that. I don't know why...'
Eve eyed Whitney.
'Yes you do. Because whenever you think of Ivy Winthrop, you don't think of her as a suicidal woman. I don't know what she was thinking.'
Whitney shrugged.
'Well, I'm going to go check in on Simone. I don't suppose you want to know about Alistair's condition...'
Eve put a hand up!
'I'll be paying that piece of %$$# a visit really soon! Now HIS death wouldn't bother me! I knew something was off about her...him!'
'Everyone is going to get what they deserve, Mom. I'll be back to check on the two of you. Fox will be by soon.'
Eve nodded, then turned back to Julian. She picked up his hand again, as Whitney left.
'Julian, you have to wake up. You have to. Our life together has been so wonderful...watching our children grow up...it's more than I ever hoped or dreamed to have with you...you can't die...because if you do then I'll die...I won't have the strength to raise our babies alone...Julian please...please...come back to me....'
Julian's eyes suddenly opened. Eve's eyes widened and she jumped up, her hands still clasped with his.
'Julian! Oh, Julian! Thank God! Look, I can't examine you, but let me call for Dr. Parks...'
Eve began to move away from him, but Julian pulled on her hands.
'Eve! Eve!'
Eve heard the panic in his voice, then began to feel sick. His eyes were open, but he wasn't looking at her.
'Julian,' Eve said, her throat feeling dry, 'can you see me?'
That question made Julian sound more panicked!
'Eve? Eve, tell me that the lights are out in here?!'
Eve gripped his hands tightly!
'Honey, it will be alright. It will be alright.' she said softly.
'Are the lights off in here?!' Julian demanded.
Eve shook her head, then realized he couldn't see her shaking her head.
'Darling, I'm sure this is related to your fall...it's probably temporary...'
'OH GOD! I'M BLIND! EVE, I CAN'T SEE YOU! GOD NO!'
****
Over in another room, Simone began to stir. T.C. and Celeste stood up and moved closer to her. T.C. began to stroke her hair.
Simone woke up and seemed stunned to see her father standing over her.
'Daddy?'
'Honey, I'm right here! You're going to be alright.'
Simone tried to sit up, but instantly felt dizzy. Celeste moved to the other side of the bed and began to ease her back down onto the pillow.
Suddenly, Julian's cries could be heard! T.C. looked towards the door. He then rolled his eyes.
'That's just that fool, Julian! Who knows what his problem is? Probably his bedpan wasn't changed quickly enough!'
'Julian? Why is he here? Why am I here?' Simone asked.
'Darling,' Celeste said, 'remember there was an altercation at the house?'
Simone stared at her, uncomprehending for a moment. Then, something in her eyes clicked, and she looked from Celeste to T.C..
'Daddy! Stefano was in our house! Oh God!'
T.C. put his arms around her.
'It's going to be alright! That man is going to be locked up, along with his rapist son!'
Simone stopped crying abruptly and pulled away from T.C..
'Who's a rapist?' she asked. 'Not Tony?'
Celeste shot T.C. a dirty look. He returned her glance with a guilty one. Celeste thought it was too soon for Simone to learn the news about Tony and Rebecca!
Dr. Parks walked in and smiled at the three of them. T.C. looked at her.
'Hey, Dr. Parks! When can my little girl go home?'
'Oh, we'll keep her overnight and then release her tomorrow. Simone, you were so lucky, That fall could've injured your baby.'
T.C. sucked in a breath and looked at Simone. Simone's eyes widened and she looked at Celeste, who kept a calm head, but inside, her heart was breaking. If Simone was pregnant with Tony DiMera's baby, she would never escape the DiMera's.